Test Based on Independent,but Non-identically Distributed Random Variables

The binomial test is applied for the problem of testing a hypothesis based on a sample of independent, but non-identically distributed random variables. The used basic idea is that each random variable indicates the presence of the hypothesis. Hence each random variable is transformed such that the binomial test can be used as a simple procedure.     

FISH in der Diagnostik hämatologischer Neoplasien

All hematological malignancies are characterized by considerable clinical heterogeneity. The diverse entities can be subdivided into a variety of prognosis-defining subtypes on the basis of cytogenetic aberrations and molecular mutations. To adapt the intensity of treatment to the patient’s individual risk profile, an exact classification of the subtypes on the basis of genetic markers is essential. Diverse fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques thereby play a central role in interaction with classic chromosome banding analyses for clarifying findings of chromosome analyses, such as in the acute leukemias, or for classifying the diverse subtypes, as in the non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Depending on the disease, the clinical impact of FISH varies. It is used as the method of choice for genetic characterization (e.g., in multiple myeloma) or is used in combination with chromosome banding analysis. Furthermore, interphase FISH is essential when rapid confirmation of the diagnosis is needed, as in acute promyelocytic leukemia with the t(15;17)/PML-RARA rearrangement, for which therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) should be immediately started.     

Pränatale Detektion fetaler chromosomaler Aberrationen im 1. und 2. Trimenon

Modern noninvasive methods of prenatal medicine, in particular first-trimester-screening, enable early risk evaluation of the most common forms of aneuploidy. With over 4000 certified gynecologists in Germany, this method nowadays represents the standard in prenatal risk evaluation. The importance of classic genetic sonography during the second trimester by detection of soft markers for aneuploidy has declined. However, detailed sonography during the second trimester remains the gold standard for the detection of congenital anomalies. Therefore, the specialist in prenatal medicine must be able to recognize soft markers during this examination in order to re-evaluate the maternal risk for aneuploidy.     

Ecdysteroid levels changed by permethrin action in female Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks

As recent studies have shown that ecdysteroids may play a major role in the regulation of vitellogenesis in Ixodidae, the present study quantified, by means of a radioimmunoassay, the levels of ecdysteroids present in the hemolymph of semi-engorged females of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks obtained from control females (exposed to distilled water) and those exposed to increasing concentrations of permethrin. The levels of ecdysteroids decreased significantly as the concentration of permethrin increased, suggesting that this compound could be an inhibitor of ecdysteroids secretion, and consequently interfering with the reproductive ability of these ticks, since this hormone is responsible for the synthesis and incorporation of vitellogenin by oocytes. This study complements the previous results with R. sanguineus semi-engorged females, showing that permethrin is a potent agent causing major morphological changes in tick oocytes, such as the appearance of large vacuoles in the cytoplasm, reduction in the amount of yolk granules and a decrease in oocyte size, thus culminating in cell death and consequently reducing or preventing reproduction in treated females. The findings that permethrin leads to a decrease in ecdysteroid titers could represent an entry step into this scenario.     

Beckwith-Wiedemann-Syndrom

The Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a pediatric overgrowth syndrome with a variable clinical appearance. The phenotype normalizes with age but the diagnosis of BWS is important as syndrome-specific complications may develop, in particular as a result of a 400-fold increased risk of patients developing certain tumor entities, predominantly nephroblastomas (Wilms’ tumors) and hepatoblastomas, within the first years of life. BWS displays a clinical overlap with other syndromes so that an unambiguous molecular diagnostic is required for risk assessment and appropriate therapy. At the molecular level BWS is associated with the chromosomal region 11p15.5, where two clusters with imprinted genes are located. In patients both genetic mutations and in most cases aberrant DNA methylation can be observed, which pathogenically affect the gene dosage of functionally available monoallelically expressed 11p15.5 genes. Currently only a very incomplete genotype-phenotype correlation exists for BWS. Current research projects provide insights in the molecular etiopathogenesis of the syndrome by identifying interacting partners which modify the epigenetic regulation of imprinted 11p15.5-genes.     

Oxaliplatin, an anticancer agent that affects both Na+ and K+ channels in frog peripheral myelinated axons

The use of oxaliplatin, a relatively new chemotherapeutic agent, is somewhat limited since it produces a specific peripheral neuropathy regarding other neurotoxic anticancer platinum analogues. In order to investigate the mechanism of such a peripheral neuropathy, the effects of 1-100 micromol/l oxaliplatin were assessed on the nodal ionic currents of single frog myelinated axons as a model of peripheral excitable membranes. Oxaliplatin decreased both Na(+) and K(+) currents in a dose-dependent manner and within 5-10 min, without producing any marked changes in the current kinetics. It was about three to eight times more effective in reducing the Na(+) than the K(+) current. In addition, it shifted the voltage-dependence of both Na(+) and K(+) conductances towards negative membrane potentials. A negative shift in the steady-state inactivation-voltage curve of the peak Na(+) current was also observed in the presence of oxaliplatin. These effects were not reversed by washing the myelinated axons with an oxaliplatin-free solution for at least 30 min. It is concluded that oxaliplatin modifies the voltage-dependent ionic channels mainly by altering the external surface membrane potential. The knowledge of such a mechanism may help to counteract the neurotoxic action of this anticancer agent.     

