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Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies and is considered as one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite considerable progress in the disease's control and treatment, the patients' survival rate is relatively low. Different factors can affect the survival rate of GC patients. The current study aims to evaluate the association of demographic and pathological characteristics with the survival rate of GC patients. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on Fifty-six patients with gastric cancer from October 2015 to October 2016, who were referred to the gastroenterology clinic of Imam Khomeini and Rasoul Akram Hospitals in Tehran province and followed up for five consecutive years. The survival rate of the patients was measured using Kaplan-Meier method. Moreover, the Log-rank test and the COX regression model were used to determine the association of the survival rate with the demographic and pathological characteristics, including gender, age, tumor location, tumor type, tumor differentiation, metastasis, tumor staging, and Helicobacter pylori status. Data analysis was performed via SPSS version 22, and a P

Background: Hepatitis is among the major health problems, especially in developing countries. During past decades, the association between type of blood group (ABO) and hepatitis B and C virus has always been discussed. This study was designed to investigate the possible association between type of ABO blood group and chronic hepatitis B and C infection. Methods: In the present analytical study, frequency of blood groups and their relationship with hepatitis B and C were evaluated in three groups: group A (patients with hepatitis B), group B (patients with hepatitis C) and group control (subjects with non-hepatitis B and C). The study was done from October 2016 to October 2018 on patients who referred to Rasool-e-Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Demographic and laboratory data of all participants were extracted and collected from their medical records. Results: Overall, 196 and 103 patients in group A, B and three hundred control were included in this study, respectively. The baseline demographic data of patients were not significantly different between treatment groups. The mean age of participants was 35.1±13 years. The O blood group was significantly higher in patients with hepatitis B (46.4%) and hepatitis C (41.9%) compared to control group (34%) (P=0.001). The risk of hepatitis B and C infection were significantly higher among patients with O blood group (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 2.1-5.9; P = 0.001) and (OR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.7-5.6; P = 0.02), respectively] while, the risk of hepatitis B infection was significantly lesser in participants with blood group A (OR = 0.4, 95% CI -1.2-0.8). Rh positive participants significantly were at higher risk of hepatitis (B and C) than Rh negative participants. (P

Background: Psychosocial issues and quality of life are important components at the patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis is a chronic liver disease that can affect quality of life of patients. In this study, we compared the quality of life between patients with hepatitis B and C and finally presented a structural model about it. Methods: In a prospective analytic study, 86 patients with hepatitis B and 86 with hepatitis C who referred to the Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital in Tehran from April 2015 to April 2018 were compared regarding the quality of life and health-related quality of life. The clinical and radiographic data of patients were extracted from their medical records. The 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) was used for the evaluation quality of life and health-related quality of life. The questionnaire consisted of 36 questions in eight sub-scales (physical performance, physical role, physical pain, general health, vitality, social role, emotional role, and mental health). Results: Generally, the quality of life score was significantly lower in patients with hepatitis C (34.13±9.37) than patients with hepatitis B (51.5±10.5) (P=0.001). Except for the physical role and vitality, all other SF-36 subscales were significantly lower in the HCV patients group (P>0.05). Based on the results of logistic regression, the emotional dimension of patients was reported as most important effect on the quality of life in patients [(OR=9.15, 95% CI=(4.11-15.41), P=0.001)]. Based on the results of linear analysis, hepatitis type [(B=4.21, P=0.001)], patient income [(B=2.57, P=0.001)], the level of education [(B=2.9, P=0.014)] and the gender of patients [(B=2.77, P=0.023)] were reported as most important factors affecting the quality of life of patients, respectively. There was no significant difference between age, body mass index and smoking reported in patients' quality of life (P>0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the quality of life in patients with hepatitis C was significantly lower than the quality of life in patients with hepatitis B.

