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The author discusses the historical perspective of medical education and emerging of the scholarship behaviours in teaching and mentions the ideas of Ferdowsi, the epic poet of Persia, who reflects on the capability of expansion of teaching materials.

An important outcome arising out of occupational/environmental exposure to arsenic (As) is immunotoxicity. To determine the impact of inorganic As on innate immune cells, effects of a low dose of NaAsO2(i.e. 20 ng As/ml) on select parameters associated with human and bovine neutrophils (PMN) were evaluatedin vitro. PMN isolated from the blood of healthy individuals and cows (n = 8/treatment) were pre-incubated with NaAsO2for 12 h before effects on PMN phagocytosis, transcription of TLR2, TLR4 and CD64 in human PMN – as well as on phagocytosis-dependent/-independent cell chemiluminescence (CL), phagocytosis and killing ofStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli, PMN H2O2production and necrosis and TLR4 transcription in bovine PMN – were assessed. Relative to control (no As) PMN, treatment with As significantly decreased phagocytic capacity andCD64mRNA, but increasedTLR2andTLR4mRNA, in human PMN. In bovine PMN, while As also led to increasedTLR4mRNA abundance, it resulted in decreases in phagocytosis-dependent and -independent CL, PMN H2O2production, PMN phagocytosis and killing of bothE. coliandS. aureusby PMN. Considering the broad roles of PMN in immunology, the results of these studies increase our understanding of functional consequences of As exposure in inducing immunotoxicity and increasing susceptibility to (infectious) diseases in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dormancy ensures plant survival but many mechanisms remain unclear. A high-throughput RNA-seq analysis investigated the mechanisms involved in the establishment of dormancy in dimorphic seeds of Xanthium strumarium (L.) developing in one single burr. Results showed that DOG1, the main dormancy gene in Arabidopsis thaliana L., was over-represented in the dormant seed leading to the formation of two seeds with different cell wall properties. Less expression of DME/EMB1649, UBP26, EMF2, MOM, SNL2, and AGO4 in the non-dormant seed was observed, which function in the chromatin remodelling of dormancy-associated genes through DNA methylation. However, higher levels of ATXR7/SDG25, ELF6, and JMJ16/PKDM7D in the nondormant seed that act at the level of histone demethylation and activate germination were found. Dramatically lower expression in the splicing factors SUA, PWI, and FY in non-dormant seed may indicate that variation in RNA splicing for ABA sensitivity and transcriptional elongation control of DOG1 is of importance for inducing seed dormancy. Seed size and germination may be influenced by respiratory factors, and alterations in ABA content and auxin distribution and responses. TOR (a serine/threonine-protein kinase) is likely at the centre of a regulatory hub controlling seed metabolism, maturation, and germination. Over-representation of the respirationassociated genes (ACO3, PEPC3, and D2HGDH) was detected in non-dormant seed, suggesting differential energy supplies in the two seeds. Degradation of ABA biosynthesis and/or proper auxin signalling in the large seed may control germinability, and suppression of endoreduplication in the small seed may be a mechanism for cell differentiation and cell size determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relation between seizure and plasma tramadol concentration in patients with tramadol poisoning, as a novel centrally acting analgesic used for the treatment of mild to severe pain. All patients admitted with a history of tramadol overdose accompanied by unconsciousness or seizures referred to Baharloo Hospital Poison Center, Tehran, Iran from March 2008 to March 2009 were included. Demographic information, clinical findings, and blood tramadol concentrations were studied. There were 401 patients with a history of tramadol overdose; 121 (30.2%) with a history of seizure and 14 (3.5%) with a history of unconsciousness were included. Most of overdoses involved men (83%). The mean age was 22.9 years (range, 14-50 years). Intentional overdose was the most common mode of poisoning (51.9%). The mean dose ingested was 1,511 mg (SD, 1,353; range, 200-7,000). Mean back-extrapolated tramadol blood concentrations were 3,843 ng/mL (3,715; 269-20,049). Back-extrapolated blood concentrations were correlated with dose ( r = 0.313; P < 0.001) as well as blood concentration levels ( r = 0.801; P < 0.001). Seizure was significantly correlated to higher reported dose ( P < 0.001) and tramadol only to overdose ( P < 0.001). However, it was neither related to higher tramadol blood concentrations, nor related to time elapsed, age, sex, history of addiction, and observed Glasgow Coma Scale of patients. Most patients experienced just one seizure (76%). The tramadol-induced seizure is dose dependent. Although higher doses of tramadol was related to higher blood concentration, blood tramadol concentrations was not associated with seizure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy projects may profoundly impact Indigenous peoples. We consider effects of Canada's proposed Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion on the health and food sovereignty of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) through contamination and impeded access to uncontaminated traditional foods. Federal monitoring and TWN documentation show elevated shellfish biotoxin levels in TWN's traditional territory near the terminus where crude oil is piped. Although TWN restoration work has re-opened some shellfish-harvesting sites, pipeline expansion stands to increase health risk directly through rising bioaccumulating chemical toxins as well as through increased hazardous biotoxins. Climate change from increased fossil fuel use, expected via pipeline expansion, also