Dynein Clusters into Lipid Microdomains on Phagosomes to Drive Rapid Transport toward Lysosomes.

Diverse cellular processes are driven by motor proteins that are recruited to and generate force on lipid membranes. Surprisingly little is known about how membranes control the force from motors and how this may impact specific cellular functions. Here, we show that dynein motors physically cluster into microdomains on the membrane of a phagosome as it matures inside cells. Such geometrical reorganization allows many dyneins within a cluster to generate cooperative force on a single microtubule. This results in rapid directed transport of the phagosome toward microtubule minus ends, likely promoting phagolysosome fusion and pathogen degradation. We show that lipophosphoglycan, the major molecule implicated in immune evasion of Leishmania donovani, inhibits phagosome motion by disrupting the clustering and therefore the cooperative force generation of dynein. These findings appear relevant to several pathogens that prevent phagosome-lysosome fusion by targeting lipid microdomains on phagosomes.

Clinical practice guidelines: Their utility, dissemination and monitoring at Colonial War Memorial Hospital: A mixed methods study from Fiji.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) improve patient care by standardising medical practice. However, little is known about their applicability in low-resource settings. Since 2010, Fiji has introduced guidelines to increase the application of evidence-based practice. AIMS: We describe the dissemination, utility and monitoring of guideline implementation in Fiji, a low-resource setting in the Pacific. METHODS: A mixed-methods design included a survey and focus groups. All 178 doctors in five departments at Fiji's largest tertiary hospital were invited to participate. Subsequently, two focus group interviews explored clinicians' perspectives in more detail. Analysis included data description, multi-variable logistic, multinomial regression and manifest content analyses. RESULTS: The response rate was 74%. Most doctors agreed that CPGs were good for patient management (100%), doctors continuing medical education (CME) (96%), patient education (73%), supported by systematic reviews (91%) and consistent with existing norms/values (83%). Ninety-five per cent stated that CPGs increased the quality of care, and 80% stated that CPGs increased physician satisfaction. Approximately two-thirds stated that CPGs decreased medical-legal problems (63%) and malpractice suits (68%). Sixty to 90% of doctors disagreed that CPGs were oversimplified/cookbook medicine (60%), too rigid to apply individually (65%), challenged physician autonomy (60%) or were ambiguous/unclear (86%) or not practical (89%). The preferred method of dissemination was CME, and quick reference guides were best for implementation. No formal CPG monitoring existed in any department. CONCLUSION: Most physicians found CPGs to be valuable for improving the consistency of care. In low-resource settings, dissemination of guidelines should be paired with CME to improve their uptake. Increased monitoring of guideline use appears necessary.

Control of post-harvest storage losses in water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxburg) fruits by natural functional herbal coating and gamma radiation processing.

Water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxburg) has short shelf life even after drying due to insect infestations resulting in huge economic losses to farmers. Study was performed including coating with Aloe-vera gel, air drying, LDPE packaging and gamma irradiation (≤ 1 kGy) were evaluated for their efficacy in controlling storage losses. The study was performed with complete randomized design up to 6-month storage period. Physico-chemical properties analysis indicated, weight loss (0.11-0.88%), damage (upto 6.5%) and lesser grain borer infestation (up to 16 no. per packet) during storage at different intervals. Moisture content ranged (9.25-10.10%), protein (8.82-8.89%), fat (0.90-1.00%), carbohydrate (76.83-76.89%), total ash (3.11-4.18%), total sugar (5.83-5.89%), reducing sugar (1.84-1.88%), non-reducing sugar (3.98-4.02%), amylose (66.54-66.64%), in-vitro starch digestibility (3.14-3.18%), phenolics (0.14-0.18%), acidity (0.11-0.12%) and ascorbic acid (41.66-50.00 mg/100 g). These treatments were not found to affect the quality attributes significantly however; it helps in controlling insect infestations at ambient condition. The sensory score of the product, 'Sev' was ranked as like slightly to moderately range. It could be concluded that water chestnut with combinations of 50% aloe-vera gel +0.75 kGy gamma radiation treatment could be stored up to 6 months with retention of quality attributes.

