Environmental Impact of Water Use in Life Cycle of Milk Production

Water has a key role in dairy industry and life cycle assessment (LCA) is one of the tools for environmental assessment of products & processes. A cradle to gate assessment of market milk was performed by separating the system into three sub-systems: agronomy, animal farm and processing plant. Data were gathered from multiple sources e.g. published papers, questionnaire, national and international databases, and the processing plant. Throughout the study, ISO framework and IDF guideline on LCA were used. The functional unit for reporting results was one liter of pasteurized milk (2.5% fat) packaged in plastic pouch. Finally, to quantify and assess the environmental impacts from blue water consumption, parameters of a global water impacts assessment model were modified and used in this case study. In production of one FU, about 370 liters of water is needed mostly for feed production. Feed agriculture sub-system alone withdraws 97% of total. Throughout the market milk product chain, about 40 and 28% of total water withdrawal come from alfalfa and barley production mainly from irrigation. In production of one FU, modified model’s estimate for the impact on human health with the unit of disability-adjusted life years (DALY) was about 0.35*10-6, and its estimated value for the impact on ecosystem quality was 0.324 m2*y

Effect of refrigerated storage on the probiotic survival and sensory properties of milk/carrot juice mix drink

Background: There is a genuine interest in the development of probiotic milk and juice based beverages because they are a good-vehicle to deliver probiotic microorganisms to consumers. For this purpose, the viability and metabolism of four probiotic strains ( Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5, Bifidobacterium lactis BB12, L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum ) were studied in non-fermented milk and carrot juice mix drink. The drinks were evaluated in 5 days interval for viable cell count, pH, acidity, sedimentation and sensory quality during refrigerated storage at 4 \ub1 2\ubaC for up to 20 days. Results: The results showed that all strains had good viability in milk/carrot juice drink (88-98%), but L. acidophilus LA5 seemed more stable than three other strains. The levels of pH and acidity were ranged 5.33-6.6 and 0.13-0.31%, respectively. The drinks inoculated with L. rhamnosus and control (non-probiotic) showed more variation in pH and acidity. The most sedimentation was detected in drinks inoculated with L. rhamnosus, reaching 3.73 mL/10 mL sample. Sensory assessment indicated lowest acceptability in control and milk/carrot juice drink inoculated with L. rhamnosus, respectively. Conclusion: This study indicated that some probiotic bacteria can be applied by food producers to produce functional drinks with an increased shelf-life

Serum Thyroid Hormone Levels in Epileptic Children Receiving Anticonvulsive Drugs

