Spatial analysis of breast cancer incidence in Iran

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in females (27 of the total) and the main cause of death (16) due to cancer in women in developed and developing countries. Variations in its incidence rate among geographical areas are due to various contributing factors. Since there have been a lack of studies on this topic in our country, the present spatial analysis of breast cancer incidence in Iran in 2009 was conducted using data from the national cancer registry system. The reported incidences of the disease were standardized according to the World Health Organization population and the direct method. Then data was inserted into the GIS software and finally, using the Hot Spot Analysis (Geties-Ord Gi), high-risk areas were drawn. Provinces with incidences 1.96 SD higher or lower than the national average were considered as hot spots or cold spots, at the significance level of 0.05. In 2009, a total of 7,582 cases of BC occurred in Iran. The annual incidence was 33.2 per hundred thousand people. Our study showed that the highest incidence of BC in women occurred in the central provinces of the country, Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Markazi and Fars. The results of hot spots analysis showed that the distribution of high-risk BC was focused in central parts of Iran, especially Isfahan province (p < 0.01). The other provinces were not significantly different from the national average. The higher incidence in central provinces may be due to greater exposure to carcinogens in urban areas, a Western lifestyle and high prevalence of other risk factors. Further epidemiological studies about the etiology and early detection of BC are essential. © 2016, Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

Fowler's syndrome: a primary disorder of urethral sphincter relaxation

Key content: Urinary retention is a relatively uncommon presentation in young women. Women with Fowler's syndrome are often found to have an abnormally elevated urethral pressure profile, increased urethral sphincter volume and characteristically abnormal electromyography of the urethral sphincter. The only treatment that has been found to restore voiding in women with Fowler's syndrome is sacral neuromodulation. Sphincter injections of botulinum toxin are a possible outpatient‐based alternative. / Learning objectives: To review the typical symptoms and signs associated with Fowler's syndrome. To share the current understanding about why this condition may occur. To understand how to evaluate and treat a woman with suspected Fowler's syndrome. / Ethical issues: Fowler's syndrome should be considered in women presenting with urinary retention where the cause for retention is uncertain

Spatial analysis of skin cancer incidence in Iran

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, including in Iran. Variations in its incidence rate among geographical areas are due to various contributing factors. Since there has been a lack of studies on this topic in our country, the present spatial analysis of skin cancer incidence in Iran in 2009 was conducted using data from the cancer registry system for the country. The reported incidences of the disease were standardized on the basis of the World Health Organization population and the direct method. Then the data were inserted into the GIS software, and finally, using the analysis of hot spots (Getis-Ord Gi), high-risk areas were drawn. Provinces that were 1.9 SD higher or lower than the national average were considered hot spots or cold spots, with significance at the level of 0.05. In 2009, a total of 9,964 cases of skin cancer occurred, 3,696 in women and 6,268 in men (standardized incidence rates of 15.8 and 22.6, respectively). The results of the study showed that in men and women, the disease demonstrated high incidence in the central provinces and desert regions. In women, Yazd Province and in men, Qom Province had significant hot spots (p < 0.05). While Isfahan, Markazi, Tehran and Kurdistan provinces were expected to be hot spots, the differences from the national average were not significant at the 0.05 level. As well, the provinces of Sistan Va Baluchistan, Kerman, and Hormozgan were identified as cold or low-risk disease regions (p < 0.05). The central provinces of the country due to hot weather conditions, more solar radiation, and closer vicinity to the central desert of Iran demonstrated higher incidence rates for skin cancer, so further epidemiological studies into the etiology and early detection are essential in these areas. © 2016, Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

A practical approach to assessing and managing sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

Sexual dysfunction is common in both men and women with multiple sclerosis but is often under-reported and undertreated. Neurologists report that a major barrier to discussing sexual dysfunction with patients is their lack of knowledge. Here we review the common presentations of sexual dysfunction, discuss its causes in people with multiple sclerosis, and provide a practical approach for neurologists to assess and manage these problems

Epidemiology, incidence and mortality of bladder cancer and their relationship with the development index in the world

