RESUMO
This paper describes a quantitative analytical procedure to determine the fatty acid composition in drying oils like linseed, walnut and poppy seed. The procedure required the enzymatic hydrolysis of the oil triacylglycerol families by the action of Candida rugosa lipase. The fatty acids (FFAs) produced (linolenic, myristic, linoleic, palmitic, oleic and stearic) were extracted with n-heptane and derivatized with α-bromoacetophenone. Their separation and quantitative determination were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography employing a C18 column and an isocratic elution method coupled to ultraviolet detection. The analytical enzymatic procedure is sensitive for < 0.5 µg/mL of FFAs in a reduced sample of 0.1 mg of drying oil.
Assuntos
Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão/métodos , Ácidos Graxos/análise , Lipase/metabolismo , Óleos de Plantas/química , Candida/enzimologia , Cromatografia de Fase Reversa , Proteínas Fúngicas/metabolismo , Óleos de Plantas/metabolismo , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Triglicerídeos/química , Triglicerídeos/metabolismoRESUMO
Twelve consecutive patients having previously experienced one or more episodes of isolated transient topographical amnesia (TTA) underwent neuropsychological examination 6-12 months after the last episode to detect signs of global cognitive decline and to assess, in particular, cognitive functions deemed critical for topographical orientation. The test scores were compared with those of 12 normal subjects matched for age, sex, educational level and place of residence. Both patients and controls showed normal performances in all tasks. The comparison between the two groups revealed a significantly lower performance of the patient group in a task of geographical orientation, namely 'Map of Italy'. We conclude that isolated episodes of TTA in the elderly per se do not represent a sign of mental deterioration, but can be associated with frailty on survey components of spatial orientation. It remains to be explained whether this feature is a pre-existing condition favouring the occurrence of the episodes of topographical amnesia or represents a sequela.
Assuntos
Amnésia Global Transitória/fisiopatologia , Cognição , Atividades Cotidianas , Idoso , Amnésia Global Transitória/complicações , Amnésia Global Transitória/reabilitação , Confusão/etiologia , Demência/etiologia , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Recuperação de Função FisiológicaRESUMO
In this study we compared memory performances of 29 probable patients with AD (17 mildly and 12 moderately demented) with those of 39 healthy young subjects, 36 elderly subjects (matched with the AD group for age and years of schooling), and 19 healthy very old subjects. In most of the memory tasks used in the present study, a progressive decline in performance was observed passing from the Young to the Elderly to the Very Old to the AD group. However, patients with AD were selectively impaired in the backward reproduction of verbal and spatial span sequences and in the semantic encoding of verbal material. These data are consistent with the hypothesis of not only quantitative but also a qualitative discontinuity between the process of normal aging and the dementia syndrome.
Assuntos
Doença de Alzheimer/diagnóstico , Rememoração Mental , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Doença de Alzheimer/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Memória de Curto Prazo , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Reconhecimento Visual de Modelos , Desempenho Psicomotor , Valores de Referência , Retenção Psicológica , Aprendizagem Seriada , Aprendizagem VerbalRESUMO
In patients with demyelinating retrobulbar optic neuritis (RON), a spontaneous or corticosteroid-induced improvement is generally observed within the first month, but this is clinically insignificant in 5%-7% of patients. We report the case histories of four patients who were considered to be "non-responders" to corticosteroids because their visus remained unchanged or had improved by only 1/10 after one month from intravenous corticoid therapy begun 2-7 days after disease onset, and who were therefore subsequently administered high intravenous doses of immunoglobulin. Three of these patients completely recovered in a period of 3-9 months; the fourth showed only a partial improvement, but this was consolidated after long-term continuation of the same therapy. These cases suggest the possible efficacy of early administration of intravenous immunoglobulin in RON patients who fail to respond to cortisone therapy. As recently demonstrated in animal models, it can be hypothesised that the result is due to immuno-mediated mechanisms of action that reduce autoimmune responses in the short- and medium-term, and in the long-term favour remyelination.
