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Background: Blood cancers account for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In this study, hematological cancer mortality in northern Iran was examined during 2013-2021, along with age-adjusted mortality rates. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we conducted an analysis of all deaths from hematological neoplasms registered in Babol city between 2013 and 2021. In order to estimate the population, the most recent census data was used. The mortality rates and trends for each hematological malignancy were reported in crude mortality rate (CMR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR). Results: In total, 357 deaths (10.8% of all cancer-related deaths) were attributed to hematological neoplasms, with an average age of 61.9 ± 19.3 years. The crude and age-adjusted mortality rates of hematological neoplasms increased from 3.1 and 2.7 per 100 000 people in 2013 to 8.1 and 6.9 per 100,000 people in 2021, respectively. Mortality trends of hematological cancers increased with age decade for both sexes (P < 0.001). Additionally, when examining the trends of each hematological neoplasm, there was a significant increase in neoplasms including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (P = 0.033), multiple myeloma (P = 0.002), and leukemia (P < 0.001), except for the consistent trend observed in Hodgkin lymphoma (P = 0.247). Conclusion: The trend of hematological malignancies in Babol city is increasing across all age groups and in both sexes. This study emphasizes the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies, including improving access to cancer care, enhancing surveillance in families with blood malignancies and reducing modifiable risk factors. Additionally, further research is warranted to develop targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, hepatic cancer ranks fourth in terms of cancer-related mortality and is the sixth most frequent kind of cancer. Around 80% of liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), which are the leading cause of cancer death. It is well known that HCC may develop resistance to the available chemotherapy treatments very fast. One of the biggest obstacles in providing cancer patients with appropriate care is drug resistance. According to reports, more than 90% of cancer-specific fatalities are caused by treatment resistance. By binding to the 3'-untranslated region of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of noncoding RNAs which are around 17 to 25 nucleotides long, regulate target gene expression. Moreover, they play role in the control of signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and cell death. As a result, miRNAs play an important role in the microenvironment of HCC by changing immune phenotypes, hypoxic conditions, and acidification, as well as angiogenesis and extracellular matrix components. Moreover, changes in miRNA levels in HCC can effectively resist cancer cells to chemotherapy by affecting various cellular processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and membrane transporter activity. In the current work, we narratively reviewed the role of miRNAs in HCC, with a special focus on tumor microenvironment and drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the common concerns of healthcare systems is the potential for re-admission of COVID-19 patients. In addition to adding costs to the healthcare system, re-admissions also endanger patient safety. Recognizing the factors that influence re-admission, can help provide appropriate and optimal health care. The aim of this study was to assess comorbidities that affect re-admission and survival in COVID-19 patients using a joint frailty model. Methods: This historical cohort study was done using data of patients with COVID-19 who were re-hospitalized more than twice in a referral hospital in North of Iran. We used the joint frailty model to investigate prognostic factors of survival and recurrence, simultaneously using R version 3.5.1 (library "frailtypack"). P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 112 patients with mean (SD) age of 63.76 (14.58) years old were recruited into the study. Forty-eight (42.9%) patients died in which 53.83% of them were re-admitted for a second time. Using adjusted joint model, the hazard of re-admission increased with cancer (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.92) and hyperlipidemia (HR = 1.22). Furthermore, the hazard of death increased with hyperlipidemia (HR = 4.05) followed by age (HR = 1.76) and cancer (HR = 1.64). It Also decreased with lung disease (HR = 0.11), hypothyroidism (HR = 0.32), and hypertension (HR = 0.97). Conclusion: Considering the correlation between re-admission and mortality in the joint frailty model, malignancy and hyperlipidemia increased the risk of both re-admission and mortality. Moreover, lung disease probably due to the use of corticosteroids, was a protective factor against both mortality and re-admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The halo sign and reverse halo sign are two computerized tomography scan views based on the placement of ground glass opacity. These two views have various differential diagnoses, but infections are known to be the most important differential diagnosis in both views. Lung adenocarcinoma, one of the deadliest tumors of both genders, can be included in the differential diagnosis. Nevertheless, we decided to report this case since both of these features were present in the same patient. Case Presentation: A 51-year-old man presented with gradual symptoms such as shortness of breath and myalgia, with a history of smoking and coronavirus disease 2019. In his computerized tomography scan, two views of the halo sign and the reverse halo sign were seen