Benign Enlargement of Subarachnoid Space in Infancy: “A Review with

Objective:Macrocephaly are among the most frequent reasons for referral to a pediatric neurologist.Benign enlargement of subarachnoid spaces (BESS) in infancy is a most common cause of macrocephaly and is characterized by excess cerebrospinal fluid (csf) in the subarachnohd spaces.In this review, we described epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, neuroimaging, treatment and outcome of entity from current literature.Materials & MethodsWe searched the related papers in electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus .Key words for searching were benign enlargement of subarachnoid spaces in infancy, external hydrocephaly and neuroimaging.ResultsThe related data focusing on the etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, neuroimaging, treatment and outcome with emphasis on diagnostic work up were gathered and described.ConclusionBESS is most common cause of macrocephaly in infancy . It is characterized dy macrocephaly , excess csf in subarachnoid spaces and normal ventricles or mild ventricolomegaly.  Self-limited disorder in infancy ,mostly in  male and  with familial tendency  and normal or  mildly delay motor or language delay.Mostly favorable  prognosis without need  treatment.Neuroimaging is essential for diagnosis and selection of useful tool  and close observation of patient is necessary  and sufficient for follow up. It is best way from economic points and reduce hazards of inappropriate  neuroimaging

Micro- and nanoengineering approaches to control stem cell-biomaterial interactions.

As our population ages, there is a greater need for a suitable supply of engineered tissues to address a range of debilitating ailments. Stem cell based therapies are envisioned to meet this emerging need. Despite significant progress in controlling stem cell differentiation, it is still difficult to engineer human tissue constructs for transplantation. Recent advances in micro- and nanofabrication techniques have enabled the design of more biomimetic biomaterials that may be used to direct the fate of stem cells. These biomaterials could have a significant impact on the next generation of stem cell based therapies. Here, we highlight the recent progress made by micro- and nanoengineering techniques in the biomaterials field in the context of directing stem cell differentiation. Particular attention is given to the effect of surface topography, chemistry, mechanics and micro- and nanopatterns on the differentiation of embryonic, mesenchymal and neural stem cells

Differences in Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Count between Children with Simple and Complex Febrile Seizures

How to Cite This Article: Nikkhah A, Salehiomran MR, Asefi SS. Differences in Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Count between Children with Simple and Complex Febrile Seizures. Iran J Child Neurol. Spring 2017; 11(2):44-47.AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our study was to find the relationship of MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) levels and platelet counts as markers of inflammation between simple and complex febrile seizures.Materials & MethodsIn this retrospective comparative study, we investigated the recordings of 356 children between 5 months and 6 yr with diagnosis of simple and complex febrile seizure (SFS&CFS) in Amircola’s Children’s Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran between Mar 2011 and Dec 2015.ResultsMean age was similar in two groups. The MPV of the CFS group (8.32±0.48fl) was lower than that of the SFS group (8.58±0.34fl) but this difference was not significant statistically. The platelet count of the CFS group (315.03×103 ±117.17×103) was higher than that of SFS group (291.82×103 ± 87.49×103) but there was no significant statistical difference.ConclusionWe did not find significant differences between two groups. Therefore, further studies about this idea should be performed. References 1. Commission on Epidemiology and Prognosis, International League Against Epilepsy. Guidelines for epidemiologic studies on epilepsy. Epilepsia 1993; 34:592–596.2. Shinnar S. Febrile seizure. In: Swaiman KF, Ashwal S, Ferriero DM, editors. Pediatric neurology principle & practice. 4th ed, vol. 1.Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Press; 2006. P. 1079-1089.3. Shinnar S, Glauser TA. Febrile seizures. In: Pellock JM, Bourgeois FD, Edwin Dodson W. editors. Pediatric 47 epilepsy, Diagnosis & Therapy. 3rd ed. New York: Demos Press; 2008. P. 293- 301. Shinnar S, Glauser TA. Febrile seizures. J Child Neurol 2002; 17(suppl1):S44-S52.4. Lux AL. Treatment of febrile seizures: historical perspective, current opinions, and potential future directions. Brain Dev 2010; 32(1):42-50.5. Jons T, Jacobsen S.J. Childhood Febrile Seizures: Overview and Implications. Int J Med Sci 2007; 4(2):110- 4.6. Iwasaki N, Nakayama J, Hamano K, et al. Molecular genetics of febrile seizures. Symposium I Epilepsia 2002; 43(9): 32-5.7. Amirsalari S, Keihani doust Z, Ahmadi M, et al. Relationship between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures. Iran J Child Neurol 2010; (4)1:27-30.8. Ghasemi F, Valizadeh F, Taee N. Iron-deficiency Anemia in Children with Febrile Seizures. A Case-Control Study. Iran J Child Neurol 2014; (8) 2:38-44.9. Bidabadi E, Mashouf M. Association between iron deficiency anemia and first febrile convulsion: a case-control study. Seizure 2009; 18: 347-51.10. Hartfield DS, Tan J, Yager JY, et al. The association between iron deficiency and febrile seizures in childhood. Clin Pediatr 2009; 48(4): 420-6.11. Ozaydin E, Arhan E, Cetinkaya B, et al. Differences in iron deficiency anemia and mean platelet volume between children with simple and complex febrile seizures. Seizure 2012; 21(3): 211-214.12. Weyrich AS. Platelets: more than a sack of glue. American Society of Hematology (ASH). Hematology 2014; 5(1):400-3.13. Rondina MT, Weyrich AS, Zimmerman GA. Platelets as cellular effectors of inflammation in vascular diseases. Circ Res 2013; 112(11):1506-1519.14. Semple JW, Italiano JE Jr, Freedman J. Platelet and the immune continuum. Nat Rev Immunol 2011; 11(4):264- 274.15. Mahmut Abuhandan, Abdullah Solmaz, et al. Evaluation of Selenium Levels and Mean Platelet Volume in Patients with Simple Febrile Convulsion. Iran J Pediatr 2014; 24(4):401-405

Prognosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Children

How to Cite This Article: Salehiomran MR, Nikkhah A, Mahdavi M. Prognosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome in Children. Iran J Child Neurol. Spring 2016; 10(2):38-41.AbstractObjectiveGuillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute polyradiculoneuropathy characterized by progressive motor weakness of limbs and areflexia. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the clinical pattern and prognosis of children with Guillain-Barre syndrome.Materials & MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pediatric Neurology Unit of Amirkola Children’s Hospital, Babol, Iran during the period of 5 years from October 2008 to September 2013. We assessed the clinical features, results of electrodiagnostic tests, functional status, treatment and outcome of 17 children diagnosed with GBS.ResultsOf 17 (male to female ratio = 1.6:1) children studied, all had motor weakness, 4 children (23.5 %) and cranial nerve palsies. Respiratory paralysis was found in one child requiring assisted ventilation. Antecedent illness preceding GBS was recorded in 7 (41.2%) children. The GBS subtype distribution as per electrodiagnostic studies was as follows: acute inflammatory demyelinating  polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) in 12 (70.6%) acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) in 3 (17.6%), acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) in 2 (11.8%). IVIG constituted the treatment given in all of the patients. Complete recovery was observed in 16 children and the remaining one child was dependent to wheelchair.ConclusionGBS in children is not poor prognostic disorder and our recommendation is administration of IVIG as soon as possible after clinical diagnosis. Except for one child who remained wheelchair bound, there was no mortality or morbidity in long-term observation. Besides, strong limitation of our study was the low number of subjects. References1. Van Doorn PA, Ruts L, Jacobs BC, et al. Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Clinical features, Pathogenesis. Lancet Neurol 2008 Oct; 7(10):939 -50.2. Dhadke SV, Dhadke VN, Bangar SS, Korade MB. Clinical Profile of Guillain Barre Syndrome. J Asso Physicians India 2013; 61: 168-72.3. Pi-Lien H, Chang W, Huang L et al. A clinical and electrophysiologic survey of childhood Guillain-Barre syndrome. Pediatr Neurol 2004; 30(2): 86-91.4. Koul R, Al-Futaisi A, Chacko A et al. Clinical Characteristics of Childhood Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Oman Med J 2008; 23(3): 158–61.5. Asbury AK, Cornblath DR. Assessment of current diagnostic criteria for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Ann Neurol 1990; 27(suppl): S21-S24.6. Akbayram S, Doan M, Akgün C, Peker E, Sayın R, Aktar F, et al. Clinical features and prognosis with Guillain- Barré syndrome. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2011; 14: 98-102.7. Loeffel VB, Rossi LN, Mumenyhaler M. The Landry Guillain-Barré syndrome complication prognosis and natural history of 123 cases. J Neural SG 1977; 33: 71-79.8. Maneesh Kumar, Shrikiran Aroor, Suneel Mundkur, Sandeep Kumar. Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Clinical Study of Twenty Children. J Clin Diagc Res 2015 Jan; 9(1): 9-12.9. Korinthenberg R, Schulte Monting J. Natural history and treatment effects in Guillain-Barre syndrome: a multicentre study. Arch Dis Child 1996; 74: 281–87

