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Biomedical subjects

A Giannini

Publications and source records attributed to A Giannini.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Langerhans cells related to prognosis in patients with laryngeal carcinoma.

Intratumoral and peritumoral infiltration of T-zone histiocytes, mainly of mature Langerhans cells, was investigated in 88 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx by immunohistochemical methods using polyclonal antibodies against S100 protein and lysozyme. Granulocytic and lymphoid inflammatory infiltration and its relationship to the presence of Langerhans cells were also evaluated. Langerhans cells were present within the cancer tissues and showed a relationship with lymphoid infiltrate. No significant correlation was present among the density of Langerhans cells and the site of neoplastic growth (supraglottic or subglottic), granulocytic inflammatory infiltration, histological tumor grade, or clinical stage. Patients with high or intermediate density of Langerhans cells survived longer than those with low density (mean survival, 61%, 62%, and 0%, respectively). The number of Langerhans cells was relevant in patients with evident infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells, according to their ability to present antigens to sensitized T cells. Our results indicate that the presence of high or intermediate density of Langerhans cells and of marked lymphoid inflammation may be considered favorable prognostic factors for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

Adult↗

Prognostic significance of accessory cells and lymphocytes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Forty-five consecutive biopsy specimens of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and 10 biopsies of healthy nasopharyngeal mucosa obtained from non-cancer patients were investigated by immunohistochemical methods. Monoclonal (B2, T1) and policlonal antibodies (against S-100 protein and lysozyme) with reference to infiltrating lymphocytes and accessory cells (monocytic/macrophagic and dendritic cells) were used. Variable population densities of dendritic cells (S100+) were demonstrated in 22 out of the 45 cases (49%) of NPC; the distribution of these cells was typically within the cancer nests. Monocytic/macrophagic cells (Lys+) were found along the tumor margins and interspersed among the tumor cells in 14 out of 45 (31%) cases. No significant statistical correlation between density of accessory cells and histological type of NPC (classified according to Micheau criteria) was found. Cases with a moderate to marked density of dendritic and monocytic/macrophagic cells survived longer than those with a slight one (mean survival of 63%, 67% and 29%, 27% respectively). In NPC tissues T-lymphocyte infiltration was prevalent. In contrast, B cells were numerous and T cells rare in normal control tissues. The intensity of T-cell infiltration was significantly high in cases with a marked density of S-100+ cells, according to the ability of these cells to present antigens to sensitized T-cells. This study suggests a prognostic significance for reactive cells infiltrating NPC, which means longer survival for cases associated with marked infiltration density of accessory cells.

Adolescent↗

Correlations between histopathological and biological findings in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its prognostic significance.

Forty-five consecutive cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were morphologically and immunocytochemically studied using monoclonal (anti-B and anti-T cell) and polyclonal (anti-S100 protein and antilysozyme) antibodies with the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase method to identify infiltrating lymphocytes (T and B cell) and histiocytes (monocytic/macrophagic and dendritic cells) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A variable density of dendritic cells was found within the tumor nests in 22 (49%) of 45 nasopharyngeal carcinomas examined; infiltrating macrophages were demonstrated in 15 (33%) specimens and around the tumor in almost all cases. Cases with moderate or marked density of dendritic cells (S100+) survived longer than those without such infiltration (mean 5-year survival rates of 31%, 55%, or 64% in patients with absent, moderate, or marked densities, respectively; P less than 0.05). A significant relationship between monocytic/macrophagic cells (lysozyme+) within the tumor and survival was also found (mean 5-year survival rate of 27% or 61% in patients with absent, moderate, or marked densities, respectively). However, lymphocytic infiltration was not statistically related to a better survival. Analyzing lymphocytic infiltration, we found a large prevalence of T cells in the neoplastic tissue without any prognostic significance. These data were correlated to different histological subtypes according to the principal histological classifications of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (Micheau, et al.; World Health Organization; Cologne University) to individualize the scheme which correlates best with prognosis and biological features of nasopharyngeal carcinomas. Our data suggest that, considering dendritic cells and macrophages within cancer nests, nasopharyngeal carcinoma histiotypes can be correlated to patient prognosis.

Adult↗

Prostaglandins in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: tumor and peritumor synthesis.

Prostaglandin (PG) E2, 6ketoPGF1 alpha and Thromboxane B2 (TxB2) production by the tumor, peritumor and control tissue were investigated in specimens from patients (n = 11) with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, in relation to the extension and infiltration of the neoplasm and to the presence of inflammation, fibrosis and necrosis. In all specimens detectable amounts of 6ketoPGF1+ and TxB2 were found, but the predominant metabolite was PGE2. No differences in the levels of TxB2 and 6ketoPGF1 alpha were observed, but the only patient with lymphnodal involvement showed the lowest levels of 6ketoPGF1 alpha both in tumor and peritumor tissue. Higher amounts (p less than 0.05) of PGE2 were synthesized by peritumor tissues in comparison to control mucosa and tumor tissue independently of the occurrence of reactive infiltration. PGs synthesis did not correlate with inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis or staging of the neoplasm. However the two cases in stage T4 showed PGE2 generation at the highest levels both in neoplastic and perineoplastic tissue. These findings indicate that in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx an increased production of PGE2 occurs, stemming not only from inflammatory cells but at least in part from neoplastic cells. This suggests that the study of arachidonic acid metabolism may contribute to characterization of the primary cancer and lead to better understanding of the mechanisms of tumor growth and diffusion.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Histological analysis of intraepidermal proliferations of atypical melanocytes.

