Inability of ovarian cancers to upregulate their MHC-class I surface expression marks their aggressiveness and increased susceptibility to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

We extended our previous observations with other tumor models to study seven ovarian tumor cell lines-OVCAR3, OVCAR4, OVCAR8, SKOV3, Kuramochi, OAW28, and CaOV3. We found that NK cells targeted and killed poorly differentiated OVCAR8 and CAOV3; these two tumor lines express lower MHC-class I and higher CD44 surface receptors. OVCAR3 and OVCAR4 were more resistant to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and SKOV3, Kuramochi and OAW28 had intermediate sensitivity to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, likely representing well-differentiated and moderately differentiated ovarian tumor cell lines, respectively.

Zoledronic acid mediated differential activation of NK cells in different organs of WT and Rag2 mice; stark differences between the bone marrow and gingivae.

We have previously shown that natural killer (NK) cells expand, and increase their function after interaction with cells that exhibit a number of different knock-down genes. We hypothesized that deletion or knockdown of a variety of key genes such as RAG may cause de-differentiation of the cells which could lead to increased NK expansion and function since we have shown previously that NK cells are activated and expanded by less differentiated cells. When comparing the function of NK cells from bone marrow (BM), spleen, pancreas, adipose tissue, and gingiva from WT mice to those from Rag2 mice, we observed a significant increase in IFN-γ secretion in all tissues of Rag2 mice versus in WT mice, with the exception of the gingivae in which similar levels were observed.

Epithelial cells release IL-36α in extracellular vesicles following mechanical damage.

The epithelium is an integral part of barrier tissues, and plays a critical role in the initiation of the innate immune responses. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-36α has been previously reported to be strongly expressed during oral mucosal wound healing, but regulation of IL-36α expression and secretion in the oral mucosa are not well known. The objective of this study was to determine the types of stimuli that lead to expression and secretion of IL-36α in epithelial cells.

Indigenous microbiota protects development of medication-related osteonecrosis induced by periapical disease in mice.

Bacterial infection is a common finding in patients, who develop medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) by the long-term and/or high-dose use of anti-resorptive agents such as bisphosphonate (BPs). However, pathological role of bacteria in MRONJ development at the early stage remains controversial. Here, we demonstrated that commensal microbiota protects against MRONJ development in the pulp-exposed periapical periodontitis mouse model.

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons' Position Paper on Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws-2022 Update.

Strategies for management of patients with, or at risk for, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) - formerly referred to as bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ)-were set forth in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) position papers in 2007, 2009 and 2014. The position papers were developed by a committee appointed by the AAOMS Board of Trustees and comprising clinicians with extensive experience in caring for these patients, as well as clinical and basic science researchers. The knowledge base and experience in addressing MRONJ continues to evolve and expand, necessitating modifications and refinements to the previous position papers.

Clinical evaluation of Er,Cr:YSGG laser therapy used as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of periodontitis: Twelve-month results from a pilot study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of adjunctive Er,Cr:YSGG laser therapy with scaling and root planing (SRP) as compared with SRP alone in the treatment of moderate to severe periodontitis.

Methods: Fifteen adults (aged 27 to 65 years) with 90 nonadjacent sites probing ≥ 5 mm were treated in split-mouth design with SRP and laser therapy versus SRP alone. Probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque, and bleeding on probing were collected at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Immediate loading of a fully tapered implant with deep apical threads placed in healed alveolar ridges vs. immediate extraction sockets.

Objectives: Immediate implant placement and loading is a practice that continues to gain traction in implant dentistry because it reduces treatment time and improves satisfaction. Novel implant designs that facilitate increased primary stability, while not compromising osseointegration and long-term survival are important to offer immediate solutions for missing teeth. Here, we hypothesize that fully tapered implants can obtain successful osseointegration with high survival rates after immediate loading in fresh extraction sockets and healed sites.

Defective Patient NK Function Is Reversed by AJ2 Probiotic Bacteria or Addition of Allogeneic Healthy Monocytes.

In this paper, we present the role of autologous and allogeneic monocytes from healthy individuals and those of the cancer patients, with a number of distinct cancers, in activating the function of natural killer (NK) cells, in particular, in induction of IFN-γ secretion by the NK cells and the functional capability of secreted IFN-γ in driving differentiation of the tumor cells. In addition, we compared the roles of CD16 signaling as well as sonicated probiotic bacteria AJ2 (sAJ2)-mediated induction and function of IFN-γ-mediated differentiation in tumor cells. We found that monocytes from cancer patients had lower capability to induce functional IFN-γ secretion by the autologous CD16 mAb-treated NK cells in comparison to those from healthy individuals.

Current perspectives of residual ridge resorption: Pathological activation of oral barrier osteoclasts.

Purpose: Tooth extraction is a last resort treatment for resolving pathological complications of dentition induced by infection and injury. Although the extraction wound generally heals uneventfully, resulting in the formation of an edentulous residual ridge, some patients experience long-term and severe residual ridge reduction. The objective of this review was to provide a contemporary understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that may potentially cause edentulous jawbone resorption.

Cyclic pressure-induced cytokines from gingival fibroblasts stimulate osteoclast activity: Clinical implications for alveolar bone loss in denture wearers.

Purpose The involvement of oral mucosa cells in mechanical stress-induced bone resorption is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cyclic pressure-induced cytokines from oral mucosal cells (human gingival fibroblasts: hGFs) on osteoclast activity in vitro.Methods Cyclic pressure at 50 kPa, which represents high physiologic occlusal force of dentures on the molar area, was applied to hGFs.

Outcomes in Pediatric Maxillofacial Reconstruction With Vascularized Fibular Flaps: A Systematic Review.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the complications and outcomes after maxillofacial reconstruction using the free fibular flap in the pediatric population.

