Cytotoxic activity of extracts of demosponges Haliclona caerulea, Axinella sinoxea and Ircinia mutans from Persian Gulf

249-253Sponges are valuable source of bioactive natural products. Although marine benthic invertebrate communities occur in the Persian Gulf they have been little explored for their biomedicinal potential. Here, we studied the methanol and diethyl ether extracts of sponges Haliclona caeralea, Axinella sinoxea and Ircinia mutans sponges for their cytotoxic activity against human epidermis carcinoma (KB/C152) and T-cell lymphoma cell lines (HUT-78/C185) cell lines. Sponges after collection and identification were extracted with methanol and diethyl ether extract. The cell viability and cytotoxicity induced by the extracts were assessed using XTT and lactate dehydrogenase release assays (LDH leakage). The results indicated that the methanol and diethyl ether extract of I. mutans exhibited strong cytotoxicity towards KB and HUT cell lines and diethyl ether extract of H. caeralea and A. sinoxea had significant cytotoxicity in HUT and KB cells compared to methanol extract. The results indicated that the methanol and diethyl ether extract of I. mutanspossess significant cytotoxic activity

Intestinal colonization with multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales: screening, epidemiology, clinical impact, and strategies to decolonize carriers.

The clinical impact of infections due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and/or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (Ent) has reached dramatic levels worldwide. Infections due to these multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens-especially Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae-may originate from a prior asymptomatic intestinal colonization that could also favor transmission to other subjects. It is therefore desirable that gut carriers are rapidly identified to try preventing both the occurrence of serious endogenous infections and potential transmission. Together with the infection prevention and control countermeasures, any strategy capable of effectively eradicating the MDR-Ent from the intestinal tract would be desirable. In this narrative review, we present a summary of the different aspects linked to the intestinal colonization due to MDR-Ent. In particular, culture- and molecular-based screening techniques to identify carriers, data on prevalence and risk factors in different populations, clinical impact, length of colonization, and contribution to transmission in various settings will be overviewed. We will also discuss the standard strategies (selective digestive decontamination, fecal microbiota transplant) and those still in development (bacteriophages, probiotics, microcins, and CRISPR-Cas-based) that might be used to decolonize MDR-Ent carriers

Comparison of N-Terminal Pro B-Natriuretic Peptide and Echocardiographic Indices in Patients with Mitral Regurgitation

Introduction Echocardiographic indices can form the basis of the diagnosis of systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with Mitral regurgitation (MR). However, using echocardiography alone may bring us to a diagnostic dead-end. The aim of this study was to compare N-Terminal pro B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) and echocardiographic indices in patients with mitral regurgitation. Methods 2D and Doppler echocardiography and BNP serum level were obtained from 54 patients with organic mild, moderate and severe MR. Results BNP levels were increased with symptoms in patients with mitral regurgitation (NYHAI: 5.7 ± 1.1, NYHAII: 6.9 ± 1.5, NYHAIII: 8.3 ± 2 pg/ml, P < 0.001). BNP plasma level were significantly correlated with MPI (myocardial performance index) (r = 0.399, P = 0.004), and following echocardiographic indices: LVEDV (r = 0.45, P < 0.001), LVESV (r = 0.54, P < 0.001), LVEDD (r = 0.48, P < 0.001), LVESD (r = 0.54, P < 0.001), dp/dt (r = −0.32, P = 0.019) and SPAP (r = 0.4, P = 0.006). Conclusion The present study showed that BNP may be useful in patients with MR and may confirm echocardiographic indices

The immunopathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer: a narrative review

