From the Editor

This is the eighth issue this year that has various papers from the region plus a special education section on surgery.

Al Nyazee A.A.Q et al; stressed that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was the criminalized in cervical cancer. The authors attempted to answer is there any new genome responsible for the cervical cytological changes other than the known high risk human papilloma virus gens. In addition the authors want to raise the awareness about HPV and cervical cancer for motivation and draw attention to make more studies about this subject.

They followed a cross sectional study with a convenient sample of 188 females, information was obtained by interviewing the patient. Pap smear done for all patients, HPV screening, and genotyping test done for 151 patient. Positive HPV Pap smear (Positive HPV Pap) found in 31 (16.5%) patients, while (Positive HPV test) found among 4 cases (2.7%). Negative HPV test/ Positive HPV Pap found among 31 (20.5%). Three HPV gens was detected HPV (16, 18, 65), 2 (50%), 1 (25%), 1 (25%), respectively. The mean age for those had Negative HPV test/ Positive HPV Pap (33.5±8.3), was significantly lower than those had Positive HPV test/ Negative HPV Pap (38.8 ±11.1), and those (Negative HPV/Positive HPV Pap) found among 31 (20.5%). The authors concluded that heterogeneity was common among Iraqi patient, decrease with increasing age. Results suggest presence of new genotype.

Kharel S & Mandira M; et al attempted to know the extent of impairment of lung function in diabetics among urban population around Sinamangal, Kathmandu. To know the variations in the values of the forced vital capacity (FVC) , peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC percentage among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and non-diabetic healthy population. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College, Nepal from September 2018 to February 2019. Adult males, 105 with DM and 105 non-DM healthy matched subjects were enrolled for this study. The results showed that mean FVC, FEF25-75, FEV1, FEV1/FVC% and PEFR were found to be significantly lower in patients with Type 2 DM as compared to non-DM; there were significant differences between mean PFT values among diabetics and non-diabetics (P < 0.05). The authors concluded that lungs are affected in patients of diabetes and pulmonary function test should be performed in diabetics in order to prevent further complications which will definitely help in maintaining quality of life.

Helvaci MR et al ;tried to understand whether or not there is a significant relationship between smoking and plasma triglycerides values. The study included 457 cases. Patients with plasma values of triglycerides lower than 100 mg/dL were collected into the first, lower than 150 mg/dL into the second, lower than 200 mg/dL into the third, and 200 mg/dL or higher into the fourth groups, respectively. The mean ages of the groups, body mass index (BMI), and low density lipoproteins increased just up to the plasma triglycerides value of 200 mg/dL, significantly (p<0.05 for all). On the other hand, the mean fasting plasma glucose and prevalences of white coat hypertension, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increased parallel to the plasma triglycerides values from the first towards the fourth groups, gradually. As one of the most surprising results, prevalence of smoking also increased parallel to the plasma values of triglycerides from the first towards the fourth groups, gradually (16.3% versus 42.5%, p<0.001). The authors concluded that plasma triglycerides may actually be some acute phase reactants indicating the disseminated endothelial damage, inflammation, fibrosis, and eventual atherosclerosis all over the body. There may be highly significant relationships between plasma triglycerides values and aging, BMI, and smoking up to the plasma triglycerides value of 200 mg/dL, but smoking may be much more important for plasma triglycerides values of 200 mg/dL or greater.

Omer S et al; stressed that There is a rising trend in breast diseases worldwide. The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in the developing country due to increase life expectancy, increase urbanization and adoption of western lifestyle, lack of population awareness, delayed health seeking behavior and low levels of female education. Retrospective study of breast specimens from 354 women was taken from the private modern histology lab and Ibn Sina lab in Aden; between 2006- 2013. The data were collected from the referral sheet. All women with breast cancer underwent Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) or/and biopsy due to the presence of breast cancer for the purpose of diagnosis were included.
The results show 44% of the cases was from IBB Governorate, followed by cases from Aden 33%. The age of the women with breast cancers was range from 20 years (youngest patient) to 87 years (oldest patient) with a mean of 46.9 ± 12 years. 56.2% of lumps were in the right breast. Left breast was the next common (41.3%). 3.5% of the cases affecting the both breasts at the time of diagnosis. Overall pattern of breast cancer invasive ductal carcinoma was the commonest finding (57.5%) followed by invasive lobular carcinoma (20%), in situ ductal carcinoma (13.2%) and in situ lobular carcinoma. (3.4%). the less frequent subtypes were, Malignant phyllodes represented (2.3%). Papillary carcinoma, Medullary carcinoma and Mucinous carcinoma were (1.1%) each respectively. The authors concluded that malignant neoplastic breast lesions were seen beyond 4th decade. Invasive carcinoma was the most common malignant tumor among Yemeni women.

Chief Editor:
A. Abyad
MD, MPH, AGSF, AFCHSE
Email: aabyad@cyberia.net.lb

.........................................................................................................................