One-carbon metabolism biomarkers and upper gastrointestinal cancer in the Golestan Cohort Study.

Incidence of esophageal and gastric cancer has been linked to low B-vitamin status. We conducted matched nested case-control studies of incident esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC; 340 case-control pairs) and gastric cancer (GC; 352 case-control pairs) within the Golestan Cohort Study. The primary exposure was plasma biomarkers: riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) (vitamin B2), pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) (B6), cobalamin (B12), para-aminobenzoylglutamate (pABG) (folate), and total homocysteine (tHcy); and indicators for deficiency: 3-hydroxykyurenine-ratio (HK-r for vitamin B6) and methylmalonic acid (MMA for B12). We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using conditional logistic regression adjusting for matching factors and potential confounders. High proportions of participants had low B-vitamin and high tHcy levels. None of the measured vitamin B levels was associated with the risk of ESCC and GC, but elevated level of MMA was marginally associated with ESCC (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.99-2.04) and associated with GC (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05-2.22). Risk of GC was higher for the highest versus lowest quartile of HK-r (OR = 1.95, 95%CI = 1.19-3.21) and for elevated versus non-elevated HK-r level (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.13-2.25). Risk of ESCC (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.54-5.13) and gastric cancer (OR = 2.09, 95%CI = 1.17-3.73) was higher for the highest versus lowest quartile of tHcy. In conclusion, insufficient vitamin B12 was associated with higher risk of ESCC and GC, and insufficient vitamin B6 status was associated with higher risk of GC in this population with prevalent low plasma B-vitamin status. Higher level of tHcy, a global indicator of OCM function, was associated with higher risk of ESCC and GC.

Frameless stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) delivers a high dose of radiation to a specific brain area while limiting radiation to nearby healthy tissue. While most SRS has traditionally been performed with a stereotactic frame-based approach, this study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of frameless radiosurgery in patients with brain metastases. Our study followed the recommended guidelines summarized in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The electronic databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science (WOS) were searched from inception to 10 October 2023. The pooled rate of outcomes was calculated using random effect model and Restricted maximum-likelihood (REML) method. All statistical analysis was performed by STATA V.17. A total of 499 studies were recruited from the electronic databases. After removing duplicates (n = 117), 382 studies were used for title/abstract, and 329 were removed from the study selection process. A total of 53 articles were used for full-text assessment, and 35 studies were included for data extraction. Our analysis revealed a significant increase across all pooled survival rates and local control rates by initiating the radiosurgery for patients, estimating the pooled 6-month OSR of 75% (95% CI: 68-81%), 1-year overall survival rate (OSR) of 60% (95% CI: 51-69%), 18-month OSR of 48% (95% CI: 10-85%), 2-year OSR of 39% (95% CI: 19-58%), 1-year progression-free survival rate (PFSR) of 68% (95% CI: 39-98%), 2-year PFSR of 75% (95% CI: 58-91%), 6-month local control rate (LCR) of 93% (95% CI: 90-96%), and 12-month LCR of 86% (95% CI: 82-90%). Our meta-analysis findings confirm the efficacy of frameless radiosurgery in treating brain metastases. Using data from several trials, we were able to demonstrate stereotactic radiosurgery's effectiveness as a therapy option for brain metastasis patients, demonstrating local control and reasonable overall survival.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in Gorgan.

Background: According to the significance of extraintestinal symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and their connection with obesity, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of fatty liver in IBD patients of Sayyad Shirazi Hospital in Gorgan, Iran, in relation to obesity, anthropometric indicators and body image in these patients. Methods: Forty patients with IBD were recruited from all registered patients at the Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, following the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining written informed consent and filling in the questionnaire, the demographic and anthropometric indicators, and variables related to the disease were measured. The liver sonography was performed on all patients and graded by an expert radiologist. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 16.0 statistical software at the significance level of 0.05. Results: We showed no significant difference between the distribution of demographic and anthropometric indicators in different groups of IBD patients. However, we demonstrated that the inappropriate values of HDL (0.004) and high values of LDL (0.015) were associated with fatty liver in IBD patients. Our findings also showed that NAFLD was significantly associated with overweight and obesity among IBD patients (P = 0.003). Conclusion: Our findings showed the epidemiological burden of NAFLD in IBD patients. Since fatty liver was associated with obesity, it is recommended that IBD patients be screened for risk factors associated with NAFLD to prevent liver disease.