Perceptions of College and University Auditors Concerning the Importance of Selected Factors Associated with Operational Auditing

The primary purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the perceptions of college and university auditors concerning the importance of selected factors associated with operational auditing. The secondary purpose was to determine whether the perceptions of certified auditors differ significantly from those of noncertified auditors. Selected factors associated with operational auditing for colleges and universities were categorized in three attribute groups—organizational, personal, and environmental. The identification of organizational and personal attributes was based mainly on concepts set forth in the Standard for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing published by the Institute of Internal Auditors (1978). Identification of environmental attributes was based on a review of the relevant literature, as well as on discussions with selected college and university auditors. Each attribute, whether categorized as organizational, personal, or environmental, was used as a basis for the identification of detailed factors associated with operational auditing. The findings of this study reveal that factors dealing with organizational attributes were perceived as considerably more favorable than were factors dealing with personal or environmental attributes. With regard to the secondary purpose of this research, a total of 14 hypotheses were developed and subjected to t-tests to determine whether the perceptions of certified auditors differed significantly from those of noncertified auditors. Of the 14 hypotheses tested, there were no significant differences between perceptions of the two groups concerning the importance of independence, audit plan, audit program, audit supervision, continuing education, training, audit follow-up, objectivity, technical competence, experience, and interpersonal skills. Certified auditors perceived attributes that deal with audit report and professional certification to be more important to operational auditing than did their noncertified counterparts. With regard to the importance of a knowledge and understanding of the higher education environment (i.e., knowledge of characteristics uniquely identifiable with institutions of higher education) to operational auditing, certified auditors perceived this attribute less favorably than did noncertified auditors

Effect of in-ovo injection of metformin on blood parameters and AMPK gene expression in liver of pre- and post-hatch broilers

Purpose: To investigate the effect of metformin in-ovo injection on blood parameters and adenosine monophhosphate-activeed protein kinase (AMPK) gene expression in the liver of pre- and post-hatch broilers.Methods: A total of 300 fertilized broiler breeders’ eggs (Ross 308) were selected for injection of metformin. There were four treatment levels and four replicates. Each replicate contained 15 eggs. Treatment involved injecting a solution without metformin (physiological serum), injecting one ml of 2 mg/l metformin, injecting one ml of 4 mg/l metformin and injecting one ml of 6 mg/l metformin. The first experiment was conducted on one-day-old chicks and the second experiment on 42-day-old chicks. Blood parameters, including glucose, cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein), HDL (high density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) were examined in both the experiments. Gene expression was also tested separately.Results: In the test on 1-day old chicks, the results of the effect of metformin on AMPK gene expression indicate that the treatment caused significantly modified the latter (p <0.05). Furthermore, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and VLDL concentrations were significantly reduced by increasing concentration of metformin (p <0.05). In the experiment on 42-day old chicks, the effect of metformin on the levels of the blood parameters was not significant (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Metformin injection into one-day-old chicks activates lipid metabolism in the yolk sac of the embryo, resulting in the lipid depletion. However, there was no significant effect on AMPK gene expression and blood parameters in 42-day-old chicken due to the long interval between metformin injection (42 days).Keywords: Metformin, AMPK gene expression, in-ovo injection, Broile

The Efficacy and Safety of Tizanidine in Treating Spasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

ObjectiveSpastic cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most difficult and disabling conditions that requires medical attention and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of oral tizanidine in treating spasticity in children with spastic CP.Materials & MethodsSixty children with spastic cerebral palsy were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. These patients were randomly assigned to receive tizanidine or a matching placebo. Sample normalization was not performed either before or after the study in these two separate groups. Nevertheless, no significant statistical difference was found between the two concerned groups in terms of age, sex, or type of spasticity. Each patient received the treatment for 2 weeks between May 2010 and February 2011.ResultsThirty-one boys and 29 girls with a mean age of 7.3 ± 3.4 years were evaluated. Our study revealed that spasticity was reduced in 50% of the patients receivingthe drug tizanidine compared to only 6.7% of the patients receiving the placebo. Additionally, 66.7% of patients reported less pain on the affected side receivingtizanidine (group A) compared to 13.3% of patients receiving the placebo (group B). No serious side effects were reported in this study.ConclusionTizanidine is effective and safe in decreasing the spastic hypertonia associated with cerebral palsy in children.Keywords: Tizanidine; spasticity; cerebral palsy; children  