threatens to increase algae blooms through higher temperature and nutrient loading. As the environmental impact assessment process failed to effectively consider these local health concerns in addition to larger impacts of climate change, new assessment is needed attending to linked issues of equity, sustainability and Indigenous food sovereignty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineralization of sulfidic minerals including realgar, orpiment and pyrite occurs in argillic alteration zones in northeastern Iran, which affects water quality and health in these semi-arid localities. Geochemical source of ions in surface and ground waters was examined to evaluate potential effects of sulfidic mineralization on water quality. The surface and groundwater samples were analyzed to determine the major ions (Na + , Ca 2 + , Mg 2 + , K + , HCO 3 − , SO 4 2 − , Cl − ) and trace elements (such as As, B, Br). Water-rock interactions and evaporation defined as the key phenomena on groundwater chemistry using Gibbs diagram. Concentrations of arsenic (As) varied from 16 to 606 μg/L, which was higher than the WHO (2011). Calculated ionic ratios revealed that anions and cations in surface and ground waters originated from partial leaching through ion exchange in alteration zones. We postulate that the primary source of As resulted from oxidation of As-bearing sulfide minerals such as orpiment, realgar and arsenopyrite in argillic-pyrite alteration zone. High pH (> 8) could provide the alkalinity to increase sulfide oxidation and release As into the water. The stable isotope data (δ 18 O and δ 2 H) indicated the origin of the waters, which is mainly meteoric precipitation with partial effects from evaporation processes and exchanging ions with surrounding rocks. This confirms the notion that the source of all analyzed ions including the toxic As is geogenic. Hydrogeochemical process, which affected the water chemistry and thus environmental public health are likely to be water-rock interactions and evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thallium (Tl), lead and steroid exposures were reported as a result of street drug consumption such as heroin and cocaine. Objective: This study aimed to compare the values of qualitative and quantitative assays for detecting Tl as an adulterant in opioid-like compound drug users. Methods: This case-control study was conducted throughout a specified time bracket ranging from May 2015 to November 2015 in Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. In general, urine thallium samples for 100 opioid overdosed subjects with a history of chronic opioid use and 50 non-drug users were studied. Qualitative 24 hours-urinary-thallium-level (QL) and quantitative 24 hours-urinary-thallium-level (QT) were conducted in both groups. Independent-samples t-test and Spearman’s Coefficient were applied for analytical purposes. SPSS software 16 was used to conduct statistical analyses with P values less than 0.05 regarded as significant. Results: A total of 150 cases were studied. Raw opium users accounted for 66% of the cases followed by mixed (28%) and heroin users (6%). Mean (SD) QT level for QL was 26.8 (1) μg/L, while it was 2.3 μg/L (0.4 μg/L) for negative QL, which was far below QL positive cases (p=0.002). The qualitative test showed more accuracy at higher quantitative levels. In all cases, qualitative test was fully sensitive (100%), highly specific (89%) with a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 9.1 and a negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0. Conclusion: These results suggest that qualitative assays could be used with confidence in assessing Tl exposure in drug users. Physicians may easily and confidently use Tl qualitative tests in rehabilitation centers, where toxicology laboratories may not be available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responses to prolonged low-temperature treatment of imbibed seeds (vernalization) were examined in barley (Hordeum vulgare). These occurred in two phases: the perception of prolonged cold, which occurred gradually at low temperatures, and the acceleration of reproductive development, which occurred after vernalization. Expression of the VERNALIZATION1 gene (HvVRN1) increased gradually in germinating seedlings during vernalization, both at the shoot apex and in the developing leaves. This occurred in darkness, independently of VERNALIZATION2 (HvVRN2), consistent with the hypothesis that expression of HvVRN1 is induced by prolonged cold independently of daylength flowering-response pathways. After vernalization, expression of HvVRN1 was maintained in the shoot apex and leaves. This was associated with accelerated inflorescence initiation and with down-regulation of HvVRN2 in the leaves. The largest determinant of HvVRN1 expression levels in vernalized plants was the length of seed vernalization treatment. Daylength did not influence HvVRN1 expression levels in shoot apices and typically did not affect expression in leaves. In the leaves of plants that had experienced a saturating seed vernalization treatment, expression of HvVRN1 was higher in long days, however. HvFT1 was expressed in the leaves of these plants in long days, which might account for the elevated HvVRN1 expression. Long-day up-regulation of HvVRN1 was not required for inflorescence initiation, but might accelerate subsequent stages of inflorescence development. Similar responses to seed vernalization were also observed in wheat (Triticum aestivum). These data support the hypothesis that VRN1 is induced by cold during winter to promote spring flowering in vernalization-responsive cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sustainability in crop production is highly dependent on favorable indicators of germination and seedling establishment. In this research seed coating different treatments data prepared and membership function defined in fuzzy inference system then used rule editor tool for