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R Pingitore

Publications and source records attributed to R Pingitore.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Angiogenesis in intracranial meningiomas: immunohistochemical and molecular study.

Much of the morbidity of intracranial meningiomas is related to the degree of tumour vascularity and the extent of peritumoural vasogenic oedema. Several studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is up-regulated in meningiomas, although its relationship with tumour vasculature is still unclear. In order to better understand the angiogenic assessment of intracranial meningiomas, we analysed its vascular pattern, both as number and as morphologic configuration of microvessels. Moreover, we investigated the mRNA-VEGF expression, relating this expression to vascular pattern. A total of 40 intracranial meningiomas, classified as benign (31 cases), atypical (7 cases), and anaplastic (2 cases) were analysed. RT-PCR analyses of mRNA-VEGF and competitive-PCR were performed. VEGF expression and microvessel density (MVD) were also immunohistochemically investigated. Grade II-III meningiomas showed numerous small microvessels (mean: 34), while the majority of Grade I showed few larger vessels (mean: 13.09) (P = 0.000003). A microvessel pattern overlapping into atypical subtype was found in eignt of the 31 (25.8%) Grade I meningiomas. A significant association was found between grading and vascular pattern (P = 0.0002), as well as between the MVD and the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF (P = 0.0005). The expression of mRNA agreed with the immunohistochemical expression of the protein (P < 0.0001). A total of 39 cases expressed the 121 VEGF isoform and, among these, 28 cases also expressed the 165 isoform. Only 9 cases expressed both isoforms 165 and 189. Grade II and III meningiomas showed a preponderant expression of soluble isoforms (121 and 165). These results prompt us to speculate that the microvessel pattern could underlie a higher metabolic demand, probably due to a rapid growth with a consequent worse clinical behaviour of the tumour. In this sense, the vascular pattern may be used as a prognostic factor, in order to mostly focus attention on those Grade I meningiomas which have a higher likelihood of either recurrence or development of perilesional oedema. The pattern of vasculature itself seems to be dependent on the types of VEGF isoforms: the Grade II-III meningiomas (that presented numerous microvessels) expressed the soluble isoforms 121 and 165, while the isoform 189 was more frequently detected in Grade I meningiomas.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Evaluation of telomerase in non-melanoma skin cancer.

Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein, is capable of adding telomeric sequences (TTAGGG hexameric repeats) to the ends of chromosomes and, thereby, halting the erosion of chromosome at each cell division. Whereas most normal somatic cells contain minimal or no detectable telomerase activity, most immortal and tumour cells exhibit significant levels of telomerase activity and show no net loss of telomere length during proliferation. The evaluation of telomerase has been proposed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in human cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in humans; the precise molecular events in skin carcinogenesis are numerous and complicated and not yet completely clarified. In this study, we evaluated telomerase in 35 basal cell carcinomas and in 14 squamous cell carcinomas in order to determine if activation of the telomerase enzyme was a pivotal step in the development of skin cancer and whether telomerase activity levels were different between the two histotypes. A higher enzymatic level was shown to be associated with squamous cell carcinomas, while low levels were mainly detected in the basal cell histotype (chi2 test; p=0.02). Telomerase complex activity is dependent on its catalytic subunit, telomerase reverse transcriptase hTERT. By reverse transcription-PCR, using primers within the reverse transcriptase domain of hTERT, we observed a significant correlation between hTERT expression and telomerase activity in our skin tumour samples (p=0.0003). We detected the presence of multiple, alternately spliced transcripts, corresponding to full-length messages as well as spliced messages with critical reverse transcriptase motifs deleted. A higher telomerase messenger level was shown to be associated with squamous cell carcinomas (chi2 test; p<0.0001), as for telomerase activity. Our results provide arguments supporting the role of telomerase in skin cancer and suggest RT-PCR of telomerase RNA as a tool easier and faster than TRAP assay to identify more aggressive malignancies among non-melanoma skin specimens.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Telomerase in intracranial meningiomas.

