Craniofacial Research Research Articles

Temporomandibular disorders: INfORM/IADR key points for good clinical practice based on standard of care

ABSTRACT Objective To present a list of key points for good Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) clinical practice on behalf of the International Network for Orofacial Pain and Related Disorders Methodology (INfORM) group of the International Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (IADR). Methods An open working group discussion was held at the IADR General Session in New Orleans (March 2024), where members of the INfORM group finalized the proposal of a list of 10 key points. Results The key points covered knowledge on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. They represent a summary of the current standard of care for management of TMD patients. They are in line with the current need to assist general dental practitioners advance their understanding and prevent inappropriate treatment. Conclusions The key points can be viewed as a guiding template for other national and international associations to prepare guidelines and recommendations on management of TMDs adapted to the different cultural, social, educational, and healthcare requirements.

A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Analysis of the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery From 1990 to 2023.

This study aims to conduct a Scopus-based bibliometric analysis of the studies published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, which has a very important place in its field. In this bibliometric study, all articles in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery in the Scopus database on 7 July 2024 were listed. The information of the listed articles was exported in CSV file format. When exporting these articles, the citation information, bibliographic information, abstract and keywords, funding details, and other information options were all selected. These exported CSV data were analyzed with VOSviewer software (version 1.6.18). The bibliometric analysis of the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery from 1990 to 2023 included 15,271 articles listed in the Scopus database. The majority (84.7%) of these articles were original studies. The top 5 countries with the highest number of publications were the United States (4004 articles), Turkey (2124 articles), China (2111 articles), South Korea (1597 articles), and Italy (1109 articles). This comprehensive bibliometric analysis demonstrates the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery's increasing prominence and impact in the field over the years. The diverse international contributions highlight the journal's role in fostering global collaboration and knowledge dissemination in craniofacial and maxillofacial research. While the use of a single database (Scopus) is a limitation, the study provides a detailed overview of the journal's scholarly contributions, influential authors, and publication trends. These findings underscore the journal's pivotal position in advancing craniofacial surgery research and education.

A Mentoring Network for Diversity in Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research

The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) has developed a national and sustainable mentoring and mentor training network titled AADOCR Mentoring an Inclusive Network for a Diverse Workforce of the Future (AADOCR MIND the Future). This program is instrumental in fostering a diverse group of early-career investigators in dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) research. The network’s principal purpose has been to establish a robust and enduring national mentoring program centrally managed by AADOCR. The overarching goal is to develop a sustainable, nationally recognized mentoring network that enhances the career development of early-career DOC researchers from diverse backgrounds. The program aligns with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Strategic Plan and aims to cultivate a robust pipeline of future DOC researchers who can address critical scientific challenges. AADOCR MIND the Future guides mentors and mentees in individual career development as well as improving the quality of mentoring at the home institution through dissemination of lessons learned by mentors and mentees in the program. As science practices have evolved, investigators have moved from isolated individual projects to interactive multidisciplinary teams. Within this research framework, AADOCR MIND the Future offers the global infrastructure and the variety of scientists/AADOCR members. While most institutional mentoring efforts have been developed using conventional single mentor-mentee pairs, the AADOCR MIND the Future program supplements this model with additional group mentoring (mentors-mentees) and peer mentoring (interactions between just the mentees). Mentees commit to 12 mo of programming devoted to enhancing research career development through intensive hands-on work, distance-learning components, and engagement in a mentored grant-writing experience. Mentees are strongly encouraged to remain engaged with the program beyond the initial 12-mo period. Years 1 to 3 alumni (cohorts 1 to 3) mentees continue to participate in a meaningful way, and after the completion of the program, it is envisioned these alumni will become mentors for another generation.

Involving Experts by Experience in Craniofacial Research.

Many areas of health research increasingly involve end users of research (typically patients and their families/caregivers) in study design, management, and dissemination. Beyond recruiting patients as research participants, the shift is towards engaging patients, parents and caregivers as active partners on the research team, who are recognised and valued as 'experts-by-experience' (EbyE). Currently, involving EbyE is not routine in global craniofacial research. This paper highlights the value of EbyE involvement, addresses how to incorporate EbyE at all stages of research and discusses key considerations in facilitating positive experiences for EbyE.

