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Mohsen Ghoryani, Mohsen Ahmadi, Mahdi Atabaki, Jalil Tavakkol-Afshari , Mojgan Mohammadi,
Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by persistent inflammation, progressive joint destruction, functional disability, and systemic complications. Key inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), play critical roles in disease progression and tissue damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently gained attention as a therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases because of their abilities in self-renewal, immune modulation, and tissue repair. Considering the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA, this study investigated the effect of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs (ABMSCs) on the gene expression of TNF-α and IL-17A in patients with refractory RA.
Methods: The study utilized archived RNA from the research team's previous clinical trial. In this study, 13 patients with refractory RA who underwent MSC transplantation (MSCT) at an intravenous dose of 1×10 ABMSCs per kilogram of body weight were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 months post-injection. Between November 2023 and March 2024, archived RNA samples were converted into cDNA at the Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Then, the expression levels of TNF and IL-17A were analyzed using SYBR Green-based real-time PCR.
Results: TNF-α gene expression declined significantly 1 month after MSCT (mean±SEM: 1.00±0.00 at baseline vs. 0.38±0.11 at 1 month, P=0.045). However, no significant differences were observed at 6 months (1.21±0.38) or 12 months (0.61±0.18) compared to baseline (P>0.05). IL-17A gene expression remained statistically unchanged across all time points (baseline: 1.00±0.00; 1 month: 0.87±0.31; 6 months: 1.19±0.42; 12 months: 1.79±0.92; P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that ABMSCs may exert an anti-inflammatory effect by modulating TNF-α in patients with refractory RA. However, the findings related to IL-17A do not support the hypothesis that ABMSC injection exerts anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of IL-17A gene expression in these patients.

Majid Vatankhah, Saeed Kashani, Mohsen Sarafikhah, Bibi Mona Razavi, Mehrdad Sayadinia, Mehrdad Malekshoar,
Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Abstract

Background: Aspiration pneumonia is a significant and potentially preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill ICU patients. Prophylactic pharmacological interventions, particularly antiemetics like metoclopramide (a prokinetic agent) and ondansetron (a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist), are commonly employed to reduce gastric aspiration and subsequent pneumonia. Despite their widespread use, comparative efficacy data remains limited. This randomized controlled trial was specifically designed to rigorously compare the effectiveness of these two distinct antiemetic strategies in preventing aspiration pneumonia among high-risk, mechanically ventilated patients, aiming to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical practice.
Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial involved 116 individuals admitted to the ICU at Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas from March 2024 to March 2025. Subjects were randomly assigned to metoclopramide or ondansetron groups. Enrollment criteria consisted of patients between 17 and 70 years old in the ICU requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Monitoring continued for 72 hours, with evaluation utilizing the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS), chest X-ray (CXR) results, and physical assessments. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 21 employing descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage, frequency) and inferential tests with significance set at P<0.05.
Results: Chi-square analysis indicated no statistically significant gender difference between groups (P=0.947). Mean age was 30.6±10.5 years for metoclopramide recipients and 32.9±6.12 years for ondansetron recipients. Further analysis revealed no significant differences in age or BMI between cohorts. No significant difference emerged between metoclopramide and ondansetron groups regarding aspiration pneumonia occurrence, with similar incidence rates in both arms. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that statistically, no variables influenced aspiration pneumonia development.
Conclusion: The results of this randomized trial clearly demonstrate no statistically significant difference in efficacy between metoclopramide and ondansetron for preventing aspiration pneumonia in intubated ICU patients. Both agents showed comparable effectiveness in our study population, suggesting that either drug represents a clinically acceptable prophylactic option. This finding provides clinicians with valuable therapeutic flexibility based on individual patient characteristics, drug availability, and cost considerations. However, further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to confirm these findings across diverse patient populations and settings.