Telomere length maintenance is essential for tumorigenesis; most human tumors stabilize their chromosome ends via the activity of a specialized reverse transcriptase, telomerase, that uses the template region of the RNA moiety complementary to the TTAGGG repeat to synthesize one strand of telomeric DNA. Meningiomas are estimated to constitute between 13% and 26% of primary intracranial tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate telomerase activity and its messenger expression in meningiomas in relation to their different histologic pattern and grade of cytonuclear atypies, which are associated with relapse, and consequently represent the most important parameter for the evaluation of the clinical behavior of this tumor. Telomerase activity was examined by the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay in 32 meningiomas (26 typical and 6 atypical/anaplastic). Telomerase messenger expression (hTERT mRNA) was evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR analysis in the same group of tumors. Telomerase activity ranged from undetectable to low levels in 19/26 (73%) of typical meningiomas, while all the atypical/anaplastic meningiomas showed medium-high levels of activity (>3 TPG units, median value), (chi(2) test; p=0.001). The levels of telomerase in terms of its messenger level expression overlapped the activity; a significant association between telomerase activity and hTERT mRNA expression was also found (chi(2) test; p=0.01). Moreover, 2 atypical/anaplastic meningiomas of our series relapsed; in these samples we found high levels of telomerase, both in terms of activity and mRNA expression. Telomerase activity and its hTERT mRNA expression tended to increase as the histologic grading of intracranial tumors increased, suggesting a role of telomerase reactivation in the progression of these tumors. Moreover, our results indicate RT-PCR assay as a rapid tool to identify and quantify telomerase RNA in intracranial meningiomas as in other human tumor models.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed2002

A high vascular count and overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor are associated with unfavourable prognosis in operated small cell lung carcinoma.

It has been widely demonstrated that neo-angiogenesis and its mediators (i.e. vascular endothelial growth factor), represent useful indicators of poor prognosis in non small cell lung carcinoma. In order to verify whether neovascularization and vascular endothelial growth factor may be considered useful markers of clinical outcome also in the small cell lung cancer subgroup, we retrospectively investigated a series of 75 patients with small cell lung carcinoma treated by surgery between 1980 and 1990. Immunohistochemically-detected microvessels and vascular endothelial growth factor expressing cells were significantly associated with poor prognosis, as well as with nodal status and pathological stage. In fact, patients whose tumours had vascular count and vascular endothelial growth factor expression higher than median value of the entire series (59 vessels per 0.74 mm(2) and 50% of positive cells, respectively), showed a shorter overall and disease-free survival (P=0.001, P=0.001; P=0.008, P=0.03). Moreover, the presence of hilar and/or mediastinal nodal metastasis and advanced stage significantly affected overall and disease-free interval (P=0.00009, P=0.00001; P=0.0001, P=0.00001). At multivariate analysis, only vascular endothelial growth factor expression retained its influence on overall survival (P=0.001), suggesting that angiogenic phenomenon may have an important role in the clinical behaviour of this lung cancer subgroup.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Meningioma-associated brain oedema: the role of angiogenic factors and pial blood supply.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 60% of meningiomas are associated with perilesional brain oedema. Several aspects have been evaluated in order to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of oedema (age, sex of the patient, size and location of the tumour, histotype, grading), although at present they have yet to be completely clarified. We focused on pial blood supply, microvascular density (MVD) and angiogenic growth factors (i.e. vascular endothelial growth factor--VEGF) in order to evaluate their putative role in the development of brain oedema. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 55 patients with intracranial meningiomas. Computerized tomography (CT) and angiographic studies were obtained in all cases. The angiograms provided an accurate differentiation between pial and dural blood supply, concomitantly with its semi-quantitative evaluation. The location and the volume of oedema, in relation to the meningioma surface, was evaluated using CT scans, as an oedema index (E/I). We also determined the expression of VEGF and MVD using standard immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: Thirty-two out of 55 meningiomas presented peritumoural oedema, with an angiographic blush ranging from 2 to 4; VEGF protein was expressed in 27 out of 32 cases, independent of grade or histotype of tumours. In all patients, MVD ranged from 4 to 33.3 vessels (median value: 10.6). A significant relationship was found between the expression of VEGF and MVD (p = 0.0003) and between VEGF and E/I (p = 0.0023). Moreover, the E/I ratio was related to the blush (p = 0.0005). A significant association was also present between VEGF expression and pial blush (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the central role of VEGF and pial blood supply in the pathogenesis of peritumoural oedema and support the hypothesis that the development of oedema in meningioma is vasogenic in type.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of telomerase mRNA (hTERT) in colon cancer.