Morphological description of the temporomandibular joint ligaments in domestic pigs.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ligaments play crucial roles in its function or dysfunction. The objective of this study was to describe the macro and microscopic morphology of these ligaments in domestic pigs, aiming to: (1) expand knowledge about the species; (2) provide anatomical references for advancing veterinary therapy and utilizing pigs as animal models in craniofacial research. Heads of young Sus scrofa domesticus were dissected to identify TMJ ligaments. Fragments of these ligaments were collected and processed for subsequent histological analysis with Haematoxylin and eosin staining. The results were qualitatively described. Pigs exhibited a TMJ reinforced by three individualized capsular ligaments: a lateral ligament, attaching to the ventral margin of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the lateral margin of the mandibular neck; a caudomedial ligament, attaching to the retroarticular process of the squamous part of the temporal bone and the caudomedial margin of the mandibular neck and a caudolateral ligament, attaching to the ventral margin of the base of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the caudal margin of the mandibular neck. The lateral ligament exhibited a greater constitution of dense irregular connective tissue, while the caudomedial and caudolateral ligaments showed a greater constitution of dense regular connective tissue. It is concluded that the TMJ of pigs presents one more ligament than horses, cattle, dogs, cats and what has been described for pigs themselves. We believe these results may contribute to the improvement of veterinary clinical and surgical therapy overall, as well as provide essential morphological information for a better interpretation and application of interspecies results in craniofacial research using pigs as an experimental model, as in the case of humans.

Optogenetics in oral and craniofacial research.

Optogenetics combines optics and genetic engineering to control specific gene expression and biological functions and has the advantages of precise spatiotemporal control, noninvasiveness, and high efficiency. Genetically modified photosensory sensors are engineered into proteins to modulate conformational changes with light stimulation. Therefore, optogenetic techniques can provide new insights into oral biological processes at different levels, ranging from the subcellular and cellular levels to neural circuits and behavioral models. Here, we introduce the origins of optogenetics and highlight the recent progress of optogenetic approaches in oral and craniofacial research, focusing on the ability to apply optogenetics to the study of basic scientific neural mechanisms and to establish different oral behavioral test models in vivo (orofacial movement, licking, eating, and drinking), such as channelrhodopsin (ChR), archaerhodopsin (Arch), and halorhodopsin from Natronomonas pharaonis (NpHR). We also review the synergic and antagonistic effects of optogenetics in preclinical studies of trigeminal neuralgia and maxillofacial cellulitis. In addition, optogenetic tools have been used to control the neurogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in translational studies. Although the scope of optogenetic tools is increasing, there are limited large animal experiments and clinical studies in dental research. Potential future directions include exploring therapeutic strategies for addressing loss of taste in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), studying oral bacterial biofilms, enhancing craniomaxillofacial and periodontal tissue regeneration, and elucidating the possible pathogenesis of dry sockets, xerostomia, and burning mouth syndrome.

Learning Hidden Markov Models with Structured Transition Dynamics

The hidden Markov model (HMM) provides a natural framework for modeling the dynamic evolution of latent diseases. The unknown probability matrices of HMMs can be learned through the well-known Baum–Welch algorithm, a special case of the expectation-maximization algorithm. In many disease models, the probability matrices possess nontrivial properties that may be represented through a set of linear constraints. In these cases, the traditional Baum–Welch algorithm is no longer applicable because the maximization step cannot be solved by an explicit formula. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to efficiently solve the maximization step problem under linear constraints by providing a Lagrangian dual reformulation that we solve by an accelerated gradient method. The performance of this approach critically depends on devising a fast method to compute the gradient in each iteration. For this purpose, we employ dual decomposition and derive Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions to reduce our problem into a set of single variable equations, solved using a simple bisection method. We apply this method to a case study on sports-related concussion and provide an extensive numerical study using simulation. We show that our approach is in orders of magnitude computationally faster and more accurate than other alternative approaches. Moreover, compared with other methods, our approach is far less sensitive with respect to increases in problem size. Overall, our contribution lies in the advancement of accurately and efficiently handling HMM parameter estimation under linear constraints, which comprises a wide range of applications in disease modeling and beyond. History: Accepted by Paul Brooks, Area Editor for Applications in Biology, Medicine, & Healthcare. Funding: This research was funded by [Grant R01DE028283] from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health. G.-G. Garcia was also funded by the Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance National Institutes of Health award [Grant UL1-TR002378]. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0342 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0342 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .

The Correlation of Tooth Sizes and Jaw Dimensions with Biological Sex and Stature in a Contemporary Central European Population.

