CuONPs/MWCNTs/carbon paste modified electrode for determination of tramadol: theoretical and experimental investigation

A practical technique was applied to fabricate CuO nanostructures for use as the electrocatalyst. The green synthesis of cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) via co-precipitation is described in this paper using an aqueous extract of Origanum majorana as both reductant and stabilizer, accompanied by characterization via XRD, SEM, and FTIR. The XRD pattern revealed no impurities, whereas SEM revealed low agglomerated spherical particles. CuO nanoparticles and multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been used to create a modified carbon paste electrode. Voltammetric methods were used to analyze Tramadol using CuONPs/MWCNT as a working electrode. The produced nanocomposite showed high selectivity for Tramadol analysis with peak potentials of ~ 230 mV and ~ 700 mV and Excellent linear calibration curves for Tramadol ranging from 0.08 to 500.0 µM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9997 and detection limits of 0.025. Also, the CuO NPs/MWCNT/CPE sensor shows an an appreciable sensitivity of 0.0773 μA/μM to tramadol. For the first time the B3LYP/LanL2DZ, quantum method was used to compute DFT to determine nanocomposites' connected energy and bandgap energy. Eventually, CuO NPs/CNT was shown to be effective in detecting Tramadol in actual samples, with a recovery rate ranging from 96 to 104.3%.

Promoter Methylation of Two HOXA9 and NISCH Genes in Opium Users

BACKGROUND

Opiate abuse has been critically increased in the world, especially in Iran. Owing to the association of opiate use with multiple human cancers and neurological disorders, seeking for genetic and epigenetic effects of opium can pave the way for early diagnosis of major health defects in addicted users. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the methylation status of the promoter of two genes, which are actively involved in neurodevelopment and cancer evolution.

METHODS

DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of 28 opium abusers and 19 healthy controls and then subjected to sonication. Sonicated DNAs undergone methylated DNA immunoprecipitation-real time polymerase chain reaction (MeDIP-Real Time PCR) using specific primer pairs designed for HOXA9 and NISCH genes. Obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software.

FINDINGS

HOXA9 and NISCH genes were found to be significantly methylated in addicted users compared to controls (P<0.001) which was significantly associated with the mean of the age regarding HOXA9 gene (P=0.002). Neither opium amount nor duration or route of using was associated with the methylation status of HOXA9 or NISCH genes.

CONCLUSION

Hypermethylation of HOXA9 and NISCH genes as tumor suppressor in opium-addicted individuals can be considered as confirmatory evidence for carcinogenesis of opium. Further studies are required to figure out the role of epigenetic alterations in cancer evolution among opium users.

Drug use and pattern of injuries sustained by drivers involved in road traffic crashes

OBJECTIVE

Road traffic crashes are one of the global public health concerns and remain at high priority in many countries. Driving under the influence of drugs increases the risk of crashes through altering the driver's mental state and reactions. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between driving pattern and substance abuse among drivers in Kerman, a city in Iran, in order to enable policy makers to make the necessary decisions in planning and executing guidelines.

METHODS

The population of this descriptive study was drivers involved in road traffic crashes admitted to the emergency department of Shahid Bahonar university hospital in summer 2019. After obtaining demographic information, type of vehicle, type of collision and pattern of serious injury, 222 eligible drivers were tested for tramadol, cannabis, amphetamine, methamphetamine, morphine and methadone using one step urine test strips. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Whitney-Mann and Kruskal-Wallis tests and one-way Anova test was performed using SPSS version 22.

RESULTS

The statistics showed that most drivers were male (90.5%), married (63.5%), age group (18-30) and had positive urine test (76.6%). In addition to uniqueness of dual-drug detection among male drivers (7.7%), the most common substances detected were methadone and morphine with 34.7% and 27.5% respectively. The most common injuries were lower limb and hip injuries mostly among motorcyclists. The results indicated that characteristics of being under 30's, married, school dropout, self-employed and motorcyclist had significant relationship with substance use.

CONCLUSIONS

Substance use, especially methadone, has undoubtedly a significant role in both road traffic crashes and resulted injuries. The high rate of injuries on drivers influenced by methadone in traffic crashes needs to be screened and prevented. It is recommended to not only authoritatively deal with the excessive supply of methadone in the community but also restricting the driving of people receiving methadone treatment.

An efficient and targeted synthetic approach towards new highly substituted 6-amino-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

In an attempt to find novel α-glucosidase inhibitors, an efficient, straightforward reaction to synthesize a library of fully substituted 6-amino-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines 3 has been investigated. Heating a mixture of α-azidochalcones 1 and 3-aminopyrazoles 2 under the mild condition afforded desired compounds with a large substrate scope in good to excellent yields. All obtained products were evaluated as α-glucosidase inhibitors and exhibited excellent potency with IC₅₀ values ranging from 15.2 ± 0.4 µM to 201.3 ± 4.2 µM. Among them, compound 3d was around 50-fold more potent than acarbose (IC₅₀ = 750.0 ± 1.5 µM) as standard inhibitor. Regarding product structures, kinetic study and molecular docking were carried out for two of the most potent ones.

