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Biomedical subjects

J Bruns

Publications and source records attributed to J Bruns.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma--a fatal disease.

BACKGROUND: We report on 13 patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 59.8 years. Nine patients were classified as stage IIB and four as stage III. METHODS: In 11/13 cases surgery was performed. Mostly, limb salvage with tumour resection and implantation of a megaprosthesis was done; three patients needed amputation or disarticulation. In one out of three patients with a pelvic tumour resection was followed by implantation of a pelvic replacement; the other two patients received tumour resection with autologous stabilisation of the pelvis. Surgical margins were wide in six patients, marginal in two and intralesional in three. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to five patients. RESULTS: Recurrence was detected in 5/11 of the patients operated on: in two with wide, in one with marginal, and in two with intralesional resection. No recurrence was seen in 5/11 patients: in four after wide and in one after marginal resection. In one patient the stage was unknown. At follow-up 11 patients were dead of disease (DOD), one dead of unknown reason (DOU) and one alive with disease (AWD). The mean survival time was 9.7 months. Metastasis to different anatomical sites was evident after a period of 10 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results resemble those reported in the literature. DDCS is rare and is the primary malignant bone tumour with the worst prognosis. Surgery is the most important procedure, although it is unclear whether a radical resection improves the long-term results. Information regarding neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy is very limited.

Adult↗

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: therapeutic aspects and practical guidelines--an interdisciplinary approach to a common problem.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common complication of antibiotic treatment, most often seen in non-hospitalised patients. In principle, such diarrhea can be triggered by any antibiotic. An interdisciplinary working group discussed the different aspects of AAD in view of its gastroenterological, microbiological, paediatric, general medical and pharmaceutical implications, also in consideration of the position of patients and health insurance funds. This paper implies therapeutic aspects and practical guidelines to raise awareness of these problems also in routine situations and to enable the persons and institutions involved on the various levels of the health-care system (patients, pharmacists, family doctors, specialists and hospitals) to handle the problem of AAD more easily in a standardised way as far as diagnostics, therapy and prevention are concerned.

Adult↗

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: incidence, risk factors of antibiotics and patients, pathophysiology and differential diagnosis--an interdisciplinary approach to a common problem.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common complication of antibiotic treatment, most often seen in non-hospitalised patients. In principle, such diarrhea can be triggered by any antibiotic. An interdisciplinary working group discussed the different aspects of AAD in view of its gastroenterological, microbiological, paediatric, general medical and pharmaceutical implications, also in consideration of the position of patients and health insurance funds. The incidence, risk factors of antibiotics and patients, the pathophysiology of the various types of AAD and the differential diagnosis are reviewed.

Adolescent↗

Treatment of deep hyalin cartilage defects with autologous perichondrial grafts.

Perichondrial transplantation was performed in 29 patients suffering from a deep chondral lesion with different etiologies. Only those patients with a cartilage lesion in the knee joint were included. Patients were initially and postoperatively examined using the Lysholm- and HSS-Score. In most of the patients (20/29) trauma and the recurrence of osteochondrosis dissecans (6/29) were the cause of the cartilage lesion. Most often the medial femoral condyle (19/29) and, secondly, the lateral femoral condyle (5/29) were involved. In six patients additional therapeutic measures (ACL-plasty, n = 2; high tibial osteotomy because of varus mal-alignment, n = 4) had to be adopted. Follow-up examination was possible in 26/29 patients after a minimum postoperative period of 12 months. All patients exhibited a distinct and significant increase in both the Lysholm and the HSS-score. A follow-up after a minimum of 24 months was possible in 13/29 patients. Even these patients exhibited a distinct and significant improvement. Multiple follow-up examinations in 9/29 patients demonstrated maintenance of the first postoperative results obtained after one postoperative year for a maximum of 49 months in most of the patients. Only in one female patient, implantation of a semi-constrained total knee replacement was necessary because of osteoarthrosis resulting from crystal arthropathy (chondrocalcinosis). It was possible to obtain biopsies from three patients at the time osteosynthetic material was removed. In all cases hyaline-like cartilage was histologically observed. In the treatment of selected patients suffering from a circumscript cartilaginous lesion resulting from trauma or the recurrence of osteochondritis dissecans with a concomitant cartilage lesion but without major signs of osteoarthritis, perichondrial grafting can achieve acceptable clinical results, after a short follow-up period. In order to achieve satisfying results a good selection of patients and additional treatment of other articular disorders, such as ACL-instability or axial mal-alignment, is necessary. Further studies have to be undertaken to evaluate the durability of these results over a longer period of time to see if osteoarthrosis can be avoided.