Assuntos
Doenças Desmielinizantes/terapia , Imunoglobulinas Intravenosas , Neurite Óptica/terapia , Doença Aguda , Adulto , Doenças Desmielinizantes/etiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Esclerose Múltipla/complicações , Neurite Óptica/etiologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Acuidade VisualRESUMO
The results of air pollution surveys conducted at two sites in the historic center of Rome and at two sites in Latium are summarized and illustrated. The objective of our study is to identify a link between the analytical data and brightness measurements of outdoor stone monuments in the selected areas. The analytical data coincide well with the characteristics of the sites with heavy traffic (Rome and Villa d'Este in Tivoli) when compared with the "zero level exposure" of the Villa Adriana.
Assuntos
Poluição do Ar , Arquitetura , Cidade de RomaRESUMO
Do adult cardiomyocytes use the same pathways hypothesized for the formation of myofibrils in embryonic cardiomyocytes in tissue culture. [Rhee, et al., Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 28:1-24, 1994]? Premyofibrils in embryonic cardiomyocytes are composed of short sarcomeric units of alpha-actinin (Z-bodies) and actin filaments held together by short nonmuscle myosin IIB filaments. Premyofibrils are believed to be transformed into nascent myofibrils by their capture of muscle-specific myosin II filaments aligned in aperiodic arrays. Nascent myofibrils are thought to transform into mature myofibrils by the loss of nonmuscle myosin IIB, the fusion of the Z-bodies into Z-bands, and the periodic alignment of muscle myosin II filaments into A-bands. Freshly isolated cat and rat adult cardiomyocytes placed in tissue culture lack premyofibrils and nascent myofibrils. Adult cardiomyocytes spreading in culture reinitiate the synthesis of nonmuscle myosin IIB. Moreover, patterns similar to the proposed embryonic myofibrillar program first detected in spreading chick embryonic hearts were also detected in these spreading adult mammalian cardiomyocytes. The isolated adult cardiomyocytes begin to spread after 1 day in culture by sending out lamellipodia. When these cells are injected with fluorescently labeled alpha-actinin, linear arrays of short spacings of beaded alpha-actinin bodies are detected in the spreading edges of the adult cardiomyocytes. These dense bodies (Z-bodies) stain positively for the same sarcomeric-specific isoform of alpha-actinin that is in the Z-bands of mature sarcomeres. These linear arrays of alpha-actinin-containing Z-bodies have other characteristics of premyofibrils and are detected only in the spreading regions of the cells. Thus, these premyofibrils at the edges of the spreading adult cardiomyocytes stain positively for nonmuscle myosin IIB but negatively for muscle-specific myosin II. Initially, no vinculin is associated with any parts of the premyofibrils in the spreading regions of the early spreading cardiomyocytes. However, later, vinculin is found to be associated with the ends of the premyofibrils. Fibers that stain solidly for muscle-specific myosin II (i.e., nascent myofibrils) are localized between the peripheral premyofibrils and the centrally positioned, mature myofibrils. It is suggested that the puzzling ability of cardiomyocytes in hypertrophic hearts to reinitiate the synthesis of fetal sarcomeric proteins may be related to the reinitiation of the embryonic premyofibril program for myofibrillogenesis.
Assuntos
Embrião de Mamíferos/fisiologia , Miocárdio/citologia , Miofibrilas/fisiologia , Animais , Gatos , Adesão Celular/fisiologia , Células Cultivadas , Senescência Celular/fisiologia , Coração/embriologia , Miocárdio/química , Miofibrilas/química , Ratos , Vinculina/análiseRESUMO
Ten healthy middle aged or elderly women experienced isolated episodes of topographical amnesia without an obvious aetiology. It is likely a benign cognitive disorder, similar to transient global amnesia.
