Cartilaginous Components Research Articles

9133 Analysis of treatment effects of erlotinib in non small cell lung cancer patients

The aim of the present study was to investigate morphometric growth patterns of the cartilaginous components and vocal cords in human fetal larynx.This study was performed in the Anatomy Department of Meram Medicine Faculty in 2007. The fetuses were obtained from the Gynaecology Department of the Meram Medicine Faculty of Selcuk University, and Dr. Faruk Sükan Maternity Hospital (Konya, Turkey). Forty spontaneously aborted fetuses (25 males and 15 females) without detectable malformations were evaluated. The dimensions of the larynx and its cartilaginous components were measured and the relationship between the obtained data was statistically assessed with Student's t-test.Correlations were found between the cartilaginous components, size of the larynx, and gestational age. No gender differences were identified. The anatomical variations in the epiglottis cartilage dimensions and types were found in 15% of cases. The foramen thyroideum was observed in 12.5% of cases.The data of this study may contribute to the knowledge of the fetal larynx regarding laryngomalacia.

Application of polyethyleneimine‐modified scaffolds to the regeneration of cartilaginous tissue

In this study, we analyzed the physicochemical and biophysical properties of three-dimensional scaffolds modified using polyethyleneimine (PEI) and applied these scaffolds to the cultivation of bovine knee chondrocytes (BKCs). PEI was crosslinked in the bulk or on the surface of the ternary scaffolds comprising polyethylene oxide, chitin and chitosan. The results revealed that when the concentration of PEI was less than 300 microg/mL, the cytotoxicity of a scaffold was on the same order in the two method of modification. An increase in the concentration of PEI favored the adhesion of BKCs. When the amount of PEI in scaffolds is fixed, the surface-modified scaffolds exhibited a higher adhesion efficiency of BKCs than the bulk-modified scaffolds. For the regeneration of cartilaginous components, a higher amount of PEI in a scaffold yielded larger amounts of proliferated BKCs, secreted glycosaminoglycans, and produced collagen. In addition, the formation of neocartilage in the surface-modified scaffolds was more effective than that in the bulk-modified scaffolds. These tissue-engineered scaffolds, modified by an appropriate concentration of PEI, can be potentially applied to cartilage repair in clinical trials.

Differential expression of tenascin-C in the developing human lung: an immunohistochemical study

Much of the specification for the basic embryonic body plan is the result of a hierarchy of developmental decisions at different developmental times. The extracellular matrix (ECM) appears to be a very dynamic structure during embryogenesis. One of the mesenchymal ECM proteins, tenascin, is reported to be transiently expressed during embryonic tissue development, and is absent or much reduced in most fully developed organs. The respiratory system is an outgrowth of the ventral wall of the foregut, and the epithelium of the larynx, trachea, bronchi and alveoli is of endodermal origin. The cartilaginous and muscular components are of mesodermal origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of tenascin-C (TNC) in the developing human lung, during the pseudoglandular, canalicular and saccular stage of lung maturation. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from the lungs of 30 embryos (10 corresponding to the 10th to the 16th gestational week (pseudoglandular stage), 10 to the 17th to the 23rd gestational week (canalicular stage), and 10 to the 24th to the 27th gestational week (saccular stage), were investigated by conventional histology and immunohistology for the expression levels of TNC. The changes observed in the distribution patterns suggest that during embryogenesis, the rate of tenascin synthesis changes significantly. During the pseudoglandular stage, the density of cells expressing TNC was higher in the condensing mesenchyme surrounding the epithelial glands than in the epithelial cells, whereas the inverse result was observed during the canalicular stage. During the saccular stage the pattern of immunoreactivity with TNC was lower than those of the pseudoglandular and canalicular stage, either in epithelial or mesenchymal cells, but it was highly expressed in the basement membranes. This restricted spatiotemporal distribution suggests that tenascin has a key role (1) in mesenchymal tissue remodeling during the pseudoglandular stage, a period that describes the development of the complete bronchial tree and (2) on the epithelial cell shape and function during the canalicular stage, a period that describes the formation of pneumocytes type I and pneumocytes type II. The later, will produce the surfactant, a phospholipid-rich fluid capable of lowering surface tension at the air-alveolar interface. During the saccular stage, tenascin was present mainly in the basement membranes surrounding the acinar and vascular structures, indicating a supporting and mechanical role.

Could we prevent unilateral cleft lip/palate in the future?

