A comprehensive study on relationship between body mass index and ABO blood group in patients in and around Lucknow region

Background: ABO blood group is the most important of all blood group systems. A and B antibodies are present naturally in individuals from birth who lack the corresponding antigen on their red cells. Aims and Objective: The main aim of this study was to find out that whether there is any association between ABO blood group and body mass index (BMI) or there is no association between ABO blood group and BMI. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted in the Department of Physiology Of IIMSR, Lucknow in collaboration with department of Medicine. Data collection was done over a period of 6 months and a sample size came out to be 384 Anthropometric parameters were recorded using a standardized scale and blood group sampling was done in department of physiology using slide agglutination method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Result: Blood group distribution of individuals with normal BMI was 6.7% with O negative, 3.6% with O positive, 5.4% with A negative, 4.1% with A positive, 6.5 % with B negative, 2.8 % with B positive, 10.4% with AB negative, and 8.3% with AB positive. Conclusion: A significant association was found between the blood groups and obesity. The individuals with blood groups A and AB are more likely to develop obesity than the individuals with blood group O.

Determinants of the willingness of the general population to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in a developing country

Purpose@#Vaccination is a cost-efficient intervention to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to assess the population's willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine in Jordan and investigate potential determinants of their acceptance @*Materials and Methods@#This study used an online survey distributed in November 2020, before introducing the vaccine, with items investigating socio-demographic characteristics, seasonal flu vaccination history, COVID-19 vaccine acceptance once available, and factors affecting their decision-making. Also, “COVID-19 risk perception” and beliefs toward COVID-19 vaccine benefits and barriers were assessed. @*Results@#A total of 2,208 participants completed the survey with a participation rate of 13.1%. The mean±standard deviation age was 33.2±13.5, and 55.7% were females. Study participants were almost equally distributed between willingness, unwillingness, and indecision to take the COVID-19 vaccine (30.4%, 36.4%, and 31.5%, respectively). Younger adults, males, and those who were not married, do not have children, have a bachelor or higher education, employees or being students, healthcare workers, and those who reported receiving flu vaccine had higher rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance compared to their counterparts (p<0.001 for each category). COVID-19 risk perception, and perceived vaccine benefits, and barriers were significant predictors of intention. Among those undecided or unwilling to take the COVID-19 vaccine, its safety and side effects were the most common concerns. @*Conclusion@#The low rate of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in a developing country is alarming, and a significant proportion are indecisive. Interventions to elevate vaccine acceptance by addressing its safety and efficacy and targeting vulnerable groups are recommended.

Optimizing the Use of Hydroxychloroquine in the Management of COVID-19 Given Its Pharmacological Profile

After the global pandemic of the new coronavirus, its rapid spreadand many victims, it is necessary to find an effective vaccine or drugs to overcome it. Most specialists consider that repositioning somemedications is the best, fastestand most reliable option for treating patients with the new coronavirus without delay. One of these drugs was an old antimalarial drug, hydroxychloroquine. The current review aimed to explore its potential mechanism, as well as its pharmacokinetics and toxicity, in an attempt to suggest a treatment protocol for its use in treating the COVID-19 virus effectively and safely. This study reviewed the published references on the popular search engines as well as the reference books regarding the pharmacological effects of HCQ.The results of this study suggested the following practical guidelines to optimize HCQ efficacy and safety in the management of COVID-19. HQC should be used as early as possible, i.e., once the viral infection is confirmed or suspected. A loading dose is recommended to be given in 3-4 divided doses to minimize cardiac toxicity. Maintenance daily dose (divided into two doses), should be continued until complete remission. Precautions,drug-interaction, contraindications, variable metabolic pathways in the particular population should be considered. This study suggests more clinical trials regarding the use of HCQ in the management of early identified COVID-19 patients under close medical observation to minimize HCQ cardiac toxicity

One hundred citation classics in benign anorectal disease: a bibliometric analysis of seven decades (1950-2019) / Cem clássicos de citações em doença anorretal benigna: uma análise bibliométrica de sete décadas (1950-2019)

