Background: Age determination plays an important role in forensic medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the precision of age estimation based on pulp chamber dimensions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in an Iranian population. Methods: In this diagnostic study, CBCT scans of 85 males and 95 females, all over 12 years of age, were retrieved from the archives of a radiology clinic in Ardabil, Iran. The study included a total of 180 teeth. All CBCT scans were obtained using the ProMax 3D scanner. The Kvaal’s parameters were measured on CBCT scans for maxillary central and lateral incisors, second premolars, and mandibular lateral incisors, canines, and first premolars. The Kvaal’s regression formula was then applied for age estimation. Next, a new regression model was developed for the study population, and its accuracy in estimating age underwent evaluation. Results: No significant correlation was found between the estimated age for males using Kvaal’s method and their chronological age (P>0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that tooth length, radicular pulp length, and root width at the mid-root were good predictors for age estimation in males. In females, tooth length, root width at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), and root width at the mid-root were good predictors for age estimation. Conclusion: The regression formula proposed by Kvaal was found to be unsuitable for estimating age in males within our study population. The dimensions of the mean pulp chamber, except for tooth length, on CBCT scans were only suitable for age estimation in females; thus, a new regression model was developed for the study population.

Background: The tumors of salivary glands make up 3% of neoplasms in the head and neck region. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) represents the most prevalent benign tumor of the salivary glands. Endocan is secreted by endothelial cells and is associated with tumorigenesis/tumor progression. This study aimed to analyze the expression and distribution pattern of endocan in salivary PA and the contribution of markers to tumor development. Methods: Overall, 35 PA samples from parotid glands were collected from the Archive of the Pathology Department of Educational Hospital from 2016 to 2021. Hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed the previous diagnosis. All samples were classified based on the differentiation of epithelial cells and the amount of the stroma according to the Seifert et al classification. Then, the specimens were processed for immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Results: Based on the Seifert et al classification, 37% of PAs were classified as classic type. The cellular or myxoid type was found in 31.4% of cases (each with 11 cases). There was a significant difference between the age of the patients and the histological subtype (P<0.011). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was found between the duration of the tumor and the histological subtypes (P<0.018). Endocan positivity was mainly observed in the ductal epithelium in the classic subtype. Moreover, plasmacytoid-like and spindle cells were stained for endocan primarily in the classic type. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a noticeable occurrence of endocan positivity in different cell types found in PA samples. The findings from our research offer evidence that supports the notion that endocan is crucial in the progression and potentially in the malignant transformation of PAs. The immunoreactivity shown by plasmacytoid-like and spindle cells provides a strong indication of the possible presence of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenomenon as a key factor in the development of these tumors. Thus, endocan can be considered a potential therapeutic target for PA.

Background: Granzyme B (GzmB), a serine protease released by immune and non-immune cells, exhibits a significant presence in pemphigoid lesions. This enzymatic protein degrades extracellular matrix components, playing a crucial role in disease pathogenesis, thus presenting itself as a promising therapeutic target. This study aimed to identify compounds that can hinder GzmB by conducting computational drug discovery using the molecular docking method. Methods: To this end, 62 plant-derived compounds encompassing three distinct chemical classes (i.e., flavonoid compounds, cinnamic acid derivatives, and anthraquinones) were assessed for their binding affinities to the GzmB active site through molecular docking simulations using AutoDock 4.0. Results: The analysis revealed remarkable binding characteristics, with 50 compounds demonstrating inhibition constants at nanomolar concentrations and five compounds achieving picomolar-level inhibition. Furthermore, 21 compounds exhibited binding free energies (∆Gbinding) below -10, indicating robust interaction with the GzmB active site. Precisely, the Gibbs free energy of binding for Cynarin was calculated to be -13.13 kcal/mol. Conclusion: This study identified herbal isolates with a strong affinity for GzmB, showing potential for developing treatments for pemphigoid and other immune diseases.

Background: Cold ceramic (CC) is a bioceramic material used for root-end filling. A new bioceramic sealer derived from CC has recently been developed. This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate and compare the marginal adaptation of an experimental bioceramic-based sealer (CC sealer: CCS) with that of an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH26 sealer) using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Methods: Twenty extracted human maxillary central incisors were collected, disinfected with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and stored in 0.9% saline. The teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction to obtain 13 mm roots. After cleaning and shaping the canals using the crown-down technique, the samples were randomly divided into two groups (n=10 each). In Group 1, canals were obturated with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer. In Group 2, canals were obturated with gutta-percha and the CCS. After 24 hours of incubation, a 2-mm-thick apical cross-section was prepared from each specimen, and marginal adaptation was assessed using SEM. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20 and the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The mean marginal gap was 15.6±3.46 μm and 10.47±2.35 μm in the AH26 and CCS groups, respectively. The mean gap of the CCS group was significantly lower in the apical side and coronal side of the specimens compared to the AH26 sealer group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, CCS demonstrated significantly better marginal adaptation compared to AH26 under SEM evaluation. It is recommended that further clinical studies validate its performance in clinical settings.

