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Biomedical subjects

A Di Costanzo

Publications and source records attributed to A Di Costanzo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

White matter lesion detection in multiple sclerosis: improved interobserver concordance with multispectral MRI display.

An assessment of the detectability of white matter lesions and of concordance between observers with different levels of MRI reading experience was performed with comparative evaluation of spin-echo MRI images and of corresponding "multispectral" maps in 16 patients with definite multiple sclerosis (MS). Multispectral maps were obtained by means of a recently described post-processing technique based on the simultaneous display of MRI parameters and a standardized colour scale with red, green and blue coding for relaxation rates R1 and R2 and proton density, respectively. Spin-echo images on films and multispectral maps displayed on a personal computer were randomly rated at 2-month intervals. Interobserver concordance (k-test) was assessed among three readers with different levels of MRI experience (an experienced neuroradiologist, a radiology resident and a neurologist). For multispectral maps we found increased interobserver concordance with the experienced neuroradiologist (multispectral vs conventional images; k = 0.77 vs 0.66 for the radiology resident and 0.66 vs 0.56 for the neurologist), an increased number of detected lesions and decreased reading time. Multispectral maps permit easy detection of MS lesions and may improve interobserver concordance compared with conventional spinecho studies.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Relative sparing of extraocular muscles in myotonic dystrophy: an electrooculographic study.

We studied 40 patients with myotonic dystrophy (MD) to investigate whether saccadic eye movement (SEM) abnormalities have a central or peripheral origin. SEMs were recorded by electrooculography and analyzed by a computer system. Six patients were followed up to 2-7 years. Slow SEMs were present in 70% of patients, while saccadic latency and accuracy were within normal ranges. Peak saccadic velocity (PSV) did not correlate with disease duration and muscular disability, and showed a significant reduction only in 1 patient during the follow-up. Muscular disability correlated significantly with age and disease duration and worsened in 4 patients over time. The doll's head maneuver elicited vestibular compensatory eye movements with high velocities. These findings suggest that the extraocular muscles are at least partially spared in MD and that supranuclear structures, most likely the burst cells in brainstem reticular formation, may contribute to the slowing of SEMs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Supplementation of nicotinic acid for lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions.

Twenty-six lactating Holstein cows (90 d of lactation) were blocked according to milk production, parity, and days of lactation for assignment to one of two dietary treatments. Diets included a control diet with no supplemental niacin and a diet supplemented with increasing concentrations of niacin (12, 24, or 36 g/d per cow over three consecutive 17-d periods. Cows were housed in a covered free-stall barn and were fed and milked twice daily. Mean maximum air temperatures and temperature-humidity indexes were 28.5, 31.4, and 25.2 degrees C and 79.6, 85.1, and 75, respectively, for the three periods. Rectal temperature was measured with a rectal probe, tail and rump temperatures by infrared thermometry, and respiratory rate by visual observation. Measurements were made daily at 0800, 1600, and 2200 h. Rectal temperature was not affected by treatment. Comparison of skin temperatures for control cows and cows fed niacin showed higher temperatures at the tail (34.0 vs. 33.7 degrees C at 0800 h; 35.1 vs. 34.8 degrees C at 1600 h, respectively) and rump (34.1 vs. 33.7 degrees C at 0800 h; 35.3 vs. 35.0 degrees C at 1600 h, respectively) for control cows during period 1. No differences in thermal responses were observed during period 3. Niacin did not significantly increase milk production but decreased skin temperatures during periods of mild or severe heat stress.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Analysis of ocular saccadic movements with a fatigue test and neostigmine in Graves' ophthalmopathy].

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of association between Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and Graves Ophthalmopathy (GO) using the responses to diagnostic tests for MG (fatigue and neostigmine tests) by measuring horizontal saccadic eye movements (SEM). METHODS: For this paper a random investigation was performed on eleven patients, affected by Graves' disease (GD) at the department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology and department of Neurology of University of Federico II of Naples, for one year. Eleven patients (11 F), were subjected to endocrinological and ophthalmological examinations (TSH IRMA, TT3-RIA, TT4-RIA, TgAb, TPOAb, orbit ultrasonography or computed tomographic scans) and computerized analysis of saccadic eye movements (SEM); the fatigue and neostigmine tests were performed by means of SEM analysis in seven of this patients. RESULTS: Our results have reported that a positive response to the diagnostic tests for MG is present in 41.6% of hyperthyroid patients with GO, further supporting the hypothesis of a common autoimmune pathogenesis is present between these pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: SEM analysis may be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of GO.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Central action of cinnarizine and flunarizine: a saccadic eye movement study.

