Bilayer t-J-J_{⊥} Model and Magnetically Mediated Pairing in the Pressurized Nickelate La_{3}Ni_{2}O_{7}.

The recently discovered nickelate superconductor La_{3}Ni_{2}O_{7} has a high transition temperature near 80 K under pressure, providing an additional avenue for exploring unconventional superconductivity. Here, with state-of-the-art tensor-network methods, we study a bilayer t-J-J_{⊥} model for La_{3}Ni_{2}O_{7} and find a robust s-wave superconductive (SC) order mediated by interlayer magnetic couplings. Large-scale density matrix renormalization group calculations find algebraic pairing correlations with Luttinger parameter K_{SC}≲1. Infinite projected entangled-pair state method obtains a nonzero SC order directly in the thermodynamic limit, and estimates a strong pairing strength Δ[over ¯]_{z}∼O(0.1). Tangent-space tensor renormalization group simulations elucidate the temperature evolution of SC pairing and further determine a high SC temperature T_{c}^{*}/J∼O(0.1). Because of the intriguing orbital selective behaviors and strong Hund's rule coupling in the compound, t-J-J_{⊥} model has strong interlayer spin exchange (while negligible interlayer hopping), which greatly enhances the SC pairing in the bilayer system. Such a magnetically mediated pairing has also been observed recently in the optical lattice of ultracold atoms. Our accurate and comprehensive tensor-network calculations reveal a robust SC order in the bilayer t-J-J_{⊥} model and shed light on the pairing mechanism of the high-T_{c} nickelate superconductor.

Andrographolide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles enhance anti-cancer activity against head and neck cancer and precancerous cells.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence indicates that andrographolide (ADG) exhibits anti-cancer activity against various cancer cell lines. However, its high hydrophobicity and poor bioavailability restrict its clinical application as a chemopreventative agent. Previously, we have shown that ADG-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) significantly enhanced the bioavailability and anti-hyperlipidemic activity of ADG. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether ADG-SLN enhanced the bioavailability and anti-cancer efficacy of ADG in the human immortalized oral epithelial (HIOEC), precancerous leukoplakia (Leuk1), HN6, and HN30 cells that represented an in vitro model of stepwise head and neck squamous cell carcinoma development. RESULTS: The 50% inhibitive concentration (IC50) of ADG-SLN was significantly lower than that of free ADG against HIOEC, Leuk1, and HN6 and HN30 cells. Moreover, ADG-SLN was more effective than free ADG in promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Importantly, intracellular absorption of ADG was significantly higher in HN6 cells treated with ADG-SLN compared with free ADG-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary study demonstrates that ADG-SLN exhibits superior inhibitory activity against head and neck cancer and precancerous cells compared with free ADG. This effect is due to the higher efficiency of cellular uptake and intracellular absorption by ADG-SLN.

"Three-Dimensional Ring" of Zygomatic-Supported Prosthetics Rehabilitation in Bilateral Maxillary Defect.

PURPOSE: Patients with maxillary defects after a maxillectomy live with a range of functional and social problems. As techniques for functional reconstruction of the maxilla have been applied in a number of these patients, some of them regained confidence in their lives again. Nevertheless, there was still no clear consensus on the connecting and loading patterns of zygomatic implant-supported prosthetics in bilateral maxillary defects. This study aimed to investigate the function of a novel technique using "three-dimensional ring"-supported prosthetics based on zygomatic implants and compared its effects with two other conventional approaches through assessing the quality of the patient's life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five eligible patients who had different degrees of maxillectomy received treatment of conventional prostheses with a clasp (25 patients, group 1), a regular implant with obturator removal (10 patients, group 2), or a zygomatic implant combined with "three-dimensional ring"-supported prosthetics (10 patients, group 3). A questionnaire that included the indicators of the Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS) and EORTC Head and Neck 35 assessment was employed to evaluate the functional rehabilitation and quality of life (QOL) of patients in the study. The data were then summarized into a worksheet (Excel 2010), and the mean and standard deviation were calculated. The data were processed with SPSS 19.0 for Windows statistical software. RESULTS: The questionnaire analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the OFS, EORTC H&N 35, and QOL scores between group 3 and group 1 or group 2. Importantly, in the assessment of EORTC H&N 35, the proportion of patients in group 3 who lost weight after the functional restoration of maxillary defection was lower than that of the other two groups. In this research, a new connection device mode, which provided a retentive force between the zygomatic implants and prosthetics through a 3D ring-shaped milling bar with golden galvanized frames, was conducted and proved to be a reliable and feasible functional reconstruction therapy through patients' questionnaire surveys. CONCLUSION: This research provided an effective reconstruction strategy for patients with maxillary resection that could remarkably improve the life quality of patients.