Background: Bladder cancer is an international public health problem. It is the ninth most common cancer and the fourteenth leading cause of death due to cancer worldwide. Given aging populations, the incidence of this cancer is rising. Information on the incidence and mortality of the disease, and their relationship with level of economic development is essential for better planning. The aim of the study was to investigate bladder cancer incidence and mortality rates, and their relationship with the the Human Development Index (HDI) in the world. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from incidence and mortality rates presented by GLOBOCAN in 2012. Data on HDI and its components were extracted from the global bank site. The number and standardized incidence and mortality rates were reported by regions and the distribution of the disease were drawn in the world. For data analysis, the relationship between incidence and death rates, and HDI and its components was measured using correlation coefficients and SPSS software. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: In 2012, 429,793 bladder cancer cases and 165,084 bladder death cases occurred in the world. Five countries that had the highest age-standardized incidence were Belgium 17.5 per 100,000, Lebanon 16.6/100,000, Malta 15.8/100,000, Turkey 15.2/100,000, and Denmark 14.4/100,000. Five countries that had the highest age-standardized death rates were Turkey 6.6 per 100,000, Egypt 6.5/100,000, Iraq 6.3/100,000, Lebanon 6.3/100,000, and Mali 5.2/100,000. There was a positive linear relationship between the standardized incidence rate and HDI (r=0.653, P<0.001), so that there was a positive correlation between the standardized incidence rate with life expectancy at birth, average years of schooling, and the level of income per person of population. A positive linear relationship was also noted between the standardized mortality rate and HDI (r=0.308, P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between the standardized mortality rate with life expectancy at birth, average years of schooling, and the level of income per person of population. Conclusions: The incidence of bladder cancer in developed countries and parts of Africa was higher, while the highest mortality rate was observed in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East. The program for better treatment in developing countries to reduce mortality from the cancer and more detaiuled studies on the etiology of are essential

Influence of probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum on serum biochemical and immune parameters in vaccinated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against streptococcosis/lactococosis

This study evaluated the effects of probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum on serum biochemical and some immune parameters of immunized rainbow trout weighting 29.6±1.84 g, with streptococcosis/lactococosis vaccine at 16±1.5°C, for 60 days. A commercial diet was used as the control. Fish in the first treatment were immunized with streptococcosis/lactococosis vaccine in bathing route for 1 min. In the second group, the vaccinated trout were also fed diet containing L. plantarum (108 CFU g-1). In the third treatment, fish were only fed the diet supplemented with L. plantarum (108 CFU g-1). The results showed that vaccinated trout with or without L. plantarum feeding diets significantly decreased heterophils. Meanwhile it enhances serum lysozyme, alternative complement activities, antibody titer, total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and serum biochemical parameters, including ALP, IgM, and total protein levels compared to control groups. Moreover, the highest levels of above mentioned parameters were found in vaccinated fish that fed L. plantarum. In addition, the vaccinated fish that fed L. plantarum showed significantly elevated cholesterol levels compared to the control group. The results showed that the dietary L. plantarum improved the immunity of immunized trout with streptococcosis/lactococosis vaccine

Men-centered approaches for primary and secondary prevention of HIV/ AIDS: A scoping review of effective interventions

Approximately 65,000 people live with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Canada and around 82% of declared cases (52,932 cases) of HIV and AIDS are men. Without evidence-based specific interventions, HIV will continue to spread. This scoping review aims to identify evidence on best practice programs for sexual and reproductive health promotion (i.e. HIV/AIDS) targeting men, and to document the best channels for reaching men. English and French language literature indexed in relevant electronic databases was systematically searched. This was complemented by a manual search through five periodicals specializing in men's health. A total of 6608 articles were identified and 39 articles that met all inclusion and exclusion criteria were retained in the synthesis. Three reviewers independently extracted information on: health topic (i.e. HIV/AIDS), design of services (structure and resources), modes of delivery, content of intervention and main outcomes. The preventive practices with the strongest supportive evidence included, just in time information available through electronic channels (website or cell phone). Interventions designed for men only, showed significantly greater effectiveness compared to interventions targeting both men and women. We derived practical recommendations to design an integrated evidence-based preventive intervention targeting men. © 2013 Jbilou J, et al

Urinary tract infections in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly reported by people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and significantly impact quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the problem of UTIs in PwMS and offer a practical approach for the diagnosis and management. METHODS: A review of the literature through a Pubmed search up to October 2015 was performed using the following keywords: multiple sclerosis, neurogenic bladder, urinary tract infections, relapse, dipsticks, culture, recurrent and prevention. RESULTS: Noteworthy topics include the definition of a confirmed symptomatic UTI as a positive urine culture defined by >10(5) colony-forming units (CFU)/mL or >10(4) CFU/mL if a urethral catheter urine sample is taken, or any count of bacteria in a suprapubic bladder puncture specimen, both in addition to symptoms including fever, pain, changes in lower urinary tract symptoms or neurological status. Urinalysis is useful to exclude a UTI; however, on its own is insufficient to confirm a UTI, for which urine culture is required. Experts advise asymptomatic UTIs should not be treated except in the context of an acute relapse. From international guidelines, there is no validated strategy to prevent recurrent UTIs in PwMS. CONCLUSION: This review provides an overview of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of UTIs in the setting of multiple sclerosis (MS)