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Biomedical subjects

H Dashti

Publications and source records attributed to H Dashti.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Serum changes in trace elements during thyroid cancers.

The objective was to examine changes in trace elements due to thyroid cancer in humans. Serum levels and tissue contents of trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, Fe and Se) were measured in 43 patients with thyroid cancer before and 4 days after surgery were compared to normal values. The serum levels of zinc in cancer patients were lower than those of normal subjects. Surgical removal of the cancer resulted in the restoration of these levels. Although serum Cu levels in patients were not different from normal, but post-operatively these levels rose significantly (p < 0.001). Levels of Fe, Mg and Mn were significantly lower (p < 0.001) post-operatively. There was no significant change in Serum Se levels. The thyroid tissue contents of these trace elements did not show a difference between the normal (Juxta-tumor) thyroid tissue and the cancerous lesion. Out of the six trace elements examined, the decrease of serum levels of zinc in cancer patients may be linked to the disease condition. It is suggested that this change: (a) may be used to demonstrate successful cancer surgery and (b) may have implications for a long-term follow-up of thyroid cancer patients.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗
PubMed2000

Prediction of bone strength from cancellous structure of the distal radius: can we improve on DXA?

Recent studies show that structural parameters of bone, obtained from computerized image analysis of radiographs, can improve the noninvasive determination of bone strength when used in conjunction with bone density measurements. The present study was designed to assess the ability of image features alone to predict the mechanical characteristics of bones. A multifactorial model was used to incorporate simultaneously a number of characteristics of the image, including periodicity and spatial orientation of the trabeculae. Fifteen pairs (29 specimens) of unembalmed human distal radii were used. The cancellous bone structure was determined using computerized spectral analysis of their radiographic images and the bones were tested to failure under compression. Multilayered perceptron neural networks were used to integrate the various image parameters reflecting the periodicity and the spatial distribution of the trabeculae and to predict the mechanical strength of the specimens. The correlation between each of the isolated image parameters and bone strength was generally significant, but weak. The values of mechanical parameters predicted by the neural networks, however, had a very high correlation with those observed, namely 0.91 for the load at fracture and 0.93 for the ultimate stress. Both these correlations were superior to those obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and with the cross-sectional area from CT scans: 0.87 and 0.49 respectively. Our observation suggests that image parameters can provide a powerful noninvasive predictor of bone strength. The simultaneous use of various parameters substantially improved the performance of the system. The multifactorial architecture applied is nonlinear and possibly more effective than traditional multicorrelation methods. Further, this system has the potential to incorporate other non-image parameters, such as age and bone density itself, with a view to improving the assessment of the risk of fracture for individual patients.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2000

Laparoscopic closure of perforated duodenal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Medical treatment of peptic ulcer is highly successful, and the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) reduces ulcer recurrence. However, the incidence of perforated duodenal ulcer and its associated mortality have not been reduced by modern methods of therapy. Laparoscopic simple closure and omental plug by suturing, fibrin glue, and stapler have been successful. METHODS: Over a 1-year period (1996-97), 21 patients with perforated duodenal ulcer were operated on in our hospital by laparoscopic simple closure and omental patch. The mean age was 36.4 +/- 11.8 years (range, 18-61). Twenty patients were male (93.7%). The mean duration of pain was 9.1 +/- 11.7 hs (range, 2-48). Three patients had a previous history of duodenal ulcer (14.3%), and another three (14.3%) patients had a history of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) intake. Erect chest radiograph showed that 19 patients had air under the diaphragm (90.5%). Sixteen patients (76.2%) had frank pus in the abdomen, and five patients had a minimal peritoneal reaction (23.8%). RESULTS: The mean operative time was 71.6 +/- 24.6 mins (range, 40-120), and the mean hospital stay was 5.2 +/- 1.6 days (range, 3-9). The mean time to resume oral fluids was 3.1 +/- 0.8 days (range, 2-4). Only one patient was reoperated due to leakage identified by gastrographin swallow. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure is safe and efficient; however, further study of its long-term effectiveness and comparability to existing therapy is still needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Would measurement of C-reactive protein reduce the rate of negative exploration for acute appendicitis?

