[Comparison of rhyme detection skills between 7-9 years age children with dyslexia and normal children]

The objective of this study is to compare the rhyme detection ability between 7 to 9 years age children with their natural peer group of the same age. In this study, 15 dyslexic children aged between 7 to 9 were examined with another 15 normal children of the same age and gender, to investigate their rhyme recognition ability by applying phonemics awareness test. Results showed that the output of two groups from rhyme recognition ability test was 8.73+1.53 for dyslexic group and 6.47+1.64 for normal the group with an average grade of 6.88+1.94 for both of them. -Student t test showed a remarkable decline in average grade of rhyme recognition ability test in dyslexic group in comparison with the normal group [t =3.907; p =0.001]. Findings derived from this survey represented a noticeable difference in dyslexic children's rhyme recognition ability and their peer normal group in a way that dyslexics have a weaker performance and more faults than normal individuals

[Achalasia: a review of western and iranian experiences and studies]

Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the esophagus, in which esophageal emptying is impaired. Diagnosis of achalasia is based on clinical findings and confirmed by radiologic, endoscopic and manometric evaluations. Several treatments for achalasia have been introduced. We searched the Pubmed Database for original articles and meta-analyses about achalasia to summarize the current knowledge regarding this disease, with particular focus on different procedures utilized for treatment. We also report the Iranian experience of treatment of this disease, since it could be considered as a model for medium-resource countries. Laparoscopic myotomy with fundoplication is the best surgical method for treatment of achalasia with its high success rate and therapeutic response. Compared to other treatments, however, the initial cost of myotomy is usually higher and the recovery period is longer. Graded pneumatic dilation with a slow rate of balloon inflation seems to be an effective and safe initial alternative. Injection of botulinum toxin into the lower esophageal sphincter before pneumatic dilation may increase remission rates. However, this needs to be confirmed in further studies. Due to the lack of adequate information regarding the role of expandable stents in the treatment of achalasia, insertion of stents does not currently seem to be a recommended treatment. In summary, laparoscopic myotomy can be considered as the procedure of choice for surgical treatment of achalasia. Graded pneumatic dilation is an effective alternative and can be recommended as a first therapeutic option in the majority of achalasia patients

Demographic, clinical features and treatment outcomes in 700 achalasia patients in Iran

Achalasia is the most recognized motor disorder of the esophagus. Because it is an uncommon disease, most studies have reviewed small numbers of patients. Here, we report demographic, clinical features and treatment outcomes in 700 achalasia patients. In all patients, diagnosis was established based on clinical, radiological, endoscopic and manometric criteria. A questionnaire was completed for each patient and included the patient's age, gender, initial symptoms, frequency of different symptoms, presence of positive family history for achalasia, other accompanying diseases and treatment outcomes. In our study men were affected more than women [54.3% vs. 45.7%]. Patients' mean age was about 38 years. The most frequent symptoms noted were: dysphagia to solids and liquids, active regurgitation, passive regurgitation and weight loss, respectively. Women complained of chest pain more than men [59% vs. 47.1%, p=0.04]. The vast majority of our patients were treated by pneumatic dilation [PD] of the LES and in long-term follow-up, 67% were in the responder group. Females responded better than males to PD. Dysphagia to solids is the most common symptom in patients with achalasia. Chest pain was significantly higher among women. PD is an effective treatment for achalasia with long-term efficacy in the majority of patients

Effect of extracellular matrix on differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells

Evaluation of extracellular matrics [ECMs] effect on differentiation of embryonic stem cells [ESCs] to pancreatic beta-cell. Mouse ESC line, Royan B1, was subjected to differentiation into beta-like cells in a three-step method: generation of embryoid bodies [EBs], spontaneous differentiation and induction by Nicotinamide onto different matrices including poly L-ornithine/laminin, gelatin, and two different dilution of matrigel [1:30, 1:100] and control group [no ECM]. At the final step, differentiated cells were analyzed for expression of some pancreas-specific genes using "semi-quantitative RT-PCR ", for detection of insulin and C-peptide presence in cells using "immunocytochemistry" and for the evaluation of the amount of secretd insulin in response to glucose Using "insulin secretion assay". The semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of differentiated cells on 1:30 matrigel coated-plates showed consistent higher expression of beta-cell specific markers including Insulin I, Insulin II, Slc2a2 in comparison to the other ECMs. The results of immunostainig for C-peptide showed no significant differences between the experimental groups and finally insulin secretion assay revealed that differentiated cells on 1:30 matrigel coated-plates secreted more insulin in response to glucose in comparison to the other ECMs. Our results suggest that type of ECM may influence ESC differentiation into insulin-secreting cells and 1:30 matrigel was more effective. However, the success rate of differentiation needs further investigations using other appropriate ECMs