ABSTRACT Background & aim Bibliometric analysis is used to explore the historical development in a particular field. The aim is to identify and analyse most cited papers in benign anorectal disease in the last 7 decades (1950-2018). Method Thomson Reuters Web of Science database was used to find the top 100 cited articles in benign anorectal conditions. Papers were independently extracted by two investigators. The top 100 cited articles were identified and ranked according to number of citations. The articles were then sorted by author, journal, institution, country and publication date. The study subject was divided into 5 groups. Results The most frequently cited article received 1307 citations whereas the least cited received 154 citations. The earliest recorded article was published in 1960 and the most recent was from 2010. More than half of the articles addressed faecal incontinence and sphincter related literature (n = 54). The articles were published in 29 different journals. A majority (69%) of manuscripts originated from the USA (n = 35; 9221 citations) and UK (n = 34; 7796 citations). The origin of these top 100 classic papers was from 53 different institutions. St. Mark's Hospital in the UK had the highest number of articles (n = 21), followed by Cleveland clinic (n = 5) and University of Minnesota (n = 5). Conclusion The most highly cited manuscripts in benign anorectal disease cover a wide range of topics. Faecal incontinence and sphincter related articles had the highest number of citations. This review serves as a reference for researchers to find the influential papers in this field.

RESUMO Justificativa e objetivo A análise bibliométrica é usada para explorar o desenvolvimento histórico em um campo específico. O objetivo é identificar e analisar os artigos mais citados em doença anorretal benigna nas últimas 7 décadas (1950-2018). Método A base de dados Thomson Reuters Web of Science foi usada para encontrar os 100 artigos mais citados em doenças anorretais benignas. Os artigos foram extraídos de forma independente por dois pesquisadores. Os 100 artigos mais citados foram identificados e classificados de acordo com o número de citações. Os artigos foram classificados por autor, revista médica, instituição, país e data de publicação. Os sujeitos do estudo foram divididos em cinco grupos. Resultados O artigo mais citado recebeu 1.307 citações, enquanto o menos citado recebeu 154 citações. O artigo mais antigo foi publicado em 1960 e o mais recente a partir de 2010. Mais da metade dos artigos abordou a incontinência fecal e a literatura relacionada ao esfíncter (n = 54). Os artigos foram publicados em 29 revistas diferentes. A maioria (69%) dos manuscritos é originária dos EUA (n = 35; 9.221 citações) e do Reino Unido (n = 34; 7.796 citações). Os 100 artigos clássicos mais citados são originários de 53 instituições diferentes. O St. Mark's Hospital, no Reino Unido, teve o maior número de artigos (n = 21), seguido pela Clínica de Cleveland (n = 5) e pela Universidade de Minnesota (n = 5). Conclusão Os manuscritos mais citados em doença anorretal benigna abrangem uma grande variedade de tópicos. Os artigos relacionados à incontinência fecal e ao esfíncter tiveram o maior número de citações. Esta revisão serve de referência para os pesquisadores encontrarem os artigos influentes nesse campo.

Histopathological and cholinesterase changes in the gills of Clarias gariepinus as a result of cadmium exposure

Aim: The cholinesterase (ChE) based inhibition and histopathological studies from fish were investigated and represented in this study to develop as one of the great potential biomarkers for heavy metals monitoring. Methodology: In this study, the histopathological study of gills were observed a under microscope. The capability of ChE extracted from the gills of Clarias gariepinus was assessed for declining Cd. ChE was purified through affinity chromatography and continued with the optimisation and inhibition study (IC50) of cholinesterase. Results: Histopathological study of gills was carried out and several changes such as aneurysm, necrosis and lamella fusion were noted. Purification fold obtained from purified enzyme was 1.15 with 30% a yield specific activity 20.726. The optimum temperature for purified AChE was 35°C along with acetylthiocholine iodide (ATC) as a preferable substrate that had the highest Vmax value of 0.5452 U mg-1 and the lowest Km value of 0.0311 mM. The optimum pH was observed to be 10 of Tris-HCl as a medium. Meanwhile, the IC50 of cadmium was 6.808 mg l-1 with R2 value of 0.9532. Interpretation: The result of the study can be used as a tool for further developing a biomarker for the detection of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems. In addition, the baseline data provided can also be used for designing a kit, which would give rapid and accurate result.

