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Biomedical subjects

R A Caruso

Publications and source records attributed to R A Caruso.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Anaplastic (pleomorphic) subtype embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the cervix.

INTRODUCTION: Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the female genital tract usually occurs in the vagina during childhood. In rare cases, RMS can originate in the uterine cervix, with an incidence peak in the second decade. Recent studies have suggested that it is possible to limit surgery to local excision in stage I cases. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with an anaplastic (pleomorphic) subtype embryonal RMS of the endocervix, who was treated successfully with polypectomy followed by ifosfamide-vincristine-actinomycin combination chemotherapy and brachytherapy. The patient exhibits no evidence of recurrence and has normal menstrual function 36 months following initial diagnosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Molecular analysis of beta-thalassaemia patients in a high incidence area of southern Italy.

The prevalence of eight mutations in 84 patients with beta-thalassaemia major and in 16 subjects with thalassaemia intermedia was investigated. All of the patients were Italian, originating from Eastern Sicily (Messina area) and some Calabrian regions. Genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA molecular investigations were performed by allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridization, to identify the following beta-thalassaemia mutations: CD39 (C-T), IVS1-110 (G-A), IVS1-6 (T-C), IVS1-1 (G-A), IVS2-745 (C-G), IVS2-1 (G-A), -87 (C-G), CD6 A (-A). Our data underline that in thalassemia intermedia two mutations were statistically prevalent: IVS1-6 T-->C (P < 0.001) and CD 6-A (P < 0.05). CD 39 was statistically prevalent in beta-thalassaemia major patients (P < 0.01). The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant for all the other mutations. Five different genotypes were recorded among thalassaemia intermedia and 15 among beta-thalassaemia major patients. Twenty-five percent of the intermedia patients and 4.5% of the major patients had homozygosity for mild mutations (group I); 62.5% of the intermedia patients and 26.2% of the major patients had combinations of mild/severe mutations (group II). In addition, homozygosity or double heterozygosity for severe mutations (group III) was found in 12.5% of the intermedia patients and 69% of the major patients. Some genotypes were restricted to thalassaemia intermedia, including heterozygosity -87/IVS1-6 and IVS1-6/CD 6-A. It is essential to understand the distribution and frequency of the relevant mutations in each population where beta-thalassaemias exist. This is of particular importance for genotype-phenotype correlation and for carrier detection, genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Photodegradation of SiO2-coated CdS nanoparticles within silica gels.

A comparative study of the photodegradation of CdS nanoparticles coated with silica shells dispersed in water and embedded in two silica gels with different pore size is presented. Although encapsulation of the quantum dots in a silica shell previously was proven to provide a basically permanent protection against light-induced surface oxidation (photodegradation), this protection is not always maintained when the coated particles are incorporated within different silica gels. Degradation of the CdS occurs when the coated particles are incorporated within silica gels with an open structure, which suggests that the shells somehow crack due to tension in the gel structure. This behavior is analyzed by absorption and luminescence spectroscopies, electron microscopy, and nitrogen sorption.

Cadmium Compounds↗
PubMed2001

Ultrastructural observations on the microvasculature in advanced gastric carcinomas.

The ultrastructural features associated with vascular permeability in 9 cases of advanced gastric carcinomas were studied, and compared with that of control non-neoplastic mucosa. Tumour microvasculature showed features in common with those of control mucosa, including complete basal lamina, well-developed interendothelial junctions, fenestrations and caveolae. Some tumour blood vessels showed endothelial cell swelling accompained by luminal narrowing and perivascular fibrosis. In 2 out of 9 cases, there were endothelial attenuation with numerous fenestrations and vesiculo-vacuolar organelles. The vesiculo-vacuolar organelle is a recently described cytoplasmic structure found in the endothelial cells lining tumour microvessels and normal venules and which provides an important pathway for extravasation of circulating macromolecules. Our ultrastructural data suggest that advanced gastric carcinomas share with experimental tumour models in vivo only some morphologic features associated with hyperpermeability including fenestration, endothelial attenuation and vesiculo-vacuolar organelles. The implications of perivascular fibrosis on the delivery of immune cells to gastric carcinomas are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Mitochondrial 3243 BP mutation: a case report.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene defects may play a role in the development of maternally inherited diabetes mellitus and deafness (MIDD). Mutation in the mitochondrial gene at position 3243 was recently identified in several pedigrees of diabetes mellitus and deafness. As the mitochondria play an important role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells, we therefore searched for this mutation in a non-consanguineous family with MIDD from Southern Italy. The mitochondrial 3243 bp mutation of the tRNALEU (UUR) gene was identified in one subject with deafness and Type 1B diabetes mellitus and in his mother. The mother was affected by Type 2 diabetes mellitus, deafness and cardiomyopathy. Our study points out the variable phenotypic expression of this mitochondrial mutation. This may suggest the presence of other mitochondrial or nuclear mutations required to modulate the phenotype.

