[Evaluating the performance of Anaerobic Migrating Blanket Reactor [AMBR] in biodegradation of perchloroethylene [PCE]]

PCE is a chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon which has been widely used in some industries. The aim of this study was to determine the PCE biodegradation potential in anaerobic migrating blanket reactor [AMBR].In this study the concentration of PCE was more than that of other studies. So far AMBR has not been used for bioremediation of this compound. This study was an Experimental - laboratory study. A laboratory scale anaerobic migrating blanket reactor [AMBR] with a capacity of 10 L and with four compartments was used for biological degradation of PCE in synthetic substrate. Performance of the reactor was evaluated during 4 stages with PCE loading rate of 3.75 to 75 mgPCE/L.d. Excel software was used for data analysis. Optimum COD removal with 98% efficiency was obtained with COD loading of 3.1gCOD/L.d. For PCE removal, the optimum efficiency rate was 99.8% which was achieved with PCE loading rate of 37.5 mgPCE/L.d. The mean values for COD and PCE removal during the whole activity period of reactor were 91.4 and 99.5%, respectively. The results indicated that use of AMBR in full-scale studies using real industrial wastewater contaminated with PCE is a simple, efficient and reliable method for removal of PCE from industrial waste water

[Effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells differentiation and induction of opalin, olig expression in the cuprizone induced multiple sclerosis mice]

Oligodendrocytes are myelinating cells in the central nervous system [CNS] which develop from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells [OPCs]. Opalin is a unique molecular marker for mature and myelinating oligodendrocyte. Olig1/2 plays a regulatory function in the differentiation of OPCs to oligodendrocyte. Ciliary neurotrophic factor [CNTF] has been shown to play an important role in the proliferation and maturation of oligodendrocytes. In this study the effects of CNTF on Opalin, Olig1/2 expression in the cerebral cortical extracts of Cuprizone induced multiple sclerosis [MS] has been investigated. The mice were treated by Cuprizone for five weeks in order to induce MS. The mice were then divided into 3 groups. The first group was injected subcutaneously [SC] by CNTF in the amount of 2 microg/kg BW. The second group [SHAM] was injected SC by phosphate buffered saline [PBS] and the third group was left without injection as the control group. After five weeks the mice were killed and the cerebral cortex was harvested and the expression of Opalin and Olig1/2 was studied by Western blotting. The results from this study show that the expression of Opalin, Olig1/2 was significantly increased in the CNTF injected group as compared to the other groups. It is concluded that CNTF enhances Opalin, Olig1/2 expression and may play important role in the pathophysiology of MS. It is also concluded that CNTF may be a regulator in the differentiation of oligodendrocyte from OPCs

Relevant factors with male participation in family planning

Participation of men in family planning programs a range of different activities and in fact one of the factors of success in increasing family planning program is. The aim of the present study is detecting relevant factors of male participation in family planning in teachers in Zahedan. In this cross-sectional descriptive analytical study, 250 male teachers were studied. Sampling carried out by census. Teachers who are Married and wanted to share were chosen. The 4-part questioner include demographic data, participation, knowledge and attitude was used. Questionnaires were completed in working place. Data collection accomplish in 2 months. For data analysis, SPSS were utilized and T Test and Chi square test were used. 77.6% percent participated in family planning. Special male methods were used by 62.4% percent of them and use of kandom had higher rate. Results showed that only the people who mean marriage age was higher, had more participation in Contraceptive methods. So that the people who mean marriage age of 26/78 had more participation that those of their mean age was 25/36 and T test shows significant difference [P=0.017]. Knowledge and attitude have significant relationship with male participation [T=0.008 and P=0.001]. There was no significant relationship between participation and other factors. According to findings, male teachers participated in family planning. Because of their poor knowledge; they need to be instructed by instructive programs related to family planning methods

[Survey of crude oil toxicity component removal by adsorbtion with powdered activated carbon]

