Biomedical subjects

G Jundt

Publications and source records attributed to G Jundt.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

[42-year-old man with painless swelling of the ring finger].

A 42 years old man presented with a painless increasing swelling in the region of the proximal phalanx and metacarpal bone of the ring finger persistent since five months. Plain X-rays revealed increased soft tissue density. The possibilities of differential diagnostic of tumors in the region were discussed because essential for the correct procedure. Histology revealed a bizarre periostal osteochromatic proliferation (Nora lesion). This rare lesion must be distinguished from an periostic osteosarcoma.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Long-term results of a multicenter SAKK trial on high-dose ifosfamide and doxorubicin in advanced or metastatic gynecologic sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Dose intensive chemotherapy has not been tested prospectively for the treatment of gynecologic sarcomas. We investigated the antitumor activity and toxicity of high-dose ifosfamide and doxorubicin, in the context of a multidisciplinary strategy for the treatment of advanced and metastatic, not pretreated, gynecologic sarcomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were enrolled onto a phase I-II multicenter trial of ifosfamide, 10 g/m2 as a continuous infusion over 5 days, plus doxorubicin intravenously, 25 mg/m2/day for 3 days with Mesna and granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor every 21 days. Salvage therapy was allowed after chemotherapy. RESULTS: Among the 37 evaluable patients, the tumor was locally advanced (n = 11), with concomitant distant metastases (n = 5) or with distant metastases only (n = 21). After a median of three (range 1-7) chemotherapy cycles, six patients experienced a complete response and 12 a partial response for an overall response rate of 49% (95% CI 32% to 66%). The response rate was higher in poorly differentiated tumors (62%) compared with moderately well differentiated ones (18%), but was not different according to histology subtypes. Eleven patients had salvage therapy, either immediately following chemotherapy (n = 7) or at time of progression (n = 4). With a median follow-up time of 5 years, the median overall survival was 30.5 months. Hematological toxicity was as expected neutropenia, thrombopenia and anemia > or = grade 3 at 50%, 34% and 33% of cycles respectively. No toxic death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose ifosfamide plus doxorubicin is an active regimen for all subtypes of gynecological sarcomas. Its toxicity was manageable in a multicentric setting. The prolonged survival might be due to the multidisciplinary strategy that was possible in one-third of the patients.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed2006

Clinico-histologic parameters of osteosarcoma patients with late relapse.

Primary high-grade intramedullary osteosarcoma of the extremities is a clinically aggressive bone tumour. There is an ongoing effort to further improve efficacy of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and reduce chemotoxicity by trying to identify osteosarcoma patients who are at risk of treatment failure as well as to identify those who can do with less chemotherapy. In only 5% of patients, first distant metastasis or local relapse occurs 5 years or more after initial treatment for osteosarcoma. Patients and physicians can therefore easily erroneously consider a patient with osteosarcoma cured if he or she is disease-free for more than 5 years following diagnosis and treatment. To investigate if these rare late relapsing patients are characterised by specific clinico-pathological features, we examined clinical and histological variables of late relapse (first local recurrence or metastasis 5 years or more after initial diagnosis) out of a total of 2,243 patients, with a special interest in the histological osteosarcoma subtype. In total, 33 patients had a documented relapse 5 years or more after diagnosis. Half of the patients had good response (>or=90% necrosis) to pre-operative chemotherapy and the other half a poor response (<90% necrosis) and late relapses seemed to be more frequently proportionately in those who had a good initial response to chemotherapy. The occurrence of late relapse did not appear to be associated with age or gender. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend for patients with a chondroblastic subtype of osteosarcoma, or a location in the tibia or fibula, to have a higher risk for late relapse.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Bone tumours in European children and adolescents, 1978-1997. Report from the Automated Childhood Cancer Information System project.

