Explore the vast range of titles available.

In this paper, an optical smart multibeam cross dipole nano-antenna has been proposed by combining the absorption characteristic of graphene and applying different arrangements of directors. By introducing a cross dipole nano-antenna with two V-shaped coupled elements, the maximum directivity of 8.79 dBi has been obtained for unidirectional radiation pattern. Also, by applying various arrangements of circular sectors as director, different types of radiation pattern such as bi- and quad-directional have been attained with directivities of 8.63 and 8.42 dBi, respectively, at the wavelength of 1550 nm. The maximum absorption power of graphene can be tuned by choosing an appropriate chemical potential. Therefore, the radiation beam of the proposed multibeam cross dipole nano-antenna has been controlled dynamically by applying a monolayer graphene. By choosing a suitable chemical potential of graphene for each arm of the suggested cross dipole nano-antenna without the director, the unidirectional radiation pattern shifts ± 13° at the wavelength of 1550 nm. Also, for the multibeam nano-antenna with different arrangements of directors, the bi- and quad-directional radiation patterns have been smartly modified to uni- and bi-directional ones with the directivities of 10.1 and 9.54 dBi, respectively. It is because of the graphene performance as an absorptive or transparent element for different chemical potentials. This feature helps us to create a multipath wireless link with the capability to control the accessibility of each receiver.

Background Acute poisoning among elderly populations is a serious health concern with particularly hazardous consequences. This review synthesizes findings from multiple studies investigating acute poisoning among the elderly in Iran and compares them with similar studies in other countries. Method This study reviews data from several studies conducted in various regions of Iran that investigated acute poisoning among elderly individuals (older than 60 years old). Studies were included that provided information on demographic characteristics and clinical findings in English or Persian up to date. Results Six studies from five provinces in Iran were analyzed, revealing a consistent male predominance in poisoning cases, particularly among those aged 60–69. Most incidents occurred at home, primarily through oral ingestion. While pharmaceutical agents were initially the primary cause, illicit drug use, particularly opioids, has become increasingly prevalent. Accidental poisoning and drug overdoses were more common among men, whereas suicide attempts were more frequent in women. Clinical presentations often included altered mental status, with average hospital stays of up to 3.5 days. Mortality rates ranged from 3.5 to 11.7%, predominantly due to opioid poisoning. Conclusion Reviewing international studies highlighted that patterns of poisoning vary between countries, underscoring the need for a context-specific approach. The rise in opioid-related poisonings and distinct patterns observed highlight a critical and evolving public health challenge for elderly Iranians. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including opioid monitoring programs, enhanced access to mental health services through primary healthcare, and community-based support systems. Training caregivers and implementing public health campaigns are also crucial to address this growing concern and improve the safety and well-being of this vulnerable population.

Background Opioid addiction and poisoning are prevalent health issues in Iran, where various types of opioids are easily accessible. Despite being dependent on a specific type of opioid, some opioid-dependents abuse different types opioids which can prone them to some consequences. This study aimed to assess the characteristics and risk factors of opioid poisoning among opioid-dependent individuals poisoned by their own or opioid. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the MTR-MUMS-Iran (May 2021-January 2022), including opioid-dependent adults poisoned by their regularly used opioid. Opioid dependency was categorized as synthetic opioid or opiate. Data extracted included demographics, opioid type, manner of poisoning, and clinical manifestations. Also, a comparison was conducted between poisoning prevalence with 2011 Iranian Mental Health Survey (IMHS) opioid dependency data. Results Among 3064 registered cases, 116 patients with a mean age of 40.27 years were included, with a mortality rate of 1.7% ( n  = 2). The frequency of synthetic opioid and opiate overdose was similar (50.9% vs. 49.1%). Opium and methadone were the most common opioids involved. The most common clinical presentation was decreased level of consciousness (72.4%). Excessive use (50.9%), suicide (24.1%), were the main scenarios leading to poisoning. The manner of poisoning among elderly and opiate-dependent patients was excessive use, while younger synthetic opioid-dependent patients tended to attempt suicide. Furthermore, opiate-dependent individuals were more likely to co-ingest therapeutic medications and have underlying renal disease. The average hospital stay was 2.31 days, with age being a significant predictor of length of stay. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest some practical implications for physicians. Excessive use and suicide are the two main manners of opioid poisoning among opioid dependents. Women and methadone-dependent cases are at higher risk for opioid toxicity, and buprenorphine appears to be the safest opioid option.

