Evaluation of Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Saliva of Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

​Statement of the Problem: Patients with leukemia are prone to infectious and often life-threatening complications. Evidence suggests that a specific oral microbiota may contribute to septicemia, which can delay antineoplastic treatment, compromise treatment efficacy, or even endanger patients' lives. Purpose: This study investigated the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the saliva of patients with acute myeloid leukemia who were candidates for bone marrow transplantation. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 in the Hematology-Oncology Department of Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The study included 28 patients with acute myeloid leukemia eligible for bone marrow transplantation as the case group and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals as the control group. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected to determine the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18, the chi-square test, and the independent t-test. Results: In the patients with acute myeloid leukemia, 26 (86%) were positive for Staph-ylococcus aureus and 18 (60%) were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the healthy group, 11 (22.9%) were positive for Staphylococcus aureus and 3 (6.2%) were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The frequency of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in the saliva samples of patients with acute myeloid leukemia was significantly higher than in the healthy control subjects (p value < 0.05). Chi-square test showed no significant association between age and the frequency of bacteria (p value= 0.27). Conclusion: In the current study, the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the saliva of patients with acute myeloid leukemia was higher than in the healthy control group.

Evaluation of the serum level of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and testosterone in patients with trigeminal neuralgia compared to a healthy population.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to measure and compare the hormonal serum levels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, dihydrotestosterone [DHT]) in trigeminal neuroglia (TN) menopausal women and healthy women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional and case-control study was performed in 2018 and 2019. For this study, menopausal women with confirmed TN were enrolled. Twenty-two healthy women in the control group and 19 in the case group participated. Blood samples were taken from participants for assessment of hormonal serum levels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, DHT). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18. Mann-Whitney, T-test, kormography test, nonmetric, χ2  test, and odds ratios have been used. RESULTS: In patients with TN, the serum level of testosterone was significantly higher (p = .036), and the serum level of prolactin (p = .016) was significantly lower. Other evaluated hormones' serum level was identical in the two groups. Patients with abnormal estrogen levels were more in the TN group in comparison with the healthy group. The abnormality of progesterone in TN patients was more in comparison to the healthy control group. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen and progesterone serum levels in TN patients are higher in comparison with the healthy group, while prolactin and testosterone serum levels are lower in the control group. Moreover, the DHE serum level is similar in both groups.

Allelic and Genotypic Analysis of LncRNA ANRIL rs4977574 A/G Mutations in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: Insights into Tumor Characteristics and Genotypic Correlations.

Aim: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) ANRIL and its genetic polymorphisms are shown to be associated with the risk of several cancers. However, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of lncRNA ANRIL are not thoroughly assessed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) which is the most prevalent cancer in the head and neck area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the association of SNP of lncRNA ANRIL rs4977574 in patients with OSCC. Methods and Materials: 106 blood samples from the patients with OSCC were obtained with a gender- and age-matched control group to evaluate the SNP of rs4977574 of lncRNA ANRIL. The DNA was extracted using the salt-out technique and DNA genotyping was undertaken using specific primer pairs in the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR technique. Eventually, the frequency of wild-type (A) and the mutated allele (G), as well as the genotypes were estimated between the groups of patients with OSCC and healthy individuals. Results: The results of our study indicated no statistically significant difference in the frequency of rs4977574 A/G of lncRNA ANRIL among the patients with OSCC and healthy individuals (p > 0.05). Likewise, no significant difference was found in the genotypes' frequencies (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the marked association of GG with smaller tumor size and the high level of differentiation of OSCC cells in the presence of AA or AG genotypes were interesting outcomes of this study (p < 0.05). Similarly, all the genotypes AA, AG, and GG were correlated with the site of the occurrence of OSCC. Furthermore, the association of the genotypes with the lymph node metastasis and the tumors stage was not found to be significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that rs4977574 A/G and its genotypes do not have any direct correlation with the presence of OSCC; however, its association with the smaller tumor size and the level of the cancer cells differentiation could imply its possible indirect role.

