IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (IJMS)
Year:2018 | Volume:43 | Issue:1|Papers Count:15

Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease. Benign breast disease (BBD) is one of the most important risk factors for breast cancer. The etiology of BBD is unknown. It is divided into nonproliferative and proliferative diseases. The selection of studies will be based on titles, abstract screening, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and quality assessment. Previous studies have shown that all types of BBD increase the risk of breast cancer, but the risk degree is different for each one. Accurate risk estimation of breast cancer in each category can be very important for proper clinical management. This systematic review and metaanalysis will be conducted on observational studies (traditional case control, nested case control, case cohort, and cohort) published in the Web of Science (ISI), PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Google Scholar, and the key journals of this field such as Breast Cancer Research and Treatment and Cancer Research from January 2000 to June 2015. Reference lists and gray literature will be reviewed too. All the initial retrievals will be performed by 2 researchers independently. The data extraction form will consist of general information concerning the studies, study eligibility, method, risk of bias assessment, and results— including odds ratios, risk ratios, rate ratios, and hazard ratios. The PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines will be used to report our findings.

Background: The highly effective medications in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are stimulants like methylphenidate. However, they have adverse effects like reduced appetite. We investigated the effects of folic acid on reduced appetite caused by the use of methylphenidate in children with ADHD. Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial evaluated 70 outpatients, aged between 6 and 12 years, with a diagnosis of ADHD. The children were recruited from the Outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic of Golestan Hospital (Ahwaz, Iran) between 2016 and 2017. The study subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: Group 1 received an average dose of methylphenidate (1 mg/kg) plus folic acid (5 mg/d) and Group 2 received an average dose of methylphenidate (1 mg/kg) plus a placebo (5 mg of sucrose) for 8 weeks. Assessments, comprising the Conners Parent Questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and appetite questionnaire, were conducted by a psychiatrist at baseline and then at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the medication was started using repeated measure analysis. The data were analyzed with the Mann– Whitney U and ANOVA tests using the SPSS statistical software (v. 18. 0). Results: Age and gender were not associated with the groups. Weight, height, and the body mass index were not changed during the study in both groups. ADHD symptoms significantly decreased in both groups during the trial; however, no difference was observed between the groups. Moreover, appetite was significantly improved in Group 1. Both medications were well tolerated. Conclusion: It seems that folic acid improved the reduced appetite caused by the use of methylphenidate in our children with ADHD.

Background: Low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium are necessary for sperm function. NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) is a membrane enzyme which produces ROS. This enzyme is dependent on calcium for its activity. We investigated the importance of NOX5 and an important calcium channel (CatSper) on sperm function. Methods: This laboratory in-vitro study was done in Shiraz, Iran, 2016. Normal semen samples (n=24) were washed and diluted to 20×106 sperm/mL. The diluted samples were divided into 8 groups, containing Ham’ s F-10 (control group), 2 μ M of NNC (CatSper channel inhibitor), 1 μ M DPI (NOX5 inhibitor), and NNC+DPI. The other 4 groups were the same as the 1st ones, except that they contained 1 μ M of progesterone. Motility assessment was done by VT– Sperm 3. 1. Acrosome status was monitored with acrosome-specific FITC-PSA using fluorescent microscopy. Sperm viability was assessed by Eosin Y. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16 software. The comparison between the groups was done using the one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey. A P<0. 05 was considered significant. Results: The percentage of motile sperm, sperm velocity, and viability decreased significantly in the groups containing NNC. DPI reduced sperm progressive motility only in the progesteronestimulated condition. Progesterone induced acrosome reaction, but this effect was inhibited by NNC and DPI. Conclusion: CatSper had a prominent role in the motility, acrosome reaction, and viability of the human sperm. The function of NOX5 was important only in the stimulated sperm. We conclude that CatSper has a more prominent role than NOX5 activity. The functional relation between NOX5 and CatSper is not clear but is very probable.