Hepatitis C Virus Among Health Care Workers And The Risk Factors Contributing For Its Infection

Back ground: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in under-developed countries like Yemen. According to an estimate, 2.0 % of Yemeni's total population suffers from HCV infection which makes a total of 600,000 people. Hepatitis C has emerged as a big challenge for Yemen. Health care workers are at increased risk of being infected due to tremendous exposure. Objective: The purpose of this study was to nd the prevalence of hepatitis C, its risk factors contributing for infection among health care Workers at Sana'a City. Methods: Across sectional survey conducted among 345 health care workers in the main general hospitals and health centers in Sana'a City. Blood samples were collected, and HCV antibodies were measured by using both Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and Recombinant ImmunoBlot Assay (RIBA) Results:The prevalence rate of Hepatitis C virus among HCWs was 4.1%. Those who used needle cupping, needle stick injury, surgical operation, the rate was (8.7%), (4.9%) and (4.2%) respectively. Conclusion: The frequency of HCV among health care workers is high. Awareness programs, training and continuing education should be mandatory and establishment of a national policy roadmap to increase knowledge about hepatitis C prevention. It will decrease the incidence of hepatitis C infection among health care workers.

Characterisation of cholinesterase and histopathological features of brain of Clarias gariepinus following exposure to cadmium

Aim: Cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition and histopathological features of brain tissues of Clarias gariepinus were investigated with a purpose to develop biomarkers for monitoring heavy metals. Methodology: The effects of cadmium toxicity on C. gariepinus were assessed by ChE inhibition and characterisation of ChE by affinity chromatography and histological variations in brain tissues were studied by H&E staining under light microscope. Results: The purified enzyme gave 10.58 fold purification with the recovery of 12% with specific activity of 159.729 U mg-1. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and Vmax value obtained was 1.985 mM and 0.4479 µmol min-1 mg-1, respectively. The enzyme showed the ability to hydrolyse acetylthiocholine iodide (ATC) at a faster rate compared to other two synthetic substrates, propionylcholine iodide (PTC) and butyrylthiocholine iodide (BTC). ChE showed highest activity at 35°C in Tris-HCl pH 7.5. The metal inhibition study also found the maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for cadmium to be 0.6517 mg l-1. Histological study revealed decrease in the number of cells, degeneration of Purkinje cells, increased aggregation area and cells necrosis. Interpretation: Inhibition of cholinesterase activity and degeneration of Purkinje cells observed in the present study can be used as a tool for further developing a biomarker for detecting heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystems.

Pericardial effusion in prosthetic and native valve infective endocarditis

Background Pericardial effusion (PE) is widely believed to signify more advanced infective endocarditis (IE) and a generally worse outcome. Purpose To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of PE in a series of patients with confirmed native and prosthetic valve infections. Methods Data were collected from 338 consecutive patients with definite or possible IE who visited a single referral center; these patients were examined for the presence of PE as detected by transthoracic echocardiography. Clinical characteristics, the incidence of complications, and outcomes were compared between patients with IE with and without PE. IE patients with PE were then divided into two subgroups: those with and those without cardiac prostheses. Results Eighty-eight patients out of the total 338 (26%) were found to have PE. Compared with patients who did not have PE, patients who did were significantly younger (32.9 ± 13.4 vs 29.0 ± 9.2, p = 0.003), had more left-sided vegetation (55.6% vs 77.3%, p < 0.001), more root abscesses (9.2% vs 25.0%, p < 0.001), needed surgery more frequently (68.0% vs 84.1%, p = 0.001), and had a higher mortality rate (22.0% vs 32.9%, p = 0.03). PE was not found to be a predictor of mortality. No significant difference was found between IE patients with PE with (n = 13) and without (n = 75) prostheses with regard to causative organisms, clinical characteristics, or clinical outcomes. Conclusion Regardless of whether the IE was in native or prosthetic valves, compared with patients without PE, patients with PE had more severe infections and a worse prognosis, but PE was not an independent predictor of mortality.

