Tehran University Medical Journal
Year:2023 | Volume:81 | Issue:9|Papers Count:10

2Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, which is associated with a high prevalence, especially in the elderly male population. Treatment options for non-metastatic prostate cancer usually include active surveillance, radiotherapy and surgery, so the aim of the present study is a systematic review of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer. Methods: The study conducted is a systematic review article in which a review of the treatment of prostate cancer with brachytherapy has been done. The information used is taken from articles published in Persian and English in Google scholar, SID and PubMed databases from 2000 to 2022. The selected keywords in this article included Brachy therapy, Prostate cancer, Radio therapy, Prostate neoplasms, High dose rate, Low dose rate and External beam radio therapy. Selection of studies was done according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Brachytherapy can be classified into 2 types of permanent implantation and temporary implantation based on the length of the treatment period. In permanent brachytherapy implants for prostate cancer, iodine (125I) or palladium (103Pd) are used as radioactive sources for low dose rate cases and for high dose rate brachytherapy. Iridium (192Ir) is used. Brachytherapy is usually used in two ways, either as a monotherapy in which LDR and HDR are used to treat some low-risk patients, or as a booster treatment after other treatments such as EBRT, which here may be part of the treatment process before, after, or during treatment. In contrast to brachytherapy alone, brachytherapy plus EBRT is an appropriate approach in patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk disease. In high-risk patients, the combined use of EBRT and HDR-BT can lead to better results than EBRT alone. Brachytherapy treatment is not suitable for every disease. Conclusion: One of the main advantages of this treatment method is the ability to administer a high dose of radiation while minimizing radiation exposure to adjacent healthy organs. Since optimal dose distribution occurs in the treatment, quality treatment can be ensured. The results obtained from both forms of brachytherapy are generally suitable and comparable to other treatment methods with fewer side effects

2Background: Screening is a cost-effective method for prevention, early detection of the disease and reducing the burden of the third deadliest cancer in the world, i. e. colorectal cancer. This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of colonoscopy screening compared to sigmoidoscopy for colorectal cancer in high-risk individuals in Iran. Methods: This economic evaluation study was conducted using the cost-effectiveness method between July 2016 and February 2017. Evaluation of the effectiveness of screening methods was done using a systematic review. Cost evaluation was also done using the costs obtained from the tariff approved by the Iranian Ministry of Health in 2015 for colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. Finally, the combined model of decision tree and Markov was used to evaluate the cost effectiveness. Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) formula was used for cost effectiveness analysis considering the final outcome of 5-year survival of high-risk individuals. Excel and TreeAge software were used for data analysis. Results: The effectiveness of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in increasing 5-year survival is 11 and 15. 7%, respectively, and colonoscopy screening is 4. 7% more than sigmoidoscopy. The cost of colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy screening was calculated as 1000 and 19920 billion Rials, respectively. Based on cost-effectiveness analysis, the cost of treating patients in the case of screening with colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy is lower than without screening. The ICER ratio of colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy compared to no screening was-4/441/389/160 and-4/757/954/940 Rials respectively, and colonoscopy compared to sigmoidoscopy was-3/699/785/880 Rials, respectively. Finally, the use of colonoscopy leads to spending 3/699/785/880 Rials less in exchange for obtaining 4722 additional survivals with the prevention of colorectal cancer compared to sigmoidoscopy. Conclusion: Screening by colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy methods are effective in reducing the incidence and death of colorectal cancer compared to no screening. Screening by colonoscopy is a dominant option for the high-risk population in Iran. Colonoscopy screening is more cost effective compared to sigmoidoscopy. However, decisions about colorectal cancer screening and screening methods depend on local resources and personal preferences

