Low expression of CD40L in tumor-free lymph node of oral cavity cancer related with poor prognosis

Recently, the genetic alterations associated with tumor progression and impaired host immunity against transformed cells draw increased attention. Here, we characterized the differential gene expression patterns and protein expression in tumor-free lymph node from recurrent and non-recurrent tumors to identify independent prognostic markers for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A cDNA microarray analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes in regional tumor-free lymph nodes from OSCC patients with and without recurrence. Then, the protein expression of the selected genes was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 60 OSCC patients to determine their association with survival. Widespread down-regulation of genes involved in antigen processing and recognition in lymph nodes was a distinctive feature. In univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis, lower expression of CD40L and CD80 in tumor-free lymph nodes was significantly correlated with poorer survival. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, CD40L was identified as an independent prognostic marker of disease-free survival. Our data indicate that impaired host immunity (decreased CD40L expression) along with the TNM staging might be an important factor determining the prognosis of OSCC.N

Antero-posterior lingual sliding retraction system for orthodontic correction of hyperdivergent Class II protrusion

BACKGROUND: This report introduces a lingual bonded retraction system (Kinematics of Lingual Bar on Non-Paralleling Technique, KILBON) for efficient sliding mechanics combined with vertical control of the anterior and posterior teeth, which is suitable for Class II hyperdivergent patients. METHODS: Design and biomechanics of the KILBON System were described. Two adults with hyperdivergent class II malocclusion were treated with the KILBON system and temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) on the palate. The first patient was treated with conventional KILBON system on the upper arch and detailed with lingual appliances. The second patient showed the modified design of the KILBON when applied to a low palatal vault. RESULTS: A large amount of intrusion and retraction of the anterior teeth and simultaneous intrusion of the posterior segment were achieved in short treatment time. Concomitant counterclockwise rotation of the mandible improved the esthetic profile. Periodontal support without dehiscence or bone loss was confirmed on anterior region in spite of large amount of retraction. CONCLUSIONS: This report presented a lingual retraction system that provides simple and effective vertical and sagittal control of both anterior and posterior teeth. The biomechanics are dependable for correcting a dentoalveolar protrusion in a patient with Class II hyperdivergent skeletal pattern

Estrogen receptor alpha as a predictive biomarker for survival in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Background Although oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has a good prognosis, the accurate prediction of survival and risk of treatment failure is essential to design deintensification regimens. Here, we investigated estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) as a prognostic biomarker with therapeutic implications in OPSCC alongside factors associated with HPV infection. Methods We performed immunohistochemistry for ER alpha and p53 using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues and assessed the HPV status using p16 immunohistochemistry and HPV DNA testing in 113 consecutive patients with OPSCC treated with surgical resection or radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy. Results ER alpha expression and p53 alteration was observed in 35.4% and 21.2% OPSCCs; 45.6% and 1.3% p16+/HPV+ OPSCCs; and 11.5% and 76.9% p16- OPSCCs, respectively. These data suggest that OPSCC pathogenesis varies with HPV status. Furthermore, ER alpha expression was associated with improved overall survival (OS) in both HPV+ (p16+/HPV+ OPSCC) and p16+ (p16+ OPSCC irrespective of HPV status) models (p = 0.005 andp = 0.006, respectively) and with improved OS adjusted for stage (p = 0.037, hazard ratio: 0.109, 95% confidence interval 0.013-0.871) in the p16+ model. Conclusions ER alpha is a potential predictive biomarker for improved survival in both HPV+ and p16+ OPSCC models.Y

Artificial intelligence-based prescription of personalized scalp cosmetics improved the scalp condition: efficacy results from 100 participants

Background: Scalp-related symptoms such as dandruff and itching are common with diverse underlying etiologies. We previously proposed a novel classification and scoring system for scalp conditions, called the scalp photographic index (SPI); it grades five scalp features using trichoscopic images with good reliability. However, it requires trained evaluators.Aim: To develop artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for assessment of scalp conditions and to assess the feasibility of AI-based recommendations on personalized scalp cosmetics.Methods: Using EfficientNet, convolutional neural network (CNN) models (SPI-AI) ofeach scalp feature were established. 101,027 magnified scalp images graded according to the SPI scoring were used for training, validation, and testing the model Adults with scalp discomfort were prescribed shampoos and scalp serums personalized according to their SPI-AI-defined scalp types. Using the SPI, the scalp conditions were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 of treatment.Results: The accuracies of the SPI-AI for dryness, oiliness, erythema, folliculitis, and dandruff were 91.3%, 90.5%, 89.6%, 87.3%, and 95.2%, respectively. Overall, 100 individuals completed the 4-week study; 43 of these participated in an extension study until week 12. The total SPI score decreased from 32.70 ± 7.40 at baseline to 15.97 ± 4.68 at week 4 (p Conclusions: SPI-AI accurately assessed the scalp condition. AI-based prescription of tailored scalp cosmetics could significantly improve scalp health.</p