Effect of Prayer on Intensity of Migraine Headache: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Migraine is a common form of headache that affects patients quality of life negatively. In addition to pharmacologic treatment, there are a variety of nonpharmacologic treatments for migraine headache. In present study, we examined the effect of prayer on intensity of migraine pain.

METHODS

In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial from October 2013 to June 2014, this study has been conducted in Kerman, Iran. We randomly assigned 92 patients in 2 groups to receive either 40 mg of propranolol twice a day for 2 month (group "A") or 40 mg of propranolol twice a day for 2 months with prayer (group "B"). At the beginning of study and 3 months after intervention, patients' pain was measured using the visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

At the beginning of study and before intervention, the mean score of pain in patients in groups A and B were 5.7 ± 1.6 and 6.5 ± 1.9, respectively. According to results of independent t test, mean score of pain intensity at the beginning of study were similar between patients in 2 groups (P > .05). Three month after intervention, mean score of pain intensity decreased in patients in both groups. At this time, the mean scores of pain intensity were 5.4 ± 1.1 and 4.2 ± 2.3 in patients in groups A and B, respectively. This difference between groups was statistically significant (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that prayer can be used as a nonpharmacologic pain coping strategy in addition to pharmacologic intervention for this group of patients.

Effects of Methamphetamine on Testes Histopathology and Spermatogenesis Indices of Adult Male Rats

BACKGROUND

Methamphetamine (MAMP) as a recreational drug has devastating effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Several studies have shown that MAMP has inhibitory effects on oogenesis and spermatogenesis, and causes impaired fertility. This study designed to investigate the effect of mAM Padministration on histological changes and spermatogenesis indices in the testis of adult male rats.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (received no treatment, n = 10), vehicle (received saline for 7 and 14 days, n = 20), and experimental group [received MAMP, 5 ml/kg, intraperitoneal (IP) for 7 and 14 days, n = 20]. Testicular tissue samples were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) technique. For histological study, we counted the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Leydig cells. Spermatogenesis indices which include: tubular differentiation index (TDI), spermiogenesis index (SI), repopulation index (RI) and the mean seminiferous tubules diameter (MSTD) were studied. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, using SPSS software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

FINDINGS

This study showed that MAMP caused a significant decrease in number of seminiferous tubules cells and spermatogenesis in treated group compared with the control group. Moreover, results showed a significant decrease in spermatogenesis indices including TDI, SI, RI, and MSTD in 14th day, compared to control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The data showed the adverse effects of MAMP administration (for 7 and 14 days) on testes structure and spermatogenesis indices in rat testis tissue. The underlying mechanism(s) needs further investigation.

Chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, and micronuclei in lymphocytes of oncology department personnel handling anti-neoplastic drugs

OBJECTIVE

Concern exists regarding the possible hazards to the personnel handling anti-neoplastic drugs. The purpose of the present study was to assess the genotoxicity induced by anti-neoplastic agents in oncology department personnel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To do this, the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) induced in peripheral blood lymphocytes was assessed at G₀ phase of the cell cycle using metaphase analysis, cytokinesis block-micronucleus (MN) assay and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay. These cytogenetic end points were measured among 71 nurses in oncology department and 10 drugstore personnel handling and preparing anti-neoplastic drugs. The results were compared to those of 74 matched nurses for age and sex not exposed to any anti-neoplastic agents.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the age of study subjects and control group (p > 0.05). The results showed that the mean frequency of cytogenetic damages in terms of CAs [chromatid breaks (p = 0.01), chromosome breaks (p = 0.005), total CAs (p = 0.001)], MN formation (p = 0.001), and SCE (p = 0.004) in lymphocytes of personnel handling anti-neoplastic drugs were significantly higher than those in control unexposed group.

CONCLUSION

Results of the present study demonstrate the cytogenetic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of oncology department personnel. Suitable training and proper knowledge when handling anti-neoplastic drugs are emphasized to avoid potential health hazards caused by cytostatic agents.

Investigating Changes in Serum Biochemical Parameters in Opium Addicts Before and During Addiction Treatment

BACKGROUND

Iran is one of the major consumers of opium and opiate substances in the world. Addiction has become a very important issue in the 21^st century and an urgent one in Iran. The consumption of this substance leaves a variety of impacts on the human body. The goal of this study is to investigate the changes of the biochemical parameters derived from opiate substances in addicts during their treatment.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional research that focused on 40 individuals dependent on the consumption of opium. Their blood samples were taken before and during treatment, and their fasting blood sugar (FBS), sodium, calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, urea, uric acid, total protein, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS using paired t-test.

FINDINGS

The results showed that serum uric acid, LDL, cholesterol, and the total protein levels significantly decreased during the treatment in comparison with the time before the treatment (P < 0.050). Yet, the serum fasting glucose, urea, creatinine, HDL, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, and potassium showed no significant change the time prior and during the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Given the findings of the analysis, opium addiction has a number of destructive impacts on the lipid profile and uric acid. In addition, the level of total protein decreased during the treatment.

