sareh farhadi

In dentistry, acquiring knowledge, communication skills, and professional manual skills requires a favorable learning environment. This study aimed to investigate the association of decision-making styles and socioemotional skills in senior dental students (5th semester and higher) of Tehran Islamic Azad University.

This cross-sectional study evaluated 149 senior dental students. Their demographic information was collected, and they were asked to fill out the Melbourne Decision Making questionnaire (MDMQ), and Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES) questionnaire to assess their social-emotional skills. The validity and reliability of the instruments were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and correlations were calculated between the scores of the MDMQ and SSES subscales, and P values < 0.05 were considered significant.   

A significant correlation was observed between SSES and MDMQ scores with a rho coefficient of 0.193 (P<0.018). Assertiveness presented positive correlations with MDMQ with a rho coefficient of 0.252 (P<0.002). A positive correlation was also found between tolerance skills and sociability skills with correlation coefficients of rho=0.145 and rho=0.141, respectively (P<0. 00). Significant correlations were observed between decision-making styles and the subscales of creativity (P<0.021) and trust skills (P<0.04), respectively.

A significant relationship was found between dental students' socioemotional skills and decision-making styles. Training that involves creativity and trust skills might be crucial for future decision-making by dental students.

Ameloblastoma (AM) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) are common lesions with a high recurrence rate. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates cell proliferation and survival. Considering the controversial results of previous studies regarding the expression of EGFR in odontogenic cysts, this study aimed to compare the expression of EGFR in AM and OKC.  

In this descriptive study, 49 specimens (20 AM and 26 OKC) were evaluated. Five micrometer sections were made for immunohistochemical staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using super-sensitive one-step polymer-HRP. Expression of EGFR was first assessed quantitatively by measuring the count of membrane- and/or cytoplasm-stained epithelial cells in AM  (ameloblastoma-like cells, stellate reticulum, and all epithelial cell layers) and OKC (basal layer, suprabasal and basal layers, and all epithelial cell layers). Next, each specimen's mean percentage of stained cells was scored and classified into four groups (less than 5%, 5-25%, 25-50%, and more than 50% stained cells). Data were analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test to compare the mean EGFR expression and the percentage of stained cells. The Chi-square test was used to compare the location of EGFR expression.

The mean percentage of EGFR expression was 81.39±10.41% in AM and 78.05±19.27% in OKC. The results showed no significant difference between AM and OKC regarding EGFR expression, EGFR score (P=0.141), or EGFR expression in different layers (P=0.303).   

EGFR expression showed no significant difference between AM and OKC.

Denture stomatitis (DS) is a chronic mucosa inflammation that supports removable dentures. Candida albicans is the most critical factor in the pathogenesis of DS. Systemic antifungal drugs such as nystatin are effective in people with acute candidiasis. Yet, in cases of predisposing factors such as a denture, nystatin cannot completely control the infection, and recurrences are common.

In this study, the resistance and sensitivity of oral C. albicans species to nystatin were evaluated, and the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was investigated on the nystatin-resistant specimens.

This in vitro study was performed on 20 C. albicans specimens isolated from patients with denture stomatitis. After confirmation of C. albicans and in vitro biofilm preparation, nystatin was applied to the biofilm. The results were recorded as minimum growth inhibitory concentration (MIC) using Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standard protocol, and the specimens with MIC of more than 1 µg/mL were categorized as resistant. Then, biofilms were re-formed for nystatin-resistant specimens exposed to AgNPs, and MIC results were reported.

This study revealed that 8 C. albicans specimens (40%) represented a MIC of more than 1 µg/mL when exposed to nystatin. The results of AgNPs exposure to this group showed significantly higher efficiency of AgNPs than nystatin (P < 0.05). AgNPs can reduce the MIC of 6 nystatin-resistant specimens (75% of all resistant specimens).

Both nystatin and AgNPs are effective against Candida biofilms formed on denture surfaces. However, AgNPs seem more effective in the case of resistant species.

