Samaneh Khorrami; Masoumeh Tavakoli; Elahe Safari
Abstract
Background and Objective: S100A8/A9 is a heterodimer calcium-binding protein which is involved in tumor cell proliferation, adhesion and invasion, and is proposed as a biomarker for better diagnosis and prognosis in many cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the simultaneous serum-based level ...
Read More
Background and Objective: S100A8/A9 is a heterodimer calcium-binding protein which is involved in tumor cell proliferation, adhesion and invasion, and is proposed as a biomarker for better diagnosis and prognosis in many cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the simultaneous serum-based level of S100A8/A9 and CA15-3 as well-illustrated cancer biomarkers, as well as their prognostic value in breast cancer patients and healthy matched controls. Material and Methods: Thirty breast cancer patients at different stages of disease and healthy matched controls with no history of inflammatory, autoimmune diseases, or cancer, were enrolled in the study. The levels of S100A8/A9 and CA15-3 were assessed serologically using the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and the relevance of these markers with patients’ clinicopathological features were subsequently assessed. Results: Based on our data, the serum levels of both S100A8/A9 and CA15-3 were significantly higher in patients compared to the healthy controls, and thus positively correlated with tumor size. Also, statistical analysis shows that the serum level of S100A8/A9 has 100% specificity and sensitivity (AUC = 1.00, 95% CI) for the diagnosis of breast cancer patients. Conclusion: According to our data as well as other observations, the S100A8/A9 heterodimer can be considered as a potential biomarker for the proper diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.
Ali Jazayeri Moghadas; Gholamreza Irajian
Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2009, , Pages 105-108
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in the human population, and more frequent infection during pregnancy. With notice to this point that most of urinary tract infections during pregnancy are asymptomatic, they could lead to serious ...
Read More
Background and Objectives: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in the human population, and more frequent infection during pregnancy. With notice to this point that most of urinary tract infections during pregnancy are asymptomatic, they could lead to serious complications such as prematurity, low-birth weight, hypertension, and higher fetal mortality rates ifuntreated. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, bacterial agents and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in pregnant womenattendingSemnan public health centers during 2007-8. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study,pregnant women attending Semnan public health centers during May 2007 and June 2008 were investigated. Clean catch mid stream urine samples were collected and cultured on Eosin Metylene Blue agar and Blood agar by calibrated loop method. Suspected colonies were identified, antibiotic susceptibility test was done. Results: Of 297 samples, 10 (3.3%) were positive for asymptomatic urinary tract infection. The dominant bacterial isolate was Escherichia coli (70%). The antibiotic susceptibility was observed to ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime and cefotaxime (80%), the most resistance was amoxicillin- clavulanic acid (90%). Conclusion: Frequency of asymptomatic UTI in pregnant women in this study is significantly lower than similar studies. Antibiotic susceptibility rate to using antibiotics do not show significant differences with most other studies.
Ali Yaghoubi; Payam Azadeh; KhosroM M Sheibani; Mohammad Foudazi; Behrouz Shafaghi; Manouchehr Davaei
Volume 6, Issue 3 , June 2011, , Pages 110-116
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To compare pathologic complete response (pCR) in patients with advanced rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACT) by 5-FU or Xeloda (capecitabine) with and without Eloxatin (oxaloplatin injection).
Materials and Methods: Seventy-five consecutive ...
Read More
Background and Objectives: To compare pathologic complete response (pCR) in patients with advanced rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACT) by 5-FU or Xeloda (capecitabine) with and without Eloxatin (oxaloplatin injection).
Materials and Methods: Seventy-five consecutive patients with the diagnosis of advanced rectal adenocarcinoma were included. Two basic chemotherapy regimens were used: one drug (5-FU or Xeloda) or two-drug (5-U or Xeloda with Eloxatin). Endpoints were pCR and preservation of sphincter during surgery through low anterior resection (LAR). All analyses were done using SPSS software version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL).
Results: There were no significant differences between the group of patients who received one-drug regimen with those who received two-drug regimen regarding the pCR (four cases (23.5%) versus 25 vases (43.1%)) state or the type of surgery performed [nine cases (52.9%) versus 36 cases (62.1%)].
Conclusion: Adding Eloxatin to the standard treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma (5-FU based) did not yield in a higher pCR or a higher chance to preserve the anal sphincter.
Microbiology
Faezeh Ghasemi; Majid Ghayour Mobarhan; Hamed Gouklani; Zahra Meshkat
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for a vast majority of liver failure cases. HCV is a kind of blood disease appraised to chronically infect 3% of the worlds’ population causing significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a complete knowledge of humoral responses against HCV, resulting ...
Read More
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for a vast majority of liver failure cases. HCV is a kind of blood disease appraised to chronically infect 3% of the worlds’ population causing significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a complete knowledge of humoral responses against HCV, resulting antibodies, and virus-receptor and virus-antibody interactions, are essential to design a vaccine. HCV epitopes or full sequence of HCV proteins can induce HCV specific immune responses. In fact, structural proteins are usually the main target of humoral responses and non-structural proteins are usually the main target of cellular responses. Hence, various vaccines based on distinct antigenic combinations are developed to prevent HCV infection and the current study tried to summarize them.