determining parameters weight for achieved the best coating treatment in salinity and drought stress conditions. Seed coating formulations were investigated in laboratory and greenhouse experiments for their potential to increase maximum germination, germination rate, germination uniformity, and seedling growth of sugar beet seeds. Sugar beet seeds were coated with different compounds and combinations, including micro- (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Mo) and macro- (N, P, K) nutrients, humic acid, gibberellic acid, kaolin, and chitosan. Coated and non-coated sugar beet seeds were evaluated for germination and seedling growth after 10 and 21 days, respectively. In total, 30 different treatments were used to assess the effects of seed coating treatments. In laboratory experiments, sugar beet seeds were placed on paper in Petri dishes and maintained in a germinator at 25 °C. Sodium chloride and polyethylene glycol 8000 were used to apply salinity and drought stresses at three levels each and achieve the results of seed coatings on reducing the effects of salinity and drought stresses. To determine the indices related to emergence and establishment, cultivation trays were utilized with four replications for each treatment. The trays were kept inside a greenhouse. Coating treatments significantly improved total germination percentage, germination rate, seedling growth, and uniformity compared with the non-treated controls. In all treatments, polyvinylpyrrolidone was utilized as a binder. The best treatment with respect to germination and seedling growth indices was number 21 (micro and macronutrients, humic acid, gibberellic acid) in salinity and drought stress conditions. The results by fuzzy inference system illustrated that micronutrients, humic acid, and gibberellic acid create the best seed coating for sugar beet seeds, especially when combined at the specified amounts., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Onion seeds have limited storage capacity compared to other vegetable seeds. It is crucial to identify the mechanisms that induce tolerance to storage conditions and reduce seed deterioration. To address this goal, an experiment was conducted to evaluate changes in germination, biochemical, physiological, and molecular characteristics of onion seed landraces (Horand, Kazerun landraces and Zargan cultivar) at different aging levels (control, three-days and six-days accelerated aging, and natural aging for one year)., Results: The findings suggest that there was an increase in glucose, fructose, total sugar, and electrolyte leakage in the Horand (HOR), Kazerun (KAZ) landraces, and Zarghan (ZAR) cultivar, with Kazerun exhibiting the greatest increase. The percentage and rate of germination of Kazerun decreased by 54% and 33%, respectively, in six-day accelerated aging compared to the control, while it decreased by 12% and 14%, respectively, in Horand. Protein content decreased with increasing levels of aging, with a decrease of 26% in Kazerun landrace at six days of aging, while it was 16% in Horand landrace. The antioxidant activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase decreased more intensively in Kazerun. The expression of AMY1, BMY1, CTR1, and NPR1 genes were lower in Kazerun landraces than in Horand and Zargan at different aging levels., Conclusions: The AMY1, BMY1, CTR1, and NPR1 genes play a pivotal role in onion seed germination, and their downregulation under stressful conditions has been shown to decrease germination rates. In addition, the activity of CAT, SOD, and GPx enzymes decreased by seed aging, and the amount of glucose, fructose, total sugar and electrolyte leakage increased, which ultimately led to seed deterioration. Based on the results of this experiment, it is recommended to conduct further studies into the molecular aspects involved in onion seed deterioration. More research on the genes related to this process is suggested, as well as investigating the impact of different priming treatments on the genes expression involved in the onion seed aging process., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The risk minimization measures (RMM) for systemic use of thiocolchicoside (TCC) was implemented across Europe during 2014-2016. RMM included restriction of use in age <16 years, maximum dose and duration, chronic conditions, contraindication in pregnancy, lactation or in women of childbearing potential [WOCBP] without appropriate contraception. The current Drug Utilization Study was aimed to describe the prescribing practices of TCC in France and Italy., Method: The study analyzed data (demographic, prescription, diagnosis, and concomitant treatment) from electronic medical record databases. It compares drug utilization during pre-implementation (baseline: year 2013) and post-implementation (years 1, 2, and 3) of RMM. This study included panels of general practitioners (FGP) and rheumatologists (FRH) in France and Italy (IGP)., Results: TCC was largely prescribed as adjuvant therapy in both pre-implementation (FGP: 93.5%, FRH: 88.8%, IGP: 86.6%) and post-implementation (FGP: 92.3%, FRH: 89.5%, IGP: 89.0%) periods. Prescribing patterns were different in France and Italy, with FGP and FRH mainly prescribing oral formulation (>95% and >80%, respectively), while IGP prescribing intramuscular formulation (>70%). Prescriptions to patients aged ≥16 years were >99% in all panels during both periods. An improvement was observed in compliance with treatment duration for oral formulation in the FGP panel post-implementation versus pre-implementation (66.2% vs. 46.7%; p < 0.001). There was no change in prescription rate post RMM implementation in pregnant (FGP: 0.5%, IGP: 4.7%) and in WOCBP without appropriate contraception (FGP: 89.3%, IGP: 93.4%)., Conclusion: These results highlighted changes in prescribing practices of TCC after RMM implementation, which varied across panels and measures., (© 2023 Sanofi Winthrop Industrie. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The sociodemographic and personality profiles of effective peer leaders in the context of diabetes self-management interventions are poorly understood. In this study, we explored the demographic and personality characteristics of peer leaders participating in a 12-month, telephone-based type 2 diabetes self-management intervention., Methods: We used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design and recruited 52 peer leaders. Thirty-seven peer leaders had at least 1 participant complete both the baseline and the 12-month assessments. Eligible peer leader candidates were English-speaking adults (≥21 years of age) with diabetes and a self-reported glycated hemoglobin (A1C) level of ≤8% who had access to a phone and transportation and were willing to attend a 30-hour training program. Peer leaders completed a self-report survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics and a Mini-International Personality Item Pool scale measuring the "Big 5" personality traits. After the intervention, 17 peer leaders participated in semistructured interviews on their program experience. We categorized peer leaders as effective if their participants sustained or improved their A1C and diabetes distress (DD) scores from baseline to 12 months, and as ineffective if their participants worsened on any of these parameters., Results: Our cohort scored highest on agreeableness and lowest on neuroticism. Twenty peer leaders were considered effective, most of whom were male, married, employed and educated. They also had significantly lower mean DD levels (p=0.02) and a higher extroversion score (p=0.03) at baseline., Conclusions: Extroversion emerged as the best personality predictor of peer leader effectiveness. These results, in combination with interview responses, were used to produce a peer leader selection model., (Copyright © 2022 Canadian Diabetes Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acetaminophen is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent in pediatrics. Although bioavailability of rectal acetaminophen is unpredictable, rectal route is a usual and acceptable method of prescription. Major anorectal surgery may alter the normal structure of the surgical site, especially the vascular elements and the normal connections between port and systemic vessels. As a result the pharmacokinetics of rectal medications might also be altered. Based on this hypothesis, we decided to study acetaminophen plasma concentration among children who underwent these types of surgeries to determine the pharmacokinetic of absorption, plasma concentration, safety, and efficacy of rectal acetaminophen., Materials and Methods: The study included 20 cases with previous history of pull-through procedure owing to Hirschsprung's disease (HD), 20 cases with imperforate anus (IA) reconstructive surgeries who were admitted for colostomy closure, and 20 otherwise healthy cases of inguinal herniotomy. Venus blood sampling was done 4, 8 and 12 hrs after a single loading dose of rectal acetaminophen (40 mg/kg), and plasma acetaminophen concentration was compared between groups., Results: Mean serum acetaminophen levels of the HD group were significantly higher than those of the herniotomy group (36.3 ± 6.79, 27.4 ± 8.42, 16.8 ± 7.62 versus 25.9 ± 9.12, 16.7 ± 6.74, 8.1 ± 5.79 (μg/ml) at 4, 8 and 12 hrs after drug administration and P < 0.05). The IA group had higher concentrations of plasma acetaminophen compared to the herniotomy group; however, the p values were not statistically significant. (31.4 ± 10.39, 21.5 ± 9.12, 13.3 ± 6.79 versus 25.9 ± 9.12, 16.7 ± 6.74, 8.1 ± 5.79 (μg/ml) at 4, 8 and 12 hrs after drug administration). Serum concentrations of acetaminophen in IA and HD patients were above the therapeutic range four hours after administering the loading dose (31.4 ± 10.39 and 36.3 ± 6.79 versus 5-20 μg/ml)., Conclusion: Bioavailability of rectal acetaminophen might get altered after major anorectal surgery in children. Rectal acetaminophen should be administered with special caution among infants with history of anorectal operations. Repeated dose of rectal acetaminophen may cause the drug blood concentration to reach toxic levels in these patients., Type of Study: Prospective comparative study., Level of Evidence: Level II., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Mercury occurs in the environment as a result of natural processes and human activities, including when individuals with amalgam dental fillings are cremated. This work aimed to estimate the quantity of mercury emitted to the atmosphere from crematoriums in British Columbia (BC) and assess the human health risk., Methods: A BC-specific emissions factor for mercury from crematoriums was developed and applied to an estimate of the quantity of mercury released annually to the atmosphere from crematoriums. The maximum ground-level mercury vapour concentrations resulting from crematorium emissions were estimated., Results: In BC, it is estimated that approximately 1.20 g of mercury is emitted to the atmosphere per body cremated and about 30,000 cremations were conducted in the province in 2016. It is estimated that almost 36 kg of elemental mercury was released to the atmosphere as a result. The maximum estimated peak short-term and long-term average ground-level mercury vapour concentrations associated with crematorium emissions were 0.31 μg/m 3 and 7.9 × 10 -3  μg/m 3 respectively, which are far lower than the reference concentration (hazard quotient of less than 1)., Conclusion: Mercury from crematoriums accounts for more than 7% of total mercury emissions to the atmosphere in BC, but risk assessment found no indication that ground-level exposures to elemental mercury vapour from crematoriums poses a significant risk to human health. If the number of cremations increases, it might reach considerable levels, highlighting the need for developing a national plan similar to other countries.

