فهرست مطالب mohammad javad ashraf

There are diverse lesions originating from the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and malnutrition have been identified to play a role in the development of head and neck carcinomas. Recently, fungi and viruses have been recognized as potential causes of nasal cavity and paranasal tumors.

This study aimed at specifying the prevalence of Aspergillus andhumanpapillomavirus (HPV) infections in the epithelial tumors of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

In this cross-sectional study, 57 paraffin-embedded tissue samples of malignant and benign lesions of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity were evaluated for the presence of Aspergillus and HPV DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) technique with specific primers.

Despite the absence of angular hyphae (acute angle) of the fungus on histopathological slides, overall, 10 (17.54%) out of 57 paraffin-embeddedsamples were found to be positive for Aspergillus species. However, HPV-DNAwas not found in any of the samples.

Our data suggest that fungal infections (especially aspergillosis) as an etiological factor can be contributed to the development of sinonasal cancer and, therefore, they should be considered in the management of patients with sinonasal cancer. In addition, PCR can provide an alternative to culture-dependent identification methods.

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) show some aggressive and peculiar clinicopathological behaviors that might be related to the components of the tumor microenvironment, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-associated proteins. However, the role of MSCs-related proteins in SGTs tumorigenesis is poorly understood. This study aimed to isolate and characterize MSCs from malignant and benign tumor tissues and to identify differentially expressed proteins between these two types of MSCs.

In this experimental study, MSC-like cells derived from benign (pleomorphic adenoma, n=5) and malignant (mucoepidermoid carcinoma, n=5) tumor tissues were verified by fluorochrome antibodies and flow cytometric analysis. Differentially expressed proteins were identified using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2DE) and Mass spectrometry.

Results showed that isolated cells strongly expressed characteristic MSCs markers such as CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD166, but they did not express or weakly expressed CD14, CD34, CD45 markers. Furthermore, the expression of CD24 and CD133 was absent or near absent in both isolated cells. Results also discovered overexpression of Annexin A4 (Anxa4), elongation factor 1-delta (EF1-D), FK506 binding protein 9 (FKBP9), cytosolic platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase type IB subunit beta (PAFAH1B), type II transglutaminase (TG2), and s-formylglutathione hydrolase (FGH) in MSCs isolated from the malignant tissues. Additionally, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), as well as keratin, type II cytoskeletal 7 (CK-7), were found to be overexpressed in MSCs derived from the benign ones.

Malignant and benign SGTs probably exhibit a distinct pattern of tissue proteins that are most likely related to the metabolic pathway. However, further studies in a large number of patients are required to determine the applicability of identified proteins as new targets for cancer therapy.

Iodine deficiency affects the population of all age groups, but neonates, infants,pregnant women, and school children constitute the most vulnerable groups. Disorders caused byiodine deficiency are among the major health-nutritional problems in Iran. Because of the importance ofthis matter, the present study was done to evaluate the status of urinary iodine in 6-16 years old childrenin urban and rural areas and to compare measurement indices of urinary iodine.

 In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we included 230 6-16 years old children,including 128 urban and 102 rural children. In all samples, the creatinine amount was measured basedon the Jaffe reaction, and iodine was measured by the acid digestion method. Since iodine concentrationwas not normally distributed, the median value of urinary iodine was reported. Also, the urinary iodine/creatinine (UI/Cr) ratio index was calculated in all samples.

 The median value of urinary iodine in all examined children was 14.30 μg/dL and in children ofurban and rural areas were 15.6 and 12.9 μg/dL, respectively. Because these measurements were morethan 10 μg/dL, the urinary iodine was sufficient in children of both regions. Based on the median UI/Crratio, the iodine excretion was 178.92 μg/g in all children (more than 50 μg/g showing iodine sufficiency).

