Thermography as a non-ionizing quantitative tool for diagnosing periapical inflammatory lesions.

BACKGROUND: Thermography is a contemporary imaging modality based on acquiring and analyzing thermal data using non-contact devices. The aim of the present study was to assess the validity of thermography, compared with that of the reference-standard, for the diagnosis of periapical inflammatory lesions and to evaluate the temperature ranges for acute pulpitis with apical periodontitis (AAP), acute periapical abscess (AA) and chronic periapical abscess (CA). METHODS: AAP, AA and CA were diagnosed based on clinical and radiographic criteria. Thermographic data were acquired using the FLIR E-5 Infrared Camera. Extraoral thermal images were taken from the front and right and left sides of patients whose mouths were closed, and one intraoral thermal image was taken from the palatal perspective. Agreement in the diagnoses based on the combination of clinical and radiographic assessments and the thermographic evaluation was calculated. The temperature ranges of the three diagnostic subgroups were also measured. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean intraoral thermal image temperature for AA was 37.26 ± 0.36, that for CA was 35.03 ± 0.63 and that for AAP was 36.07 ± 0.45. The differences between the mean intraoral thermal temperatures of the three diagnostic groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The result of the Kappa coefficient of agreement between the combination of clinical and radiographic assessments and the thermographic evaluation was significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Thermography is an effective, quantitative and nonionizing approach that can be used for the diagnosis of periapical inflammatory lesions. The results of the present study indicated that the highest thermal image temperatures were recorded for AA. Thermography might be able to detect inflammatory reactions during the preclinical stage, leading to early diagnosis.

Structural validation of facial skin using optical coherence tomography: A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: In this immediate ex vivo study, we aimed to identify the structures of normal and pathological facial skin using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and compared them to the gold standard histopathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 53 patients, with 57 suspicious facial lesions, participated in this study. A set of variables have been highlighted by the pathologist to represent the minimum unique features that could be used to diagnose a skin pathology have been included in a checklist. One pathologist used this checklist while examining the histopathology slides and one clinician while examining the OCT images. The data from both checklists have been reviewed and compared. RESULTS: Optical coherence tomography's overall accuracy in diagnosing AK was 83%. Best accuracy was achieved in diagnosing BCC and was 97%, while it was 85% for cutaneous SCC. OCT failed to diagnose LM with an accuracy of 33.3% based on the two parameters of the pathology checklist, while it was 81% for malignant melanoma. CONCLUSION: This study proved the success of OCT in identifying structural changes in normal and pathological facial skin. Further studies to prove its usefulness in vivo are recommended.

Periorbital skin cancers subjected to mTHPC-photodynamic therapy: A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a relatively new method of treating skin cancers. This prospective study highlights the use of PDT in the management of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and T1N0 cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) involving the periorbital area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surface illumination PDT was offered under local anaesthesia. mTHPC was administered intravenously. A single-channel 652 nm diode laser was used for illumination, and light was delivered at 20 J/cm2 per site. Lesion response evaluation was carried out according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (RECIST). RESULTS: After the first round of treatment, all cutaneous T1N0 SCC patients had complete response (CR) and continued to be in remission until last clinic review. For BCC patients, 12/14 patients had CR. The two remaining patients underwent a second round of treatment and also achieved a CR. All BCC patients were in remission at the last clinic review. Using visual analogue scale (VAS), 15 patients reported that this treatment gave them "excellent" cosmetic outcome (VAS 9-10). CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy achieved high efficacy in the treatment of periorbital BCCs and cutaneous SCCs with greatly reduced morbidity and disfigurement.

Post COVID-19 lockdown: measures and practices for dental institutes.

Resuming regular clinical activities at dental premises after the COVID-19 lockdown period or post COVID-19 is likely to be a challenge for all dental institutes. When returning to the dental practice or training, staff and students alike should abide by the new rules and regulations. In the process of controlling viral spread, clinical dental facilities face a higher risk of disease transmission among patients as well as clinical and non-clinical staff. Aerosols formation and diffusion into the surrounding air can be a real concern of viral transmission, if no protective measures are established. We aim in this review to present the currently implemented measures and propose changes in clinical dental facilities to minimize the risk of transmission. Dental professionals should be prepared to treat every patient as a suspected COVID-19 carrier and be ready to receive and manage an overwhelming number of patients. We suggest that dental practices establish a sensible workforce shift schedule, improve ventilation levels, reduce dental aerosol generating procedures, and develop a comprehensive guidance to Healthcare Workers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Disulfonated tetraphenyl chlorin (TPCS2a)-induced photochemical internalisation of bleomycin in patients with solid malignancies: a phase 1, dose-escalation, first-in-man trial.