Background: Chronic functional constipation is one of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Constipation has negative impact on quality of life (QOL). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are considered for constipation. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and abdominal massage on symptoms and quality of life improvement in functional constipation. Methods: In this randomize clinical trial study, all the patients with functional constipation, based on Rome IV criteria, with age of 18-65 years, who referred to gastroenterology clinic of Rasoul-e-Akram university hospital, Tehran, Iran, were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups of treatment with polyethylene glycol or abdominal massage. Basic demographic data, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaire, Bristol score, and presenting symptoms were recorded. We visited our patients in 2 weeks at the end of treatment and 2 weeks after completing treatment. Drug adverse effects and patient's adherence to treatment were recorded in data gathering sheets, too. The data were compared between the two groups using SPSS software. Findings: 94 patients (47 patients in each group) completed the study. Constipation was more common in women, and low income, educated, and married patients. No significant difference was seen in demographic data between the groups. Quality of life score was significantly better in polyethylene glycol therapy than abdominal massage (P = 0.028). Moreover, symptoms (P = 0.032) and Bristol score (P < 0.001) were significantly improved more in polyethylene glycol therapy. Treatment side effects were seen in 8% of polyethylene glycol group, as well as 1% in abdominal massage group (P < 0.001), which were transient and mild. Conclusion: Abdominal massage is a non-surgical non-medical modality for treatment of functional constipation. It is feasible, without any cost and adverse effect; but it is not an effective modality, lonely. Further studies should be considered to combine abdominal massage with other treatment modalities in these patients.

Background: One of the most important causes of chronic liver disease is hepatitis C virus (HCV), which causes liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To control the prevalence of the disease, knowledge and information in risk factor of HCV are required. The aim of this study was to compare the risk factors of infection between HCV patients with genotypes 1a and 3a. Methods: This is an observational analytical study. HCV patients who referred to the clinic of hepatology, Rasoul-e-Akram University Hospital from July 2015 to July 2017, were assigned to the genotype 1a and 3a. Demographic (age, sex, family history), clinical (cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma) and laboratory data, history of intravenous drug and alcohol usage, and history of imprisonment were gathered and compared between two groups. All the patients completed the informed consent form. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software, version 22 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA). P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, 97 HCV patients were included in this study. Mean age was 45±12 years and 78 (80%) of patients were male. Among them, 58 (60%) and 39 (40%) had genotype 1a and 3a. respectively. History of injection drug usage was recorded in 34/39 (87%) of patients with genotype 3a, and significantly higher in genotype 3a as compared to genotype 1a [OR adj: 3.1, CI (1.3-6.2)]. Also, in this study, genotype 3a was significantly recorded in younger patients [OR adj: 1.7, CI (1.2-4.1)]. However, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma was more common in patients with genotype 1a as compared to genotype 3a [OR adj: 2.05, CI (1.6-5.4) and OR adj: 2.8, CI (1.3-5.7)] respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, hepatitis C virus transmission risk factors differed in genotypes 3a and 1a. Genotype 3a is found among young patients with a history of intravenous drug usage and genotype 1a in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with constipation among elderly people. Constipation is a common condition affecting elderly people and may lead to complications such as urinary retention and overflow incontinence. Methods & Materials This case-control study was conducted on 100 consecutive patients, aged 65 years and older (50 with constipation according to ROME III criteria and 50 without constipation) who were referred to the Gastrointestinal Clinic of Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital. For statistical analysis of the data obtained, SPSS (version 16) for Windows was used. Results The frequencies of using polypharmacy, calcium channel blocker, anticholinergic drugs, also factors such as immobilization, dehydration, low fiber diet, diabetes, hypothyroidism, stroke, malignancy, renal failure, and Parkinson disease were higher in patients with constipation compared to those without this complaint. There was no significant difference in consumption of opium or having depression. Conclusion By eliminating the risk factors of constipation, we can reduce constipation and the side effects of using laxatives in the elderly.

Introduction: Eagle syndrome, which can be a source of craniofacial pain, is caused by elongation of styloid process more than 25 mm. The present study aimed to assess the structural characteristics and prevalence of elongated styloid process (ESP), Eagle syndrome and the related symptoms in the adults aged above 20 years in Shiraz. Methods: In this cross- sectional study, 500 panoramic radiographs were evaluated in regard with styloid process length and morphology. In the presence of any symptoms in patients with ESP, they were clinically evaluated. Those symptoms reproduced by tonsillar fossa palpation were regarded relevant to ESP. Results: The prevalence of ESP was 35.2%, which was proved not to be sex-dependent. Individuals aged 40-60 years and those with more than 60 years had respectively 1.76 (1.16-2.66, CR: 95%) and 2.01 (1.10-3.66, CR: 95%) times greater chance for ESP compared to those aged below 40. The most and the least prevalent structural morphologies were continuous calcification and multiple pseudo articulation respectively. Eagle syndrome was observed in 1.8% of the study population. Moreover, headache, dizziness, and foreign body sensation were respectively reported as the most evaluated symptoms. Conclusion: ESP was demonstrated to occur commonly in the study population which can get more prevalent by increasing age. With respect to avoiding unnecessary treatments, clinical examination of patients seem to be essential in order to differentiate Eagle syndrome from other sources with the same complications.