Fifty cutaneous pigmented lesions characterized by an intraepidermal proliferation of atypical melanocytes were reviewed. Several histological parameters (position of melanocytes in the epidermis, nuclear melanocytic atypia, presence or absence of pagetoid melanocytes, nucleoli, and others) were evaluated. On the basis of the results, the investigated cases were classified into three groups. In group 1, pagetoid melanocytes were present, melanocytic atypia was severe and continuous, all epidermal layers were involved by melanocytic proliferation, and a pattern of epidermal infiltration was recognized. In group 2, pagetoid melanocytes were absent, melanocytic atypia was mild-moderate and discontinuous, the lower epidermis only was involved by melanocytic proliferation, and a pattern of epidermal pseudoinfiltration was recognized. Group 3 cases were in an intermediate area between the two major groups. The results showed that intraepidermal proliferations of atypical melanocytes lie on one line, in which groups 1 and 2 account for the extremes.

Cell Division↗

Common acquired melanocytic nevi, melanocytic dysplasia and malignant melanoma. A morphometric study.

Nuclei of melanocytes in 10 common acquired melanocytic nevi, 10 malignant melanomas and 10 dysplastic melanocytic nevi (melanocytic dysplasia) (MD) were morphometrically analyzed. MD group consisted of 6 lesions with (MD 1) and 4 without (MD 2) the clinical features of dysplastic nevi. The considered parameters were area, perimeter and form Ar. In the MD group, the results showed that median values of each considered parameter of MD 1 were close to those of MD 2. For each evaluated parameter, median values of MD turned out to be intermediate between those of common acquired melanocytic nevi and of malignant melanomas. Confirming the histologic evidence of a double - nonatypical and atypical - melanocytic population in melanocytic dysplasia, our data showed that nonatypical melanocytes were indistinguishable from melanocytes of common acquired nevi, while the atypical melanocytes were close to melanoma cells. The importance of atypical melanocytes is stressed in the diagnosis of melanocytic dysplasia.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Benign melanocytic lesions. A morphometric analysis.

Nuclei of melanocytes in 10 lentigines simplices, 10 junctional, 10 compound and 10 intradermal acquired melanocytic nevi were morphometrically evaluated, at three different skin levels: epidermis, papillary and reticular dermis. The considered parameters were: area, perimeter, form Ar, and form Ell. Mean values of nuclear area and form Ell demonstrated a progressive increase from lentigines to junctional to compound to dermal nevi. This trend was also observed for each considered level. In compound nevi mean values of nuclear area showed an increase from the epidermis to the papillary dermis. In compound and intradermal nevi they showed a decrease from the papillary to the reticular dermis. Mean values of nuclear form Ell presented a continuous increase from the epidermis to the papillary and reticular dermis. Our study shows that, in the evolution of the considered melanocytic lesions (from lentigo to dermal nevi), the nuclei of melanocytes become larger and rounder. In compound nevi, epidermal nuclei were smaller and more elongated than those of the papillary dermis. In compound and intradermal nevi, superficial dermal nuclei appeared larger but less round than the deep ones. These peculiar findings have been generally referred to as a melanocytic maturation process. They are also probably due to other factors, perhaps local factors, because a similar trend is observed in some malignant melanomas.

Cell Nucleus↗

[Aculeate Hymenoptera pathology. Clinical, therapeutic and preventive aspects].

Dramatic cases of hymenoptera stings have been reported from various sources for several years now. According to recent statistic from North America 0.4-0.8% of the population have shown allergic reaction to these stings. There are no reliable statistics on Italy. After classifying the taxonomy of the Hymenoptera, the present report carefully analyses both the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of these allergic responses and the preventive measures that can be used reduce the risk of hymenoptera stings.

Humans↗

[Renal colic: behavior of urinary parameters in the assessment of lithogenic risk].

In patients with renal colic we studied lithogenic urinary risk factors before and after the stone passage. We showed abnormalities in water, electrolytes and other substances excretion due to retention and metabolic disorders. The effects more pronounced is on urinary sodium, calcium, magnesium and ammonium. Citrate behaviour suggests a transient intracellular acidosis.

Adult↗

Morphological precursors of hepatocellular carcinoma: a morphometrical analysis.

Morphometrical analysis of different types of liver cells was performed in cases of chronic active hepatitis (CAH), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The area and a form factor (form AR) of nuclei and cytoplasms were determined, and the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio (N/C) was calculated in normal hepatocytes, HBsAg-positive cells, large dysplastic cells, cancer cells and in a liver cell population identifiable as "small dysplastic cells" (small cells). The nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio of the small cells and of the neoplastic cells was roughly the same and the highest. Large dysplastic cells showed a small nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio, almost comparable with that of normal hepatocytes and similar to that of HBsAg-positive cells. Since cellular precursors of liver cancer are expected to have a nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio similar to that of neoplastic cells, our morphometrical evaluation indicates small cells as the true precancerous cells; liver cell dysplasia (large dysplastic cells), as described by Anthony et al., should not be considered as a true preneoplastic change.

Biopsy↗