Assuntos
Amnésia/diagnóstico , Idoso , Amnésia/etiologia , Encéfalo/irrigação sanguínea , Encéfalo/fisiopatologia , Encefalopatias/complicações , Encefalopatias/diagnóstico , Encefalopatias/fisiopatologia , Eletroencefalografia , Feminino , Lateralidade Funcional , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Tomografia Computadorizada de Emissão de Fóton Único , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
This study aimed to explore verbal and spatial memory spans in Alzheimer's (AD) and multi-infarct (MID) demented patients. For this purpose, we administered the forward and backward versions of the Digit Span and of the Corsi test to 18 AD, 18 MID and 26 controls. Results revealed a normal forward verbal span but reduced backward verbal and forward and backward spatial spans in both demented groups. These data are discussed in the light of the Working Memory model. It is argued that the normal verbal forward span is sustained by a normally functioning Articulatory Loop. The deficient processing resources of the Central Executive, on the other side, are responsible for the reduced extension of the other memory spans. The possible anatomical substrate of short-term memory impairment in dementia, as well as alternative interpretations of memory span performance in demented patients are discussed.
Assuntos
Doença de Alzheimer/complicações , Demência por Múltiplos Infartos/complicações , Transtornos da Memória/etiologia , Adulto , Doença de Alzheimer/diagnóstico , Doença de Alzheimer/fisiopatologia , Encéfalo/fisiopatologia , Demência por Múltiplos Infartos/diagnóstico , Demência por Múltiplos Infartos/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Transtornos da Memória/fisiopatologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Percepção Espacial , Análise e Desempenho de Tarefas , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Comportamento VerbalAssuntos
Dano Encefálico Crônico/tratamento farmacológico , Carbonato de Cálcio/administração & dosagem , Transtornos Cognitivos/tratamento farmacológico , Di-Hidrotaquisterol/administração & dosagem , Hipoparatireoidismo/tratamento farmacológico , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Antipsicóticos/administração & dosagem , Dano Encefálico Crônico/diagnóstico por imagem , Calcinose/diagnóstico por imagem , Calcinose/tratamento farmacológico , Transtornos Cognitivos/diagnóstico por imagem , Quimioterapia Combinada , Humanos , Hipoparatireoidismo/diagnóstico por imagem , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
The effect of 17 beta-estradiol 3-benzoate (10 micrograms.01 ml of sunflower oil-1 x 100 g body wt-1) on the temporal pattern of exercise-induced tissue glycogen depletion and tissue lipid availability during submaximal treadmill running was determined in male rats. Animal were administered estradiol or oil for 5 days and were then time matched for motorized treadmill running for 30, 60, 90, or 120 min. Significant depletion of liver, soleus muscle, and red and white vastus lateralis muscle tissue glycogen occurred in oil-administered animals run between 30 and 120 min. The greatest extent of tissue glycogen depletion occurred during the first 30 min of exercise with the rate of glycogen depletion slowing between 30 and 120 min of exercise. Administration of estradiol attenuated the temporal pattern of glycogen depletion in both liver and muscle tissues. Significant depletion of red and white vastus glycogen of estradiol-administered animals did not occur until 90 and 120 min of exercise, respectively. Administration of estradiol significantly increased resting plasma free fatty acids and red and white vastus triacylglycerol content. These data indicate that estradiol administration for 5 days resulted in significant glycogen sparing of liver and muscle tissues during submaximal treadmill running for up to 120 min by altering the temporal pattern of glycogen depletion of male rats secondary to an estradiol-mediated increase in availability of lipid substrate during exercise.
Assuntos
Estradiol/farmacologia , Glicogênio/fisiologia , Esforço Físico/fisiologia , Animais , Ácidos Graxos não Esterificados/sangue , Glicogênio Hepático/metabolismo , Masculino , Músculos/efeitos dos fármacos , Músculos/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Fatores de Tempo , Triglicerídeos/metabolismoRESUMO
We examined by neuropsychological tests 41 patients who had presented attacks of transient global amnesia (TGA; 31 had single and 10 multiple episodes), comparing them with 41 matched normal controls. Patients with single attacks showed only two impaired memory tasks with respect to controls (immediate and long-term verbal memory), while patients with multiple attacks showed more impaired tasks in memory and visuoperceptual ability. These data confirm that TGA is a benign syndrome, but could leave a few subclinical memory deficits probably exacerbated by repeated attacks.