Dental anthropology provides a deep insight into biological, ecological and cultural aspects associated with human individuality, behaviour and living conditions and the environment. Our study uses a correlation analysis to test the metric relationships between tooth sizes and jaw dimensions and juxtaposes them with biological sex and stature. A sample of n = 100 dental casts was used to record metric dental data including the mesio-distal and bucco-lingual tooth crown diameters and nine upper and lower jaw dimensions. All crown diameters were highly correlated with both stature and biological sex, with the canines exhibiting the highest correlation. The majority of jaw dimensions exhibited similar correlations. Our results suggest that the differences between the sexes in most crown diameters and some jaw dimensions may be related to the stature of the individuals measured. Two groups of closely correlating features emerged among the jaw dimensions, differing in their degree of correlation with crown diameters and with sex. The results and insights obtained are highly relevant for evolutionary biology, dentistry, craniofacial research, bioarchaeology and forensic odontology.

Sustained chronic inflammation and altered childhood vaccine responses in children exposed to Zika virus

Congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection leads to severe newborn abnormalities, but its long-term impact on childhood immunity is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the serum proteomics in children exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy to understand potential immunological consequences during early childhood. The study included ZIKV-exposed infants (ZEI) at birth (n=42) and children exposed to ZIKV (ZEC) at two years of age (n=20) exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy, as well as healthy controls. Serum proteomic analysis was performed on these groups to assess inflammation and immune profiles. Additionally, antibody titres against two common childhood vaccines, DTaP and MMR, were measured in healthy controls (n=50) and ZEC (n=92) to evaluate vaccine-induced immunity. Results showed elevated inflammation in ZEI with birth abnormalities. Among ZEC, despite most having normal clinical outcomes at two years, their serum proteomics indicated a bias towards Th1-mediated immune responses. Notably, ZEC displayed reduced anti-Diphtheria toxin and anti-Clostridium tetani IgG levels against DTaP and MMR vaccines. They also exhibited lower antibody titres particularly against Th2-biased DTaP vaccines, but not Th1-biased MMR vaccines. In conclusion, the study highlights the long-term immunological consequences of congenital ZIKV exposure. Heightened inflammation was observed in ZEI with abnormalities at birth, while ZEC maintained a chronic Th1-biased immune profile. The impaired response to Th2-biased vaccines raises concerns about lasting effects of ZIKV exposure on immune responses. Consequently, there is a need for continued longitudinal clinical monitoring to identify potential immune-related complications arising from prenatal exposure to ZIKV. This work was partially funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

2020 Grand challenge revisited: removing silos, advancing research to improve overall health

This perspective provides strong evidence that the aims set forth when Frontiers in Dental Medicine (FDMED) was launched in 2020, to advance the integration of dental, oral, and craniofacial research with mainstream biomedical practice, underscored the value of interprofessional research collaborations, encouraging studies, publications, and commentaries in this area ripe for continued innovation. The momentum gained toward these aims must continue to inform the public, healthcare providers, researchers, educators, and policymakers so that they can apply the knowledge gained to improve the overall health needs of all our communities.

A hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state in head and neck cancer: A biomarker for survival with differential prognosis by self-reported race

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 6th leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with racial disparities amplifying the challenges in treatment. Although the relationship between hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states and tumor progression is of interest, no studies have characterized the clinical relevance of hybrid E/M states in head and neck cancer outcomes among self-reported racial cohorts. Given the overlap in gene expression between hybrid E/M malignant cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, we utilized deconvolution of bulk RNA sequencing data from oral cavity and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We utilized our previously collected single-cell profiles to generate inferred malignant profiles and then scored these for hybrid E/M. We then conducted a survival analysis on overall and disease-free survival among self-reported Black and White Americans. The hybrid E/M state was differentially associated with head and neck cancer survival by self-reported race and ethnicity, with a stronger association in non-Hispanic Black patients. Black patients with a high hybrid E/M score had a higher risk of death or recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.18 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.06, 8.49]) than White patients with a high hybrid E/M score (HR: 1.58 [95% CI: 1.11, 2.26]). Our results suggest a complex interplay of social structure, racism, and genetic diversity. We implore researchers to consider the social and biological context contributing to disparities. A.L.M. received support from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (K01MD013897 [principal investigator (PI), A.L.M.]). S.V.P. received support from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (R01DE032865 [PI, S.V.P.] and R01DE032371 [PI, S.V.P.]).