Today atherosclerosis is considered as a main cause of death in the worldwide. There is a significant association between heavy metal exposure and atherosclerosis. In this study, we discussed the scientific literature about the effect of mercury on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We also considered the epidemiological studies on mercury as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus were searched by using the following keywords to 2019: (cardiovascular diseases OR atherosclerosis OR endothelial dysfunction) AND (mercury). Mercury has the potential to act as one of the novel risk factors for atherosclerosis development. The findings have indicated the role of mercury in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, vascular endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia. Mercury can induce atherosclerosis indirectly via increasing the total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels as well as decreasing the HDL-C level. Mercury can be considered as a risk factor in the atherosclerosis progression. However, more studies are required to find the exact mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis induced by mercury.

Withdrawal syndrome is one of the initial focuses of opioid detoxification. Very low dose naltrexone (VLNTX) has been found to reduce opioid tolerance and dependence in animal and human clinical studies. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of VLNTX during early stages of detoxification. In a multi-arm parallel, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 63 opioid-dependent male participants referring to Imam Reza Rehabilitation Center were allocated to three equal groups using block randomization method. They received 0.125 mg, 0.250 mg of VLNTX or placebo daily for 10 days, together with the routine clonidine-based protocol. Self-reported and observer ratings of withdrawal severity and adverse events were measured on the 1st, 4th and 10th day of treatment. Runny eyes ( p  = 0.006), anxiety ( p  = 0.031) and dehydration ( p  = 0.014) were reduced during the whole 10 days in the 0.125 mg VLNTX-treated group compared to placebo. Only drowsiness ( p  = 0.043) and dysphoric mood ( p  < 0.001) were reduced in the 0.250 mg VLNTX-treated group. Results of 1st, 4th, and 10th-day assessment showed that most symptoms reductions were for the 0.125 mg VLNTX and the placebo group in the 1st and 4th days, respectively. On the 10th day, there was not any significant difference between 0.250 mg VLNTX-treated group and placebo group. No adverse effect was observed. In the starting days of detoxification, VLNTX can reduce the withdrawal symptoms, but the efficacy declined by passing time. Further studies are needed to test the utility of this new therapeutic approach., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestAuthors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© Korean Society of Toxicology 2019.)

Snakebite is an important toxicologic emergency with the potential of triggering local and systemic inflammation. Antivenom has remained the mainstay of treatment for snakebite envenomation. In this study we sought to investigate the effectiveness of Iranian antivenom in a series of 44 viper envenomed patients through analysis of changes in clinical severity and the levels of inflammatory markers. Clinical envenomation severity assessed by snakebite severity score (SSS) and laboratory exams of the patients were recorded before (baseline visit) and after antivenom therapy. During 12-h antivenom therapy, the median (range) score of SSS significantly decreased from 3.5 (2-10) on admission to 1 (0-5) in the last visit (P < 0.001). Moreover, a significant decrease in prothrombin time and international normalized ratio was found (P = 0.006 and 0.008; respectively). Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL) 1-β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), complement hemolytic activity (CH50) were also measured in 10 severely Echis carinatus sochureki envenomed victims and 10 age and gender-matched healthy controls. Except IL-8, the baseline levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in victims were significantly higher than healthy controls (P = 0.005, <0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, the baseline level of CH50 was significantly lower in the patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). After 12-h antivenom therapy, the plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α significantly decreased (P = 0.032, 0.006 and 0.003, respectively), the levels of IL-8 remained relatively unchanged and the CH50 significantly increased (P = 0.011). Iranian snake antivenom was effective in treating viper bite envenomation as it reversed clinical venom effects and restored near normal underlying inflammatory status. This study is the first to ascertain and report the effectiveness of this antivenom in human subjects., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Drought is one of the biggest challenges for rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in rainfed areas. Developing "aerobic rice" cultivars could be a valuable alternative to irrigated/rainfed areas. During 2010-2013, 115 rice genotypes, including non-local cultivars and aerobic rice genotypes, were evaluated and 31 rice genotypes were screened, while 21 Iranian lowland rice cultivars (52 genotypes) were investigated under non-stress and drought conditions at the University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran, in 2014 and 2017. The results revealed the superiority of high yielding genotypes, namely Neda (6.202 t ha - 1 ), IR82639-B-B-140-1 (6.020 t ha - 1 ), and IR82635-B-B-82-2 (5.75 t ha - 1 ) under non-stress, Panda (4.512 t ha - 1 ), and IR82639-B-B-140-1 (4.08 t ha - 1 ), under drought stress conditions. Based on the molecular markers evaluation using identified SSR markers linked to major QTLs different important traits specially drought stress, IR 82639-B-B-140-1 showed the highest genetic distance with high-quality Iranian lowland cultivars, which could be considered as a donor for the development of new cultivars. Moreover, the assignment of rice genotypes based on Jaccard distance clustering was in agreement with the grouping of structure analysis. The validation test using MLM analysis in this natural population revealed the most important significant associations that were identified under drought conditions. These are: the associations between RM306, RM319, RM511, RM28166, and RM11943 with different grain yield (GY)-related traits simultaneously and stable across both years. These markers, which were verified in a natural population across 2 years, could be considered as the potential markers for use in marker-assisted breeding and to improve the grain yield of rice.

