Printed Directional Bending Sensor with High Sensitivity and Low Hysteresis for Human Motion Detection and Soft Robotic Perception.

We present a high-performance flexible bending strain sensor for directional motion detection of human hands and soft robotic grippers. The sensor was fabricated using a printable porous conductive composite composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carbon black (CB). The utilization of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) in the ink formulation induced a phase segregation between the CB and PDMS and led to a porous structure inside the printed films after being vapored. This simple and spontaneously formed conductive architecture provided superior directional bend-sensing characteristics compared to conventional random composites. The resulting flexible bending sensors displayed high bidirectional sensitivity (gauge factor of 45.6 under compressive bending and 35.2 under tensile bending), negligible hysteresis, good linearity (>0.99), and excellent bending durability (over 10,000 cycles). The multifunctional applications of these sensors, including human motion detection, object-shape monitoring, and robotic perceptions, are demonstrated as a proof-of-concept.

Primary epithelioid angiosarcoma originating from the mandibular gingiva: a case report of an extremely rare oral lesion.

BACKGROUND: Angiosarcoma occurs very rarely in the oral cavity, and the epithelioid type is even rarer. Here, we report a rare case involving an elderly man with a primary epithelioid angiosarcoma that originated from the mandibular gingiva and resembled a dentigerous cyst on radiographs. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old Japanese man visited our hospital with a chief complaint of gingival swelling in right mandibular third molar region. A panoramic radiograph showed bone resorption around the crown of right mandibular third molar, which was impacted. Incisional biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma. The lesion exhibited aggressive proliferation after biopsy resulting in uncontrolled bleeding and difficulty in closing the mouth. Mandibular segmental resection including the tumor was performed without reconstruction. Because of the aggressive preoperative course of the tumor, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy. There were no signs of recurrence during a 2-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: A review of the literature yielded only four reported cases of epithelioid angiosarcoma in the jaw region, with the lesions occurring in the maxilla in three cases. To our knowledge, this is the second case of primary epithelioid angiosarcoma in the mandible.

Detection of MAPK/ERK pathway proteins and KRAS mutations in adenomatoid odontogenic tumors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the frequency of KRAS mutation and its association with the presence of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway proteins in adenomatoid odontogenic tumors. STUDY DESIGN: Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from nine cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor were used. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample; in one case, genetic mutations in 50 cancer-associated genes were examined by next-generation sequencing. Hotspot mutations in the RAS family were analyzed by Luminex assay using the remaining eight cases. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry for KRAS, CRAF, BRAF, EGFR, ERK, MEK, and BRAFV600E was performed. RESULTS: A KRAS G12D missense mutation was detected in the DNA sequence of the tumor cells, but it was not detected in the stromal tissue. KRAS G12V and KRAS G12R mutations were detected in two and four cases, respectively. For immunohistochemistry, all the cases were EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, CRAF positive, one case was ERK negative,and one case was MEK and ERK negative, all the other remaining cases were MEK and ERK positive. CONCLUSION: KRAS mutation at codon 12 and the presence of MAPK/ERK pathway proteins were detected suggesting their association with tumorigenesis of adenomatoid odontogenic tumors.

Pathogenesis of primordial odontogenic tumour based on tumourigenesis and odontogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Primordial odontogenic tumour (POT) is a rare benign mixed epithelial and mesenchymal odontogenic tumour. POT is composed of dental papilla-like tissue covered with cuboidal to columnar epithelium that resembles to inner and outer enamel epithelium of the enamel organ without dental hard tissue formation. The aim of this study was to examine pathogenesis of POT based on tumourigenesis and odontogenesis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six cases of POT were submitted for study. DNA analysis and transcriptome analysis were performed by next-generation sequencing. Expression of amelogenin, ameloblastin and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: There were no gene mutations detected in any of analysed 151 cancer- and 42 odontogenesis-associated genes. Enamel protein-coding genes of Amelx, Ambn and Enam, and dentin protein-coding genes of Col1a1, Dspp, Nes and Dmp1 were expressed, whereas expression of dentinogenesis-associated genes of Bglap, Ibsp and Nfic was negative or very weak suggesting inhibition of dentin formation in POT after odontoblast differentiation. Immunoreactivity of amelogenin, ameloblastin and DSPP was detected in POT. CONCLUSIONS: Pathogenesis of POT is considered to be genetically different from other odontogenic tumours. It is suggested that inhibition of enamel and dentin formation in POT is due to defects in dentin formation process.