Background and aims: Crude oil is very complex composition with harmful effect in human health, such as carcinogenesis and blood dyscrasia. Because of the entry of relatively high volume of these compounds in aquatic environments, effective controlling is very important. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of powdered activated carbon [PAC] for reducing the toxicity of crude oil in water

Methods: Water soluble fraction standard samples were prepared with one part crude oil in 9 part water. For toxicity test, different concentrations of crude oil water soluble fraction in water and larvae of rainbow trout were used. Before and after the addition of 10, 20, 40 and 60 mg/l powdered activated carbon, TOC and bioassay tests were performed. LC50 and evaluation of results was done with probit statistic program

Results: LC50 for samples 24, 48, 96 hrs after addition of different concentration of PAC were 94.8, 106.6, 117.8, 138.3 and 181.5 mg/l. Values of TOC for these samples was 44.81, 43.88, 38.16, 36.62 and 35.14 mg/l

Conclusion: The use of activated carbon reduced toxicity and TOC. With increase in the concentration of activated carbon, toxicity was decreased, but intensity of TOC removal wasn't similar to toxicity removal. Using of powdered activated carbon for treatment, in case of accidents and entering crude oil in drinking water supplies, can be considered

Epilepsy surgery in children

In the majority of patients with intractable epilepsy, seizures can be well controlled with appropriate medication. However, current estimates indicate that some of patients with epilepsy are refractory to all forms of medical therapy. The surgical treatment of intractable epilepsy in children has evolved with advances in technical innovations. These medically intractable patients are candidates for surgical treatment in an attempt to achieve better seizure control. The definitive successful outcome of epilepsy surgery is a seizure-free state without significant neurological impairments. In this article, we will outline the essential elements of presurgical evaluation and describe a variety of therapeutic surgical options, and the related indications, techniques, results and complications of each procedure

[Neurologic findings and surgical treatment results in spinal tuberculosis]

Spinal TB [Pott's disease] is one of the important and common types of TB. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of neurological findings and result of surgical treatment in patients with Pott's disease in Mashhad Ghaem Hospital during 1994-2004. In this cross-sectional descriptive retrospective study c 32 patients with Pott's disease, referred to Ghaem Hospital during the years 1994-2004, were studied. Data were analyzed using chi2 test and frequnency distribution tables. The mean age of patients was 42.5 years old, with the highest prevalence in the range of 50-59. There was no significant difference between male and female sexes in patients. The most common chief complaint was weakness of lower limb presented in 75%; most patients had lower limb weakness of 2/5, 3/5 Kyphosis was seen in 3/1%, collapse in 62.5%, kyphosis with collapse in 25%. There was no structural problem in 9.4%. Involvement of thoracic vertebrae 9-10 was the most common. 50% of patients had urinary sphincter dysfunction and 40.6% had no problem in urinary sphincter. The mean of the follow up period was 7.4 years. Among all of our 32 patients 8 cases [25%] received only medical treatment; and 24 cases [75%] had combined medical and surgical treatment. The most surgical procedure used was vertebral fusion without device. Medical treatment for at least 9 months combined with surgery [if needed] and proper follow up results in approximately total improvement in patients with spinal tuberculosis

[ report of 6 cases proptosis due to meningiomas in neurosurgical department of Ghaem Medical Center]

Intracranial meningiomas, with extension into the orbit through bone, the superior orbital fissure, or the optic canal, and optic nerve sheath meningiomas can lead to proptosis and visual loss. In this study we evaluated meningiomas's cases presented with proptosis in Ghaem Hospital from 1374 to 1384 with respect to etiological factors, clinical findings, imaging studies, histopathological and prognostication. we reviewed medical records of fifty patients that because of orbital mass and proptosis underwent cranio-orbital surgery, then cases of meningiomas [a with respect to pathology] selected. The chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis. Of fifty cases with proptosis, 6 cases [12%] were meningiomas with orbital involvement. In 6 meningioma's cases, 5 [83%] were intracranial sphenoid wing meningiomas with orbital extension and 1 [17%] was optic nerve sheath meningiomas. Of six patients with meningiomas's diagnosis, there were women [67%] and men. Mean age of patients in secondary meningiomas was 54.4 years [43-70 years] and in one primary meningiomas age was 21 years. In all cases there was decreased vision in addition to proptosis. The most common orbital meningiomas were secondary that arise intracranial. Visual loss is frequent; The most common cause of proptosis in neurosurgery ward is sphenoid wing meningiomas

