Saliva Levels of Adrenergic Receptors in Relation to Psychological Factors in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the saliva level of α1 and ß1 adrenergic receptors (ARs) in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients. METHODS: This case-control study included unstimulated saliva samples from 33 OLP patients (14 erosive, 19 non-erosive) and 33 healthy controls. All participants were evaluated on psychological conditions via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 items (DASS 21). The saliva levels of α1 and ß1 ARs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analysed with a t test using SPSS 25 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: The saliva levels of α1 and ß1 ARs of OLP patients (both erosive and non-erosive forms) were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Stress levels in patients with both forms of OLP were significantly higher than in the healthy group. There was a positive correlation between salivary α1 and ß1 ARs and stress, and this positive correlation was also seen for saliva ß1 ARs between anxiety or depression. The saliva level of α1 ARs was inversely correlated with unstimulated salivary flow rates (r = -0.246; P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that OLP patients with both erosive and non-erosive forms have higher psychological stress and saliva levels of α1 and ß1 ARs than healthy controls; however, the role of α1 and ß1 ARs as salivary markers with regard to the development, severity of symptoms and outcome of OLP needs further investigation.

Treating Parafunctional Habits for Alleviating Temporomandibular Disorder and Lower Back Pain: A Phase II Clinical Trial.

Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) include a series of signs and symptoms in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and muscles of mastication, which are associated with or caused by parafunctional habits. Many of these patients also suffer from lumbar pains. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of treating parafunctional habits in alleviating symptoms of TMD and lower back pain. Materials and Methods: This phase II clinical trial was conducted on 136 patients suffering from TMDs and lumbar pain, who consented to participate in this study. They were provided with instructions on how to discontinue their parafunctional habits including clenching and bruxism. The Helkimo and Rolland Morris questionnaires were used to assess TMD and lower back pain, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed using paired Student's t-test, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman correlation tests, with the significance level set at P<0.05. Results: The mean severity score of TMD significantly decreased after the intervention. Following treatment of TMD, the mean severity score of lumbar pain decreased from 8 to 2 (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Based on our findings, it appears that the elimination of parafunctional habits improves TMD and lumbar pain.

Saliva and Serum Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is mediated by the immune system that damages the myelin sheath. Most patients experience inflammation. Since one of the factors that have a role in reducing inflammation is acetylcholine, and according to the benefits of saliva, in this study, the level of salivary and serum cholinesterase activity in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy were evaluated. Thirty women with multiple sclerosis who were hospitalized in the neurology ward of Imam Reza and Hazrat Rasoul Hospitals and 30 healthy females participated in the study. The severity of multiple sclerosis was calculated by expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Saliva and serum samples were collected in the morning. Cholinesterase activity was assessed by a photometric method. The mean cholinesterase activity in stimulated and unstimulated saliva and serum significantly reduced in the multiple sclerosis group. The cutoff for differentiation of multiple sclerosis patients from healthy individuals by assessing cholinesterase activity (IU/L) was 3577 in serum, 241 in unstimulated saliva, and 266 in stimulated saliva. It seems that cholinesterase activity decreases in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Cardiovascular Effect of Dorsal Periaqueductal Gray During Lipopolysaccharide-induced Hypotension.

