Two-dimensional spectrophotometry and pseudo-color representation of chemical reaction patterns

The formation of spatio-temporal patterns in layers of chemical and biochemical media is observed and quantified by a two-dimensional spectrophotometer based on a computerized video equipment with high spatial, temporal, and intensity resolution. Images are shown, to some extent, in pseudo-colors. The use of pseudo-colors and three-dimensional perspective representations enhances the perception of the information contained in an image and the inherent order of the spatial structures.     

Persistently elevated AFP and AChE in amniotic fluid from a normal fetus following demise of its twin

Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) in one of twins at 12 weeks of gestation was accompanied by markedly elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at 17 and 18 weeks. Amniotic fluid AFP from the healthy surviving twin's sac at 18·5 and 23 weeks was also greatly increased along with a positive acetylcholinesterase (AChE) band. Persistently elevated AFP and positive AChE so long after fetal demise–-6·5 and 11 weeks post IUFD–-has not, to our knowledge, been previously described. In similar cases, high level ultrasound and careful placental examination at birth should be utilized to search for fetal abnormalities or multiple pregnancy with IUFD.     

The cerebro-hepato-renal (Zellweger) syndrome: Prenatal detection based on impaired biosynthesis of plasmalogens

Prenatal diagnosis of the cerebro-hepato-renal (Zellweger) syndrome has been performed in 10 pregnancies at risk by measuring both the activity of acyl CoA: dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase (DHAP-AT) and the de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis, either in cultured amniotic fluid cells or in fibroblasts cultured from a chorionic villus biopsy. In 7 of the pregnancies both tests indicated no abnormality. All 7 continued to term and normal infants were delivered. However, in amniotic fluid cells from 2 fetuses affected by Zellweger syndrome unequivocal differences from control values were found. The activity of DHAP-AT was clearly deficient and the de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis was impaired. In one pregnancy at risk prenatal diagnosis was performed during the first trimester by measuring both the DHAP-AT activity and the de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis in fibroblasts cultured from a chorionic villi biopsy. From the deficient DHAP-AT activity and the impaired de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis it was concluded that the fetus was affected. This was confirmed biochemically after induced abortion. It can be concluded that measurement of the DHAP-AT activity and the de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis provides convenient methods for the early prenatal detection of Zellweger syndrome.     

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Leaf and fruit necroses associated with vanadium-rich ash emitted from a power plant burning fossil fuel

Necrotic brown lesions developing on leaves and fruits of lemon, and other plants, near fossil-fuel-burning power plants emitting vanadium-rich ash, were reproduced experimentally by inoculating leaves with this type of ash, which is strongly acidic. Comparable lesions were formed when drops of vanadium oxide, dissolved in NaOH, were put on leaves and fruits. Neutralizing, or adding excess H₂SO₄ (to pH 3), did not alter lesion formation. The histology of these lesions was similar to that of lesions attributed to vanadium-rich ash.