Assessing the thyroid autoimmunity association with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have highlighted autoimmune origins and abnormal immune responses; particularly those related to T cell-mediated immunity and elevated T lymphocyte cells in the oral mucosa. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATDs) in an Iranian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 102 patients diagnosed with ATD (cases) and 102 healthy patients (controls) who had been referred for the routine dental treatment. All participants were asked for the history of RAS and their age, gender, other systemic diseases, medications, and frequency of RAS in a year. Matching was performed based on the propensity scores for age and sex. In addition, the number of lesions in each recurrence in both groups was assessed and compared. The type of thyroid disease has been assessed for case participants and has been confirmed by the endocrinologist. The chi-square test, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data using SPSS 18. RESULTS: Patients with ATD had higher RAS than healthy controls (P = 0.040). ATD patients had 1.93 times more risk for RAS, and the frequency of RAS in a year was 3.15times higher in these patients (P = 0.011). Moreover, the frequency of RAS was higher in patients with hypothyroidism than in those with hyperthyroidism. However, there were no significant differences in the size and the number of lesions between the groups. CONCLUSION: The risk and frequency of RAS were significantly higher in patients with ATDs. This would provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential treatment strategies for both conditions.

Evaluation of anxiety disorder in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

Background: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between anxiety levels and severity of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) disorder's chronic orofacial pain during 2019-2020 in Shiraz Dental Faculty. Methods: In this study, patients with TN disorder who were referred to the Oral Medicine Department of Shiraz Dental Faculty were evaluated. Individuals were selected based on convenience sampling. Finally, 47 patients with TN were recruited in this study. Satisfaction with treatment was recorded based on controlling the patient's pain, age, sex, and frequency of recurrence, and data were analyzed using SPSS18. The Chi-square test was used to compare the final results. A reliability of more than 95% was considered significant (P < 0.05). Results: According to the results, the mean ages of participants with TN and control groups were 56.89 ± 10.93 and 37.12 ± 9.55, respectively. The mean value of participants' age was significantly different between the two evaluated groups (P < 0.0001). The anxiety of patients with TN was significantly higher than the healthy control group (P < 0.0001). The mean level of anxiety in patients with TN and also in healthy controls was not significantly different among men and women (P > 0.05). The mean level of anxiety of men and women in TN group was significantly higher than the healthy control women (P = 0.001). The mean levels of anxiety between different age ranges in patients with TN and healthy controls were not different in both evaluated groups (P > 0.05). Patients with TN in different age ranges had higher level of anxiety than healthy controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with TN had significantly higher level of anxiety than healthy participants.

Vitamin D serum level in participants with positive history of recurrent herpes labialis.

AIM: Vitamin D plays an important role in immune system regulation, also its deficiency is assumed to affect the patients' predisposition to viral diseases such as recurrent herpes labialis. In this cross-sectional study, we tried to compare the mean serum level of vitamin D in participants with a positive history of recurrent herpes labial lesions and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The vitamin D serum level of 43 participants with a positive history of recurrent herpes labial lesions who were referred to the Motahhari laboratory in Shiraz during 2020-2022, was compared with 42 healthy controls. It was assessed by an Elisa kit. An Independent T-test was used to compare the vitamin D serum level between two genders. In order to assess the mean age value and gender distribution, an independent T-test and Pearson Chi-Square were used, respectively for the two groups. The serum vitamin D level was compared between both control and test groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between vitamin D mean serum levels in the two evaluated groups (p.value = 0.72). Although the age (p.value = 0.09) and recurrence (p.value = 0.13) of herpes labialis had no statistically significant relation to the vitamin D serum level, the healing duration of herpes labialis was inversely related (p.value = 0.01). Lower-level of serum vitamin D were accompanied by a longer healing duration of the lesions. CONCLUSION: Although the vitamin D serum level of participants with a history of recurrent herpes labialis had no relation with age and herpes virus recurrence frequency, a longer healing duration of lesions had been reported in patients with lower serum levels of vitamin D.

