Exploring gender-specific prognostic factors and survival outcomes in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Insights from a Taiwanese cohort.

Background: /purpose: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy in Taiwan, with sex-specific variations in risk factors, clinical presentation, and prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of a larger cohort of male and female OSCC patients treated at National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) between 2012 and 2022.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective review of 240 de-identified, sex- and age-matched OSCC patients was conducted, analyzing clinicopathological characteristics, lifestyle habits (alcohol, betel quid, smoking), and survival outcomes.

Effects of dual-task training on gait variability in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: To examine the effects of dual-task training on gait variability in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Design: This is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Methods: This study recruited 28 individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, and 26 datasets were analyzed.

Relationship between executive function and dual-task walking in people with Parkinson's disease.

Background: Cognitive impairment may present early in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), with deficits in executive function potentially impacting gait performance. Previous studies have investigated the association between dual-task walking and executive function in PwPD; however, the results were inconsistent, and the correlation between dual-task walking and subdomains of executive function has not been explored. This study aims to examine the correlation between dual-task walking and subdomains of executive function in PD and assess the predictive power of different subdomains of executive function on dual-task walking performance.

Sex differences in prognostic factors and genomic variations in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A 5-year retrospective study.

Background/purpose: This study examined the prognostic factors and genomic variations in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) among male and female patients, focusing on the rising incidence of OSCC in women.

Materials And Methods: Using data from 98 OSCC cases treated at National Taiwan University Hospital between 2013 and 2018, the study analyzed the patient cohort, clinical characteristics, and genomic profiles.

Results: The Female patients had a higher incidence of tongue cancer, while the male patients were prone to have buccal cancer.

Risk assessment and drug interruption guidelines for dentoalveolar surgery in patients with osteoporosis receiving anti-resorptive therapy.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare and challenging complication of anti-resorptive therapy. This review addresses the critical issue of risk management in patients with osteoporosis who require dentoalveolar surgery while undergoing anti-resorptive therapy. Dental practitioners should be aware of these risks; however, they should not refuse treatment based solely on them.

Oleanolic acid inhibits aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10-induced cancer stemness and avoids cisplatin-based chemotherapy resistance via the Snail signaling pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

Background/purpose: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy often associated with poor prognosis due to chemoresistance. In this study, we investigated whether arecoline, a major alkaloid in betel nuts, can stimulate aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) levels in OSCC, promoting cancer stemness and leading to resistance to cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy.

Materials And Methods: Gain- and Loss- of AKR1B10 functions were analyzed using WB and q-PCR of OSCC cells.

Integrating digital technologies in dental technician education: A comparative study of national examination in Asian countries.

Background/purpose: The integration of digital technologies in dental technician education revolutionized the profession in Asian countries. Despite the growing adoption of digital methods, national examinations predominantly relied on traditional techniques. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of national examination standards and digital course integration in dental technician education among 5 countries including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, and China.

The role of 27-hydroxycholesterol in hypercholesterolemia-associated exacerbation of apical periodontitis and therapeutic potential of felodipine.

Background/purpose: Studies have demonstrated a relation between hypercholesterolemia and development of apical periodontitis (AP), but the underlying mechanism is uncertain. 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), produced by cytochrome P450 27A1 (CYP27A1)-catalyzed hydroxylation of cholesterol, is known to possess pro-inflammatory activity. Felodipine is an anti-hypertensive agent able to inhibit CYP27A1.

Trends of dental service utilization and expenditure in Taiwan from 2000 to 2020.

Background: /purposeSince 1995, Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) has offered a comprehensive dental coverage to over 99 % of the population. This study mainly analyzed the dental service utilization and expenditure trends by the gender, age, and service type and evaluated the resource allocation across different demographics from 2000 to 2020.

Materials And Methods: Nationwide NHI administrative data were used to assess the dental visit rates, average visits per user, and per capita expenditure by the gender, age, and 11 service categories for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020.

Downregulation of PAX1 in OSCC Enhances Stemness and Immunosuppression via IFIT1 and PD-L1 Pathways.

Objective: Our study investigated how arecoline-induced extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion suppresses PAX1 protein production through DNA hypermethylation and examined whether PAX1 downregulation enhances cancer stemness and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.

Materials And Methods: EVs were isolated from SAS/TW2.6 cancer cell lines using ultracentrifugation and identified using transmission electron microscopy.

Risk Factors Influencing Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ) Following Dental Extraction Among Osteoporotic Patients in Taiwan.

Aim: Antiresorptive therapy (ART) is commonly used in osteoporotic patients to prevent bone loss. This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in osteoporotic patients receiving dental extraction during ART.

Materials And Methods: Data were collected from 937 patients with 1067 dental extractions conducted between January 2003 and May 2022, including 519 patients on oral alendronate, 276 on denosumab, and 172 on zoledronate.

Iontophoresis-Enhanced Buccal Delivery of Cisplatin-Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles for Treating Oral Cancer in a Mouse Model.

Introduction: Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs used in oral cancer treatment, but systemic administration has side effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of iontophoresis on the enhancement of cisplatin release from cisplatin-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles.

Methods: The effect of different mass ratios of chitosan to tripolyphosphate (TPP) (5:1, 10:1, 15:1, 20:1) on the encapsulation efficiency of cisplatin was investigated.

