Tumor angiogenesis is one of the most important factors in tumor progression. In this study, the angiogenesis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its association with prognostic factors was assessed by using CD34 immunostaining marker. The microvessel density in 40 patients with cervical SCC was studied in three areas of the tumor; stromal and peripheral tumor area (combined) central stromal tumor area and peripheral tumor area and the relationship of microvascular density and survival was also evaluated. The count of CD34 is correlated with younger age, the presence of perineural invasion and metastasis to lymph nodes. High peripheral tumor angiogenesis is also correlated with lower disease-free tumor survival. According to the findings of the present study, CD34 expression, especially in peripheral tumor areas, can be used as a prognostic marker in cervical SCC.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were characterized by self-renewal and multilineage potential. Umbilical cord blood-derived (UCB) as an alternative source of HSCs is widely used especially in children for stem cells transplant (SCT). The main limitation in using UCB for transplantation especially in adults is low cell dose. To overcome this limitation besides using double dose UCB, ex vivo expansion is the most important way to increase cell number for transplantation. HSCs are mainly isolated using CD133 or CD34. CD133, as the most primitive marker, shows important physiological role in maintenance and expansion of HSCs. SALL4 plays crucial role in the development and maintaining the pluripotency and self-renewal ability of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as well as HSCs. Moreover, SALL4 act as a regulator of HSCs expansion, normal hematopoiesis, and hematological malignancies. In the present study, CD133⁺ cells positively selected and ex vivo expanded in SALL-4 and GFP-transduced group. CD133 expression assessed using flow cytometry at day 0, 7 and 10. Moreover, multilineage differentiation and proliferation potential of expanded cells in both groups evaluated using colony forming unit (CFU) assay, and cells count assay. Karyotyping analysis was performed to assess any chromosomal instability after 7 days of expansion. Obtained results demonstrated that SALL-4 transduced cells showed significant increase in cell number compared to control group. Moreover, immunophenotyping results showed higher expression level of CD133 at day 7 and 10 following expansion in SALL-4 transduced (62 % and 42%) compared to control group (51% and 20.6%). Our results illustrated that SALL4 could act as a positive factor for the expansion of CD133⁺ derived UCB cells besides maintaining self-renewal and differentiation ability of expanded cell without any numerical and structural chromosomal aberrations.

Methionine synthase (MTR) is one of the key enzymes of folate pathway, which play a key role in the construction, repair, and methylation of DNA. In this study, an association of MTR A2756G gene transition with prostate cancer in men populations of Kashan-Iran was investigated by a case-control study and an in silico analysis. The 200 samples including 100 patients with prostate cancer, as case group and 100 healthy men, as control group included in this study. MTR-A2756G genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP technique. Some in silico tools used to evaluate the effects of A2756G transition on the structure and function of MTR. Results showed that the AG genotype (OR: 2.4014, 95% CI: 1.3216-4.3636, P=0.0040), and GG genotype (OR: 3.6324, 95% CI: 1.2629-10.4475, P=0.0167) and G allele (OR: 2.0120, 95% CI: 1.3098-3.0905, P=0.0014) were associated with prostate cancer. In silico analysis showed that polymorphisms of the enzyme protein might change properties of MTR such as relative mutability and flexibility, which leads to alteration of stability and function of the enzyme. Based on the results, an MTR-A2756G polymorphism which changes activity and stability of the methionine synthase associated with prostate cancer in men. It is a preliminary study and is presenting data for future comprehensive study for making a clinical conclusion that this gene transition is a biomarker for susceptibility to prostate cancer.

