The transformation and outcome of traditional cassava starch processing in Guangxi, China.

To improve the resource utilization, reduce the pollution generation, and increase the economic benefits of enterprises, a cleaner process to produce cassava starch was proposed based on potato starch processing, and it was applied to the transformation of a traditional cassava starch processing factory in the Guangxi Province in China. The transformation involves the implementation of several new techniques/facilities, including a rasper, horizontal centrifuge, and hydrocyclone. Based on the transformation, typical cassava starch factories in Guangxi were evaluated.

Blepharo-cheilo-dontic (BCD) syndrome.

Patients with the autosomal dominant ble-pharo-cheilo-dontic (BCD) syndrome have ectropion of lower eyelids, distichiasis of upper eyelids, euryblepharon, bilaterally cleft lip/palate, oligodontia, and conical crown form. Initially known under the eponym "Elschnig syndrome" (1912), BCD syndrome has been described in binary, ternary, and quaternary combination. There is overlap with the syndrome reported by Martínez et al.

History of the cerebrohepatorenal syndrome of Zellweger and other peroxisomal disorders.

The history of the peroxisomal disorders (PDs), including the most frequent variant, the cerebrohepatorenal syndrome of Zellweger, can be divided into four phases. During the first phase, lasting from 1964 to 1972, the clinical and pathologic manifestations of Zellweger's syndrome (ZS) were explored and delineated. In 1973 it was found that ZS is due to the absence of peroxisomes in hepatocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells.

Familial Prader-Willi syndrome with apparently normal chromosomes.

We report on 4 sibs (2F, 2M) with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Diagnosis was made clinically on the basis of history, behavior, and physical findings in 3 of the sibs. The other child had died at age 10 months with a history and clinical findings typical of first phase of PWS.

Frequency of cerebral infarction in patients with inherited neuromuscular diseases.

We evaluated the frequency of cerebral infarction in 131 patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, Becker's muscular dystrophy, or Friedreich's ataxia. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were found in 83% of patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, 56% with myotonic dystrophy, 50% with Becker's muscular dystrophy, and 25% with Friedreich's ataxia. Atrial flutter occurred in 2.

Magnetic resonance imaging of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Eight children representing a spectrum of clinical states of biopsy-proven Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) underwent magnetic resonance (MR) scans to assess the degree of muscular involvement and disease progression. Five muscle groups (neck, shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, thigh and calf) were evaluated. In each case, involved muscles were clearly demarcated.

Myopathy in Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome.

Progressive muscular weakness, hypotonia and atrophy are among the cardinal signs of the Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome but have not been extensively investigated. Our study focused on 6 related patients who are members of an inbred population. Muscle biopsies revealed myopathic alterations with variation of fiber size, rounding, degeneration and regeneration of fibers, internalization of nuclei and endomysial fat and fibrosis.

Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome: further delineation in five cases.

We have studied five males with Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome (BFLS) from two unrelated families. They had a characteristic facial appearance with prominent supraorbital ridges, deep-set eyes, ptosis, and large ears, as well as obesity, severe mental retardation, hypotonia, and hypogonadism. Ophthalmologic, EEG, and skeletal abnormalities were also present.

[Duchenne's muscular dystrophy: also in girls?].

Duchenne's muscular dystrophy is inherited as a recessive X-linked trait: Even-though it rarely appears in females it can be seen. We have examined 5 children of one family. Two boys and one girl showed typical symptoms and clinical as well as light- and electronmicroscopical findings of this disease.

The floppy infant: a practical approach.

Cerebral, non paralytic and peripheral paralytic hypotonia are briefly discussed. Criteria which help in the differential diagnosis are emphasized. In the usual cerebral hypotonia, muscle strength is preserved but muscle tone is decreased.

Twenty years-Iowa muscle clinic: reminiscences and prospects.

The activities of the last twenty years of the Iowa clinic for neuromuscular diseases are briefly reviewed. Main emphasis in this paper is on management and guidance of the patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by the families, the school and the public at large. Guidance and treatment given to our patients is briefly described.