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Introduction: Dentists are at the forefront of viral infections such as the new coronavirus. Considering the need for dentists to increase their knowledge about emerging diseases, this study compared the impact of education through the infographic with the multimedia in informing the dentists and dental students of Birjand City about the 2019 coronavirus disease. Methods: An interventional study was done in 2022 on 196 dentists and dental students in Birjand city, who were randomly divided into groups of education through infographic (n = 98) and education through multimedia (n = 98). The educational content was the same for the groups. A 40-point test was performed before and after the educational intervention, and the results were analyzed using chi-square and independent t-tests at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The average pre-test scores in the infographic and multimedia groups were 28.69 ± 5.38 and 28.04 ± 6.47, respectively. There was no significant difference between the knowledge scores in the two groups before the intervention (P = 0.44). The average post-test scores in the multimedia and infographic groups were 38.83 ± 1.14 and 31.11 ± 3.19, respectively. The results of the statistical tests showed that there was a significant difference between the knowledge scores after the educational intervention (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Multimedia education is more effective than infographics in improving the level of knowledge, so the establishment of this educational method by health policymakers is recommended as an effective educational method in the field of emerging diseases.

Objective: Dental plaque bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans (SM), play a role in the pathogenesis of the dental caries. There are conflicting results regarding the association of salivary SM level and dental caries susceptibility. Our aim was to compare salivary SM levels in colony-forming units (CFU) between children with active caries and caries-free children in Birjand, Iran. Methods: This case-control study included 61 six-year-old children referred to health centers in Birjand city, Iran, in 2022. The children were divided into two groups: case (dmft/DMFT>0 with active caries) (including 31 children) and control (dmft/DMFT = 0 [caries-free]) (including 30 children). Demographic information and dental history were recorded. Oral examinations were also performed by the dentist. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from children. The number of salivary SM colonies was determined using the microbial culture and confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The data were analyzed using Chi-square and T-tests at a significance level of p

Abstract Background and Aims Gene polymorphisms are responsible for at least part of the variation in caries susceptibility despite similar environmental factors. Genes involved in enamel formation like matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) may participate in caries process. The aim was to investigate the association between MMP‐13 rs478927 polymorphism and caries susceptibility in 6‐years‐old children from Birjand, Iran. Methods Six‐years old children from Birjand, Iran, participated in this study. The total decayed, missing, and filled teeth were calculated and defined as caries index (CI). Based on this CI, two groups of high‐caries (case) and low‐caries (control) were taken into account. Saliva samples were collected and DNA was extracted. The allele and genotypes of MMP‐13 rs478927 polymorphism were determined by tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (T‐ARMS‐PCR) method. p Value was significant if p 0.05). There wasn't any significant association between genotype distribution of MMP‐13 rs478927 polymorphism and CI groups (p = 0.924). This polymorphism was associated with increased caries susceptibility under all genetic models but this effect was not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion The MMP‐13 rs478927 gene polymorphism was not significantly associated with dental caries susceptibility in Birjandi children with mixed dentition. It is recommended to conduct studies on children of different dentitions to better understand the role of this polymorphism on caries susceptibility in primary and permanent teeth of children.

Objective: The X-ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) gene is involved in DNA repair. Defects in DNA repair may lead to head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Several researches have focused on relationship between XRCC1 Arg399Gln genetic polymorphism with HNSCC's prognosis with conflicting results. So, the aim of the present meta-analysis was evaluation of relationship between XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism with HNSCC's prognosis. Methods: Published articles up to July 2022 were systematically searched through international databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, etc. I2 test was applied to assess the heterogeneity. Data were analyzed using random effects model. Funnel plots and Egger test were applied for assessing publication biases. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for evaluation of relationship between the polymorphism with HNSCC's prognosis. Results: Fifteen articles were included for the systematic review. Six of those articles were considered for inclusion in meta-analysis. The different forms of XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism had not significant association with overall survival (OS) under varied genetic models (heterozygous: Ln (HR) = 0.02, 95 % CI= (−0.33,0.37), p-value = 0.90; homozygous: Ln (HR) = 0.33, 95 % CI= (−0.03,0.69), p-value = 0.07 and dominant: Ln (HR) = 0.06, 95 % CI = (−0.17,0.28), p-value = 0.62). Analysis showed that variants of the polymorphism had no significant relationship with OS in Asian and Caucasian ethnicity under dominant model (Ln (HR) = 0.14, 95 % CI= (−0.13,0.40), p-value = 0.31; Ln (HR) = -0.01, 95 % CI= (−0.41,0.38), p-value = 0.96). Conclusion: Different forms of XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism had no significant relationship with HNSCC's prognosis under varied genetic models and based on different ethnicity.

