Is there any difference between Eastern and Western clinical practice guidelines in management of gastric cancer?

BACKGROUND AND RECENT FINDINGS: Gastric cancer (GC) has been known as one of the most common causes of cancer mortality both in Western and Eastern countries. However, there might be differences between how it is managed in different countries. Thus, we aimed to investigate these differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The most well-known clinical guidelines in field of GC management including Korean GC Association (KGCA), Japanese GC Association (JGCA), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), and National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE) have been reviewed. RESULTS: The contents of these guidelines were categorized under eight headings including (1) genetic predisposition, (2) prevention, (3) management of gastric polyp, atrophy, dysplasia and metaplasia, (4) diagnosis, (5) pathology and molecular biology, (6) treatment, (7) supportive and palliative care, and (8) follow up. Difference in each section was discussed. CONCLUSION: Considering KGCA and JGCA as Eastern and NCCN, ESMO, BSG, and NICE as Western guidelines, it is revealed that both sets of guidelines share common practices such as prioritizing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, personalizing treatment plans, and palliative care. However, main differences can be seen in treatment regimens, the adoption of newer therapies like immunotherapy, and the utilization of emerging techniques such as HIPEC. These differences reflect the diverse clinical landscapes, research focuses, and healthcare systems within these regions.

Reconstruction with facial artery musculo-mucosal flap (FAMM.F) after resection of upper lip pleomorphic adenoma: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Although pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common neoplasm of both minor and major salivary glands, its presence in the buccal surface of upper lip is rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 70-year-old male presented with a chief complaint of recent rapid growth of a mass in the buccal aspect of the upper lip. A well-circumscribed mass measuring 3 × 2 cm with intact overlying mucosa without regional lymphadenopathy was evident. Core needle biopsy report was suggestive of PA. Complete excision of the tumor was performed. The defect was large and primary closure was not possible. Reconstruction with FAMM flap was planned. After 4 weeks, the flap was covered with epithelia and created a satisfactory result. DISCUSSION: The definite diagnosis of PA is based on histopathological examination. The following features help to differentiate PA from other tumors; tubuloalveolar and gland-like structures, islands of cuboidal or polygonal cells in a chondroid, hyalinized, fibroadipose or mucinous hypocellular stroma which are stained positively for periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian. Despite these characteristics, differentiation of PA from dermal mixed tumor may be challenging especially when the specimen is from the upper lip. The main advantages of FAMM.F are being thin and pliable flap, having wide arc of rotation; being suitable for reconstruction of mucosal defects; resistance against postoperative radiotherapy and easy harvesting. CONCLUSION: The FAMM flap is a reliable reconstruction technique for medium-sized intraoral defects with limited morbidity to the donor site. It provides functional reconstruction of the oral cavity with a low risk of post-operative complications.

Huge spindle cell sarcoma of esophagus in a middle-aged man with a recent-onset dysphagia: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal sarcoma is a rare neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. The majority of the esophageal neoplasms have an epithelial origin. In this report, we present a case of a middle-aged man with an enormous spindle cell sarcoma whose symptoms initiated only a few weeks before diagnosis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 41-year-old man with an unremarkable past medical history and physical examination presented with recent aggravation of cough and severe, progressive dysphagia to solid foods resulting in a 25-kilogram weight loss without any prior symptoms. He had no history of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. The CT scan showed a huge soft tissue mass with heterogeneous enhancement from the proximal esophagus to 4 cm above the gastro-esophageal junction, causing luminal bulging. Trans-hiatal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up were performed. Pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoma. Further pathological evaluation using immune-histochemical studies, confirmed the tumor as spindle cell sarcoma. The postoperative period was uneventful, and there were no signs and symptoms related to tumor recurrence one year after surgery. DISCUSSION: The most challenging aspect of diagnosing sarcomas is differentiating them from other pathologies, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, synovial sarcomas, sarcomatoid carcinomas, melanomas, and solitary fibrous tumors. Immunohistochemical studies play a vital role in this differentiation. Additionally, cytokeratin AE1/AE3 has been introduced as a marker of epithelial differentiation and can verify the presence of the epithelial component in tumors, such as in carcinosarcomas. CONCLUSION: Considering the potential for an unusual size, sarcoma should be considered in a differential diagnosis for huge esophageal masses.

