Retinoblastoma-related p107 and pRb2/p130 proteins in malignant lymphomas: distinct mechanisms of cell growth control.

pRb/p105, p107, and pRb2/p130 compose the retinoblastoma (RB) family of proteins and regulate cellular growth and differentiation. Because recent functional studies have indicated that the expression of the RB-related proteins p107 and pRb2/p130 are tightly cell cycle regulated, we were interested in investigating their expression along with cellular kinetic characteristics and proliferative features of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs). p107 and pRb2/ p130 expression was determined immunohistochemically in biopsy specimens from 83 untreated patients with NHLs of various histiotypes. The expression of these two RB-related proteins was correlated with the mitotic index, apoptotic index, and percentages of Ki-67(+), cyclin A(+), p34(+), and cyclin B(+) cells. The overall survival rate was evaluated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. We found a positive correlation between the percentages of cells positive for p107 and proliferative features such as mitotic index and percentage of Ki-67(+) and cyclin A(+) cells, whereas such correlation could not be demonstrated for the percentages of pRb2/p130 positive cells. Low immunohistochemical levels of pRb2/p130 detected in untreated patients with NHLs of various histiotypes inversely correlated with a large fraction of cells expressing high levels of p107 and proliferation-associated proteins. Such a pattern of protein expression is normally observed in continuously cycling cells. Interestingly, such cases showed the highest survival percentage (82.5%) after the observation period of 10 years. Thus, down-regulation of the RB-related pRb2/p130 protein could be one of the reasons why these cases display such a high rate of proliferation and why they respond so well to therapy.

Validation of satellite data for quality assurance in lake monitoring applications.

The operational application of remote sensing technologies to lake water quality monitoring requires products derived from remote sensing to be quantitatively self-consistent and have a certified accuracy. Fundamental elements in this quality assurance framework are sensor radiometric calibration and atmospheric correction models, which are briefly discussed in the paper. In order to evaluate the accuracy of present operational techniques to retrieve basic parameters from satellite data, such as water-leaving radiance and reflectance, an experiment was organised in the frame of SAtellite remote sensing for Lake MONitoring (SALMON), a European Union co-funded research project. A series of ship-based radiometric and atmospheric measuring campaigns were conducted on Lake Iseo and Lake Garda (Italy) together with limnological sampling. Four Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) scenes were acquired during different seasons and simultaneous in situ measurements were made. After the radiometric calibration procedure, satellite digital images were processed by applying two entirely image-based atmospheric correction models. These models account for the effects of both additive scattering and multiplicative transmittance effects in the atmosphere on the at-satellite measured signal. The results achieved using these procedures were evaluated by comparing satellite-based estimates with in situ measurements of water reflectance. The root mean square difference between Landsat TM-derived reflectance values and ground measurements was close to 0.010 reflectance for each TM spectral band. Such image-based correction models, requiring no in situ field measurements during the satellite overpass, constitute a valid method of lake water monitoring.

Detecting chlorophyll, Secchi disk depth and surface temperature in a sub-alpine lake using Landsat imagery.

Some bio-physical parameters, such as chlorophyll a concentration, Secchi disk depth and water surface temperature were mapped in the sub-alpine Lake Iseo (Italy) using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data acquired on the 7 March 1997. In order to adequately investigate the water-leaving radiance, TM data were atmospherically corrected using a partially image-based method, and the atmospheric transmittance was measured in synchrony with the satellite passage. An empirical approach of relating atmospherically corrected TM spectral reflectance values to in situ measurements, collected during the satellite data acquisition, was used. The models developed were used to map the chlorophyll concentration and Secchi disk depth throughout the lake. Both models gave high determination coefficients (R2 = 0.99 for chlorophyll and R2 = 0.85 for the Secchi disk) and the spatial distribution of chlorophyll concentration and Secchi disk depth was mapped with contour intervals of 1 mg/m3 and 1 m, respectively. A scene-independent procedure was used to derive the surface temperature of the lake from the TM data with a root mean square error of 0.3 degrees C.

