Bio-Inspired Dark Adaptive Nighttime Object Detection.

Nighttime object detection is challenging due to dim, uneven lighting. The IIHS research conducted in 2022 shows that pedestrian anti-collision systems are less effective at night. Common solutions utilize costly sensors, such as thermal imaging and LiDAR, aiming for highly accurate detection. Conversely, this study employs a low-cost 2D image approach to address the problem by drawing inspiration from biological dark adaptation mechanisms, simulating functions like pupils and photoreceptor cells. Instead of relying on extensive machine learning with day-to-night image conversions, it focuses on image fusion and gamma correction to train deep neural networks for dark adaptation. This research also involves creating a simulated environment ranging from 0 lux to high brightness, testing the limits of object detection, and offering a high dynamic range testing method. Results indicate that the dark adaptation model developed in this study improves the mean average precision (mAP) by 1.5-6% compared to traditional models. Our model is capable of functioning in both twilight and night, showcasing academic novelty. Future developments could include using virtual light in specific image areas or integrating with smart car lighting to enhance detection accuracy, thereby improving safety for pedestrians and drivers.

Radiographic Imaging for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion.

Skeletal Class III malocclusion is one type of dentofacial deformity that significantly affects patients' facial aesthetics and oral health. The orthodontic treatment of skeletal Class III malocclusion presents challenges due to uncertainties surrounding mandibular growth patterns and treatment outcomes. In recent years, disease-specific radiographic features have garnered interest from researchers in various fields including orthodontics, for their exceptional performance in enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment effect predictability. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the valuable radiographic features in the diagnosis and management of skeletal Class III malocclusion. Based on the existing literature, a series of analyses on lateral cephalograms have been concluded to identify the significant variables related to facial type classification, growth prediction, and decision-making for tooth extractions and orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion. Furthermore, we summarize the parameters regarding the inter-maxillary relationship, as well as different anatomical structures including the maxilla, mandible, craniofacial base, and soft tissues from conventional and machine learning statistical models. Several distinct radiographic features for Class III malocclusion have also been preliminarily observed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Third Molar Coronectomy vs Total Removal in Second Molar Periodontal Healing.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this randomised controlled trial was to compare the periodontal healing at the distal of the adjacent second molar after coronectomy or surgical removal and the surgical morbidities of the 2 techniques. METHODS: This is a pilot study of a split-mouth randomised clinical trial comparing the periodontal healing of the adjacent second molar after coronectomy or total removal of lower third molars, which was registered with the University of Hong Kong Clinical Trial Centre as HKUCTR-2948 on 21 February 2020. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Changes in the bone level from the cemento-enamel junction, periodontal probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) at the distal of the adjacent second molar were compared. Surgical morbidities in terms of pain, infection, neurologic deficit, root exposure, and need for second surgery for removal were assessed. RESULTS: Forty patients (22 male, 18 female) with mean age of 26.7 years were evaluated at 6 months postoperatively. Both coronectomy and total removal groups demonstrated statistically significant reduction in PPD and CAL. There was an alveolar bone gain of 1.28 ± 0.88 mm in the coronectomy group and 1.13 ± 0.73mm in the control group, which was statistically significant (P < .001 for both groups). CONCLUSIONS: Early findings show the periodontal healing at the adjacent second molar of coronectomy was as good as that of total removal of lower third molar. There were no differences in terms of surgical morbidities between both groups.

Radiologic extranodal extension for nodal staging in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Extranodal extension (ENE) has the potential to add value to the current nodal staging system (N8th) for predicting outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to incorporate ENE, as well as cervical nodal necrosis (CNN) to the current stage N3 and evaluated their impact on outcome prediction. The findings were validated on an external cohort. METHODS & MATERIALS: Pre-treatment MRI of 750 patients from the internal cohort were retrospectively reviewed. Predictive values of six modified nodal staging systems that incorporated four patterns of ENE and two patterns of CNN to the current stage N3 for disease-free survival (DFS) were compared with that of N8th using multivariate cox-regression and concordance statistics in the internal cohort. Performance of stage N3 for predicting disease recurrence was calculated. An external cohort of 179 patients was used to validate the findings. RESULTS: Incorporation of advanced ENE, which infiltrates into adjacent muscle/skin/salivary glands outperformed the other five modifications for predicting outcomes (p < 0.01) and achieved a significantly higher c-index for 5-year DFS (0.69 vs 0.72) (p < 0.01) when compared with that of N8th staging system. By adding advanced ENE to the current N3 increased the sensitivity for predicting disease recurrence from 22.4 % to 47.1 %. The finding was validated in the external cohort (5-year DFS 0.65 vs. 0.72, p < 0.01; sensitivity of stage N3 increased from 14.0 % to 41.9 % for disease recurrence). CONCLUSION: Results from two centre cohorts confirmed that the radiological advanced ENE should be considered as a criterion for stage N3 disease in NPC.