Hamid Galehdari; Fariborz Soheili; Ali Mohammad Foroughmand; Abdolreza Masjedizadeh
Volume 5, Issue 3 , June 2010, , Pages 116-120
Abstract
Objectives and Background: Mutation directed inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 have been found incountries with high frequency for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Our goal in the present study was screening of the p53 gene in tumor tissues from HCC affected individuals in southwest ...
Read More
Objectives and Background: Mutation directed inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 have been found incountries with high frequency for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Our goal in the present study was screening of the p53 gene in tumor tissues from HCC affected individuals in southwest Iran for putative mutations in exons 7 and 8 that are known as hot spot regions. Materials & Methods: A total of 25 archival formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples prepared from 1997 to 2006 were collected from hospitals in southwest and northwest of Iran. We examined the codon 249 within the exon 7 using RFLP as well the full-length sequencing of exons 7 and 8. Results: The samples were diagnosed as HCC and classified in four groups, well differentiated (39%), moderately differentiated (54%), poorly differentiated (4.5%) and undifferentiated (2.5%). The hepatitis B virus (HBV) was detected in 16% (n=7) and 11% (n=5) of patient’s sera that were affected with liver cirrhosis. No patient was infected with hepatitis C virus. However, in one tumor sample a homozygote mutation was detected at codon 302. Conclusion: In contrast to the numerous reports, particularly from Asian countries, the selected HCC patients in this study show a very low mutation rate in the hot spot regions of the p53 gene. However, further mutation studies have to be conducted for the whole length of the p53 gene for more evaluation.
Alireza Abdollahi; Reza Shahsiah; Mohssen Nassiri Toosi; Manije Lak; Katayoun Karimi; Mohammadreza Managhchi; Katayoun Samimi-rad
Volume 3, Issue 3 , June 2008, , Pages 119-124
Abstract
Background and Objective: Although transfusion therapy has lead to great improvement in longevity for hemophiliacs, but there have been tragic setbacks especially from transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) .HIV was reported to increase the rate of HCV-related ...
Read More
Background and Objective: Although transfusion therapy has lead to great improvement in longevity for hemophiliacs, but there have been tragic setbacks especially from transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) .HIV was reported to increase the rate of HCV-related liver failure by 4.2 times. In this study, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HIV and HCV, the association of HCV with abnormal liver tests, impact of HIV on HCV-related abnormalities and the distribution of HCV genotypes in Iranian hemophiliacs. Patients and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we determined virological, clinical and epidemiological characteristics for HIV and HCV infection of 236 hemophiliacs attending our center. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: Ten (4.7%) out of 211 patients tested were HIV seropositive and 145 (83.3%) were HCV seropositive. All tested positive HIV patients also had HCV. HCV seroprevalence was significantly higher in patients with hemophilia A and B as compared to other congenital coagulopathies and it was directly related to coagulation severity. HCV seroprevalence was lower in hemophiliacs with positive HBsAg (p = 0.03) but it did not differ by HBcAb or HBsAb results. HCV genotype 1a (48.5%) was predominant type and genotype 3a (33.3%) was also common. Frequency of abnormal aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase liver enzymes was significantly higher in the HCV positive group (p = 0.006). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that hepatitis c virus infection is a major problem for Iranian hemophiliacs and it has higher prevalence in hemophiliacs with higher age, more severe coagulopathies, abnormal alanine aminotransferase level, and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection.
Infectious Diseases
Mohamad Javad Zahedi; Sara Shafieipour; Mohammad Mahdi Hayatbakhsh Abbasi; Nader Pourjamali; Mohsen Nakhaie; Javad Charostad; Mohammad Rezaei Zadeh Rukerd; Mohammad Mehdi Lashkarizadeh; Fatemeh Karami Robati; Azam Dehghani; Yunes Jahani; Seyed Mohamad Ali Arabzadeh; Hamid Reza Mollaei; Ebrahim Ranjbar
Abstract
Background & Objective: Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection may be common in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) patients and may lead to chronic infection as well as cirrhosis. We intended to determine the incidence of HEV infection among HIV-1 patients in comparison to individuals without HIV-1 ...
Read More
Background & Objective: Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection may be common in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) patients and may lead to chronic infection as well as cirrhosis. We intended to determine the incidence of HEV infection among HIV-1 patients in comparison to individuals without HIV-1 infection.Methods: In our cross-sectional study, 87 HIV-1-positive patients were compared to 93 healthy individuals in Kerman, Iran. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from all participants. Plasmas were evaluated for HEV IgM and IgG using the ELISA kit. Then, reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nested PCR) was used in RNA extractions from PBMCs to check for the presence of HEV RNA.Results: Among the subjects examined in our study, 61 (70.1%) and 71 (77.4%) out of patients with HIV-1 infection and healthy individuals were male, respectively. The average ages of patients with HIV-1 and the control group were 40.2 years and 39.9 years, respectively. No discernible differences existed between the two groups based on IgM and IgG seropositivity against the HEV. However, HEV-RNA was found in 8% of patients with HIV-1 and 1.1% of HIV-1-negative individuals (P=0.03). There was also an association between the HEV genome and anti-HEV and anti-HCV antibodies in HIV-1-positive patients (P=0.02 and P=0.014, respectively).Conclusion: HEV infection was more common in HIV-1 patients and may develop a chronic infection in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we suggest molecular-based HEV diagnostic tests, including RT-PCR assays, should be performed in HIV-1 patients with unknown impaired liver function tests.
