Microbiome unlocks cancer immunotherapeutic potential: State of the art and future.

Immunotherapy has overturned the traditional perception of cancer treatment and brought new vitality to the field of oncology, but it still has unresolved problems such as a low response rate and severe side effects. The microbiome has been found to be involved in tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis and immunity modulation. Especially in immunity, the microbiome plays a key role through delicate mechanisms that regulate the immune response not only from the whole body to the local tumor microenvironment but also from innate to adaptive immunity.

Preclinical models in the study of lymph node metastasis.

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a crucial risk factor influencing an unfavorable prognosis in specific cancers. Fundamental research illuminates our understanding of tumor behavior and identifies valuable therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, the exploration of fundamental theories and the validation of clinical therapies hinge on preclinical experiments.

MnOx nanoflower-based ultrasound-responsive drug delivery for sonodynamic therapy of wound infections.

The rapid spread of drug-resistant bacterial infections has become a major global health challenge, particularly in the treatment of deep organ abscesses, which often lead to severe and life-threatening infections. Traditional light-responsive and microenvironment-responsive nanoparticle drug delivery systems (DDSs) have limitations in treating deep abscesses. In contrast, ultrasound (US)-driven sonodynamic therapy (SDT), with its non-invasive, targeted radiation and excellent tissue penetration capabilities, offers great potential for eradicating deep bacterial infections.

Demographic and Clinicopathologic Characteristics of 3723 Patients with Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Consecutive, Single-Center Study Over 11 Years (2012-2023).

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and explore the risk factors associated with OSCC pathological TNM (pTNM) stage.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with OSCC from 2012 to 2023. Data analyzed included demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, and treatment.

Understanding Artificial Intelligence in Dental Nursing: An Online Survey on Familiarity, Attitudes, and Expectations.

To explore dental nurses' expectations and identify key factors influencing their familiarity, attitudes, and expectations regarding artificial intelligence, an anonymous online survey was conducted using a structured 23-item questionnaire, following Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) guidelines. Recruitment utilized purposive and snowball sampling methods, targeting nurses from diverse departments across public and private institutions. Statistical analyses, including χ 2 tests and generalized estimating equations, were used to explore associations between demographics, familiarity, and attitudes toward artificial intelligence.

Effects of anisotropic diffusion in heterogeneous time-periodic environments.

We study a reaction-diffusion system involving two species competing in temporally periodic and spatially heterogeneous environments. In this system, the species move horizontally and vertically with different probabilities, which can be regarded as dispersal strategies. The selection mechanisms in this case are more intricate than those observed in random diffusion scenarios.

Chitosan-based double-network hydrogel with synergistic photothermal/nitric oxide therapy for methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus infected wound healing.

The development of advanced wound dressings that incorporate synergistic antibacterial strategies is essential for addressing antibiotic-resistant infections and facilitating tissue regeneration. This study presents a near-infrared (NIR)-responsive double-network hydrogel (Gel@HS) that combines photothermal therapy (PTT) and nitric oxide (NO) gas therapy for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected wounds. The hydrogel was engineered with acrylamide as the primary network and chitosan, a carbohydrate polymer, as the secondary network, capitalizing on chitosan's natural tissue adhesion and antibacterial properties.

Barriers in bone tumor treatment: the emerging role of drug delivery systems.

Bone tumors are rare and diverse neoplasms with local and systemic impacts. Current therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have had mixed success; significant hurdles persist. Surgery may cause a series of complications and has limited applicability.

The Eye of Horus: Enhancing Head and Neck Cancer Care with Computer Vision.

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) poses formidable treatment challenges globally due to complex anatomy, image interpretation difficulties, and other obstacles, despite extensive research. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly computer vision (CV), have demonstrated substantial potential in improving HNC management, yielding notable progress.

Methods: We conducted a narrative review through massive literature research to explore the applications of CV in HNC and try to discuss its advantages as well as disadvantages through comparison.

ORL@Cu-MOF Boost Cuproptosis and Suppress Fatty Acid Metabolism for Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis Synergistic Therapy.

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is one of the significant characteristics of poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), strongly associated with high mortality rates. Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment modality for OSCC LNM, yet its limited response rate severely restricts its clinical application. Cuproptosis, a newly discovered immunogenic cell death (ICD), is often hindered by lipid metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells, which also contributes significantly to the lack of response to immunotherapy.

Postoperative complications of neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Postoperative complications following neck dissection in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients can significantly impact recovery and quality of life. This study aims to identify the types and incidence of these complications, thereby providing higher-level evidence to support clinical practice.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Academic Search Complete (EBSCO), covering studies published from January 2010 to October 2024.

