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• COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by an ACE2-tropic pathogen, which is called SARS-CoV2. • COVID-19 patients with ACE1 II genotype have a significant better chance of survival. • ACE1 I/D polymorphism can be a prognostic factor indicating the outcome of COVID-19. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the infectious respiratory disease caused by a newly discovered pathogen (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), is a pandemic that places a burden on the health care system. Recently, most research on COVID-19 has emphasized its profound impact on specific regions and ethnic groups. A possible explanation for these variations in disease presentation and severity might be differences in the gene pool of populations. This study therefore attempted to clarify possible involvements of genetic factors affecting COVID-19 pathogenesis with a focus on voltage-gated potassium channel-interacting protein 4 (KCNIP4) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) gene polymorphisms. In this case-control study, the polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR in 194 COVID-19 patients and 194 healthy controls. COVID-19 susceptibility and severity appeared to be unaffected by these polymorphisms. However, this study supported the relevance of ACE1 II genotype frequency to a decreased number of deaths due to the infection. We found that COVID-19 patients with the ACE1 II genotype have a statistically significant better chance of survival (p = 0.008). This study strengthens the idea that the ACE1 I/D polymorphism can be a novel prognostic factor indicating the outcome of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of corona‐associated anxiety and mental health disorder among Iranian dentists during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: A study was conducted using online survey from May 2nd to 14th, 2020. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic information, anxiety (18 questions), and general health (GH) (GHQ‐28). Scoring system was based on Likert scale. The questionnaire was registered at Porsline website. Data were analyzed using t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient statistical tests. Results: A total of 320 dentists from all over the country fully completed questionnaires. 42.5% of dentist had corona‐associated anxiety and 32.5% out of them had mild severity and no severe anxiety was observed. 62.5% of dentists were nonpsychiatric according to GHQ‐28, 35% had mild disorders in GH, and no one had severe GH disorders. There were significant relationships between gender, marital status, and family history of psychiatric disorders with GH status. There was a significant relationship between history of physical illness with corona‐associated anxiety. There was a significant relationship between history of psychiatric disorders with corona‐associated anxiety and GH status. Conclusion: The prevalence of corona‐associated anxiety and mental disorders in dentists was moderate; by holding psychological workshops to maintain and strengthen the morale of dentists during the corona pandemic, along with teaching them the correct way to use personal protective equipment, while maintaining the mental health of dentists, we will help them return to work and provide dental services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors facilitate the entry of the causative virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) into target cells. Some ACE gene variants have been suggested to be involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis. So, the aim was to assess the association between ACE1 rs4646994 and ACE2 rs2285666 genes polymorphisms and the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. This case-control study was conducted on 197 patients with COVID-19 and 197 healthy controls. ACE-1 insertion/deletion (I/D) (rs4646994) and ACE2 rs2285666 genes polymorphisms were determined by the amplification refractory mutation system- polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique. The DD genotype of ACE1 I/D polymorphism was associated with increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection (p = 0.012), whereas the ID genotype of this polymorphism was associated with decreased susceptibility (p = 0.003) (significance level = 0.017). There was no significant association in allele and genotype distribution of ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphism between cases and controls. The ACE1 I/D polymorphism may be considered as a risk factor for COVID-19 susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency anemia can cause histopathologic alterations in the oral mucosa. Exfoliative cytology is a cheaper and less aggressive method for early diagnosis. The aim of this study was to compare the cytological and cytomorphometric characteristics of buccal exfoliated cells of iron deficiency anemic patients with those of healthy controls. This case-control study compared a group of 40 patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with an age- and gender-matched control group (C) of 40 healthy individuals. The buccal mucosal smears were stained using the Papanicolaou technique for cytological analyses. Cellular clumping, cytoplasmic diameter (CD), nuclear diameter (ND), cytoplasmic area (CA), nuclear area (NA), nucleus to cytoplasmic area ratio (NA/CA), cellular and nuclear pleomorphism, micronuclei (Mn), binucleation, bacterial colonies, and keratin flakes were evaluated using a light microscope and digital image analysis. Mean values for IDA and C groups were: bacterial colonies (1.88 and 0.65; P=0.002); CA (2209.88 and 1687.79 µm?; P=0.006); Mn (1.60 and 0.60; P=0.02). Significant increases in bacterial colonies, CA and Mn were seen for the IDA group. The number of cellular clumps, CD, ND, NA, NA/CA, cellular and nuclear pleomorphism, binucleation, and the number of keratin flakes didn't show significant differences between studied groups (P>0.05). There wasn't any significant difference with respect to overall atypia. This study revealed that IDA was able to induce significant changes in CA and Mn of the oral epithelial cells. Exfoliative cytology and cytomorphometry can be used as a tool to assess the mucosal changes in IDA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The traditional medicine is an integral part of the Iranian culture. Since Birjand dental school presented traditional medicine course for dental students for the first time in Iran, this study aimed to evaluate dental students' viewpoints about traditional medicine course. Methods: After approving optional traditional medicine course for dental students in Birjand University of medical sciences, Birjand dentistry students' viewpoints were evaluated in two separate semesters through an open ended questionnaire which its validity and reliability were confirmed. The questionnaire was designed on a five-point Likert scale. The mean of scores for each question and the mean of student scores on all 16 questions were calculated and through comparing with median, positive or