Aesthetical and Accuracy Outcomes of Reconstruction of Maxillary Defect by 3D Virtual Surgical Planning.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of maxillary defect resulting from trauma or oncology surgery is of great importance for patients with physical and psychological complications. The virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3D printing technics had been used in recent years which simplified the surgical procedure and promoted success and accuracy. To assess the accuracy and outcome of VSP surgery, here we report our experience in maxillary reconstruction retrospectively. METHOD: Patients who received maxillary defect reconstruction from 2013 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 received VSP and 3D printed guiding plates in the surgery, while group 2 underwent free-hand surgery (FHS). Patients with different vertical and horizontal defects were classified according to Brown and Shaw classification. Clinical information and postoperative complications of all patients were collected. For patients with unilateral maxillary defect, orbit volume, orbit height, and the contour of the reconstructed side were compared with the normal side. RESULT: Thirty-four patients who achieved the criteria were analyzed, of which 20 patients underwent VSP surgery. There were primary and secondary reconstruction cases in both two groups. Vascularized iliac crest flap was used in three cases, and fibula flap was performed in the other cases. One flap collapse occurred in FHS group. Seven patients in VSP group received dental implants, while the number in FHS group was 0. In vertical class III cases, the differences in orbit height (ΔD) and orbit volume (ΔV) between normal side and reconstructed side were measured and compared in the two groups. The mean ΔD is 1.78 ± 1.33 mm in VSP group and 4.25 ± 0.95 mm in FHS group, while the mean ΔV is 2.04 ± 0.85 cm3 in VSP group and 3.25 ± 0.17 cm3 in FHS group. The alterations of orbit height and volume in VSP group were much smaller than that in FHS group with statistical significance. From the perspective of aesthetics, the color-gradient map indicates a more symmetric and smoother curve of post-operation appearance in VSP group. CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional free-hand surgical technics, VSP and 3D printing guiding plates can allow for a more accurate maxillary reconstruction with improved aesthetics.

Decreased CSTA expression promotes lymphatic metastasis and predicts poor survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Herein, we aimed to identify biomarkers that affect lymphatic metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) through bioinformatic analysis, and clinicopathological and in vitro verifications. DESIGN: The OSCC-related gene expression dataset was retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were subjected to pathway analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed to identify hub genes. Expression of potential biomarkers was examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the association between biomarker expression and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with OSCC. Effects of selected biomarkers on proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using in vitro assays. RESULTS: For DEGs, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed potential lymphatic metastasis-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Eight hub genes - ALOXE3, CSTA, PLA2G4E, PPL, SPRR1A, SPRR2A, SPRR2D, and SPRR2E, were identified via WGCNA and PPI analyses. CSTA expression was markedly downregulated in primary OSCC tissues, and low CSTA expression significantly correlated with high tumor grade (P =  0.001), nodal metastasis (P =  0.028), and poor overall survival (P <  0.001). CTSA overexpression inhibited OSCC cell migration and invasion in vitro, with little effect on OSCC cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that CSTA is a promising biomarker and therapeutic target with prognostic implications in patients with OSCC. CSTA may play an essential role in OSCC lymphatic metastasis and tumor differentiation.

Zoledronic acid promotes osteoclasts ferroptosis by inhibiting FBXO9-mediated p53 ubiquitination and degradation.