2Background: Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality rate of all cancers worldwide. In Iran, it is one of the commonly diagnosed malignancies, and its frequency is increasing rapidly. Genetic variants in DNA repair genes are linked to differences in efficiency of repairing DNA damage, which can influence lung cancer susceptibility. EXO1 is a key gene involved in the mismatch repair pathway. The K589E polymorphism in EXO1 may alter the DNA repair activity of the encoded protein and impact lung cancer risk. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the K589E polymorphism in EXO1 and lung cancer risk in the Iranian population, and evaluate its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Methods: This case-control study was conducted to investigate EXO1 K589E variant with susceptibility to lung malignancy in the Iranian population. One hundred patients with lung cancer as a patient group and 100 healthy individuals from Khansari Hospital located in Markazi province were studied, from January 2020 to May 2022. DNA extraction from blood samples of participants was done using a kit.   Genotype determination of both patient and control groups was done using PCR-RFLP technique. Finally, statistical results were analyzed using SPSS software and the logistic regression method. Results: Genotype and allele frequency  analysis showed the AA genotype (P=0. 004, OR=5. 391, 95% CI: 1. 690-17. 200) and A allele (P=0. 010, OR=2. 851, 95% CI: 1. 291-6. 300) were correlated with susceptibility to lung cancer. On the other hand, people carrying the G variant allele had a lower risk of lung cancer. Conclusion:  In summary, this study found the AA genotype and A allele of K589E in EXO1 are correlated with risk of lung cancer in Iranians, while the G allele has protective effects. The K589E polymorphism may serve as a prognostic biomarker for lung cancer susceptibility, but more studies with high population size are required

2Background: Foot posture is proposed as an important factor that may affect the lower limb alignment. Variations from the normal foot posture may contribute to musculoskeletal injuries of the lower extremity especially knee joint. Considering variations in foot posture and knee joint alignment, this study aimed to assess and compare pennation angles of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) in women with pronated foot posture and normal ones. Methods: This observational, case-control study was carried out on 31 women with pronated foot posture (foot posture index: 6-12) and 31 women with normal foot posture (foot posture index: 0-5) in the age range of 18 to 35 years old.   Participants were recruited from female students of university communities using Non-probability Sampling method. Sampling was carried out from September 2019 up to February 2020 at the biomechanics laboratory of rehabilitation faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The pennation angle of VMO, VM and VL muscles was measured by using two dimensional. B-mode ultrasound imaging (USI). A 7. 5MHz linear transducer with 50mm footprint was used for the measurements. The ultrasound images were analyzed using Image J software. Three longitudinal scans were captured for each muscle pennation angle while the probe removed between each scan. Results: The results of this study showed that there is no statistical significant difference between the pennation angles of  VMO, VM and VL in women’s foot posture compare to the normal ones (P>0. 05). However, the results of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of USI measurements showed “good” intrarater reliability for VMO (ICC=0. 88), VM (ICC=0. 87) and VL (ICC= 0. 77) pennation angles. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the pennation angle of knee extensor muscles (VMO, VM, and VL), which was measured in non-weight bearing, is not different in young women with pronated foot compared to the normal ones. In addition, USI demonstrated good reliability for measuring VMO, VM and VL pennation angles

2Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) stands out as a significant contributor to congenital viral infections, exhibiting a prevalence ranging from 40% to 90%. Cytomegalovirus has different effects on people, such that it appears without symptoms in people with a healthy immune system, but it leads to severe symptoms in infants and those with a weak immune system. To comprehend the disease's societal prevalence, seroepidemiological investigations are imperative. This study aims to ascertain the serum prevalence of cytomegalovirus and explore potential correlations between age, sex, and the prevalence of CMV in patients attending Shahid Motahari Clinic in Shiraz Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken on 2,469 individuals who assessed their cytomegalovirus antibody levels between March 2019 and February 2023 at Shahid Motahari clinic in Shiraz. The ELISA method was employed to evaluate CMV, and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 software. Chi-square tests and Fisher's exact test were applied to examine the correlation between positive antibody results and age as well as gender. Results: Among the 2469 surveyed people, 658 people (26.65%) were men and 1811 people (73.35%) were women. Based on ELISA test, antibody titer was reported positive in 1157 people (46.9%), including 315 men and 842 women, and 1312 people (53.1%) had negative antibody titer. The highest number of positives is related to IgG, and in IgM, the test results are mostly negative. IgM prevalence showed no gender correlation but demonstrated a significant association with patient age. Meanwhile, IgG prevalence exhibited significant relationships with both age and gender Conclusion: Considering that the city of Shiraz is considered as one of the centers of treatment in the country and a large number of patients from all parts of the country and even neighboring countries come to this city for treatment and especially for the purpose of organ transplantation; also with Considering the 46.9% prevalence of CMV infection in the region, it is recommended to use preventive methods such as vaccine and immunotherapy against CMV infection in patients