Surveillance studies have shown that cleft lip and palate is one of the commonest craniofacial anomalies, occurring in approximately 1 in 500 live births. Previous studies on craniofacial form in unilateral cleft lip/palate subjects have been carried out, but most attention has been focused on the deformity of the bony septum whereas the deformities of the nasal spine and cartilaginous component of the septum had received little attention. Our recent study was based on monitoring a very specific type of nasal septal deformity, type 6, and its relation to the unilateral cleft lip/palate disease. This type is very anteriorly located and refers to the cartilaginous part of the nasal septum and the inter-maxillary bone itself. Rhinoscopic view shows a typical, almost horizontal, unilateral groove at the nasal septum located very anteriorly. At the opposite septal side, but corresponding location, there is so called basal crest. The results of our study showed that the incidence of type 6 septal deformity was very high not only in unilateral cleft lip/palate children (80.6%) but also in their parents (58% in at least one of them). In contrast, in our previous study this type of septal deformity was seen in only 3.7% of non-unilateral cleft lip/palate children before puberty, rising to 7.4% in students and 9.4% in adults. In other words, perhaps we can expect the onset of unilateral cleft lip/palate in the offspring of parents who both have a type 6 septal deformity. Perhaps there is a gene responsible for the onset of both type 6 septal deformity and the cleft. If these clinical entities belong to the same gene, the cleft per se could perhaps disappear from the Earth in a near future owing to the gene therapy which will be able to eliminate it before the baby is born or even conceived.

이개에 발생한 연골양 한관종 1예

Chondroid syringoma is a benign neoplasm with subcutaneous nodule appearance, which occurs frequently in the head and neck. Histologically, it is a mixed tumor originated from sweat gland and it contains epithelial, cartilaginous and mucoid components. These mixed tumors may seem like a pleomorphic adenoma but if the tumor is originated from sweat gland, we distinguish it as chondroid syringoma. The treatment of choice is complete local excision including capsule. We experienced a chondroid syringoma occured in auricle and report with a review of the literature. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2009;20:64-66)

Diagnosis and management of nasal fractures

The nasal bony–cartilaginous framework provides support to the nose and maintains airway patency. The cartilaginous and bony components are both susceptible to fracture. Nasal fractures are one of the most common facial injuries, occurring across a broad spectrum of age groups. Inadequate acute injury treatment can lead to persistent airway obstruction and nasal deformities that are subsequently more difficult to correct. Herein we discuss common presentations of nasal fractures, classifications, and options for treatment.

Cartilage Regeneration by Novel Polyethylene Oxide/Chitin/Chitosan Scaffolds

This study presents the application of novel PEO/chitin/chitosan scaffolds for the cultivation of bovine knee chondrocytes (BKCs). The results reveled that the composition strongly affected physicochemical characteristics of the ternary scaffolds. Based on the contours of porosity, the percentage of void space in these scaffolds was estimated to be higher than 90%. In regard to mechanical strength, the composition of 50% chitin and 50% chitosan in the scaffold led to the maximum of Young's modulus. Moreover, large extensibility of the scaffolds occurred at the following range of the composition: PEO > 37.5%, chitin < 25%, and chitosan <62.5%. After cultivation of BKCs over 4 weeks, the percentage of biodegradation was normally between 30 and 60%. The formation of neocartilage was assessed by the amounts of BKCs, glycosaminoglycans and collagens in the cultured BKC-polymer constructs. Better chondrogenesis was obtained at the following range of the composition: 25% < PEO < 40%, 12.5% < chitin < 37.5%, and 30% < chitosan < 50%. Thus, the regeneration of cartilaginous components could be manipulated simply by controlling the composition of PEO, chitin, and chitosan in the hybrid scaffolds.

A novel osteochondral scaffold of ceramic–gelatin assembly for articular cartilage repair

A novel ceramic–gelatin assembly (CGA) has been designed as an osteochondral scaffold for articular cartilage repair. The CGA scaffold consists of four layers, that is, a porous ceramic layer as osseous component and also as anchor, a dense ceramic layer to prevent blood vessel penetration and also to stand shear stress, a porous ceramic layer for fixation of bone to cartilage, i.e. for joining the ceramic part to the porous gelatin layer, the latter being used as cartilaginous component. The joining was done by the infiltration of gelatin solution into the porous ceramic layer, gelling and crosslinking. This CGA scaffold can offer solutions to the so-far not satisfactorily resolved issues of the osteochondral scaffold, i.e. anchoring, blood vessel penetration, shear stress distribution during articular joint motion, and enough strength to join the cartilaginous component to the osseous component to prevent delamination. This novel scaffold was tested by in vitro cell culture with Wistar rat's joint chondrocytes. DNA assay, GAGs assay, RT-PCR, and histological evaluations with hematoxylin–eosin and Safranin-O staining were carried out to show that cartilage tissue can be developed in four weeks.

