Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and its related risk factors in drug abuser prisoners in Hamedan-Iran

AIM:Recent studies in Iran has shown that prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Iranian prisoners is high, in spite of low HCV seroprevalence in general population. METHODS: This study was carried out in the central prison of Hamedan - Iran, in year 2002. Inmates were interviewed using a standard questionnaire including demographic, imprisonment history and HCV-related risk behaviors items. Thereafter, the sera drawn from the participants were tested for anti-HIV and anti-HCV antibodies. RESULTS: A total number of 427 drug abuser inmates participated in our study. Three hundred and ninety-seven (93%) were men and 30 (7%) were women. Total number of IV drug abusers (IDA) and non-IV drug abusers (NIDA) was 149 (34.9%) and 278 (65.1%), respectively. The overall rate of antibody positivity among inmates was 0.9% for HIV and 30% for HCV. Of all IDAs, 31.5% and of NIDAs, 29.1% had serological evidence of HCV infection. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of HCV infection among drug abuser prisoners in comparison with the general population in Iran, is very high (30% vs in italics 0.2%). Our results indicate the importance of policies to prevent transmission of HCV infection during and following incarceration.

Evaluation of Abuse Drugs and Clinical Laboratory Tests Variations in Whole Blood ＆ Urine Samples of Abusers

In this study, five hundred urine samples and five hundred blood samples of abusers were examined for the presence of alkaloid substances and abuse drugs in urines and bloods. These numbers of blood and urine samples of addicts in clinics of welfare organization, during detoxification treatment or maintenance treatment were screened for abuse drugs presence. The all of samples were tested through as a view of clinical laboratory methods. Age ranges of female patients were 35 ~ 15 and age range of males patients were 45 ~ 15. All patients filled questionnaire and satisfy forms too. First, all fresh urine and blood samples were examined to confirm presence drugs abuses, depend on their addiction and treatment, so all samples were confirmed by two tests. Then they were examined to other clinical laboratory tests. All data were analyzed by t-test and were Anova one way and two ways of Anova Turkey, and p 〈 0.05 was considered significant. The p-value of this study was p = 0.0001. The results of this study were showed that 4% of abusers had mild increase in hematocrite level and 2% of narcotic drugs abusers had mild lower level of blood sugars than normal range and 4% of participants had increase liver enzymes such ALT （alanine transferase）, AST （aspartat transferase）, ALP （alkaline phosphatease） and 1% of them had renal failure. Although blood level BUN （blood urea nitrogen） and creatinin were examined to evaluation of their renal failure .The results in Tabriz/Iran undrevision of welfare organization clinics were approximately showed that positive results of addiction are in each of urine and blood samples. Because some of abusers directly consumed full long time agonist or partial agonists＇ drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine for their maintenance therapy in clinics. Also doing test on blood samples has high importance in distinguishing and confirmation of drugs abuse in samples. Also in this study we conclude that among all drug analytical methods the cheapest and easiest test to screening opioids and other abuse drugs in urine and blood samples is strip test for rapid diagnosis, also tests on blood samples have high importance as a view point of accuracy to distinguishing of drugs abuse, and serum levels of some other parameters showed all abusers patients situation such as liver and renal dysfimction through clinical laboratory tests.

Distinguishing of Abuse Drugs in Urine and Blood Samples of Abusers in Iran

In this study, one hundred urine samples and one hundred blood samples of abusers were examined for the presence of alkaloid substances and abuse drugs in urines and bloods. These numbers of blood and urine samples referred who addicts in clinics of Welfare Organization, during of detoxification treatment or maintenance treatment were screened for abuse drugs presence. Age ranges of female patients were 35 ± 15 and age range of males patients were 42 ± 18. All patients filled questionnaire and satisfy forms too. All data were analyzed by t-test and were Anowa one way, and P 〈 0.05 was considered significant. The P value of this study was P = 0.000. In this study we conclude that among all drug analytical methods the cheapest and easiest test to screening opioids and other abuse drugs in urine and blood samples is strip test for rapid diagnosis and TLC （thin-layer chromatography） is appropriate confirmation method to drug abuse distinguishing. Also tests on blood samples have high importance as a view point of accuracy to distinguishing of drugs abuse.