The frequency of using herbal medicines among patients with hypertension in Kerman, Iran, 2012-2013

INTRODUCTION

The use of medicinal plants has dramatically increased in recent years. Given the increasing rate of hypertension and medical plants usage by these patients and considering drug interactions due to concomitant use with drugs, the present study aims to evaluate the rate of medicinal plants usage in hypertensive patients.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study (descriptive-analytical) in which 650 hypertensive patients referring to the subspecialty clinic of Kerman were questioned about medicinal plants usage by a medicinal plants questionnaire. Among these patients, there were 612 who consented to participate. After the variables were described, the data were finally analyzed using Stata 12.

RESULTS

The average age of those using these drugs in the past year was 58.8 ± 10 years. Of the total number of participants using medicinal plants, there were 58 males (23.5%) and 122 females (33.4%). There were 129 participants (72.5%) using medicinal plants through self-administration, 17 participants (9.5%) on experienced users' advice, 16 participants (9%) as administered by herbalists, and 11 participants (6%) as administered by doctors. However, the most important resources for using a drug that prevents hypertension were family and friends (74 participants; 41.5%) and doctors (13 participants; 7.3%). According to the results, there was no significant difference between the level of education and medicinal plants usage (P = .95); however, there was a significant difference between gender and medicinal plants usage (P = .009).

DISCUSSION

According to the results indicating the relatively high prevalence of medicinal plants usage and their arbitrary use by hypertensive patients without consulting a specialist, it seems necessary to plan for more effective and secure public education and train people to provide herbal drug services for various diseases with hypertension being the most common one.

Fasting Blood Glucose and Insulin Level in Opium Addict versus Non-Addict Individuals

BACKGROUND

Many of lay person believe that opium lowers blood glucose. However some studies show the opposite results. In this study, we tried to evaluate the effect of opium on blood glucose and insulin resistance.

METHODS

This comparative study including 53 addicts in case groups who used opium just in the form of smoking and 55 non-addicts in a control group, took part in the study, after proving not to be opium users. After taking blood samples, their fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin and lipid profiles were evaluated. Furthermore, insulin resistance index was analyzed via the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula with the cut-off points of 7.2 and 7.1.

FINDINGS

Age and gender were not significantly different between the groups. There was no significant difference regarding the prevalence of insulin resistance between the two groups, according to the cut-off points of 7.1 and 7.2 (P = 0.196 and P = 0.248, respectively). Mean insulin resistance index was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.325). In the case group, fasting blood insulin was considerably lower (P = 0.025) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) was significantly higher (P = 0.016) than the control group.

CONCLUSION

According to the level of insulin and FBS in addicts, it does not seem that opium has a significant effect on reducing the blood glucose and insulin resistance.

The effect of opium addiction on thyroid function tests

Background

A number of abnormalities has been identified among drug addicted users especially heroin addicts. However, there are a few studies to assess the opium effects on thyroid hormones. the aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of opium on the thyroid function tests.

Method

In this case–control, 50 male addicts, aged 20–50 years, with history of addiction to opium lasting more than two years, and 50 male non-addicts as control group were randomly selected. 10 cc blood sample was taken for measurements of TSH, total T4 and T3, free T4 and T3, and T3 resin uptake (T3RU) and 50 cc urine sample for opium testing.

Results

The univariate analysis revealed that there was not a significant association between opium and serum levels of T4 and TSH, but compared with control group, a slight increase in total T3 and a decrease in T3RU were observed among addicts (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, opium was also found to exert a lowering effect on serum free T4 level after adjusting of age and cigarette smoking (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings of the present study demonstrated that opium can influence on thyroid function by increasing total T3 and decreasing T3RU and free T4 levels.

Changes in serum biochemical factors associated with opium addiction after addiction desertion

BACKGROUND

The long time use of opium has some effects on serums biochemical factors, the determination of this variation is a new approach in understanding off addiction and relive of drug abuser health. Hence in this study, these indicators in person who were withdrawing of opium have been studied.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study bloods biochemical factors such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, total protein, and fibrinogen in three groups serum were studied: (1) Who had been permanent opium users more than 2 years (case). (2) Dependent person who has taken one month addiction withdrawal course (control). (3) A healthy group that had been demographically similar to the other groups.

FINDINGS

According to these study findings, FBS serum level in the case group is lower than control group. Serum level of Na, creatinine, and blood triglyceride (TG) in case study are higher than group control. Concentration of potassium, Ca, UA, BUN, cholesterol, total serum protein, fibrinogen, and thrombin time in case study and group control showed no significant difference. Also, in withdrawing case serum level of Na, Ca, UA, BUN, creatinine, and TG significantly increase and thrombin time decrease.

