Sensitive and Noninvasive Detection of Aberrant SFRP2 and MGMT-B Methylation in Iranian Patients with Colon Polyps.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) is influenced by the patient genetic background and environmental factors. Based on prior understanding, these are classified in two major pathways of genetic instability. Microsatellite instability (MSI) and CPG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) are categorized as features of the hypermethylated prototype, and chromosomal instability (CIN) is known to be indicative of the non-hypermethylated category. Secreted frizzled related protein 2 (SFRP2), APC1A in WNT signaling pathway and the DNA repair gene, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), are frequently hypermethylated in colorectal cancer. Detection of methylated DNA as a biomarker by easy and inexpensive methods might improve the quality of life of patients with CRC via early detection of cancer or a precancerous condition. AIM: To evaluate the rate of SFRP2 and MGMT hypermethylation in both polyp tissue and serum of patients in south Iran as compared with matched control normal population corresponding samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methylation-specific PCR was used to detect hypermethylation in DNA extracted from 48 polypoid tissue samples and 25 healthy individuals. RESULTS: Of total polyp samples, 89.5% had at least one promoter gene hypermethylation. The most frequent methylated locus was SFRP2 followed by MGMT-B (81.2 and 66.6 percent respectively). Serologic detection of hypermethylation was 95% sensitive as compared with polyp tissue. No hypermethylation was detected in normal tissue and serum and its detection in patients with polyps, especially of serrated type, was specific. CONCLUSIONS: Serologic investigation for detection of MGMT-B, SFRP2 hypermethylation could facilitate prioritization of high risk patients for colonoscopic polyp detection and excision.

Comparison of Cox's Regression Model and Parametric Models in Evaluating the Prognostic Factors for Survival after Liver Transplantation in Shiraz during 2000-2012.

BACKGROUND: Identification of the prognostic factors for survival in patients with liver transplantation is challengeable. Various methods of survival analysis have provided different, sometimes contradictory, results from the same data. OBJECTIVE: To compare Cox's regression model with parametric models for determining the independent factors for predicting adults' and pediatrics' survival after liver transplantation. METHOD: This study was conducted on 183 pediatric patients and 346 adults underwent liver transplantation in Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, southern Iran. The study population included all patients undergoing liver transplantation from 2000 to 2012. The prognostic factors sex, age, Child class, initial diagnosis of the liver disease, PELD/MELD score, and pre-operative laboratory markers were selected for survival analysis. RESULT: Among 529 patients, 346 (64.5%) were adult and 183 (34.6%) were pediatric cases. Overall, the lognormal distribution was the best-fitting model for adult and pediatric patients. Age in adults (HR=1.16, p<0.05) and weight (HR=2.68, p<0.01) and Child class B (HR=2.12, p<0.05) in pediatric patients were the most important factors for prediction of survival after liver transplantation. Adult patients younger than the mean age and pediatric patients weighing above the mean and Child class A (compared to those with classes B or C) had better survival. CONCLUSION: Parametric regression model is a good alternative for the Cox's regression model.

Does platelet-rich plasma enhance healing in the idiopathic bone cavity? A single-blind randomized clinical trial.

The presence of an idiopathic bone cavity (IBC) is usually identified during routine dental radiographic examinations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on bone healing in the idiopathic bone cavity. This was a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Twenty-four subjects were assigned randomly to two groups. Subjects in group 1 received PRP through a buccal window approach, and those in group 2 underwent conventional management via the creation of a window on the buccal wall and curettage of the walls of the defect. Subjects were followed up at 3, 6, and 9 months after the intervention. The amount of bone formation as determined on panoramic radiographs was divided into four categories: stage 1: ≤25% of the defect showed opacity; stage 2: 25-50% of the defect showed opacity; stage 3: 50-75% of the defect showed opacity; and stage 4: >75% of the defect showed opacity. There was a significant difference between the two groups with regard to the various healing stages at the three time points (P<0.05). When compared with conventional management of the idiopathic bone cavity, the use of PRP may enhance bone formation.

