Comprehensive molecular characterization of the hippo signaling pathway in cancer

Hippo signaling has been recognized as a key tumor suppressor pathway. Here, we perform a comprehensive molecular characterization of 19 Hippo core genes in 9,125 tumor samples across 33 cancer types using multidimensional “omic” data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We identify somatic drivers among Hippo genes and the related microRNA (miRNA) regulators, and using functional genomic approaches, we experimentally characterize YAP and TAZ mutation effects and miR-590 and miR-200a regulation for TAZ. Hippo pathway activity is best characterized by a YAP/TAZ transcriptional target signature of 22 genes, which shows robust prognostic power across cancer types. Our elastic-net integrated modeling further reveals cancer-type-specific pathway regulators and associated cancer drivers. Our results highlight the importance of Hippo signaling in squamous cell cancers, characterized by frequent amplification of YAP/TAZ, high expression heterogeneity, and significant prognostic patterns. This study represents a systems-biology approach to characterizing key cancer signaling pathways in the post-genomic era

Evaluation of traumatic dental injuries in a group of Turkish population

Background: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are significant clinical  problems that may have complex etiologies and may cause physical and physiological impairment.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of TDIs in a group of Turkish subjects.Materials and Methods: The prevalence of TDIs and the pattern of traumatized teeth were studied in relation to age, gender, cause, location, and type of injury. This study was carried out to include all age groups and teeth. TDIs were recorded using the World Health Organization classification modified by Andreasen et al.Results: The prevalence of TDIs was found to be 4.4% (255 injured  patients/5800 presented patients), and the injuries were most commonly observed in the age group of 11-20 years. Males were more affected than females (males, 153; females, 102). The most common cause of traumatic injury was falling (68.2%), and the most common place of trauma was outdoors (56.1%). 4, 7% of patients injured because of their systemic diseases. The most frequently injured teeth were the upper central incisors (primary teeth, 64.5%; permanent teeth, 72.5%), and the most common type of dental injury was uncomplicated crown fracture in both primary (63%) and permanent dentition (47%).Conclusion: In the surveyed population, the prevalence of TDIs was found to be low. However, the teacher and family of adolescents and the  caregivers of patients with some systemic diseases like epilepsy should be warned about TDIs.Key words: Dental trauma, etiology, prevalenc

The talon cusp – an uncommon anomaly

Talon cusps are an uncommon dental anomaly of odontogenic origin. Talon cusps can also present with other dental anomalies, however these have been infrequently reported in the literature.The following is a report of two cases in which talon cusps were detected in combination with two distinct dental anomalies: an ectopic canine and transposition.</p