Background: The use of dental composites is widespread, resulting in an inevitable increased demand for esthetic composites because of their aesthetic appeal and high durability. Nonetheless, achieving color stability in composites remains one of the primary challenges. On the other hand, the use of whitening toothpaste may affect the properties of composites. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the impact of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2)-containing whitening toothpaste on the color change and surface roughness of Extra Bleach, Bleach, and A1 composites. Methods: This experimental study employed a quantitative research design. Samples of Extra Bleach, Bleach, and A1 composites were divided into 3 groups in a blinded manner. Color changes (ΔE) were measured using a spectrophotometer device, and the roughness of the sample’s surface (Ra) was determined using a laser profilometer. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Our results demonstrated a significant difference in surface roughness among the three composite groups. Additionally, this difference was significant between 1A and BW, as well as between 1A and XBW, although there was no significant difference between BW and XBW. The XBW shade revealed the highest surface roughness, while 1A exhibited the smallest increase. Regarding color stability, significant color changes were observed in all three composites. The lowest ΔE belonged to 1A, while the highest ΔE was related to XBW. Conclusion: It was found that H2 O2-containing whitening toothpaste increases surface roughness, with a greater increase in Bleach composites. The best color stability was detected in the 1A composite, followed by BW, whereas the least stability was observed in XBW. The findings confirmed that bleach composites have lower strength and color stability compared to the 1A composite.

Background: Raising the level of knowledge and attitudes of parents about preventive dental services can be highly important in encouraging them to demand and use this type of service and consequently reduce tooth decay in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of education on the knowledge and attitudes of parents of primary school children in Qazvin about fissure sealants and fluoride therapy. Methods: This semi-experimental study used a before-after, questionnaire-based intervention. The study population consisted of parents of primary school students (grades 1–6) in Qazvin during the 2020 academic year. A reliable and valid questionnaire was used, which included demographic questions, parents’ knowledge about fluoride and fissure sealant therapy, and their attitudes toward these types of care. After completing the online questionnaire, parents received educational videos on fissure sealant and fluoride therapy. Their knowledge and attitudes were reassessed four weeks later. The frequency of participants’ responses and the sum of scores were extracted, and one-way ANOVA (examining the relationship between knowledge and education) statistical analysis was performed with the help of an independent sample test. Results: Overall, 320 parents completed the questionnaires before training, and 145 of them answered the questionnaire after training. The means and standard deviations (SD) of total knowledge were 7.54 and 3.79, respectively, before training, and increased to 15.95 and 2.61 after training, out of a maximum score of 19. Regarding fluoride, the mean and SD of knowledge before training were 4.22 and 2.13 (37.2% good knowledge), which increased to 7.53 and 1.36 (91% good knowledge) after training. Out of a maximum score of 9, the mean knowledge about fissure sealants was 3.32 (9.7% good knowledge) before training and increased to 8.44 and 1.58 (86.9% good knowledge) after training. Eventually, the mean attitude scores improved from 8.35 before training to 40.25.45 after training. Conclusion: Due to the low knowledge of parents before education, it is necessary to consider methods to increase awareness about professional preventive methods. In addition, considering the positive impact of the received training, it seems that asking dentists to increase preventive education to their patients while providing services and involving the mass media in providing public education can be an effective measure.

Background: 3D printers are widely utilized in dentistry for complete prostheses due to fast production, high accuracy, and personal customization.Although these printers have had a significant effect on improving the treatment and manufacturing of tools and prostheses, the techniques used in printing 3D models are still unable to provide ideal quality in all applications, and many variables can affect the accuracy of 3D printing models. The purpose of this study was to compare the difference in the seating accuracy of printed artificial teeth in the resin base cavities of complete prostheses at different print angles with the aim of reducing the created errors. Methods: First, a scan was prepared from the cast of a patient. Then, the teeth and prosthetic base were designed for a single toothless area, and a total of 60 artificial teeth and bases were printed separately at three angles of 0°, 45°, and 90°. The correct seating of these teeth in the base cavities was evaluated by re-scanning and checking in the software (Dental cad, exocad, GMBH, version 3). Results: In the palatal region, the midpoint-to-midpoint (M.M.) and vertical measurement at a 45° angle had the most accuracy, while in the cylinder-to-cylinder (C.C.) measurement, the highest accuracy was observed at a 0° angle (P<0.001). In the buccal area, the M.M. measurement demonstrated the highest accuracy at a 90° angle, the C.C. measurement at a 0° angle, and the vertical measurement at a 45° angle (P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, there was a significant difference with the gold standard for all printing angles in various measurements of the accuracy of tooth seating in the printed resin base.

