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Biomedical subjects

H Dashti

Publications and source records attributed to H Dashti.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Thyroid lobectomy for removal of a fish bone.

A 42-year-old female Jordanian patient presented with a history of sudden painful dysphagia following swallowing of a fish bone. Though soft tissue X-rays showed a foreign body in the neck, repeated oesophagoscopies failed to reveal it. Computed axial tomography was done and showed a fish bone embedded in the left thyroid lobe. Left thyroid lobectomy was carried out and the fish bone was seen within the lobe surrounded by an area of acute inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Acrobatic ears: a cause of petrified auricles.

Calcified ear cartilages are rarely encountered and only 12 histologically proven cases have been documented. The case presented is of ossified auricles in a teenager and has many interesting features. Acrobatic manipulation of the auricles as a cause of the lesion was one of the distinguishing features.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Thioacetamide- and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis.

Two methods of inducing liver cirrhosis in the rat were studied. Intragastric administration of CCl4 for 16 weeks according to Proctor and Chatamra was compared to the administration of thioacetamide in the drinking water (0.3 g/l) for the same period. CCl4 administration induced micronodular cirrhosis in 6/8 animals with a 27% mortality. Thioacetamide induced cirrhosis in 6/8 animals without mortality. The histologic pictures differed somewhat in that the CCl4 group exhibited more necrosis and cellular swelling while the thioacetamide group had more nuclear atypias and proliferation. Biochemically both groups had elevated plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase. The lysosomal enzyme beta-hexosaminidase (beta-NAG) showed a transient increase in the thioacetamide animals, while beta-glucuronidase decreased. CCl4-induced cirrhosis led to an increase in beta-NAG. Plasma zinc decreased in both groups as well as liver zinc content in the CCl4 group, while there was a continuous elevation of liver zinc in the thioacetamide group. We conclude that oral administration of thioacetamide is a simple and reliable method of inducing experimental liver cirrhosis. The differences in histological appearances and some biochemical parameters may be caused by the different mechanisms of action of thioacetamide and CCl4.

Acetamides↗
PubMed1987

Early biochemical and histological changes in rats exposed to a single injection of thioacetamide.

Liver injury was induced by one subcutaneous administration of thioacetamide (200 mg/kg b.wt.) and studied 24 and 48 hrs later. Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) increased after 24 and 48 hrs. The lysosomal enzymes beta-hexosaminidase (beta-NAG) and beta-glucuronidase (beta-GLU) increased significantly after 24 hrs, while the level of beta-GLU returned to normal after 48 hrs, but the activity of beta-NAG remained significantly high even after 48 hrs. Histopathological examination showed necrotic hepatocytes around the central vein with infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils. The plasma zinc level decreased after 24 hrs and returned to normal after 48 hrs. Liver zinc content increased simultaneously at 24 hrs, returning to normal after 48 hrs. No alterations of plasma copper were observed after 24 and 48 hrs. Copper content of the liver increased significantly after 24 and 48 hrs. The present study thus shows that one dose of thioacetamide results in profound liver injury and supplementation of zinc prior to and simultaneously with thioacetamide normalized plasma zinc, increased liver zinc content and reduced the increase of beta-NAG, but did not influence the histological changes.

Acetamides↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dietary intake and bioavailability of trace elements.

In order to assess the nutritional importance of trace elements, it is relevant to consider the factors regulating their metabolism. One of the most important factors is the true intake level. Conventional techniques such as diet history and interview studies in conjunction with standard food tables do not provide the true intake levels from prepared meals. Employing the duplicate portion technique, we have investigated the dietary intake of trace elements in prepared meals consumed by children, adults, and elderly in Sweden. The results indicate that the intake of potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium is low when compared with the present recommended dietary allowance (RDA) values. It appears that a marginal deficiency of a number of trace elements may exist in the general population of affluent countries. When the dietary intakes are known, it is necessary to consider the bioavailability. This depends on the chemical form as well as the concentration of other dietary constituents such as fiber, phytate, carbohydrates, macrominerals, and vitamins in the diet. Knowledge of these interactions are important to improve the overall nutritional status of the population in general and patients in particular.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Magnesium in human semen: possible role in premature ejaculation.

