Removal of urotropine from industrial wastewater by acidic cation exchange resins

The industrial wastewater produced by urotropine plants is considered as a major environmental polluting factor and hence its treatment is required. In this work, strongly acidic cation exchange resins including C100H [Purolite], Amberlite IR120 and Amberlyst 15W were used for removing of urotropine from wastewater. Optimum conditions for the three resins and regeneration were studied. The required amounts of resins for efficient exchange of urotropine and amount of acid for regenerating process of exhausted resins were determined and the potential of these resins in removing of urotropine and ammonia from the wastewater were compared. It was found that C100H resin has a higher capability in removing of urotropine in comparison with tow other resins. This capability of C100H was 2 and 7 times greater than Amberlite IR120 and Amberlyst 15W, respectively. The comparison of results with other methods indicates that this method reduces urotropine concentration more effectively. The simple and fast conductometric method has been developed for determination of urotropine in wastewater in the presence of formaldehyde and ammonia without any interference

Moyamoya induced acute paraplegia in a child with epilepsy

Moyamoya disease [MMD] is a chronic, occlusive, cerebrovascular disorder of unknown pathogenesis, characterized by progressive stenosis of the bilateral supraclinoid internal carotid arteries, with concomitant formation of tortuous arterial collateral vessels at the base of the brain, which reconstitute distal branches of the cerebral circulation. In Japanese, "Moyamoya" means "hazy puff of smoke" and refers to the angiographic appearance of the abnormal network of vessels that develop at the base of the brain and basal ganglia to supply of collateral route of blood flow. We report here the case of Moyamoya disease in a 5 year-old girl with normal mentality with a one year history of epilepsy, with Todd's paralysis. This condition is rare and most patients are diagnosed in childhood. With this report we aim to underscore the possibility that usual neurological sign could be associated with unusual neurological disorders

Effects of an exercise-oriented rehabilitation program on mechanical efficiency and aerobic capacity in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Children suffering from Cerebral Palsy [CP], exhibit movement limitations and physiological abnormalities as compared to normal individuals. The objective of this study was to assess mechanical efficiency and certain cardiovascular indices before and after an exercise-rehabilitation program in children with dipelegia spastic cerebral palsy [experimental group] in comparison with able-bodied children [controls]. In this study, 15 spastic cerebral palsy [dipelegic] children participated in an exercise-rehabilitation program, three days a week for three months with an average 144bpm of heart rate. The mechanical efficiency [net, gross], rest and submaximal heart rate and maximal oxygen consumption [VO[2max]] were measured before [pretest] and after [posttest] exercise program on the cycle ergometer according to the Macmaster ergometer protocol. Then control group, of 18 normal children underwent the exercise program and were assessed, following which results of the 2 groups were compared using SPSS for statistical analysis [P<0.05]. Mechanical efficiency [net, gross] increased significantly in CP patients after the exercise-rehabilitation program; results did not alter significantly for the controls. Rest and submaximal heart rate in CP patients decreased significantly after exercise program. Maximal oxygen consumption, which remained unchanged in patients following the exercise program, was similar in patients and controls after the program. Cerebral palsy patients, because of their high muscle tone, severe degree of spasticity, and involuntary movements are physically more incapacitated and need more energy than normal able-bodied individuals. Rehabilitation and aerobic exercise can be effective in improving their cardiovascular fitness and muscle function and increasing their mechanical efficiency

[Screening of DFNB4 locus in Iranian families with hereditary hearing impairment]

Mutations in the SLC26A4 gene in the DFNB4 locus is responsible for syndromic [Pendred syndrome] and non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss [HHL]. In many populations, mutations in this gene have been reported as a second cause of HHL. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SLC26A4 mutations in our HHL consanguineous families. After completing clinical evaluation and obtaining signed consent forms from each family, we included 80 families with two or more affected individuals, referred to the Genetics Research Center [GRC]. All families that previously tested negative for the DFNB1 locus were candidates for homozygosity mapping using STRs for DFNB4 locus. Families localized to this region were subjected to complete DMA sequencing. Twelve out of 80 families were mapped to DFNB4. Sequence analysis of 12 linked families revealed 10 mutations in 8 families. [T420I, 1197delT, G334V, R409H, T721M, R79X, S448L, L597S, 965insA, and L445W]. The T420I, G334V, L597S and R79X were novel mutations; we did not find any mutation in the four linked families, nor did we detect any nonsyndromic families with mutation in the SLC26A4 gene. We have been able to identify mutation in the SLC26A4 gene in only 8 of 80 families. In 12 families, we detected some degree of diffuse or nodular goiter; three out of 12 families showed thyroid function impairment and in five of 12 families there were positive prechlorate discharge tests. Eight families that showed mutation had normal temporal bone scan. This investigation, demonstrated that the SLC26A4 gene mutation is the most prevalent syndromic hereditary hearing loss in Iran, a finding in accordance with reports from other countries

