Health research evaluation and its role on knowledge production

Knowledge production and evaluation are two important functions of health research system [HRS]. In this article, we aimed to reveal the correlation between evaluation of health research organizations and health knowledge production promotion. A comprehensive evaluation system was developed to evaluate the academic performance of national medical science universities on an annual basis. It assess following domains; stewardship, capacity building and knowledge production. Measurable indicators for each domain were assigned, a 'research profile' for each department was provided. In this study, we compared the results of annually national Health Research System evaluation findings during 2005-2008. The number of scientific articles has been increased from 4672 to 8816 during 2005 to 2008. It is mentionable that, the number of articles which has been published in indexed data bases has risen too. This fact could be related to directed policy for more international publication of scientific articles from Iran. The proportion of total articles to the number of academic members was 1.14 in 2008, comparing to 0.84 in 2005. It means that this proportion have increased about twice [0.7 Vs 0.45] during mentioned time. Moreover, other scientific products such as authored books based on domestic researches and cited articles in textbooks have increased according to special attention to knowledge production by policy makers. We conclude that Health System Research evaluation could be used as a mean for implementing policies and promoting knowledge production

[The expression of e-cadherin in oral squalnous cell carcinoma and its correlation with histopathologic variables]

E-Cadherin is a cell-cell adhesion molecule involved in tumor progression and metastasis. We evaluated the E Cadherin expression pattern in oral SCC and investigated its relationship to histopathological features. The expression of E-Cadherin was evaluated in 43 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of oral SCC by immunohistochemistry. In normal squamous epithelium, E-Cadherin was expressed uniformly at the cell membrane. Abnormal E-Cadherin expression with loss of membranous localization was found in 62.8% cancer specimens. We used a scoring system for semi quantitative comparison of results. Altered E-Cadherin expression was found more often in higher grades than in lower grades [p=0.000] There was not any significant correlation between E-cadherin expression and muscular invasion [P>0.1]. There was not significant correlation between sex and E-cadherin expression. Abnormal expression of E-Cadherin occurs frequently in oral squamous cell carcinoma and correlates with dedifferentiation of tumors. Moreover, E-Cadherin expression is not associated with muscular invasion. We concluded that loss of normal E-Cadherin expression might serve as a differentiation marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Short running title: E-Cadherin Expression in Oral SCC

[Pindbog tumor of the maxillary sinus, an unusaual case report]

Introduction: the calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor [CEOT] is a rare benign epithelial odontogenic lesion that comprises 0.2% to 1% of all odotogenic tumors. In the study by Franklin and Pindborg, the CEOT was found most frequently in the premolar-molar region of the mandible. A calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor arising within the maxillary sinus is extremely rare, with only three cases previously reported since the original descrition in 1946

Result and Conclusion: cross examination showed a tumor encased in bone and calcified material, measuring 25x35x40mm. The mucous memberane of the maxillary sinus was attached to the tumor. A maxillary premolars tooth and calcified maasses were observed within the tumor. Histologically, the tumor was composed of sheets of epithelial cells, with a fibrovascular stroma the epithelial cells had an eosinophilic cytoplasm. Intercellular bridges were present. No mitotic figures were noted throughout the specimen. Regions of amorphous and eosinophilic material were seen within the sheets of epithelial cells. The patient was followed for 17 years postoperatively, and there was no evidence of recurrence of the tumor The CEOT is generally considered a benign tumor. In a few cases, the tumor has been described as being locally aggressive, invading the surrounding soft tissues and bone marrow spaces. Metastasis of this lesion has been reported by Basu and colleagues. In their case there was evidence of local tissue invasion and lymph node involvement