Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Analysis of Odontogenic Tumors: A 20-Year Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To perform the epidemiological and clinicopathological analyses of odontogenic tumors in Kerman for 20 years. Material and Methods: The present study investigated collected records from pathology departments of the Faculty of Dentistry, Bahonar, and Shafa teaching-medical hospitals for 20 years. Data on odontogenic tumors was recorded based on age, sex, and tumor location in the information forms. The statistical t-test and the Kappa coefficient computer codes were utilized for data analysis. Results: 38 samples of odontogenic tumors were considered in the present study. The mean age of participants was 31.7± 10.3 years. The frequency of tumors was higher in women (63.2%) and in the lower jaw) 78.9%). Among various tumors, ameloblastoma (63.1%) and odontoma (18.4%) were the most common tumors, respectively. The correlation between clinical and histopathologic diagnoses was 71.8% using the kappa coefficient. Conclusion: Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumor. The incidence of lesions was higher in the mandible, and odontogenic tumors were higher in women. Since the diagnosis of odontogenic tumors is based on radiographic and histologic appearances, clinical physicians and pathologists should collaborate for the definitive diagnosis of the disease.

Evaluation of P53 protein expression in gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis by immunohistochemistry methods.

OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is one of the most important periodontal diseases that can be affected by many factors. Although the mechanism of periodontitis development is not yet fully understood, previous studies suggest that apoptosis may be one of the pathological factors that can affect the process of the disease by destroying old and damaged cells. Low expression of P53 protein is one of the reasons for delaying cell death that allows damaged cells to survive longer and gives more time for the chance of mutations and pathogenesis. Because of the important role of P53 in gingival cells of patients with chronic periodontitis, the objective of our study is to evaluate the P53 protein expression in gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis by immunohistochemistry methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 35 patients with severe to moderate chronic periodontitis (loss of attachment ≥3 mm, probing depth ≥5 mm) with no treatment and 25 people who were healthy for periodontal problems were examined. Gingival biopsies from marginal and attached gingiva were obtained, prepared, and mounted on slides. Then, the expression of P53 on each slide was evaluated by optic microscopy after using P53 antibodies and staining with hematoxylin-eosin (immunohistochemistry method). Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Spearman correlation test using SPSS Statistics version 18.0. RESULTS: The mean ages of participants in the case and control groups were 37.58 and 32.09, respectively. Our results showed that the expression of P53 was not significant in periodontitis compared to the control group (p > .05). Also, gender could not affect the expression of P53 in both groups (p > .05), and there was no significant relationship between age and P53 gene incidence. CONCLUSION: Chronic periodontitis has no significant effect on P53 expression, so changes in apoptosis due to P53 expression in periodontitis are not significant.

Drug-Drug Interactions in Elderly Adults in Dentistry Care: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Statement of the Problem: Given the increase in the population of the elderly patients and the risk of systemic diseases in these individuals, the prevalence of the intake of various drugs is higher in elderly patients, which exposes them to the side effects of drugs including potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Purpose: Therefore, the present study is an attempt to evaluate the drug interactions between the drugs used by the elderly patients visiting Kerman School of Dentistry and the common dental drugs in 2020. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the elderly patients (≥60 years (who referred to Kerman School of Dentistry for dental problems. After obtaining the oral informed consent and collecting demographic information, the drugs used by the patients and their systemic diseases were questioned, listed, and compared with the drugs mentioned in their files. The drug interactions with the common dental drugs were studied in the elderly patients using the www.drugs.com website. Chi-square, T, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the variables. The significance level was 0.05. Results: Of participants included in this study, 78 (52%) were female and 72(48%) were male. The average age of these patients was 71.27 6.32 years. The most common systemic diseases were hypertension (57.3%), heart diseases (42.0%), and diabetes mellitus (40.7%). Our analysis of the DDIs between 11 commonly prescribed dental drugs and 95 drugs used by the patients revealed 212 DDIs (21.7% minor, 68.3% moderate, and 9.9% major interactions). There was a significant relationship between the number of drugs and DDIs, whereas DDIs had no significant relationship with gender and educational level. Conclusion: The results reflected the high percentage of DDIs among the patients. In addition, there was a significant relationship between polypharmacy, which is highly prevalent among the elderly patients, and drug interactions.

