مجله دانشکده پزشکی اصفهان
پیاپی 710 (هفته دوم اردیبهشت 1402)

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is among the ten most common cancers worldwide. Due to the complex head and neck anatomy, many organs receive radiation during treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the cochlea dose in two different treatment methods, 3D-CRT (Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy) and HT (Helical Tomotherapy).

The current study is applied and cross-sectional. 28 patients who had nasopharyngeal cancer and were referred to Seyed al-Shohada Hospital (Omid) for treatment between 2020-2022 and are candidates for treatment with one of the 3D-CRT or HT devices; were included in this study. The treatment plan for each patient was simulated in two devices and then study variables such as maximum and average dose and homogeneity and conformity index were investigated.

Upon comparing the treatment plans of Helical Tomotherapy (HT) and Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT), it was found that the average dose received by organs at risk, such as the cochlea, was significantly lower in the HT method compared to the 3D-CRT method. This indicates a significant difference between the two treatment methods.

Our study on patients with nasopharyngeal cancer revealed that Helical Tomotherapy (HT) treatment led to better target homogeneity and compliance compared to conventional Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT). Additionally, HT was found to reduce the dose delivered to organs at risk (OARs) in comparison to 3D-CRT.

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of metabolic diseases that are caused by mutations in lysosomal enzymes and lead to the accumulation of lysosomal substrates. Gaucher's disease and Niemann-Pick are two autosomal recessive lysosomal disorders caused by mutations in the beta-glucosidase gene and sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 gene, respectively. A powerful diagnostic tool based on Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) technology paves the way for more appropriate genetic counseling by helping with faster diagnosis.

Whole-Exome sequencing was done using the WES method after sampling in a tube containing EDTA anticoagulant and DNA extraction in this research. After finding the candidate gene, in order to confirm the variant, the PCR method was used for amplification, and Chromas software was used for sequence reading.

The results of sequencing exon 8 of the GBA gene in the first family patient indicated the known homozygous mutation of Gaucher disease in the GBA gene: c.79C > T:p.I260S. The results of sequencing the exon 9 of the NPC1 gene in the patient of the second family indicate a homozygous mutation in the NPC1 gene: c.1350C>G.p.I450M, which is a new variant in Niemanpik patients.

The WES method can reduce the time to diagnose the pathogenic variants of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) by simultaneously evaluating several genes and helping to treat patients.

The present study was conducted with the purpose of investigating the comparative causal relationship of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression with Iranian parents' coping behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on parents with children born during the COVID-19 pandemic, who referred to selected comprehensive health centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences for one year. The sampling method was stratified and then quota. The study tools were Beck depression questionnaire, post-traumatic stress disorder questionnaire in mothers and fathers, and coping strategies questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the path analysis method was used using LISREL software.

The study was conducted on 203 mothers and 206 fathers. According to the in the group of mothers, the post-traumatic stress disorder score had the highest positive causal relationship with the substance abuse domain and the most significant negative relationship with the emotional support domain . In this group, depression score had a positive causal relationship with substance abuse area and the most significant negative relationship with active coping .In fathers group the depression score had the most positive causal relationship with the substance abuse domain  and the negative relationship with the active coping domain.

According to the results of developing support measures and appropriate therapeutic interventions, including awareness of active coping strategies in parents and the side effects of drug abuse, can play an effective role in the process of caring for a baby.