BACKGROUND: Appendicectomy for suspected acute appendicitis is a common procedure. The rate of normal appendices unnecessarily removed remains high (15-30%) despite several techniques and investigations used to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Many studies investigated the role of raised C-reactive protein in improving the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, but with conflicting results. This study emphasies the impact of a normal (rather than raised) serum C-reactive protein in reducing the rate of negative explorations. METHODS: In a double blind study, blood for the measurement of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was collected pre-operatively from 78 patients just before going to the operating room for appendicectomy. The histopathology of the 78 appendices were grouped into positive (acute appendicitis) and negative (normal appendix). White blood count (WBC), CRP and the histopathology findings were correlated. RESULTS: In patients with histopathologically proven acute appendicitis both the WBC count and serum CRP level were significantly raised (P = 0.025 and P < 0.000,1 respectively). Serum CRP level was normal in 13 out of 15 negative explorations (normal appendix on histopathology). The specificity and sensitivity of serum CRP was 86.6% and 93.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A normal pre-operative serum CRP measurement in patients with suspected acute appendicitis is most likely associated with a normal appendix. Deferring surgery in this group of patients would probably reduce the rate of unnecessary appendicectomies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Treatment of asthenozoospermia with zinc sulphate: andrological, immunological and obstetric outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The role of zinc therapy on infertility caused by defective sperm quality is examined. STUDY DESIGN: In this study, 100 men with asthenozoospermia were randomised into two groups--250 mg twice daily zinc therapy for 3 months and no therapy. The patients were followed up for another 6 months. Sperm parameters, circulating antisperm antibodies, sex hormones and T helper cytokines were evaluated before and after treatment for the two groups. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in the sperm quality; sperm count (P<.02), progressive motility (P<.05), fertilising capacity (P<.01) and a reduction in the incidence of antisperm antibodies (P<.01). Zinc/cadmium was higher in the zinc therapy group (P<.02). T helper cytokine, interleukin-4 level was significantly higher after zinc therapy (P<.02) while TNFalpha showed a significant decrease (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Zinc therapy has a role in improving sperm parameters in men with asthenozoospermia, probably through its membrane stabilising effect as an antioxidant and its effect on cellular and humoral immunity by reducing the levels of antisperm antibodies and TNFalpha and increasing that of IL-4.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Inflammatory response and oligo-element alterations following cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Oligo-elements such as zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) have a significant influence on the function of the immune system. Various immunological and inflammatory changes are known to occur in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in serum oligo-elements levels during and following cardiopulmonary bypass. The serum levels of Zn, Se and Cu were determined in 67 consecutive patients, with coronary artery disease admitted for coronary artery bypass grafting. Blood samples for oligo-elements, analysis were withdrawn into metal-free tubes just prior to the start of cardiopulmonary bypass; at 30, 60 and 90 min into cardiopulmonary bypass; following weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass; 30 min after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass; at 24 h; and on the 5th postoperative day. Trace elements analyses were performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Interleukin 6 and 8, as well as serum albumin, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase-MB fractions were also analyzed. The mean age was 63 +/- 9 years and 91% (61) were men. The mean preoperative left ventricular function was 52 +/- 12%, Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina class was 3.7 +/- 0.5 and 30% (20) of the operations were re-do's. All patients had normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass-time was 85 +/- 31 min. One patient was lost for the recovery sampling (hospital mortality, 1.5%). Nine patients had a postoperative cardiac index < 2.0 liter/min per m2, which required pharmacological support and additional intra-aortic balloon pump in two of them. Other postoperative complications were few. There was a rapid depletion of S-selenium and S-Zn levels, which were halved at 30 min after cardiopulmonary bypass and remained low throughout the study period. The Cu/Zn ratio increased significantly at the start of cardiopulmonary bypass, which indicated an inflammatory reaction and was not normalized until the 5th postoperative day. Length of ischemia time, presence of diabetes. hypertension and hyperlipidemia did not influence the results, while a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass-time > 120 min resulted in a higher Cu/Zn ratio than observed for shorter cardiopulmonary bypass-times. This indicates a more profound inflammatory response. Inflammatory parameters responded in the same manner as described earlier by others. These data indicate that severe loss of various oligo elements occur in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and suggests that a supplementary administration of zinc and perhaps also selenium could be appropriate during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Selenium and liver cirrhosis.