Background: Studies have shown that zinc and selenium deficiency is common in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the effects of zinc and selenium co-supplementation before and/or after disease progression on NAFLD are not clear enough. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of zinc and selenium co-supplementation before and/or after disease progression on NAFLD prognosis. Methods: Forty male Sprague– Dawley rats (197± 4 g) were randomly assigned to 4 dietary groups: normal-fat diet (NFD; receiving 9% of calories as fat), high-fat diet (HFD; receiving 82% of calories as fat), supplementation before disease progression (S+HFD), and supplementation after disease progression (HFD+S). The diets were implemented over a 20-week period in all the groups. Biochemical and histologic parameters were compared between the 4 groups, and betweengroup comparisons were also carried out. Results: There were significant differences in the average food dietary intake (P<0. 001), weight (P<0. 001), fasting blood sugar (P=0. 005), triglyceride (P<0. 001), total cholesterol (P<0. 001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0. 002), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0. 001), alanine aminotransferase (P<0. 001), and aspartate aminotransferase (P<0. 001) between the 4 dietary groups. Serum triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly lower in the HFD+S Group than in the S+HFD Group (P<0. 001 and P=0. 003, respectively). Fat accumulation was significantly reduced in the HFD+S Group (P<0. 001). Conclusion: Zinc and selenium co-supplementation after disease progression improved biochemical and histologic parameters in an experimental model of NAFLD.

Background: Probiotics are microorganisms that may influence brain function via altering brain neurochemistry. New research evidence suggests that probiotic bacteria might protect tissue damage through diminishing the production of free radicals and/or inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of probiotic bacteria on the prevention or reduction of brain damage in an experimental model of stroke in mice. Methods: In this study, 30 male BLC57 mice were randomly divided into 6 equal groups. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced via middle cerebral artery occlusion for 45 minutes, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion, in the mice. Probiotics at a concentration of 107 CFU/mL were administered by oral gavage daily for 14 days before ischemia. Infarct size, neurological outcome, and biochemical markers were measured 24 hours after brain ischemia. Statistical analysis were performed using the one-way ANOVA and/or Kruskal– Wallis ANOVA on rank by Sigma Stat (2. 0; Jandel Scientific) software. Results: Our results indicated that pretreatment with probiotics significantly reduced infarct size by 52% (P=0. 001) but could not improve neurological function (P=0. 26). Moreover, the administration of probiotics significantly decreased the malondialdehyde content (P=0. 001) and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha level (P=0. 004) in the ischemic brain tissue. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that probiotic supplements might be useful in the prevention or attenuation of brain ischemic injury in patients at risk of stroke. Probiotics may open new therapeutic alternatives for the prevention of stroke. More preclinical and clinical studies are, however, needed to clarify their efficacy in cerebral stroke.

Background: Lutein, a carotenoid compound, has previously been studied for its antioxidant and medicinal properties as well as the moderate protection it confers against gamma radiation. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of lutein against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical changes in mice. Methods: The optimized dose of the compound was orally administered for 15 days, and the mice were irradiated (6 Gy) on day 15 after the administration of the compound. The groups were divided (6 mice in each group) into normal control, radiation control, gallic acid control, 10% DMSO control, lutein control, and irradiated groups pretreated with gallic acid, 10% DMSO, and lutein. Gallic acid was used to maintain a standard since it is a proven radioprotector. Within 24 hours post irradiation, the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed. The hematological, biochemical, and antioxidant changes were determined using suitable methods. Data were analyzed by the Kaplan– Meier curve (log-rank test) and ANOVA (the Tukey test). The independent t test was used to compare the independent groups. SPSS (ver. 16) was employed. Results: Maximum survival was observed with a dose of 250 mg/kg b. wt lutein. The total leukocyte count and the percentage lymphocyte count exhibited a significant decline in the irradiated groups pretreated with gallic acid and lutein in comparison to their controls, whereas the percentage granulocyte count showed a significant rise. Antioxidant activity had markedly declined in the irradiated groups, indicating oxidative stress. Lutein pretreatment reduced the damage and maintained the antioxidant system. Conclusion: The present study suggests a protective role for lutein in palliating radiation-induced oxidative changes and maintaining the antioxidant system in vivo.

