Astrocyte response to melatonin treatment in rats under high-carbohydrate high-fat diet.

The involvement of consumption of high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet in cognitive impairment is attributed, at least in part, to the activation of astrocytes, which contributes to the development of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and subsequent cognitive deficits. This study aimed to assess the influence of melatonin on cognitive impairment and astrogliosis induced by the HCHF diet in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed an HCHF diet for eight weeks to induce obesity and metabolic syndrome. Subsequently, they received oral melatonin treatment for four weeks at doses of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg, alongside the HCHF diet. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Y-maze test, while the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and the number glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive cells were assessed in the hippocampi and hypothalamus. The consumption of the HCHF diet resulted in weight gain, hyperlipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, cognitive decline, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress damage, and astrogliosis in rats. Although melatonin treatment did not demonstrate beneficial effects on blood glucose and lipid metabolism, it improved the impaired working memory caused by the HCHF diet. Melatonin exhibited a dose-dependent reduction of astrogliosis, neuroinflammation, and lipid peroxidation while restored superoxide dismutase in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of HCHF diet-treated rats. These findings provide evidence that melatonin inhibits astrocyte activation, thereby attenuating inflammation and minimizing oxidative stress damage induced by the HCHF diet.

Assessment of melatonin's therapeutic effectiveness against hepatic steatosis induced by a high-carbohydrate high-fat diet in rats.

Several studies have demonstrated the protective effects of melatonin against metabolic diseases, such as liver steatosis. However, its therapeutic effects have received less scrutiny. The present study aimed to explore melatonin's therapeutic effectiveness in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet in rats. The NAFLD was developed in male Wistar rats using an HCHF diet for 8 weeks. Afterward, they were given melatonin orally for four weeks at doses of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg, along with the HCHF diet. In addition, six age-matched healthy rats received the highest dose of melatonin (30 mg/kg) for the same duration. Rats on the HCHF diet exhibited obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and liver injury (steatosis). Melatonin treatment at 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg reduced body weight, adiposity index, oxidative damage, and inflammation but did not affect impaired glucose metabolism induced by the HCHF diet. Meanwhile, the highest dose of melatonin (30 mg/kg) reduced the liver steatosis index in HCHF rats but caused mild liver damage in healthy rats. In conclusion, using melatonin demonstrated positive outcomes in treating NAFLD induced by the HCHF diet in rats, with no noteworthy effects observed in healthy rats. A moderate dosage of 10 mg/kg of melatonin proved to be a safer and more efficient method for reducing HCHF diet-induced NAFLD in rats. Higher melatonin doses should be cautiously administered due to potential disruptions in lipid metabolism and the risk of liver complications.

Identification of alternative topics to diversify medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy student theses: a mixed method study.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy student theses on public health is a crucial concern for policymakers in medical science universities. If student theses correspond to the needs of society, they can significantly affect students' scientific and practical abilities and lead to the provision of more efficient health services. This study aimed to identify alternative topics to diversify medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy student theses. METHODS: This mixed method study with an exploratory sequential design was conducted at Kerman University of Medical Science from February to June 2021. The qualitative component entailed a focus group of faculty members (n = 16) and students (n = 4) to extract alternative topics to diversify medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy student theses. The quantitative component included a questionnaire based on emerging subjects and literature review to evaluate the extracted alternative topics. Qualitative data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 20 key participants took part in the focus group meeting, and from 20 questionnaires, 15 were returned with a response rate of 75%. A list of 18 alternative topics was generated and five categories were identified: individual development, research, education, healthcare, and social services. CONCLUSIONS: The gap between what we know and what is seen in practice is quite large in medical and health-related professions. Alternative topics for medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy student theses contribute to turning knowledge into practice.

Draft Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequence of a Novel Citricoccus Species from Agricultural Soil in Western Colorado.

Members of the genus Citricoccus are recognized as salt-tolerant soil microorganisms. Here, we report the metagenome-assembled genome sequence of a novel Citricoccus species recovered from untilled, surface agricultural soils in western Colorado.

The effect of two types of diet on apoptosis indexes, lipid profile and histopathological outcome in acute kidney injury during exercise.