The morphometric development of the fetal larynx during the fetal period

The aim of the present study was to investigate morphometric growth patterns of the cartilaginous components and vocal cords in human fetal larynx. This study was performed in the Anatomy Department of Meram Medicine Faculty in 2007. The fetuses were obtained from the Gynaecology Department of the Meram Medicine Faculty of Selcuk University, and Dr. Faruk Sükan Maternity Hospital (Konya, Turkey). Forty spontaneously aborted fetuses (25 males and 15 females) without detectable malformations were evaluated. The dimensions of the larynx and its cartilaginous components were measured and the relationship between the obtained data was statistically assessed with Student's t-test. Correlations were found between the cartilaginous components, size of the larynx, and gestational age. No gender differences were identified. The anatomical variations in the epiglottis cartilage dimensions and types were found in 15% of cases. The foramen thyroideum was observed in 12.5% of cases. The data of this study may contribute to the knowledge of the fetal larynx regarding laryngomalacia.

Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma Arising in a Recurrent Glioblastoma

Gliosarcoma is a rare, highly malignant, primary glial neoplasm accounting for less than 2% of glioblastomas. Gliosarcomas are thought to arise de novo, occasionally undergoing metaplastic transformation. The metaplastic elements, usually in the form of cartilage and bone, are typically well‐differentiated with only exceptional malignant examples. We report one such case in a 45‐year‐old man who initially presented with dysphasia. A left temporal mass was discovered by head CT and a subtotal resection was performed. Pathologic examination revealed a glioblastoma. The patient received shaped external beam radiation, was placed on chemotherapy, and followed with serial MRIs. At 3 months abnormal enhancement adjacent to the resection cavity led to stereotactic radiotherapy. At 15 months there was increased enhancement in the wall of the resection cavity, though no mass lesions were seen. At 18 months a heterogeneously enhancing mass was seen in the left temporal region measuring 4.2 cm, which grew to 6.6 cm in just over 2 weeks. The patient underwent a second resection. The tumor was composed of three components: a classic glioblastoma, a sarcomatous component resembling a fibrosarcoma or malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and a malignant cartilaginous and osteosarcomatous component reminiscent of a chondroblastic osteosarcoma. This case illustrates an exceedingly rare occurrence of malignant cartilaginous and osseous elements in glioblastoma/gliosarcoma. It is unique in that the sarcomatous elements were only represented in the recurrence, which occurred over a relatively short period of time (18 months).

Multifocal fibrous Dysplasia with enchondroma-like areas (Fibrocartilaginous Dysplasia)

Fibrocartilaginous dysplasia is a variant of fibrous dysplasia showing extensive cartilaginous differentiation (enchondroma-like areas). The amount of cartilage varies from case to case. This has been reported more commonly in polyostotic disease. We present a 19 year old boy who presented with multifocal osteolytic lesions involving right femoral neck and lower end of left fibula. Curettage of the lesions showed translucent cartilaginous fragments. Microscopy revealed a cartilaginous (70%) and fibro-osseous (30%) component; the former showed focally increased cellularity while the latter showed features of fibrous dysplasia

Multifocal fibrous Dysplasia with enchondroma-like areas: Fibrocartilaginous Dysplasia

Fibrocartilaginous dysplasia is a variant of fibrous dysplasia showing extensive cartilaginous differentiation (enchondroma-like areas). The amount of cartilage varies from case to case. This has been reported more commonly in polyostotic disease. We present a 19 year old boy who presented with multifocal osteolytic lesions involving right femoral neck and lower end of left fibula. Curettage of the lesions showed translucent cartilaginous fragments. Microscopy revealed a cartilaginous (70%) and fibro-osseous (30%) component; the former showed focally increased cellularity while the latter showed features of fibrous dysplasia

