Detection of Epstein Barr Virus by Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization in cases of extra-hepatic biliary atresia

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Priority Setting for Improvement of Cervical Cancer Prevention in Iran

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Organized cervical screening and vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV) have been successful interventions for prevention of invasive cervical cancer (ICC). Because of cultural and religious considerations, ICC has low incidence in Iran and many other Muslim countries. There is no organized cervical screening in these countries. Therefore, ICC is usually diagnosed in advanced stages with poor prognosis in these countries. We performed a priority setting exercise and suggested priorities for prevention of ICC in this setting. Methods: We invited experts and researchers to a workshop and asked them to list important suggestions for ICC prevention in Iran. After merging similar items and removing the duplicates, we asked the experts to rank the list of suggested items. We used a strategy grid and Go-zone analysis to determine final list of priorities for ICC prevention in Iran. Results: From 26 final items suggested as priorities for prevention of ICC, the most important priorities were developing national guidelines for cervical screening and quality control protocol for patient follow-up and management of precancerous lesions. In addition, we emphasized considering insurance coverage for cervical screening, public awareness, and research priorities, and establishment of a cervical screening registry. Conclusion: A comprehensive approach and implementation of organized cervical screening program is necessary for prevention of ICC in Iran and other low incidence Muslim countries. Because of high cost for vaccination and low incidence of cervical cancer, we do not recommend HPV vaccination for the time being in Iran

Malignant transformation of tailgut cyst to squamous cell carcinoma, a rare case with poor outcome

Abstract Tailgut cyst, a type of retro‐rectal cyst, is a rare condition requiring evaluation for malignant transformation. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising in the retro‐rectal cyst, in a 51‐year‐old female who underwent incomplete resection of the cyst and chemo‐radiotherapy, subsequently became locally recurred and metastatic

Human Papilloma Virus and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has also been suggested as an etiology of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HPV infection in esophageal SCCs in our region with strict contamination control to prevent false positive results. Thirty cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas were chosen by simple random selection in a period of two years. PCR for target sequence of HPV L1 gene was performed on nucleic acid extracted from samples by means of GP5+/GP6+ primers. All tissue samples in both case and control groups were negative for HPV-DNA. Although the number of cases in this study was limited, the contribution of HPV in the substantial number of esophageal SCCs in our region is unlikely

Human Papilloma Virus and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been suggested as an etiology of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HPV infection in esophageal SCCs in our region with strict contamination control to prevent false positive results. Thirty cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas were chosen by simple random selection in a period of two years. PCR for target sequence of HPV L1 gene was performed on nucleic acid extracted from samples by means of GP5+/GP6+ primers. All tissue samples in both case and control groups were negative for HPV-DNA. Although the number of cases in this study was limited, the contribution of HPV in substantial number of esophageal SCCs in our region is unlikely

Retropectoral Hemangioma in A Male Patient: Report of A Case

Background: A hemangioma is a rather common benign soft tissue tumor that rarely originates from both the pectoralis muscle and the breast. Vascular tumors of the breast, such as benign hemangiomas, are rarely seen in men. Case presentation: A 40-year-old man presented with a non-tender palpable right breast mass since 6 months ago. On physical examination, a hard lump was detected in the central part of his right breast with normal intact skin without discoloration. No nipple discharge or axillary mass was detected. Mammography revealed a well-defined heterogeneous mass with a few macro-calcifications. Surgical excision was performed and Microscopic examination revealed multiple vascular spaces covered by one layer of endothelial cells without any remarkable atypia or mitotic activity proved to be benign hemangioma. Conclusion: A hemangioma should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of uncommon breast tumors in men. The imaging features of the male breast hemangioma seem to be similar to those described in female patients

Comparison of Serum Leptin Levels among Patients with Benign or Malignant Breast Lesions

Background: Studies have shown that obese individuals are at increased risk of breast cancer development and poorer prognosis. Leptin, an adipose tissue-derived hormone, has pro-inflammatory and proliferative effects and a well-established association with several comorbidities of obesity. This study was designed and conducted to compare the serum levels of leptin in patients with malignant and benign breast lesions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Research Center of Cancer Institute, Tehran, Iran between 2010 and 2011. Sixty-five patients with breast cancer and 65 BMI-matched patients with benign breast lesions were enrolled in this study. The serum leptin level was measured by the ELISA method and compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 130 patients were collected. The mean BMI in benign and malignant groups was 25.2±3.2 and 25.8±3.8 (kg/m2), respectively. Circulating levels of leptin were 20.05±14.69 vs. 14.74±10.16 mL in malignant and benign groups, respectively (P=0.011). A positive correlation was observed between BMI and leptin concentration (r = 0.431, P < 0.001). Leptins levels were not associated with the patients’ age (P = 0.108), menstrual status (P = 0.214), and history of OCP use (P = 0.269). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with breast cancer have significantly higher levels of leptin compared to those with benign lesions

Detection of herpes simplex viruses in the oral lesions of patients with pemphigus vulgaris: Is it diagnostic or predictive of disease severity?

Abstract Background Some studies emphasise the relationship between the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and pemphigus. Although the possible role of HSV in the pathogenesis of pemphigus and the severity of the disease is obscure, we aimed to evaluate the presence of herpes simplex viruses (HSV 1/2) in the oral lesions of patients with pemphigus vulgaris and also assess its association with disease severity and types of lesions. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on collected data in the form of collecting paraffin blocks, slides, and relevant pathology reports and referring to patients' medical records. A questionnaire containing details on the degree of skin, scalp, and mucosal involvement (Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI)) was fulfiled. The immunoassay result was also collected to check the anti‐desmoglein 3 and 1 antibodies (using ELISA technique). Results In this study, 52 patients of pemphigus vulgaris with oral lesions (case) and 52 patients with oral lesions not related to the disease (control) were evaluated. HSV1 was detected in 13.5% of oral pemphigus lesions and 1.9% of the control group (p = 0.0598). There were no positive cases of HSV2 in either group. There was no significant association between the positivity of HSV1 and the site of lesions (p = 1.00) or disease severity (p = 0.28). However, we found a strong correlation between the PDAI disease severity score with the titre of the AntiDsg3 antibody (r = 0.487, p = 0.001) and AntiDsg1 antibody (r = 0.309, p = 0.026). Conclusion This study demonstrated a significant prevalence of HSV1 in oral pemphigus lesions, and acyclovir therapy may play a significant role in managing these patients. However, HSV's role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris cannot be clearly determined

Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens of Iranian hospitalized patients during 2017–2021

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most serious public health problems worldwide which is a chronic infectious disease and is still one of the major challenges for developing countries. This study was undertaken to identify Mycobacterium TB (MTB) in clinical specimens in hospitalized patients. Methods: The study was carried out on specimens from pulmonary and extrapulmonary suspected TB patients that were admitted to one of the largest tertiary hospitals located in Tehran, Iran from 2017 to 2021. The GeneXpert MTB/rifampin (RIF) method was applied to detect MTB and RIF resistance. Characteristics of demography, clinical features, and lifestyle were obtained from medical case records registered in the hospital. Results: Of 957 specimens, 92 (9.61%) were found positive for TB by GeneXpert assay. Of positive samples, 72 (78.26%) were considered pulmonary TB, and 20 (21.73%) of them are associated with extrapulmonary involvement. Four (4.3%) positive TB cases were categorized as rifampicin-resistant. Conclusion: This study showed a relatively high incidence rate of TB in distinct types of specimens in Iranian hospitalized patients but a low level of RIF resistance