BACKGROUND: Exercise and some pre-AKI diets have been shown to improve injury, apoptosis, and lipid profile. In this study, the effect of two different diets along with exercise training on acute kidney injury (AKI) was investigated.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laboratory rats were randomly divided into four groups of control, standard diet + exercise, exercise + calorie restriction (CR) and exercise + time restriction (TR). Each group was divided into two subgroups of AKI and no AKI. The animals received endurance training and diet regimens before AKI. Fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and histopathological outcome of renal tissue as well as serum lipid profile of animals were assessed 24 h after AKI.  RESULTS: The percentage of changes in renal Bcl2 and Bax after AKI in the group with previous exercise was lower than the group without previous exercise (p < 0.01). After induction of AKI, serum lipid profile changed in non-exercised rats (p < 0.001). Also, after injury, fasting blood glucose levels increased in non-exercised rats (p < 0.05). After injury, the start of both CR and TR diets during exercise caused less change in Bcl2 and Bax of non-exercised rats compared to exercised rats (p < 0.001). CR diet along with exercise improved lipid profile, and also CR diet along exercise decreased fasting blood glucose levels (p < 0.001). Also, both the CR and TR diets during exercise caused fewer changes in histopathological outcome after AKI. CONCLUSION: Exercise alone decreased changes in apoptotic and histopathological indexes, fasting blood glucose, as well as lipid profile of rats after AKI. Reduction of apoptosis and improvement of histopathological outcome after AKI appeared more when CR and TR diets were commenced during exercise. The reduction of lipid profile changes was more pronounced in the group that received CR diet during exercise.

Draft Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequences of Three Novel Ammonia-Oxidizing Nitrososphaera Strains Recovered from Agricultural Soils in Western Colorado.

Microbial nitrification is critical to nitrogen loss from agricultural soils. Here, we report three thaumarchaeotal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) representing a new species of Nitrososphaera. These genomes expand the representation of archaeal nitrifiers recovered from arid, agricultural soils.

Successful Application of Alpha Lipoic Acid Niosomal Formulation in Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury in Rat Model.

Purpose: Free radicals such as hydroxyl and peroxide are contributing factors to neuronal destruction in cerebral ischemia. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is one of the potent known antioxidants. Preparation of ALA niosomes allows IV injection and can increase bioavailability and penetration into the central nervous system (CNS). Methods: Film hydration method was used to prepare different niosomes composed of Span®, Tween®, and cholesterol at different molar ratio. ALA and niosome-forming compounds were dissolved in chloroform, before removing the organic solvent by rotary evaporator. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, control group, intravenous (IV) injection of empty niosomes plus intraperitoneal (IP) injection of ALA solution, and finally, IV injection of ALA niosomes. Rats were subjected to deep anesthesia before inducing cerebral ischemia, then, their internal common carotid arteries were clamped for 15 min and reperfusion was done for 30 min. Niosomal ALA was injected intravenously just before declamping. Results: Mean volume diameter of the prepared niosomes was between 4.36 ± 0.82 and 19.95 ± 1.21 µm in different formulations. Encapsulation efficiency percent (EE%) of ALA in the selected formulation, Span60/Tween60/cholesterol (35:35:30 molar ratio), was 94.5 ± 0.2, and 59.27 ± 5.61% of ALA was released after 4h. In the niosomal group, the rate of reduction in complications of cerebral ischemia such as histopathologic changes and acute damage (from score 3 to 1) in CNS was higher than other groups. Conclusion: The obtained results show that niosomes can be used as effective drug delivery systems for ALA in cerebral ischemia.

Energy, economic, and environmental assessment of coriander seed production using material flow cost accounting and life cycle assessment.