Surgical management of retrorectal tumors: a single-center 12 years' experience.

Purpose: Retrorectal tumors (RTs) are rare tumors that arise in the space between the mesorectum and the pelvic wall and often originate in embryonic tissues. The primary treatment for these tumors is complete excision surgery, and choosing the best surgical approach is very important. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively collected the data of 15 patients with RTs who underwent surgery in the surgical ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran for 12 years to share our experiences of patients' treatment and compare different surgical approaches. Results: A total of 5 tumors were malignant, 10 were benign, and most of the tumors were congenital. Malignant tumors were seen in older patients. Three surgical procedures were performed on patients. Three patients underwent abdominal approach surgery, and 8 patients underwent posterior surgery. A combined surgical approach was performed on 4 patients. Two patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. The abdominal approach had the least long-term complication, and the combined approach had the most complications; laparoscopic surgery reduced the length of hospital stay and complications after surgery. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary team collaboration using magnetic resonance imaging details is necessary to determine a surgical treatment approach. It could reduce the need for a preoperative biopsy. However, every approach has its advantages and disadvantages. In the main, they have no superiority over each other, and individualized treatment is the key.

What are the determinants of parametrial invasion in patients with early stage cervical cancer: A cross sectional study.

Introduction: There was an increase in number of patients presented with early-stage cervical cancer (CC). Tumors with favorable pathological features might be candidates for less radical surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 700 patients with histologically confirmed CC between January 2011 and March 2020. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to assess relations between parametrial involvement (PI) and clinic-pathological variables. Results: Total number of 132 patients with stage IA to IIA were eligible to participate. Squamous cell carcinoma was reported in 100 (75.8%) patients, adenocarcinoma and other tumor pathologies were found in 24(18.2%) and 8(6.1%), respectively. Considering the 2018 FIGO stage, 11 (8.4%) patients had IA, 111 (83%%) IB and 10 (7.6%) IIA. Nine patients (6.8%) had PI on permanent pathologic report. Univariate analysis demonstrated that following variables were statistically different between patients with and without PI: age ≥50, tumor size ≥ 3 cm, lower segment involvement, poorly differentiated pathology, deep stromal invasion, pelvic lymph node, lympho-vascular involvement and positive surgical margin (all p values < 0.05). Among these variables only tumor size ≥3 cm (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.11-4.16, p value: 0.02), deep stromal invasion (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.9-7.43, p value: 0.02) and positive surgical margin (OR: 5.1, 95% CI: 3.97-11.15, p value: 0.008) were independent risk factor of PI in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Early stage CC might be surgically approached in a more conservative manner if patients have tumor size <3 cm and do not have deep stromal invasion in conization.

Advanced Regenerative Medicine Strategies for Treatment of Perianal Fistula in Crohn's Disease.

Regenerative medicine is an emerging therapeutic method that aims to reconstruct tissues and organs. This advanced therapeutic approach has demonstrated great potential in addressing the limitations of medical and surgical procedures for treating perineal fistula in patients with Crohn's disease. Recent developments in stem cell technology have led to a massive good manufacturing practices (GMPs) production of various stem cells, including mesenchymal and embryonic cells, along with induction of pluripotent stem cells to repair damaged tissues in the fistula. The recent advances in separation and purification of exosomes, as biologic nanovesicles carrying anti-inflammatory and regenerative agents, have made them powerful tools to treat this inflammatory disease. Further, tremendous advances in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and scaffold fabrication methods enable tissue engineering methods to synthesize tissue-like structures to assist surgical techniques. This review focuses on advanced regenerative-based methods including stem cell therapy, exosome therapy, and tissue engineering used in the treatment of perianal fistula. Relevant in vitro and in vivo studies and the latest innovations in implementation of regenerative medicine for this disease are also separately reviewed. Additionally, current challenges regarding implementation of g stem cells, exosomes, and tissue engineering methods for bridging the gaps between laboratory findings and clinic application will be discussed.