Farahnaz Bineshian; Gholamreza Irajian; Seyed Kaveh Koochak-Alavi; Mohammad Reza Fredonian
Volume 1, Issue 4 , September 2006, , Pages 141-144
Abstract
Background and Objective: Otitis externa is a common condition affecting the external auditory canal. Predisposing factors implicated in the pathogenesis of the condition include preexisting aural disease, genetic factors, infection, trauma, and climatic conditions. Bacteria are the most common cause ...
Read More
Background and Objective: Otitis externa is a common condition affecting the external auditory canal. Predisposing factors implicated in the pathogenesis of the condition include preexisting aural disease, genetic factors, infection, trauma, and climatic conditions. Bacteria are the most common cause of infection and fungi play a smaller but significant role in the disease. Otomycosis is characterized by inflammation, pruritus, pain, and scaling, usually in a unilateral pattern. Otomycosis has a worldwide distribution with a higher prevalence in the hot, humid, and dusty climate of the tropical and subtropical regions. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of mycotic infections in inflammatory conditions of the ear and to determine fungal species responsible for otitis. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 70 cases who presented with symptoms of otitis from September 2000 to December 2003. Patients were admitted in ENT clinic of Amir- Al-Momenin hospital. To determine the species of fungi present in the ears, samples were collected from the external auditory meatus using sterile swabs for mycological examination. These specimens were processed at the department of microbiology. A part of the samples was used for direct microscopy in 10% potassium hydroxide and Gram’s method was employed to stain the smears from all specimens cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose agar with chloramphenicol (Sc). To identify yeasts, assimilation tests were used by API 20C AUX. Results: Otomycosis was diagnosed in 8 (11. 4%) of 70 investigated patients. Yeast species responsible for otitis were classified as belonging to the genus Candida. The most frequent fungal species detected were Candida parapsilosis (5 cases), Candida glabrata (2 cases), Candida.krusei (1 case). In other patients, the bacterial agents isolated were as follow as: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticus, and Enterobacteriaceae. Conclusion: In the present study fungi on average were the etiological factor of otomycosis in 11.4% of cases. A similar rate for ear fungal infections was observed by Kurnatowski and Filipiak. In order to solve the therapeutic difficulties and to apply the most adequate treatment, comprehensive mycological examinations, often avoided during routine clinical procedures, must be performed. Underestimation and sometimes ignorance of the role of these pathogens in the etiology of diseases of the ear may lead to a prolonged and/or ineffective treatment of patients.
Sara Jam; Duman Sabzevari; Arezoo Aghakhani; Ali Eslamifar; Mohammad Banifazl; Amitis Ramezani
Volume 2, Issue 4 , September 2007, , Pages 144-148
Abstract
Background and Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a frequent cause of nosocomial infections, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). Many reports have documented high rates of resistance in this species to commonly-used broad-spectrum antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the ...
Read More
Background and Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a frequent cause of nosocomial infections, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). Many reports have documented high rates of resistance in this species to commonly-used broad-spectrum antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro activity of some antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains to determine the susceptibility patterns of isolates to different antibiotics. Materials and Methods: A total of 233 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from various clinical specimens of hospitalized children in Ali-Asghar hospital of Tehran (Iran) were considered for susceptibility test. These strains were tested against 12 different antibiotics by a disk diffusion method. Of these isolates, 33.9% were from trachea, 31.8% from urine, 6.9% from eye, 5.2% from blood, 5.1% from ear, 1.3% from cerebrospinal fluid, 1.2% from stool, and 14.6% from other sites. In addition, 48.5% of P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from patients in ICUs. Results: The most active antimicrobials were amikacin and other active compounds were gentamicin, ceftazidime, and ciprofloxacin respectively. Isolates from ICUs were more resistant to amikacin and gentamicin as compared to those from non-ICU wards (p<0.05). Isolates from trachea were more resistant to amikacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime than those from other sites (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our study showed that amikacin was the most active agent against P. aeruginosa followed by gentamycin, ceftazidime, and ciprofloxacin. According to our in vitro study results, active antibiotic susceptibility testing and surveillance should be continued in order to curtail the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Mohammad Hossein Ghaini; Shaghayegh Sadat Esmailnejad; Ali Davati
Volume 7, Issue 3 , July 2012, , Pages 145-150
Abstract
Background and Aims: Immunohistochemical tests are one of the most important tests, which are under study to determine the prognosis of the cancers such as transitional cell carcinoma. By the time, flexible cystoscopy and urine cytology are the routine tests for following up the patients with transitional ...
Read More
Background and Aims: Immunohistochemical tests are one of the most important tests, which are under study to determine the prognosis of the cancers such as transitional cell carcinoma. By the time, flexible cystoscopy and urine cytology are the routine tests for following up the patients with transitional cell carcinoma, which are both operator dependent. On the other hand, cystoscopy is an invasive method, and urine cytology is a method with low sensitivity. The aim of this study was to determine CK20 in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of bladder and its relation with prognostic factors, which are the stage and the grade of the tumor.