[Giant pituitary adenoma: a cases report of 22]

Although most pituitary neoplasms are benign, but some of them spreads to extrasellar structures. Definition of these giant pituitary adenoma is not clear. In order to clarify this question, we studied all pituitary adenomas with diameter of 30 mm or more and attempting to identify their typical and clinical features, complications and their prognosis. In our prospective study since 1996 to 2006, 235 patients had been admitted and operated in neurosurgical centers, were determind. We evaluated the clinical and paraclinical signs and symptoms and surgical results of these tumors and Rate of recurrence, morbidity and mortality was determind. Then we compared these results with other studies. The processing of the results was achieved by SPSS [11.5] and statistical analysis with descriptive methods. From 235 patients with pituitary adenoma in our study, 131 patients were male and 104 cases were female. The age of patients were 18 to 75 years with the average of 50.5%. 22 patients from 234 cases had giant pituitary adenoma. The diameter of their tumors were equal or more than 30 mm.The most common clinical findings in our patients with giant pituitary adenoma were visual impairement [95.4%], headache [81.8%], gait disturbance [13.6%], decreasing of libido [18.1%] and papilledema [27.2%]. In our study, the most common giant pituitary adenomas were non-functional adenomas and prolactinomas respectively. Mortality and post operative complications of giant pituitary adenomas is more than other adenomas. The giant pituitary adenoma is about 10.6% of total pituitary adenomas. Although these lesions are not special and typical tumors but in order to more invading and more spreading to adjacent structures, they are different of other adenomas. They are characterized by a higher clinical signs and symptoms, higher frequency of neuro-ophthalmological symptoms and hormonal deficits and poorer response to surgical treatments. The rate of recurrence, morbidity and mortality is more than other adenomas too

Esthesioneuroblastoma

To review all cases of esthesioneuroblastoma in Qaem Hospital from 1990 to 2004 with respect to Clinical findings image studies, staging, grading, histopathological and prognostication. Possible cases of esthesioneuroblastoma were retrieved from Neurosurgery, Otorhinolaryngology And Pathology departments. Patients were included on the basis of review of their files or pathology reports. Thirteen possible cases were retrieved. One case was excluded because of no documented pathology. Esthesioneuroblastoma is a malignant neuroendocrine tumor originating in the olfactory mucosa. It is a small blue cell neoplasm with a characteristic lobular architecture. The tumours were staged according to Kadish staging system and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to identify prognostic factors. The Kadish staging system was able to group the patients into prognostically relevant groups. Intracranial involvement and metastases at the time of diagnosis were found to be poor prognostic factors

Outcome of patients with meningomyelocele

Meningomyelocele is the most common congenital anomaly of the central nerves system [CNS].It is not only a spinal cord anomaly; associate hindbrain abnormalities, hydrocephalus, bladder, and bowel disturbance, and orthopedic deformities make a team effort necessary. We reviewed our patients with meningomyelocele and evaluated their early and long-term outcomes. We included 45 patients with meningomyelocele operated on between 1990 and 2004 in this study. The medical records were reviewed from the aspects of neurological and physical findings, surgery performed, and complications. Parental age and education were analyzed when available. The chiary-square test was used for the statiscal analyses. There werel9 boys [42.2%] and 26 girls [57.8%]. The lumbar region was the site of the meningomyelocele in 27 patients [62%].Patients with cervical and sacral meningomyelocele had a higher rate of normal motor function than those with meningomyelocele at other levels [p=0.0001].We also noted that the higher the location of meningomyelocele, the greater the control of both sphincters [p=0.0013]. The management of children with meningomyelocele needs a team approach. The majority of patients can have a normal IQ and a socially acceptable degree of continence and be able to walk. The patients should be treated with aggressive therapies whenever possible