CONCLUSION

According to this study not only the longtime use of opium but also opium with drawerin opium dependent people can change their serum biochemical factors. So recognition, treatment, and prevention of this change could be a new step in improving of health and condition of patients.

Body satisfaction and management in Iranian students

Purpose:

Despite the importance of body satisfaction on self concept and well being, there is little study about it or its consequences in Iranian populations, a part of Asian culture. The aim of this study was the assessment of body satisfaction and body management strategies in Iranian university students.

Work method:

This survey was performed based on a self-administrated questionnaire in 535 university and post graduate students.

Work results:

About 2/3rd of the students had moderate to severe body dissatisfaction and 40% of the students were using body management methods. Rhinoplasty and heavy exercise were the most frequent body management methods in women and men, respectively.

Conclusion:

Widespread research on body satisfaction prevalence and its management behaviors in the general population can be effective in reducing the negative health, social and economic consequences of harmful behaviors.

Serum biochemical parameters following heroin withdrawal: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Long-term consumption of opioid compounds, even after withdrawal, affects serum biochemical parameters. Investigating these alterations is a new approach in substance abuse studies.

METHOD

This study investigated clinical laboratory results in men who are currently active, recently abstinent and non-heroin users. Participants (N = 240) of this matched cohort study included heroin dependent men referred for abstinence treatment, volunteer men who did not abuse opioids matched for age, sex, body mass index, and educational level (control group). The groups were further sub-divided for analysis into (a) continuous heroin users for more than 2 years (N = 70), the dependent group; (b) heroin abusers with 1 month abstinence period (N = 70), identified as ex-heroin dependents; and (c) a matched, non-dependent control group (N = 100). All participants were tested for fasting blood sugar (FBS), sodium, potassium, calcium, uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), total protein, fibrinogen, and prothrombin.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, ex-heroin dependents showed decreased FBS and significantly higher sodium, creatinine, and cholesterol levels. Compared to the heroin dependent group, the ex-heroin dependents showed significant differences in FBS, sodium, calcium, creatinine, UA, and thrombin time. No significant differences were noted between ex-heroin dependents and controls in potassium, calcium, UA, BUN, TGs, total protein, and thrombin time.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate altered laboratory markers in long-term heroin dependents as well as ex-heroin dependents and suggest the need for further identification, population distribution, and etiological understanding of these biomarkers in individuals who have abused heroin.

Synthesis and In vitro cytotoxic activity evaluation of (E)-16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of dehydroepiandrosterone

Background and the purpose of the study

Modified androsterone derivatives are class of steroidal compounds with potential anticancer properties. Various steroidal derivatives containing substitution at position 16 have shown diversified pharmacological activities. In the present study, a new series of cytotoxic 16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were synthesized and evaluated against three different cancer cell lines.

Methods

The cytotoxic 16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of DHEA were synthesized via aldol condensation of DHEA with corresponding benzaldehyde derivatives. The cytotoxic activity of synthesized derivatives was evaluated against three different cancer cells including KB, T47D and SK-N-MC cell lines by MTT reduction colorimetric assay.

Results

The results indicated that 16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of DHEA could be served as a potent anti-cancer agent. The 3-cholro benzylidene derivatives of DHEA was the most potent synthesized derivative especially against KB and T47D cell lines (IC₅₀ values were 0.6 and 1.7 μM; respectively).

Conclusion

The cytotoxic potential of novel benzylidene derivatives of DHEA is mainly attributed to the position and nature of the substituted group on the benzylidene pendant.

The Effect of Opium Dependency of Parent (s) on Offspring's Spatial Learning & Memory in Adult Male Rats

OBJECTIVE(S)

As far as we know, there has been no report regarding the effects of opium addiction or dependency of both parents on the learning and memory process in offspring. The aim of this study was to examine the learning and memory changes of adult male offspring whose mothers, fathers and/or both parents had dependency to opium before and during pregnancy. Materials and Methods : All experiments were carried out on Wistar rats. Opium dependency was induced by daily injections of opium (10 mg/kg/SC, bid/10 d) before mating. The presence of a vaginal plug was designated as gestation day. Treatment with opium continued through breeding and gestation until parturition. Spatial memory was tested in male offspring of control, saline and prenatal opium treated groups by a training trial and the probe test in the Morris water maze. Swimming escape latency in the maze and the ability to find the platform in the training trial were recorded. The time spent in the trigger zone and number of times the rats crossed the platform during the probe phase and swimming speed were measured.

RESULTS

The data revealed increased escape latency and a greater distance traveled to find the hidden platform in the offspring's whose mother, father and /or both parents were exposed to opium. Crossings to target quadrant at probe trials was significantly reduced in all of the prenatal opium exposed offsprings. The swimming speed showed a significant increase in father and parent's opium exposed offspring.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal opium exposure of either parent may cause deficits in spatial learning, but the precise mechanism(s) remain largely unknown.