Transmission Possibility of COVID-19 via Surgical Smoke Generated by the Use of Laparoscopic Approaches: A Subject of Debate During the Pandemic.

Background: The smoke created by energy-based devices during surgery may have the potential to transmit viral components to operating room staff. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed staff safety regulations. However, it is not clearly understood whether it can be transmitted via surgical smoke. Laparoscopic approaches have become the standard surgical procedure in many cases, but some of previous investigations have advised to pretermit these approaches due to high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the English literature that were indexed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases by using key words including Virus, viral transmission, surgical smoke, surgical plum, laparoscopy, and COVID-19 both solely and in two-word combination. A total of 87 articles were found relevant, and after reviewing the abstract, 33 articles were shortlisted and summarized. Results: Previous studies have focused on different surgical instruments that generate smoke, methods to collect and analyze the smoke and to understand the implications of its exposure after an analysis. A total of 9 out of 11 studies on the potential transmission of human papilloma virus through surgical smoke found evidence in favor of transmission. There were studies on the possible transmission of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and Sabin poliomyelitis vaccine virus 2. Conclusion: We do not believe that laparoscopic procedures may have extra risk for COVID-19 transmission compared with the open procedures, but it is always advised that the operating room staff adhere to the safety instructions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Splenic flexure volvulus, a rare etiology of colonic obstruction: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Splenic flexure volvulus (SFV) occurs as a result of twisting or torsion of a redundant colon around its mesentery. The SFV can be divided into primary and secondary types. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 82-year-old woman with a previous history of Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with a primary complaimt of obstipation and progressive abdominal pain. Abdomen was grossly distended and tympanic with generalized tenderness. The rectum was empty on digital rectal examination. Complete blood count showed leuckocytosis and neutrophlia. Plain abdominal X-rays showed distented cecum and ascending colon without any air in the gut distal to the splenic flexure. Regarding her unstable condition even aftre fluid resuscitation, she was transferred to the operating room. SFV was found and the standard left hemicolectomy was performed and bowel continiuity was established with primary anastomis of remained colonic ends. Postoperative period was uneventfull. DISCUSSION: The splenic flexure is strictly attached to the adjacent organs so its volvulus is rare. Most cases of adult SFV have an underlying disease associated with chronic constipation. Diagnosis of volvulus is suspected based on the history, clinical exam, and imaging. The initial and urgent treatment of SFV, if there are no signs of ischemia or perforation, may be conservative with endoscopic detorsion. Gangrenous bowel should not be detorted and should be resected with primary anastomosis or a diverting stoma. CONCLUSION: SFV should be considered as a possible diagnosis of chronic constipation which might be diagnosed with plain abdominal Xray in non emergent condition. Special attention should be given to the medication history of the patient as the anticholinergic agents propagate normal pristaltis.

The effect of fibrin glue on the postoperative lymphatic leakage after D2-lymphadenectomy and gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Disturbance in the lymphatic drainage during D2 dissection is associated with significant morbidity. We aimed to assess the effect of fibrin glue on the reduction of postoperative lymphatic leakage. METHODS: Prospective double-blinded randomized clinical trial with forty patients in each study arm was conducted. All patients diagnosed, staged, and became a candidate for D2 dissection based on NCCN 2019 guideline for gastric cancer. The intervention group received 1 cc of IFABOND® applied to the surgical bed. RESULTS: The difference between study groups regarding age, gender, tumor stage was insignificant. (All p-values > 0.05). The median daily drainage volume was 120 ml with the first and the third interquartile being 75 and 210 ml, respectively for the intervention group. The control group had median, the first, and the third interquartile of 350, 290, and 420 ml. The difference between daily drainage volumes was statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly different between the two groups. Notably, the intervention group was discharged sooner (median of 7 Vs 9 days, p-value: 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed the possible role of fibrin glue in reducing postoperative lymphatic leakage after gastrectomy and D2 dissection. Registration trial number: IRCT20200710048071N1, 2020.08.16.

