Cholinesterase activity among spray workers in Iran.

In this study whole blood cholinesterase activities of the agriculture and hygiene spray workers exposed to organophosphorus and carbamate compounds from different parts of Tehran Province in Iran were determined. Lovi Bond method was used in three stages including prepare the questionnaires about spray worker body health conditions, taking their blood samples before and after working and their insight to insecticides and prepare the required solutions. Results showed that no any changes were observed in the 50% of the spray worker blood cholinesterase activity after working. In the 32.4% of them, cholinesterase activity has decreased up to extensive poisoning and in the 17.6% of them cholinesterase activity was much decreased at the end of an acute or severe poisoning, whereas in testifier workers less than 5.9% of them cholinesterase activity was decreased and in the 94.1% of testifier workers cholinesterase activity was normal. Analysis of the data demonstrated that no significant relationship between spray worker blood cholinesterase activity, age groups, history of working, knowledge, cigarette smoking, history of toxicity and their responsibilities were observed. The measurement of pre-exposure cholinesterase values is essential for comparison of the values after pesticide application.

Temporomandibular dysfunction in 1,516 patients before and after orthognathic surgery.

Functional disturbances, together with esthetic considerations, are important reasons for patients to seek orthognathic surgical treatment. Functional disorders may include signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), such as joint pain, chewing problems, joint noises, headaches, etc. This paper reports on TMD before and after orthognathic surgery in 1,516 patients. It is based upon the patients' own evaluations as recorded 2 years after surgery. Preoperatively 43% and postoperatively 28% of the patients reported subjective symptoms of TMD. This difference indicates an overall beneficial effect of orthognathic surgery on TMD signs and symptoms. Patients with mandibular retrognathia did not improve as much as patients with mandibular prognathia. Sagittal ramus osteotomy was less effective than vertical ramus osteotomy in relieving TMD symptoms when performed on similar diagnoses.