  A decrease in the width and height of the alveolar ridge is inevitable following tooth extraction. This study aimed to histologically evaluate the amount of newly formed bone after using a freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) at two different intervals in the tooth socket grafting.

Forty patients were selected, who required a single-rooted tooth extraction and were candidates for implant placement, with no indication for an immediate implant. Extraction sockets were preserved using a cortical FDBA allograft in two regeneration interval groups: 3 months (group A) and 4 months (group B). At the time of implant placement, a bone sample was collected from each grafted socket. Histomorphometric analyses were performed to determine the percentage of newly formed bone and the residual graft material. Changes in histological indices, i.e., inflammation rate, percentage of ossification, and the amount of remaining biomaterial, were evaluated.

  There were no significant differences in the amount of newly formed bone and residual graft material between the two groups. In general, the average of new bone formation and remaining graft particles in groups A and B was: %33.89 and %12.59 vs. %39.83 and %14.07, respectively.

  Bone parameters in group A were better compared to group B. However, due to the lack of significant differences in the results, it is suggested that implant placement in grafted sockets with mineralized allografts be expedited.

Conventional cancer treatments usually have complex complications. Also, the resistance of cancer cells to treatments is a special point that indicates the need for alternative therapies such as the use of herbal compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effect of aqueous extract of Persia rose on oral cancer cell line.

In this experimental study, the toxicity effect of aqueous extract of Persia rose with different concentrations over 48 hours and repeated 5 times on the viability of human oral carcinoma cells (NCBI cell line No # C152) and Normal gingival fibroblast cells (HF2FF cell line) were examined by MTT method and finally, the optical density of the solution obtained at 570 nm was read by Elisa Reader. The results were evaluated using Two Way ANOVA test and Tukey POST HOC test was used to compare concentrations.

The results showed that the aqueous extract of Persia rose had a negative effect on the viability of cancer cell line compared to the control group and reduced the viability of cancer cells. This effect was inversely related to increasing the extract concentration. However, this effect did not show a statistically significant difference (p> 0.05). Decreased viability in normal gingival fibroblasts was also observed due to the use of different concentrations of the extract (p> 0.05). Two-way ANOVA test showed that the interaction between the independent variable (extract concentration) and the dependent variable (cell viability) was not significant depending on the independent variable (cancer cell type or healthy) (p> 0.8).

It seems Persia rose extract cause reduction of cancer cells and normal gingival fibroblasts viability.

faculty members should be competent experts and knowledgeable in their specializations and become skillful in teaching and professional attitude. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Medical Education Course in the Education Development Center of the deputy of medical sciences Islamic Azad University. Using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model in spring 2021.

A sample of 45 faculty members from all over the country was selected by random sampling method. Pre-test and post-test, and feedback questionnaires were used to evaluate the effectiveness of training. At the reaction level, the feedback questionnaire was used, which confirmed its validity and reliability. A researcher-made questionnaire was validated by a group of medical education experts for pre-test and post-test, and reliability was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha. For data analysis, paired t-test and regression tests with SPSS24 were used.

The study revealed that the training conducted had resulted in evidence to two of the four levels of Kirkpatrick’s model. The reactions to the training received on average 4.48 of the 5-point Likert scale that revealed overall positive feedback on the evaluation. Pre and post-test to determine learning resulted in a significant increase in knowledge p <0.000. 

Reffer to Kirkpatrick’s model, Medical Education course  of faculty members,revealed overall positive feedback and a significant increase in their knowledge and attitude.

Determining the cause of death among drug addicts in Residential Rehab Campuses (RRCs) is of paramount importance, since it may prevent and reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, the present study was done to investigate the cause of death among drug addicts in RRCs in Kahrizak Dissection Hall, Tehran Province, Iran, from September 2011 to September 2019.

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total number of 166 drug addicts, who had died in the RRCs located in Tehran, Iran were examined, and the findings were analyzed using the SPSS v. 26. Moreover, the Chi-square test was utilized to compare the results.

