A B S T R A C TBackground: Iron overload and accelerated oxidative stress are main factors in the pathogenesis of β-thalassemia major. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of green tea consumption on serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS) and antioxidant status in β-thalassemia patients. Methods: This study conducted on 52 subjects with β-thalassemia major (males and females) ≥18 y. The intervention group (n= 26) consumed green tea (2.5 g /150 mL hot water) 3 times per day for 8 wk and the control group (n= 26) followed a water regimen. Anthropometric measurements, blood samples and 24-h dietary recalls were gathered at the baseline and at the end of the trial. Independent t test, paired t test and analysis of covariance were used for data analysis. Results: Mean of serum iron, ferritin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were 234.7±49.3 μg/dL, 2776.07±533.4 ng/dl, 3.01±0.64 nmol/ml and 2.2665±0.77 nmol/l in green tea group and 298.19±66.87 μg/dL, 3070.23±643.6 ng/dl, 298.19±66.87 nmol/ml and 2.0862 ±0.35 nmol/l in control group at baseline, respectively. Green tea significantly decreased serum levels of iron, ferritin and MDA and increased TAC compared with control group (all, P < 0.05). No significant changes were seen in TS value in both groups. Conclusions: Green tea consumption had favorable effects on iron status and oxidative stress in studied subjects and may be useful in management of these risk factors in patients with β-thalassemia major.

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This study may be the first systematic review and meta-analysis that provides a broad outlook on the prevalence of microsporidiosis in Iran. It is necessary to investigate Microsporidia infection in vertebrate and invertebrate hosts and environmental resources in Iran.

Cryptosporidiosis is a relatively uncommon disease in healthy individuals but could be potentially worrisome in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to evaluate Cryptosporidium infection in children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A case-control study was conducted in 132 children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and 132 non-cancer controls. The modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining and polymerase chain reaction methods were used for the detection of Cryptosporidium parasite. All positive isolates were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 16 and Fisher exact test. The rate of cryptosporidiosis in children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy was 3.8%, which was higher than that of the control group. Other intestinal parasites detected in patients with cancer included Giardia lamblia (3%), Entamoeba coli (1.5%), and Chilomastix mesnili (0.8%). In the control group, only two (1.5%) cases were positive for G. lamblia. No significant difference was observed between the gender, age, residency, contact with domestic animals, stool appearance, neutropenia, chemotherapy period, and type of malignancy with regard to cryptosporidiosis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Cryptosporidium parvum isolates in this study relied on a branch that represents similar sequences from Iran and other countries. Although the rate of Cryptosporidium infection was relatively higher in children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy compared to the control group, any statistically significant difference has not been found between them. These findings should not be contrary to the need for healthcare to prevent opportunistic parasitic infections in malignant and immunocompromised patients.

Patient: Male, 5Primary Diagnosis: Rule-out appendicitisCo-existing Diseases: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)Medication: ChemiotherapyClinical Procedure: Chest CT • flow cytometrySpecialty: Pediatrics’ oncology • infection diseasesObjective:Rare diseaseBackground:Leukemias are among the most common childhood malignancies. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for 77% of all leukemias. In rare cases, ALL patients may present with eosinophilia.Case Report:Here, a 5-year old boy was admitted to our hospital with a possible diagnosis of appendicitis. This patient’s complete blood cell count demonstrated leukocytosis with severe eosinophilia. Following a 1-month clinical investigation, 2 bone marrow aspirations, and flow cytometry analysis, a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia was proposed. Finally, the patient was transferred to the oncology ward to receive standard therapeutic protocol, which resulted in disease remission. After chemotherapy for 2 years, patient is successfully treated.Conclusions:ALL is diagnosed by eosinophilia in rare cases. These patients need immediate diagnosis and intensive therapy due to worsened prognosis of ALL presenting as hypereosinophilia.