Assuntos
Amnésia/diagnóstico , Ataque Isquêmico Transitório/diagnóstico , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Idoso , Amnésia/psicologia , Dano Encefálico Crônico/diagnóstico , Dano Encefálico Crônico/psicologia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Ataque Isquêmico Transitório/psicologia , Masculino , Rememoração Mental , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes Neuropsicológicos/estatística & dados numéricos , PsicometriaRESUMO
When fluorescently labeled contractile proteins are injected into embryonic muscle cells, they become incorporated into the cells' myofibrils. In order to determine if this exchange of proteins is unique to the embryonic stage of development, we isolated adult cardiac myocytes and microinjected them with fluorescently labeled actin, myosin light chains, alpha-actinin, and vinculin. Each of these proteins was incorporated into the adult cardiomyocytes and was colocalized with the cells' native proteins, despite the fact that the labeled proteins were prepared from noncardiac tissues. Within 10 min of injection, alpha-actinin was incorporated into Z-bands surrounding the site of injection. Similarly, 30 sec after injection, actin was incorporated into the entire I-bands at the site of injection. Following a 3-h incubation, increased actin fluorescence was noted at the intercalated disc. Vinculin exchange was seen in the intercalated discs, as well as in the Z-bands throughout the cells. Myosin light chains required 4-6 h after injection to become incorporated into the A-bands of the adult muscle. Nonspecific proteins, such as fluorescent BSA, showed no association with the myofibrils or the former intercalated discs. When adult cells were maintained in culture for 10 days, they retain the ability to incorporate these contractile proteins into their myofibrils. T-tubules and the sarcoplasmic reticulum could be detected in periodic arrays in the freshly isolated cells using the membrane dye WW781 and DiOC6[3], respectively. In conclusion, the myofibrils in adult, as in embryonic, muscle cells are dynamic structures, permitting isoform transitions without dismantling of the myofibrils.
Assuntos
Actinina/metabolismo , Actinas/metabolismo , Citoesqueleto/metabolismo , Miosinas/metabolismo , Retículo Sarcoplasmático/química , Vinculina/metabolismo , Actinina/análise , Actinas/análise , Animais , Células Cultivadas , Corantes Fluorescentes , Masculino , Microinjeções , Miocárdio/citologia , Faloidina , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos , Vinculina/análiseRESUMO
The effects of valproate on cognition are usually considered to be minimal, but few formal neuropsychological studies are available. We studied the psychomotor performances of 20 seizure-free epileptics during fixed valproate monotherapy and after its withdrawal. Our findings suggest some adverse effects of valproate which appear to be completely reversible after withdrawal.
Assuntos
Anticonvulsivantes/uso terapêutico , Cognição/efeitos dos fármacos , Epilepsia/tratamento farmacológico , Desempenho Psicomotor/efeitos dos fármacos , Ácido Valproico/uso terapêutico , Adulto , Anticonvulsivantes/efeitos adversos , Epilepsia/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Ácido Valproico/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Thirty-five patients affected with sporadic motor neuron disease (MND) and without clinically evident mental deterioration were systematically investigated by means of neuropsychological tests, quantitative analysis of EEG and brain CT. The MND patients as a group showed a slight but definite and stereotyped cognitive impairment. Temporal slow EEG activity was increased in the whole MND group and posterior background activity was slower in the more cognitively impaired patients. No significant differences were found in CT measurements of brain atrophy between MND and controls.