2Background: Correct clinical decision-making has a significant impact on the treatment process, achieving the expected clinical outcome and increasing patient satisfaction, and identifying the factors affecting it is essential for evidence-based medical education. This study aimed to determine the relationship between evidence-based medicine with academic self-efficacy and research self-efficacy of medical students. Methods: This descriptive analytical study conducted from October 2022 to October 2023 on 45 medical students at Abadan University of Medical Sciences. After obtaining consent from the students and registering demographic and educational information, data collection was performed using evidence-based medicine, academic self-efficacy, and research self-efficacy questionnaires. Then data analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation coefficient, and regression model in SPSS. Results: The findings of our study showed that research self-efficacy in students who had research experience (189. 03) was significantly higher than students who did not have research experience (140. 76).   In addition, the average score of academic and research self-efficacy and evidence-based medicine in students who had a history of membership in the student research committee was significantly higher than students who did not have a history of membership. Finally, it was found that evidence-based medicine had a direct and significant relationship with research self-efficacy (r=0. 361, P<0. 05) and academic self-efficacy (r=0. 457, P<0. 001). In examining the relationship between academic self-efficacy and research self-efficacy, it was also found that these two variables have a direct and significant relationship with each other (r=0. 714, P<0. 001). As well as, there was no significant relationship between academic self-efficacy, research self-efficacy, and understanding the characteristics of evidence-based practice with any of the variables of age, gender and entry year (P>0. 05). Conclusion:  According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that academic self-efficacy and research self-efficacy have an effect on evidence-based medicine, and all of the above can be improved by teaching  medical students to participate in student research committees and doing research work. In this way, it improves the quality of treatment in doctors

2Background: Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is one of the leading causes of food-borne infections associated with the consumption of contaminated food products of animal origin in humans. gastroenteritis due to Salmonella is usually a self-limiting disease and does not require antibiotic therapy. However, antibiotic treatment for salmonellosis may be lifesaving for patients with severe infections. The objective of the present study was to examine antimicrobial resistance and determine its genetic basis in recently isolated S. Enteritidis strains. Methods: During this study, in a cross-sectional descriptive study, 44 isolates of Salmonella enteritidis from human sources were investigated between September 2021 and September 2022. . After identification of the isolates using phenotypic and molecular methods by Multoplex-PCR, antibiotic resistance testing was performed according CLSI 2023. The strains were examined for the presence of qnrA, qnrB, qnrS and gyrA resistance genes by PCR. Results:  In a cross-sectional descriptive study, 44 isolates of Salmonella Enteritidis from human sources were investigated between September 2022 and September 2023. 100% of the strains were sensitive to imipenem and meropenem, and the sensitivity to the antibiotics ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and cefotaxime were 93. 2%, 90. 9%, and 94. 1%, respectively. 81. 8% of isolates were sensitive to cotrimoxazole, sensitivity to ampicillin was 84. 1%. Only 9. 1% of isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. Based on MIC results, 16 isolates had MIC between 0. 002 and 0. 064 and were placed in the sensitive area. 28 isolates had MIC between 0. 125 and 0. 5 and were placed in the area of reduced sensitivity. None of the strains resistant to disk diffusion method were resistant to MIC method. qnrA, qnrB and qnrS genes were not observed among ciprofloxacin resistant strains. All nalidixic acid resistant strains had gyrA gene. Conclusion: In general, it was shown in this study that the resistance to the fluoroquinolone family is increasing among Salmonella Enteritidis isolates. On the other hand, we see a decrease in the sensitivity and prevalence of strains resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins among serovar Enteritidis, which is the drug of choice for extraintestinal infections