Neonatal seizures: etiology and frequency

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the etiology and frequency of neonatal seizure in hospitalized neonates. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, we evaluated 1295 neonates with seizures admitted to neonatal and NICU wards in our center. Data was collected on age, sex, birth weight, serum levels of calcium, glucose, and sodium, CT scan findings, history of maternal opium abuse, blood and cerebrospinal fluid culture, and analyzed using SPSS 13. Of a total of 1295 patients, 34 [2.62%] had seizure. Mean age was 14.03 +/- 10.05 days [range, 1 to 29 days]; twenty-five [73.5%] neonates were boys and 9 [26.5%] were girls. Of 34 neonates with neonatal seizures, 12 [35.3%], 11 [32.4%], 9 [26.5%], 7 [20.6%], and 3 [8.8%] had hypocalcemia, asphyxia, hypoglycemia, intracranial hemorrhage, and hypernatremia, respectively. Maternal addiction, meningitis, and sepsis were found in 3 [8.8%], 1 [2.9%] and 1 [2.9%] of neonates, respectively. The incidence rate of neonatal seizure in the neonates in our NICU and neonatal ward was 2.62%. Common causes of seizure in this study included hypocalcemia, asphyxia, hypoglycemia, intracranial hemorrhage, and hypernatremia. Maternal addiction, meningitis and sepsis had the lowest prevalence

Recurrent episodes of food borne botulism in a 7-year old boy

Botulism is the acute, descending, flaccid paralysis that results when the neurotoxin of Clostridium botulinum blocks neuromuscular transmission. C botulinum toxin is the most poisonous substance that blocks neuromuscular transmission and causes death through airway and respiratory muscle paralysis; all forms of botulism manifest neurologically as asymmetric, descending, flaccid paralysis beginning with the cranial nerve musculature. Food-borne botulism results from the ingestion of food in which C botulinum has multiplied and produced its toxin. We report a new case of food-borne botulism in a 7 year old boy with recurrent episodes of weakness, difficulty in swallowing and speech; bilateral ptosis and mydriasis. He had positive history of the same symptoms, documented twice before. The patient's samples were sent for detection of toxin of Clostridium botulinum, and toxin of C. botulinum, type A was found in his stool sample, confirming our diagnosis. This case was unusual report because our patient has not history of canned food ingestion and also because recurrent episodes of paralysis in this case are unusual findings in botulism. In this report we want to emphasize that canned-food ingestion is not necessary for diagnosis of food-borne botulism and because delayed treatment leads to increase mortality and morbidity, treatment should be initiated promptly on the basis of clinical suspicion