To develop a convenient animal model of T2D by pretreatment with low-dose 10% w/v fructose (FRC) solution followed by the injection of low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) in Wistar rats. For this 8-week experimental study; rats were first fed a standard chow ad-libitum diet and either tap water (n=40) or 10% w/v FRC solution (n=40) for 4 weeks. Next, rats in each category were randomly allocated to 4 subgroups (n=10 each) of low-dose STZ (25,35, and 45 mg/kg). The final mean fasting blood sugar (FBG) of FRC+STZ45 (197±55.87 mg/dl) were significantly higher than that of the STZ45 (P=0.015) and FRC (P=0.019) groups. FRC+STZ45 showed the highest insulin resistance demonstrated by insulin tolerance test [area under the curve (AUC) of insulin tolerance test; P<0.05]. AUC was not significantly different between the STZ45 and non-STZ groups and between FRC and non-FRC fed groups. Furthermore, FBG levels did not differ between FRC and non-FRC groups. Body weight measurement showed that the FRC+STZ45 group had the lowest body weight compared to all other groups. Our data provide the evidence that FRC and STZ45 synergistically could induce hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in Wistar rats. Here we presented a feasible model for initial forms of T2D by employing pretreatment with low-dose FRC solution and treatment with low-dose STZ.

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of coexisting ovarian malignancy and to determine whether ovarian preservation is feasible in premenopausal endometrial cancer (EC) patients. The data of 251 patients with endometrioid type endometrial cancer were retrospectively reviewed. We classified patients into two groups based on menopausal status. Information regarding patient age, preoperative and intraoperative evaluations, pathology reports, and follow-up results were abstracted from medical records. Coexisting ovarian malignancy was detected in 2 (4.3%) of 46 patients in premenopausal group and in 11 (5.3%) of 205 patients in postmenopausal group. Both patients in premenopausal group with coexisting ovarian malignancy had lymph node involvement and grade 2 tumors, while 5 (45.4%) of 11 patients in postmenopausal group had lymph node involvement and 9 (81.8%) of 11 patients had grade 3 tumors. Incidence of coexisting ovarian malignancies in premenopausal women with EC should not be underestimated. Owing to that thorough preoperative evaluation and an extensive intraoperative evaluation is critical for the decision of preserving ovaries.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is currently the most fatal of skin cancers accounting for 50000 deaths annually. Five distinct melanomas are described histopathologically: superficial spreading, lentigo maligna, nodular, acral lentiginous and mucosal melanoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of patients with various types of malignant melanoma and evaluate histopathological findings. In this retrospective study, we obtained our data from the records of 111 patients with melanoma. Biopsied specimens were collected and re-evaluated. Demographic information and histopathological findings were noted. SPSS 16 was used for analyzing data. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA was conducted for comparing categorical and numerical variables respectively. The mean age of patients was 59.33±14.68 years old. Most common melanoma type was acral lentiginous (40.5%), followed by nodular (35.1%) and mucosal (10.8%). The highest tumor thickness was viewed in nodular melanoma followed by mucosal melanoma. The highest rate of metastasis, microsatellitosis, perineural invasion and Clark level of the invasion were reported in nodular and acral lentiginous respectively. The most frequent rate of ulceration and vascular invasion was reported in mucosal melanoma. Distribution of melanoma types varies largely in different regions. Lack of classic presentations in some types necessitate specific public education about warning signs. Histopathological and pathological characteristics in melanoma can aid in better staging and management of the tumor.

In this article, we investigated the effectiveness of inhaled salbutamol withtherapeutic dose on the sport-specific performance of non-asthmatic young football players. In a double-blinded, randomised placebo controlled trial with 2-treatment, 2-period crossover design, twenty participants who were non-asthmatic junior professional football players were randomly allocated to two groups. Fifteen minutes before sport-specific fitness testing, each group randomly received 2 inhalations (200 micrograms) of salbutamol or placebo, respectively. After 1 week wash-out period, each participant has tested again, this time with the alternative inhaler. The primary outcomes were the differences between salbutamol and placebo groups in six tests of 7×30-m repeated sprint, Loughborough soccer dribbling, vertical jump, agility, Loughborough soccer passing, 20-m multistage shuttle run. A total of twenty players did two test batteries completely. There was no significant difference between salbutamol and placebo users in the tests [Treatment effect (CI95%); 7×30 sprint: -2.4 (-7.6-2.9), dribbling: -3.8 (-12.2-4.5), vertical jump: -1.2 (-3.7-1.3), agility: -0.4 (-0.9-0.1), passing: 0.2 (-12-12.4), shuttle run distance: -112 (-503.2-279.2)]. Furthermore, no period or carry-over effects were detected. It seems that single therapeutic dose of inhaled salbutamol (200 micrograms) does not appear to improve football related performance.