Background: Herbal distillates have been used for many centuries as herbal medicines in Traditional Persian medicine. The main purpose of this study was to determine methanol and ethanol contents in commonly-used industrial herbal distillates produced by three famous factories in Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran (2014-2015)., Methods: Ninety herbal waters of ten types of most commonly used herbal distillates including Willow (Salix alba) , Ajava seeds ( Carum copticum ), Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ) , Poleigamander (Teucrium polium) , Forty plants, Peppermint (Mentha piperita) , Camel thorn (Alhagi camelorum) , Chicory (Cichorium intybus) , Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) and Rose water (Rosa damascene) of three famous company in Mashhad were randomly bought from market. Methanol and ethanol contents of each sample were measured by Gas chromatography according to the standard method. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS using appropriate descriptive statistical tests., Results: The highest average amount of methanol of all tested distillates is for forty plants (46.06 mg/dl) and M. piperita (46.72 mg/dl) and the lowest for ajava seed (8.46 mg/dl). The maximum and minimum ethanol level was reported for rose water (0.39 mg/dl) and ajava seed (0.15 mg/dl), respectively., Conclusion: High methanol and ethanol concentrations may induce toxicity in people taking these products regularly for a long time. Therefore, considering the harmful effects of methanol and ethanol on human health, further studies are required for determining permitted levels of methanol and ethanol in herbal distillates., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interests The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Objectives: Methamphetamine (MA) is associated with alterations of cardiac structure and function, although it is less known. In this study, we assessed possible abnormality in myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function using gated myocardial perfusion SPECT., Methods: Fifteen patients with MA abuse, on the basis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-IV) MA dependency determined by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, underwent 2-day dipyridamole stress/rest Tc-sestamibi gated myocardial perfusion SPECT., Results: An average daily dose of MA use was 0.91±1.1 (0.2-4) g. The duration of MA use was 3.4±2.1 (1-7) years. In visual and semiquantitative analyses, all patients had normal gated myocardial perfusion SPECT, with no perfusion defects. In all gated SPECT images, there was no abnormality in left ventricular wall motion and thickening. All summed stress scores and summed rest scores were below 3. Calculated left ventricular functional indices including the end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction were normal., Conclusion: Many cardiac findings because of MA mentioned in previous reports are less likely because of significant epicardial coronary artery stenosis.

Arsenic bioavailability in rock, soil and water resources is notoriously hazardous. Geogenic arsenic enters the body and adversely affects many biochemical processes in animals and humans, posing risk to public health. Chelpu is located in NE Iran, where realgar, orpiment and pyrite mineralization is the source of arsenic in the macroenvironment. Using cluster random sampling strategy eight rocks, 23 soils, 12 drinking water resources, 36 human urine and hair samples and 15 adult sheep urine and wool samples in several large-scale herds in the area were randomly taken for quantification of arsenic in rock/soil/water, wool/hair/urine. Arsenic levels in rock/soil/water and wool/hair/urine were measured using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. While arsenic levels in rocks, soils and water resources hazardously ranged 9.40-25,873.3 mg kg(-1), 7.10-1448.80 mg kg(-1) and 12-606 μg L(-1), respectively, arsenic concentrations in humans' hair and urine and sheep's wool and urine varied from 0.37-1.37 μg g(-1) and 9-271.4 μg L(-1) and 0.3-3.11 μg g(-1) and 29.1-1015 μg L(-1), respectively. Local sheep and human were widely sick and slightly anemic. Hematological examination of the inhabitants revealed that geogenic arsenic could harm blood cells, potentially resulting in many other hematoimmunological disorders including cancer. The findings warn widespread exposure of animals and human in this agroecologically and geopolitically important region (i.e., its proximity with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan) and give a clue on how arsenic could induce infectious and non-infectious diseases in highly exposed human/animals.