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Biomedical subjects

F Cavalleri

Publications and source records attributed to F Cavalleri.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Mapping to distal Xq28 of nonspecific X-linked mental retardation MRX72: linkage analysis and clinical findings in a three-generation Sardinian family.

Families with mentally retarded males found to be negative for FRAXA and FRAXE mutations are useful in understanding the genetic basis of X-linked mental retardation. According to the most recent data (updated to 1999), 69 MRX loci have been mapped and 6 genes cloned. Here we report on a linkage study performed on 20 subjects from a 4-generation Sardinian family segregating a non-specific X-linked recessive mental retardation (XLMR)(MRX72) associated with global delay of all psychomotor development. Five of 8 affected males have been tested for mental age, verbal and performance skills and behavioral anomalies; mental impairment ranged from mild to severe. Only minor anomalies were present in the affected subjects. Two-point linkage analysis based on 28 informative microsatellites spanning the whole X chromosome demonstrated linkage between the disorder and markers DXS1073 and F8c in Xq28 (maximum Lod score of 2. 71 at straight theta = 0.00). Multipoint linkage analysis confirmed the linkage with a Z(max) of 3.0 at straight theta = 0.00 at DXS1073 and F8c. Recombination in an affected male at DXS1073 and F8c allowed us to delimit centromerically and telomerically the region containing the putative candidate gene. The region, where MRX72 maps, overlaps that of another MRX families previously mapped to Xq28, two of which harbored mutations in GDI. Involvement of this gene was excluded in our family, suggesting another MRX might reside in Xq28.

Adolescent↗

Novel mutations of ubiquitin protein ligase 3A gene in Italian patients with Angelman syndrome.

Angelman syndrome is a neurobehavioral disorder caused by defects of imprinted gene(s) on chromosome 15q11-13. AS-specific DNA methylation is found in patients carrying 3-4 Mb deletions ( approximately 70%), paternal uniparental disomy (3-5%) or imprinting center mutations (2-9%), while normal methylation pattern with biparental inheritance characterizes the remaining approximately 20-25% AS patients (Stalker et al.,1998; Tsai et al.,1998). Mutations in the Ubiquitin protein ligase 3A gene (UBE3A) have been found in the latter group, but only preliminary figures are available on their frequencies. We selected a sample of 25 AS patients with a clinical diagnosis of AS and a normal methylation pattern in order to search for mutations of the UBE3A gene. Automated sequencing of exons 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 performed on our 25 patients allowed us to identify three novel mutations: an 897insA in two unrelated familial cases, a 2544insA and an E167X in two sporadic cases. Mutation R482X previously reported in a sporadic patient was identified in a third familial case. Hum Mutat 15:387, 2000.

Adolescent↗

Imitation and utilisation behaviour.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence, anatomical correlates, and clinical features of imitation and utilisation behaviour, which are thought by Lhermitte and coworkers to represent a reliable and frequent index of frontal lobe disease. METHODS: 78 patients with hemispheric local lesions were tested in two separate sessions, in which their reactions to a series of gestures performed by the examiner and to the presentation of a set of objects were recorded. The patients were stratified into a frontal (n = 52) and a non-frontal group (n = 26) on the basis of their CT data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Imitation behaviour was present in 39% of the frontal patients and was mainly associated with medial and lateral lesions, at odds with the claim of Lhermitte et al that it is a constant accompaniment of lower, mediobasal lesions. In the non-frontal group it was found in three patients, all with damage to the deep nuclei region. Utilisation behaviour was a much rarer phenomenon, present in only two patients, both of whom had frontal damage. Neither imitation behaviour nor utilisation behaviour were found in patients with retrorolandic cortical lesions.

Female↗

Peripheral neuropathy in styrene-exposed workers.

BACKGROUND: The toxicity of styrene on the peripheral nervous system is still debated. CASES: The paper presents two cases of peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy in styrene-exposed workers. Exposure, evaluated by biological monitoring, ranged between 100 and 150% of the current limits proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The subjects complained of leg weakness and numbness, cramps, and paresthesia. Electrophysiology revealed a moderate peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy of a demyelinating type. Color-vision testing showed a subclinical deficit. Common inherited and acquired causes of peripheral neuropathy and dyschromatopsia other than styrene were ruled out by personal history, medical examination, laboratory data, and chest X-ray. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that long-term occupational exposure to environmental levels of styrene that are equal, or slightly above, the ACGIH limits can induce a clinical form of peripheral neuropathy and a subclinical impairment of color vision. As a consequence, a careful reappraisal of the real preventive meaning of the current ACGIH occupational limit for styrene, at least on an individual basis, is needed.

Adult↗

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dementia.

Four patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and dementia are reported. Mental symptoms antedated motor signs and were investigated with a neuropsychology battery, which brought out different patterns of cognitive impairment. A case presented with frontal dementia, another with a predominant aphasic, apraxic, amnesic syndrome, while the remainders showed cognitive decline in association with blunt affect. Motor signs were characterized by a precocious involvement of the upper motor system.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

[Clinical evaluation of a posterior photopolymerizing composite: results 4 years after application].

The aim of this study was to examine clinical results of class I and class II composite restorations of forty two posterior teeth, considering pulpal vitality, dentinal sensitivity, marginal integrity, contact areas, color, gingival irritation and secondary decay. The restorations were evaluated over a four-year period. The results are considered satisfactory both from a chemical-physical and biological point of view. The Authors wish to outline the importance to improve the operative technique to minimize the disadvantages of these materials and to obtain better results. The Authors propose to carry out a later control to confirm these results.

Adolescent↗