Decoding the nuances of scholarly output and publication metrics in orthodontics

This comprehensive manuscript endeavors to furnish orthodontic researchers with the necessary tools and knowledge to adeptly navigate the multifaceted landscape of academic publishing, thereby enhancing the efficacy and reach of their scholarly endeavors. It meticulously imparts critical insights and methodologies for comprehending and leveraging publication metrics, such as citation counts, the h-index, and Journal Impact Factors, to strategically plan research trajectories. Furthermore, it offers guidance on adeptly engaging with evaluation agencies such as the American Dental Association (ADA) and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), thereby optimizing alignment with grant opportunities. Through the adept utilization of orthodontic bibliometrics, researchers can gain invaluable insights into prevailing collaboration trends and emerging research domains, thus facilitating informed decision-making and prioritization of scholarly pursuits. Additionally, the manuscript delves into the nuanced optimization of publication guidelines to maximize research impact. Spanning both established domains such as biomechanics, anchorage control, and aligner therapy, as well as burgeoning frontiers including 3D printing and artificial intelligence applications in aligner treatment, this manuscript equips orthodontic researchers with the requisite acumen to embark upon a journey of impactful scholarly contributions, thereby catalyzing advancements in patient care within the discipline.

A novel approach to craniofacial analysis using automated 3D landmarking of the skull

Automatic dense 3D surface registration is a powerful technique for comprehensive 3D shape analysis that has found a successful application in human craniofacial morphology research, particularly within the mandibular and cranial vault regions. However, a notable gap exists when exploring the frontal aspect of the human skull, largely due to the intricate and unique nature of its cranial anatomy. To better examine this region, this study introduces a simplified single-surface craniofacial bone mask comprising of 6707 quasi-landmarks, which can aid in the classification and quantification of variation over human facial bone surfaces. Automatic craniofacial bone phenotyping was conducted on a dataset of 31 skull scans obtained through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. The MeshMonk framework facilitated the non-rigid alignment of the constructed craniofacial bone mask with each individual target mesh. To gauge the accuracy and reliability of this automated process, 20 anatomical facial landmarks were manually placed three times by three independent observers on the same set of images. Intra- and inter-observer error assessments were performed using root mean square (RMS) distances, revealing consistently low scores. Subsequently, the corresponding automatic landmarks were computed and juxtaposed with the manually placed landmarks. The average Euclidean distance between these two landmark sets was 1.5 mm, while centroid sizes exhibited noteworthy similarity. Intraclass coefficients (ICC) demonstrated a high level of concordance (> 0.988), with automatic landmarking showing significantly lower errors and variation. These results underscore the utility of this newly developed single-surface craniofacial bone mask, in conjunction with the MeshMonk framework, as a highly accurate and reliable method for automated phenotyping of the facial region of human skulls from CBCT and CT imagery. This craniofacial template bone mask expansion of the MeshMonk toolbox not only enhances our capacity to study craniofacial bone variation but also holds significant potential for shedding light on the genetic, developmental, and evolutionary underpinnings of the overall human craniofacial structure.

Quantifying dysmorphologies of the neurocranium using artificial neural networks.

Craniosynostosis, a congenital condition characterized by the premature fusion of cranial sutures, necessitates objective methods for evaluating cranial morphology to enhance patient treatment. Current subjective assessments often lead to inconsistent outcomes. This study introduces a novel, quantitative approach to classify craniosynostosis and measure its severity. An artificial neural network was trained to classify normocephalic, trigonocephalic, and scaphocephalic head shapes based on a publicly available dataset of synthetic 3D head models. Each 3D model was converted into a low-dimensional shape representation based on the distribution of normal vectors, which served as the input for the neural network, ensuring complete patient anonymity and invariance to geometric size and orientation. Explainable AI methods were utilized to highlight significant features when making predictions. Additionally, the Feature Prominence (FP) score was introduced, a novel metric that captures the prominence of distinct shape characteristics associated with a given class. Its relationship with clinical severity scores was examined using the Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient. The final model achieved excellent test accuracy in classifying the different cranial shapes from their low-dimensional representation. Attention maps indicated that the network's attention was predominantly directed toward the parietal and temporal regions, as well as toward the region signifying vertex depression in scaphocephaly. In trigonocephaly, features around the temples were most pronounced. The FP score showed a strong positive monotonic relationship with clinical severity scores in both scaphocephalic (ρ = 0.83, p < 0.001) and trigonocephalic (ρ = 0.64, p < 0.001) models. Visual assessments further confirmed that as FP values rose, phenotypic severity became increasingly evident. This study presents an innovative and accessible AI-based method for quantifying cranial shape that mitigates the need for adjustments due to age-specific size variations or differences in the spatial orientation of the 3D images, while ensuring complete patient privacy. The proposed FP score strongly correlates with clinical severity scores and has the potential to aid in clinical decision-making and facilitate multi-center collaborations. Future work will focus on validating the model with larger patient datasets and exploring the potential of the FP score for broader applications. The publicly available source code facilitates easy implementation, aiming to advance craniofacial care and research.