A case report of adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis and review of the literature.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an uncommon proliferative disease with an unknown cause. Its clinical manifestations vary and can involve a variety of organs. To diagnose LCH, radiographs, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings are essential. The gold standard for a definite diagnosis is positive CD1a/CD207 and S100 in the immunohistochemical results. Different treatment plans are available for patients struggling with LCH. To our knowledge, the LCH incidence rate is about 8.9 in one million children and 1-2 cases in one million adults. Our case shows the importance of early diagnosis of this rare condition for the prevention of any further spreading. This case report is about a 35-year-old male patient struggling with diabetes insipidus with a chief complaint of tooth mobility. Based on his X-ray radiographs, osteolytic lesions were found. A biopsy was performed, and due to histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, it was diagnosed as a case of LCH in adults. This paper shows that although the incidence rate of LCH is rare in adults, dealing with a patient struggling with diabetes insipidus and osteolytic bone lesions with an unknown cause, LCH must be taken into consideration. Due to the fact that LCH's first manifestations are mostly first oral, its good prognosis in the early stages, and if it progresses, it can turn fatal, it is important that dentists are aware of this disease, its clinical manifestations, and patient management. In case of suspicion, X-ray examination, biopsy, histopathological, and immunohistochemical exams must be performed.

Immunoexpression of p53 mutant-type in Iranian patients with primary and recurrence oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Mutations in tumor suppressor p53 protein can occur at different phases of malignant transformation and affect the patient's prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of mutant p53 protein in Iranian patients with the primary and recurrence oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This retrospective cross-sectional study conducted on a group of patients with the primary OSCC (n=122) and the control subjects with oral noncancerous reactive lesions (n=80). Immunohistochemistry was performed with the DO-7 monoclonal antibody against p53 protein, and samples with ≥10% immunostaining were considered positive. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS. Positive staining for p53 was observed in none of the control subjects and 57.4% (70 of 122) of the primary OSCC patients (p<0.0001, OR=107.69, 95%CI=6.49-179.0). The p53 immunopositivity had no significant differences between males and females (54.2% vs. 62%, p=0.390), but significantly different between those aged below and over 50 years (p<0.0001, OR=4.52, 95%CI=1.07-12.05). During follow-up, OSCC recurrence occurred in 104 patients, but the phenotype of the mutant p53 protein in patients who relapsed was the same as in matched primary tumors (p=0.763). Risk of recurrence had no significant differences between p53-positive and p53-negative cases (p=0.953), males and females (p=0.263), and age below and over 50 years (p=0.223). Despite its confirmed diagnostic value, the immunoexpression of the p53 mutant protein in OSCC in cancer recurrence was the same as in the primary tumor. However, further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to confirm or change our conclusions.

The Comparative Effects of Rhus Coriaria and Triamcinolone in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral lesion with unknown etiology. Several treatment strategies are introduced for the treatment of RAS. In this regard, the therapeutic effects of Rhus coriaria, as one of the potential treatments, have recently caught attention. Since the clinical efficacy of Rhus coriaria has not been examined adequately. This study aims at evaluating the therapeutic effects of Rhus coriaria among patients with RAS. Method: s. Twenty-two patients with RAS were divided into two groups (n = 11). The experimental group received three pills of Rhus coriaria daily for 6 days, while the control group received triamcinolone (oral paste) three times a day for 6 days. The pain and size of the lesion were measured on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th days. The data were analyzed by SPSS 16. In this regard, Student's t-test and Sidak pairwise tests were used for assessment of inter and intragroup comparisons of the pain and the size of the lesion, respectively. Results: Intergroup comparisons indicate that there is no difference between the experimental and the control group (p > 0.05). Whereas, the intragroup analysis of the pain revealed significant changes (p < 0.05) in most of the time points for both groups. Besides, the intragroup analysis of the lesion size, showed significant changes in all the time points in the experimental group (p < 0.05). The results in the control group exhibited the same pattern, except on 1-5, 1-6, 2-6, and 3-6 intervals in the control group. Conclusions: The application of Rhus coriaria could significantly reduce lesion size and pain in patients with RAS. Accordingly, Rhus coriaria can be an effective medication for RAS treatment.

The Effect of Pimpinella Anisum and Origanum Vulgare Extracts Against Streptococcus Sanguinis, Streptococcus Mutans, and Streptococcus Salivarius.

