Design of a custom-made device for real-time optical measurement of differential mineral concentrations in three-dimensional scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Monitoring bone tissue engineered (TEed) constructs during their maturation is important to ensure the quality of applied protocols. Several destructive, mainly histochemical, methods are conventionally used to this aim, requiring the sacrifice of the investigated samples. This implies (i) to plan several scaffold replicates, (ii) expensive and time consuming procedures and (iii) to infer the maturity level of a given tissue construct from a cognate replica. To solve these issues, non-destructive techniques such as light spectroscopy-based methods have been reported to be useful. Here, a miniaturized and inexpensive custom-made spectrometer device is proposed to enable the non-destructive analysis of hydrogel scaffolds. Testing involved samples with a differential amount of calcium salt. When compared to a reference standard device, this custom-made spectrometer demonstrates the ability to perform measurements without requiring elaborate sample preparation and/or a complex instrumentation. This preliminary study shows the feasibility of light spectroscopy-based methods as useful for the non-destructive analysis of TEed constructs. Based on these results, this custom-made spectrometer device appears as a useful option to perform real-time/in-line analysis. Finally, this device can be considered as a component that can be easily integrated on board of recently prototyped bioreactor systems, for the monitoring of TEed constructs during their conditioning.

Myogenic commitment of human stem cells by myoblasts Co-culture: a static vs. a dynamic approach.

An in-vitro model of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) myogenic commitment by synergic effect of a differentiation media coupled with human primary skeletal myoblasts (hSkMs) co-culture was developed adopting both conventional static co-seeding and perfused culture systems. Static co-seeding provided a notable outcome in terms of gene expression with a significant increase of Desmin (141-fold) and Myosin heavy chain II (MYH2, 32-fold) at day 21, clearly detected also by semi-quantitative immunofluorescence. Under perfusion conditions, myogenic induction ability of hSkMs on hBM-MSCs was exerted by paracrine effect with an excellent gene overexpression and immunofluorescence detection of MYH2 protein; furthermore, due to the dynamic cell culture in separate wells, western blot data were acquired confirming a successful cell commitment at day 14. A significant increase of anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression, including IL-10 and IL-4 (15-fold and 11-fold, respectively) at day 14, with respect to the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12A (7-fold at day 21) and IL-1ß (1.4-fold at day 7) was also detected during dynamic culture, confirming the immunomodulatory activity of hBM-MSCs along with commitment events. The present study opens interesting perspectives on the use of dynamic culture based on perfusion as a versatile tool to study myogenic events and paracrine cross-talk compared to the simple co-seeding static culture.

Circulating biomarkers for detection of ovarian cancer and predicting cancer outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Securing a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and establishing means to predict outcomes to therapeutics remain formidable clinical challenges. Early diagnosis is particularly important since survival rates are markedly improved if tumour is detected early. METHODS: Comprehensive miRNA profiles were generated on presurgical plasma samples from 42 women with confirmed serous epithelial ovarian cancer, 36 women diagnosed with a benign neoplasm, and 23 comparably age-matched women with no known pelvic mass. RESULTS: Twenty-two miRNAs were differentially expressed between healthy controls and the ovarian cancer group (P<0.05), while a six miRNA profile subset distinguished presurgical plasma from benign and ovarian cancer patients. There were also significant differences in miRNA profiles in presurgical plasma from women diagnosed with ovarian cancer who had short overall survival when compared to women with long overall survival (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data support the utility of circulating plasma miRNAs to distinguish women with ovarian cancer from those with a benign mass and identify women likely to benefit from currently available treatment for serous epithelial ovarian cancer from those who may not.

Contemporary surgical management of borderline ovarian tumors: a survey of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review the current practice patterns regarding the surgical management of borderline ovarian tumors. METHODS: A one-page survey was mailed to the members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO), using the directory of the Society. The survey addressed the demographics of the respondent and the recommended staging procedure for presumed early-stage disease. RESULTS: Of the 660 surveys mailed, 274 (42%) were returned. Ninety-seven percent (267/274) of respondents advocate surgical staging. Of this group, 96% (257/267) perform peritoneal washings, 97% (259/267) sample the omentum, and 92% (245/267) submit random peritoneal biopsies. Eighty-eight percent (235/267) perform lymph node sampling: paraaortic biopsies by 89% (210/235) and pelvic biopsies by 97% (228/235). Of this latter group, 91% sample the external iliac chain, 82% submit hypogastric nodal tissue, and 70% remove obturator lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Diversity exists in the surgical management of borderline ovarian tumors among members of the SGO who responded to this survey. Efforts to ensure a consistent approach to the management of borderline ovarian tumors are warranted.

