Asian Pacific J Cancer Prev, 13 (10), [5053][5054][5055][5056] IntroductionUrinary bladder cancer occurs in all countries around the world, and it is the fifth most common cancer in the United States (Oberfield et al., 1996;Ben-Kasus et al., 2005;Yamada et al., 2010). Bladder cancer is the second most common malignancy of the genitourinary tract worldwide after prostate cancer. However, in Iran, it is the most common cancer of the genitourinary system and the third most common cancer in males. The incidence of bladder cancer is lower in Asia as compare to Western European and North America (Johansson and Cohen, 1997).Globally, approximately 336,000 new cases of bladder cancer occurred in 2000, two-thirds of which were in developed countries. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in males and the ninth most common in females (Lagwinski et al., 2007;Scélo and Brennan., 2007;Yavari et al., 2009). It accounts for 7% of all new cancer cases, in men and 2% in women (Carel et al., 1999). Bladder cancer is almost three to four times more common in men than in women in most populations (Parkin et al., 2005). This reflects the more frequent exposure of men to . Demographic data, including sex, age, residency and symptoms were investigated through careful review of medical records. Using a questionnaire protocol, several variables were assessed for these cases such as smoking, history of opium, vegetable consumption habits, and history of other cancers. Results: A total of 112 cases were analyzed, 98 (87.5%) in men and 14 (12.5%) in women (mean age of 68.0±14.6 years). Urban and rural residence were 60.7% and 39.3%. Tobacco and opium use were found in 45.5% and 21.4% of patients, respectively. Approximately 60% consumed vegetables an average of fewer than one time per day. Hematuria was the first symptom in these cases which were mainly diagnosed as having bladder cancer by ultrasonography. Conclusion: The results showed that bladder cancer tends to be found in the elderly and the male to female ratio is high. Macroscopic hematuria is a very important symptom for indicating probably urothelial tumor that should be followed up patients with transabdominal ultrasonography as a routine modality.

Background COVID‐19 first appeared in Iran on 19 February 2020, and then spread rapidly over the country. In this article, we review the action plan of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization with respect to this disease. Method and materials We collected data on blood donations and RBC inventory for the first 8 weeks of the outbreak. We also evaluated the trend of blood donations and RBC inventory and compared them with the data of the past year. We include a summary of actions taken by the National Committee on Management of COVID‐19 outbreak. Results Blood donations decreased from 33 275 to 23 465 units during the first 2 weeks of the outbreak with a corresponding decrease in the RBC inventory. But after that, donations gradually increased from 23 465 to 29 665 units. RBC inventory levels improved at the same time. Then, the Iranian New Year’s holiday resulted in another downward trend. After the holiday, blood donations revived, along with the RBC inventory. Discussion Although it appears that this virus cannot be transmitted through transfusion, changes in lifestyle had a significant impact on reducing blood supply. Following implemented measures, we saw an upward trend in blood donations and an adequate supply of RBC units in blood centres, helped by a reduction in demand by hospitals. Blood centres need to be more prepared to manage future viral disasters, especially in case of transfusion‐transmissible infections.

Background: With regards to the high potential of medicinal plants in the production of biopharmaceuticals, one can rely on the promising prospect of insulin production via plant resources. Objectives: This study was conducted with the aim of using plant extract for insulin-producing cells. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study using critical case sampling. Six samples were gathered from the umbilical cord (Wharton's jelly) in a governmental university affiliated hospital, Sari, Iran in 2017 after successful isolation of mesenchymal stem cells. Initially, Nigella sativa seeds extraction was performed to prepare the extract for cellular differentiation. Next, dithizone (DTZ) staining was used to evaluate insulin production, and insulin level was examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed was analyzed with the SPSS version 16 software using independent sample t-test.

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The immunotolerant human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) molecules have a major role in fetal-maternal tolerance during pregnancy. Interaction between these molecules and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells inhibitory receptors prevents NK cell invasion against fetus trophoblast cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentages of uNK cells and HLA-G1 and HLA-G5 isoforms expression in vaginal discharge of threatened-abortion women in comparison with control. In a case-control study, we investigated 30 threatened-abortion women with bleeding or spotting less than 20 weeks of pregnancy as compared to 30 normal pregnant women. uNK cells percentage was assessed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we evaluated HLA-G1 and HLA-G5 isoforms expression by Real-Time PCR in these groups. The results of this study showed that threatened-abortion women had increased uNK cells and decreased T cells percentage in vaginal discharge in comparison with normal pregnant women (p = 0.01, p = 0.003, resp.). In addition, HLA-G1 isoform had lower expression in threatened-abortion women in comparison with control group (p = 0.0001). The increase of uNK cells level with the decrease of HLA-G expression in vaginal discharge of threatened-abortion pregnant women is an indicator of mother's immune dysregulation. It is concluded that HLA-G expression level with uNK cells percentage can be determined as a diagnostic marker for threatened-abortion women.

Background:Suicide is an action deliberately initiated and performed by a person with complete awareness of its fatal outcome, prevalence of which is very rare in developed countries, but it is reported with more frequency in Middle East including Iran.Aim:This study was carried out to analyze the characteristics, mortality, and related factors of burned patients who attempted to suicide by self-immolation in Northern Iran.Materials and Methods:In this retrospective study, the archived files of 101 cases that referred to the main burn care center located in northern Iran (Included: Mazadaran, Golestan cities) - cause of suicide attempting by self-immolation during 2 years 2010-2011, analyzed. A record sheet designed to extract data such as: Age, education, occupation, gender, residence, marital status, drug abuse, and extent of the burn injuries as a percent of burned total body surface area (TBSA).Results:The incidence rate of suicide attempted cases were 1.98/100,000 person-years. The mean ages for cases were 31.8 (13.6). The mean age for males and females were 36.1 (14.8) and 30.1 (12.9) years, respectively. In, about 84% (84/101) of the patient's burned TBSA was more than 40% (41/101). Burn injuries were more frequent, larger, and included higher mortality in females than males. Kerosene was the most common used material to self-burning. The mortality rate was about 74% (74/101), which showed a high mortality rate in this study. Other social factors such as marital status, employment, and education level have a role as individually protective or risk factors for self-burning.Conclusion:Finding of the current study manifested high rate of suicide by self-immolation among young, married, and low educated women in Northern Iran. It implies a social problem, and need to an arrangement of a cultural program aimed to improving health, psychological habits and educational level.

Aims/Introduction: In recent years, mesenchymal cellular therapies have received much attention in the treatment of diabetes. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Central databases. A total of 1,721 articles were identified, from which nine full-text clinical trials were qualified to enter the current metaanalysis. The assessment groups included patients with type 2 diabetes, and levels of Cpeptide, glycosylated hemoglobin and insulin dose were analyzed before and after mesenchymal stem cell infusion. Data analysis was carried out in Stata version 11, and the Jadad Score Scale was applied for quality assessment. Results: Changes in levels of C-peptide after mesenchymal stem cell therapy were: standardized mean difference 0.20, 95% confidence interval -0.61 to 1.00, glycosylated hemoglobin levels were: standardized mean difference -1.45, 95% confidence interval -2.10 to -0.79 and insulin dose were: standardized mean difference -1.40, 95% confidence interval -2.88 to 0.09. Conclusions: This meta-analysis of prospective studies showed associations between mesenchymal stem cell therapy and control of glucose level in patients with type 2 diabetes.