Harold C. Slavkin: A Transformative Leader of Our Times

Harold (Hal) C. Slavkin, DDS, the 22nd president of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (1993 to 1994), died on December 22, 2023. During a career that spanned almost 6 decades, Hal distinguished himself as an international authority on craniofacial biology and an advocate for oral health equity. He served as dean of the University of Southern California’s dental school, founded the school’s Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, created the nation’s first PhD program in craniofacial biology, and served as the sixth director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Hal’s studies of the molecular and cellular underpinnings of craniofacial malformations prepared him to champion translational research later in his career, when his work with patient advocates revealed the importance of applying new discoveries to clinical practice. A visionary thinker, skilled administrator, progressive educator, compelling communicator, researcher, scholar, and mentor, Hal was known as a Renaissance leader. He rejoiced in fostering collaborative synergies among people and organizations. Throughout his life, family was his central grounding force. He and his wife, Lois, advanced a wide range of social and community initiatives and took great pride in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We remember Hal for his indelible spirit, unflappable enthusiasm for science, fierce advocacy for social justice, and infectious zest for life. Here, we outline his multidimensional accomplishments through the lenses of academia, government, and nonprofit organizations. Although it is with heavy hearts that we bid goodbye to this remarkable man, our spirits are lightened by the many gifts he left behind.

The Top 100 Most-Cited Publications in Clinical Craniofacial Research.

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect defined as premature closure of sutures leading to possible neurological deficits and cosmetic deformities. Most of the current literature to date focuses on craniosynostosis etiology by analyzing genetics. This paper is a bibliometric analysis of the most influential works related to the clinical management of craniosynostosis to help guide clinicians in their decision-making. Clarivate Web of Science database was used to identify the top 100 most-cited articles addressing the clinical management of craniosynostosis. A bibliometric review was performed to analyze publication metrics and track research trends. The 100 most-cited publications pertaining to craniosynostosis management were cited a cumulative 12,779 times. The highest cited article was Shillito and colleagues' "Craniosynostosis: A Review Of 519 Surgical Patients" with 352 citations. The oldest clinical craniosynostosis article dates back to 1948, and the most recent was published in 2016. The year with the most clinical-focused publications was 2011. The most prolific author was Renier, D. The United States produced 56 of the 100 articles. Most articles (n=52) were level 3 evidence. This bibliometric evaluation of craniosynostosis provides insight into the most impactful literature on this topic. The highest cited articles retrospectively analyze large sample sizes, outline proper evaluation, discuss intervention timelines, and highlight specific treatment plans for this birth defect. By filtering through existing literature, this analysis can guide clinicians on the management of craniosynostosis to maximize patient outcomes.

The Florida Scoring System for stratifying children with suspected Sjögren's disease: a cross-sectional machine learning study.

Childhood Sjögren's disease is a rare, underdiagnosed, and poorly-understood condition. By integrating machine learning models on a paediatric cohort in the USA, we aimed to develop a novel system (the Florida Scoring System) for stratifying symptomatic paediatric patients with suspected Sjögren's disease. This cross-sectional study was done in symptomatic patients who visited the Department of Pediatric Rheumatology at the University of Florida, FL, USA. Eligible patients were younger than 18 years or had symptom onset before 18 years of age. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of another autoimmune condition or infection with a clear aetiological microorganism were excluded. Eligible patients underwent comprehensive examinations to rule out or diagnose childhood Sjögren's disease. We used latent class analysis with clinical and laboratory variables to detect heterogeneous patient classes. Machine learning models, including random forest, gradient-boosted decision tree, partial least square discriminatory analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-penalised ordinal regression, artificial neural network, and super learner were used to predict patient classes and rank the importance of variables. Causal graph learning selected key features to build the final Florida Scoring System. The predictors for all models were the clinical and laboratory variables and the outcome was the definition of patient classes. Between Jan 16, 2018, and April 28, 2022, we screened 448 patients for inclusion. After excluding 205 patients due to symptom onset later than 18 years of age, we recruited 243 patients into our cohort. 26 patients were excluded because of confirmed diagnosis of a disorder other than Sjögren's disease, and 217 patients were included in the final analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 15 years (IQR 11-17). 155 (72%) of 216 patients were female and 61 (28%) were male, 167 (79%) of 212 were White, and 20 (9%) of 213 were Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish. The latent class analysis identified three distinct patient classes: class I (dryness dominant with positive tests, n=27), class II (high symptoms with negative tests, n=98), and class III (low symptoms with negative tests, n=92). Machine learning models accurately predicted patient class and ranked variable importance consistently. The causal graphical model discovered key features for constructing the Florida Scoring System. The Florida Scoring System is a paediatrician-friendly tool that can be used to assist classification and long-term monitoring of suspected childhood Sjögren's disease. The resulting stratification has important implications for clinical management, trial design, and pathobiological research. We found a highly symptomatic patient group with negative serology and diagnostic profiles, which warrants clinical attention. We further revealed that salivary gland ultrasonography can be a non-invasive alternative to minor salivary gland biopsy in children. The Florida Scoring System requires validation in larger prospective paediatric cohorts. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and Sjögren's Foundation.