The mechanism of action of flunarizine (FZ) and cinnarizine (CZ) on the CNS is not fully understood. Computer analysis of saccadic eye movements (SEM) provides a sensitive and objective method for evaluating drug effect on the function of specific brain structures. This study aimed to assess the effect of a single oral dose of FZ (20 mg) and CZ (150 mg) on CNS function by means of computer analysis of SEM. Ten healthy volunteers were studied according to a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled design. Peak saccadic velocity (PSV), which is related to the function of a specific group of burst neurons located in the brain stem, was significantly reduced by FZ. No significant effect of FZ on saccade accuracy (SA) and saccade latency (SL) was found. CZ did not produce significant effects on SEM, but a trend to decrease PSV. The possibility that a FZ central effect may be related to a stabilizing action on burst activity of neurons is discussed.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

Increased intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in hypercholesterolemic children.

Common carotid intima-media thickness was measured by B-mode ultrasound imaging in 46 children (mean age, 7.4 years) with serum cholesterol > or = 6.4 mmol/L (mean, 8.25 mmol/L) and in 48 children (mean age, 6.4 years) with serum cholesterol < 6.4 mmol/L (mean, 4.60 mmol/L). Maximum thickness was significantly higher in hypercholesterolemic children than in control children (0.50 versus 0.47 mm, P = .007). Subgroup analysis showed that only in children > 6.2 years old (the median of all the children's ages) was maximum thickness significantly higher in hypercholesterolemic children than in control children (0.51 versus 0.48 mm, P = .014). The odds ratio (OR) of common carotid intima-media thickening (maximum thickness of the far wall higher than the 95th percentile of the control group, 0.51 mm) between patients and control subjects was statistically significant both in univariate analysis (OR, 6.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 32.3; P = .025) and after age (OR, 5.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 32.4; P = .039) and sex (OR, 7.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 41.2; P = .020) were controlled for. Children > 6 years old with serum cholesterol > or = 6.4 mmol/L show increased thickness of the common carotid intima-media.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Intranasal versus intravenous neostigmine in myasthenia gravis: assessment by computer analysis of saccadic eye movements.

Intranasal (i.n.) neostigmine has been developed to obtain a quicker onset of action and a more adaptable dosage regimen than oral neostigmine. The effect of this neostigmine formulation in myasthenia gravis (MG) was studied by means of computer analysis of saccadic eye movements (SEMs). Six MG patients were selected on the basis of a positive effect of Tensilon on hypometria of the first saccade. The effect of the i.v. formulation (0.5 mg) was compared to 1, 2, 3, and 4 puffs of i.n. neostigmine (one puff = 4.6 mg). The drug effect on SEMs was monitored at intervals up to 2 h. Administration of i.v. neostigmine produced a marked effect immediately after the injection and the benefit lasted over 1 h. Following administration of i.n. neostigmine a marked effect was found for two, three, and four puffs. The drug effect was evident within 3 min, peaked at 18-33 min, and lasted over 2 h. Our data indicate the efficacy of the new formulation of neostigmine in MG as measured by means of quantitative analysis of SEMs.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1993

Pineal cysts: an incidental MRI finding?

The incidence of pineal cysts (PC) in "standard" MRI was reviewed. Seven cases of PC were found from 400 consecutive MRI examinations. PC did not produce clinically relevant symptoms in any of the patients. Our data, as well as those emerging from a critical review of the literature, suggest that PC are often asymptomatic and represent an incidental MRI finding.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Saccadic eye movements analysis in the early diagnosis of myasthenia gravis.

Saccadic eye movements were examined by electro-oculography in 21 patients with suspected myasthenia gravis. The presence of dissociated nystagmus and quiver eye movements was also assessed. The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of saccadic abnormalities in the early stage of the disease. Pathological oculographic findings consisted of intra and post saccadic disorders and intersaccadic variability. A fatigue test was useful in detecting latent disorders in most patients. A Tensilon test was positive in 11 out of 16 patients with oculographic abnormalities. Diagnostic problems, apparently paradoxical findings and differential involvement of extraocular muscle fibers are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Multisystem involvement of the central nervous system in Strümpell's disease. A neurophysiological and neuropsychological study.

