Background and Aim Periodontal diseases are among the most prevalent inflammatory diseases caused by oral bacteria. Expansion of oral biofilm causes various diseases such as gingival inflammation and periodontitis. The Satureja plant has various species, all of which are aromatic. This plant is traditionally used for the treatment of some diseases. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Satureja essential oil on periodontal pathogens.
Methods and Materials In this study, we evaluated four pathogens; Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus sanguinis, Eikenella corrodens, and Actinomyces viscosus. We also used the disk diffusion test and broth microdilution method to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Satureja essential oil. Finally, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration.
Ethical Considerations The Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences approved this study (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.67).
Results In concentration of 0.1 g/mL of Satureja plant, Actinomyces viscosus, Streptococcus sanguinis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Eikenella corrodens were found to be sensible to resistance. The Satureja essential oil had the highest effect on Eikenella corrodens. Results obtained from the biofilm test showed no biofilm in a concentration of 12.5 mg/mL and higher of Satureja plant.
Conclusion The Satureja plant was found to have an antibacterial and inhibitory effect on biofilm growth and formation in the oral cavity. 

Background and Aim: Periostin acts as necessary protein in tissue development and has a key role in tooth-supporting tissues such as periodontal ligament. The effect of inflammation on reducing periostin level has been shown in some studies. The aim of this study was to compare the salivary and Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) periostin levels in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy peers.
Methods & Materials: In this matched case-control study, 106 participants (53 patients with chronic periodontitis and 53 healthy controls) were studies after signing a informed consent form. They were matched for age, gender, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). The GCF and salivary samples were collected from all participants and were assessed using standard Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The statistical analysis was conducted in Stata V. 11.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.34).
Results: The salivary and GCF periostin levels was significantly lower in patients than in healthy subjects (P<0.001). Moreover, the periostin levels was significantly different based on periodontal parameters (P<0.001).
Conclusion: There is association between the incidence of chronic periodontitis and salivary and GCF periostin levels. Hence, the periostin may act as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis  of chronic periodontitis and prevention of its progression.

Background and Aim: Parental acceptance is an important parameter in selecting the proper behavior management technique during pediatric dental treatment. The present study aimed to compare the effects of different informing methods on acceptance of parents about behavior management techniques used in pediatric dentistry.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on one 162 parents of 3-7-year-old uncooperative children who were candidates for dental treatment. They were randomly divided into three groups. Their acceptance about six behavior management techniques including general anesthesia, voice control, hand-over-mouth, parental separation, active and passive physical restraint were assessed by a questionnaire. After determining the level of acceptance, the information about the techniques was presented through three ways include writing, verbal and visual methods. Finally, their acceptance of each technique and the reasons for non-acceptance were re-evaluated. Data were analyzed in SPSS v.23 software using ANOVA and t-test.
Ethical Considerations: This study obtained its ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences under code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1398.102.
Results: The informing methods significantly increased the parents’ acceptance about behavior management techniques. According to the ANOVA results, the effect of visual presentation method in general anesthesia technique was significantly lower than that of other methods (P<0.05), while its effect in active physical restraint technique was significantly greater than that of other methods (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the effects of informing methods in other behavior management techniques.
Conclusion: Informing parents about pediatric behavior management techniques increase their acceptance. Informing by visual presentation is the most effective method for increasing their acceptance of physical restraint technique, while in their acceptance of general anesthesia technique other informing methods are more effective

Introduction: The academic failure of students is one of the major problems of higher education centers in the country, which not only wastes time and running costs of these centers, but also causes mental-psychological, family and social problems for students. The purpose of this study was to investigate and explain the various causes of academic failure in dental students of Arak city.
Methods: The present study was of a descriptive-analytical type, which was conducted with the participation of 120 dental students of Arak Medical Sciences. Sampling was by census method and all students were included in the study. The data collection tool of this study was a questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, questions related to various factors of academic failure in students. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods (frequency, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression) in SPSS software version 22.
Results: The sample consisted of 30 individuals (10 males and 20 females) with generalized anxiety disorder, selected purposefully and randomly assigned to a treatment group based on virtual reality and mindfulness (15 individuals) and a control group (15 individuals). Pre-test, post-test, and follow-up cortisol levels were measured, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) was used as the entry criterion. Subsequently, the experimental group received an eight-session, 17-minute weekly treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness. Participants in this group, while immersed in a virtual environment, watched 360-degree virtual reality videos, "Walking by the Beach" and "Pebbles in the Lake," accompanied by mindfulness audio contemplation, "Being Present and Breathing," and "Wise Mind," using a VR headset and VR-ARBOX. The control group received no treatment.
Conclusions: According to the findings of this research, it was found that factors such as student's individual characteristics, inappropriate educational environment, inappropriate family environment and dealing with non-curricular issues had a significant effect on the event of students' academic decline, so paying attention to these factors in the design and implementation University educational programs can play an effective role in avoiding academic failure.