The Effect of Concomitant Ethanol and Opium Consumption on Lipid Profiles and Atherosclerosis in Golden Syrian Hamster's Aorta

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of mortality in the world and is normally argued as the third cause of all mortalities. Opium and alcohol every day consumption can cause people to have many health problems. The present study aimed to assess the effect of ethanol and opium consumption on lipid profiles and atherosclerosis in aorta.

METHODS

Twenty four male golden Syrian hamsters were randomly divided into four treatment groups (n = 6): Control, addicted (40 mg/kg), alcohol (6.0 g/kg) and combination of opium and alcohol. All of the hamsters were scarified and their livers were removed immediately and fixed in formalin solution 10%. The plasma levels of the lipid profiles were measured enzymatically. Aorta sections were examined by a pathologist.

FINDINGS

The amount of the total cholesterol significantly increased in ethanol (P < 0.05) and combination (P < 0.05) groups, while it had a non-significant decrease in opium group. Serum triglyceride significantly increased in ethanol (P < 0.05) and combination (P < 0.001) groups, as well as this parameter increased in opium group but it was not significant. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) markedly increased in the combination group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in serum LDL-C among other treatment groups. Levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol had a significant rise only in ethanol group. Change in aorta histology was not significant.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that consumption of opium plus alcohol has harmful effects on lipid profile; however, it had no effect on aorta histology that was maybe due to the short period of the treatment.

Studying prevalence and pattern of taking narcotic and ecstasy drugs by patients admitted to special care centers of shahid bahonar hospital, kerman, iran

BACKGROUND

Addiction is the repeated use of a chemical substance which affects the biological function of the brain and endangers physical health of the addicted person. Prevalence and pattern of taking drugs were assessed in the current study in a Special Cares Trauma Center. So the specialized physician could manage the medical procedure more easily through identification of addicted patients and type of their narcotics.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 545 patients admitted to the Special Cares Center of Shahid Bahonar Hospital, Kerman, Iran, during 2010-2012. The data were collected by special information collection forms and then analyzed using SPSS software.

FINDINGS

Among the total studied samples, around 55% of admitted patients were addicts. Opium was the most frequently used narcotic among the addicted patients with a percentage of 62%. Smoking was the most common method of taking the narcotics. 90% of addicted persons were male and 95% of them held diploma and under-diploma educational degrees. Among the reasons for admission of addicted patients to the Special Cares Clinic of Trauma Center, head trauma was the dominant cause (51%).

CONCLUSION

Addiction is considerably more prevalent among the population admitted to the Special Cares Center compared to the society, indicating greater vulnerability of addicted individuals in the society. Addiction to traditional and indigenous drugs are still the most prevalent, and fortunately, these drugs are easier to substitute and medicate compared to the new industrial narcotics.

Destructive Effects of Prenatal WIN 55212-2 Exposure on Central Nervous System of Neonatal Rats

BACKGROUND

Cannabinoid, particularly hashish and WIN 55212-2 (WIN), consumption during embryonic period may affect fetal growth, and the development of motor functioning, memory and cognitive functions. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of WIN 55212-2 during embryonic period on behavioral responses, as well as tissue and memory changes among neonatal rats.

METHODS

WIN treated groups subcutaneously received daily doses of 0.5 or 1 mg/kg WIN suspended in 1% Tween-80-saline (1 ml/kg) from days 5 to 20 of pregnancy. The vehicle group received 1% Tween-80-saline from days 5 to 20 of pregnancy. Three, five and seven weeks after birth, the effects of maternal WIN consumption on infants' body weight, mortality, histological changes, motor functioning, and memory function were assessed.

FINDINGS

Prenatal WIN consumption was associated with atrophy of cerebellum cortex in granular and Purkinje cells layers. WIN treatment of pregnant rats produced a significant decrease in the rearing frequency of the offspring, but significantly increased the grooming frequency at 22, 36 and 50 days of age. During the acquisition trials, approach latencies were not significantly different between all groups of rats (50 days old). When the trial was repeated 24 hours and seven days later (retention trial), the avoidance latencies of the WIN-exposed group were significantly shorter than those of the control and vehicle animals. The mortality percent was increased significantly and litter size was decreased significantly in WIN (1 mg/kg) treated rats compared to the control, vehicle and WIN (0.5 mg/kg) treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that prenatal exposure to WIN probably induces long-term alterations in histological, motor functioning, and learning and memory parameters.

Comparison of Duration of Spinal Anesthesia with Lidocaine or Lidocaine plus Epinephrine between Addicts and Non-addicts

BACKGROUND

Duration of spinal anesthesia depends on the type of anesthetic agent, dosage and additive materials such as epinephrine, ephedrine and opioid. We compared the duration of spinal anesthesia with lidocaine 5% with or without epinephrine in addict and non-addict patients undergoing inferior limb fracture surgery.