Assessment of iron status and iron deficiency anemia in patients with celiac, a single center experience.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the status of iron stores and the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in Celiac disease (CD) patients referred to the Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gorgan, Iran. Background: Studies have shown that nutritional deficiencies affect 20-38% of patients with CD due to malabsorption and as a result of a gluten-free diet. Methods: In this study, 59 out of 100 CD patients were assessed. The presence and severity of anemia were determined using the concentration of serum hemoglobin according to WHO criteria. The status of body iron stores was also assessed based on serum ferritin levels. Results: Mean and SD of age, duration of disease, serum hemoglobin, ferritin, TIBC, and serum iron were 39.9±11.9 years, 69.8±45.4 months, 12.6±1.99 g/dl, 54.3±55.3 mg/dL, 365.9±49.1 µg/dL, and 84.1±37.1 µg/dL, respectively. 68.42% had no anemia, 19.3% had mild anemia, 8.77% had moderate anemia, and 3.51% had severe anemia. 25.42% of patients had depleted iron stores, 71.19% had normal iron stores, and 3.39% were exposed to iron overload. There was a statistically significant correlation between serum hemoglobin and the duration of disease diagnosis (P=0.037, r=0.302). Conclusion: In this study, 31.58% of CD patients on a gluten-free diet had some degree of anemia. In addition, 25.42% of patients had depleted iron stores. These results suggest that CD patients should be evaluated for iron status, even with a gluten-free diet.

Colorectal cancer incidence trends in Golestan, Iran: An age-period-cohort analysis 2004-2018.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of factors including age, birth year (cohort) and diagnosis year (period) on colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence trends in Golestan, Northeast of Iran, 2004-2018. METHODS: We obtained data on incidence cases of CRC from the Golestan Population-based Cancer Registry by sex and area of residence (urban/rural). Age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) were calculated using the World standard population and presented per 100,000 person-years. We calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) fitted age-period-cohort (APC) models to assess non-linear period and cohort effects as incidence rate ratios (IRRs). RESULTS: Overall, 2839 new cases of CRC (ASR = 13.7) were registered in the GPCR over 2004-2018. Our findings suggested significantly increasing trends in CRC incidence rates from 2004 to 2018 (EAPC = 3.7; 95%CI: 0.4, 7.1), with the greatest changes occurring in rural women (EAPC= 4.7; 95%CI: 0.4, 9.2). We observed a strong cohort effect with a consistent increase in the IRR across successive birth cohorts, starting with the oldest birth cohort (1924) (IRR= 0.1 versus the reference birth cohort of 1955) through to the most recent cohort born in 1983 (IRR= 1.9). The largest cohort effects were found among rural females (IRR = 0.0, and IRR = 2.5 for the oldest and the youngest birth cohorts vs. the reference birth cohort, respectively). CONCLUSION: The increasing trends in CRC rates in Golestan are largely driven by generational changes in exposure to underlying risk factors. Further investigations are warranted to deliver effective prevention strategies for the control of CRC in Golestan.