PurposeLead Poisoning is a major health problem in Iran. We aimed to compare efficacy of a standard regimen (Succimer) with that of a low-priced combination of D-penicillamine and Garlic in outpatients with lead poisoning.MethodsIn this retrospective cross-sectional study, year-long clinical files of outpatients with lead poisoning in two referral toxicology clinics in Mashhad, Iran were reviewed. A total of 79 patients (all men), received either Succimer or a combination of D-penicillamen plus garlic (DPN + Gar), for 19 and 30 days, respectively. Clinical and laboratory data, including blood lead level (BLL), were analyzed and treatment expanses were compared between the two regimens.ResultsOf 79 male patients, 42 were treated by DPN + Gar and 37 received Succimer. Mean BLL of DPN + Gar group before treatment (965.73 ± 62.54 µg/L) was higher than that of the Succimer group (827.59 ± 24.41) (p < 0.001). After treatment, BLL in both groups significantly reduced to 365.52 ± 27.61 µg/L and 337.44 ± 26.34 µg/L, respectively (p < 0.001). The price of a 19-day treatment with Succimer was approximately 28.6 times higher than a one-month course of treatment with garlic plus DPN. None of the treatments caused serious side effects in the patients.ConclusionCombination therapy with DPN + Gar is as effective as Succimer in Pb poisoning, while treatment with Succimer is significantly more expensive.Graphical abstract

In this paper, a controllable hybrid plasmonic integrated circuit (CHPIC) composed of hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPW)-based rhombic nano-antenna, polarization beam splitter, coupler, filter, and sensor has been designed and investigated for the first time. In order to control the power into a corresponding input port, a graphene-based 1 × 3 power splitter with switchable output has been exploited. The functionality of each device has been studied comprehensively based on the finite element method and the advantages over state-of-the-art have been compared. Moreover, the effect of connection of CHPIC to the photonic and plasmonic waveguides has been studied to exhibit the capability of variety excitation methods of the CHPIC. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed CHPIC connected to inter/intra wireless transmission links has been investigated. The wireless transmission link consists of two HPW-based nano-antennas as transmitter and receiver with the maximum gain and directivity of 10 dB and 10.2 dBi, respectively, at 193.5 THz. The suggested CHPIC can be used for applications such as optical wireless communication and inter/intra-chip optical interconnects.

In the cases of acute rivaroxaban overdose, conservative management without prothrombin complex concentrate or other coagulation factors may be sufficient if renal function is normal and there is no bleeding. In the cases of acute rivaroxaban overdose, conservative management without prothrombin complex concentrate or other coagulation factors may be sufficient if renal function is normal and there is no bleeding.

Approximately 1% of all pregnancies are in woman with epilepsy. Although, the majority of children born to women with epilepsy are normal, they are at increased risk for malformations. Notably, the teratogenicity of antiepileptic drugs is a well-defined subject. The incidence of major malformations in offspring of mothers with epilepsy who were treated with AEDs is higher than women with untreated epilepsy and in the general population. These malformations include spina bifida, cleft palate, limb reduction defects, cardiac abnormalities, hypospadias, and gastrointestinal atresia. The exact mechanism by which the AEDs mediate abnormalities in the fetus is uncertain. However, there are several hypotheses to explain them. Some of the most important include folate-related actions, ischemia, reactive intermediates (e.g., free radicals), and genetic susceptibility. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of AED-related abnormalities is of vital importance for the care of epileptic women and their offspring.