Preventive effect of Dioscorea japonica on squamous cell carcinoma of mouse skin involving down-regulation of prostaglandin E2 synthetic pathway.

Hyperproduced prostaglandin E2 by cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 evokes several pathophysiological responses such as inflammation and carcinogenesis. Our recent study demonstrated that Dioscorea japonica extract suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 and induced apoptosis in lung carcinoma A549 cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Dioscorea japonica on squamous cell carcinoma of mouse skin. Dioscorea japonica feeding and Dioscorea japonica extract topical application suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1, interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 and inhibited tumor formation, hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemical analyses showed the immunoreactivities of cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 in tumor keratinocytes and stronger immunoreactivities of cyclooxygenase-2 and hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase in epidermal dendritic cells (Langerhans cells). Treatment with Dioscorea japonica decreased the immunoreactivity of cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1. These results indicate that Dioscorea japonica may have inhibitory effects on inflammation and carcinogenesis via suppression of the prostaglandin E2 synthetic pathway.

Low Bandgap Bistetracene-Based Organic Semiconductors Exhibiting Air Stability, High Aromaticity and Mobility.

The benchmark of soluble organic semiconductors based on acenes is the 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS-PEN). However TIPS-PEN still suffers from photoinduced oxidation due to its low degree of aromaticity. Increasing the aromaticity while keeping similar optical and electrochemical properties as well as a shape suitable for good hole transport can be achieved with two-dimensional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (2D-PAHs). Herein, we present an efficient synthesis and characterization of bistetracene derivatives that exhibit a band gap up to 1.71 eV and an increased stability up to 21 times compared to TIPS-PEN and mobility over 0.1 cm2 V-1 s-1 in solution-processed organic field-effect transistors. Based on simple structural consideration, the high stability is attributed to the aromaticity of the bistetracene which is comparable to an anthrancene along each tetracene. According to Clar's sextet rule, the bistetracene should be best regarded as two anthracenes fused at the face bridged by two ethylenic spacers. The synthesis path paves the way towards the preparation of ambipolar and/or longer 2D-PAHs such as bispentacenes and could give rise to organic semiconductors with interesting properties.

Primordial Odontogenic Tumor: A case report with histopathological analyses.

Primordial odontogenic tumor (POT) is a benign mixed epithelial and mesenchymal odontogenic tumor included into the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of Head and Neck tumours in 2017. As far as the authors have confirmed, only eight cases of this tumor have been reported so far. This paper reports a case of POT that occurred in the right mandible of a 5-year-old patient. Panoramic radiograph showed a well-defined homogeneous radiolucency displacing the unerupted second deciduous molar to the deep part of the mandible. Histopathologically, the tumor was composed of cell-rich mesenchymal tissue with myxoid areas, surrounded by columnar epithelium and non-keratinized cuboidal epithelium in the outer layers. The histopathological diagnosis was POT. The expression patterns of cytokeratins (CK) 14, 18, 19, vimentin and CD34 suggested that the grade of differentiation of the POT was approximately equivalent to that of normal primary tooth germ tissues in cap stage to late bell stage.

Ultrastructural Analyses of Alveolar Bone in a Patient With Osteomyelitis Secondary to Osteopetrosis: A Review of the Literature.

Osteopetrosis is a generic term for generalized sclerotic conditions caused by rare genetic disorders. Decreased osteoclastic activities disturb bone remodeling, resulting in greater mineral density and greater compressive strength; therefore, bone fracture is a major physical symptom of osteopetrosis. Osteomyelitis of the maxilla or mandible is a common and well-documented complication of osteopetrosis. Local infection, such as odontogenic infection, is more likely to lead to osteomyelitis, and treatment strategies can be challenging. However, detailed ultrastructural analyses of bone from patients with osteopetrosis and odontogenic infection are limited. This report describes a case of osteomyelitis of the maxilla and mandible secondary to osteopetrosis in an adult patient and presents ultrastructural data of alveolar bone tissue analyzed by contact microradiography, electron probe microanalysis, and x-ray diffraction. Cases of osteomyelitis of the jaw secondary to osteopetrosis also are reviewed.

