The incidence of prostate cancer in Iran: Results of a population-based cancer registry

Background: Little is known about the epidemiology of prostate cancer in Iranian men. We carried out an active prostate cancer surveillance program in five provinces of Iran. Methods: Data used in this study were obtained from population-based cancer registries between 1996 and 2000. Results: The age-standardized incidence rate of prostate carcinoma in the five provinces was 5.1 per 100,000 person-years. No significant difference was seen in the age-standardized incidence rate of prostate cancer within the provinces studied. The mean±SD age of patients with prostate cancer was 67±13.5 years. Conclusion: The incidence of prostate cancer in Iran is very low as compared to the Western countries. This can partly be explained by lack of nationwide screening program, younger age structure and quality of cancer registration system in Iran

Declining incidence of esophageal cancer in the Turkmen Plain, eastern part of the Caspian Littoral of Iran: A retrospective cancer surveillance

Background: Previous studies have shown that upper gastrointestinal cancers are the most common cancers in Caspian Littoral, and rate of esophageal cancer (EC) in Iranian Turkmens residing in the Eastern part of littoral are among the highest in the world. Our aim was to reassess the rate 30 years later and following socioeconomic changes in the region. Methods: A comprehensive retrospective search was undertaken to find all new cancer cases during the 1996-2000 period. Diagnosis of cancer was based on histopathological reports in 68.2, clinical and/or radiological evidence in 29.7 and death certificate only (DCO) in 2.1 of the cases. Results: A total of 5143 new cancer cases were registered of whom 3063 (59.6) were males. The median (IQR) age was 60 (44-69) years. Age-standardized rates (ASR) for all cancers in males and females were 134.7 and 104.5 per 100,000, respectively. Based on ASR, the top five common cancers in males (excluding skin cancer) were cancers of esophagus (43.4), stomach (27.8), colorectal (10.7), bladder (7.8) and oral cavity (6.3), while in females cancer of esophagus (36.3) was followed by cancers of breast (15.7), stomach (8.3) colorectal (6.6) and cervix (3.6). Conclusion: We conclude that EC incidence rate has decreased to less than half the rate reported 30 years ago, while the incidence rates of colorectal and breast cancers have increased significantly. © 2006 International Society for Preventive Oncology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Comparison of quadruple and triple Furazolidone containing regimens on eradication of helicobacter pylori

Background: The effectiveness of classic standard triple therapy regimen of helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication has decreased to unacceptably low levels, largely related to development of resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin. Thus successful eradication of H. pylori infections remains challenging. Therefore alternative treatments with superior effectiveness and safety should be designed and appropriately tested in all areas depending on the native resistance patterns. Furazolidone has been used successfully in eradication regimens previously and regimens containing furazolidone may be an ideal regimen. Methods: H. pylori infected patients with proven gastric or duodenal ulcers and /or gastric or duodenal erosions at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari/Northern Iran, were randomly allocated into three groups: group A (OABF) with furazolidone (F) (200 mg bid.), group B (OABM-F) metronidazole (M) (500 mg bid.) for the first five days, followed by furazolidone (F) (200 mg bid.) for the second five days and group C (OAF) with furazolidone (F) (200 mg tid.). Omeprazole (O) (20 mg bid.) and amoxicillin (A) (1000 mg bid.) were given in all groups; bismuth (B) (240 mg bid.) was prescribed in groups A&B. Duration of all eradication regimens were ten days. Eight weeks after treatment, a 14C-urea breath test was performed for evaluation of H. pylori eradication. Results: A total of 372 patients were enrolled in three groups randomly (124 patients in each group); 120 (97) patients in group A (OABF), 120 (97) in group B (OABM-F) and 116 (93) in group C (OAF) completed the study. The intention-to-treat eradication rates were 83.7 (95 CI= 77.3-90.4), 79.8 (95 CI= 72.6-87), and 84.6 (95 CI= 78.2-91.1) and per-protocol eradication rates were 86.6 (95 CI= 80.5-92.8), 82.5 (95 CI= 75.6-89.4), and 90.5 (95 CI= 85.1-95.9) for groups OABF, OABM-F, and OAF, respectively. No statistical significant differences were found in case of severe drug adverse effects between the above mentioned three groups (p> 0.05). The most common side effects, namely nausea and fever, occurred in all groups, but more frequently in group C (OAF) (p< 0.05). Conclusion: In developing countries such as Iran, furazolidone-based regimens can substitute clarithromycinbased regimens for H. pylori eradication because of a very low level of resistance, low cost and high effectiveness. Considering per-protocol eradication rate of ten days OAF regimen, and the acceptable limit of ninety percent, we recommend this regimen in developing countries such as Iran to be substituted of classic standard triple therapy. In order to minimize rare serious adverse effects, one week high dose OAF regimen should be taken into consideration in other studies