Although magnesium is involved in many biological process and it is found higher levels in semen than serum, its role in human semen has not been elucidated. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the relationship between premature ejaculation and the levels of seminal magnesium. The levels of magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium were evaluated with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer in serum and seminal plasma in 3 groups of men: (a) normal sperm parameters (15) (b) oligoasthenozoospermia (15), and genuine premature ejaculation (9). There were normal serum and semen levels of all the elements in the three groups, but significantly lower seminal plasma magnesium levels in men with premature ejaculation. The hormonal profile, body mass index (BMI) had no association with premature ejaculation. Decreased levels of magnesium gives rise to vasoconstriction from increased thromboxane level, increased endothelial intracellular Ca2+, and decreased nitric oxide. This may lead to premature emission and ejaculation processes. Magnesium is probably involved in semen transport. More research into the role of magnesium in the male physiology of reproductive tract, especially its association with premature ejaculation, is advocated.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of extracellular Mg concentration on electrically induced contractions of rat vas deferens in vitro.

Contraction of smooth muscles of the vas deferens plays an important role in the propulsion of sperm into the pelvic urethra. This study examined the influence of external Mg2+ concentration on reactivity of the rat vas deferens to electrical stimulation in vitro. Vasa deferentia isolated from adult male rats were set up in tissue baths containing physiological salt solution at 37 degrees C and were stimulated electrically. Thereafter, increasing concentrations of Mg2+ were added to the bath and their effects on electrically evoked contractions were recorded. The effect of external Mg2+ depletion on evoked contractions was also examined. External Mg2+ depletion enhanced the contractile response to electrical stimulation while increasing external Mg2+ concentration inhibited the contractions. The inhibitory effect of Mg2+ was partially reversed by increasing extracellular Ca2+ concentration and was not additive with nifedipine. The results indicate that reactivity of the vas deferens to electrical stimulation is modulated by extracellular Mg2+ concentration. The possible relevance of these data to sperm transport through the vas deferens is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic cadmium toxicity to sperm of heavy cigarette smokers: immunomodulation by zinc.

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of zinc therapy in 125 male cigarette smokers with infertility. The mechanism involved in the zinc/cadmium relationship was evaluated through the effect of a zinc-deficient diet and supplementation on testes of male adult Sprague-Drew rats. Heavy smoking was associated with low sperm count, motility, and morphology and increased seminal cadmium levels. Zinc therapy improved sperm quality and increased seminal IL-4, but reduced TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. A zinc-deficient diet led to high cadmium testicular accumulation comparable with those supplemented with cadmium. Cadmium had a linear correlation with TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, but not with IL-4. Cytology of testicular aspirate and histopathology were normal in supplemented groups as in controls. These results indicate that zinc modulates the putative effect of cadmium through its enhancement of T-helper 2 cytokines expression and down-regulation of T-helper 1 cytokines.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Laparoscopic splenectomy for hematological disorders.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with hematological disorders of the spleen. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2001, 15 patients (11 female and 4 male), with a mean age of 30 years, underwent LS after preoperative evaluation. If difficulties were encountered in LS, one trocar site incision was enlarged to 7-8 cm to engage the left hand for hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) and the procedure was completed. Various parameters were reported, including spleen size as assessed by ultrasound scan, postoperative mortality and morbidity rates, accessory spleen removal, conversion rate, operative times and length of hospital stay. LS was successfully completed in 9 patients (60%) and HALS was performed in 4 patients (26.6%). Two patients required conversion to open splenectomy. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 209 min and the mean hospital stay was 8.1 days. The hospital stay was significantly longer among HALS patients than LS patients. The mean age of patients and splenic size were associated with a significantly higher conversion rate. No deaths were attributed to the procedure. Complications occurred in 2 of 15 patients. Accessory spleens were identified in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: LS is both a safe and feasible procedure, but it requires great technical care to avoid serious complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A profile of tumor markers in the population of Kuwait.

The tumour markers CEA, AFP, CA 125 and CA 199 were analyzed in a group of apparently healthy subjects in Kuwait. The sample (n = 394) included both genders in the population with a mean age of 38 (S.d. 12.0) years. The distribution of CEA levels values was significant different (Mann-Whitney U test) between Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti. The distribution of AFP levels was found to be the same in all groups. The distribution of CA 125 levels was significantly higher in females than in males, both in Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti. The distribution of CA 19-9 values was found to be significantly higher in the Kuwaiti female group when compared to the males. The upper reference level was defined as the 95 percentile of the normal values in each group. In the total population the reference level of AFP was 5.6 micrograms/l and of CA 19.9 43 kU/l. The reference level of CA 125 was 16 U/l in males and 24 kU/l in females, respectively. The CEA reference level in Kuwaitis was 6.9 micrograms/l and in non-Kuwaitis 4.4 micrograms/l. The results indicated the importance of determining the reference levels of tumour markers for each individual laboratory. It was also emphasized that care should be taken on the impact of 95 percentiles of normal and benign disease groups.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Significance of trace elements in seminal plasma of infertile men.