Detection of Rare Variant of SS18-SSX1 Fusion Gene and Mutations of Important Cancer-Related Genes in Synovial Sarcoma of the Lip: Gene Analyses of a Case and Literature Review.

Synovial sarcoma (SS) accounts for 5 to 10% of soft tissue sarcomas; however, intraoral SS is rare. Histopathologically, SS shows a biphasic pattern with epithelial and spindle cell components or a monophasic pattern with only spindle cells. The precise diagnosis of SS, especially at an unusual site, is often a challenge to pathologists and clinical oncologists, because the differential diagnosis of SS includes a broad range of tumors, such as soft tissue sarcomas and carcinomas. In the present case, the patient was a 50-year-old woman who presented with the chief complaint of swelling and a slowly enlarging mass of the lower lip in the mucolabial fold region. The mass was covered with intact mucosa and intraoral examination showed no malignant findings. The clinical diagnosis was a benign tumor and a probable salivary gland tumor. Macroscopically, the excised mass also indicated a benign tumor; however, histopathologic findings suggested the diagnosis of SS. For definitive diagnosis, genetic analyses were performed with conventional polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing. As a result, a rare variant of the SS18-SSX1 fusion transcript, which could not be identified by routine procedures for genetic diagnosis, was detected. In addition, 8 missense mutations of cancer-related genes were confirmed. Detection of the fusion transcript is widely used in the diagnosis of SS; however, reported cases of transcript variants of each fusion gene type are limited. Reports of mutational analysis of cancer-related genes on SS also are rare. The accumulation of rare transcript variants and the cytogenetic characters of SS are suggested to be necessary for assuming a genetic diagnosis of SS.

Expression of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The product of the Wilms' tumor gene, WT1 protein, is a tumor antigen for various kinds of cancer, and WT1 peptide-based cancer immunotherapy is widely anticipated as a new possibility for cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of WT1 from quantitative and morphological perspectives in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most widespread malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity. METHODS: Six OSCC cell lines and tissue sections from 29 OSCC patients were analyzed. To detect WT1 expression, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR), real-time PCR, Western blots, and immunofluorescence flow cytometry for WT1 were performed on the cell lines, and immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed on the tissue sections. RESULTS: WT1 mRNA was found overexpressed in one of the six OSCC cell lines, with expression levels higher than that seen in human leukemia cell line (K562). Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue sections showed overexpression of WT1 protein in two patients, concentrated mainly in the cytoplasm of the outer one to three cell layers of the cancer nests. This was consistent with the expression of WT1 mRNA observed by FISH. Meanwhile, WT1 was not detected on normal oral epithelium. WT1 protein was detected on actively proliferating cancer nests and even on elongated epithelial ridge where new droplet-cancer-nests were being formed and starting infiltration toward subepithelial layer. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that WT1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of some types of OSCC, particularly in proliferation of the cancer cells.

Printed Composite Film with Microporous/Micropyramid Hybrid Conductive Architecture for Multifunctional Flexible Force Sensors.

Porous structures and micropatterning surfaces play a crucial role in the development of highly sensitive force sensors. However, achieving these two conductive architectures typically requires the synthesis of complex materials and expensive manufacturing processes. In this study, we introduce a novel conductive composite film featuring a microporous/micropyramid hybrid conductive architecture, which is achieved through a straightforward process of materials mixing and one-step screen printing. By utilizing a deep eutectic solvent in the ink component, micropores are induced in the printed composite, while the mesh of the screen mask acts as a template, resulting in a micropyramid film surface. We have successfully realized highly sensitive flexible force sensors (0.15 kPa-1) with multifunctional capabilities for perceiving normal force and shear force.

Rare papular presentation of an elastofibromatous lesion of the alveolar mucosa.