How to Cite this Article: Mahyar A, Ayazi P, Dalirani R, Hosseini SM, Daneshi Kohan MM. Serum Thyroid Hormone Levels in Epileptic Children Receiving AnticonvulsiveDrugs. Iranian Journal of Child Neurology 2011;5(4):21-24.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate serum thyroid hormone levels in epileptic children receiving anticonvulsive drugs.Materials & MethodsIn this case- control study, 30 epileptic children who were receiving anticonvulsive drugs (case group) were compared with 30 healthy children (control group). This study was carried out in the Qazvin Children's Hospital (Qazvin, Iran) from October to December 2007. Both groups were matched for age and sex. Thyroid hormone levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric assay. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Student's t-tests.ResultsThe mean serum T3 and T4 levels in the case group were 2.36 ± 0.73 nmol/L and 95.96 ± 27.01 nmol/L, respectively, and the corresponding values in the control group were 1.88 ± 0.93 nmol/L and 147.46 ± 35.77 nmol/L, respectively. The mean serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the case and control groups were 2.73±0.73 mIU/mL and 2.49 ± 2.17mIU/mL, respectively.ConclusionThis study revealed that long-term consumption of anticonvulsive drugs resulted in a decline in serum T4 levels and an increase in serum T3 levels, but had no effect on TSH levels. 1. Johnston M. Neurodegenerative disorders of childhood;Spingolipidoses. Nelson textbook of pediatrics, 17th edPhiladelphia: Saunders; 2004.P.2031-2.2. Sankar R, Koh S, Wu J, Menkes J. Paroxysmal disorders.In(eds): Menkes JH, Sarnat HB, Maria BL. ChildNeurology; 2006.P.7:877.3. Shiva S, Ashrafi M, Mostafavi F, Abasi F, RahbariA, Shabanian R. Effects of anticonvulsant drugs onthyroid function tests. Iranian Journal of pediatrics2003;13(02):101.4. Kimura M, Yoshino K, Suzuki N, Maeoka Y. Effect ofantiepileptic drugs on thyroid function. Psychiatry andclinical neurosciences. 1995;49(4):227-9.5. Eris Pural J, Delrio-Garma M, Delrio - Castro – GagoM. Long Term treatment of children with epilepsy withvalprovats or carbamazepin, may cause subclinicalhypothyroidism. Epilepsia 1999;40(12):1961.6. Isojärvi JIT, Turkka J, Pakarinen AJ, Kotila M,Rättyä J, Myllylä VV. Thyroid function in men takingcarbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, or valproate for epilepsy.Epilepsia 2001;42(7):930-4.7. Vainionpää LK, Mikkonen K, Rättyä J, Knip M,Pakarinen AJ, Myllylä VV, et al. Thyroid function ingirls with epilepsy with carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine,or valproate monotherapy and after withdrawal ofmedication. Epilepsia 2004;45(3):197-203.8. Verrotti A, Basciani F, Morresi S, Morgese G, ChiarelliF. Thyroid hormones in epileptic children receivingcarbamazepine and valproic acid. Pediatric neurology2001;25(1):43-6.9. Kantrowitz L, Peterson M, Trepanier L, Melian C,Nichols R. Serum total thyroxine, total triiodothyronine,free thyroxine, and thyrotropin concentrations in epilepticdogs treated with anticonvulsants. Journal of the AmericanVeterinary Medical Association 1999;214(12):1804.10. Schröder-van der Elst J, Van der Heide D, Van der BentC, Kaptein E, Visser T, DiStefano J. Effects of 5, 5 -diphenylhydantoin on the thyroid status in rats. Europeanjournal of endocrinology 1996;134(2):221.11. Schonberger W, Grimm W, Schonberger G, SinterhaufK, Scheidt E, Ziegler R. [The influence of primidone onthyroid function (author’s transl)]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr1979;104(25):915-7.12. Tiihonen M, Liewendahl K, Waltimo O, Ojala M,Valimaki M. Thyroid status of patients receiving longtermanticonvulsant therapy assessed by peripheralparameters: a placebo-controlled thyroxine therapy trial.Epilepsia 1995;36(11):1118-25.13. Benedetti MS, Whomsley R, Baltes E, Tonner F. Alterationof thyroid hormone homeostasis by antiepileptic drugsin humans: involvement of glucuronosyltransferaseinduction. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61(12):863-72

Effect of Freezing and Vacuum Packaging on Quality Properties of Pistachio Powder During Storage

Pistachio powder is a product used today in confectionery, ice cream, pistachio paste and other foods. Considering the higher rate of spoilage and oxidation in pistachio powder, developing methods to increase the shelf-life of this product is therefore important. In this study the effect of  freezing and vacuum packaging on the quality characteristics of pistachio powder during storage was investigated. The effect of packaging conditions (vacuum or air packaging), storage temperature (25°C, -18°C) and storage time (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 months) on chemical (free fatty acids, acid value, peroxide value), physical (moisture content and color indexes of L*, a* and b*), and sensory (odor, taste, color, texture and overall acceptance) characteristics were studied. The results revealed that the peroxide value, acid value and free fatty acids in frozen and vacuum containers were lower than those packed without vacuum at room temperature. The results of sensory evaluation indicated a significant difference (p< 0.05) in samples.The best quality characteristics in terms of odor, taste, and overall acceptance belonged to the pistachio powder packed in vacuum and frozen conditions; however, in terms of texture , the containers packed and stored in ambient conditions showed better results. In all cases, the quality of pistachio powder decreased during the storage period. There was no significant difference between samples in moisture content, color indices of L*, a*, b* and sensory evaluation of color. It was generally found that packaging under vacuum and freezing could increase the shelf life of pistachio powder