BACKGROUND: Photochemical internalisation, a novel minimally invasive treatment, has shown promising preclinical results in enhancing and site-directing the effect of anticancer drugs by illumination, which initiates localised chemotherapy release. We assessed the safety and tolerability of a newly developed photosensitiser, disulfonated tetraphenyl chlorin (TPCS2a), in mediating photochemical internalisation of bleomycin in patients with advanced and recurrent solid malignancies. METHODS: In this phase 1, dose-escalation, first-in-man trial, we recruited patients (aged ≥18 to <85 years) with local recurrent, advanced, or metastatic cutaneous or subcutaneous malignancies who were clinically assessed as eligible for bleomycin chemotherapy from a single centre in the UK. Patients were given TPCS2a on day 0 by slow intravenous injection, followed by a fixed dose of 15 000 IU/m(2) bleomycin by intravenous infusion on day 4. After 3 h, the surface of the target tumour was illuminated with 652 nm laser light (fixed at 60 J/cm(2)). The TPCS2a starting dose was 0·25 mg/kg and was then escalated in successive dose cohorts of three patients (0·5, 1·0, and 1·5 mg/kg). The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability of TPCS2a; other co-primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicity and maximum tolerated dose. The primary analysis was per protocol. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00993512, and has been completed. FINDINGS: Between Oct 3, 2009, and Jan 14, 2014, we recruited 22 patients into the trial. 12 patients completed the 3-month follow-up period. Adverse events related to photochemical internalisation were either local, resulting from the local inflammatory process, or systemic, mostly as a result of the skin-photosensitising effect of TPCS2a. The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events were unexpected higher transient pain response (grade 3) localised to the treatment site recorded in nine patients, and respiratory failure (grade 4) noted in two patients. One dose-limiting toxicity was reported in the 1·0 mg/kg cohort (skin photosensitivity [grade 2]). Dose-limiting toxicities were reported in two of three patients at a TPCS2a dose of 1·5 mg/kg (skin photosensitivity [grade 3] and wound infection [grade 3]); thus, the maximum tolerated dose of TPCS2a was 1·0 mg/kg. Administration of TPCS2a was found to be safe and tolerable by all patients. No deaths related to photochemical internalisation treatment occurred. INTERPRETATION: TPCS2a-mediated photochemical internalisation of bleomycin is safe and tolerable. We identified TPCS2a 0·25 mg/kg as the recommended treatment dose for future trials. FUNDING: PCI Biotech.

Enhancing Oral Cancer Detection: A Systematic Review of the Diagnostic Accuracy and Future Integration of Optical Coherence Tomography with Artificial Intelligence.

Introduction: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has emerged as an important imaging modality in non-invasive diagnosis for oral cancer and can provide real-time visualisation of tissue morphology with the required high resolution. This systematic review aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of OCT in the detection of oral cancers, and to explore the potential integration of OCT with artificial intelligence (AI) and other imaging techniques to enhance diagnostic precision and clinical outcomes in oral healthcare. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register, and Web of Science from inception until August 2024. Studies were included if they employed OCT for oral cancer detection, reported diagnostic outcomes, such as sensitivity and specificity, and were conducted on human subjects. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. The synthesis highlights advancements in OCT technology, including AI-enhanced interpretations. Results: A total of 9 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 860 events (cancer detections). The studies spanned from 2008 to 2022 and utilised various OCT techniques, including clinician-based, algorithm-based, and AI-driven interpretations. The findings indicate OCT's high diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity ranging from 75% to 100% and specificity from 71% to 100%. AI-augmented OCT interpretations demonstrated the highest accuracy, emphasising OCT's potential in early cancer detection and precision in guiding surgical interventions. Conclusions: OCT could play a very prominent role as a new diagnostic tool for oral cancer, with very high sensitivity and specificity. Future research pointed towards integrating OCT with other imaging methods and AI systems in providing better accuracy of diagnoses, plus more clinical usability. Further development and validation with large-scale multicentre trials is imperative for the realisation of this potential in changing the way we practice oral healthcare.

