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Biomedical subjects

V Hofmann

Publications and source records attributed to V Hofmann.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Effects of leukocyte interferon (E. coli) on human bone sarcoma growth in vitro and in the nude mouse.

Effects of highly purified human leukocyte interferon (rIFN-alpha 2) on colony formation, DNA synthesis and proliferation in nude mice of tumor cells from eight bone sarcomas have been studied. rIFN-alpha 2 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation by sarcoma cells. Even at high doses (10(4) U/ml), however, [3H]thymidine uptake could not be completely blocked by rIFN-alpha 2. In a cloning assay three established sarcoma cell lines and five other sarcoma samples obtained after short-term in vitro culture were found to be sensitive to various degrees to rIFN-alpha 2, complete inhibition being seen only at 10(4) U/ml. Three sarcomas were sensitive in the nude mouse model. Scheduling experiments revealed that rIFN-alpha 2 produces a delay in tumor growth only when administered either before or shortly after tumor implantation. Therefore rIFN-alpha 2 appears to be most active when tumor size is small and growth not exponential, indicating that rIFN-alpha 2 may play a role in an adjuvant setting. Growth sarcomas strongly suppressed by rIFN-alpha 2 in the cloning assay was markedly inhibited in the nude mouse. One sarcoma which was only moderately sensitive in the cloning assay was resistant in the animal experiment, confirming the predictive value of the clonogenic assay. Although the present findings demonstrate strong antitumor activity of rIFN-alpha 2 against human bone sarcoma cells they should be interpreted with caution mainly because the high rIFN-alpha 2 levels used in the experiments cannot be maintained in patients over a prolonged period.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

[The micturition sonourogram: a new possibility for determining vesicorenal reflux in children].

Real time sonography enables sonographic imaging of vesicorenal reflux in childhood. Examination procedure is fundamentally like micturition cystourethrography and is called micturition sonourography (MSU). 117 children with radiologically diagnosed vesicorenal reflux were examined by this new method. The sonographically determined ascension of the bladder content into the renal pelvis is called "positive MSU". All vesicorenal refluxes of the third to fifth grade were also confirmed by sonography. Second-degree reflux can be confirmed in up to 95% of the cases if technique and experience are sufficiently advanced. The article discusses the technical procedure, diagnostic relevance and importance of the method.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Hairy cell leukemia: an interferon deficient disease?

rIFN-alpha 2 is an effective substance in the treatment of HCL. Although the complete eradication of hairy cells from the bone marrow is rarely possible, a dramatic improvement of profound cytopenias can be obtained in most patients, 12 out of 13 in this study. The response can be seen after a median treatment duration of about 2 months and appears to be independent of the presence of the spleen. Once a stable improvement of the peripheral blood values is achieved, one dose of rIFN-alpha 2 every other week may be sufficient to maintain the cell counts. The mechanism(s) by which IFN acts remain unclear. We speculate, that HCL is an IFN deficient syndrome because monocytes which are the major source of IFN-alpha are severely depressed in this lymphoproliferative disorder. Following this hypothesis, the IFN therapy would be comparable to the substitution of insulin in diabetic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Sonographic evaluation of drainage relations following antireflux operations in childhood].

The judgment of the passage conditions after operations on the ureter and the kidney is of great importance. The sonography as "diagnostics of choice" allows an exact, non-invasive continuous control of the passage of urine in the early postoperative phase and in the kidney dispensary. On a larger number of patients is examined, which value this method obtains in the postoperative diagnostics. With the help of a subdivision of the disturbances of the transport of urine according to sonographic criteria an exact judgment is possible and restricts the use of radiological methods to cases with pathological sonographic findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

[Diagnostic value of sonography in vesico-ureteral reflux in infancy and childhood].

The direct demonstration of reflux by filling of the urinary bladder using real time sonography is a new method avoiding radiation exposure. Since 1979 we use this technique (Miktions-Cysto-Sonographie, MCS) as routine procedure. In 117 cases with 163 radiologically diagnosed refluxes we could demonstrate, that refluxes of grad II or higher gave a positive sonogram. As a consequence it is proposed, that for children with urinary tract infections the first examinations should be the sonography of kidneys and the sonographic evaluation of reflux. In the cases of conservatively treated refluxes the check-up of the reflux is carried out only sonographically. The same is valid for the control after antireflux surgery. Thus radiological examinations are necessary only for sonographically suspicious findings. The urinary tract obstruction after antireflux operations is detected sonographically, too. In 99 cases of antireflux operations it could be shown, that the urinary flow came back to the normal state within 3 months post operation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

The role of surgery in stage IIC and III nonseminomatous testicular cancer.