In this study, the most important causes of death, were infections, drug side effects, Myocardial Infarction (MI), and drowning, respectively. The highest frequency of death had occurred in the 31-40-year-old age group and was mostly observed in unmarried individuals. The most common causes of death were infection among the single and divorced ones and were MI for married cases. Toxicological results were generally negative in 60.84% of the cases. Also, 86.74% of the cases were non-pathological with regard to the brain tissue samples and 65.66% of the individuals had no pathological cardiac lesions. Besides, the most common microscopic findings of the lungs were associated with pulmonary edema. In the trauma group and also drug side effects and drowning groups, the most frequent pathological findings were pulmonary hemorrhage and pulmonary edema, respectively. As a whole, 69.87% of the deaths had occurred in the RRCs and 55.42% of them were assumed natural in terms of mode of occurrence.

The majority of the deaths in the RRCs should not have occurred if the given centers were authorized and the illegal centers were closed. Moreover, these centers should have proper management with the presence of resident physicians and trained medical staff as well as necessary medical equipment, proper nutrition, no access to drugs and other illicit substances, along with adherence to hygienic principles to minimize mortality rates among the drug addicts living in the RRCs.

The prevalence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has thus far forced most schools and universities to change their conventional teaching methods and to encourage virtual education. The present study aimed to investigate the attitudes of faculty members and students of dentistry, at Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Science, towards virtual education of theoretical courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this study, a total number of 300 faculty members and students of dentistry, at Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Science, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. The sampling was also performed using proportional stratified random sampling technique. The data were further collected by an electronic designed questionnaire which its validity and reliability were approved referred to Tabatabaee et. Al study with Cronbach α=0.7 using test-retest method. The results were analysed via the independent-samples t-test and Q-square test.

Among the participants, 96 cases (32%) were faculty members and 204 individuals (68%) were students of dentistry. Of the faculty members, there were 40 men (41.7%) and 56 women (58.3%). With regard to the students’ gender, 86 respondents (42.2%) were male and 118 cases (57.8%) were female. Out of 204 students, 83 cases (40.7%) were enrolled in the basic science courses and 121 respondents (59.3%) were taking clinical ones. With regard to the virtual education of theoretical courses, the attitudes of the faculty members and the students of dentistry in terms of the effectiveness of virtual education and the associated factors as well as the subjective-emotional factors demonstrated a significant difference (p<0.05), Nevertheless, the attitudes of the faculty members and the students on the challenges of virtual education were not significantly different (p>0.05).

According to the study results, virtual education can be practiced as favorable among faculty members compared with students of dentistry. Failure to establish face-to-face communication between teachers and students along with hardware problems can be thus deemed as barriers in this respect.

One of the concerns of cell phone users is prolonged exposure to harmful and potentially carcinogenic waves. This study was aimed to investigate the correlation between amount of cell phone use and related factors with percentage of micronucleus containing cells.

This descriptive study was conducted on selected patients referring to Islamic Azad University Faculty of Dentistry using cell phones regarding related inclusion and exclusion criteria. Papanicolaou staining method was approached for mucosal smears of samples and frequency of micronucleus containing cells and also, frequency of micronucleus in each cell were recorded for each sample; then, correlation of these findings with amount of daily cell phone usage was statistically analyzed using the calculation of Pearson correlation coefficient and preparation of regression analysis (backward) with significant level of lower than 0.05.

Of 100 samples, the frequency of micronucleus containing cells was 2.94% ± 1.89% and the frequency of micronucleus in each cell was 1.02% ± 1.68%. The amount of cell phone usage was significantly correlated with the frequency of micronucleus containing cells (r = 0.70, P = 0.0001) and also with the frequency of micronucleus in each cell (r = 0.57, P = 0.0001). Also, age and sex were not significantly correlated with the frequency of micronucleus containing cells (P = 0.47 and 0.32) and also with the frequency of micronucleus in each cell, respectively (P = 0.16 and 0.27).