Cardiomyopathies↗
PubMed1999

Mitochondrial DNA mutation at np 3243 in a family with maternally inherited diabetes mellitus.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene defects may play a role in the development of maternally inherited diabetes mellitus and deafness (MIDD). A family from Southern Italy who showed maternal transmission of type 2 diabetes mellitus with three individuals affected is described. A 10.4 kb deletion and mutations at nucleotide positions (np) 3243, 7445 and 11778 in the mtDNA of six relatives were sought. The mitochondrial np 3243 mutation of the tRNA Leu (UUR) gene was identified in a boy affected by optic atrophy and mental retardation, as well as in his diabetic mother. No other mutations or deletions were found. Our study points out the variable phenotypic expression of the np 3243 mtDNA mutation. This may suggest the presence of other mitochondrial or nuclear mutations required to modulate the phenotype. A clinical and metabolic follow-up of all family members was necessary to understand the role of the np 3243 mutation, especially in one child affected by optic atrophy and mental retardation. Further studies will be aimed at investigating the prevalence of mutations and deletions of mtDNA in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1999

The histogenesis of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the stomach from observations in early gastric cancer.

Eighteen cases of primary mucinous early gastric cancer (EGC) were studied with regard to histogenetic implications. This type of carcinoma was found in 10.7% of 168 cases of EGC and was removed surgically. In 11 patients, mucinous tumor was mainly found in the submucosal layer of the stomach. These findings are in keeping with the hypothesis that mucinous adenocarcinoma develops during progression of an ordinary adenocarcinoma. In two cases of well-differentiated mucinous intramucosal EGC, mucinous tumor was associated with a villous adenoma, as is the case in intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. In five cases of poorly differentiated mucinous carcinoma, tumor was seen at the middle level of the mucosa, with normal foveolae in the upper mucosa and normal specialized antral and body type glands in the lower part. There were no associated areas of dysplasia or intestinal metaplasia. These histologic findings suggest that a subset of mucinous EGC develops from the proliferative zone (the neck region) of nonmetaplastic glands, as reported in diffuse carcinoma of the stomach. These results suggest a histogenetic heterogeneity in the entity of the mucinous carcinoma. Well- and poorly differentiated mucinous intramucosal EGCs show a histogenesis similar to that of gastric carcinoma of the intestinal and diffuse types, respectively.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗
PubMed1999

Small early gastric cancer with special reference to macrophage infiltration.

The authors investigate the tumor-infiltrating cells in small early gastric cancer (EGC) (<10 mm) and describe the ultrastructural features and interactions of macrophages with tumor cells and other inflammatory cells. Sections from 20 small EGCs were stained by immunohistochemical methods for CD20, UCHL1, CD4, CD8, and CD68 (electron microscopic examination was used in 6 of the 20). In all of the tumors, CD68-positive macrophages accounted for most tumor-infiltrating cells, with UCHL1-positive T lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils being the next most frequent. We found only a few CD20-positive B lymphocytes. Electron microscopic analysis revealed macrophages with many phagocytic vesicles, cellular debris, and apoptotic bodies. These morphologic data show that macrophages are actively phagocytic. The tumor cells in contact with macrophages showed no cytopathic changes. These data do not support a macrophage-mediated cancer lysis like the ones reported in some systems in vitro. Contacts among macrophages and other inflammatory cells formed a recurrent ultrastructural hallmark and suggest a communication among varying inflammatory cell types during the precocious host response to gastric neoplasia.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

Prognostic significance of standardized AgNOR analysis in early and advanced gastric carcinomas.

To assess the prognostic significance of silver-stained nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) proteins, a standardized AgNOR analysis was performed on 78 patients affected by early (EGC, n=24) or advanced (AGC, n=54) gastric carcinomas. The histopathological diagnosis, grading and staging were done according to WHO and UICC recommendations; the mean follow-up time was 56.9 months. Visualization and quantification of AgNORs were made in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections as specified in the guidelines of the Committee on AgNOR Quantification (1995). Statistical analysis was performed on the mean AgNOR area values (NORA). Highly significant differences (P<0.001) were found in NORA values between EGC and AGC, between low- and high-grade gastric carcinomas and between patients dead from gastric cancer and living patients. In addition, significant P values were found on comparison of NORA values relating to pT status, pN status and stage. Comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that patients affected by gastric carcinomas with higher NORA values (>5.213 microm2) had a worse prognosis. Finally, using Cox multiple regression analysis, the AgNOR quantity emerged as a useful independent prognostic variable to predict the final outcome of patients affected by EGC or AGC.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1997

Clinicopathological features of early gastric cancer in younger versus older patients in a high incidence area of northern Italy.