30 Patients with stage IIC and III nonseminomatous testicular cancer underwent surgery for residual tumor after induction chemotherapy (postinductive surgery). There were no operative deaths and surgical morbidity was not influenced by preoperative chemotherapy. A complete surgical remission was achieved in 9 of 15 patients with mediastinal or pulmonary deposits and in 6 of 12 patients with retroperitoneal metastases. Alphafetoprotein (AFP) levels over 10(4)ng/ml at diagnosis and persistently elevated AFP values preoperatively were associated with failure of surgery to achieve complete remission (p less than .05) and to achieve long-term survival even after surgical complete remission. Fifteen of 17 patients with radical surgery remained disease-free after a median follow-up of 33 months. Six of the 13 relapsing patients had elevated AFP levels prior to definitive surgery. In one patient a contralateral testicular cancer was diagnosed 60 months after postinductive surgery. Of the 17 disease-free survivors, 12 had no tumor, 4 had mature teratoma and only one patient had mature teratoma with malignant foci in the resected surgical specimen. We conclude that AFP levels at diagnosis, elevated AFP prior to definitive surgery, achievement of complete surgical remission and histology of residual tumor are important prognostic factors determining long-term survival in residual stage IIC and III nonseminomatous testicular cancer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

The expression of human interferon alpha genes.

We have determined the levels of mRNAs for IFN-beta, IFN-gamma and various alpha-IFNs (IFN-alpha 1, -alpha 2, -alpha 4, -alpha 5, -alpha 6, -alpha 7, -alpha 8 and -alpha 14) in normal and leukaemic human blood leucocytes and several cell lines induced in different fashions. The ratio of alpha to beta IFN transcripts varied greatly, depending on the cell type. The levels of the individual IFN-alpha RNAs were very different: IFN-alpha 1, -alpha 2 and -alpha 4 RNAs constituted the major fraction of the IFN-alpha transcripts measured, while IFN-alpha 6, -alpha 7, -alpha 8 and -alpha 14 were minor components in normal, induced leucocytes. Moreover, there was a striking difference in the proportion of individual IFN-alpha mRNA species in different cell types, in particular between normal and leukaemic cells; for example all cases of myeloblastic leukaemia examined showed a high expression of IFN-alpha 14. Use of different induction protocols did not significantly affect the proportion of IFN mRNAs. Analysis of the human IFN-alpha 1 gene by reversed genetics led to the identification of a segment of 5' flanking sequence between positions 117 and 68 upstream of the cap site which is required for inducibility by virus.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1983

[The Zurich experience with preoperative high-dose methotrexate in osteosarcomas].

15 consecutive patients with osteosarcoma underwent preoperative chemotherapy with high dose methotrexate (HDMTX) containing regimens according to the T7 or T10 protocols of ROSEN, Preoperative chemotherapy was well tolerated and did not impair surgical procedures. 67% of the patients responded clinically with reduction of pain and tumor size. Histologic examination of the tumor after preoperative chemotherapy revealed extensive necrosis in 53% of patients. In a retrospective analysis, patients with extensive necrosis (group B) were compared with those with little or no necrosis (group A). Patients from group B had a longer relapse free and overall survival period than group A. In addition, patients of group A had significantly higher initial levels of alkaline phosphatase than group B. The incidence of a 2.5-fold increase of the transaminases 2-3 days after HDMTX was significantly greater in patients of group B compared to group A. In the absence of documented necrosis after chemotherapy according to the T7 or T10 protocols, further use of HDMTX is not indicated. New aspects on the treatment of osteosarcoma, derived from recent publications, are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

[Prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis of malformations and their surgical consequences--a new chapter in pediatric surgery].

The importance of antenatal diagnosis of malformations for the paediatric surgeon is highlighted on the basis of the authors' own studies. Among 34000 examinations of pregnant women we found 40 malformations (0.1%), 12 of which were surgically corrected postnatally: 6 malformations of the urinary tract, 3 intestinal atresias, 2 ovarian cysts and 1 hydrocephalus. 6 cases are described in greater detail in consideration of the special problems involved. It is stated that today practically all gross malformations can be recognised prenatally. There are three groups as follows, with their pertaining consequences: non-viable, immediate surgical correction, and postponed need for immediate intervention. The necessity of close co-operation between gynaecologist, neonatologist and paediatric surgeon is stressed, as well as the need for including the parents in the consultations. Prognosis of correctable malformations can be improved by termination of birth and immediate interdisciplinary care of the newborn.

Central Nervous System↗