Determining the Demographic and Histopathological Pattern of Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Pathology Laboratories of Babol University of Medical Sciences from 2013 to 2020

Background and Objective: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common human malignancy that has been increasing in recent years. The aim of this study is to determine the demographic and histopathological pattern of this malignancy in the pathology departments of state hospitals in Babol from 2013 to 2020. Methods: In this retrospective study, after reviewing the existing files with the final diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma from 2013 to 2020, the patients' information including age, gender, lesion location and microscopic subgroup were recorded and analyzed. Findings: In this study, 367 cases were obtained from Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Yahyanejad Hospitals in Babol with the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma. The mean age of people in both genders was 67±10.89 years. 69% of the samples were men and 31% were women (p<0.001). The highest frequency was from the scalp area (134 samples) and the lowest frequency was related to the chest (3 samples). The most common histopathology subtype was nodular type and the rarest types were metatypical and clear cell carcinoma. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the location of the sample and gender (p=0.023); the cheek in men and the nose in women were more common than the other gender. The highest incidence was seen in 2017 with 83 cases, which was a significant increase compared to the previous year. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the high incidence of basal cell carcinoma in the head and face area of elderly people, especially men, reveals the need to inform high-risk communities and to be more familiar with therapists, especially dentists who are in close eye contact with the face

Correlation between anthropometric indexes and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among the elderly population in Amirkola

Background: The ageing of population is an increasing phenomenon worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most important chronic disease in ageing. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the anthropometric indexes and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among the elderly population in Amirkola (Mazandaran, Iran). Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was a part of the Amirkola Health and Ageing Cohort Project (AHAP). Demographic information was collected using a standard questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were collected from all participants to measure the serum level of lipids. Measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and anthropometric indexes e.g. body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHR) were done for all participants. Results: One thousand five hundred and six elderly people of Amirkola (age&gt; 60 years) were participated in this study. There was a positive and significant correlation between the BMI and systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride. The WC had a positive and significant correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressures, HDL-C and triglyceride. The correlation between WHR and systolic and diastolic blood pressures, HDL-C and triglyceride was positive and significant; however the correlation between the anthropometric indexes and TC and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) was negative and significant. The WHR had a significant positive correlation with all studied risk factors. Conclusion: According to the findings of present study, WHR index had stronger correlation with risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the elderly

Effect of simulated mastication on the surface roughness and wear of machinable ceramics and opposing dental enamel

Objective: Computer aided design-computer aided machining (CAD-CAM) ceramic crowns are replacing ceramo-metal ones due to newly developed mechanical properties and esthetics. To obtain knowledge about their interactions due to polishing and occlusal contacts with the opposing dental enamel specimen, including surface roughness and wear, the three-body wear simulation was investigated. Methods and Materials: The surface roughness (RA) and wear rate (mm) of four CAD-CAM blocks with different compositions including Vita Mark II, e.max, Suprinity, and Enamic, after two surface treatments of glazing and polishing, and their opposing enamel specimens, were investigated using a mastication simulator and atomic force microscope. Results: The roughness of all ceramic and to a greater extent enamel samples, with the exception of enamel opposing polished Enamic samples, was decreased after wear. No significant difference in wear was evident for the ceramic samples between the glazed and polished treatments. Lower wear rates were recorded only for polished Vita Mark II and polished Enamic in comparison to the glazed ones. Conclusion: The newly developed polishing systems for CAD-CAM ceramics can be good alternatives to reglazing, because the roughness and wear rate of both the ceramic and the opposing enamel will either not change or decrease. © Operative Dentistry, 2019

A Case Report of Asymptomatic Glandular Odontogenic Cyst Mimicking as a Nasopalatine Duct Cyst

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Glandular odontogenic cyst is a rare developmental odontogenic cyst which most frequently occures in mandible. According to low incidence and unusual shape and location of this case, we decided to report the case. CASE REPORT: Here we present an asymptomatic case in anterior part of maxilla that radiographically was small and unilacular mimicking as a nasopalatine duct cyst. We have found it incidentally through radiographic evaluation before implant insertion. After enucleation and curettage, histopathologic evaluation revealed a glandular odontogenic cyst. In three months follow-up, no complication or recurrence was noticed, and the site of the lesion has filled with healthy bone. CONCLUSION: In some cases enbloc resection is suggested for glandular odontogenic cysts, but according to the size and locularity, there was no need for aggressive treatment

