Biomedical subjects

N Fuchs

Publications and source records attributed to N Fuchs.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Molecular characterization of a novel microneme antigen in Neospora caninum.

The apical complex of the parasites belonging to the phylum Sporozoa is believed to be critically involved in the events leading to host cell invasion. The characterization of the components of this subcellular structure is therefore an important step towards understanding how these parasites achieve host cell entry. Affinity-purification of an anti-Neospora caninum antiserum on a reactive protein band of approximately 40 kDa following Triton-X-114 extraction of parasite proteins, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, yielded an immunoglobulin fraction which, by immunofluorescence, stained predominantly the apical portion of N. caninum tachyzoites. Following immunoscreening of a N. caninum tachyzoite lambdagt22 cDNA expression library, the respective full length cDNA sequence was determined. This sequence was found to encode a protein of 362 amino acids, with a calculated Mr of 38086. This protein is encoded by a single copy gene which produces a transcript of 2.4 kb. Sequence analysis showed that it contains a N-terminal putative signal peptide sequence and two potential membrane spanning regions. Four consecutive epidermal growth factor like domains were identified, as well a conserved sequence motif for binding of ATP/GTP (P-loop). The full length cDNA was expressed as a recombinant poly-histidine fusion protein in Escherichia coli, and antibodies affinity purified on this protein labelled exclusively a 38 kDa band on immunoblots of N. caninum extracts. In addition, specific labeling of a 45 kDa band in Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite extracts was observed. By immunofluorescence, these antibodies stained predominantly the apical portion of both N. caninum and T. gondii tachyzoites, but the protein was absent from the parasite surface. Immunogold localization in LR-White embedded N. caninum tachyzoites demonstrated staining of predominantly the apically located micronemes, as well as of dense granules located at the posterior end of the tachyzoites. As evidenced by immunohistochemistry, this Neospora microneme antigen and its immunoreactive counterpart in Toxoplasma appeared to be expressed in both tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Selenium-enriched sprouts. A raw material for fortified cereal-based diets.

The selenium supply in almost all European countries, including Austria and Germany, is below the recommended daily intake. In these countries, selenium fortification of foods and the use of selenium supplements are quite popular to compensate for low Se intake from diets. In general, wheat (Triticum aestivum) is known to be a good source for bioavailable selenium, and many studies have been performed to enrich selenium in wheat by selenium fertilization of the soil. In the present work, the process of sprouting was investigated as an alternative to enrich selenium in wheat. Sprouting was chosen because it additionally improves the nutritional value of seeds, for example, by a higher vitamin content, a better quality of protein, and some other parameters. Wheat, alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds were germinated for 5 and 7 days in solutions containing selenate. The selenium sensitivity of the sprouts was tested by measuring visible germination levels and seedling development. Uptake rates were studied by determination of total selenium using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metabolism of the absorbed selenium was analyzed by determination of selenium species in extracts of the sprouts using anion exchange HPLC coupled to ICP-MS. It was shown that sunflower sprouts were the most resistant and had the highest uptake rates (up to 900 mg/kg), but almost 100% of the selenium was extracted with water and found to be nonmetabolized selenate. Wheat and alfalfa were less resistant and enriched selenium up to concentrations of 100 and 150 mg of Se/kg of dry mass, respectively. The metabolism of the selenate was inversely related to the total uptake rates. At low Se enrichment (approximately 1-2 mg of Se/kg), <20% of the total selenium content within the sprouts remained as inorganic selenium, indicating a high metabolism rate. With increasing uptake the amount of selenate increased to approximately 40-50%. However, with the method used it is possible to produce sprouts containing certain amounts of selenium, which might provide substantial proportions of bioavailable selenium. In combination with the generally high nutritional value of sprouts, they might serve for production of improved cereal-based diets.

Edible Grain↗

PubMed1999

The antigenic composition of Neospora caninum.

