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R Broll

Publications and source records attributed to R Broll.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

["Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome"].

Since the mid-1980s increasing numbers of severe group A streptococcal infections (Streptococcus pyogenes) have been reported worldwide. Younger, healthy patients after minor local trauma are most commonly afflicted. The infection is characterized by a rapid course with shock, sepsis, multiorgan failure, soft-tissue infection and a high mortality rate. This special disease has been termed "streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome". The M-proteins, especially types 1 and 3, and the streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (speA) might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the infection. High dose therapy with antibiotics, monitoring in the intensive care unit and early, aggressive and often multiple debridement of necrotic soft tissue are necessary to save the patient's life.

Adult↗

Assessment of the proliferation index in gastric carcinomas with the monoclonal antibody MIB 1.

Our study aimed to reveal whether the proliferation index of tumor cells, calculated with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) MIB1, is of prognostic relevance in patients with a gastric carcinoma and shows any correlation to well-known clinicopathological factors (TNM categories, stage, grade, Laurén type). We examined formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of samples from 94 patients, who underwent surgery for an adenocarcinoma of the stomach between 1988 and 1991. Specimens were immunohistochemically stained using the mAb MIB1 in combination with the alkaline-phosphatase/anti-(alkaline phosphatase) technique. The proliferation index (PI) was estimated in various areas of interest (tumor center and periphery and in lymph node metastases of compartments I and II), by always counting 200 tumor cells in three different high-power fields per specimen, and calculated as the percentage of MIB1-positive tumor cell nuclei relative to all tumor cell nuclei in the area examined. The total PI in the primary tumor was 47.2% and slightly higher in the center (49.1%) compared to the periphery (44.7%). Surprisingly in lymph node metastases the PI was lower than in the primary tumor (compartment I: 39.5%, compartment II: 33.6%). Tumors with distant metastases revealed a higher proliferative activity (55.1%) than tumors without (44.3%). The PI increased significantly from well to poorly differentiated carcinomas (P < 0.01), whereas the intestinal Laurén type showed a lower PI than the diffuse type. No difference in survival was found between patients with a median PI or less and those with a PI above the median (47.2%). Our results show that the proliferation index in gastric carcinomas has no prognostic relevance and therefore is of low clinical value.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Expression of MDR1 mRNA and encoding P-glycoprotein in archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded gall bladder cancer tissues.

The aim of this study was to examine the expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and MDR1 mRNA, in gall bladder carcinoma, a chemo-resistant tumour. 26 cases of gall bladder cancer and nine samples of normal gall bladder archival paraffin blocks were investigated for the presence of Pgp protein with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and MDR1 RNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Monoclonal antibodies JSB-1 and UIC-2, recognising separate epitopes of Pgp, were used for IHC. For RT-PCR, total RNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue. After RT, the samples were subjected to nested PCR (NPCR) using primers specific for the MDR1 gene, and evaluated by electrophoresis. In gall bladder carcinoma, the percentage of positive cases expressing Pgp (77% for JSB-1, 69% for UIC-2) and MDR1 mRNA (52%) was significantly higher than those in normal gall bladder. In earlier TNM stages Pgp and MDR1 mRNA were more frequently expressed (non-significant) than in advanced stages. The results of this study suggested that overexpression of MDR1 mRNA and Pgp in gall bladder carcinoma tissue probably is a very important reason why gall bladder cancer is generally not responsive to chemotherapy.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

[Determination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration in serum of patients with colorectal carcinoma].

The aim of our study was to determine the serum concentration of VEGF in 53 patients with a colorectal carcinoma and 22 healthy volunteers (control group) and to compare it with tumor stage and volume. We found significantly higher serum levels in tumor patients in contrast to the control group and between patients with and without distant metastases. There was also a correlation between high serum concentrations and great tumor volumes, but only weak with tumor stage. Our results support the hypothesis that tumor growth is dependent on angiogenesis and that VEGF is a potent growth factor with angiogenic activity.

Aged↗

Prognostic relevance of occult tumor cells in lymph nodes of colorectal carcinomas: an immunohistochemical study.

