Bushehr University of Medical Sciences

Primary cardiac tumors exhibit a very low incidence, estimated between 0.001% and 0.03%. Among these, malignancies constitute a minority (∼25%), with sarcomas representing the vast majority (~95%) of such cases. Cardiac intimal sarcoma is among the rarest subtypes of primary cardiac sarcoma. This category of endocardial-based mesenchymal tumor typically originates in the great arteries and only infrequently develops within the heart itself. Their clinical behavior is notably aggressive, leading to a generally poor prognosis; consequently, the cornerstone of management is complete surgical excision with negative margins. This highlights the critical need for precise and early diagnosis to facilitate prompt intervention. This report details the case of a 20-year-old man with a prior history of Ewing sarcoma located in the left atrium, for which he had undergone previous cardiac surgery. In preparation for a subsequent procedure, hybrid imaging through 18 F-FDG PET/CT was utilized to characterize intracardiac masses, quantify tumor burden, and exclude the possibility of a new, extracardiac primary malignancy. Collectively, though drawn from limited case series and the present illustrative case, existing literature indicates that PET imaging provides supplemental diagnostic value beyond stand-alone CT or MRI. It enhances the evaluation of cardiac masses in both preoperative and posttherapeutic contexts. This integrated approach improves the determination of surgical candidacy and allows for the early detection of local or distant disease recurrence, which are pivotal components for structuring effective overall treatment strategies.

The objective of this study was to estimate the total effective dose using the updated dose coefficient, and assess the associated cancer risk from radiation exposure in patients undergoing positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for lymphoma indications. This study included 103 patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT. The effective radiation doses to the body was calculated by summing the contribution from internal dosimetry, using the updated dose coefficients based on the ICRP approach, and external dosimetry, using the NCICT software. Based on the effective organ doses and utilizing the risk model introduced in the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII report, the lifetime attributable risk for cancer incidence (LARCI) and mortality (LARCM) were estimated on an organ-specific basis. The mean effective dose was 12.4±2.8mSv (range, 5.1-20.2mSv), with CT contributing for 74% of the total dose. The LARCI and LARCM values varied by age and sex, with the most pronounced age-related declines observed in the uterus, ovary, and breast for female LARCI (R2=0.83, 0.80, and 0.75, respectively) and in the liver, stomach, and colon for male LARCI (R2=0.71, 0.64, and 0.60, respectively). Similarly, the strongest associations for LARCM were found in the breast, uterus, and ovary for females (R2=0.75, 0.75, and 0.73, respectively) and in the stomach and liver for males (R2=0.66 and 0.63, respectively). PET/CT scans involve radiation exposure that varies with age and sex, posing higher risks to radiosensitive organs especially at younger ages.

The CNS presents a unique challenge to therapeutic intervention due to its sophisticated organization, the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the low regenerative potential of neural tissue. Over the last few decades, nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary technology capable of transforming the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases, thereby offering new hope to patients with previously incurable neurodegenerative diseases. This review highlights the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of newer types of nanomaterials-i.e., nanoliposomes (NLs), metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-which have been found to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver drugs with enhanced specificity and efficacy. Nanoparticle-based therapies have revolutionized drug delivery, gene therapy, in vivo imaging, and molecular profiling for CNS diseases. However, despite such advancements, hurdles remain, particularly in terms of biocompatibility, long-term safety, and site-specific activity within complex biological systems. Herein, we summarize recent advances in the construction of smart nanocarriers and multi-functional platforms for overcoming physiological and pharmacological challenges in CNS therapy. Finally, we emphasize the urgent need for interdisciplinary studies to unlock the full clinical potential of nanotechnology in neurology and answer outstanding questions regarding toxicity, immune responses, and scalability for human application.