Telomerase activation, a cardinal requirement for immortalization, is a crucial step in the development of malignancy and requires the induction of the catalytic component, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), encoded by the hTERT gene. By reverse transcription-PCR, using primers within the reverse transcriptase domain of hTERT, we investigated telomerase messenger in 8 adenomatous and 9 dysplastic polyps, and in 32 paired cancer-normal mucosa specimens, one liver and one spleen metastasis from patients resected for sporadic colorectal cancer. Telomerase messenger was absent or very low in normal mucosa and in adenomatous polyps. Dysplastic polyps and adenocarcinoma samples showed hTERT mRNA, with higher levels in cancer tissues compared to dysplastic lesions. A high telomerase messenger level was shown to be associated with late-staged cancers and with metastasis; thus, detection of telomerase messenger may be useful in the early diagnosis of colon cancer, and telomerase may be a new target for therapeutic intervention.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of telomerase in the development and progression of colon cancer.

Telomerase activity, a cardinal requirement for immortalization, is a crucial step in the development of cancer and has been studied in many kinds of malignant tumours for clinical diagnostic and/or prognostic utilities. Using a PCR-based TRAP assay, we investigated telomerase activity in 8 adenomatous polyps, 9 dysplastic polyps, and in 36 paired cancer-normal mucosa specimens, one liver and one spleen metastasis from patients resected for sporadic colorectal cancer. Telomerase was absent or very low in normal mucosa and in adenomatous polyps. Dysplastic polyps and adenocarcinoma samples showed telomerase activity, with higher levels in cancer tissues compared to dysplastic lesions. A high telomerase activity was shown to be associated with late-staged cancers and metastasis, providing arguments supporting the role of telomerase not only in the development but also in the progression of colorectal carcinoma. Moreover, telomerase evaluation may help to confirm the malignant transformation in polypoid colorectal lesions with different levels of dysplastic alterations.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

[Mixed neuroglial tumor: description of a case].

A case of neuroglial tumor in a 18-year-old man is presented. The neoplasm was composed by two cell types. One type showed features typical of neuronal cells, while the other resembled glial cells. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Virtual endoscopy of the middle and inner ear with spiral computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inner anatomy of the auditory apparatus by means of virtual endoscopy of spiral computed tomography (CT) data sets. BACKGROUND: Virtual endoscopy permits simulation of the fiberoptic endoscopy perspective by processing CT or magnetic resonance images. METHODS: Seven formalin-fixed specimens of human mastoid were scanned with spiral CT with the following protocol: beam collimation 1 mm, pitch ratio 1, reconstruction spacing 0.2 to 0.5 mm, field of view 90 mm. For the generation of endoscopic views of the auditory spaces, the axial images were processed with Navigator software 2.0 running on UltraSparc I workstation. RESULTS: Virtual endoscopy allowed the demonstration of the external auditory canal, the head and handle of the malleus, the stapes and incudostapedial articulation, the corpus, the long process of the incus with its lenticular process and the short limb, the malleoincudal articulation, the rounded promontory, the round and oval windows, and Prussak's space. From inside the basal turn of the cochlea, virtual endoscopy showed the orifices of the fenestrae cochlea and vestibuli, the origin of the lateral and the anterior semicircular canals, and the basal turn of cochlea. The optimal perspectives that allowed demonstration of the anatomical details of the middle and inner ear are described. CONCLUSION: Virtual endoscopy allows the generation of inner views of the auditory spaces. This new method of image processing can be proposed as an integrative tool of spiral CT imaging.

Culture Techniques↗
PubMed1999

Antidepressant pharmacotherapy helps some cigarette smokers more than others.

Adult smokers (N = 253) without clinically significant depression were randomized on a double-blind basis to receive fluoxetine (30 or 60 mg daily) or a placebo for 10 weeks in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It was predicted that fluoxetine would selectively benefit smokers with higher baseline depression, nicotine dependence, and weight concern and lower self-efficacy about quitting smoking. Among those who completed the prescribed treatment regimen, baseline depression scores moderated the treatment response. Logistic regression analyses showed that 1 and 3 months after the quit date, fluoxetine increased the likelihood of abstinence, as compared with placebo, among smokers with minor depression but not among those with little or no depression. Results suggests that, as an adjunct to CBT, fluoxetine enhances cessation by selectively benefiting medication-compliant smokers who display even subclinical levels of depression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Correlates of binge eating in Hispanic, black, and white women.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the severity and correlates of binge eating in White, Black, and Hispanic women. METHOD: Our sample consisted of 351 (55 White, 179 Black, and 117 Hispanic) women who were assessed on three proposed factors associated with binge eating (weight, depression, and ideal body image). RESULTS: Our results showed that binge eating symptoms were more severe in our sample of Hispanic versus Black or White women. Across all ethnic groups, women who binged more were heavier, more depressed, and preferred a slimmer body ideal. Binge eating severity was predicted by weight and depression in Hispanics and by depression in Whites. None of the proposed factors significantly influenced binge eating in Blacks. DISCUSSION: These results show ethnic differences in the correlates of binge eating and highlight the need for further comparative research on aberrant eating patterns.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Glycated plasma proteins in experimentally induced acute toxic renal failure by dichromate injection: evidence for loss with urine and decreased plasma levels.

