Naser Abbasi

Background and Aims: Intentional poisoning is a major public health challenge requiring rapid emergency intervention. This study aimed to identify demographic, psychiatric, and toxicological factors associated with intentional poisoning among patients presenting to a hospital emergency department. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of 658 poisoning cases recorded in a hospital emergency department poisoning registry in Ilam, Iran (March 2022–March 2023), with linked medical‐record data reviewed after the index encounter. The primary outcome was a final binary classification of intentional versus unintentional poisoning. Categorical associations were examined using Pearson chi‐square tests or Fisher exact tests as appropriate. A multivariable logistic regression model included five prespecified clinical/psychiatric variables and estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analyses used Stata version 11.0 ( α = 0.05, two‐sided). Results: Of 658 patients, 367 (55.8%) were classified as intentional poisoning and 291 (44.2%) as unintentional. Intentional poisoning was more frequent among women than men (194/279, 69.5% vs. 173/379, 45.6%; p < 0.001) and among urban than rural residents (295/476, 62.0% vs. 72/182, 39.6%; p < 0.001). In the multivariable clinical model, previous suicide attempt showed the strongest association with intentional poisoning (aOR 4.69, 95% CI 2.55–8.61, p < 0.001), and psychiatric disorder history remained associated (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.02–3.12, p = 0.043); current psychiatric disorder did not remain independently associated after mutual adjustment (aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.59–1.40, p = 0.669). Among specific agents, high intentional‐use proportions were observed for aluminum phosphide (17/18, 94.4%), antibiotics (13/15, 86.7%), and acetaminophen (35/43, 81.4%). Conclusions: Intentional poisoning was associated with distinct demographic patterns and psychiatric vulnerability, particularly a history of previous suicide attempts. These findings support systematic mental health assessment in emergency poisoning care and prevention strategies focused on patients with established self‐harm history and access to highly lethal agents.

Introduction: Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease driven by lipid metabolism disorders and oxidative stress, remains a leading cause of mortality. Statins are effective but have significant side effects, necessitating exploration of safer herbal alternatives. Prosopis farcta and Scrophularia striata are two flavonoid-rich plants traditionally used for cardiac pain. The present study aims to compare the effects of extracts of these plants along with related parameters in male Wistar rats fed a High-Cholesterol Diet (HCD). Methods: 49 male Wistar rats (250-280 g) were divided into 7 groups (n = 7): Control (normal diet), HCD (2% cholesterol + 0.5% cholic acid for 15 weeks), The experimental groups received HCD for 9 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of normal diet supplemented with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), Prosopis farcta extract (50 or 100 mg/kg), or Scrophularia striata extract (100 or 500 mg/kg). At week 15, serum lipids, Ox-LDL, PON-1, adiponectin, SFRP5, and aortic histopathology were assessed. Results: HCD significantly increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, and decreased PON- 1, adiponectin, and SFRP5 (p < 0.001). Prosopis farcta (50 mg/kg) significantly reduced cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p < 0.001), LDL (p < 0.001), and Ox-LDL (p < 0.05), and increased HDL (p < 0.01) and PON-1 (p < 0.001) compared to HCD. Scrophularia striata (100 and 500 mg/kg) significantly increased triglycerides (p < 0.001) and worsened histopathological findings. Discussion: This study demonstrates significant differential modulation of atherogenesis by flavonoid- rich botanicals. Prosopis farcta exhibited potent hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects through LDL oxidation inhibition and paraoxonase-1 activation, comparable to atorvastatin. In contrast, Scrophularia striata paradoxically exacerbated dyslipidemia, potentially due to pro-oxidant effects at higher doses. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of specific phytochemicals to modulate oxidative stress and metabolic-inflammatory pathways in atherosclerosis, while emphasizing the need for precise dose optimization in herbal interventions. Conclusion: Prosopis farcta (50 mg/kg) demonstrated significant hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects comparable to atorvastatin, while Scrophularia striata showed paradoxical adverse effects. These findings suggest that Prosopis farcta warrants further investigation as a potential herbal candidate for the management of atherosclerosis. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

Background and purpose Recurrent aphthous lesions are one of the most common pathological ulcerative conditions in the oral mucosa. Various studies are seeking to find an appropriate treatment with few complications. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the extract of the medicinal plant Scrophularia striata in reducing pain and improving recurrent oral ulcers. Materials and methods In this clinical trial study, 100 patients with oral ulcers complaints referring to the dental clinic of Ilam University of Medical Sciences were investigated. Patients were randomly assigned to two intervention groups with 10% and 15% hydroalcoholic extract and two control groups with simple diphenhydramine syrup and normal saline serum. The rate of wound healing on days 1 and 3 was assessed by direct examination and observation, and the severity of pain and inflammation on days 1, 2, 3, and 5 was assessed by VAS criteria. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 24 software and statistical tests of mean, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wilcoxon were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. Results The mean standard deviation of the participants' age was 28.15 ± 29 years, 3% smoked cigarettes, and 59% reported stress. 56% had a wound, and 31% had it on the lower lip. On the first day, the wound size did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.266), but on the third day, the mean rank difference in wound size between the groups increased significantly (p < 0.001); There was also no significant difference in the severity of inflammation on the first day (p = 0.042), but from the second day onwards, the differences increased significantly (second day p < 0.001, third day p < 0.001, and fifth day p < 0.001). Conclusion A solution prepared from the Scrophularia striata plant is effective in accelerating the healing process of recurrent oral ulcers and the severity of its inflammation. Given the favorable effects and low complication rate of a solution containing the extract of the Scrophularia striata plant, its use can be recommended to people with recurrent minor oral thrush.