Methods: A systematic review and descriptive analysis were conducted using data variables, including study characteristics; patient characteristics; postoperative complications (major and minor); surgical revision; and dental rehabilitation.

Results: The systematic review resulted in 1622 articles, 55 of which met inclusion criteria for this study.

Diagnostic Protocols for Alveolar Clefting and Barriers to Acquiring Imaging: A Survey of ACPA-Approved Cleft Teams in the United States.

Objective: To report current diagnostic protocols, practices, and barriers related to imaging of alveolar clefting among American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA)-approved cleft/craniofacial teams.

Methods: An electronic survey was sent to 162 ACPA-approved teams in the United States. Key items were team location, venue of orthodontic treatment, imaging modality(s) and access, barriers to imaging, billing, imaging protocols including team members involved in decisions pre- and post-alveolar bone grafting (ABG), and craniofacial fellowship status of team orthodontist(s).

Macrophage Involvement in Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ): A Comprehensive, Short Review.

Antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab are commonly prescribed for the management of primary bone malignancy, bone metastasis, osteoporosis, Paget disease, or other bone disorders. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ) is a rare but significant complication of antiresorptive medications. Duration, dose, and antiresorptive potency as well as concomitant diseases, additional medications, and local factors affect MRONJ incidence and severity.

The Kinetics of COVID-19 Vaccine Response in a Community-Vaccinated Population.

We used a noninvasive electrochemical quantitative assay for IgG Abs to SARS-CoV-2 S1 Ag in saliva to investigate the kinetics of Ab response in a community-based population that had received either the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA-based vaccine. Samples were received from a total of 97 individuals, including a subset of 42 individuals who collected samples twice weekly for 3 mo or longer. In all, >840 samples were collected and analyzed.

Immediate impact of bringing a school to the community with a new community-based clinical education program.

Objectives: To examine the implementation of a community-based clinical education (CBCE) program at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry (SOD) and the preliminary outcomes on dental students and affiliated clinics.

Methods: A retrospective review was carried out of SOD CBCE program implementation and program data between March 2018 and June 2019 related to patient encounters, pre- and post-rotation student self-assessments, student exit surveys and surveys administered to faculty within affiliate clinics.

Results: In five academic quarters, 133 students delivered care for 7556 patients and completed 12,467 procedures in underserved communities.

Modified vestibuloplasty of the zygomaticoalveolar crest to gain intradefect support for an obturator prosthesis.

This clinical report details a novel surgical modification at the time of maxillectomy to improve obturator function. A vestibuloplasty and split thickness skin graft of the zygomaticoalveolar crest created a denture-bearing surface that, when engaged, provided support and stability for the obturator prosthesis. This report outlines the surgical and prosthodontic procedures and the results achieved.

The Role of Checkpoint Inhibitors in Autoimmune Diseases: Similarities and Differences Compared with Cancer.

Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immunoinhibitory receptor expression is found on T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and myeloid cells. Upon activation of T cells through peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) engagement of the T cell receptor and costimulatory signaling, checkpoints including PD-1 are activated to regulate T cells. Since decreased expression of PD-1 in mice model was found to be associated with breakdown of peripheral tolerance, and demonstrated autoimmune disease characteristic, this receptor may be important therapeutic target for autoimmunity.

Raman Molecular Fingerprints of SARS-CoV-2 British Variant and the Concept of Raman Barcode.

The multiple mutations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus have created variants with structural differences in both their spike and nucleocapsid proteins. While the functional relevance of these mutations is under continuous scrutiny, current findings have documented their detrimental impact in terms of affinity with host receptors, antibody resistance, and diagnostic sensitivity. Raman spectra collected on two British variant sub-types found in Japan (QK002 and QHN001) are compared with that of the original Japanese isolate (JPN/TY/WK-521), and found bold vibrational differences.

Raman Imaging of Pathogenic : Visualization of Structural Characteristics and Machine-Learning Identification.

Invasive fungal infections caused by yeasts of the genus carry high morbidity and cause systemic infections with high mortality rate in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Resistance rates against antifungal drugs vary among species, the most concerning specie being , which exhibits resistance to all major classes of available antifungal drugs. The presently available identification methods for species face a severe trade-off between testing speed and accuracy.

Ultraviolet Treatment of Titanium to Enhance Adhesion and Retention of Oral Mucosa Connective Tissue and Fibroblasts.

Peri-implantitis is an unsolved but critical problem with dental implants. It is postulated that creating a seal of gingival soft tissue around the implant neck is key to preventing peri-implantitis. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of UV surface treatment of titanium disks on the adhesion strength and retention time of oral connective tissues as well as on the adherence of mucosal fibroblasts.

ORAI1 Limits SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Regulating Tonic Type I IFN Signaling.

ORAI1 and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) are the critical mediators of store-operated Ca entry by acting as the pore subunit and an endoplasmic reticulum-resident signaling molecule, respectively. In addition to Ca signaling, STIM1 is also involved in regulation of the type I IFN (IFN-I) response. To examine their potential role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we generated and knockout human HEK293-angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 cells and checked their responses.

Translational and Clinical Applications of Dental Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising seed cells in tissue repair and regeneration due to their featured properties of self-renewal and multipotency. However, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that MSCs exert biological functions mainly through secreting exosomes. Exosomes, which contain RNA, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, are new players in regulating many fundamental processes and play important roles in regenerative medicine.

Predictive factors of osteoradionecrosis necessitating segmental mandibulectomy: A descriptive study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess characteristics of patients with mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of severity necessitating segmental mandibulectomy and osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction.

Study Design: This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the mandible at the UCLA Medical Center between January 2016 and February 2020 secondary to ORN.

Results: Twenty-nine charts with detailed dental and medical records were identified.