Computer animation as a tool to study preferences in the cichlid Pelvicachromis taeniatus.

Four choice experiments were conducted with both sexes of the cichlid Pelvicachromis taeniatus using computer-manipulated stimuli of digital images differing in movement, body shape or colouration. The results show that computer animations can be useful and flexible tools in studying preferences of a cichlid with complex and variable preferences for different visual cues.

Karyotype differentiation in Chromaphyosemion killifishes (Cyprinodontiformes, Nothobranchiidae). III: extensive karyotypic variability associated with low mitochondrial haplotype differentiation in C. bivittatum.

We investigated chromosomal evolution in the African killifish species Chromaphyosemion bivittatum using a combination of cytogenetic and phylogenetic methods. Specimens from five populations were examined by conventional Giemsa staining as well as sequential chromosome banding with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), chromomycin A(3) (CMA(3)), AgNO(3)-staining and C-banding. The cytogenetic analysis revealed variability in 2n ranging from 2n = 29 to 2n = 36 and in NF ranging from NF = 38 to NF = 44. Two populations showed an extensive chromosomal polymorphism (2n = 29-34, NF = 44 and 2n = 32-34, NF = 38-42, respectively). Karyotypic variability within and among populations was mainly due to Robertsonian translocations and heterochromatin additions, and chromosome banding patterns suggested that both types of chromosomal rearrangements were related to the presence of AT-rich heterochromatin. A phylogenetic analysis of the partial mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome b gene, using specimens from eleven populations, revealed a low degree of haplotype differentiation, which suggested a relatively recent divergence of the populations examined. This finding conformed to the low degree of morphological differentiation observed among C. bivittatum populations and might indicate fast chromosomal evolution. The high karyotypic variability may be caused by an elevated chromosomal mutation rate as well as certain aspects of the mating system and population dynamics of C. bivittatum facilitating the fixation of new chromosomal variants.

Karyotype differentiation in Chromaphyosemion killifishes (Cyprinodontiformes, Nothobranchiidae). II: cytogenetic and mitochondrial DNA analyses demonstrate karyotype differentiation and its evolutionary direction in C. riggenbachi.

African killifishes of the genus Chromaphyosemion show a high degree of phenotypic and karyotypic diversity. The latter is especially pronounced in C. riggenbachi, a morphologically defined species restricted to a small distribution area in Cameroon. This study presents a detailed reconstruction of karyotype differentiation within C. riggenbachi using conventional Giemsa staining and sequential chromosome banding as well as a phylogenetic analysis based on part of the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome b gene from eleven populations. The cytogenetic analysis revealed differences in chromosome morphology, banding patterns and/or diploid chromosome number (2n) among all populations examined. Diploid number ranged from 2n = 20 to 2n = 36 and varied mainly among populations, while C-banding patterns and NOR phenotypes showed fixed differences among populations as well as some variability within populations. The mtDNA analysis disclosed five clearly differentiated haplotype groups. Mapping the karyotype data onto the mtDNA dendrogram revealed a decrease in 2n from the most basal to the most derived groups, thus demonstrating a reduction of 2n during their evolutionary history. Our results indicate that karyotype differentiation involved Robertsonian fusions as well as non-Robertsonian processes. Causes of the high karyotypic variability may include an elevated chromosomal mutation rate as well as certain features of the ecology and mating system that could facilitate the fixation of chromosomal rearrangements. The pattern of karyotype and haplotype differentiation and the results of previous crossing experiments suggest incipient speciation in C. riggenbachi.

[Pulmonary segmental mediolytic arteriopathy]. / Pulmonale segmentale mediolytische Arteriopathie.

Segmental mediolytic arteriopathy (SMA) is defined as non-inflammatory arteriopathy with mediolysis due to segmental loss of media and consecutive formation of vascular gaps. Up to now, less than 40 cases of visceral and cerebral SMA and, to our knowledge, only one case of pulmonary SMA have been reported. We present the history of a 21 year old female patient, admitted to hospital with hemoptysis, but without other symptoms. Apart from two lesions in the sixth and tenth pulmonary segment, documented by CT and interpreted as colliquations, there were no other clinical and laboratory findings. Repeated bronchoscopy supplied no further information. Histomorphology of the resected lesion revealed SMA without evidence of vasculitis. Wegener's disease could be excluded. The aetiology of the disease is still unknown. Acute vasospasm (due to inappropriate reactions to catecholamine or endothelial dysfunction), as well as SMA as a precursor or subtype of fibromuscular dysplasia, are two theories still under discussion.

[Survival and pattern of failure in palliative endobronchial HDR -- brachytherapy using iridium 192 in recurring bronchial carcinoma]. / Uberleben und Todesursachen nach palliativer endobronchialer Brachytherapie mit Iridium 192-High dose bei rezidivierendem Bronchialkarzinom -- Eine Matched Pair Studie.

To evaluate the impact of palliative high dose rate brachytherapy on survival and a pattern of failure, we performed a matched pair study. 94 patients with tumor recurrence after external beam radiation received endobronchial brachytherapy. They were followed prospectively and matched retrospectively with 94 comparable patients who had not received brachytherapy. Matched parameters were age, gender, smoking behaviour, histology, tumor stage, EBRT-dose and fractionation. The leading cause of death in both groups was generalized tumor growth. In the combined therapy group, fatal hemorrage was 27.7 %, two and a half times higher than in the EBRT group with 10.6 %, whereas respiratory insufficiency in the brachytherapy group was 6.4 % and 11.7 % in the EBRT group. A complete remission after brachytherapy yielded a 10.5 months longer mean survival. Patients dying from fatal hemorrhage after endobronchial brachytherapy lived on average 10.2 months longer than matched EBRT patients dying from the same cause. Analyzing the time-course of fatal hemorrage in the brachytherapy group we conclude that - because of its early onset in the first 10 months after induction of therapy roughly 20 % of the deaths can be attributed to a radiation damage. In those patients who died after 10 months the major cause of fatal hemorrhage was the natural course of sqamous cell carcinoma with prolonged survival.