The agricultural sector in the world is facing social expectations to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, and at the same producing enough food and fiber for the growing world population. The purpose of the present research is to determine the economic, energy consumption, and environmental impacts in coriander seed production using material flow cost accounting approach along with life cycle assessment. The positive output and negative energy were 25,485 and 6742 MJ ha-1, respectively. Energy efficiency, net energy gain, specific energy, and energy productivity indicators were calculated as 0.6, - 11,944 MJ ha-1, 17.4 MJ kg-1, and 0.06 kg MJ-1, respectively. The average production cost was calculated as 588 $ ha-1 whereas gross income was 1267 $ ha-1. The value of negative products in coriander production was estimated as 239 $ ha-1. Seed shedding at harvest and water loss due to inefficient irrigation system were found to be the major negative products (economic and energy) in the system that can enhance the system productivity upon improvement. The values of benefit costs ratio and economic productivity were 1.74 and 3 kg $-1, respectively. The acidification potential (102.5 kg SO2 eq ha-1), global warming potential (897.3 kg CO2 eq ha-1), photochemical oxidation potential (0.13 kg C2H4 eq ha-1), and eutrophication potential (40.3 kg PO4-3 eq ha-1) indicators were evaluated. The hotspots in point of economic (labor and seed shedding), energy use (nitrogen fertilizer and machinery) and energy loss (seed shedding), and environment (diesel fuel consumption) were determined which can be used to optimize coriander production through decreasing the material and energy consumption in the field. The results showed that MFCA combined with LCA is a powerful tool in identifying hotspots in crop production systems and can be used in developing more sustainable systems as well as in developing sustainability models.

Rates and Reasons of Laboratory Sample Rejection due to Pre-analytical Errors in Clinical Settings.

BACKGROUND: Laboratory analysis errors in procedure or interpretation may be seen during the process of completing physician test orders. They may also result in rejection of the requests due to some applicability reasons. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the rate and reasons for such rejections in clinical settings. METHODS: This cross-sectional comparative study was performed on 104008 laboratory tests in a one-year period in terms of the percentage and type of errors that occurred in Shahid Bahonar Hospital in Kerman, Iran, in 2018. The types of studied errors included hemolysis, sample clotting, insufficient sample size, and mistakes in labels or absence of labels on the sample. RESULTS: In this study, 104008 laboratory tests were performed, with 2299 (2.21%) sample rejections, 456 (32.31%) complete blood count (CBC) sample clotting; 417 (29.38 %) hemolysis; and 150 (17.47 %) inadequate sample volume as the majority of errors. There was no statistically significant relationship between pre-analysis errors and clinical aspects (P=0.124). CONCLUSION: According to the results, it may be concluded that considering the high prevalence of laboratory errors in comparison with the majority of other studies, continuous training courses and determination of the causes of these errors are crucial to attaining better function and basic knowledge.

Short-term changes of cornea and tear film after ruthenium-106 plaque therapy for intraocular tumors.

PURPOSE: Plaque therapy is a well-recognized treatment for intraocular tumors. In current study, we aimed to prospectively investigate the short-term effects of ruthenium 106 (Ru-106) plaque therapy on the cornea and ocular surface parameters. METHODS: Twenty-five patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma which undergone Ru-106 plaque therapy from 2016 to 2018 were included. Tear osmolarity, tear film break-up time, Schirmer test I, fluorescein dye staining based on Oxford staining method; Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and corneal specular microscopy were performed. These tests were assessed preoperatively and then 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) age of subjects was 48.52 ± 15.18 years. The patients were followed for a mean(±SD) period of 3.64 ± 2.40 months. Total mean (+SD) delivered radiation dose to the tumor apex and total received radiation by the sclera was 83.20 ± 26.31 and 640.65 ± 472.69 Gray (Gy), respectively. In longitudinal analysis, OSDI score and Oxford staining score increased significantly (P = 0.002 for both variables) and the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) increased from 20% preoperatively to 72% at 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.001).The changes in the all specular microscopy parameters were statistically nonsignificant (all P values > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a considerable increase in the rate of DED following plaque therapy for the treatment of choroidal melanoma in short-term follow-up. The OSDI questionnaire and fluorescein staining test are valuable tools for early detection of DED postoperatively.

Distribution of Myeloid and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood of Hyperprolactinemic Women.