The present study showed that the increased amount of cell phone usage had a strong and significant correlation with the higher frequency of the micronucleus containing cells and the higher frequency of micronucleus in each cell in the buccal mucosa. Also, the related factors as age and sex were not significantly correlated with the frequency of micronucleus containing buccal mucosa cells.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic autoimmune disease. In the present study, we tried to correlate the histopathological criteria of WHO and modified WHO (mod.WHO) classification systems using two methods, namely, intraobserver and interobserver observations in these samples.

This cross‑sectional study was performed on 64 microscopic slides with the diagnosis of the OLP lesions, based on both clinical and histopathological features. At first, each pathologist individually (as intraobserver) examined microscopic slides based on both histopathologic diagnostic criteria. Later, three pathologists in a group (as interobserver) reevaluated microscopic slides 2 months later in the second phase of the study, based on both systems. Eventually, the findings were statistically analyzed with Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ) and reported.

According to the results, the lichen planus was detected in 8 cases using the WHO method, and in 41 cases using the Mod.WHO method. Intrarater Kappa coefficients were κ = 0.114, P = 0.299; κ = 0.181, P = 0.012; and κ = 0.062, P = 0.424 for three pathologists, respectively. The findings showed no reproducibility (κ = 0.148, P = 0.024) and there was no correlation between the two systems. Statistical analysis revealed that the histopathological criteria of the WHO classification for detecting the lichen planus microscopy were more sensitive but the Mod.WHO classification criteria were more specific for detecting the lichen planus.

Due to the higher specificity of the histopathological criteria of Mod.WHO classification rather than WHO classification, it seems that Mod.WHO classification has more important and useful criteria for histopathological diagnosis. Finally, we can conclude that the use histopathologic criteria of the Mod.WHO classification is more useful in the diagnosis of lichen planus, although it should be in combination with clinical information.

 A correlation is suggested between oral lichen planus (OLP) and the human papillomavirus (HPV) with possible malignant transformation potential in OLP.

 The present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of HPV-16 and HPV-18 as the most recognized oncogenic subtypes and relatively recently introduced subtype HPV33 in OLP samples.

 This retrospective study was carried out on 32 OLP samples (consisting of 12 reticular and 20 erosive forms) and 20 healthy oral mucosa samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was undertaken to identify HPV Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). Subsequently, the samples positive for HPV DNA underwent PCR analysis again with the specific primers. The data were analyzed statistically by Fisher’s exact test regarding the significance level of lower than 0.05.

 Eight out of 32 OLP samples (25%) and none of the 20 normal mucosa samples (0%) exhibited HPV DNA. The presence of HPV in the OLP group was significantly higher than that in the normal mucosa (P = 0.014). Also, all the samples that exhibited HPV DNA were registered as the erosive form. Besides, one sample (3.12%) exhibited the 873-bp band, which was attributed to HPV-18, and 7 samples (21.87%) exhibited the 300-bp band, which was attributed to HPV-33.

 Based on the recent findings in the current study of the Iranian population, the presence of high-risk HPV subtypes, whether primarily or as a secondary infection, can suggest the malignant transformation potential for the studied OLP samples. The exclusive presence of these subtypes in the erosive type of this lesion and the noticeable presence of HPV-33 might reflect this issue’s importance. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the possibility of a higher proliferation rate of HPV in erosive lichen planus and identify its possible malignant transformation mechanism.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a mucocutaneous disease characterized by inflammation leading to severe damage to the epithelial basal layer. This report describes a case of a 65-year-old Iranian female with a complaint of multifocal white lesions on the buccal and tongue mucosa with a reticular pattern and a focal pseudomembranous appearance (similar to thrush), together with burning symptoms for fourteen months. The patient was using topical fluocinolone acetonide 0.1%, two to three times a day at least for six months to control the ulcers and erythema. Molecular analysis of the thrush sample revealed Candida glabrata as the causative agent. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of OLP. The minimum inhibitory concentration analysis was performed according to CLSI-M60 and revealed that this C. glabrata isolate was multidrug-resistant (resistant to nystatin, fluconazole, micafungin, and caspofungin). Finally, this patient was treated with amphotericin B oral suspension (0.5 g/5 ml) thrice daily for 14 days. The thrush disappeared completely and the patient no longer had any pain or burning sensations. Candida glabrata, the second most common cause of candidemia, is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans that causes systemic as well as, mucosal and superficial infections. This case is the first case of OLP accompanied by multidrug-resistant C. glabrata.