HCV and HIV Infection among Heroin Abusers in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program

Over the years, it was getting attention to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immu-nodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among injected drug users (IDUs) in Taiwan. This study investigated the frequency of risky behaviors for HCV carriers and IDUs who were HIV carriers in methadone maintenance treatment program. The subjects, intravenously injected heroin abusers, were collected from a special methadone maintenance treatment clinic. The survey included characteristics of participants, sexual activity and attitude towards condom usage. The total number of subjects was 151. Data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS 15.0. The analytical methods included descriptive analysis, Fisher’s exact test, and the logistic regression model. The study showed that 82% of intravenously injected heroin abusers were hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive, and 44.4% were hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive;89.5% of HIV-positive heroin abusers were type C hepatitis positive. Only 21.2% of these intra-venously injected heroin abusers always used a condom, and 39.7% never used a condom during sexual activity. Logistic regression analysis showed smoking, sharing syringes needles, HBV status and condom use status were four main risk factors on HIV infection. Sharing or using contaminated syringes needles was the main cause of HIV, HBV, and HCV infection in the drug addiction group. Since our government has the policy of providing a methadone maintenance treatment program, the spread of HIV is under control, but knowledge about HIV and safe sex education still needs improvement.

Experience of Drug Abusers Participating in Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Services Provided by the Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers (CCPSAs) in Hong Kong

Despite the official statistics showing that the number of drug users has been declining, the problem of drug abuse remains serious in Hong Kong. This problem is evidenced by the trend of hidden and prolonged drug abuse. The recovery of drug abusers is an important process, because the misuse of drugs can cause many bio-psycho-social complications. Therefore, 11 Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers (CCPSAs) in different districts in Hong Kong play an important role on those drug abusers [1]. As a core community-based drug rehabilitation service in Hong Kong, studies about CCPSAs are limited. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach to explore the experience of drug abusers participating in community-based drug rehabilitation services provided by CCPSAs. Five CCPSA users, who utilized the services for more than two months, participated in the semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data collected were then analysed by thematic analysis, and five themes were generated: 1) receiving supportive counselling service in CCPSAs, 2) revealing variance towards nonmandatory services in CCPSAs, 3) encountering intrapersonal conflicts when participating in CCPSAs, 4) expanding social network through integration in group activities and 5) wishing to be a companion to other drug abusers. Findings of this study provide valuable insights towards services modification and the enhancement of drug rehabilitation and drug abusers’ wellbeing over the collaboration of healthcare workers, services providers and the media. However, this study has some limitations, and it presents suggestions for future research.

Altered functional connectivity of prefrontal cortex in chronic heroin abusers

In this study, we investigated alterations in the resting-state functional connectivity of the prefrontal cortex in chronic heroin abusers using functional magnetic resonance imaging. We found that, compared with normal controls, in heroin abusers the left prefrontal cortex showed decreased functional connectivity with the left hippocampus, right anterior cingulate, left middle frontal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus and right precuneus. However, the right prefrontal cortex showed decreased functional connectivity with the left orbital frontal cortex and the left middle frontal gyrus in chronic heroin abusers. These alterations of resting-state functional connectivity in the prefrontal cortices of heroin abusers suggest that their frontal executive neural network may be impaired, and that this may contribute to their continued heroin abuse and relapse after withdrawal.

Granulomatous interstitial lung disease in a long-term drug abuser

It is the habit of some drug consumers to dissolve the powder of crushed pills, intended for oral use, in water and inject this solution intravenously. Insoluble particles than obstruct pulmonary vessels causing microscopic pulmonary emboli. These foreign bodies migrate and penetrate into the perivascular space and interstitium, resulting in chronic inflammation and foreign body giant cell reaction. As a result of this a granulomatous interstitial fibrosis can develop, which has also been described as pulmonary talcosis. We are reporting the case of a 22 year old male with a history of long-term intravenous drug abuse. He presented to our hospital complaining of dyspnoea, cough and generalized weakness. We describe an extensive diagnostic process concluded by an open lung biopsy establishing a definitive diagnosis of this rare granulomatous lung disease. This case underlines the importance of a thorough diagnostic work up and the pathogenic potential of foreign material reaching the lung via blood circulation in amongst the differential diagnoses of interstitial lung diseases, especially occurring in this group of patients.