Surgical evaluation of patients with cauda equina syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is one of the neurosurgical disorders and it must be handled urgently and seriously. The aim of this study is to evaluate surgical results and the relationship between timing of surgery and outcome in 87 patients. This is a descriptive retrospective study since 1 987 to 2004. 87 patients with cauda equina syndrome were admitted in Qaem hospital. The evaluation of clinical and paraclinical signs and symptoms and surgical results were done. to assessment of outcome, the patients were divided to four grades: excellent, good, moderate and without change From 87 patients, 67 patients were male and 26 were female. the age of patients were 26 to 64 years, the more common level of disc hemiation was L4- L5 [%39],less common L2- L3 [%9/1]. The surgical result was excellent in%37/9 and without changed in%8/l. Cauda equina syndrome is one of the emergent problems in neurosurgery and if operated in 48 hour of beginning of clinical symptoms, especially in patients with incomplete clinical findings, the surgical results are excellent

Torticollis caused by neuroenteric cyst of upper cervical region

Torticollis is a symptom that can be related to different pathological mechanisms ranging from simple to life-threatening conditions. Here we report a child with torticollis caused by a neuroenteric cyst in the upper cervical region; this is a very rare condition in childhood and in this case, it was successfully resolved by surgery. A 2.5 year old boy presented with a 2 month-history of torticollis, he had developed paraparesia 2 weeks before admission. At examination he was found to be quadriparetic. Radiographic study of the cervical spine revealed widening of the cervical canal. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hypointense lesion on the T1 at the craniovertebral junction having a compressive effect on the anterior aspect of the brain stem and spinal cord. The patient underwent surgery. After craniotomy and opening of the dura, a cystic lesion was seen; clear fluid was aspirated and the cyst wall was removed. Considering the quadriparesis and torticollis, the patient improved significantly within the first few days after surgery. No relapse of symptoms occurred during the follow up period. This is the first case report of a child in whom torticollis was due to a neuroenteric cyst of the upper cervical intradural region

Goldenhar syndrome and pericentric inversion of chromosome 9

Oculo-auriculovertebral dysplasia [Goldenhar] is a congenital syndrome. Its phenotype differs from craniofacial anomalies to cardiac, vertebral or central nervous system defects. This syndrome is rare and its etiology is not apparent yet. Pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 is one of the most common structural balanced chromosomal aberrations with its incidences 15% to 25%. Herein we present a case of Goldenhar syndrome in a oneyr- old girl with pericentric inversion of chromosome 9. We used the patient's peripheral blood and studied 30 metaphase spreads on the basis of G-bands by trypsin using Giemsa [GTG] technique at 400 band resolution that revealed a pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 with break points at p11 and q13

[Brain abscess in children]

Brain abscess is one of the most important diseases among the neurosurgical infectious diseases which is accompanied by considerable mortality and morbidity. The aim of this research is contemplation of brain abscess in children [5-12 years] to ascertain the incidence, effectual underlying factors, clinical and laboratory findings and mortality and morbidity rates in Ghaem hospital in Mashad since 10 years ago.This is a descriptive and analytic study in children with brain abscess in Ghaem hospital achieved retrospectively. We considered age, sex, underlying factors, clinical and laboratory findings, location of abscess, methods of treatment [medical or surgical], the duration of staying in hospital, and mortality and morbidity of the disease. Statistical analysis was achieved with Odds Ratio and Chi[2] test.The age of children with brain abscess was 5-7 years. Male to female ratio was 1.6 to l.The most common underlying factors for brain abscesses were acute and chronic diseases of ear, mastoiditis, and chronic cyanotic heart disease [CCHD]. The patients had fever [55.5%], headache [46.6%], focal neurological findings [64.6%] and altered consciousness in 46.7%. The most common sites of involvement were: temporo-parietal [20%] and parietal lobe [18.2%]. Pus culturing was positive in 34% of cases. In 73.3% of cases one organism and in 26.6% several organisms were found in the culture. We achieved aspirated type operation in 93.3% of cases. The incidence of mortality and morbidity was 17.7% totally. The mortality and morbidity rates in patients with CCHD and otogenic brain abscess were 11.1% and 22.2% respectively. There was no meaningful correlation between mortality and morbidity with the number of abscesses or patient's age.Attention to hygiene of mouth and teeth in pediatric patients with cyanotic heart disease is very important in prevention of infectious brain diseases. We must also consider attention to ear-nose-throat diseases of children. It is very important that the patients are examined again after treatment because of finding and treatment of unknown otitis and chronic sinusitis