PURPOSE: Whereas lymph node metastases in colorectal carcinoma are an important prognostic factor, the prognostic relevance of occult tumor cells in lymph nodes is not elucidated at present. Therefore, our study intended to assess the rate of patients with occult tumor cells in histopathologically negative lymph nodes. Furthermore, we tried to evaluate an eventual influence of these occult tumor cells on patients' prognoses. METHODS: For examination, we used paraffin blocks of lymph nodes, tumor-negative by conventional histopathology, from 49 patients with colorectal carcinoma (Stage I-III) after a curative (R0) tumor resection in 1987. After preparation of tissue blocks using the serial sectioning technique, the specimens were stained with the alkaline phosphatase, antialkaline phosphatase method and two monoclonal antibodies (AE1/AE3 and Ber-EP4). RESULTS: In 13 of 49 patients (26.5 percent), we disclosed tumor cells, mostly located in subcapsular sinuses as single cells or in groups. There was a good correlation between the detection rate and N category, tumor stage, and grading. Moreover, 33 percent of patients in Stage I/II with occult tumor cells (N0+) developed a local relapse and/or distant metastases in contrast to 12 percent of patients without tumor cells (N0-). With a median follow-up of 84 months, we found no difference in disease-free survival between the tumor cell negative and positive groups in Stage I/II patients. CONCLUSION: The results show that occult tumor cells might increase the risk for development of a local tumor relapse and/or distant metastases but do not influence patients' prognoses at all.

Adult↗

[Does heparin modify the course of chronic abscess-forming peritonitis in the animal model?].

After laparotomy and inoculation of a Bacteroides fragilis suspension (2 ml with 10(8) CFU/ml), we induced chronic abscess-forming peritonitis in rats (n = 19, untreated). Fifteen animals were treated with heparin 30 IU, administered s.c. from day 1 after inoculation of the bacteria onwards. The main groups were divided into three subgroups (n = 8/5/6 and n = 5/5/5), which were observed for 3/7/14 days, respectively. On days 3 and 7, abdominal swabs were not only B. fragilis positive, but also showed severe polyvalent mixed infection after translocation of intestinal bacteria into the abdominal cavity. In the heparin group, B. fragilis positive swabs were reduced and translocation was inhibited (P < 0.05 for days 3 and 7). In the untreated group, blood cultures were B. fragilis positive on days 3/7/14 in 3/2/1 animals versus 0/1/1 in the heparin group. Adhesions were found in the untreated group in 1/4/5 animals, whereas in the heparin group there were no adhesions (P < 0.05 for days 7 and 14). However, intra-abdominal abscesses were also diminished in the heparin group (0/2/1) compared with the untreated animals (2/4/6, P < 0.05 for day 14). Therefore, heparin was shown to have a favourable influence on chronic abscess-forming peritonitis in an animal model.

Abscess↗

[Morphologic parameters for quantitative determination of inflammatory activity of the peritoneum].

The morphology of the inflammatory activity of the peritoneum has been measured qualitatively but quantitative assessments are not common. In a standardized rat model we induced chronic abscess-forming peritonitis after laparotomy and inoculation of 2 ml Bacteroides fragilis suspension at a concentration of 10(9)/ml colony-forming units. The morphological inflammatory activity was determined quantitatively by staining the specimen of the peritoneum with naphthol-AS-D-chloracetate-esterase (NASDCE); through this staining the cytoplasm of granulocytes and tissue mast cells were marked. The peritonitis group (n = 53) and controls (n = 15) were randomly divided into three subgroups (nPeritonitis = 17/18/18 vs. ncontrol = 5/5/5) and observed for 3/7/14 days, respectively. On days 3/7/14 we diagnosed intra-abdominal abscesses in 2 of 17, 13 of 18, and 12 of 18 animals in the peritonitis group. In controls there were no abscesses (P < 0.05). The total cellularity and NASDCE-positive rates on days 3/7/14 in the peritonitis group were 301/409/280 (vs. 155/240/273 in controls) and 1.8/2.9/3.6% (vs. 0.7/0.9/1.4%) in the non-abscess-forming regions and 392/661/625 and 14.4/12.9/11.5% in the abscess-surrounding regions in the infected animals, respectively (P < 0.05). We conclude that the qualitative histological evidence of the morphological inflammatory activity of the peritoneum in the form of an abscess can be supplemented by a quantitative method. Through NASDCE staining the granulocyte and tissue mast cell proportion of the total cellularity as main indicators of the local inflammatory activity can be estimated in peritonitis. This method can be helpful in deciding when to definitively close the abdomen in the course of a programmed lavage treatment in peritonitis.

