Chemical substances have an important threat due to extensive use in medicine, agriculture, industry and environment. In this retrospective study, etiological and demographic characteristics of acute poisoning cases admitted to a hospital in Iran were investigated. We compared these data with those reported from other parts of the country and the international experiences to evaluate any difference if exists. 7 052 poisoned cases admitted to the hospital from April 2006 to March 2013, by data collected from the medical record in poison center section. According to our results there is a predominance of male patients and the majority of the poisoned patients were between 20-30 years old. Drug poisoning was the most common cause of poisonings. The most frequently involved drugs were benzodiazepines and antidepressants. The seasonal distribution of our study showed a peak in summer. To prevent acute poisonings, the social education about the risk assessment of central nervous system-acting drugs and reduction of the exposure period of people to pesticides are recommended. This study suggested a proper educational program for the public and primary care units. Our results provide useful information for preventive strategies.

This paper aims to explore the relationship between ranking of the top-50 listed companies on Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) for the years 2009-2011 in terms of their liquidity, operation, leverage and profitability ratios using combined AHP-TOPSIS approach and the ranking made by the stock exchange. Ranking of the companies on the stock exchange is done based on their state in terms of the above ratios and it serves as a criterion for decision making on investment. Using a questionnaire, views of experts, scholars and the capital market authorities on the effect of financial ratios were gathered and then using AHP-TOPSIS technique the companies were ranked based on these ratios. The obtained results from the Spearman Test show a weak correlation between the rankings based on AHP-TOPSIS approach and the ranking of the stock exchange. Finally, our results indicate that financial ratios of the top stock exchange selected companies are crucial factors in investment and ranking. This paper contributes to a signaled need for investigation on how and why financial statements of top listed companies cannot be regarded as a critical factor in ranking and decision making on investment.