Isolation of a novel gene, TSP50, by a hypomethylated DNA fragment in human breast cancer.

A novel gene, testes-specific protease 50 (TSP50), was isolated from a human testes cDNA library by using a genomic DNA probe, BR50. BR50 was isolated by a modified representational difference analysis (RDA) technique due to its hypomethylated feature in a breast cancer biopsy. This altered DNA methylation status was also detected by BR50 in other breast and some ovarian cancer tissues. The TSP50 gene product is a homologue to several human proteases, which indicates that it may encode a protease-like protein. Northern analysis of 16 different types of normal human tissues suggests that TSP50 was highly and specifically expressed in human testes, which indicates that it might possess a unique biological function(s) in that organ. Methylation status analysis in normal human testes and other tissues showed a correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression. Most importantly, reverse transcription-PCR analysis of 18 paired breast cancer tissues found that in 28% of the cancer samples, the TSP50 gene was differentially expressed. The possibility that TSP50 may be an oncogene is presently under investigation.

Diagnosis and treatment of disseminated struma ovarii with malignant transformation.

Struma ovarii are specialized teratomas consisting of thyroid tissue. They may demonstrate all pathologic features seen in the thyroid gland. Malignant transformation of thyroid tissue in struma ovarii is uncommon and is rarely recurrent or metastatic. We report the diagnosis and treatment of a recurrent struma ovarii with malignant transformation, and intraperitoneal, retroperitoneal, and hepatic metastases.

Malignant myxoid sarcoma of the Bartholin gland in pregnancy.

A case of myxoid sarcoma of the Bartholin gland occurring during pregnancy is reported. This neoplasm possessed pathologic features consistent with a high-grade malignancy. The patient underwent a wide reexcision of the clinically negative operative site 8 weeks post partum, and no residual evidence of sarcoma was identified. In spite of this, a local recurrence occurred 10 months later. This was reexcised, and localized electron beam teletherapy was administered.

Pelvic control following external beam radiation for surgical stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: To determine if postoperative external pelvic radiation (EBRT), without vaginal brachytherapy, is sufficient to prevent vaginal cuff and pelvic recurrences in patients with surgical Stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma (ACA). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The records of 122 patients with surgical Stage I endometrial cancer were reviewed. There were 87 patients with ACA who received EBRT alone and are the subject of this study. Their radiation records were reviewed. All patients underwent exploration, total abdominal hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH BSO), and pelvic and paraaortic lymph node sampling. They were staged according to the FIGO 1988 surgical staging system recommendations. Postoperatively, pelvic EBRT was administered by megavoltage equipment using four fields, to a total dose of 45 to 50.4 Gy. Actuarial survival and disease free survival were calculated according to Kaplan-Meier Method. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with Stage IA Grade 1 or 2 ACA with less than one-third myometrial invasion, who did not receive EBRT, and eight patients with histology other than adenocarcinoma (i.e., serous papillary, mucinous, etc.) were not included in the study. For the remaining 87 patients who are in the study group, the median follow-up was 52 months (range: 12-82 months). The 5-year overall survival for these 87 patients was 92%, with a disease-free survival of 83%. There were no tumor recurrences in the upper vagina or in the pelvis. Two patients developed small bowel obstruction (no surgery required), and one patient developed chronic enteritis. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant external pelvic radiation, without vaginal brachytherapy, prevents pelvic and vaginal cuff recurrences in surgical Stage I endometrial ACA.

Primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of Skene's glands.

