Bruce J. Bart

Genetic basis of Bart's syndrome: A glycine substitution mutation in the type VII collagen gene

Barts syndrome was initially described as a genodermatosis characterized by congenital localized absence of the skin, together with blistering and nail abnormalities. Recent analysis of Barts original kindred demonstrated ultrastructural abnormalities in the anchoring fibrils and linkage of the inheritance of the disease to the region of chromosome 3 near the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1). We have performed mutation analysis in this family by using electrophoretic heteroduplex analysis followed by direct nucleotide sequencing of DNA. These results disclosed a G-to-A transition within exon 73 of COL7A1, which results in a glycine-to-arginine substitution within the triple-helical domain of type VII collagen in affected individuals. In this family, these findings demonstrate that Barts syndrome is a clinical variant of dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Salicylic acid in karaya gum patch as a treatment for verruca vulgaris

A clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a new delivery system for administering salicylic acid for the treatment of verruca vulgaris. The study compared wart resolution among volunteers who used karaya gum patches. The cure rate was 69% for warts treated with patches containing salicylic acid, which was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) than for warts treated with control patches (35%).

Free amino acid concentrations in cerebral cortex of guinea pigs with epileptogenic lesions

Abstract A study is presented of thirteen guinea pigs with experimentally produced focal epileptogenic lesions. In six animals the epileptogenic discharge was slight, while seven showed strong paroxysmal potentials in the electroencephalogram. Free amino acid analysis by quantitative paper chromatography revealed the most consistent change to be a low glutamic acid concentration at the sites of strong epileptogenic discharge. Active mirror foci exhibited no amino acid change.

Quantitative profile of free amino acids in various areas of cerebral cortex in normal guinea pigs

Abstract Fourteen free amino acids were identified in the cerebral cortex of normal guinea pigs. Alanine, aspartic acid, glycine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamine, glutamic acid, and serine were quantitated. Concentrations range from 8 to 35 mg per gm of fresh tissue, except for glutamic acid averaging about 120 mg per gm of fresh tissue. The study suggests a difference in aspartic acid and glycine concentrations between frontal and occipital cortex of left hemisphere.