Evidence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Esophageal Cancer in East Azerbaijan Province, Northwest of Iran

Background. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most important viral agents associated with several classes of cancers in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate HPV in esophageal cancer in the East Azerbaijan province, northwest of Iran. Methods. 140 paraffin-embedded specimens of esophageal tissues were investigated using nested-polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) with primer designing for the L1 region of HPV genome. According to the pathological diagnosis, the samples were divided into two groups: 70 patients with esophageal cancer EADC (n = 35) and ESCC (n = 35) as the case group and those without tumour in esophagus tissue as a control (n = 70). Results. HPV DNA was isolated from 20 (28.57%) of the 70 paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of esophagus cancer. Of these, 6 cases (17.14%) of EADC and 14 cases (40%) of ESCC were positive. In contrast, all cases of the control group were negative for the HPV genome. Sequence analysis revealed that HPV types 16 and 18 are the most frequent ones identified in this study. Conclusion. The prevalence of HPV in esophageal cancer can vary depending on the geographical location and other factors. Based on the findings of this study, HPV infection may possibly have contributed to an increased risk of esophageal cancer in a group of patients in Tabriz.

Prevalence and time trend of congenital heart defects: a registry-based study in Iran

Introduction: Conclusion Congenital heart defects (CHD) are one of the most common types of congenital anomalies affecting one percent of births every year. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence and time trend of CHD in the northwest of Iran between 2000 and 2019. Methods: Since 2000, infants born with birth defects have been registered in Tabriz Registry of Congenital Anomalies (TRoCA). For this study, the information and data of newborns with CHD (1084) were collected using the TRoCA registry system. Results: Over two decades the prevalence rate of CHD in the northwest of Iran was 3.7 per 1000 live births (95 percent CI: 34.9 to 39.4). The prevalence rate of CHD during the first decade (2000-09) and the second (2010-19) were estimated 2.8 (95 percent CI: 2.5 to 2.9) and 5.9 (95 percent CI: 5.4 to 6.4) per 1000 live births, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of CHD in Iran showed an increasing trend indicating methodological improvement in the facilities and diagnosis techniques. It would therefore seem essential to concentrate on the primary prevention activities to reduce the burden of these defects. Keywords: Congenital heart defects, Prevalence, Congenital heart anomalies, Epidemiology

DISCOVERING NEW ROCK ARTS AT MESHGIN SHAHR’S GHAFELEGHATAR, NORTHWEST OF IRAN

Исторический памятник Гафелегхатар открыт в 2018 г. во время археологических изысканий в провинции Ардабиль, расположенной на северо-западе Ирана. В общей сложности в указанном регионе зафиксировано 50 наскальных рисунков с изображением фигур козла, оленя и человека. Единичные и многофигурные изображения процарапаны или выбиты на блоках магнетита. На большинстве изученных камней изображены фигуры козла, сопоставимые с наскальными рисунками из Ирана и Азербайджана. Петроглифы отражают кочевой образ жизни охотников и собирателей, оставивших на камнях свои рисунки. Возраст этих изображений не установлен, поэтому для них не может быть пока предложена надежная датировка и четкая хронология. The historical site of the Ghafeleghatar was discovered in 2018 during archaeological survey in the Ardabil province in the northwest of Iran. Totally 50 images including goat, deer, and human figures have been identified and documented in this area. These motifs are represented individually and in compositions placed on black magnetite stones by scratching and striking technique. Most of the images show goat, which is comparable to many specimen from Iran and Azerbaijan. The images illustrate the nomadic and hunting-gathering nature of the designers of these works. The periods of formation of the images are unclear, so that no reliable dating and clear chronology can be suggested based on comparative studies.