In the present study, the synthesis, characterization, and therapeutic effects in treating second‐degree burn wounds of the green synthesis ZnO NPs using Ferulago angulata extract and its doping with magnesium were evaluated. The prepared materials were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV‐Vis absorption spectra, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antioxidant properties of materials were investigated by DPPH (2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) assay. The concentration of 500 µg/mL of Mg‐doped ZnO NPs was associated with the highest level of DPPH radical reduction among the several substances (F. angulata extract, ZnO NPs, and Mg‐doped ZnO NPs) (p < 0.05). The Pasteur Institute cell bank was employed to obtain the Huvec cell line for the cytotoxicity test. The viability of the cells decreased as compared to the control group (p < 0.05) after 24 h of exposure. The lowest viability rate was seen when these substances were added at 1000 µg/mL. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of nanoparticles and ointments prepared from these nanoparticles with different concentrations were investigated. Examining the antibacterial and antifungal effect of zinc oxide and Mg‐doped ZnO nanoparticles showed that these compounds had antibacterial and antifungal effects on mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aerogenosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Candida albicans, mold, and yeast. After 21 days of treatment with various ointments, the speed of wound closure and hair growth was observed in groups Mg‐doped ZnO NPs (0.05% and 1%), Zn‐NPs (0.05% and 1%), Adib Derm and Eucerin groups, respectively. The microscopic analysis of the wound site in the group treated with 0.1% of Mg‐doped ZnO NPs showed that after 21 days, collagenization and epithelialization occurred. The epidermis and the stratum corneum were well‐formed, and the formation of hair follicles increased in number. The presence of sebaceous glands around the hair follicles also indicated complete wound healing and improved skin.

Introduction: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are widely prescribed for treating depression, but they are also associated with a significant global mortality rate due to their overuse by healthcare providers. Given the severe side effects and high mortality associated with TCA poisoning, as well as the frequent occurrence of poisoning cases involving various drugs, including TCAs, this study aims to examine the prevalence of TCA poisoning in symptomatic patients referred to the poisoning department of Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam City from Iran during 2021 and 2022. Methods: This study reviewed poisoning cases from 2021 and 2022 at the poisoning department of Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam City. Data collected included patient age, gender, and TCA levels in blood samples. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with the Mann-Whitney test employed for data comparison. Results: The analysis of 2,217 poisoning cases in 2021 and 1,120 cases in 2022 revealed a TCA poisoning rate of 6.4% in 2021 and 2.6% in 2022. Nortriptyline was identified as the most commonly involved drug in poisoning incidents, with the highest frequency observed in individuals aged 20-35, across both genders. Conclusion: TCA poisoning remains prevalent, especially among individuals aged 20-35 years, with nortriptyline being the most frequently implicated drug. The observed decline in poisoning cases in 2022 compared to 2021 may reflect changes in prescribing practices or the implementation of preventive measures. These findings underscore the importance of careful TCA prescription management and increased monitoring to minimize associated risks.

Introduction: Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition of the prostate gland caused by bacterial infections or non-infectious factors. This condition is typically characterized by symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary frequency, and burning during urination. If left untreated, prostatitis may result in complications, including sexual dysfunction, infertility, and chronic urinary infections. This ethnobotanical study aims to identify and document medicinal plants traditionally used in Dehloran County, Ilam Province, based on the local inhabitants’ traditional knowledge. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 herbalists and traditional healers in Dehloran. The collected information was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the traditional uses of medicinal plants in the region. Results: The study identified eight species of medicinal plants traditionally recognized in the Dehloran region as effective remedies for prostate-related issues. These plants include borage, pumpkin, licorice, yarrow, camel’s thorn, ginger, nettle, and chicory. Among these, borage and pumpkin exhibited the highest usage rates, with a Use Report (UR) of 9, Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) of 0.36, and Percentage of Familiarity and Use (PFU) of 34.6%, making them the most commonly utilized plants for managing prostate conditions in the area. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the traditional use of several indigenous medicinal plants in Dehloran for alleviating prostatitis symptoms. These results can aid in the preservation of traditional knowledge and support the development of complementary therapies for prostatitis.