Data on 5572 children and adolescents diagnosed with malignant bone tumours (International Classification of Childhood Cancer, Group VIII) before the age of 20 years during 1978-1997 in Europe were extracted from the Automated Childhood Cancer Information System (ACCIS) database. Age-standardised incidence among children during the period 1988-1997 was similar for boys and girls aged 0-14 years (5.5-5.6 per million). Among adolescents aged 15-19 years, males had higher incidence (19.3 per million) than females (10.7 per million). Among children, osteosarcoma accounted for 51% of registrations and Ewing's sarcoma for 41%. Among adolescents, 55% of registrations were osteosarcoma and 28% Ewing's sarcoma. Both tumours had their highest incidence in late childhood or early adolescence. There were no significant time trends in incidence during 1978-1997. Five-year survival estimates for patients diagnosed during 1988-1997 were, respectively, 59% and 51% among children and adolescents with osteosarcoma and 62% and 30% among children and adolescents with Ewing's sarcoma. Between 1978-1982 and 1993-1997, survival increased for both children and adolescents with osteosarcoma, and for children with Ewing's sarcoma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Variation in survival after diagnosis of breast cancer in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Survival after diagnosis of cancer is a key criterion for cancer control. Major survival differences between time periods and countries have been reported by the EUROCARE studies. We investigated whether similar differences by period and region existed in Switzerland. METHODS: Survival of 11,376 cases of primary invasive female breast cancer diagnosed between 1988 and 1997 and registered in seven Swiss cancer registries covering a population of 3.5 million was analysed. RESULTS: Comparing the two periods 1988-1992 and 1993-1997, age-standardized 5 year relative survival improved globally from 77% to 81%. Furthermore, multivariate analysis adjusting for age, tumour size and nodal involvement identified regional survival differences. Survival was lowest in the rural parts of German-speaking eastern Switzerland and highest in urbanised regions of the Latin- and German-speaking northwestern parts of the country. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that survival differences are present even in a small and affluent, but culturally diverse, country like Switzerland, raising the issue of heterogeneity in access to care and quality of treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

[Chronic thoracic vertebral syndrome by roundabout diagnosis].

Back pain, especially in the lumbar region is a frequent symptom in ambulatory medicine. The differential diagnosis is wide and ranges from rather harmless muscular distortions to systematic disease, such as chronic infections or cancer. Our case shows, that sometimes the diagnosis is not quite simple to determine. A atypically picture may lead to unnecessary further evaluations and in some case even invasive diagnostic tests. However, the benefit should overweight the harm and costs. Not every back pain needs to be examined in every case and with every diagnostic possibility. Recent guidelines recommend a conservative approach to patients with back pain if they are younger than 50 years of age and if cancer or chronic infection is not suspected from their clinical evaluation and past medical history. For patients older than 50 years of age and suspicion for systematic disease, a radiograph of the spine and a routine laboratory measurement, including markers of inflammation (e.g. C-reactive protein), alkaline phosphatase, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and immune-electrophoresis is mandatory. More detailed diagnostic steps, e.g. CT or MRT, should be performed if symptoms persist for longer than 6 weeks. In addition, if symptoms do not resolve with analgesia and physiotherapy more invasive therapeutically options may be considered.

Back Pain↗

PubMed2005

A Vitex agnus-castus extract inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in prostate epithelial cell lines.

Extracts of Vitex agnus-castus fruits (VACF) are described to have beneficial effects on disorders related to hyperprolactinemia (cycle disorders, premenstrual syndrome). A VACF extract has recently been shown to exhibit antitumor activities in different human cancer cell lines. In the present study, we explored the antiproliferative effects of a VACF extract with a particular focus on apoptosis-inducing and potential cytotoxic effects. Three different human prostate epithelial cell lines (BPH-1, LNCaP, PC-3) representing different disease stages and androgen responsiveness were chosen. The action of VACF on cell viability was assessed using the WST-8-tetrazolium assay. Cell proliferation in cells receiving VACF alone or in combination with a pan-caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD-fmk) was quantified using a Crystal Violet assay. Flow cytometric cell cycle analysis and measurement of DNA fragmentation using an ELISA method were used for studying the induction of apoptosis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was determined as a marker of cytotoxicity. The extract inhibited proliferation of all three cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner with IC (50) values below 10 microg/mL after treatment for 48 h. Cell cycle analysis and DNA fragmentation assays suggest that part of the cells were undergoing apoptosis. The VACF-induced decrease in cell number was partially inhibited by Z-VAD-fmk, indicating a caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. However, the concentration-dependent LDH activity of VACF treated cells indicated cytotoxic effects as well. These data suggest that VACF contains components that inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in human prostate epithelial cell lines. The extract may be useful for the prevention and/or treatment not only of benign prostatic hyperplasia but also of human prostate cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

PubMed2004

[Engineering and characterization of functional osteochondral replacement tissue].