Prophylactic postoperative condom sheet placement: A randomized clinical trial to test a new concept.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is one of the most common complications after surgery with several risk factors. However, its precise etiology is not completely understood. So far, the effect of prophylactic condom sheet placement on the prevention of POUR has not been addressed. This study was designed to understand whether preventive condom sheet decreases the rate of POUR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was carried out in an educational hospital during 2018-2019. All male patients, who underwent anorectal surgery with spinal anesthesia, were included and randomly allocated into two groups (with and without postoperative condom sheet placement). RESULTS: A total of 172 patients were included in this study (86 patients per group). Twenty-three (13.4%) patients developed POUR. The incidence of POUR was 15.1% among patients with condom sheets and 11.6% in patients without condom sheets, which was not significantly different (P > 0.5). POUR development had a significant correlation with the use of morphine and history of hypertension in both univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: Based on the present results, it seems that condom sheet placement did not effectively prevent POUR in patients; therefore, ambulation of patients after surgery is a more effective strategy for these patients.

Problem-based learning as an effective method for teaching theoretical surgery courses to medical students.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the clinical judgment of medical students in surgery clinical decision-making by a standard examination after lecture-based learning (LBL) or problem-based learning (PBL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized trial study on 175 medical students whom were randomly allocated to three groups was performed during November 2017 and January 2018. LBL group (n = 103), PBL group led by an attending (n = 39), and PBL group (n = 33) led by an intern. Chi-squared test and independent student t-test were used to compare between the two groups. All the analyses were performed by the two-sided method using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS version 22; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and a P < 0.05 set as statistically significant. RESULTS: The students in the PBL group scored significantly higher on the posttraining multiple-choice examination, compared to the LBL group (P = 0.048). However, there was no significant difference between the PBL group led by an attending and the PBL group led by an intern (P = 0.892). CONCLUSION: We concluded that PBL remarkably increased the students' scores in the problem-solving examination, as compared to the conventional method. We found no significant differences in PBL facilitated by an attending or an intern.

Neuroendocrine tumor of the common bile duct: A case report of extremely rare cause for obstructive jaundice.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of common bile duct are rare. There have been less than 100 cases reported worldwide. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 37-year-old female patient was referred to our center after six months of abdominal pain with no definite diagnosis. At initial presentation, she complained of increased abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, oral intolerance to food and icteric sclera. Physical examination and laboratory tests were indicative of pancreatitis. At day four, she took retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and a mid CBD stenosis or impacted stone was found. In order to locally investigate the lesion, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) examination was performed which reported 16 × 12 mm isoechoic tumoral lesion at the middle of the CBD. In this regard we decided to perform ERCP-guided brushing biopsy of the lesion. The pathology report was highly suggestive for malignancy. She underwent resection of the mid portion of the CBD with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, cholecystectomy and portahepatis lymph node dissection. The pathology report indicated that the CBD lesion was well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor grade II. DISCUSSION: The exact etiology of developing NET in the bile duct tissues is not clear however cholelithiasis and congenital malformation of the biliary tract has been proposed to cause chronic inflammation with subsequent metaplasia which ultimately transforms into NET. CONCLUSION: As there are very few cases of NETs of the CBD, no definite surgical or medical treatment is proposed. Currently, combination of radical surgical resection and lymph node dissection followed by chemotherapy is the treatment of choice.

Primary rectal choriocarcinoma associated with rectal adenocarcinoma in a woman with a history of ulcerative colitis: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Primary rectal choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignancy. The association of these neoplasms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been reported. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 34-year-old female with history of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) gave birth to a male fetus. She had postpartum bleeding and high level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ßhCG) was detected. Although initial investigations failed to confirm molar pregnancy, abnormal uterine bleeding and high ßhCG level necessitate chemotherapy administration. She did not respond to chemotherapy sessions accordingly. Meanwhile, the patient experienced rectorrhagia and colonoscopy revealed a firm submucosal polypoid lesion 8-10 cm from the anal verge. The multidisciplinary team candidate the patient for total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis. Although postoperative course was uneventful and ßhCG level dropped but it showed a rising pattern in follow ups. Chemotherapy was planned but there was not suitable response. Unfortunately, the patient passed away 20 months after the initial diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Pathology report indicated the coexistence of moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma and choriocarcinoma. We assume previous history of UC might have put her at higher susceptibility to develop carcinoma and this poorly differentiated carcinoma has led to choriocarcinoma. Considering the fact that in most cases of colorectal choriocarcinoma, choriocarcinomatous differentiation was found alongside colonic adenocarcinoma made dedifferentiation theory to be the most acceptable explanation. CONCLUSION: The adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum in the setting of IBD may become so dedifferentiated that gain some characteristics of germ cell tumors.

