[Pattern of analgesics prescription by dentists in Iran]

Pain is the major reason for referring patients to dental clinics. Inappropriate use of analgesics can result in noticeable systemic side effects. Prescribing the best drug according to the severity, nature and quality of the pain can result in reduction of anxiety and stress which are aggravated with intensification of pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesics prescription by dentists participating in the 9th Congress of Iranian Association of Endodontists in Esfahan/2006. A questionnaire for this cross-sectional study was designed for evaluating the patterns of analgesic prescription. It included some demographic information and drug selection to control severe, moderate and mild toothache. 113 collected questionnaires entered the study. Chi- square test was used for data analysis. Based on this study, a high percentage of responders selected Ibuprofen, acetaminophen with codeine for pain control in severe, moderate and mild toothache [96%, 81% respectively]. Most responders prescribed ibuprofen [400mg] before endodontic treatment. The results of the present study demonstrated discrepancy in the analgesics selection among participants

[ survey of the Kerman adults' knowledge about the signs and risk factor of oral carcinoma]

The knowledge regarding risk factors and primary signs of oral cancer in general population can help them to avoid the risk factors of cancer and their timely referral to physicians. The aim of this study was to survey the adult knowledge about the risk factors and signs of oral cancer in Kerman city in 2007. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 723 adults who referred to Kerman Dental School and clinics were enrolled. The data were collected using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and t-test. The results of this study showed that the mean knowledge about the risk factors and signs of oral cancer were [6.04 +/- 2.31 from 15] and [2 +/- 1.3 from 6], respectively. There was only a significant difference between knowledge about risk factory of oral cancer and the education of the participants. Low level of knowledge of adult people regarding both risk factors and signs of oral cancer stresses the need to more efforts made about the above-mentioned issues by media

[Comparative study of p53 protein and ki67 antigen in homogeneous and non-homogeneous leukoplakia]

Leukoplakia is one of the most common premalignant or potentially malignant lesions of the oral mucosa. Its potential for malignant transformation is unpredictable.The aim of present study was to evaluate the expression of p53 and proliferation status of ki67 antigen in normal, homogeneous and non-homogeneous leukoplakia. The standard immunohistochemistry staining method [Biotin Streptavidin peroxidase] was used to study the expression of p53 and ki67 on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded blocks of 7 cases of homogeneous leukoplakia, 10 cases of non-homogeneous leukoplakia and 9 cases of normal oral epithelium. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, MC Nemar and Fisher's exact tests. No relationship was detected between p53 protein and Ki67 expression and clinical features of leukoplakia. The distribution patterns of p53 and ki67 were mainly localized in the basal layer of normal oral mucosa, while the expression of p53 and Ki67 were extended into suprabasal cell layer in leukoplakia lesions. Ki67 expression in dysplastic lesions was higher than non-dysplastic lesions. This study showed significant relationship between Ki67 and p53 protein. These findings showed that the expression of p53 and Ki67 in suprabasal cell layers in leukoplakia may be correlated with poor clinical outcome and alterations of p53 lead to increased cell proliferation