Introduction: The central mechanism related to the cardiovascular response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hypotension is not entirely known, but it is suggested that numerous brain areas such as dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) are involved in this process. In the current work, the cardiovascular effect of the dPAG during LPS-induced hypotension is investigated. Methods: The study animals (rats) were divided into four groups: control (saline microinjected into dPAG), lidocaine 2%, LPS (intravenously injected), and lidocaine + LPS. Catheterization of the femoral artery and vein was performed to record blood pressure and LPS injection, respectively. Saline and lidocaine were microinjected into the dPAG nucleus then the LPS injection was performed. The changes (Δ) in systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were measured and compared with those of the control and LPS groups. Results: LPS significantly declined ΔMAP and ΔSBP (P<0.05) but did not change the ΔHR compared to the control. Lidocaine did not significantly affect basic ΔSBP, ΔMAP, and ΔHR compared to the control. Injection of lidocaine before LPS significantly attenuated the reduction of ΔSBP and ΔMAP evoked by LPS (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our data showed that blockade of the dPAG by lidocaine significantly ameliorates the hypotension induced by LPS. this finding confirms the involvement of the dPAG in cardiovascular regulation during LPS-induced hypotension. Highlights: Inactivation of the dPAG by lidocaine significantly ameliorates cardiovascular responses in hypotensive rats.LPS significantly lowers blood pressure and does not affect the heart rate. Plain Language Summary: The mechanism of hypotension induced by endotoxin is not yet clear. However, it is often attributed to the direct effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a component of the outer wall of Gram-negative bacteria and other vascular mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nitric oxide (NO). One possibility is that the initial drop in LPS-induced arterial hypertension is mediated by a central mechanism. The ventral region of the transcranial gray matter is involved in lowering blood pressure, and the dorsal region is involved in increasing blood pressure. The dorsolateral region of the transcranial gray matter (dlPAG) also causes tachycardia, vasodilation in muscles, and tachypnea. dlPAG contains cells that produce NO and serotonin (5HT) and 5HT1 and 5HT2 receptors, which may play a role in hypotension due to stimulation of this region. LPS (1 mg/kg or higher IV) typically elicits a biphasic hypotensive response in rats. The first stage of this response begins immediately after LPS injection. The second phase begins about 1 hour after LPS injection. Thus, endotoxic hypertension begins through a central mechanism and further suggests that hypotension may play a critical role in developing fatal hypotension, representing the second stage of septic shock. Although dlPAG is an important site for regulating cardiovascular responses, its role in hypotension induced by LPS has not been investigated. We investigated the role of this nucleus in cardiovascular changes after LPS injection.

Localization of long-term synaptic plasticity defects in cerebellar circuits using optokinetic reflex learning profile.

Objective.Functional maps of the central nervous system attribute the coordination and control of many body movements directly or indirectly to the cerebellum. Despite this general picture, there is little information on the function of cerebellar neural components at the circuit level. The presence of multiple synaptic junctions and the synergistic action of different types of plasticity make it virtually difficult to determine the distinct contribution of cerebellar neural processes to behavioral manifestations. In this study, investigating the effect of long-term synaptic changes on cerebellar motor learning, we intend to provide quantitative criteria for localizing defects in the major forms of synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum.Approach.To this end, we develop a firing rate model of the cerebellar circuits to simulate learning of optokinetic reflex (OKR), one of the most well-known cerebellar-dependent motor tasks. In the following, by comparing the simulated OKR learning profile for normal and pathosynaptic conditions, we extract the learning features affected by long-term plasticity disorders. Next, conducting simulation with different massed (continuous with no rest) and spaced (interleaved with rest periods) learning paradigms, we estimate the detrimental impact of plasticity defects at corticonuclear synapses on short- and long-term motor memory.Main results.Our computational approach predicts a correlation between location and grade of the defect with some learning factors such as the rate of formation and retention of motor memory, baseline performance, and even cerebellar motor reserve capacity. Further, spacing analysis reveal the dependence of learning paradigm efficiency on the spatiotemporal characteristic of defect in the network. Indeed, defects in cortical memory formation and nuclear memory consolidation mainly harm massed and spaced learning, respectively. This result is used to design a differential assay for identifying the faulty phases of cerebellar learning.Significance.The proposed computational framework can help develop neural-screening systems and prepare meso-scale functional maps of the cerebellar circuits.