Radiomics Analysis in Characterization of Salivary Gland Tumors on MRI: A Systematic Review.

Radiomics analysis can potentially characterize salivary gland tumors (SGTs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The procedures for radiomics analysis were various, and no consistent performances were reported. This review evaluated the methodologies and performances of studies using radiomics analysis to characterize SGTs on MRI. We systematically reviewed studies published until July 2023, which employed radiomics analysis to characterize SGTs on MRI. In total, 14 of 98 studies were eligible. Each study examined 23-334 benign and 8-56 malignant SGTs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was the most common feature selection method (in eight studies). Eleven studies confirmed the stability of selected features using cross-validation or bootstrap. Nine classifiers were used to build models that achieved area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.74 to 1.00 for characterizing benign and malignant SGTs and 0.80 to 0.96 for characterizing pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin's tumors. Performances were validated using cross-validation, internal, and external datasets in four, six, and two studies, respectively. No single feature consistently appeared in the final models across the studies. No standardized procedure was used for radiomics analysis in characterizing SGTs on MRIs, and various models were proposed. The need for a standard procedure for radiomics analysis is emphasized.

Application of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Risk Assessment of Lower Third Molar Surgery.

Risks of lower third molar surgery like the inferior alveolar nerve injury may result in permanent consequences. Risk assessment is important prior to the surgery and forms part of the informed consent process. Traditionally, plain radiographs like orthopantomogram have been used routinely for this purpose. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has offered more information from the 3D images in the lower third molar surgery assessment. The proximity of the tooth root to the inferior alveolar canal, which harbours the inferior alveolar nerve, can be clearly identified on CBCT. It also allows the assessment of potential root resorption of the adjacent second molar as well as the bone loss at its distal aspect as a consequence of the third molar. This review summarized the application of CBCT in the risk assessment of lower third molar surgery and discussed how it could aid in the decision-making of high-risk cases to improve safety and treatment outcomes.

Personalized dental medicine, artificial intelligence, and their relevance for dentomaxillofacial imaging.

Personalized medicine refers to the tailoring of diagnostics and therapeutics to individuals based on one's biological, social, and behavioral characteristics. While personalized dental medicine is still far from being a reality, advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with improved data analytic approaches are expected to integrate diverse data from the individual, setting, and system levels, which may facilitate a deeper understanding of the interaction of these multilevel data and therefore bring us closer to more personalized, predictive, preventive, and participatory dentistry, also known as P4 dentistry. In the field of dentomaxillofacial imaging, a wide range of AI applications, including several commercially available software options, have been proposed to assist dentists in the diagnosis and treatment planning of various dentomaxillofacial diseases, with performance similar or even superior to that of specialists. Notably, the impact of these dental AI applications on treatment decision, clinical and patient-reported outcomes, and cost-effectiveness has so far been assessed sparsely. Such information should be further investigated in future studies to provide patients, providers, and healthcare organizers a clearer picture of the true usefulness of AI in daily dental practice.

Normal size of benign upper neck nodes on MRI: parotid, submandibular, occipital, facial, retroauricular and level IIb nodal groups.