Background: Plants are an important natural source of compounds used in cancer therapy. Pancratium maritimum contains potential anti-cancer agents such as alkaloids. In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effects of P. maritimum extracts on MDA-MB-231 human epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line and on normal lymphocytes in vitro. Methods: Leaves, flowers, roots, and bulbs of P. maritimum were collected and their contents were extracted and diluted to different concentrations that were applied on MDA-MB-231 cells and normal human lymphocytes in vitro for different intervals. Cells viability, proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and growth were evaluated by flow cytometry and microscopy. Parametric unpaired t-test was used to compare effects of plant extracts on treated cell cultures with untreated control cell cultures. IC50 was also calculated. Results: P. maritimum extract had profound effects on MDA-MB-321 cells. It inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner. The IC50 values were 0. 039, 0. 035, and 0. 026 mg/ml after 48, 72, and 96 hours of treatment with 0. 1 mg/ml concentration of bulb extract, respectively. Those values were 0. 051 and 0. 03 mg/ml after 72 and 96 hours for root extract, respectively, and 0. 048 mg/ml after 96 hours for flower extract. There were no significant effects of P. maritimum bulb extracts on normal lymphocytes proliferation. Conclusion: P. maritimum extract has anti-proliferative effects on MDA-MB-231 cell line in vitro. The effects imply the involvement of mechanisms that inhibits cell growth and arresting cells at S and G2/M phases. Cyclin B1, Bcl-2, and Ki67 expression was also affected.

Anogenital warts (AGW) are one of the most common venereal diseases. Psychosocial complications and quality of life (QoL) of AGW patients have been considered only in recent years. Herein, the QoL and psychopathology in patients with AGW are evaluated. In total, 37 AGW patients and 37 healthy controls were recruited in the present cross-sectional study. All participants were provided with the symptom checklist 90-R (SCL-90-R) and short-form (SF-36) questionnaires. All analyses were performed using the SPSS software, version 16. 0. 1 for Windows. QoL was not significantly different between the study groups (P=0. 12). The data showed that mental health, general health, and social functioning were significantly decreased in AGW patients (P<0. 05). In addition, AGW patients were significantly more depressed and anxious than the control group (P=0. 01 and P=0. 04, respectively). AGW has adverse effects on psychological and QoL elements of the infected individuals. Psychological factors should be carefully considered when treating a patient with the HPV virus; hence, referral to a psychiatrist seems mandatory in these cases.

Several techniques have been proposed to prevent hypotension in obstetric patients. Ephedrine and phenylephrine are individually used to prevent maternal hypotension; however, each has its own drawbacks. Some researchers have reported that the infusion of combined ephedrine and phenylephrine immediately after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery reduces the incidence of maternal hypotension. Other studies have indicated that the combination is not superior to the infusion of an individual agent. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of prophylactic infusion of ephedrine and phenylephrine before the induction of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section on maternal hemodynamic. In a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial study, 90 pregnant women that underwent elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were recruited. Before the spinal anesthesia, the infusion of combined ephedrine and phenylephrine during 15 minutes (study group) or serum NaCl 0. 9% (placebo group) was performed. Hemodynamic parameters and fetal blood gas were recorded. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software, version 16. 0. The results showed that hypotension and bradycardia after spinal anesthesia were less in the study group. The need for vasopressors and inotropes to treat hypotension, nausea, and vomiting were higher in the placebo group. First-and fifth-minute Apgar scores were higher in the study group. The prophylactic infusion of low-dose ephedrine and phenylephrine before spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery can be used to decrease the frequency and severity of maternal hypotension and its side effects to the mother and neonate.

Single spinal anesthesia in transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) has been reported to be unable to prevent obturator nerve stimulation and adductor muscle contraction, which can cause complications like bladder perforation. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the classic and inguinal approaches for obturator nerve block (ONB ). Seventy patients with cancers of the lateral wall of the bladder, scheduled to undergo TURBT at Imam Reza Hospital (Tabriz, Iran) during a 6-month period as of June 2016, were randomly allocated to groups of inguinal and classic methods (n=35). After the infusion of 500 mL of normal saline, spinal anesthesia was commenced using 3 mL (15 mg) of bupivacaine. Then ONB was performed using 10 mL of 1% lidocaine via the inguinal or classic approach in the inguinal group or the classic group, respectively. The success rate, defined as lack of post-block contraction with stimulation or during surgery, number of puncture attempts, time of block onset, and patient and surgeon satisfaction, was compared between the 2 methods using SPSS, version 19. The success rate of ONB was significantly higher in the inguinal group (97. 1% vs. 71. 4%; P=0. 003). The number of puncture attempts in the classic group was more than that in the inguinal group (3. 71± 1. 10 vs. 1. 66± 0. 68, respectively; P<0. 001). The block onset time was shorter in the inguinal group (1. 5± 0. 66 min vs. 2. 9± 1. 18 min; P<0. 001). Dissatisfaction of the patient (19 cases vs. 2 cases) and the surgeon (10 cases vs. no case) was higher in the classic group (P<0. 001). Compared to the classic approach, the inguinal approach for ONB appeared to be an easily performable, effective block with a high success rate, rapid onset, and good patient and surgeon satisfaction.

Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is a rare disorder characterized by pachydermia, digital clubbing, periostitis, and an excess of affected males. It is the primary form of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) and there are some rare associations of PDP with other disorders. Here we describe a patient with Crohn’ s disease associated with PDP. A 26-year-old man, who was a known case of Crohn’ s disease, referred with diffuse swelling in the upper and lower limbs and cutis verticis gyrata since 7 years ago. PDP was suspected and endocrinological and radiological studies were conducted for the evaluation of underlying disease. He was prescribed celecoxib, lowdose prednisolone, and pamidronate to control the swelling, periostitis, azathiopurine, and mesalazine according to gastrointestinal involvement. In conclusion, it is important to identify this condition since a misdiagnosis might subject the patient to unnecessary investigations.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory vasculitis. KD is classified into two groups based on clinical characteristics criteria, namely classic and incomplete. Cerebral vascular abnormality, especially arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is very rare and unusual in KD. Here, we report a 4-year-old boy who was referred to our tertiary pediatric center with abrupt right hemiparesis and aphasia. At admission time, he had febrile illness and was toxic. On physical examination, we found unilateral left submandibular lymphadenopathy. On neurologic examination, we obtained right sided hemiparesis with hemiparetic gait and aphasia. His deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) of right extremities were exaggerated and his sensory system was intact. Based on these features, some differential diagnoses were suggested, such as acute encephalitis with focal signs, brain abscess, cerebral vasculitis, hemorrhagic insults, and ischemic stroke, etc. After a complete evaluation, especially brain MRI and MRA, our diagnosis was arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) following atypical KD. Based on these findings, we administered intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG 2 gm/kg) and oral high dose aspirin (100 mg/kg/d). He responded to these anti-inflammatory treatments dramatically.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid. It is stated that lung is the most common site of metastasis followed by bone. The incidence of paranasal sinus (PNS) metastasis is fairly uncommon in case of thyroid carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, no case of metastatic PTC to nasal cavity has been reported. In this case report, we present the first case of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with nasal cavity metastases in a 55-yearold female. The patient underwent surgical treatment and the mass was completely removed and sent for pathology. The pathology report revealed that it was metastatic papillary cell carcinoma. Surgical approach is usually difficult in view of the cosmetic and functional concerns, but may be considered in selected cases. As described herein, this rare type of metastasis was successfully removed and the patient was symptoms free after 1-year follow-up.

Pseudotumour is a benign inflammatory lesion. Mycobacterial spindle cell pseudotumour (MSP) is a rare pseudotumour. It is a benign proliferation of spindle-shaped histiocytes containing acidfast mycobacterium, commonly reported in immunocompromised patients. MSP is usually associated with mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Here, we present the case of a 38-year-old gentleman with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) who presented with low-grade fever for 1-month duration. Clinically, he had generalised lymphadenopathy. Chest X-ray showed miliary infiltration in bilateral lung fields. Lymph nodal biopsy showed spindle-shaped histiocytes filled with acid-fast bacilli on Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain, suggestive of MSP. Immunohistochemical (IHC) stains were positive for CD68, S-100 and negative for CD31, which are consistent with MSP. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the biopsy tissue was positive for MTB. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was continued and antitubercular therapy (ATT) was started. The fever resolved within two weeks and there was a resolution of lymph nodal swelling by 6 weeks. The diagnosis of MSP associated with mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) makes our case interesting. It is of utmost importance to differentiate MSP from Kaposi’ s sarcoma (KS) and other pseudotumours and to know whether it is of tubercular or non-tubercular origin, as the treatment is entirely different.

Dear Editor Primordial odontogenic tumor (POT) has been included as a new entity in a recent WHO (2017) classification of odontogenic tumors under benign mixed mesenchymal and epithelial tumors. 1 Although there is controversy regarding the true nature of POT as a newly-recognized embryonal neoplasm of immature dental tissue exhibiting progressive growth potential or just a histopathological variant of ameloblastic fibroma, or odontogenic myxoma/fibroma. 2 Only 8 cases of POT have been reported in the literature so far....