 
Mahasti Emami Hamzehkolaee , Amirhesam Alirezaei, Marjan Moudi, Sepide Veysi , Masoumeh Asgharpour,
Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Abstract

Background: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is widely used for hypertension, but electrolyte disorders-especially hyponatremia remain major safety concerns. Limited regional data on its prevalence, timing, and determinants may undermine patient safety. This retrospective study evaluated risk factors for HCTZ-associated hyponatremia in hospitalized adults with hypertension and identified predictors of its severity.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 217 patients hospitalized at Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Babol (2019-2021). Eligible participants were aged ≥18 years and had received HCTZ for at least seven consecutive days. Patients with baseline hyponatremia, concurrent use of drugs independently causing hyponatremia, or incomplete laboratory data were excluded. Demographic, clinical, medication, and biochemical variables were abstracted from medical records. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium <135 mmol/L and categorized as mild (130-134), moderate (125-129), or severe (<125). Predictors of occurrence were estimated with multivariable logistic regression; onset timing was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model; and severity determinants were examined through multinomial logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.
Results: Hyponatremia occurred in 32.7% (71.217) of patients, most frequently within the early weeks of HCTZ treatment. Among affected individuals, 49.3% had mild, 31.0% moderate, and 19.7% severe hyponatremia. Adjusted analyses showed that older age, concurrent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, shorter HCTZ duration, and lower serum potassium and uric acid independently increased hyponatremia risk, while HCTZ dose and sex were nonsignificant. In the Cox model, older age and lower potassium and uric acid predicted earlier onset. Patients with hyponatremia more often presented with weakness, headache, altered consciousness, and seizures. Baseline glucose, creatinine, and most comorbidities were not independently associated with risk or timing.
Conclusion: HCTZ-related hyponatremia was common and typically emerged soon after initiation. Advanced age, NSAID co-administration, brief exposure, and reduced potassium and uric acid were practical, readily measurable markers associated with both occurrence and earlier onset. Routine early and repeated electrolyte monitoring particularly in older adults and patients receiving NSAIDs- together with patient education on warning symptoms is recommended. These findings highlight key predictors for targeted surveillance and prevention in similar clinical contexts.

Sepideh Mahdavi, Mohammad Hassan Emamian , Zahra Kordi, Mansooreh Fateh, Mostafa Enayatrad,
Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Abstract

Background: Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the trend in the incidence of stomach cancer in Shahroud and Meyami districts over a thirteen-year period.
Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study that examines the incidence of stomach cancer using data from the population-based cancer registry system in Shahroud and Meyami Districts in Semnan province over a thirteen-year period from the beginning of April 2010 to the end of March 2022. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated using both the new and old-World Health Organization standard populations. Trend in cancer incidence were analyzed using Joinpoint regression.
Results: Between 2010 and 2022, a total of 474 new cases of stomach cancer were reported. The mean age at diagnosis was 69.3±12.8 years, with 70.3±12.7 years in men and 67.8±12.8 years in women. The age-standardized incidence rate based on the new WHO population was 15.1 per 100,000 people for the entire period, and 20.9 and 9.5 per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. The annual percentage change indicated a (APC: -4.60 % (95% CI: -0.08 to -9.36)) decrease per year, which was statistically significant (P=0.047), particularly in men (APC= -4.42%, (95% CI: -8.39 to -0.63, P=0.024)), whereas the decline in women was not statistically significant (APC= -4.28%, (95% CI: -10.45 to 1.79, P=0.150)). The incidence of stomach cancer increases with age, with the highest number of cases observed in the 75-79 years age group. The incidence trend in the age group 70-74 years (AAPC: -8.98% (95% CI: -2.75, -14.72 was significantly (P=0.005) decreasing.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the age-standardized incidence rate of stomach cancer had a decreasing trend and that incidence increased with advancing age. Moreover, the incidence rate in men was approximately twice that in women. In men, the incidence trend showed a significant decline, whereas in women no significant change was observed.

Seyed Mohammad Hosseini , Saba Mohammadalizadeh , Sanaz Arvin,
Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Abstract