 Based on median urinary iodine and median UI/Cr ratio, iodine intake in children was normal.Also, according to the present study, there is a fair agreement between both mentioned indices

Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is known by the triad of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), aspirin hypersensitivity, and asthma, but its etiology and physiopathogenesis are still unclear. This cross-sectional study was designed to investigate allergy and inflammatory cells (neutrophils vs. eosinophils) dominancy in nasal polyp tissue of patients with AERD compared to non-AERD patients. CRSwNP patients scheduled for endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited in this study. Nasal polyp tissue was analyzed for infiltrating cells, and Eosinophil dominant and neutrophil dominant polyps were determined. AERD was confirmed by oral aspirin challenge (OAC). Demographics data; history of asthma, exacerbation by using NSAIDs, routine use of aspirin, type of surgery (primary or revision), and results of skin prick test and spirometry were recorded. Pathology results and contributing factors compared between AERD and non-AERD patients. Sixty-five patients (39 women, 26 men) were enrolled in the study (mean age 38.83 ± 12.43 years). Thirty (46%) patients had positive OAC tests. Totally 41 patients (63.1%) had eosinophilic polyps. 80% of patients with eosinophilic polyp had positive OAC and were AERD (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in demographics, revision surgery, and concomitant asthma between AERD and non-AERD groups (P > 0.05). The positive skin prick test was higher in AERD and also in eosinophilic polyp patients, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.086 and P = 0.177). Eosinophilic polyps are more common in AERD. A positive skin prick test is associated with AERD and eosinophilic polyp.

Oral cancer refers to a subgroup of head and neck’s neoplasm. It is estimated that about 90% of oral cancer is composed of OSCC. It frequently influences adult men, in particular, consumers of alcohol and tobacco users. OXTR is known as a G-protein receptor with seven transmembrane domains. G-proteins phosphatidylinositol-calcium as second messenger accomplishes its activity. PKC pathway activates through the receptor, in which the pathway has a role in cell proliferation and contraction.

The present study was done to evaluate methylation, expression, and polymorphism of oxytocin receptor gene in both patients who suffer from OSCC and healthy samples. Promoter methylation status of the OXTR gene was evaluated in 163 samples using MSP-PCR. Also, OXTR mRNA expression profiles were also considered in 23 OSCC cases and 20 controls, by real-time PCR. The present study evaluated the association of the gene polymorphisms, rs2254298 and, rs53576, by using RFLP-PCR technique, with the risk of OSCC.

Promoter methylation assessment revealed a significant relationship between normal samples and patients. Our data showed that there is no significant linkage between occurrences of these single nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of OSCC. Regarding allele frequency, no statistically significant differences were observed for A and G of rs2254298 and rs53576 genes between OSCC patients and healthy groups. The relative expression of OXTR mRNA in cases showed no significant differences compared to controls The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the correlation of OXTR gene polymorphisms rs53576 rs2254298 methylation, and expression pattern of this gene with the development of OSCC.

OXTR methylation gene has an important role in performing OSCC.

To determine the association between conjunctival epithelial dysplasia (squamous intraepithelial neoplasia) and its melanosis (microscopic non-proliferative melanin pigmentation) in conjunctival biopsies.

In this retrospective case series, histopathological slides from all conjunctival biopsies obtained in Khalil Hospital affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences for a period of 6 years (April 2009–July 2015) were reviewed. After considering the exclusion criteria (non‑melanotic pigmentation, melanocytic proliferations, and squamous cell carcinoma), conjunctival biopsies were divided histopathologically into two groups of dysplastic and non-dysplastic. Then, the slides were reviewed by one ophthalmopathologists and one general pathologist. Melanin pigmentation was recorded in both groups as 0, 1+, 2+, and 3+. The data were analyzed, and the groups were compared.

