Measurements of complement factor H-related protein (BTA-TRAK assay) and nuclear matrix protein (NMP22 assay)--useful diagnostic tools in the diagnosis of urinary bladder cancer?

Between 1997 and 2000 we investigated in a prospective study the voided urine samples of all consecutive patients undergoing cystoscopy independent from their clinical background (n = 705) with the BTA-TRAK assay (Bard Diagnostics, Redmont, USA) detecting a complement factor H-related protein (CFHrP) and the NMP22 assay (Matritech, Newton, USA) measuring a nuclear matrix protein, which is supposed to be specific for bladder cancer. The individuals were divided into three groups concerning the clinical background: 233 patients had urological diseases, 268 patients had urinary bladder cancer and 150 patients had other urological malignancies. Based on the clinical findings we compared our results with well established diagnostic methods for urinary bladder cancer such as cytology and the detection of hematuria.

Effect of mild to moderate myopic correction by laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis on intraocular pressure measurements with goldmann applanation tonometer, tono-pen, and pneumatonometer.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of mild to moderate myopic correction by laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements with three tonometers: the Goldmann applanation tonometer, Tono-Pen, and pneumatonometer.

Patients And Methods: In a prospective study of a clinic-based population undergoing elective LASIK surgery for myopia correction, IOP measurements were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively with a Goldmann applanation tonometer, Tono-Pen, and pneumatonometer. Central corneal thickness and keratometric and astigmatism measurements were also obtained before and after surgery.

Association of laryngopharyngeal symptoms with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Objectives: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with laryngopharyngeal disorders is probably greater than realized.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Methods: To investigate the incidence of gastroenterological diseases including GERD in patients complaining of nonspecific laryngopharyngeal symptoms, laryngological examinations and gastroenterological evaluation with esophagogastroduodenoscopy were performed in 30 patients who refused to undergo 24-hour pH monitoring.

[Respiratory manifestations of reflux disease. Gastric acidity--poison for larynx, teeth and respiratory tract].

Gastroesophageal reflux is now a generally accepted risk factor for the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Less well known is the relationship of reflux disease (GERD) and respiratory disorders. Among the extra-esophageal manifestations of reflux disease is reflux laryngitis, which affects up to 78 patients with chronic hoarseness, Reinke's edema, laryngeal stricture, postnasal drip, asthma and non-cardiac chest pain.

Differential regulation of Cbfa1/Runx2 and osteocalcin gene expression by vitamin-D3, dexamethasone, and local growth factors in primary human osteoblasts.

Core binding factor alpha 1 (Cbfa1) is an osteoblast-specific transcription factor essential to develop a mature osteoblast phenotype. However, its exact role in the signaling of various osteotropic-differentiating agents is still unclear. In this study, we assessed the effects of 1,25-(OH)(2)-D3 (D3), ascorbic acid, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), dexamethasone (Dex), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on Cbfa1 and osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA steady state levels (by semiquantitative RT-PCR) in an in vitro model of osteoblast differentiation.

Successful management of retinal tear post-laser in situ keratomileusis retreatment.

Purpose: To report a successful case management of a retinal tear post-Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and retreatment.

Results: A patient with the history of ocular trauma underwent LASIK procedure for myopic astigmatism. Three months post-LASIK, she received additional excimer laser treatment for a symptomatic persistent central island.

[Follow-up assessment of intratympanic gentamicin therapy and Saccotomia in Menière's Disease].

Background: The intratympanic application of ototoxic antibiotics and saccotomia have been well documented in severe cases of one-sided Menière's disease for 30 years now. Both treatment methods are still subject to controversial discussion.

Patients And Material: This study includes 8 patients suffering from persistent one-sided Menière's disease after treatment with gentamicin application and additional saccotomia (n=2).

Prolonged culture of HOS 58 human osteosarcoma cells with 1,25-(OH)2-D3, TGF-beta, and dexamethasone reveals physiological regulation of alkaline phosphatase, dissociated osteocalcin gene expression, and protein synthesis and lack of mineralization.

Cultured rodent osteoblastic cells reiterate the phenotypic differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts seen in vivo. As previously shown, the human osteosarcoma cell line HOS 58 represents a differentiated stage of osteoblast development. The potential of HOS 58 for still further in vitro differentiation suggests the line can serve as a model of osteoblast maturation.

[Manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux in the otorhinolaryngology tract].

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with a wide spectrum of otolaryngologic disorders and extraesophageal complications of the upper aerodigestive tract. Previous studies of patients diagnosed with GERD have reported symptoms such as asthma, chronic cough, pneumonia, laryngitis, but also other oral, rhinopharyngeal and laryngeal disorders, e.g.