The Relationship between Chronic Diseases and Disability in Daily Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in the Elderly

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic disease is one of the major causes of disability in doing daily activities. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between chronic disease and disability in daily activities and instrumental activities of daily living in the elderly. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the elderly of Amirkola. Demographic characteristics (age, gender, level of education and occupation), daily activities and instrumental activities of daily living were collected using a questionnaire. The ability to perform daily activities and instrumental activities was categorized as independently, with the help of others and completely dependent, and ultimately, completely dependent people and those using the help of others were placed in the disability group. The presence of chronic diseases in the elderly was characterized and examined by reviewing the medical records. FINDINGS: Of 1,500 elderly who were eligible to enter the study, 832 people (55.5%) were male and 668 people (44.5%) were female. In this study, 38 people (2.5%) had a disability in daily activities and 723 (48.2%) had disability in instrumental activities of daily living. The number of associated diseases (p < 0.003, CI-95% = 1.08 – 1.46, OR = 1.261), cognitive impairment (p<0.009, CI-95% = 1.308 – 6.508, OR = 2.917) and old age had a significant relationship with daily activity. The highest significant relationship was between the instrumental activities of daily living and gender (p<0.000, CI-95% = 1.53 – 2.69, OR = 2.029), age (p = 0.000), education level (p = 0.000), the number of associated diseases (P = 0.000, CI-95% = 1.13 – 1.28, OR = 1.2) and cognitive impairment (p = 0.000, CI-95% = 1.487 – 2.596, OR = 1.965). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, the presence of chronic diseases, especially cognitive impairment, is one of the effective factors in disability in daily activities and instrumental activities of daily living

Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcification in Panoramic Radiographs in Northern of Iran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Soft tissue calcification is a relatively common issue in panoramic radiography. Some of these calcifications may have non-specific clinical symptoms as feeling of foreign body, dysphagia, otalgia and non-reflective cough. Therefore, for correct diagnosis and avoiding incorrect and excess treatments it’s necessary to have information about prevalence of these calcifications in regional populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of soft tissue calcification in panoramic radiographs in a selected population in northern Iran. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, panoramic radiographs of 5000 patients referring to Oral & Maxillofacial radiology department of Babol dental school from 2014 to 2017 were examined. Radiographs were evaluated for the presence of any calcification, and their prevalence and their relationship with age were evaluated in two groups of under and over 40 years of age and gender. FINDING: The prevalence of the observed soft tissue calcifications including calcification of stylohyoid ligands was 484 cases (9.7%), tonsilolith 52 cases (1%), calcification of lymph nodes 9 cases (0.2%), calcification of carotid artery 22 cases (0.4%) and thyroid cartilage calcification was 17 cases (0.3%). No cases of rhinolith, antrolith, sialolith and phlebolitis were found. The amount of tonsilolith (34 to 18 cases) and lymph node calcification (7 versus 2 cases) were significantly higher in men. (p=0.002 and p =0.048). Also, the prevalence of calcification of stylohyoid ligament (290 versus 194 cases) (p=0.001), tonsilolith (13% vs. 39 cases) (p=0.001), calcification of carotid artery (18 versus 4) (p=0.001), and thyroid (14 versus 3) (p=0.003) were significantly relevant with age. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that soft tissue calcifications are prevalent and the most common is stylohyoid ligament calcification

Comparing fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth using different preparation-obturation combinations

Background: One of the main reasons for extraction of endodontically treated teeth is vertical root fracture (VRF). Some factors such as root canal treatment are involved in vertical root fracture because of their potential to weaken the tooth structure. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of combining different obturation materials and rotary systems on the fracture resistance of treated teeth. Methods: Eighty extracted maxillary central incisors were selected. The coronal portions of all teeth were removed at the cemento-enamel junction leaving the root segment of nearly 13 mm length. Roots were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the system used in root canal preparations, Group I: ProTaper, Group Π: Wave 1. Each main group was further subdivided into 2 equal subgroups according to the obturation system being used, Subgroup A: ProTaper, AH26 obturator, Subgroup B: ProTaper, Bioceramic, Subgroup C: Wave 1, AH26 obturator and Subgroup D: Wave 1, Bioceramic. Fracture resistance of each sample was measured by loading in universal testing machine. The results were analyzed with two- way ANOVA followed by multiple comparison Tukey HSD test. Results: The highest mean fracture resistance value (256.7N) was associated with Soft- Core/AH26 obturation and wave one (subgroup C), while the lowest value (239.8N) was for Bioceramic sealer and Wave 1 (subgroup D); however, there was no statistical significant difference (P>0.05) among all tested subgroups. Conclusion: All instrumentation techniques caused weakening of the root structure and made them susceptible to fiacture without any significant difference and therefore alternative strategies should be considered to reinforce endodontically treated roots. © 2019, Kerman University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

