Prenatal diagnosis of molybdenum cofactor deficiency and isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency

Molybdenum cofactor deficiency and isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency are autosomal recessive inborn errors of metabolism with severe neurological symptoms resulting from a lack of sulfite oxidase activity. The deficiencies can be diagnosed prenatally by monitoring sulfite oxidase activity in chorionic villus sampling (CVS) tissue. In those families in which the specific defects have been identified, diagnosis can be achieved by mutation analysis or linkage studies directed at affected genes. These include MOCS1, MOCS2 or GEPH, in cases of molybdenum cofactor deficiency, or SUOX in patients with isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prenatal diagnosis of Hb H disease due to compound heterozygosity for South-East Asian deletion and Hb constant spring by polymerase chain reaction

A pregnant woman has two children affected by moderately severe Hb H disease due to compound heterozygosity of South-east Asian deletion and Constant Spring mutation. In her third pregnancy, transabdominal chorionic villus sampling was performed at the tenth gestational week to obtain fetal DNA. The polymerase chain reaction was used for detection of both the South-east Asian deletion and the Constant Spring mutation. Hb H disease was diagnosed in the fetus. After genetic counselling, the couple elected to have the pregnancy terminated.     

Prenatal diagnosis for arginase deficiency by second-trimester fetal erythrocyte arginase assay and first-trimester ARG1 mutation analysis

Hyperargininemia is a progressive neurometabolic disorder caused by deficiency of hepatic cytosolic arginase I, resulting from mutations in the ARG1 gene. We diagnosed arginase deficiency in a three-year-old male child of first-cousin Palestinian Arab parents. Prenatal diagnosis of an unaffected fetus was achieved in the second trimester of a subsequent pregnancy by cordocentesis and analysis of arginase activity in fetal erythrocytes. ARG1 mutation analysis in the proband revealed homozygosity for a deletion of 10 753 bp extending from the first intron to beyond the poly (A) site of the gene. This is the first gross deletion in the ARG1 gene to be identified and the first mutation to be described in an arginase-deficient patient of this ethnic origin. The identification of the ARG1 deletion in this family enabled first-trimester prenatal diagnosis in a subsequent pregnancy by multiplex PCR analysis performed on chorionic villous DNA. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

焦性没食子酸稳定亚硫酸盐的制备及其防腐蚀性能

通过除氧试验、腐蚀试验和电化学试验，研究了焦性没食子酸在亚硫酸盐防腐蚀中的作用。结果表明，焦性没食子酸使亚硫酸盐几乎失去除氧作用，但却提高了亚硫酸盐在含氧水中对２０ｇ钢的防腐蚀性能，使钢的自腐蚀电位更剧烈负移并使阴极极化增加。试验结果用公认的除氧机理无法解释，但为外加还原性气氛机理提供了有力证据，同时为增强亚硫酸盐的防腐蚀效果和解决其贮存失效问题提供了可行的方法     

Prenatal diagnosis of Crigler–Najjar syndrome type I by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP)

Crigler–Najjar syndrome type I (CN-I) is a rare and severe inherited disorder of bilirubin metabolism, caused by the total deficiency of bilirubin-UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activity. Enzymatic diagnosis cannot be performed in chorionic villi or amniocytes as UGT is not active in these tissues. The cloning of the UGT1 gene and the identification of disease-causing mutations have led to the possibility of performing DNA-based diagnosis. Here we report DNA-based prenatal diagnosis of CN-I in two Tunisian families in whom CN-I patients were diagnosed. As we had previously shown that CN-I was, in Tunisia, associated with homozygosity for the Q357R mutation within the UGT1 gene, we were able to detect this mutation in both families and to show that it was easily recognized by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. In both cases, SSCP analysis of fetal DNA showed that the fetus was heterozygous for the Q357R mutation. In one family, the pregnancy was carried to term and a healthy baby was born, whereas, in the other family, the pregnancy is still continuing. Thus the prenatal diagnosis of CN-I is possible, provided disease-causing mutations have been identified. SSCP analysis of DNA prepared either from amniocytes or from chorionic villi is a simple, reliable and fast method for prenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Case report: birth after preimplantation genetic diagnosis of a subtle mutation in SMN1 gene

