Embryonic and post-embryonic development inside wolf spiders' egg sac with special emphasis on the vitellus.

The development of Pardosa saltans wolf spiders inside an egg sac includes two periods: an embryonic period and a post-embryonic period after hatching. We investigated spiderlings' energy expenditure to assess energetic costs during the different embryonic and post-embryonic developmental stages during which they are confined within their egg sac. We focused on the following developmental stages: egg, embryonic stages 1 and 2, and two stages, separated by a moult, during post-embryogenesis inside the egg sac: "juvenile instars 1 and 2" until emergence of 2 instar juveniles from their egg sac. We present the first biochemical characterization of the vitellus of wolf spiders' eggs, embryos and juveniles. Lipovitellins (LV) are composed of four apolipoproteins of 116, 87, 70 and 42 kDa, respectively, and LV represent 35-45% of total protein during development. The principal LV lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids and sterols. Egg caloric content averaged 127 cal/g (proteins: 91 cal/g, lipids: 33 cal/g, carbohydrates: 3 cal/g). During development from undivided egg to emerged "juvenile 2", 67% of proteins, 51% of carbohydrates and 49% of triglycerides stocks were depleted. At the end of the post-embryonic period, at emergence from egg sac, body energy stock of "juveniles 2" was 38% of the initial calorie stocks in the eggs.

Variations of cocoon external lipids during wolf spiderlings' development.

This study presents the first characterisation of the silk lipids of the cocoons of a wolf spider (Pardosa saltans). Wolf spiders' maternal behaviour is complex and involves guarding a cocoon for several weeks, and so cocoons must emit cues to ensure their care and the development of juveniles. We investigated cues associated with the cocoon silk. We assessed qualitative changes of the lipid contents and the composition of cocoon silk in relation to the development of P. saltans wolf spider juveniles. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of P. saltans' cocoon silk revealed 62 different lipid compounds. The compounds were aliphatic alcohols, glycerides, fatty acids and their methylesters containing 13-29 carbon atoms. We reveal for the first time the presence of ethanolamides and phytosterol on cocoon silk. Qualitative and quantitative changes occur during the embryonic period, as some polar compounds, such as diglycerides and ethanolamides, disappeared while hydrocarbons emerge, and fatty acids disappeared later during the post-embryonic period. Qualitative and/or quantitative changes could play a role in tactochemical communication between mothers and their cocoon. However, mothers do not modify their behaviour in relation to the developmental stage of their cocoon. Mothers' behaviour appears to be linked to both internal (physiological state) and external mechanisms (signals from the cocoon).

[Bilateral renal agenesis in insulin-dependent maternal diabetes mellitus (IDDM)--a case report]. / Bilaterale Nierenagenesie bei insulinabhängigem mütterlichen Diabetes mellitus (IDDM)--ein Fallbericht.

We report a fetal bilateral renal agenesis in a woman suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Early diagnosis of this lethal congenital anomaly allows well-timed termination of pregnancy. Transvaginal sonography in combination with color flow mapping render possible an accurate diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis. Sonographic and color flow mapping features of the above described malformation as well as invasive diagnostic possibilities and causes of renal agenesis in maternal IDDM are discussed.

[Ductal carcinoma of the male breast]. / Das Karzinom der männlichen Brust.

Ductal carcinoma in the breast of a 64-year-old male is reported. Diagnosis, therapy, prognosis and follow-up are discussed. Current standard therapy is ablatio mammae, with axillary lymph node dissection. A decision in respect of chemotherapy depends on the results of staging. A follow-up control of the patients for early detection and therapy of metastasis is recommended. Our data as well as recent data from literature suggest that with respect to TNM Stages in mammary carcinoma, there is no prognostic difference between men and women.