Ameliorative effect of propolis against hepatorenal alterations induced by methotrexate: morphohistopathological study / Efecto protector del propóleo en las alteraciones hepatorrenales inducidas por el metotrexato: estudio morfohistopatológico

Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in the treatment of some forms of cancer but having severe side effects. The present work aimed to investigate the protective role of propolis treatment against alterations induced by MTX on the hepatic and renal tissues. Rabbits were exposed to MTX (0.25 mg/kg), with or without propolis (50 mg/kg) while hepatic and renal biopsies were examined for histological and histochemical abnormalities. Methotrexate induced hydropic degeneration, pyknosis, sinusoidal dilatation and bile duct hyperplasia in the liver together with renal tubular degeneration, glomerular shrinkage and hyaline droplet precipitation. While propolis partially ameliorated some of the morphometric and biochemical alterations, none of the hepatic alterations induced by MTX was protected by propolis treatment. Nevertheless glomerular shrinkage and renal tubule degeneration were partially protected in animals received both MTX plus propolis. It is concluded that propolis treatment has little or no ameliorative effect in protecting the hepatic and renal tissues from MTX toxicity.

El metotrexato (MTX) es ampliamente utilizado en el tratamiento de algunas formas de cáncer, pero tiene efectos secundarios graves. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo investigar el papel protector del tratamiento con própoleo frente a las alteraciones inducidas por el MTX en los tejidos hepático y renal. Se expusieron conejos a MTX (0,25 mg / kg), en grupos con y sin propóleo (50 mg / kg), y se realizaron biopsias hepáticas y renales, que fueron examinadas buscando anomalías histológicas e histoquímicas. El metotrexato indujo la degeneración hidrópica, picnosis, dilatación sinusoidal e hiperplasia del conducto biliar en el hígado, junto con la degeneración tubular renal, la contracción glomerular y la precipitación hialina. Mientras que el propóleo parcialmente mejoró algunas de las alteraciones morfométricas y bioquímicas, ninguna de las alteraciones hepáticas inducidas por MTX fue protegido por el tratamiento con propóleo. Sin embargo, la contracción glomerular y la degeneración de los túbulos renales fueron parcialmente protegidos en animales que recibieron MTX más propóleo. Se concluye que el tratamiento con propóleo tiene poco o ningún efecto mejorador en la protección de los tejidos hepáticos y renales sometidos a la toxicidad de MTX.

Extraluminal migrating esophageal foreign body

Foreign body ingestion is a commonly encountered emergency in otolaryngology practice. The extraluminal migration of esophageal foreign bodies is extremely rare. Although case reports of different foreign bodies migrating out of esophagus are well documented in the literature, potentially life threatening complications are possible due to this migration, especially suppurative and vascular complications such as aorta oesophageal fistula, subclavianesophageal fistula and retropharyngeal abscess and that's why removal is essential. This paper reports a very rare presentation of migrating esophageal foreign body that migrates posteriorly to the prevertebral muscles reaching vertebral bodies level, and we report the use of Intraoperative fluoroscopy guidance using metallic probe to locate the exact position of the foreign body during neck exploration

Formulation, evaluation and release rate characteristics of medicated jelly of vitamin C

