Investigating the effect of nurses’ supportive and educative careon the quality of life in breast cancer patients referred for radiotherapy in Seyedoshohada hospitals in Isfahan in 1392

Background and aims: breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Iran and many countries; but in recent years, survival rate was longer in patients and yet there is a greater emphasis on their quality of life. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the effect of nurses’ supportive and educative care on the quality of life in breast cancer patients. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental, pre- and post- study. 45 patients with breast cancer referred to radiotherapy clinic of Seyedoshohada hospital were studied in 2013. The instruments used in this study were demographic and quality of life questionnaires from Backman institute completed before and after the training and support for patients. Questionnaires were completed and finally the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests. Results: Based on the results obtained on the overall quality of life, it was observed that the average score for the quality of life in the sample was 51.73±13.91 before the intervention and 60.46±13.80 after the intervention (P<0.001). Also, the average scores in all four domains of quality of life after the intervention has increased, but the difference was significant only in two dimensions, physical and mental health (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results confirm the positive effect of nurses’ supportive and educative programs on the promotion of quality of life in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, planning and implementation of such programs on a broader basis and based on the educational and supportive patients' needs is recommended

Treatment of a Maxillary First Molar with Two Palatal Roots

Thorough knowledge of the morphology and internal anatomy of the root canal system is essential, because it determines the successful outcome of endodontic treatment. The main goal of endodontic treatment is to prevent apical periodontitis and/or to promote the healing of periapical lesion. Presence of two canals or roots on the palatal side of the first maxillary molar has rarely been reported. This case report presents a maxillary first molar with two separate palatal roots.Keywords: Anatomic Variation; Maxillary First Molar; Palatal Root; Root Canal Anatomy  

Marked increase in breast cancer incidence in young women : A 10-year study from Northern Iran, 2004-2013

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide. Breast cancer incidence in young women is a health issue of concern, especially in middle-income countries such as Iran. The aim of this study is to report the breast cancer incidence variations in Golestan province, Iran, over a 10-year period (2004-2013). Methods: We analyzed data from the Golestan Population-based Cancer Registry (GPCR), which is a high-quality cancer registry collecting data on primary cancers based on standard protocols throughout the Golestan province. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and age-specific incidence rates per 100,000 person-years were calculated. Time trends in ASRs and age-specific rates were evaluated using Joinpoint regressions. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) with correspondence 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated. Results: A total of 2106 new breast cancer cases were diagnosed during the study period. Most cases occurred in women living in urban areas: 1449 cases (68%) versus 657 cases (31%) in rural areas. Statistically significant increasing trends were observed over the 10-year study period amongst women of all ages (AAPC = 4.4; 95%CI: 1.2-7.8) as well as amongst women in the age groups 20-29 years (AAPC = 10.0; 95%CI: 1.7-19.0) and 30-39 years (AAPC = 5.1; 95%CI: 1.4-9.0). Conclusion: The incidence of breast cancer increased between 2004 and 2013 in Golestan province amongst all age groups, and in particular amongst women aged 20-39 years. Breast cancer should be considered a high priority for health policy making in our community.Peer reviewe

Determination of Dosimetric Parameters of the Second Model of Pd-103 Seed Manufactured at Agricultural, Medical and Industrial Research School

Introduction: The use of low energy isotopes such as  103 Pd in brachytherapy for the treatment of cancers  such as prostate, eye, head, neck, breast and cervix is increasing. In this regard, different models of Pd- 103  seeds  have  been  designed  and  manufactured  at  the  Agricultural,  Medical  and  Industrial  Research  School (AMIRS) of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. In this research, the dosimetric parameters of  the second model of Pd-103 seed manufactured at AMIRS have been calculated and measured.   Materials and Methods: The dosimetric parameters of the second Pd-103 seed manufactured at AMIRS  were determined according to TG-43U1 protocol using Monte Carlo calculations (MCNP4C computer  code)  and  measurements  performed  using  TLD-GR200A  dosimeters  in  a  Perspex  phantom.  The  parameters  include  dose  rate  constant,  geometry  function,  radial  dose  function,  anisotropy  function,  anisotropy factor and anisotropy constant.  Results:  It  was  found  that  by  using  MCNP4C  code  the  calculated  dose  rate  constant  in  water  and  Perspex  was  0.706±0.001   and  0.501±0.001  cGyh -1 U -1 , respectively.  Using  the  calculated  geometry  function,  the  radial  dose  function  and  the  anisotropy  function  were  determined  by  experimental  and  theoretical methods in water and Perspex phantom. Also, the calculated value of anisotropy constant in  water was equal to 0.88.  Discussion and Conclusion: A discrepancy of less than 10% between the calculated and the measured  values indicates a reasonable agreement between the simulation and the measurement method. Also, the  dosimetric parameters of this seed have been compared to the dosimetric parameters of the first Pd-103  seed  manufactured  at  AMIRS  and  some  other  seeds.  The  obtained  results  indicate  that  the  seeds  manufactured at AMIRS have acceptable dosimetric parameters suitable for brachytherapy applications