Deoxyribonucleic Acid Measurements in Transitional Cell Carcinomas: Comparison of Flow and Image Cytometry Techniques

Purpose

We compared the results of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ploidy determinations performed by flow cytometry and image cytometry in transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder.

Materials and Methods

In 81 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder DNA indexes were measured by flow cytometry of bladder washings and tumor tissue samples, and by image cytometry of imprints from tumor tissue samples.

Results

There was good correlation between bladder washings and tissue samples analyzed by flow cytometry in 68 cases but aneuploidy was missed with bladder washings in 13 (16 percent). There was also good correlation between flow and image cytometry in 75 cases (92.59 percent) regarding the detection of aneuploidy. There was agreement between detection of aneuploidy and DNA index in 45 cases (55.5 percent), while both methods detected an aneuploid population in 30 (37 percent) but there was disagreement regarding DNA index. Aneuploid populations were missed by flow cytometry in 6 cases (7.4 percent). Furthermore, in 10 cases peridiploid peaks were found on the image cytometry histograms, which were not visible on flow cytometry. However, it was not possible to assess accurately if these were true peridiploid populations.

Conclusions

There is good overall correlation between DNA content measured by flow and image cytometry but image cytometry has the advantage of visual discrimination, permitting preferential selection and analysis of tumor cells. However, certain problems remain with image cytometry, particularly in the case of peridiploid peaks, which cannot be classified accurately as showing true peridiploid or right shifted diploid populations.     

Einfluß des operationstraumas auf die NK-zell-aktivität beim ösophaguskarizinom nach transmediastinaler dissektion vs. transthorakaler en-bloc-resektion

Zusammenfassung Um den Einfluß des chirurgischen Traumas beim Ösophaguskarzinom auf das zelluläre Immunsystem zu erfassen, wurden perioperativ in einer prospektiven Studie die Aktivität der natürlichen Killerzellen sowie die Serumkonzentrationen von Interleukin-2, Interleukin-6 un TNF- bei transmediastinaler Dissektion (n=12) vs. transthorakaler En-bloc-Resektion (n=10) der Speiserörhre im Vergleich zu einer Kontrollgruppe mit thorakoabdominalen chirurgischen Eingriffen bei nicht maligner Grunderkrankung erfaßt. Die Bestimmung der NK-Zell-Aktivität erfolgte präoperativ sowie am 4. und 10. Tag postoperativ durch einen standardisierten Europiumchlorid-release-Assay unter Verwendung von K-562-Targetzellen, die Lymphokine Interleukin-2, Interleukin-6 und TNF- wurden zusätzlich am 1. und 7. Tag postoperativ mit stadardisierten ELISA-Assays bestimmt.In unserem Patientengut sank die NK-Zellaktivität am 4. postoperrativen Tag sowohl in der Kontrollgrupe al auch bei beiden Operations verfahren zur Speiseröhrenresektion signifikant (p<0,05) zum Ausgangswert: in der Kontrollgruppe durchschnittlich um 45%, nach transmediastinaler Speriseröhrendissektion (1-Höhlen-Eingriff) durchschnittlich um 34%, nauch transthorakaler En-bloc-Resektion (2-Höhlen-Eingriff) im Mittel um 63% zum präoperativen Wert. Die transthorakale En-bloc-Resektion der Speiseröhre führte durch das größere chirurgische Trauma zu einer stäkeren Abnahme der zytotoxischen Aktivität der natürlichen Killerzellen. Eine Suppression der immunologischen Tumorabwehr insbesondere in der vulnerablen perioperativen Phase kann damit indirekt das Risiko der Manifestation von hämatogene Metastasen auf dem Boden einer intraoperativen Tumorzelldissemination u. a. bedingt durch Tumormanipulation begünstigen und damit prognostisch relevant werden.

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Influence of surgical trauma on natural killer cell activity in esophageal carcinoma following transmediastinal dissection compareed with transthoracic en bloc resection

In order to assess the impact of surgical trauma involved in the therapy of esophageal carcinoma on the cellular immune system, a perspective study was performed involving perioperative hematological parameters. The activity of natural killer cells and the serum concentrations of interleuin-2, interleukin-6 and TNF- were measured in 12 cases of transmediastinal dissection and 10 cases of transthioracic en bloc esophageal resection and compared to values of a control group of thoracic and abdominal surgical patients with non-malignant maladies. Natural killer cells assume a central role in the non-specific immunological response in tumor patients. Their main function is the destruction of tumor cells via cytotoxic activities amplified by the release of interleukin-2 and TNF-. Natural killer cell activity was measured prior to surgery and on postoperative days 4 and 10 using a standardized europium chloride release assay, utilizing K 562 target cells. Lymphokines interleukin-2, interleukin-6, and THF- were also measured on postoperative days 1 and 7 using standardized ELISA assays. The activity of natural killer cells in our patient group sank significantly (P<0.05) on postoperative day 4 and likewise in the control group and both study groups, activity sank to the original values. In the control groups, natural killer cell activity averaged 45% of preoperative values, in comparison with an average of 63% following transmediastinal esophageal carcinoma resection (one cavity procedure), and transthoracic en bloc resection patients only reached 61% of preoperative values, transmediastinal dissection patients assumed 75%, and 77% was achieved by control group members. Transthoracic en bloc resection of the esophagus led to a more extreme reduction in cytotoxic cellular activity owing to the greater surgical trauma. Suppression of the immunological tumor resistance, especially in the vulnerable perisurgical pahse, can have an indirect negative effect on the manifestation risk of hematogenic metastases owing to intraoperative tumor cell dissemination resulting from tumor manipulation and may thus be prognostically relevant.