Atorvastatin and Flaxseed Effects on Biochemical Indices and Hepatic Fat of NAFLD Model in Rats.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease that affects about 25% of the general population. No definitive treatment for NAFLD has been identified yet. The aim was to determine the effect of atorvastatin (ATO) and flaxseed on related indicators of NAFLD-induced fat/fructose-enriched diet (FFD). Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. NAFLD groups received FFD and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce NAFLD. After intervention with ATO (10 mg/kg/day) and/or flaxseed (7.5 g/kg/day), liver enzymes and lipid profiles in serum were determined at eight week of interventions. Results: Triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (CHO) in FFD + ATO, FFD + flaxseed, and FFD + ATO + flaxseed had a significant decrease and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level and LDL/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio showed a significant increase in the FFD + flaxseed compared to the FFD. The levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly reduced in the FFD + ATO, FFD + flaxseed, and the FFD + ATO + flaxseed. In addition, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were significantly different between normal and FFD. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were significantly different in the FFD + flaxseed and the FFD + ATO + flaxseed compared to the FFD. Conclusion: ATO therapy along with flaxseed controls NAFLD-related indices and FBS. Therefore, it can be stated with caution that ATO and flaxseed can be used to improve lipid profile and reduce the complications of NAFLD.

Effect of Adding Intravenous Somatostatin to Rectal Indomethacin on Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Pancreatitis in High-risk Patients: A Double-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has an important role in the treatment of pancreaticobiliary disorders. GOALS: Considering the high prevalence and importance of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) and the controversial findings, we aimed to determine the effect of adding intravenous somatostatin to rectal indomethacin on the incidence of PEP in high-risk patients. STUDY: In this prospective study, 530 patients underwent ERCP during March 2018 and February 2019. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. The intervention group received a bolus injection of 250 µg somatostatin followed by an infusion of 500 µg of somatostatin for 2 hours. In both groups, 100 mg of pre-ERCP suppository indomethacin was administrated. All patients were screened for PEP symptoms and signs for 24 hours after ERCP (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials code: IRCT20080921001264N11). RESULTS: A total of 376 patients were finally analyzed. PEP was the most common adverse event with 50 (13.2%) episodes, including 21 (5.5%) mild, 23 (6.1%) moderate, and 6 (1.2%) severe. The rate of PEP was 15.2% in the control group and 11.4% in the intervention group ( P =0.666). The incidence of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia was 21.7% in the control group and 18.2% in the intervention group ( P =0.395). No death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In this study administration of somatostatin plus indomethacin could safely reduce the rate of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia and PEP in the intervention group compared with the control group, but the differences were not significant. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required.

Primary Biliary Tract Cancers in Golestan, Iran: 13-Year Experience of Golestan Population-Based Cancer Registry.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological research on the high-risk population might be helpful in early detection and prevention of biliary tract malignancies. This study assesses the prevalence of biliary tract cancer (BTC) in the Golestan province, northeastern Iran, between 2004 and 2016. METHODS: The current study used information from the Golestan Population-based Cancer Registry (GPCR) to access the epidemiology of BTC across a 13-year period while taking into account temporal and geographic differences. The number of cases, crude rates, age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) per 100,000 person-years, average annual percent change (AAPC), age-specific incidence rates, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported for each year with respect to gender and place of residence. RESULTS: Totally, 224 instances of BTC overall (54% of whom were females) were reported throughout the research period. The ASR of BTC was 1.7 (95% CI: 1.4‒2) for females and 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1‒1.6) for men, respectively. Males exhibited a growing time trend in incidence (AAPC: 7.18; CI: 0.06‒14.81; P-value:0.048), whereas females had a decreasing trend (AAPC: 0.82; CI: -5.94‒4.57; P-value: 0.740). Both sexes saw an increase in age-specific incidence rates starting at the age of 45; however, males experienced a significant increase in incidence in the age group of 75 to 79 while the female rates grew steadily. CONCLUSION: The focus for cancer control in this region may be given to demographic groups with a combination of risk factors, including male gender, older age, and urban residence.

Fibrosing mediastinitis in a child with Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease possibly due to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin.