The multisystem involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in familial spastic paraplegia (FSP) has not been fully investigated by means of complete neurophysiological and neuropsychological examinations. The classification which distinguishes pure and complicated forms of FSP, is based on clinical features and does not take into account the possibility that clinically silent lesions of the CNS can be identified by means of adequate tests. The study was intended to assess the subclinical and multisystem involvement of the CNS in a group of 11 patients affected by FSP, clinically distinguished in 7 pure forms and 4 complicated forms. Neurophysiological tests included saccadic eye movements analysis, visual and auditory brain stem evoked responses. Neuropsychological examination was devised by means of a special purpose mental deterioration battery. Our results, showing a high incidence of multisystemic subclinical involvement of the CNS, confirm and extend the concept that FSP is a multisystemic degenerative disease of the CNS, and that the existence of "pure" forms should be reconsidered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Computer analysis of saccadic eye movements: assessment of two different carbamazepine formulations.

The central effects of two different formulations of Carbamazepine (CBZ) have been examined by analysis of saccadic eye movements (SEM) in 6 healthy volunteers, who took part in a double-blind, latin-square, placebo controlled study. Both a conventional- and a controlled-release formulation of CBZ produced a significant effect on peak saccadic velocity and saccade accuracy, but only the former affected saccade latency. Computer analysis of SEM confirmed it to be a highly sensitive method for detection of subclinical drug effects on the CNS.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

The contribution of saccadic eye movements analysis, visual and auditory evoked responses to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

A number of tests have been used to identify paraclinical evidences of central nervous system (CNS) lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study was aimed to test and compare the diagnostic value of saccadic eye movements (SEM) analysis, and visual and auditory brain stem evoked responses (VER, ABER) in MS, and to study the correlation between electrophysiologic findings and clinical data. The reference group for epidemiological and statistical analysis was selected from the group of 109 suspected MS patients included in the study. SEM analysis resulted at least as sensitive as VER and ABER. SEM analysis showed good sensitivity and positive predictive value. Saccade latency resulted the most sensitive SEM parameter. Subclinical internuclear ophthalmoparesis resulted highly specific. We suggest that SEM analysis could be included into the electrophysiologic tests for identifying paraclinical evidences of CNS lesions in MS. Correlations between electrophysiologic findings and clinical data are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Role of saccadic analysis in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in the era of magnetic resonance imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently been recognised as the most sensitive method with which to detect clinically silent lesions in patients affected by multiple sclerosis. Visually guided horizontal saccadic eye movements (SEM) were studied, together with MRI, in 57 multiple sclerosis patients. A very similar sensitivity was found for both MRI (78.2%) and SEM analysis (76.3%). Significant associations between peak saccadic velocity and brain stem signs and between saccadic latency and visual signs were observed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Neurobehavioral evaluation of term and preterm neonates].

The Brazelton neonatal behavioral assessment scale in the actual version (1984) was used by the authors to examine neurobehavioral performance of two different groups of newborns (one fullterm and the other preterm). Although the average difference between gestational age in the two groups was not very high, the results show that the preterms were significantly inferior in habituation, motor and supplementary items. A lower gestational age results correlated with reduced performance in newborn.

Behavior↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Neuroocular side effects of carbamazepine and phenobarbital in epileptic patients as measured by saccadic eye movements analysis.

The effect of carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenobarbital (PB), alone and in association, on the function of specific brain structures was studied in chronically treated epileptic patients by means of saccadic eye movements (SEMs) analysis. The relationship between daily fluctuations of CBZ plasma levels and the occurrence of intermittent side effects was also evaluated. All treatments produced a significant impairment (p less than 0.001) of SEM function as compared with a group of controls. SEM abnormalities appeared to change in relation to daily fluctuation of CBZ plasma levels. When the SEM parameters were considered separately, PB showed a significantly (p less than 0.001) more relevant sedative effect, whereas both drugs appear to produce the same effect on cerebellar and pontine functions. Although impairment of SEM function was most likely far from reaching clinical significance, it represents important information for the clinician.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Acute effect of flunarizine on saccadic eye movements.

It has been postulated that flunarizine (FNZ) acts on the brain through a stabilizing effect on membrane electrical activity of neurones. It has been also suggested that neurogenic events characterized by an increased tendency of nerve cells to fire, could be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine and epilepsy. The study was aimed to assess the effect of a single oral dose of FNZ (20 mg) on CNS specific functions by means of computer analysis of saccadic eye movements. The study was performed on six healthy volunteers according to a double-blind, cross-over, placebo controlled design. FNZ produced a significant reduction only of peak saccadic velocity, thus suggesting a rather specific and selective effect on the burst cells of the para-median pontine reticular formation.

Adult↗