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm of the major salivary glands, characterized by a slow-growing tumor, wide local infiltration, perineural spread, a propensity to local recurrence and distant metastasis, and has a poor prognosis. Although surgery and radiotherapy are considered standard treatments, the role of systemic therapy in advanced and metastatic stages remains unclear and rarely results in complete remission. Due to the rarity and limited number of reported cases, here, we report a complete response with systemic treatment in a case of metastatic ACC of the salivary gland.
Case Presentation: The patient is a 50-year-old woman with a history of ACC of the submandibular salivary gland at 20 years old. No recurrence of the disease was observed until, at 47 years old, when metastatic adenocarcinoma with salivary gland origin was diagnosed. From the age of 47 to 50 years, multiple cervical lymph node involvement, multiple masses in the parotid gland and thyroid tissue, as well as distant metastasis to the breast, ovary, and lungs were observed. The patient underwent cervical lymphadenectomy, total parotidectomy, and several courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After six cycles of the Bevacizumab + Adriamycin + Cisplatin regimen, radiologic evaluation confirmed a complete response to the treatment with the disappearance of pulmonary nodules and parotid lesions. The patient is currently under follow-up.
Conclusion: Our reported case shows the aggressive nature of recurrent metastatic ACC of the salivary gland and the positive effect and importance of systemic treatment in these patients. Because the metastasis can appear very slowly, early diagnosis is essential for a better prognosis. These rare malignant lesions should be followed up for a long time after initial treatment due to slow growth, frequent recurrence and late and distant metastasis possibility. This case highlights the potential of systemic therapy to induce complete response even in extensively metastatic disease, suggesting that further clinical trials may be warranted.

Hossein Akhavan, Fatemeh Rezaei,
Volume 83, Issue 3 (June 2025)
Abstract

Background: An Electrocardiogram is a non-invasive method for receiving heart signals. Despite advances in imaging methods, the electrocardiogram still plays an important role remains a vital tool in the diagnosis of heart diseases. Analysis of electrocardiogram signals plays an important role in the early detection of heart diseases such as arrhythmias and heart attacks. Today, with the advancement of science and technology, computer methods have received more and more attention from doctors. In this study, machine learning methods were used to classify normal and abnormal heartbeats.
Methods: The data under study were extracted from a dataset called Heartbeat published on the Kaggle website. This dataset includes samples of audio ECG signals that are divided into healthy and unhealthy categories. First, the data were preprocessed and normalized to prepare them for input into the model. Then, temporal and frequency features were extracted from the signals. Next, a hybrid model consisting of one-dimensional convolutional layers was designed and trained. Also, by using the early stopping method, overfitting was prevented and the stability of the model was improved.
Results: In this study, it was shown that by using deep learning, especially using CNN and 1D Conv, an accuracy of 0.99% and a loss of 0.0350 for test data in detecting normal and abnormal heartbeats can be achieved. This model has the ability to analyze complex structures and temporal dynamics of ECG signals and is able to detect patterns related to cardiac disorders.
Conclusion: Today, the electrocardiogram has received more attention than ever before. Appropriate selection of the model, data standardization, and a qualitative range of data are among the factors of high accuracy in this study. This study can be an effective step in the development of intelligent systems for diagnosing cardiac disorders and can be used in medical applications, especially in the field of continuous patient monitoring.

 
Bibi Mona Razavi, Tayyebeh Zarei, Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Ahmadi Rashti , Mehrdad Sayadinia,
Volume 83, Issue 3 (June 2025)
Abstract

Background: The use of mesh is considered one of the most effective methods and is considered the method of choice in hernia repair. However, the debate about the choice of mesh type still persists. Therefore, in the present study, the results of using ultra-light Prolene mesh with standard Prolene mesh in hernia repair surgery were compared.
Methods: The present study is a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial that was conducted at Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas. Demographic information including age, sex, height, and weight were recorded in a checklist. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Each group used Prolene mesh in the first group and ultra-light Prolene mesh in the second group for repair. Hernia repair was performed by the surgeon using the Lebakhstein method.
Results: 119 patients were included in the study. 70 patients (57.4%) had direct hernia and 52 patients (42.6%) had indirect hernia. The mean age of the Prolene group was 43.8±7.49 and the ultra-light Prolene group was 44.32±8.91 years (P=.713). The mean BMI in the Prolene group was 29.94±3.43 and in the ultra-light Parwan group was 29.66±3.76 (P=.673). Wound infection was not observed in either group. Chronic pain was 14.5 in the Prolene group and 10.3 in the ultra-light Prolene group (P=.490). Administrative retention was 6.3 in the Prolene group and 8.5 in the ultra-light Prolene group (P=.738). The recurrence rate 3 months after surgery was 0 in the Prolene group and 1 case (1.7%) in the ultra-light Prolene group (P=.487). The recurrence rate 12 months after surgery was 2 cases (3.2%) in the Prolene group and 3 cases (5.2%) in the ultralight Prolene group (P=. 672). The time to complete recovery was 6.94±1.63 days in the Prolene group and 6.68±1.64 days in the ultralight Prolene group (P=. 368). There was no significant difference in pain intensity at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery between the two study groups.
Conclusion:  Both Prolene and ultralight Prolene mesh have relatively similar efficacy in inguinal hernia repair. Although the advantages of ultralight Prolene mesh, such as pain intensity, chronic pain, and faster onset of motion, were slightly different in the ultralight Prolene group, the recurrence rate was slightly higher in the ultralight Prolene group.

