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The UVB irradiation is well known for its impact on the development of skin cancer. However, low UVB irradiation plays a protective role against various human diseases including cancer through its effect on tumor suppression. This article summarizes the key findings of the paper by Park et al., which describes a novel molecular mechanism of moderate UVB irradiation in suppressing the growth of melanoma and colorectal cancer. Key observations in this article are that moderate UVB irradiation can enhance tumor immunity by (1) increased infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells; (2) increased infiltration of CD103+ conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1); and (3) a significant decrease of M2 tumor associate macrophages (TAMs) into the tumor. The authors further identified the role of Batf3 transcription factor in moderate UVB irradiation‐mediated anti‐tumor immune response. Deletion of Batf3 transcription factor reversed the tumor suppressive effect with decreased CD103+ cDC1 cell infiltration. This pre‐clinical study provides a very novel mechanistic insight into the utilization of moderate UVB irradiation for the management of melanoma and colorectal cancer. This study further provides the direction of new future research to explore moderate UVB irradiation in combination with checkpoint blockade antibodies to enhance immunotherapeutic response against various solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunlight exposure is a significant risk factor for UV‐induced deteriorating transformations of epidermal homeostasis leading to skin carcinogenesis. The ability of UVB radiation to cause melanoma, as well as basal and squamous cell carcinomas, makes UVB the most harmful among the three known UV ranges. UVB‐induced DNA mutations and dysregulation of signaling pathways contribute to skin cancer formation. Among various signaling pathways modulated by UVB, tyrosine phosphorylation signaling which is mediated by the action of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) on specific tyrosine residues is highly implicated in photocarcinogenesis. Following UVB irradiation, PTKs get activated and their downstream signaling pathways contribute to photocarcinogenesis by promoting the survival of damaged keratinocytes and increasing cell proliferation. While UVB activates oncogenic signaling pathways, it can also activate tumor suppressive signaling pathways as initial protective mechanisms to maintain epidermal homeostasis. Tyrosine dephosphorylation is one of the protective mechanisms and is mediated by the action of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). PTP can counteract UVB‐mediated PTK activation and downregulate oncogenic signaling pathways. However, PTPs have not been studied extensively in photocarcinogenesis with previous studies regarding their inactivation induced by UVB. This current review will summarize the recent progress in the protective function of PTPs in epidermal photocarcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognosis of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) remains controversial and should be clarified by comparison with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) histologic grading system for invasive nonmucinous adenocarcinoma (INMA). Methods: This study included patients with IMA who underwent curative resection. Their clinicopathological outcomes were compared with those of patients with INMA. Propensity score matching was performed to compare the prognosis of IMA with IASLC grade 2 or 3. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log‐rank tests were used to analyze recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: The prognoses of IMA and IASLC grade 2 were similar in terms of RFS and OS. Although patients with IMA had better RFS than patients with IASLC grade 3, the OS was not significantly different. After propensity score matching, IMA demonstrated similar RFS to IASLC grade 2 but superior to IASLC grade 3; there was no difference in the OS compared with grades 2/3. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.20, p = 0.028), lymphovascular invasion (HR = 127.5, p = 0.003), and maximum standardized uptake value (HR = 1.24, p = 0.005) were poor prognostic predictors for RFS. Patients with IMA demonstrated RFS similar to and significantly better than that of patients with IASLC grades 2 and 3, respectively. For OS, IMA prognosis was between that of IASLC grades 2 and 3. Conclusions: Since the prognosis of IMA among lung adenocarcinomas appears to be relatively worse, further clinical studies investigating IMA‐specific treatment and follow‐up plans are necessary to draw more inferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of postoperative bronchopleural fistula repair and to identify adverse factors for its success. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the surgical results of 39 patients who underwent surgical repair for postoperative bronchopleural fistula between January 2010 and June 2020. Success of bronchopleural fistula repair was defined as the visual closure of the bronchopleural fistula with the absence of an air leak, a recurrence of bronchopleural fistula and infection in the thoracic cavity. Results: Twenty‐five (64.1%) bronchopleural fistulas occurred after pulmonary resection and 14 (35.9%) after lung transplantation. Bronchopleural fistula was diagnosed 19 days (median) and repaired 28 days (median) after the initial operation by primary closure in 27 (69.2%) patients, and by additional resection in 12 (30.8%) patients. The overall success rate was 59% (23/39) and the overall mortality was 56.4% (22/39). Multivariable analysis revealed that the patients who were supported by mechanical ventilation at the time of repair had significantly lower success rates than those without (15.4%, 2/13 vs. 80.8%, 21/26, respectively, p < 0.001). The omental flap group tended to have a better success rate than the muscle flap group (p = 0.07). Conclusions: There was a high overall mortality rate after bronchopleural fistula repair and a low success rate. Mechanical ventilation at the time of bronchopleural fistula repair was significantly related to the failure of bronchopleural fistula repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the characteristics and pretreatment risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRTx) in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of 122 patients who underwent curative resection after neoadjuvant CRTx for NSCLC between 2007 and December 2019. Clinical data, including pulmonary function and body mass index (BMI) at the time of concurrent CRTx initiation, were analyzed. We performed logistic regression analyses to identify the risk factors for PPCs and built a nomogram with significant factors. Results: Of the 122 patients included (mean age, 60.1 ± 9.7 years; 69.7% male), 27 experienced PPCs (severity grade ≥ 2). The most common PPCs were pneumonia (n = 17). Patients with PPCs had a significantly longer hospital stay (median 6.0 vs. 17 days, p < 0.001) and a higher in‐hospital mortality rate (1.1% vs. 29.6%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, lower BMI (odds ratio [OR] 0.796, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.628–0.987, p = 0.038), no comorbidity (OR 0.220, 95% CI: 0.059–0.819, p = 0.048), smoking history (OR 4.362, 95% CI: 1.210–15.720, p = 0.024), and %predicted DLCO <60% (OR 3.727, 95% CI: 1.319–10.530, p = 0.013) were independent risk factors for PPCs. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram built with factors was excellent (concordance index: 0.756). Conclusions: The nomogram constructed with factors identified in multivariable analysis could serve as a reliable tool for evaluating the risk of PPCs in the patients who underwent neoadjuvant CRTx for NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of zirconia implants and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rh BMP-2) gel on the acceleration of local bone formation and osseointegration in the canine mandible. Materials and Methods Four groups of 48 implants with identical geometry were installed in the mandibles of beagle dogs: alumina-blasted zirconia implants applied with rh BMP-2, alumina-blasted zirconia implants applied with demineralized bone matrix ( DBM), alumina-blasted zirconia implants, and resorbable blast media-treated titanium ( Ti) implants. For the first two groups, zirconia implants were inserted after the surgical sites were filled with rh BMP-2 or DBM gel. For the other two groups, zirconia or Ti implants were installed with no adjunctive treatment. Fluorescent bone markers were administered to monitor bone remodeling at weeks 2, 4, and 5 postimplantation. After healing periods of 3 weeks and 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and fluorescent microscopy, histology, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Results Fluorescent microscopy showed that bone formation around the zirconia implants installed with rh BMP-2 gel was the most prominent at 2 weeks postimplantation, while the Ti implants acquired bone apposition mainly at week 5. No significant differences were found in bone area among the groups ( P > 0.05). The zirconia implants showed similar bone-to-implant contact to the Ti implants. There were no significant differences in bone-to-implant contact between the zirconia implants with rh BMP-2 gel and those with DBM ( P > 0.05). Conclusions The zirconia implants with alumina-blasted surfaces may achieve osseointegration in much the same manner as the well-established Ti implants. The area influenced by rh BMP-2 gel, including the alveolar crest, may cause active remodeling and early bone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The benefits of mediastinal lymph node dissection (MLND) in colorectal cancer‐related pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) have been poorly reported. This study aimed to determine whether MLND affects survival in patients undergoing PM and to identify the prognostic factors for survival. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 275 patients who had undergone colorectal cancer‐related PM from January 2010 to December 2016. MLND was defined as the resection of at least six mediastinal lymph node stations according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer criteria (N1, ≥3 stations; N2, ≥3 stations). The propensity score matching method was used to reduce bias. Results: Thirty‐three (12%) patients underwent MLND, and 13 (4.7%) patients had mediastinal lymph node involvement. This study showed no difference in 5‐year overall survival (no MLND, 52.7% vs. MLND, 53.5%; p = 0.81). On multivariable analysis, negative prognostic factors for overall survival were preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (p < 0.001), a higher number of metastatic nodules (p < 0.001), metastatic nodule size ≥2 cm (p < 0.001), and lymph node involvement (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Mediastinal lymph node involvement, preoperative CEA level, higher metastatic nodule number, and nodule size negatively affected survival whereas MLND in PM was not associated with survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although perineural invasion is a well known prognostic factor used in several cancers, its prognostic role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remains controversial. Here, we investigated the prognostic role of perineural invasion in surgically treated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 316 patients who underwent esophagectomy and lymph node dissection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma between 2007 and 2016. Results: Overall, 287 men (mean age: 62.73 ± 7.97 years) were included in the study. The median follow‐up period was 35.97 ± 30.99 months, perineural invasion was confirmed in 25 patients, and three‐year overall and disease‐free survival were significantly lower in the perineural invasion group than in the no‐perineural invasion group (75.9% vs. 40.0%, p < 0.001; 70.3% vs. 21.6%, p < 0.001). Cumulative incidences of locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis over three years were higher in the perineural invasion group (13.8% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.009 and 52.8% vs. 14.6%, p < 0.001). On performing multivariable analysis, perineural invasion, pathological stage, incomplete resection, and neoadjuvant therapy were adverse risk factors for disease‐free survival. The concordance index increased when perineural invasion was included in the model (0.712 vs. 0.723). On subgroup analysis, perineural invasion demonstrated a prognostic value in node‐negative patients (79.4% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.012). Conclusions: Perineural invasion was found to be an adverse risk factor for disease‐free survival in surgically treated patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Close observation and individualized adjuvant therapy may be helpful for patients with perineural invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scratch tests were performed on porous 