A partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition signature for highly aggressive colorectal cancer cells that survive under nutrient restriction.

Partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (p-EMT) has recently been identified as a hybrid state consisting of cells with both epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics and is associated with the migration, metastasis, and chemoresistance of cancer cells. Here, we describe the induction of p-EMT in starved colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and identify a p-EMT gene signature that can predict prognosis. Functional characterisation of starvation-induced p-EMT in HCT116, DLD1, and HT29 cells showed changes in proliferation, morphology, and drug sensitivity, supported by in vivo studies using the chorioallantoic membrane model. An EMT-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) array was used to screen for deregulated genes, leading to the establishment of an in silico gene signature that was correlated with poor disease-free survival in CRC patients along with the CRC consensus molecular subtype CMS4. Among the significantly deregulated p-EMT genes, a triple-gene signature consisting of SERPINE1, SOX10, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was identified. Starvation-induced p-EMT was characterised by increased migratory potential and chemoresistance, as well as E-cadherin processing and internalisation. Both gene signature and E-cadherin alterations could be reversed by the proteasomal inhibitor MG132. Spatially resolving EGFR expression with high-resolution immunofluorescence imaging identified a proliferation stop in starved CRC cells caused by EGFR internalisation. In conclusion, we have gained insight into a previously undiscovered EMT mechanism that may become relevant when tumour cells are under nutrient stress, as seen in early stages of metastasis. Targeting this process of tumour cell dissemination might help to prevent EMT and overcome drug resistance. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Biomaterial shell bending with 3D-printed templates in vertical and alveolar ridge augmentation: a technical note.

OBJECTIVES: Alveolar ridge and vertical augmentations are challenging procedures in dental implantology. Even material blocks with an interconnecting porous system are never completely resorbed. Shell techniques combined with autologous bone chips are therefore the gold standard. Using biopolymers for these techniques is well documented. We applied three-dimensional (3-D) techniques to create an individualized bending model for the adjustment of a plane biopolymer membrane made of polylactide. STUDY DESIGN: Two cases with a vertical alveolar ridge defect in the maxilla were chosen. The cone beam computed tomography data were processed with a 3-D slicer and the Autodesk Meshmixer to generate data about the desired augmentation result. STL data were used to print a bending model. A 0.2-mm poly-D, L-lactic acid membrane (KLS Matin Inc., Tuttlingen, Germany) was bended accordingly and placed into the defect via a tunnel approach in both cases. A mesh graft of autologous bone chips and hydroxylapatite material was augmented beneath the shell, which was fixed with osteosynthesis screws. RESULTS: The operative procedure was fast and without peri- or postoperative complications or complaints. The panoramic x-ray showed correct fitting of the material in the location. Bone quality at the time of implant placement was type II, resulting in good primary stability. CONCLUSIONS: A custom-made 3-D model for bending confectioned biomaterial pieces is an appropriate method for individualized adjustment in shell techniques. The advantages over direct printing of the biomaterial shell and products on the market, such as the Xyoss shell (Reoss Inc., Germany), include cost-efficiency and avoidance of regulatory issues.

Dental care and treatment needs of elderly in nursing homes in Saarland: perceptions of the homes managers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate nursing home managers' perceptions and attitudes towards oral health care and access to dental services for aged care facility residents. METHOD: Questionnaires containing 28 closed-ended questions were mailed to all 114 nursing homes in Saarland, Germany. Descriptive statistics were calculated for response items. RESULTS: Facility response rate was 39%. None of the nursing homes in this study offered systematic dental health care. Initial dental screening was carried out only in one facility. In 81%, dental examinations only took place if required. Although stationary dental equipment was available only in one home, dental treatment was carried out in 71% of the cases by a dentist in the nursing home. Eighty-four per cent of the homes' managements rated the state of the dentition of the inhabitants as satisfying. Over half of the managers indicated satisfaction with the know-how of their nursing staff concerning oral hygiene procedures. The most significant barriers to provision of dental care in the facilities according to their managers were staff shortage, lack of interest of the inhabitants and financial concerns. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed an urgent need for estimating a programme for systematic dental care for institutionalised elder people in the federal state of Saarland.

In vitro investigation of the performance of different restorative materials under cast circumferential clasps for removable dental prostheses.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this in vitro study was to investigate the behavior of different composite restorative materials under the load of cast circumferential clasps for removable dental prostheses (RDPs). METHODS: In 60 human molars, standardized mesial-occlusal-distal cavities were prepared. The cavities were restored with the following materials: Definite, Tetric Ceram, SureFil, Heliomolar RO, Ariston pHc, and Oralloy, and provided with a rest seat. The rest seats were subjected to 5,000 cycles of thermal cycling and 1,200,000 masticatory cycles in a mastication simulator via cobalt-chromium circumferential clasps cast to standardized frameworks in a laboratory model designed to simulate the biomechanics of a free-end denture base. Fracture analysis of the restorations was performed by light microscopy. Before and after loading, material wear was measured with a 3D-laser scanner, and an analysis of the marginal quality was performed in an SEM at ×200 applying the replica technique. RESULTS: No significant differences in the fracture behavior among the composite materials were found; the amalgam control group showed a significantly higher fracture resistance. Regarding the wear of the materials, the composites Definite and SureFil exhibited a behavior similar to that of amalgam. The other composites demonstrated higher wear rates. The initial marginal quality was significantly worse for Ariston pHc. The marginal adaptation decreased significantly after thermal and mechanical loading for Definite and Ariston pHc. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of the investigated aspects of mechanical performance, the tested composites seemed to be inferior to amalgam. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate the ability of composite restorations to provide support for RDP clasps. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of composites as direct restoration materials should be avoided in teeth, which serve as abutments for clasp-retained RDPs.

Imaging of bone transplants in the maxillofacial area by NewTom 9000 cone-beam computed tomography: a quality assessment.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the definability and usability of bone transplant imaging with the NewTom 9000 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) device in a retrospective evaluation. METHODS: CBCT data of 21 patients were analyzed in 2 steps. Step 1: transplants of cancellous bone (n = 6) and transplants of cortico-cancellous bone (n = 15). Step 2: The second group was further divided into nonvasculated transplants (n = 8) and microvascular transplants (n = 7). NewTom 9000 CBCT data sets were reconstructed and converted into DICOM data (spatial resolution: 0.25 mm, axial slice thickness: 0.3 mm). The OsiriX program was used to establish cross-sections in all 3 dimensions. Image quality assessment of the cross-sections was performed by 4 dentists. RESULTS: CBCT scans of cortical bone transplants showed clear borders. All cancellous transplants were poorly defined and showed little x-ray contrast. In most cases these differences seen in the descriptive evaluation were not significant in the statistical analysis of the imaging quality assessment with Fisher's exact test. CONCLUSIONS: Subjectively, the NewTom 9000 was considered by the authors to be of limited value for the evaluation of cancellous bone grafts, but to show good contrast for cortical bone grafts. The authors' subjective opinion was not supported by statistical analysis.