Abstract Objectives Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a cell‐mediated inflammatory mucosal disorder and is classified as an oral potentially malignant disorder. Some research has shown that apoptosis in OLP cells is similar to a viral infection such as human papillomavirus (HPV). So, the aim of this case‐control study was to investigate the association of high‐risk HPV with OLP. Material and Methods DNA was extracted from 25 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) OLP tissues and 25 FFPE normal oral tissues as case and control groups, respectively. The presence of high‐risk HPV16 and HPV18 DNA was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). p‐value

Background: Due to the widespread utilization of electronic exams, neglecting their quality is a major threat. Assessing the quality of electronic exams plays a decisive role in determining the efficacy of electronic learning.Objectives: This study aimed to assess the quality of electronic exams held at the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.Methods: Following a cross-sectional design, this study included all electronic exams of the electronic test center of Birjand University of Medical Sciences during the academic year of 2020. Reliability, discrimination index (DI), and difficulty index (DIF) of exams were used to assess the quality. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions were used to describe the data.Results: Out of 101 E-exams, 59.4% had appropriate DIF, 61.4% had low DI, and 66.3% had unfavorable reliability. Also, 38.6% of exams had high DIF (easy questions). For all exams, the mean of DIF, DI, and reliability was 0.66±0.14, 0.28±0.08, and 0.56±0.31, respectively. The mean of DI (P= 0.30) and reliability (P= 0.09) was not significantly different based on faculty. The mean of DIF was significantly different according to the faculty (P=0.03).Conclusion: Concerning the quality of e-exams, most problems are related to the DI and reliability. It is recommended to hold empowerment workshops on how to design exam questions for faculty members to get them acquainted with strategies to increase the reliability and discrimination index of the exam.

Abstract Background The X‐ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) is a DNA repair gene. Various studies have examined the association between XRCC1 Arg194Trp polymorphism and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) susceptibility with contradictory results. So, this systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess whether variants of this polymorphism increase the HNSCC risk or not. Recent findings Thirty three studies consisting of 14282 subjects (6012 cases and 8270 controls) were included in this meta‐analysis. Variants of XRCC1 Arg194Trp polymorphism were associated with increased HNSCC risk and the associations were significant based on heterozygous and dominant models (heterozygous model: OR = 1.182, 95%CI = 1.015–1.377, P = 0.032; homozygous model: OR = 1.274, 95%CI = 0.940–1.727, P = 0.119; dominant model: OR = 1.194, 95%CI = 1.027–1.388, P = 0.021; recessive model: OR = 1.181, 95%CI = 0.885–1.576, P = 0.119). There were significant associations between variants of this polymorphism and HNSCC risk based on Asian ethnicity under dominant model, hospital control source under different genetic models, PCR‐RFLP genotyping method under dominant model and oral cavity tumor site under heterozygous and dominant models. Objective The X‐ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) is a DNA repair gene. Various studies have examined the association between XRCC1 Arg194Trp polymorphism and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) susceptibility with contradictory results. So, this systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess whether variants of this polymorphism increase the HNSCC risk or not. Methods A systematic search of the literatures published till April 2022 was conducted using Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase databases. The heterogeneity was assessed with the I‐Square statistic. A random effects model or fixed effects model was used to analyze the data. Data were reported by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The p value was considered significant if p

Abstract Objectives To investigate common pathogenic bacteria of periodontal diseases (PD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its relationship with PD severity, glycemic control and body mass index (BMI). Material and Methods This case–control study consisted of 55 patients with T2DM and 55 individuals as control. Samples were collected from periodontal pockets. After DNA extraction, using 16srRNA‐specific primers, the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) were examined based on polymerase chain reaction method. Results Aa frequency was significantly higher in in T2DM group than control. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of Pg, Tf, Pi, and Fn between studied groups. There were no significant differences between frequencies of studied bacteria in different severities of periodontitis in T2DM group. Prevalence of Tf in T2DM patients with moderate periodontitis was significantly higher than non‐diabetics with moderate periodontitis. There was no significant difference between the frequency of bacteria in diabetics with good and poor glycemic control. There was a significant difference between the frequencies of Pg in T2DM individuals with different BMI levels. Conclusions A higher frequency of detection of Aa was found in diabetic when compared to non‐diabetics. Glycemic control did not affect the frequency distribution of studied bacteria in T2DM. Pg was identified in higher frequency in overweight T2DM patients.