Adolescent↗

Pyridinoline cross-links as markers for primary and secondary bone tumors.

BACKGROUND: Determination of hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP) in urine is a promising method to determine bone resorption. This method is independent of gender, diet and kidney function (creatinine clearance > 25 mL/min). METHODS: The diagnostic efficacy of HP and LP was assessed in the urine of adult patients suffering from primary malignant bone tumors (n = 24), bone metastases (n = 38) and soft tissue sarcoma with additional osseous involvement (n = 13). The values were compared with those obtained from 543 healthy controls (aged 15 to 65 years). RESULTS: Results clearly exhibited a highly significant increase in HP values (57.75 nmol/mmol creatinine) in adult tumor patients (aged 15 to 65 years) in all three subgroups in comparison with the control group values (22.23 nmol/mmol creatinine) (p = 0.001). Although the LP fraction is more specific for bone than HP, the values of LP from all subgroups of the adult tumor patients were less distinctly but still significantly increased (p = 0.008). Regarding the HP:LP ratio, tumor patients exhibited a markedly increased average molar HP:LP ratio (12.0:1) in comparison to controls (6.6:1). CONCLUSION: Determination of HP and LP in urine appears to offer clinical utility for the detection of primary and secondary bone neoplasms. Prospective, longitudinal studies will be necessary to evaluate whether the HP:LP ratio is indicative of a relapse of the tumor and consecutively may be adopted in the follow-up of patients with neoplasms.

Adolescent↗

Bone substitutes as carriers for transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)).

We studied the suitability of three different hydroxyapatite materials (Endobone, Bio-Oss and Algipore) as carriers for the bone growth promoting factor TGF-beta(1). The hydroxyapatite materials either were incubated for 24 h or directly loaded with hrTGF-beta(1) (Diagnostic Products Corporation, DPC) at a concentration of 10 ng hrTGF-beta(1)/mg. For the release experiment the hydroxyapatite materials covered with hrTGF-beta(1) were either suspended in pure phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or human serum albumin (HSA). The concentration of hrTGF-beta(1) was measured every 6 h the first day and then daily at the 2nd, 7th, 14th and 28th day. With Bio-Oss and Endobone the release of growth factor in HSA showed a two-phase kinetics. TGF-beta(1) reached a maximum concentration within the first 24 h and decreased almost linearly until day 28. With Algipore the concentration of growth factor reached a maximum after 12 h and showed a rapid decline until day 2. From day 2 the TGF-beta(1) concentrations remained low. Significantly, more TGF-beta(1) was released into HSA than into PBS. Our study suggests that the hydroxyapatite materials are suitable as TGF-beta(1) carriers.

Biocompatible Materials↗

[F-18 FDG positron emission tomography in diagnosis and follow-up of patients with musculoskeletal tumors].

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of F-18 FDG whole body positron emission tomography in the primary and follow-up diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumors. Between May 1994 and January 2000, 79 patients [36 females, 43 males; mean age: 44 years (9-78)] suffering from different musculoskeletal tumors were additionally examined with PET. In total, 100 whole body PET examinations (48 for primary staging, 52 for follow-up) were performed using a PET scanner [ECAT EXACT 47 (921)] with an axial field of view of 16.2 cm. The tracer was 370 MBq F-18 FDG. The results were compared to those achieved with conventional diagnostic tools such as CT, MRT, bone scan, and histology. In the primary staging, PET exhibited a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 50% (two false-positive results). In examinations for follow-up purposes, we found a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 92.0%. In the diagnosis of skeletal and extraskeletal metastases (100 PET inspections), the sensitivity was 87.5% and the specificity 89.7%. Besides this, PET was compared with standard diagnostic tools used in the follow-up procedures of those patients who had received chemo- and/or radiotherapy. In addition, the procedure was used to search for the unknown primary tumors in cases of secondary metastases in the skeleton and compared as well.PET with F-18 FDG as tracer has become an important additional method in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumors. It can be used for primary staging, search for metastases, and post therapeutic control. Negative results were seen when PET was used to search for metastases when the tumor was smaller than 5 mm, in cases of inflammatory diseases, and the differentiation of low-grade malignant tumors from benign lesions.