Mahsa Hojjati, Mahshid Rashidi, Ali Asghar Khaleghi, Maryam Nasirian, Seyed Hassan Faghihi, Masoud Mohammadi,
Volume 83, Issue 3 (June 2025)
Abstract

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the main causes of vaginitis and cervical inflammation worldwide. Almost half of sexually transmitted and curable diseases worldwide can be assessed through the examination of this disease, so the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of trichomoniasis in Iranian women.
Methods: This study is a review of the SID, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases, conducted up to September 2023. The extracted data were analyzed using CMA software (version 2). A search of articles in Science Direct, SID, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement criteria, including systematic search, screening of articles, and selection of appropriate studies. The words used for the search and final review in this systematic review were determined based on MESH Terms in the PubMed database. These keywords that were used and selected in this study were in English and Persian. The final information obtained from the studies was reviewed and analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA, Version 2) software, and finally the heterogeneity of the studies was examined with the I2 test.
Results:  Based on the search for studies and their screening, 22 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. This study included a sample size of 49,990 Iranian women who were included in the study. In the heterogeneity analysis based on the studies obtained, the heterogeneity was 99.7. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, the random effects method was used for the final analysis. The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in Iranian women was reported to be 9.3 (95% CI: 4.6-18) based on the 22 final studies and meta-analysis. The publication bias analysis indicated the absence of bias in the studies (p: 0.175).
Conclusion:  Based on the prevalence report in the meta-analysis, a relatively high prevalence was reported in Iranian women, and this situation requires more awareness raising through health centers to families, as well as care and screening of women in these centers and also in obstetric centers.
 
Nooshin Shirzad, Fateme Ziamanesh, Seyedahmad Seyedalinaghi , Alireza Esteghamati , Mahboobeh Hemmatabadi ,
Volume 83, Issue 3 (June 2025)
Abstract

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are diagnosed with a wide range of renal damage, usually presenting with albuminuria and decreased estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Some patients have only albuminuria and normal eGFR, while others have normoalbuminuria even in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease. This study investigated and followed the course of diabetic nephropathy in patients with T2DM.
Methods: 1107 patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study. This historical cohort was conducted between the years 2017 and 2022. Patients with confirmed type 2 DM, referred to the diabetes clinic of Vali-Asr Hospital, affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Science. Complete medical history, blood pressure, and laboratory data were obtained in the first and follow-up visits. Follow-up was every 3 to 6 months for 30 months. Every year, 24-hour urinary albumin was measured, and eGFR was estimated based on the Cockcroft-Gault formula.
Results: Male sex, age, disease duration, weight, systolic blood pressure, 2 hours postprandial (2hpp) glucose, serum triglyceride, and uric acid significantly correlated with albuminuria. At the initiation of the study, the highest eGFR values occurred in microalbuminuric patients, followed by a sharp decrease. No significant correlation was found between eGFR and albuminuria in most patients, and more than half of them with eGFR of less than 60 ml/min/m2 still had normal albuminuria
Conclusion: This study showed that patients with microalbuminuria and normoalbuminuria had the highest eGFR values followed by macroalbuminuria, but patients with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria had an initial increase and then a decrease, and the macroalbuminuria group showed the sustained and greatest decrease during the follow-up period. Serial surveillance of both albuminuria and GFR is crucial in T2DM.