In the rat, a single subcutaneous injection of sodium dichromate (20 mg/kg) causes acute renal injury and significant polyuria, proteinuria, and glycosuria (peaking 2-3 days after treatment, and returning to normal by day 5) without any changes in the plasma levels of protein, glucose, and glycated haemoglobin. Surprisingly, the percentage levels of glycated plasma total proteins and albumin (assayed by boronate affinity chromatography) transiently and significantly decrease during recovery from proteinuria (days 4 and 10 after treatment) and were found in the normal range of values by day 18. These changes are concomitant with a significant increase in the percentage level of glycated albumin in urine. Constancy of total plasma protein and the temporal pattern of levels of glycation suggest that changes in the percentage values of glycated proteins are secondary to a transient selective loss of glycated plasma proteins in urine.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1998

[Stenosis complications in digestive surgery: a histomorphological contribution. Comparison of mechanical and manual sutures].

BACKGROUND: Surgeons variously estimate usage of mechanical staplers in digestive surgery especially about the increase of the incidence of late complications like stricture (as some authors refer). We report a histomorphological aid to the comparison of staplers and hand-sewn sutures. Our aim was to observe at long term the healing process in the sutured tissue in the canine gastro-enteric tract. METHODS: We describe three histological pieces: one manual suture in a dog which was euthanatized and necropsied 5 months after operation and two mechanical sutures performed in two different dogs: one died because of a gastric torsion 18 months after the operation while the other was euthanatized 5 months after the operation. The histomorphological study has been carried out with a peculiar cutting (Exact) and including method which lets the staples in situ. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Compared analysis showed that cicatrization goes on better in stapled than in hand sutured tissue.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1997

Gender differences in body satisfaction.

Although men and women show similar rates of obesity, women more frequently engage in weight loss efforts, with potentially adverse health consequences. We surveyed 320 college-aged men and women to examine gender differences in the determinants of body dissatisfaction and the degree of importance assigned to bodyweight and shape. Results indicated that, for both genders, satisfaction with bodyweight and shape decreased as body mass index (BMI) increased. Women, however, showed significantly greater body and weight dissatisfaction than men at most weight categories. Only the underweight (BMI < 20) women and men were similarly satisfied with their bodyweight and shape. As BMI increased, however, women became disproportionately more dissatisfied: both normal-weight and overweight women expressed greater dissatisfaction than comparable men. College-aged women also attributed progressively more importance to both weight and shape as BMI increased, unlike college-aged men, who considered body weight equally important to (or slightly less important than) self-esteem as BMI increased. We discuss implications for the self-esteem of obese women and men.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Guided tissue regeneration employing a collagen membrane in a human periodontal bone defect: a histologic evaluation.

The purpose of this study is to confirm histologically whether a new attachment can be obtained around a tooth by guided tissue regeneration using bioresorbable barrier. The test tooth was a maxillary molar with an intrabony pocket. At reentry 5 months after periodontal surgery, a hard, whitish, blood-free tissue was found to fill the original defect. Histologic analysis revealed presence of new bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament compatible with the expected histologic result of guided tissue regeneration techniques with barrier membrane.

Absorption↗
PubMed1995

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) expression in non-small cell lung carcinomas correlates with metastatic involvement of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes in the squamous subtype.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) levels were evaluated in paraffin-embedded tumour specimens of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from 176 patients who underwent surgical resection. The EGFr expression was evaluated by immunocytochemical assay using a monoclonal antibody which recognises the external domain of the receptor. EGFr immunoreactivity was significantly higher in squamous than in non-squamous cell carcinomas (P = 0.0009). Hilar and/or mediastinal nodal involvement was found in 29 of 105 (27.4%) squamous cancers, and in this group of patients, the mean of EGFr positive cells was significantly higher than that of patients without nodal involvement (P = 0.01). No significant correlations were found between the expression of EGFr and other clinicopathological or biological parameters such as T-status, grading, proliferative activity. EGFR is suggested to represent a useful indicator of nodal metastasis in NSCLC.

Adenocarcinoma↗