Biomedical subjects

Tino Just

Publications and source records attributed to Tino Just.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Assessment of oral trigeminal sensitivity in humans.

The aim of this prospective study was to establish a clinical test for the assessment of oral trigeminal sensitivity. Capsaicin-impregnated filter paper strips (five concentrations: 0.0001-1%) were used to measure trigeminal thresholds. The strips were placed on the anterior tongue for 10 s. Subjects were asked to report the onset of any sensory perception, quality and duration of sensory perception. Thresholds were estimated in two ways: (1) threshold (THR1) related to sensory perception and (2) intensity related threshold (THR2). The test was applied to 63 healthy subjects (mean age 40 years; 34 women, 29 men). For whole-mouth testing with capsaicin, a small but significant correlation was found between THR1 and THR2 (r (63) = 0.41). Coefficients of correlation between test and re-test were r (30) = 0.60 for THR1 and r (30) = 0.78 THR2. Neither THR1 nor THR2 indicated either side or sex-related differences. Age-related differences were only found in THR2 scores, which were lower in young subjects (<40 years). Reliable assessment of intraoral trigeminal sensitivity appears to be possible using the presently described technique.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Differential proteome analysis of tonsils from children with chronic tonsillitis or with hyperplasia reveals disease-associated protein expression differences.

A proteomic approach has been used to establish a proteome map and differentiate between the protein composition of tonsils from patients with chronic tonsillitis (CT) and that of tonsils with hyperplasia (HPL). Two-dimensional gel analysis was performed with material from four patients with HPL and five patients with CT. An average of approximately 600 spots were detected in each gel. A total of 127 different proteins were identified in 158 spots analyzed by mass spectrometry. Our study revealed disease-associated differences between protein abundance for two protein spots, an HSP27 isoform and UMP-CMP kinase. Both protein spots were more abundant in the CT group. HSP27 ELISA was performed for 32 patients, 12 belonging to the HPL group and 20 to the CT group. ELISA could not be used to differentiate HSP27 isoforms nor to distinguish CT from HPL. HSP27 was found to migrate to two further protein spots in the 2D gels. The differently expressed HSP27 isoform migrated as the most acidic of all the HSP27 isoforms detected, indicating the highest degree of phosphorylation. The sum of all three HSP27 abundances in the gels from the CT group was not different from that of the HPL group, consistent with the ELISA results. Our results suggest that phosphorylation differences caused the observed migration differences of HSP27. Together with the UMP-CMP kinase abundance differences, we conclude that kinase and/or phosphatase activity are different in CT and HPL.

Child↗

PubMed2006

Paraneoplastic changes of oropharyngeal mucosa in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Paraneoplasias in the oral cavity are uncommon and have been rarely described so far. A woman with isolated papillomatosis and keratosis of oropharyngeal epithelia is reported. CASE REPORT: In a 43-year-old woman suffering from breast cancer, extensive changes of oropharyngeal epithelia were apparent 2.5 years after primary surgery and combined radiochemotherapy (RCT) as well as relapse therapy with RCT. At that time, radiologic investigations showed no locoregional or distant metastases. Nevertheless, after removal of the upper lip changes and skin resurfacing of the upper lip, progression of the oropharyngeal and labial changes was registered. Subsequent restaging showed advanced liver metastases. After treatment of the liver metastases, a regression of the extensive oropharyngeal changes became apparent. CONCLUSION: The appearance of untypical changes of oropharyngeal epithelia is suspective of paraneoplasia. In order to diagnose tumor recurrence, a restaging should be performed.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Laser scanning microscopy of the human larynx mucosa: a preliminary, ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) supplies in vivo information from epithelia up to depths between 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The aim of this ex vivo prospective pilot study was to investigate the potential use of LSM for the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer and its precursors. METHODS: Forty-three larynx specimens of 26 patients (age 35-61 years, mean age 51.9+/-9.5 years; 7 women and 19 men) with laryngeal lesions were investigated with LSM. The LSM findings were compared with histopathologic sections. The following criteria were used for characterization of cancerous lesions: enlarged nuclei, enlarged cells with variable shapes, cluster of cells, increased nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, irregular cell architecture, and loss of cellular junctions characterized by lack of visualization of the cell membrane. RESULTS: LSM enables the visualization of epithelium up to the basement membrane, Reincke space, the subepithelial vessels, and the fibers of the subepithelial space. In contrast to the squamous epithelium, the respiratory epithelium bears kinocilia. The beat of the cilia and the directed mucous transport can be observed ex vivo. With the use of the presented malignancy criteria, a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 82.9% for differentiation of dysplasia and benign laryngeal lesions from cancer were reached. CONCLUSIONS: LSM in an ex vivo manner supplies microscopic images up to the subepithelial space. LSM could represent a new technology in laryngology to visualize larynx epithelia. In the next step, in vivo LSM will be applied to evaluate laryngeal lesion in vivo.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Contact endoscopic comparison of morphology of human fungiform papillae of healthy subjects and patients with transected chorda tympani nerve.