Approach to Acute Abdominal Pain: Practical Algorithms.

CONTEXT: Acute abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints of patients admitted to emergency units. This study aimed to propose a new approach to abdominal pain by designing a more structured diagnostic workup for physicians. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive review of relevant articles and algorithms presented in books and websites was conducted. Approaches which were relevant to the study concept, were selected. RESULTS: Seven algorithms were introduced with respect to the site of abdominal tenderness. The mainstay of these algorithms was differential diagnosis of the tenderness site. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, the designed approach can prevent confusion among physicians and reduce requests for many unnecessary paraclinical tests, which delay the final diagnosis and impose unacceptable costs on patients and healthcare systems.

Surgical Approaches to Benign Parapharyngeal Space Tumors-5-Year Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Various surgical approaches to parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are introduced to obtain complete removal with the preservation of the surrounding structures in parapharyngealneoplasms. Here, we will discuss the main techniques and their outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 78 patients undergone either transoral, transcervical or a combination of these two approaches for the resection of PSS tumors from January 2010 to January 2015. RESULTS: A number of 33 male and 45 female patients with the mean age of 40.9 ± 9.1 were evaluated. 42.3% of the patients were asymptomatic at the initial presentation. Pleomorphic adenoma and schwannoma were a permanent diagnosis in 61(78.2%) and 11(14.1%) patients, respectively. PPS tumors were resected using transoral, transcervical and combined approaches in 35(44.8%), 33(42.3%) and 10 (12.9%) cases, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 10 patients all of whom had apre-styloid pleomorphic adenoma, operated transcervical (P< 0.0001).Three cases of tenth nerve palsy occurred in schwannomas which were operatedtranscervically (P=0.04). Mean hospital stays were 2.11,3.69, and 4.9 days after transoral, transcervical and combined approaches, respectively (P= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Transoral, transcervical and combined approaches are all able to provide adequate visualization with comparable outcomes.

Assessment of Admission Time Cell Blood Count (CBC) Parameters in Predicting Post-primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention TIMI Frame Count in Patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to assess the value of admission time CBC parameters in predicting post-primary PCI corrected TIMI frame count. BACKGROUND: Recent years have witnessed a large series of studies evaluating different laboratory variables to predict no-reflow phenomenon following primary PCI (PPCI) in patients with STEMI. However, a general agreement about the most reliable predictor of the no-reflow phenomenon is challenging and also intriguing. METHODS: The current study concluded 208 consecutive patients who underwent primary PCI for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) from January 2014 to February 2016. Blood samples were obtained after taking ECG. Complete blood samples were collected and analyzed within 5 minutes from sampling. Post-PCI corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count was determined by one interventional cardiologist blinded to patients' clinical data. The correlation between admission time blood parameters and post-primary PCI corrected TIMI frame count in patients with STEMI were assessed. RESULTS: Corrected TIMI frame count was positively correlated with WBC count (R: 0.18, P-value: <0.01), neutrophil count (R: 0.34, P-value: <0.01), and platelet count (R: 0.23, P-value: <0.01) and negatively correlated with lymphocyte count (R: -0.2, P-value: <0.01). Multiple linear regression results demonstrated that corrected TIMI frame count was positively correlated with neutrophil count (P < 0·001) and platelet count (P < 0·001) and negatively correlated with lymphocyte count (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: High counts of WBC, neutrophil, and platelet and low count of lymphocyte may be predictors of no-reflow in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. The clinical significance of such predictive parameters becomes clear as we consider the treatment approach in STEMI patients. Appropriate risk stratification leads to better treatment planning and allocation of resources.

Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary Accompanying with Ollier's Disease: First Case of Contralateral Presentations.