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite which causes neosporosis, namely stillbirth and abortion in cattle, and neuromuscular disease in dogs. Although N. caninum is phylogenetically and biologically closely related to Toxoplasma gondii, it is antigenically clearly distinct. In analogy to T. gondii, three stages have been identified. These are: (i) asexually proliferating tachyzoites; (ii) tissue cysts harbouring slowly dividing bradyzoites; and (iii) oocysts containing sporozoites. The sexually produced stage of this parasite has only recently been identified, and has been shown to be shed with the faeces from dogs orally infected with N. caninum tissue cysts. Thus dogs are definitive hosts of N. caninum. Tachyzoites can be cultivated in vitro using similar techniques as previously described for T. gondii. Methods for generating tissue cysts containing N. caninum bradyzoites in mice, and purification of these cysts, have been developed. A number of studies have been undertaken to identify and characterise at the molecular level specific antigenic components of N. caninum in order to improve serological diagnosis and to enhance the current view on the many open questions concerning the cell biology of this parasite and its interactions with the host on the immunological and cellular level. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview on the approaches used for detection of antigens in N. caninum. The studies discussed here have had a great impact in the elucidation of the immunological and pathogenetic events during infection, as well as the development of potential new immunotherapeutic tools for future vaccination against N. caninum infection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Detection of surface-associated and intracellular glycoconjugates and glycoproteins in Neospora caninum tachyzoites.

The surface-associated molecules of the invasive stages of apicomplexan parasites such as Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are most likely crucially involved in mediating the interaction between the parasite and its host cell. In N. caninum, several antigens have recently been identified which could participate in host cell adhesion and/or invasion. These are antigens which are either constitutively expressed on the outer plasma membrane, or antigens which are only transiently localised on the surface as they are expulsed from the secretory vesicles either prior, or after host cell invasion. Some of these proteins have been characterised at the molecular level, and it has been shown that they are, with respect to protein sequences, closely related to homologous counterparts in T. gondii. Nevertheless, there is only a low degree of cross-antigenicity between the two species. In microbial interactions it has been shown that carbohydrates could also play a crucial role in host cell recognition and immunological host parasite interactions. In this study we present data which strongly suggest that the surface of N. caninum tachyzoites is glycosylated. In SDS-PAGE, glycoproteins comigrated largely with glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins which were identified using in vivo [3H]ethanolamine labelling followed by autoradiography. The lectin Con A reacted strongly with the surface of these parasites, binding of which is indicative for the presence of N-glycans. Additional surface binding was observed, although only in a subpopulation of all tachyzoites, for wheat germ agglutinin and Jacalin. Intracellular binding sites for Con A were mainly associated with the parasite dense granules. By lectin labelling of Western blots of N. caninum protein extracts, glycoproteins were identified which reacted specifically with the lectins Con A, wheat germ agglutinin, Jacalin and soy bean agglutinin.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Early infections in patients undergoing bone marrow or blood stem cell transplantation--a 7 year single centre investigation of 409 cases.

Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing high-dose therapy and subsequent autologous or allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, despite the change from topical to systemic anti-infection prophylaxis and the introduction of growth factors and new antimicrobial drugs. We report our single centre experience with data from 409 patients treated at our unit from its opening in 1990 until May 1997. Three hundred and seventy-eight patients were transplanted for the first time, 12 patients were retransplanted or boosted and 19 patients were readmitted for miscellaneous reasons. 245 patients were allografted and 157 autografted. Antimicrobial prophylaxis was mainly quinolones, fluconazole plus amphotericin-B orally, aciclovir, and TMP/SMX or pentamidine. Three hundred and nineteen (78%) developed fever of significantly longer duration in the allogeneic setting with anti-CMV seropositivity. The most frequent infection was fever of unknown origin (50.6%), followed by septicaemia (12.5%) and pneumonia (11.0%). Pathogens isolated in 24.6% of the infections were mostly gram-positive bacteria (57.9%), followed by non-fermenting rods (11.2%), Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. (10.3%, each). Cumulative response rate to antimicrobial therapy was 66.9%. Infections were responsible for 62.5% (25/40) of deaths after transplantation. Predominant pathogens were Aspergillus spp. (11), Candida spp. (four), and Pseudomonas spp. (three). None of the patients died from gram-positive bacterial infection. The risk of dying from infection was 11.2% after allografting and 0.8% after autotransplantation. Infections remain a major risk for early death after allogeneic transplantation of haemopoietic stem cells. Infection with gram-negative bacteria can be prevented by quinolone prophylaxis. Predominant pathogens are Aspergillus spp. Candida spp. and nonfermenting rods. Systemic infection with these pathogens is associated with a poor prognosis. Antimycotic prophylaxis and the therapy must be improved.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone: a retrospective EMSOS study of 125 cases. European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society.

