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Biomedical subjects

J J Manni

Publications and source records attributed to J J Manni.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Detection of chromosomal aberrations in cytologic brush specimens from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Detection of genetic changes in the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract may provide a target for the screening of cytologic specimens to identify premalignant transformation in this region. In this pilot study, the feasibility of the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique to detect genetically aberrant cells in brush specimens was evaluated. METHODS: Brush specimens taken from the tumors of 20 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and from the normal mucosa of 8 control patients were analyzed by FISH using DNA probes for the chromosomes 1 and 7. The FISH results were compared with DNA flow cytometry and FISH results of the solid tumor specimens. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that 15 of the 20 tumor brush specimens contained numeric chromosomal aberrations in at least 5% of the cells collected. Chromosomal aberrations were detected in all brush specimens taken from tumors that were DNA aneuploid and showed aneusomy. The presence of these aberrations correlated well with the classification "suspicious for malignancy," which was based on Papanicolaou stained slides of the same specimens. In the control group the percentage of chromosomally aberrant cells did not exceed 2%; in addition, no suspiciously malignant cells were observed in this group. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that the FISH technique can be applied diagnostically to brush specimens of HNSCC. The presence of chromosomal aberrations in > 5% of the cells in these specimens can be considered as a marker for malignancy.

Adult

Cytokeratin and vimentin expression in normal epithelium and squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx.

The immunohistochemical expression patterns of cytokeratin polypeptides and vimentin were investigated in normal epithelia and squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx with special emphasis on tumor grading. During malignant transformation of epithelial cells, the cytokeratin expression patterns changed, depending on the differentiation grade of the carcinomas. In low-grade carcinomas, the expression patterns were close to those of the normal epithelium. With increasing tumor grade, there was decreased expression of stratification cytokeratins and increased expression of basal cell, simple cell and hyperproliferation-related cytokeratins. Increasing tumor grade was also associated with the expression of vimentin, a cytoskeletal protein of mesenchymal cells. No relationship was found between vimentin expression and the presence of lymph-node metastases.

Biomarkers, Tumor

Aerodynamic characteristics of the Nijdam voice prosthesis in relation to tracheo-esophageal wall thickness.

Tracheo-esophageal speech using various prostheses is currently the most successful form of voice and speech rehabilitation for laryngectomies. Main inter-device differences are durability and trans-device pressure loss during speech. The valveless indwelling Nijdam voice prosthesis is a new voice prosthesis. A barrier mechanism is created by a combination of the esophageal mucosa and the umbrella-like "hat" of the prosthesis that covers the esophageal side of the tracheo-esophageal fistula. The Nijdam prosthesis can be used clinically for longer periods of time when compared to such other indwelling voice prostheses as the Provox prosthesis and the low-resistance Groningen prosthesis. However, transdevice pressure loss during speech has been unknown. Adjustment of the shft length of the Nijdam voice prosthesis to tracheo-esophageal wall thickness was expected to affect trans-device pressure loss during speech. We report the results of in vitro tests to quantify the effect of tracheo-esophageal wall thickness on trans-device pressure loss. In the present study pressure loss was measured at different air flow rates in relation to tracheo-esophageal wall thickness. Findings demonstrated that when shaft length of the Nijdam prosthesis corresponded exactly to tracheo-esophageal wall thickness, trans-device pressure loss was comparable to that of the Provox prosthesis. If a relatively shorter Nijdam prosthesis was chosen to prevent aspiration from occurring, the pressure loss across the prosthesis increased to that of the low-resistance Groningen prosthesis.

Esophagus

Frequency shift of individual spontaneous otoacoustic emissions in preterm infants.

In adults, spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAE) have shown a considerable frequency stability. In preterm infants, however, the SOAE proved to show an apparent and consistent upward shift of frequency at increasing postconceptional age (PCA). In 25 ears of 14 preterm infants (PCA, 29.1-41.3 wk) a total of 66 SOAE frequencies were monitored, ranging from 1611 to 5774 Hz. All but one of the SOAE frequencies shifted toward higher frequency. The SOAE frequency shift rate in Hertz per week was proportionally constant relative to the SOAE frequency. The mean shift rate was 0.74 +/- 0.39%/wk. At increasing PCA, the SOAE frequency shift rate tended to slow down. A linear fit through the data predicted the SOAE frequency to stop at about 45-50-wk PCA. The frequency dependence and time course of the SOAE frequency shift strongly suggest cochlear maturation during the last period of gestation.