: Dendritic cell-based cancer immunotherapy is considered an innovative and promising approach aimed at enhancing the host's immune response to combat tumors. Additionally, IPI-549 has been identified as a first-line therapeutic option for breast cancer treatment. The objective of this research was to develop and formulate a novel therapeutic supplement by combining dendritic cells with IPI-549 (Eganelisib) for breast cancer treatment. The concurrent administration of dendritic cells and IPI-549 (DC-IPI) was utilized to treat mice and elicit immunological responses triggered by vaccination. Tumor regression and overall survival rates were evaluated across five distinct experimental groups. The administration of tumor cell lysate alongside DC-IPI resulted in a significant reduction in tumor growth and a two- to three-fold increase in the survival duration of treated mice. DC-IPI, whether decorated with mannan or not, elicited stronger responses in terms of delayed-type hypersensitivity, lymphocyte proliferation, and CD107a expression. Moreover, our findings demonstrated a reduction in IL-4 production in the supernatants of splenocyte cultures. A significant reduction in BRCA1 mRNA levels was also observed following treatment with DC-IPI. In conclusion, our results suggest that the DC-IPI antigen delivery system exhibited substantial anti-tumor efficacy in a breast cancer mouse model, representing a potential advancement in immunotherapy for human breast cancer.

Safe chemicals for drug withdrawal can be extracted from natural sources. This study investigates the effects of clonidine and Thymbra spicata extract (TSE) on mice suffering from morphine withdrawal syndrome. Thymol, which is the active constituent in TSE, was also tested. A total of 90 mice were divided into nine groups. Group 1 was the control group, while Group 2 was given only morphine, and Group 3 received morphine and 0.2 mg/kg of clonidine. Groups 4–6 were given morphine along with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of TSE, respectively. Groups 7–9 received morphine plus 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of Thymol, respectively, for 7 days. An oral naloxone challenge of 3 mg/kg was used to induce withdrawal syndrome in all groups. Improvement of liver enzyme levels (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine transaminase) (p < .01) and behavioral responses (frequencies of jumping, frequencies of two‐legged standing, Straub tail reaction) (p < .01) were significantly observed in the groups receiving TSE and Thymol (Groups 4–9) compared to Group 2. Additionally, antioxidant activity in these groups was improved compared to Group 2. Nitric oxide significantly decreased in Groups 4 and 6 compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p < .01). Superoxide dismutase increased dramatically in Groups 5, 8, and 9 compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p < .01). Groups 5–9 were significantly different from Group 2 in terms of malondialdehyde levels (p < .01). Certain doses of TSE and Thymol were found to alleviate the narcotics withdrawal symptoms. This similar effect to clonidine can pave the way for their administration in humans.

Background: Methadone poisoning intentionally or accidentally leads to a high rate of treatment burden and cost and deaths. The evaluation of the factors affecting the severity of poisoning can reduce recovery time, costs, and potential risks. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of intravenous vitamin C (ascorbic acid) administration on serum level and urinary excretion of methadone. Patients and Methods: In this single-blind study, 54 patients who were diagnosed with methadone poisoning were divided into three groups. The two intervention groups received different doses of vitamin C, including 12 and 24 g, and the control group received normal saline. The serum methadone level and urine pH were measured at the time of arrival and 24 hours after admission. The data were analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) in STATA version 12. Results: In this study, 18 patients were placed in each group. The three groups were not significantly different in basic variables, such as age, gender, and methadone dosage. Between and within-group comparison showed a significant decrease in the serum methadone levels over time after adjusting age, gender and methadone dosage (P < 0.05). Post-hoc analyses revealed a significant difference in methadone reduction between 12 g of vitamin C and control groups (P = 0.04), and there was no significant difference between the control and 24 g of vitamin C groups (P > 0.05). However, between and within-group comparisons showed no significant difference between the three groups in terms of urine pH (P > 0.05). In addition, interaction was observed between intervention and time on serum methadone levels (P < 0.001) and urine pH (P = 0.04) variables. Conclusions: Consuming 12 g of vitamin C further reduced the serum methadone level in patients with methadone poisoning. There was no effect on methadone urinary excretion in patients.

Background: In order to measure the plasma levels of Losartan and Bosentan, a sensitive Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) technique was developed. Methods: To compare bioavailability, the Area Under the Curve (AUC), peak plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to Cmax (Tmax) were employed. The standard curve (150-2400 ng/ml) was linear (R2=0.999), relative errors were between 2.4 to 10.05% and the coefficient of variation (CV%) ranged from 1.52 to 10.88. A single dosage (test and reference) was used for the in vivo investigation, which involved 16 healthy individuals. Results: The AUC0-48, AUC0-, Cmax, and Tmax of the test and reference had no statistically significant differences. The Cmax and 95% confidence intervals of the ratio of Cmax of the two formulations were 0.93-0.96 and 97.6-135%, respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, it was established that generic Bosentan was equivalent to Bosentan from Actelion and that both medications could be regarded as equally effective in clinical settings. The blood level of Bosentan could be measured using this straightforward procedure in all hospital laboratories.