Relationship between apparent optical properties and photosynthetic pigments in the sub-alpine Lake Iseo.

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of methods for estimating the content of bio-physical parameters in lake water on the basis of spectral reflectance measured above water surface, in particular the estimation of chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentrations. Data sets considered refer to some sampling point located in the sub-alpine meso-eutrophic Lake Iseo, surveyed six times over the period March-July and once in November 1998, as these months were very important for the characterization of the springtime algal bloom, which affect the lake waters yearly. At each point station, limnological observations (chlorophyll, total suspended solids, Secchi disk depth) were conducted simultaneously with optical measurements. The latter consisted of water leaving radiance measured by means of a spectroradiometer above the water surface; moreover, a standard reflector radiance was also measured to obtain the water reflectance. Reflectance spectra were transformed according to two well-documented models and correlated to water quality parameters, to investigate their performances as retrieval algorithms under different conditions and referring to different analytical methods. Results outline the sensitivity of the models to chl-a concentrations, different phytoplankton composition, and the sampling depth.

Accuracy in the diagnosis of parotid tumours.

Parotid lesions are often not easily classified. Important information is gathered by conventional and instrumental investigation. But these data are often insufficient to make a correct diagnosis. The authors have compared these techniques. In particular, they have evaluated their accuracy in identification of site and histology. 60 patients with parotid tumours underwent the same instrumental diagnostic techniques (echography, sialography, computed tomography and fine needle aspiration biopsy). In regard to the identification of the site, the highest percentage was achieved by computed tomography (98%). Echotomography has shown an accuracy of 83%, and sialography 87%. Fine needle aspiration biopsy has allowed the definition of the histiotype in 98% of cases. Computed tomography, echotomography and sialography have not allowed the definition of histiotype in malignant tumours, but in the case of benign tumours computed tomography has permitted a diagnosis in 29 cases (57% of benign tumours). Echotomography and sialography in 25 (49%) and 26 cases (51%), respectively.

Lymph-node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. A retrospective analysis of 105 cases.

During 1975-87, 105 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip were surgically treated. All patients underwent radical resection of the tumor. Only the patients with palpable lymph nodes had a simultaneous neck dissection. All patients were followed up for at least 5 years. Of the 80 patients without palpable lymph nodes, only three developed lymph-node metastasis. Of the 25 patients with palpable lymph nodes who underwent modified neck dissection, four had recurrence of lymph-node metastasis at a different level. The over-all 5-year survival rate was 97%. The survival rate for patients with lymph-node metastasis was 88%.

Indication for neck dissection in carcinoma of the parotid gland. Our experience on 39 cases.

In cases of parotid carcinoma, the percentage of cervical metastases, at the time of first observation is 18%. Consequently, the evaluation of the grade of lymphatic involvement is very important in order to plan a correct therapy. The authors underline the important role that neck dissection has in the treatment of these tumours. There are different points of view on neck dissection in cases of malignant parotid tumours. While there is no doubt with regard to indications on neck dissection in N + patients, the problem does exist for N-patients. The Authors have analyzed 39 patients with malignant parotid tumours observed at the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the "Federico II" University of Naples.

Peripheral ameloblastoma: report of a case with malignant aspect.

Peripheral ameloblastoma is a very rare tumour with histological characteristics similar to those of the centrally located ameloblastoma. It appears in the gum and in the alveolar process of the jaws. We report a case of tumour of the left maxillary region, near the canine area. Histologically it presented itself with follicles and nests of cells with a trabecular architectural pattern. High mitotic index and clear images of perineural infiltration were present. The diagnosis was peripheral ameloblastoma with malignant aspects. At 12-month follow-up no local recurrence was noted.

