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Biomedical subjects

F Benvenuti

Publications and source records attributed to F Benvenuti.

52 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Alterations of ballistic movements in epileptic patients with phenytoin intoxication.

We assessed the effects of phenytoin (PHT) overdosage on ballistic arm abduction movements in nine epileptic patients receiving long-term PHT treatment. During the overdosage period, all but one showed clinical abnormalities referable to impaired cerebellar function; one also had slowness of movement. Ballistic movements showed abnormalities in all of the patients although a great variability was present in the type and severity of abnormalities. In four patients, kinematic and EMG recordings differed least from the normal, in four they resembled those described in patients with cerebellar deficits, and in one those described in patients with Parkinson disease. The type and severity of clinical disturbances of voluntary motor control as well as alterations of ballistic movements were not related to specific PHT plasma concentrations. One month after the adjustment of PHT dosage, the patients who had clinical abnormalities completely recovered or markedly improved. Previously observed kinematic and EMG abnormalities completely disappeared or improved markedly.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sensitisation to Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium notatum in laboratory workers.

Four workers in medical research laboratories, located in a basement level of a University facility equipped with a humidified air conditioning system, complained of cough and/or asthma and/or rhinitis during their normal working activities. Since exposure to toxic compounds was very low (similar to that of the outdoor environment) only microbiological monitoring was performed. Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium notatum were found in some laboratories. Eight laboratory workers (including the 4 symptomatic subjects) out of 26 investigated were found to be atopic. Specific IgE sensitisation to Aspergillus fumigatus was found in the 8 atopic and in the 6 non-atopic workers, while Penicililum notatum was found in 7 atopic and 4 non-atopic subjects. History, physical examination and laboratory data excluded the presence of aspergillosis or allergic bronchial aspergillosis in the sensitised subjects. Our results suggest that evaluation of immune parameters, along with monitoring of the working environment, may reduce the risk of sensitisation and/or allergic symptoms in atopic laboratory workers.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), early (BAEPs) and long latency components (LLCs) in Parkinson's disease: a 12 month follow-up study.

In 14 untreated informed patients (5 M, 9 F, mean age 62 yrs) with initial idiopathic Parkinson's disease AEPs, early (BAEPs) and long latency components (LLCs) were studied. In 10 subjects experimental session were carried out before treatment (L-Dopa plus Carbidopa, 0.25-0.50 g/die) and at 2, 6 and 12 months intervals. At the same time all patients underwent clinical assessment by Webster Rating Scale evaluation. BAEPs. The IPLs prolonged (greater than 2.5 SD) in 6 patients: in 3 the III-V, in 2 the I-V and in 1 the I-III. The absolute latencies were abnormally prolonged in 11 subjects: V wave in 4, III wave in 3, II wave in 2 and I wave in 3. The absence of one or more components were observed in 12 out of 14 patients, the most frequently absent was the II wave (12 patients). LLCs. The absolute latencies of P1 and N1 waves were prolonged respectively in 4 and in 3 subjects. The P1-N1 IPL was prolonged only in one patient. A follow-up study demonstrated transitory improvement of the AEPs previously observed abnormalities. The improvement was partially in agreement with clinical assessment.

Adult↗