[Glossopharyngeal neurinoma; diagnostical and therapeutical aspects]

Among posterior fossa tumors, neurinoma arising from glossopharyngeal nerve are rare; only about 46 cases of glossopharyngel neurinoma have been reported. Though a typical jugular foramen syndrome has been described for tumors of this region, the clinical onset may often closely resemble that of acoustic neurinoma thus misleading the diagnosis. Although this tumor shares with the far more common acoustic norinorna the presenting symptom of hearing loss, it may be distinguished by an elicit able history of hoarseness, demonstration of abnormal palatal function and absence of expected findings upon standard radiographic examination of the petrous bones and internal auditory canal. This is the report of our experience with five such cases treated successfully and we have found that identification of this tumor may be accomplished with currently available diagnostic techniques, including computerized tomography and MRI. Because of its different surgical implication, such a rare condition must be clearly recognized. Our aim is to emphasize the importance of particular focus on clinical symptoms, imaging findings and surgical management of this tumor

[Penetrating traumas to base of skull]

Penetrating traumata's to the skull is important cause of death special in industrial societies. The present study was done on twenty cases of penetrating traumas to base of skull; and patients were studied for Epidemiology, clinical symptoms, treatment procedures, evolution and prognosis. This research was done in a retrospective method on patients admitted to Mashhad Emdadi Hospital [Mashhad Emergency Hospital] from September 2003 to January 2004. Data concerning cause of incidence, clinical symptom, accompanying damage, procedures taken, and kind of treatment and prognosis were studied in all patients. On this study all twenty patients were male ranging in age from 20 to 58 years. Causes for hospital admittance were; fighting 17 cases [80%] war injuries, 3 cases and suicide, 1 case [5%]. [65%] received medical treatment and seven cases received surgery [35%] Surgery included extraction of hematoma from brain tissue or Subdural, brain debridement, repair of depressed skull fracture and orbit. Thirteen patients were treated concretively and seven patients had surgical operation and five died during treatment. Primary low GCS, shock and hypertension upon hospital admission abnormal pupil and high age of the person were all influential factors causing high-rate death level in patients. In addition to the result of this study, the literature show quick primary cure and accessibility to medical center are extremely important factors to decrease death rate and lessen damage due to penetrating trauma to the skull

[Evaluation of the causes of headache in patients referred to neurological and Clinic of Ghaem Hospital]

Evaluation of the causes of headache in patients referred to Neurological Emergency and Clinic of Ghaem Hospital. In this prescribing cross-sectional study, patients who came to the Clinic Department of Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad from 1980 to 1982, with chief complaint of headache, was studied. The clinical findings, laboratory findings, and imaging of the patients were reviewed. Among 423 patients, 71% were women. The female to male ratio was 2.44%. The average age was 35. Male patients with sinusitis and female patients with classic migraine had the lowest average age, respectively 17 years old and 19 years old. The maximum average age was in patients with cervical spondylitis. The most common type of headache was tension [48%] and migraine [24%]. The most common associated symptoms were photophobia, photophobia and nausea. The most common precipitated factor of headache was stress [71%]. This study showed that stress was the most important factor of exacerbating headache, and rest was the best way to suppress headache