Medicated jelly formulations are patient friendly dosage form for pediatric, geriatric and dysphagic patients. These formulations offer rapid dissolution and absorption of drugs through oral mucosa therefore show the early onset of action. The objective of the study was to develop and evaluate oral jelly formulations of vitamin C. Slurry method was adopted using glucose 103gm, sugar 67gm, gelatin 10gm and sorbitol 6.56gm. Preformulation studies were performed including the organoleptic profile, pH, and solubility of both drugs. The medicated jelly of Vitamin C was prepared and evaluated for physical characteristics, weight variation, syneresis, pH, taste and palatability, drug content, release rate characteristics and stability studies. All the jellies were found to have patient welcoming taste and were palatable. All formulations showed more than 50% drug release within 15 minutes, while 93% drug was released in 30 minutes. The results of release kinetics showed that the formulation followed the zero order release kinetics. Thus the drug was released at constant rate independent of the drug concentration involved in the process. All the medicated jellies were found to remain stable stored for 60 days at different temperatures. The present study revealed that medicated jellies of vitamin C could be employed orally in an effective form as an alternative solid oral dosage form for special population such as pediatrics, geriatrics and patients with dysphagia

Intestinal barrier integrity and function in infants with cholestasis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The safety of the human body is maintained by effective monitoring of the mucosal surface integrity and protection against potentially harmful compounds. This function of the gut called intestinal barrier function can be affected by cholestasis and the absence of bile in the intestinal lumen. We aimed to determine whether the gut barrier integrity is impaired in infants with cholestasis by evaluation of the intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABP) and ileal bile acid binding protein (I-BABP) as markers of intestinal epithelial cell damage and plasma D-lactate level as a marker of gut wall permeability. METHODS: This case-control study included 53 infants with cholestasis and 29 controls. Serum levels of I-FABP, I-BABP, and D-lactate were measured in all subjects. RESULTS: Both groups of patients with neonatal hepatitis and biliary atresia showed significantly higher levels of I-FABP and I-BABP than the controls. There were no differences in the serum D-lactate level between the cases and controls. There was no difference between the two groups of patients (I and II) regarding any of the parameters studied. No significant correlations between serum levels of I-FABP, I-BABP, or D-lactate and total or direct bilirubin levels were found in the cholestatic infants. CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal epithelial barrier integrity is breached nearly in all parts of the intestine in infants with cholestasis. Further research is recommended to determine the impact of this finding on the management of these infants. The relationship between physical intestinal barrier damage and its functional failure remains subject for further research.

Medical students' awareness of andcompliance with the hepatitis B vaccinein a tertiary care academic hospital: Anepidemiological study

Background: The hepatitis B virus [HBV] poses a health risk to healthcare workerswho are in close proximity to infected individuals. Medical students are a particularlyhigh-risk group due to the lack of an obligatory vaccination program and a post-vaccination screening program to determine immunity status, which results in alack of awareness of and compliance with the HBV vaccine

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in King Khalid University Hospi-tal [KKUH], a tertiary care academic hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November2013 to March 2014. Medical students in their second to fifth years [n = 444; 213 menand 231 women] completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding awarenessof HBV and compliance with the HBV vaccination program in KKUH

Results: Medium to low knowledge levels were present in 53.5% of the participants,and 44.3% reported that they were not compliant with the vaccination programprovided by KKUH. While 93.9% received the HBV vaccine upon entry to medicalschool, only 59.5% received all 3 doses, citing forgetfulness and a busy scheduleas common reasons for the low compliance. There was no association between theknowledge and awareness of the participants and their compliance [p = 0.988]

Conclusion: Medical students had a low level of compliance with the HBV vaccinationprogram, regardless of their knowledge and awareness of the disease and vaccination.We recommend that programs and campaigns be developed to increase the overallawareness of this disease. We also suggest that a mandatory HBV vaccination programshould be implemented to improve the compliance rate among medical students

Understanding preclerkship medical students' poor performance in prescription writing

Objectives: This study aimed to explore reasons for poor performance in prescription writing stations of the objective structured practical examination [OSPE] and absenteeism in prescription writing sessions among preclerkship medical students at the Arabian Gulf University [AGU] in Manama, Bahrain

Methods: This descriptive study was carried out between September 2014 and June 2015 among 157 preclerkship medical students at AGU. Data were collected using focus group discussions and a questionnaire with closed- and open-ended items