Helicobacter pylori infection is a well-established risk factor for the development of gastric cancer (GC). Understanding the immunopathogenesis underlying this association is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. This narrative review comprehensively explores the immunopathogenesis of H. pylori-induced GC by delving into several key aspects, emphasizing the pivotal roles played by H. pylori virulence factors, including cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (vacA), blood group antigen-binding adhesin (babA), and sialic acid binding adhesin (sabA). Moreover, the review focuses on the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytokines in the complex interplay between chronic infection and gastric carcinogenesis. Finally, the study examines the association between H. pylori evasion of the innate and adaptive immune response and development of GC. A comprehensive understanding of the immunopathogenesis of H. pylori-induced GC is essential for designing targeted interventions to prevent and manage this disease. Further research is warranted to elucidate the intricate immune responses involved and identify potential therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults. Methods Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15-39 years to define adolescents and young adults. Findings There were 1.19 million (95% UI 1.11-1.28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000-425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15-39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59.6 [54.5-65.7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53.2 [48.8-57.9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14.2 [12.9-15.6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13.6 [12.6-14.8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23.5 million (21.9-25.2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2.7% (1.9-3.6) came from YLDs and 97.3% (96.4-98.1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally. Interpretation Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe

Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

This online publication has been corrected. The corrected version first appeared at thelancet.com on September 28, 2023BACKGROUND : Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and affects people regardless of country, age group, or sex. Using the most recent evidentiary and analytical framework from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD), we produced location-specific, age-specific, and sex-specific estimates of diabetes prevalence and burden from 1990 to 2021, the proportion of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in 2021, the proportion of the type 2 diabetes burden attributable to selected risk factors, and projections of diabetes prevalence through 2050. METHODS : Estimates of diabetes prevalence and burden were computed in 204 countries and territories, across 25 age groups, for males and females separately and combined; these estimates comprised lost years of healthy life, measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs; defined as the sum of years of life lost [YLLs] and years lived with disability [YLDs]). We used the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) approach to estimate deaths due to diabetes, incorporating 25 666 location-years of data from vital registration and verbal autopsy reports in separate total (including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and type-specific models. Other forms of diabetes, including gestational and monogenic diabetes, were not explicitly modelled. Total and type 1 diabetes prevalence was estimated by use of a Bayesian meta-regression modelling tool, DisMod-MR 2.1, to analyse 1527 location-years of data from the scientific literature, survey microdata, and insurance claims; type 2 diabetes estimates were computed by subtracting type 1 diabetes from total estimates. Mortality and prevalence estimates, along with standard life expectancy and disability weights, were used to calculate YLLs, YLDs, and DALYs. When appropriate, we extrapolated estimates to a hypothetical population with a standardised age structure to allow comparison in populations with different age structures. We used the comparative risk assessment framework to estimate the risk-attributable type 2 diabetes burden for 16 risk factors falling under risk categories including environmental and occupational factors, tobacco use, high alcohol use, high body-mass index (BMI), dietary factors, and low physical activity. Using a regression framework, we forecast type 1 and type 2 diabetes prevalence through 2050 with Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and high BMI as predictors, respectively. FINDINGS : In 2021, there were 529 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 500–564) people living with diabetes worldwide, and the global age-standardised total diabetes prevalence was 6·1% (5·8–6·5). At the super-region level, the highest age-standardised rates were observed in north Africa and the Middle East (9·3% [8·7–9·9]) and, at the regional level, in Oceania (12·3% [11·5–13·0]). Nationally, Qatar had the world’s highest age-specific prevalence of diabetes, at 76·1% (73·1–79·5) in individuals aged 75–79 years. Total diabetes prevalence—especially among older adults—primarily reflects type 2 diabetes, which in 2021 accounted for 96·0% (95·1–96·8) of diabetes cases and 95·4% (94·9–95·9) of diabetes DALYs worldwide. In 2021, 52·2% (25·5–71·8) of global type 2 diabetes DALYs were attributable to high BMI. The contribution of high BMI to type 2 diabetes DALYs rose by 24·3% (18·5–30·4) worldwide between 1990 and 2021. By 2050, more than 1·31 billion (1·22–1·39) people are projected to have diabetes, with expected age-standardised total diabetes prevalence rates greater than 10% in two super-regions: 16·8% (16·1–17·6) in north Africa and the Middle East and 11·3% (10·8–11·9) in Latin America and Caribbean. By 2050, 89 (43·6%) of 204 countries and territories will have an age-standardised rate greater than 10%. INTERPRETATION : Diabetes remains a substantial public health issue. Type 2 diabetes, which makes up the bulk of diabetes cases, is largely preventable and, in some cases, potentially reversible if identified and managed early in the disease course. However, all evidence indicates that diabetes prevalence is increasing worldwide, primarily due to a rise in obesity caused by multiple factors. Preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes remains an ongoing challenge. It is essential to better understand disparities in risk factor profiles and diabetes burden across populations, to inform strategies to successfully control diabetes risk factors within the context of multiple and complex drivers.Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.http://www.thelancet.comam2024School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH)SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein

Budget impact analysis of breast cancer medications: a systematic review

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer globally among women, with 2,261,419 new cases in 2020; systemic treatment may be neo-adjuvant, adjuvant, or both. BC subtype guides the standard systemic therapy administered, which consists of endocrine therapy for all HR + tumors, trastuzumab-based HER2-directed antibody therapy plus chemotherapy for all HER2 + tumors (with endocrine therapy given in addition, if concurrent HR positivity), and chemotherapy alone for the triple-negative subtype. This study aimed to identify, evaluate, and systematically review all budget impact analyses (BIAs) of BC medications worldwide. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases were thoroughly searched up to 26th March 2022 to identify original published studies which evaluate BIA of BC medications. ISPOR Task Force guidelines were used to assess the quality of included studies. This study was conducted and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results In total, 17 BIAs were included in the study. About half of the studies were conducted in Europe. The results of the BIAs showed that most of the included BIAs are conducted from the payer’s perspective; they have different methodological frameworks for recommended chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy agents to treat BC. For the same medications, the results of budgetary effects are not consistent in diverse countries. Nine out of the 17 studies were focused on trastuzumab, in which the biosimilar form reduced costs, but the brand form increased costs, especially in a 52-week treatment period. Conclusion Researchers should conduct the budget impact analysis of high-value medications such as anti-tumor drugs more objectively, and the accuracy of parameters needs to be more strictly guaranteed. Furthermore, it is worthy of declaring that the budgetary impact of the same drug is not always consistent over time, so the researchers should measure access to medication in the long run

Optimum Design of Levees by Risk Analysis Method (Case Study : Khoshk River of Shiraz)

This paper has paid to review one of the structural flood control methods (levees). In order to speed up the design of levees, an optimization method has been proposed in this paper which can be a good alternative for the usual design methods. The advantage of using optimization method is that one can reach the optimal option by solving model for one time (or several times for further analysis) and there is no need to review various single options. Benefit-cost analysis has been used to optimize the dimensions of levee containing height of it and it's distance from the river bank. Obtained optimization model is a non-linear one that has been solved by LINGO 12 software. In this study, proposed system of flood control in dry Maali Abad river (TangeSorkh) of Shiraz has been studied. According to this studies and the execution of model, 20-year return period flood had the highest annual net benefit and was selected as the design flood. The obtained values for the height of levee and it's setback are respectively 1.7 and 6.1 meters

Latest Developments in Early Detection and Effective Treatment of Cancer: A Meeting Report

Despite a lower estimated rate of cancer incidence in Iran compared to the global average, the trend is unfortunatelyincreasing. This necessitates the implementation of early detection of cancer and targeted therapies to effectively treatvarious types of cancer. Therefore, the 5th “International Royan Cancer Conference: From Bench to Bedside" washeld to focus on critical cancer-related aspects such as gene- and cell therapy, immunotherapy, oligonucleotides incancer treatment, biosensors for detection, and drug delivery. The 2-day conference took place in February 2024 at theRoyan Institute, Tehran. This collaborative effort brought together experts from both basic and clinical research fields.The primary objective of the conference was to address clinical challenges and harness the potential of basic sciencesfor early cancer diagnosis and treatment, with a robust emphasis on ethical considerations. The conference aimedto ensure optimal patient care while advancing scientific understanding in the field and facilitating effective researchcollaborations among researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to combating cancer