Lumbar spinal stenosis: Evaluation of surgical Results in 100 cases

Although lumbur spinal stenosis syndrome is extremely common, considerable controversy continues to surround its classification, diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is evaluation of results of surgical therapy for lumbar spinal stenosis in 100 patients. In this article, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical, radiologicaLand surgical results of 100 patients operated in our neurosurgical clinics with the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis. Surgical therapy and outcome are discussed with respect to the known facts. After clinical and radiological evaluation, 100 patients were diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. All patients underwent laminectomy and bilateral foraminotomy at the stenotic level. Surgical outcomes were evaluated as very good, good,same, and poor according to the clinical findings. Fifty- three of the patients were males and forty-seven were females.More than half were between the ages of 40 and 60.The most frequently operated level was L4-L5. Ninety two percent of the surgically treated patients demonstrated very good and good outcomes. Our conclusion in lumbar spinal stenosis diagnosed by objective clinical and radiological findings is that decompressive laminectomy and extensive foraminotomy without instrumentation allow a good outcome

Evaluation of relation between brain tumours and epilepsy

Subject: Epilepsy is one of the most important presenting symptoms of brain tumours. The slow-growing brain tumours may be treated for the idiopathic epilepsy for years. The relation of brain tumours and epilepsy is significant and early diagnosis of tumours presenting with seizure increases the social health level

Material and Method: In this study we evaluated the relation between type and location of brain tumour, age of patients and epilepsy. In this study, we reviewed prospectively the clinical findings, the imaging, and the pathological reports of 288 patients who were operated for brain tumour in the neurosurgical department of Ghaem hospital, Iran, between 1992-1996

Results: Among 288 patients, 65 cases [22.6%] were 20 years old or younger and 223 [77.4%] were more than 20 years old. Seventy-eight patients [27.1%] had seizure. Among these 78 patients, 72 cases had supratentorial tumours and six infratentorial tumours. The seizure was significantly more common in supratentorial tumour than infratentorial tumours [p=0.0000021]. Supratentorial tumours had seizure seven times more than infratentorial tumours [odds ratios=7.09]. The tumours with more tendency of seizure were Oligodendroglioma [100%], low-grade astrocytomas [44%], high-grade astrocytoma [40%], meningioma [33.8%], and glioblastome multiform [26%]. Seizure was not seen in any suprasellar and parasellar tumours. There is significant relation between tumour pathology and seizure occurrence [p=0.0000356]

Conclusion: Neuroimaging should be carried out for every patient with seizure, especially for patients more than 20 years old. The MRI is preferred because of the high sensitivity of MRI for brain tumours

Neurological signs and symptoms in cervical spondylosis

Introduction: According to high prevalence of cervical spondylosis and many questions about indications of surgery we decided to sudy its signs and symptoms especially those that lead to surgery

Material and method: This is a desciptive study on 54 patients that operated on in Qaem Hospital between 1991-2001. Special data collection sheets that included personal informations, signs and symptoms, evolution, neuro-imaging findings and indications of surgery. All data were analyzed using statistical tests

Results: In 54 patients who were studied, the results were as followsimale was predominant significantly [81.5% versus 18.5%], all patients'age was above 40 years [average 58.9 years],the course of disorder was slowly progressive in 89% and acute in 11%. Hyperreflexia 92.5% Babinski sign 70%, Hoffmann sign 52%, clonus 41%, fasciculation 11%, paresthesia 63%, vague sensory level 44.5% proprioceptive sensory loss 22%, cervical dermatome sensory loss 52%, gait disorder 85%, motor weakness 85% [tetraparesis was the most common], neck pain 63%, Radicular pain 40.5%. hand atrophy 37% and sphincteric disorder 33%. MRI findings Was: 96% of patients had canal stenosis [12.5% of them had one level stenosis and 87.5% had multiple level stenosis]. The most common level of stenosis was C5-C6, C6-C7, C4-C5, and C3-C4 respectively. Indications of surgery were as follows; progressive motor weakness 96%, intractable pain 56% and sphincteric disorders 33%. Some of patients had more than one indication

Conclusion: male to female ratio was more than4, the most common level of compression were C5-C6, C6-C7, and in comparison with other data, we had a higher incidence of neck pain, spastic tetraparesis, Hoffmann sign, hand atrophy and spastic gait