Results: All 157 students participated in the study [response rate: 100.0%]. The most frequently cited reasons for poor performance in OSPE stations were an inability to select the correct drugs [79.6%], treatment duration [69.4%], drug quantity [69.4%] and drug formulation [68.2%]. Additionally, students reported inadequate time for completing the stations [68.8%]. During focus group discussions, students reported other reasons for poor performance, including examination stress and the difficulty of the stations. Absenteeism was attributed to the length of each session [55.4%], lack of interest [50.3%], reliance on peers for information [48.4%] and optional attendance policies [47.1%]. Repetitive material, large group sessions, unmet student expectations and the proximity of the sessions to summative examinations were also indicated to contribute to absenteeism according to open-ended responses or focus group discussions

Conclusion: This study suggests that AGU medical students perform poorly in prescription writing OSPE stations because of inadequate clinical pharmacology knowledge. Participation in prescription writing sessions needs to be enhanced by addressing the concerns identified in this study. Strategies to improve attendance and performance should take into account the learner-teacher relationship

Acute back pain: a survey of primary health care physicians' awareness and knowledge of "red flag" signs

Background: the failure to detect "red flag" signs in patients presenting with acute low back pain can adversely affect the outcome of management. This can seriously affect the quality of life and productivity of the patient

Objective: the present questionnaire-based study was performed to assess the knowledge and awareness of red flag signs among primary health care physicians managing patients with acute back pain in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Materials and Methods: the study sample size was comprised of 80 subjects. The level of knowledge was assessed by means of a new structured self-administered questionnaire. The design of this questionnaire was based on the Agency for Health Care Research and Policy [AHCRP] guidelines for detection of red flag signs. Physicians were asked about red flag signs that indicate the presence of tumor, infection, spinal fracture, or cauda equina syndrome

Results: sixty-eight [85% of total] physicians were aware of red flag signs. Of the 68 physicians who were aware of the red flag signs, 58 [72%] were aware of neurological deficit, 36 [45% of total] were aware of extremes of age [<10 years and >50 years], and 33 [41% of total] were aware of and routinely inquired about the history of spinal trauma, whereas only 24 [30% of total] were aware of and inquired about constitutional symptoms in their patients with acute back pain

Conclusion: although low back pain is extremely common, knowledge and awareness of red flag signs of primary health care physicians managing patients with acute back pain in Riyadh appear to be inadequate. This indicates a lack of adherence to the international guidelines. Specific educational programs should target these deficiencies and increase awareness

Effect of magnetic water treatment on biology of ostracoda cyclocypris cruciata furtos 1935

Magnetic energy controls on a Sot of cosmic phenomena, as well known that the magnetic properties are not confined to iron and manganese, but a feature associated with all solids, liquid and gas, as well as all life.This research was conducted to identify the effect of magnetic water treatment in various intensity [500, 1000 and 1500] gauss in some aspects of life for the Iraqi fresh water ostracoda Cyclocypris cruciata Furtos 1935, which is an important component of the food chain in the waters.The samples of Ostracoda were collected from Al-Habebsa lake in Baghdad governerat by using sieve with mesh sized 75 micro m and zooplankton net with opening diameter about 25 cm and mesh size 335 micro m.Results were compared between the control animals that live in the natural waters with those treated with three different magnetic intensities. Research has shown a significant increase in the growth rate of the length and width of the shield for each male and female of the ostracoda with the increases in the intensity of magnetic water treatment, especially in 1500 Gauss.As well as, get a significant increase in the fertility of animals with the increases of magnetic intensity, also increase in the number of eggs and diameters per female treated compared with control.While sex ration didnet shows any differences between the control and water treated animals

Study of some physico-chemical characteristics of the Tigris river in the city of Baghdad

For the purpose of identifying the physical and chemical changes occurring in the Tigris River and the impact of the city of Baghdad on the river, three stations were selected along the city.The samples were collected monthly for one year to study some of the relevant variables [Air and water temperature, turbidity, pH, O2, BODS, electrical conductivity, total hardness and Ca,Mg hardness,TOC, PO4 and NO3].The results showed that Baghdad city have an impact in the following factors: Turbidity and BOD and TOC and PO4, while there was no effect is obvious in other factors