[Argon plasma coagulation in bronchology: a new method--alternative or complementary?]. / Die Argon-Plasma-Koagulation in der Bronchologie: Eine neue Methode--alternativ oder komplementär?

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a thermal coagulation technique that uses ionized argon to transmit high-frequency electrical current, contact free, to tissue. APC has been used in surgery for more than 20 years, particularly for the hemostasis of superficial bleeding. Although APC has become well established in gastrointestinal endoscopy since its introduction in 1991, very few reports of its use in bronchoscopy exist to date. From June 1994 to June 1998, 364 patients (80 women, 284 men), 88% with a confirmed malignant tumor, were treated prospectively in a total of 482 sessions. The single most common indication was recanalization of malignant airway stenoses (186 patients). The defined therapy objective was achieved with good results in 67% of patients. More than 90% of interventions were performed with rigid bronchoscopy. Despite less penetration compared with Nd:YAG laser, extensive bronchial tumors were treatable, in which coagulated tumor fractions were removed either with forceps or bronchoscope tip. The second indication was bleeding in the central airways (119 patients). Acute hemostasis was achieved in 118 patients, 20% in whom the flexible technique under local anesthesia was used. In 34 patients, APC was successfully used to recanalize occluded stents. Rare indications included benign endobronchial tumor, fistula conditioning before fibrin adhesion, and the treatment of scar tissue stenosis. Summarizing all complications, a rate of 3.7% "per treatment" was recorded. Two patients died within 24 hours; their deaths were not directly related to APC. APC is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of bronchologic tumor ablation and hemostasis and can be used with local anaesthetic with flexible bronchoscopy or rigid bronchoscopy with general anesthesia. Compared with Nd:YAG laser, APC is an economic alternative technique offering more effective hemostasis. Furthermore, APC is of particular value as a compliment to well-known techniques, increasing the options in interventional bronchoscopy.

[Experiences with fluorescence diagnosis and photodynamic therapy in a multimodality therapy concept of operated, recurrent bronchial carcinoma]. / Erfahrungen mit Fluoreszenzdiagnostik und photodynamischer Therapie im multimodalen Therapiekonzept des operierten, rezidivierenden Bronchialkarzinoms.

Even of those few patients who are operated because of bronchial cancer up to a quarter develop a recurrence. One reason is certainly that tumor-cells already present at the time of surgery are bronchoscopically invisible. Fluorescence methods might be able to detect these malignant cells. For patients with post-surgical recurrences the therapeutical choices are limited due to the loss of parenchyma. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the hematoporphyrine derivative Photofrin is one laborious but promising option. Based on an argon-dye laser we have developed a combined system for the diagnostical measurement of autofluorescence and Photofrin-induced fluorescence at 488 nm and the therapeutical PDT at 630 nm. Under the excitation with blue light from the argon laser, differences in the autofluorescence of malignant and benign cells can be distinguished. Following the injection of Photofrin a spectrum peak at 628 nm clearly delineates tumor cells. In six out of twelve patients with post-surgical recurrences a single PDT course resulted in tumor eradication. With additional PDT courses and brachytherapies local tumor control could be achieved in all cases. The general photosensitivity and the necessary light protection were tolerated by all patients. In order to avoid severer complications such as asphyxia, obstruction of bronchi and pneumotharaces resulting from fibrin-plugs and necrotic tissue following PDT must be considered. Especially in patients with pneumonectomy a careful surveillance and debridement is mandatory.

[Animal experiment studies of the biological effect of artificial mineral fibers]. / Tierexperimentelle Untersuchungen zur biologischen Wirkung von künstlichen Mineralfasern.

The extent of the pulmonary reaction to intensive exposure to dust is influenced by a number of factors, in particular the nature of the fibre, morphometry, solubility, duration of dust exposure, dust concentration, and, finally, the manufacturing process of the MMMF product and its chemical composition. The biological effect of the fibres on the lung is manifest by enhanced infiltration by macrophages and an increase in the number of neutrophils. In agreement with numerous published results, our own investigations failed to reveal any signs of a fibrogenic effect of MMMF. The reason for this is presumably the lack of biostability, the tendency of the fibres to fracture crosswise, and the much lower concentration of fibres in the critical length-diameter range. In contrast, MMMF have been shown to induce an irritation of the mucosa and the upper airways. With respect to possible long-term damage produced by MMMF from our own production, we have had no such experience to date.

[Experiences with bronchoalveolar lavage in disseminated and other lung diseases]. / Erfahrungen mit der bronchoalveolären Lavage bei disseminierten und anderen Lungenkrankheiten.

In 860 patients 980 bronchoalveolar lavages were performed. The repeated BAL allows conclusions of the effect of treatment and the prognosis of the disease. BAL is together with other clinical findings an important new method in pulmology. Its value in diagnosis of interstitial pulmonary diseases and other pulmonary diseases is described with special view to occupational expositions.

[Demonstration of artificial mineral fibers using bronchoalveolar lavage in animals]. / Nachweis von künstlichen Mineralfasern mit Hilfe der bronchoalveolären Lavage (BAL) im Tierexperiment.

Inhalation of man-made mineral fibers (MMMF) was performed with mini-pigs and beagles to examine the value of bronchoalveolar lavage for the detection of these fibers in the lung. The preparation of the BAL-fluid without filtration lead to the detection of a plentiful quantity of MMMF. With our investigations we could verify that in the final product mineral-wool a great spectrum of different seized fibers down to particles reaching the alveoli is present.