AIMS: The relationship between the clinicopathological features of early gastric cancer and age were analysed in a retrospective study of 168 patients. METHODS: 168 patients, residents of the Region of Cremona, who had undergone surgery in the period 1978 to 1990 for early gastric cancer, were divided into two groups by age and compared. Group I (n = 89) consisted of patients less than 65 years of age and Group II (n = 79) of patients between 66 and 85 years of age. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the sex ratio, tumour size, depth of tumour invasion, and 5-year survival rate. Group I patients showed more lymph node involvement (p < 0.01), cancer of the diffuse histological type (p < 0.01), and cancers located in the gastric body (p < 0.05). Conversely, Group II exhibited more cancers of the protruded (p < 0.05) and intestinal histological type (p < 0.01), and more adenomatous residue (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that early gastric cancer may present differently in different age groups; persons 65 years of age and older are more likely to have early gastric cancer of the slow-growing type than middle-aged patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Report of an intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumor: fine-needle aspiration cytologic findings, clinicopathological, and immunohistochemical features.

The authors describe a rare case of intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumor (SFT). Morphologically, the tumor showed a disorganized or "patternless" arrangement of plump to spindle cells in a collagenous stroma. Tumor cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, but not for keratin, carcinoembryonic antigen, epithelial membrane antigen, factor-VIII related antigen, S-100 protein, desmin, and actin. These immunohistochemical findings suggested fibroblastic differentiation, in keeping with the putative submesothelial origin of the tumor. The problems concerning the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) preoperative diagnosis of SFT are briefly discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Ultrastructural study of the vascular response in small early gastric cancer.

The microvasculature of the stroma of four cases of small early gastric cancer (EGC) was investigated by conventional electron microscopy. Severe damage to small and large fenestrated capillaries was observed around endothelium-adherent, partially degranulated neutrophils. The findings suggest the existence of neutrophil-mediated injury of endothelial cells during the development of inflammatory responses in small EGC. The severely injured microvessels exhibited increase in vasopermeability, microhaemorrhage, and platelet aggregates. Other microvascular changes included endothelial cell and pericyte activation as well as basal lamina replications, indicative of repeated episodes of endothelial injury, necrosis and regeneration. This new capillary growth within the old basal laminas shared morphological features with a peculiar angiogenic process described in man and animals.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

Gastric mucosal mast cells in atopic subjects.

Intragastral allergen provocation under endoscopic control (IPEC) allows direct observation of gastric mucosa reactions after contact with inhalant allergens that reach the stomach. We selected patients with proved atopy to Parietaria but without clinical and endoscopic signs of gastric disease, and we tested them with the specific inhalant allergen during IPEC, recording gastric macroscopic reaction and mucosal mast-cell changes in biopsy specimens. All atopic patients showed visible changes in gastric mucosa quantified as IPEC score. Mast-cell numbers detected in atopic patients (135.4 +/- 102.6/mm2 of stromal area) were significantly higher than in nonatopic subjects (59.8 +/- 25.4/mm2; P < 0.03) and were positively correlated to atopic IPEC score (P < 0.01). In addition, 6/12 atopics who had both higher mast-cell counts and IPEC score showed an intraepithelial distribution of gastric mast cells which displayed ultrastructural features of partial degranulation. It is likely that changes observed in our patients with allergy to Parietaria reflect a subclinical activation of mast cells in the gastric mucosa.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas. A histologic, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study.

A rare case of acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas is presented. Because of its unusual solid growth pattern, correct diagnosis required electron microscopic analysis and the demonstration of intracellular amylase by immunohistochemical stains. The presence of pleomorphic electron-dense cytoplasmic granules containing fibrillary internal structures is confirmed in this ultrastructural study. The differential diagnosis of acinar cell carcinoma from other neoplasms involving the pancreas, including neuroendocrine tumours, poorly-differentiated adenocarcinomas and neoplasms of putative acinar cell derivation, is discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Neutrophil interaction with tumour cells in small early gastric cancer: ultrastructural observations.

The authors studied the neutrophil inflammatory reaction by light and electron microscopy in 4 small early gastric cancers (three tubular adenocarcinomas and one adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell component), selected for the absence of coagulative necrosis and ulceration. Neutrophils showed ultrastructural signs of activation such as aggregation, adhesion and lipid bodies. Some neutrophils were found to be in intimate contact with the intact tumour cells and with those that displayed a varying degree of damage. In particular, relatively early damage, such as disorganization of the intermediate filaments and dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, occurred at the contact regions. In spite of the severe damage to the tumour cells, the neutrophils themselves were intact. These findings are discussed in relationship to a number of recent studies of the neutrophil-mediated tumour cell injury, in man and animals.

Adenocarcinoma↗