Assuntos
Eletroencefalografia , Neurônios Motores , Doenças Neuromusculares/diagnóstico , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Tomografia Computadorizada de Emissão , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Doenças Neuromusculares/psicologiaRESUMO
Six patients presented with severe adult-onset memory deficit that was subsequently diagnosed as complex partial epilepsy. In three cases acute amnestic episodes also occurred. The seizures were characterized by short losses of contact and oral automatisms. Interictal EEG showed temporal abnormalities of varying degrees. Formal neuropsychological assessment revealed dissociation between the subjective complaint and the test performances that showed a selective impairment in a few long-term verbal memory tests. These patients present a characteristic clinical picture of memory disturbance as the prominent feature of partial seizures.
Assuntos
Epilepsia/diagnóstico , Transtornos da Memória/diagnóstico , Adulto , Idoso , Epilepsia/complicações , Epilepsia/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Transtornos da Memória/etiologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes NeuropsicológicosRESUMO
We compared the cognitive effects of carbamazepine and phenytoin with neuropsychological tests exploring intelligence, vigilance, attention, memory, and visuomotor performances in 25 epileptics (13 receiving carbamazepine and 12 receiving phenytoin) and 26 matched normal controls. Patients were seizure free for at least two years and taking prolonged monotherapy. We also evaluated the effects of drug withdrawal by retesting patients three months after reduction at half drug dose and three months and one year after complete withdrawal. Our findings suggest that phenytoin affects the cognitive functions more than carbamazepine does, although the negative effects of both drugs are reversible by complete therapy withdrawal.
Assuntos
Carbamazepina/uso terapêutico , Cognição/efeitos dos fármacos , Epilepsia/tratamento farmacológico , Fenitoína/uso terapêutico , Carbamazepina/efeitos adversos , Carbamazepina/sangue , Epilepsia/psicologia , Humanos , Testes de Inteligência , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Fenitoína/efeitos adversos , Fenitoína/sangueRESUMO
A neuropsychological follow-up was made in a group of patients affected by transient global amnesia (TGA). The results suggest that TGA could leave some attentional and mnesic "fragility".
Assuntos
Amnésia/etiologia , Epilepsia do Lobo Temporal/complicações , Ataque Isquêmico Transitório/etiologia , Idoso , Atrofia , Encéfalo/patologia , Eletroencefalografia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
Transient global amnesia (TGA) was formerly supposed to have an epileptic origin thought unlikely by more recent authors. Further, epileptic seizures rarely present transient memory dysfunction as prominent symptom. These particular cases of which we report here three examples were previously identified as epileptic amnesic attacks (EAA). They have uniform clinical characteristics quite different from TGA and respond favorably to antiepileptic therapy. The features differentiating these two conditions are discussed. The authors suggest that an epileptic origin should be considered in patients presenting frequent transient amnesic attacks.
Assuntos
Amnésia/etiologia , Epilepsia do Lobo Temporal/complicações , Ataque Isquêmico Transitório/etiologia , Transtornos Neurocognitivos/etiologia , Idoso , Eletroencefalografia , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
We studied the psychomotor performance of 10 seizure-free epileptics during a fixed monotherapy with phenytoin and after its withdrawal. Our findings suggests some adverse effects of phenytoin which seem reversible after withdrawal.
Assuntos
Cognição/efeitos dos fármacos , Fenitoína/efeitos adversos , Síndrome de Abstinência a Substâncias/psicologia , Adulto , Atenção/efeitos dos fármacos , Epilepsia/tratamento farmacológico , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Fenitoína/uso terapêutico , Desempenho Psicomotor/efeitos dos fármacos , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
We systematically investigated the neuropsychological effects of controlled withdrawal of antiepileptic therapy with a battery of tests exploring intelligence, vigilance, attention, memory and sensori-motor performance. 16 patients without seizures for at least 2 years, 9 on therapy with phenobarbital (PB) and 7 with carbamazepine (CBZ), were examined 4 times over a period of 21 months. No significant correlation was found between drug levels and performance in the tests. The slight differences found between the PB and CBZ groups at full doses disappeared completely one year after withdrawal.