BACKGROUND: Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) is an uncommon disorder with increased susceptibility to less virulent mycobacteria including bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is also a rare condition defined by excessive fibrotic reactions in the mediastinum. So far, some infectious organisms and autoimmune diseases have been introduced as possible etiologies of FM. However, no study has ever discussed the possible association of BCG infection and FM. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we report a 3-year-old female presenting with persistent fever, weakness, and bloody diarrhea in addition to mediastinal lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and pleural and pericardial effusion. Further examinations established a diagnosis of MSMD based on her clinical condition, immunologic data, positive tests for mycobacterial species, positive family history, and genetic study (IL12RB1 gene, c.G1193C, p.W398S). A year and a half later, she was referred with submandibular lymphadenitis and underwent immunologic work-up which revealed high inflammatory indices, a slight reduction in numbers of CD3 + and CD4 + cells as well as elevated CD16/56 + cell count and hyperimmunoglobulinemia. Purified protein derivative (PPD), QuantiFERON, and gastric washing test were all negative. Her chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed suspicious para-aortic soft tissue and her echocardiography was indicative of strictures in superior vena cava and pulmonary veins. She further underwent chest CT angiography which confirmed FM development. Meanwhile, she has been treated with anti-mycobacterial agents and subcutaneous IFN-γ. CONCLUSION: In summary, we described a novel case of MSMD in a child presenting with granulomatous FM possibly following BCG infection. This is the first report introducing aberrant BCG infection as the underlying cause of FM. This result could assist physicians in identifying early-onset FM in suspicious cases with MSMD. However, more studies are required to support this matter.

Rosuvastatin Intervention Decreased the Frequencies of the TIM-3+ Population of NK Cells and NKT Cells among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells are dichotomously involved in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection as principal members of innate immunity. An effective treatment should enhance the antiviral potentials of NK cells and not their immunomodulatory roles. TIM-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing domain) is a molecule with an essential role in controlling immune tolerance. TIM-3 demonstrated the highest expression among NK cells of patients with chronic liver disorders. Statins have been reported to attenuate the levels of TIM-3 on NK cells. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequencies of NK cells, NKT cells, and TIM-3+ population in patients with CHB upon rosuvastatin (RSV) intervention. METHODS: Thirty confirmed patients with CHB were randomly assigned into two groups of 15 (receiving 20 mg of RSV or placebo per day) for 12 weeks. We evaluated the percentages of TIM-3+ cells by staining the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with CD3, CD16, and CD56 markers using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that RSV administration could increase CD3- CD56+ NK cells (P>0.05) and CD3+ CD16+ CD56+ NKT cells (P<0.05). RSV intervention could reduce the percentages of TIM-3+ cells among NK cells (P<0.01) and NKT cells (P> 0.05) of patients with CHB compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: The increased population of NK and NKT cells and the effective reduction of TIM-3+ cells among patients with CHB delineated that rosuvastatin could be proposed as an appropriate modulator of innate immune response (regarding NK and NKT cells) in favor of enhancing their antiviral activities.

Mini vitrectomy as an alternative technique for intraocular pressure adjustment in non-drainage scleral buckling.

Purpose: In non-drainage scleral buckling, anterior chamber paracentesis is usually carried out to decrease intraocular pressure. When the buckling is extensive however, this technique may be inefficient and time consuming. In this study, we tried to determine if a mini 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy could be used as an efficient and safe alternative procedure to anterior chamber paracentesis for adjusting intraocular pressure during a non-drainage scleral buckling. Methods: In this case series, 44 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (proliferative vitreoretinopathy stage < C) were included. In all cases, a mini 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed before buckle fixation and repeated if necessary. Complete retinal attachment was defined as the anatomical success. Results: Forty-four eyes of 44 patients with mean age of 48.1 ± 18.2 years were included. Silicon buckle nº 276, sponge 505, and sponge 507 were utilized for 7, 34, and 3 eyes, respectively. Intravitreal injection of SF6 gas was performed for 54.5% of the eyes. Mean total time of the operation was 61 ± 16 min and the mean time for vitrectomy was 87 ± 31 s. Complete retinal attachment in 37 and incomplete attachment in 4 eyes were achieved after single operation that was a success rate of 93.2%. One had more than usual vitreous leak at the site of scleretomy and one developed a tiny vitreous hemorrhage at the sclerotomy site. Three sclerotomy sites needed suturing. Conclusion: The anatomical outcome and the safety observed in this study were comparable to the current methods reported in the literature. Therefore, if anterior chamber paracentesis fails to adjust intraocular pressure during a non-drainage scleral buckling, performing a small gauge mini vitrectomy is safe and helpful.