Statement of the Problem: There are global efforts for introducing a new herbal antimicrobial agent with minimal side effects. There are some reports about the antimicrobial properties of Pimpinella anisum and Oregano Vulgare. Purpose: In this study, the antimicrobial properties of Pimpinella anisum and Oregano Vulgare have been assessed. Material and Method: In this experimental in vitro study, the dental plaque samples were collected from children aged 3 to 5 years old who were referred to a private dental office with diagnosis of dental caries. After determination of the bacterial colonies of Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus salivarius, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Pimpinella anisum and Oregano vulgare were measured by macrodilution and microdilution methods. Results: The mean MIC and MBC of Pimpinella anisum extract and Oregano vulgare extract and their combination against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus salivarius were statistically different (p< 0.001). The combination of these extracts showed the lowest MIC and MBC. Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extracts of the Pimpinella anisum and Oregano Vulgare were effective antibacterial agent against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus sanguinis so the combination of these two extracts showed the highest antibacterial properties on all the bacteria evaluated.

Evaluation of Association of Oral Bacterial Profile with HBV and HCV Infection and T Lymphocyte Level in HIV-Positive Patients.

Background: This study was aimed to determine the oral bacterial profile of HIV-positive patients and their correlation with T lymphocyte and CD4 count and hepatitis B and C incidence. Methods: In this study, 73 patients who were diagnosed HIV-positive and were referred to Shiraz HIV research center for routine dental treatment were enrolled. Demographic data including sex, ethnicity, CD4+ T cell, and T lymphocyte counts were collected from their medical records. Supragingival dental plaque and samples from the dorsal of the tongue were collected by sterile swabs. These samples were transferred to the microbiology laboratory of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. After primary biochemical test of cultured samples, assessment of bacterial biofilms was done by DNA extraction. Real-time PCR with specific primer of each bacterial species was done, and assessment of the results of real time PCR led to determination of the species of the evaluated bacteria. The correlation of bacterial prevalence with hepatitis B and C was evaluated by chi-square test. Furthermore, Mann-Whitney test was used to evaluate the association of bacterial species prevalence with CD4 and T lymphocyte level. Results: The prevalence of none of the detected bacteria had statistically significant relationship with hepatitis C, except for Peptostreptococcaceae (p value = 0.016) in the tongue plaque and Leptotrichia (p value = 0.022) in dental plaque. None of the evaluated bacteria showed any significant association with CD4 and T lymphocytes level, except for Kingella (p value = 0.025, 0.019, respectively), and also no significant correlation was reported with CD4, except for Gemella (p value = 0.021) and Campylobacter gracilis (p value = 0.029). Conclusions: The diversity of the detected bacteria was more in dental plaque, while their density was more noticeable in the tongue plaque. No significant correlation was found between the prevalence of most of the detected bacteria and CD4 level and T lymphocyte level and incidence of hepatitis B and C.

Use of stem cells in bone regeneration in cleft palate patients: review and recommendations.

This study was conducted to review the efficacy of different sources of stem cells in bone regeneration of cleft palate patients. The majority of previous studies focused on the transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. However, other sources of stem cells have also gained considerable attention, and dental stem cells have shown especially favorable outcomes. Additionally, approaches that apply the co-culture and co-transplantation of stem cells have shown promising results. The use of different types of stem cells, based on their accessibility and efficacy in bone regeneration, is a promising method in cleft palate bone regeneration. In this regard, dental stem cells may be an ideal choice due to their efficacy and accessibility. In conclusion, stem cells, despite the lengthy procedures required for culture and preparation, are a suitable alternative to conventional bone grafting techniques.

The effect of photodynamic therapy by gold nanoparticles on Streptococcus mutans and biofilm formation: an in vitro study.