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a genetic disorder. A heterogeneous group of benign and malignant neoplasms are associated with NF-1. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an extremely rare invasive malignancy. The association of ACC with NF1 is not well understood. Case Presentation: We report a case of ACC in the context of NF1 in a 39- year-old woman who referred with the chief complaint of a mass in left abdomen. A left adrenal lesion was diagnosed by CT scan. Biochemical tests showed no abnormality. Adrenalectomy was done and histological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed ACC. Due to the absence of metastasis, clinical stage II was considered for the tumor. On follow-up after six months, she was still alive and well and with no evidence of metastasis. The age of patient and lack of secretion of adrenal cortical hormones in this case were unlike most ACCs. Conclusion: Also, modified Weiss score for malignancy of adrenocortical neoplasms, clinical staging system and different modality of treatment is discussed.

Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor with diverse clinical behavior and histomorphologic presentations. Basal cell ameloblastoma are extremely rare variants of ameloblastoma. Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is a distinct form of odontogenic cyst that is considered a benign cystic neoplasm and not a cyst. Co-occurrence of these odontogenic tumors has been rarely reported.This paper reports a 34-year old female patient with a unilocular radiolucency around the crown of a partially erupted third molar that was detected accidentally on a routine radiographic examination. She underwent excisional biopsy with a clinical diagnosis of dentigerous cyst. Histopathologic examination revealed a cystic lesion with criteria of OKC and islands and nests reminiscent of basal cell ameloblastoma and acanthomatous ameloblastoma in the stroma. Follow-up showed no recurrence of lesion to date. Due to the rarity of the lesion, the diagnosis was challenging but altogether we made a diagnosis of keratoameloblastoma with basaloid features.

Abstract 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.

Objectives Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel pandemic. Considerable differences in disease severity and the mortality rate have been observed in different parts of the world. The present study investigated the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Iran. Methods We established a retrospective cohort to study hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Iran. Epidemiological, imaging, laboratory, and clinical characteristics and outcomes were recorded from medical documents. The chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. A p0.05). However, mortality showed significant relationships with body mass index; age; history of hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), pulmonary disease, and cancer; and abnormal high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings (p

Abstract 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.

Introduction: Curriculum needs to be re-evaluated during implementation Graduates' low ability can be related to non-compliance of curriculum content with job need. This study sought to investigate the degree of compliance of content of the general dentistry curriculum with job needs from perspective of Dentists in Birjand and their skills. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the academic year 2020 in Birjand. Target group was general dentists in Birjand, namely census sampling. Data were gathered through a researcher-made questionnaire with three sections like this: demographic information, degree of compliance of curriculum content with job need (including 6 subgroups, 93 questions of theoretical courses before and after basic sciences, practical courses before and after basic sciences, pre-clinic courses and internship courses) and skill of dentist at beginning of work (51 items) with 5-point Likert scale The link of electronic questionnaire was sent for dentists via social media (Telegram and WhatsApp). Data were assessed by descriptive statistics Using excel 2013 software. Results: Seventy four questionnaire were completed and analyzed. In basic sciences course, the two lessons of anatomical sciences (3.565 ± 0.882) as well as oral health and society (3.42 ± 0.961) had the most and parasitology (2.116 ± 0.85) and biochemistry (2.159 ± 0.98) had the lowest compliance with job need. In other lessons, compliance with job need was favorable. The dentists' skill level was very low on treatment of the opened sinus, medical emergencies, construction of orthodontic plaque, and crown lengthening. Conclusion: Due to the low degree of compliance of theoretical and practical courses in basic sciences, the use of novel pedagogical methods as horizontal or vertical integration of the curriculum seems to be necessary to establish a relationship between basic and clinical sciences.

Abstract 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.