Abdominal Abscess↗

[Demonstration of the angiogenic cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by non radioactive in situ hybridization].

In tumor angiogenesis Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has an important role due to its target cell specificity. It is expressed by the tumor and effects on a paracrine pathway. To increase the understanding of its regulation, it is necessary to identify those cells releasing VEGF. This can be done by in situ hybridization (ISH). In this paper we present a protocol for non-radioactive ISH for VEGF colonic tissue. With this protocol it is possible to perform hybridization within one day.

Colon↗

[Tumor cell dissemination in bone marrow and peritoneal cavity. An immunocytochemical study of patients with stomach or colorectal carcinoma].

The tumor spread and the radicality of surgical resection are the most important facts in a patient's prognosis. In spite of curative tumor resection many patients die from metastases or local tumor recurrence. One possible reason is early dissemination of tumor cells which cannot be detected with clinical methods of examination. For this reason the aim of our study was to examine both bone marrow and peritoneal lavage for disseminated tumor cells with an immunocytochemical technique in patients with a gastrointestinal carcinoma. We also wanted to find out whether there was any correlation between the incidence of tumor cell detection and the TNM classification, staging and tumor grading and whether disseminated tumor cells have any prognostic significance. Our study included 54 patients who underwent surgery in our clinic for a carcinoma of the stomach (20 patients) or the colorectum (34 patients) from November 1993 to December 1994. At the beginning of the operation bone marrow had been taken from the iliac spine, and the abdomen was irrigated with 1000 ml saline solution immediately after laparotomy or laparoscopy. After cell separation with Ficoll density centrifugation 5 x 10(5) cells were applied per slide by a cytospin technique. For detection of the tumor cells we used the APAAP technique and the following monoclonal antibodies: KL1, CK2, anti-CEA, 17-1A (bone marrow) and Ber-EP4, B72.3, anti-CEA and 17-1A (peritoneal lavage). Altogether 77% of all patients had tumor cells in the bone marrow and 69% in peritoneal lavage fluid. It was possible to detect tumor cells in bone marrow (67%) and peritoneal lavage fluid (25%) even of patients with T1 tumors. The percentage increased with depth of wall infiltration. There was a marked difference in bone marrow aspirates between patients with lymph-node-negative tumors (N0) and those with lymph-node-positive tumors (N+): 65% had tumor cells in N0 and 85% in N+ stages. This trend was also seen in patients with (M1) and without (M0) metastases, in both bone marrow aspirates and peritoneal lavage fluid. In bone marrow there was a good correlation of tumor cells with staging, but in peritoneal lavage fluid this was not so. Finally, we detected tumor cells more often in bone marrow and peritoneal lavage fluid of patients with poorly differentiated tumors (G3) or diffuse Lauren type than in patients with moderately differentiated tumors (G2) or intestinal Lauren type. After a median follow-up period of 12.5 months patients with disseminated tumor cells had a lower survival rate than patients without tumor cells.

Adult↗

[Intraluminal expansion of a small intestine segment--animal experiment principles and possible clinical application].

In this study we expanded ileal segments of 8 pigs with an intraluminal expander over a period of 6 to 8 weeks till the volume had reached approximately sixfold of the starting volume. The morphological and morphometrical examinations showed flattened villi with elongated crypts and especially an increase in the thickness of the muscularis. The villi appeared flattened through scanning microscopy as well, but the structure of the microvilli was nearly normal. The proliferative activity in the muscularis, estimated immunohistochemically by a monoclonal antibody against PCNA, showed a threefold increase. So it can be assumed, that the increased thickness of the muscle layer was caused not only by muscle cell hypertrophy but also by hyperplasia. The activity of the alpha-glucosidase, a brush border enzyme, was clearly reduced. The minor cause of this effect was the direct damage of the microvilli from the expander, but the major cause was the exclusion of the ileal segment from the small bowel passage and the resulting lack of nutrients. With our technique it seems possible to create an ileum pouch, a stomach substitute or a urinary bladder substitute.