A 72-year-old Japanese female patient presented with an asymptomatic, white-colored, smooth-surfaced, firm papule 3 mm in diameter involving the mucosa on the posterior part of the right maxilla. An excisional biopsy specimen was diagnosed as an oral focal submucous elastofibromatous lesion. A review of the literature revealed very few documented cases of oral mucosal lesions characterized by accumulation of degenerated elastic fibers. Various oral lesions have histopathological features similar to those observed in cutaneous diseases, and the present case was a focal submucous elastofibromatous lesion in the alveolar mucosa.

A case of canalicular adenoma with anemia.

An 81-year-old woman presented with bleeding from a soft elastic bulge on the right buccal mucosa. Her medical history included hypertension, chronic renal failure, hysterectomy and a goiter operation. Certain investigations, such as blood tests, which confirmed the minimum hemoglobin level of 5.3 g/dl, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were conducted. MRI revealed features confirming the presence of a tumor involving the right buccal mucosa with high signal in T2-enhanced image. Considering the provisional diagnosis and image findings, the tumor mass was excised and histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of a canalicular adenoma. Under the diagnosis of various clinical departments, the anemic state of the patient might be chiefly attributed to the bleeding from the tumor. Herein, we report a rare case of a canalicular adenoma in the right buccal mucosa with anemia due to bleeding from the tumor.

Diagnostic Accuracy of High-Grade Intraepithelial Papillary Capillary Loops by Narrow Band Imaging for Early Detection of Oral Malignancy: A Cross-Sectional Clinicopathological Imaging Study.

This study aimed to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of conventional visual inspection (CVI), endoscopic white light imaging (WLI), and narrow-band imaging (NBI) and to examine the diagnostic accuracy of intraepithelial papillary capillary loops (IPCL) for the detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This cross-sectional study included 60 participants with oral mucosal diseases suspected of having oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) or OSCC. The patients underwent CVI, WLI, NBI, and incisional biopsy. Images were evaluated to assess the lesion size, color, texture, and IPCL. Oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral leukoplakia lesions were observed in larger areas with NBI than with WLI; 75.0% were associated with low-grade (Type 0-II) IPCL. Various types of oral leukoplakia were seen; however, all OSCC cases showed high-grade (Type III-IV) IPCL. The diagnostic accuracy of high-grade IPCL for OSCC showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 100%, 80.9%, 59.1%, 100%, and 85.0%, respectively. A non-homogeneous lesion with high-grade IPCL strongly suggested malignancy. Overall, our results indicate that WLI and NBI are powerful tools for detecting precancerous and cancerous lesions using IPCL. However, NBI is influenced by mucosal thickness; therefore, image interpretation is important for accurate diagnosis.

Intramuscular Myxoma of the Intrinsic Muscles of the Tongue: A Case Report with Literature Review.

Myxoma is a benign tumor of mesenchymal origin. It frequently occurs in the muscles of the hip and extremities; however, it rarely occurs in the head and neck region. This report describes the second case of an intramuscular myxoma of the tongue. A 23-year-old woman was referred to our institution for the diagnosis and treatment of a left tongue lesion. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed an 8 × 6-mm mass in the tongue. Based on a clinical diagnosis of a tongue tumor, excisional biopsy was performed under general anesthesia. The histopathological diagnosis was an intramuscular myxoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence 3 years after surgery.

N-Type Printed Organic Source-Gated Transistors with High Intrinsic Gain.

Source-gated transistors (SGTs) are emerging devices enabling high-gain single-stage amplifiers with low complexity. To date, the p-type printed organic SGT (OSGT) has been developed and showed high gain and low power consumption. However, complementary OSGT circuits remained impossible because of the lack of n-type OSGTs. Here, we show the first n-type OSGTs, which are printed and have a high intrinsic gain over 40. A Schottky source contact is intentionally formed between an n-type organic semiconductor, poly{[N,N'-bis(2-octyldodecyl)naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5'-(2,2'-bithiophene)} (N2200), and the silver electrode. In addition, a blocking layer at the edge of the source electrode plays an important role to improve the saturation characteristics and increase the intrinsic gain. Such n-type printed OSGTs and complementary circuits based on them are promising for flexible and wearable electronic devices such as for physiological and biochemical health monitoring.