METHODS

This single blinded randomized clinical trial was performed on 201 males (height ranged 150-180 cm) who referred to the Shahid Bahonar Hospital of Kerman for the inferior limb fracture. Their physical class was matched to the American association standard class 1 and 2, and they were appropriate candidates for the spinal anesthesia. The addict or non-addict groups were each divided into two subgroups. 75 mg of 5% lidocaine was prescribed for one subgroup, and the other subgroup received 75 mg of 5% lidocaine plus 0.2 mg epinephrine. The level of primary anesthesia was elevated to T6. Duration of returning to the 4 primary sensory levels was measured since baseline.

FINDINGS

A significant increase in the duration of anesthesia level in both addict and non-addict patients receiving lidocaine plus epinephrine was observed compared to the subgroups receiving lidocaine alone (P < 0.01). Duration of decrease in sensory level in addict subgroups receiving lidocaine or lidocaine plus epinephrine was lower compared to non-addict patients (P < 0.001). In addict subgroup receiving lidocaine alone, a significant decrease was observed in the time needed for decrease in sensory level (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, regardless of the anesthetic agent being used, duration of spinal anesthesia was shorter in addict patients compared to non-addict ones. Addition of epinephrine to lidocaine 5% increased the duration of spinal anesthesia in both addict and non-addict patients.

Possible association between human blood types and opioid addiction

Drug addiction is a complex disorder that has been shown to have a genetic component like several other diseases. Finding any factor that is associated with higher risk of addiction tendency may influence the strategies of prevention and treatment of drug abuse and also provide an avenue of further research in genetics, immunology, and other related fields. This case-control study aimed at finding the frequency rate of ABO blood groups and Rhesus (Rh) factor among opioid dependents. Therefore, 249 opioid dependents referred to the Drug Quit center at Bam, Iran (case group) were compared with 360 blood donors referred to the Blood Transfusion Center (control group) in regard to the frequency of blood groups and Rh factor. The two groups were matched for demographic features. The odds ratio for AB blood group in addicts was 3.98 compared to non-addicts (p < .001) and the odds ratio of negative Rh in addicts compared to non-addicts was 4.27 (p < .001). According to the findings, in this population the frequency of negative Rh and AB blood group were significantly less than the predictive values. The relationship between opioid use and blood group type requires a cohort study eliminating all extraneous factors in order to be proved.

Waterpipe tobacco use among Iranian university students: correlates and perceived reasons for use

SETTING

Waterpipe smoking is becoming a global health crisis among youth.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of waterpipe use among Iranian university students and to explore perceived reasons for use.

METHODS

A random sample of 1024 university students at two major universities in South Iran was enrolled in the study. A three-part questionnaire (baseline data, tobacco smoking status and perceived reasons for waterpipe use) was used. Students filled out the self-administered questionnaire in their classrooms.

RESULTS

The prevalence of waterpipe smoking in the respondents' lifetime and in the last 30 days was 42.5% and 18.7%, respectively. The mean age at initiation of waterpipe smoking was 16.3 ± 3.2 years. Ever smoking was positively associated with age and male sex, whereas no association was found regarding marital status. The highest odds of lifetime waterpipe smoking were observed in students with close friends who smoked the waterpipe (5.94, 95%CI 4.26-8.30). The most important perceived reason for waterpipe smoking as stated by students was enjoyment (55.8%).

CONCLUSION

Given the alarming prevalence of waterpipe smoking, preventive measures should be adopted among university students taking into account the influence of peers, siblings and parents in the lessening social tolerance of waterpipe smoking.

The study of substructures of addiction phenomena in high school students using problem finding workshops

BACKGROUND

Addiction is one of the complicated problems in Iranian young population. The social and cultural dimensions of this social disease are less considered. So considering socio-cultural and environmental resources, this study investigated the substructures of addiction according to the viewpoints of high-school students of Kerman, Iran in 2007-2008.

METHODS

This qualitative study accomplished in ten high schools through a one-day problem finding workshop and continued until data saturation. The resulted terms and phrases were analyzed by content analysis. To assure about the validity and reliability, the outputs reviewed by workshops participants, and classification and codification of the data were executed separately by two experts.

FINDINGS

A total of 212 students, 45.3% girls and 54.7% boys, participated in the study. The students introduced the followings as the addiction substantial fundaments: lack of knowledge, positive attitude and interpretation of addiction as a value, family or friends' habit, economy status, psycho-personality problems and availability. Rules infirmity or non-implementation of the current rules enforcement, geographical status and addiction as a conspiracy were also observed in students' statements.

CONCLUSION

The positive attitudes and historical roots of addiction along with the process of changing the values caused the growth of drug addiction in young population which could neutralize the security measures, legislations policy and even the knowledge. Therefore, intensification of personal protective factors and culturalization addressed for improving inner layers of values are recommended.

Attitude of University Students towards Waterpipe Smoking: Study in Iran

BACKGROUND

Tobacco is consumed in various forms, and there has been an increasing trend worldwide in the use of waterpipe. This study aimed to assess the university students' attitudes towards waterpipe.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study; 1130 students randomly were selected from universities of Kerman, Iran. They were provided with a researcher-made questionnaire after obtaining the informed consent. The anonymous questionnaires were completed with ensuring about information confidentiality. In addition to the underlying questions, the questionnaires consisted of 10 attitude survey questions. Higher scores indicated more positive attitudes.

