No abstract

This paper discusses the results of a study of the Le Chouet section, its lithologies, facies, magnetic properties and fossil record (ammonites, calcareous nannofossils, calpionellids and calcareous dinoflagellates). Data obtained have been applied to give a precise biostratigraphy for this carbonate sequence as well as a paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Its relationship to magnetostratigraphy, based on a modern study of a French site, is important. Investigation of the micro-and macrofossils shows that the site comprises a sedimentary sequence in the Microcanthum to Jacobi ammonite Zones, and the Chitinoidella, Crassicollaria and Calpionella Zones. Several calpionellid and nannofossil bioevents have been recorded on the basis of the distribution of stratigraphically important planktonic organisms. The site allows us to calibrate the levels of various biomarkers and biozonal boundaries, and correlate them with the magnetozones M20n, M19r and M19n.

Early differential diagnosis of motor neuropathies (MN) and lower motor neuron diseases (LMND) is important, as prognosis and therapeutic approaches are different. We evaluated the diagnostic contribution of the biopsy of the motor branch of the obturator nerve and gracilis muscle in 21 consecutive patients in which, after proper clinical and neurophysiological studies, the differential diagnosis was still open. At baseline, motor biopsy was performed; diagnostic confirmation was obtained by 2-year clinical follow-up. Our results support the usefulness of this diagnostic procedure for selected cases of MN and LMND.

The presence of respiratory symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been known since the first description of the disease, even though the prevalence and incidence of these disturbances are not well defined. Several causes have been reported, comprising obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disease and changes in the central ventilatory control, and different pathogenetic mechanisms have been postulated accordingly. In our review, we encompass the current knowledge about respiratory abnormalities in PD, as well as the impact of anti-Parkinsonian drugs as either risk or protective factors. A description of putative pathogenetic mechanisms is also provided, and possible treatments are discussed, focusing on the importance of recognising and treating respiratory symptoms as a key manifestation of the disease itself. A brief description of respiratory dysfunctions in atypical Parkinsonism, especially α-synucleinopathies, is also provided.