Serum and salivary tissue transglutaminase IGA (tTG-IGA) level in celiac patients.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is a genetically determined autoimmune disease triggered by gluten consumption. Patients with these conditions have intraepithelial lymphocytosis, crypt hyperplasia, and severe intestinal atrophy. Gluten elimination is the only way to reduce this chronic inflammation. The diagnosis of CD is usually made by analyzing anti-tTG, anti-DGP, or EMA serological tests, and it is confirmed by biopsy of the duodenum. In people with CD, xerostomia or dry mouth is a common complication. This condition causes the salivary glands to malfunction and, in turn, may result in oral plaque and periodontal disease. By comparing salivary and serum levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA), this study aims to suggest a non-invasive method for diagnosis of CD. Furthermore, the present study evaluates the severity of xerostomia symptoms in people with CD. METHODS: In this case-control study, participants were patients referred to the internal ward of Sayyad Shirazi hospital. The control group was selected from healthy people who attended Gorgan Dental College. In this study, an analysis of serum was performed following consent from patients. This was followed by a salivary test, and the results of both tests were compared. The Xerostomia Inventory questionnaire was also used to determine the severity of xerostomia. As part of this study, examination of factors such as total protein concentration of saliva, albumin concentration, amylase level, pH, sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and interleukin (6, 18, and 21) were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 78 people were studied (aged 15 to 68), 26 were male (33.3%) and 52 were female (66.7%). In comparisons of the serum and saliva of people with and without CD, the level of amylase was higher in the latter group. The average levels of IL-6، IL-18 ،IL-21, and salivary and serum tTG were higher in people with CD. Additionally, CD patients were more likely to develop xerostomia. CONCLUSION: Study findings showed that CD can reduce certain salivary enzymes and elements, as well as increase inflammatory cytokines, salivary, and serum tTG. The management of dry mouth should also be recommended for celiac disease patients in order to prevent its complications.

Mini vitrectomy as an alternative technique for intraocular pressure adjustment in non-drainage scleral buckling / La minivitrectomía como técnica alternativa para el ajuste de la presión intraocular en el cerclaje escleral sin drenaje

Purpose: In non-drainage scleral buckling, anterior chamber paracentesis is usually carried out to decrease intraocular pressure. When the buckling is extensive however, this technique may be inefficient and time consuming. In this study, we tried to determine if a mini 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy could be used as an efficient and safe alternative procedure to anterior chamber paracentesis for adjusting intraocular pressure during a non-drainage scleral buckling. Methods: In this case series, 44 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (proliferative vitreoretinopathy stage < C) were included. In all cases, a mini 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed before buckle fixation and repeated if necessary. Complete retinal attachment was defined as the anatomical success. Results: Forty-four eyes of 44 patients with mean age of 48.1 ± 18.2 years were included. Silicon buckle nº 276, sponge 505, and sponge 507 were utilized for 7, 34, and 3 eyes, respectively. Intravitreal injection of SF6 gas was performed for 54.5% of the eyes. Mean total time of the operation was 61 ± 16 min and the mean time for vitrectomy was 87 ± 31 s. Complete retinal attachment in 37 and incomplete attachment in 4 eyes were achieved after single operation that was a success rate of 93.2%. One had more than usual vitreous leak at the site of scleretomy and one developed a tiny vitreous hemorrhage at the sclerotomy site. Three sclerotomy sites needed suturing. Conclusion: The anatomical outcome and the safety observed in this study were comparable to the current methods reported in the literature. Therefore, if anterior chamber paracentesis fails to adjust intraocular pressure during a non-drainage scleral buckling, performing a small gauge mini vitrectomy is safe and helpful.

Clinical Presentations of the Survivor and Non-survivor Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in the Golestan Province of Iran during the First Peak of the Epidemics.

