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M Rusca

Publications and source records attributed to M Rusca.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Expression of human CD44v6 in non-small-cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The CD44 is a membrane glycoprotein that functions as lymph node homing receptor in lymphocyte activation and is involved in homo- and heterotypic cell adhesion. In several tumor cell lines the expression of splice variants (CD44v6 and CD44v7) are correlated with the metastatic potential and confer an advantage in the early steps of the metastatic cascade. In our study we examined 35 cases of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) in order to detect the presence of CD44v6 and to compare its expression with the histologic type, degree of differentiation, stage of the tumor and survival of the patients. METHODS: CD44v6 expression in frozen tissue sections of 35 patients with NSCLC who underwent pneumonectomy or lobectomy was analyzed with the VFF-7 monoclonal antibody that detected the CD44v6 variant. The data on survival were analyzed by the actuarial method and compared by the log rank test. RESULTS: The expression of CD44v6 occurred in all the 20 cases of epidermoid carcinomas tested and in 2 out of the 3 cases of undifferentiated large cell carcinoma and was absent in all the 12 adenocarcinomas. No relationship was found between the presence of this marker and the grading or the stage of the pathology. The 3-year survival rate was 73% for CD44v6-positive and 65% for CD44v6-negative cancer and the comparison was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that in lung cancer the expression of CD44v6 is not a useful prognostic factor.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

The effect of dextran for hypothermic (10 degrees C) preservation of human fetal lung fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Low-potassium (LP) solution with Dextran (Dx) improves lung preservation. Nevertheless, the role of Dx in simple cold storage is not established yet. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between molecular weight and concentration of Dx in LP solutions and its effects on cell viability after prolonged hypothermic preservation. METHODS: Human fetal lung fibroblasts (WI-38) were preserved at 10 degrees C for 16 hrs in five solutions containing respectively Dx11, Dx17, Dx39.2, Dx71, Dx178 at 2% and at 5% concentrations and in LP solution without Dx. Cell viability was assessed by means of both the analysis of the total protein content (cytotoxicity index) and the rate of protein synthesis (index of cellular functioning). RESULTS: No differences were recorded in total protein content among the solutions tested. By contrast, the index of cellular functioning was significantly higher using LPDx178 at both concentrations. However, LPDx178 exerted a more significant cytotoxic effect than did LP alone. CONCLUSIONS: These effects were not mediated by the variation of osmolarity; two factors probably influenced this protection: the low oncotic pressure of the LPDx178 solution and an effect chemically specific due to the increased molecular weight of Dx still unknown. Nevertheless, during 10 degrees C preservation, WI-38 cells were better preserved with LP solution without Dx confirming, thus, that during simple cold storage the presence of an oncotic pressure might be harmful.

Cell Survival↗
PubMed1997

Pneumocytes type II ultrastructural modifications after storage in preservation solutions for transplantation.

Although lung transplantation represents a real therapeutic opportunity, the problem of preserving the organ for a prolonged period (> 10 h) still remains unsolved. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the behavior of different lung cell types during the ischemic period. As ultrastructural modifications of cells of lung samples stored in different means of preservation represent an index of the integrity and therefore of cellular viability, in the present work we have compared the time-related ultrastructural changes in human pneumocytes type II cells after hypothermic (10 degrees C) storage for 6 and 12 h in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and in low potassium dextran (LPD) solution. An ultrastructural grading scale was used to quantify the damage and the results confirmed what was observed microscopically. Statistical analysis (t test) of the data showed that after 6 h in LPD solution, pneumocytes type II were less damaged than those stored in UW solution; these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In our opinion, ultrastructural studies should be considered among the methods presently used to assess the effectiveness of different storage fluids.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1997

[Video-assisted major pulmonary resections (lobectomies)].

New applications of the video-assisted technique for the management of intrathoracic diseases continue to be developed, including major lung resections for cancer. The differences in the techniques proposed from various centers reflect the fact that the procedure is not accurately standardized yet and that prospective randomized trials with long-term follow-up data are needed. The authors report the results of their preliminary experience with a mini-invasive modern approach for video-assisted anatomic lobectomy: an utility muscle-sparing minithoracotomy through the auscultatory triangle. Eight patients successfully undergone this surgical procedure (7 for non-small cell lung cancer in early stage, 1 for benign disease). No mortality, nor complications (including minor morbidity: i.e. rib fractures) were recorded. Medium hospital stay time was 9.25 days (range 7-16) and chest drainage time 6 days (range 4-11). This operation proved to be technically feasible, although an accurate selection of patients and an adequate training in thoracoscopic procedures are mandatory. According to the more recent literature no significant differences are noted in operation's time, postoperative pain, chest drainage time, hospital stay compared to the standard posterolateral thoracotomy incisions. Otherwise the approach described enables to perform a truly "conservative" operation in conformity with the philosophy of the minimal invasive surgery and the patient's comfort and functional recover 2-3 weeks after surgery seems to be improved.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma. The clinico-diagnostic and therapeutic considerations and the results of a retrospective study in our experience].

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a subtype of adenocarcinoma of the lung that accounts for 3% of the total pulmonary malignancies. On the basis of literature on the topic, the following were taken into consideration, the history, the incidence, the epidemiology, the aetiopathogenesis, the clinical characteristics, the diagnostic as well as the surgical therapy of this kind of cancer. The authors reviewed our surgical experience of 23 patients treated at the Department of General, Thoracic & Vascular Surgery of the University of Parma during a 10-years period from 1985 to 1995.

Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar↗
PubMed1997

[The transmanubrial approach for tumors of the superior thoracic aperture].