In an effort to learn more about malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of bone and its prognosis with different treatment approaches, the European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society (EMSOS) initiated a retrospective survey among its members. Data requested included patient and treatment variables and outcome. The information on all patients with histologically proven, primary, localized osseous extremity MFH was analyzed if surgical tumor removal was performed and disease status was documented for at least one follow-up date. 125 such patients were evaluable (74 male, 51 female; median age 34 years; tumor site femur 81, tibia 26, humerus 12, other 6). Local treatment was surgery only (110) or surgery plus radiotherapy (15). Chemotherapy was used in 97/125. On last follow-up, 85 patients remained in remission, 33 had developed metastases, 6 a local recurrence, and 1 a combined relapse. With a median follow-up of 3.9 years for patients at risk, actuarial 5-year disease-free survival was 59%. In univariate analyses, younger age and the use of chemotherapy were associated with a more favorable outcome, as was limb-salvage surgery. 23 of 66 tumors with information on response to preoperative chemotherapy responded well (> 90% necrosis). Among these 23, only one relapsed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

The major 36 kDa Neospora caninum tachyzoite surface protein is closely related to the major Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen.

The tachyzoites and the tissue cysts containing bradyzoites of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii, respectively, are difficult to distinguish morphologically. Specific antigens have been identified in T. gondii tachyzoites and bradyzoites, some of which are stage-specifically expressed, and different functions have been attributed to some of them. A tachyzoite stage-specifically expressed surface protein is the major surface antigen 1 (SAG1) which has been shown to be involved in host cell attachment and invasion. Previously we have identified a cell surface-associated glycoprotein (p36) in N. caninum tachyzoites. The full length coding sequence of the cDNA coding for p36 was determined, and analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence demonstrated that p36 is closely related to SAG1. p36 is encoded by a single copy gene which produces a transcript of 1.4 kb. Immunogold labeling of resin-embedded parasites using polyclonal antibodies affinity-purified on a recombinant p36 fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli showed that this protein is located exclusively on the tachyzoite cell surface. As SAG1 in T. gondii, p36 is expressed in the tachyzoite stage, but is absent from bradyzoites. p36 is recognized by antibodies present in sera of cows experimentally infected with N. caninum tachyzoites.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Tacrolimus impairs wound healing: a possible role of decreased nitric oxide synthesis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of the immunosuppressant tacrolimus on wound healing is not known. Tacrolimus has been shown to decrease nitric oxide synthesis. The systemic inhibition of wound nitric oxide synthesis leads to impaired healing. METHODS: We studied the effect of systemic tacrolimus treatment on wound-breaking strength and collagen deposition 10 days after wounding in rats and to correlate the outcome of healing with wound nitric oxide synthesis. Beginning at the day of wounding, rats were treated once daily by intraperitoneal injections with 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg tacrolimus/kg body weight. Nitrite and nitrate were measured in wound fluid as an index of wound nitric oxide synthesis. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the wound was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Splenic lymphocytes were tested for proliferative activity. Tacrolimus levels in blood and wound fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Systemic tacrolimus treatment was well tolerated by all rats. Tacrolimus accumulated in wound fluid. Tacrolimus levels in wound fluid were found to be approximately 10-fold higher than blood levels (P < 0.001). Tacrolimus (2.0 mg/kg/day) reduced wound-breaking strength (P < 0.01) and collagen deposition (P < 0.05). This was paralleled by decreased wound nitrite + nitrate levels (P < 0.001) and wound-inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Splenic lymphocyte proliferative activity was significantly decreased by 1.0 and 2.0 mg tacrolimus/kg body weight/day (P < 0.05), indicating that the tacrolimus doses used were immunosuppressive. CONCLUSION: Our data show for the first time that tacrolimus impairs wound healing, and this is reflected by diminished wound nitric oxide synthesis.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Identification and characterisation of a dense granule-associated protein in Neospora caninum tachyzoites.

