Human papilloma virus in head and neck squamous cell cancer

Epidemiologic and molecular evidences have established a strong link between high risk types of Human Papilloma Virus and a subgroup of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas [HNSCC]. We evaluated the frequency of HPV positivity in HNSCC and its relationship to demographic and some risk factor variables in an open casecontrol study. Fourteen recently diagnosed patients with squamous cell cancer of oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx aged 18-50 years were examined from 2008-2010 in Tabriz, Iran. HPV DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded blocks of each patient's sample for PCR evaluation. Saliva samples of 94 control cancer-free subjects were collected for DNA analysis. Multivariable logistic regression method was used to calculate odds ratio for case-control comparisons. High risk HPV was detected in 6[42.8%] patients, and 6[5.3%] control subjects which was statistically significant [p<0.0001]. HPV-18 was the most frequent type both in the cases and controls. HPV-16 DNA was detected in two patients of the case group, but it was not detected in any of the controls. The relation between demographic and risk factor variables was not statistically significant. HPV infection has a significant impact on HNSCC. Despite HPV-16 stronger impact, HPV-18 is more likely to cause malignant degeneration in such cancers amongst some communities. It is vital to introduce and conduct immunization schedules in health care systems to protect communities to some extent

[Contamination of drinking water with arsenic and its various health effect in the village of Ghopuz]

Arsenicosis is a serious environmental disease caused by chronic exposure to arsenic- usually from drinking water. Signs and symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning include hyperkeratosis, hyper- or hypopigmentation, and ulcers. Also, the incidence of cancer is increased in the exposed population. There is some evidence of high arsenic levels in drinking water in the village of Ghopuz, located in Hashtrud District, East Azerbaijan province. We evaluated the genetic and health effects of chronic arsenic exposure in the residents of Ghopuz. In this cross-sectional study we determined the prevalence of hyperkeratosis, hyperpigmentation and hypertension in Ghopuz village. The study involved 101 individuals in Ghopuz and 107 in the adjacent village of Mayan, who were all visited by a trained physician. A total of 46 blood samples were collected for kariotyping. The level of heavy metals in water was determined by the Inductively Coupled Plasma [ICP] method. We detected high arsenic levels in the drinking water at Ghopuz [mean concentration in water = 1.03 mg/L]. There were chromosomal defects in the exposed group. Mean systolic blood pressure at Ghopuz [137mmHg, 95% CI: 132-142] was significantly higher than in Mayan [107, 95% CI: 99.9-114]. Also, mean diastolic blood pressure at Ghopuz [82, 95% CI: 79-85] was significantly higher than in Mayan [71, 95% CI: 66-75]. Hyperkeratosis was 34 times more frequent in the exposed population [OR = 34, P< 0.001]. Also, hyperpigmentation was significantly more frequent in the exposed population [OR = 2.4, P < 0.007]. Water arsenic and nitrate levels at Ghopuz were higher than the maximum permissible levels. The prevalence of skin lesions and hypertension is increased at Ghopuz village due to arsenic exposure. There is also some evidence of chromosomal defects in the exposed group. Affected people need appropriate medical care, and safe drinking water should be provided to reduce arsenic exposure

effect of nutrition education on the knowlege and practice of elementary school children regarding junk food intake

Nutritional habits and behavior are acquired and established during childhood and can remain through the whole life. Proper nutrition in childhood results in enhancing the child growth and development and hinders the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Regarding the significance of nutritional training of school children, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of nutrition education on knowledge and nutritional practice of grade five elementary school children about junk food intake in Tabriz from 2004 to 2005. This experimental study was conducted on 487 students [from 16 schools] in two control and treatment groups. In this research two teaching styles [lecturing without teaching aids - and with teaching aids and group discussion] were performed for twelve sessions for the students. Data collecting tool was a questionnaire whose reliability and validity had been confirmed in advance. To investigate the effect of intervention of nutrition education in junk food consumption Solomon method was used. The results obtained from this study showed no significant difference between mean knowledge and practice of the students in control and education groups before intervention. However, after nutrition education there was a significant difference [P=0.005] between mean score of knowledge and practice in two groups and the mean score of practice in treatment group increased from 87.8 +/- 31.95 before intervention to 104.6 +/- 28.34 after intervention and the mean score of knowledge increased from 22.4 +/- 16.49 before intervention to 42.6 +/- 25.68 after intervention. In addition, knowledge and practice increased significantly in two groups [P=0.005]. The results were more favorable in girls than in boys [P=0.005]. Nutrition education plays a crucially important role in improvement of knowledge and practice, particularly in school. Replacement of junk food with nutritious, healthy food will reduce the complications posed by consumption of junk food. Parents, education also seems essential to reduce the consumption of junk food