Decoding CD24: Roles of chemoradiotherapy resistance and potential as therapeutic targets.

As a rising immune checkpoint on tumor cells, CD24 is closely related to tumorigenesis and progression. CD24 can directly regulate the malignant behavior of tumor cells and indirectly inhibit the function of immune cells in the meantime, which promotes the immune escape of tumor cells, induces cancer invasion and causes poor prognosis. The basic principle of cancer treatment is to induce cell death and inhibit cell survival.

Additional Immunotherapy to Standard of Care for Unresectable Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: The role of immunotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA HNSCC) remains uncertain, particularly in cases of unresectable LA HNSCC. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with unresectable LA HNSCC through a systematic review of the existing literature.

Methods: This meta-analysis followed a registered protocol on the INPLASY platform with the registration number INPLASY202510102.

Neck management in cT1-2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma: Act or watchful wait?

The controversy over neck management for cT1-2N0 OSCC patients has persisted for two decades. While selective neck dissection (SND) has been deemed effective, only 30% of patients actually exhibit lymph node metastasis (LNM). SND-related complications, such as shoulder dysfunction and lymphedema, significantly impact patient quality of life, suggesting that 70% of patients may not benefit from SND.

Extracellular Vesicles: Hermes between cancers and lymph nodes.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death and a major obstacle to increasing life expectancy in all countries of the world. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) of in cancer patients indicates poor prognosis and it is an important indication to determine the therapeutic regime. Therefore, more attention should be given to the molecular mechanics of tumor lymphangiogenesis and LNM.

NR2F2 and its contribution to lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives: To investigate the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in lymph node metastasis (LNM) of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), focusing on the expression and biological significance of nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2 (NR2F2).

Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing data from OSCC patients were analyzed using the CytoTRACE algorithm to assess stemness. Gene set scores were calculated with the irGSEA and GSVA R packages.

Multi-omics in immunotherapy research for HNSCC: present situation and future perspectives.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, significantly impacting patient survival and quality of life. The recent emergence of immunotherapy has provided new hope for HNSCC patients, improving survival rates; however, only 15%-20% of patients benefit, and side effects are inevitable. With advancements in omics technologies and the growing prevalence of bioinformatics research, the immune microenvironment of HNSCC has become increasingly well understood, and the molecular mechanisms underlying immunotherapy responses continue to be elucidated.

Vascularized iliac crest free flap in maxillofacial reconstruction: Pearls and pitfalls from 437 clinical application.

Objective: The vascularized iliac crest free (VICF) flap has been a cornerstone in maxillofacial reconstruction for decades. This study aims to provide a framework for guiding and managing maxillofacial reconstruction using the VICF flap, highlighting key techniques and potential pitfalls to optimize outcomes and reduce practice variability.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 437 patients (439 flaps) who underwent maxillofacial reconstruction with VICF flaps.

Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy for Resectable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy provides a good pathological response in patients with resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Currently, there is no comprehensive systematic review that rigorously evaluates and summarizes the existing studies. In this study, we aimed to synthesize the results on the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in resectable HNSCC to obtain higher-level evidence.

Metal-dependent cell death resistance contribute to lymph node metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives: Ferroptosis and cuproptosis can be summarized as metal-dependent cell death. This study aimed to explore the expression of metal-dependent cell death resistance (MCDR) characteristics in tumor cells of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to explore its relationship with lymph node metastasis (LNM).

Methods: By integrating single-cell data of OSCC from public databases, an expression matrix comprising 127,149 cells was constructed.

The ending is not the end: Lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Lymph node metastasis is an important biological feature of oral squamous cell carcinoma, bearing poorly prognostic implications. However, the role of lymph node metastasis in cancer progression remains inconclusive. On the one hand, lymph nodes are pivotal sites for initiating specific immunity, which is crucial for maintaining antitumor immune response.

Immunometabolism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Hope and challenge.

Immunotherapy has improved the survival rate of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20 % of them have a durable response to these treatments. Excessive local recurrence and lymph node metastasis ultimately lead to death, making the 5-year survival rate of HNSCC still not optimistic. Cell metabolism has become a key determinant of the viability and function of cancer cells and immune cells.

Complications in Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery-Related Vascularized Free Iliac Flap.

Background: Since its first application in 1978, the vascularized free iliac flap (VFIF) has gradually become a mainstay for tissue defect reconstruction. However, the complications associated with harvesting the bone flap and its corresponding reconstruction surgery cannot be overlooked.

Methods: We conducted a narrative review through literature search to identify the types, incidence, influencing factors, measurement methods, and treatment approaches of complications related to DCIA-related VFIF.