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite which is morphologically and ultrastructurally very similar to Toxoplasma gondii. In order to identify molecules involved in host cell entry and subsequent modification of the parasitophorous vacuole, a polyclonal antiserum directed against N. caninum tachyzoites was raised in a rabbit. Subcellular fractionation of tachyzoites was performed using the non-ionic detergent Triton-X-114. Membrane fractions were analysed by immunoblotting using the polyclonal antiserum. One of the immunoreactive protein bands had a mol. wt of 33,000 and was subsequently named Nc-p33. Affinity-purified anti-Nc-p33 antibodies were used to characterise this polypeptide using SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing, Western blot analysis and immuno-EM. Nc-p33 was found in two isolates of N. caninum (NC-1 and Liverpool), but could not be detected in T. gondii tachyzoites. Immunogold EM revealed that Nc-p33 constituted a dense granule-associated protein, and Western blotting demonstrated that Nc-p33 was most likely identical to the recently described antigen NCDG1. Shortly after invasion, this dense granule protein was targeted to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, and, at later timepoints after infection, was also found on the parasitophorous vacuolar network. This suggested that Nc-p33 could play a functional role in the modification of the parasitophorous vacuole and its membrane.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Long-term results of the co-operative German-Austrian-Swiss osteosarcoma study group's protocol COSS-86 of intensive multidrug chemotherapy and surgery for osteosarcoma of the limbs.

BACKGROUND: In an effort to intensify osteosarcoma therapy, systemic ifosfamide was added pre- and postoperatively to an already aggressive three-drug regimen. In a subgroup of patients, loco-regional treatment intensification was attempted by using the intraarterial route to give cisplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients < or = 40 years at diagnosis of a localised, de novo high-grade central extremity osteosarcoma were eligible for inclusion into study COSS-86 if registered within three weeks from biopsy. Doxorubicin, high-dose methotrexate, and cisplatin were given to all patients. Patients who fulfilled one or more of three defined high-risk criteria received early systemic treatment intensification by adding ifosfamide as the fourth agent. Preoperatively, these high-risk patients received cisplatin either intraarterially or intravenously. RESULTS: 171 eligible patients were entered, of which 128 were stratified into the high-risk group. When all 171 were analysed by intention-to-treat, actuarial overall and event-free survival rates at ten years were 72% and 66%, respectively. No benefit of intraarterial cisplatin application was detected. Cumulative treatment toxicity was considerable. CONCLUSIONS: In a multicenter setting, intensive treatment of osteosarcoma according to protocol COSS-86 led to long-term disease-free survival for two thirds of patients. We saw no benefit of using the intraarterial route to administer cisplatin.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Intensified conditioning regimen in bone marrow transplantation for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We investigated an intensified conditioning regimen including fractionated total body irradiation (12 Gy), etoposide (30-45 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg), followed by autologous (n = 5), allo-related (n = 13) or allo-unrelated (n = 6) bone marrow (n = 22) or peripheral stem cell (n = 2) transplantation in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. One patient received busulfan (16 mg/kg) instead of TBI. Nineteen patients were transplanted in 1CR, two in 2CR, one in 1PR and two in relapse. Major toxicity was mucositis grade II according to the Bearman scale in all patients. The treatment-related mortality was 25%, mainly due to infection or GVHD after allogeneic transplantation. After a median follow-up of 45 months (range 2-93), nine patients (37.5%) remain alive in CR. Nine patients (37.5%) relapsed and eight (33.3%) of these subsequently died. After autologous transplantation, four of five patients (80%) relapsed and died. Late relapse was seen after allogeneic, as well as autologous transplantation, at 33 and 59 months, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of leukemia-free survival for all patients is 38% at 3 years (95% CI: 18-58%) and 35% at 5 years (95% CI: 15-55%). For allogeneic transplants in first CR (n = 15) the estimate of disease-free survival was 46% at 3 years (95% CI: 19-73%) and 34% at 5 years (95% CI: 17-51%). Patients aged below 30 years had a better estimated overall survival at 3 years (61% vs 11%, P < 0.001). The bcr-abl fusion transcript (p210 vs p190 vs p210/190) did not affect disease-free or overall survival. In our experience, an intensified conditioning regimen seems to improve the results of bone marrow transplantation in patients with Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, the high relapse rate warrants novel approaches to enhance anti-leukemic efficacy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Differential expression of cell surface- and dense granule-associated Neospora caninum proteins in tachyzoites and bradyzoites.