Salivary microRNA-126 and 135a: a potentially non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers of type- 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: Emerging of miRNAs have illustrated the new mechanistic layer to regulate type 2 diabetes process and suggests a possible role of these RNAs in this defect. Thus, we designed this study to improve our understanding of salivary miRNA-126 and 135a expression utility as an easy of collection and non-invasive way in diabetic patients instead of blood sample. METHODS: This case-control study was done on T2D (n = 40) and healthy individuals (n = 40). The level of biochemical parameters were determined by enzymatic methods as well as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured by immunoturbidimetry. We used the pooled whole stimulated saliva sample from cases and controls to assess the differentiation expression of miRNA 126 and 135-a with quantitative RT-PCR method. Unpaired Student's t test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis were used. RESULTS: A correlation was observed between the level of HbA1c, glucose and lipid profiles (TG, TC, and LDL) in serum and whole stimulated saliva samples in T2D patients compared to control (p < 0.001). miR-135a expression was considerably higher by 4.7-fold in T2D compared to the control group (1.8-fold) (p < 0.001) while the miR126 expression was significantly decreased by 3.9-fold in T2D compared to the controls (6.3-fold) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this case and control study showed that miR-135a and miR126 expression in saliva fluid as a reliable biomarkers and non-invasive approach in combination by change of lipid profiles, glucose and HbA1c may be used to monitor diabetic and non-diabetic patients, while further research is needed to investigate the relationship of these salivary miRNAs (miR135a, miR126) levels change on shifting the levels of clinical laboratory outcomes.

Serum and Saliva Myelin Basic Protein as Multiple Sclerosis Biomarker.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is presented with motor and sensory function loss. It is caused by demyelination and following axonal lesion. As Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is one of the key elements of the myelin cover, we examined the level of MBP in serum, stimulated, and unstimulated saliva as a suitable biomarker for detecting MS. METHODS: A case-control study was performed in 29 healthy women and 32 definitive relapsing-remitting MS patients hospitalized in Imam Reza hospital, Tehran, Iran. MBP level was assayed in serum and stimulated and unstimulated whole saliva. RESULTS: MBP was expressed at a lower level in serum and stimulated saliva of MS patients compared to the control group. The serum MBP level had a considerable correlation with its stimulated saliva level. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed significant diagnostic ability for MBP to discriminate MS patients with serum and stimulated saliva from controls. CONCLUSION: Serum and saliva level of MBP is lower in MS, so it may be considered a potential biomarker in MS.

Alpha1 adrenergic receptors in serum and saliva of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background Neurotransmitters released from the sympathetic nervous system attach to the adrenergic receptors on the surface of tumoral cells in response to stress, and alter the expression of genes programming cellular activity. This study aimed to assess the expression of α1 adrenergic receptors in the serum and saliva of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared with healthy controls. Materials and methods In this case–control study, serum and stimulated and unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 26 OSCC patients and 26 healthy controls. ELISA kits were used for measurement of the serum and salivary levels of α1 adrenergic receptors. Results The level of α1 adrenergic receptors was significantly higher in the stimulated and unstimulated saliva of OSCC patients than healthy controls (P = 0.000). However, their serum level was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.389). The serum level of α1 adrenergic receptors significantly increased by an increase in OSCC grade. No significant correlation was noted between the serum and salivary levels of α1 adrenergic receptors in OSCC patients. The salivary level of α1 adrenergic receptors was significantly higher in patients with tumors located in the gingiva, compared with other sites. Conclusion Significantly higher salivary level of α1 adrenergic receptors in OSCC patients compared with healthy controls, and no significant difference in their serum level between the two groups may indirectly indicate the over-expression of these receptors in OSCC cells, compared with normal oral mucosa. Further studies and particularly histological analyses are required to confirm this finding (AU)

α1 adrenergic receptors in serum and saliva of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Neurotransmitters released from the sympathetic nervous system attach to the adrenergic receptors on the surface of tumoral cells in response to stress, and alter the expression of genes programming cellular activity. This study aimed to assess the expression of α1 adrenergic receptors in the serum and saliva of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, serum and stimulated and unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 26 OSCC patients and 26 healthy controls. ELISA kits were used for measurement of the serum and salivary levels of α1 adrenergic receptors. RESULTS: The level of α1 adrenergic receptors was significantly higher in the stimulated and unstimulated saliva of OSCC patients than healthy controls (P = 0.000). However, their serum level was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.389). The serum level of α1 adrenergic receptors significantly increased by an increase in OSCC grade. No significant correlation was noted between the serum and salivary levels of α1 adrenergic receptors in OSCC patients. The salivary level of α1 adrenergic receptors was significantly higher in patients with tumors located in the gingiva, compared with other sites. CONCLUSION: Significantly higher salivary level of α1 adrenergic receptors in OSCC patients compared with healthy controls, and no significant difference in their serum level between the two groups may indirectly indicate the over-expression of these receptors in OSCC cells, compared with normal oral mucosa. Further studies and particularly histological analyses are required to confirm this finding.