Overall, 685 cases with a mean age of 47.78 (±17.74) years were included in this study. Dysplastic and non‑dysplastic groups comprised 135 (19.7%) and 550 (80.3%) specimens, respectively. Seventy‑six percent (76%) of the specimens in the dysplastic group versus 40% in the non‑dysplastic group had melanosis (P = 0.001). However, the degree of dysplasia (1+, 2+, and 3+) was not statistically correlated with the degree of melanosis (1+, 2+, and 3+) (P = 0.393).

Our results demonstrated that melanosis is a common finding in conjunctival epithelial dysplasia and might indicate an association with conjunctival epithelial dysplasia

Paxillin is a major cytoskeletal protein aberrantly deregulated in various human cancers and involved in tumor growth and invasion. However, the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of paxillin in salivary gland tumors (SGTs) is still unclear.

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between paxillin expression and clinicopathological features of patients with SGTs.

In this retrospective study, 50 paraffin-embedded tissue samples which were histologically confirmed as benign (pleomorphic adenoma, PA) or malignant (mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), adenoid cystic carcinoma, ACC) SGTs, and 19 specimens from those with normal salivary gland (NSG) as a control group were assessed for paxillin expression using the immunohistochemistry. The paxillin expression in our samples was scored based on the extent and intensity of immunoreactivity and compared with histological type, clinical stage, and distant metastasis.

 High paxillin expression was identified in 66% of SGTs whereas all patients with NSG showed low expression (p< 0.0001). Although the expression of paxillin in patients with benign and malignant tumors is similar, there is a significant difference between patients with PA, MEC, and ACC with that of the NSG (p< 0.0001). Paxillin expression was not correlated with clinicopathological features of patients

 High expression of paxillin was observed in tumoral tissues compared with the controls that establish an important role of paxillin in SGTs but its prognostic role was unclear and need further evaluation.

Thyroid carcinoma, the most prevalent endocrine malignancy, has increased rapidly in recent decades. A single-base substitution in the BRAF gene is identified as the most common genetic event in thyroid carcinoma. Infections with both DNA and RNA viruses can induce chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection has been implicated in thyroid cancer as the most common inflammation of the endocrine system. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of the BRAFV600E gene mutation and the presence of B19V infection in malignant and non-malignant thyroid tissue samples. A cross-sectional study was performed from January 2012 to December 2017 on 108 paraffin-embedded thyroid tissues from patients with thyroid cancer tumor and nodular goiter. After DNA extraction, PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and nested PCR assays were used to detect the BRAFV600E gene mutation and B19V DNA in tissue specimens, respectively. To confirm PCR-RFLP reliability, the amplified products were subjected to DNA sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed to determine a possible correlation between the occurrence of BRAFV600E mutations and clinicopathological characteristics, such as tumor subtypes, gender, age, and B19V presence. Overall, BRAFV600E mutation was detected in 77 out of 108 patients (71.3%) using PCR-RFLP, confirmed by DNA sequencing analysis. Using nested PCR, human parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in 14 out of 108 (13%) of the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the prevalence of the BRAFV600E mutation in thyroid cancer patients when compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.001). Since cytological examinations depend on fine needle aspiration of the thyroid (FNAB) cannot be conclusive; hence it might be suggested that detection of the BRAFV600E gene mutation can be considered as a feasible assay. However, a low detection rate of the B19V DNA in FFPE tissue samples suggests that B19V infection is not associated with thyroid cancer.