3 mol% Y2O3‐stabilized zirconia dental blocks to relate compaction processing and partial sintering temperature to shrinkage and machinability of the blocks and microstructures and transmittance after full sintering. Scratch hardness of the blocks varied with increasing loads, and the variation was related to the sequential events of densification, densification and cleaving, disruption of the densified region, and chipping and longitudinal cracking. The shrinkage during final sintering was inversely proportional to the compact pressure and temperature with compact pressure having a greater impact. In contrast, the transmittance of fully sintered blocks depended largely on the partial sintering temperature because it governed the number and size of pores after completion of the sintering. Based on the influence of the variable on scratch hardness, a scratch response measure that possibly reflects the machinability of porous CAD/CAM blocks was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is regarded as the standard treatment for lung cancer. However, the feasibility and safety of VATS for lung cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is unclear. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of VATS in patients who had received neoadjuvant CRT. Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2017, 85 patients who were administered neoadjuvant CRT and underwent anatomic lung resection were enrolled. Fifty‐nine patients underwent open thoracotomy and 26 patients underwent VATS. The clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes were reviewed. Results: In six of the initial 32 patients who underwent VATS, the procedure was converted to thoracotomy. Adjacent structural invasion (33.9% vs. 11.5%; P = 0.037) and combined resection (16.9% vs. 0%; P = 0.025) were higher in the open group than in the VATS group. Surgical duration was higher in the open group than in the VATS group (203.86 ± 65.97 vs. 173.27 ± 59.87 minutes; P = 0.046). With regard to postoperative outcomes, the length of the hospital stay was longer in the open group compared to the VATS group (14.46 ± 16.94 vs. 8.62 ± 4.72 days; P = 0.017). There was no significant difference in the three‐year disease‐free survival (69.3% vs. 67.9%; P = 0.879) or overall survival rates (76.6% vs. 61.9%; P = 0.516). Conclusion: In selected patients, VATS pulmonary resection after neoadjuvant CRT showed results comparable to that of thoracotomy in terms of postoperative outcomes, operative morbidities, and survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgAl2O4 (spinel) was utilized as a packing powder in the sintering of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and the composite of HAp/3 mol% Y2O3-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (3Y- TZP). The influence of spinel on phase stability of HAp was investigated using X-ray diffraction ( XRD), scanning electron microscopy ( SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and electron probe microanalysis ( EPMA) to reveal the reaction in the vicinity of the interface between HAp and spinel. When covered with spinel powder, decomposition temperatures for both HAp monolith and HAp in the composite were raised from 1360°C to 1470°C and from 930°C to 1280°C, respectively. SEM images supported the role of spinel on retardation of the decomposition, showing a dense cross section of the monolith after sintering for 2 h at 1400°C with the spinel as opposed to a porous feature without the covering. XRD results indicated that the increase in the decomposition temperatures was accompanied by a decrease in the a-axis dimension of the hexagonal structure of HAp, probably as a result of the substitution of F− for OH−. EPMA revealed that negligible reaction occurred between HAp and spinel even at 1500°C, but the Ca2+ in HAp diffused about 20 μm into 3Y- TZP to form a cubic zirconia solid solution at 1275°C, resulting in the decomposition. The involvement of F− ion in the contraction of a-axis parameter and the consequent phase stability were manifested by an increase in the Raman band of the symmetric stretching of the P-O bonds at 962.3 cm−1 and the appearance of a band for fluoroapatite at 3538 cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this prospective cohort study was to compute the long-term clinical survival and complication rates of alumina-toughened zirconia abutments used for implant-supported restorations and to evaluate the effects of several clinical variables on these rates. Material and methods From May 1998 to September 2010, 213 patients aged 18 years or older were recruited. The patients received 611 external hex implants and 328 implant-supported fixed restorations using alumina-toughened zirconia abutments. During the follow-up, each restoration was coded as a dental event, which included loosening or fracture of abutment screws, and abutment fracture. From the coded data, the effects of the investigated clinical variables-restored area (anterior/posterior), number of prosthodontic units (one/two units or over), prosthesis type (single-unit/multiunit without pontic/multiunit with pontic), implant system, and patient gender-on the survival of the abutments were evaluated. Survival analysis using Kaplan- Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model was applied. The 5-year survival and complication rates of the abutments were assessed. Results The number of prosthodontic units and the type of prosthesis had a significant association with complication rates ( P < 0.05). Kaplan- Meier survival analysis estimated that the cumulative 5-year complication rate of the abutments used in single restorations was 19.7%. Multiunit-fixed dental prostheses without and with pontics had complication rates of 3.9% and 3.8%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate of the abutments was more than 95%, regardless of the type of prosthesis. Conclusions Alumina-toughened zirconia abutments are likely to exhibit excellent long-term survival in clinical use for fixed restorations. Single tooth replacement with the abutment at the molar region may require special care and extra attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research about the association of signal transducers and transcription activators (Stat3) in the epidermis to hair deficiency and damage of cytoskeletal network in transgenic mice. Topics mentioned include the involvement of genes that are regulated by Stat3 in the formation of hair follicle, the patterns of gene and keratinocytes expression in the epidermis, and the use of mouse whole-genome micro-array analysis.