Elham Rajaei, Tina Vosoughi, Forough Nokhostin, Hojatollah Yousefimanesh, Mahnaz Parvazi,
Volume 83, Issue 3 (June 2025)
Abstract

Background: Osteonecrosis of the jaw has recently been reported in patients receiving denosumab for cancer treatment. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the frequency of osteonecrosis of the jaw in cancer patients receiving denosumab.
Methods: In the present descriptive-analytical study, 62 cancer patients receiving denosumab who referred to the oncology clinic of Golestan and Shafa Hospitals in Ahvaz in 1403 were studied. The prevalence of osteonecrosis of the jaw among the studied patients was investigated and its relationship with predisposing factors, including gender, type of cancer, comorbidity, and dental caries status, was recorded and analyzed in a checklist.
Results: The prevalence of osteonecrosis of the jaw was 1.6%. There was no significant association between the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw and gender and comorbidities (P<0.05), but females showed a 38% higher probability of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (95% confidence interval; 1.62-1.18, r=1.386). Breast cancer was the most common type of cancer among the study participants (61.3%), but no significant association was found between the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw and the incidence of the cancers studied (P-value=0.986). No significant association was found between the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw and dental caries (P-value=0.741). The odds of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with or without dental caries risk were reported to be 1.1 (95% confidence interval; 1.205-1.021, r=1.109).
Conclusion: Despite the lack of a significant association between the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw and various factors such as gender, type of cancer, comorbidities, and dental caries, there was evidence of a relative increase in the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw in women with cancer treated with denosumab, which highlights the need for further investigation.

Artadokht Khoshooei, Seyedeh Fatemeh Hosseini Nejad , Armin Kia , Nadia Zergani ,
Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Abstract

Background: Nowadays, there is an increased emphasis on using safer and more modern anesthetic drugs. The addition of adjuvants not only enhances the anesthetic effect of the medication but also reduces the required dosage, thereby improving the safety margin. Effective postoperative pain control is a critical component in enhancing recovery and improving outcomes for orthopedic patients. Proper pain management not only facilitates early mobilization but also reduces complications and increases patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dexmedetomidine and ketamine as adjuvant drugs in supraclavicular nerve block for reducing postoperative pain following forearm orthopedic surgery.
Methods: This randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was meticulously conducted between April 2024 and March 2025 at Razi Hospital, a major teaching facility affiliated with Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 102 eligible patients were carefully enrolled and randomly assigned to three distinct groups: dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and control. Each patient received a standardized supraclavicular block using 2% lidocaine combined with the designated adjuvant drug to enhance analgesic efficacy. Vital signs, including heart rate, oxygen saturation, and Mean arterial pressure (MAP), were closely monitored every 15 minutes during surgery. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the Visual analog scale (VAS) at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.
Results: Patients in the dexmedetomidine group showed significantly lower heart rate, MAP, and pain intensity compared to both ketamine and control groups at all measured time points (P<0.001). Ketamine also demonstrated better pain control and hemodynamic stability than the control group, although it was less effective than dexmedetomidine. Most differences in mean values between groups were statistically significant, confirming the superior performance of dexmedetomidine.
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine, when used as an adjuvant in supraclavicular block for forearm orthopedic surgery, resulted in superior pain relief and greater hemodynamic stability compared to ketamine and standard care. These findings support its clinical use as an effective adjunct in regional anesthesia protocols.
 
Elham Shirvani Naghani , Leila Moradi, Alireza Jahanshahi, Homeira Rashidi, Alireza Sedaghat,
Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Abstract

Background: Thyroid disorders are common among young women, and hypothyroidism ranges clinically from subclinical to overt disease, potentially causing various maternal and fetal complications. Determining the appropriate levothyroxine (LT4) dose during pregnancy is crucial for maintaining maternal euthyroidism and optimising pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the dose requirements of LT4 in pregnant women with and without a prior history of hypothyroidism, and to investigate the association with Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) levels.
Methods: This hospital- and clinic-based study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023 among 146 pregnant women attending a private clinic or Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 146 pregnant women diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH, n=62) or overt hypothyroidism (OH, n=84) were randomly selected. Participants were divided into groups based on their history of hypothyroidism and received LT4 treatment. LT4 requirements were determined according to trimester-specific TSH ranges: >10 mIU/L or 2.5-10 mIU/L in the first trimester, and 3-10 mIU/L in the second and third trimesters. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, employing descriptive statistics (mean±SD, frequency, and percentage) and analytical tests, including the independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: Pregnant women with overt hypothyroidism showed a statistically significant difference in mean LT4 dose between those with and without a prior history of hypothyroidism (P<0.05). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in LT4 requirements among women with subclinical hypothyroidism. TPO Ab positivity was associated with higher LT4 requirements, particularly in women with overt disease. Dose adjustments were most frequent during the first trimester, with incremental increases observed in subsequent trimesters. These findings support individualized monitoring, iodine testing, adherence checks, and coordinated antenatal endocrinology care to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion: Following the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in early pregnancy, LT4 dosing should be tailored according to disease severity, prior history of hypothyroidism, TPO Ab status, and study location to ensure optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.