negative viewpoints were evaluated. Results: In the first and second runs of course, only two questions (teachers' mastery on the content and student satisfaction from final exam) scored above the median. In the first run of the course and totally in" student's willingness to repass course" the students acquired the least score. All of mean students' score for sum of 16 questions were less than 3 in two runs of the course. Students were generally dissatisfied with the inappropriate timing of classes, the high amounts of content, the impracticality of the subjects, and the lack of relevance to the field of dentistry. Conclusion: All dentistry students had negative viewpoints to traditional medicine course in this form. It is recommended that it should be provided to dental students in a more practical way and as workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central odontogenic fibroma (COF) is an extremely rare benign odontogenic tumor, which is associated with an unerupted tooth in one‐third of the cases. Hyperplastic dental follicle (HDF) is an odontogenic hamartomatous lesion associated with delayed or tooth eruption failure in young patients. Dentigerous cyst (DC) is an epithelial‐lined developmental cyst surrounding the crown of an unerupted or impacted tooth. Here, we present a case of 13‐year‐old boy with pericoronal radiolucency around impacted right maxillary canine tooth, which detected during routine dental examination on panoramic radiograph. The size of radiolucency was varied between 5 and 10 mm and was asymmetrical. Lesion was underwent biopsy with suspicion to a dentigerous cyst. On microscopic examination, the lesion was composed of a cellular fibrous connective tissue with odontogenic epithelium in the form of strands or nests throughout the lesion and calcifications in the form of basophilic cementum‐like material and dentinoid. Due to its nonspecific histological features, we encountered a diagnostic dilemma. In this case report, we discuss the clinical and radiologic features of COF, DC, and HDF. We preferred COF for this lesion. By combining surgical and orthodontic treatments, the impacted tooth was directed to its correct position in the maxilla. This case report highlights the importance of clinicopathological correlation in the diagnosis of pericoronal radiolucencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary intracranial peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNETs) are extremely rare malignancies that commonly affect children and adolescents. Only 10 cases over the age of 33 have been reported. pPNETs have an aggressive behavior and a high tendency for local recurrence and distant metastasis. Here, we present a case of supratentorial pPNET that affected the left frontoparietal lobe of a 36‐year‐old female patient. The patient complained of aphasia during the last 2 months. Aphasia is reported for the first time as a result of a pPNET. In T1‐weighted MRI, a large mass with mixed isointense to hypointense signals was observed. The tumor was completely removed. Histopathologic examination was indicative of a small round cell tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity for CD99. Presence of EWSR1 gene rearrangement confirmed the diagnosis. The patient's aphasia was gradually resolved post‐surgery. Six months follow‐up showed no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ADCC) is a malignant tumor of salivary gland origin. ADCC of sinonasal tract is rare. We present a rare and unresectable case of sinonasal ADCC with intracranial extension in an 83-year-old man with the chief complaint of nasal congestion. Invasion to the maxillary sinus, nasopharynx, anterior cranial fossa, sella turcica and extension to cavernous sinus, dura mater and infratemporal fossa were evident on MRI and CT scan. The patient was treated only by palliative radiotherapy, but unfortunately, he died 3 months after the initial diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a rare inflammatory, autoimmune, and subepithelial vesiculobullous disease in which tissue-bound autoantibodies are produced against one or more components of the basement membrane. Oral lesions of the pemphigoid begin in the form of vesicles or bullae that often involve throughout the mouth but may be confined to specific areas, especially the gingiva, in a pattern known as desquamative gingivitis. The positive Nikolsky's sign is characteristic of pemphigus vulgaris, in which a blister can appear on the normal-appearing skin if exerting lateral pressure, and is very rare in the mucosa and other vesiculobullous diseases. Here we report a case of mucous membrane pemphigoid that developed as desquamated gingivitis in a 46-year-old woman with positive Nikolsky's sign in the gingival mucosa. In the histopathologic view, a subepithelial cleft was observed. The results of direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests and related therapeutic interventions are also presented. Positive Nikolsky's sign can be observed in the mucosa as well as in the mucous membrane pemphigoid in addition to pemphigus vulgaris, and vesiculobullous lesions should be diagnosed based on the sum of clinical, histopathological, and immunofluorescence findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessing student attitudes and satisfaction with electronic exams (e-exams) is crucial to evaluating e-learning. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate students' attitudes and satisfaction regarding e-exams during COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional studywasconductedon620 volunteer students of Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS),who were selected based on random sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with three sections of demographic information, attitude (including six dimensions and 19 questions), and satisfaction (including nine dimensions and19 questions). A5-point Likert scalewasused for scoring, andthe data were analyzed using t-test,ANOVA,andPearson correlation coefficient at the significant level of 0.05. Results: In this study, 620 students (56% women and 44% men) participated from June to September 2020. The mean age was 21.97 ± 3.27, and the mean students' attitude and satisfaction score was 59.18 ± 7.99 and 65.73 ± 10.05, respectively. The mean attitude and satisfaction scores by gender were not significantly different. The mean attitude and satisfaction scores regarding academic semester (P-values = 0.001 and 0.019, respectively), faculty (P-values = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively) and degree (P-values < 0.001 and = 0.006, respectively) were significantly different. A positive and significant correlation was found between students' attitudes and students' satisfaction, as well as between students' age and attitudes. Conclusions: According to the results, overall attitude and satisfaction were excellent and above average. Better attitudes toward e-exams were associated with a higher satisfaction level. E-exam validity and reliability concerns should be addressed in order to improve students' attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]