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been available since 1998. Protocols are based on the detection of the homozygous deletion of exon 7, which are present in 90–98% of SMA patients. A couple where the woman was a heterozygous carrier of the usual SMN1 Del7 mutation and the man was a heterozygous carrier of pMet263Arg substitution in exon 6 of SMN1 gene was referred for PGD. The usual PGD test being unsuitable for this couple, we developed a novel duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based PGD test for the detection of the mutation pMet263Arg by allele specific amplification, combined with the amplification of D5S641 extragenic polymorphic marker. PCR conditions were established using single control lymphoblasts and lymphocytes from the pMet263Arg substitution carrier. Amplification was obtained in 100% of the 86 single cells tested, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) PCR was specific in 100% of single cells tested and a complete genotype (mutation plus D5S641) was achieved in 88% of them. A PGD cycle was performed successfully and a pregnancy was obtained. An unaffected girl was born and postnatal diagnosis confirmed PGD results. This is the first PGD described for SMA because of another mutation than the major homozygous exon 7 deletion of SMN1. In the future, a similar strategy could be adopted for other subtle mutations of this gene. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prenatal diagnosis of purine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy

Prenatal diagnosis was performed in two successive pregnancies of a mother with a previous child with purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency. In one pregnancy, an affected fetus was diagnosed in the 18th week of gestation after the demonstration of PNP deficiency in cultured amniotic fluid cells. Also an abnormal purine nucleoside profile was found in the amniotic fluid. The diagnosis of an affected fetus was confirmed by the analysis of cultured fetal skin fibroblasts and placental villi. The complete deficiency of PNP activity in placental villi confirms that the prenatal diagnosis of this disorder is possible by the direct investigation of chorionic villi. In the subsequent pregnancy, a heterozygous fetus was predicted in the tenth week of pregnancy by using chorionic villi.     

Prenatal determination of uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase activity

A prenatal diagnosis has been performed in a pregnancy at risk for uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase deficiency, an enzyme variation causing severe symptoms in the neonatal period similar to those of classical galactosaemia. The postnatal enzyme investigation, and uneventful development of the child, indicate that the prediction of an unaffected, heterozygous, fetus was correct.     

Molecular prenatal diagnosis of 3-hydroxy−3-methylglutaryl coa lyase deficiency

We report the first molecular prenatal diagnosis of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA lyase (HL) deficiency. The proband had a classic but severe presentation with hypoketotic hypoglycaemia and acidosis, secondary mental retardation, and epilepsy, and HL deficiency was documented in cultured fibroblasts. We found him to be homozygous for the frameshift mutation N46fs (+1), which yields a distinct pattern on single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. In two subsequent pregnancies, molecular prenatal diagnosis was performed using SSCP. In the first, chorionic villus biopsy was normal. In the second pregnancy, amniocentesis revealed an affected fetus. In both pregnancies, the diagnosis was confirmed enzymatically. HL activity was less than 7 per cent of control values in amniocytes and fetal liver of the affected pregnancy. In the second pregnancy, amniotic fluid metabolite measurements by stable isotope dilution-selected ion monitoring mass spectrometry showed greater than 100-fold increases of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid and of 3-methylglutaconic acid levels compared with controls.     

Prenatal analyses in a pregnancy at risk for β-mannosidosis

Prenatal analyses were performed in the pregnancy of the mother of a patient with β-mannosidase deficiency. Partial deficiency of β-mannosidase activity in the chorionic villi indicated a heterozygous fetus and this first-trimester diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by amniocentesis.     