To report a case of prolonged conjunctivitis as the manifestation of Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).
A 37-year-old man presented with prolonged conjunctivitis which had persisted for one month. He was taking medication for his conjunctivitis without any response. A slit-lamp examination revealed conjunctivitis and scleritis in the right eye. Conjunctivitis, 360-degree peripheral corneal thinning, corneal perforation, and scleritis were seen in the left eye.
Emergency penetrating keratoplasty was performed to treat the patient's corneal perforation. After a consultation with the Internal Medicine Department, the patient was suspected of having GPA with positive cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (C-ANCA). Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed to treat right maxillary sinusitis, and a biopsy of the maxillary sinus mucosa was obtained. The pathology report showed granuloma and vasculitis with severe acute and chronic inflammation and few eosinophils; thus, the diagnosis was confirmed.
Because prolonged conjunctivitis occurs only rarely in association with systemic disease, ophthalmologists should be aware of this potential, particularly in patients with GPA.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid. It is stated that lung is the most common site of metastasis followed by bone. The incidence of paranasal sinus (PNS) metastasis is fairly uncommon in case of thyroid carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, no case of metastatic PTC to nasal cavity has been reported. In this case report, we present the first case of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with nasal cavity metastases in a 55-year-old female. The patient underwent surgical treatment and the mass was completely removed and sent for pathology. The pathology report revealed that it was metastatic papillary cell carcinoma. Surgical approach is usually difficult in view of the cosmetic and functional concerns, but may be considered in selected cases. As described herein, this rare type of metastasis was successfully removed and the patient was symptoms free after 1-year follow-up.

Statement of the Problem: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent oral cancer whose 5-year survival rate is 80% for early-detected lesions and nearly 30-50% for advanced lesions. Early detection of oral cancers and precancerous lesions can improve the patient’s survival and decrease the morbidity.
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the Ki-67 and MCM3 expression in cytologic smear of oral SCC (OSCC).
We examined 48 oral brush biopsies including 28 OSCC and 20 healthy non-smoking samples. Immunocytochemistry staining was performed for Ki-67 andMCM3 by using an EnVision-labeled peroxidase system, and labeling index (LI) was calculated.
Out of 28 OSCC cases, 27(96.4%) cases contained MCM3 positive cells and 22(78%) cases contained Ki-67 positive cells. All normal mucosa were Ki-67 and MCM3 negative. MCM3 and Ki-67 LI were significantly higher in OSCC than normal mucosa (p Immunocytologic evaluation of Ki-67 and MCM3 can be used for early detection of OSCC. Furthermore, MCM3 may be a more sensitive cytologic biomarker than Ki-67 in SCC patients.

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a benign tumor which usually occurs in skeletal long bones. Its presence in zygoma is extremely rare. The patient was a 47‑year‑old female, with chief complaint of painful swelling in the left side of zygoma since 1 month ago after a long‑lasting painless swelling for about 15 years. Computed tomography scan showed an osteolytic lesion, in the body of left zygomatic bone with lobulated and well‑demarcated margins. During surgery, the mass was completely excised and the histological feature of the tumor was in favor of CMF. CMF is benign tumor and complete resection is the treatment of choice.

Oral tongue Squamous Cell carcinoma (SCC) commonly involves males between the sixth to eighth decades of life. Major risk factors are tobacco usage and alcohol consumption. The increasing number of patients developing oral tongue cancer without these well-known risk factors suggests that a viral infection, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), may be responsible for this increase, by acting as an oncogenic agent. This study investigated the prevalence of HPV infection and its clinicopathologic significance in oral tongue SCCs.
Material and Tissue blocks from a total of 50 cases (patients with oral tongue SCC) and 50 controls (palatine tonsillar tissues with benign diagnosis) were selected. DNA was extracted from tumoral and non-tumoral tissue blocks. Detection of common HPV DNA by nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and high-risk genotypes, HPV 16 and HPV 18, by conventional PCR, was achieved and the results correlated with clinicopathological parameters.
Of the 50 patients (18 males and 32 females with a mean age of 57.36±12.18 years, and age range of 27 to 86 years), 7 (14%) had HPV positive results. None of the control group subjects had HPV DNA positive results (P-value of 0.012). The HPV genotype 16/18 was not detected in positive cases. No statistically significant association was found between HPV status and gender, age, tumor grade, tumor stage or lymph node involvement.
Although there was a significantly higher prevalence of HPV in oral tongue SCC, its association with carcinogenesis in this area requires further studies.

