Deep learning model for the automated evaluation of contact between the lower third molar and inferior alveolar nerve on panoramic radiography.

Background/purpose: In lower third molar (LM3) surgery, panoramic radiography (PAN) is important for the initial assessment of the anatomical association between LM3 and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). This study aimed to develop a deep learning model for the automated evaluation of the LM3-IAN association on PAN. Further, its performance was compared with that of oral surgeons using original and external datasets.

External validation of cone-beam computed tomography- and panoramic radiography-featured prediction models for inferior alveolar nerve injury after lower third molar removal: proposal of a risk calculator.

We previously developed basic and extended models to predict inferior alveolar nerve injuries (IANI) after lower third molar (LM3) removal based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Although these models comprised predictors, including increased age and inferior alveolar canal-related CBCT factors, external validations were lacking. Therefore, this study externally validated these models and compared them with other related models based on their performance.

Pulsed Terahertz Radiation for Sensitive Quantification of Carbonate Minerals.

Quantification of natural carbonate minerals, namely, aragonite, high- and low-Mg calcite, and dolomite provides essential information about biomineralization, carbon cycling on Earth, and the evolution of ocean chemistry, and is also useful in many other scientific, pharmaceutical, and industrial fields. However, X-ray diffractometer has previously been the only practical tool to identify and quantify carbonate minerals, including calcium carbonate (CaCO) polymorphs. We propose new fingerprint terahertz (THz) absorption and reflective index spectra in the 1-6 THz range that probe the lattice phonon modes and can be used for sensitive quantification of these four carbonate minerals, including polymorphs.

ESE-1 inhibits the invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma in conjunction with MMP-9 suppression.

Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulated by ets transcription factors facilitate carcinoma cell invasion. An ets family member, ESE-1, is expressed specifically in epithelial tissues, but its association with MMPs is obscure. In this study, we investigated whether ESE-1 regulates invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) via transcriptional activity of MMP-9.

A modified repositioning system for segmental resection of the mandible.

Mandibular reconstruction is required after segmental resection of the mandible. Several techniques have been proposed but have several drawbacks. A modified system (based on Leibinger's titanium-positioning system) that can reposition the residual mandible easily and accurately without interfering with the reconstructive procedure was developed.

Mutations of the APC, beta-catenin, and axin 1 genes and cytoplasmic accumulation of beta-catenin in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Purpose: The Wnt pathway is involved in carcinogenesis and three regulatory genes of the Wnt pathway, APC, beta-catenin and Axin are mutated in some primary human cancers. Mutations in these genes can impair the down regulation of beta-catenin, which results in the stabilization of beta-catenin, accumulation of free beta-catenin and subsequent activation of the Wnt pathway. To clarify the genetic alterations of components of the Wnt pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we examined mutations in the APC, beta-catenin and Axin genes and subcellular localization of beta-catenin.

Induction of instability of p34(cdc2) expression by treatment with cisplatin (CDDP) in mouse teratocarcinoma F9 cells.

p34(cdc2) is a protein kinase that plays an important role in the control of the cell cycle and regulation of activity of the tumor suppressor gene. Previously, we demonstrated that cisplatin (CDDP) induced growth suppression resulting in differentiation of teratocarcinoma F9 cells. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of cell cycle retardation by CDDP in F9 cells, focusing on p34(cdc2).

Solitary fibrous tumor of the buccal mucosa: report of a case with immunohistochemical studies.

We describe a case of a solitary fibrous tumor of the buccal mucosa and report the results of immunohistochemical studies of the lesion. Solitary fibrous tumors are extremely rare in the intraoral region. These tumors are generally difficult to diagnose because of their broad range of morphologic characteristics.