Mandana Pouladzadeh, Fatemeh Khazaei, Saeid Bitaraf, Hossein Karimpourian, Mahsa Mombeyni, Mohammad-Reza Mahmoudian-Sani ,
Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Early detection can markedly improve patient survival, yet existing screening methods often lack sufficient accuracy and sensitivity. lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 has been implicated in the initiation and progression of tumors in several cancers, including breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 expression as a biomarker for early detection of breast cancer.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Shafa Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, between September 2024 and March 2025. Serum samples were obtained from 30 patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer and 30 healthy women serving as controls. Total RNA was extracted from 500 µL of serum, and cDNA was synthesized using oligo (dT) primers. Real-Time PCR was performed in triplicate, with GAPDH as the internal control. Relative gene expression was calculated using the 2^-ΔΔCt method, and data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and ROC analysis.
Results: The patient and control groups were homogeneous for most demographic parameters, but showed significant differences in age (P=0.023) and ethnicity (P=0.004). Most patients were in stage I of the disease. The median expression of serum KCNQ1OT1 was significantly lower in patients (0.024, IQR 0.013-0.033) than in controls (0.039, IQR 0.027-0.051), indicating marked downregulation in the patient group (P=0.0003). The ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.67-0.96, SE=0.07, P=0.0005). At an optimal cutoff value of >0.031, the sensitivity was 70%, the specificity was 95%, and the positive likelihood ratio (LR⁺) ≈ was approximately 14, demonstrating strong discriminative ability.
Conclusion: Serum KCNQ1OT1 exhibits promising diagnostic performance for identifying early-stage breast cancer and may serve as a reliable noninvasive biomarker. Larger multicenter studies incorporating molecular subtyping and tissue correlation are required to validate its clinical applicability and strengthen diagnostic accuracy.

 
Javad Hashemi, Hoseinali Soltani , Ali Esmaeili , Fatemeh Roshanravan Yazdi , Seyed Hassan Seyed Sharifi ,
Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Abstract

Background: Postoperative pain is a significant concern after cholecystectomy. Given the role of vitamin D in pain management, this study investigated the correlation between preoperative vitamin D levels and postoperative pain severity in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with the aim of improving pain management and enhancing postoperative care.
Methods: This prospective observational study (January 2024- February 2025) was conducted on 87 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Imam Ali Hospital of Bojnurd. Inclusion criteria were age 18-45, non-urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and good physical status. Exclusion criteria were chronic pain, regular analgesic use, known psychiatric or neurological disease or treatment, substance abuse, emergency cholecystectomy, or conversion to open surgery. Participants fasted for 12 hours preoperatively. All received 1 g (IV) ceftriaxone one hour before and 12 hours after surgery. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanyl and maintained with isoflurane, nitrous oxide, or oxygen. Anesthesia and surgical technique were standardized, with any deviations recorded. We collected demographic data and extracted perioperative details from records and interviews. Pre-induction venous blood samples were collected, processed, and stored at -20°C. Serum vitamin D concentrations were quantified via ELISA method, and participants were subsequently stratified into two groups based on these measurements. Postoperative pain was assessed on a Visual Analog Scale (0-10) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours. Analgesic regimens followed standard protocol under physician supervision and were unaffected by the study.
Results: Lower serum vitamin D levels were associated with higher postoperative pain scores (P<0.01), with this relationship being significant at 6, 12, and 18 hours postoperatively (P<0.01, P<0.01, and P<0.05, respectively). Insufficient vitamin D levels and female gender were also independent risk factors for acute pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, preoperative vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased postoperative acute pain scores in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially in women. These findings may be useful for postoperative pain management in patients with vitamin D deficiency.
 
