Teratogenicity testing of BI 58 EC (38% dimethoate) in chicken embryos with special respect to degradation of the active ingredient

The insecticide formulation BI 58 EC was tested for teratogenicity in chicken embryos, with particular reference to degradation of the active ingredient (dimethoate) after the treatment of embryonated eggs. The pesticide was diluted in water to a concentration level of 0.8%, and the emulsion was injected into the air space in a volume of 0.1 ml/egg, or hen’s eggs were treated by the immersion technique. Residues of dimethoate were measured in the samples on days 13, 15 and 19 of the incubation of chicken embryos, and morphological examinations were performed simultaneously. Analytical chemistry data indicated a slower degradation of dimethoate in embryos after the immersion of eggs, and cyllosis was remarkable in this group among the sporadic developmental anomalies. The liver tissues ofboth treated groups exhibited severe fatty infiltration

Pitfalls in mutational testing and reporting of common KIT and PDGFRA mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mutation analysis of <it>KIT </it>and <it>PDGFRA </it>genes in gastrointestinal stromal tumors is gaining increasing importance for prognosis of GISTs and for prediction of treatment response. Several groups have identified specific mutational subtypes in <it>KIT </it>exon 11 associated with an increased risk of metastatic disease whereas GISTs with <it>PDGFRA </it>mutations often behave less aggressive. Furthermore, in advanced GIST disease with proven <it>KIT </it>exon 9 mutation the doubled daily dose of 800 mg imatinib increases the progression free survival and is now recommended both in the European and the American Guidelines. In Germany, there are still no general rules how to perform mutational analysis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>When comparing results from six different molecular laboratories we recognized the need of standardisation. Six German university laboratories with experience in mutation analysis in GISTs joined together to develop recommendations for the mutation analysis of the most common and clinically relevant hot spots, i. e. <it>KIT </it>exons 9 and 11 and <it>PDGFRA </it>exon 18. We performed a three-phased interlaboratory trial to identify pitfalls in performing molecular analysis in GISTs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We developed a design for a continuous external laboratory trial. In 2009 this external trial was conducted by 19 laboratories via the initiative for quality assurance in pathology (QuiP) of the German Society of Pathology and the Professional Association of German Pathologists.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>By performing a three-phased internal interlaboratory trial and conducting an external trial in Germany we were able to identify potential pitfalls when performing KIT and PDGFRA mutational analysis in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. We developed standard operation procedures which are provided with the manuscript to allow other laboratories to prevent these pitfalls.</p

Evolution and environment of the eastern linear pottery culture: A case study in the site of Polgár-Piócási-Dűlő

A salvage excavation preceding a major investment project was conducted in 2006–2007, during which associated settlement features of a Middle Neolithic, Eastern Linear Pottery Culture (Alföld Linearbandkeramik – ALBK) were uncovered in an area called Piócási-dűlő on the eastern outskirts of Polgár. The features of the ALBK settlement date from two periods. The cluster of multi-functional pits yielding a rich assortment of finds, the handful of post-holes and an unusual ritual well found in the southern part of the investigated area formed one unit from the earliest phase of the Middle Neolithic (ALBK I). The settlement’s other occupation can be assigned to the late phase of the Middle Neolithic (ALBK IV). Five houseplans representing the remains of timber-framed buildings outlined a distinct area with three multi-functional pits. Associated with the above features were 8 burials. The preliminary archaeobotanical results from Polgár–Piócási-dűlő are based on the plant material found within the sediments of 11 archaeological structures, which mainly represent pits and a welI. It can be stated that the natural environment offered habitats in which oak trees dominated in the local vegetation, forming floodplain forests and wooded steppes. They also provided food in the form of fruits and formed an optimal habitat for domestic animals. Arable fields were probably also established in the vicinity of the settlements, suggested by findings of macroscopic plant remains that represented cultivated species. In both settlement phases lithic production activities are manifested both by the local on-site lithic production and – most importantly – by the presence of imported, mainly mesolocal, raw materials that point to contacts with deposit areas, or off-site preliminary working of obsidian and limnoquartzites. The kit of harvesting tools and a large number of grinding stones – especially in the younger phase – for the preparation of plant food suggest a major role of plant cultivation

Callus induction on standard type Cymbidium cultivars

Tissue cultured Cymbidium PLBs (protocormlike body) were used as starting material to induce embryogenic callus which could serve as objects of genetic transformation. We obtained callus using two methods. The first method was culturing the PLB segments for one month in liquid MS medium in the presence of 0.5 mg/1 benzyladenine and 0.05 mg/1 naphtylacetic acid followed by cultivation on the same composition solid medium with 0.5 g/l activated charcoal for an additional month. Callus formation was observed on 30% of the explants. The second way was to propagate the PLB segments on solid MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/1 thidiazuron. In these cultures we also observed callus formation on 20% of the explants

Fast glutamate and GABA transmission in Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai14 tdTomato neurons.

<p><b>A</b>) Left: Sample recording, in voltage-clamp mode, from a single tdTomato neuron in the presence of picrotoxin (100 µM) blocking GABAA receptors. Right: plots, obtained from analysis of 5 min recording showing a cumulative distribution of amplitudes (top) and inter event intervals (iei's) of spontaneous EPSCs during this period. <b>B</b>) Above: Averaged (black) and un-averaged (grey) evoked EPSCs. Paired-pulse interval is 50 msec. Below: Data from n = 12 tdTomato neurons showing paired-pulse ratio (PPR: evoke 2/evoke1). <b>C</b>) Left: Sample eEPSC traces recorded from an individual td+ cell at −80 mV (lower inward AMPAR-mediated current) and at +40 mV after addition of DNQX (10 µM; upper outward NMDAR current). Right: Ratio between inward AMPAR and outward NMDAR currents for n = 11 tdTomato neurons in the PVN. <b>D</b>) Left: spontaneous GABAAR-mediated inhibitory post-synaptic currents (IPSCs) recorded at −80 mV in a single td+ neuron with 10 µM DNQX. Right: cumulative distribution plots from this cell, of IPSC amplitudes and iei's. <b>E</b>) Above: evoked IPSCs with 50 msec interval. Averaged (black) and individual trials (grey) overlaid. Bottom: PPR data from n = 17 tdTomato neurons. <b>F</b>) Left: individual traces of evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs), in a td+ cell, recorded at varied holding potentials (−100 mV to −30 mV, 10 mV increment). Right: eIPSC current-voltage relationship showing eIPSC reversal potential in n = 6 td+ neurons. Data are represented by mean ± SEM. Scale bars 20 pA/50 msec in (<b>A,D</b>) and 50 pA/10 msec in (<b>B,C,E,F</b>).</p