D65. Clinical Research Fellowship Facilitates Mentorship, Teamwork, And Productivity: Our 11-year Experience with a Cleft and Craniofacial Research Fellowship

D65. Clinical Research Fellowship Facilitates Mentorship, Teamwork, And Productivity: Our 11-year Experience with a Cleft and Craniofacial Research Fellowship

Putting science to work for women's health.

The Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)'s whole health paradigm expands the scope of women's health research, incorporating a life-course perspective that recognizes the profound influences of sex and gender on health. From childhood through adulthood, external and societal factors along with internal factors and biology shape women's health and influence access to quality healthcare. This comprehensive approach integrates data-driven sex- and gender-aware strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease, focusing on the unique needs of women. Acknowledging the historical lack of timely research and data on women's health, an initiative led by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and the White House Gender Policy Council, ushers in a new era of women's health research that offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance the health of women through biomedical and behavioral research. The initiative fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting research on autoimmune diseases, menopause, oral health, and chronic pain conditions. ORWH serves as the focal point for National Institutes of Health (NIH) women's health research. With a commitment to advancing holistic outcomes, ORWH engages in partnerships, outreach, and educational initiatives to disseminate critical research findings and support women's health researchers. Here we describe the convergence of this initiative with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research's work to advance the understanding of sex as a biological variable for conditions such as Sjogren's disease and temporomandibular disorder. This transformative approach to women's health research propels the United States toward innovative solutions, ensuring that science works for the health and well-being of every woman.

Abstract 7315: Collaboration between NIDCR and NCI promotes innovative research in head and neck cancers

Abstract The Oral and Salivary Cancer Biology Program at National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) supports research activities that improve early detection and treatment of cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and salivary glands. We promote basic science research on the regulatory pathways and transformation process of pre-cancerous lesions to primary and metastatic tumors, as well as translational science activities to develop novel technologies and therapeutics for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancers. NIDCR and National Cancer Institute (NCI) have established long-term collaborations to promote and co-manage awards funded through The Immuno-Oncology Translational Network (IOTN) of the Cancer Moonshot program, Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs), and Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) program. NIDCR and NCI have co-developed Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) and Request for Application (RFA) on Advancing Head and Neck Cancer Early Detection Research (AHEAD), which co-funded seven research projects to discover and develop molecular signatures of early detection and diagnosis of HPV positive and negative head and neck cancer (HNC). To further strengthen NIDCR and NCI collaboration, we jointly organized the symposium to promote HNC early detection and biomarker identification at the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) 11th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer in July 2023. In addition, NIDCR has organized a symposium to promote HNC research at the 2024 annual meeting of American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of NIDCR. This AADOCR symposium will feature the collaboration between NIDCR with NCI in the Cancer Moonshot program focusing on immunoprevention and immunotherapy, HNC early detection and biomarker research in AHEAD and EDRN, and investigation of HPV positive and negative HNC and clinical translational research under SPORE. At this 2024 AACR annual meeting, NIDCR and NCI program directors will present the collaborations and funding opportunities between NIDCR and NCI, focusing on early cancer detections and biomarker discovery and validation. Collaboration between NIDCR with NCI provides a unique opportunity to promote basic, translational, and clinical research in advancing HNC early detection to benefit cancer patients. Citation Format: Zhong Chen, Wendy Wang. Collaboration between NIDCR and NCI promotes innovative research in head and neck cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7315.