Compare with Dentigerous cyst, Odontogenic Keratocyst is one of exclusive developmental cyst with unique clinical and histopathologic features. Considering the determining role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cell proliferation and survival, and the controversial results of previous studies regarding the expression of this marker by the odontogenic cysts, this study aimed to compare the expression of EGFR marker by Dentigerous cyst (DC) and odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) as two lesions with more common neoplastic transformation.  

In this experimental study, 49 specimens (23 DCs and 26 OKCs) were evaluated. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using EGFR antibody. Evaluation of EGFR expression was made regarding to Tie-JUN Li et al. So, The location of EGFR expression in the epithelial cells ( Basal layers, Suprabasal & basal , All layeres) were assessed through histopathologic sections.. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, t-test and chi-square test.

In The present Study, of 49 evaluated cases, the mean percentage of EGFR expression was 58.20±17.97% in the 23 DC and 78.05±19.27% in the 26 OKC specimens. The EGFR expression of OKC was significantly higher than DC (P=0.001). However, the Mann-Whitney test showed no significant difference regarding EGFR score (P=0.144). The chi-square test revealed no significant difference in expression of EGFR in the basal layer, basal and suprabasal layers and all layers (P=0.524).

The expression of EGFR marker in OKC was significantly higher than in DC, which may justify the progressive growth potential of OKC.

Nowadays, different clinical behaviors of odontogenic cysts, little information about their biological agents, importance of diagnosis, and early diagnosis of these lesions have encouraged the researchers to conduct new studies. JunB acts as a regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein production and affects vessel proliferation and tissue angiogenesis. Hence, this study was conducted to compare angiogenesis through VEGF and JunB expression in odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and dentigerous cysts (DCs).

A total of 25 paraffin blocks of OKCs and 25 DCs were included in this experimental descriptive cross‑sectional study, and immunohistochemical expression of VEGF and JunB was evaluated. Percentage and score of expression were recorded for each sample, and independent t‑test, Mann–Whitney U, and Spearman statistical tests were run to analyze the data. The statistical significance level was set at <0.05.

From 50 studied samples, 39.6% belonged to women and 60.4% belonged to men, with mean age of 34.2 ± 1.7 years. The mean percentages of JunB expression were 52.88 ± 17.35 and 74.6 ± 18.55 for DC and OKC samples, respectively. This expression was significantly higher in OKC than DC, and it had significantly higher scores as well (P = P = 0.0001 and 0.00033, respectively). The means of VEGF were 20.2% ±11.86 and 52.6% ±19.98 in DC and OKC samples, respectively. The mean VEGF expression was significantly higher in OKC than DC (P = 0.045), and it had significantly higher scores, too (P = 0.000). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between VEGF and JunB expression in the studied samples (rs = 0.3 and P = 0.005).

Based on the results of this study, it seems evaluation of angiogenesis through JunB expression can be helpful in the prediction of more aggressive behavior in pathologic lesions such as OKC.

Giant cell Granulomas (central and peripheral) are two fairly common lesions of the oral cavity with uncertain etiology and pathogenesis. As well, the reason for their different biologic behavior is not well understood yet. This study aimed to review the immunohistochemical profile of giant cell granuloma and its correlation with pathogenesis and biologic behavior. The articles in scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect published between 2010 to April 2019, were searched by using relevant keywords including giant cell granuloma, pathogenesis, and biologic behavior. Twenty seven articles which used immunohistochemistry technique were reviewed regarding immunoexpression of protein in different type of cells, difference of expression between groups, correlation between expression of the marker and biologic behavior and pathogenesis. According to the findings of the reviewed studies, angiogenic markers had positive relation with behavior and pathogenesis in 55.5% and 33.3% of the studies, respectively. Review of the proteins related to osteoclastogenesis demonstrated that 45.4% and 77.2% of the studied proteins had positive relation with behavior and pathogenesis, respectively. Regarding the cell cycle proteins, 42.8% and 57.1% of the articles showed positive and negative correlation with biologic behavior, respectively. However, 85.7% of the studies observed no obvious correlation with pathogenesis. It seems that osteoclastogenesis and the related proteins and its signaling pathways has the greatest correlation with pathogenesis. In addition, the most relevant factor to biologic behavior was angiogenesis.