Bisphosphonates (BPs)-related osteonecrosis of jaw (BRONJ) is a severe complication of the long-term administration of BPs. The development of BRONJ is associated with the cell death of osteoclasts, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the current study, the role of Zoledronic acid (ZA), a kind of bisphosphonates, in suppressing the growth of osteoclasts was investigated and its underlying mechanism was explored. The role of ZA in regulating osteoclasts function was evaluated in the RANKL-induced cell model. Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and fluorescein diacetate (FDA)-staining. We confirmed that ZA treatment suppressed cell viability of osteoclasts. Furthermore, ZA treatment led to osteoclasts death by facilitating osteoclasts ferroptosis, as evidenced by increased Fe2+, ROS, and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) level, and decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione (GSH) level. Next, the gene expression profiles of alendronate- and risedronate-treated osteoclasts were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset, and 18 differentially expressed genes were identified using venn diagram analysis. Among these 18 genes, the expression of F-box protein 9 (FBXO9) was inhibited by ZA treatment. Knockdown of FBXO9 resulted in osteoclasts ferroptosis. More important, FBXO9 overexpression repressed the effect of ZA on regulating osteoclasts ferroptosis. Mechanistically, FBXO9 interacted with p53 and decreased the protein stability of p53. Collectively, our study showed that ZA induced osteoclast cells ferroptosis by triggering FBXO9-mediated p53 ubiquitination and degradation.

Determination of the molecular mechanism by which macrophages and γδ-T cells contribute to ZOL-induced ONJ.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of macrophages and γδ-T cells in the ZOL drug-induced osteonecrosis of jaws based on the IFN-γ involved osteoblast differentiation signaling pathway. RESULTS: The number and apoptotic rate of CD11b+Gr1hi cells and γδ-T cells in the ONJ group were significantly higher. The TNF-α, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, CCL3, CCL4, IL-12 and IL-13 levels were significantly higher in the ONJ group. The expression of CTSK and FGFR3 was lower in the ONJ group, but was higher in the NF-κB and ERBB2IP group. CONCLUSION: The proliferation of macrophages and γδ-T cells promote the inflammation in ZOL-induced jaw necrosis. METHODS: A total of 20 patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw from January 2016 to March 2018 were collected and assigned into the observation group, while 20 healthy subjects were assigned into the control group. Furthermore, 40 SD rats were selected and assigned into observation group, while 10 non-treatment SD rats were selected and assigned as controls. The distribution and proportion of CD11b+Gr1hi cells and γδ-T cells in the necrotic tissues of the jaw were analyzed. Then, the TNF-α, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, CCL3, CCL4, IL-12 and IL-13 levels were measured. Afterwards, the expression of CTSK, FGFR3, NF-κB and ERBB2IP in the necrotic tissues of the jaw in the animal models were analyzed.

Zoledronate inhibits the differentiation potential of adipose-derived stem cells into osteoblasts in repairing jaw necrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the inhibitory effects of zoledronate (ZOL) on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into osteoblasts for repairing jaw necrosis. METHODS: ADSCs were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts. The differentiation characteristics of osteoblasts was observed under inverted microscope by alizarin red staining. The transwell assay was performed to evaluate the migration of ADSCs co-cultured with osteoblasts and divided into ZOL group treated with ZOL and N-ZOL group without ZOL treatment. The differentiation and proliferation characteristics of ADSCs differentiated osteoblasts were observed respectively. The expression of CTSK (Cathepsin K) and FGFR3 (Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3) in osteoblasts were analyzed by immunofluorescence and western blot. RESULTS: The differentiation degree and proliferation of ADSCs to osteoblasts in N-ZOL group were both higher than those in ZOL group. The migratory cell number in ADSCs differentiation in ZOL group was higher than that of N-ZOL group. The protein expression of CTSK and FGFR3 in ADSCs differentiated to osteoblasts in ZOL group was higher than that in N-ZOL group. CONCLUSION: The differentiation of ADSCs into osteoblasts is significantly inhibited by ZOL. Due to this reason, it may be difficult to achieve good results by ZOL induced ADSCs into osteoblasts in repairing jaw necrosis.

LncRNA TTN-AS1 regulates osteosarcoma cell apoptosis and drug resistance via the miR-134-5p/MBTD1 axis.