BACKGROUNDDifferences in causes, severities, areas of stenosis, and the association with swallowing and phonation of larynx and trachea can result into Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS).This study evaluated the healing effect of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) in experimentally induced LTS dog model.
METHODSSeven dogs were enrolled. BMSCs were isolated from proximal humerus and shoulder of a dog and cultured in media containing alpha minimal essential medium, fetal bovine serum, penicillin and streptomycin, and L-glutamine. BMSCs were characterized morphologically, by RT-PCR, and osteogenic induction. Karyotyping was undertaken for chromosomal stability. Mechanical trauma to laryngeal mucosa was identically conducted by Tru-cut punch forceps in right and left vocal folds. Two milliliter of conditioned media or BMSCs (2×106) were injected in the right site of the tissue and the left side was considered as control after LTS induction. The larynx was visualized 2, 4 and 6 weeks after treatment. Six weeks post-treatment, the larynges were evaluated histologically.
RESULTSBMSCs were adhered to culture flasks, spindle shape and positive for mesenchymal marker and negative for hematopoietic markers. Osteogenic induction was verified by Alizarin red staining. Karyotype was normal. A complete epithelialization and minimal chronic inflammatory cell infiltration were noted in submucosa of both left (control) and right (cases) vocal folds. The healing effect of conditioned media and BMSCs in comparison to the control group was more prominent.
CONCLUSIONAs thickness of fibrosis in cases were less than control group, conditioned media and BMSCs were shown to be good choices in healing of LTS.

Statement of the Problem: Sinonasal papilloma (SNP) is a rare benign lesion characterized by high recurrence rate and malignant transformation. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in these lesions in South of Iran. In this cross sectional retrospective study, a total of 41 patients, 38 SNP and 3 SNP/Squamous cell carcinoma cases, from 2007 to 2014 were studied. Human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA detection was performed by nested PCR method and positive cases were analyzed for high risk HPV-16 and HPV-18. HPV was detected in 31.7%; HPV- 16 in 4.9% and HPV 18 was not detected at all. Dysplastic epithelium was detected in 53% that was not associated with HPV. Three cases were accompanied with malignant transformation that HPV genome was detected in only one case and none of them were positive for HPV16 /18 genomic DNA. Current research suggests that HPV may be involved in the development of SNP. But the high risk HPV is not important in malignant transformation. More studies are needed to elucidate the possible etiologic mechanism between HPV, inverted papilloma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is an orthopedic disorder of the knee joint which results in pain and impairment of performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined exercise (hip abductor and external rotators strengthening balance) on pain and performance in the patients with PFPS.
In this semi experimental study, 20 men with PFPS were selected by purposeful sampling and then randomly assigned to two groups, i.e. experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The experimental group performed a training program which consisted of hip abductor and external rotators strengthening and balance exercises, 3 sessions per week for eighth weeks. Pain and physical performance in the patients were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and WOMAC respectively, before and after exercise. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. P ≤0.05 was considered significant.
The results indicated that the changes and interactions of the two variables of pain (F=14/2 and p=0/001) and physical performance (F=60/2 and p=0/001) were significant in the experimental group (P Considering the effectiveness of training in the improvement of performance and reduction of pain, this training protocol can be useful in the physical rehabilitation of PFPs.

To present a rare presentation of optic nerve glioma (ONG) with total intraocular extension.
A 44-year-old man with a history of loss of vision since childhood and recent development of progressive disfiguring proptosis was referred.
The vision in the affected eye was no light perception, and a proptosis of about 2–3 mm was present. Computed tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain/orbit showed a fusiform enlargement of the left optic nerve and total filling of vitreous cavity by a mass with high signal intensity in T2-weighted MRI. There was no extension into the intracranial cavity. The patient also had no signs of neurofibromatosis. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of ONG of the left orbit with extension into the globe and filling vitreous cavity.
ONG may extend to the vitreous cavity with no simultaneous intracranial involvement.