Lightdosimetric quantitative analysis of the human petrous bone: experimental study for laser irradiation of the cochlea.

Background And Objective: Application of laser irradiation targeting the inner ear has to be investigated for therapeutic effectiveness in cochlear injury and dysfunction. In vitro data demonstrate low-level laser-induced photochemical and photobiologic cell response, depending on cell type and irradiation parameters such as light dose. The aim of the presented study was to determine the light dose received by the cochlear hair cells by using different irradiation modalities for the human petrous bone.

[Fluorescence cytology of the urinary bladder].

5-aminolevulinic acid induced fluorescence cystoscopy is invaluable for diagnosing urinary bladder carcinoma and its precursors. Because neoplastic cells of the urinary bladder possess striking fluorescent properties due to protoporphyrin IX, we initiated a study to evaluate the use of fluorescence microscopy in urinary sediments. In 27 patients suspected of having bladder carcinomas, we instilled 5-aminolevulinic acid into their urinary bladders before transurethral therapy and compared thereafter our studies of standard cytological sediments with those made under fluorescence microscopy.

Diode laser treatment of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates.

Unlabelled: Background and Objective Different laser types have been used for the treatment of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates. The clinical experiences of its treatment by means of a diode laser are presented. Study Design/Materials and Methods A total of 76 patients suffering from nasal obstruction due to hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates were treated with a continuous diode laser (wavelength of lambda = 940 nm, laser parameter 10 W/energy/turbinate 5 kJ) in "noncontact" mode and under local anesthesia.

BTA-TRAK--a useful diagnostic tool in urinary bladder cancer?

During recent years the BTA-TRAK-assay (Bard Diagnostics, Redmont, USA) has been described in several investigations to be of clinical utility for patients suffering from bladder cancer. In a prospective study we investigated over four months the voided urine samples of all consecutive patients undergoing cystoscopy independent of their clinical background (n = 244) with the BTA-TRAK-assay. With a specificity of 95% for benign urological diseases (cut off: 1300 U/mL) we found a sensitivity of 13% for active bladder tumours.

Basic fibroblast growth factor in serum and urine of patients with head and neck cancer.

Between 1996 and 1997 serum and urine levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) in patients with head and neck cancer were measured to answer the following questions: i) Are increased levels of b-FGF in serum and urine detectable in patients with malignant head and neck tumors? ii) Do these parameters correlate with tumor stage and differentiation of tumors? iii) Is there an association between growth behaviour (local or metastatic growth) and b-FGF levels in serum and/or urine? Eighty-nine patients with head and neck cancer as well as 45 patients with diseases unrelated to cancer were investigated. Detectable levels of b-FGF were found in the serum and urine of patients with malignant head and neck tumors. In addition, there was a significant correlation between tumor size and b-FGF levels in either serum or urine.

[Fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) in serum and urine of patients with head-neck malignancies].

Background: The angiogenic peptide basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) has been suggested to significantly promote angiogenesis; a central event for the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. Elevated levels of b-FGF in the serum and urine of patients with various types of cancer have been reported. No information exists about b-FGF levels in patients with primary head and neck cancer.

Ocular effects and detection in tears of aerosolized intranasal cocaine and fluorescein.

Ocular effects of intranasal cocaine were investigated. Twenty-nine outpatients from an otolaryngology clinic received 1 mL of aerosolized cocaine 4% (40mg) in each nostril. Intraocular pressure, corneal sensitivity, pupil size, and tear cocaine concentration were assessed before and after cocaine administration.

Comparison of hand-held, suction, and automated trephines on experimental corneal wound size.

Three trephines were tested to determine their uniformity in creating a circular opening during penetrating keratoplasty. Twenty-one globes (seven per instrument) were trephined with a hand-held, suction or automated trephine. The mean astigmatism was greatest with the hand-held device (mean 0.

Descemetocele formation in a patient with a postoperative corneal dellen.

Dellen formation generally follows localized evaporation and dehydration of the cornea. The condition follows a disruption in the ocular tear film and usually can be managed conservatively with lubricants. We recently treated a patient with a postoperative dellen that progressed to a descemetocele and required a patch graft to prevent perforation.

An algebraic model for blood concentrations.

The exchange of substances between organs and the blood vessels analyzed and represented in input-output form. The concentration in the blood of the substances is represented by algebraic means and shown to be representable by scators. A holistic representation although not given is anticipated.

Production of a comprehensive research directory from multiple secondary sources.

Printed, automated, and manually maintained sources of information about cancer research and control activities were identified. Data were consolidated into an automated file to characterize the organizations active in such work and to identify individual projects and scientists. A computer-formatted directory was produced, with access via geographic location, personal name, organizational name, and keyword.