AIM: To explore the mechanism by which long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TTN-AS1 regulates osteosarcoma cell apoptosis and drug resistance via the microRNA miR-134-5p/malignant brain tumour domain containing 1 (MBTD1) axis. RESULTS: The lncRNA TTN-AS1 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma and was associated with poor prognosis. The lncRNA TTN-AS1 promoted cell viability and inhibited apoptosis. MiR-134-5p targeted MBTD1, which was regulated by lncRNA TTN-AS1. MBTD1 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma and was associated with poor prognosis. MBTD1 promoted cell viability and inhibited apoptosis, and knockdown of MBTD1 reversed the cancer-promoting effects of lncRNA TTN-AS1. Downregulation of lncRNA TTN-AS1 reduced drug resistance. CONCLUSION: In osteosarcoma, lncRNA TTN-AS1 promoted the expression of MBTD1 by targeting miR-134-5p and regulated cell growth, apoptosis and drug resistance. METHODS: The expression characteristics of genes in osteosarcoma patients were analysed using bioinformatics. Plasmid transfection technology was applied to silence or overexpress lncRNA TTN-AS1, miR-134-5p and MBTD1. Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to detect protein and RNA, respectively. A cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis. The effects of lncRNA TTN-AS1 and MBTD1 on osteosarcoma in vivo were studied by using a tumour burden assay.

Occlusion Guided Double-Barreled Fibular Osteoseptocutaneous Free Flap for Refined Mandibular Reconstruction Aided by Virtual Surgical Planning.

BACKGROUND: There were many articles about double-barreled fibular flap for mandibular reconstruction. The upper layer bone was suit for implant placement as a new alveolar. The lower layer was necessary for contour. But the accurate relationship between the 2 layers bone was rarely reported. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was twofold: to evaluate the feasibility of the novel design of the double-barreled fibular flap from virtual surgery to actual result; to evaluate the accuracy and results of occlusion-guided double-barreled fibular free flap in mandible reconstruction. METHODS: From 2010 to 2016, 52 patients underwent segmental mandibular reconstruction with double-barreled fibular osteoseptocutaneous flaps with computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing technique. Preoperative computer tomographic (CT) scans were imported into Mimics 10.01 software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) for surgical planning. The peroneal vessel pedicel was designed at the lower barrel segmental bone of the double-barreled fibular flap. The double-barreled bone was strung with 16 mm fixation screws instead of mini-plate. Sixty-three dental implants placement was simultaneous in 30 patients and 32 dental implants placement was in second stage in 18 patients. Postoperative CT and digital imaging were evaluated to assess surgical accuracy using software. The pre- and postoperative morphometric measurements were compared using the Fisher exact t test. RESULTS: Two flaps occurred vascular crisis postoperatively. There was no flap necrosis. Four implants failed during 1 to 5 weeks postoperative. Sixty-six CT scans from 33 patients who underwent partial mandibular resection were analyzed. The dimensions of the double-barreled fibula segments after osteotomy showed no difference from the preoperative virtual surgical planning (VSP). But the condylar locations showed a disposition out of the fossa (P < 0.05), between VSP and postoperative CT scans. There was no difference in implants between VSP and postoperative CT scans. CONCLUSIONS: The VSP of relationship of double-barreled fibular is important for segmental mandible reconstruction. The benefit of VSP was to enhance surgical accuracy and safety.

Functional outcome and quality of life after a maxillectomy: a comparison between an implant supported obturator and implant supported fixed prostheses in a free vascularized flap.

OBJECTIVE: Defects of the maxilla caused by tumor resection create high levels of psychological and physical trauma for patients. The application of osseointegrated dental implants using either an obturator prosthesis or a free vascularized flap has tremendously changed the retention and stability of the superstructure. However, no study has been performed to compare the function of the aforementioned two approaches and the quality of life using the subjective assessments of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible patients who were treated with maxillary resection and rehabilitated with implant supported obturator prostheses (group 1) or those who received free vascularized flap transfers with implant supported fixed prostheses (group 2) were enrolled between March 2006 and May 2014. A questionnaire that included the indices of the Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS), EORTC Head and Neck 35 assessment and the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) was used to evaluate the functional rehabilitation and QOL of patients in the study. RESULTS: A total of 42 dental implants, including 25 zygomatic implants, were used in 18 patients (mean age: 56.2 ± 12.3 years) in the obturator prostheses in group 1. Twenty patients (mean age: 45.6 ± 14.1 years) who were treated with a vascularized free flap including the fibula (n = 15) and ilium (n = 5) combined with a total of 71 regular implants for fixed prostheses comprised group 2. No statistically significant median differences in the OFS, EORTC Head and Neck assessment and MHI global scale were observed between the groups. On the MHI subscales item-levels, higher median subscale scores exhibited by group 1 than group 2 and had statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it demonstrated no difference in oral function between patients with implant supported obturators and implant supported fixed prostheses in free vascularized flaps after a maxillectomy. However, patients who received obturator therapy seemed to have poorer mental health than did patients with fixed prostheses, but it should be interpreted prudently with the study's limitation.

