scholarly journals Evaluation of Clinical Symptoms and Serum Lead Level in Patients with History of Oral Opium Use being Admitted to Hazrat Rasoul Akram, Firoozgar, Firoozabadi and Haft Tir Hospitals, Tehran

Author(s):  
Majid Rezaei Tavirani ◽  
Hazhir Heidari Beigvand

Introduction: Drug abuse and its complications is a socio-health problem in Middle Eastern countries such as Iran. Smugglers may add lead to drug during drug production, which is in order to increase its weight for greater benefit. Considering the frequency of the patients with various complaints among Iranians, this study was designed and conducted to evaluate the clinical symptoms and serum levels of lead in patients being admitted to Hazrat Rasoul Akram, Firoozgar, Firouzabadi and Haft Tir hospitals with any complaints. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, serum levels of lead were measured in 128 samples in case and control groups. The case group consisted of 64 patients using oral opium who being admitted to Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar, Haft Tir and Firouzabadi hospitals with different complaints in May 2017. The control group consisted of 64 patients with no history of addiction that were homogenized with the case group in terms of age and sex. They were evaluated for serum levels of lead and other variables. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The mean serum lead level was 76.34±17.82 in the group using opium and was 7.68±3.72 in the control group that the difference was statistically significant (P <0.001). The most common complaints of patients were abdominal pain and symptoms of bowel obstruction. The mean rate of oral opium consumption was 1.73±0.23 in subjects under 50 years old and with a mean of 2.89±0.27 in subjects over 50 years old. Serum lead level was significantly (P = 0.032) increased compared to the amount consumed. Duration of oral opium consumption was 5 months to 30 years with a mean of 15.24 years, which was not significantly correlated to serum lead level (P = 0.213). Also, the hemoglobin range was significantly correlated to different levels of lead in patients consuming oral opium (P = 0.027). Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed a high mean serum lead level in oral opium addicts in the study population. The results also confirm numerous reports suggesting the definitive diagnosis of lead poisoning as a justifying factor in addicted patients with nonspecific symptoms, which may indicate the need for serum lead level screening in opiate addicts to prevent more serious complications.

Author(s):  
Alimohammad Ranjbar ◽  
Elahe Kamali Ardakani ◽  
Rahele Zareshahi

Aims: In Iranian culture, due to some narratives from the prophet Mohammad about the use of frankincense during pregnancy for increasing IQ in children, some women consume frankincense during expectancy. This study's goal is to evaluate the relationship between frankincense used during pregnancy and the incidence of ADHD. Methods: In this study, the case group comprised children 4-17 years old referring to Shahid Chamran Pharmacy in Yazd from summer to winter 2018 for receiving Methylphenidate, those with whom a psychologist had identified ADHD based on DSM-V factors.  The control group included children of the same age group but without ADHD. For data gathering, a checklist was used with some questions on smoking, family history of ADHD, presence/absence of a specific disease during pregnancy, frankincense used during pregnancy, and a chemical medication consumed during pregnancy. Results: The main result demonstrated that the children whose mothers used frankincense during pregnancy were 0.67 times less likely to be affected by ADHD than those whose mothers did not use this substance. However, the difference failed to be statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Some studies report that frankincense can bear a positive effect on the development of the brain and possibly adequate formation of dendrites trees, axons and induce proper communication between them, so the impact of frankincense on the brain may be justified by its protective effect against the hyperactive child.


2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Manjurul Karim ◽  
Md Abdul Wahab ◽  
Lubna Khondoker ◽  
Md Shirajul Islam Khan