Elevation of Urate in Saliva and Serum of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) is the most common joint disease and the leading cause of disability and has a considerable financial burden on the healthcare system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate urate in saliva and serum of knee OA. METHODS: Serum and saliva urate levels of 30 knee OA and 30 healthy controls were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Data were analysed by Student's t test, Pearson correlation test, and receiver operating characteristic. RESULTS: The mean serum and both stimulated and unstimulated saliva urate levels were higher in the knee OA than that of the healthy group. WOMAC score positively correlated with serum (r = 0.485; p = 0.004), unstimulated saliva (r = 0.575; p = 0.001) and stimulated saliva (r = 0.453; p = 0.009) levels of urate. The serum level of urate significantly correlated with unstimulated (r = 0.442; p < 0.001) and stimulated (r = 0.563; p < 0.001) saliva urate levels. Serum and saliva urate had significant cutoff values (6.4, 4.9, and 3.3 mg/dL in serum, stimulated, and unstimulated saliva, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this study, urate in serum and saliva was increased in patients with knee OA and positively correlated with WOMAC.

Effect of propolis extract on clinical parameters and salivary level of matrix metalloproteinase 8 in periodontitis patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Periodontitis is the bacterial-induced inflammation of tooth-supporting structures. Local antibacterial agents are used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of periodontitis. This study aimed to compare the effect of subgingivally delivered propolis extract (a resin produced by honey bees) with chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash on clinical parameters and salivary levels of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) in periodontitis patients. Methods: Twenty-eight periodontitis patients in stage II or III and grade B, who had deep periodontal pockets (≥4 mm) around at least three non-adjacent teeth, were divided into two groups. In the control group, patients were prescribed 0.2% CHX mouthwash twice a day for two weeks. In the 20% propolis hydroalcoholic group, subgingival irrigation was performed twice a week for two weeks. Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and after two months. Salivary samples were collected from the propolis and control groups at baseline and two months later to assess MMP-8 levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, salivary samples from 12 periodontally healthy subjects were used to determine the normal levels of MMP-8. The data were analyzed using SPSS. P<0.05 was considered the level of significance. Results: In the healthy group, the mean salivary levels of MMP-8 were significantly lower than that in the control and propolis groups at baseline (P<0.001). The results indicated a significant improvement in clinical parameters (P<0.001) in the propolis group compared to the control group, while MMP-8 levels decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Propolis is recommended as adjunctive therapy for periodontitis patients. Clinical trials registration code: IRCT2016122030475N3.

Serum level of estrogen in Iranian patients with oral lichen planus.

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common diseases in the oral cavity and has a chronic inflammatory nature. The etiology of this disease remains unclear. OLP is more prevalent in women, but to our knowledge, no study yet evaluated estrogen levels in women with OLP. Objectives: To determine the serum level of estrogen in female patients with OLP. Methods: This case-control observational study was conducted in patients who were referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. After clinical and histopathological confirmation of OLP diagnosis, and according to exclusion and inclusion criteria, 47 women with OLP and 47 healthy women (10 premenopausal and 37 postmenopausal) were included, as case and control groups, respectively. We obtained blood samples (5 mL) from each participant to measure the serum level of 17ß-estradiol. Data were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation coefficients and a two-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: Serum estrogen level in women with OLP was significantly higher than that in healthy women (P = 0.002), and it was also significantly higher in premenopausal women than postmenopausal women (P < 0.001). The severity of OLP lesions correlated with estrogen level in postmenopausal women (r = 0.650; P < 0.001); in premenopausal women (r = 0.618; P = 0.008), and in all women with OLP (r = 0.535; P < 0.001). Conclusion: OLP, like other autoimmune diseases, is affected by the serum level of sex hormones such as estrogen.