Chordoma: The Nonsarcoma Primary Bone Tumor

Chordomas are rare, slowly growing, locally aggressive neoplasms of bone that arise from embryonic remnants of the notochord. These tumors typically occur in the axial skeleton and have a proclivity for the spheno-occipital region of the skull base and sacral regions. In adults, 50% of chordomas involve the sacrococcygeal region, 35% occur at the base of the skull near the spheno-occipital area, and 15% are found in the vertebral column. Craniocervical chordomas most often involve the dorsum sella, clivus, and nasopharynx. Chordomas are divided into conventional, chondroid, and dedifferentiated types. Conventional chordomas are the most common. They are characterized by the absence of cartilaginous or additional mesenchymal components. Chondroid chordomas contain both chordomatous and chondromatous features, and have a predilection for the spheno-occipital region of the skull base. This variant accounts for 5%-15% of all chordomas and up to 33% of cranial chordomas. Dedifferentiation or sarcomatous transformation occurs in 2%-8% of chordomas. This can develop at the onset of the disease or later. Aggressive initial therapy improves overall outcome. Patients who relapse locally have a poor prognosis but both radiation and surgery can be used as salvage therapy. Subtotal resection can result in a stable or improved status in as many as 50% of patients who relapse after primary therapy. Radiation therapy may also salvage some patients with local recurrence. One series reported a 2-year actuarial local control rate of 33% for patients treated with proton beam irradiation.

Alginate Microbeads as Cell Support for Cartilage Tissue Engineering: Bioreactor Studies

Alginate was shown to be a suitable support for entrapment and cultivation of chondrocytes and bone marrow stromal cells, which under appropriate in vitro conditions synthesized cartilaginous components. The main limitation in these cultures may be low rates of mass transport through the alginate matrix governed by diffusion. In this study, we have designed and utilized a bioreactor system based on a packed bed of alginate beads with immobilized chondrogenic cells. Continuous medium perfusion provided convective mass transport through the packed bed, while small diameters of beads (2.5 mm and down to 500 μm) ensured short diffusion distances to the immobilized cells. During up to 5 weeks of cultivation, the cells synthesized extracellular matrix components merging beads together and indicating potentials of this system for precise regulation of the cellular microenvironment in cartilage tissue engineering.

Trace metal concentrations are higher in cartilage than in bones of scaup and pochard wintering in Poland

Bones and cartilage of two species of diving ducks: the scaup Aythya marila ( n = 24) and the pochard A. ferina ( n = 24) were studied. Scaup is protected in Poland where it spends only the winter, while pochard is a game bird, abundant and breeding in Poland. In winter, the two species form large flocks off the southern coast of the Baltic, particularly in the Szczecin Lagoon where they were collected for this study. The bones and cartilage (trachea) were assayed for concentrations (dry weight-based) of three essential metals: iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn); concentrations of the two toxic metals: lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were assayed as well. These hard tissues of the two species showed the following order of metal concentrations Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu > Cd. In scaup and pochard bones, the respective geometric mean concentrations of Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu, and Cd were 94.4 and 102.0; 20.2 and 24.7; 6.2 and 9.6; 0.19 and 0.26; 0.114 and 0.162 mg/kg. The levels of all the metals in cartilage (Zn 149.1 and 165.8; Fe 58.4 and 116.3; Pb 10.6 and 14.9; Cu 1.41 and 3.31; Cd 0.144 and 0.175 mg/kg, respectively) were higher than in the bones of A. marila and A. ferina. However, statistically significant differences were found in respect to the essential metals only (Zn, Fe, Cu). The inter-species comparisons showed the two species to differ in their cartilage concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Cd and in their bone concentrations of Pb and Cd. In each case, the pochard exhibited higher concentrations of metals. This study showed distinct differences between trace element accumulation by two heavily mineralised avian body parts: leg bones (tarsometatarsus) and cartilage (trachea). The results are in agreement with data reported by other workers who analysed trace metals in cartilaginous and bone components of the femoral head in homoiotherm vertebrates, including humans. Therefore it is important that intra- and inter-species comparisons of hard biological components be based on corresponding body parts, and that relevant biochemical and ecotoxicological research be pursued.

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma: our clinico-pathological experience and dilemmas in 25 cases

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma represents a special form of the chondrosarcoma characterized by the presence of well-differentiated cartilaginous component in juxtaposition with the malignant mesenchymal tumor of high-malignancy grade. The study was performed on 25 tissue samples obtained by biopsy of the primary malignant bone tumors. Out of the total of 25 patients, 13 were males and 12 were females. Their average age was 59.9 years (39-75). Radiological examination verified the presence of the pathological fractures in 14 patients. The skeletal distribution clearly indicates that the femur is the most frequent site of affection (in 15 patients--60%). Morphological analysis verified the presence of "precursor cartilaginous lesion" or low-grade cartilaginous component in all cases. Classification of the high-grade components was based on the immunohistochemical analyses, which evidenced MFH in 18 cases, osteosarcoma in 4, while fibrosarcoma was evidenced in 2 and rhabdomyosarcoma in 1 case. In 20 patients, out of whom 14 had existing fractures, amputation was indicated. In five patients (fracture-free), resection limb-salvage surgical intervention was performed. The lethal outcome ensues within less than 2 years in all patients.