     

Effect of fibrin sealant on perianastomotic tumor growth in an experimental model of colorectal cancer surgery

Viable intraluminal tumor cells can penetrate a clinically intact rodent colonic anastomosis and give rise to perianastomotic tumor growth. The aim of this study was to determine whether transanastomotic cell migration can be prevented by fibrin-based tissue sealant. Following distal colonic transection and reanastomosis with 5/0 silk sutures, Fischer F344 rats were randomly allocated to three experimental groups. In Group A, a circumferential ring of tissue sealant was placed around the serosal surface of the anastomosis; in Group B, sealant was limited to 50 percent of the anastomotic circumference; and, in Group C, no sealant was applied. All rats then had 10 ⁵ Mtln ₃ carcinoma cells injected into the proximal colonic lumen via a rectal catheter. The incidence of perianastomotic tumor at 21 days was significantly lower in Group A (3 of 14 animals) than in Group B (11 of 16 rats) (P =0.012; Fisher's exact test) or Group C (10 of 14 rats;P=0.011). A further experiment demonstrated that sealant did not protect the anastomosis when tumor cells were instilled directly into the peritoneal cavity. A topical carcinocidal action therefore appears unlikely, but our results suggest that a circumferential anastomotic ring of fibrin sealant forms an effective mechanical barrier preventing intraluminal tumor cells from reaching the peritoneal cavity.     

Inhibition of dopamine release in the cat caudate nucleus by nigral application of glycine

"Encéphale isolé" cats were implanted with two push-pull cannulae, one in the left caudate nucleus and the other in the ipsilateral substantia nigra. L-3,5(-3)H-Tyrosine was introduced continuously into the caudate nucleus to study the release of 3H-DA. Glycine (10(-5)M) added to the superfusing medium of the push-pull cannula inserted into the substantia nigra reduced (25%) the spontaneous release of 3H-DA. Conversely, strychnine (10(-5)M) slightly stimulated the 3H-transmitter release. The inhibiting effect of glycine (10(-5)M) on 3H-DA release was no longer seen in the presence of strychnine (10(-5) M). The results support the hypothesis of a tonic glycinergic inhibitory control of the activity of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons.     

Proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis

The majority of patients with ulcerative colitis can be managed satisfactorily throughout their lives by medical treatment, but a minority require colectomy. In severe attacks, emergency surgery is often required to save the patient's life. In chronic disease not responding well to medical treatment, elective colectomy will restore the patient to good health. Colectomy is also necessary for certain local complications, such as cancer, severe fistulas, and strictures. Prophylactic colectomy is indicated in patients with long-standing disease in whom there are factors associated with a high risk of developing cancer of the large bowel. For all these indications, it is our opinion that single-stage proctocolectomy is the operation of choice in the great majority of patients. Finally, we consider that the best results are obtained when the physician and the surgeon work together in the closest possible cooperation.     

Über die Entstehung von „Bolzengeschossen“ bei Verwendung präparierter Viehbetäubungsapparate

Zusammenfassung Einige gebräuchliche Modelle unter den Viehbetäubungsapparaten verfügen über Gummipuffer und Rückholfedern. Durch diese Bestandteile wird der vorschnellende Bolzen gebremst und in seine Ausgangsposition zurückgebracht. Wenn man den Gummipuffer und die Rückholfeder vor der Schußabgabe entfernt, kann der Bolzen abreißen und zu einem frei fliegenden Geschoß werden. In einem Suizidfall ist unter solchen Umständen ein 17 cm langes Bolzenstück durch die Stirn in die Schädelkapsel eingedrungen.     

Problems of aesthetic plastic surgery training within the National Health Service

In 1949 a National Plastic Surgery Training Program was set up in Great Britain. At that time there was a relative shortage of trained specialists in such a new field, and a vast accumulation of wartime injuries and a backlog of untreated civilian cases. This situation has changed during the past 30 years so that emphasis in training has also had to adapt to include the subspecialties of hand surgery, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, and aesthetic plastic surgery. The problems of training in aesthetic surgery and the formation of a new British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons are described.     