Parviz Karimi, Hossein Seidkhani, Zahra Mohebinejad, Shayan Hasanvand,
Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Abstract

Background: Seizures are common neurological disorders in childhood, with a prevalence of 4 to 6 cases per 1,000 children in the community. This study was conducted to evaluate the prognosis of the first non-provoked seizure in terms of recurrence.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the records of all patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of seizure without a trigger for the first time at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam from April 2016 to March 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Information was extracted from the patients' records. All records were reviewed in terms of seizure type characteristics.
Results: The results of imaging with seizure recurrence in these patients showed that there was a significant relationship between the result of the first imaging and the report of seizure recurrence (P≥0.001 and Phi-Cramers=0.729). Since EEG of all patients was not recorded, they were excluded from the study. There was also a significant relationship between drug treatment and seizure recurrence at a significance level of 5% (P=0.004 and Phi-Cramers=0.273). This study showed that among the 64 patients who had started drug treatment, 44 reported no seizure recurrence and 20 reported seizure recurrence, and among the 54 patients who had not received drug treatment, 23 reported no seizure recurrence and 31 reported seizure recurrence. In the first year, the highest frequency of seizure recurrence was in the first 6 months. With increasing time after seizure, the rate of seizure recurrence decreased. The highest percentage of seizures without a triggering factor was in the age group of 5-10 years and the lowest percentage was in the age group under 5 years.
Conclusion: Identifying key factors associated with seizure recurrence will enable healthcare professionals to tailor their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing patient care and safety. By understanding the importance of family history, seizure characteristics, and neuroimaging findings, clinicians can make informed decisions that may prevent life-threatening complications and minimize cognitive impairment in affected children.

Navid Kalani , Arnoosh Ghodsian , Abdolali Sepidkar, Mehrdad Sayadinia, Reza Sahraei ,
Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Abstract

Background: Although abdominoplasty is cosmetically effective in patients with obesity or a history of significant weight loss, it can lead to serious complications. This case report highlights the role of elevated intra-abdominal pressure and delayed diagnosis of Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in the development of multiorgan failure and patient mortality.
Case Presentation: A 49-year-old female patient with a history of appendectomy and hysterectomy in the past years was admitted to the hospital for cosmetic abdominoplasty. She had a history of hypothyroidism and was taking levothyroxine regularly. Occasional tobacco use was also mentioned in the patient's history. During the operation, in addition to abdominoplasty, liposuction and flank surgery were also performed. The patient was initially placed in the supine position and then in the prone position for the last two hours. During recovery, the patient complained of shortness of breath and developed tachycardia. Despite persistently elevated BUN and creatinine, and progressive acidosis, a surgical consultation was performed with suspicion of Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), but this diagnosis was rejected by the surgeon. Also, despite clinical suspicion of Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) by the anesthesia team, in the early stages, the surgeon responsible for the patient did not have sufficient clinical suspicion of this complication and accordingly, intra-abdominal pressure measurement via bladder catheter was not performed. Since monitoring intra-abdominal pressure via bladder catheter requires a specific technique and coordination between anesthesia, surgery, and critical care teams, and since the possibility of ACS had been ruled out by the surgeon at that time, this procedure was not performed. Ultimately, the patient was transferred to the dialysis unit, but during hemodialysis, he suffered respiratory arrest and, after tracheal intubation, subsequently suffered cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts, the patient died.
Conclusion: Although rare, abdominal compartment syndrome should be considered a critical differential diagnosis in high-risk patients following prolonged surgeries such as abdominoplasty with extensive plication. Monitoring intra-abdominal pressure and early intervention upon symptom onset may prevent fatal outcomes.

Yaser Sharafi, Mohammad Talebpour, Khosro Najari,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract

Background: Dumping syndrome is a common complication after bariatric surgery and can adversely affect patients’ quality of life, particularly in those with diabetes. Although gastric bypass has traditionally been associated with a higher risk of dumping syndrome, evidence comparing its frequency with sleeve gastrectomy remains inconclusive. This study aimed to compare the frequency of dumping syndrome following these two procedures in patients with morbid obesity.
Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted from April 2021 to July 2022 at Sina Hospital in Tehran. A total of 90 patients with morbid obesity who met the indications for bariatric surgery were not randomly assigned to two treatment groups: gastric bypass (n = 45) and sleeve gastrectomy (n = 45). Baseline assessments included medical history, physical examination, review of medical records, and necessary specialist consultations (including endocrinology and cardiology). All patients’ data were recorded in the Sina Bariatric Surgery Registry Database. Following surgery, patients received standard postoperative care and were evaluated for symptoms of dumping syndrome at one and three months postoperatively using the validated Sigstad questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.
Results: The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age group, gender, excess weight, preoperative BMI, final BMI, and history of diabetes prior to surgery (P-value > 0.05). The final weight was significantly higher in the sleeve gastrectomy group (P-value = 0.033). There were no significant differences in the frequency of early and late dumping syndrome related to the consumption of sweets and other foods between the two groups at the first and third postoperative months (P-value > 0.05). Early dumping syndrome following the consumption of sweets and bread was significantly more frequent among diabetic patients (P-value = 0.037 and P-value = 0.045, respectively).
Conclusion:  The prevalence of dumping syndrome was similar in both sleeve and bypass groups. Weight loss over time was significant (P < 0.001) and did not differ between groups (P = 0.211). The syndrome was significantly more common in diabetic patients, highlighting the importance of careful postoperative care and dietary guidance.