Background: Tooth loss may alter temporomandibular joint loading and morphology. Its relationship with articular eminence inclination remains unclear.. This study aimed to assess the effect of dental status (presence/absence of an occlusal support zone) on the articular eminence inclination (AEI) using panoramic radiographs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the panoramic radiographs of 90 patients, including 30 completely edentulous, 30 dentate, and 30 partially edentulous patients with unilateral loss of posterior support. The AEI was calculated as the angle formed between the line connecting the deepest point of the glenoid fossa to the most prominent point of the articular eminence and the Frankfurt plane. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and the Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and t-tests (alpha=0.05). Results: The right-side AEI in dentate patients (58.1±2.6 degrees) was significantly greater than that in fully edentulous (49±3.64 degrees) and unilaterally edentulous (50.2±6.04 degrees) patients (P<0.001); the difference between the completely edentulous and unilaterally edentulous cases was not significant (P=0.56). Similarly, the left-side AEI in completely edentulous (47.33±3.24 degrees) and unilaterally edentulous (50.2±6.55) patients was not significantly different (P>0.05), but both values were significantly lower than that in dentate (56.77±3.24 degrees) patients (P<0.001). Dental status was an influential factor on AEI (P<0.001), but its interaction effect with gender was not significant (P=0.084). Conclusion: Dental status had a significant effect on the AEI, irrespective of gender. AEI in dentate patients was significantly greater than that in completely and partially edentulous patients, but was not significantly different in the latter two groups.

Background: Children’s behavior management problems are the most frequent issues that occur in pediatric dentistry, and parenting style is one of the factors that affect children’s responses to dental treatment. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of parenting style on the child’s cooperation in dentistry and to explore the role of the mother’s self-efficacy in this regard. Methods: The current cross-sectional research was conducted on a random sample of 88 children aged 4–6 years who visited a pediatric dental specialist’s office in 2020. Parenting style, the mother’s self-efficacy, and the child’s cooperation were assessed using the Baumrind Questionnaire, Dumka’s Self-efficacy Scale (Jackson et al., 1996), and the Frankel Index, respectively. The chi-square test was utilized to analyze the data (P<0.05). Results: Overall, 75 (85.2%), 7 (8%), and 6 (6.8%) mothers had authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles, respectively. In addition, 64 (72.7%), 20 (22.7%), and 4 (4.6%) mothers had high, medium, and low levels of self-efficacy, respectively. The results indicated that for the authoritarian parenting style, 77.4% of children exhibited good cooperation, whereas, for the other two parenting styles, none of the children showed good cooperation (P=0.006). For mothers with high, medium, and low self-efficacy, the percentage of children demonstrating good cooperation was 73.4%, 55%, and 0%, respectively (P=0.006). Among mothers with the authoritative parenting style, those with high self-efficacy reported the highest level of children’s cooperation (P=0.007). Conclusion: It can be concluded that children’s cooperation is influenced by their mothers’ parenting style and self-efficacy.

Background: The durability of marginal ridges has a significant effect on maintaining the structural integrity and functional performance of primary molar teeth. This study evaluated and compared marginal ridge fracture resistance of restored primary molars using two innovative restorative materials, namely, flowable bulk-fill and smart monochromatic composites. Methods: In this experimental study, 38 primary molar teeth were randomly divided into two binary groups. After the removal of caries and undermined enamel, conventional amalgam class II (≈ 3 mm×3 mm×4 mm) was prepared in one proximal surface. Flowable bulk fill universal composite (Palfique® Bulk Flow, Tokuyama, Japan) was applied in one group, and smart monochromatic universal composite (Omnichroma, Tokuyama, Japan) was placed and cured in another group. All samples were subjected to 5000 thermal cycles ranging from 5 °C to 55 °C. Next, the teeth were mounted with self-curing acrylic resin 1 mm above the CEJ. The fracture resistance of the teeth was measured using a universal testing machine with a maximum force of 1000 Newton. The intact marginal ridges of the opposite sides were also tested for resistance to failure as control groups. The force at which the marginal ridge was broken indicated the resistance to failure in Newton units. The data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results: The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test results revealed that fracture resistance measurements in both groups had a normal distribution (P>0.05). In addition, the comparison of the average resistance in the two composite groups showed that the resistance in the Omnichroma group was significantly higher than the flowable bulk-fill group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, smart monochromatic (Omnichroma) composites have higher marginal fracture resistance than flowable bulk-fill (Bulk-Flow U) composites in the restoration of posterior primary teeth.