Extensive osteochondral lesions require repair of the cartilage and underlying bone. We generated osteochondral repair tissue by tissue engineering. Standardized defects, 7 x 5 x 5 mm, were created in femoropatellar grooves of adult rabbits. Engineered cartilage, generated in vitro starting from chondrocytes and a biodegradable scaffold, was implanted using Collagraft as subchondral support. Cell-free implants, defects left empty, and unoperated knee joints served as controls. Explants were characterized morphologically and mechanically. Engineered cartilage implants were superior to cell-free implants and to natural healing of empty defects with respect to the histologic score and Young's modulus of the 6-month repair tissue. These data suggest that engineered cartilage can provide primary stability for the treatment of critical osteochondral defects.

Bone Remodeling↗

PubMed2002

Tissue-engineered composites for the repair of large osteochondral defects.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that engineered cartilage can provide a mechanically functional template capable of undergoing orderly remodeling during the repair of large osteochondral defects in adult rabbits, as assessed by quantitative structural and functional methods. METHODS: Engineered cartilage generated in vitro from chondrocytes cultured on a biodegradable scaffold was sutured to a subchondral support and the resulting composite press-fitted into a 7-mm long, 5-mm wide, 5-mm deep osteochondral defect in a rabbit knee joint. Defects left empty (group 1) or treated with cell-free composites (group 2) served as controls for defects treated with composites of engineered cartilage and the support, without or with adsorbed bone marrow (groups 3 and 4, respectively). RESULTS: Engineered cartilage withstood physiologic loading and remodeled over 6 months into osteochondral tissue with characteristic architectural features and physiologic Young's moduli. Composites integrated well with host bone in 90% of cases but did not integrate well with host cartilage. Structurally, 6-month repairs in groups 3 and 4 were superior to those in group 2 with respect to histologic score, cartilage thickness, and thickness uniformity, but were inferior to those in unoperated control tissue. At 6 months, Young's moduli in groups 2, 3, and 4 (0.68, 0.80, and 0.79 MPa, respectively) approached that in unoperated control tissue (0.84 MPa), whereas the corresponding modulus in group 1 (0.37 MPa) was significantly lower. CONCLUSION: Composites of tissue-engineered cartilage and a subchondral support promote the orderly remodeling of large osteochondral defects in adult rabbits.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

[The future of telepathology. An Internet "distributed system" with "open standards"].

With the availability of Internet, the interest in the possibilities of telepathology has increased considerably. In the foreground is thereby the need of the non-expert to bring in the opinions of experts on morphological findings by means of a fast and simple procedure. The new telepathology system iPath is in compliance with these needs. The system is based on small, but when possible independently working modules. This concept allows a simple adaptation of the system to the individual environment of the user (e.g. for different cameras, frame-grabbers, microscope steering tables etc.) and for individual needs. iPath has been in use for 6 months with various working groups. In telepathology a distinction is made between "passive" and "active" consultations but for both forms a non-expert brings in the opinion of an expert. In an active consultation both are in direct connection with each other (orally or via a chat-function), this is however not the case with a passive consultation. An active consultation can include the interactive discussion of the expert with the non-expert on images in an image database or the direct interpretation of images from a microscope by the expert. Four software modules are available for a free and as fast as possible application: (1) the module "Microscope control", (2) the module "Connector" (insertion of images directly from the microscope without a motorized microscope), (3) the module "Client-application" via the web-browser and (4) the module "Server" with a database. The server is placed in the internet and not behind a firewall. The server permanently receives information from the periphery and returns the information to the periphery on request. The only thing which the expert, the non-expert and the microscope have to know is how contact can made with the server.

Humans↗

PubMed2002

Clear cell chondrosarcoma of the larynx: a case report of a rare histologic variant in an uncommon localization.