Fatemeh Mollarahimi-Maleki , Pershang Nazemi, Maryam Yousefi,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract

Background: One of the most common cancers in women is cervical cancer, which is the most preventable cancer leading to death among women worldwide. Among the causes related to cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main factor responsible for causing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of high-risk HPVs (HPV16 and HPV18) and to determine the immediate absolute risk of CIN2+ in individuals with a positive HPV test.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included women who tested positive for HPV and visited the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic at Tehran University of Medical Sciences from October 2022 to March 2025. Individuals with a positive high-risk HPV result were referred for colposcopy and biopsy. The immediate absolute risk of CIN2+ in HPV-positive patients with HPV16, HPV18, or concurrent HPV16/18 genotypes (Multi. HPV+) was evaluated across different cytologic grades, ranging from NILM (Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy) to SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma).
Results: A total of 727 patients participated in the study. The mean age and standard deviation of the participants were 35.99 and 8.48 years, respectively. Among all referrals, the number of women who were positive only for HPV 16 was 170 (23%), and 24 (3.3%) were positive only for HPV 18. The highest number of positive cases for HPV16 and HPV18 were in the age range of 30 to 39 years (45%). In the Multi. HPV+ group, the highest number was observed in individuals under 29 years old (50%). The calculated immediate absolute risk of CIN2+ in HPV16+ individuals was 14% for NILM and 8.6% for ASCUS, while in HPV18+ individuals, it was 8.3% for NILM.
Conclusion: Cytologic triage combined with HPV genotyping testing can be utilized firstly as an approach to identify cellular abnormalities in HPV-infected individuals and subsequently as an appropriate method to reduce referrals for colposcopy.

Hedayat Heydarizadeh, Hossein Seyedkhani, Zahra Mohebinajad, Ali Heydarizadeh,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract

Background: Chronic abdominal pain, which is defined as long-term or intermittent abdominal pain, is a common problem in children. Helicobacter pylori infection is acquired in childhood and is one of the important causes of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and stomach cancer, so this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in children with chronic abdominal pain referred to Imam Hospital in 1402.
Methods: This study is descriptive-cross-sectional and the statistical population of children with chronic abdominal pain referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam city in 1402 was tested for Helicobacter bacteria. Helicobacter pylori was checked using stool antigen test.
Results: This study was conducted on 140 children with chronic abdominal pain with an average age of 7.06 years in the age range of 2-16 years, the majority of children living in Ilam city were boys. The type of feeding was reported in all children as regular, and the majority of them were the result of cesarean delivery (67.9%). The prevalence of 40.7% showed HP positivity in children with chronic abdominal pain. The majority of children in the age group of 4-8 years had Helicobacter pylori positive, 20 people (35.7%) and in children older than 12 years, Helicobacter pylori had the lowest frequency. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was reported more in girls than in boys, and among the studied cities it was the highest. The outbreak was in the city of Ilam. There was no difference between the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori with age, sex, place of residence and type of delivery.
Conclusion: The general results of our study show that Helicobacter pylori is an important factor for chronic abdominal pain in children, but factors such as sex, place of residence and type of delivery do not affect its prevalence. It is suggested that in future studies, the family history, parents' infection with Helicobacter pylori and its relationship with transmission to the child should be measured.

Banafsheh Mashak, Reza Taghvaei, Reza Payami , Mohammad Hossein Shakeri Goki , Fatemeh Javaheri, Roya Bolhassani,
Volume 83, Issue 6 (September 2025)
Abstract



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