Activation of plasma systems and blood cells by endotoxin in rabbits

Endotoxin plays an important role in the pathogenesis of septicaemia by activation of cellular and plasmatic systems. This study was performed to investigate the effects of infusion of endotoxin in rabbits by measuring the activation of cellular and plasma systems. Endotoxin was infused at a rate of 1 mg/kg body wt for 10 min, which caused death of all rabbits within 72 h. Endotoxin induced early leukopenia and thrombopenia, increased plasma levels of-glucuronidase and leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), and decreased complement total hemolytic activity (CH₅₀) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity. These observations correlate with the cellular and plasma changes that have been documented in severely ill endotoxemic patients. Therefore, we conclude that this endotoxin model in rabbits is a valuable tool for investigation of pathophysiology and treatment of endotoxic shock.     

Bogengeführte Zahnbewegung — Dynamik,Effektivität und Nebenwirkungen

Zusammenfassung Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Studie werden die Einflüsse der Parameter Drahtdimension (Rund- oder Kantdraht), krafterzeugendes Element (elastische Kette, Zugfeder, Zugfeder am Powerhook, Zugfeder mit Aufrichtefeder), Bracket (schmal, breit) und Lage des Wderstandszentrums auf die Bewegungseffektivität und Nivellierungsverluste (Kippung, Rotation, Extrusion) bei der bogengeführten Eckzahnretraktion untersucht. Neben Messungen am Stahldraht wurden vergleichsweise auch verseilte Drähte und Nickel-Titan-Drähte einbezogen. Die Simulation der Bewegung erfolgte mit Hilfe des orthodontischen Meßund Simulationssystems (OMSS). Die für das 0,018-Inch-Slotsystem ermittelten Ergebnisse bestätigen das allgemein übliche klinische Vorgehen der Eckzahndistalisation an einem 0,016×0,022-Inch-Vierkantstahlbogen, solange man mit der bogengeführten Technik arbeitet. Empfehlenswert ist der Einsatz einer Nickel-Titan-Zugfeder. Durch ihre relativ konstante Kraft über einen großen Aktivierungsbereich ermöglicht sie eine effektivere Distalisierung als eine elastische Kette. Bei Anwendung eines Powerhook bzw. einer Aufrichtefeder lassen sich Nivellierungsverluste weitgehend vermeiden und somit eine körperliche Bewegung am ehesten garantieren. Der Distalisierungseffekt wird dabei jedoch nur unwesentlich verstärkt. Die Gefahr eines zu groß gewählten Antitipmomentes ist streng zu beachten. Einen deutlichen Einfluß auf die Bewegungseffizienz zeigt die Lage des Widerstandszentrums. Je weiter apikal das Widerstandszentrum lokalisiert ist, wie beispielsweise bei einer längeren Zahnwurzel, desto geringer erweist sich die Distalisierungseffektivität. Gute Ergebnisse in bezug auf die Effizienz der Distalisierung wurden in Verbindung mit einem verseilten Bogen ermittelt. Seine Anwendung ist jedoch wegen zu starker Nivellierungsverluste in der Führungsphase abzulehnen.

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Summary Canine retraction on a continuous arch wire was simulated using the OMSS. The influence of wire dimension, force generating element (power chain, coil spring, powerhook, uprighting spring), bracket width and the position of the center of resistance on the effectiveness of the distalization of the canine and its side effects such as extrusion, rotation and tipping were examined. Stainless steel, nickel titanium and multistranded wires were tested. Employing the 0.018-slot system, the use of an 0.016×0.022-arch wire gave the best results. Comparing the NiTi coil spring with the elastic chain, the former should be preferred, because, due to its low load deflection it generates a nearly constant force over a wide range of activation. Using powerhooks or uprighting springs, a nearly bodily movement could be achieved. On the other hand, friction may increase if the uprighting is too strong. The rate of tooth movement decreases by increasing length of tooth root represented by the position of the center of resistance. Arch guided tooth movement along multi-stranded wires shows a high effectiveness, nevertheless, these wires should not be used for canine retraction because of the above mentioned side effects.

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Herrn Professor Dr. Dr.G. P. F. Schmuth zum 65. Geburtstag.

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Diese Arbeit wurde zum Teil gefördert durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Dr 196/1).     

Tissue connections in a transplantable virus-producing sebaceous adenoma of the mouse

Summary The distribution, size, and configuration of intercellular junctions in the sebaceous tumor of mice were examined using the freeze-fracture technique. Three types of junctions were observed: desmosomes, gap, and tight junctions. Tight junctions in general consisted of short linear unbranched fibrils, and macular or complex tight junctional patterns were present only occasionally. Gap junctions ranged from small sports of 0.9×10^-3 m² to areas of approximately 0.46 m². Desmosomes were the most frequent junctional specializations, and it is concluded that they are at least partially responsible for this tumor not being metastatic. Filipin in conjunction with freeze-fracture showed filipin-sterol complexes on the plasma membrane, the nuclear envelope, and the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The intercellular junctions were devoid of these complexes indicating that these regions are low in cholesterol.