PURPOSE: Nodal size is an important imaging criterion for differentiating benign from malignant nodes in the head and neck cancer staging. This study evaluated the size of normal nodes in less well-documented nodal groups in the upper head and neck on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Analysis was performed on 289 upper head and neck MRIs of patients without head and neck cancer. The short axial diameters (SAD) of the largest node in the parotid, submandibular, occipital, facial, retroauricular and Level IIb of the upper internal jugular nodal groups were documented and compared to the commonly used threshold of ≥ 10 mm for diagnosis of a malignant node. RESULTS: Normal nodes in the parotid, occipital, retroauricular and Level IIb groups were small with a mean SAD ranging from 3.8 to 4.4 mm, nodes in the submandibular group were larger with a mean SAD of 5.5 mm and facial nodes were not identified. A size ≥ 10 mm was found in 0.8% of submandibular nodes. Less than 10% of the other nodal group had a SAD of ≥ 6 mm and none of them had a SAD ≥ 8 mm. CONCLUSION: To identify malignant neck nodes in these groups there is scope to reduce the size threshold of ≥ 10 mm to improve sensitivity without substantial loss of specificity.

The Use of CBCT in Evaluating the Health and Pathology of the Maxillary Sinus.

The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been increasing in dental practice. This narrative review summarized the relevance and utilizations of CBCT to visualize anatomical structures of the maxillary sinus and common pathologies found in the maxillary sinus. The detection/visualization rate, the location and the morphometric characteristics were described. For sinus anatomy, the reviewed features included the posterior superior alveolar artery, sinus pneumatization, sinus hypoplasia, sinus septa, and primary and accessory sinus ostia. For pathology, the following items were reviewed: membrane thickening associated with periapical lesions/periodontal lesions, mucous retention cyst, and antrolith. The visualization and assessment of the maxillary sinus is very important prior to procedures that take place in close proximity with the sinus floor, such as tooth extraction, implant insertion, and sinus floor elevation. Some sinus pathologies may be associated with odontogenic lesions, such as periapical diseases and periodontal bone loss.

Linear and angular measurement using cone-beam computed tomography to enhance safety in Le Fort I osteotomy with tuberosity cut.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate surgical angles for tuberosity cut and linear and angular measurements for all horizontal cuts in Le Fort I osteotomy using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 189 CBCT scans to assess the surgical angles on 3 different sites distal to maxillary second molars relative to the midsagittal plane (MSP) and the buccal cortical plane (BCP) in relation to the descending palatine foramen for tuberosity cut. The linear and angular measurements for all horizontal cuts in Le Fort I osteotomy were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean surgical angles for tuberosity cut varied from 58.90 to 95.28° and 74.85 to 100.93° according to the MSP and the BCP, respectively. For the horizontal cuts, mean lengths (angles) for posterior buccal and lateral nasal wall osteotomies were 27.44 mm (13.62°) and 33.20 mm (9.60°), respectively, and a mean length of 47.12 mm was measured for nasal septum osteotomy. Additionally, the presence of impacted third molar resulted in significantly higher mean surgical angles than those with fully erupted or without third molars (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, angles running through the buccal midpoint of the third molars relative to the MSP (76.56°) or the BCP (92.31°) might be the most appropriate in clinical practice. Furthermore, some caution seems warranted when performing tuberosity cuts with the impacted third molars. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To avoid potential damage to the descending palatine artery for tuberosity cut in Le Fort I osteotomy.

Assessment of the prevalence and length of the anterior and caudal loops of the mental nerve as anatomical variants of exiting the mandible at the mental foramen using cone-beam computed tomography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to identify the studies that performed cone-beam computed tomography analysis of the prevalence and length of the anterior loop (AL) and caudal loop (CL) of the mental nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic database search was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. Original studies reporting the frequency and length of the AL and CL were selected. Qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were then conducted to assess the prevalence and length of the AL and CL and their associations with age, gender, sides, and dentition status. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of the AL (95% confidence interval) of the mental nerve at the patient and side level was 51% (31-71%) and 53% (37-69%) while the mean anterior loop length was 2.08 (1.46-2.70) mm. The pooled prevalence of the CL and mean caudal loop length were 100% and 4.73 (3.44-6.01) mm. No significant associations were found between the prevalence and length of the AL and CL and age, gender, sides, and dentition status. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the pooled prevalence and mean length of AL of the mental nerve varied among different populations while CL seems to be a constant anatomical landmark with a longer CL than AL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons performing inter-foraminal oral surgeries like dental implant placement and genioplasty should be aware of the possible distance of the AL and CL to avoid iatrogenic mental nerve injury.