BACKGROUND: The chorda tympani nerve (CTN) carries gustatory fibers from taste buds of fungiform papillae (fPap) of the anterior portion of the tongue. Accordingly, middle ear surgery with transection of the CTN may result in gustatory impairment. With use of contact endoscopy, the present study aimed to compare number and shape of fPap and subepithelial vessel formation in patients after CTN transection with that of healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The number of fPap per square centimeter was obtained in addition to measures of gustatory sensitivity using electrogustometry and intensity ratings of natural taste stimuli. Data from 32 healthy subjects (mean age 40 yr; 16 female, 16 male) were compared with those from 14 patients whose CTN had been cut and partly resected during middle ear surgery because of cholesteatoma (mean age 38 yr; 7 female, 7 male). Middle ear surgery was performed by two of the authors. RESULTS: In healthy subjects, a higher fPap density was found on the tongue's tip compared with its edge; younger subjects had higher densities than older subjects. No sex-related differences were observed. Patients with transected CTN exhibited a significant decrease of taste function as measured with both natural and electric stimuli. In patients, we found significantly fewer and flatter fPap on the side of the tongue where surgery had been performed in comparison with the contralateral side. In addition, fPap density at the ipsilateral side was significantly lower compared with fPap density on the respective side in healthy controls. CONCLUSION: As established through contact endoscopy, the number of fPap decreases in relation to deafferentation and also in relation to the subjects' age, both of which are accompanied by a decreased gustatory sensitivity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

In vivo observation of papillae of the human tongue using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

The aim of this investigation was to visualize the epithelial structures of the tongue using confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM). The human tongue epithelium of 28 healthy subjects, aged 21-67 years, mean age 38 years, 14 women and 14 men, was examined in vivo by LSM. Using LSM, a combination of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph HRT II and the Rostock Cornea Module, up to 800-fold magnifications were obtained. On the tongue surface both filiform and fungiform papillae and their taste pores were easily identified. The epithelium of the tongue with its subcellular structures could be observed up to a depth of 50 microm, cellular structures up to 150 microm and subepithelial vessels up to 300 microm. Additionally the papillary crests and blood flow were visible. Confocal LSM seems suitable for noninvasive in vivo examination of the tongue. The hydraulic z scan, the manual start setting and the measurement of the depth allow a clear classification of the observed structures.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

An "endosteal electrode" for cochlear implantation in cases with residual hearing? Feasibility study: preliminary temporal bone experiments.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, an increasing number of patients with some degree of residual hearing have received cochlear implants. In these cases, the marginal benefit provided by hearing aids alone is not sufficient; however, as experience has already shown, when hearing aids are used in combination with a cochlear implant, more benefit may be obtained. As a prerequisite, this requires that residual hair cell function must remain intact postoperatively. One of the European pioneers of cochlear implants, Ernst Lehnhardt, questioned whether residual hearing might better be preserved if the implanted electrode permits the fluid-filled inner ear space to remain intact. Subsequently, he proposed insertion of a very flat electrode array design into the extraluminal space between the spiral ligament and the bony cochlear wall (endosteum). OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to determine whether it is feasible to insert an endosteal electrode model intracochlearly but extraluminarily, anatomically, and ultimately surgically and to determine the impact on surrounding intracochlear structures. METHODS: Insertion of two silicon models of an endosteal electrode were carried out in 15 human temporal bones. Histologic examination of the temporal bones after electrode insertion was performed on both fresh and fixed specimens to determine whether the desired anatomic site of insertion was achieved. In combination with light reflected and electron microscopic techniques, the extent to which the surrounding structures were impacted was also examined. RESULTS: Successful insertion of the prototype silicon endosteal electrodes was performed intracochlearly and extraluminarly in 11 of the 15 temporal bone specimens, confirming the anatomic feasibility of insertion into the crevice between the spiral ligament and endosteum. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the anatomy of the human temporal bone, insertion of an "endosteal electrode" is feasible. Subsequently, in vivo animal studies are needed to determine the physical effects of insertion of an endosteal electrode design prototype upon the functionality of the surrounding intracochlear structures and in particularly the ability to preserve hearing function.