Introduction: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an immunologically mediated mucocutaneous diseases. Langerhans cells (LCs) are antigen presenting cells resident within oral mucosa which, together with intraepithelial lymphocytes, play a role in mucosal defense. The aim of present study was to determine the immunohistochemical expression of LC in oral lichenoid reaction (OLR) and OLP compared with normal oral mucosa (NOM). Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 61 oral mucosal specimens diagnosed histopathologically as OLP (n=31) and OLR (n=30) and 11 NOM were used to study the immunohistochemical expression of CD1a. The CD1a positive LCs in three regions (basal, suprabasal, and connective tissue) were counted in six randomly selected fields. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 24, T-test, ANOVA, LSD, Games-Howell tests. P

Background: Recent researches have provided evidences of the importance of endothelin axis in carcinogenesis. According to our knowledge, no data exists about endothelin A receptor (ETA) expression in dysplastic oral mucosa (DOM). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate immunohistochemical expression of ETA in DOM. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 20 cases of DOM and 20 cases of normal oral mucosa (NOM) were studied. Three-micron sections were prepared from tissue blocks and stained with ETA antibody using immunohistochemistry. Percentage of stained cells and staining intensity were compared between DOM and NOM groups and also between different grades of DOM using Mann-Whitney, Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. Results:In DOM group, 11 cases were stained positive for ETA and in NOM group 17 cases were not stained. Comparison of percentage of stained cells and staining intensity for ETA revealed significant difference between DOM and NOM groups (P=0.01 and 0.02, respectively). There were significant differences among different grades of DOM with respect to the percentage of stained cells (P=0.001) and staining intensity (P=0.02), so that higher grades showed greater expression for ETA. Conclusion:Our results supported ETA receptor role in the initiation of carcinogenesis process in oral cavity.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19 in dentists and dental assistants and their associated signs and symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey from 9th to 23th May 2020. The sample size was 385. The questionnaire was registered at Porsline website. The questionnaire included questions about infection of dentists, dental assistants and their families with COVID-19, signs and symptoms, paraclinical tests, and treatments. The data were entered into Excel and SPSS software and analyzed using logistic regression test. Results: From all responding dentists, 15.8% were suspected of having covid-19. Based on symptoms, only 1.6% of dentists were highly suspicious for COVID-19. Only 0.78% of dentists were definitely positive for COVID-19 based on paraclinical tests. Symptoms were often very mild to moderate in severity. Among dental assistants, 5.5% were suspected of having COVID-19. Based on symptoms, none of dentists’ assistants were highly suspicious for COVID-19. None of dental assistants were definitely positive for COVID-19 based on paraclinical tests. Symptoms were often very mild to moderate in severity. Logistic regression showed that the odds of infection with Corona was higher in government-sector dentists than in the private sector (OR: 1.189; 95% C.I: 0.812-1.742), in specialist dentists than in general (OR: 1.903; 95% C.I: 0.532-2.245), and in dentists between the ages of 30-60 years old than under the age of 30 (OR: 3.647; 95% C.I: 0.840-15.835). Conclusion: Despite the fact that dentistry is a high-risk job for COVID-19 infection, the overall prevalence of COVID-19 in dentists and their assistants might be very low and the severity of symptoms in case of infection is probably mild.

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.

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 μm²; 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.

Background and purpose: Endothelin axis (endothelin or ET) including endothelin A receptor (ETA) play a major role as the regulator of vessels tone and tissue differentiation and development. There are evidences of the importance of endothelin axis in carcinogenesis. No data exists about comparison of ETA expression between dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). So, the aim of this study was to compare immunohistochemical expression of ETA between these two groups. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 20 cases of dysplastic oral mucosa and 21 cases of OSCCs were investigated. Three micron sections were prepared from tissue blocks and stained with ETA antibody using immunohistochemistry. Percentage of stained cells and staining intensity were compared between the groups applying Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square tests. Results: In dysplasia group, 11 cases stained for ETA while in OSCC group all cases stained. Comparison of percentage of stained cells and their semi quantitative classification showed significant differences between the two groups (P=0.02 and P=0.005, respectively) such that ETA expression was higher in OSCC than dysplasia. Staining intensity for ETA was significantly higher in OSCC group (P=0.006). There were significant differences between ETA expression in mild and moderate dysplasia with carcinoma. Conclusion: Our results support the role of ETA receptor in progression of dysplasia toward OSCC.