In this experimental study, we aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of photodynamic therapy with a photosensitizer in conjunction with Gold nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans as an important cariogenic bacterial agent. This experimental in vitro study evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effect of five groups as followed against S. mutans: methylene blue (MB), Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), methylene blue conjugated with Gold nanoparticles (MB-AuNPs), MB mediated photodynamic therapy (MB mediated PDT) and methylene blue conjugated with Gold nanoparticles mediated photodynamic therapy (MB-AuNPs mediated PDT). InGaAlP laser (Azor-2 K) with 25 mW total output, 660 nm wavelength and laser probe cross-section of 0.78 cm2 was used for methylene blue activation. Total dose of 19.23 J/cm2 for 10 min was irradiated to each group. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and colony forming unit (CFU) were determined. Bacterial biofilm formation inhibition was assessed by crystal violet staining (The microtiter plate biofilm assay). The viability of S. mutans cells was assessed by MTT assay. MB mediated PDT and MB-AuNP mediated PDT were the most effective method for S. mutans biofilm inhibition (P < 0.05). MB alone, MB-AuNP alone and MB mediated PDT and MB-AuNP mediated PDT had the same effect against the planktonic phase of S. mutans (P > 0.05). Also they had similar pattern for bacterial growth inhibition and bactericidal effect (P > 0.05). Gold nano particle mediated photodynamic therapy represented antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against S. mutans; but this modality was not more effective than routine PDT.

The Effect of Gold Nano Particles with Different Sizes on Streptococcus Species.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus salivarius are most common etiologic bacteria for dental caries. Different sizes of gold nanoparticles may have different antibacterial effects on these species. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine and three sizes of gold nano particles (25, 60, 90nm) against clinical and standard strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus salivarius. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, the specimens were collected from 75 children aged 3-5 years old. Antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine and three sizes of gold nano particles (25, 60, 90nm) were investigated by evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against three bacterial strains. RESULTS: The MIC and MBC of gold nanoparticles with different sizes against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus salivarius were statistically different. The MIC and MBC of smaller gold nano particles (25nm) were significantly lower (p<0.001) than larger ones. Patient-derived bacteria had significantly higher values of MIC and MBC in comparison to standard species (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed the significant size-dependency of gold nano particles for antibacterial activity. As the size of gold nano particles decrease, the antibacterial properties enhance.

Follicular-Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Prolactin Serum Level in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus in Comparison to Healthy Population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional case control study, the serum level of LH, FSH, and prolactin of 40 women with lichen planus who have been referred to Shiraz Dental Faculty, Oral and Maxillofacial Disease Department during 2018-2019 has been evaluated in comparison to 40 healthy controls. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18. Two-way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean serum level of FSH and LH was significantly higher in OLP patients while this difference was not reported for prolactin. Only FSH mean serum level was significantly higher in nonmenopausal OLP patients. The distribution of prolactin and FSH hormones' serum level was in normal range. CONCLUSIONS: The high serum level of FSH and LH can affect OLP pathogenesis by estrogen and progesterone modulation.

Comparison of the sex hormones' serum level in women with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and healthy population: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the sex hormonal serum level in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and compare them with healthy participants. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done on patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis who had referred to Shiraz Dental Faculty, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine Department during 2018-2019. The non -menopause women with recurrence of at least 3 lesions per year were enrolled in this study. The mean serum level of FSH, LH, PRL (prolactin), testosterone, DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), estradiol and progesterone of 30 participants in each group of case and control were measured and compared. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 and independent T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation coefficient test, Chi-square test and Fisher's test. RESULTS: The mean serum level of DHEA-S in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) was significantly lower than the control group (p value = 0.02). In addition to DHEA-S, the mean serum level of testosterone was lower in the evaluation group although this difference was not significant (p value = 0.057). Considering the effect of age on the mean serum level of sex hormones, our results revealed that only DHEA-S mean serum level was decreased by increasing the age of participants in patients with RAS (p value = 0.018). The number of participants with abnormal range of testosterone (p value < 0.0001) and progesterone (p value = 0.037) serum level was significantly more in patients with RAS. The frequency of RAS in a year did not show a significant relationship with the serum level of the evaluated hormones. CONCLUSION: The patients with RAS had a lower serum level of DHEA-S. The mean serum level of testosterone and progesterone was significantly abnormal in RAS patients.

