Mohammad Banifazl; Amitis Ramezani; Ali Eslamifar; Arezoo Aghakhani
Volume 6, Issue 1 , January 2011, , Pages 3-7
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide and is the etiological agent of cervical and other anogenital malignancies. Since HPVs have been shown to possess oncogenic potential, an association between HPV infection and prostatic cancer ...
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide and is the etiological agent of cervical and other anogenital malignancies. Since HPVs have been shown to possess oncogenic potential, an association between HPV infection and prostatic cancer (PCa) has been suggested. There are conflicting reports on the impact of HPV infection on the development of prostate cancer. The aim of this article is to review the studies that investigated the association between HPV and PCa. The results of this review demonstrated the divergent frequencies of HPV positivity in PCa in different geographic areas.
Amitis Ramezani; Ali Eslamifar; Arezoo Aghakhani; Ebrahim Kalantar; Mohammad Banifazl; Akbar Velayati
Volume 4, Issue 2 , April 2009, , Pages 71-74
Abstract
Background and Objective: The outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may be influenced by host factors like Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). We have investigated HLA-A and DRB1 alleles in patients with persistent hepatitis B infection compared to subjects who had spontaneously recovered from ...
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Background and Objective: The outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may be influenced by host factors like Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). We have investigated HLA-A and DRB1 alleles in patients with persistent hepatitis B infection compared to subjects who had spontaneously recovered from HBV infection. To complete the findings of this study we performed another survey in certain HLA alleles that were significantly related to the outcome of HBV infection. The current study aimed to determine association between HBV infection outcome and HLA-A and DRB1 genotyping in North part of Iran. Patients and Methods: Ninety-four HBV infected patients were enrolled in this cross sectional study. First HLA-A and DRB1 alleles were analyzed by using low resolution PCR sequence-specific-primer (PCR-SSP) and then we used high resolution PCR-SSP method for subtyping HLA-A*33 and DRB1*13 alleles which were significantly related to the outcome of HBV infection. Results: HLA-A*33 allele was significantly higher in persistent group than recovered group and sub typing showed HLA-A*3303 in 75% and HLA-A*3301 in 25% of cases. HLA-DRB1*13 allele was significantly lower in persistent group than in recovered group and its subtypes were DRB1*1301 in 66.7% and DRB1*1303 in 33.3% of subjects. Conclusion: Host HLA polymorphism is an important factor to determining the outcome of HBV infection. HLA-A*3303 and DRB1*1301 were the predominant subtypes of HLA-A*33 and DRB1*13 alleles in Iranian HBV infected patients.
Amitis Ramezani; Ali Eslamifar; Latif Gachkar; Zahra Pournasiri; Mohammad Banifazl; Arezoo Aghakhani; Mohammad Rabbani; Mohammad Amin Faghih; Ali Akbar Velayati
Volume 3, Issue 4 , September 2008, , Pages 186-190
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background and Objective: There have been concerns over possible association between mercury and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants. In this study we aimed to determine whether blood levels of mercury are above safe values in Iranian infants or not. Materials and Methods: A ...
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ABSTRACT Background and Objective: There have been concerns over possible association between mercury and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants. In this study we aimed to determine whether blood levels of mercury are above safe values in Iranian infants or not. Materials and Methods: A total of 85 infants (0, 2, 4 and 6 months old) were enrolled in this study. All of them received vaccines according to Iranian immunization schedules. We measured total mercury in all blood samples by cold vapor atomic absorption. Results: The mean concentration of blood mercury in our subjects were as follows: newborns as 33.95 ± 11.86 nmol/l (with a range of 23.93-52.84), 2 months as 32.94 ± 11.76 nmol/l (with a range of 23.92-52.84), 4 months as 30.44 ± 10.44 nmol/l (with a range of 23.92-50.85) and 6 months as 37.93 ± 12.97 nmol/l (with a range of 21.43-52.34). There was not any significant difference for the mean concentration of blood mercury in those age groups. The lowest level of blood mercury detected was 21.43 nmol/l and the highest level was 52.84 nmol/l. Conclusion: The finding of this study showed that approximately 33% of the infants had blood mercury levels above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommended reference dose of 5.8 μg/l (29 nmol/l). Therefore, it is needed to reduce exposure of infants to mercury from all sources including thimerosal containing vaccines (TCVs) in Iran.
Amitis Ramezani; Arezoo Aghakhani; Mohammad Reza Sharif; Mohammad Banifazl; Ali Eslamifar; Ali Akbar Velayati
Volume 3, Issue 3 , June 2008, , Pages 125-128
Abstract
Background and Objective: Anemia is a common manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, occurring in approximately 30% of patients with asymptomatic infection and in as many as 75% to 80% of those with AIDS. Anemia has been associated with decreased quality of life and decreased ...
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Background and Objective: Anemia is a common manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, occurring in approximately 30% of patients with asymptomatic infection and in as many as 75% to 80% of those with AIDS. Anemia has been associated with decreased quality of life and decreased survival. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence and related factors of anemia in HIV-infected patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 143 HIV positive patients who referred to behavioral disease consulting center in Tehran were screened for anemia. Mild to moderate anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) 8-14g/dl for men and 8-12g/dl for women; severe anemia was defined as Hb less than 8g/dl for both males and females. sociodemographic data were collected using a questionnaire. In all patients, CD4 lymphocytes counting were done by flowcytometry. Results: It was found out that 143 HIV positive patients with a mean age of 37.1+ 2 years were enrolled in our study. The mean Hb level was 13.5 ± 2.1 g/dl. Mild anemia occurred in 46% of subjects while severe anemia was not observed. There was not any significant difference between patients with and without anemia regarding age, gender, stage of the infection, CD4 cells count and concurrent anti-retroviral therapy. We also found significant difference between anemia and risk behaviors for HIV acquisition. Conclusion: Our results showed that mild to moderate anemia was frequent in HIV positive patients but severe anemia was not prevalent in this study population.