Materials and Methods: Our study was done in Mostafa Khomeini Hospital from 2007 to 2010 on the 2001 to 2009 stored information files, included 53 patients diagnosed as transitional cell carcinoma of bladder (TCC) of different stages and grades that were underwent total cystectomy. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on tissue sections with specific CK20 antibody. Then the samples were studied by light microscope so positive and negative cases were identified.
Results: According to statistical analysis there were significant reverse relationship between CK20 and stage, and significant reverse relationship between CK20 and grade (P= 0.000).
Conclusion: Immunohistochemical study of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of bladder in order to identify CK20 can be a useful method to determine the prognosis of these patients.
Alireza Abdollahi; Sara Sheikhbahaei; Somaye Safinejad; Issa Jahanzad
Volume 8, Issue 3 , July 2013, , Pages 147-152
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The most prevalent malignancy among women is known to be breast cancer (BC). Several factors contribute to determining tumor prognosis and treatment strategies. In this study, the frequency and relevance of these factors are discussed.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional ...
Read More
Background and Objectives: The most prevalent malignancy among women is known to be breast cancer (BC). Several factors contribute to determining tumor prognosis and treatment strategies. In this study, the frequency and relevance of these factors are discussed.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 214 patients with BC, who referred to the Cancer Institute of Imam Hospital complex, Tehran, Iran in 2010 and 2011. The data about biomarkers (ER, PR, P53, HER-2) status and clinic pathologic features were extracted from patients files.
Results: Invasive ductal carcinoma (90.7%) was the most common pathology of BC. The frequency of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), P53 and HER2 was estimated as 63.6%, 58.9%, 37.4% and 21.9% respectively. None of these markers had significant relationship with age, tumor size, tumor pathology, vascular invasion, calcification, nipple invasion, benign component, skin invasion and mitosis. Between low grade histology of tumor and ER, PR significant positive relationship was found (P=0.001). Lymph node involvement was positively associated with P53 expression. A positive relationship found between ER and PR (P=0.001). Both P53 and HER-2 inversely correlate with ER, PR (P=0.001). HER2 and P53 had no significant relationship.
Conclusion: We found a significantly higher PR(+), ER(+) expression in low grade tumors. Although P53 and HER2 expressions were not found to be correlated with tumor grade, P53 expression was associated with poorer prognosis due to higher lymph node involvement and perineural invasion.
Mohsen Mirzaee; Parviz Owlia; Mohammad Reza Mehrabi; Amir Gharib
Volume 4, Issue 4 , September 2009, , Pages 151-156
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The most common problems limiting the medical use of aminoglycosides have been the nephro- and oto-toxicities as well as the increasing bacterial resistance. Encapsulation of drugs into liposomes enhances their efficacy while reducing their toxicities. The aim of this ...
Read More
Background and Objectives: The most common problems limiting the medical use of aminoglycosides have been the nephro- and oto-toxicities as well as the increasing bacterial resistance. Encapsulation of drugs into liposomes enhances their efficacy while reducing their toxicities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of free and liposomal amikacin. Material and Methods: Encapsulated amikacin into liposome was prepared by sonication. The drug contained in the liposome was measured by HPLC after lysis of vesicles by 0.2% Triton X-100. The amikacin kinetic released from liposomes in the presence of normal human pooled plasma was also evaluated. The MICs of this drug for Pseudomonas. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia. coli (ATCC 25922), Streptococcus. faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Staphylococcus. aureuse (ATCC 29213) were determined and compared to those of the respective free drug using a broth dilution method. Results: In the presence of plasma, liposomal retention of amikacin was 80.25 ± 0.55% (P ≤ 0.05) after 1 h of incubation and then remained nearly constant over a 24 h period of the study. The encapsulation efficiency of liposomal preparation was 24.36% ± 0.14 (P ≤ 0.05) of the initial amount of the drug in solution. The MICs of liposomal amikacin against all bacterial strains tested were lower than MICs of free amikacin. Conclusion: The amikacin appears a promising approach in the management of bacterial infections and should be further evaluated in vivo experiments.
Volume 6, Issue 4 , September 2011, , Pages 173-178
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Significant progress has been made in treatment of hemophilia. Ex-vivo gene therapy is going popular due to the capability of this method in using isogenic cells for genetic manipulation and reintroducing them into same host after proliferation. Most gene therapy techniques ...
Read More
Background and Objectives: Significant progress has been made in treatment of hemophilia. Ex-vivo gene therapy is going popular due to the capability of this method in using isogenic cells for genetic manipulation and reintroducing them into same host after proliferation. Most gene therapy techniques use viral vectors, which usually harbor a strong and non-specific promoter (e.g. CMV early promoter) for driving the downstream gene. This may be a disadvantage due to uncontrollable nature of gene expression. In addition, considering the potentials of recently introduced stem cells as reservoirs and their potential to differentiate to other cell lines, uncontrolled expression may have unknown outcomes. To make gene therapy of hemophilia more resembling to the nature, we supposed F8 promoter might be a good candidate for driving downstream F8 coding sequence.