Prognostic value of cervical nodal necrosis on staging imaging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSES: To systematically review and perform meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of cervical nodal necrosis (CNN) on the staging computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy. METHODS: Literature search through PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CNN for distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were extracted from the eligible studies and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the pooled HRs with 95%CI. RESULTS: Nine studies, which investigated the prognostic values of 6 CNN patterns on MRI were included. Six/9 studies were eligible for meta-analysis, which investigated the CNN presence/absence in any nodal group among 4359 patients. The pooled unadjusted HRs showed that the CNN presence predicted poor DMFS (HR =1.89, 95%CI =1.72-2.08), DFS (HR =1.57, 95%CI =1.08-2.26), and OS (HR =1.87, 95%CI =1.69-2.06). The pooled adjusted HRs also showed the consistent results for DMFS (HR =1.34, 95%CI =1.17-1.54), DFS (HR =1.30, 95%CI =1.08-1.56), and OS (HR =1.61, 95%CI =1.27-2.04). Results shown in the other studies analysing different CNN patterns indicated the high grade of CNN predicted poor outcome, but meta-analysis was unable to perform because of the heterogeneity of the analysed CNN patterns. CONCLUSION: The CNN observed on the staging MRI is a negative factor for NPC outcome, suggesting that the inclusion of CNN is important in the future survival analysis. However, whether and how should CNN be included in the staging system warrant further evaluation.

Potential and impact of artificial intelligence algorithms in dento-maxillofacial radiology.

OBJECTIVES: Novel artificial intelligence (AI) learning algorithms in dento-maxillofacial radiology (DMFR) are continuously being developed and improved using advanced convolutional neural networks. This review provides an overview of the potential and impact of AI algorithms in DMFR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A narrative review was conducted on the literature on AI algorithms in DMFR. RESULTS: In the field of DMFR, AI algorithms were mainly proposed for (1) automated detection of dental caries, periapical pathologies, root fracture, periodontal/peri-implant bone loss, and maxillofacial cysts/tumors; (2) classification of mandibular third molars, skeletal malocclusion, and dental implant systems; (3) localization of cephalometric landmarks; and (4) improvement of image quality. Data insufficiency, overfitting, and the lack of interpretability are the main issues in the development and use of image-based AI algorithms. Several strategies have been suggested to address these issues, such as data augmentation, transfer learning, semi-supervised training, few-shot learning, and gradient-weighted class activation mapping. CONCLUSIONS: Further integration of relevant AI algorithms into one fully automatic end-to-end intelligent system for possible multi-disciplinary applications is very likely to be a field of increased interest in the future. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This review provides dental practitioners and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the current development, performance, issues, and prospects of image-based AI algorithms in DMFR.

Anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinuses and their association with health or pathology of the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses in a Southern Chinese population: An analysis using cone-beam computed tomography.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of clinically relevant anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinuses and their potential association with ethmoid and maxillary sinus pathologies on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Additionally, potential associations with different sides and demographic factors, including age and sex, were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In total, 273 CBCT scans with complete ethmoid and maxillary sinuses were analyzed to determine the prevalence of Agger nasi cell, supraorbital ethmoid cell, Haller cell, Onodi cell, and ethmomaxillary sinus. In addition, the health or pathology of the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses was also recorded to assess correlations with the aforementioned variations. Results: The prevalence of Agger nasi cell was found to be the highest (95.6%) in this study, followed by Onodi cell (60.4%), Haller cell (29.3%), and supraorbital ethmoid cell (19.4%). Ethmomaxillary sinus was the least common finding (16.5%). Males and persons above 61 years of age had a significantly higher frequency of supraorbital ethmoid cell and Onodi cell, respectively. However, no significant relationships were noted between anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinus and pathologies of the ethmoid or maxillary sinus. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of ethmoid sinus variations in this Southern Chinese population. The prevalence of Agger nasi cell and Onodi cell was higher than that of other anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinuses. Anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinuses were not associated with ethmoid or maxillary sinus pathologies in this patient cohort.