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new protocol implemented to standardize snakebite management in Iran., Methods: In this study, 27 patients treated according to the new protocol in 2012 (P+) were compared with 22 patients treated according to the previous modality in the year before implementation of the protocol (P-) in Mashhad Medical Toxicology Centre (MTC). Demographic characteristics and treatment details of all patients were recorded prospectively. Envenomation severity of each victim was assessed according to snakebite severity score (SSS)., Results: After implementation of the protocol, a smaller percentage of patients received antivenom (AV) therapy (78% vs 95%; P=.079). In spite of no significant difference in baseline severity of envenomation between the 2 groups (SSS [mean±SD], 34.8±18.1 vs 35.5±17.4; P=.801), the P+ group received significantly fewer AV vials (8.4±6.8 vs 12.1±5.6 vials; P=.042) and had a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (2.2±1.5 vs 3.2±1.8 days; P=.027). Moreover, smaller proportion of P+ patients experienced recurrence of venom-induced effects; however, the difference was not significant (18.5% vs 36%; P=.159). The reduction in use of antiallergy treatments to prevent or treat acute hypersensitivity reactions approached statistical significance (41% vs 68%; P=.051). These findings denote a reduction in AV use of approximately 4 vials and a reduction in hospital stay of 1 day for each patient, which translates to approximately $196/patient in healthcare cost savings., Conclusions: Implementation of a snakebite management protocol at MTC reduced overall antivenom usage, use of antiallergy interventions, and length of hospital stay., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Tramalol overdose is disproportionately more common in Iran. In recent years, Tramadol overdose has become one of the most common causes of poisoning admissions to emergency departments in this country. To the best of our knowledge, there is little or no information regarding the toxicokinetic properties of Tramadol such as its half life. Given the fact that poisoning management should be based on the toxicokinetic of substances, we aimed at investigating the half life of Tramadol in man as a critical toxicokinetic variable in overdose., Methods: Blood samples of each patient were collected on admission and repeated later. Plasma was harvested after separation from blood cells by centrifugation and quantified using HPLC method. Calculations were performed on Tramadol blood concentration quantities., Findings: Demographic: Most of cases were men (81.81%). Mean (Standard Deviation (SD), min-max) age was 23 (8.142, 17-40). Serum Tramadol levels: Mean (SD, min-max) first Tramadol concentration was 786.91 (394.53, 391-1495). Mean (SD, min-max) second Tramadol concentration was 433.09 (269.63, 148-950). Mean (SD, min-max) of Tramadol half life was calculated as 9.24 hour (2.310, 4.99-13.45) Associations: Half life was associated with higher concentrations (r=0.708 Sig=0.015)., Conclusion: We report the mean half life of tramadol in overdose to be 9.24 hours which is remarkably higher than that measured in previous pharmacokinetic studies. We also concluded that Tramadol half life is dose dependent in overdose which may explain the further consequences of severe overdoses.

In this study, biochemical changes due to long term usage of morphine in rat's liver were assessed. Twenty male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were included and divided into two groups. Normal saline was given intraperitoneally in the control group (n = 10). Morphine group (n = 10) received morphine intraperitoneally at a dose of 4, 8, and 10 mg/kg/day in the first, second and the third ten days of the study, respectively. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transfrase (GST) and catalase (CAT) were measured. Serum levels of AST, ALT and LDH were significantly higher in the morphine group compared with the control group. The mean MDA level of liver was significantly higher in the morphine group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The activities of SOD, GST and CAT were significantly lower in the morphine group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Our findings pointed out the risk of hepatic damage due to long term usage of morphine via disturbance oxidant-antioxidant balance. Although morphine is showed to be effective in pain treatment, their toxic effects should be kept in mind during the chronic usage.

We investigated the effects of antioxidant activity of safranal, a constituent of Crocus sativus L., against lung oxidative damage in diabetic rats. The rats were divided into the following groups of 8 animals each: control, diabetic, and three diabetic + safranal-treated (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 mg/kg/day) groups. Streptozotocin (STZ) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a single dose of 60 mg/kg for diabetes induction. Safranal was administered (i.p.) from 3 days after STZ administration to the end of the study. At the end of the 4-week period, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue. Safranal in the diabetic groups inhibited the level of MDA and NO in BALF supernatant and lung homogenate. The median effective dose (ED50) values were 0.42, 0.58, and 0.48, 0.71 mg/kg, respectively. Safranal in the diabetic groups increased the level of GSH and the activity of CAT and SOD in BALF supernatant and lung homogenate. The ED50 values were 0.25, 0.33, 0.26 in BALF and 0.33, 0.35, 0.46 mg/kg in lung, respectively. Thus, safranal may be effective to prevent lung distress by amelioration oxidative damage in STZ diabetic rats.