Evaluation of Sex Hormone Levels in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris in Comparison to the Healthy Population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on patients with pemphigus vulgaris referred to Faghihi Hospital and Shiraz Dental Faculty in 2017-2018. The participants included 26 women with histopathologically confirmed pemphigus vulgaris and 26 healthy age-matched controls. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were evaluated in both groups. Independent t-test and two-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 49.88 ± 10.46 years and that of the control group was 49.92 ± 11.30 years. Unlike the case group, the DHEA serum level was significantly higher among nonmenopausal participants in the control group. Moreover, the levels of testosterone and DHEA were significantly lower in the case group in comparison to the control group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.026, respectively). CONCLUSION: Considering the effects of age and menopause, the serum levels of testosterone and DHEA were significantly lower in the patients with pemphigus vulgaris than in the healthy controls. Hence, these hormones might have a role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris.

Maxillary Sinus Myxofibrosarcoma Mimicking Nodular Fasciitis: A Rare Case Report.

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a fibroblastic soft tissue sarcoma that is extremely rare in the maxillofacial region. Due to its non-specific clinicoradiographic findings and challenging histopathological features, the diagnosis is difficult. Here, we present a case of MFS which was first diagnosed as nodular fasciitis. The initial examination of the incisional biopsy showed a benign-appearing proliferation of fibroblasts without features of malignancy. The patient returned with recurrence four months after surgical excision of the primary lesion. The second histologic study revealed a high-grade spindle cell sarcoma with myxoid features most compatible with MFS. Definitive diagnosis of MFS was confirmed by these histopathologic features and supportive immunohistochemical stains. Unfortunately, the patient died of disease 3 months later.

Comparison of Serum and Dietary Selenium Levels in Participants with a Positive History of Recurrent Herpes Lesions and Healthy Individuals.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to compare the level of serum and dietary selenium in participants with a positive history of recurrent herpes labial lesions and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted during 2020-2021, evaluated the selenium serum level of 40 participants with a positive history of recurrent herpes labial lesions who had referred to Motahhari Laboratory in Shiraz, compared with 38 healthy controls. The selenium level of the serum was assessed by an absorption device, Atomic Graphite Furnace Model FS-240-AAS, made by a US Company. Independent T-test was used to compare the selenium level of males and females. In order to assess the mean age value and gender distribution between the two evaluated groups, the independent T-test and chi-square test were used, respectively. The serum selenium level was compered between both control and test groups. RESULTS: The level of serum selenium was not statistically correlated with its dietary level in group 1 (participants with recurrent herpes labialis, P value = 0.18) and group 2 (healthy controls, P value = 0.6). The serum selenium level was compared between groups 1 and 2, which was significantly higher in healthy controls (P value < 0.0001). In contrast, dietary selenium level was not significantly different between patients with a history of herpes labialis and healthy controls (P value = 0.48). The level of serum selenium was not statistically correlated with its dietary level in group 1 (P value = 0.18) and group 2 (P value = 0.6). CONCLUSION: Patients with recurrent herpes labialis had lower serum selenium level as compared to the healthy controls.

Evaluation of the effect of hydro alcoholic extract of cinnamon on herpes simplex virus-1.

BACKGROUND: Long-term treatments of herpes simplex with drugs such as acyclovir, the side effects to such drugs including limited usage during the lactation period, and concerns for the emergence of drug-resistant strains have given rise to a need for new medications with fewer complications. Nowadays, there is an increasing usage of herbal medicines throughout the world due to their higher effectiveness and safety. The present study aims to assess the effects of hydroalcoholic cinnamon extract on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in culture with vero cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study Hydroalcoholic extract of cinnamon was extracted through percolation. To assess cell survival rates, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was employed, and the tissue culture infective dose 50 assay was used to quantify the virus. Effects of the extract were evaluated in three stages, including before, during, and after viral inoculation into the culture medium. Two-way ANOVA and Post hoc analysis the test was performed in 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/ml concentrations of cinnamon extract in every stage (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Over 50% of the cells survived in the 0.25 mg/ml extract concentration. Results of our viral quantification showed a viral load of 105. The cinnamon extract was able to reduce the viral titer in all concentrations under study. CONCLUSION: Hydroalcoholic extract of cinnamon was effective in reducing the viral titer of HSV-1. This effect could have been caused by prevention of viral attachment to cells; however, further research is required to determine the exact mechanisms at play.