Materials and Methods: To test our hypothesis, we designed and constructed a DNA construct by PCR, which harbors EGFP coding sequence downstream to mouse F8 promoter and transfected it to a mouse hepatoma cell line. Transfection was assayed qualitatively by fluorescent microscopy.
Results: Fluorescence was detected in transfected cells a sign of presence of EGFP.
Conclusion: F8 promoter can drive expression of downstream genes, a capability which and may have potential to be used in gene therapy of hemophilia. A conclusion that should be examined by further studies.
Mohammad Hassan Ghosian Moghaddam; Hossin Ayatollahi; Fatemeh Ghafarirad; Maryam Maleki; Ali Davati
Volume 5, Issue 4 , September 2010, , Pages 173-177
Abstract
Background and Objective: Prostate cancer is a prevalent disease around the world. The prostatic specific Antigen (PSA) test has recently proved itself as a useful method for the diagnosis and examination of patients with prostatic cancer. The objective of this study was to compare the stability of free ...
Read More
Background and Objective: Prostate cancer is a prevalent disease around the world. The prostatic specific Antigen (PSA) test has recently proved itself as a useful method for the diagnosis and examination of patients with prostatic cancer. The objective of this study was to compare the stability of free PSA and total PSA in different storage settings. Materials and Methods: Samples were obtained from 12 men, within the range of 50-70 yr old, who referred to Hazrat-e-Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran . The sera were separated via centrifuge and stored at room temperature (21-24ºC) for 3, 6, and 9 hours; at 4ºC for 24, 48, and 72 hours; and at -20ºC for 1, 2, and 3 months. Finally, the stability of PSA was compared to that of the control group. The data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS and paired t-test and repeated measure. Results:In comparison with the average of the control samples, after 3 hours of storage at room temperature, the free PSA concentration had a 30% drop; and after 72 hours of storage in the refrigerator, the average of free PSA had a 34% fall. In addition, the average of the free PSA concentration kept in the freezer for 3 months exhibited an 11% drop. However, the average of total PSA kept in the refrigerator for 72 hours dropped by 6.9%. Finally, over 2 months of storage in the freezer, the average of the total PSA concentration exhibited a decrease of 10.6%. Conclusion: Free PSA, when compared to total PSA in terms of time and storage temperature, shows less stability.
Mitra Mehrazma; Khadijeh Arjomandi Rafsanjani; Behzad Torkamanipoor
Volume 3, Issue 4 , September 2008, , Pages 179-182
Abstract
Background and Objective: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGF-R1 and R2) are major regulators of angiogenesis. This study was designed to assess serum levels of VEGF and VEGF-R1 and their prognostic significance in newly diagnosed childhood acute leukemia. Materials ...
Read More
Background and Objective: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGF-R1 and R2) are major regulators of angiogenesis. This study was designed to assess serum levels of VEGF and VEGF-R1 and their prognostic significance in newly diagnosed childhood acute leukemia. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, VEGF and VEGF-R1 were determined using enzyme linked immuno-sorbant assay (ELISA) in samples obtained before treatment. Demographic data were recorded. Bone marrow blast percentage was counted on diagnosis and 2 weeks after induction therapy. A p value less than 0.05 considered significant. Results: Fifty-three children (22 boys and 31 girls) with newly diagnosed acute leukemia were enrolled in the study. Most cases (56.6%) were pre B cell ALL. Mean value of VEFG-A in good responders was 55.13 ± 24.96 pg/ml and in poor responders it was 94.46 ± 15.75 (p<0.0001). Mean valve of VEGF-R1 in good and poor responders was 0.132 ± 0.0653 and 0.1665 ± 0.0857 pg/ml respectively (p>0.05). Using ROC curve, we found out a cut-off point of 76 pg/ml to discriminate poor response to chemotherapy. Conclusion: Soluble VEGF-A is an independent factor for response to therapy in childhood leukemia and leukemic patients with sVEGF-A level over 76 pg/ml will have poor response to treatment.
Nahid Kazemzadeh; Alireza Kadkhodaei; Babak Soltani; Siamak Soltani; Sahar Rismantab Sani
Volume 9, Issue 3 , July 2014, , Pages 181-186
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Respiratory, central nervous system, and skin complications of mustard gas toxicity have previously been studied; however, the liver and kidney side effects due to this intoxication have not been fully noted. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of liver, kidney and lung lesions ...
Read More
Background & Objectives: Respiratory, central nervous system, and skin complications of mustard gas toxicity have previously been studied; however, the liver and kidney side effects due to this intoxication have not been fully noted. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of liver, kidney and lung lesions in mustard gas-exposed Iranian veterans who had been exposed to the toxin almost 2 decades before.
Methods: A total of 100 veteran bodies underwent autopsy by at least two forensic medicine specialists. The liver, kidney and lung specimens were sent for pathological examination and their lesions, severity of the lesions, and the relation between the type/severity of the lesions and the time elapsed since their appearance were studied.
Results: A total of 83%, 63%, and 62% of the veterans had lung, liver, and kidney pathologies. The most common pathologies included liver steatosis, interstitial fibrosis of the kidney, and lung atelectasis.