A considerable difficulty in surgical management of apical chest tumors is represented by the potential involvement of the thoracic outlet anatomic structures (i.e.: vertebral body, subclavian vessels, first rib). Among the various techniques proposed, the anterior trans-cervical approach popularized by Dartevelle significantly improved the radical treatment of these tumors. This approach offers a wide access to the thoracic outlet with satisfactory control of subclavian vessels, safe dissection of brachial plexus and upper part of the mediastinum, permitting a radical treatment. However, this approach is associated invariably with aesthetic deformity, severe impairment in shoulder mobility (due to medial half clavicle sacrifice) and respiratory failure in case of chest wall resection. The authors present their experience with an alternative approach, the trans-manubrial osteomuscular sparing approach to anteriorly situated apical chest tumors recently standardized by Grunenwald and Spaggiari. From June 1996 to June 1997 5 patients were operated on through this approach: 3 non-small-cell lung cancer, 1 pseudotumor, 1 desmoid tumor of the first rib. In 2 cases the resection was extended respectively to the vertebral body (D1-2-3 hemivertebrectomy) and to the subclavian vessels. This patient died on 10-postoperative day for massive pulmonary ernbolism, whereas no other complications were recorded. This technique compared to the approach popularized by Dartavelle presents the same oncological radicality, with a better surgical exposure and with the complete sparing of osteomuscular components that allow the maintainance of shoulder girdle movements associated excellent functional and cosmetic results.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy in the diagnosis of chest tumours.

Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy (PTNB) is an accepted technique for the diagnosis of suspected intrathoracic malignancy and, although the appropriate indications have not been clearly defined yet, its use has rapidly expanded in the last years. The authors reviewed retrospectively their experience over one-year time biopsies and analyzed some controversies regarding this diagnostic procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The effect of trehalose on human lung fibroblasts stored in euro-collins and low potassium dextran solutions.

BACKGROUND: The research on lung preservation for transplantation is directed to synthesize a solution, in order to prolong the preservation period, thus avoiding the damage to lung tissues caused by ischemia. In recent years some in vivo experimental papers have been published, in which good results were obtained by adding trehalose, a non-reducing disaccharide able to stabilize the cell membrane, to the storage solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study we have evaluated the effects on human lung fibroblasts of commonly used storage solutions like Euro-Collins (EC) and Low Potassium Dextran (LPD), in which trehalose has respectively replaced glucose (T-EC) or was added (LPD-T). The cultures were incubated for 8 hours at 10 degrees C in standard and modified solutions. RESULTS: The data relative to EC compared to EC-T showed that the total protein content and the rate of protein synthesis, that is in other words cell viability, are drastically compromised. Concerning LPD-T, compared to standard LPD, a slightly decrease of the total protein content and of the rate of protein synthesis in the cells incubated in the modified solution were observed. The reasons for these unexpected data are related to the hypothesis that during the ischemic period membrane stabilization is neither the main nor the only factor responsible for the cellular damage. Moreover the role of trehalose in preservation solutions, is still not clear and should be further investigated. CONCLUSIONS: With the limits of the study of single cells in vitro, the advantages of trehalose containing solutions proved ineffective and toxic especially as for as EC-T is concerned.

Cell Survival↗
PubMed1997

[Experimental tracheal transplantation. Literature review and proposal of an original surgical technique].

The reconstruction of the trachea after wide resections remains a critical surgical problem. Our aim has been to replace trachea with a tissue easy to be vascularized, that permits a simple reconstruction, not requiring an immunosuppressive regimen. We have used a segment of cryopreserved aorta. In the first phase the thoracic aorta of 10 rabbits was excised obtaining 20 segments that were cryopreserved. Ten segments were implanted in the omentum of 10 rabbits that were sacrificed on postoperative day 7, 14 and 21. The histologic examination of the grafts showed the presence of neovascularization after 7 days with obliteration of the lumen by fibroblasts after 14 days. In the next phase the cryopreserved aorta replace an excised segment of trachea. The survived animals were sacrificed 7 and 14 days after the operation. The histologic examination showed the neovascularization of the graft and the absence of rejection.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

An effective solution for prolonged preservation of cultured human pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

Pulmonary endothelium is considered the compartment most susceptible to preservation damage. This investigation was designed to analyze the efficacy of an original, University of Parma low-potassium-albumin solution (SPAL UP) on cultured human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) and to compare its effects with those of University of Wisconsin solution (UW) and Euro-Collins solution (EC). Cryopreserved HPAEC tertiary cultures were inoculated at the density of 5000 cells/cm2 in 9-cm2 well-plates; subcultures were then incubated at 10 degrees C for 6 hr and 16 hr in 2 ml/well of SPAL UP, UW, and EC. The HPAEC viability after incubation was assessed by evaluating the total protein content and the expression of cytotoxicity, and by analyzing the rate of protein synthesis and expression of cellular functionality after stress. Results after 6 hr of preservation showed that SPAL UP had a less significant cytotoxic effect than EC, exerted a less depressing effect on cellular metabolism, and enhanced functional recovery of endothelial cells compared with UW. At the second time interval (16 hr), SPAL UP provided a less cytotoxic effect than UW; besides, SPAL UP-induced cytotoxicity was similar to that of warm control. In conclusion, in vitro preliminary data regarding the use of SPAL UP in HPAEC preservation suggest its suitability as solution for prolonged lung protection.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1996

Leiomyosarcoma of the superior vena cava.

Leiomyosarcoma of the superior vena cava is exceptional. A case in a 52-year-old man is described. A treatment by means of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, operation, and adjuvant radiotherapy was performed. This aggressive treatment has permitted the patient to obtain a relatively long survival with a good quality of life.

Chemotherapy, Adjuvant↗