Low Anterior and Very Low Anterior Resection in Patients with Rectal Cancer with or without Diverting Colostomy: A Comparison

Introduction: In colorectal cancer surgery, diverting colostomy after low anterior resection (LAR) and very low anterior resection (VLAR) operations is an issue of great significance to the surgeons. This study set out to compare the results of operation in patients with rectal cancer, undergoing VLAR and a type of LAR of the rectum, with or without diverting colostomy. Materials and Methods: 100 patients with rectal cancer undergoing VLAR and LAR, with or without diverting colostomy at a tertiary care hospital (Imam-Hossein Medical Center) were prospectively assessed from March, 2011 to February, 2015. Demographic data, radiotherapy history, and surgery-related data such as duration as well as post-operative complications were collected and analyzed. Results: Of 100 patients, 50 underwent VLAR or LAR without diverting colostomy, and 50 underwent surgical resection with diversion. The age, male to female ratio, and history of radiation were not different in the two groups (P&gt;0.05). The surgery was successful for 47 (94%) patients without diverting colostomy and for 48 patients (96%) with diverting colostomy. The age, gender, history of radiotherapy, and surgery duration did not affect the surgery success rate (P &gt; 0.05), which is fairly significant. The two groups showed no significant difference in surgical outcomes and complications (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Contrary to popular belief, the surgery success rate and complications were not significantly different in the group without diverting colostomy and the group with diverting colostomy. VLAR and LAR without diverting colostomy are recommended. &nbsp

A Case-Control Study of the Association Between Serum Copper Level and Febrile Seizures in Children