Malondialdehyde, an Oxidative Stress Marker in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To qualitative and quantitatively review published literature assessing the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODOLOGY: Pubmed (MeSH), Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Willey Online Library, Cochrane, and Cross Reference were searched for studies assessing MDA levels in OSCC samples. RESULTS: From the 1008 articles identified, 849 were excluded based on title and abstract screening due to duplication and irrelevance to the topic of interest. Full-text assessment of the remaining 159 articles led to the inclusion of only 46 articles that satisfied the selection criteria. Of these, only 26 studies had data compatible for quantitative analysis. The MDA levels in OSCC groups are significantly increased (p < 0.00001) in plasma, serum, and saliva samples in the majority of the studies evaluated. In contrast, MDA levels in OSCC tissue samples are significantly attenuated (p < 0.00001) compared to healthy controls, supported by fewer studies. CONCLUSIONS: The augmented MDA levels in plasma, serum, and saliva samples of the OSCC reflect the heightened oxidative stress level accurately. Further studies are required to understand the attenuated MDA levels in the tissue samples of OSCC. Correlation analysis between MDA levels with established clinicopathological prognostic markers could aid in formulating oxidative stress-based prognostication and treatment planning.

Clinical Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries Evaluated with the Pulpal Involvement-Roots-Sepsis Index in the Primary Dentition of School Children from the Raipur and Durg Districts, Chhattisgarh State, India.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries in primary dentition among 6- to 8-year-old children using the prs [pulpal involvement (p), roots (r) and sepsis (s)] index and record the distribution of prs among boys and girls. Subjects and Methods: The study included a sample of 371 children aged 6-8 years with at least one carious primary molar tooth, who had been randomly selected from schools in the districts of Raipur and Durg, Chhattisgarh State, India. We recorded the presence of decayed, extracted and filled (i.e. def) teeth. The prevalence of the consequences of untreated dental caries was evaluated using the prs index. The data were statistically analyzed to express the prevalence of prs among boys and girls and the distribution of individual prs codes in the sample population. Results: The prevalence of carious lesions was very high (87%) and teeth with clinical consequences of untreated dental caries were found in 49.3% of the children. The prs distribution in children who were 8 years old (40.9%) was higher than in the 6-year-old children (25.6%). In the group of 8-year-olds, the occurrence of prs was greater among the boys whereas in the 6- and 7-year-old group, it was greater among the girls. Conclusion: The prs index is a valuable tool for measuring the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries. It could be useful for epidemiological studies and provide relevant information regarding treatment needs. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Antibacterial Effect of Two Novel Sealants: A Laboratory-Based Study.

Background: This research sought to assess the impact of polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMGH) and 1,3,5-triacryloyl hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (TAT) on the antibacterial activity of an experimental resin sealant. Materials and Methods: The two experimental sealants were formulated based on previous research, and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was tested for biofilm and planktonic bacteria's antibacterial properties. In 48 hours, 300 L of frozen S. mutans in skim milk was stored in an oven at 37°C in a microaerophilic atmosphere with 5% of CO2 and put on a petri plate containing brain-heart infusion (BHI) broth with agar at 15 g/L. By combining 100 mL of the subculture broth with 900 mL of a sterile saline solution (0.9%) in an Eppendorf tube, the initial inoculum used for the experiments was evaluated. The colonies were measured in colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) after being counted visually. To measure the antibacterial activity, log CFU/mL was used to express the number of bacteria in the broth that had been in contact with the samples for 24 hours. Results: Outcomes of antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria and against biofilm development on polymerized materials. The two innovative sealant materials were found to differ significantly from one another, while group 2's mean and standard deviation values were larger. Conclusion: Dental sealants designed with PHMGH and TCPTAT for anticaries application showed less bacterial growth throughout time the cavity prevention properties of the resin sealant.

Analysis Comparing the Recovery of Airway Reflexes and Cognitive Ability After Sevoflurane with Desflurane Anesthesia.