Primary Ectopic Meningioma of the Tongue: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Primary ectopic (extracranial) meningiomas (PEMs) are very rare and have been reported only sporadically. Histologically speaking, PEMs are similar to their intracranial counterparts in being composed of neoplastic arachnoidal (meningothelial) cells. In addition, several types of microscopic cellular morphologies have been observed in intracranial meningiomas: meningothelial (syncytial), psammomatous, atypical, anaplastic, fibrous, and angioblastic. To the best of the authors' knowledge, PEM presenting as a mass in the tongue has not been reported previously. This report describes a case of lingual PEM in a 17-year-old boy. Special attention is given to the unique clinical presentation and management. The literature was reviewed to provide valuable knowledge to clinicians.

Biomechanical three-dimensional finite element analysis of prostheses retained with/without zygoma implants in maxillectomy patients.

The objective of this study was to analyze the stress distribution on zygoma implants and their supporting bones, superstructures and abutments under occlusal loads after maxilla reconstruction with prostheses. Four three-dimensional (3D) finite element models (FEMs) were constructed based on computed tomography (CT) data. One model of normal structure was constructed (Model 1) and three models of defects were simulated and restored with conventional prosthesis, one and two zygoma-implant-retained prostheses respectively (Models 2-4). Vertical and lateral loads of 150 N were loaded and the stresses distribution were observed and compared. The stresses distributed along the three mechanical pillars of maxillofacial parts in Model 1, which concentrated at the superstructure at Model 2. The zygoma implant can reduce the stresses at clasps and abutments in Model 3, while two zygoma implants can well share the stresses of affected side in Model 4. The distribution of stresses on prostheses were more rational with the help of zygoma implants which can share the stresses on the affected side adequately, so that it is fit for the reconstruction of unilateral maxilla defects.

An exploration of the surgical modality of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with cN0 tongue carcinoma: an animal study.

OBJECTIVE: Lymphatic mapping with vital dye is often exploited during a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB); however, the time restraints associated with blue dye may limit its efficacy in tongue carcinoma. Using an animal study, this exploration attempted to achieve a rational surgical modality to circumvent this hindrance. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-eight rabbits were divided into 2 equal groups: A and B; 0.2 mL methylene blue (MB) was injected into 4 parts of the tongues of the rabbits in A just after elevating the cervical flap and into the tongues of the rabbits in B just before the elevation. The times when the lymphatic vessel and lymph node turned blue and then returned pale were recorded. RESULTS: Cases in group A had significantly more time left for tracing blue-stained lymphatic vessels than those in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Elevating the cervical flap before injecting MB can alleviate the time restraint of MB as a lymphatic tracer in SLNB with tongue carcinoma.

Site-specific lymphatic mapping relative to lingual septum in localizing the regional lymph nodes of tongue - an animal study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With technical adaptations, recent studies showed SLNB could predict cervical nodes status of head and neck carcinoma with high accuracy. However, as for tongue carcinoma, such technical adaptations seem to be not enough because the tongue has peculiar characteristic which may demand a specific procedure for accurate lymphatic mapping. This investigation explored the effect of lingual septum on lymphatic mapping of tongue to provide data for achieving an accurate lymphatic mapping for managing early tongue carcinoma. METHODS: Four doses of Methylene Blue were injected into various parts of 64 rabbits' tongue, then diffusion range of Methylene Blue in tongue and sites of cervical nodes stained blue were noted. Finally, the tongues were resected for further histological examination and morphometric assessments. RESULTS: There was lingual septum in the tongue and the diffusing of Methylene Blue could be terminated by lingual septum. Blue-stained nodes were identified in 84 lateral necks of 60 rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: A site-specific way of lymphatic mapping relative to lingual septum should be developed for staging early tongue carcinoma.