Constipation and laxative herbs in Iranian traditional medicine

Context: Constipation is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders and is characterized by stiffness of waste and difficult defecation. In modern medicine, different laxative drugs are used for the treatment of constipation, but they are not without side effects. Nonetheless, the appropriate use of herbal medicines can be beneficial for treating this disorder. Therefore, this study attempted to draw together some pharmacological and medical insights into the management of constipation through the use of Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). Evidence Acquisition: In this review article, we initially researched constipation and laxative herbs using some of the most famous ancient medical and pharmacological textbooks pertaining to Iranian medicine written from the 10th to 18th century AD. This includes The canon of medicine by Avicenna (10th and 11th centuries, Beirut publication), Makhzan-ol-advie by Aghili (18th century, Tehran University of Medical Science Press), and Al-shamel by Gharashi (13th century, Caltural foundation Publication). Then we extracted the names and laxative mechanisms of some herbs prescribed for constipation through ITM. Finally, a search of scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to find related works concerning laxative mechanisms. Results: In ITM doctrine, laxatives are weak purgatives that lead to the defecation of waste from the gastrointestinal tract. From this perspective, laxative herbs can be classified into two groups based on their nature: laxative herbs with a hot nature cause the dilution and flowing of humors, but herbs with a cold nature function as laxatives due to their mucilage properties. Each of the laxatives was used in accordance with the primary reason for constipation. Conclusions: This study presents medical and pharmacological approaches in ITM for dealing with complications arising from constipation. Considering the optimistic results, these herbs can be used as a means of constipation management and further investigation into this area can potentially lead to the formulation of new drugs. © 2016, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Sterols and oxysterols in plasma from Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome patients

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a severe autosomal recessive disorder resulting from defects in the cholesterol synthesising enzyme 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (Δ7-sterol reductase, DHCR7, EC 1.3.1.21) leading to a build-up of the cholesterol precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) in tissues and blood plasma. Although the underling enzyme deficiency associated with SLOS is clear there are likely to be multiple mechanisms responsible for SLOS pathology. In an effort to learn more of the aetiology of SLOS we have analysed plasma from SLOS patients to search for metabolites derived from 7-DHC which may be responsible for some of the pathology. We have identified a novel hydroxy-8-dehydrocholesterol, which is either 24- or 25-hydroxy-8-dehydrocholesterol and also the known metabolites 26-hydroxy-8-dehydrocholesterol, 4-hydroxy-7-dehydrocholesterol, 3β,5α-dihydroxycholest-7-en-6-one and 7α,8α-epoxycholesterol. None of these metabolites are detected in control plasma at quantifiable levels (0.5 ng/mL)

Efficacy of a 7-day course of furazolidone, levofloxacin, and lansoprazole after failed Helicobacter pylori eradication

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Increasing resistance to clarithromycin and nitroimidazole is the main cause of failure in the <it>Helicobacter pylori </it>eradication. The ideal retreatment regimen remains unclear, especially in developing countries, where the infection presents high prevalence and resistance to antibiotics. The study aimed at determining the efficacy, compliance and adverse effects of a regimen that included furazolidone, levofloxacin and lansoprazole in patients with persistent <it>Helicobacter pylori </it>infection, who had failed to respond to at least one prior eradication treatment regimen.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study included 48 patients with peptic ulcer disease. <it>Helicobacter pylori </it>infection was confirmed by a rapid urease test and histological examination of samples obtained from the antrum and corpus during endoscopy. The eradication therapy consisted of a 7-day twice daily oral administration of lansoprazole 30 mg, furazolidone 200 mg and levofloxacin 250 mg. Therapeutic success was confirmed by a negative rapid urease test, histological examination and 14C- urea breath test, performed 12 weeks after treatment completion. The Chi-square method was used for comparisons among eradication rates, previous treatments and previous furazolidone use.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Only one of the 48 patients failed to take all medications, which was due to adverse effects (vomiting). Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were 89% (95% CI- 89%–99%) and 88% (88–92%), respectively. Mild and moderate adverse effects were reported by 41 patients (85%). For patients with one previous treatment failure, the eradication rate was 100%. Compared to furazolidone-naïve patients, eradication rates were lower in those who had failed prior furazolidone-containing regimen(s) (74% vs. 100%, p = 0.002).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>An empiric salvage-regimen including levofloxacin, furazolidone and lansoprazole is very effective in the eradication of <it>Helicobacter pylori</it>, particularly in patients that have failed one prior eradication therapy.</p

Evaluation Nitrogen and Radiation Use Efficiency of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) under Irrigation Levels

Water and nitrogen are among the most important limiting factors controlling yield in crops. With due attention to importance this subject, in wheat a split plot experiment was carried out in the field, using randomized complete block design with three replications under different irrigation and nitrogen levels during the cropping season of 2009-10 in Shirvan region. The experimental treatments consisted of four levels of irrigation, I1= optimum irrigation (field capacity, FC), I2= Irrigation at 80% FC, I3= Irrigation at 60% FC and I4= without irrigation which were assign to main-plots, and four levels of nitrogen fertilizers, namely, N1= 0, N2= 100, N3= 175 and N4= 250 kg N/ha to sub-plots. The results of experiment showed that the highest amount of seed yield, biological yield, leaf area index during different growth stages, radiation use efficiency and nitrogen content in whole wheat and seed obtained from treatment of optimum irrigation (I1) and applications of highest nitrogen fertilizer level (N4), but there wasn’t significant different between this treatment with treatment of optimum irrigation and consumption of 175 kg N/ha (I1N3). The lowest values were obtained from treatment of no irrigation and nitrogen (I4N1). For nitrogen use efficiency there was two different conditions. In the first condition, nitrogen use efficiency increased under optimum irrigation (I1) and irrigation at 80% FC (I2) with increasing nitrogen level from N1 to N4. In the second condition, nitrogen use efficiency decreased under irrigation of 60% FC (I3) and without irrigation (I4) with increasing nitrogen level from N1 to N4. Generally, it can be concluded that to obtain the highest yield in region, optimum irrigation is necessary. To obtain highest nitrogen fertilizer consumption and seed yield 250 kg N/ha would be required however there wasn’t significant difference between 250 an 175 kg N/ha applications