Anemia and iron deficiency in adolescent school girls in kavar urban area, southern iran.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is one of the most common public health problems especially in developing countries. We investigated the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency anemia and related risk factors in adolescent school girls in Kavar urban area in southern Iran. METHODS: A total of 363 adolescent school girls were evaluated by a cross sectional study. Socioeconomic, demographic and related risk factors were obtained by a questionnaire. Hematological parameters and serum iron indices were measured. RESULTS: There were 21 cases of anemia (5.8%), 31 (8.5%) iron deficiency and 6 (1.7%) iron deficiency anemia.  Most of anemic girls (85.7%) had mild anemia.  MCV, TIBC, age, and BMI had statistically significant relationship with hemoglobin. Only parasites infestation in the last three months had a 6.83 times more risk of anemia than those without this history (95% CI, 1.66-28.11). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency anemia in this study were substantially less than what reported in many other regions of Iran as well as other developing countries. It seems that related implemented strategies in the recent years have been successful. More especial attention to prevention of parasite infestation should be considered in this area.

Effect of group reminiscence therapy on depression in older adults attending a day centre in Shiraz, southern Islamic Republic of Iran.

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy on depression symptoms among elderly people attending a day centre in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran. A sample of 49 people aged 60+ years participated in 6 group reminiscence sessions that were held twice weekly for a 3-week period and completed a Farsi version of the 15-item geriatric depression scale. Mean depression scores decreased significantly from 8.18 (SD 1.20) before the intervention to 6.73 (SD 1.20) immediately after it and 7.55 (SD 1.19) 1 month after the intervention. When analysed by demographic characteristics only marital status showed a statistically significant difference in depression scores comparing before and after the intervention.

Prevalence of dyspepsia and its correlation with demographic factors and lifestyle in shiraz, southern iran.

BACKGROUND Dyspepsia is a common disorder that can present many clinical dilemmas in patient management. Although not life-threatening, the symptoms are long-lasting, interfere with daily activities and have a significant impact upon quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of dyspepsia and its relationship with demographic and socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle in an apparently healthy population in Shiraz, southern Iran. METHODS In a population-based study, 1978 subjects aged 35 years or older were interviewed from April to September 2004. A questionnaire consisting of demographic factors, lifestyle data and gastrointestinal symptoms was completed for each participant. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined. RESULTS The prevalence of dyspepsia was 29.9%. The dyspeptic patients were classified as having ulcer-like (27.9%), dysmotility-like (26.2%) or unspecified dyspepsia (45.9%). The prevalence was higher in females, water-pipe smokers, NSAIDs users, and in those with psychological distress, recurrent headache, anxiety, nightmares and past history of gastrointestinal disease. Dyspepsia had an inverse relationship with consumption of pickles, fruits and vegetables, and with duration of meal ingestion. Subjects with dyspepsia symptoms were more likely to restrict their diet, take herbal medicine, use over-the-counter drugs, consult with physicians and consume medication advised by their friends. CONCLUSION This study reveals that dyspepsia has a high prevalence in Shiraz, southern Iran and is associated with several demographic factors, lifestyle and health-seeking behavior.

Effect of group reminiscence therapy on depression in older adults attending a day centre in Shiraz, southern Islamic Republic of Iran

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy on depression symptoms among elderly people attending a day centre in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran. A sample of 49 people aged 60+ years participated in 6 group reminiscence sessions that were held twice weekly for a 3-week period and completed a Farsi version of the 15-item geriatric depression scale. Mean depression scores decreased significantly from 8.18 [SD 1.20] before the intervention to 6.73 [SD 1.20] immediately after it and 7.55 [SD 1.19] 1 month after the intervention. When analysed by demographic characteristics only marital status showed a statistically significant difference in depression scores comparing before and after the intervention

Risk of viral transmission via bone marrow progenitor cells versus umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow transplantation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the treatment of choice for children and certain adults with malignant and nonmalignant hematologic disease. Since viral infections are the major problem, this study examined those that might potentially be transmitted to HSCT recipients via bone marrow (BM) versus umbilical cord blood (UCB). BM progenitor cells, peripheral blood leukocytes, and plasma samples were collected from 30 allogenic BM donors. Umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells and plasma samples were also collected from 34 UCB donors. Viral DNA extracted and purified from collected specimens was processed using nested polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to detect human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19), human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The prevalences of HCMV DNA in collected BM progenitor cells versus UCB hematopoietic stem cells were 73% versus 23%, respectively. Conversely, HHV-6 DNA was not detected in any collected specimen by simple PCR. Distribution of the other investigated virus DNAs except EBV DNA was similar in specimens collected from both groups. EBV DNA was not determined in UCB hematopoietic stem cells. The results indicate that the risk of viral transmission to BM transplant recipients via UCB hematopoietic stem cells is less than that with BM progenitor cells.