The Calcifying Cystic Odontogenic Tumor(CCOT) is an uncommon lesion that demonstrates considerable histopathologic diversity and variable clinical behavior. A CCOT is rarely found in everyday practice. According to Kramer and Pindborg as well as majority of other authors’ classification, since 1992 the World Health Organization favored the use of the term calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor, described it as a cystic or neoplastic-like odontogenic pathological lesion of the jaw, and classified it as a benign odontogenic tumor. Ultrasonography(USG) is an inexpensive, non-invasive, and almost an available technique that is well tolerated by patient. In recent years many investigations focused on the use of ultrasonography in maxillofacial region as well as in intra osseous lesions of the jaws. This paper describes a 34 year old female with a painless mild swelling in the left anterior maxillary region associated with an impacted lateral incisor. The Panoramic, lateral occlusal and periapical view findings showed well-defined corticated unilocular mixed lesion with cluster of small pebbles calcifications. USG examination, using linear probe transducer, and also evaluation of location, size, internal echoe and boundary of the tumor were performed and documented. The main USG features of the tumor appeared as anechoic pattern cystic like lesion with some calcifying contents. Pathologic diagnosis was obtained by examining the surgical specimen. Therefore, ultrasonography may be used as an effective supplementary diagnostic tool for maxillofacial lesions.

Background : Obesity was a dangerous chronic disease. Physicians recommended drug therapy just in a few of obese patients in spite of many health risks. Weight control can be improved comorbidities of obesity like hyperlipedemia, hyperinsulinoma, acanthosis nigricans and hypertension. Materials and Methods: This article reviewed the available original and review literatures which had been published in English in websites of Google scholar and Pub Med with keywords drug, obesity and adults during 2002 - 2014. Results: Drug therapy could improve obesity treatment after an unsuccessful combination of diet, exercise, and behaviour modification. Choice of treatment was based on multiple factors including the degree of obesity and patient preference. Drug therapy should be selected for a BMI) Body Mass Index (greater than 30 kg/m², or a BMI of 27 kg/m² with comorbid conditions including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and heart disease. Prescription of anti-obesity drugs should be monitored carefully. Orlistat was the only drug for the long-term treatment of obesity. The efficacy of lorcaserin appears more than orlistat. Phentermine and diethylpropion are only approved for the short term treatment of obesity. Some antidepressant, antiepileptic, and antidiabetic drugs could be caused weight loss. New generation of antiobesity drugs were under developing and more focus on the safety and efficacy combination treatments. Weight loss > 12kg reported in few investigational drugs. Some of them were discussed in this article. Conclusion: Obesity treatment is selected based on the side effects risks. Mostly of the available drugs have few side effects which decrease with treatment. There isn't a cure drug treatment for obesity now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: H. pylori infection in the stomach is the first major cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma and lymphoma (MALT). Evaluation of the infection eradication is important. H. pylori infection is associated with gastric glands dysfunction such as increased serum gastrin and increased secretion of Pepsinogen. In recent years, the measurement of serum gastrin and pepsinogen have been considered in the evaluation of Helicobacter pylori eradication. Material and Methods: In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated the changes of serum gastrin in H. pylori-positive patients after eradication therapy, and we assessed the correlation of serum gastrin with successful eradication therapy. Results: Gastrin serum levels significantly decreased after successful eradication in comparison with unsuccessful eradication. 31% of the reduction of gastrin level after 8 weeks of treatment had 92.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity for successful eradication. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study and other previous studies, changes in the gastrin serum levels, can be a reliable indicator of successful eradication of H-pylori infection. Although our study showed that changes in gastrin levels have a sufficient sensitivity and specificity of treatment, but in our study, some factors including atrophic gastritis and age affecting gastrin serum levels were not considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]