In cancers of prostate, breast, oropharynx, lung, hypopharynx and skin, human tissue kallikreins has been demonstrated as a main role in these problems. There are many research works in which some human tissue kallikreins are expressed in salivary glands. In the present study, the main goal was to determine expression of human tissue kallikreins 4, 8, 10, 11 and 13 in pleomorphic adenomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas.
Sixty-six specimens (45 cases of pleomorphic adenomas and 21 cases mucoepidermoid carcinomas) were selected for final analysis by immunohistochemistry. For doing association test, clinical parameters obtained from the patients’ medical charts, which included age, gender were used and the nonparametric tests employed for statistical analyses.
The expression of human kallikreins 4, 8, 11 and 13 was more prominent in benign and malignant tumors compared to that in normal tissues and the difference was significant. In addition, the expression of human kallikreins 4, 8, 10 and 11 in malignant tumors was more than that in benign tumors, with statistically significant differences.
The differences in the levels of human kallikreins 4, 8, 11 and 13 suggest that kallikreins may benefit in determining tumor behavior of salivary gland tumors.

The aim of this study was to compare the preventive effects of corticosteroids and curcumin on subglottic stenosis in an animal model.
Twenty-one male German Shepherd dogs were used for this study. After standardized trauma to the subglottic area, the dogs were divided into three groups. Group A received curcumin (450 mg/ day) for 15 days; Group B received beclomethasone (2 puffs/day, 50 µg/dose) for 15 days; Group C received saline spray only. At 6 weeks after the injury, the larynx specimens were examined histopathologically to assess epithelialization, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Complete epithelial covering of the steroid-treated group was significantly less than that of the control group. Despite inflammation and fibrosis, there was no significant difference between the steroid and control groups. In the curcumin-treated group, there was no significant difference between the groups.
Topically applied steroid decreases epithelialization after induced subglottic injury. It is recommended that further studies be conducted in order to investigate the effects of the two drugs on airway stenosis prevention.

Here we report the case of a 1.5-year-old Iraqi boy who was referred for chemotherapy after left eye enucleation. The patient had a history of left eye leukocoria since 2 months of age. According to history, physical examination and paraclinical work up, he was first diagnosed as a case of retinoblastoma by an ophthalmologist. However, the pathology report favored embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. In conclusion, a patient with leukocoria should be evaluated carefully for other underlying malignancies.

Hemangiopericytoma is an uncommon vascular tumor derived from the pericytes of Zimmermann. . The most common location of the tumor is pelvic retroperitoneum and musculoskeletal system of the lower extremities. It is rarely seen in the head and neck area. In addition, only 0.8% to 3% of all orbital tumors and less than 5 % of primary sinonasal tumors are primary hemangiopericytoma, which demonstrates that the orbital and sinonasal cavities are rare locations for this tumor.
Case: 2 cases of primary orbital and sinonasal hemangiopericytoma that were successfully treated through surgery were reported.
Hemangiopericytoma is an uncommon vascular tumor which has a potentially malignant behavior. Histopathologic features alone do not predict the biologic behavior of the tumor but the increased cellularity, necrosis, hemorrhage and more than 4 mitotic figures per 10 high power field, may elicit a diagnosis of malignant hemangiopericytoma . The local recurrence and the distant metastasis might also occur with an incomplete excision. The lung, bone and liver are the most common sites of distant metastasis. Thus, the long-term follow-up is recommended after the surgical removal of the tumor.