Sialolithiasis is a common disease of the major salivary glands، characterized by the obstruction of a salivary gland or its excretory duct due to the formation of calcareous concretions. Sialoliths usually measure from 1 mm to <10 mm. They rarely measure more than 15 mm، and infrequently giant salivary gland calculi >15 mm have been reported in the literature. The submandibular gland and its duct appear to be the most susceptible sites for this disease. In this article، we report two unique cases، including a giant bilateral case، measuring 50 mm in length and 5 mm in width on the right side and one، 30 mm in length، and 5 mm in width on the left side; and another case، measuring 83 mm in length. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches consisted of transocclusal radiography with the conservative transoral surgical technique in both cases. The follow-up showed the normal function of the relevant salivary glands. To the best of our knowledge and belief، similar cases have not been reported in the literature.

Diabetic patients display an increased risk of oral disorders, and oral health related quality of life (OHRQL) might affect their management and treatment modalities. The aim of the present study was to determine OHRQL and associated parameters in patients with diabetes. In this study two hundred patients were recruited from the diabetes clinic in Mustafa Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran. OHRQL was assessed using Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire (OHIP-20). Also, another questionnaire was designed which contained questions regarding participants’ knowledge about oral complications of diabetes and oral health behavior. OHRQL was categorized as low and good. Data were analyzed using logistic regression at P = 0.05. Of the diabetic patients assessed, 77.5% were in good and 22.5% were in low categories of OHRQL. This quality was significantly associated with age (OR = 4.03, 95% CI = 1.63‒11.29), knowledge about diabetes oral complications (OR = 18.17 95% CI = 4.42‒158.6), educational level (OR = 26.31 95% CI = 4.2‒1080.3), referred for dental visit by physician (OR = 3.16 95% CI = 1.48‒6.69), frequency of brushing (OR = 10.29 95% CI = 3.96‒31.2) and length of time diagnosed with diabetes (OR = 6.21 95% CI = 2.86‒13.63). Oral health related quality of life was not negatively affected by diabetes mellitus in the assessed sample.

Statement of the Problem: The head and neck region is an uncommon site for metastatic involvement, but it can be the first and only symptom of primary cancer. The incidence of these tumors and their primary origins are limited in Iranian patients. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to investigate the frequency and the common related clinical manifestations, as well as, the most common types of cancers and the prevalent sites of the primary tumor. All medical records related to patients with history of head and neck tumors between 1991 and 2011 at Iran Cancer Institute were evaluated and the essential information was statistically analyzed. Sixty cases of cervical lymph node metastasis (0.36%) and 26 cases of head and neck metastatic tumors (0.16%) including 17 cases of distant cancer (0.10%) were recorded among all 16232 registered cancers. Out of all distant head and neck metastatic tumors, 4 cases were related to oral and maxillofacial area. Pain, swelling of neck, oral mucosa ulcer and dryness were the chief complaints. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were the most frequent types of cancers. The most common metastatic sites were cervical musculature, scalp and parotid gland, and the most prevalent sites of primary tumor in females were breast and lung in males. According to these cases, the incidence rate of head and neck metastatic tumors seems to be low. However, feasible similarity of clinical presentation of oral metastatic lesions to benign lesions might result in misdiagnosis. Hence, biopsy is mandatory in any case with unusual clinical presentation, especially in patients with a known malignant disease.