Acoustic Stimulation

Endolymph flow.

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Ear, Inner

The Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve as a valuable addition in the rehabilitation of the laryngectomized patient.

Prosthesis-assisted tracheo-esophageal speech has proven its value in post-laryngectomy voice rehabilitation, although manual occlusion of the tracheostoma during speech is necessary. In contrast a tracheostoma valve enables hands-free speech. We have now had experience with 30 patients using the Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve for more than 6 months and have found that most patients prefer prosthesis-assisted speech with the tracheostoma valve. Measurement of several speech parameters with digital and valve occlusion of the tracheostoma did not show any significant differences between the two speaking conditions. Problems included maintenance of an airtight seal, outward forcing of the valve diaphragm during forced expiration and subjective increased airflow resistance.

Adult

Disease-specific survival and locoregional control in tonsillar carcinoma.

In a nationwide survey on oropharyngeal carcinoma in the Netherlands (1986-1990), 380 patients with a tonsillar carcinoma were retrospectively studied. The records of 268 (71%) men and 112 (29%) women with a median age of 59 yr (range 31-91), who had squamous cell carcinoma (272 patients, 98%) or undifferentiated carcinoma (8 patients, 2%) were reviewed with respect to treatment, disease-specific survival and locoregional control. Distribution by stage according to the UICC'92 system was: 27 patients (7%) stage I, 59 (15%) stage II, 99 (26%) stage III, 182 (48%) stage IV and 13 patients (3%) unknown stage. Using a previously reported revised staging system the following distribution was obtained: 118 patients (31%) stage I, 120 (31%) stage II, 67 (18%) stage III, 54 (14%) stage IV and 21 patients (6%) with an unknown stage. Treatment consisted of radiotherapy alone in 231 patients (61%), surgery and radiotherapy in 101 (27%), surgery alone in 30 (8%), chemotherapy in 5 (2%) and 13 patients (3%) did not receive any treatment. At 5-yr the overall survival was 32%, the disease-specific survival 42% and the locoregional control 61%. In patients treated with radiotherapy alone the disease-specific survival was 39%, for surgery and radiotherapy 53% and for surgery alone 83%. The disease-specific survival according to UICC'92 stage was 71% in stage I, 59% in II, 50% in III and 32% in stage IV (P < 0.0001). In the revised staging the survival figures were 63% in stage I, 43% in II, 31% in III and 9% in IV (P < 0.0001). The two staging systems appeared to be comparable in prognostic discrimination; the clinical relevance of the revised stage might, however, be slightly superior to the UICC'92 version. The difference in results after radiotherapy alone and surgery + radiotherapy remained significant, also after adjusting for stage (P < 0.0001).

Carcinoma

Regional metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: revised value of US with US-guided FNAB.

PURPOSE: To verify the acclaimed accuracy of ultrasound (US) combined with US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the detection of lymph node metastasis in the neck and to evaluate the interobserver variability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective, multicenter study of 185 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, US (n=238 neck sides) with US-guided FNAB (n=178 neck sides) was used for evaluation of the lymph node status of the neck. Findings were correlated with those of histopathologic examination in 238 neck sides. RESULTS: US with US-guided FNAB had a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 100%. Nineteen of 178 aspirations were nondiagnostic. There were no significant differences between the four participating hospitals or the individual sonologists (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Sensitivity of US with US-guided FNAB was slightly lower compared with previous reports. Specificity was similar to previous reports. Interobserver variability appeared to be low. The validity of US with US-guided FNAB is high and warrants widespread use of the procedure for evaluation of the neck.

Adult

The Groningen, Nijdam and Provox voice prostheses: a prospective clinical comparison based on 845 replacements.

The Groningen, Nijdam and Provox voice prostheses (VP) are all low-pressure, indwelling voice prostheses. Although there are differences concerning the valve mechanism, they have a similar design and are therefore interchangeable. In a prospective study, 845 consecutive replacements were evaluated in 158 patients. Average device lifetime differed significantly from 13 weeks for the Provox VP and 15.8 weeks for the Groningen VP, to 19 weeks for the Nijdam device. Leakage through or around a voice prosthesis was the main replacement indication. Leakage occurred significantly more often with the Provox VP (80.2%) than with the Groningen VP (58.8%) or the Nijdam VP (55%). Increased airflow resistance as a replacement indication occurred significantly more often with the Groningen VP (45.4%) and the Nijdam VP (45.9%) than with the Provox VP (22.7%). Complications during the replacement procedure were rare and usually mild. Replacement was usually an easy outpatient procedure; general anaesthesia was only necessary in 3.0% of 845 replacements, without any significant difference between the three devices. Granulation tissue and hypertrophic scar tissue formation were the most frequent local complications. They occurred in less than 10% of our patients but were significantly more common in patients with a Nijdam VP.