The Prevalence of Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Vegetables in Tehran, Iran

Objective: Parasitic diseases have created numerous health and economic problems in developing and developed countries. One of the most prevalent ways of transmitting diseases is by consuming raw vegetables that are contaminated with parasites. With respect to the importance of healthy vegetable consumption, an awareness of vegetable status helps prevent infection. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the level of parasitic contamination of vegetables consumed in Tehran. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on vegetable samples spread in Tehran from October 2017 to September 2018. The samples included 240 vegetables selected from 10 types of vegetable including leek, basil, mint, spring onion, radish, parsley, lettuce, cress, tarragon and coriander. Each sample was examined after passing through washing and centrifuging. Parasitic agents such as unicellular, egg and larva of the worms were studied. The data were analysed using SPSS software. Conclusion: Parasitic infection was observed in 62 samples (25.8%). The highest and lowest rates of contamination were observed in coriander and lettuce, respectively. Rhabditoid larva (12.5%; 15 cases) and Physaloptera egg (1.6%; 2 cases) were the most and least observed parasites, respectively. Other parasites such as Entamoeba, Giardia, Blastocystis, Hymenolepis, Ascaris and the egg and larva of hookworms were also observed. Despite the relative improvement of social, agricultural, economic and health conditions in Tehran, the prevalence of parasitic infections still persists. Factors such as developing modern waste collection methods, improving urban sewage systems, preventing domestic animal traffic on pastures and promoting the knowledge of different classes of people could reduce the prevalence of these types of diseases.

Muscarinic cholinergic receptors in minor salivary gland tissues of patients with oral lichen planus: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common, chronic immunological and inflammatory condition. Many of the OLP patients complain of xerostomia. The M3 muscarinic cholinergic receptors (MR3) are the main receptors in the salivary glands responsible for water secretion into the saliva. This study aimed to assess the level of M3 muscarinic cholinergic receptors in minor salivary glands of OLP patients. METHODS: This case-control cross-sectional study evaluated 40 OLP patients and 22 controls. All participants completed two questionnaires (xerostomia and xerostomia inventory). Stimulated and unstimulated saliva samples were collected. The saliva flow rate was calculated by dividing the saliva volume (in milliliters) by time (in minutes). Six minor salivary glands were also surgically removed from the lower lip of patients and controls, and weighed using a digital scale with 10-4  g accuracy. They were then frozen at -80°C, and the level of M3 receptors of the glands was determined using the ELISA kit. RESULTS: The unstimulated and stimulated saliva flow rate was significantly lower in OLP patients. The xerostomia inventory score was significantly higher in the OLP group. The level of M3 muscarinic receptors in minor salivary glands of OLP patients was significantly higher than that in controls. CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that the reduction in saliva flow significantly increases the number of M3 receptors in an attempt to compensate for this shortage and prevent xerostomia (compensatory upregulation).

Serum and saliva total tau protein as a marker for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered as motor and sensory function loss, which results from demyelination and following axonal lesion. Tau protein interferes in the construction and stabilization of microtubules that are needed for axonal transport. We hypothesize that the level of tau protein alters in MS, so we examined the level of total tau protein in serum, stimulated and unstimulated saliva as a suitable biomarker for detecting of relapsing-remitting MS. A case-control study was carried out in 30 healthy women and 30 who suffer MS and were hospitalized in Imam Reza hospital, Tehran, Iran. Total tau protein level was assayed in serum and stimulated and unstimulated whole saliva. Total tau protein was expressed at a lower level in serum of MS patients compared to control groups. The serum total tau protein level negatively correlated with EDSS. There was no significant difference in saliva total tau protein between MS and healthy individuals. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between saliva and serum total tau protein and between saliva total tau protein and EDSS. The serum level of tau protein is lower in MS and it may be considered as a potential biomarker in Multiple sclerosis. However, it seems that tau protein in the saliva isn't a suitable biomarker for detection of MS.