Introduction:Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is an odontogenic cyst that sometimes shows aggressive behavior, while dentigerous cyst (DC) always has a benign nonaggressive course. There are evidences that myofibroblasts are involved in invasion and their role in biologic behavior of odontogenic cysts has been less understood. So, the aim of the present study was to compare the role of myofibroblasts in COC and DC. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 20 COCs and 20 DCs were studied. Four-micron sections were prepared from tissue blocks and stained with α-SMA antibody using immunohistochemistry. Percentages of myofibroblasts were semi quantitatively classified into negative (50% of cells were positive). Percentage of myofibroblasts was compared between COC and DC groups using t-test and Chi-Square statistical tests. Results:Means of myofibroblasts percentages in COC and DC groups were respectively 35±33 and 32±30 that did not show significant difference between COC and DC groups (P=0.76). There was not any significant difference between COC and DC groups with respect to semi quantitative classification of percentage of myofibroblasts (P=0.62). Conclusion:Myofibroblasts probably do not play a significant role in different biologic behaviors of calcifying odontogenic and dentigerous cysts.

Background: Recent research has provided evidences indicating the importance of endothelin axis in carcinogenesis. According to our knowledge, there are little information about endothelin A receptor (ETA) expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). So, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of ETA in OSCC and normal oral mucosa (NOM). Methods:In this cross-sectional study, studied group composed of paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 21 OSCCs and 20 NOMs. Four micron sections were prepared from tissue blocks and stained with ETA antibody using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Percentage of stained cells and staining intensity were compared between OSCC and NOM groups and also between different grades of OSCC using Mann-Whitney, Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. Results:In OSCC group, all cases showed positive staining for ETA while in NOM group, 17 cases showed no staining. Comparison of the percentage of stained cells and staining intensity for ETArevealed a significant difference between OSCC and NOM groups (p

Background: The use of electronic exams (E-exams) has benefits in educational systems. The views of critical stakeholders, including faculty members, around E-exams should be taken into consideration in order to derive the most benefits. Due to the recent expansion of the use of E-exams at the Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), this study was conducted to assess faculty members ‘ attitude towards and satisfaction with E-exams. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all faculty members at the university using a census sampling method. A researcher-created questionnaire with demographic, attitude, and satisfaction sections was used to collect the data. The content validity index and the content validity ratio were used to assess validity, and Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess reliability. Scoring was based on a 5-point Likert scale. SPSS was used to analyze the data using t-test and ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Of the 126 faculty members who participated, 56.3% were women and 43.7% were men. The mean score of faculty members’ attitude was 69.19±9.51 and their satisfaction score was 33.27±5.00. A significant difference was found in the mean score of attitude by faculty (P=0.038). A positive correlation was found between attitude and satisfaction (r=0.537), and attitude and satisfaction with work experience (r=0.002 and r=0.233, respectively) which indicates that the correlation between attitude and satisfaction was significant (P

Introduction: Eosinophils produce proteases that stimulate invasion in cancers. Due to the more malignant potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), the aim of the present study was to compare tissue eosinophilia between OSCC and CSCC samples to understand whether tissue eosinophilia play a role in different biological behavior of OSCC and CSCC. Also, we assessed the relation between clinical stage and mean eosinophil counts. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included histopathological slides of 30 OSCC, 30 CSCC, 15 normal skin and 15 normal oral mucosa samples. The mean number of eosinophil per square millimeter (eos/mm2) was calculated and the severity of tissue eosinophilia was accordingly categorized into absent/mild and sever. Clinical stages of OSCC and CSCC samples were extracted from archived files. Results: There was significant relationship between mean eosinophil count and clinical stage in both OSCC and CSCC groups (p

Introduction: Ischemia-associated depression and anxiety may occur due to brain damage caused by oxidative stress. A number of reports indicated that treatment with herbal plant extracts with antioxidant properties could lead to a significant reduction in Ischemic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behaviors of ischemic rats through animal models of anxiety and exploratory behavior (open field) to determine the efficiency of pomegranate seed extract (PGSE) as antioxidant. Methods: In this study, 21 male Wistar rats (250 ± 20 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 7 in each: 1) Control; 2) Ischemic; 3) Ischemic plus PGSE (14 days). In order to create ischemia/hypoperfusion, carotid arteries were ligatured and cut bilaterally. Then, plus maze and open-field tests were used for the measurement. Results: Ischemic rats showed a significant increase in anxiety or decrease approach and reduction locomotor activity compared to control group. Fourteen days administration of PGSE significantly improved the immobilization and ischemia-induced anxiety. Conclusion: PGSE exhibits therapeutic potential for anxiety and depression, which is most likely related, at least in part, to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging actions.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 is a new viral outbreak in the world. Dentists and their assistants are at greatest risk of exposure to the virus, due to close contact with patients and dealing with aerosols. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplementary protective equipment (SPE) and observance of the principles of infection control (PIC) in dentists and their assistants before and after the corona crisis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey from May 6 to 20, 2020. Convenience sampling was used to select individuals. The questionnaire, consisting of four general categories about the use of PPE and SPE and the observance of PIC by dentists and their assistants before and after corona crisis, was registered at Porsline website (https://survey.porsline.ir/s/KUt7VQB). Frequencies in each subcategory were calculated and comparisons were done using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and paired sample t-test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the frequency of use of PPE by dentists before and after corona crisis for oral and dental examination and also dental procedures (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in the frequency of use of SPE and observance of PIC before and after corona crisis, except for different types of suction types (P = 0.22), dental handpiece (P = 0.66), and dental unit (P = 1). There were significant differences in the frequency of use of PPE by dental assistants before and after corona crisis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although the frequency of use of PPE and observance of PIC increased among dentists and their assistants, this increase is not sufficient, especially for dental assistants, and a higher level of use of PPE and PIC observance in face of highly contagious and life-threatening viruses such as corona is required.