Effects of different complete dentures base materials and tooth types on short-term phonetics

Objective: This study aimed to identify the effect of various types of complete dentures, base materials, and teeth types on patients' short-term phonetics

Methods: A quasi-parallel study was conducted at the dental clinic, Faculty of Dentistry at Al Azhar University-Assiut Branch in Egypt. Fifty healthy participants with complete dentures were enrolled in the study. The enrolled patients were grouped into two main batches: three groups in batch one and two groups in batch two. The three groups in the first batch received three different denture base materials [flexible acrylic resin, heat cure acrylic resin, and chrome cobalt metallic base]. The two groups in batch two received different types of teeth [acrylic and porcelain teeth]. The five groups completed a questionnaire composed of items pertaining to demographic characteristics, and the researcher obtained data about phonetics

Results: The sound level was significantly higher in the group of dentures constructed of chrome cobalt metallic base in comparison to the other materials. Additionally, the sound level in porcelain teeth was significantly higher than that in acrylic teeth. The material used to construct teeth was one of the major determinants influencing phonetics

Conclusion: Phonetics is affected by the material used to construct the base of complete dentures and the teeth type. Complete dentures with a chrome cobalt metallic base and porcelain teeth are considered to be superior for improving phonetics

effects of clinical wear on the incidence of temporomandibular disorders among patients with complete dentures

Objective: This study evaluates the effect of clinical wear on the incidence of temporomandibular disorders in patients with complete dentures

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on two groups; group 1 [30 patients] received complete upper and lower dentures with teeth made of heat-cured acrylic resin, and group 2 [29 patients] received complete upper and lower dentures with teeth fabricated of porcelain. The occurrence and clinical examination of temporomandibular disorders were evaluated using Helkimo anamnestic dysfunction index [Ai] and Helkimo clinical dysfunction index [Di], respectively. Clinical wear of denture teeth was estimated by the assessment of wear depth using the mean differences between tracing images of lingual cusps at each follow-up. The patients were followed up at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months for assessment of clinical wear and incidence of temporomandibular disorders

Results: The acrylic resin group was subjected to significantly higher wear than the porcelain group at 12, 18 and 24 months of follow-up. The incidence of temporomandibular disorders was also significantly higher in the acrylic resin group than in the porcelain group at 18 and 24 months of follow-up

Conclusion: There was higher incidence of temporomandibular disorders among patients who wore complete dentures with teeth made of acrylic resin than in patients who wore complete dentures with porcelain teeth

Dual diagnosis and suicide probability in poly-drug users

Objective: To determine the frequency of suicidal thoughts and suicidal probability among poly-substance abusers in Saudi population, and to examine the relation between dual diagnosis and suicidal thoughts

Study Design: Case control study

Place and Duration of Study: Al-Baha Psychiatric Hospital, Saudi Arabia, from May 2011 to June 2012

Methodology: Participants were 239 subjects, aged 18 - 45 years. We reviewed 122 individuals who fulfilled the DSM-IV-TR criteria of substance abuse for two or more substances, and their data were compared with that collected from 117 control persons

Results: Suicidal cases were highly present among poly-substance abusers 64.75%. Amphetamine and cannabis were the most abused substances, [87.7% and 70.49%, respectively]. A statistically significant association with suicidality was found with longer duration of substance abuse [p < 0.001], using alcohol [p=0.001], amphetamine [p=0.007], volatile substances [p=0.034], presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders [dual diagnosis] as substance induced mood disorder [p=0.001], schizo-affective disorder [p=0.017], major depressive disorders [p=0.001], antisocial [p=0.016] and borderline [p=0.005] personality disorder. Suicidal cases showed significant higher scores [p < 0.001] of suicide probability scale and higher scores in Beck depressive inventory [p < 0.001]

Conclusion: Abusing certain substances for long duration, in addition to comorbid psychiatric disorders especially with disturbed-mood element, may trigger suicidal thoughts in poly-substance abusers. Depression and suicide probability is common consequences of substance abuse