Background: Considering the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we aimed to report the clinical features of 427 patients with COVID-19 and the outcomes after one-month admission to major teaching hospitals in the northeast of Iran. Materials and Methods: Data of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from 20 February 2020 to 20 April 2020 was analyzed using the R software. The cases and their outcomes were monitored up to one month following their admission. Results: Among 427 patients with a median age of 53 years (50.8% male), 81 (19%) were directly admitted to the ICU ward, and 68 (16%) died during the study. The mean (SD) lengths of hospital stay were significantly higher in the non-survivors (6 (9) days) than survivors (4 (5) days) (P = 0.018). Ventilation need was reported in 67.6% of the non-survivors and 0.8% of the survivors (P < 0.001). Cough (72.8%), fever (69.3%), and dyspnea (64.0%) were the most common symptoms. There were more comorbidities in the severe cases (73.5%) and non-survivor (77.5%). Liver and kidney damage were significantly more common in non-survivors. Ninety percent of the patients had at least one abnormal chest CT scan finding, including crazy paving and consolidation patterns (27.1%), followed by the ground-glass opacity (24.7%). Conclusion: Results showed that the patients' age, underlying comorbidities, levels of SpO2, and laboratory findings at the time of admission may predict the progress of the disease and can be considered mortality-related factors.

Decreased Serum Selenium Levels of COVID-19 Patients in Comparison with Healthy Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic and is the cause of increased mortality, especially among elderly patients and those who have severe complications, such as chronic pulmonary obstruction, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Nutrition, especially micronutrients, plays an important role in reducing mortality and complications from COVID-19 because micronutrients strengthen our immune system and nutritional status is an important factor that affects the outcome of patients with COVID-19. Among micronutrients, selenium has an important effect on both intrinsic and acquired immunity. Host selenium deficiency affects the viral genome and increases the virulence of viruses. We have investigated the serum selenium levels in COVID-19 patients and healthy control individuals. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with COVID-19 infection were included in this study. During hospitalization, 13 patients died (non-survivor group) and 37 patients recovered (survivor group). We assessed the serum selenium levels in 50 COVID-19 patients and 50 healthy individuals by Agilent SpectrAA-240 Z atomic absorption spectrometer. RESULTS: The serum selenium level was significantly lower in COVID-19 patients (77. 8 ± 13.9 µg/L) as compared to healthy control individuals (91.7 ± 16.7 µg/L), but there was no significant difference between the survivor and non-survivor groups. Also, there was no significant relationship between serum selenium levels and laboratory findings of COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that decreased serum selenium levels may be a risk factor for the COVID-19 infection, but there was no significant relationship between selenium and severity and mortality of COVID-19 disease.

From bowel inflammation to the bone and joints: musculoskeletal examination in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

BACKGROUND: One of the most important complications in inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are musculoskeletal manifestations that are reported in more than 50% of patients. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the musculoskeletal and radiologic manifestations in our IBD patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study on 96 mild-to-moderate IBD patients (76 UC, 18 CD and 2 undifferentiated IBD) with mean (SD) age of 39.28 (11.42) years, 44 (45.8%) were males and 52 were (54.2%) females. Patients were examined by an expert rheumatologist and their musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed. The musculoskeletal system was evaluated by Modified Schober test, Thoracic expansion (TE), Occiput to wall distance (OWD), and Patrick's or FABER test. Peripheral joints were also examined in all four extremities. Then patients were referred for pelvic and lumbosacral x-ray. Sacroiliitis grading was performed using the New York criteria. RESULTS: Inflammatory low back pain was reported in 5 (5.2%), enthesopathy in 6 (6.5%) and dactylitis in 1 (1.1%). Positive Schober test was recorded in 5 (5.2%) and Patrick test in 3 (3.1%). Forty-nine (51%) cases had normal imaging with no sacroiliitis, endplate sclerosis was seen in 33 cases (34.4%), grade 3 and grade 4 were seen in 10 cases (10.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, 34.4% of the IBD patients had mild radiologic changes as endplate sclerosis and 95% had a normal physical examination.