Conclusion: Liver and kidney pathologies are far more common than what is considered in the mustard gas-exposed veterans. These pathologies are often accompanied by very severe lung complications.
Oya N. Sivrikoz; Gülşen Kandiloğlu
Abstract
Background and Objective: Clinical behavior of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is known to be different according to histological growth pattern and basosquamous cell carcinomas (BSC) are known with their aggressive behavior and metastatic capacity. In this study, we evaluated bcl-2 and cyclin D1 expressions ...
Read More
Background and Objective: Clinical behavior of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is known to be different according to histological growth pattern and basosquamous cell carcinomas (BSC) are known with their aggressive behavior and metastatic capacity. In this study, we evaluated bcl-2 and cyclin D1 expressions in BCC and BSC cases comparatively, to explore their predictive value on the aggressive behavior of these tumors. Methods: One hundred tumors belong to 92 patients diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma and basosquamous carcinoma were studied. Basal cell carcinomas were classified as aggressive and non-aggressive types according to growth pattern. Number of Cyclin D1 and bcl-2 positive cells in immunohistochemically stained serial sections were scored as low (0-1 +) and high (2 and 3+) in all tumors. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between non-aggressive (nodular type) and aggressive types (micronodular, infiltrative types and BSC) for these markers (P<0.005). Cyclin D1 was higher in the aggressive group, while bcl-2 was lower in the aggressive group compared to the non-aggressive group. Conclusion: HigherCyclin D1 and lower bcl-2 scores was correlated with aggressive tumor types and these results could be used as markers to predict aggressive behavior in BCC and BSCs. How to cite this article: Sivrikoz O, Kandiloğlu G. The Effects of Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 Expressıon on Aggressive Behavior in Basal Cell and Basosquamous Carcinoma. Iran J Pathol. 2015;10(3):185-91.
Dermatopathology
Simin Shamsi meymandi; Shahriar Dabiri; Alireza ZeynadiniMeymand; Maryam Iranpour; Maryam Khalili; Sorour Alijani; Mahin Aflatoonian
Abstract
Background & Objective:Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is classified into BCC1 or low risk (nodular, superficial type) and BCC2 or high risk (micronodular, morpheaform, infiltrative, and basosquamous types) based on clinical behavior. This study attempts to evaluate immunohistochemical (IHC) findings ...
Read More
Background & Objective:Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is classified into BCC1 or low risk (nodular, superficial type) and BCC2 or high risk (micronodular, morpheaform, infiltrative, and basosquamous types) based on clinical behavior. This study attempts to evaluate immunohistochemical (IHC) findings and clinical features associated with local aggressiveness and recurrence in BCC lesions.Methods:This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on 42 paraffin blocks (22 BCC1, 20 in BCC2) at Pathology Department of Afzalipour Teaching Hospital. First, demographic features of the patients were recorded and pathology blocks were classified by two dermatopathologists based on histopathological types of BCC1 and BCC2. Then, primary monoclonal antibodies including CD10, CD1a, SMA, Ki67, CD34, and P53 were utilized for IHC study. We compared BCC1 and BCC2 according to IHC markers, demographic features of patients, and tumoral features.Results:The mean number of Langerhans cells (LCs) within epidermis above tumor mass was 14+1.92 and 4.7±1.23 in BCC1 and BCC2, respectively; these results show a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.001). P53 was positive in 41.13±6.39% and 74.5 ±6.26% of the tumor cells in BCC1 and BCC2 groups, which was statistically significant (P=0.001). Also, the mean number of blood vessels was 14.40±1.30 and 21.40±1.97 in BCC1 and BCC2, that was statistically significant (P=0.005).Conclusion: Higher numbers of angiogenesis (SMA positive) and positive P53 were observed in BCC2 than BCC1. Also, more active positive CD1a cells were observed in BCC1 compared to BCC2.
Amir Hossein Jafarian; Masoumeh Gharib; Nema Mohammadian Roshan; Samaneh Sherafatnia; Abbas Ali Omidi; Sahar Bagheri
Abstract
Background & objective: The histologic distinction of small cell from non-small cell lung carcinoma and correct identification of all subtypes of lung carcinoma are very important in treatment management. The main method for histologic classification of lung tumors is based on morphology. However, ...
Read More
Background & objective: The histologic distinction of small cell from non-small cell lung carcinoma and correct identification of all subtypes of lung carcinoma are very important in treatment management. The main method for histologic classification of lung tumors is based on morphology. However, in small bronchoscopic biopsies in particular, distinction is very difficult upon morphology alone. The current study aimed at evaluating the utility of a panel of antibodies, consisting of thyroid transcription factor (TTF-1), P63, high molecular weight keratin [HMWK (34βE12)], cytokeratin (CK7), and cluster of differentiation (CD56) for accurate distinction of bronchogenic carcinomas. Methods: Bronchoscopic biopsies of 60 lung carcinoma cases including 20 small cell carcinomas, 20 adenocarcinomas, and 20 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) with typical morphologic features were selected. All these cases were immunohistochemically stained for TTF-1, P63, HMWK (34βE12), CK7, and CD56. All immunostained slides were scored as either positive or negative. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60 years; ranged from 35 to 81. Sixteen patients were female and 44 were male. All adenocarcinomas were positive for CK7 and most of them (18/20; 90%) were positive for TTF-1. Most of small cell lung carcinomas were positive for TTF-1 (17/20; 85%), and CD56 (18/20; 90%). All squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) were negative for TTF-1, but most of them were positive for HMWK (34βE12) and P63. Conclusion: The obtained data showed that TTF-1, P63, CK7, CD56 and/or 34βE12 represent a useful panel of antibodies to identify lung carcinoma subtypes in small bronchoscopic biopsies.