The seminal fluid has the important function as a vehicle for the transportation of the spermatozoa through the epididymis, the vas deferens, and urethra and into the vagina. Major changes in the level of trace elements like zinc, magnesium, and cadmium in semen appear to be related to abnormal spermatozoal function and fertilizing capacity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pattern of trace elements in semen of subfertile men compared to levels in the blood. The relationship of the trace elements with spermatozoal parameters was also evaluated. As part of the infertility evaluation, semen and blood samples were collected from 50 males attending the combined infertility clinic at a maternity hospital after 3 days' abstinence. Semen analysis and hypo-osmotic swelling tests were done on fresh semen samples. The serum and remaining semen sample were stored at -20 degrees C until they were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrometry. No significant differences occurred in the levels of trace elements in normozoospermic, oligospermic, and azoospermic semen. However, significantly high levels of cadmium were detected in semen of men who were smokers and had asthenozoospermia (p < 0.001) compared with those who had normal motility. We conclude that the high level of cadmium in smokers with asthenozoospermia is evidence of the possible toxic effect of this trace element and this may be one of the causes of asthenozoospermia.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Keloid and hypertrophic scars: trace element alteration.

The state of excessive fibroblastic proliferation for wound healing results in hypertrophic and keloid scars. It has been well established that some of the trace elements (such as zinc) are essential in wound healing, and there are appreciable changes in trace elements in various disease states. The levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) in serum, normal skin and scar of 40 keloid and hypertrophic scar patients were assessed. There was a significant increase of manganese (Mn) level in skin of burn, trauma, and surgical incision patients compared to controls with p < 0.0013, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.046, respectively. Furthermore, the zinc, copper, and selenium contents of the skin in incision patients were decreased significantly when compared to other groups. No significant changes occurred regarding serum levels of zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium in the different groups. From this study, no relationships between the hypertrophic and keloid scar to trace elements were found; however, because of the limited numbers of patients, a definite conclusion could not be drawn.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of vitamin E on the retina and retinal pigment epithelium of IRCS rats.

A recessive gene defect leads to gradual loss of photoreceptor cells in the retinas of a rat strain developed by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS). Previous evidence suggested that retinal degeneration in RCS rats is partly due to instability of the lysosomal membranes of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Lipid peroxidation contributes to instability of lysosomal membranes. In this study, administration of the antioxidant vitamin E retarded the degenerative process in RCS rat retinas as evidenced by light- and transmission-electron microscopic examination. Photoreceptor cells as well as the RPE were in better condition in animals treated with 100 or 150 mg vitamin E/kg body weight daily than in untreated animals or animals treated with lower doses. This assertion is based on the increased survival of photoreceptor cell nuclei as evidenced by the thickness of the outer nuclear layer coupled with a reduction in the number of pycnotic nuclei, the conservation of the outer limiting membrane, and the presence of phagosome-like structures in the RPE. These and previous results in this strain of rats lead us to propose that lipid peroxidation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this degenerative process of the retina.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Five-year survival versus initial concentrations and longitudinal serum CEA patterns in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Patients (n = 464) with colorectal carcinoma in stages A to D2 were studied; 230 had CEA determined preoperatively and 433 serially. Actuarial life table analysis and the Mantel-Cox test showed that overall 5-yr survival was 59.2% and that the differences among the stages were highly significant. Survival rates for patients with CEA over the cutpoints at 3.2, 5, 10, and 20 ng/ml decreased from 53.8% to 21.9%. When analyzed in Cox multivariate regression, stage, initial CEA, age, and location of cancer affected survival. Postoperatively, three CEA patterns were found: 1) CEA was always normal; 2) initially elevated CEA was decreasing to the normal range to remain so thereafter; or 3) CEA started to increase from any nadir some time after surgery. The 5-yr survival rate was 73.3% for patients with the normal, 44.5% with the decreasing, and 30.1% with the increasing CEA pattern. When the postoperative CEA, pattern was added to the preoperative covariates in 196 patients for whom both the initial CEA, and postoperative patterns were available, only the stage, postoperative CEA pattern, and location of cancer affected survival. After elimination of initial CEA 433 patients with postoperative serum were analyzed, and again, only stage, postoperative CEA pattern, and location of cancer appeared to affect survival. Stage of disease, initially elevated serum CEA, age over 60 yr, location of cancer in the rectum, and CEA increasing after surgery appear to be independent ominous prognostic indicators.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