Effect of different impression coping and scan body designs on the accuracy of conventional versus digital implant impressions: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study compared the accuracy of conventional versus digital impression techniques for angulated and straight implants using two different impression coping and scan body designs. METHODS: Two implant systems were used: Straumann and Dentegris. Two implants were placed for each system, straight and angulated at 15 degrees mesiodistally. Conventional impressions were made using the splinted open-tray technique using narrow impression coping (NIC) and wide impression coping (WIC). The stone casts produced from the conventional impression were digitized with a lab scanner (3Shape D2000). Digital impressions were made using four intraoral scanners (IOS): 3Shape Trios 3, Medit i700, Cerec Omnicam, and Emerald Planmeca using short scanbodies (SSB) and long scanbodies (LSB). The scanning was repeated ten times to generate the Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files. The distance and angle deviations between impression copings and scanbodies were measured in reference to the master model. RESULTS: The trueness and precision of SSB and WIC were significantly better than LSB and NIC (p<0.001). The range trueness of the platform deviation was better with SSB (37.1 to 51.9) than LSB (89.6 to 127.9 µm) and for WIC than NIC in conventional impressions (58.2 and 75.1 µm, respectively). The trueness of the angle deviation of digital scans with SSB (0.11 to 0.25 degrees) was significantly better than scans with LSB (0.31 to 0.57 degrees) and for WIC than NIC (0.21 and 0.52 degrees, respectively). The precision of the platform deviation of digital scans with SSB (12.4 to 34.5 µm) was higher than other scans and conventional impressions (42.9 to 71.4 µm). The precision of the angle deviation of Medit i700 and Trios 3 with SSB (0.17 and 0.20 degrees, respectively) was higher than other scans with SSB and conventional impressions (0.54 to 1.63 degrees). CONCLUSIONS: Digital scans with SSB were more accurate than conventional splinted open-tray impressions. The type of impression coping and scanbody significantly affected the impression accuracy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a short scanbody can increase the accuracy of digital impressions, and wide impression coping can increase the accuracy of conventional impressions, resulting in improved clinical outcomes.

Applications of artificial intelligence in restorative dentistry: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in restorative dentistry have remarkably increased in the past 5 years. This review outlines the applications, promises, and limitations of AI in the most performed procedures in restorative dentistry. METHOD AND MATERIALS: An electronic search was performed in four databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search included articles published in English language without date restriction. Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of the studies and performed data extraction. Any discrepancy was resolved by the consensus of a third reviewer. RESULTS: A total of 33 studies were included in this review. For AI applications in restorative dentistry, the included studies were classified into three main groups: (1) diagnosis, detection, and prediction of the disease, (2) detection and prediction of the longevity of dental restorations, and (3) teeth detection and treatments. For each study, the AI model, type of dataset, sample size, and main results (accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity) were reported. CONCLUSIONS: AI systems are promising as advantageous aids for diagnosis, prediction, and treatment in dentistry, with a high degree of accuracy. Despite the AI promises, several limitations are still unresolved and must be addressed to bridge the gap between technology and clinical applications.

CO2 laser of oral dysplasia: clinicopathological features of recurrence and malignant transformation.

