Diagnostic focus on the child with myoclonic seizures in isolation or associated with other types of seizures

Myoclonus may be observed in children with mild or severe epileptic syndromes. Both types are seen at characteristic ages, together with other factors: aetiology, family history, hereditary pattern, effect on psychomotor development and EEG-EMG findings. In children with progressive or degenerative encephalopathies and myoclonus, better known as progressive myoclonic epilepsy, there are also specific clinical data, together with biological and genetic markers which permit identification. The most specific clinical characteristics of each of these clinical pictures are described, as are the complementary tests which permit confirmation of these diagnoses.     

HumanTop: a multi-object tracking tabletop

In this paper, a computer vision based interactive multi-touch tabletop system called HumanTop is introduced. HumanTop implements a stereo camera vision subsystem which allows not only an accurate fingertip tracking algorithm but also a precise touch-over-the-working surface detection method. Based on a pair of visible spectra cameras, a novel synchronization circuit makes the camera caption and the image projection independent from each other, providing the minimum basis for the development of computer vision analysis based on visible spectrum cameras without any interference coming from the projector. The assembly of both cameras and the synchronization circuit is not only capable of performing an ad-hoc version of a depth camera, but it also introduces the recognition and tracking of textured planar objects, even when contents are projected over them. On the other hand HumanTop supports the tracking of sheets of paper and ID-code markers. This set of features makes the HumanTop a comprehensive, intuitive and versatile augmented tabletop that provides multitouch interaction with projective augmented reality on any flat surface. As an example to exploit all the capabilities of HumanTop, an educational application has been developed using an augmented book as a launcher to different didactic contents. A pilot study in which 28 fifth graders participated is presented. Results about efficiency, usability/satisfaction and motivation are provided. These results suggest that HumanTop is an interesting platform for the development of educational contents.     

Characterisation of chickpea flour‐based gluten‐free batters and muffins with added biopolymers: rheological,physical and sensory properties

Chickpea flour (CF)‐based muffin formulations were made with CF alone and with added biopolymers [whey protein (WP), xanthan gum (XG) and inulin (INL)] to evaluate their suitability to be a wheat flour (WF) substitute in muffins. Structural characteristics of the batters and muffins were studied by means of rheometry, microscopy, physicochemical properties, and texture and sensory analysis. Partial replacement of CF with XG, alone (at 0.5 and 1%) or blended with either WP or INL, significantly increased the batter viscoelasticity as denser matrices developed; moreover, the muffins with XG added at 1% had similar hardness to wheat gluten muffins. The replacement of WF decreased the springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience and specific volume of the muffin. However, baked muffins with added XG also showed higher sensory sponginess and moisture associated with numerous air bubbles in the batter and were perceived to be easier to swallow and to have better general appearance.     

Neuroprotective Role of Liver Growth Factor “LGF” in an Experimental Model of Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxias (CA) comprise a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by a lack of motor coordination. They are caused by disturbances in the cerebellum and its associated circuitries, so the major therapeutic goal is to correct cerebellar dysfunction. Neurotrophic factors enhance the survival and differentiation of selected types of neurons. Liver growth factor (LGF) is a hepatic mitogen that shows biological activity in neuroregenerative therapies. We investigate the potential therapeutic activity of LGF in the 3-acetylpiridine (3-AP) rat model of CA. This model of CA consists in the lesion of the inferior olive-induced by 3-AP (40 mg/kg). Ataxic rats were treated with 5 µg/rat LGF or vehicle during 3 weeks, analyzing: (a) motor coordination by using the rota-rod test; and (b) the immunohistochemical and biochemical evolution of several parameters related with the olivo-cerebellar function. Motor coordination improved in 3-AP-lesioned rats that received LGF treatment. LGF up-regulated NeuN and Bcl-2 protein levels in the brainstem, and increased calbindin expression and the number of neurons receiving calbindin-positive projections in the cerebellum. LGF also reduced extracellular glutamate and GABA concentrations and microglia activation in the cerebellum. In view of these results, we propose LGF as a potential therapeutic agent in cerebellar ataxias.     