How to Cite this Article: Mahyar A, Ayazi P, Dalirani R, Bakhtiyari H, Daneshi Khohan MM, Javadi A. A Case-Control Study of the Association Between SerumCopper Level and Febrile Seizures in Children. Iranian Journal of Child Neurology 2012;6(1):23-28.ObjectiveFebrile seizures are the most common cause of seizure in children. Identification of risk factors is very important. This study was conducted to determine the association between the serum copper level and simple febrile seizure in children.Materials &amp; MethodsIn this study, 30 children with simple febrile seizures (case group) were compared with 30 children with febrile illness without seizures (control group) regarding serum copper level. This study was conducted in Qazvin children’s hospital (Qazvin, Iran).ResultsThe mean serum copper levels in the case and control groups were 141.41±30.90 and 129.43±18.97 mcg/dl, respectively. This difference was not significant statistically.ConclusionThis study revealed that there is no association between serum copper levels and febrile seizures. It seems that copper deficiency is not a risk factor for febrile seizures in children.References1. Mikati MA. Febrile seizures in: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, GemeIII JWS, Schor NF, Behrman RE. Nelson textbookof pediatrics.19th edition. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2011.p. 2017-19.2. Ferrie C, Newton R, Martland T. Febrile seizure in:Mclntosh N, Helms PJ, Smyth RL, Logan S. Forfar&amp; Arneils textbook of pediatrics, London: ChurchillLivingstone; 2008. p. 860-1.3. Mahyar A, Ayazi P, Fallahi M, Javadi A.Risk factors ofthe first febrile seizures in Iranian children. Int J Pediatr2010;2010:862897.[Epub 2010 Jun 24].4. Siqueira LF. Febrile seizures: update on diagnosisand management. Rev Assoc Med Bras 2010 Jul-Aug;56(4):489-92.5. Daoud A, Batieha A. Iron status a possible risk factor forthe first seizure. Epilepsy 2002;43(7):740-43.6. Hartfield DS, Tan J, Yager JY, Rosychuk RJ, SpadyD, Haines C, et al. The association between irondeficiency and febrile seizures in childhood. Clin Pediatr(Phila) 2009;48(4):420-6.7. Vaswani RK, Dharaskar PG, Kulkarni S, Ghosh K. Irondeficiency as a risk factor for first febrile seizure. IndianPediatr 2010;47(5):437-9.8. Amiri M, Farzin L, Moassesi ME, Sajadi F. Serum traceelement levels in febrile convulsion. Biol Trace Elem Res2010;135(1-3):38-44.9. Ganesh R, Janakiraman L, Meenakshi B. Serum zinclevels are low in children with simple febrile seizurescompared with those in children with epileptic seizuresand controls. Ann Trop Paediatr 2011;31(4):345-9.10. Mahyar A, Ayazi P, Fallahi M, Javadi A.Correlationbetween serum selenium level and febrile seizures. PediatrNeurol 2010;43(5):331-4.11. Anderson JB. Copper in: Mahan KL, Stump SE. Krause,sFood, Nutrition,&amp; Diet Therapy 9th ed, Phila, Saunders;2004:150-4.12. Gaggelli E, Kozlowski H, Valensin G. Copperhomeostasis and neurodegenerative disorders. Chem Rev2006;106:1995-2044.13. Lazarchick J. Update on anemia and neutropenia incopper deficiency. Curr Opin Hematol 2012 ;19(1):58-60.14. Zatta P, Frank A. Copper deficiency and neurologicaldisorders in man and animals, Brain Res Rev2006;54(1):19-23.15. Tapiero H, Townsend DM, Tew KD. Trace elementsin human physiology and pathology. Copper. BiomedPharmacother 2003;57(9):386-98.16. Prasad R, Singh A, Das BK, Upadhyay RS,Singh TB,Mishra OP. Cerebrospinal Fluid And Serum Zinc, Copper,Magnesium And Calcium Levels In Children WithIdiopathic Seizure. JCDR 2009;3(6):1841-6.17. Sholomo S. Febrile seizures In: Swaiman KF, Ashwal S,Ferriero DM. Pediatric neurology: principles and practice.4th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby; 2006. p. 1079-86.18. Ashrafi MR, Shabanian R, Abbaskhanian A, NasirianA, Ghofrani M, Mohammadi M, et al. Selenium andintractable epilepsy: is there any correlation? PediatrNeurol 2007;36(1):25-9.19. Shenkin A, Baines M, Fell GS, Lyon TDG. Vitaminsand Trace Elements In: Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, BrunsDE. Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry and moleculardiagnostics. 4th ed. Phila: WB Saunders, 2006:1126-30.20. Mishra OP, Singhal D, Upadhyay RS, Prasad R, etal. Cerebrospinal fluid zinc, magnesium, copper andgamma-aminobutyric acid levels in febrile seizures. JPN2007;5(1):39-44.21. Wu J, Ricker M, Muench J. Copper deficiency as causeof unexplained hematologic and neurologic deficits inpatient with prior gastrointestinal surgery.J Am BoardFam Med 2006;19(2):191-4.22. Ilhan A, Özerol E, Güleç M, Bünyamin Isik B, IlhanN, Ilhan N, et al. The comparison of nail and serumtrace elements in patients with epilepsy and healthysubjects . Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry2004;289(1):99-104