2Background: The study of the angles between the vertebrae and the curvatures of the spine plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of spinal disorders. Among the essential topics, the cervical sagittal parameters are widely used in evaluating cervical spine disorders and surgery. Measurement of cervical lordosis curves in healthy people is influenced by various factors. This study was conducted in order to investigate the average indexes of the cervical vertebrae in simple graphs in normal people. Methods: In this descriptive study, using Gunya and Radiant software, radiographic photographs of the lateral view of the cervical region of 50 people (28 men and 22 women) who were referred for purposes other than problems related to neck pain were examined. Patients who were candidates for surgery and congenital disorders of the cervical spine were excluded. The study was conducted between March to April 2022. In this study, 12 cervical indexes were comprehensively measured and the scope of their changes in relation to age and gender was investigated. The measurements were conducted by an experienced radiologist. Results:  In this study, 50 participants including 28 male (58%) and 22 female (44%) were included in the study. The mean age of participants 38. 42 ± 2. 1 years. After comparing the two genders, except for C0-C2/C2-C7 ratio index (4. 9 in men and 2. 6 in women) (P= 0. 012), no significant difference was seen for other indexes (P> 0. 05). After comparing the two groups, a significant difference was seen only in the T1 slope (T1S) index, which was significantly higher in people over 35 years old than in people under 35 years old (71. 15 vs. 69. 04) (P=0. 049). Conclusion: The evidence from this study shows that T1S increases with age and C0-C2/C2-C7 is significantly less in women than in men. These findings can be used to diagnose pathology or destructive changes in the elderly, to evaluate movement disorders, the effectiveness of treatment, and to determine the outcome

2Background: CSF fluid leakage due to damage to the dura mater layer is a rare complication of spine surgery. One of the methods to control symptoms in case of failure of supportive treatments is to inject the patient's blood into the epidural space at the levels adjacent to the leakage site Case Presentation: The patient is a 56-year-old woman, who suffered a CSF leak after laminectomy of the fourth vertebra. Due to the presence of a surgical incision at the leak site, the lack of access to the epidural space from that location, and disturbing symptoms, caudal space was chosen. Method, In a prone position with vital signs monitoring, proper sedation, and local anesthetic injection, in completely sterile conditions, with the help of fluoroscopy, through the sacral hiatus  Tuohy 18G needle entered into the epidural space and contrast material was injected, the exact location of the needle in the AP-Lateral view ensured, the epidural catheter was measured from the skin to the approximate location of the L4 vertebra and about 20 cm of the catheter was shortened to facilitate blood injection then the catheter was inserted into the epidural space again, the contrast material was injected into the catheter and the diffusion of the contrast material was seen at the level of the fifth vertebra. Then, in the cubital vein, a 16G IV cannula was inserted under completely sterile conditions. Then 20 cc of blood was taken from the patient's peripheral vein and slowly injected into the catheter. After the injection of 17 cc, the patient felt heaviness and pain in the lower back, the blood injection was stopped and the catheter and needle were removed. The needle insertion site was bandaged and the patient with stable vital signs and full consciousness was transferred to the recovery room and then to the ward.  Conclusion: when it is not possible to access the epidural space via the interlaminar approach, the caudal space by inserting a catheter can be a good alternative

2Background: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding, a symptom that can become the cause of a life-threatening condition, has a 33 per 100, 000 prevalence. The origin of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in most cases is the small intestine, colon, or anorectal parts. Surgical consultation in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most necessary measures so that the patient can be treated at the appropriate stage with a greater chance of success before reaching shock. In the case of uncontrolled gastrointestinal bleeding, surgery is recommended as soon as possible when endoscopic and radiological treatments are not possible or effective. Case Presentation: In this article, we present a case of uncontrolled lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a 50-year-old patient who was admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran on December 15, 2021. Despite performing appropriate paraclinic measures such as sonography, endoscopy, and colonoscopy the gastrointestinal bleeding origin was not determined. On the other hand, our investigations showed that she had liver cirrhosis. Due to the instability of the patient's condition due to continued lower gastrointestinal bleeding, the medical team decided to perform surgery. The surgeon noticed that the origin of the bleeding was a vascular entanglement at the small intestine-navel junction, and the procedure involved segmental excision of the small intestine.  Conclusion: In cirrhotic patients, lower gastrointestinal bleeding is an emergency condition, and if the source of the bleeding is not accessible via endoscopy or colonoscopy, diagnosing and treatment become extremely difficult. Computed tomography angiography and subsequent surgery are effective approaches for diagnosing and treating these conditions. When lower gastrointestinal bleeding is uncontrolled, exploratory laparotomy should be considered. Due to the unknown origin of bleeding, exploratory laparotomy may not be successful, so using endoscopy during surgery can help to diagnose the location of the lesion in these cases,However, in some cases despite all measures, the source of bleeding may not be determined, in these case the rate of rebleeding after surgery will be high