Cochlea↗

PubMed2005

Fixation of the stapes footplate in children: a clinical and temporal bone histopathologic study.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the anatomic characteristics, cause, and surgical outcomes relating to fixation of the stapes footplate in children. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review and four-center histopathologic study of temporal bones. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: We reviewed charts and histologic specimens from 12 children, aged 7 to 13 years, who underwent surgery for footplate fixation. We also studied stapes footplates in 288 temporal bones from 181 children ranging from newborn (20-44 weeks of gestation) to 13 years of age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Anomalies of the stapes footplate in children. RESULTS: The average age of diagnosis of hearing loss was 6.6 years. Criteria for a diagnosis of otosclerosis were progression of a conductive hearing loss and an intraoperative finding of fixation of the anterior stapediovestibular joint in five patients. In contrast, a nonhomogeneous, thickened, fixed footplate and the absence of an annular ligament were indicators of congenital fixation in six children. In one child, there was neither new bone from the otic capsule nor any obvious otosclerotic foci. In the temporal bone study, 17 of 181 (9.4%) children had anomalies of the stapes footplates, with ankylosis in 4 (2.2%). In two subjects (1.1%), there was an otosclerotic focus not in contact with the stapes footplate. CONCLUSION: Children younger than 6 years with various congenital anomalies are more likely to have congenital footplate fixation, which will present intraoperatively as a thickened footplate with a partial or absent annular ligament. Children older than 6 years with progressive conductive hearing loss are more likely to have otosclerosis, which presents as fixation of the anterior stapediovestibular joint. The difference in surgical outcomes is probably related to different degrees of footplate abnormality.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Confocal microscopy of the peripheral gustatory system: comparison between healthy subjects and patients suffering from taste disorders during radiochemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Laser-scanning microscopy (LSM) was used to compare taste buds and epithelia of fungiform papillae of healthy subjects with those of patients suffering from taste disorders during/after radiochemotherapy (RCT). Aim of the study was to investigate effects responsible for taste loss at a microscopic level. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Data from 12 healthy subjects (mean age 52.4, SD 9.5 years) were compared with those of 12 patients (mean age 54.7, SD 8.5 years) with head and neck cancer suffering from taste disorders during RCT. Four parameters from LSM were selected for analysis: 1) distance between the pore of the taste buds of fungiform papillae and the crest of the papillary vessels; 2) epithelial cells of each taste bud at 34 mum; 3), cell density, and 4) area of the taste pore at 4 mum. These data were correlated to measures of gustatory sensitivity obtained with both the validated "taste strips" test kit and electrogustometry. RESULTS: Patients complaining from taste disorders during RCT exhibited a significant decrease of taste function assessed with both natural and electric stimuli. In these patients, we found thicker epithelia and smaller areas of the taste pores compared with healthy subjects. In 30% of those patients, no taste pores were detectable; in deeper sections, however, normal taste buds were present. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in RCT patients with taste disorders, LSM indicates changes of epithelia of fungiform papilla but no changes of the taste bud structure. Damage of the chorda tympani nerve by scattered rays, direct or indirect mucotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents, and covering of taste pores by epithelial cells are likely reasons for taste loss during RCT.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Testing the sense of smell using validated procedures].

There is a growing interest into the investigation of smell disorders in both research and clinical practice. For psychophysical ("subjective") investigations related to the sense of smell a variety of test kits are available, namely the various "Sniffin' Sticks" kits, the UPSIT (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test) or the CCSIT (Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test). Recording of olfactory evoked potentials (OEPs) and respiration olfactometry can be used for diagnosing smell dysfunctions in a more objective way.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

[Testing the sense of taste using validated procedures].

Psychophysical tests related to the sense of taste are usually less complex than those of the sense of smell. In addition to global tests a regional examination of the sense of taste might be indicated to search for nerve lesions. There are numerous validated psychophysical tests available based on the administration of liquid or solid substrates. The use of electrical currents (electrogustometry) is especially feasible for a rapid regional testing. The registration of gustatory event-related potentials to objectify results from psychophysical examination is possible although limited to a few centers world-wide.

Electrophysiology↗