Objective: To evaluate the pattern of use of opioid and other illegal drugs in patients seeking addiction treatment in Birjand, eastern Iran., Methods: The prospective study was conducted from March 21, 2009 to March 21,2010, and comprised all patients referred to the seven addiction treatment centres in Birjand. Data was obtained through pre-designed questionnaires and it was analysed using SPSS 16., Results: Of the 700 substance users referred to the 7 centres and who volunteered to participate, 632 (90.3%) were males and 68 (9.7%) were females. The male/female ratio was approximatly 9.3/1. Mean age was 34+/-10.2 (range: 10-75) years. The type of drugs used included traditional drugs (n= 342; 48.9%) and newer modern drugs (n=314; 44.9 %). The mean age of the first experience with drugs was 21.91+/-7.1 (range=0-60) years. There was significant different between the type of drugs used and the place of residence (p<0.019), age (p<0.0001), martial status (p<0.0001), occupation (p<0.006) and education (p<0.017)., Conclusion: The prevalence of illicit drug addiction was quite high. There seemed to have been a change in the pattern of drug use and in the type of illegal drugs used in the study area, from traditional drugs to new and modern drugs. As such, identifying risk factors related to addiction and the prevention of addiction should be one of the most important health priorities for the authorities.

Introduction: Tramadol is an analgesic medication that is frequently abused. It has two functions; mu-opioid receptors agonism, as well as, serotonergic activities. It has shown that tramadol overdose may induce serotonin syndrome (SS). This study evaluates whether early treatment with chlordiazepoxide could prevent SS in admitted tramadol overdoses., Materials and Methods: In this single blind randomized control trial, 50% of admitted tramadol overdoses in Imam Reza (p) Hospital from 21 September 2011 to 21 January 2012 were recruited. Cases received chlordiazepoxide and controls received placebo. Clinical findings were recorded in a pre-designed spread sheet every 6 hours in the first 24 hours of admission. SS was determined by two independent methods; Hunter Criteria (HC) and Radomski Criteria (RC)., Results: In total, five patients developed SS when HC or RC was taken into account. Among them, four cases were shared. None of the SS cases diagnosed with HC received chlordiazepoxide. However, just one SS case diagnosed with RC was from the case group. Based on HC, chlordiazepoxide decreased the Risk Ratio (CI 95%) of SS to 0.80 (0.66-0.97) (P = 0.025). This effect did not reach statistically significant levels when SS was diagnosed with RC., Conclusion: This study supports the fact that pre-treatment with chlordiazepoxide could prevent tramadol overdose induced SS.

The metal levels (Hg, As, Cu, and Zn) in tissues of edible fish species (Pampus argenteus, Sillago sihama, Liza klunzingeri and Platycephalus indicus) were evaluated. The metal concentrations were found to follow the order: liver > kidney > gill > muscle, except for Zn from P. argenteus showing an inversion of liver and kidney. Generally, the benthic species (P. indicus and S. sihama) showed a marked potential for tolerating high metal levels. Significant negative correlations were found between fish size/age and metals concentration in the most organs. The element levels in the muscles were lower than the maximum allowable concentrations, except for mercury in S. sihama and P. indicus.

Introduction: Tramadol overdose impairs consciousness and may induce ECG changes and convulsions. These effects may be opioid and/or serotonin related. This study describes clinical manifestations, electrophysiological and hemodynamic findings, and the frequency of potential serotonin syndrome in tramadol overdose in a case series. It also focuses on potential factors by which convulsions could be predicted., Methods: This is a prospective observational case series. All cases admitted with suspected tramadol overdose from September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2007 were included., Results: Tramadol overdose accounted for 1.2% of all poisonings (n = 158), of which 65% were tramadol only. It was predominantly male (63%). Mean (SD) age was 22.6 (7.4) years. Among these cases, 24 (15%) experienced seizure and in 10 (6%) cases creatine phosphokinase increased. Death occurred in one patient. Seizure occurred more frequently in patients with tramadol use only [odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 8.4] and mydriasis (odds ratio 8.9, 95% confidence interval 1.9, 42.4) on admission. Eight cases were treated for potential serotonin syndrome. Concurrent intoxication with central nervous system depressants, age, alleged dose, consciousness level, respiratory rate, history of drug abuse, and naloxone administration was not associated with the occurrence of seizures., Conclusion: In tramadol overdose, mydriasis or tachycardia appears to indicate a higher risk for seizure. Management may need to be focused on both mu-opioid agonism and potential mild serotonin syndrome.

Tramadol, an analgesic with a low affinity to opioid receptors, inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrin and serotonin. It is also abused by opioid addicts. Tramadol overdose can induce CNS and respiratory depression, tachycardia, and seizures. In this report, a 19 years male was admitted due to suicidal attempt of ingestion of 4000 mg of Tramadol. He experienced frequent seizures, confusion, myosis, and dramaticrise of CPK, LDH and Creatinine. Improvement was had in the following days by administering fluids, NaHCO3 and chlordiasopoxide and routine management. He was discharged with no further sequelae.