First trimester monitoring of a pregnancy at risk for glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency

First trimester prenatal diagnosis was offered to the mother of a child affected by severe haemolytic anaemia due to glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency. The mutant enzyme was characterized by an increased thermal lability. Both parents had 50 per cent normal red cell GPI activity. We have shown that the homozygous and heterozygous genotypes can be clearly distinguished from each other and controls by combinations of the measurement of enzyme activity and enzyme thermal lability. Examination of trophoblast cells obtained at 9 weeks of gestation led to the diagnosis of a GPI heterozygous fetus. The result was confirmed by analysis on uncultured and cultured amniotic fluid cells sampled at 16 weeks and by red blood cell studies of the healthy newborn. Prenatal diagnosis of GPI deficiency is indicated in families with previous cases resulting in severe haemolysis and mainly with the conservative view of arranging appropriate therapeutic measures for affected fetuses.     

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital enzymopenic methaemoglobinaemia with mental retardation due to generalized cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency: First report of two cases

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital enzymopenic methaemoglobinaemia (CEM) with mental retardation was performed in two fetuses at risk for generalized NADH-cytochrome b₅ reductase deficiency. In the first case the enzyme activity of cultured amniotic cells was in the heterozygous to normal range. The mother delivered a normal baby with normal enzyme activity in cord blood cells. In the second case, the amniotic cells were almost completely enzyme deficient. The pregnancy was terminated, and the diagnosis of homozygous NADH-cytochrome b₅ reductase deficiency was confirmed in cord blood cells, in several different tissues and in cultured fibroblasts from the aborted fetus.     

半干法烟气脱硫灰改性及应用

文章主要对半干法脱硫灰中亚硫酸钙的氧化转化进行研究。半干法脱硫灰中亚硫酸钙对建材质量具有一定影响,通过筛选合适的催化-氧化剂体系对其进行了氧化改性。试验得到了一种复合催化剂,成功用于半干法脱硫灰改性。结合蒸压砖的生产工艺,使亚硫酸钙在生产过程中实现了部分转化,生产的蒸压砖能达到JC239-2001《粉煤灰砖》MU10强度等级。     

Effect of inhibitors on macroscopical oxidation kinetics of calcium sulfite

In the presence of inhibitors, the macroscopical oxidation kinetics of calcium sulfite, the main byproduct in wet limestone scrubbing, was studied for the first time by adding different inhibitors and varying pH, concentration of calcium sulfite, oxygen partial pressure, concentration of inhibitors and temperature. The mathematical model about the general oxidation reaction was established,which was controlled by three steps involving dissolution of calcium sulfite, mass transfer of oxygen and chemical reaction in the solution.It was concluded that the general reaction was controlled by mass transfer of oxygen under uncatalyzed conditions, while it was controlled by dissolution of calcium sulfite after adding three kinds of inhibitors. Thus, the theory was provided for investigating the mechanism and oxidation kinetics of sulfite. The beneficial references were also supplied for design of oxidation technics in the wet limestone scrubbing.     

高碱性烟气脱硫灰中亚硫酸钙含量分析方法

针对烟气脱硫灰中的亚硫酸钙含量测定方法没有国家标准和行业标准,在参考不同标准中亚硫酸盐的测定方法基础上,对碘量法测定烟气脱硫灰中亚硫酸钙含量的方法进行实验研究。通过自制烟气脱硫灰模拟样的滴定,结果表明高碱性脱硫灰在滴定前应采用先加碘后加酸的顺序进行处理,并使用盐酸或磷酸作为酸化剂,而不宜使用硫酸酸化;采用磷酸(1+1)作酸化剂,控制溶液pH值在2.49¹.40之间,可以准确测定高碱性烟气脱硫灰中亚硫酸钙含量,重复性好,同时可有效避免Fe3+干扰。     

Prenatal diagnosis of a lethal form of Netherton syndrome by SPINK5 mutation analysis