The increasing use of methamphetamine (METH) in the last decades has made it the second most abused drug. Advancs in the area of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) have led to its potential application in the treatment of poisoning. The present study aims to investigate the potential role of ILE as an antidote for acute METH poisoning. Two groups of six male rats were treated by METH (45 mg/kg), intraperitoneally. Five to seven min later, they received an infusion of 18.6 ml/kg ILE 20% through the tail vein or normal saline (NS). Locomotor and behavioral activity was assessed at different time after METH administration. Body temperature and survival rates were also evaluated. Brain and internal organs were then removed for histological examination and TUNEL assay. ILE therapy for METH poisoning in rats could prevent rats mortalities and returned the METH-induced hyperthermia to normal rates ( <0.05). ILE reduced freezing and stereotyped behaviors and increased rearing responses ( <0.05). Locomotor activity also returned to control levels especially during the last hours of the experiment. ILE administration decreased the prevalence of pulmonary emphysema in the lungs ( <0.05 and P<0.01) and percentages of TUNEL positive cells in the brain ( <0.05), in comparison with the control group. ILE could reduce the severity of METH- induced toxicity as well as mortality rate in the animals. Intravenous infusion of lipid emulsion may save the life of patients with acute METH intoxication who do not respond to standard initial therapy.

The present study aimed to review and discuss the recommended and recently suggested protocols by Iranian researchers for a long-term treatment of delayed complications of sulfur mustard (DCSM) in veterans. As indicated clinically, patients who suffer from delayed ocular complications of sulfur mustard (DOCS) benefit from treatments for dry eyes, therapeutic contact lenses, amniotic membrane transplantation; blepharorrhaphy, tarsorrhaphy, limbal stem cell transplantation; corneal transplantation, topical steroids, and immunosuppressive. In spite of penetrating keratoplasty, lamellar keratoplasty and keratolimbal allograft had a good long-term survival. Delayed respiratory complications (DRCS) are the most common effects and life-threatening in Iranian veterans. The recommended treatment protocols include regular clinical evaluations, respiratory physiotherapy and rehabilitation, N-acetyl cysteine; warm humidified air, long-acting b2-agonists, and inhaled corticosteroids. Azithromycin has also been effective in improving clinical conditions, pulmonary function tests, inflammatory indexes, and life quality of the veterans. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and helium: oxygen combination were also used in severe DRCS with good results. Some of the delayed cutaneous complications (DCCS) such as itching affects the quality of life of victims. Regular but not frequent showering and bathing, applying sunscreen compounds, topical corticosteroids, and systemic antihistamines reduce the problems of DCCS patients. Several compounds such as capsaicin cream, pimecrolimus, IFN-γ, phenol-menthol; Aloe vera/olive oil cream, cetirizine, doxepine, and hydroxyzine were evaluated in DCCS patients with some benefits. The physicians in charge of veterans emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, appropriate financial/social/cultural supports, and a degree of reassurance and supportive care on the clinical improvement of patients.

Pregabalin (PGB) is a new antiepileptic drug that has received FDA approval for patient who suffers from central neuropathic pain, partial seizures, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia and sleep disorders. This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible adverse effects of PGB on the muscular system of mice. To evaluate the effect of PGB on skeletal muscle, the animals were exposed to a single dose of 1, 2 or 5 g /kg or daily doses of 20, 40 or 80 mg/kg for 21 days, intraperitoneally (IP). Twaenty-four hr after the last drug administration, all animals were sacrificed. The level of fast-twitch skeletal muscle troponin I and CK-MM activity were evaluated in blood as an indicator of muscle injury. Skeletal muscle pathological findings were also reported as scores ranging from 1 to 3 based on the observed lesion. In the acute and sub-acute toxicity assay IP injection of PGB significantly increased the activity and levels of CK-MM and fsTnI compared to the control group. Sub-acute exposure to PGB caused damages that include muscle atrophy, infiltration of inflammatory cells and cell degeneration. PGB administration especially in long term care causes muscle atrophy with infiltration of inflammatory cells and cell degeneration. The fsTnI and CK-MM are reliable markers in PGB-related muscle injury. The exact mechanisms behind the muscular damage are unclear and necessitate further investigations.