Primary Liver Cancer in Golestan Province, Northeastern Iran: 13-Year Experience of Golestan Population-Based Cancer Registry (GPCR).

BACKGROUND: Liver cancer (LC) is among the most common and fatal cancers worldwide. A four-fold increasing trend is reported for LC age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) in Iran within 1990-2015. In the present study, we aimed to report the incidence rate of LC during the 13-year establishment of the Golestan population-based cancer registry (GPCR). METHODS: Age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) per 100000 person-years was calculated using CanReg5 software. The Joint point regression analysis was used to assess the temporal trends in incidence rate of LC. RESULTS: During the study period, GPCR registered 575 of LC cases, of which 373 (64.9%) were men and 297 (51.6%) lived in rural areas. The mean (SD) age of LC in men and women were 60.3 (17.2) and 58.0 (17.1), respectively. The ASIR of LC was significantly higher in men than women (4.7 vs. 2.6; P value<0.01) and a minimal increasing trend in LC incidence was observed in both sexes. The incidence rate of LC was significantly higher in rural areas compared to the urbans (3.91 vs. 3.40; P value=0.04). In the last 13 years, rural population had a significant increasing trend in ASIR of LC (average annual percent change [AAPC]=7.85, P value=0.005). CONCLUSION: LC was more prevalent in men among both urban and rural populations. The results showed a significant increasing trend in rural areas that requires Golestan health care system to take action in controlling the burden of LC in rural areas.

Building a Cancer Biobank in a Low-Resource Setting in Northern Iran: the Golestan Cancer Biobank.

BACKGROUND: We aim to present the development and the initial results of the Golestan Cancer Biobank (GoCB), in a low resource setting in northern Iran. METHODS: The GoCB protocol and its standard operation procedures (SOP) were developed according to internationally accepted standards and protocols with some modifications considering the limited resources in our setting. The main biological samples collected by the GoCB include blood sample, urine sample, fresh endoscopy tissue sample, fresh surgical tissue sample and formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sample. The GoCB collects patients' demographic data, tumor characteristics as well as data on risk factors. We developed a specific GoCB software for management of patient data and biological sample information. The GoCB dataset is annually linked with the Golestan cancer registry dataset to add complementary data (e.g., survival data). RESULTS: The GoCB started collection of data and biological samples in December 2016. By November 2020, a total number of 1217 cancer patients participated in the GoCB. The majority of the GoCB participants (n = 942, 77%) were those with gastrointestinal and breast cancers. Data on risk factors were successfully collected in 684 (56.2%) of the participants. Overall, 3563 samples were collected from the GoCB participants and 730 samples were used in 7 national and international research projects. CONCLUSION: We considered specific strategies to overcome major limitations, especially budget shortage, in the development and maintenance of a cancer-specific biological repositories in our setting. The GoCB may be considered as a model for the development of biobank in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Single-pill sofosbuvir and daclatasvir for treating hepatis C in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

BACKGROUND: The current recommendation for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV patients includes the combination of sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DCV). DCV should be used at different doses to compensate for interactions with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Up to three pills a day might be required which will significantly add to the pill burden of these patients. In this study, we have used a single-tablet approach to treating HCV-HIV coinfection. METHODS: Patients coinfected with HIV and HCV were prospectively enrolled from 10 centers throughout the country. Patients received a single once-daily fixed dose combination (FDC) pill containing 400 mg SOF and 30, 60 or 90 mg DCV depending on the type of ART they were receiving for 12 or 24 weeks. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03369327). RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-three patients were enrolled from 10 centers. Twenty-three patients were lost to follow-up and two patients died from causes unrelated to treatment. Two hundred eight patients completed the treatment course of which 201 achieved SVR (96.6%). CONCLUSION: Single-tablet combination of DCV and SOF is an effective and safe treatment for patients coinfected with HIV and HCV. The combination works well in patients on ART in which dose adjustment is required. Patients with cirrhosis, previous treatment failure and various genotypes respond identically. The expenses of genotyping can be saved.