The use of the CO(2) laser in the management of oral dysplastic lesions has become a more common practice. Very few studies have evaluated recurrence, residual disease malignant transformation, and overall outcome in patients undergoing such a procedure. In this prospective study, a total of 123 oral dysplastic lesions from 77 consecutive patients were treated with the CO(2) laser (resection and/or ablation). The average age was 58 ± 4.8 years. The patients' recovery was uneventful and no complications were reported. Comparisons with the clinical and histopathological features and rate of recurrence as well as malignant transformation were made. The patients were followed-up for a mean of 6.4 years, and biopsies taken in case of changes suggestive of malignant development. Homogenous leukoplakias were identified in 31 patients, non-homogenous leukoplakias in 34 patients, whereas 12 patients had erythroplakias. Ex- and life-long smokers formed 88.3% of the recruited patients. While people who currently smoke and drink formed 55.8% of the cohort. Erythroplakias were solely identified in heavy life-long smokers. The most common identified primary anatomical locations were the lateral border of tongue, floor of mouth, and buccal mucosa. Moderate dysplasia was identified in 42 patients while 18 patients had severe dysplasia. Laser resection margins in selected cases (68 patients) were clear in 53 and showed mild-moderate dysplasia in the involved margins. The rate of recurrence had no significant association with the location but the severity of epithelial dysplasia. The rate of first recurrence after laser surgery was approximately 19.5%. Malignant transformation was observed in eight patients (10.4%), in the tongue and the floor of mouth. Recurrence and malignant transformation was mainly identified in erythroplakias and non-homogenous leukoplakias. Laser resection/ablation is recommended for oral dysplasia to prevent not only recurrence and malignant transformation but also postoperative oral dysfunction encountered by other conventional modalities.

Quality of life following photodynamic therapy for head and neck pathologies: An exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare related quality of life (QoL) is defined as the impact one's level of health and wellbeing has on a number of domains, including physical, mental, spiritual and social functions. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a cancer treatment modality, is increasingly used to treat or palliate head and neck pathologies. Due to the complex nature of this area of the body, both the pathology and the treatment of it can severely affect the quality of life. Thus far, no questionnaire has been developed which focuses on quality-of-life post-PDT of head and neck pathologies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have developed the University College London Quality of Life Questionnaire for Patients undergoing PDT in the Head and Neck, using meta-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC) as the photosensitiser. This was modified from the University of Washington quality of life (UW-QOL) questionnaire. Thirty-eight patients who received mTHPC-PDT for various head and neck pathologies completed the questionnaire, with a mean follow-up of 56 days. RESULTS: All patients reported improved QoL following mTHPC-PDT. The main problem that was reported was post-PDT pain, which is a common side effect. Visual symptoms, breathing, speaking and swallowing problems improved significantly in the 4th week following treatment and significant improvement in activities of daily living, social life, mood and anxiety were reported in the subsequent weeks. CONCLUSIONS: mTHPC-PDT confers improvement in QoL score in selected head and neck cancer patients with figures comparable to other treatment modalities. This exploratory study demonstrated patterns of QoL outcome. Further work needs to be done for survey validation and inclusion of a larger cohort which will allow optimal sub-group analysis and help guide further interventions.

Characteristics of Suture Materials Used in Oral Surgery: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this review was to evaluate the most used suture materials with regards to their inflammatory response, their bacterial adhesion, and their physical properties when used to close oral wounds. METHODS: Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Dentistry & Oral Sciences, and OVID) were searched to retrieve relevant studies from January 1, 2000, to January 31, 2020. RESULTS: Out of the 269 articles, only 13 studies were selected as they were relevant and met the systematic review's protocol. These studies showed that almost all suture materials studies (catgut, polyglycolic acid [PGA] sutures, nylon, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, and silk sutures) caused bacterial adherence and tissue reaction. In nylon and chromic catgut, the number of bacteria accumulated was lowest. Silk and nylon were found to be more impacted than catgut and PGA in terms of physical characteristics such as tensile strength. PGA, on the other hand, was said to be the most susceptible to knot unwinding. CONCLUSIONS: Following an oral surgical operation, all sutures revealed varied degrees of irritation and microbial accumulation. Nonresorbable monofilament synthetic sutures, however, exhibited less tissue response and less microbial accumulation.