Dendritic cells (DCs) play key roles in regulating the immune response using the specialized function of processing and presenting antigens. Prolactin (PRL), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, participates in DC maturation and function. The present study was aimed to determine the frequencies of peripheral blood DC subpopulations of myeloid DC (MDC) and plasmacytoid DC (PDC) in hyperprolactinemic (HPRL) women compared to normal healthy volunteers. This study was conducted on 70 women, including 35 HPRL patients and 35 matched healthy controls, whose PRL serum levels were in the normal range (lower than 25 ng/mL). Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured in both groups as an indicator of normal thyroid function. The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method was applied to measure the serum levels of TSH and PRL. The frequencies of MDC and PDC in the peripheral blood samples of both groups were determined by flow cytometry. The mean serum PRL levels in the HPRL patients and healthy individuals were 46.41±21.96 and 13.75±11.19, respectively (p<0.0001); however TSH levels in both groups were similar and within the normal range (0.4-4.5 mIU/mL) (p=0.2). The frequencies of both MDC and PDC subpopulations in the peripheral blood of HPRL patients were significantly lower than they were in the healthy controls. However, the ratio of MDCs/PDCs in HPRL patients was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.8). Our study revealed that an increased level of serum PRL may lead to a reduction in the number of MDC and PDC subpopulations. These results could help clarify the complex relationship between the immune system and the neuroendocrine axis and may be of potential use in understanding the pathogenesis of endocrine and immune disorders.

Physiological traits, yield, and yield components relationship in winter and spring canola.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the relationship between physiological traits with yield and yield components is an essential step towards developing high-yielding and high-quality canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars. This study aimed to explore further the relationship between some physiological features, including radiation use efficiency (RUE), and seed yield in canola. RESULTS: Significant differences were found among cultivars regarding maximum leaf area index (LAImax ) and required days to achieve maximum LAI (DLAImax ). All cultivars obtained the minimum LAI required to intercept 90% of the incident radiation, but at different times. Some cultivars like SW102 and Shirali had the same fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) when LAI was maximal, but SW102 had higher IPAR. This indicated that SW102 was more efficient in irradiation capacity and may have a higher photosynthesis rate when exposed to the high irradiation conditions. The average canola RUE in the current study was 3.80 and 3.63 g MJ-1 m-2 in 2014 and 2015, respectively. In general, the crop growth rate was higher in the first year than in the second year due to the fewer cloudy days and more incident radiation. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that duration of growth, crop growth rate, and harvest index were crucial for enhancing biomass and seed yield. Also, a relatively high correlation was found between the RUE and DLAImax . The cultivars that reached their maximum LAI later demonstrated higher RUE, and consequently had higher biological and seed yield. The results obtained could be used to develop an improved canola crop growth model and breeding programs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevalence of JC and BK viruses in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Polyomaviruses including BK virus (BKV) and JC virus (JCV) are widespread in human and have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) in some studies. The aim of present systematic review and meta-analysis article is to calculate the pooled prevalence of BKV and JCV in patients with CRC and assessing their association with this malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Domestic databases and Sciences Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Sciences and Scopus were searched for relevant articles up to 2nd  June 2019Two independent reviewers extracted the related data from eligible articles. The pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio (POR) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using "metaprop" and "metan" commands in Stata 14. Where I2 statistics were >50%, the random effect model was used. RESULTS: From 1461 relevant studies, 24 articles were eligible and included in the qualitative while 19 articles included in quantitative analysis. The pooled prevalence based on diagnostic methods varies from 29% using immunohistochemistry to 52% using nested-PCR method. The likelihood of being infected with JCV  was significantly higher in CRC patients compared to healthy (POR: 4.41, 95% CI: 2.13 - 9.13) controls, normal adjacent mucosa (POR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.3-5.9) and colorectal adenoma (POR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.5-6.5) but was not significant when non-CRC patients used as control group. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of JCV in colorectal patients was substantially variable by different methods and targets. The significant association between JCV and CRC that was observed in the present study is not indicative of causation and should be studied more in large-scale prospective designs.

Incidence trend of breast Cancer in women of eastern Mediterranean region countries from 1998 to 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to provide evidence on the current status of breast cancer and its incidence trend in Eastern Mediterranean Region during 1998-2019. Also, this study aimed to investigate the association between the incidence of breast cancer and Human Development Index and some factors related to this index, including total fertility rate, and obesity, using a meta-analysis. METHOD: Data on incidence of breast cancer were collected from various sources, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and WHO, from 1998 to 2019 using systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled age standardized rate was calculated based on study duration and quality of data using a subgroup analysis and random effect meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 80 studies (545 data points) were analyzed. Pooled age standardized rate of breast cancer for Eastern Mediterranean Region was 37.1 per 100,000 person-year (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.5, 39.8) during 2011-2019. age standardized rate of breast cancer had an upward trend in Eastern Mediterranean Region from 2005 to 2019. However, the increasing trend was found to be slightly different in various regions based on quality of data. Moreover, pooled age standardized rate had a significant association with Human Development Index [- 89.2 (95% CI, - 119.8, - 58.7)] and obesity [1.2 (95% CI, 0.9, 1.5)]. CONCLUSION: Pooled age standardized rate of breast cancer in Eastern Mediterranean Region was lower than the global average. Also, the age standardized rate value and its incremental trend have been higher in countries with high-quality data than in other countries of this region in recent years. Data quality or physiological factors, such as increase in obesity rates, could be the reasons for this incremental trend.