Adolescent↗

[Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis dissecans tali].

Osteochondritis dissecans of the talus is a particular form of osteochondral lesions of the talus. A trauma with subsequent osteochondral defect detected immediately by radiology has to be differentiated from osteochondritis dissecans of the talus. Osteochondritis dissecans (o.d.) is primarily a disease of the subchondral bone and can affect almost every joint in the human organism. After the knee and elbow, the talus is the third most common site of the disease accounting for 4% of all cases. It mostly arises in the 2nd decade but can occur at almost any age. Different etiological factors of osteochondritis dissecans (vascular, traumatic, infectious, endogenous, genetic) are discussed in general and in particular for the talus. In the literature, the etiopathogenetic mechanism of trauma is favored. Several studies show an anamnestic coincidence of distortsion and/or supination trauma prior to the onset of o.d. at the talus. The most common localization of the o.d. lesion is the middle and posterior third of the medial and less frequently anterior and middle third of the lateral talus. Biomechanical experiments demonstrated that these areas are those with the highest load under varus/valgus and pronation/supination stress. Trauma is held responsible for both the more frequent medial, cup-shaped lesion and the less frequent lateral, wafer-shaped lesion. Taking into consideration the complex motion patterns of the ankle joint, these conceptions should be abandoned and the exact pathomorphogenetic mechanism assessed more closely in future. Other possible etiological factors such as genetic, metabolic or infectious causes are discussed but are not yet substantiated by scientific and experimental evidence. The different stages of o.d. do not differ from the stages in other joints and from aseptic osteonecrosis. Theoretically, it seems that o.d. is initiated when an imaginary threshold value is reached so that a subchondral osteonecrosis occurs (stage I). Repetitive mechanical forces possibly interfere with the regeneration process of the lesions, resulting in the development of a subchondral sclerosis (stage II). Further disturbance of the regenerative process may lead to a demarcation of the osteochondral area (stage III) and eventually dissecation (stage IV) of the fragment with loose bodies in the joint. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific. Periarticular swelling, hydrarthrosis, reduced range of motion and sometimes joint locking are the most common clinical signs. Differentiation of o.d. from posttraumatic osteochondral lesions of the talus is sometimes difficult or even impossible. In contrast, other entities of the tibiotalar joint (such as talar necrosis or subchondral ganglion) can be easily distinguished.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Chondrosarcoma of bone: an oncological and functional follow-up study.

We retrospectively analysed the course of 42 out of 45 patients suffering from different chondrosarcomas which were treated surgically. We found a prospective 5- and 10-year survival of 64% for both time intervals. Follow-up examination was possible in 21 of 45 patients. Most of them were staged as NED, one as AWD, and 8 of 45 were lost to follow-up. From 16 dead patients 12 died of the disease and 4 of unknown but not to tumor related reasons. Survival was depending significantly on the histopathological grade, and the stage according to Enneking's surgical staging system. Eleven out of forty-five patients developed metastases within a mean period of twelve months after surgery. The survival of these patients was significantly reduced. Patients with centrally located tumors exhibited a distinct but non-significant worse survival than those suffering from peripheral tumors. In 18% (8 of 45) recurrence of the tumor was evident within a mean period of 24 months (5-85). Functional evaluation was performed in 21 out of 28 alive patients. After a mean follow-up time of 72 months the mean score was 64% (23-100). Females exhibited a distinct but non-significant better result, the same was observed for peripheral locations compared to centrally located tumors. Regarding age, grade, and line of resection no tendency of any dependence was detected, but worst results were seen in those with a stage III tumor and dedifferentiated CS.