Animals↗

[Carcinoma of the gastric stump. Diagnosis, surgical procedure and prognosis].

The results of a retrospective analysis of cases of gastric stump cancer are reported. Among 298 gastric carcinomas treated between 1. 1. 1986 and 1. 3. 1994, we found 28 (9.5%) cases of gastric stump cancer. Gastric carcinoma showed a male preponderance, with a male:female ratio of ca. 4:1. Two thirds of the patients were older than 70 years at the time of diagnosis. In 27 of 28 patients the original operation performed was a Billroth II resection without Braun's enteroanastomosis. The mean time lag before the development of gastric stump cancer was significantly shorter in the group of patients older than 45 years at the time of first operation (n = 16) than in patients 45 years or younger (n = 12, P = 0.03). Endoscopy with biopsy and endosonography were highly reliable diagnostic instruments. The capability of CT for recognizing lymphatic metastasis is poor (42.1% sensitivity). The main risk factors for the development of gastric stump cancer, according to our data, are male sex, Billroth II resection for first reconstruction, age over 45 years at first operation, and gastric ulcer as reason for the original gastric resection. The cost benefit ratio and timing of endoscopic screening of partially gastrectomized patients are discussed.

Adult↗

Expression of tenascin in tumors of the esophagus, small intestine and colorectum. An immunohistochemical study.

Tenascin, a large glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix, is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration during embryogenesis. In adult tissue, it is expressed only in certain areas. However, it gains importance again in proliferative processes such as wound healing and especially in tumor development. We examined paraffin-embedded specimens of 25 patients with a squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, 5 patients with an adenocarcinoma of the small intestine, 4 patients with a carcinoid tumor of the small intestine, and 49 patients with an adenocarcinoma of the colorectum. Immunohistochemical staining was performed by the use of a monoclonal antibody against human tenascin and the avidin-biotin-complex technique. Amino-Ethylcarbazol served as a chromogen. We investigated the distribution of tenascin in tumors, normal tissue, and lymph node metastases and compared it to tumor grading and TNM-classification. We found a uniform pattern of tenascin expression in all tumors and lymph node metastases examined in the gastrointestinal tract. One pattern was characterized by an immunoreaction near the basement membrane in well-differentiated areas and the other showed a diffuse, network-like expression in poorly differentiated areas with abundant stroma. There was a more intensive staining of the surrounding stroma near tumor cells invading into the submucosa or muscularis propria. It was even possible to detect small early carcinomas as well as small tumor cell populations in and around the lymph nodes by a strong immunostaining of the surrounding stroma. But we could not find any correlation of the tenascin expression patterns in comparison to the tumor grading and TNM-classification.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Detection of tenascin in stomach cancer. An immunohistochemical study].

Tenascin, a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix, is involved in epithelial proliferation, differentiation and cell migration during embryonic development. Later on, it is important in proliferative processes like tumor growth and wound healing. We examined the distribution of tenascin, especially in the stroma near basement membranes, in paraffin sections from 25 patients with gastric cancer by immunohistological staining with regard to tumor staging, grading and Lauren classification. In two series we used a monoclonal and a polyclonal antibody against human tenascin. In most of the sections there was a more intensive staining of the surrounding stroma in areas close to the tumor, which could indicate the direction of tumor growth. In highly differentiated tumors we found a positive, yet discontinuous staining close to the basement membrane. In contrast to this, we saw a more diffuse reaction of the stroma with network-like staining of the collagen fibres in undifferentiated tumors. In lymph nodes we also detected a small number of tumor cells by staining of the surrounding stroma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Malignant tumors of the small intestine. Diagnostic problems and differentiated surgical therapy].