A unique case of a 50-year-old woman is reported who presented with a suburethral mass in the anterior vaginal wall. The resected tumor was an adenoid cystic carcinoma arising from Skene's glands. Tumor was not involving Bartholin's glands. In addition to the typical glands and areas with cysts containing periodic acid-Schiff positive intraluminal material, less well-differentiated areas with neoplastic cells growing in a trabecular or solid pattern were also seen. Prominent perineural invasion was noted throughout the tumor. Immunostaining revealed positive reactions for cytokeratins, carcinoembryonic antigen, and focally for S-100 protein. Ultrastructural studies showed epithelial cells with well-formed basal lamina and prominent microvilli. This case illustrates an uncommon site, the Skene's glands for adenoid cystic carcinoma in the female genitourinary tract.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of zeniplatin in humans.

Zeniplatin, a more water-soluble organoplatinum than cisplatin, was evaluated for clinical pharmacology in the context of a phase II trial in previously treated patients with ovarian carcinoma. A total of 12 patients were given zeniplatin at 120 mg/m2 by rapid intravenous infusion over 90 min, with both blood and urine being sampled. All platinum moieties were analyzed in whole blood, plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, and urine by atomic absorption, and free zeniplatin was analyzed in plasma ultrafiltrate by specific high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In a comparison of the platinum-time concentration curve, AUC (area under the curve) values indicated that approximately 90% of platinum moieties were bound to circulating plasma proteins. There was no evidence of drug accumulation after repetitive dosing. The terminal half-life (t1/2) of this drug in plasma ultrafiltrate (3.7-7.2 h.) as measured by HPLC was slightly longer than that of carboplatin, whereas total platinum moieties in plasma displayed a long t1/2 (124-154 h). Approximately 60% of platinum moieties could be recovered in the urine within 24 h. These findings suggest that zeniplatin has a pharmacokinetic profile similar to that of carboplatin.

Comparative study of laparoscopy vs. laparotomy for adnexal surgery: efficacy, safety, and cyst rupture.

Operative laparoscopy is becoming routine in gynecologic surgery. This study was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy and laparotomy for ovarian cystectomy and adnexectomy. The medical records of 32 patients who underwent operative laparoscopy for adnexal masses (group L) were reviewed and compared with those of 32 patients who underwent surgical laparotomy (group S) for similar indications. All patients sustained either an ovarian cystectomy or adnexectomy. The group were matched for age, weight, and history of previous laparotomy. Median operating time for group L was 90 min and for group S was 85 min. Blood loss was significantly less in group L (33.4 +/- 22 mL) than in group S (84.6 +/- 22.2 mL), p < 0.0001. There were two intraoperative complications in group L and one in group S. Significantly less patients in group L had postoperative fevers (16%) as compared with those in group S (69%), p < 0.0001. There was a higher incidence of cyst rupture when cystectomy was performed in patients from group L (7 of 21) as compared with patients from group S (2 of 17). No such difference in cyst rupture was noted when an adnexectomy was affected in group L (1 of 11) and group S (1 of 15). Patients in group L remained in the hospital a shorter time period, 1.5 +/- 0.8 days, than patients in group S, 4.7 +/- 0.9 days, p < 0.0001. Patients in group L required a shorter postoperative recovery time before resuming normal activities, 9.1 +/- 6.6 days, than patients in group L, 27.5 +/- 9.2 days, p < 0.0001. Similarly, patients in group L required less time to become pain free, 10.1 +/- 7.4 days, than patients in group L, 17.7 +/- 6.1 days, p < 0.0005. This study demonstrates a statistically significant decrease in postoperative morbidity and faster recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopy for adnexal surgery as compared with patients undergoing laparotomy for the same procedure. When cystectomy is performed via the laparoscope, there is a higher incidence of cyst rupture than with laparotomy.

Extragenital malignant mixed mullerian tumor.

A malignant mixed mullerian tumor, originating from the serosa of the sigmoid colon was found in an 82-year-old female. The reproductive organs were normal. There was no evidence of endometriosis. The patient's clinical course deteriorated rapidly and she succumbed to her disease despite aggressive surgery and chemotherapy. Only twelve cases with extragenital malignant mixed mullerian tumors have been described in the past. Pathogenesis is discussed and the literature is reviewed.

Comprehensive management including interstitial brachytherapy for locally advanced or recurrent gynecologic malignancies.