Adult↗

[In vitro culture of human autologous osteoblast cells on natural bone mineral].

Different methods are available for the treatment of osseous defects. In recent years the use of autologous bone was established as the golden standard. However, significant disadvantages are limited availability of the bone graft and its harvest implies additional morbidity for the patient. Alternatives to the use of autologous bone, as allogeneic bone from bone banks or biomaterials like hydroxyapatite are therefore of special interest. However, the currently available methods have severe disadvantages; allogenic bone carries a high risk of transmitting infectious diseases, most biomaterials show an unsatisfying osseous integration as well as prolonged healing with disability for the patient. Therefore, the aim has to be the development of a biomaterial that is as close as possible to human bone. In this in vitro study the natural bone mineral Bio-Oss/Orthos was used as a matrix for human osteoblast-like cells isolated from bone marrow of healthy patients. Even after three months the cell showed typical osteblast-like behaviour. Histologic evaluation demonstrated the ability of Bio-Oss/Orthos to guide cell growth within its matrix structure and therefore mimics in vivo situation of the healthy bone. The results show that culturing human osteoblast-like cells under standardised conditions is possible and that the combination of human osteoblast-like cell with an appropriate matrix may have the potential for a new treatment option of osseous defects.

Bone Density↗

[Autologous meniscus replacement with rib perichondrium. Experimental results].

The purpose of our study was to examine the potential of autologous perichondrial tissue to form meniscal replacements. Eighteen mature sheep were used. In 12 animals a complete meniscal resection was performed; replacement was formed using strips of autologous perichondrial tissue explanted from the lower rib; six animals with a complete meniscal resection but without any replacement served as controls. In all animals restriction from weight-bearing was achieved by means of transsection and partial achillestendon resection. Six animals each, 4 of group T and 2 of group C, were sacrificed after 3, 6 and 12 months. Perichondrial grafts and the underlying articular cartilage were removed and investigated by gross macroscopic examination, by means of light and scanning electron microscopy, polarized light examination, and biomechanical tests evaluating the failure stress and tensile modulus. In all transplanted animals a new perichondrial meniscus developed. After 3 months the transplants resembled in size and thickness normal menisci, while in the control animals only small rims of spontaneously grown tissue were detectable. Microscopically, the perichondrial menisci exhibited similarity to normal collagen fiber orientation and cellular characteristics, but, in their central region, areas of calcification disturbed the regular tissue differentiation. In contrast, spontaneously grown tissue in control animals lacked normal fiber orientation and cellularity. Scanning electron-microscopy of perichondrial menisci revealed surface characteristics similar to normal sheep menisci without fissures and lacerations, while the control specimens exhibited such defects. The femoral and tibial cartilage being in contact with the new menisci showed normal surface characteristics apart from one animal with slight surface irregularities. Control animals showed superficial lesions after 3 months, and the extent increased from 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Exemplary microangiographies of the newly grown tissue exhibited a less intense vascularisation after three months when compared to normal menisci with an improving tendency after 6 and 12 months. Biomechanically, values of the failure stress as well as of the tensile modulus of perichondrial menisci were significantly lower than those of normal contralateral menisci. But, spontaneously regenerated tissue in meniscectomized animals exhibited even smaller values also with significant differences towards original menisci. There were no significant differences in values of newly grown perichondrial menisci and spontaneously grown tissue.

Animals↗

Achilles tendon rupture: experimental results on spontaneous repair in a sheep-model.