Die organogenetische und transitorische rolle der vitellophagen in der darmentwicklung von Galathea (Crustacea,Anomura)

The present study of the development of the different organs of the gut, the vitellophags (primary yolk cells) and the other cell-types concerned with the resorption of the yolk gives the first detailed analysis of an Anomuran development.

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Verzeichnis der Abkürzungen in den Abbilduugen A ₁ 1. Antenne - A ₂ 2. Antenne - Ab Abdomen - Au Auge - B Blastoderm - Bb Blastodermbildung - Bl Blutlakunensystem - Bm Blastomer (Furchungszelle) - Bp Blastoporus - BZ Blutzelle - Ca Cardiamagen - Cf Carapaxfalte - Cp Caudalpapille - DI Drüsenfilter (Magen) - zDk zentraler Dotterkörper - Do Dorsalorgan - pDp primare Dotterpyramide - tDp tertiare Dotterpyramide (Vitellophagenepithel) - DR Rest des intraembryonalen Dottersackes - ieDS intraembryonaler Dottersack - bDv blastodermale Dottervakuole - sDZ sekunddre Dotterzelle - tDZ tertiare Dotterzelle - sE sekunddre Epithelialisierung (der Vitellophagen) - Ec Ectoderm - Ed Enddarm - Eh Eihiille (Chorion) - Ep Entodermplatte - Et Entodermtrichter - Ex Extremitdt (bsw. Extremitätenanlage) - Fsp Furchungsspindel (Teilungsspindel) - H Herz - ID Innendotter - Im Immigration (des Mesentoderms) - In Invagination (des Mesentoderms) - Ke Kern - KL Kopflappen (optischer Lobus) - KM Kaumuskulatur - L Darmlumen - M Mitose - Ma Magen - Md Mitteldarm - dMd dorsaler Mitteldarmdivertikel (dorsaler Mitteldarmblindsack) - Me Mesoderm - McEn Mesentoderm - Mddr Mitteldarmdrüse - Ml Mandibel - Mp ₁ 1. Maxilliped (1. Kieferfuß) - Mp ₂ 2. Maxilliped (2. Kieferfuß) - Mp ₃ 3. Maxilliped (3. Kieferfuß) - Mu Muskulatur - M₁ 1. Maxille - M₂ 2. Maxille - N Ganglien des Nervensystems - Ni Niere (Antennendrüse) - Oe Oesophagus - Ol Oberlippe - Pl Plasma - Py Pylorusmagen - Qv Querverbindung zwischen den Kopflappen - pR perivitelliner Raum - Seg Segment - Sf Sternalfurche - Sto Stomodaeum (Anlage des Vorderdarmes) - TA Thoracoabdominalanlage - Te Telson - Ul Urdarmlumen - V Vitellophage (primare Dotterzelle) - V ₁ Vitellophage 1 (1. Vitellophagengeneration) - V ₂ Vitellophage 2 (2. Vitellophagengeneration) - dV degenerierende Vitellophage - V intravitelline Vitellophage - IV Initialvitellophage (Lumenbildung) - pV perivitelline Vitellophage - Va Vakuole - Vi gelöster Dotter (im Darmlumen) - fZ freie Zellen (im perivitellinen Raum) Ausgeführt mit Mitteln des Schweizerischen Nationalfonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung and der Freiwillig Akademischen Gesellschaft der Stadt Basel.     

Ultrahistochemical and autoradiographic evidence for epithelial transport in the uterus of the ovoviviparous salamander,Salamandra salamandra (L.) (Amphibia,Urodela)

Summary The uterine epithelium of pregnant females of the terrestrial ovoviviparous Salamandra salamandra is characterized by a considerable enlargement of its basolateral surface. Chloride and cations (among others sodium), preferentially within the intercellular spaces, can be demonstrated ultrahistochemically. There is indirect evidence of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity along the basolateral plasma membranes of the epithelial cells using the Sr-technique for demonstration of a K⁺-NPPase and ³H-ouabain autoradiography. Preliminary measurements reveal a potential difference across the uterine wall of 15–25mV, the lumenal (mucosal) surface being negative with respect to the coelomic (serosal) surface, and a short circuit current of 200–300 A. The possibly electrogenic ion transport is ouabain-sensitive. The results are in agreement with the model of a forward transporting, i.e. absorptive epithelium. An active transport of solute out of the uterine lumen across the epithelium to the subjacent connective tissue and the blood vessels may be involved in the regulation of an intrauterine milieu appropriate for the development of the offspring.I am indebted to Miss Dr. U. Beigel, Zoologisches Institut der Universität Münster, for linguistic help