Improving Executive Function and Dual-Task Cost in Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background And Purpose: Dual-task walking is challenging for people with Parkinson disease (PD). Gait performance worsens while executing dual tasks, possibly due to a decline in executive function (EF). This study aimed to investigate the effects of dual-task training on EF and dual-task cost (DTC) in people with PD and to explore whether training-induced changes in EF were associated with changes in DTC.

The dental implant survival rate in 18 patients with post-operation revolutionary jaw reconstruction using free fibular flap, dental implants, and overdentures.

Background/purpose: This retrospective study assessed the risks and complications associated with dental implants after jaw surgery and radiotherapy for large defects, highlighting challenges for reconstructive surgeons and prosthetic dentists.

Materials And Methods: From 2002 to 2008, National Taiwan University's Department of Maxillofacial Surgery used preoperative stereolithographic models and microvascular flaps for mandibular reconstruction in 18 patients with defects from ameloblastoma or advanced gingival cancer. They received free fibular flap grafts, followed by 46 osseointegrated dental implants.

Effects of motor and cognitive complex training on obstacle walking and brain activity in people with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The difficulties in obstacle walking are significant in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) leading to an increased fall risk. Effective interventions to improve obstacle walking with possible training-related neuroplasticity changes are needed. We developed two different exercise programs, complex walking training and motor-cognitive training, both challenging motor and cognitive function for people with PD to improve obstacle walking.

Oral Lactobacillus zeae exacerbates the pathological manifestation of periodontitis in a mouse model.

Introduction: The worldwide prevalence of periodontitis is considerably high, and its pathogenic mechanisms must be investigated and understood in order to improve clinical treatment outcomes and reduce the disease prevalence and burden. The exacerbation of the host immune system induced by oral microbial dysbiosis and the subsequent tissue destruction are the hallmarks of the periodontitis. However, the oral bacteria involved in periodontitis are not fully understood.

Evaluation of the prognostic and therapeutic potential of inhibin beta B for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background/purpose: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common cancer worldwide, and its metastasis is difficult to predict and prevent. Inhibin beta B (INHBB) protein has been linked to cancer prognosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, previous study about INHBB expression focused on patients in a single region while the risk factors vary among regions.

Sirtuin 6 ameliorates arthritis through modulating cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein/CCN1/cyclooxygenase 2 pathway in osteoblasts.

Introduction: CCN1 is an immediate-early gene product pivotal for arthritis progression. We have previously shown that sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) inhibited hypoxia-induced CCN1 expression in osteoblasts. Herein we examined the contribution of cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB)/CRE to this suppressive action and the influence of CCN1 on cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 synthesis.

Incidence and risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications after oral cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction: A single center study.

Background: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent oral cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction. The association between PPC and preoperative risk factors has been investigated; however, reports on intraoperative factors are limited. Therefore, we investigated PPC incidence and its associated preoperative and intraoperative risk factors in these patients.

Fibroblast growth factor 5 expression predicts the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background/purpose: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 5 is a member of the FGF family that functions as a regulator of tissue growth and regeneration. Aberrant FGF5 expression has been previously associated with the progression of a number of different malignancies. However, its potential role in oral cancer remains unclear.

Metastasis and immunosuppression promoted by mtDNA and PD-L1 in extracellular vesicles are reversed by WGP β-glucan in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The suppressive regulatory T cells (Treg) are frequently upregulated in cancer patients. This study aims to demonstrate the hypothesis that arecoline could induce the secretion of mitochondrial (mt) DNA D-loop and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in extracellular vesicles (EVs), and attenuate T-cell immunity by upregulated Treg cell numbers. However, the immunosuppression could be reversed by whole glucan particle (WGP) β-glucan in oral squamous cell (OSCC) patients.

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 promotes stemness and enhances antitumor effects of gefitinib in head and neck cancer via IFIT1 and IFIT3.

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a matrix-remodeling enzyme that has recently been identified as an important regulator of tumor progression and metastasis. This study discovered that LOXL2 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues was significantly associated with tumor clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and patients' overall survival time. LOXL2-overexpressing human buccal SCC TW2.

Metformin Reduces Bone Resorption in Apical Periodontitis Through Regulation of Osteoblast and Osteoclast Differentiation.

Introduction: We have previously demonstrated that auxiliary metformin therapy promotes healing of apical periodontitis. Here we aimed to investigate the effects of metformin on osteoblast differentiation and osteoclast formation in cultured cells and rat apical periodontitis.

Methods: Murine pre-osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 and macrophages RAW264.

Effects of Dual Task Training on Dual Task Gait Performance and Cognitive Function in Individuals With Parkinson Disease: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression.

Objective: To explore the effects of dual task (DT) training on DT gait performance and cognitive function in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) and to examine factors that might influence the effects of DT training.

Data Sources: PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Medline were searched for articles published from January 2006 to December 2021.

Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials comparing DT training with usual care or general exercise were included.

Third-generation sequencing-selected Scardovia wiggsiae promotes periodontitis progression in mice.

Backgrounds: Periodontitis is an oral-bacteria-directed disease that occurs worldwide. Currently, periodontal pathogens are mostly determined using traditional culture techniques, next-generation sequencing, and microbiological screening system. In addition to the well-known and cultivatable periodontal bacteria, we aimed to discover a novel periodontal pathogen by using DNA sequencing and investigate its role in the progression of periodontitis.