Demographic characteristics of convicted child sexual abusers in South of Sweden,between 2013 and 2018:a pilot study

This study evaluates variables concerning demographic characteristics for all adult male offenders convicted of Child Sexual Abuse(CSA)aged 0–17 in Malmö,Sweden between 2013 and 2018.All convictions(n=18)based on court documents from the District Court,the Court of Appeals and information from the Swedish Tax Agency were reviewed.A total of 30 victims were identified.Frequency analyses show that the most common features were that of a single offender,averaging 25 years old,with a non-Swedish background and a high school degree.The predominately extrafamilial CSA(i.e.committed by an acquaintance to the family)occurred in a private setting and consisted of penetrative acts.Girls averaging 13years old were abused multiple times,under fear and pressure.Although assumptions based on these results are preliminary,they provide a clearer image of the typical circumstances under which CSA occurred within this time frame and geographical location.This study is a first attempt to construct an overview of demographic characteristics of CSA.As more data are gathered from this region,more sophisticated analyses can be conducted,providing stronger generalizations.Information of this kind may be important for research,classification of offender profiling and in case linking.

Helping People and Changing the World with CS

What should academic institutions be doing in order to benefit students,the community at large,and society in the new era?Particularly,as computing is impacting all aspects of human society,it also brings many challenges and opportunities for the academic departments of computer science.Some of these challenges include the increasing impact of software on society,issues involving privacy and data abuse,and ethical issues concerning AI.Towards addressing these challenges,the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)leverages its position as an educator in order to train the future computing workforce to be more aware of these issues.To achieve this goal,KAIST mainly adopts three strategies:Combining science&technology and humanities together;putting academy and industry together;training software experts while making them understand people and the world.

Exploring the Impact of Alcohol Consumption and Smoking on Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Objective: Utilizing Mendelian Randomization, this study employs Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables to explore the causal relationships between bibulosity, smoking, and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). Methods: GWAS data for bibulosity, smoking, and POAG were obtained from the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium website and the IEU OpenGWAS Project website, respectively. Using a P-value threshold of −8, a linkage disequilibrium coefficient (r2) of 0.001, and a linkage disequilibrium region width of 10,000 kb, the data were aggregated, resulting in 6 SNPs for bibulosity and 253 SNPs for smoking. Three regression models, MR-Egger, Weighted Median Estimator (WME), and Random-Effects Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) were applied to analyze the causal impact of bibulosity and smoking on POAG. Results: The GWAS data for alcohol consumption and smoking were derived from European populations, while the GWAS data for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) were sourced from East Asian populations, with no gender restrictions. Analysis using three different regression models revealed that neither excessive alcohol consumption nor smoking significantly increased the risk of developing POAG. Specifically, the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the alcohol consumption group were 0.854 (0.597 - 1.221) in MR-Egger regression, 0.922 (0.691 - 1.231) in WME regression, and 0.944 (0.711 - 1.252) in IVW regression. For the smoking group, the odds ratios were 1.146 (0.546 - 2.406) in MR-Egger regression, 0.850 (0.653 - 1.111) in WME regression, and 0.939 (0.780 - 1.131) in IVW regression. Given the significant heterogeneity in the SNPs associated with smoking, the focus was primarily on the results from the IVW regression model. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption and smoking are not significant risk factors for the development of POAG.

Fulminant Hepatitis Associated with Chronic Consumption of 3,4-Methylenedioxy-Methamphetamine;Case Report

The amphetamine derivative 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also called ecstasy, is a neurotoxin widely consumed among young people that has increased in recent years because it is a recreational drug, of which immediate effects are known such as a greater sensation of well-being, extroversion, increased sensory perception. However, its long-term effects have been described very little in the medical literature, including damage to the heart, central nervous system, kidney, etc. One of its little-known effects is hepatotoxicity, of which few cases are known associated with fulminant hepatitis, which is a rapidly deteriorating condition that is generally associated with a syndrome of multiple organ dysfunction and death. Therefore, it is very important to know this type of damage in the short and long term. The following case is of a 39-year-old man who came to our service due to jaundice syndrome and the only history of MDMA consumption, who as the days went by met the criteria for fulminant liver failure, with damage to multiple organs (organ dysfunction syndrome).