Airway Resistance

Cytokeratin and vimentin expression in normal epithelium and benign lesions of the vocal cords.

The expression of cytokeratins and vimentin was studied immunohistochemically in normal epithelium and 12 benign lesions of the vocal cord with the use of a broad panel of monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratins and vimentin. Histology showed that the various lesions contained hyperkeratotic, hyperplastic and atrophic epithelium, irrespective of their clinical appearance. Especially the Ck profile of the (hyper)keratotic lesions was changed in comparison with the native epithelium. Increased expression of the keratinization marker Ck 10 was associated with decreased expression of the stratification markers Cks 4 and 13. Expression of the basal cell marker Ck 14 and hyperproliferation-associated Cks 16 and 17 was increased in all the benign lesions, except in atrophic epithelium. These expression patterns differ from those observed in malignant epithelial lesions. The latter show a marked expression of simple cell Cks and vimentin and more pronounced expression of hyperproliferation-associated markers than the benign lesions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

The Nijdam voice prosthesis: a self-retaining valveless voice prosthesis for vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy.

Voice prosthesis-assisted speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy has proven to be successful in the majority of patients and exceeds the results of traditional oesophageal speech. Nevertheless 10-30% failure rates are still reported. In part this is due to prosthesis-related problems, in particular ingrowth of Candida species in the valve-bearing parts of the devices. A new indwelling, low-resistance and valveless voice prosthesis is described; the Nijdam voice prosthesis. The device has an average device lifetime of 19 weeks which appears to be superior to other indwelling voice prostheses. Replacement indications mainly comprise leakage or increased airflow resistance. Most frequent local complications are granulation tissue and hypertrophic scar tissue formation. These occur in 12% of the patients and can easily be treated. Replacement is a simple outpatient procedure. The prosthesis is interchangeable with other types of indwelling voice prosthesis.

Equipment Design

The importance of correct stage grouping in oncology. Results of a nationwide study of oropharyngeal carcinoma in The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: In the frame of a nationwide study of oropharyngeal carcinoma in the Netherlands (1986-1990), the current International Union Against Cancer 1992/American Joint Committee on Cancer 1988 staging system was evaluated with respect to patient distribution and prognostic value. METHODS: Data related to epidemiology, treatment and survival from 640 patients referred for primary treatment were analyzed. Staging was first evaluated in a proportional-hazard regression analysis controlled for these data. Next, all possible combinations of T, N, and M were tested in a stepwise backward elimination model until all remaining indicator variables had a P value of less than 0.05. New stages were defined, based on the coefficients of the remaining indicator variables. RESULTS: The revised stages revealed two advantages compared with the UICC 1992/AJCC 1988 version: a more balanced distribution of patients (31% in Stage I, 31% in Stage II, 18% in Stage III, 14% in Stage IV, and 5% unknown in the revised staging system versus 7% in Stage I, 17% in Stage II, 24% in Stage III, 50% in Stage IV, and 2% unknown in the UICC 1992/AJCC 1988 staging system), and an improved prognostic discrimination for the disease specific survival (5-year results in the revised staging were 67% in Stage I, 42% in Stage II, 28% in Stage III, and 11% in Stage IV, versus 68% in Stage I, 64% in Stage II, 44% in Stage III and 27% in Stage IV in UICC 1992/AJCC 1988). CONCLUSION: Improvements in the current staging system in patient distribution in the stages in prognostic discrimination is feasible by regrouping the T, N, and M but without redefining the categories themselves.

Adult

A nationwide study of the epidemiology, treatment and survival of oropharyngeal carcinoma in The Netherlands.