An analysis of patient dose received during cone-beam computed tomography in relation to scan settings and imaging indications as seen in a dental institution in order to establish institutional diagnostic reference levels.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the dose-area product (DAP) of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations for different scan settings and imaging indications, and to establish institutional diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for dose optimisation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the DAP values of 3568 CBCT examinations taken from two different devices at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong between 2016 and 2021 was performed. Patient- (age, gender, and imaging indication) and imaging-related (CBCT device, field-of-view (FOV), and voxel size) were correlated with the DAPs. The indication-oriented third-quartile DAP values were compared with DRLs from the UK, Finland, and Switzerland. The obtained third-quartile DAPs lower than the national DRLs and those for which no national DRLs have been proposed were used to establish institutional DRLs. RESULTS: In the investigated CBCTs, the DAP value for large FOV scans was significantly lower than medium/small FOVs. CBCTs with a small voxel size exhibited a significantly higher DAP than those with a medium/large voxel size. CBCTs for endodontic, periodontal, orthodontic, or orthognathic evaluation exhibited a significantly higher DAP than other indications. Twelve indication-oriented institutional DRLs were established and five of them were lower than the national DRLs: third molars (229 mGy×cm2), jaw cysts/tumours (410 mGy×cm2), maxillary sinus pathology (520 mGy×cm2), developing dentition (164 mGy×cm2), and periapical lesions (564 mGy×cm2). CONCLUSIONS: CBCT examinations for endodontic, periodontal, orthodontic, or orthognathic evaluation may deliver a higher radiation dose to the patient than other imaging tasks. A periodic review of the patient dose from CBCT imaging and establishment of institutional DRLs for specific clinical settings are needed for monitoring patient dose and to optimise indication-oriented scanning protocols.

Patient-specific estimation of the bone graft volume needed for maxillary sinus floor elevation: a radiographic study using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To develop prediction models for estimating the bone-graft volume needed for sinus floor elevation (SFE) based on the augmentation site, elevation height, and sinus width using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT scans with a medium-to-large field-of-view with bilateral maxillary sinuses partially/entirely visible, acquired from February 2016 to October 2020, were initially screened. Ten defined regions, above the maxillary first (MM1) and second molar (MM2) sites, in the sinuses of the included CBCTs were semi-automatically segmented, and the volumes of the regions were automatically measured using the ITK-SNAP program. The sinus widths at the height ranging between 8 and 16 mm from the sinus floor were measured at the MM1 to MM2 sites, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to establish prediction models for estimating the bone graft volume needed for SFE at the MM1 and/or MM2 sites with the sinus width and elevation height as predictors. RESULTS: A total of 133 scans (224 sinuses) were included. Three developed prediction models, composed of the sinus width and elevation height, explained 89-91% of the variation in the bone graft volumes estimated for SFE at the MM1, MM2, and MM1-MM2 sites. The mean absolute deviations and absolute percentage deviations between the measured and predicted volumes ranged from 0.12 to 0.28cm3 and from 9.78 to 10.62%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed prediction models may enable more patient-specific estimation of the bone graft volume needed for SFE. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proposed prediction models could facilitate the preparation of an adequate amount of bone graft material and patient-clinician communication about the cost of bone graft material.

Automatic detection and segmentation of morphological changes of the maxillary sinus mucosa on cone-beam computed tomography images using a three-dimensional convolutional neural network.

OBJECTIVES: To propose and evaluate a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm for automatic detection and segmentation of mucosal thickening (MT) and mucosal retention cysts (MRCs) in the maxillary sinus on low-dose and full-dose cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 890 maxillary sinuses on 445 CBCT scans were analyzed. The air space, MT, and MRCs in each sinus were manually segmented. Low-dose CBCTs were divided into training, training-monitoring, and testing datasets at a 7:1:2 ratio. Full-dose CBCTs were used as a testing dataset. A three-step CNN algorithm built based on V-Net and support vector regression was trained on low-dose CBCTs and tested on the low-dose and full-dose datasets. Performance for detection of MT and MRCs using area under the curves (AUCs) and for segmentation using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was evaluated. RESULTS: For the detection of MT and MRCs, the algorithm achieved AUCs of 0.91 and 0.84 on low-dose scans and of 0.89 and 0.93 on full-dose scans, respectively. The median DSCs for segmenting the air space, MT, and MRCs were 0.972, 0.729, and 0.678 on low-dose scans and 0.968, 0.663, and 0.787 on full-dose scans, respectively. There were no significant differences in the algorithm performance between low-dose and full-dose CBCTs. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed CNN algorithm has the potential to accurately detect and segment MT and MRCs in maxillary sinus on CBCT scans with low-dose and full-dose protocols. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An implementation of this artificial intelligence application in daily practice as an automated diagnostic and reporting system seems possible.