Drug Use and Abuse among Orthopedic Ward Patients—A Revolving Cycle of Menace in Atbuth, Bauchi

Background: The use of drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used or in excess amounts. Psychoactive drugs are some of the drugs more commonly abused, also, antibiotics and other medications too can be misused. Drug abuse and misuse can lead to serious social, medical and emotional harm to the patients, and antibiotic resistance that makes treatment harder are also likely complications. Method: Patients in both male and female wards of the Orthoepaedics Department of ATBUTH, Bauchi were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and their responses were recorded and data were analyzed using the SPSS version 29. Results: A total of 112 patients were interviewed, 76 males and 36 females. Thirty-two (28.6%) patients had taken various kinds of unprescribed medications while on admission: 9 patients had taken unprescribed tramadol, 4 patients had taken codeine, 6 Ampiclox, 5 flagyl and about 8 patients had taken different kinds of traditional medications while on admission. Among the 32 patients, 23 (72%) are aged less than 30 years, 5 (16%) are aged between 30 and 50 years and 4 (12%) are aged above 50 years. Sixteen (50%) had such medications brought to them by relatives or friends, 10 (30%) were given by other patients on admission, 5 (15%) brought or bought the drugs by themselves while 1 (5%) were given by a non-clinical staff of the hospital. Conclusion: Drug misuse and abuse is a very serious, deleterious practice with destructive consequences in its wake, such consequences as drug dependency with all its antecedent effects, antibiotic resistance and difficulties in controlling/managing infections are but a few. So, it’s very important to both educate patients about these terrible practices and cope with the spread of them in our wards and hospitals.

Enhancing User Security on Instagram: A Multifaceted AI System for Filtering Abusive Comments

Social media platforms like Instagram have increasingly become venues for online abuse and offensive comments. This study aimed to enhance user security to create a safe online environment by eliminating hate speech and abusive language. The proposed system employed a multifaceted approach to comment filtering, incorporating the multi-level filter theory. This involved developing a comprehensive list of words representing various types of offensive language, from slang to explicit abuse. Machine learning models were trained to identify abusive messages through sentiment analysis and contextual understanding. The system categorized comments as positive, negative, or abusive using sentiment analysis algorithms. Employing AI technology, it created a dynamic filtering mechanism that adapted to evolving online language and abusive behavior. Integrated with Instagram while adhering to ethical data collection principles, the platform sought to promote a clean and positive user experience, encouraging users to focus on non-abusive communication. Our machine-learned models, trained on a cleaned Arabic language dataset, demonstrated promising accuracy (75.8%) in classifying Arabic comments, potentially reducing abusive content significantly. This advancement aimed to provide users with a clean and positive online experience.

Suicide Ideation and Its Associated Factors among Men in Selected Compounds of Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Globally, it is estimated that more than 800,000 individuals die by suicide each year, making suicide one of the biggest causes of death worldwide. Additionally, suicide kills far more males than women, more so in developing regions that are characterized by economic distress due to low income. Although the number of suicide cases has been seen to increase from 2013 to date, limited studies provide information on the factors influencing the trend. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the prevalence of suicidal ideation and factors associated with suicide in males in selected compounds of Lusaka. Methods: The study used an analytical quantitative cross- sectional study design that involved 367 men in Mtendere and Kaunda Square townships in Lusaka district, Zambia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from participants, which was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to test relationships among variables at a five percent level of significance. Ethical approval and clearance was obtained from the National Health Research Authority. Results: Participants had a median age of 29 years (IQR, 27 - 32 years), 216 (58.9%) were single and 278 (75.8%) attained tertiary education. Under a quarter, 75 (20.4%) reported suicide ideations, and 97 (26.4%) reported low social support. For most participants, 347 (94.7%) experienced at least one stressful life event, and 359 (97.8%) experienced severe levels of stress. Under half, 170 (46.3%) were alcohol dependent, while 54 (14.7%) used alcohol harmfully. Suicide ideation was significantly associated with marital status (p Conclusion: Suicide ideation is relatively high among men in Mtendere and Kaunda Square townships, mainly influenced by marital status, education level, social support, stressful events alcohol abuse. Efforts must be channeled towards suicide awareness campaigns, and establishment of supportive environments in health facilities which can make it easy for men to open up about their struggles.