Morphologically, the tachyzoites and the tissue cysts of Neospora caninum are difficult to distinguish from those of other cyst-forming apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii. Several stage-specific antigens have been identified in T. gondii tachyzoites and bradyzoites, and respective antibodies are useful tools for discriminating between the 2 stages during tachyzoite-bradyzoite interconversion in T. gondii infections. Whereas several cell surface- and dense granule-associated proteins have been identified and characterized in N. caninum tachyzoites, not much is known about antigenic components expressed in N. caninum bradyzoites. In this study, the differential expression of the 2 N. caninum surface proteins Nc-p43 and Nc-p36 and the dense granule protein Nc-p33 (NCDG1) within tachyzoites and bradyzoites of N. caninum has been investigated.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Uptake of various trace elements during germination of wheat, buckwheat and quinoa.

The practice of sprouting is widely used to improve the nutritional value of grain seeds. Several nutritive factors such as vitamin concentrations and bioavailability of trace elements and minerals increase during germination. The objective of this work was to study the enrichment of various essential trace elements during germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) seeds in order to improve their nutritional role as a source of bioavailable trace elements. Seeds were sprouted either in distilled- or tap-water and in five different electrolyte solutions to investigate the concentration-dependent uptake. The time-dependence was investigated by analyzing aliquots of the sprouts after certain germination periods. Samples were analyzed after freeze drying for their Li, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mo, As and Se concentrations with inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). As a control for possible changes in the biochemical metabolism of the sprouts, the biosynthesis of vitamin C was also determined by using reversed-phase ion-pair HPLC. It was shown that quinoa was the most resistant to the applied electrolyte solutions and had the highest uptake rates for almost all elements, followed by buckwheat and wheat. Greatest increases were observed for Co, Sr, and Li. No significant changes in vitamin C biosynthesis were observed between sprouts grown in different electrolyte solutions. The time-dependent uptake for most elements was characterized by a significant absorption during soaking of the seeds, followed by a lag phase during the first day of germination and an increased uptake during the second and third day. Se and As showed distinctly different uptake behaviors.

Ascorbic Acid↗

PubMed1997

Identification and partial characterization of a 36 kDa surface protein on Neospora caninum tachyzoites.

