Introduction For all the studies into the sexual health of kidney transplant recipients, there is a paucity of controlled studies regarding the difference in the sexual relationship of kidney transplant recipients and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients under hemodialysis. Aim We compared the sexual function of kidney transplant recipients and ESRD patients under hemodialysis in male patients. Main Outcome Measures The patients’ sexual function was assessed using the Relationship and Sexuality Scale. Method In this case-controlled study, 89 male renal transplant recipients and 25 male hemodialysis patients were randomly selected from the outpatient clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran, in 2006. The two groups were not significantly different in terms of age, living place, level of education, duration of ESRD (months), ESRD cause, and somatic comorbidities (Ifudu index). Results The renal transplant patients in comparison with the hemodialysis group reported a better overall sexual relationship (17.3 ± 0.6 vs. 21.6 ± 1.4; P = 0.001), and all subscales including sexual function (9.9 ± 0.3 vs. 11.4 ± 0.6; P = 0.03), sexual frequency (6.3 ± 0.3 vs. 7.4 ± 0.6; P = 0.04), and sexual fear (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.8 ± 0.5; P = 0.001). In addition, kidney recipients had significantly more sexual intercourse in a 2-week period prior to the study (P = 0.008). Conclusions In our male population, kidney transplant recipients, in comparison with the ESRD patients under hemodialysis, reported a better sexual relationship.

Rapid diagnosis of major β thalassemia along with certain preventive measures is of utmost significance. The present study aims to compare the fingerprints in Major β thalassemic patients (67) and in their parents (76 with minor thalassemia) with the normal fingerprints of control group (144). A forensic medical examiner determined fingerprint types of arch, loop, whorl and other types. Like normal individuals, loop fingerprint pattern was found to be the most common fingerprint type among thalassemic patients. However, the number of whorl fingerprints in all fingers in thalassemic patients was greater than that of normal individuals and the number of loop fingerprints was smaller (p<0.05). Arch type fingerprint pattern was less frequent in major thalassemic patients compared to minor thalassemic ones (p<0.05). The findings show that the number of whorl fingerprint patterns in thalassemic patients was greater than that of normal individuals, while the number of loop fingerprint patterns being smaller and the frequency of arch fingerprint pattern in patients with major thalassemia was lower than that of minor thalassemic patients. Therefore, one may choose fingerprint pattern as a simple, affordable and appropriate screening method to help detect the afflicted patients and prevent severe cases of thalassemia.

Background:Existing evidences suggest the more vulnerability of spouses of drug dependents, in exposure to mental disorders.Objectives:This study aimed to evaluate the associated parameters of anxiety and depression among female spouses of male drug dependents.Patients and Methods:With a cross-sectional design in 2010, a total of 237 Iranian women were selected and divided into three groups: 1. non-drug-dependent wives who had non-drug-dependent husbands (Group I), 2. non-drug-dependent wives who had drug-dependent husbands (Group II), and 3. drug-dependent wives who had drug-dependent husbands (Group III). Socio-demographic characteristics were collected by a checklist, and the levels of anxiety and depression were measured through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Linear regression was applied for determination of anxiety and depression predictors.Results:Mean age of the participants was about 35 years, and mean duration of marriage was 14 years. Drug dependence of the husband (P = 0.010) and lower monthly income of the family (P = 0.007) predicted the higher level of anxiety among the participants, while older age (P = 0.031), shorter marital duration (P = 0.016), and lower educational level (P = 0.045) in addition to spousal drug dependence (P = 0.023), and lower family income (P = 0.014) were significantly associated with higher levels of depression.Conclusions:Findings of the present study demonstrate that spousal drug dependence and lower monthly income were common predictors of anxiety and depression among spouses of drug dependents in Iran, while older age, shorter marital duration and lower educational level were predictors of depression. However, more research is needed to find casual relationships between spousal drug dependence and mental health in Iran.

Background: Naloxone, as a low-priced and available drug, may be useful in improvement of signs and symptoms of benzodiazepines intoxication. The aim of this study was assessment of its effect on benzodiazepines poisoning. Methods: In this clinical-trial study, patients with typical signs and symptoms of benzodiazepines poisoning, who were referred to a poisoning center in Tehran in 2008, were selected. After recording of patients’ characteristics, supportive treatment was initiated and patients were randomly assigned to the case group with intravenous (IV) injection of two 0.4 mg naloxone ampules or to the control group. Their signs and symptoms were evaluated again 0.5 hour later. Each of diazepam, clonazepam and alperazolam drug group had 30 patients and lorazepam drug group had 26 patients, half of which patients in each drug group received naloxone. Results: Most of the participants were female and the mean age was 28 years. There were no significant differences between case and control groups in age, sex, time of drug consumption, tablet counts, signs and symptoms and level of consciousness at the admission time in each drug types. After naloxone injection in case groups, all signs and symptoms significantly improved in all drug types in comparison to control groups except nystagmus. In addition, level of consciousness significantly improved in case groups in all drug types except lorazepam. Conclusion: Findings of the study showed that naloxone is effective in management of benzodiazepines poisoning. However, future clinical trials with greater sample size are recommened.

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