Introduction: Although sevoflurane and desflurane have nearly identical blood-gas solubilities, current research suggests that airway reflexes recover more quickly with desflurane than sevoflurane; however, cognitive function recovery varies substantially. The current study was piloted to appraise the lengths of time needed to recover from anesthesia following desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical trial was piloted among 70 adult non-obese subjects who underwent elective surgery and were classified I-II by the "American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA)". Sevoflurane and desflurane were tested among the subjects who were equally distributed. These agents were used in accordance with a normal general anaesthesia procedure. After they were extubated, tests for regaining cognitive function and airway reflexes were carried out, and different time intervals were recorded. The observations were calculated and P < 0.05 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Results: The average amount of time that passed between the patient's first vocal response and their first successful completion of the swallowing test was analogous between the two groups (T2) with 5.25 ± 3.11 vs 5.01 ± 2.12 in sevoflurane and desflurane, respectively. There was no significant variance at T2. For all the other time intervals of T1, T3, and T4, there was evidence of the significant variance.(P = 0.003; 0.0013; <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Desflurane causes patients to recover more quickly than sevoflurane does after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under controlled circumstances.

Comparison of Antibacterial Activity of Various Additives to Glass Ionomer Restoration: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: Glass-ionomer (GIC) cement was introduced in 1972 as a "new filling material of dentistry". It is bioactive and plays an important role in caries prevention due to its ability to release fluoride into the oral environment and remineralization of dental hard tissues. However, its properties such as moisture sensitivity, wear resistance, and bond strength are not sufficient to inflict the antimicrobial environment. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial property of four different GIC cements against S. mutans and L. acidophilus. Methodology: This study was conducted on 120 disk-shaped samples (30 for antibacterial activity), which were placed in Petri dishes holding Müeller Hinton agar. Bacterial strains were overhauled in the brain heart infusion culture medium, and by utilizing disposable straps on blood agar medium, 100 ml of the strain inoculum was plated out. Through the diffusion method on the solid medium, the antibacterial activity of GIC was determined. Results: The antibacterial activity was the highest for Riva silver and chemifill rock for 24 and 72 hours, respectively. For 48 hours, Equia forte and chemifill rock had the highest antibacterial activity, and there was a significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Ketac™ molar easymix inhibited the growth of S. mutans and L. acidophilus but had the lowest antibacterial effect compared to other GICs.

Comparison of Two Routinely Used Mouthwashes for Plaque Control Among Young Adults: An Observational Study.

Background: The most common and convenient technique to provide antiplaque medicines is through mouth rinses, which have the advantage of accessing places that are difficult for a toothbrush to clean. Chlorhexidine and Listerine mouthwashes were tested for their effectiveness when used in addition to routine teeth cleaning techniques. However, the studies assessing the antibacterial effects of these among young adults are diversified and limited. Materials and Methods: This comparative study was conducted among 240 schoolchildren. The participants were separated into three groups: A, B, and C. The research was conducted at two intervals of time, before therapy and during treatment period. The plaque was assessed through the plaque index (Turesky modification of Quigley-Hein plaque index (1970)). After a month, individuals had oral examination and were assessed. Results: Following the first week, a comparison of plaque scores was made between the three groups. Plaque score is lower in group C and group B than in group A in the succeeding second, third, and fourth weeks, but Tukey's test results suggest that group C has a larger decrease in plaque than group B. Conclusion: According to this study, as compared to a placebo mouthwash, both a mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine and one containing phenol dramatically reduced plaque development and gingival irritation.

Effect of Staining Beverages on Color Stability of Composite: A Spectrophotometric Study.

Objective: This study used spectrophotometry to examine how staining beverages affect the color stability of three commercial composite materials (nanohybrid composite (A), bulk fill composite (B), and flowable composite (C)) over time. Materials and Methods: Composite discs were randomly divided into groups. The specimens were kept in coffee, tea, red wine, and cola for 14 days at 37°C in the dark. At baseline, 7 days, and 14 days, spectrophotometers measured color. Calculated and analyzed color differences (E). Results: Staining beverages changed the color of all composites. Composite material A had the best color stability, whereas material C stained beverages the most. Red wine and coffee discolored composites most. Discoloration increased over the 14-day immersion period. Conclusion: Composite materials with better color stability were material A. Red wine and coffee discolored composites most. When choosing restorative materials, dentists should consider composite materials' color stability for long-lasting, visually acceptable results.

Long-Term Trends in the Utilization of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.

Background: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become a cornerstone in oral and maxillofacial radiology due to its high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging capabilities and lower radiation exposure compared to traditional computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this retrospective study is to examine long-term patterns in the use of CBCT in a tertiary care context, with an emphasis on patient characteristics, CBCT indications, and variations in use patterns over time. Methods: During the course of 5 years, a tertiary care facility performed 500 CBCT scans, all of which were included in the study. Information on the age, sex, and source of referral for each patient was gathered from their electronic medical records. Radiology data were used to categorize CBCT indications, which included implant planning, impacted tooth assessment, and pathology evaluation. Regression analysis and descriptive statistics were used to examine utilization trends. Results: Throughout the study period, there was a consistent rise in the use of CBCT, with implant planning being the most often cited indication. Impacted tooth assessment and pathology evaluation were next in line. Considerable differences were noted in the use of CBCT for various age groups and indications. The results demonstrate how CBCT is improving oral and maxillofacial radiology's diagnostic precision and treatment planning. In summary, this study offers a significant understanding of the long-term patterns in CBCT use in a tertiary care context. With ramifications for resource allocation, patient care, and future research objectives, the observed trends highlight the increasing acceptability and incorporation of CBCT into standard clinical practice.

Analysis of Psychological Distress and Dental Anxiety in Patients Attending Dental Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic has affected all facets of patient care, including dentistry services, and placed hitherto unheard-of demands on healthcare systems throughout the world. More and more emphasis is being paid to psychological discomfort and dental anxiety that epidemic patients face when seeking dental care. The purpose of this research was to examine the psychological distress and dental anxiety levels of patients receiving dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care setting between 2021 and 2022. Methods: For this study, 300 patients with regular dental checkups were selected as a convenience sample. Self-report questionnaires measuring dental anxiety and psychological discomfort were filled out by participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data once demographic information was gathered. Findings: The majority of participants experienced psychological anguish (66.7%) and dental anxiety (73.3%) at moderate-to-severe levels. When compared to pre-pandemic values, there was a substantial increase in psychological distress (P < 0.001) and dental anxiety (P < 0.001) throughout the pandemic period. Conclusion: Current research shows how the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the mental health of patients receiving dental care, underscoring the need of catering to patients' mental health needs in dental practices during public health emergencies.

Prevalence and Management of Early Childhood Caries in Preschoolers.

Background: "Early childhood caries (ECC)" is a prevalent and serious oral health issue affecting preschool-aged children globally, with adverse effects on their overall health and well-being. Objective: This center-based research designed to investigate the prevalence and management of ECC among preschoolers within a specific setting and evaluate associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 300 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years. Clinical examinations were conducted, and data on demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and dental visits were collected through structured interviews. Statistical analysis was performed to assess ECC prevalence and examine associations between demographic/behavioral factors and ECC severity. Results: The prevalence of ECC among preschoolers was 65%, with a mean dmfs score of 4.2. Factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and oral hygiene practices were associated with ECC severity. Management strategies included topical fluoride application, oral health education, and restorative treatments. Conclusion: ECC remains a significant public health concern among preschoolers. Comprehensive oral health programs targeting this population are essential to mitigate ECC burden and improve oral health outcomes. Further research is needed to address systemic barriers and disparities in ECC prevention and management.

Knowledge and Perception about Health Risks of Cigarette Smoking among Youngsters in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