Melatonin’s Effect in Febrile Seizures and Epilepsy

How to Cite This Article: Mahyar A, Ayazi P, Dalirani R, Gholami N, Daneshi-Kohan MM, Mohammadi N, Ahmadi MM, Sahmani AA. Melatonin’s Effect in Febrile Seizures and Epilepsy Iran J Child Neurol. 2014 Summer;8(3): 24-29. AbstractObjectiveRecognition of risk factors for febrile seizures (FS) and epilepsy is essential. Studies regarding the role of melatonin in these convulsive disorders are limited.This study determines the relationship between serum melatonin levels and FS and epilepsy in children.Materials &amp; MethodsA population of 111 children with simple FS, complex FS, and epilepsy (37 children per group, respectively) were included as case groups. In addition, 37 febrile children without seizures comprised the control group. Serum melatonin levels were measured and compared between all groups.ResultsThe serum melatonin levels in the simple, complex FSs, and epilepsy groups were 2, 2.4, and 2 pg/ml, respectively. The serum melatonin level in the control group was 2.1pg/ml.Moreover, there were no significant differences observed while comparing the case groups.ConclusionThe present study reveals that there is no association between serum melatonin level and simple or complex FS and epilepsy. It appears that melatonin plays no significant role in these convulsive disorders. ReferencesBanerjee TK, Hazra A, Biswas A, Ray Jet al. Neurological disorders in children and adolescents. Indian J Pediatr2009; 76:139-46.Salehi Omran MR, Khalilian E, Mehdipour E, Ghabeli JA. Febrile seizures in North Iranian children: Epidemiology and clinical feature, Journal of Pediatric Neurology2008, 6: 39-43.Shinnar S, O’Dell C. Febrile Seizures, Pediatr Ann 2004, 33: 394-402.Millar JS. The child with febrile seizure, Pediatrics for parents 2006.24:12-14.Fetvei A. Assessment of febrile seizures in children, Eur J Pediatr2008, 167:17-27.Mikati MA. Seizures in Childhood In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, Schor NF, St. Geme III JW, Behrman RE. Nelson textbook of pediatrics. 19th ed. Phila: Saunders, 2011:2013-2039.Camfield PR, Canfield CS. Epilepsy. In: Swaiman KF, Ashwal S, Ferriero DM, editors. Pediatric neurology: principles and practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby, 2006:981-8.Chang BS, Lowenstein DH. Epilepsy, N Eng J Med 2003, 13:1257-1266.Aydin A, Ergor A, Ergor G, Dirik E. The prevalence of epilepsy amongst school children in Izmir, Turkey, Seizure 2002; 11: 392–396.10.Jan MM, Girvin JP. Febrile seizures. Update and controversies. Neurosciences (Riyadh) 2004; 9:235-42.French JA. Febrile seizures: possible outcomes. Neurology2012; 28; 79:e80-2.Guo JF,Yao JF. Serum melatonin levels in children with epilepsy or FS, Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi2009, 11:288-90 (Medline).Reiter RJ. Melatonin: clinical relevance, Best Pract. Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003, 17: 273-285.Seithikurippu R, Perumal P, Trakh I, Srinivasan V, Spence DW, Maestroni GJM, Zisapel N, Cardinali DP. Physiological effects of melatonin Role of melatonin receptors and signal transduction pathways, Prog Neurobiol 85, 2008: 335-353.Ardura J, Andres J, Garmendia JR, Ardura F. Melatonin in epilepsy and FS.J Child Neurol 2010; 25:888-91.Ganesh R, Janakiraman L, Meenakshi B. Serum zinc levels are low in children with simple FS compared with those in children with epileptic seizures and controls.Ann Trop Paediatr 2011; 31:345-9.Bazil CW, Short D, Crispin D, Zheng W. Patients with intractable epilepsy have low melatonin, which increases following seizures. Neurology 2000; 55:1746-8.Yalyn O, Arman F, Erdogan F, Kula M. A comparison of the circadian rhythmsand the levels of melatonin in patients with diurnal and nocturnal complexpartial seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2006;8:542-6.Schapel GJ, Beran RG, Kennaway DL, McLoughney J, Matthews CD. Melatonin response in active epilepsy. Epilepsia 1995; 36:75-8.Ekmekcioglu C. Melatonin receptors in humans: biological role and clinical relevance,Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy 2006,60: 97-108.Tan DX, Manchester LC, Hardeland R, Lopez-Burillo S, et al. Melatonin: a hormone, a tissue factor, an autacoid, a paracoid, and an antioxidant vitamin. J Pineal Res 2003; 34:75-8.Allegra M, Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Gentile C, et al. The chemistry of melatonin’s interaction with reactive species.J Pineal Res 2003; 34:1-10.Rodriguez C, Mayo JC, Sainz RM, Antolin I, et al. Regulation of antioxidant enzymes: a significant role for melatonin. J Pineal Res 2004; 36:1-9.Tan DX, Reiter RJ, Manchester LC, Yan M.T et al. Chemical and physical properties and potential mechanisms: melatonin as a broad spectrum antioxidant and free radical scavenger, Curr Top Med Chem2002, 2:181-197.Molina-Carballo A, Munoz-Hoyos A, Sanchez-Forte M, Uberos-Fernandez J,Moreno-Madrid F, Cuna-Castroviejo D. Melatonin increases following convulsive seizures may be related to its anticonvulsant properties at physiological concentrations, Neuropediatrics 2007; 38:122–5.Molina-Carballo A, Acuña-Castroviejo D, Rodríguez- Cabezas T, Muñoz-Hoyos A. Effects of febrile and epileptic convulsions on daily variations in plasma melatonin concentration in children. J Pineal Res 1994; 16: 1-9Rao ML, Stefan H, Bauer J. Epileptic but not psychogenic seizures are accompanied by simultaneous elevation of serum pituitary hormones and cortisol levels. Neuroendocrinology 1989; 49:33-9.Fauteck J, Schmidt H, Lerchl A, Kurlemann G, Wittkowski W. Melatonin in epilepsy: first results of replacement therapy and first clinical results. Biol Signals Recept 1999; 8:105–10.Peled N, Shorer Z, Peled E, Pillar G. Melatonin effect on seizures in children with severe neurologic deficit disorders. Epilepsia 2001; 42:1208–10.Coppola G, Iervolino G, Mastrosimone M, La TG, et al. Melatonin in wake-sleep disorders in children, adolescents and young adults with mental retardation with or without epilepsy: a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial. Brain Dev 2004; 26:373-6