Radical therapy for locally advanced or recurrent gynecologic malignancies (LARGM) may include interstitial brachytherapy (IB) when intracavitary brachytherapy is impossible or inadequate and external beam teletherapy would be limited by surrounding normal tissue tolerance. Sixteen women received IB as all or part of their treatment at North Shore University Hospital for the treatment of locally advanced primary or recurrent tumors of gynecologic origin from May 1988 through September 1990. Primary sites included the vulva (3), vagina (2), cervix (7), and endometrium (4). Radiosensitizing chemotherapy was used in 8 patients. With a median follow-up of 23 months (range, 12-44 months), 11 patients (69%) have experienced continuous local control of their tumor and 4 patients (25%) have experienced severe complications. While significant risks may attend the use of IB, IB is an integral part of management for select patients with LARGM.

Use of cisplatin for elderly patients.

The ageing of the population has resulted in a greater emphasis on cancer treatment effects in elderly patients. This population has often had arbitrary dose modification of chemotherapy owing to fear of excessive side-effects. A review was undertaken to evaluate cisplatin toxicity in patients of 70 years of age or older. Thirty-four patients were evaluated. Their mean age was 72.8 years and 85.3% were women. Fourteen of 34 (41%) patients completed the planned therapy. Treatment was terminated because of disease progression (35%), renal toxicity (9%) and non-renal toxicity (15%). Our conclusion is that cisplatin can safely be administered to elderly patients. Arbitrary dose modification or elimination of cisplatin from a treatment programme on the grounds of patient age alone is not justified.

Para-aortic node sampling in small (3-cm or less) stage IB invasive cervical cancer.

Only 2 of 125 patients with FIGO stage IB invasive squamous or adenocarcinoma of the cervix 3 cm or less in diameter who underwent exploration for radical hysterectomy, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, and para-aortic node sampling had metastases to the para-aortic nodes. No patient had gross para-aortic nodal involvement, and both patients with microscopic para-aortic nodal metastases had grossly positive pelvic nodal involvement. Para-aortic node sampling in patients with small stage IB cervical cancers undergoing radical hysterectomy may be restricted to patients with suspicious pelvic or para-aortic nodes.

5-year survival of patients with periaortic nodal metastases in clinical stage IB and IIA cervical carcinoma.

From 1969 to 1981 thirty-six patients with stage IB and IIA cervical carcinoma were identified at pretherapy surgical staging laparotomy with histologically documented metastatic disease to the periaortic lymph nodes. All patients underwent a periaortic node dissection and all patients completed a course of extended-field radiotherapy in a postoperative setting. No major radio-therapeutic complications were encountered. The 5-year actuarial survival rate was 50%, with a median survival time of 29 months. The median time to recurrence was 10 months, while the median duration of survival following a recurrence was 7 months. Seventy-five percent of all recurrences occurred at distant sites. These data demonstrate that survival may be favorably influenced by employing extended-field radiotherapy in those patients with early-clinical-stage cervical cancer and periaortic nodal metastases. The subsequent development of distant metastases after such a treatment regimen emphasizes the need for adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy to enhance overall survival.

Imaging strategies for MRI of the pelvis.

Appropriate patient triage of pelvic diseases depends upon a problem-solving approach as outlined in this article. Whether MRI is chosen as an adjunct to US or CT or as the primary modality, as in the staging of malignancy, imaging strategies for pelvic MRI can be tailored to the organ of interest and to the clinical question being asked.

Surgical staging of gynecologic malignancies.

The role of surgical staging in gynecologic malignancies has not been precisely defined at this time despite the conventional employment of this modality in the initial staging of ovarian neoplasms. Major discrepancies have been documented between clinical and surgical estimates of disease extent in cervical, endometrial, and vulvar carcinomas. We recently reviewed our experience with patients who were found to have positive periaortic nodes after surgical exploration for clinical Stage IB and Stage IIA cervical cancer. Postoperative extended field radiotherapy was employed with minimum complications and the 5-year actuarial survival rate was 50% with a median survival time of 29 months. In order to justify the utilization of surgical staging for gynecologic neoplasms, it is necessary to demonstrate a survival advantage in patients where the precise extent of disease has been established and subsequent therapy tailored accordingly. In addition, it must be shown that surgical staging does not increase complications or decrease the efficacy of subsequent therapeutic interventions.