The Aesthetic Characteristics of Emotional Abuse in The Japanese Movie“0.5mm”

The Japanese movie“0.5mm”connects the life clips between the nursing-care helper Sawa and several old people in the form of a road movie,highlighting many thought-provoking social problems,and revealing how the elements of emotional abuse hidden between the old people and their relatives and friends affect people’s dignity and decency,and at the same time trying to offset the persecution from the emotional abuse with the warm kindness between the elderly and the care workers.The film’s implicit description of emotional abuse and explicit display of good deeds are blended in the quiet and mysterious narrative character,achieving the effect of synchronizing the artistic narrative rhythm with the flow of life,reflecting the unique aesthetic characteristics of Japanese films.

自动乳腺超声诊断系统测量乳腺癌大小及预估乳腺癌T分期

目的比较常用的超声影像学方法常规超声检查及乳腺全容积自动扫描系统ABUS测量乳腺癌大小的准确性,并评估两种方法对乳腺癌T分期的预测价值。方法回顾性地筛选经术后病理证实为乳腺癌、同时行常规超声(US)和自动乳腺超声诊断系统(ABUS)检查的患者共60例。肿瘤最大直径为肿瘤大小的测量指标。以术后所测肿瘤实际大小为标准,采用Bland-Altman法及组内一致性相关系数(ICC)比较常规US及ABUS对相同病灶的测值,并初步探究这两种方法预测乳腺癌T分期的准确率。结果 US和ABUS在测量肿瘤大小方面有很好的一致性,但ABUS比US更接近术后病理[(差值平均值(-1.09±3.61)mm vs.(-1.57±4.99)mm],ABUS与术后所测的病灶实际大小的一致性相关系数ICC高于US(0.93 vs. 0.86),尤其对于>2 cm的病灶。US和ABUS对乳腺癌的T分期预测都有较高的准确率(82.1%vs. 87.5%)。结论 ABUS和US对肿瘤大小的测量均与术后病理有较好的一致性,尤其对于>2 cm的病灶,ABUS测量肿瘤大小的准确性相对更高;ABUS可以代替US进行临床乳腺癌的T分期。

信息型常见毒物质谱用户库的建立及其在毒物快速筛选上的应用研究

The spectrum user’s librarys containing 1533 familiar toxicants have been built; A method with high separability and sensitivity has been found,The RT and the detection limit of 210 familiar abuse drugs has been confirmed; the processing methods to analyse spectrum data automatically have been found; It is simple,quick,sensitive and reliable,and can take place of manual operation,It is very useful to screen the familiar toxicants in unkown sample.

Revascularization for Iliac-femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm with Greater Saphenous Vein

Objective To investigate the role of revascularization procedures with autologous greater saphenous vein in surgical management of iliac-femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in parenteral drug abusers. Methods Twenty-one patients with iliac-femoral artery pseudoaneurysm caused by parenteral drug abuse from 2004 to 2007 were enrolled. Among them,15 patients were male and 6 were female; their average age was 31.3 years. The size of pseudoaneurysms ranged from 3.0 cm to 7.5 cm. Common femoral artery and distal external iliac artery were often involved. We performed arterial reconstruction on these patients with autologous greater saphenous vein as a graft after excising iliac-femoral artery pseudoaneurysm through a single curved inguinal incision. All patients were followed up,and the complications were recorded. Results The surgical procedures were finished without intraoperative mortality or perioperative complications. All patients were free of claudication symptoms after the surgery except one case with preoperative popliteal artery stenosis. One case of infection and wound tissue fistula was found later. One case had inguinal incisional hematoma and another complained of numbness in thigh skin. Conclusions The use of autologous greater saphenous venous grafts for arterial reconstruction after pseudoaneurysm excision in drug abusers is safe and effective. This technique offers more advantages than arterial ligation alone without revascularization. An optimal greater saphenous venous graft is a prerequisite for revascularization.

药物使用和药物滥用的流行学调查

一、目前我国药物使用(drug use,简称“使用”,下同)和药物滥用(drug abuse,简称“滥用”,下同)的情况已引起人民群众和政府的关注。二、流行学调查 (一)目的 1.估计某地人群中“使用”和“滥用”的具体情况。 2.利用调查表进行调查以探索导致“使用”和“滥用”的一些预测因素,为开展治疗和预防提供论据。 (二)

长期虐待儿童致死尸检1例

虐待儿童(child abuse)是一项重要的社会问题,为保护儿童不受虐待的伤害和摧残,加深对虐待儿童的了解,及时揭露、惩处施虐者的犯罪行为,现将作者遇到的1例长期虐待儿童致死的尸检结果,结合有关资料报道如下: