حمیدرضا عبدالصمدی

According to the possible role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in the incidence of oral lichen planus lesions, it seems necessary to evaluate it in patients with Oral Lichen Planus (OLP).

The present study aims to investigate the level of VEGF in patients with OLP.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, the search was conducted in online databases including PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Data were analyzed in Stata14 software at 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and using a random effect model. The standardized mean difference was used to measure the difference in VEGF level between the two groups of controls and OLP. Data heterogeneity was quantified by I2 index.

There was no significant difference between the two groups in the VEGF  (Standardized mean difference= 0.46, 95% CI: -2.13,-3.05, P=0.730) and I2 index showed a significant heterogeneity among the results of studies (I2=97.9%). Based on the results of immunohistochemistry, there was a significant difference in the VEGF level between the two groups (Standardized mean difference= 3.30, 95% CI: 6.25,-0.36), but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant using ELISA method (P=0.530).

The VEGF level in patients with OLP is higher than in healthy people. Therefore, the serum factors which indicate VEGF should be considered as an effective risk factor of OLP.

Viewing to the increased incidence of candidiasis, the bitter taste of nystatin, and the need for its repeated administration, the role of medicinal plants as well as global trends in herbal medicine, the present study was performed to compare the inhibitory effect of Thymus eriocalyx and Thymus kotschyanus with nystatin on the growth of Candida albicans.
In this in vitro study the minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentration of essential oils of Thymus eriocalyx and Thymus kotschyanus on the growth of Candida albicansans was determined and then the diameter of growth inhibition of the two plants adjacent minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentration were compared with inhibition zone of nystatin. Data was analysed by SPSS using one-way ANOVA at the significance level of 0.05.
In this study the minimum inhibitory concentration of plant Thymus eriocalyx and Thymus kotschyanus was 4.2 μl/ml and 3.3 μl/ml respectively and minimum fungicidal concentrations of these two plants, was 4.2μl/ ml and 4 μl/ ml, respectively. The diameter of growth inhibition zone of Thymus eriocalyx in MIC and MFC was 19.5 mm and 18.95 mm; respectively. These diameters were 18.4 mm and 21.05 mm for Thymus kotschyanus in MIC and MFC; respectively. The results of statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the diameter of growth inhibition zone of essential oils and nystatin (P>0.05).
Based on the results of present study, the essential oil of Thymus eriocalyx and Thymus kotschyanus have appropriate inhibitory effects on the growth of the Candida albicans. The inhibitory effect of these essential oils is comparable with nystatin.

Introduction & Salivary antioxidants play important roles in the defensive mechanism of saliva against free radicals. Due to Prevalence of diabetes and numerous factors associated in its pathogenesis, understanding the defensive mechanism of salivary antioxidant against free radicals can provide helpful strategies in diagnosis and evaluation of diabetes. The aim of this study was evaluation of the paraoxonase (PON1) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of saliva in diabetic subjects. In this case -control study, 40 patients diagnosed with type II diabetes (20 males and 20 females) aged between 40 to 60 years and 40 healthy controls were selected. 5 mL unstimulated saliva samples using Spiting method were collected. PON-I and TAC levels were examined using FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) methods. The data were ana-lyzed by t- test or its non parametric equivalent tests. Mean PON-I in the subjects and control group were 8.05±2.099 nmol /ml 9.98 ±2.957 nmol/ml, respectively and the difference was significant (P=0.001) TAC in saliva of the sub-jects and control group were 377.38 ±191.229 and 402.25±189.105 and no significant differ-ence was found (P=0.56). The level of salivary TAC, PON-1 of patients with type II diabetes was lower than healthy controls. Additionally, plasma low density lipoproteins level of the diabetic subjects was higher compared with the healthy ones.

As oral lesions could be one of the first clinical signs in HIV infected patients and an indicator of CD4+ decrease، this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions and their relationship with CD4+ lymphocyte in HIV infected patients. In this analytical-cross-sectional study performed on subjects attending to Imam Khomeyni and Masih Daneshvari hospitals of Tehran، 52 patients with at least 6 months of infection were evaluated. Oral lesions were evaluated according to ECC (European Commision Clearinghouse) and CD4 counts were measured by flow cytometry method. The data were analyzed using Mann Whitney test. Out of 52 evaluated patients، 44 males (84. 6%) and 8 females (15. 4%) with mean age of 34±7. 77 were participated. 32 (61. 5%) patients were under HAART، 15 (28. 8%) used anti tuberculosis medicines and 5 (9. 6%) patients received both above mentioned treatment. In this study the most common oral lesions were erythematous Candidiasis (40. 4%)، angular cheilitis (25%) and rampant caries (23. 1%). In the present study، 15 (28. 8%) patients had no immunosuppression، 20 (38. 5%) and 17 (32. 7%) patients had moderate and sever immunosuppression، respectively. In the current study، angular cheilitis were accompanied with sever immunosuppression and rampant caries were related to the mild immunosuppresion. According to the results of the present study، except fungal infections including oral erythematous and pseudo membranous candidiasis، other oral manifesation of patients with AIDS or HIV infected patients had no relationship with CD4 counts. However further study in other population is recommended.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is primary malignant bone tumor in which mesenchymal cell produce osteoid. OS of jawbones is uncommon، representing 4-8% of all OS. Case Report: This paper reports the case of a- 29 year-old female with an OS in mandibular first molar as exophitic lesion with smooth surface during 1 year. Based on the patient''s symptoms، differential diagnosis was lymphoma and malignant meshenshymal tumors. Exci-sional biopsy was done and histopatholigic feature proved to be OS.

Postoperatively، the patient was referred to the oncology department of Tehran Imam Khomeini hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Planning educational activities and modifying educational system are carried out in terms of assessment of lecturers. The goal of this study was to determine faculty members’ viewpoints regarding teacher evaluation process by students in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.

This is a descriptive analytic and cross sectional study. Sampling method is based on census. It was performed in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences during 2011-2012. The data collection tool was a questionnaire which asked faculty members’ viewpoints about evaluation process. The data was analyzed SPSS software using ANOVA، Chi 2 test and t-test.

Most lecturers believe that assessment is effective to improve their teaching (68. 8%). But the most negative opinions were about lack of attention to the content differences of the courses with the same evaluation (90. 6%) and Lack of showing educational skills by lecturers (79%). The result of evaluation was accepted by only 34. 3% of academic staffs. There was not significant relationship among Viewpoints of faculty members by consiering age (0. 507)، gender (0. 941) and work experience (0. 744).

Faculty members were not so satisfied with the performance of evaluation process by students and have negative attitude toward this issue. Therefore it is suggested that some explanatory workshops are held to inform lectures about and its effect onnstruction، also، implementing other evaluation method.

Gorlin syndrome is a rare disorder with different diagnostic criteria such as mul-tiple odontogenic keratocysts، basal cell carcinomas، palmar &plantar pits، frontal bossing and hypertelorism and calcification of falx cerebri. Case Report: The case which is reported in the present study was a 27-years old woman re-ferred by a general dentist to oral medicine department of Hamadan dental faculty. On clini-cal and radiographic examination، multiple odontogenic keratocysts of jaws، multiple basal cell carcinomas، palmar pits and hypertelorism were obvious. The jaw cysts were treated with marsupialization and enucleation. The patient was referred to the dermatologist for pho-todynamic therapy.

Most disorders of Gorlin syndrome are slight، which usually do not threat the pa-tient’s life. The prognosis of this syndrome usually depends on the dermal tumor behavior. (Sci J Hamadan Univ Med Sci 2013; 20 (4): 337-341)

Introduction & Oral lesions have important diagnostic and prognostic roles in HIV infected patients. It seems that HAART reduces the prevalence of oral lesions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral lesions in HIV infected patients on/not on HAART. In this retrospective study، 40 HIV infected patients receiving HAART and 40 who were not on HAART were evaluated in Behavioral Consultation Center in Kermanshah. The diagnosis of the oral lesions was recorded by using established presump-tive clinical criteria. Data were gathered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 by chi-square test. In the current study 80 HIV infected patients with mean age of 38. 86 were chosen. 72. 5% and 27. 5% of participants were male and female respectively. The most common le-sions in those receiving HAART were hairy leukoplakia، hairy tongue and oral pigmentation. However the prevalence of these lesions had declined in comparison to those who were not on HAART but the difference was not significant (P>0. 05). Although comparing lesions in the two groups showed no significant difference، the total number of lesions significantly reduced in patients receiving HAART (P=0. 046) According to the results of the present study using anti retroviral therapy leaded to reduction in the oral lesions in HIV infected patients. However، more research in this field seems necessary.

Current evidence suggests that periodontitis would be associated with some systemic condition including body fat content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between body mass index (BMI) and severity of periodontitis. In this cross-sectional study 360 diabetes free individuals attended to the department of Hamadan (Iran) periodontology during 22 November 2011 to 21 January 2012 were conducted. Body Mass Index (BMI)، waist circumference (WC) and periodontal examination were performed for all participants. BMI was 24. 17±1. 68، 25. 60 ± 2. 07، 28. 50 ±1. 55، and 29. 65± 2. 66 in health، gingivitis، mild and server periodontitis respectively. It was significantly different according to the periodontuim inflammation (p<0. 001). WC was 73. 25±6. 75، 78. 45 ± 7. 68، 93. 59± 7. 84 and 100. 36 ± 7. 59 in health، gingivitis، mild and server periodontitis which was significantly different (p<0. 001). According to the results of the present study BMI and WC values in adult are significantly related to the severity of periodontitis.

Nitric oxide (NO) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) play an important role in biologic systems. The aim of the present study was to evaluatesalivary NO and EGF levelschanges in type I and II diabetes mellitus comparing to the control group. In this cross-sectional study, five ml saliva of 20 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and five ml saliva of 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attended to Hamadan diabetes research center as well as 20 healthy individuals matched according to age and sex, were collected. NO and EGF were assessed via Griess reaction and Immunoassay methods respectively. Data were analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Compared to the control group, the level of NO was increased in patients with type I diabetes (P=0.037), while it did not significantly increase in type II diabetes (P=0.058). The level of EGF in diabetic patients was significantly higher than the control group. There was no significant difference between the salivary level of EGF and NO of patient with type 1 and type 2 mellitus diabetes (P>0.05). The correlation coefficient between NO and EGF levels in type II diabetic patients was -0.278 (P=0.0235). The level of NO and EGF was significantly related to fasting blood sugar and HbA1c (P=0.001). The level of salivary NO in type I diabetes and EGF in type I and II diabetes was higher compared to those of healthy individuals and was related to the severity of the disease.

Introduction &

Recently، it has been suggested that there might be an association between oral diseases such as dental caries، as well as periodontitis and general health. Re-garding the fact that albumin is an indicator of general health، the aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of salivary albumin concentration with dental caries.

In this descriptive-analytical study 108 patients aged 13-19 years old who had teeth caries were placed in 3 groups with mild، moderate and severe dental caries according to their DMFT value (n=36). Five ml of unstimulated saliva were taken from each participant via Navazesh method and their albumin concentrations were assessed by nephelometery method. Data were analyzed by t-test and ANOVA.

The mean concentration of salivary albumin in three experimental groups was 84. 442±42. 915، 97. 964±66. 717 and 89. 850±33. 003، respectively. ANOVA showed that the difference among the mean values was not significant (P=0. 09) but the relationship between salivary albumins and sex was significant (P=0. 009).

According to the results of the present study there was no significant relationship between albumin and dental caries in 13-19 year old individuals.

Malignent Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH) is the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma of adulthood. The most common sites affected by MFH are limbs، orbit، retroperitoneum، pelvis and knee. Oral cavity and mandible involvements are very rare. Case Report: A 35-year-old male was visited in the oral medicine department of Hamadan dental school with the chief complaint of pain and teeth mobility. The patient also had a history of paresthesia in lower lip for two monthes. In intraoral examination، there was a crater like، deep and disseminated ulcer in lower buccal and ligual gingiva of right mandibular teeth and exophitic lesion with smooth surface، and color similar to normal mucosa with 2×2×3 cm in diameter in buccal and lingual part of right lateral and central teeth extended to left second premolar was observed. Gingival resorption was observed in all adjascent teeth. There was radiolucency with irregular border in all part of lesion. MFH was confirmed by histopathological report.

The most common complaint of patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma is the growing mass that could be ulcerative or painful. Early diagnosis and referral is very important in prognosis and survival of the patients.

Salivary calcium and phosphate levels might have a relationship with dental caries severity. Evaluation of different indexes such as alkaline phosphatase, which increases salivary phosphate levels, and hydroxyapatite ion activity, which reflects salivary calcium and phosphate levels, might help determine the risk of dental caries. The aim of the present study was to compare salivary alkaline phosphatase activity and hydroxyapatite ion activity index in 6‒12-year-old children with different rates of dental caries. In this descriptive-analytical study the teeth were examined in 152 children, aged 6‒12, by a dentist and were placed into three experimental groups according to the dental caries severity as follows: group 1: severe dental caries (DMFT ≥ 6); group 2: moderate dental caries rate (1 < DMFT < 6); and group 3: mild dental caries rate (DMFT ≤ 1). After collection of saliva, salivary alkaline phosphatase levels and hydroxyapatite ion activity were measured for each sample. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey test (α = 0.05). The means and standard deviations of alkaline phosphatase levels in groups 1 to 3 were 5.39 ± 2.96, 5.71 ± 3.68 and 5.83 ± 4.53 unit/dL, respectively. Hydroxyapatite ion activity rates were 25.80 ± 0.70, 28.28 ± 0.76 and 28.50 ± 0.56 in groups 1 to 3, respectively. The results of one-way ANOVA showed no significant differences between the experimental groups in alkaline phosphatase levels (p value = 0.830) and hydroxyapatite ion activity (p value = 0.065). According to the finding of the present study, alkaline phosphatase level and hydroxyapatite ion activity have no effect on tooth caries severity in 6‒12-year-old children. Future studies are recommended.

Hepatitis includes a wide range of clinical and pathological conditions. The beta-2 microglobulin (ß2M)، as part of the HLA complex، is responsible for transmission of viral antigens on the surface of liver cells. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentration of salivary ß2M as a marker of viral proliferation in subjects who are HbsAg+، HBV DNA PCR+ compared with those who are HbsAg+، HBV DNA PCR-.

In this case-control study، we enrolled 25 patients who were Hbs Ag+، HBV DNA PCR+ in addition to 21 patients who were Hbs Ag+، HBV DNA PCR-. We obtained sputum samples from all patients and measured salivary ß2M levels by nephelometry. Data analyses were performed by the descriptive، student''s t- and chi square tests.

There were 25 men (54. 3%) and 21 women (45. 7%) with a mean age of 35. 72±11. 86 years who participated. Of PCR+ patients، 72% were on medication، however 85. 7% of the PCR- patients did not take medication (p<0. 001). Salivary Β2M concentration in the PCR+ patients (5. 28±5. 45) was greater than observed in the PCR- patients (1. 51±0. 77)، of which this difference was statistically significant (p<0. 003).

Salivary ß2M levels، as a marker of viral replication، could be used in patients with hepatitis B.

Probiotics have been associated to various benefits on oral health, partially through regulation of local immunity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotics on salivary IgA. This randomized, triple-blind trial was conducted on 40 healthy non-smoker volunteers. The subjects were assigned to two age- and sex-matched groups ingesting 200 g of a regular yoghurt (control) or a yoghurt containing probiotic bacteria (treatment group) once daily for 8 weeks. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected from the subjects at weeks 0, 4 and 8 of trial and total salivary IgA concentration was determined using ELISA. Saliva volume was measured and salivary IgA secretion rate was calculated. The differences in IgA means were statistically analyzed by repeated measurments (α=0.05). Over the trial period, no significant changes were found among the salivary IgA concentrations of control group; however, treatment group presented a non-significant increase (P>0.05). There were not significant differences in concentration and secretion rate between two groups at each time point of study (P>0.05). Within the limitations of this study, an 8-week period daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt could not alter the salivary IgA concentrations, although it persuades an increase trend in salivary IgA secretion rate.

Mucormycosis is a rare and invasive fungal infection with a high mortality that usually affects immunocompromised patients. The major route of infection is inhalation. An extensive necrotic ulcer in the mouth could be indicative of fungal invasion.Case report: A 67-year-old woman was visited in the department of Oral Medicine of Hamadan dental school with perforation and extensive and progressive ulcer in palate from 2 month ago. The patient had a history of swelling in the face and proptosis in the right eye from five months ago. Lab tests revealed an uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Biopsy was carried out under clinical diagnosis of deep fungal infection and final diagnosis was mucormycosis.

Early detection of mucormycosis could increase survival rate. Therefore, dentists can play an important role in primary diagnosis of the lesions. Systemic diseases could also be diagnosed and referred for treatment by the dentists.

Mouth rinses beside the other methods have an important role in reducing dental caries. The aim of this study was in-vitro comparison of the anti-caries effect of polyphenol extract of green tea with 0.05% fluoride, 0.2% cholorhexidine and fluoride-cholorhexidine. In this laboratory experimental study, 50 maxillary premolars were placed separately in tubes which contained cariogenic solution (streptococcus mutans, lactobacillus and 3 ml sucrose solution of 20%). Each tube regarding the rinse solution was placed in 5 experimental groups (n=10) as follows: 1) normal saline, 2) 10% solution of green tea polyphenol extract, 3) 0.05% fluoride, 4) 0.2% cholorhexidine and 5) fluoride_cholorhexidine. Every 24 hours, the teeth were rinsed with 5 mL of the rinse. After 21 hours, the depth of decay was measured by polarized light microscope. Data were analyzed by SPSS V 13.0 software using Colmogrove Smirnove, One way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The mean and standard deviation of the depth of the caries in group 1 to 5 were 194 ±16.43, 175±17.94, 142±9.34, 155±13.27, and 144±8.57, respectively. One way ANOVA showed that there were significant differences between the groups (P<0.001). Tukey test showed that although there was no significant difference in the depth of the caries between groups 1 and 2 (P=0.205), it was significantly less than groups 3 to 5 (P<0.001). There were no significant differences between the depth of the caries in group 3, 4 and 5. According to the results of the current study, the anti-caries effect of flouride_cholorhexidine was the greatest between the groups. As the anti cariogenic effect of green tea was similar to that of normal saline and significantly less than fluoride or chlorhexidine, its use as a common mouth rinse needs more research.

Introduction & Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common causes of occupational injuries in most countries. The aim of this study was evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders prevalence among Hamadan general dental practitioners. 71 dentists of Hamadan city were participated in this cross sectional descriptive study. Data were collected with standard Nordic questionnaire and were analyzed with t-test and chi square by using SPSS 16 software. 64. 8 % of the dentists had one type of musculoskeletal disorders. The most common disorders in the past 12 months among the dentists were neck (49. 7 %)، wrist and hand (47. 8 %)، shoulder (29. 6%)، upper back (23. 9 %)، lower back (49. 7 %)، knees (14. 1 %) and elbow، (1. 41%) respectively. The most prevalent disorders among dentists were neck، wrist and hand. Implementation of educational programs in this regard for dentists seems to be necessary.

Oxidative stress elevation has an important role in pathogenesis of diabetes and its side effects. Increased oxidative stresses and antioxidant defense dysfunction are usually seen in diabetes mellitus patients. The aim of this study was the comparative evaluation of saliva antioxidants in type 1 diabetic subjects with a healthy group, because compared to blood sampling, saliva is a non invasive and simple method.

In this case control study, 20 insulin dependent patients and 20 healthy controls (12 female - 8 male, age range 30-40 years) were studied. From each person 2-3 cc of saliva was collected by the Navazesh method. Enzyme activity of super oxide dysmotase, peroxidase and uric acid were measured with Randox and santinel kits by spectrophotometric assay. The data were analyzed with SPSS software, using t Test, P<0.05 being considered significant.

Super oxide dysmotase had showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups patients, (8.74± 8.75 U/ml) in and controls (7.04± 17.95 U/ml). Peroxidase and uric acid were higher in patients than in controls but the difference was not statistically significant. There was positive relation between HbA1c and super oxide dysmotase, peroxidase and uric acid, p=0.003, 0.291, 0.105 r=0.629, 0.244,0.374 respectively. A statistically significant relation also was observed between super oxide dysmotase and HbA1c (p=0.003).

In this study some salivary antioxidants levels were higher in insulin dependent diabetic patients and this may be related the control and severity of disease, which needs further studies to be clarified.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder. The determination of saliva components in these patients may be useful in further understanding the oral finding in this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary Alpha- Amylase level in type II diabetic patients.

In this case- control study, 40 patients with type II DM and 40 healthy subjects were selected. All participants were matched for age and sex. Dental and oral status was assessed for all subjects. Whole unstimulated saliva samples were collected during 5 minute to determine salivary flow rate and amylase concentration. The data was analyzed using t-test.

Salivary alpha- amylase rate was significantly higher in patients with type II DM (106217.5±77661.24 Vs. 68257.5±29276.12IU/dl), (P= 0.05), Salivary flow rate was significantly lower in type II diabetic patients than control group (0.32±0.14 Vs. 0.39±0.17),(P=0.001). Dry mouth, burning sensation and DMFT index were significantly higher in type II DM patients (P=0.003).

Salivary alpha amylase level was significantly higher in type II diabetic patients

Surveys of students’ and faculty members’ opinion on the faculties teaching can reveal the strengths and weaknesses of their teaching performance. This study aimed to compare self-evaluation and students’ evaluation about educational performance of Hamadan dental school faculty members in 2010-2011.

In this cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study, through using census sampling method, all 46 faculty members and 77 students of Dental School in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences participated. The data were gathered by two parallel, five- point Likert scale questionnaires each consisting of 18 question items. Data were analysed through Pearson correlation coefficient, paired t-test, ANOVA, and Wilcoxon tests.

The mean of the faculty member's self-evaluation score was 76.02± 10.5 and the mean of this evaluation by students was 71.12± 9.03 which demonstrated a significant difference (p=0.041). The correlation coefficient between the scores of self-evaluation and evaluation by students was -0.299.

Faculty members’ self- evaluation scores were higher than those of the students. Faculty members should pay more attention to the results of this study and improve their teaching performance in order to achieve higher quality educational levels

Diabetes is a most common chronic disease. Gestational diabetes is one type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. Saliva sampling as a simple diagnostic method can reflect the serum changes. Antioxidants, especially micronutrient and toxic metals, can influence diabetes pathogenesis and its complications. According to the limited studies available in this field, the aim of this study is to evaluate salivary chromium and cadmium levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus, in comparison with non-diabetic pregnant women.

This case control study was conducted between 2009 to 2011 in Hamadan city. Samples of 5cc unstimulated saliva from 35 gestational diabetes mellitus and 35 non diabetic pregnant women of a same age range were collected. Chromium and cadmium was measured by the atomic absorption method. Data were analyzed by t-test using SPSS software.

cadmium level was higher than in the control group (P=0.001), but Chromium showed a nonsignificant decrease (P=0.254).

Results of this study show chromium and cadmium levels differed between gestational diabetes mellitus and non diabetic pregnant women, a difference that was statistically significant for cadmium, and saliva sampling can be used instead to measure these metals.

Every day, numerous people undergo dental treatments, and if required different drugs are prescribed by dentists. Some patients have systemic disorders, so dentists must have correct information about drug prescriptions and drugs that are to be used by their patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the awareness of dentists and dentistry students about using drugs in dentistry. In this cross-sectional study, the awareness of general dentists and dentistry students about drugs used in dentistry were evaluated during 2009-2010. A questionnaire was prepared and completed by 58 final year dental students and 96 Hamadan general dental practitioners for a total of 154 completed questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of some demographic questions and questions about their awareness and their main information resources about drugs. Gathered data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Independent t-test statistical analysis. More questions about drug awareness were answered by dental students than general dentists. Dentistry students answered the question about awareness of drugs used in dentistry more correctly than did general dentists (64.96% versus 56.73%, respectively) P<0.001. The assessment of general dentists and dentistry students indicated that the awareness of dentistry students was much better, and the difference was statistically significant. Overall, 94.9% of students had to some extent desirable and completely desirable awareness, while this level for general dentists was about 82.3%. The awareness level of general dentists about drugs which are used in dentistry is moderate. An inverse relationship between job experience and the score of awareness shows that the awareness of dentists has not updated along with experience and there is no serious follow-up in this field. This issue indicates the necessity of retraining courses for dentists about drugs prescribed in dentistry.

Few studies have shown the role of oxidative stress in gestational diabetes mellitus. Increased oxidative stress and antioxidant defense dysfunction could be one of the etiologic factors in gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of salivary antioxidants in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their comparison with non-diabetic pregnant women. In this semi-experimental study that was done in 2009-2011 in Hamadan, 5 cc unstimulated saliva from 35 gestational diabetics and 35 non-diabetic pregnant women with an age range of 25-40 and BMI of 25-40 was collected. Enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, uric acid and total antioxidant capacity were measured with special kits by spectrophotometric method. Data were analyzed by t-test using SPSS program. Activity of superoxide dismutase in gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly lower than control group (p<0.001). Total antioxidant capacity changes was not significant and uric acid changes was also the same as total antioxidant capacity level and was not significant (p=0.663). Antioxidants deficiency and altered response to elevated levels of oxidative stress seems to have a role in pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Microorganisms are the main etiologic factors of periodontal diseases and dental caries. Recently, the use of herbal medications has been considered as an alternative method in elimination of oral microbial agents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial effects of Myrtus extract on some common oral bacteria. This experimental trial study was performed on nine strains of some oral bacteria. Each strain was cultured in blood agar and Muler-Hintone media. Paper disks 6mm in diameter containing different concentrations of Myrtus extract were placed on the selected media and then inhibition zone (IZ) was measured after 24 hours. Data analysis was carried out using ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. The results of this study showed that, there were no statistically significant differences in IZ between S.Salivarius and S. epidermis in different Myrtus concentrations. The widest IZ was presented in concentration of 2.5% for S.Sanguis, S.Mutans and diphteroid and in concentration of 1% for lactobacillus and in concentration of 1% and 2.5% for S.aureus and finally, in concentration of 2.5% for P.aeruginosa. The narrowest IZ was presented in concentration of 5% for Lactobacillus. The highest sensitivity to Myrtus extract was observed in concentration of 2.5% and the lowest sensitivity in concentrations of 0.5% and 5%. Myrtus extract had different effects in different concentrations and on different bacteria in this study. The widest IZ (16 milimeter) was presented in concentration of 2.5% for P. aeruginosa and the narrowest IZ (6mm) was presented in concentration of 5% for Lactobacillus.