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are important parts of human neoplasms. The most common SGT is pleomorphic adenoma and the most common malignant SGTs are mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Metastasis-associated genes 1 (MTA1), a member of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylation complex, is one newly discovered gene which recruits histone deacetylation, causing ATP-dependent chromosome remodeling, and regulating transcription. MTA1 had been shown to be overexpressed in malignant tumors with the enhancement of invasion and metastasis. Fifty-six samples of salivary tumors from the Khalili Hospital archive, including 20 cases of pleomorphic adenoma, 17 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 19 cases of ACC, and 23 cases of normal salivary gland tissues were chosen for immunohistochemical analysis of MTA1. MTA1 expression in the malignant tumors was significantly higher than that in pleomorphic adenoma (P<0.001), and higher in pleomorphic adenoma than the normal salivary glands (P< 0.001). In total, 69.6% of normal salivary gland tissues showed MTA1, but all cases of salivary gland tumors were positive for MTA1. High nuclear expression of MTA1 was detected in 83.3% (30/36) of the malignant salivary gland tumors and 45% (9/20) of pleomorphic adenoma, while low MTA1 expression was seen in all of the normal salivary gland tissues. No statistically significant correlation was found between MTA1 protein expression and any clinicopathological features (P>0.05). Our findings demonstrate that MTA1 was significantly overexpressed in malignant salivary gland neoplasm in comparison to a lower level in benign pleomorphic adenoma, suggesting that MTA1 protein might be involved in carcinogenesis.

To report the clinicopathologic features of a case of conjunctival synthetic fiber granuloma. Case Report: A 6‑year‑old girl presented with a slow‑growing red nodule in the right inferior conjunctival sac with no history of surgery or trauma. Histopathological examination revealed foreign body type granulomatous inflammation around birefringent fibers of variable colors consistent with synthetic fiber granuloma. This is the first case report of synthetic fiber (teddy bear) conjunctival granuloma from Iran. Despite its scarcity, ophthalmologists should consider this type of granuloma in the differential diagnoses of childhood conjunctival lesions especially when the lesion is unilateral and inferior.

In traditional medicine Salvia officinalis (sage) has been used as menstrual cycle regulator. In the present study the effects of sage extract on breast tissue were examined. Fourteen female rats were divided into two groups: 1) Distilled water-treated rats (Con) that were gavaged with 1ml distilled water and 2) Saliva officinalis hydroalcoholic extract (SHE)-treated rats that were gavaged with 30mg/kg/body weight of sage extract for 30 days. The estrus cycle changes were monitored by daily examination of vaginal smear. Whole mounts of right pelvic breast were spread on the slide and stained by carmine. The number of alveolar buds (ABs) type 1 and 2 and lobules of mammary gland were scored. Tissue sections of left pelvic mammary gland were prepared and its histomorphometrical changes were measured. Blood samples were taken from dorsal aorta and estradiol and progesterone concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay. Estrous cycles decreased significantly in SHE-treated animals. The number of alveolar buds and lobules in mammary gland whole mount of SHE-treated group were higher than the Con group. The number and diameter of ducts in histological section of mammary gland in SHE-treated group increased as compared to the Con group. Sage promotes alveologenesis of mammary glands and it can be used as a lactiferous herb.

To determine the prevalence of various types of conjunctival lesions, at a tertiary ophthalmic center in Fars Province, South of Iran. Histopathologic slides and medical records of conjunctival lesions submitted to the pathology department of Khalili Hospital, Shiraz, Iran were reviewed from April, 2009 to July, 2013. The histopathologic diagnoses were categorized into benign, pre-malignant, and malignant lesions. The prevalence of various types of conjunctival lesions was calculated. Histologic sections of 631 conjunctival lesions were reviewed. Benign lesions were most prevalent (81.8%), followed by premalignant (10.8%) and malignant (7.4%) lesions. Pterygia were the most common benign lesions (69.2%), intraepithelial dysplasia constituted most cases of premalignant lesions (94.1%), and squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent malignant lesion (93.6%). Benign lesions were the most common type of lesions in all age groups, however the prevalence of malignant lesions increased significantly with age (P < 0.001). Benign lesions were the most common conjunctival lesions with pterygia on top of the list, while intraepithelial neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma were the most common premalignant and malignant lesions, respectively. Conjunctival malignant lesions were more prevalent with older age.