We studied the course of spontaneous healing of Achilles tendons in a sheep model after transection and partial resection of the tendon by means of histological and biomechanical analyses. In 18 sheep used for another animal study the operated knee had to be excluded from weight-bearing; therefore the Achilles tendons were transected and for 1.5 cm partially resected in the middle substance of the tendon. For evaluation these spontaneously healed tendons (n = 18) were compared with the contralateral noninvolved tendons (n = 18). Specimens were analyzed 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively by means of histology, polarized light, angiography, and mechanically analyzing the specific tensile strength and absolute tensile strength. We found that in all animals the resected tendon healed spontaneously. All animals exhibited a normal gait pattern at least 6 weeks postoperatively. Histologically, the tendinous area of healing demonstrated after 3 months a fibrous collagenous tissue with a loose fiber orientation. The cross-sectional area had at 3 months increased to maximum but decreased later. Concomitantly the fiber orientation improved with time and 12 months after transection the specimens showed a nearly normal histological structure of the healed tendon. Biomechanically the specimens exhibited a rather low specific rupture force after 3 months (28.8% of normal tendons) and 6 months (30.2%) but increased after 12 months (56.7%). In regard to the resulting total rupture force the decrease in the spontaneously healed tendons was less (75.6% after 3 months, 56.1% after 6 months, 81.18% after 12 months), because the cross-sectional area of the healing tendon had significantly (P < 0.05) increased to maximum after 3 and 6 months. Sheep Achilles tendons thus healed spontaneously without any immobilization. The initial healing mechanism is thickening of the scar tissue with improvement of the fiber orientation towards a tendonlike structure within 1 year. Parallel to this, the specific rupture force increased and the thickness of the newly tendonlike area decreased.

Achilles Tendon↗

[Transplantation of chondrogenic tissue in the treatment of lesions of of the articular cartilage].

The problem in the treatment of deep hyalin cartilage defects is due to the minimal regeneration potential of this specific tissue. Several attempts were made to solve this difficulties experimentally and clinically. The proliferative potential of autogenous perichondrium/periost is well-known for decades. Perichondrium can be harvested from the lower ribs near to the sternum and periost from the adjacent bone (mostly proximal tibia). Experimentally and clinically, it has been shown that both types of tissue bear the potential to form hyalin-like cartilage under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Furthermore, regarding the biomechanical data (shear modulus) and the biochemical data (content of type II collagen) the newly grown tissue resembles normal hyalin cartilage. In addition, it has been shown that the transplant fixation with fibrin glue is sufficient in order to allow early postoperative treatment with continuous passive motion which is known to stimulate cartilaginuous regeneration. Despite the satisfying experimental and clinical results further examinations are needed in order to evaluate the optimal surgical technique and postoperative regimen regarding the CPM-criteria. In addition, application of growth-factor might further improve this biological kind of treatment which has to be analysed.

Animals↗

Etiological aspects in osteochondritis dissecans patellae.

In a retrospective study probable etiological factors of rare cases of osteochondritis dissecans of the patella were analyzed. Anamnestic data and data obtained from standardized roentgenography in the anterior-posterior, axial, and lateral views of the patella were evaluated. Anamnestic data provided no evidence of the etiology in addition to the fact that several patients mentioned a single or multiple trauma. In contrast to this, evaluation of the roentgenograms showed that most of the patients with osteochondritis patellae exhibited a flat articular surface of the patella (types I and V in Hertel's classification) and a distinct accumulation of the patellae with greater lateral than medial facet (types II and III in Wiberg's classification). Furthermore, the axial shape of the patellar groove exhibited a distinct accumulation of type III trochleae, representing a hypoplasia of the medial and hyperplasia of the lateral part of the trochlea. Evaluation of the lateromedial patellar alignment revealed in a distinct accumulation of grade II dislocation medially and laterally. Although the data were obtained from a rather small number of patients, in our opinion these results support the theory of biomechanical induction of osteochondritis dissecans patellae. Further dynamic analyses are needed to clarify biodynamic effects on the patella and the patellofemoral joint.

Adult↗

Haematogenous tuberculous infection following revision of a loosened total hip replacement.

A case of tuberculous arthritis complicating revision of a total hip replacement (THR) is reported. Primary THR was performed for arthrosis of the hip and the patient underwent revision because of aseptic loosening. After this surgical procedure, secondary infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis occurred. Bacterial contamination due to haematogenous spread probably from a reactivated old quiescent tuberculous pleural focus is proposed as the most likely source of infection in this patient. Tuberculous infections in THR are rare but prophylactic use of antituberculous drugs in patients with a history of tuberculosis may reduce the risk of reactivation of old foci and serve to eliminate contamination of prosthetic replacements.