Netherton syndrome (NS) is a severe autosomal recessive ichthyosis with no specific treatment or prenatal diagnosis available at present. The recent identification of SPINK5, which encodes a serine protease inhibitor, as the defective gene enables DNA-based prenatal diagnosis to be carried out. Here we report the first direct molecular prenatal diagnosis of a lethal form due to a recurrent SPINK5 mutation in three consanguineous Turkish families. XmnI restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing demonstrated that each deceased affected child was homozygous for mutation 153delT inherited from each parent. Analysis of fetal DNA from amniotic fluid cells in Family 1 and from a chorionic villus sampling in Family 3 showed that the fetus was heterozygous for 153delT in both cases. The pregnancies were carried to term and the newborns were unaffected. In Family 2, fetal DNA analysis from chorionic villus biopsy showed in a first pregnancy that the fetus was homozygous for 153delT. The pregnancy was terminated at 13 weeks and DNA analysis of fetal keratinocytes confirmed the prenatal prediction. In a second pregnancy in Family 2, fetal DNA analysis showed heterozygosity for 153delT, and the pregnancy was continued. Direct SPINK5 mutation analysis in families at risk for NS represents the first early, rapid and reliable method for prenatal diagnosis of this life-threatening form of ichthyosis. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pregnancy after preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Sanjad–Sakati syndrome

Sanjad–Sakati syndrome (SSS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital hypoparathyroidism, growth and mental retardation. In Saudi Arabia, the disease is caused by a deletion of 12 bp (155-166nt) in the tubulin-specific chaperone E gene. In a family with two affected siblings with SSS, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was performed. Fluorescent PCR (F-PCR) was utilized to check the heterozygosity and the homozygosity status of the parents and the affected children, respectively. F-PCR was then optimized for single-cell analysis by using peripheral blood lymphocytes. The patient underwent a cycle with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. A total of 11 embryos were obtained and biopsied. There were five heterozygous, three homozygous affected and three normal embryos. One heterozygous and one normal embryo were transferred because of their very good quality (morula). A singleton pregnancy was obtained, and amniosynthesis confirmed the presence of the heterozygous fetus. These results show for the first time, the feasibility of PGD for SSS. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Catalytic oxidation of calcium sulfite in solution/aqueous slurry

Forced oxidation of calcium sulfite aqueous slurry is a key step for the calcium-based flue gas desulfudzation(FGD) residue.Experiments were conducted in a semi-batch system and a continuous flow system on lab scales. The main reactor in semi-batch system is a 1000 ml volume flask. It has five necks for continuous feeding of gas and a batch of calcium sulfite solution/aqueous slurry. In continuous flow system, the main part is a jacketed Pyrex glass reactor in which gas and solution/aqueous slurry are fed continuously.Calcium sulfite oxidation is a series of complex free-radical reactions. According to experimental results and literature data, the reactions are influenced significantly by manganese as catalyst. At low concentration of manganese and calcium sulfite, the reaction rate is dependent on 1.5 order of sulfite concentration, 0.5 order of manganese concentration, and zero order of oxygen concentration in which the oxidation is controlled by chemical kinetics. With concentrations of calcium sulfite and manganese increasing, the reactions are independent gradually on the constituents in solution but are impacted by oxygen concentration. Manganese can accelerate the free-radical reactions, and then enhances the mass transfer of oxygen from gas to liquid. The critical concentration of calcium sulfite is 0.007 mol/L,manganese is 10^-4 mol/L, and oxygen is of 0.2-0.4 atm.     

湿法脱硫中亚硫酸钙溶解特性的实验研究

亚硫酸钙的溶解浓度对氧化速率有非常重要的影响,课题主要研究CaSO3的溶解特性,描述了CaSO3在不同条件下(温度、pH、溶解时间T、搅拌速度、初始加入量等)溶解量的变化规律,进而找出CaSO3的最佳溶解条件,以达到提高氧化速率及石膏的生成率,防止堵塞和结垢的目的。