Retrospective Study of Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Lichenoid Lesions: Clinical Profile and Malignant Transformation.

Statement of the Problem: Oral lichen planus (OLP) and other oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) are reported to have the potential of malignant transformation and dysplastic changes, turning into oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). While the world health organization (WHO) has classified OLP as a precancerous lesion of the oral cavity, there is still much debate among researchers about its risks and malignancy potential. Purpose: The present study aimed to determine malignant transformation in OLP and OLL and understand related risk factors. Materials and Method: This retrospective study was performed on 356 patients of the Oral Medicine Department of Dental School of Kerman Medical University from 1998 to 2020. All patients' records were gathered. In addition, patients were followed up routinely. Second biopsy was taken as needed. The samples, previously taken from the patients, were re-evaluated according to WHO histopathologic criteria for diagnosing OLP, OLL, dysplasia, and SCC by an experienced pathologist and compared with first reports. Results: Dysplastic changes were observed in 6.2% of the patients. In more than half of the patients, dysplastic changes were present right from the start and 2.20% of the patients had experienced dysplastic changes averagely within 2.05 years of the onset of lesions. Multiple logistic regression showed that the risk of dysplasia increases with aging (p= 0.013), smoking (p= 0.0001), and thyroid disorders (p= 0.008). Conclusion: Given the rather high prevalence of oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions, further research appears to be needed to determine the etiology of these lesions, malignant transformations, and the factors affecting this probability. Considering the findings, it is imperative to meticulously record the information of all patients with oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions in the initial examinations as well as close follow-ups and employ diagnostic tools such as toluidine blue staining or even repeat biopsy when necessary.

Evaluation of the Frequency of Occupational Hazards Among a Group of Iranian General Dentists and its Prevention Criteria

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the frequency of occupational hazards and the criteria for their prevention among Iranian dentists. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 187 general dentists in Kerman. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including personal information (gender, age, marital status, condition and place and years of employment, and the average of weekly working hours) and a valid and reliable questionnaire of occupational hazards, including 24 questions about occupational hazards (6 domain) and nine questions about criteria for the prevention of the risks of dentistry. The t-test, chi-square, and linear regression were used. Results 92 (49.2%) were men. The mean and standard deviation of the score of occupational hazards was 27.04±16.21 out of 96, and the criteria of prevention were 22.00±7.28 out of 36. Regression analysis showed significant correlations between single statuses, years of occupational and type of employment, weekly work hours and occupational hazards, participation in occupational injury identification courses, and hepatitis vaccination. In addition, there were significant correlations between gender, age, weekly work hours, and preventive measures. Moreover, 3.2% of dentists were in a high-risk group and 26.2% were weak in preventive measures. Conclusion A total of 32.6% of dentists are at moderate risk of occupational hazards, and 10.7% meet the prevention criteria properly. It is recommended to hold training classes to identify occupational hazards and the criteria for their prevention among dentists.

Knowledge and Attitude About Research Ethics Among Iranian Dental Students

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of the students of Kerman dental school (Iran) about ethics in dental research. Material and Methods: This cross-section study was conducted on 307 dental students selected through the census sampling method. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 12 items about knowledge and 17 items about attitude toward research ethics. Data analyzed in SPSS software using t-test and linear regression test. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the respondents, 33.9% were male and 66.1% were female, and 44% had good knowledge and 20.8% had a positive attitude about research ethics. A significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitude. A significant correlation was also observed between knowledge and participation in research workshops. Knowledge and attitude showed no significant correlation with gender or year of admission. Conclusion: Participants had appropriate knowledge and attitude about research ethics. There is some room for improvement in research ethics education concerning experimental works and retrospective studies on biologic samples. Holding research workshops with an introduction to ethical codes of research is recommended.

Correlation Between Clinical and Histopathologic Diagnosis of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the frequency of oral potentially malignant disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and evaluate the consistency between their clinical and pathological features. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on records with a diagnosis of oral leukoplakia, oral erythroplakia, erythroleukoplakia, actinic cheilitis, lichen planus, and OSCC in the Pathology Department of Kerman dental school from September 1997 to September 2017. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21 at the significance level of ≤5%. Results: There were 378 cases of oral potentially malignant disorders and 70 cases of OSCC with a mean age of 46.82 ± 15.24 years. Buccal mucosa was the most frequent site, and lichen planus the most common lesion. Females were significantly older than males in leukoplakia and carcinoma in situ lesions. Clinical diagnosis and histopathology were consistent in 69.03% of cases. Conclusion: Clinical and histopathological diagnoses were consistent in 69.03% of records. The highest degree of clinical compliance with histopathology was observed in OSCC. Dentists should pay attention to oral potentially malignant disorders for early diagnosis to prevent their transformation to malignancy.