Aged↗

Cost analysis of three different surgical procedures for treatment of a pelvic tumour.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant pelvic tumours are rare, but adequate treatment is difficult because of anatomical and functional reasons. Different surgical procedures are recommended. Besides aspects influencing the quality of life due to the different surgical techniques, costs of these surgical procedures and the perioperative time interval, depending on the chosen surgical procedure, must also be considered. METHODS: Costs of three kinds of surgical treatment - internal hemipelvectomy vs external hemipelvectomy and application of an orthotic device vs ilio-femoral pseudoarthrosis - were compared, including costs of the immediate period of rehabilitation. Costs of the preoperative diagnostic procedure were excluded because they were assumed to be equal. For all calculations, treatment of a periacetabular pelvic tumour type II-b was assumed, according to the Enneking classification, with the need for a pelvic resection with wide margins including removal of the hipjoint. This analysis was performed based on the average costs per hour of physicians, nurses and physiotherapists, including a basic daily rate for additional costs, such as housekeeping and administrative costs of the hospital. In all cases, the costs of the operative procedure and the perioperative period up to 3 months were calculated, including the costs for the endoprosthetic device after internal hemipelvectomy and those for the orthotic devices after necessary external hemipelvectomy. RESULTS: For a postoperative period of 3 months, the cost for treatment with resection of the tumour and performing an ilio-femoral pseudoarthrosis is nearly DM 56,741.54; treatment with an internal hemipelvectomy including the endoprosthetic pelvic replacement costs DM 81,439.34; and treatment with external hemipelvectomy and application of an orthotic device with a pelvic cage costs DM 69,138.46. In this analysis, social costs due to the different rates of disability for years or costs of a new prosthetic device after years and aspects related to resulting quality of life were excluded. In contrast, costs of three different actual cases can differ significantly from the estimated costs. The most important influencing items are surgical implants, blood units and similar products, and surgical treatment of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding all these aspects, limb salvage seems to be advantageous over amputation. Whether an ileo-femoral pseudoarthrosis or endoprosthetic pelvic replacement should be performed is a decision that should be made by the physicians. based on the underlying diagnosis and the correlated expected survival. Furthermore, additional factors probably reducing the rate of postoperative complications, such as infections or necrosis following radiotherapy and being summarised under the term "quality of life", should also be regarded.

Adult↗

Autologous perichondral tissue for meniscal replacement.

Our aim was to examine the potential of autologous perichondral tissue to form a meniscal replacement. In 18 mature sheep we performed a complete medial meniscectomy. The animals were then divided into two groups: 12 had a meniscal replacement using strips of autologous perichondral tissue explanted from the lower rib (group G) and six (group C) served as a control group without a meniscal replacement. In all animals restriction from weight-bearing was achieved by means of transection and partial resection of tendo Achillis. Six animals (four from group G and two from group C) were each killed at 3, 6 and 12 months. The grafts and the underlying articular cartilage were removed and studied by gross macroscopic examination, light microscopy, SEM, polarised light examination, and by biomechanical tests. In all the transplanted animals a new perichondral meniscus developed. After three months the transplants resembled normal menisci in size and thickness, while in the control animals only small rims of spontaneously grown tissue were seen. Microscopically, the perichondral menisci showed a normal orientation of collagen fibres and normal cellular characteristics, but in the central region, areas of calcification disturbed the regular tissue differentiation. Healing tissue in control animals lacked the normal fibre orientation and cellularity. SEM of perichondral menisci showed surface characteristics similar to those of normal sheep menisci without fissures and lacerations; the control specimens had these defects. The femoral and tibial cartilage in contact with the new menisci had normal surface characteristics apart from one animal with slight surface irregularities. Control animals showed superficial lesions after three months which increased at six to 12 months postoperatively. Microangiography of the newly grown tissue demonstrated a less intense vascularisation after three months when compared with normal menisci. The failure stress and tensile modulus of perichondral menisci were significantly lower than those of normal contralateral menisci, and spontaneously regenerated tissue in meniscectomised animals had even lower values. There were no significant differences in values between newly grown perichondral menisci and spontaneously grown tissue.

Animals↗