GBS-MeDIP: A protocol for parallel identification of genetic and epigenetic variation in the same reduced fraction of genomes across individuals

The GBS-MeDIP protocol combines two previously described techniques, Genotype-by-Sequencing (GBS) and Methylated-DNA-Immunoprecipitation (MeDIP). Our method allows for parallel and cost-efficient interrogation of genetic and methylomic variants in the DNA of many reduced genomes, taking advantage of the barcoding of DNA samples performed in the GBS and the subsequent creation of DNA pools, then used as an input for the MeDIP. The GBS-MeDIP is particularly suitable to identify genetic and methylomic biomarkers when resources for whole genome interrogation are lacking.

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Our protocol combines two well-known techniques, GBS and MeDIP.

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The GBS-MeDIP allows for parallel interrogation of genetic/methylomic variants.

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Allows for cost-efficient analysis of reduced genomes from multiple individuals.

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Ideal for the identification of genetic and/or methylomic markers at reduced cost.

Evaluation of bone quality and quantity in osteoporotic mice--the effects of genistein and equol

The technology of gene manipulation is often used in mice. A crucial point for osteoporosis research is the evaluation of biomechanical and morphologic parameters. These parameters, however, are difficult to measure in mice. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates the capability of using techniques for the evaluation of bone quality and quantity after various treatments in osteopenic mice. After ovariectomy, 60 C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups and were fed a soy-free diet (C) supplemented with estradiol, genistein or equol for 3 months. To analyze the osteoprotective effects of the tested supplements, we evaluated the bone biomechanical properties, histomorphometric changes and bone mineral density of the proximal tibiae metaphysis. The biomechanical parameters of genistein (GEN) were shown to be similar to those levels observed with estradiol (E). The biomechanical parameters of both GEN and E were significantly superior to those observed with C. Supplementation with equol (EQO) demonstrated higher mean biomechanical values than those observed with C. The histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated an increased number of nodes in mice treated with GEN and E as compared to the mice treated with EQO and C. Treatment with E and EQO led to improved cortical bone, which was only partly seen with the mice treated with GEN. The analysis of the bone mineral density (BMD) demonstrated that treatment with GEN and E resulted in a significant improvement as compared to the mice treated with C, while the cancellous density was significantly increased in all of the supplementation groups. This study conclusively demonstrated that bone quality and quantity parameters can be measured in mice. Furthermore, biomechanical and morphologic evaluations were shown to be reliable for use in mice. Further studies may combine these techniques with gene manipulation technology to better understand osteoporosis. Treatment with GEN resulted in improved biomechanical results and enhancement of morphologic parameters.

[Polyvinylpyrrolidone granuloma--differential diagnosis of rare soft tissue tumors in the area of the maxilla]

A 68 year old woman with a polyvinylpyrrolidone-granuloma is presented. This rare tumour was seen after local injections of Depot-Impletol. Since we learned that PVP can produce such local tumours we have seen six cases. The clinical and histological diagnosis is very difficult, and may easily be confused with malignancy.

[Unilateral blindness following intranasal aethoxysklerol injection]

In spite of extensive experience based on animal experiments and human treatment, a unilateral, irreversible amaurosis occurred in one case of paravascular sclerotherapy of epistaxis with Aethoxysklerol. The strict submucosal application of Aethoxysklerol does not cause a mural thrombosis but leads to narrowing of the vessels (e.g., in the region of the Locus Kiesselbachii) due to gradual subepithelial sclerosis of the mesenchymal tissue. Temporary or permanent amaurosis has also been described in cases of injection of local anesthetics or glucocorticoid crystalline suspensions in the facial and neck region. From the pathophysiological point of view, allergic reactions, neuroreflex vascular spasm, or micro embolism of the central retinal artery have to be considered. The incident on which this paper is based led to a liability lawsuit. Judgement was given against the attending doctor because of severe bodily injury.

[Clinical and Histological aspects concerning the myo-epithelial sialadenitis (author's transl)]

Different aspects necessary for the diagnosis of chronic lymphoidocytic myo-epethelial sialoadenitis are discussed. Histological facts are especially mentioned. The prognosis of this disease is dimmed by a frequent appearance of malignant lymphomas. The case of a Sjögren-disease in a seven-year-old male patient is presented.

[Neurogenic sarcoma of the head and neck with contact to the skull base (author's transl)]

The neurogenic sarcoma is a neoplasm found seldom. It descends from the sheaths of peripheric nerves. If this tumor develops from a solitary or multiple neurofibroma, it might also be called a neurofibrosarcoma. All other synonyms, especially that of the malignant schwannoma, should better be abandoned for histogenetic reasons. Today the classification of all tumors of the peripheral nervous system is based on a suggestion of the WHO from 1969. The tabular summary of the literature shows that only a little more than a hundred cases of neurogenic sarcoma of the head and neck were reported during the last 50 years. Differential diagnosis of this malignant tumor includes nearly all other malignant neoplasms of soft tissue, sometimes even anaplastic carcinoma. Histopathology, including electron microscopy, is described in general and also in detail with regard to three cases. Three forms of micro-morphological variants are dealt with, too. For diagnosis histological examination will be absolutely successful only in cases of neurofibromatosis or in cases where the nerve from which the tumor originates may be identified. Otherwise, conventional and computerized X-ray tomography may be helpful. Finally, some therapeutic and prognostic principles are discussed.