Circulating ‘trophoblast’ cells in pregnancy have maternal genetic markers

A syncytiotrophoblast-associated antigen identified by the monoclonal antibody (McAb) H315 is detectable on the surface of a low proportion of peripheral blood cells in pregnant women, raising the possibility of a new approach to prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders. We aimed at verifying the trophoblastic origin of H315⁺ cells and their use for prenatal diagnosis of β-thalassaemia. H315 ⁺ cells were separated from the peripheral blood of pregnant women: the DNA obtained from these cells in two selected cases was shown to have genetic markers indistinguishable from those of the mother and definitely different from the fetus. Our results suggest that H315 antigen is expressed by maternal cells and that prenatal diagnosis on peripheral blood of the mother using H315 McAb is not feasible.     

Antenatal diagnosis of a de novo paracentric inversion of chromosome 11

A de novo paracentric inversion of chromosome 11 identified through antenatal diagnosis is described along with long-term follow-up information on the child and discussion of reported experiences with de novo inversions.     

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.     

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.