Photodynamic therapy outcome for T1/T2 N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: This new prospective clinical study assessed the oncological outcomes following surface illumination mTHPC-photodynamic therapy of T1/T2 N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. MATERIAL/METHODS: Thirty-eight patients participated in this study. Their mean age at the first diagnosis of OSCC was 58.0 years. Common clinical presentation was an ulcer mainly identified in the tongue, floor of mouth (FOM), or buccal mucosa. Current and ex-smokers represented 89.5% of the cohort; while current and ex-drinkers were 86.8%. Clinically nine patients had T1 disease while 29 had T2 disease. RESULTS: Pathological analysis revealed that 12 patients had well differentiated SCC, 16 moderately differentiated and 10 had poorly-differentiated cancer. All patients were discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting and, subsequently, underwent mTHPC-PDT. PDT was repeated in 6- to 7-month period following the first round when residual tumor was identified in the treated site. At last clinic review post-PDT, 26/38 patients showed complete normal clinical appearance of their oral mucosa in the primary tumor site. Recent surgical biopsies from the study cohort showed that 17 had normal mucosa, five with hyperkeratinization, 10 with dysplastic changes and six showed recurrent SCC. The overall recurrence was 15.8% and the 5-year survival was 84.2%. Death from loco-regional and distant disease spread was identified in three patients. The recurrence group comprised six patients. Most common presentation was an ulcer involving the buccal mucosa or retromolar area, identified in current or ex-smokers and current drinkers. The surgical margins in this group were also evaluated following laser or surgical excision and reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: mTHPC-photodynamic therapy (up to three rounds) is a comparable modality to other traditional interventions in the management of low-risk tumors of the oral cavity. Although, sometimes, multiple rounds of the treatment is required, morbidity following PDT is far less when compared to the three conventional modalities: surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Photodynamic therapy outcome for oral dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive surgical intervention used in the management of tissue disorders. It can be applied before, or after, any of the conventional modalities, without compromising these treatments or being compromised itself. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 147 consecutive patients with oral potentially malignant disorders were treated with surface illumination PDT, using 5-ALA or mTHPC as the photosensitizer. The average age was 53 ± 8.9 years. The patients' recovery was uneventful and no complications reported. Comparisons with the clinical and histopathological features and rate of recurrence as well as malignant transformation were made. The patients were followed-up for a mean of 7.3 years. ANALYSIS AND RESULTS: Homogenous leukoplakias were identified in 55 patients, non-homogenous leukoplakias in 73 patients, whereas 19 patients had erythroplakias. Ex- and current lifelong smokers formed 84.4% of the recruited patients. While people who currently smoke and drink formed 38.1% (56 patients) of the cohort. Erythroplakias were mainly identified in heavy lifelong smokers. The most common identified primary anatomical locations were the lateral border of tongue, floor of mouth and retromolar area. Moderate dysplasia was identified in 33 patients while 63 patients had severe dysplasias; and 32 patients had a histopathological diagnosis of carcinoma in situ. The rate of recurrence in laser surgery was approximately 11.6%. Malignant transformation was observed in 11 patients (7.5%), in the tongue, floor of mouth and retromolar area. Recurrence and malignant transformation was mainly identified in erythroplakias and non-homogenous leukoplakias. The final outcome of the cohort showed that 11 (7.5%) suffered from progressive disease, 5 (3.4%) had stable disease, 12 (8.2%) were considered partially responsive to the therapy. Complete response was identified in 119/147 patients (81%). CONCLUSION: 5-ALA-PDT and/or mTHPC-PDT offer an effective alternative treatment for oral potentially malignant disorders.

Interstitial PDT for vascular anomalies.

INTRODUCTION: Photodynamic therapy is a proven therapeutic modality in the management of variety of pathologies involving the human body. Our aim in this clinical study is to prospectively evaluate the outcome following interstitial photodynamic therapy for patients with vascular anomalies. Patients' reports on quality of life with clinical and radiological evaluation were the main end point parameters used to assess the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients were referred to the UCLH Head and Neck Centre for treatment of vascular anomalies of the head and neck, including: infantile and congenital haemangiomas, venous, lymphatic and arteriovenous malformations. After multidisciplinary discussion, all patients underwent interstitial photodynamic therapy under general anaesthesia, using 0.15 mg/kg mTHPC as the photosensitising agent. Following treatment, patients were followed-up for a mean of 21 months. RESULTS: Fifteen out of nineteen patients who presented with long-term pain reported improvement after treatment. Also, 7/8 reported significant reduction of bleeding related to their vascular anomaly. Improvement of swelling was reported by 28/35 patients; while reduction of infection episodes was evident in 8/11 patients and 31/36 reported reduction in the disfigurement caused by their pathology. Significant reduction of swallowing problems was reported in 9/12 patients, and breathing problems in 7/9 patients. Clinical assessment showed that half of the patients had 'good response' to the treatment. Moderate clinical response was reported by 13 (30.2%) patients. Radiological assessment comparing imaging 6-week post-PDT to the baseline showed moderate response in 11 (25.6%) patients and significant response in 15 (34.9%) patients. CONCLUSION: This study on 43 patients with vascular anomalies undergoing interstitial photodynamic therapy provided evidence that PDT is a successful modality in the management of these pathologies that are resistant to conventional modalities, with minimal side effects.