[Restrictions on opening of the mouth caused by extra-articular inflammation]. / Le limitazioni di apertura della bocca de origine infiammatoria extraarticolare

Recent views concerning the physiopathological aspects of restrictions on opening of the mouth attributable to extra-articular inflammation are examined. Stress is laid on the importance of psychological factors related to joint function and various organs and apparatuses that interferere with such function by reflex action via the brain. Instances of extra-articular inflammation limiting opening of the mouth are listed, with particular reference to primary and secondary myositis and myositis ossificans. Inflammation may also supervene in osteodysplasia, granuloxanthomatous hyperdysplasia of the maxillary bones, while opening of the mouth may be restricted by fibrosis of the muscles used in mastication due to protracted immobilisation, as in ankylosis of the T.M.A. Lastly, the way in which inflammation accompanying diseases of the salivary glands, dysembryoplasia, and jaw and mouth cavity neoplasia may prevent proper opening of the mouth is explained.

[Cancer of the tongue. Anatomopathological and clinical considerations]. / Il carcinoma della lingua. Considerazioni anatomo-patologiche e cliniche.

Reference is made to the percent incidence of malignant tumours of the tongue and its increase. Several anatomical features of this form are described, with particular regard to the lymphatic pathways. Turning to questions of classification, attention is given to cancer of the soft and fixed parts of the tongue in the light of the clinical stages and TNM system (1973) with the aim of making statistical comparisons more uniform, especially those concerning the approach adopted and the results achieved by modern, interdisciplinary therapy.

[A case of osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle]. / Considerazioni su di un caso di osteocondroma del condilo mandibolare.

A case of mandibular condyle osteochondroma is reported, special attention being paid to radiographic aspects and to the functional changes brought on by this neoplasia. Surgical and meta-operative treatment to correct residual latero-deviation and occlusal relations are described.

Enteral nutrition in maxillo-facial surgery.

Authors report their experience in enteral nutrition (E.N.) on maxillo-facial surgery. From 1987 to 1989, 24 patients were subjected to enteral alimentation in the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the 2nd School of Medicine of "Federico II" University of Naples (Italy). 50% of patients suffered from head and neck tumours, and 50% suffered from traumatic lesions. Before treatment, patients' nutritional conditions were evaluated by anamnesis, azotic balance, hydroelectrolytic balance, anthropometric, bioumoral, and immunologic parameters. Basal energy expenditure was calculated through Harris-Benedict formula. Patients were checked every week, and E.N. allowed a rapid and adequate caloric increase.

Congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face: report of cases and review of the literature.

Three cases of infiltrating congenital lipomatosis of the face are presented. These lesions shared the following morphologic criteria: 1) nonencapsulated congenital fatty tumor; 2) infiltration of adjacent muscle and soft tissue; 3) absence of lipoblast and malignant characteristics; 4) presence of fibrous elements with numerous nerve bundles and vessels; and 5) hypertrophy of subjacent bone. Although these tumors are benign, all three recurred after surgical excision. Extensive specimen sampling is advisable to exclude infiltrating lipoma, diffuse angiomatosis, infiltrating angiolipoma, and well-differentiated liposarcoma. Relationship with lipoblastomatosis and histogenesis of infiltrating congenital lipomatosis of the face are discussed.

[Calcifying odontogenic epithelial tumor or Pindborg's tumor. Apropos of a case]. / Tumeur épithéliale odontogénique calcifiante ou tumeur de Pindborg. A propos d'un cas.

Calcifying odontogenic epithelial tumor is a rare affection, representing only 1% of all odontogenic tumors. Histology shows polyedral epithelial cells, organised in layers, strands or nests or, more rarely present as individual cells. The cell nuclei are polymorphic and hyperchromatic with projecting nucleoli. An amorphous substance presenting specific immunohistochemical characteristics surrounds the cellular elements. It appears to be related to amyloid and is also considered to be the product of degeneration of the cell basal lamina and/or the product similar to the dentine or cement of the tumor cells. Surgical treatment varies from simple enucleation to more or less partial resection of the affected bone.