Effects of selenium deficiency, induced by thioacetamide, were investigated in rats. Thioacetamide (0.3 g/L) given in drinking water, as expected, caused a significant loss of selenium from the liver. It was accompanied by liver cirrhosis and a significant increase in the liver weight as well as liver to body weight ratio. A significant loss of selenium from spleen was also accompanied by an increase in its weight. Weights of lungs, testis and kidney, however, were not affected by thioacetamide and there was no change in their selenium content. Plasma levels of selenium were significantly reduced in the thioacetamide treated group. All these changes were confirmed to be due to selenium deficiency caused by thioacetamide, as supplementation with selenium reversed these changes. The mode of action of selenium is unknown but may involve anti-oxidant defense mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Bacterial translocation in thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis in rats.

Cirrhotic liver is predisposed to bacterial infections. Different species of bacteria including Escherichia coli, Enterobacter and Bacteroides fragilis were found to colonize thioacetamide-induced cirrhotic rat liver. Zinc treatment of the cirrhotic rats significantly corrected the histological and histochemical changes in the liver. However, this reversal with zinc treatment was not accompanied by any change in the bacterial colonies in the liver. The study shows that cirrhosis predisposes liver to bacterial colonization and the process is not reversible despite the partial reversal of the cirrhotic changes.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Prevalence of allergic sensitization to inhalant allergens among blood donors in Kuwait--a desert country.

Kuwait is a desert country where the prevailing high temperatures, low humidity, and scant vegetation suggest a low prevalence of allergy. We evaluated the prevalence of atopic sensitization (presence of allergen-specific IgE) among young adult blood donors by screening a total of 505 subjects (male: female ratio 1.6) with mean age of 28.4 years (range 18-50 years). The Pharmacia CAP-Phadiatop test, which detects serum IgE specific to most common airborne allergens, was used. Some of the specific sensitizing allergens were also identified by the related CAP-RAST method. Sensitization was detected in 223 of the 505 subjects (44.2%) screened. Kuwaiti nationals had a significantly higher prevalence rate (50.2%) than non-Kuwaitis (34.2%) (chi 2 = 8.6, P < 0.003). The highest prevalence rate was found among male Kuwaitis (53.8%). The prevalence of current or previous allergic disease (subject-reported) was 20.6%. Bermuda grass, house-dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), and Chenopodium album were the most prevalent sensitizing allergens, with frequencies of 53.6%, 52.7%, and 50.9%, respectively, among the sensitized subjects (corresponding to 23.7%, 23.3%, and 22.5%, respectively) for the entire population. Sensitization increased with age, but only among the expatriates, younger Kuwaitis being as frequently sensitized as the older ones. Polysensitization was found to be common. Of the 109 CAP-RAST-positive subjects, 71 (65.1%) were sensitized to more than one allergen, and 30 of these (42.3%) were sensitized to four or more allergens. These results show that atopy is highly prevalent among young adults in Kuwait, and the higher prevalence rate among nationals than expatriates suggests the involvement of genetic or local environmental factors. The results also confirm that mite and plant pollens may be major sensitizing allergens even in a desert environment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Gallbladder motility in laparoscopic cholecystectomy specimens.

In vitro contractility of human and sheep gallbladders to cholinergic stimulation with carbachol and the effects of indomethacin on abnormal rhythmic activity were studied. Once hundred and thirty-two gallbladders were obtained at laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 38 from patients with acute and 94 with chronic cholecystitis. In addition, 27 specimens of sheep gallbladders served as controls. Fundal preparations from patients with cholecystitis exhibit hypocontractility: no response in 72% or in the remainder a significantly reduced maximal contraction to carbachol. Regionally graded motor responses favoring propulsion of bile were abnormal in 44% of the gallbladders studied with more forceful contractions of the duct compared to the fundus. Abnormal early rhythmic activity (ERA) of fundal preparations was only detected in gallbladders of patients (in 33%) but never in controls. In 80% of these, ERA was blocked or reduced by indomethacin which can be interpreted as evidence for a prostaglandin-mediated inflammatory response. We conclude that gallbladder motility in cholelithiasis secondary to muscarinic stimulation is reduced and regionally graded motor responses favoring bile expulsion are impaired. ERA can be blocked by indomethacin.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

Alterations of trace elements in kidney, spleen and lungs in treated and untreated experimental liver cirrhosis.

