CD163 and TGF-β1 were clearly expressed in HGF cases compared to healthy control patients, with significant correlation. In HGF, the increase in CD 163-positive cells was specific and not dependent on the chronic gingival inflammation.

Recently, lichen planus has been reported to occur with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of silymarin liver support as an adjunctive to local triamcinolone acetonide orabase in the treatment of atrophic/erosive oral lichen planus in hepatitis C positive patients.Methods: Twenty HCV patients with erosive lichen planus were divided into two groups, 10 patients each: Group I was treated with topical triamicinolone acetonide in orabase, group II was treated with topical triamicinolone acetonide in orabase and systemic silymarin 140 mg capsule 3 times daily for 3 months. Each patient was examined at baseline, 2, weeks and 1, 2 and 4 months of therapy. Pain was scored using the visual analogue scale. Serum level of TNF-alpha (TNF-α), AST and ALT were estimated at baseline 1, 2 and 4 months' evaluation periods.Results: Significant decrease in pain score was observed in both groups and there was a statistically significant difference between them at all treatment periods in favor to group II. Additionally, both groups showed a decrease in the size of lesions which was greater in group II compared to the control group. A significant reduction of the mean TNF-α continued up to 6 months in both groups with statistically insignificant difference between them at one month, while statistically significant difference in favor to group II at 2 and 4 months was observed. Conclusion:The combination of topical triamicinlone and systemic silymarin could be suggested as a promising therapeutic alternative to systemic corticosteroid for hepatitis C virus associated oral lichen planus, and immunocompromised patients.

Aims: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of specially designed computer assisted learning (CAL) Visual Basic program containing images with multiple choice questions (MCQ) for learning the basics of CT and CBCT compared to lecture supplemented with PowerPoint presentation only. Methodology:The software contained one hundred images obtained from textbooks and internet web sites, the images included the basic principles of CT and CBCT, normal anatomical landmarks, caries, periapical granuloma, cyst and tumor interpretation. 30 postgraduate internship students' participated and divided into two groups after attending a guiding lecture about the cone beam computed tomography including the study images, group I were given the program CD while group II were allowed to review the lecture only. After 2 weeks, both groups had OSPE exam.Results: it showed statistically significant mean student's score in group I receiving the program CD after lecture compared to the other group II (traditional method only) Conclusion: The use of CAL Visual Basic program enhances the learning of the basics of CBCT

Background: Maspin is a member of serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily that is considered as an epithelial-specific tumor suppressor. CD34 is transmembrane glycoprotein that could be used as a sensitive vascular marker and useful predictor of tumor progression. Aim of study: To investigate the expression of maspin and CD34 in normal oral mucosa, different types of ameloblastoma and ameloblastic carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 cases were used in this study and the achieved samples were divided into the following groups; normal gingival mucosa (n =5), unicystic ameloblastoma (n = 5), multicystic ameloblastoma; plexiform and follicular variants (n = 10 divided into 5 for each variant) and ameloblastic carcinoma (n = 5). To confirm the diagnosis and inclusion of the samples in the study, first 5-micron sections were prepared and were stained using hematoxylin-eosin staining protocol. Then, the blocks were prepared for immunohistochemical staining for maspin and CD34. Statistical analysis was used to compare maspin and CD34 among groups. Results: Immunohistochemical study revealed positive maspin expression in all groups however significant decrease in its expression and tumor progress was detected with the least expression in ameloblastic carcinoma. On the other hand, the vascular endothelial cells within lamina propria were positively stained with CD34 in all groups. Unexpectedly, there was concomitant significant decrease in CD34 expression and tumor progress with the least expression in ameloblastic carcinoma. Conclusion: Maspin is normally expressed in oral mucosa and further researches are recommended to clarify its role in normal adult odontogenic tissue. Moreover, maspin expression could be used as an accurate determining factor in prognosis and prediction of the odontogenic tumor progress and having superior exactitude in comparison with the angiogenic marker CD34.