Investigation of Microbial Contamination in the Clinic and Laboratory of the Prosthodontics Department of Dental School

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the level of clinical contamination in the clinic and laboratory of the prosthodontics department of Kerman Dental School. Material and Methods: Clinical surfaces of the dental units, the laboratory, and the professors' lounge of the prosthodontics department were randomly sampled. The sampled surfaces included the dental units' console, light switch, light handle, headrest, and air-water spray syringe in the clinic, plastering tables, buttons of the vibrator, polishing, and trimmer machines, acryl tables, handles of pressure pot and press machine, handpiece holders, work desks, and drawer handles in the laboratory, and desks, computer mouse and keyboard, telephone sets, and doorknob in the professor's lounge. The samples were examined for the type and growth of microorganisms. The data were entered into SPSS, where they were analyzed using the chi-square test at the 0.05 significance level. Results: Of all the samples taken, 89.9% showed microbial contamination. The most common type of contamination was fungus (34.8%) and the least common types were Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1.1%). The second and third most common types of bacteria in the samples were Staphylococcus aureus (18%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.4%), respectively. There was no significant difference between the frequencies of microbial contamination in the clinic, the laboratory, and the professors' lounge. Conclusion: Given the strong chance of cross-infection in the examined department and laboratory, it is necessary to enforce protocols for proper disinfection of surfaces before, between and after treatments.

Quality of Life in Iranian Patients with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess sociodemographic factors and cancer information on patients' quality of life with head and neck cancer. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 69 patients with head and neck cancer who attended in one of the oncology centers in Mashhad, Iran, from September 2019 to December 2019. Data was collected through a questionnaire consisted of demographic information (gender, age, educational level, and job) and cancer information (type, location, treatment, clinical stage) and standard quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-H&N35). Data analyzed in SPSS22 software using T, ANOVA, Linear regression tests at 0.05 significant levels. Results: 49 participants (72.1%) were men. The mean age was 60.48 ± 13.74 years. Forty-nine participants (72.1%) had squamous cell carcinoma and 26 participants (38.2%) had a larynx tumor. Forty-six participants (67.6%) were in clinical stage 3, mainly with a problem and complain about hard food swallowing, xerostomia and speech. The mean score of QLQ-H&N35 was 42.06 ± 20.12 from 90. Quality of life in 47.1% of cases was moderate. There was no significant relationship between gender, job, educational level, type and location of cancer (p>0.05). There was a significant relationship between the patient's age, clinical stage, type of treatment, and quality of life (p<0.05). Conclusion: Quality of life in 47.1% was moderate. Clinical stage, age of patients and type of treatment statically and significantly affected the quality of life. Assessing quality of life in HNC patients can identify important side effects of treatment that affected quality of life and look for ways to improve QoL.

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: a Case Report of the Classic Triad.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neurological condition that includes a triad of symptoms including recurring facial paralysis, orofacial swelling, and fissured tongue. The diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome is difficult since the classic triad is rarely possible to see in its complete form. The etiology of MRS is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by various factors such as infections, genetic predisposition, immune deficiency, food intolerance, and stress. This case report presents a 22- year-old male patient with classical triad of MRS.

Histological Evaluation of Human Pulp Response to Direct Pulp Capping with MTA, CEM Cement, and Biodentine.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Direct pulp capping (DPC) is an established method in which the exposed pulp is coated with a suitable material to prevent further damage and to help its repair and healing. Different proposed materials may have different impact on pulp response during this treatment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the response of human dental pulp after DPC with calcium-enriched mixture (CEM), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement, and Biodentine. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this clinical trial study, class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 30 human premolar teeth, until the pulps were mechanically exposed. Then, teeth were randomly pulp capped with MTA, CEM cement and Biodentine, followed by resin modified glass ionomer filling. The fourth group was the control group (n= 10), in which the teeth were extracted without any prior intervention. Six weeks after the intervention, the teeth were extracted and prepared for histological evaluation in terms of the type and degree of pulp inflammation, dentin bridge formation and the presence of necrosis. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. RESULTS: In all groups, necrosis was not observed and inflammation was chronic. The Biodentine group exhibited significantly more pulpal inflammation compared with the other groups (p= 0.001). There were no significant differences among CEM cement, MTA and Biodentine in terms of the dentine bridge formation. The thickness of the dentin bridge formed in the Biodentine group was significantly higher than MTA and control group (p= 0.035 and p= 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although the dentin bridge formation and the thickness of dentin bridge formed in the Biodentine group were higher than the other groups, pulp showed greater inflammation compared to CEM cement and MTA. The results of this study suggested that MTA and CEM cement performed better when employed as the direct pulp capping material.

Internet Addiction Among Iranian Students of Medical Sciences

Abstract Objective: To identify the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) and associated factors among Iranian medical students. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 400 students. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of two sections: the first section was sociodemographic data, data about student's relations, and Internet use characteristics; the second part aimed at assessment of the level of IA using Young's 20-item scale for IA. Data analyzed in SPSS 20 at 0.05 significant level. Results: Considering their familiarity with the Internet, 80.3% stated personal experience and 12.3% individuals stated educational periods held outside the university. The most locations of using the Internet were dormitories (21.0%) and houses (43.5%). Concerning hours of Internet use, 45.2% used the Internet more than two hours per day. One hundred sixty-eight individuals (42.0%) stated that they used the Internet less than 15% for university activities. One hundred eighty-eight individuals (47.0%) used VPN and 75.5% were dissatisfied with Internet speed 61.2%. A total of 64.3% had a poor dependency on the Internet and the prevalence of IA was 3.5%. The mean score of IA questionnaire was 43.98 ± 15.92 from 125. The mean score of IA was higher in the male sex, but there was no significant correlation between sex and IA (p>0.05). There was not a significant correlation between the field of study and the year of entrance. Conclusion: The prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students was low. Identification of factors associated with IA can help in the planning of preventive programs to raise students' knowledge about the hazards IA.

Comparison of TNF-α and IL-1ß Concentrations in Gingival Crevicular Fluid During Early Alignment Stage of Orthodontic Treatment in Adults and Adolescents

Abstract Objective: To compare the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during early leveling stage of orthodontic treatment. Material and Methods: This study was carried out on 20 orthodontic patients, including 10 teenagers and 10 adults. Before bonding, GCF was collected with a paper strip in gingival sulcus of maxillary right central incisor on the disto labial aspect for 60 seconds, followed by bonding and insertion of initial 14 NiTi archwire. GCF collection was repeated 24 hours, 7 days, and 28 days after bonding. Measurement of TNF-α and IL-1β levels was done utilizing Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed in SPSS using repeated measurement test. Results: Concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β increased after treatment. There was no significant relationship between TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations subsequent to bonding in comparison to the baseline. There was no significant relationship in TNF-α and IL-1β level changes in the two age groups and between males and females. Conclusion: Concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β increased after treatment. Age and sex had no statically significant effect on the concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β.

Oral Health Literacy and Related Factors among Pregnant Women Referring to Health Government Institute in Kerman, Iran

Abstract Objective: To evaluate oral health literacy among pregnant women in Kerman, Iran. Material and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 169 pregnant women referring to government institute. Data were collected by demographic profile (including age, number of children, educational level, dental attendance before pregnancy and economic status), 17-item oral health literacy questionnaire consisting of four domains (including reading comprehension, numeracy, listening, and decision-making skills), self-assessment oral health status, DMFT index and oral health behavior. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 software using ANOVA and Chi-square tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.92 ± 5.25 years, 38.2% of them had bachelor's degree, 35.8% had dental attendance before pregnancy and 29.1% brushed daily their teeth twice or more. Dentists were the most frequent source of oral health information. Moreover, 60.0% believed their oral health was to be moderate, and 59.4% had inadequate oral health literacy. There was also a significant correlation between educational level, monthly income and dental attendance before pregnancy. Conclusion: Our results showed inadequate oral health literacy among pregnant women, highlighting the necessity of dental consultation before pregnancy.