Introduction: Differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is an initial and very important event in tumor genesis. Myofibroblasts produce proteinases that stimulate invasion in cancers. Due to the more malignant potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) , the aim of the present study was to compare myofibroblasts between OSCC and CSCC to understand whether myofibroblasts can help more malignant potential of OSCC compared to CSCC or not. Materials &Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 cases of OSCC and CSCC and 20 cases of normal skin and normal oral mucosa. Then, 4-micron sections of paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of studied groups were stained immunohistochemically with α-SMA antibody. Mean percentage of myofibroblasts was calculated in invasive fronts of OSCCs with CSCCs and also in normal samples and staining intensity of cells for α-SMA marker and distribution pattern of myofibroblasts were determined. Results: The differences of average percentage of myofibroblasts in OSCC and CSCC compared to normal groups were significant (Pvalue=0.007and Pvalue=0.003 respectively), but when we compared OSCCs and CSCCs, the difference was not significant. Also, there were no significant differences between OSCC and CSCC with regard to staining intensity and pattern. Conclusion: Different biologic behavior of OSCC compared to CSCC doesn’t depend on myofibroblasts and other factors can be involved.

Background and Aim: Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT), formerly known as odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), is a developmental odontogenic cyst with an invasivebehavior and high recurrence rate. Radicular cyst (RC) is an inflammatory non-invasive dental cyst, with no tendency to recurrence. Bcl2-associated X (BAX) protein acts as an apoptotic activator (pro-apoptotic protein), disrupts the integrity of mitochondrial membrane, and leads to the loss of outer membrane and release of cytochrome c from the inner membrane into the cytosol. Since KCOT is more aggressive and has a greater tendency to recurrence than RC, the aim of this study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of BAX protein in the epithelial lining of RC and KCOT. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, paraffinized blocks of 17 RCs and 17 KCOTs fixed in 10% formalin were used (all KCOT samples were non-inflammatory and non-syndromic). After confirming the diagnoses by reviewing the slides, tissuespecimens with sufficient length of epithelium were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for BAX marker. Then, the stained cells were randomly counted in five high power fields. Analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 21 via Student's t-test and chi-test. Results: Percentages of staining for BAX marker were 16.4±9.4% and 66.4±12.3% in the epithelial lining of KCOT and RC, respectively and there was a significant difference between them (P

Introduction: Metastatic lesions of the oral cavity are extremely rare, accounting for approximately 1% of all malignant oral tumors. The most common primary sources of metastatic tumors in the oral region are, from the most to the least common, the breast, lung, kidney, bone, and colon. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for nearly 3% of all adult malignancies. It usually metastasizes to the lungs, bone, adrenal glands, and regional lymph nodes. The incidence of metastasis from renal cell carcinoma to the head and neck region is very low. The tongue is considered a very rare atypical ear, nose, and throat (ENT) location for metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. The present case from Iran reports tongue metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Case Report: The following report is based on an 80-year old male patient with a tongue lesion and ambiguous past medical history that ultimately leads to diagnosis of a metastatic RCC. We also updated a previous literature review that was published 2008. A histopathological differential diagnosis for clear-cell tumors is also discussed. Conclusion: Because of the rarity of metastatic tumors of the oral region as well as the presence of other lesions with clear cells, diagnosis of metastatic clear-cell RCC in the oral cavity can be very difficult and challenging.