A case-control study conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2008- December 2010. A total 60 female patients of telogen effluvium attending in outpatient department (OPD) were enrolled in the study with 30 having hair loss considered as case (Group-A) and another 30 females had no history of hair loss were considered as control (Group-B). The study included 60 patients and the mean age were 25.4±7 years ranging from 18 to 42 years in group A and 24.8±5.6 years ranging from 17 to 36 years in group B. Maximum number was found in the age group of 21- 30 years in both groups and nearly three fourth (73.4%) patients were unmarried in group A and 18(60.0%) in group B. Most of the patients were student in both groups, which were 21(70.0%) and 17(56.7%) in group A and group B respectively and majority of the the patients were HSC level in both groups, 15(50.0%) and 14(46.7%) in Group A and Group B respectively. Most of the patients came from middle class, which were 20(66.7%) and 16(53.3%) in group A and group B respectively. The mean serum ferritin were 18.8±8.1 g/L ranging from 4.5 to 36.54 g/L and 36.6±9.9 mg/L ranging from 18.46 to 56.3 mg/ L in group A and group B respectively. The mean Hb level was 11.5±1.4 gm/dl ranging from 8.5 to 14.0 gm/dl in group A and 12.8±1.1 gm/dl ranging from 10.5 to 14.5 gm/dl in group B. The mean difference of Hb level was statistically significant (p<0.05) between two groups in unpaired t-test. It can be concluded that low iron level is associated with telogen effluvium in women. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v21i2.13617 Bangladesh J Medicine 2010; 21: 84-89


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e08-e08
Author(s):  
Gholam Reza Masoomi ◽  
Zeinab Rastegar Chupani ◽  
Hazhir Heidari Beigvand ◽  
Mahdi Rezai ◽  
Shahin Dokht Hasan Pour

Introduction: The prevalence of multiple symptoms, including mental illness, symptoms that mimic diseases such as pancreatitis, nonspecific abdominal pain and cholecystitis, are high in drug-dependent patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to consider the clinical signs and serum lead levels of individuals referred to four university hospitals with various complaints. Patients and Methods: In this study, 128 sample cases in two groups, the case group and control group, have been examined. The case group included 64 persons using oral opium who were suffering from various complaints and referred to emergency department of mentioned hospitals. The control group included 64 patients without any history of addiction. Results: Mean of blood serum lead level in opium users and control group was 76.34±17.82 mg/dL and 7.68±3.72 mg/dL respectively, and the difference between these groups was significantly meaningful (P<0.001). The most prevalent complaints were abdominal pain and pulmonary complaints. Conclusion: Findings of the current study showed high levels for an average serum lead level for oral opium addicts among the studied statistical population. In addition, results show that ultimate diagnosis of lead poisoning is a factor justifying symptoms for addicts with nonspecific symptoms, the subject that confirms several previous reports. This finding asserts the necessity of screening of serum lead level for patients addicted to opium compounds in order to prevent more severe side effects.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donglie Zhu ◽  
Hang Fu ◽  
Zelong Yang ◽  
Mingzuo Jiang ◽  
Yanjie Ren ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims: The present study aimed to explore the correlation between cholecystectomy and cholangiocarcinoma, and to provide preliminary clinical basis for precise cholecystectomy in China.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 9744 patients with cholangiocarcinoma, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, femoral fracture, and hepatic hemangioma diagnosed in Xijing hospital from August 2008 to August 2018. They were divided into three groups: case group (1749 cases of cholangiocarcinoma), positive control group (3137 cases of colon cancer and 1950 cases of pancreatic cancer), negative control group (1794 cases of femoral fracture and 1114 cases of hepatic hemangioma). We collected the general information (gender, age), past medical history, cholecystectomy history from the patients, and these data were analyzed by chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The cholecystectomy rate of the case group was significantly higher than that of the positive control group and the negative control group by chi-square test (p<0.025). The cholecystectomy rate and the history of cholecystolithiasis were analyzed by logistic multivariate regression analysis. The OR values of cholecystectomy rate were 1.553 (95%CI: 1.311-1.840) and 3.181 (95%CI: 2.561-3.951), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.000). The OR values of the history of cholecystolithiasis were 2.460 (95%CI: 2.093-2.890) and 5.426 (95%CI: 4.325-6.809), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.000). In case group, the difference between cholecystectomy and cholecystolithiasis was statistically significant (p<0.000) by chi-square test. Conclusions: In conclusion, cholecystectomy is one of the risk factors of cholangiocarcinoma and the patients who undergo cholecystectomy have a higher risk of cholangiocarcinoma than the control groups. Cholecystectomy should be conducted with caution and the precise surgical treatment of gallbladder diseases is advocated.


Author(s):  
Fereidooni M ◽  
◽  
Nouri P ◽  
Faramarzi M ◽  
Sadeghi S ◽  
...  