Aerosol Retention in the Vicinity of a Breach in a Tube Bundle: An Experimental Investigation

This article summarizes the main results of a bench-scale program focused on experimentally assessing the aerosol retention near the tube breach in a tube bundle. The major variables investigated were particle nature (polydispersed TiO ₂ agglomerates vs. solid, monodisperse SiO ₂ spheres) and Re _D (0.8?2.7· 10 ⁵ ). In addition, comparisons to other data sets provided insights into the particle aerodynamic size effect on retention efficiency. Results showed that particle nature substantially affects aerosol retention in the tube bundle: mass retention efficiency was low for TiO ₂ agglomerates (less than 30%) whereas it was much higher for SiO ₂ particles (around 85%). Retention efficiency is also affected by Re _D : its sensitivity was found to follow a log-normal behavior with a maximum retention attained at Re _D near 1· 10 ⁵ . This evolution with Re _D was similar for both types of compounds. Particle size also influences retention efficiency: the bigger the TiO₂ agglomerates the lower retention efficiency (no data were available for SiO ₂ ). Among all these variables, particle nature was noted to have a prime importance for in-bundle retention, whereas Re _D and particle aerodynamic size, although also affect retention efficiency, did not play such a key role. In light of the results, the presence of retention-inhibiting mechanisms such as fragmentation, resuspension or bouncing has been discussed. The data recorded will enhance the overall understanding of the governing mechanisms involved and will serve as a database against which compare model predictions. Nevertheless, further experimental data would be desirable to set up a sound database.     

Controlled clinical assay in Clonidine, arginine aspartate, alpha-ketoglutarate of Ornithine and Ciproheptadine as growth stimulants in children with short stature

Eighty-one healthy prepubertal children of short stature, between two and twelve years of age, were divided into four homogeneous groups. Each group was treated with a placebo for one year and for a second year with one of the following drugs (double blind): clonidine (CI), arginine asprate (AA), ornithine alphaketoglutare (OKG), or cyproheptadine (Cp). CI and OKG did not better the standard deviation of height. AA and Cp did, but to no greater extent than the placebo. The growth rate did not change in any group. The ratio of bone age/chronological age was significantly higher at the end of the OKG year than at the end of the year with placebo, a difference that was not found in any other group. The prognosis of adult height (TW2) did not change in any group. The standard deviation of weight increased in all groups, both with the placebo and the various drugs, without significant differences between the groups. The CI caused frequent clinical side effects, including a reversible increase in transaminases in one child. The Cp stimulated hunger. The AA and OKG did not produce side-effects and the placebo increased appetite in 11% of the children. Somatomedin C was significantly higher after one year with Cp than after one year with the placebo, significantly higher after the placebo than after CI and AA and there was no difference between the treatment with the placebo and OKG. Growth hormone values in a 24 hour urine sample were so scattered that we do not consider them helpful.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Modeling condensation heat transfer on a horizontal finned tube in the presence of noncondensable gases

European designs for the next generation of nuclear reactors incorporate innovative passive systems in their containments to enhance heat removal by condensation under postulated accident conditions. These systems consist of several units of cross-flow finned tube bundles internally cooled with water. So far most of the studies that have been addressed to the issue of heat transfer onto finned surfaces under condensing conditions have involved refrigerants and pure vapor conditions. This study presents a model (HTCFIN) capable of predicting condensation of a cross-flow air–steam mixture onto a single horizontal finned tube. The comparison of HTCFIN predictions to the available databases shows its acceptable accuracy in a wide range of conditions and allows an interpretation of the influence of major variables acting on the scenario. As a consequence, HTCFIN model represents a step forward in the present theoretical capability to estimate heat transfer within containments of next generation of European reactors in the case of a hypothetical accident.     

Uretero-iliac fistula

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of uretero-iliac fistula, an extremely rare condition that is not easily diagnosed. METHODS/RESULTS: Herein we describe a 76-year-old female who had undergone repeated pelvic surgery for adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid. She had a right ureteral fistula that had been managed conservatively by insertion of a ureteral catheter. Diagnosis was made by selective arteriography of the iliac arteries. The patient was submitted to surgery; primary closure of the arterial fistula and nephroureterectomy were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Uretero-iliac fistula should be suspected in patients with a history of repeated pelvic surgery and ureteral catheter placement that present with massive hematuria.     

Lymphocele after renal transplantation: therapeutic controversies in the age of laparoscopy

We present 11 lymphoceles in 180 consecutive kidney transplants (6%). We study the potential etiologic factors, symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and treatment, stressing the role of laparoscopy in management of bulky and loculated symptomatic lymphoceles. This technique allows to reduce morbidity, increasing efficacy and shortening hospitalization.     

Endoscopic approach to the treatment of subperiosteal orbital abscess

The treatment of orbital complications of nasosinusal processes has seen numerous modifications. Traditionally, cases with purulent collections were treated by external drainage. Currently, the introduction of new optical systems allows such complications to be approached from within the nasal cavity. We report a case of a 3-year-old girl with a subperiosteal orbital abscess secondary to ethmoiditis, which was cured by minimally aggressive endoscopic management and medical treatment.