The authors describe a clear cell chondrosarcoma of the larynx. The clear cell type is a rare variant of chondrosarcoma that only twice has been reported in this localization. The light-microscopic diagnosis of the actual case was confirmed by immunohistochemical results, in particular by positive staining for S-100 protein and collagen type II, and ultrastructural findings. Loss of heterozygosity analysis demonstrated allelic loss at 9p22 and 18q21, but neither in the region of the Rb gene on chromosome 13q nor at the p53 locus on chromosome 17p where allelic loss has already been reported in chondrosarcomas. Furthermore, our molecular genetic investigations revealed a methylation of the cell cycle control gene p16, which is localized on chromosome 9p. This characteristic has been recorded previously only in high-grade chondrosarcomas. Mutations in the exons of p16, alterations of the putative tumor suppressor gene MMAC1/PTEN on chromosome 10q, or an amplification of the cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) on 11q13, which were found to be changed in other studies of chondrosarcomas, could not be demonstrated here.

Chondrosarcoma↗

PubMed2001

Detection of the synovial sarcoma translocation t(X;18) (SYT;SSX) in paraffin-embedded tissues using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction: a reliable and powerful diagnostic tool for pathologists. A molecular analysis of 221 mesenchymal tumors fixed in different fixatives.

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a relatively rare sarcoma, which may be confused with several other mesenchymal and nonmesenchymal lesions. It bears the t(X;18) (SYT;SSX) translocation, which seems to be specific for this tumor type and can be detected in paraffin-embedded tissue, using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, the specificity and sensitivity of this detection method have rarely been examined in a large series. Using RT-PCR, we examined 250 mesenchymal and nonmesenchymal, benign and malignant, paraffin-embedded lesions for the SS t(X;18) (SYT-SSX) translocation. PCR products were obtained from 221 tumors (88.5%). There were 135 non-SS tumors, 22 biphasic, and 64 monophasic spindle/round cell SS, of which 10 were cytogenetically confirmed as t(X;18)-positive. SYT-SSX gene fusion transcripts were detected in the SS tumor category only (100% specificity), including 100% of the biphasic SS and 86% of monophasic spindle/round cell SS. Nine tumors originally diagnosed as SS were t(X;18) (SYT-SSX)-negative. Following reassessment, only 3 of these tumors showed clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and/or ultrastructural features consistent with that diagnosis, thus raising the overall detection sensitivity to 96%. With regard to the potential adverse effect of the fixatives used, PCR products were obtained in 100%, 91.5%, 90.5%, and 0% of tumors fixed with AFA, buffered formalin, Holland Bouin, and conventional Bouin's fluid, respectively. This study shows that the detection of the SS t(X;18) (SYT-SSX) in paraffin-embedded tissue is feasible with a 100% specificity and an overall 96% sensitivity, provided non-Bouin's fluid fixation is used.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Bone tumors and tumor-like lesions of the jaw. Findings from the Basel DOSAK reference registry].

Within this chapter, tumors which produce bone matrix (osteoid) or other bone-forming tissues, like cartilage, connective tissue, and cementum or originate within the bone marrow are described. In addition, those lesions are mentioned which, according to the WHO, are typical for the jawbones and are therefore included within the 1992 WHO classification of odontogenic tumors. Vascular and epithelial tumors which may also be observed in the jaws are not described. All the lesions and tumors reported have in common a more or less similar clinical and radiological appearance. A precise diagnosis, therefore, can only be established by a sufficient biopsy which should be seen by a pathologist with experience in this field. In addition to clinical, radiological, and histological appearances, therapeutic necessities are described. The data from recent publications are taken into account. This presentation is based on the data collected within the reference registry of the German-Austrian-Swiss Study Group of Tumors of the Face and Jaws (DOSAK) in Basel.

Bone Neoplasms↗

PubMed2000

Functional outcome of transplanted knee joints in dogs.

Total knee joint transplantation has been performed in animal models and humans. This study investigates the impact of this operation on knee joint function in a dog model. Therefore, replantation was compared to transplantation during a 6-month follow-up period in four dogs in each group. The peak vertical ground reaction force normalized in all legs undergoing replantation and in two of four after transplantation. A third transplant recipient reduced loading from the 4th month due to a local complication, and the fourth succumbed to sepsis 3 months postoperatively. A weight-bearing index (WBI), defined as loading of the grafted divided by loading of both hind-limbs decreased from 0.48 +/- 0.08 preoperatively to 0.13 +/- 0.10 by 1 month after replantation and from 0.53 +/- 0.07 to 0 after transplantation. After 6 months, weight-bearing of all replant recipients was restored, but reduced in two transplant recipients with graft function. Full recovery after replantation, but impaired function after transplantation, was also reflected in the histological results: normal histological pictures of blood vessels, cartilage, bone and soft tissues were found in all replant recipients, but infiltrative vasculopathy indicating chronic rejection was found in the transplanted joints. The results of this animal study confirm that the procedure can lead to satisfactory functional results but also emphasize the need for perfect control of immunosuppression.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Malignant course of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the flexor tendon sheath of the small finger--case report and review of the literature].