Neospora caninum, the causative agent of neosporosis, is a recently identified apicomplexan parasite which is structurally and biologically closely related to, but antigenically distinct from, Toxoplasma gondii. Molecules associated with the surfaces of N. caninum tachyzoites are likely to participate in the host cell entry process, could be involved in the interaction of the parasite with the immune system, and they could influence the pathogenesis of neosporosis. Isolated N. caninum tachyzoites were extracted with the non-ionic detergent Triton X-114 and were further analysed using a polyclonal anti-N. caninum antiserum. Immunoblots revealed several reactive bands, 1 of which represented a glycoprotein of approximately 36 kDa (Nc-p36). This molecule was present in 2 isolates of Neospora (NC-1 and Liverpool), but was absent in Toxoplasma (RH-strain) tachyzoites. Immunofluorescence and pre-embedding immunogold transmission electron microscopy employing affinity-purified anti-Nc-p36 antibodies showed that the Nc-p36 is a cell surface-associated protein. Immunogold on-section labelling of LR-White-embedded parasites, fixed prior and at defined time-points after host cell entry, demonstrated the presence of this molecule on the surface as well as within the dense granules of N. caninum tachyzoites.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Tumor size and prognosis in aggressively treated osteosarcoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the prognostic significance and optimal measures of tumor size in osteosarcoma treated with intensive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Initial anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral x-ray films of 128 patients treated within the trials Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study (COSS)-80, -82, and -86, were evaluated for the following three tumor diameters: length, width, and depth. Metastasis-free survival (MFS) analyses were performed in univariate and multivariate models with one, two, and three dimensions of the tumor as absolute or relative measures (tumor length, referred to bone length, plane and volume to body-surface area). RESULTS: Univariate analyses of MFS showed a high prognostic significance of all absolute measures. Relative measures, at best, showed a comparable predictive value. Cox regression analysis indicated the high prognostic significance of absolute tumor volume (ATV; P < .0001) and histologic response (P < .0001). None of 19 patients with an ATV < or = 70 cm3 and only four of 53 with an ATV < or = 150 cm3 relapsed, while in patients with an ATV more than 150 cm3, the relapse rate remained 40% to 60%, irrespective of further increase in volume. CONCLUSION: Initial tumor size is an important and easily obtainable prognostic factor in osteosarcoma and may serve as a basis for risk-adapted therapy. It is best represented by the absolute three-dimensional measure ATV. There is a cut-off point regarding the incidence of metastases at a tumor volume of approximately 150 cm3 as calculated from two-plane x-ray films.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Attitudes to current oral contraceptive use and future developments: the women's perspective.

OBJECTIVES: The study was planned to determine current trends in contraceptive usage and to examine the attitudes, needs and preferences of women with respect to oral contraceptives. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with women (n = 1201, aged 16-45 years) in Germany, the UK and France. RESULTS: The study revealed that oral contraceptives were the most popular method of contraception employed, followed by condoms, and that the majority of respondents were aged 16-19 years when they first used an oral contraceptive. An important finding of the study was that an oral contraceptive was first used only after having sexual intercourse for the first time (within 1 year), emphasizing the importance of effective contraceptive information and education for adolescents. Regarding non-contraceptive health benefits, protection from ovarian and endometrial cancer was perceived by respondents to be of the greatest importance; however, few women were spontaneously aware of this benefit. When given a number of different oral contraceptive intake options to assess, the established 'once daily for 21 consecutive days' option remained the most popular, although a 'once weekly' alternative was cited by many women. When asked about the preferred frequency of menstrual bleeding, there was a polarization between women favoring the normal monthly bleed and those wanting a 'no-bleed' regimen. CONCLUSION: Women are poorly informed about oral contraceptive use, and are largely unaware of the important long-term non-contraceptive benefits. Many women would prefer alternative pill intake options and a significant number would favor a 'no-bleed' regimen.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Therapy-induced changes in osteosarcoma after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (COSS 86 Therapy Study). Correlation between morphologic findings and clinical follow-up].

207 osteosarcomas were examined morphologically after neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to the COSS-86 protocol using representative slides of one whole tumor plane. The rate of responders 63%. In relapse-free patients both the whole tumors and the vital areas there of were smaller than in patients with relapse during a follow-up period of 5 years. Within the subgroup of osteoblastic osteosarcomas, metastases were observed following smaller tumors than in chondroblastic osteosarcomas. Therefore, in addition to degree of regression, histological subtype and tumor size should be considered in the prognostic evaluation of osteosarcomas.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Results of an open study for evaluating the effectiveness and tolerance of adjuvant administration of the ISF nutrient program in HIV positive patients].

HIV positive patients usually show a gradual deterioration of their general condition and the laboratory key values which are accompanied by the resulting negative effects on their subjective condition. This study showed a very good stabilization of HIV positive patients by using the complex ISF nutrient program over a period of ten or 15 months. Only a very low proportion of antiviral and antibiotic supply had been given. The ratio did not change over the entire testing period of 15 months. The mortality rates observed here were a fraction of the AIDS mortality rates that are otherwise published. The data of this study also show a very good benefit/risk relationship for the patients, which can be derived from the overall favorable statements on the tolerance.

Adolescent↗