X-ray microscopy of living multicellular organisms with the Prague Asterix Iodine Laser System

Soft X-ray contact microscopy (SXCM) experiments have been performed using the Prague Asterix Iodine Laser System (PALS). Laser wavelength and pulse duration were λ = 1.314 μm and τ (FWHM) = 450 ps, respectively. Pulsed X rays were generated using teflon, gold, and molybdenum targets with laser intensities I ≥ 1014 W/cm2. Experiments have been performed on the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans. Images were recorded on PMMA photo resists and analyzed using an atomic force microscope operating in contact mode. Our preliminary results indicate the suitability of the SXCM for multicellular specimens

Congenital swallowing defects and rehabilitation in infants

[no abstract available

SEPs in the congenital hemiplegia [APPORTO DEI POTENZIALI EVOCATI SOMESTESICI NELLO STUDIO DELLE EMIPLEGIE CONGENITE]

In order to verify the involvement of the somatosensorial system in congenital hemiplegia, somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) has been studied in 18 children (age range 1 yrs - 14 yrs 9 mths). On the basis of the neuroradiological data the children have been subdivided into two groups. a) pts with 'clastic' signs (unilateral ventricular dilatation, poroencephaly); b) 8 pts with malformative signs (e.g. pachigyria), 1 pt CT-scan was normal. The results show SEPs alterations on the both side in 2/9 pts of the group) and in 5/8 of the group b). In addition the alterations of the latency and the amplitude interested in the group a) especially the SEPs medium-late components, whereas in the group b) almost all components, which showed changes in the morphology

The partial occipital epilepsies in childhood: electroclinical delineation from the symptomatic to idiopatic cases.

Analyiss of the partial occipital epilepsies in childhood: electroclinical features which allow to distinguish between idiopatic and symptomatic case

Alternating Hemiplegia of childhood: epilepsy and electroencephalographic investigations.

Electroclinical study of alternanting hemiplegia in childre

Sleep and benign partial epilepsies of childhood: EEG and evoked potentials study

The electroclinical picture and nosological limits of benign partial epilepsy of childhood with rolandic spikes (BERS) have been better defined by nocturnal sleep records. In all stages of sleep, there is a significant increase in frequency and amplitude of rolandic spikes (RS) without change of their morphology. Another interesting observation is the appearance of independent spike foci in sleep, or brief subclinical spike wave discharges which are limited to the state of drowsiness. More recently, other types of partial epilepsy of childhood with benign evolution have been identified: (a) partial epilepsy with induced spike representing somatosensory evoked potentials; (b) benign psychomotor epilepsy; (c) partial epilepsy with occipital spike waves. In all these forms, the sleep records are essentially similar to those in BERS and have been very helpful in the nosological identification of these forms of epilepsy. For this reason, the sleep records of these special forms are truly informative for the clinician from the diagnostic and prognostic viewpoint. On the other hand, some investigators, have pointed out that, in the initial stage of these benign forms of partial epilepsy, there may be more or less significant intellectual impairment and behavioral disorder, sometimes accompanied by frequent brief absences. From the EEG viewpoint, this condition is characterized by brief discharges of slow spike wave complexes amounting to a pattern of "electrical status epilepticus". This special electroclinical condition mimics the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome but is generally self-limited. Thus, a correct differential diagnosis is very important from the diagnostic viewpoint. There is good evidence that sleep records permit an earlier identification of these conditions and strongly contribute to a correct differential diagnosis. In the benign partial epilepsy the SEPs, during awake and sleep, morphology and latency are normal, while the N60 amplitude is increased. A group of children with benign partial epilepsy shows EEG spikes evoked by tapping, and giant N60 component. This giant component persists during sleep and is not specific for any type of benign partial epilepsy. In conclusion, the results of sleep recordings are conducive to a correct diagnosis and better definition of the nosological delineation of partial epilepsies in childhood; they also provide a better comprehension of their evolution, and thus of their prognosis. The Evoked Potentials seem be a useful tool in the study of benign partial epilepsy

Eyelid myoclonias with absences.

electroclinical study of early eyelids absence

Status epilepticus in benign rolandic epilepsy manifesting as anterior operculum syndrome

We report the fourth case of partial status epilepticus (SE) in benign epilepsy of childhood with rolandic spikes (BECRS). The child suffered long-lasting attacks involving the mouth and pharynx, clinically manifest as speech arrest, sialorrhea, and drooling. Both clinical and electroencephalogram (EEG) data were compatible with the diagnosis of BECRS. Only during SE was the clinical picture similar to that observed in the operculum or Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome. SE remission was obtained with the usual antiepileptic drug therapy (diazepam, clobazam, valproate). EEG records showed additional patterns of continuous spike-waves during slow sleep and specific inhibition and blocking of interictal centrotemporal spikes by mouth and/or tongue voluntary movements