Gene co-expression network approach for predicting prognostic microRNA biomarkers in different subtypes of breast cancer.

New diagnostic miRNA biomarkers for different types of cancer have been studied extensively, particularly for breast cancer (BC), which is a leading cause of death among women and has many different subtypes. In the present study, a systems biology approach was used to find remarkable and novel miRNA biomarkers for five molecular subtypes of BC: luminal A, luminal B, ERBB2, basal-like and normal-like. The mRNA expression data from the five BC subtypes was used to reconstruct co-expression networks. The important mRNA-miRNA interactions were considered when reconstructing the bipartite networks from which the five bipartite sub-networks were reconstructed for further analysis. The novel biomarkers detected for each subtype are as follows: miRNAs 26b-5p and 124-3p for basal-like, 26b-5p, 124-3p and 5011-5p for ERBB2, 26b-5p and 5011-5p for LumA, 124-3p, 26b-5p and 7-5p for LumB and 26b-5p, 124-3p and 193b-3p for normal-like. The roles of the identified miRNAs in the occurrence or development of each subtype of BC remain unclear and should be investigated in future studies. In addition, the target genes of these miRNAs may be critical to the mechanisms underlying each subtype and should be analyzed as therapeutic targets in future studies.

Cancer incidence in Iran in 2014: Results of the Iranian National Population-based Cancer Registry.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to report, for the first time, the results of the Iranian National Population-based Cancer Registry (INPCR) for the year 2014. METHODS: Total population of Iran in 2014 was 76,639,000. The INPCR covered 30 out of 31 provinces (98% of total population). It registered only cases diagnosed with malignant new primary tumors. The main sources for data collection included pathology center, hospitals as well as death registries. Quality assessment and analysis of data were performed by CanReg-5 software. Age standardized incidence rates (ASR) (per 100,000) were reported at national and subnational levels. RESULTS: Overall, 112,131 new cancer cases were registered in INPCR in 2014, of which 60,469 (53.9%) were male. The diagnosis of cancer was made by microscopic confirmation in 76,568 cases (68.28%). The ASRs of all cancers were 177.44 and 141.18 in male and female, respectively. Cancers of the stomach (ASR = 21.24), prostate (18.41) and colorectum (16.57) were the most common cancers in men and the top three cancers in women were malignancies of breast (34.53), colorectum (11.86) and stomach (9.44). The ASR of cervix uteri cancer in women was 1.78. Our findings suggested high incidence of cancers of the esophagus, stomach and lung in North/ North West of Iran. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that Iran is a medium-risk area for incidence of cancers. We found differences in the most common cancers in Iran comparing to those reported for the World. Our results also suggested geographical diversities in incidence rates of cancers in different subdivisions of Iran.

The prevalence and predictors of using herbal medicines among Iranian cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Using of herbal medicines is common for cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, reasons, and predicting factors for the use of herbal medicines by Iranian cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted this cross-sectional study on 315 cancer patients through face-to-face interview in Kerman, Southeast of Iran, 2017. RESULTS: In total, 267 (84.1%) patients used at least one herbal medicine during chemotherapy courses, while only 42 (16.1%) patients discussed the use of herbal medicines with physicians. Living in urban regions (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.30-5.05; P<0.0001) and the experience of constipation and diarrhea (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.09-4.05; P = 0.02) were determined as some predicting factors for the use of herbal medicines. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that as herbal medicines are common among cancer patients and their use is often overlooked, physicians should pay particular attention to herbal medicines during chemotherapy.