Gholamreza Toogeh; Hassan Abolghasemi; Peyman Eshghi; Mohammadreza Managhchi; Mohammadreza Shaverdi-niasari; Katayoon Karimi; Samin Roostaei; Neda Emran; Alireza Abdollahi
Volume 11, Issue 3 , July 2016, , Pages 204-209
Abstract
Background: Recombinant activated factor VII induces hemostasis in patients with coagulopathy disorders. AryoSeven™ as a safe Iranian Recombinant activated factor VII has been available on our market. This study was performed to establish the safety of AryoSeven on patients with coagulopathy disorder. ...
Read More
Background: Recombinant activated factor VII induces hemostasis in patients with coagulopathy disorders. AryoSeven™ as a safe Iranian Recombinant activated factor VII has been available on our market. This study was performed to establish the safety of AryoSeven on patients with coagulopathy disorder. Methods: This single-center, descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out in Thrombus and Homeostasis Research Center ValiAsr Hospital during 2013-2014. Fifty one patients with bleeding disorders who received at least one dose of Aryoseven were enrolled. Patients’ demographic data and adverse effect of drug and reaction related to Aryoseven or previous usage of Recombinant activated FVII were recorded in questionnaires. Finally data were analyzed to compare side effects of Aryoseven and other Recombinant activated FVII brands. Results: Aryoseven was prescribed for 51 Patients. Of all participants with mean age 57.18+21.38 yr, 31 cases were male and 26 subjects had past history of recombinant activated FVII usage. Glanzman was the most frequent disorder followed by congenital FVII deficiency, hemophilia with inhibitors, factor 5 deficiency, acquired hemophilia, hemophilia A with inhibitor, and hemophilia A or B with inhibitor. The majority of bleeding episodes had occurred in joints. Three patients (5.9%) complained about adverse effects of Aryoseven vs. 11.5 % about adverse effects of other brands. However this difference was not significant, statistically. Conclusion: Based on monitor patients closely for any adverse events, we concluded that Aryoseven administration under careful weighing of benefit versus potential harm may comparable with other counterpart drugs. How to cite this article: Toogeh G, Abolghasemi H, Eshghi P, Managhchi M, Shaverdi-niasari M, Karimi K, et al. Evaluation of Aryoseven Safety (recombinant activated factor VII) in patients with bleeding disorders (An observational post-marketing surveillance, study). Iran J Pathol. 2016; 11(3):204-9.
Ban Qasim; Husam Ali; Alaa Hussein
Volume 7, Issue 4 , September 2012, , Pages 215-223
Abstract
Background & Objective: The current approaches to reduce the risk of colorectal carcinoma are through the detection and removal of the precursor lesion” adenomatous polyps”. The study was conducted to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of p53 and bcl2 in colorectal adenomas and ...
Read More
Background & Objective: The current approaches to reduce the risk of colorectal carcinoma are through the detection and removal of the precursor lesion” adenomatous polyps”. The study was conducted to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of p53 and bcl2 in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas.
Patients and Methods: A total of 86 cases, 33 colorectal adenomas, 33 colorectal adenocarcinomas and 20 samples of non -tumerous colonic tissue as control, were included in this retrospective study. Sections were stained immunohistochemically for p53 and bcl2. Scoring was performed using Digimizer software. Data were analyzed using SPSS program (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 16 and Microsoft Office Excel 2007.
Results: The frequency of p53 positive cases was significantly higher in carcinoma than adenoma while the frequency of bcl2 positive cases was significantly higher in adenoma than carcinoma. P53 expression was significantly higher in large sized adenomas, villous configuration, severe dysplasia, and multiple lesions. Bcl2 expression showed significantly correlated with adenomas of small size, solitary, tubular, and mild dysplasia. There was a significant correlation between bcl2 expression and non-mucinous carcinoma and a negative correlation with tumor size.Therewas an inverse relationship between bcl2 and p53 expression in both colorectal adenomas and carcinomas.
Mahesh Kumar; Ratnakar Potekar; Balasaheb Ramling Yelikar; Vijayalaxmi Patil; Mahesh Karigoudar; Pankaj Pande
Volume 8, Issue 4 , October 2013, , Pages 219-226
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Thyroid gland because of its superficial location is amenable to direct physical examination. Clinical assessment of thyroid lesions by means of physical examination, thyroid scans and ultrasonography is not completely reliable. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the ...