Context: Cigarette smoking is a global public health concern, particularly in developing countries. Saudi Arabia has a high prevalence of smoking among young individuals, highlighting the need for interventions to address this issue. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, attitude, smoking rates, and perception of health risks among young individuals in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The goal was to identify areas for improvement and develop effective strategies to combat smoking and promote healthier lifestyles. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the out-patient department of the College of Dentistry, Jazan University, over a 3-month period. A questionnaire consisting of 15 open-ended questions was administered to eligible patients. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-squared test with a P- value of <0.05. Results: Out of 300 participants, the majority were males, university students, and non-smokers. Among smokers, electronic cigarettes were the most used form. Starting smoking with friends was a common trend. Females smoked fewer times per day compared to males. Participants expressed concerns about the damaging effects of smoking on health. Conclusions: Targeted interventions and educational programs are needed to address smoking behaviors among young individuals in the Jazan region. Gender-specific interventions, family involvement, and promoting school connectedness are crucial in reducing smoking rates. Graphic health warnings on cigarette packs have the potential to improve knowledge and quitting intentions. Continued research and surveillance are necessary to inform evidence-based policies and interventions to combat youth smoking.

Comparison between Metal Mesh and Iliac Bonegraft in the Reconstruction of Orbital Floor Fracture-A Clinical Study.

Background: After face trauma, orbital floor fractures are often experienced, leading to both functional and cosmetic deficits. There are several methods for reconstructing the orbital floor, such as iliac bone grafting and metal mesh. There are not many comparison studies available, nevertheless, to help surgeons choose the best method. Methods: Fifty patients with orbital floor fractures were enrolled in this prospective, randomized clinical investigation. They were randomly allocated to receive either an iliac bone transplant (n = 25) or metal mesh (n = 25). Over the course of six months, postoperative complications such as diplopia and enophthalmos were assessed regularly. A statistical study was conducted to compare the two groups' results. Results: There was no discernible difference in postoperative complications between the two groups when it came to the reconstruction of orbital floor fractures using either metal mesh or iliac bone transplant. In contrast to the metal mesh group, the iliac bone graft group did, however, exhibit a somewhat decreased incidence of diplopia and enophthalmos. Conclusion: In conclusion, metal mesh and iliac bone graft are both reliable methods for reconstructing the orbital floor, and their rates of surgical complications are similar. However, there could be little benefit to iliac bone grafting in terms of lower rates of enophthalmos and diplopia. Based on the preferences of the surgeon and patient-specific criteria, the procedure should be selected individually.

Effectiveness of Different Behavior Management Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry.

Background: Pediatric dentistry necessitates efficient behavior management methods to ensure successful treatment outcomes and positive experiences for young patients. This research aims to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of "Tell-Show-Do (TSD)", positive reinforcement, nitrous oxide sedation, and pharmacological sedation in pediatric dental practice. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients aged 3-12 years who underwent dental treatment at a designated dental center over a 1-year period. Patients were categorized based on the behavior management method utilized: TSD, positive reinforcement, nitrous oxide sedation, or pharmacological sedation. Treatment success rates and patient cooperation levels were evaluated for each method. Results: Positive reinforcement and TSD demonstrated the highest treatment success rates (85% and 80%, respectively) and patient cooperation levels (90% and 85%, respectively). Nitrous oxide sedation exhibited moderate effectiveness with a treatment success rate of 70% and a patient cooperation level of 75%. Pharmacological sedation had the lowest treatment success rate (60%) and patient cooperation level (65%). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in treatment success rates (P < 0.05) and patient cooperation levels (P < 0.05) among the behavior management methods. Conclusion: Positive reinforcement and TSD emerge as highly efficient behavior management methods in pediatric dentistry, promoting high treatment success rates and patient cooperation levels. Nitrous oxide sedation offers a valuable adjunct for managing anxiety and enhancing patient comfort. Pharmacological sedation, while efficient in certain cases, should be used judiciously due to associated risks.