[Application of maxillary wings guiding plate in rehabilitation of combined defects of maxilla and mandible].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of maxillary wings guiding plate in rehabilitation of combined defects of maxilla and mandible in convalescent stage. METHODS: Combined resection of maxilla and mandible without reconstruction were performed in 10 patients with oral cancers. The impressions were got in 2 patients preoperatively and 8 patients postoperatively because of preoperative limited mouth opening. The clasps were designed to provide the retentive force according to the remained teeth. The plastic palate baseboard with wings guiding plate was made. The patients wore the plate 1 week after surgery. RESULTS: All the patients get good velopharyngeal competence and occlusion without leakage from nose after using this prosthesis for 1 to 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Palate baseboard combined with wings guiding plate can not only obstruct the nasal-oral fistula but also correct malocclusion. It's convenient for taking dental prosthesis in late stage and improving patient's quality of life. Supported by Research Fund of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(Grant No.08DZ2271100).

[Role of NF-kappaB pathway in shikonin induced apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma Tca-8113 cells].

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway in apoptosis induced by shikonin in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma Tca-8113 cell line. METHODS: Expression of IkappaBa, phosphatase-IkappaBa, bcl-2 and Bax proteins were detected by Western blot, NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift analysis (EMSA), and activities of caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9 were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA test and t test using SPSS12.0 software package. RESULTS: The expression of phosphatase-IkappaBa protein and the nuclear NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity was significantly decreased in shikonin treated cells by Western and EMSA. Bcl-2 protein expression was also decreased in the process. The activity of all the three proteases was elevated and pancaspase inhibitor Z-Asp-CH2-DCB could protect Tca8113 cells from shikonin-induced apoptosis(P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-tumor effects of shikonin in Tca-8113 cells act at least partially through the inactivation of NF-kappaB pathway and subsequent activation of protease caspase family. Pharmacologic inhibition of the NF-kappaB activity by shikonin might be a powerful treatment option for OSCC.

Survivin as a potential early marker in the carcinogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic precancerous condition. Survivin is one of the inhibitors of apoptosis protein, and is focused on owing to its unique therapeutic and prognostic potential. STUDY DESIGN: To determine the potential involvement of survivin in the carcinogenesis of OSF, we analyzed the relationship between the survivin and clinical characteristic. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry was used to show that survivin expression levels were significantly higher in the oral squamous cell carcinoma transformed from OSF group compared with normal group (P < .01) and OSF group (P < .01). In the different stages of OSF, survivin expression exhibited difference as well. Furthermore, Western blotting and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed the increased expression of survivin in the carcinogenesis of OSF. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that survivin plays an important role during the malignant transformation of OSF and may provide an indication to early prevention and diagnosis in the progression of OSF.

[Application of individualized free anterolateral thigh combined flap for tongue and mouth floor defects resulted from tongue carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of individualized free anterolateral thigh combined flap (ALTCF) for tongue and mouth floor defect resulted from tongue carcinoma. METHODS: From 2006 to 2008, individualized ALTCFs were used in 31 cases of tongue and mouth floor defects resulted from tongue carcinoma. The nutritional perforator vessel was musculocutaneous pattern in 22 cases and septocutaneous pattern in 9 cases. The size of the flaps and the included muscle was (4-8) cm x (5-10) cm and (2-5) cm x (3-6) cm, respectively. The length of blood vessel pedicle was (6.81 +/- 3.23) cm. RESULTS: All the 31 free flaps survived with primary healing and no complication. The appearance and function were both satisfactory. During the follow-up period of 1-3 years, 28 cases survived, 2 cases were reoperated due to the neck lymphatic metastasis on the contralateral side. 1 case died of distant metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Individualized ALTCF is a reliable flap for the tongue and month floor defects resulted from tongue carcinoma. Both the cosmetic and functional results are satisfactory with less morbidity in donor site and less complication.