Arezoo Aghakhani; Ali Eslamifar; Mehdi Razzaghi Abyaneh; Mohsen Vazir-Nezami; Habibollah Moghadasi; Amitis Ramezani; Masoomeh Shams-Ghahfarokhi; Ali Khameneh; Mohammad Ali Shokrgozar; Ali Akbar Amir-Zargar; Zahra Deljoodokht
Volume 3, Issue 3 , June 2008, , Pages 135-149
Abstract
Background and Objective: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic diseases. In the past decades, there has been an increase in fungal infections of sinuses and fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) has been diagnosed more frequently. Knowing the fungal flora and its prevalence in ...
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Background and Objective: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic diseases. In the past decades, there has been an increase in fungal infections of sinuses and fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) has been diagnosed more frequently. Knowing the fungal flora and its prevalence in CRS patients will allow a better understanding of this disease, permitting a correct diagnosis, treatment and formulating its prognosis. This study was performed to assess the fungal flora and its prevalence in CRS patients. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study fungal cultures were obtained from nasal and paranasal sinuses mucus of 100 patients suffering from CRS and 40 controls who did not show any evidence of CRS .In addition, in CRS patients, paranasal sinuses mucus and tissue were histologically investigated for evidence of eosinophilic granulocytes and fungal elements besides fungal culture. Results: Fungal cultures of nasal mucus were positive in 62.5% and 60% of cases and controls respectively. Positive fungal cultures of paranasal sinuses mucus were seen in 49% of cases and 5% of controls. Aspergillus was the most frequent, followed by Penicilium and Cladosporium in both nasal and paranasal sinuses mucus culture. Eosinophilic mucin was found in 90% of CRS patients. Conclusion: Our data showed that fungal infection is frequent in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Based on our results, Aspergillus was the most frequent isolated fungus in CRS 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 ...
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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.
Amitis Ramezani; Minoo Mohraz; Mohammad Banifazl; Latif Gachkar; Sara Jam; Ali Eslamifar; Farhad Yaghmaie; Kambiz Nemati; Arezoo Aghakhani
Volume 2, Issue 4 , September 2007, , Pages 154-158
Abstract
Background and Objective: Dyslipidemia has become a common problem in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, especially in patients on combination antiretroviral therapy. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and metabolic abnormalities in 2 groups of HIV infected patients ...
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Background and Objective: Dyslipidemia has become a common problem in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, especially in patients on combination antiretroviral therapy. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and metabolic abnormalities in 2 groups of HIV infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and antiretroviral-naive patients. Patients and Methods: Forty HIV infected patients treated by HAART as a case group (6 females and 34 males) with a mean age of 40.7 ± 10 years and 15 HIV naïve as a control group (2 females and 13 males) with a mean age of 38.40 ± 8.3 enrolled in this study. The two groups were well matched in respect to age, sex and CD4 cell counts. A standardized questionnaire with epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data was completed by physicians. Blood samples were obtained for metabolic measurements. CD4 positive cell count was measured by f lowcytometry. Results: Levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, lactate, and FBS were elevated in 24%, 37%, 3.7%, 44.4%, 29.6% and 11% of patients respectively. There was a significant difference regarding mean total cholesterol and LDL between treated group and controls (p<0.05). There was also no significant difference between treated group and controls regarding triglyceride, HDL, lactate and FBS levels. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that metabolic abnormalities are relatively common in HIV-infected patients receiving HAART. Therefore, it is recommended to screen the HIV infected patients on HAART for metabolic disorders, potential of morbidity, and possible long-term cardiovascular risk factors.
Ali Eslamifar; Farrokh Tirgari; Rasool Hamkar; Amitis Ramezani; Hossein Frootan pishbigar; Shahrum Mirmomen; Azin Nahvigoo; Vahideh Shahnazi; Zahra Deljoodokht; Shifteh Vahidi; Arezoo Aghakhani
Volume 2, Issue 1 , January 2007, , Pages 11-16
Abstract
Background and Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the possible etiologic factors in development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study we aimed to study the role of HPV in ESCC.
Patients and Methods:In this study, 140 cases of ESCC were analyzed for the ...
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Background and Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the possible etiologic factors in development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study we aimed to study the role of HPV in ESCC.
Patients and Methods:In this study, 140 cases of ESCC were analyzed for the HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using GP5+/GP6+ primers for L1 open reading frame (ORF) to amplify a 150-bp segment of HPV L1 ORF. This region was subsequently sequenced to identify the type of HPV.
Results:A total of 140 patients enrolled in our study. In this respect, 50.7% of them were females and 49.3% were males, aged between 20 and 81 years old. In addition, 33 tumor specimens (23.6%) and 12 (8.6%) non-involved tumor margins were HPV positive. In HPV positive tumor cases, 36% were also positive in tumor margins. The HPV positive cases were 21.7% males and 25.3% females. There was no correlation between the presence and types of HPV with patients’ sex and age. The frequency of HPV subtypes in tumoral regions were as follow: HPV-16: 60.6%, HPV-18: 30.3%, HPV-33: 6.1%, and HPV-31: 3 %. We found only HPV-16 in tumor margins.
Conclusion:Our results support a causal association between HPV infection and ESCC which is consistent with HPV studies conducted in other high-risk areas.