Introduction: Chronic Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease, which is caused by certain series of bacteria in oral biofilm and leads to teeth supporting tissue destruction. Stress, depression and anxiety can affect periodontium health through variable different mechanisms. Cortisol is secreted from adrenocorticotropic glands in pituitary gland and can be used as index to determine psychological stress rate. Alpha-amylase is an salivary gland enzyme which is regulated through sympatric nervous system. The aim of the following study is to compare between different biomarkers related to the emotional stress, anxiety and depression in saliva and their role on periodontal health and also the correlation between periodontal parameters, stress, depression and anxiety. Method: 90 patients with age ranged from 35 to 45 years were participated in the study. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels were measured in them. Levels of Stress, Anxiety and Depresion were evaluated using questionnaires. The relationship between psychological and biochemical factors with chronic Periodontitis were assessed. The results were analyzed by statistical analysis. Results: The mean concentration of salivary cortisol was 7.87±4.37 ng/ml in the case group and 4.33±2.11 ng/ml in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean concentration of salivary alphaamylase was 3569.27±101.22 U/L in the case group and 3343.44±171.09 U/L in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean stress score was 24.28±3.09 in the case group and 22.96±3.61 in the control group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). The difference between two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean anxiety score was 44.11±4.59 in the case group and 36.47±4.30 in the control group, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean depression score was 19.96±3.58 in the case group and 13.13±3.91 in the control group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings of these study showed that psychological factors like emotional stress, depression and anxiety and biochemical factors including salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase are higher in patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis in comparison to healthy people. also Anxiety and depression are stronger predictors of periodontitis than acute stress and cortisol.


Open Medicine ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 556-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Kisaoglu ◽  
Bulent Aydinli ◽  
Gurkan Ozturk ◽  
Sabri Atamanalp ◽  
Bunyami Ozogul ◽  
...  

AbstractTo evaluate the effectiveness of serum levels of resistin and CD14 expression in monocytes, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in early stages of acute pancreatitis and correct prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) using scoring systems. The study involved 10 (29.41%) male and 24 (70.59%) female patients (total n=34) followed for AP diagnosis at the Department of General Surgery, Ataturk University Medical School between July 2008 and September 2009. In all the patients, Ranson and APACHE II scores, serum resistin, hsCRP, and monocyte CD14 expression levels were determined. The patients were divided into two groups as mild and severe AP groups. A control group was formed and the intergroup comparisons were made. Values ≥ 3 based on the Ranson scoring scale and values ≥ 8 in APACHE II scoring scale were considered to indicate severe AP. Evaluations were based on the values obtained on the 1st and 7th days for serum resistin and hsCRP levels and monocyte CD 14 expression. In 17 (50%) patients, severe AP was determined. No statistically significant differences were found between the mean serum resistin levels of AP groups, while the difference for the same parameter between the mild and severe AP groups and the control group was statistically significant. In the severe AP group, the mean 1st day and 7th day serum hsCRP levels were statistically significantly higher. The CD14 expression in monocytes was similar in all the groups. Serum hsCRP concentrations and Ranson and APACHE II scores and serum resistin and hsCRP concentrations on the 1st day were positively correlated. Serum hsCRP measurement is effective in determining the severity of acute pancreatitis. Serum resistin measurement may be a useful early marker in determining the inflammatory response in AP. However, CD14 expression in monocytes was not found to be a useful marker in the diagnosis and prediction of the disease severity in AP patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naser Kalhor ◽  
Hoda Fazaeli ◽  
Azar Sheykholeslami ◽  
Faezeh Davoodi Asl

