Evaluating the effect of logbook as viewed by the juniors and seniors at Shiraz school of dentistry

Background & Objective: Evaluation is a process that identifies and describes the effectiveness of all aspects of education. The use of logbooks as an aid in education and assessment might provide the possibility for a more uniform training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of logbook on students’ perspective in each of the 10 departments of dental school. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire consisting of 16 standardized items, each scored on a 5-point Likert scale (0 to 4), was used. From among the collected forms, 50 completely filled questionnaires were entered into the study. The validity of the questionnaire was approved by a group of 10 experts and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s α (0.94). Tukey’s test and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results: In all departments, there was agreement between the students’ logbook scores and final grades. In addition, the ability to find learning weaknesses via logbooks had the lowest score, whereas clear statement of learning objectives for each subject and requirement obtained the highest score. Usefulness of written clinical procedures in logbooks had the highest score in the Departments of Endodontics, Removable Prosthodontics, Fixed Prosthodontics, and Pediatrics. Conclusion: The logbook is a practical and useful assessment tool for evaluating students and achieving learning objectives. It clearly states the educational objectives and clarifies the minimum requirements for each department. However, there is a need for the mutual cooperation and commitment of both the students and educators, which requires time and the better establishment of this method. Key Words: Education, Assessment, Logboo

UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase Promoter Polymorphism in Iranian Neonates with Idiopathic Hyperbilirubinemia

To determine the association between polymorphism of UGT1A1 gene and idiopathic hyperbilirubinemia in Iranian neonates. Fifty neonates with idiopathic hyperbilirubinemia and Serum total bilirubin (STB) more that 15mg/dl and 50 neonates with idiopathic hyperbilirubinemia and Serum total bilirubin (STB) less than 15mg/dl enrolled in this study. Thymine-adenine (TA)  repeats in the promoter region of UGT1A1 gene investigated by means of  polymerase- chain reaction (PCR) DNA sequencing. Demographic characteristics did not differ significantly between groups while STB was higher in case group (17.5±1.9 vs. 10.4±1.8, p value<0.001). Among one hundred neonates evaluated in this study, TA6/6, TA6/7 and TA7/7 genotypes found in 52%, 42% and 6%, totally. TA6/7 and TA7/7 genotypes observed in case group more than the control group (P<0.001). STB levels were significantly higher in cases with TA6/7 and TA7/7 genotype pattern (P<0.001). Heterozygous and variant homozygous genotypes of the promoter region of UGT1A1 gene in healthy Iranian neonates with idiopathic hyperbilirubinemia should be considered

Characterization of immune checkpoints expression and lymphocyte densities of iranian breast cancer patients; the co-expression status and clinicopathological associates

Abstract Background Breast malignancies are now the most common and deadliest type of neoplasms among women worldwide. Novel therapeutic approaches are needed to combat advanced stages of breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and co-expression status of three immune checkpoints (PD-1, PD-L1, and LAG-3), as well as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) scores, and to further establish their potential correlations with clinicopathologic features. Methods We performed a retrospective study on 361 pathologic samples of breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the status of the immune checkpoint markers, and H&E staining was used to score TILs. The correlations of the immune checkpoint markers of tumor cells and tumor-associated immune cells and TIL scores with clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Results Out of 361 assessed samples, LAG-3 was positive in 51%, while IC PD-L1 and TC PD-L1 were detectable in 36% and 8.9%, respectively. Moreover, both IC PD-L1 and LAG-3 stained positively in 24.4% of samples. IC PD-L1 expression was significantly higher in tumors with higher nuclear, mitotic, and overall grades and tubule formation. In addition, TC PD-L1 and LAG-3 exhibited a similar trend for higher overall grading. Tumors with positive estrogen- and progesterone-receptor (ER and PR) expression had significantly lower IC PD-L1 and TC PD-L1 staining, while LAG-3 positivity was more prevalent in HER2 positive samples. Tumors that were positive for these biomarkers had significantly higher Ki-67 scores. LAG-3 expression showed significant correlations with PD-1 and IC PD-L1 expression. Besides, the co-expression of LAG-3 and IC PD-L1 was significantly more encountered in luminal B and triple-negative subtypes, compared to the luminal A subtype. Regarding TILs, their scoring was significantly higher in ER and PR negative and HER2 positive samples. Intriguingly, samples with positive staining for LAG-3, IC PD-L1, and TC PD-L1 had significantly higher TIL scorings. Conclusions Immune checkpoints show differentially different levels of expression in certain molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Moreover, they reveal a meaningful correlation with each other, proliferation indices, and histologic grades. Finally, a sizable proportion of breast cancers co-express PD-L1 and LAG-3, which will make them appropriate targets for future combined ICIs