A case of solitary neurofibroma in the maxillary gingiva.

Neurofibromas are benign tumors. They are known to be a manifestation of von Recklinghausen's disease (neurofibromatosis type 1) and tend to be generalized and rarely solitary. In this report, we present a case of solitary neurofibroma in the maxillary gingiva. A 39-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of swollen gingiva. There were no special findings in her medical or family history. After a biopsy was performed under local anesthesia and a diagnosis of neurofibroma was made, tumor resection was performed under general anesthesia. The patient's progress was good, with no recurrence.

A Printed Flexible Humidity Sensor with High Sensitivity and Fast Response Using a Cellulose Nanofiber/Carbon Black Composite.

In the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) society, there is a significant need for low-cost, high-performance flexible humidity sensors in wearable devices. However, commercially available humidity sensors lack flexibility or require expensive and complex fabrication methods, limiting their application and widespread use. We report a high-performance printed flexible humidity sensor using a cellulose nanofiber/carbon black (CNF/CB) composite. The cellulose nanofiber enables excellent dispersion of carbon black, which facilitates the ink preparation and printing process. At the same time, its hydrophilic and porous nature provides high sensitivity and fast response to humidity. Significant resistance changes of 120% were observed in the sensor at humidity ranging from 30% RH to 90% RH, with a fast response time of 10 s and a recovery time of 6 s. Furthermore, the developed sensor also exhibited high-performance uniformity, response stability, and flexibility. A simple humidity detection device was fabricated and successfully applied to monitor human respiration and noncontact fingertip moisture as a proof-of-concept.

The conserved C-terminal residues of FAM83H are required for the recruitment of casein kinase 1 to the keratin cytoskeleton.

The casein kinase 1 (CK1) family of serine/threonine protein kinases is involved in diverse cellular events at discrete subcellular compartments. FAM83H acts as a scaffold protein that recruits CK1 to the keratin cytoskeleton or to the nuclear speckles, which are storage sites for splicing factors. We determined the amino acid region of FAM83H required for recruiting CK1 to the keratin cytoskeleton. The subcellular localization of mutant FAM83H proteins with deletions of amino acid residues at different positions was evaluated via immunofluorescence. FAM83H mutants with deleted C-terminal residues 1134-1139, which are conserved among vertebrates, lost the ability to localize and recruit CK1 to the keratin cytoskeleton, suggesting that these residues are required for recruiting CK1 to the keratin cytoskeleton. The deletion of these residues (1134-1139) translocated FAM83H and CK1 to the nuclear speckles. Amino acid residues 1 to 603 of FAM83H were determined to contain the region responsible for the recruitment of CK1 to the nuclear speckles. Our results indicated that FAM83H recruits CK1 preferentially to the keratin cytoskeleton and alternatively to the nuclear speckles.

Osteosarcoma of the Mandible in an Elderly Patient.

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor in which the cancerous cells produce an osteoid matrix or mineralized bone. Jaw bones are affected in 6% of all osteosarcomas and are the fourth most common site of origin. Surgical treatment of osteosarcoma in elderly patients is rarely reported. Here, we report successful treatment of osteosarcoma arising in the mandible of a 90-year-old man. The patient was referred to our institution for diagnosis and treatment of an oral lesion. Intraoral examination revealed that a hard mass measuring 35 × 27 mm was located on the floor of the oral cavity, attached to the bone, and its growth displaced the tongue posteriorly. Therefore, he experienced difficulty in speech and swallowing. Biopsy of the mandibular mass was suspicious for chondrosarcoma. Preoperative examination did not detect critical risks for general anesthesia or surgery. Based on a clinical diagnosis of a malignant bone tumor of the mandible, segmental mandibular resection with reconstruction using a titanium plate was performed. Surgical site infection occurred on postoperative day 12, which was resolved by drainage, local irrigation, and administration of antibiotics. There was no delirium or cardiovascular or pulmonary complications. Surgery resolved the patient's difficulties in speech and swallowing. There was no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis 4 years after surgery. This case showed that it was not necessary to exclude surgical treatment merely because the patient was 90 years old. Indications for surgery should be determined individually to improve the patient's quality of life.