Xerostomia is one of the most common complications of head and neck radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of pilocarpine and bromhexine in improving radiotherapy-induced xerostomia and its associated symptoms. In this single-blind, randomized crossover study, pilocarpine and bromhexine tablets were used by twenty-five patients suffered from xerostomia, with a medical history of head and neck radiotherapy. At step A, the patients were treated with pilocarpine for 2 weeks. In addition, they were asked to take bromhexine for 2 weeks with a one-week washout period. At step B, the inverse process was conducted (first bromhexine, then pilocarpine). Whole resting saliva was collected from patients before and after receiving each medication by precise measurements. Then, efficacy of the two drugs in the treatment of xerostomia and its related oral complications was evaluated using questionnaires by Dichotomous format. The results were statistically analyzed using t-student and Fisher’s exact and chi-squared tests. Statistical significance was set at P< 0.05. The difference between saliva secretion rates before and after medications was not significant for bromhexine users at two steps of the study (P=0.35); however, it was significant for pilocarpine users (P=0.0001). Users of both drugs showed significant differences in improvement of xerostomia, chewing, swallowing, tasting and mouth burning. Pilocarpine is probably more effective in improving xerostomia and its associated problems compared with bromhexine, although the use of the latter was also shown to ease some of the consequences of radiotherapy in the head and neck region.

This in vitro study was designed to compare enamel demineralization depths adjacent to bands cemented with zinc polycarboxylate, glass ionomer (GI) and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), in order to achieve minimal enamel demineralization during orthodontic treatment. Sixty fully developed extracted third molars were randomly divided into three test groups each containing 20 samples, used to cement orthodontic bands with zinc polycarboxylate, GI and RMGI. All samples were demineralized using White method using hydroxyapatite, latic acid and Carbapol for in vitro caries simulation, and then, immersed in 10% solution of methylene blue. The mean depth of dye penetration was assessed up to 0.1 millimeter, reflecting the depth of enamel demineralization. One way ANOVA and LSD statistical tests were employed to evaluate significant differences among groups. The highest dye penetration depth was seen in zinc polycarboxylate group, followed by GI, and RMGI groups, respectively, with significant differences among each two groups (P < 0.05). The use of RMGI cement seems to present significantly better prevention of enamel demineralization adjacent to orthodontics bands.

One of the factors that can affect dental caries is the type of diet. So, this study was designed to evaluate the correlation between diet, social factors and dmft in primary school children of Tehran in 2009 and 2010. Eight handred and twenty primary school children of 6-12 years old (boys and girls) in Tehran were randomly selected in this descriptive study and after filling out the forms, underwent dental examinations. The data were analyzed by chi-square and logistic regression tests. The Average dmft in school children was 2/9±1/81, which had a significant correlation with history of pain, dental visit and frequency of brushing (P=0.0281, 0.0119 and 0.0128), respectively, but there was no significant correlation between tendency for dental visit and dmft (P=0.831). Also, dmft was affected by history of pain, dental visit & frequency of brushing using regression values of 1.688, -0.893 & -0.593, respectively. There was a significant correlation between consumption of cariogenic diet and dmft. (P=0.0234) Number of siblings and mother's and father's educational stata also had significant correlations with dmft (P=0.0193, 0.0246, 0.0208 respectively). Number of siblings also had a significant relationship with cariogenic diet and mother's and father's educational stata had significant relationships with the type of diet, respectively (P=0.0319, 0.0257, 0.0197). Oral health care, history of pain and cariogenic type of diet had direct effect on the rate of dmft. Likewise, dmft increased with increase in the number of siblings and lower level of parent's educational status.

Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a benign fibro-osseous lesion which was first described by Menzel in 1872. It is commonly seen in the head and neck regions and represents an aggressive pattern when the midface and paranasal sinuses are involved. We report a 36 years old white woman with ossifying fibroma in the right ethmoid sinus. Computed Tomography (CT) scan images showed a hyperdense mass. Transnasal endoscopic resection was performed and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma. The present case is notable because involvement of the ethmoid sinus is rare in this condition with only 48 cases reported in the literature until June 2011.