To evaluate the association between disease severity and hepatic steatosis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Consecutively selected UC patients admitted to the gastroenterology clinic were enrolled in the study. UC severity was assessed by Truelove and Witts classification. Patients with severe UC were excluded from the study. NASH was determined based on persistently elevated serum aminotransferase levels and detection of fatty liver ultrasound. Patients with other etiologies for elevated aminotransferase levels were excluded. Liver fat content (LFC) was assessed by measuring liver fat score (LFS). One hundred patients (42% male) were included in the study. According to liver ultrasound examination, 62 (%) patients were identified with grade 1 fatty liver disease, and 38 (%) patients were classified as advanced (grade 2 and 3) fatty liver disease. Sixty-one patients had left-sided UC and (46%) had mild UC disease severity index. LFS was significantly higher in UC patients with the moderate disease than patients with mild disease (3.53±2.68 vs. 5.89±2.85, respectively; P<0.01). Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed in LFS regarding UC extension. There was no significant difference between NASH ultrasound grades in view of UC severity and extension. LFC might be associated with UC severity.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune bullous disease associated with underlying neoplasms, both malignant and benign. The most constant clinical presentation of PNP is the presence of intractable stomatitis. Herein we present a 25-year-old male with a 3-month history of refractory stomatitis especially involving the lips and widespread vesiculobullous eruption on his trunk and extremities. The diagnosis of PNP was confirmed based on histological and serological results. Investigation for the underlying neoplasm revealed a retroperitoneal tumorous mass which was biopsied and diagnosed as the inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). The tumor was surgically excised, and different treatment regimens were used to treat the mucocutaneous lesions. Skin lesions responded favorably to treatment, but oral stomatitis still persists which is the case in most PNP patients. This combination of PNP and IMT has rarely been reported in the literature. Treatment started with corticosteroid and rituximab then tumor excised.

Methamphetamine is one of the most common abused drugs, so its various effects on different body organs should be familiar to all physicians. Regarding its gastrointestinal sequels, there are few reports of ischemic colitis induced by its vasoconstrictive effects. This is the first report of isolated small intestinal infarction resulting in death following methamphetamine toxicity. A 40-year-old woman with a past history of medical treatment for obesity referred to hospital with severe chest and back pain, perspiration, nausea, agitation, high blood pressure, bradycardia and subsequent lethargy and vasomotor instability. Cardiac evaluations were normal, and a toxicologic urinalysis revealed methamphetamine. Later, abdominal pain predominated, and ultrasonography revealed signs of bowel infarction. She did not consent to surgery and succumbed afterward. At autopsy gangrene and perforation of distal ileum were found. The cause of death was determined as intestinal gangrene following methamphetamine toxicity. Methamphetamine has anorectic effects and so is used in some "diet pills"; Consumers may not even know they are using methamphetamine. Hence in cases of either known MA abuse or those using unknown weight reduction drugs presenting with gastrointestinal complaints or abdominal pain, intestinal ischemia should be kept in mind and if plausible, intervened promptly.

A 51-year-old man committed suicide by swallowing the contents of a fire extinguisher. A few hours after his suicide attempt, he was referred to the medical center for poisoning. At the time of admission, the patient was conscious with stable vital signs. The patient complained of burning lips and mouth, mentioning diarrhea. Initial treatments included gastric lavage with activated charcoal, while paraclinical measures were requested. The patient had undergone hypernatremia (Na: 152 mEq/l) and metabolic alkalosis. Treatment focused on the adjustment of sodium level and alkalosis. On the first day of hospitalization, the patient experienced recurrent episodes of tonic-clonic seizure along with the loss of consciousness. On the third day of hospitalization, the patient developed respiratory arrest followed by cardiac arrest and death.