ABSTRACT This study presents the green synthesis of silver (Ag‐NPs) and iron nanoparticles (Fe‐NPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Grewia optiva as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The extract was prepared using a Kjeldahl apparatus under controlled heating. Nanoparticle synthesis was optimized by varying pH, temperature, and salt concentration, and the products were characterized by Ultraviolet‐visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The biosynthesized nanoparticles were crystalline, stable, and predominantly sized between 10 and 30 nm. Biological evaluations demonstrated that both Ag‐NPs and Fe‐NPs exhibited significant antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and anticoagulant effects, with Ag‐NPs showing slightly higher activity. These results highlight G. optiva as a sustainable source for developing therapeutic nanoparticles with biomedical potential.

Mitochondrial disorders are a heterogeneous group of inherited metabolic diseases resulting from dysfunctions in oxidative phosphorylation. These conditions predominantly affect high-energy-demand organs such as the brain, heart, liver, and muscles, leading to diverse clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges. This article presents the first comprehensive Iranian guideline for the diagnosis and management of mitochondrial diseases, developed through an evidence-based and consensus-driven methodology. We conducted a structured literature review across major biomedical databases from 2000 to 2023 and engaged a multidisciplinary panel of Iranian experts to establish context-specific recommendations. The guideline covers clinical presentations, laboratory biomarkers, neuroimaging features, genetic diagnostics, and treatment approaches including “cocktail therapy” and acute management protocols. It also integrates a mitochondrial disease scoring system to standardize diagnosis and provides detailed insights into safe anesthesia practices for affected individuals. Special attention is given to practical implementation in resource-limited settings. These guidelines aim to enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimize management strategies, and improve the quality of life for patients with mitochondrial disorders across Iran and similar healthcare systems.

BackgroundDespite the rising number of older adults and the risk of sarcopenia in the new century, no research has assessed the link between sarcopenia and the Elderly Dietary Index (EDI) in this population. Therefore, the goal of the current research was to assess the association between sarcopenia odds and the EDI in older adults in Iran.MethodsThis case-control study, which included 80 participants in each group, utilized data from a population-based cross-sectional study of eligible older adults recruited from healthcare centers in Shiraz, Iran. The diagnostic standards established by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia were used to define sarcopenia. For dietary intake assessment over the previous year, a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, with good validity and reliability among the Iranian population, was used. Associations between the EDI and other related factors with the odds of sarcopenia were assessed using logistic regression.ResultsIn the adjusted model, each unit increment in the EDI was correlated with lower odds of sarcopenia (odds ratio (OR) = 0.798, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.645–0.986). A greater odds of sarcopenia was observed with each unit increase in age and with higher education levels compared to lower age and education levels (age: OR = 1.204, 95% CI: 1.092–1.327; education: OR = 2.866, 95% CI: 1.131–7.259).ConclusionsThis study assessed adherence to the EDI among older adults and found a negative relationship between the odds of sarcopenia and the EDI.

Industrialization has resulted in the generation of wastewater containing persistent pollutants such as heavy metals, petroleum derivatives, and PAHs. Biosurfactants offer a sustainable approach by reducing surface tension and enhancing pollutant removal. This bibliometric study examined global research on the application of biosurfactants in wastewater treatment from 1945 to 2023, based on records obtained from the Web of Science database and analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.20. A total of 214 documents were retrieved, of which 195 original research articles were included in the analysis. Since 2011, publications have risen steadily, led by China, India, and Iran (50, 33, and 14 articles, respectively). Saudi Arabia and Malaysia showed the highest productivity per million population (0.38 and 0.36). India and South Korea demonstrated strong international collaboration, with most studies published in Environmental Sciences (19.6%) and Biotechnology Applied Microbiology (13.75%). The journal Bioresource Technology published the highest number of articles in this field. Highly cited studies show that combining biosurfactants with other treatment methods and optimizing microbial strains enhances their efficiency. Keyword analysis highlights rhamnolipids as effective in treating hydrocarbons, oils, and chemical pollutants. Research trends show increasing attention to the use of biosurfactants for removing diverse hazardous pollutants from wastewater.