The Association between Antihypertensive Drugs and Falls in Older Adults in Amirkola, Northern Iran

Background and Objective: Being familiar with the factors that are effective in causing falls plays an important role in reducing the issues and costs related to its treatment. Considering the contradictory results about the use of antihypertensive drugs and falls in older adults, the present study was conducted to determine the association between the use of antihypertensive drugs and falls in older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was a part of the first phase of Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP), which was conducted on three groups of 250 people including healthy elderly, and hypertensive patients with and without taking antihypertensive drugs. Antihypertensive drugs were divided into 6 groups based on the mechanism of action. The variables of age, gender, body mass index, physical activity, diabetes, number of medications, depression symptoms, cognitive status, number of comorbidities, and the frequency of falls during one year before the beginning of the study and during the six-month follow-up were evaluated and compared in different categories of antihypertensive drugs by asking older adults in the three groups. Findings: Out of all studied older adults, 126 people (16.8%) fell during the last 12 months and 36 people (4.8%) fell during the six-month follow-up. No significant relationship was found between falls and the use of antihypertensive drugs, and between the use of different classes of antihypertensive drugs and falls. Variables such as depressive symptoms (OR=2.057, p=0.001), number of comorbidities (OR=0.189, p=0.006) and older age (OR=1.033, p=0.040) had an effective role in causing falls. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the use of antihypertensive drugs and their different classes was not associated with the increase in the frequency of falls in older adults

The Mortality Rate in Children Aged 1-59 Months in Affiliated Healthcare Centers of Babol University of Medical Sciences Based on ICD10

Background and Objective: The mortality in children aged 1-59 months is one of the important indicators in assessing the general health status of a community. The death control system for children aged 1-59 months is used to record and review this indicator in Iran. This study was performed to investigate the mortality rate in children aged 1-59 months in affiliated healthcare centers of Babol University of Medical Sciences based on ICD10. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all cases of death in children aged 1-59 months registered in affiliated healthcare centers of Babol University of Medical Sciences in 2009-2020 were collected by referring to the reports recorded in the death control system for children aged 1-59 months. Then, information about the cause of death and the trends of mortality during the years 2009-2020 were reviewed. Findings: Out of a total of 303 cases of death in children aged 1-59 months, 179 cases (59.07%) were boys, the mean age of children was 13.08±15.12 months and with 175 cases (57.75%), the highest mortality rate was related to urban areas. The general trend of mortality was declining; from 41 cases in 2009 to 14 cases in 2020 (p≤0.001). Congenital and chromosomal abnormalities in 100 cases (34%), endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases in 56 cases (18.48%), nervous system diseases in 23 cases (7.59%) and cancers in 22 cases (7.26%) were respectively the most common causes of death. Conclusion: The results show a declining trend in the mortality of children aged 1-59 months

The Relationship between Lifestyle and General Health of Elderly People Covered by HealthCare in Babol city

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The better understanding of lifestyle and elderly health can be helpful in designing and prioritizing interventions for chronic diseases. The overall aim of this study was to determine the relationship between lifestyle and general health in elders. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 500 elders over the age of 60 who had no cognitive problems were selected from the health center in Babol city; according to the systematic cluster random sampling method. Sampling was done from April to July 2018. The research tools were the demographic questionnaire, the Iranian elderly lifestyle questionnaire and the general health questionnaire (GHQ) that were completed by interviewing. FINDINGS: The results showed that the Mean±SD age of the participants was 68.36 ± 6.5 years and 51.4% of the elderly had a favorable lifestyle and 66.4% had a desirable general health. The results showed that lifestyle and its domains had statistically significant reverse relation (p<0.001, R= -0.503) with general health and its subscales, except nutrition (p=0.06). The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that income, location and lifestyle variables had a significant effect on general health. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that half of the elderly who participated in this study were at a desirable lifestyle status and general health. Lifestyle, location and income were effective variables the general health of the elderly. It seems that along with educational-counseling interventions to improve lifestyle and raise the health of the elderly, the need for financial support also should be considered