Repeated administration of carbon tetrachloride (CC1(4)) to the experimental animals not only produces liver cirrhosis but also pathological changes in different organs. The alteration of trace elements in the plasma and in the liver has been documented. Very limited studies were carried out regarding the alteration of trace elements in different organs in experimental animals subjected to CC1(4) toxicity and the influence of scavengers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and allopurinol as preventative measurements. Four groups of animals were studied: CC1(4) and allopurinol (group 1), CC1(4) and SOD (group 2), CC1(4) alone (group 3) and olive oil (group 4). Analysis of tissue concentrations of trace elements in different organ's tissues (e.g. lung, spleen and kidneys) were performed. Histopathological assessments were studied in all groups after 7 weeks of repeated administration of the solutions. Copper contents in the spleen and lungs were significantly high in group 2, while kidney copper contents were significantly high in all experimental groups. Selenium contents in the kidneys and lungs were significantly low in group 1, while it was significantly high in group 2 in all organs. Manganese contents in kidneys was significantly low in group 1 and significantly increased in group 2 in the case of spleen and lung. Lung zinc content was significantly increased in group 2. Spleen zinc decreased significantly only in group 3. Histopathological assessment indicated evidence of interstitial pneumonia in the group treated with allopurinol. The low levels of selenium predisposes to the development of interstitial pneumonia.

Allopurinol↗
PubMed1994

Treatment of ischial pressure sores with an inferior gluteus maximus musculocutaneous island flap: an analysis of 31 flaps.

We describe our experience with the use of an island gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flap (from its most inferior part) based on perforators from the inferior gluteal artery. The study is based on a series of 27 patients in whom treatment was carried out for 31 ischial pressure sores. Eight patients had postoperative complications in the form of dehiscence of the donor flap site and/or infection. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 32 months. During this period three patients developed recurrent sores which were treated with other flaps. We feel strongly that the use of this flap should be considered as a first choice in the treatment of the mild to moderate size ischial pressure sore. Its advantages include ease in elevation of the flap and the provision of a vascularized bulky flap which also spares the vascular pedicles of adjacent flaps for future use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

An analysis of childhood burns in Kuwait.

A prospective study of 394 burned children (in-patients) up to the age of 12 years old was carried out for the period from January 1984 to December 1986. They were categorized into three age groups, the infants and toddlers 0-2 years, early childhood 3-6 years and late childhood 7-12 years. In the first two groups scalding was the predominant cause of injury, while in late childhood there were many more flame burns. Ninety-five per cent of the accidents occurred at home and the majority happened in the presence of parents. The presence of parents was not a deterrent to the accident but ensured speedy transport to the hospital. In our review 3 per cent of patients sustained more than 50 per cent BSA burns, there were 12 deaths with a mortality rate of 3 per cent. An intense campaign to make parents aware of the risk factors and their avoidance is required to reduce the number of burn accidents.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed1992

Parotid gland tumours: a 15-year experience.

Between 1973 and 1988, 302 patients underwent surgical operations for parotid gland swelling. Primary operations were performed in 293 cases, while secondary operations for recurrent tumour were performed in nine cases. A total of 244 patients (80.8%) were found histologically to have either a benign parotid tumour or a tumour-like lesion, while 58 patients (19.2%) were diagnosed as having malignant tumours. Two hundred and eighty-nine patients underwent superficial and total conservative parotidectomy and in 13 cases a radical parotidectomy was performed. The median follow-up was 5 years (range 1-15 years). Permanent facial nerve palsy, tumour recurrence, Frey's syndrome and parotid fistula were recorded as 0.7, 0.7, 2.1 and 0.4%, respectively. Thus, with full understanding of the surgical anatomy of the parotid gland and correct tumour identification, preservation of the facial nerve and serious postoperative complications can be minimized following superficial and/or total conservative parotidectomy.

Adolescent↗
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↗