Biomedical subjects

L Casto

Publications and source records attributed to L Casto.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1992

A case control study of CSF copper, iron and manganese in Parkinson disease.

To elicit possible variations in the CSF concentrations of copper, iron and manganese due to Parkinson disease (PD) or to the stage reached, we tested 11 patients with idiopathic PD, 6 untreated and 5 on long term L-dopa, versus 22 age and sex matched patients with other neurological disorders (control group-CG). The CSF levels of the three metals, measured by electrothermal atomization, did not differ significantly between the PD group and CG or between either of the PD subgroups and CG. Our findings therefore do not support the hypothesis that CSF Cu is a marker of PD.

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PubMed1992

Local intraarterial thrombolysis for acute stroke in the carotid artery territories.

We have tested the feasibility of local intraarterial thrombolytic therapy in ischemic stroke in the carotid artery territories observed within 5 h of the onset of symptoms. Only 5 of 615 consecutive patients were enrolled. They were 1 man and 4 women aged 50 to 75 years. Angiography disclosed occlusion of the M2 tract in one, of the M3 tract in one, of the carotid siphon in one of M4 tract in two. Intraarterial urokinase was infused at a mean dosage of 560,000 units close to the site of occlusion. Four of them had partial or complete recanalisation at early angiographic control and were independent at 6th month control. The one who did not demonstrate recanalisation was confined to a wheelchair. One patient, who had recanalisation, sustained a hemorrhagic transformation of the brain ischemia not interfering with outcome. Our experience, at the light of the low rate of enrollment, despite the results, suggest that intraarterial thrombolysis may be a therapeutic tool for selected patients with stroke in the carotid artery territories and not a routinary treatment for them.

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PubMed1991

Inherited protein C deficiency and nonhemorrhagic arterial stroke in young adults.

Out of a consecutive series of 50 young people less than 45 years old with nonhemorrhagic arterial stroke, three patients had inherited protein C deficiency. CT revealed hypodense areas consistent with the clinical picture, and angiography showed occlusion of some intracranial arterial vessels. Other possible associated causes of stroke were ruled out. One patient had a transient ischemic attack and a peripheral venous thrombosis prior to the actual stroke, whereas the others were completely asymptomatic, as were relatives with the same deficiency. We suggest determining protein C in ischemic stroke of all young adults, especially when major risk factors are excluded.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Hemodynamic effects of 1-[3,4-dihydroxyphenyl]-1,2-diaminoethane versus norepinephrine during ventricular fibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

We hypothesized that substitution of the hydroxyl group (OH) on the beta carbon of norepinephrine (NE) with an amino group would yield a compound, 1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,2-diaminoethane (DHPDAE), that would maintain the hemodynamic properties of NE during CPR, but would decrease the rate of post-defibrillation dysrhythmias. Six mixed breed swine weighing greater than 28 kg were studied. The animals were instrumented for cerebral (CBF) and myocardial blood flow (MBF) measurements. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced. After 10 min of VF, CPR was begun. After 3 min of CPR, 2.5 mg/kg of DHPDAE was administered and CPR continued. Defibrillation was attempted 3.5 min after drug administration. CBF, MBF and defibrillation rates were compared to an historical control group receiving 0.16 mg/kg of NE. Outcome variables were compared using a Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and Fisher-exact test. NE significantly improved CBF and MBF compared to DHPDAE. All the animals in the NE group were successfully defibrillated into a perfusing rhythm. Sixty percent of the NE treated animals experienced post-defibrillation ventricular dysrhythmias. None of the animals in the DHPDAE were successfully defibrillated into a perfusing rhythm. Substitution of the hydroxyl group on the beta-carbon of NE with an amino group significantly decreases the hemodynamic properties of the parent molecule.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Cardiovascular reflexes in Parkinson's disease: long-term effects of levodopa treatment on de novo patients.

Twelve parkinsonian patients (6 men and 6 women), mean age 60.5 years, range 47-72, were examined with autonomic test when de novo and after 2 years of continuous levodopa treatment. They were all free from any disease interfering with autonomic examination. When de novo they had a significant decrease of heart rate response to deep breathing and to laying to standing tests if compared with an age- and sex-matched control group (15.6 +/- 8.8 vs. 28.6 +/- 12.1, P less than 0.01 and 7.0 +/- 7 vs. 14.2 +/- 5, P less than 0.01). After 2 years of levodopa treatment they had a non-significant decrease of heart rate response to deep breathing test (21.8 +/- 10.6, P N.S.) and a still significant decrease of heart rate response to laying to standing test, but at a lesser level (7.7 +/- 7.0, P less than 0.05). Furthermore, they showed a significant decrease of the systolic and MAP orthostatic pressure to tilting table (-9.2 +/- 12.0 vs. +4.9 +/- 8.9 and -4.5 +/- 8.4 vs. +4.7 +/- 5.1, both P less than 0.01) probably due to medication. The other tests were never significant. We hazard as possible explanation an action of levodopa on dopaminergic neurons in the nucleus dorsalis of vagus.

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PubMed1976

Computerized data analysis of amino acids in physiologic fluids.

A Fortran IV computer program is described which identifies, computes, and statistically evaluates amino acid concentrations determined by an automatic amino acid analyzer in physiologic fluids. The program accepts retention time and intergrated peak areas from two calibration standards for identification and computational reference. Two internal standards are used to compensate for variations in injector performance and ninhydrin decay. Calibration standard responses are statistically treated to assist in detection of equipment malfunction. The statistical data base is automatically explanded through inclusion of data from normal patients. Amino acid concentrations are printed with appropriate mean and standard deviation values in a format acceptable as a final report.

Amino Acids↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A case of "young stroke" with ICA intracranial occlusion: pathogenetic implication for dissection in migraine.

The case of a "young stroke" affecting a 22 years old man is reported. Essential clinical features were drowsiness, headache, motor aphasia, right hemiparesis and Claude-Bernard-Horner in the left eye. An extensive investigative protocol was carried out which revealed an occlusion of the intracranial left ICA with subsequent recanalization. The possible causes of the stroke (migraine, dissection or combination of both) are discussed and the importance of a complete evaluation of patients of this kind is stressed.

Adult↗