along with other lesions. In further investigations, due to his lack of recovery, a biopsy was prepared. Finally, with a definitive diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, we treated the patient appropriately. Conclusion: When a patient presents with a halo sign and reverse halo sign on a computerized tomography scan and has a smoking history, it is necessary to take a biopsy of the observed lesions to rule out primary lung carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Numerous changes occurred in economic, social, and medical fields following the onset of Coronavirus (COVID-19), including lifestyle and dietary habits. This study examined dietary habits, physical activity, and individuals' anthropometric indices during quarantine due to the lack of research on quarantine's effects on lifestyle changes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on adults based on inclusion and exclusion criteria during the COVID-19 quarantine period. Participants were asked to complete a 10- to 15-minute online survey regarding their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic variables and surveys related to eating habits, lifestyle behaviors, and the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity and health were investigated. SPSS 22.0 was used to analyze all data, and the significance level was less than 0.05. Results: A total of 630 participants were enrolled in this study, of whom 537 (85.2%) were women, and their mean age was 38.12 + 3.25 years (range: 19-58). The average of all anthropometric profiles, in general and gender-specific, was significantly higher during quarantine than before (P<0.001 for all). Moderate and high levels of activity were significantly higher before quarantine than during quarantine, while low levels of activity increased significantly during quarantine (P<0.001 for all). The most consumed food groups included fruits (72.9%) and meat (63.8%). Carbonated drinks (16.7%) and fats and oils (21%) were less consumed than other food groups. The most critical factors affecting BMI during quarantine included fat-free body weight before quarantine (importance coefficient (IC) = 0.4097), weight before quarantine (IC = 0.2398), and gender (IC = 0.4097). Conclusions: Based on the results, quarantine probably increased obesity prevalence, altered diet habits, and decreased physical activity levels among individuals. Expanding health development programs is essential to promote healthy lifestyles in communities during quarantine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence and mortality rates of gastrointestinal (GI) and oral cancers are among the highest in the world, compared to other cancers. GI cancers include esophageal, gastric, colon, rectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers, with colorectal cancer being the most common. Oral cancer, which is included in the head and neck cancers category, is one of the most important causes of death in India. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic element affecting humans and the environment, which has both natural and anthropogenic sources. Generally, water, soil, air, and food supplies are reported as some sources of Cd. It accumulates in organs, particularly in the kidneys and liver. Exposure to cadmium is associated with different types of health risks such as kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, reproductive dysfunction, diabetes, cerebral infarction, and neurotoxic effects (Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD)). Exposure to Cd is also associated with various cancers, including lung, kidney, liver, stomach, hematopoietic system, gynecologic and breast cancer. In the present study, we have provided and summarized the association of Cd exposure with oral and GI cancers. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common gastrointestinal mesenchymal neoplasms. The risk factors for GISTs are older age and inherited genetic syndromes. Moreover, lifestyle-related or environmental causes of GISTs are unknown, and due to the lack of a similar study in the Babol region, we decided to investigate the frequency of GISTs in hospitals in Babol. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study performed on 30 cases of GISTs in the pathology archive of hospitals in Babol from March 21, 2010, to March 20, 2021. Patients’ information such as age, sex, family history, smoking, and clinical signs were evaluated. Results: In this study, the prevalence of GISTs was 5.81 per thousand. 16 (53.3%) patients were in the group of less than 57-year-olds, and 14 (46.7%) patients were aged more than 57 years. 18 (60%) patients were males and 12 (40%) were females. The stomach was the most common site of the stromal tumor, with a frequency of 16 (53.3%) cases. While the second and third categories were the esophagus with 10 (33.4%) cases and the intestine with 4 (13.3%) cases, respectively. Abdominal pain in 17 (56.7%) patients with stromal tumors was reported as the most common symptom. Conclusion: This study showed that the frequency of GISTs was similar to the results of studies inside and outside Iran. In addition, the prevalence of stromal tumors in the 50s and men was similar to other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Iran, cancers are known as the second leading cause of death, among which respiratory system cancers are particularly important because lung cancer is the second most common cause of death in this country. This study aimed to estimate the crude and age-standardized mortality and its trends during 9 years in the Northern city of Iran, Babol. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all the recorded deaths due to respiratory system cancers in Babol during the years 2013-2021 on the Classification of Causes of Deaths and Death Registration System of Babol University of Medical Sciences were taken into consideration, and the population estimate was based on the latest census. Finally, the crude and age-standardized rates of mortality and trends of cancer incidents were calculated. Results: In general, 393 deaths with an overall mean age of 67.8±3.9 years have happened due to respiratory system cancers. The crude and standardized rates of respiratory system cancers increased from 6.5 and 5.5 per hundred thousand people in 2013 to 9.1 and 7.8 per hundred thousand people in 2021, respectively. With each decade in age, their trends increased significantly in men (p=0.024) and remained constant in women (p=0.262). In examining the trend of respiratory system cancers, we found an increasing trend for lung cancer and a constant trend for larynx and oropharynx cancers. There was also a decreasing trend for hypopharyngeal cancer. Conclusions: The age-standardized rate and trend of respiratory system cancers are increasing. Therefore, it is important to prevent their prevalence by reducing the risk factors and increasing the general awareness of risks and timely diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ectopic endometrial tissue can be found in different places with no symptoms (such as intestinal endometriosis) and common symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and chronic pelvic pain. Early diagnosis and treatments, especially with surgical procedures, play an important role in patients’ recovery. We describe a 39-year-old woman with intermural and submucosal endometriosis. The compressive effect of the mass in the rectosigmoid colon caused digestive symptoms. After necessary procedures such as colonoscopy, computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), we performed surgery, and the distal colon was resected. Ovarian cysts caused by endometrial tissue displacement can have symptoms similar to gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) if they are large enough to push through the gastrointestinal (GI) system. These symptoms can be diarrhea, abdominal tenderness, and so on. Surgery is the best diagnostic way for endometriomas and one of the diagnostic ways in GISTs. Also, with considering the drug resistance of GISTs to the current chemotherapy, the best treatment is also surgery. Location and tissue involvement of masses of the GI system are important points that should be considered in the differential diagnoses. In this way, early diagnosis and timely treatment, especially surgical, will have the best prognosis for the affected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: At the beginning of the pandemic, Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was one of the most widely used drugs prescribed to patients admitted to hospitals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We try to find the effect of HCQ on the severity and mortality of patients who did not receive corticosteroids. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with COVID-19 disease were collected from February 20, 2020, to July 21, 2020, at Rouhani Hospital in Babol. Patients were followed up until December 6, 2021. In this study, 170 patients in case and control groups were studied. We used logistic and COX regression models to explore the effects of drugs. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22. Findings: The use of HCQ did not affect mortality (p=0. 46, 95%CI= 0.63 to 2.71, OR= 1.31) and final severity (p= 0.75, 95%CI= 0.59 to 2.06, OR= 1.10) at admission time. However, azithromycin remained in the final model but did not have a significant effect (P= 0.08, HR= 0.28, 95%CI= 0.06 to 0.18). Heparin use was not associated with severity improvement (p= 0.06, 95%CI= 0.97 to 2.81, HR= 1.65), while ceftriaxone remained a factor affecting severity in the model (p = 0.03, 95% CI= 0.29 to 0.95, HR = 0.52). Conclusion: In this study, HCQ harmed mortality admission time and was ineffective in the long term. The use of ceftriaxone compared to other drugs showed protective effects against the mortality hospitalization time. Heparin is not recommended without considering the risk of bleeding in COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer is a major cause of mortality. Timely information about cancer mortality trends is essential for prioritizing health programs., Aims: This study aims to use a Joint point regression model to predict the mortality rates of the top 10 common cancers in Babol City., Methods: This cross-sectional study considered all registered cancer-related deaths from 2013 to 2021 in the Babol University of Medical Sciences' death registration and classification system. Crude and age-standardized rates and cancer trends were calculated and predicted for the next 5 years, overall and by type of cancer and gender., Results: Over these 9years, 2417 deaths from the 10 common cancers were recorded. We observed an increase in mortality rates with a slope of 12.05% from 2013 to 2016, and a gentler slope of 3.2% from 2016 to 2021. Cancer mortality rates are predicted to increase by 6.43% in the next 5 years without intervention. Detailed analysis indicates that breast cancer will have the highest mortality rate during 2022-2026, rising by 13.6% annually. Predictions based on gender indicate that, breast cancer mortality will increase by 13.6% annually for women. Also, stomach cancer mortality rates will increase by 0.15% in men annually., Conclusion: Cancer mortality in Babol remains a significant public health issue with an increasing trend. Nevertheless, these rising mortality rates require urgent interventions, including cancer prevention programs, increased access to medical services, and improved quality of life., (© 2024 The Author(s). Cancer Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)