An alternative Alcian Blue dye variant for the evaluation of fetal cartilage

The most comprehensive evaluation of vertebrate skeletal development involves the use of Alizarin Red S dye to stain ossified bone and various other dyes to stain cartilage. The dye used most widely to stain fetal cartilage in rodents and rabbits is Alcian Blue 8GX. However, the global supply of this specific dye has been exhausted. Several forms of the dye marketed as Alcian Blue 8GX are now available, although they are not synthesized via the original 8GX manufacturing process. One new Alcian Blue 8GX form and two Alcian Blue dye variants were evaluated in rats and rabbits using standard staining procedures. The staining quality of these dyes were evaluated relative to the original form of Alcian Blue 8GX based on cartilage uptake of the dye, clarity of the cartilaginous components, staining intensity of the dye, and overall readability of the specimens under stereomicroscopic evaluation. Staining with the newer form of Alcian Blue 8GX resulted in poor staining quality. The Alcian Blue-Pyridine variant performed well, although staining intensity was less than optimal. The Alcian Blue-Tetrakis variant provided staining characteristics that were most similar to the original form of Alcian Blue 8GX. Alcian Blue-Tetrakis was markedly better in its ability to stain fetal cartilage than the newer form of Alcian Blue 8GX.

Atlantoaxial Subluxation Mimicking Neck Mass

The aim of the present study was to investigate morphometric growth patterns of the cartilaginous components and vocal cords in human fetal larynx.This study was performed in the Anatomy Department of Meram Medicine Faculty in 2007. The fetuses were obtained from the Gynaecology Department of the Meram Medicine Faculty of Selcuk University, and Dr. Faruk Sükan Maternity Hospital (Konya, Turkey). Forty spontaneously aborted fetuses (25 males and 15 females) without detectable malformations were evaluated. The dimensions of the larynx and its cartilaginous components were measured and the relationship between the obtained data was statistically assessed with Student's t-test.Correlations were found between the cartilaginous components, size of the larynx, and gestational age. No gender differences were identified. The anatomical variations in the epiglottis cartilage dimensions and types were found in 15% of cases. The foramen thyroideum was observed in 12.5% of cases.The data of this study may contribute to the knowledge of the fetal larynx regarding laryngomalacia.

Hydatid cyst of the submandibular salivary gland in a child: a case report

The aim of the present study was to investigate morphometric growth patterns of the cartilaginous components and vocal cords in human fetal larynx.This study was performed in the Anatomy Department of Meram Medicine Faculty in 2007. The fetuses were obtained from the Gynaecology Department of the Meram Medicine Faculty of Selcuk University, and Dr. Faruk Sükan Maternity Hospital (Konya, Turkey). Forty spontaneously aborted fetuses (25 males and 15 females) without detectable malformations were evaluated. The dimensions of the larynx and its cartilaginous components were measured and the relationship between the obtained data was statistically assessed with Student's t-test.Correlations were found between the cartilaginous components, size of the larynx, and gestational age. No gender differences were identified. The anatomical variations in the epiglottis cartilage dimensions and types were found in 15% of cases. The foramen thyroideum was observed in 12.5% of cases.The data of this study may contribute to the knowledge of the fetal larynx regarding laryngomalacia.

Anatomical variation of the nasal septum: Analysis of 57 cadaver specimens

The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomical variation of the osseous and cartilaginous components of the nasal septum. Fifty-seven cadaver specimens were digitally scanned and analyzed utilizing Bersoft Image software. Anatomical data were statistically analyzed utilizing SPSS 13.0. Evaluation of the area of the osseous/cartilaginous nasal septum as well as an estimation of the available cartilage for grafting was performed. Septal specimens revealed males had greater variation in cartilaginous area compared to female specimens. The intranasal/extranasal cartilage contributes about 45%/55% of the total cartilage, respectively. The data indicate that the mean area of cartilage available for grafting is around 420 mm(2). Significant variability in the cartilaginous elements of the nose is the rule rather than the exception. Key differences exist in the anatomic location of the graft material between males and females. This has important surgical implications given the critical attention required during graft harvesting in order to maintain support of the nose.