Background: Male factor infertility that is the cause of about half of the infertility cases, may occur due to azoospermia. Because spermatogenesis defects may lead to non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), investigating the factors involved in spermatogenesis, including hormones and genes, is one of the most important aspects in understanding the mechanism of NOA in men. Objectives: Male infertility is a complex disorder that affects a large proportion of men, yet many of its causes are unknown. Clarifying its genetic basis may help to identify the causes of infertility and provide effective treatment for patients. Methods: In this case-control study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the USP9Y gene were investigated. Accordingly, 100 healthy men and 100 NOA patients were regarded as control and case groups, respectively. Testis tissue samples were taken during the testicular sperm extraction (TESE) procedure, DNA extraction was done, and ARMS PCR was designed and performed. The rs3212292, rs2032597, rs2032604, rs2032598, and rs717268 polymorphisms in the USP9Y gene were analyzed by Tetra-ARMS PCR. Furthermore, the serum levels of sex hormones were assessed by the ELISA technique. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: According to the obtained results, there was no significant difference in case of genotype frequency of investigated SNPs between the case and control groups (P ≥ 0.05). The mean FSH and LH levels in the control group were relatively lower than the case group (P ≤ 0.05), whereas no significant difference in the mean testosterone level was observed between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: Polymorphisms of the assessed SNPs showed no effect on the frequency of azoospermia; thus, polymorphisms did not increase the risk of NOA and also did not have a protective effect against the disease. Also, the results showed that the serum levels of FSH and LH increased in NOA patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Lavaee ◽  
Fahimeh Rezazadeh ◽  
Nasrin Saki ◽  
Zahra Tavazo ◽  
Saman Baghaei

Background and Aim. The onset of autoimmune diseases is associated with the levels of sex hormones. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease with a higher prevalence in postmenopausal women. The present study is aimed at evaluating the sex hormones’ levels in patients with pemphigus vulgaris in comparison to healthy controls. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study was performed on patients with pemphigus vulgaris referred to Faghihi Hospital and Shiraz Dental Faculty in 2017-2018. The participants included 26 women with histopathologically confirmed pemphigus vulgaris and 26 healthy age-matched controls. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were evaluated in both groups. Independent t -test and two-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results. The mean age of the patients was 49.88 ± 10.46 years and that of the control group was 49.92 ± 11.30 years. Unlike the case group, the DHEA serum level was significantly higher among nonmenopausal participants in the control group. Moreover, the levels of testosterone and DHEA were significantly lower in the case group in comparison to the control group ( p = 0.015 and p = 0.026 , respectively). Conclusion. Considering the effects of age and menopause, the serum levels of testosterone and DHEA were significantly lower in the patients with pemphigus vulgaris than in the healthy controls. Hence, these hormones might have a role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-87
Author(s):  
Mohammed Emran ◽  
Syed Mozaffar Ahmed ◽  
Md. Israt Hasan ◽  
Ali Emran

The aim of this study was to determine the role of occupation-related physical activities in the osteoarthritis of the knee. The study was conducted on 87 female patients from September 2016 to August 2017. The same number of healthy females of the same age group were included as a control. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, enquiring about demographic data and details of risk factors. There were statistically significant (p<0.05) changes in the occupation-related physical activities like sustained knee bending, climbing stairs (>10 flights/day), kneeling (>30 min/day), squatting (>30 min/day), in patients when compared to the control group. However, there were no significant changes in other occupation-related physical activities. Obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) patients were found 29.9% in the patient and 17.2% in the control group. Patients with a positive family history of osteoarthritis of the knee were 13.8% in the case group and 3.4% in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) between the two groups. In conclusion, occupation-related physical activities like sustained knee bending, climbing stairs, kneeling and squatting had a significant association with osteoarthritis of the knee in the female.


Sigurnost ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gholam Hossein Halvani ◽  
Mehrzad Ebrahemzadih ◽  
AliReza Esmaeili

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between sleepiness and accidents among professional drivers in Iran. This is a case-control study carried out among 820 professional drivers of whom 300 drivers were assigned to the case group and 520 drivers were as the control group, of whom 104 cases were excluded from the study because their questionnaire was not completed. Finally, the collected data on 716 cases were analyzed. The data relating to road traffic accidents, demographic factors and sleepiness were collected using questionnaire and interview. Data analysis was performed using SPSS16 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16). The mean of sleepiness score among cases was 6.2 whereas this mean in control group was 4.6. 20.9% of the experimental group had Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)&gt;10 while just 8.2% of the controls had ESS&gt;10. The difference between sleepiness in the case who had precedence of accident and controls without precedence of accident was statistically significant (P&lt;0.001). This study showed that sleepiness in drivers who had precedence of accidents was higher than the drivers without any accidents. Sleepiness can be one of the causes of accidents among the professional drivers in Iran.


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