The effects of six-week resistance, aerobic and combined exercises on the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in overweight patients with moderate haemophilia A: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Overweight increases the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and serves as a major risk factor for arthropathy and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This condition is becoming increasingly prevalent among patients with haemophilia (PWH). Different forms of exercise training could favourably modify weight-related complications, cardiovascular risk factors and the inflammation. AIM: To investigate the effects of resistance, aerobic and combined exercises on the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in overweight patients with moderate haemophilia A. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with moderate haemophilia A, aged 35-55 years, and body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to resistance training (RT, n = 12), aerobic (AT, n = 12), combined training (CT, n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups. The patients participated in 45-minutes exercise sessions three times a week for 6 weeks. Waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass, fat-free mass, interleukin-10 (IL-10), adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured before and after the 6 weeks of training. RESULTS: There was significant decrease in WC, WHR, BMI and weight in the AT, RT and CT groups as compared to the control group. Total HJHS scores decreased in the AT, RT, CT groups compared to the control groups (P ≤ 0.001). The decrease in hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in the CT group was significant compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.02). The increase in IL-10 and adiponectin was not significant in the RT, AT and CT groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: CT was the most effective training mode for decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory markers in overweight patients with haemophilia A.

Relationship between Parafunctional Habits and Salivary Biomarkers.

OBJECTIVES: Parafunctional habits, as one of the etiological factors of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), are an individual's response to increased stress. During stress and depression, biomarkers such as cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) are secreted in the saliva. The present study aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between salivary stress biomarkers and parafunctional habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two cases, from May to September 2015, were selected based on two standard stress questionnaires, namely the depression anxiety stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Saliva samples were collected to examine the level of unstimulated salivary cortisol and SAA. The significance of the results was assessed via student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test (α=0.05). RESULTS: The mean concentrations of cortisol and SAA in unstimulated saliva were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P=0.01 and 0.44, respectively). The mean scores of anxiety, stress, and depression were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that the levels of salivary cortisol and SAA, as well as stress, anxiety, and depression scores, are higher in patients with parafunctional habits.

Tendon Harvest for Treatment of Radial Nerve Palsy Using Endoscopic Technique.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic method for many surgeries with minimal access is proposed to be effective for preventing the excessive scar formation, reducing pain, cosmesis, and the early return to work. Surgical outcomes of endoscopic and open methods for tendon harvest in treatment of radial nerve palsy were evaluated. METHODS: In a randomized single-blind clinical trial study, 10 patients with radial nerve palsy who referred to the Plastic Surgery Department of the Fatimah Zahra Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran were divided into two equal groups. Flexor carpi radialis (FCR), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and the palmaris longus (PL) tendons were harvested by endoscopic or open techniques. The outcomes (tendon harvest time, rate of post-surgical pain, amount of pain medication, patient satisfaction, amount of scar, and length of scar) are measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in time of surgery between two methods. Vancouver scar scale, cosmetic satisfaction, severity of postoperative pain and also drugs for pain relief after tendon harvest surgery were significantly lower in endoscopic method than open method. CONCLUSION: Regarding the low invasiveness, high satisfaction rate of patients, low pain severity, low scar and the little need for opiate to reduce pain in the endoscopic method, endoscopic tendon harvest technique for radial nerve palsy seems to have priority over open method.

Efficacy of AloeVera Cream in the Treatment of Paederus Dermatitis in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Dermatitis caused by Paederus beetle involves many people around the world, especially Iran. The symptoms include redness, itching and severe irritation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Aloevera cream on the treatment of dermatitis caused by Paederus beetles. METHODS: Forty male 6-8 weeks BALB/C mice were randomly divided into four groups of 10 mice. After removing the mice's back hair, the backs of mice were marked by a circle with a diameter of 3 mm. The Paederus beetles were collected from Babol in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran and transferred to the animal lab of Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The end of abdominal segment Paederus was cut with scissors and hemolymph content was pushed by forceps on the circle. Only hemolymph of one Paederus applied to the back of each mouse. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were treated with the base (vehicle), dexamethasone 0.1%, Aloevera 0.5% and Aloevera 2% creams respectively. After 2 days, dermatitis appeared. Then the mentioned creams were applied on the mice once a day. The wound area was measured every day. Dermatitis surface area under curve (AUC) of each mouse was calculated for 17 days after induction of dermatitis. Statistical analysis of ANOVA was used. RESULTS: Application of Aloevera 0.5% and 2% significantly reduced the healing duration and dermatitis area in comparison with the vehicle and dexamethasone cream (P< 0.05). But dexamethasone had no significant effect on the healing of dermatitis as compared to vehicle. CONCLUSION: Aloevera may clinically effective in the treatment of Paederus dermatitis.