Seven head and neck oncology cooperative groups in the Netherlands have reviewed the epidemiology, staging, treatment and survival of oropharyngeal carcinoma patients treated between 1986 and 1990. In all, 640 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (628, 98%) or undifferentiated carcinoma (12, 2%) referred for primary treatment were analyzed. The total group included 441 males (69%) and 199 females (31%), with a median age of 59 years (range, 30-92). Tumor distribution by subsite was the tonsillar region (372 patients, 58%), base of the tongue/vallecula (179, 28%), soft palate/uvula (62, 10%) and posterior oropharyngeal wall (27, 4%). Forty-four patients (7%) had stage I disease, 106 (17%) had stage II disease, 157 (24%) stage III, and 319 (50%) stage IV. Staging was unknown in 14 patients (2%). Radiotherapy was given to the primary tumor in 408 patients (64%), surgery and radiotherapy to 147 (23%), surgery alone to 42 (7%), other treatments to 14 (2%) and no treatment to 29 patients (4%). The 5-year overall survival was 28% and the 5-year disease-specific survival was 41%. This latter survival was 35% in males and 51% in females (P = 0.003). Five-year survival by subsite was 54% in the soft palate/uvula, 42% in the tonsillar region, 33% in the base of the tongue and 32% in the posterior oropharyngeal wall (P = 0.003). When analyzing survival by stage, 5-year survival in patients with stage I disease was 68% and decreased significantly to 27% in stage IV disease (P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Glutathione S-transferases and glutathione in human head and neck cancer.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity, GST isoenzyme composition and glutathione (GSH) concentration were assessed in normal and squamous cell carcinoma specimens of 14 patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer and 11 patients with laryngeal cancer. Comparing malignant with normal oral/oropharyngeal tissues, no significant differences in GSH content, GST enzyme activity or isoenzyme composition were found. However, some tumours had up to 3-fold increased GST enzyme activities and 11 malignant samples over-expressed GST-pi. GST-pi was present in all normal and malignant oral/oropharyngeal specimens investigated, whereas class alpha and class mu were detected in only a few samples. GST-mu was present in 28% of the patients with oral/oropharyngeal tumors as compared with approximately 60% in the normal population. GST-alpha, -mu and -pi were detected in 91, 64 and 100% of the normal laryngeal tissues respectively. In laryngeal tumours significantly higher levels of GST-pi and GSH but significantly lower amounts of GST-alpha were detected. Levels of class mu GST were generally lower in cancerous tissues, but differences were not significant. In comparison with normal oral/oropharyngeal tissues, normal laryngeal tissues contained almost twice the amount of GST enzyme activity due to higher class alpha enzyme levels. It is concluded that GST-pi is elevated in 11 out of 14 tumours of the oral cavity and values are significantly increased in tumours of the larynx, which may contribute to the inherent anti-cancer drug resistance of these malignancies. In laryngeal tumours the increased GSH levels may confer additional resistance to radiation therapy.

Aged

Partial vertical laryngectomy for recurrent glottic carcinoma.

Partial vertical laryngectomy for recurrent glottic carcinoma was performed in 61 patients according to stringent criteria. The great majority of the recurrent tumours appeared within 2 years of radiotherapy (80%). The mean follow-up after surgery was 79 months. At 5 years 85% of the patients were free of local recurrence. Nine patients (15%) developed a local recurrence; eight of them underwent total laryngectomy; one patient refused the operation and died. Seven patients died of other causes. The actuarial overall survival rate was 88% at 5 years. Post-operative complications were seen in 12 patients (20%); nine of these patients developed airway problems. One patient underwent total laryngectomy for severe aspiration, the others finally were decannulated. The results of this study indicate that partial vertical hemilaryngectomy for irradiation failures is a safe procedure with good results without undue morbidity.

Adult

Glutathione peroxidases in human head and neck cancer.

Glutathione peroxidases (GPX), enzymes that catalyze the reduction of reactive intermediates have been implicated in the action of several cytostatic drugs. Two major types of GPX have been found: a selenium-dependent form (SeGPX) which is active with both hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides, and a selenium-independent GPX which is only active with organic hydroperoxides. SeGPX and total GPX (tGPX) activity were assayed in cytosolic fractions from malignant and adjacent normal tissue in 13 patients with oral/oropharyngeal, and 10 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Neck lymph node metastases were available from 2 and 5 of these patient respectively. Tumors from the oral/oropharyngeal region contained significantly less SeGPX and tGPX activity than laryngeal tumors. Primary oral/oropharyngeal and laryngeal tumors had lower SeGPX activities than the matched normal mucosa. tGPX activities were similar in normal and tumor tissue. Metastases contained slightly more SeGPX and tGPX activity than the matched tumor tissue. We conclude that the inherent anti-tumor drug resistance of human neck squamous cell carcinoma is not mediated by increased glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity in the tumor tissue.

Adult