Detection of human papillomavirus DNA sequences in oral lesions using polymerase chain reaction

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the frequency of HPV DNA in four groups of oral lesions, including oral squamous cell carcinoma. Sixty paraffin-embedded oral tissue samples were examined for the presence of HPV DNAs using the PCR technique. These specimens were obtained from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), leukoplakia, oral lichen planus (OLP), and pyogenic granuloma (PG). Consensus primers for L1 region (MY09 and MY11) and specific primers were used for detection of HPV DNA sequences in this study. we detected HPV DNA in 60% (9 out of 15) of OSCCs, 26.7% (4 out of 15) of leukoplakia, 13.3% (2 out of 15) of OLPs, and 6.7% (1 out of 15) of PGs. Statistical analysis showed that the prevalence of HPV in OSCC was significantly higher than other groups (P < 0.05). The frequency of HPV-16 and 18 detection in OSCC samples were 40% and 20%, respectively. The prevalence of these high risk HPVs was significantly higher in OSCC group (P < 0.05). The results of the present study show a successive increase of detection rate of HPV-16 and 18 DNAs from low level in samples of pyogenic granuloma and non-premalignant or questionably premalignant lesions of OLP to premalignant leukoplakia and to OSCC. © 2007 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Xerostomia after radiotherapy and its effect on quality of life in head and neck cancer patients

Background: Xerostomia is one of the one complications following radiotherapy that can affect quality of life (QoL). This study aims to assess the severity of xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancers after radiotherapy and its effect on QoL. Methods: In this longitudinal prospective study, the severity of xerostomia and related QoL was assessed in 63 head and neck cancer patients who referred to the Radiotherapy Ward. Patients completed a xerostomia questionnaire (XQ) at the beginning, and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after treatment over a period of 6 months. Additionally, unstimulated saliva was collected using the spitting method at all 4 visits. Results: QoL significantly worsened with increased time (P = 0.0001); meanwhile, the severity of xerostomia increased significantly (P = 0.0001). However, there was no significant change in the amount of saliva at these 4 time points (P = 0.23). Regression analysis showed that with each milliliter decrease in saliva secretion, the QoL score decreased 2.25. With one score increase in xerostomia, from the QoL mean score there was a 1.65 decrease. Conclusion: The decrease in saliva and xerostomia that resulted from radiotherapy plays an important role in worsening QoL among patients who undergo radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. Although the amount of saliva has a significant association with QoL, the xerostomia score which shows subjects' general feeling also independently impacts QoL. In future studies, we recommend patient assessments for periods longer than 6 months

The Opinions of physicians about Radiology Reports

Abstract: Background & Aims: Radiology reports are often the only means of communication between radiologists and physicians. Despite the importance of these reports, practically physicians do not give a feedback about radiology reports. This study was aimed to determine the opinions of specialists towards radiology reports. Methods: in this descriptive study, sample consisted of all specialists working in Kerman city. Data collection was done by a researcher-made questionnaire consisted of demographic variables, items related to radiology and 17 items to assess opinion. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed before data gathering Results: Participants were 220 specialists in 15 fields. Most of them were male (60.1%). The most percent of sample belonged to specialists in Internal medicine (16.5%), Orthopedists (16.5%) and Gynecologists (13.8%). Majority of physicians trusted in radiology reports more then 50%. Mean total opinion score (±SD) was 2.66 (±0.38) which was 85% of the maximum score. The highest mean scores belonged to “the style and quality of reports” and “the ability of interpreting radiographs.” Neither mean score of domains nor total mean score showed significant difference based on the level of education. Conclusion: based on the total opinion score, specialists do not have positive opinion toward radiology reports. In regard to increasing complexity of medical imaging and its role in the treatment of patients, better communication between radiologists and specialists in order to improve accurate diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Keywords: Radiology report, Diagnosis, Specialist, Radiologist » XM

Effective Factors on the Decision of Families to Donate the Organs of their Brain Dead Relatives

Abstract: Background & Aims: At present due to brain dead patients’ families refuse to organ donation, the number of available organs is less than the requesting cases. The aim of this comparative descriptive study was to compare opinions of donor and nondonor families about relevant factors in their decision making. Methods: participants included 175 members of 71 families (141 members of 56 donor families and 34 members of 16 nondonor families). Data were collected by a questionnaire after validity and reliability confirmation. Results: There was statistically significant difference between two groups in initially favorable reaction to the request, presence of the effective individuals on decision making in first cession of the request, awareness of the deceased beliefs about donation, and awareness of the conditions of patients with organ failure (P<0.0001). Regression analysis revealed that two first factors are the decision predictors (P=0.001). In regard to effective factors on decision, religious beliefs, trust, caring, decision doubt and conflict and transplant beliefs were significantly higher in donor group (P=0.0001). Regression analysis showed religious beliefs and transplant beliefs as predictors of the consent to donation (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Consent to organ donation is affected by two groups of factors and can be increased by providing public education and adequate conditions at the time of organ request based on the needs and critical conditions of relatives. This requires more attention of the Organ Procurement Organizations and also employing skilled and experienced individuals in organ request process. Keywords: Organ donation, Brain death, Transplantation