Isolation Systems and its Effectiveness in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: The success of restoration processes depends on the efficient control of moisture and microorganisms. Dental restorative procedures frequently use rubber dams as an isolation technique. There is still room for evidence-based discussion over how rubber dam use affects the durability and caliber of dental restorations. In this review, the effects of rubber dam isolation vs alternative isolation techniques for dental restorative procedures are compared. Materials and Procedures: An extensive online search in the various databanks of the EMBASE, Medline, Pubmed, and Scopus was conducted. The keywords searched were "isolation, oral surgery, dental surgery, retractors, rubber dam, and methods of isolation." The studies selected were longitudinal research design and randomized trials. To ascertain the risk of bias, meta-analysis was carried out. The outcome was measured as the successful restoration at the end of follow-up period representing the thorough isolation. Results: A total of 1342 people were involved in six studies from across the world that were carried out between 2010 and 2015. High bias risk existed in all the studies. Five investigations compared the rubber dam vs cotton rolls. Due to discrepancies in the data supplied, one study was omitted from the analysis. Three of the four trials that were still running showed restored survival rates with all having a follow-up of at least six months. The survival of the restored composite teeth for six months in rubber dam isolation with odds ratio of 2.29, 1.38, and 1.00 at the end of six months, one year and one and half year respectively. However, the evidence was very low and speculative. The isolation was seen effective in the primary teeth specifically for the proximal lesions. None of the included studies discussed side effects or provided information on the treatment's upfront costs. Conclusion: The application of rubber dams in dental techniques may result in successful outcome compared to cotton rolls, according to some low-certainty evidence revealed in this research. Other times, the evidence is really ambiguous. It is necessary to conduct additional, high-quality studies investigating how rubber dam use affects various restorative procedures.

Modified Mineral Trioxide Aggregate-A Versatile Dental Material: An Insight on Applications and Newer Advancements.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) has been a material of revolution in the field of dentistry since its introduction in the 1990s. It is being extensively used for perforation repairs, apexification, root-end filling, obturation, tooth fracture repair, regenerative procedures, apexogenesis, pulpotomies, and as a pulp-capping material because of its desired features such as biocompatibility, bioactivity, hydrophilicity, sealing ability, and low solubility. Even though its application is wide, it has its own drawbacks that prevent it from reaching its full potential as a comprehensive replacement material, including a long setting time, discoloration, mud-like consistency, and poor handling characteristics. MTA is a material of research interest currently, and many ongoing studies are still in process. In this review, the newer advancements of this versatile material by modification of its physical, chemical, and biological properties, such as change in its setting time, addressing the discoloration issue, inclusion of antimicrobial property, improved strength, regenerative ability, and biocompatibility will be discussed. Hence, it is important to have knowledge of the traditional and newer advancements of MTA to fulfill the shortcomings associated with the material.

Plasmodium's journey through the Anopheles mosquito: A comprehensive review.

The malaria parasite has an extraordinary ability to evade the immune system due to which the development of a malaria vaccine is a challenging task. Extensive research on malarial infection in the human host particularly during the liver stage has resulted in the discovery of potential candidate vaccines including RTS,S/AS01 and R21. However, complete elimination of malaria would require a holistic multi-component approach. In line with this, under the World Health Organization's PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), the research focus has shifted towards the sexual stages of malaria in the mosquito host. Last two decades of scientific research obtained seminal information regarding the sexual/mosquito stages of the malaria. This updated and comprehensive review would provide the basis for consolidated understanding of cellular, biochemical, molecular and immunological aspects of parasite transmission right from the sexual stage commitment in the human host to the sporozoite delivery back into subsequent vertebrate host by the female Anopheles mosquito.

Toothbrushes as a Source of DNA for Gender and Human Identification-A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the use of toothbrushes as a reliable source of DNA for human or gender identification. The present systematic review with the available information was conducted to answer the focus question "Is a toothbrush a reliable source of DNA for human or gender identification?". METHODS: The keyword combination "Toothbrush" and "DNA" was used to search databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science along with a manual search of reference lists of relevant articles. Duplicates and irrelevant articles were excluded, and the remaining articles were fully read for the final selection of articles. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool). RESULTS: Of the 130 articles obtained, 122 duplicates or irrelevant articles were eliminated. Following the full-text reading of eight articles, five articles were selected based on eligibility criteria. The five studies reported that a toothbrush is a good source of DNA irrespective of the time interval. In a few studies some samples were not sufficient for complete DNA profiling due to factors such as the method of DNA extraction. CONCLUSION: Although a toothbrush is an excellent source of DNA for human and gender identification, future studies with a larger sample size, appropriate control group, and standardized technique of DNA extraction need to be conducted. Additionally, factors influencing the quantity and quality of DNA in toothbrushes need to be determined with standardized techniques.