Comparative effects of nitrazepam and ACTH on the treatment of infantile spasm

Infantile spasms [IS] or West syndrome is a convulsive disease characterized by brief, symmetric axial muscle contractions [neck, trunk, and/or extremities]. The therapy universally recognized as most effective in the treatment of IS, is treatment with the adrenocorticotrophic hormone [ACTH] or oral corticosteroids. This therapy however has important side effects. Many studies have sought to find alternative therapies with fewer side effects. Nitrazepam, it has been proven, can be as effective as ACTH in controlling infantile spasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Nitrazepam and ACTH on the treatment of infantile spasms. This randomized controlled clinical trial, enrolled sixty patients with newly diagnosed and previously untreated IS; diagnosis was made based on the criteria of The International Classification of Epilepsies of the International League Against Epilepsy [ILAE]. Prior to treatment, all patients underwent EEGs and CT scans. Patients were randomized to receive 0.5-1 mg/kg NZP in three daily doses or 40 IU Depot ACTH in a single morning dose. Complete cessation of spasms was considered to be as optimal response. Of the sixty patients studied, 24 [40%] were girls and 36[60%] were boys. There were no differences between the both groups regarding age and sex [non-significant]. Following treatments, at the end of the 6-week duration therapy, optimal response [Cessation of spasms] was obtained in 19 [63%] patients of NZP group and 9 [30%] patients of ACTH group, [P<0.05]. ACTH side effects were more pronounced than those of NZP; Most patients in this group, developed cushingoid features [moon face 93%, weight gain 100%][P<0.05]; a few patients,all from the ACTH group, developed hypertension [P<0.05]. The side effects of nitrazepam were drowsiness 33%, hypotonia 10%, infection 20%, and hypersalivation 93%. EEG anomalies had disappeared in 47% of NZP patients and in 30% of ACTH patients [P>0.05]. This study supports the belief that NZP offers an effective and possibly safer therapy than ACTH, for the management of IS and that the therapeutic response, if imminent, can be detected within 4-6 weeks of treatment. Clinicians should consider using NZP as a first-line therapy for IS

Antiepileptic drug therapy and serum carnitine levels in children prior to and following treatment

The physiologic function of carnitine, oxidation of fatty acid and lipid metabolism, is severely affected in carnitine deficiency, secondary forms of which lead to renal tubular disorders and chronic renal failure. Reduction in serum carnitine has been frequently reported in patients and experimental animals treated with antiepileptic drugs, one of which, valproic acid has consistently been found to cause the deficiency; the antiepileptic drugs, valproic acid, has consistently been found to cause the deficiency. Previous results, however, regarding the effects of other antiepileptic drugs have been less consistent. Considering the controversial results available in lterarure, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of Valproic acid, Carbamazepine and Phenobarbital on serum carnitine levels in epileptic children. In the present study, serum carnitine levels were randomly monitored before and six months after therapy in 39 epileptic patients receiving the antiepileptic drugs mentioned. Patient blood samples were taken before and six months after treatment and L-carnitine level was determined using the UV enzymatic test [Rouche Kit] spectronic Genesis 2, 340 nm. Results showed a significant fall in the L-carnitine levels of epileptic children taking these drugs [P< 0.01]. Considering the reducing effect of antiepileptic drugs on serum carnitine levels, it is recommended that a carnitine supplement be administered in pediatric epileptic patients to prevent the deficiency and related consequences caused by such therapies

Plain CT scan in neonatal convulsion

Convulsion is the commonest neurologic manifestation in neonatal period. History taking, physical examination and primary paraclinical data leads to the differential diagnosis. Evaluation of brain's underlying diseases is important in the prognosis, but using anti convulsive therapy, ultrasonography and Plain CT scan also play significant roles. This is descriptive, cross-sectional study performed over 80 neonates with seizures admitted to NICU during one year. The history, physical examination para-clinical and radiological findings were collected in check-list forms and analyzed statistically using SPSS and exact X[2]-test. Sixty five% of neonates had abnormal findings in brain CT scan, such as hypoxic ischemic encephalography [27.5%], intracranial hemorrhage [21.2%], brain dysgenesis [10%], metabolic causes [23.7%], and combination of all [22.5%]. Most of the neonates with abnormal CT scan had seizure, during 24-72 hours of age. Most of the neonates with seizures who had abnormal CT scan, had it during first 24-72 hours of age, which statistically was meaningful [P < 0.05]. As asphyxia and birth trauma were important underlying causes of seizures, improvement of obstetric access and safety of delivery and proper neonatal care should be considered

Bruxim in 3-6 year-old children

This cross sectional study has bees done in nine randomly selected Kindergartens of Mashhad. The purposes of this research were to obtain prevalence of bruxism and it's relationship with dental complications, and temporom and ibular disorders in 3-6 year-old children. 70 [9%] out of 772 [3-6 year-old] children had bruxism in view of parent's reports and oro-dental examinations. The most current age for the spreading bruxism was 4-5 years-old [37.1%]. All affected children had nightly bruxism. In 35/5% of affectes children and in 11.1% of unaffected children family histories were positive. In 38/5% of affected children and in 54.1% of unaffected children, mother had a job. In 75.5% of affected children there were no dental problems, pain in facial muscles or at jaw opening observed. In 4.2% of the children there pain on was temporom and ibular joint movement