Effect of 15% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel on color stability of giomer and microfilled composite resin: an in vitro comparison

Objectives: The effect of 15% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel on color stability and surface topography of a giomer and a microfilled composite resin was evaluated in the present in vitro study. Study design: Forty discs measuring 10 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness were prepared from a giomer and a microfilled composite resin. Each material yielded 20 discs with completely smooth surfaces. Then a spectrophotometer was used to measure L* (lightness), a* (redness, greenness) and b* (blueness, yellowness) color coordinates of all the discs. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to 15% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel. After measuring the color coordinates once again, color changes (DE*) were calculated by the CIELAB system. Six specimens from each material (three specimens before bleaching agent application and three specimens thereafter) were viewed under an atomic force microscope (AFM) for surface topography evaluation. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests at a=0.05. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in color changes (DE*) between the two materials (P>0.05). In addition, no significant differences were detected in surface roughness between composite resin and giomer discs before and after bleaching (P>0.05 for both). However, in both materials the differences in surface roughness were significant before and after bleaching procedures (P<0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study it was concluded that 15% carbamide peroxide does not induce clinically detectable color changes in composite resin and giomer despite an increase in surface roughness

A Ten-Year Study of Prostate Cancer: A Southern Iranian Experience

Background:Prostate canceris the most common malignancy among the male population in the United States and the 3rd most common non-skin cancer among men in Iran. Its prevalence has shown a rising trend in recent decades. The aim of this study was to report the epidemiological features of prostate cancer in patients referred for prostate biopsy in the south of Iran and to evaluate the accuracy of the levels of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and the PSA-density (PSAD) as well as the extension of the disease in the prediction of the biological behavior of prostate cancer. Methods:This is a retrospective study on the medical records of 1982 consecutive patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy due to an abnormal digital rectal examination and/or an elevated PSA level following referral from the Urology Ward to the Radiology Department of ShahidFaghihi Hospital in Shiraz, southern Iran, between December 2003 and July 2014. Results:The overall cancer detection rate was 33.1%. Although the cancer was more prevalent among the elderly patients, a significant fraction (7%) of the patients were aged < 55 years. The sensitivity and specificity of the PSA were 97.4% and 8.7% and those of the PSAD were 82.9% and 52%, respectively. Of the 637 patients with prostate cancer, 250 (39.2%) had unilateral disease, 378 (59.4%) had bilateral disease, and 9 (1.4%) had inner-gland involvement. Most of the patients with bilateral involvement had high-grade Gleason scores. Conclusion: Our study underlines the relationship between age and the frequency of cancer; the levels of the PSA and the PSAD and the Gleason score; and the extent of tumor involvement and the grade of prostate cancer and also highlights the significance of screening, especially in younger patients