The case of a 55-year-old patient is described, presenting the clinical sign of a chronic infection of the tendon sheath. Upon incision a mass of brown synovial tumor was found. The X-ray showed a circumscript bone erosion. MRI demonstrated tumor involvement of all flexor tendons up to the forearm. Under radiation the tumor initially was diminished. Half a year later, pulmonary metastases were found. The destruction of the whole skeleton of the hand led to a forearm amputation. Later, a metastasis was found in the tongue. The patient died with the clinical signs of pulmonary insufficiency. Autopsy showed diffuse pulmonary metastases. This case is discussed together with other rare cases of malignant pigmented villonodular synovialitis arising from joints and tendon sheaths.

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic↗

PubMed2000

Calretinin as a marker for cardiac myxoma. Diagnostic and histogenetic considerations.

To study the usefulness of calretinin as an immunohistochemistry marker in the diagnosis of cardiac myxoma (CM) and the origin of myxoma cells, we examined 24 CMs and 9 fetal hearts with immunohistochemical methods on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. We compared 24 CMs with 10 mural thrombi, 6 jaw myxomas, and 2 papillary fibroelastomas. Calretinin expression was identified in 100% of CMs and was negative in all cases of mural thrombi, jaw myxoma, and papillary fibroelastoma. Calretinin expression by the neoplastic cells in CM was strong and diffuse and had a cytoplasmic and a nuclear pattern. Calretinin expression in fetal hearts was found in autonomic ganglia cells in the subepicardial tissue of the atria and atrial appendages, along the interatrial and atrioventricular sulci, and in the atrial septum. Results clearly indicate that calretinin can be used as a marker for the diagnosis of CM and that it is a powerful tool for the differential diagnosis, most importantly with mural myxoid thrombi. Furthermore, the positive expression of calretinin by the autonomic neurons in the fetal heart and CM supports the concept that myxoma cells may originate from endocardial sensory nerve tissue.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

In situ measurement of collagen synthesis by human bone cells with a sirius red-based colorimetric microassay: effects of transforming growth factor beta2 and ascorbic acid 2-phosphate.

Staining of collagens by Sirius Red, a standard histological procedure, was applied to quantify collagen synthesis in human osteoblast-like cell cultures in situ. After morphological analysis of the deposited material, the stain was dissolved and its optical density determined spectrophotometrically using a microtiter plate assay system. The method was sensitive with a detection limit for collagen synthesized by 3000 normal human periosteal cells. The assay is easy to perform and specific with respect to different extracellular materials, for example, collagen types I and III were well stained, collagen type IV and laminin exhibited only low staining, and fibronectin, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and amyloid beta were negative. A major advantage of the method is the combination of identification of collagen-producing cells in situ with subsequent spectrophotometric quantification of the dissolved stain. Thus it is possible to obtain information on cell morphology, active sites of collagen deposition in a cell culture, microscopic detection of high-and low-producer cells prior to dissolution and quantification of the deposited material. In this regard the assay is superior to either radioactive labeling, hydroxyproline determination, or Sirius Red-based colorimetric assays with cell lysates. Since the quantification is based on microtiter plate reading, the method can be recommended for the screening of large quantities of samples.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Type I osteogenesis imperfecta: diagnostic difficulties.

A 65-year-old woman presented with vertebral fractures of the lumbar spine and a history of pathological fractures following minor trauma, which had occurred before the onset of menopause. Her past medical history was significant for intermittent low back pain since childhood, which was attributed to thoracolumbar scoliosis. A diagnosis of unclassifiable osteoporosis was made until invasive diagnostic procedures suggested a mild form of type I osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). In unclear or atypical perimenopausal osteoporosis and diagnosis of OI should be considered.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