Non-informative results and monosomies in PGD: the importance of a third round of re-hybridization.

The incidence of non-informative results after fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) was analysed in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). FISH was performed on seven chromosomes (13, 16, 18, 21, 22, X, and Y) in two rounds of hybridization (one biopsied blastomere per day 3 embryo). A third round with telomeric probes was performed in order to analyse the chromosome(s) in question.

Methodological aspects of attempts to trans-differentiate adult stem cells into embryonic-like cells in vitro.

Aims: The aim of this research was to set up an in vitro system to trans-differentiate haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into embryo-like stem cells in order to de-differentiate them. In this more naive state they should be cultivated more easily in order to augment them for consecutive differentiation and autologous transplantation for use in clinical practice.

Methods: Using the principle of the methodology of blastocyst injection, HSCs were co-cultivated with mouse embryonic stem cells (mES) with and without cell to cell contact.

Purification of a new manganese peroxidase of the white-rot fungus Irpex lacteus, and degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by the enzyme.

The white-rot fungus Irpex lacteus has been reported to be an efficient degrader of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and pentachlorophenol. The fungus produces ligninolytic enzymes laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase (MnP), the latter being the major one produced. MnP was purified using anion exchange and size exclusion chromatography.