Photodynamic therapy: The minimally invasive surgical intervention for advanced and/or recurrent tongue base carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The management of tongue base carcinoma continues to be a major challenge in head and neck oncology. Our aim in this prospective study was to evaluate the outcome following ultrasound-guided interstitial photodynamic therapy (US-iPDT) of stage IV tongue base carcinoma patients. Patients' reports on quality of life with clinical and radiological evaluation were the main end point parameters used to assess the outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive patients referred to the UCLH Head and Neck Centre for treatment of advanced and/or recurrent tongue base cancer were included in this study. Two-thirds of the referred patients had not been offered further conventional therapeutic options apart from palliative treatment. It was decided, by the multidisciplinary team, that the only available option was to offer US-iPDT under general anesthesia, using mTHPC (Foscan®) as the photosensitizing agent. Following treatment, patients were followed-up for a mean of 36 months (min. 21, max. 45). RESULTS: Nine of the 11 patients who presented with breathing problems reported improvement after treatment. Also, 19 of the 21 patients reported improvement of swallowing. Improvement of speech was reported by 11 of 13 patients. Clinical assessment showed that more than half of the patients had "good response" to the treatment and about a third reported "moderate response." Radiological assessment comparing imaging 6-week post-PDT to the baseline showed stable pathology with no change in size in four patients, minimal response in seven patients, moderate response in six patients, and significant response in two patients. Eight patients died; four of which due to loco-regional disease; and two from distant tumor spread. Kaplan-Meir survival curve was generated from the survival and follow-up data. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy is a successful palliative modality in the treatment of advanced and/or recurrent tongue base carcinoma.

In vivo optical coherence tomography in assessment of suspicious facial lesions: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer continues to be the most common cancer in the Caucasian population. Over the past two decades, researchers around the world started assessing the possibility of diagnosing tissue pathologies by using optical systems. In this study, we aimed to use in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology to describe the morphologic features of normal and pathologic skin conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 72 patients with suspected skin pre-cancer/cancer were recruited. The lesions were subjected to in vivo OCT scanning using compact size probe. The main scanned areas were the centre of the lesion, periphery of the lesion and control reading at least 2cm from the lesion periphery but within the same dermatomal distribution. Following assessment, each lesion was surgically excised. All acquired OCT images were correlated with the corresponding histopathology images to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate co-localisation of abnormal lesion on both OCT image and pathology slide. This was achieved in every resected lesion. RESULTS: Histopathological analysis revealed that of the 96 macroscopically suspicious scanned lesions 26 were actinic keratosis (AK), 51 were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 19 were cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Different layers of healthy skin can be distinguished with clear demarcation between the epidermis and papillary dermis. An increase in epidermal thickness was observed in OCT images in AK that appeared relatively hyperintense. Cutaneous SCC was characterized by hypoechoic signal free spaces within the dermis and damaged of dermal-epidermal junction. BCCs were visualized as hypoechoic structures but showed a mixed echogenicity. Solid nodular BCC appeared as single or multiple areas with no clear arrangement surrounding low-reflectivity lobular structures surrounded. Cystic structures were identifiable by signal-free areas adjacent to healthy skin. Sensitivity and specificity for in vivo OCT in diagnosing these lesions were impressive, based on this small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: OCT have shown that there are qualitative differences in OCT image features of skin with varying degrees of pathology, and between normal and pathological skin. This study indicates that in vivo OCT shows a good promise as a useful optical diagnostic technique in diagnosing skin pathologies.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the ear treated by photochemical internalization.