Read More
Background and Objectives: Thyroid gland because of its superficial location is amenable to direct physical examination. Clinical assessment of thyroid lesions by means of physical examination, thyroid scans and ultrasonography is not completely reliable. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the most cost-effective, safe and an initial diagnostic test in the pre-operative evaluation of thyroid lesions. Many surgeons use intraoperative frozen section biopsies to confirm the diagnosis of FNAC and guide the extent of thyroidectomy. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section in comparison with fine needle aspiration cytology and histopathology in thyroid lesions.
Materials & Methods: Fine needle aspiration cytology and frozen section (FS) were evaluated in 59 patients. FNAC was classified as benign, malignant and suspicious, and FS was classified as benign, deferred and malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated for both FS and FNAC.
Results: Out of 59 patients, 3 were positive for malignancy, 51 were benign, and five were suspicious on FNAC. Over all accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology was 93%. Five were positive for malignancy, 50 were benign and 4 were “deferred” in frozen section. Over all accuracy of frozen section was 96%.
Discussion: Fine needle aspiration cytology can be used primarily to select patient for surgery and frozen section can be employed to plan the extent of surgery. Frozen section had a good accuracy, sensitivity and negative predictive value compared to fine needle aspiration cytology.
Infectious Diseases
Mohammad Vasei; Elham Jafari; Vahid Falah Azad; Moeinadin Safavi; Maryam Sotoudeh
Abstract
From the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, clinical laboratories around the world have been involved with tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Currently, RT-PCR (real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay) is the gold standard for identifying the virus. Many factors are involved ...
Read More
From the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, clinical laboratories around the world have been involved with tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Currently, RT-PCR (real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay) is the gold standard for identifying the virus. Many factors are involved in achieving the highest accuracy in this test, including parameters related to the pre-analysis stage. Having instructions on the type of sample, how to take the sample, and its storage and transportation help control the interfering factors at this stage. Studies have shown that pre-analytical factors might be the cause of the high SARS-CoV-2 test false-negative rates. Also, the safety of personnel in molecular laboratories is of utmost importance, and it requires strict guidelines to ensure the safety of exposed individuals and prevent the virus from spreading. Since the onset of the outbreak, various instructions and guidelines have been developed in this field by the institutions and the Ministry of Health of each country; these guidelines are seriously in need of integration and operation. In this study, we try to collect all the information and research done from the beginning of this pandemic in December 2019- August 2022 concerning biosafety and protective measures, sample types, sampling methods, container and storage solutions, sampling equipment, and sample storage and transportation for molecular testing of SARS-CoV-2.
Shahram Sabeti; Farhad Malekzad; Nastaran Neishaboori; Mihan Pourabdollah Toutkaboni; Farahnaz Bidarizerehpoosh
Volume 9, Issue 4 , October 2014, , Pages 245-250
Abstract
Background & Objectives: CD10 is a cell surface enzyme with metalloendopeptidase activity, also known as Common Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Antigen, which mainly serves as a marker for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To date and to the best of our knowledge, only few comparative immunohistochemical ...
Read More
Background & Objectives: CD10 is a cell surface enzyme with metalloendopeptidase activity, also known as Common Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Antigen, which mainly serves as a marker for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To date and to the best of our knowledge, only few comparative immunohistochemical studies have assessed CD10 expression in cutaneous epithelial neoplasms. Our goal was to determine whether CD10 can be used in pathologic distinction of cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods: This study included 27 BCC and 17 SCC cases immunohistochemically stained for CD10. Cytoplasmic +/- cell membrane staining was considered as positive. Each slide was studied by two pathologists and scored semi- quantitatively as follows: negative (<10%); 1+ (10-50% positive cells); and 2+ (>50% positive cells). Results: The rate of CD10 expression in tumor cells was significantly higher in BCCs in comparison to SCCs. (20/27 vs., 2/17; P <0.0001). Discussion: Our findings suggest CD10 as a useful adjunct marker in distinguishing cutaneous BCC and SCC.
Microbiology
Abdolmajid Ghasemian; Shahin Najar Peerayeh; Bita Bakhshi; Mohsen Mirzaee
Abstract
Background:Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus express a myriad of adhesive surface proteins that play important role in colonization of the bacteria on nasal and skin surfaces, beginning the process of pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to screen several of the Microbial Surface Components Recognizing ...
Read More
Background:Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus express a myriad of adhesive surface proteins that play important role in colonization of the bacteria on nasal and skin surfaces, beginning the process of pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to screen several of the Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules (MSCRAMMs) genes among the isolate of S. aureus from hospitalized children.
Methods:A totalof 22 S. aureus isolates were collected from hospitalized children in Tehran from 2012 to 2013. Detection of the mecA and several adhesive surface proteins genes including clfA, B (encoding clumping factors A, B); fnbA, B (encoding finronectin binding proteins A, B); fib (encoding fibrinogen binding protein); eno (encoding laminin binding protein); cna (encoding collagen binding protein); ebps (encoding elastin binding protein) and bbp (encoding bone sialo-protein binding protein), was performed by PCR.
Results: The clfAB genes were detected among all the isolates. The prevalence of fnbA, fnbB, fib, eno, cna, ebps and bbp was 63%, 6%, 50%, 59%, 82%, 63%, 9% and 0%, respectively.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of these genes is important for future plans in vaccine designation. MRSA and MSSA isolates similarly can produce adhesive surface proteins for colonization.