The data of 27 patients who suffered from malignant tumors of the small bowel between 1970 and 1992 were retrospectively documented and evaluated. In the mainly elderly patients (5th to 8th decade of life) the tumor was most frequently localized in the ileum (41%), followed by the jejunum (30%) and the duodenum (22%). Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological diagnosis. Only 28% of the tumors were limited to the intestinal wall. 40% had metastases, local or to other organs. Due to diagnostic problems only 30% of these tumors were found preoperatively. In 22% of the cases an explorative laparotomy and in 33% an emergency operation because of ileus and/or peritonitis led to the correct diagnosis. Still, in 64% of the patients a R0-resection was possible. Nevertheless, the median period of survival was only 24.8 months. But patients who were R0-resected survived 65 months.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Clinical significance of duodenal diverticula.

Duodenal diverticula are found in up to 22 percent of the population. According to the literature, less than 10 percent of duodenal diverticula will cause symptoms, and about 1 percent will require definite treatment. There is no indication for treatment of asymptomatic patients with duodenal diverticula. A trial of conservative treatment is justified if the symptomatic patient is in stable condition. If symptoms persist or serious complications are present and other pathology of the abdomen that might be responsible is ruled out, definitive treatment is necessary. For intraluminal duodenal diverticula an elective endoscopic approach is possible. Our approach for extraluminal duodenal diverticula is discussed herein. The clinical presentations of 50 patients from 1986 to 1992 are summarized. In a surprisingly high proportion (12 percent), the symptoms could be clearly related to the duodenal diverticula. Eight percent were treated surgically, and postoperative mortality rates zero. In the literature, postoperative mortality rates even for elective surgery are 8 to 12 percent and reach 20 percent for emergency operations.

Adult↗

[Manometric follow-up after resection of Zenker's diverticulum].

Since 1977, 15 patients have undergone surgery for Zenker's diverticula at the University of Würzburg Department of Surgery. We were able to follow up 6 of them after an average of 4 years (5 months to 10.5 years). Preoperative manometric findings available on one patient revealed markedly impaired coordination between pharyngeal contraction and relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter. After resection of the diverticulum and myotomy of the upper sphincter this was not observed in any of the patients. Myotomy also was followed by significant lowering of resting pressure in the upper esophageal sphincter to mean levels of 18 mm Hg (normally 90-100 mm Hg). By contrast, one patient who did not undergo intraoperative myotomy had only a moderate reduction of resting pressure (to 30-45 mm Hg) and a normal maximum contraction pressure of 100 mm Hg. This patient developed a relapse. Our manometric evidence underscores the importance of intraoperative myotomy as an adjunctive procedure in diverticulum resection. By helping reduce the resistance imposed by interference of impaired coordination with pharyngeal contraction, it also results in a lower rate of relapse.

Aged↗

[Zenker's diverticulum. Long-term results after surgical therapy].

Twenty-one patients were treated for Zenker's diverticulum in the Würzburg University Department of Surgery between 1977 and 1989. Surgery was done in 15 cases (8 single-session resections with myotomy of the upper esophageal sphincter, and 7 resections without myotomy). The postoperative course was uneventful in 73%. Wound infection developed in 2 cases, and suture insufficiency and transient paralysis of the recurrent nerve in one each. In 3 patients, postoperative x-ray prior to release from the hospital revealed retention of contrast medium in a discrete, pocket-like protrusion between the cricoid and the pharynx. Follow-up was done after a mean interval of 4 years (range: 5 months-10.5 years) in 10 of the 15 operated patients. Two of them developed relapses about 1-1.3 cm in size within 8 months and 7 years, resp. Myotomy had not been done in either case. Neither patient had complaints. Esophageal manometry was performed in 6 patients. Resting tone of the upper esophageal sphincter was clearly diminished at 12-30 mm Hg (normal 40-50 mm Hg); maximum contraction pressure was also reduced at 30-75 mm Hg (normal 90-110 mm Hg). However, the decisive factor was the exact temporal coordination of pharyngeal contraction with sphincter relaxation. For this reason it is our unconditional recommendation that myotomy of the upper esophageal sphincter be regarded as an essential step in resection of Zenker's diverticula.

Adult↗