A 77-year-old Caucasian male was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the right ear. The patient elected to take part in the first-in-man phase I TPCS2a based bleomycin photochemical internalization (PCI). On Day 0, The patient received the photosensitiser [Amphinex (TPCS2a)], by slow intravenous injection. Four days later, surface illumination based (PCI) was implemented 3 h after the slow infusion of Bleomycin. Four weeks following the infusion of the photosensitiser, the cancerous area turned into black rigid mass with clear demarcation from the macroscopically normal skin. The size of the treated area has been substantially reduced. Histopathologic assessment of the excised necrotic mass revealed no viable tumour and the excised margins (PCI-treated margins) were tumour-free. This case was a clear indication that PCI is a clinically relevant technique that has potential in the treatment of such cancers to avoid radical intervention.

The role of differentially expressed salivary microRNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically review the role of differentially expressed microRNA (miRNA) in saliva as potential biomarkers in oral cancer patients. DESIGN: PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO online data bases were used as well as manual searching to extract studies from January 2008 up to October 2020. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. All selected studies were of case-control type. A total of 25 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. Thirteen of these miRNAs (Let-7a, miR 27, miR 34, miR 92, miR 124, miR 125a, miR 136, miR139 miR 145, miR 146a, miR 200a, miR 205 and miR 375) were downregulated and other twelve (miR 9, miR 21, miR 31, miR 122, miR 134, miR 184, miR 191, miR 196a, miR 196b, miR 412, miR 512 and miR 8392) were upregulated. Four miRNAs were evaluated in more than one study (miR21, miR31, miR125 and miR 200). CONCLUSION: According to these results, salivary miRNA can aid in diagnosis and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, controlled clinical trials with a large sample size are required to validate the differentially expressed miRNAs of the present review.

The consequences and outcomes associated with dental implants encroaching on adjacent teeth.

BACKGROUND: Dental implant placement carries a risk of iatrogenic damage to adjacent root surfaces. PURPOSE: To classify and understand different types of trauma to the tooth root body by dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective case series included 43 implants placed between February 2017 and June 2020 that had primary stability and were in a position that accidentally invaded the adjacent teeth. The type and degree of the injury were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Tenderness, mobility, and sensitivity tests of the injured teeth were conducted at different visits. Implant failure was confirmed by the presence of implant mobility during the healing period. RESULTS: Overall, 43 patients had root injuries due to dental implant surgeries. Regarding the 43 injured roots, 32 developed transient tenderness to percussion, 16 developed variable degrees of resorption in the cementum, three lost pulp sensitivity and one had persistent tenderness to percussion. No injured teeth were lost. In three patients, implant periapical lesions were confirmed radiographically as radiolucency near the apex of the involved implants. Out of the 43 implants, 11 failed and were removed within 6 months, with an implant failure rate of (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Root damage after implant surgery varies depending on the type and severity of injury. Periodic clinical and radiographical examination is necessary to monitor root resorption and implant integration and to rule out pulp necrosis.

In vivo optical coherence tomography-guided photodynamic therapy for skin pre-cancer and cancer.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this prospective study is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of OCT to map real tumor margins and to monitor skin changes that occurred post- PDT. Moreover, to optimize PDT efficacy based on the relationship between measured OCT features and treatment outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A series of 12 patients with overall 18 facial skin lesions were investigated by OCT before surface illumination by PDT to determine tumor free margins. Monitoring of the healing process was undertaken at 3, 6 and 12 months post-PDT. Parameters measured by the in vivo OCT during healing phase were the organization of skin layer and the degree skin fibroses for the active center and peripheral transit zone of the treated lesion. Clinical and aesthetics assessment was carried out at 12-month post-PDT. RESULTS: Distinct microstructural differences between normal skin, pre-cancer, cancer, and the transition zone between the two tissues were observed on OCT images. In the subsequent healing phase, OCT demonstrate marked delineation and organization of skin layer at late stage of healing. Early features showing bizarre non-homogenous disorganized layering (scab) but afterwards, OCT was able to differentiate between different histological layers. One lesion demonstrated clinical healing by fibrosis (scar) without sign of recurrence. Another lesion demonstrated skin erythema. Only one lesion did not response to treatment despite margins clearance. The CR rate was 95% at the end of the study. The cosmetic effect was "excellent" in 89% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility study lays the groundwork for using OCT as a real-time, noninvasive monitoring device for PDT in patients with skin cancer.