FINDINGS

The obtained results indicated a significant difference of attitude of the students who were current or occasional smokers of waterpipe in comparison with the students who never smoked it towards addictiveness, social acceptance or rejection and its harmfulness; so that their attitudes were more positive (P < 0.05). Mean ± SD of attitude score of the students who never consumed waterpipe before, those who had the history of consuming it at least once and those who were current smokers were 1.40 ± 0.40, 1.50 ± 0.41 and 1.70 ± 0.43, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Waterpipe smoking was associated with false beliefs and positive attitudes among the students; therefore, the necessity of education and attitude changing is required in this regard.

Economic appraisal of urine opiates screening test: a study in kerman, iran

BACKGROUND

Cost effectiveness, the ratio of relative costs of a program to its desired outcomes, is one of the basic issues in various screening programs performed to detect opium abuse. This study aimed to find the cost-effectiveness of opiates abuse screening through urine analysis.

METHODS

A total number of 64698 individuals were selected and divided into to five distinct groups based on the reason for which they were tested. Cost-effectiveness of opiates abuse screening in each group was calculated by dividing the total cost, including personnel and overhead costs, to the number of detected cases. Finally, the results were compared.

FINDINGS

The total number of positive cases based on rapid screening assay (RSA) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) was 3460 (5.3%). According to incremental cost-effectiveness analysis, screening program of the group referred by the police was the most cost-effective program with the breakeven point at 2%.

CONCLUSION

According to the obtained results, continuation of drug abuse screening programs is recommended.

A review on hematological factors in opioid-dependent people (opium and heroin) after the withdrawal period

BACKGROUND

Long-term use of opioids has acute effects on homeostasis of the body. Discovering the impacts of opioids on hematological parameters of narcotics withdrawal and dependents blood may be helpful in recognizing the homeostasis condition of their body for the useful treatment.

METHODS

In this study a cross-sectional method was applied. The abusers of opium and heroin for more than two consecutive years were considered as opium and heroin dependent groups, respectively. The dependent people, who passed the 1-month withdrawal period, entered the study as opium and heroin withdrawal groups. In this study, hematological factors of heroin and opium dependent and withdrawal groups were investigated.

FINDINGS

The RBC count remained unchanged in all groups. The WBC count had a significant increase in opium dependent group but in heroin dependent group and withdrawal group there was no significant difference. HGB level had a significant increase only in opium and heroin withdrawal groups. The percentage of HCT had a significant increase in all groups. The MCV increased in heroin and opium dependent groups. MCH level increased significantly in heroin and opium withdrawal groups. MCHC level had a significant increase in all groups. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in heroin and opium addicted groups significantly decreased. Platelet, neutrophil and monocyte counts significantly increased in opium dependent group. Monocyte countshowed a significant reduction in heroin withdrawal group. Eosinophil count showed no difference in any of the groups.

CONCLUSION

The current study indicated that not only the chronic and long-term use of opium and heroin, also withdrawal of addicted people could change hematological parameters related to human serum.

Religious attitude associated with general health and smoking in Iranian students

BACKGROUND

Given the university students' model role in the society and the importance of period of university education in selecting behavioral methods and lifestyles in the future have made it necessary to study the smoking pattern and its associated factors and complications among students. The aim of this study was to compare religious attitude and mental health between smoking and non-smoking students.

METHODS

In this research, religious attitude and mental health was studied in 1065 smoking and non-smoking students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. In this study, three questionnaires were used (Demographic Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire and Religious Attitude Scale Questionnaire) which were completed by the students voluntarily. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistic methods, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), t-test, Pearson correlation, and regression coefficient.

FINDINGS

The mean age of smokers was 20 years and most of the smokers were male (78.9%), single (86.5%) and in BS or BA degree (52.5%). Most of them smoked a cigarette or more in the past month. The average age of start of smoking was 18 years. There was no significant difference between religious attitude and mental health in smoking students in terms of gender but in non-smoking students there was a significant difference in this regard. Smoking students had lower mental health status and religious attitude in comparison with non-smoking students. Between religious attitude and general health in smoking and non-smoking students was also a direct association.

CONCLUSION

Due to psychological and physiological consequences of cigarette smoking, promoting smoking prevention by religious missionaries and university professors, and helping the students to quit smoking by counselors, psychologists and psychiatrics are necessary.

Substance misuse patterns and blood types of self-introduced addicts to substance rehabilitation centers of bam city

BACKGROUND

With regard to the perceptible population, cultural, social andenvironmental changes in the aftermath of the earthquake in Bam City,this study was conducted to pinpoint substance misuse patterns and tofigure out the probable relationship between substance misuse andblood types of the addicts referred to Substance rehabilitation Clinicsfrom 2006 to 2007 in Bam City.