L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria is a Diagnostic Indicator of Leukodystrophy: A Case Report

How to Cite this Article: Ashrafi MR, Nikkhah A, Houshmand M, Aryani O. L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria is a Diagnostic Indicator of Leukodystrophy: A CaseReport Iranian Journal of Child Neurology 2011;5(4):37-38. L-2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria is a rare autosomal recessive inherited neurometabolic disorder.It is characterized by slow progressive neurological dysfunction with cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs, intellectual decline, and seizures. Herein, we report a case of a 7-year-old boy from Tehran whose symptoms and signs indicated leukoencephalopathy with macrocephaly and motor delay. References 1. Barth PG, Hoffmann GF, Jaeken J, Lehnert W, Hanefeld F, van Gennip AH, et al. L-2-hydroxyglutaric acidemia: a novel inherited neurometabolic disease. Ann Neurol 1992;32(1):66-71. 2. Duran M, Kamerling JP, Bakker HD, Van Gennip AH, Wadman S. L-2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria: an inborn error of metabolism? J Inherit Metab Dis 1980;3(4):109-12. 3. Haliloglu G, Jobard F, Oguz KK, Anlar B, Akalan N, Coskun T, et al. L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria and brain tumors in children with mutations in the L2HGDH gene: neuroimaging findings. Neuropediatrics  2008;39(2):119-22. 4. De Klerk JB, Huijmans JG, Stroink H, Robben SG, Jakobs C, Duran M. L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria: clinical heterogeneity versus biochemical homogeneity in a sibship. Neuropediatrics 1997;28(6):314-7. 5. Fenichel GM. Clinical pediatric neurology: a signs and symptoms approach. Saunders:Elsevier, 2009. 6. Diogo L, Fineza I, Canha J, Borges L, Cardoso ML, Vilarinho L. Macrocephaly as the presenting feature of L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria in a 5-month-old boy. J Inherit Metab Dis 1996;19(3):369-70. 7. Rzem R, Van Schaftingen E, Veiga-da-Cunha M. The gene mutated in l-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria encodes l-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase. Biochimie 2006;88(1):113-6. 8. Shafeghati Y, Vakili G, Entezari A. L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria: A report of six cases and Review of the Literature. Arch Iran Med 2006;9(2):165-9.

Study on Free Vibration and Wave Power Reflection in Functionally Graded Rectangular Plates using Wave Propagation Approach

In this paper, the wave propagation approach is presented to analyze the vibration and wave power reflection in FG rectangular plates based on the first order shear deformation plate theory. The wave propagation is one of the useful methods for analyzing the vibration of structures. This method gives the reflection and propagation matrices that are valuable for the analysis of mechanical energy transmission in devices.  It is assumed that the plate has two opposite edges simply supported while the other two edges may be simply supported or clamped. It is the first time that the wave propagation method is used for functionally graded plates. In this study, firstly, the matrices of reflection and propagation are derived. Second, these matrices are combined to provide an exact method for obtaining the natural frequencies. It is observed that the obtained results of the wave propagation method are in a good agreement with the obtained values in literature. At the end, the behavior of reflection coefficients for FG plates are studied for the first time

Micro- and Nanoengineering Approaches to Control Stem Cell-Biomaterial Interactions

As our population ages, there is a greater need for a suitable supply of engineered tissues to address a range of debilitating ailments. Stem cell based therapies are envisioned to meet this emerging need. Despite significant progress in controlling stem cell differentiation, it is still difficult to engineer human tissue constructs for transplantation. Recent advances in micro- and nanofabrication techniques have enabled the design of more biomimetic biomaterials that may be used to direct the fate of stem cells. These biomaterials could have a significant impact on the next generation of stem cell based therapies. Here, we highlight the recent progress made by micro- and nanoengineering techniques in the biomaterials field in the context of directing stem cell differentiation. Particular attention is given to the effect of surface topography, chemistry, mechanics and micro- and nanopatterns on the differentiation of embryonic, mesenchymal and neural stem cells