Current Applications of Deep Learning and Radiomics on CT and CBCT for Maxillofacial Diseases.

The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in oral and maxillofacial imaging has driven the development of deep learning and radiomics applications to assist clinicians in early diagnosis, accurate prognosis prediction, and efficient treatment planning of maxillofacial diseases. This narrative review aimed to provide an up-to-date overview of the current applications of deep learning and radiomics on CT and CBCT for the diagnosis and management of maxillofacial diseases. Based on current evidence, a wide range of deep learning models on CT/CBCT images have been developed for automatic diagnosis, segmentation, and classification of jaw cysts and tumors, cervical lymph node metastasis, salivary gland diseases, temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders, maxillary sinus pathologies, mandibular fractures, and dentomaxillofacial deformities, while CT-/CBCT-derived radiomics applications mainly focused on occult lymph node metastasis in patients with oral cancer, malignant salivary gland tumors, and TMJ osteoarthritis. Most of these models showed high performance, and some of them even outperformed human experts. The models with performance on par with human experts have the potential to serve as clinically practicable tools to achieve the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment, leading to a more precise and personalized approach for the management of maxillofacial diseases. Challenges and issues, including the lack of the generalizability and explainability of deep learning models and the uncertainty in the reproducibility and stability of radiomic features, should be overcome to gain the trust of patients, providers, and healthcare organizers for daily clinical use of these models.

(+)-Bornyl p-Coumarate Extracted from Stem of Piper betle Induced Apoptosis and Autophagy in Melanoma Cells.

(+)-Bornyl p-coumarate is an active substance that is abundant in the Piper betle stem and has been shown to possess bioactivity against bacteria and a strong antioxidative effect. In the current study, we examined the actions of (+)-bornyl p-coumarate against A2058 and A375 melanoma cells. The inhibition effects of (+)-bornyl p-coumarate on these cell lines were assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the underlying mechanisms were identified by immunostaining, flow cytometry and western blotting of proteins associated with apoptosis and autophagy. Our results demonstrated that (+)-bornyl p-coumarate inhibited melanoma cell proliferation and caused loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, demonstrating treatment induced apoptosis. In addition, western blotting revealed that the process is mediated by caspase-dependent pathways, release of cytochrome C, activation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bad and caspase-3/-9) and suppression of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and Mcl-1). Also, the upregulated expressions of p-PERK, p-eIF2α, ATF4 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-homologous protein (CHOP) after treatment indicated that (+)-bornyl p-coumarate caused apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, increased expressions of beclin-1, Atg3, Atg5, p62, LC3-I and LC3-II proteins and suppression by autophagic inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA), indicated that (+)-bornyl p-coumarate triggered autophagy in the melanoma cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that (+)-bornyl p-coumarate suppressed human melanoma cell growth and should be further investigated with regards to its potential use as a chemotherapy drug for the treatment of human melanoma.

Adjunctive Chinese herbal medicine therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Clinical evidence and experimental validation.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the benefits of adjunctive Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: We included all patients diagnosed with NPC during 1997-2009 and followed until 2011 in Taiwan. We used 1:1 frequency matching by age, sex, comorbidity, conventional treatment, and index year to compare the CHM users and non-CHM users (n = 2542 each). The prescribed CHM was further investigated with regard to its cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Compared with non-CHM users, adjunctive CHM users had a lower hazard ratio of mortality risk, and a better survival probability. Gan-Lu-Yin (GLY) was the most commonly prescribed CHM, and it reduced cell viability, inhibited tumor proliferation, and induced apoptosis through the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and caspase-3-dependent pathway in human NPC TW01 cells. Oral administration of GLY retarded NPC-TW01 tumor growth in the xenograft nude mouse model. CONCLUSION: Real-world data and laboratory experiments implied that adjunctive CHM might be beneficial for NPC patients.