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Biomedical subjects

G Nappi

Publications and source records attributed to G Nappi.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Vegetative imbalance in migraine. A dynamic TV pupillometric evaluation.

In this study we investigated the variations of pupillary diameter obtained in different experimental conditions (dark/light adaptation, light reflex, sural nerve stimulation) in a group of migraine patients with unilateral location of pain in almost all the attacks and in healthy controls by means of a TV pupillometric device. The data obtained seems to document the existence in migraine of unbalanced vegetative function ascribable either to a strong sympathetic activity or to a parasympathetic deficiency. Moreover, an involvement of central integrative pathways regulating pupil functioning cannot be excluded.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Age-related changes in excitability of nociceptive flexion reflex. An electrophysiological study in school-age children and young adults.

By stimulating the sural nerve at the retromalleolar level and recording EMG response from biceps femoris muscle two components can be evoked: RII (shorter latency, lower threshold, non-nociceptive) and RIII (longer latency, higher threshold, nociceptive). RIII reflex represents a useful tool for pain research in humans since a close correlation exists between the reflex threshold and that of pain. In our study, latency, amplitude, duration and threshold of RII and RIII reflexes were investigated in school-age children (aged 7-14 years) and young adults. RIII threshold was significantly lowered in children, while the other parameters were similar in both groups. Our data suggest the existence of a reduced inhibitory descending control in nociceptive spinal neurones in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Classification and diagnostic criteria for primary headache disorders (Ad Hoc Committee IHS, 1988).

Clinical features and pathophysiological mechanisms of primary (idiopathic) headaches are revisited in the light of the new classification of headache, recently proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee of the International Headache Society. This computer-based classification is hierarchically constructed and offers operational diagnostic criteria for all headache disorders. However, further investigations are required in some cases (e.g. in case of tension-type headache) to better define the clinical form.

Cluster Headache↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Disordered sympathetic reactivity in menstrual migraine. A cardiopressor and biochemical evaluation.

Sympathetic reactivity in patients suffering from menstrual migraine has been evaluated by means of blood pressure, heart rate and catecholamine monitoring during the tilt-table test performed either in the follicular or in the luteal phase of menstrual cycle. A sympathoadrenal activation mainly described by increased plasma epinephrine levels, has been documented in menstrual migraine not only during the luteal period but also in the early phases of migraine attacks. On the other hand, the interval phases seem to be characterized by a sympathetic chronic hypofunction. Variations in catecholaminergic reactivity are discussed as factors conditioning headache pathophysiology and attack epiphenomena.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Electronic pupillometry for investigating pupil reactivity to different exteroceptive stimuli: applications and limits.

Iris neuromuscular junction represents a site of reciprocal interactions of sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation and can be considered a useful tool to investigate both systems in physiological and pathological conditions. In this study 35 healthy subjects of different ages were examined by an infrared TV pupillometer to assess darkness and light adaptation, as well as pupillary response to light and to exteroceptive stimulation (RIII reflex). A progressive impairment of pupil adaptability to light stimuli with aging was also observed, while a significant correlation was found between the intensity of electrical stimulation of the sural nerve and the percent increase in pupil diameter. The evaluation of pupil responsiveness is considered for its possible applications in various neurological disorders.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pain reflexes in the clinical assessment of migraine syndromes.

Nociceptive flexion reflexes, RIII reflex in particular, have been demonstrated to be a useful tool for pain research in humans, since the threshold of RIII reflex is that of pain. In this study a reduction of RIII reflex threshold, strictly related to the severity of the disease, is described in migraine with interval headache (MIH), that is considered a severe and evolutive form of common migraine (CM). These abnormalities were not found in CM or in other chronic pain conditions, i.e. chronic tensive headache (CTH), suggesting that this electrophysiological parameter may be useful in the clinical assessment of primary headache. Moreover, the administration of amitriptyline, a drug producing analgesia mainly by blocking serotonin uptake, was able to markedly increase the RIII reflex threshold in MIH. This fact supports the hypothesis that an impairment of serotoninergic antinociceptive system may exist in this type of headache. A significant correlation between percentage increase in RIII reflex threshold and reduction of PTI was also observed after amitriptyline treatment, indicating that pain reflex may be used for predicting treatment response in migraine.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Lithium salts in the treatment of cluster headache].

After analysing personal results and the data in the literature concerning the therapeutic effects of Lithium salts in cluster headache, the Authors discuss some of the pathogenetic problems related to this particular form of idiopathic headache. The results obtained seem very favourable however the therapeutic efficiency of Lithium salts, also observed in neuralgic-vasomotor syndromes (Charlin, Sluder) and in some forms of chronic headache, seems to indicate a relatively unspecific mechanism of action. The Authors suggest therefore an intervention in the stabilization of the membrane at the CNS level, with increasing efficiency of "antinociceptive" system.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Cryotherapy of hemorrhoids. Analysis of 40 cases].

An appraisal is made of the results of cryotherapy in 40 carefully selected cases of haemorrhoids. It is shown that the method is effective if practised in accordance with the correct technique and where specifically indicated. The incidence of possible complications and recurrences is also discussed. Points in favour of the method include its greater tolerability, the possibility of using it in out-patient management, and the fact that it permits an earlier return to work. Attention must be paid to the narrowness of its indications and the anorectal diseases that may often be present.

Cryosurgery↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Functional opioid activity variates according to the different fashion of alcohol abuse.

Two groups of alcohol addicts (total of 14 subjects), were submitted to Traditional Manual Acupuncture and pituitary hormone plasma levels, including B-Endorphin (B-EP), were measured in basal condition and after 1, 5, 20 and 60 minutes from needle withdrawal. Group A patients had a polarity towards negative affective tone presenting signs of dysphoria while group B was composed of the so-called "social drinkers". No difference existed in basal hormonal values, except slightly elevated plasma B-EP levels in group A. No significant responses to TMA were recorded in plasma ACTH, Cortisol, Prolactin or GH levels in groups A and B. Social drinkers showed an increase of B-EP plasma levels in response to TMA (128 +/- 62.1%, mean +/- SD) which on the contrary was absent in dysphoric alcoholics (2.8 +/- 38.6%, p less than 0.01). The same was true for B-Lipotropin plasma levels. These preliminary results suggest that different fashions of alcohol abuse may be associated with different reactivity of the endogenous opioid system.

Acupuncture Therapy↗