METHODS

In this case-control study, the sample size includes volunteering andself-introduced addicts and also a random selection of 360 healthyclients referred to the Blood Transfusion Organization as the controlgroup. Both groups' data were analyzed using descriptive statistics andChi square and the odds ratio was estimated too.

FINDINGS

Three-hundred ninety nine individuals from nearly 3000 clients referred tothe rehabilitation clinic from 2005 to 2008 participated with completeconsent in the study. The highest frequency belonged to opium addicts(85.6%) and the most prevalent addiction type pertains to opiumconsumption via smoke inhalation (58.2%). The probability rate of ABnegative blood type compared to other blood types among the addicts was6.07 fold the control group.

CONCLUSION

There has been an increasing rate of addiction in bam after earthquakeand The substance consumption pattern has moved towards moredangerous methods. The high prevalence of AB blood type bringsabout a lot of presuppositions for geneticists, epidemiologists,hematologists and all majors in basic sciences.

Religious involvement and cigarette smoking among Iranian university students

OBJECTIVES

To find out the prevalence of cigarette smoking in a group of Iranian Muslim students and also to find out if there is a relationship between religious practices and cigarette smoking.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 950 university students in Kerman, Iran were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire consisting of questions on demographic data, cigarette smoking, and religious practices. It was explained that the study was anonymous and voluntary, and confidentiality was assured.

RESULTS

All 833 subjects who participated in the study were Muslims, 54.1% of whom were female and 89.3% were single. Approximately 40% of male students and 5.8% of the female ones were smokers. Based on bivariate analysis, some differences were noted in the prevalence of smoking according to gender, marital status, income, average university scores, close friend's smoking, parental smoking, reading the Quran, saying prayers, mosque attendance, and fasting. Using multivariate analysis, male gender, higher income, lower average exam scores, and close friend's smoking being associated with the likelihood to smoke cigarettes. The odds ratio for cigarette smoking in the upper tertile compared with those in the lower tertile of religious activity was 0.53 (CI 95% 0.33-0.84).

CONCLUSION

Religious activities may have a protective role against cigarette smoking among Muslim college students in the country.

Prevalence of and factors associated with cigarette smoking among university students: a study from Iran

To determine the prevalence of cigarette use among college students and to identify correlates of cigarette smoking, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1750 college students in the city of Kerman, located in southern Iran. The average age of college students was 21.2 ± 2.1 years. A total of 52% participants were female, 92% were single, and 11% (184) were smokers (22% of men and 2.4% of women). The average age of smoking initiation was 15.9 ± 4.5 years. A high association was shown with the use of cigarettes among close friends (odds ratio [OR] = 4.3), alcohol use (OR = 2.95), and being a male (OR = 2.81). Less cigarette use was shown among participants who prayed (OR = 0.52) and those with better academic standing (OR = 0.68). Based up the high prevalence of cigarette use among college students and also taking into account the correlates of cigarette use, gender-specific programs need to be tailored for cigarette use prevention among college students.

Estimating the prevalence of opiates use by unlinked anonymous urine drug testing: a pilot study in Iran

In order to estimate the prevalence of opiate use and to cross-validate the current program of urine testing as the sole screening and detection method for finding opiate abusers in Iran, urine samples of 1120 men with a mean (+/- SD) age of 46.6 (+/- 16.5) years referring to a large clinical lab for diagnostic and screening purposes in Kerman (the center of the biggest province in Iran) were assayed by anonymous, unlinked testing for opioid metabolites during 2004. The specimens were analyzed by an immunoassay screening test and a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) confirmation test. The initial screening test was positive in 28.8% (95% CI: 26.1-31.5) of cases (322 individuals), half of whom were confirmed by TLC. As a whole, 14.4% (95% CI: 12.4-16.6) of urine samples were positive for opioid metabolites. Although individuals referring to clinical labs do not exactly represent the general population, according to relatively high figures achieved in this study we suggest revising the urine test as the sole screening and detection method for finding Iranians who use opiates for non-medical reasons. Research is needed to further pursue these findings.

Estimating the prevalence of cannabinoid use urine testing: a preliminary study in Kerman, Iran

AIMS

This primary study was performed to determine the prevalence rate of cannabinoid consumed in Kerman (Iran).

MEASUREMENTS

Urine samples of 700 males, referred to a clinical lab in Kerman city were collected for detection of cannabinoid metabolites. Assessment analysis was a monophasic immunoassay rapid technique. The study was completely blind and only age and residence of samples were revealed. All stages were confirmed and supervised by the ethics committee.

RESULTS

The prevalence of cannabinoid use was 0.6%. All four positive cases were urban, with ages 31, 36, 40 and 67. More than 90% of referred cases were urban with mean age of 46.8+/-16 while the mean age of rural cases was 54.3+/-17 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the age range and possibility of the underlying disease in the study population, the prevalence of cannabinoid use was more than what was expected. Urine analysis as a method for assessing the prevalence rate requires a wide sample size and age distribution matching the age distribution of the study population. In addition, the entrance criteria should not include sick cases.