Microvascular tissue transfer after the resection of soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular tissue transfer enables the oncological resection of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and the trunk by covering the resulting tissue defects that are often extensive. This study was performed to investigate the long-term survival and functional outcome of patients treated with free flaps after sarcoma resection. METHODS: A total of 78 sarcoma patients received microvascular tissue transfer in our institution between March 2003 and January 2013. In a retrospective analysis, we investigated data such as tumor characteristics as well as survival time and disease-free survival. In a prospective analysis, we assessed the functional outcome and the health-associated quality of life with the TESS and SF-36 questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: Seventy patients qualified for disease-free survival after tumor resection, 41 patients remained disease free for over 5 years. Forty-five patients reached a survival time of more than 5 years. The functional results experienced by our patients were good with a mean score of 82.6% in the TESS. The physical health-related quality was lower than in the German norm sample and patients suffering from chronical illnesses or cancer, whereas the mental health was only slightly lower than in the norm sample and higher than in the groups with chronic illnesses or cancer (SF-36). CONCLUSION: Microvascular tissue transfer enables tumor resection and limb salvage through the coverage of the resulting defects without impairing patients' prognosis. The long survival times after tumor resection emphasizes the need for good functional results as well as quality of life.

Method for generation of peptide-specific IgY antibodies directed to Staphylococcus aureus extracellular fibrinogen binding protein epitope.

The IgY antibodies offer an attractive alternative to mammalian IgGs in research, diagnosis and medicine. The isolation of immunoglobulin Y from the egg yolks is efficient and economical, causing minimal suffering to animals. Here we present the methodology for the production of IgY antibodies specific to Staphylococcus aureus fibrinogen binding protein (Efb) and its peptidyl epitope (spanning residues 127-140). The Efb is an extracellular, adhesion protein which binds both human fibrinogen and complement C3 protein thus contributing to the high infectious potential of this pathogen. The selected epitope of Efb protein is responsible for the interaction with C3. The immunochemical characterization of both anti-Efb and epitope-specific IgY antibodies revealed their similar avidity, titer, and reactivity profile, although some differences in the hen's immune response to administered antigens is discussed.