OBJECTIVE: Granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a rare entity of ovarian malignancies. Juvenile GCT is considered a malignant tumor with an indolent course and tendency toward late recurrence. However, the association of this tumor and multiple enchondromas has been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-year-old female with abnormal uterine bleeding was referred to our center. Ultrasonographic evaluation revealed a mass with origin in right ovary. Patient was worked up to undergo salpingo-oophorectomy, she felt a dull pain in her left lower limb. X-ray imaging was indicative for Ollier's disease at the distal part of femur and proximal part of tibia. Postoperative pathological review was compatible with juvenile granulosa tumor of the right ovary. CONCLUSION: This case was the first of its kind that ovarian tumor was contralateral to the side involved by enchondromatosis.

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis Arising from Lingual Thyroid.

Although lingual thyroid is the most common site for ectopic thyroid gland but carcinomas originating from lingual thyroid are extremely rare, accounting only for 1% of all ectopic thyroids. Here we represent a young female with a bleeding mass at the base of her tongue and review the diagnostic approach towards papillary thyroid carcinoma of lingual thyroid. The surgical treatment and follow up are discussed. A combination of radiological studies and histological evaluation should be deployed to investigate suspicious lingual thyroids. The perspective of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for carcinomas of lingual thyroid is the same as orthotopic thyroid tissue.

Home-Based Rehabilitation Programs: Promising Field to Maximize Function of Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) has profound effects on the patient's health condition and function. However current treatment strategies fail in terms of cure. Thus, rehabilitative management has become the main gadget to promote patients' residual function. The most challenging aspect of rehabilitation is high costs of inpatient rehabilitation programs and poor continuity of care while patients are transferred to home. In this regard, numerous home based rehabilitation programs have been introduced. OBJECTIVES: This review is an attempt to better introduce and classify different aspects of home care programs for patients with TSCI all around the world. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar database. Studies that addressed rehabilitative programs for patients with TSCI in their home or home-like facilities were reviewed. Reference lists from retrieved articles were also reviewed. RESULTS: Home based rehabilitation can be categorized in five different but naturally relevant fields: home aids/modification, home nursing and family help, social support, home based primary care (multidisciplinary physician groups), and novel models/methods (e.g. "transitional rehabilitation" or telemedicine). CONCLUSION: Since most investigators in TSCI home based rehabilitation have only introduced their findings, there are no comparative studies available. Thus future studies should be dedicated to clinical trials evaluating clinical efficacy of different strategies. A comprehensive integrated strategy with consideration to financial and other limitations should be applied to each specific area.

A Preliminary Survey of Autism Knowledge and Attitude among Health Care Workers and Pediatricians in Tehran, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Autism spectrum disease (ASD) is not a common diagnosis for children presenting with neurodevelopmental delay before 36 months in Iran. Although recent years have witnessed improvements in diagnosis of pediatrics psychological disorders the role of referral system starting with health care workers (HCW) is not clear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the common concepts about ASD among pediatricians and HCW. MATERIALS & METHODS: Pediatricians were randomly selected from four teaching hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2012-13. HCW were randomly selected from 3 urban health care centers in Tehran, Iran. DSM-IV TR criteria for ASD was used to assess knowledge. Participants were asked to rate sixteen statements on beliefs about autism to assess attitude. RESULTS: Overall, 122 pediatricians and 90 HCWs with mean ± SD age of 36±4.7 yr and 76.4% being female recruited. Pediatricians had significantly higher encounter with autistic patients (18% vs. 10%, P-value=0.06) and parents of autistic child (17% vs. 12%, P-value=0.07). But generally, 209 participants (98.6%) declared that they were familiar with autism. There was no statistically significant difference between study groups in rating DSM-IV TR criteria for ASD as "necessary for diagnosis". Age, gender and working experience, did not differ between pediatricians or HCW answers (all P-values >0.05). Among HCW participants, higher educational level was associated with higher disagreement about "autistic children is schizophrenic" (P=0.01). Moreover, HCW with higher working experience had higher agreement rate with "autistic children needs special education" statement (P= 0.04). CONCLUSION: There are still misconceptions about ASD regarding developmental, cognitive and emotional features in both HCW and pediatricians needed to be educated through national program.