Validity and reliability of the Persian translation of the SF-36 version 2 questionnaire.

To assess the validity and reliability of a Persian translation of the SF-36 questionnaire (version 2) as a tool for use in the general population and outpatients, we carried out a cross-sectional study of the staff of Shiraz Medical School during November 2001. Response rate was 83.6%. Internal consistency for 8 scales using Cronbach's alpha was 0.87 (minimum recommended 0.85). Construct validity was acceptable as correlation between scales and some sociodemographic characteristics was significant. The correlation coefficient between 8 scales and related principal components was also acceptable. This translation is an appropriate tool for assessing health perceptions of the population.

Validity and reliability of the Persian translation of the SF-36 version 2 questionnaire

To assess the validity and reliability of a Persian translation of the SF-36 questionnaire [version 2] as a tool for use in the general population and outpatients, we carried out a cross-sectional study of the staff of Shiraz Medical School during November 2001. Response rate was 83.6%. Internal consistency for 8 scales using Cronbach's alpha was 0.87 [minimum recommended 0.85]. Construct validity was acceptable as correlation between scales and some sociodemographic characteristics was significant. The correlation coefficient between 8 scales and related principal components was also acceptable. This translation is an appropriate tool for assessing health perceptions of the population

A comparative analysis of three methods of contraception: Effects on blood glucose and serum lipid profiles.

BACKGROUND: Hormonal contraceptives are one of the major means of family planning, yet their use is not without side effects. In this study, we have tried to assess some of the metabolic effects of three hormonal contraceptives commonly used by young females. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred young, healthy, nonsmoking and normotensive women of childbearing age who were seeking contraceptive advice were randomly allocated to one of the three groups receiving ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel (group 1), medroxyprogesterone acetate (group 2), and levonorgestrel capsules (group 3). Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were measured prior to the initiation of therapy and after termination of the study (6 months). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the three groups as far as the mean age, height and weight were concerned. FBG increased in all three groups, but the difference in the rate of increase was not statistically significant (P=0.29). Total cholesterol, TG and LDL-C increased, while HDL-C level decreased in groups 1 and 2. These changes were, however, more profound in the group 2 cases. In those receiving levonorgestrel, all lipid parameters decreased. The amount of change for the total cholesterol and triglyceride was quite significant (P<0.001), while the reduction in HDL-C was not significantly different from the other two groups by pairwise comparisons (Tukey-HSD procedure). The LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was found to be significantly increased in groups 1 and 2, but it remained almost unchanged in the group 3 cases (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Because of these favorable biochemical findings, we believe that levonorgestrel should be the contraceptive drug of choice for women of childbearing age who are seeking a safe method of contraception.

Sex of provider as a variable in effective genetic counseling.

Selected aspects of the interaction in genetic counseling sessions, as reported by women patients seen by a female provider, were compared to the interaction reported by women patients seen by a male provider. Although counseling sessions were comparable in terms of length of time, significantly more in-depth discussion of selected medical and genetic topics was reported when the provider was female; more discussion was reported of medical and genetic topics which patients came to counseling to discuss when the provider was female; and women patients reported a greater willingness to raise issues of concern in counseling when the provider was female. Women patients also were more likely to report the explanations offered by female providers as clearer than those offered by male providers. In general the data suggest that women patients in genetic counseling receive a somewhat different and less comprehensive type of counseling when seen by a male as opposed to a female provider. Analysis suggests that the differences observed may be due less to variation between male and female providers in terms of professional preparation than to variation in how male as opposed to female providers orient themselves to women patients, as well as to how women patients orient themselves to female as opposed to male providers.