Low Prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus in Patients with Breast Cancer, Kerman; Iran

Breast cancer is the first of the most important causes of the deaths of women in the world and in Iran. There are various causes and causes of this cancer, one of which has recently been described as a cause of breast cancer, is the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV is transmitted through sexual contact and skin lesions. There are more than 100 types of HPV that can influence different parts of the body. Some types of HPV can cause cancer (such as cervical or anal cancer) and others can cause warts (such as genital or plantar warts). To study the risk of HPV infection in Breast Cancer, we managed a Case-Control study in Kerman, southeast of Iran. For this purpose, 98 paraffin blocks of breast cancer and 40 paraffin blocks of fibrocystic as a control were tested for the presence of HPV DNA using Real-Time PCR, and HPV typing was done using INNo-Lippa assay. HPV DNA was detected in 8 out of 98 patients (8.2%), while it was not detected in the control group samples. HPV types 16, 18 were the most common (62.5%) types in positive samples. The prevalence of HPV in patients with breast cancer of Iran is very low and less than other regions of the world, it seems that maybe rout of transmission of HPV in Iran is under control. No one knows exactly why breast cancer occurs. The environment, hormones, Viruses, or your lifestyle could all play a role in the development of breast cancer. Currently, Vaccination is the best way to prevent cancer that's due to HPV. However, additional studies on the larger group of patients are needed to explain the roles of HPV in Breast cancer.

A Trial Study of Static Telepathology in Iran.

Static telepathology is one of the telepathology methods, in which the captured images of the slides are transmitted for consultation at a later time. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the conventional pathology and static telepathology systems. Eighty-two cases that had been selected randomly from 4 pathology centers in the city of Kerman were diagnosed by a pathologist, first based on light microscopy and then after 2 months based on static images (2 images per case) captured by a Nikon 50i microscopic camera. The images were sent to the pathologist via e-mail. The diagnostic accuracy of the telepathology system was calculated. The light microscopic diagnoses were concordant with the telepathologic diagnoses in 71 of 82 reviewed cases. Different diagnoses of 7 cases were due to the images captured from the inappropriate location of the slides. The diagnostic accuracy of the telepathology system was 86.5%. The results of this study showed that static telepathology is very accurate and can be widely used in Iran. However, efficient implementation and use of telepathology require paying attention to different issues such as educational, legal, ethical, financial, and security and observance of the standards related to this field.

Cancer Incidence in Kerman Province, Southeast of Iran: Report of an ongoing Population-Based Cancer Registry, 2014

Introduction: The epidemiology of common cancers in Kerman province, southeast of Iran, was assessed based upon results of the Kerman Population-Based Cancer Registry Program (KPBCR). Methods: in this retrospective study, all patients diagnosed with primary cancers and registered with the KPBCR were included. New cancer cases registered from 2014 were identified from pathological labs, medical reports of 48 health facilities providing cancer diagnosis or treatment services and the national death registry program. Data for patients who were referred to neighboring provinces to access health services were also collected from national referral registries. Results from autopsies was additionally extracted from regional forensic and legal medicine centers and added to the registry periodically. Age standardized incidence rates (ASRs) per 100,000 person-years for all cancers were computed, using direct-standardization and CanReg methodology. Mortality to incidence (M:I) ratios and microscopically verified (MV) proportions were calculated as quality measures. Results: A total of 2,838 cases of cancer were registered in Kerman province, 2014. Of these 45. 6% involved women (n=1,293). Individuals aged 60-64 years represented the largest proportion (11.6%) of the total cancer prevalence, followed by those aged 55-59 years (10.86%) and 65-69 years (8.99%). The ASRs for all cancers were 155.1 and 118.90 per 100,000, in men and women, respectively. In women, breast (ASR: 26.4), skin (ASR: 13.0), thyroid (ASR: 9.2), leukemia (ASR: 8.0) and colorectal (ASR: 7.70) were the most common cancers. In men, bladder (ASR: 24.70), skin (ASR: 16.80), lung (ASR: 14.6), leukemia (ASR: 14.50), and stomach (ASR: 10.8) were found to be the most frequent. Conclusion: This study provided latest evidence on epidemiology of cancer in the southeast of Iran that could be used to empower prevention and control interventions in a developing country.