Effects of personalized oral exercises on swallowing function among patients with oral cancer after free flap transplantation: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Dysphagia is a common complication in patients with oral cancer who have undergone free flap transplantation. The aim of this cluster randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of personalized oral exercises on swallowing function in this group of patients. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 34) or control (n = 34) group. Intervention group patients received personalized oral exercises starting on day 6 after surgery. Swallowing function was evaluated on days 6 and 15, and at 1 month postoperative using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability-Oral Cancer tool (MASA-OC). On day 15 and at 1 month after surgery, the total MASA-OC score (P = 0.003, P < 0.001) and the mouth opening (P = 0.001, P < 0.001) and lip seal (both P < 0.001) item scores showed a significantly greater improvement in the intervention group than in the control group. Moreover, the changes in salivation (P < 0.001) and tongue movement (P = 0.025) scores at 1 month after surgery were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in the change in tongue strength scores on day 15 or at 1 month postoperative (P = 0.476, P = 0.223). Personalized oral exercises can improve swallowing function in patients with oral cancer after free flap transplantation.

[Application of methylene blue near-infrared fluorescence imaging for oral sentinel lymph node mapping in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the concentration range and penetration depth of methylene blue near-infrared fluorescence imaging, and to clarify the role of methylene blue in oral lymphatic drainage and sentinel lymph node localization, so as to lay a foundation for the potential research and application of sentinel lymph node in oral cancer. METHODS: 10% (mass fraction) methylene blue injection was diluted into 29 different concentrations with 0.9% (mass fraction) normal saline, and the concentration range of methylene blue near-infrared fluorescence imaging was determined by near-infrared fluorescence imager. The maximum penetration depth of methylene blue near-infrared fluorescence was determined by covering pigskin with different thicknesses (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm) in methylene blue solution. 0.2 mL methylene blue solution was injected into the submucosal 0.5 cm at the lateral margin of tongue on one side of the rats. The near-infrared fluorescence imager was used for continuously monitoring for 3 hours. The first near-infrared fluorescence hotspot was identified as sentinel lymph node and labeled by percutaneous observation. The rats were then sacrificed and dissected in the head and neck. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging was performed again to observe whether the fluorescent tissue was consistent with the labeled fluorescent hotspot in vitro, and the presence of lymphoid tissue was confirmed by pathological examination after resection. RESULTS: Except that no fluorescence signals were detected in the blank control groups, the fluorescence intensity of methylene blue increased first and then decreased with its solution concentration decreased. When the concentration of methylene blue was diluted to the picomole level, the fluorescence signal could still be detected. The maximum penetration depth of methylene blue fluorescence was 4 mm. Methylene blue near-infrared fluorescence could be localized in oral lymphatic drainage and sentinel lymph node. The fluorescence was sustained for more than 3 hours after methylene blue injection. Methylene blue solution concentrations of 3.34 mmol/L, 6.68 mmol/L, 13.37 mmol/L and 26.74 mmol/L were selected in the rats to map sentinel lymph node by near-infrared fluorescence. CONCLUSION: Methylene blue near-infrared fluorescence has a certain penetrating ability and can transcuta-neously map the sentinel lymph node and their associated lymphatic vessels in rats, which is expected to be further applied in the study of sentinel lymph node in oral cancer.

[Application value of whole exon sequencing and immune related indicators in the precision treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the significance and feasibility of whole exon sequencing and immune related indexes in personalized precision treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: We retrospectively screened the patients who underwent surgery for oral cancer in Peking University Hospital of Stomatology and underwent genetic and immune biomarkers tests between January 2021 and June 2022. Combined with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients, potential targeted drugs and immunotherapy drugs were screened to evaluate the possibility of gene testing benefiting OSCC. The main evaluation indicators included the number of gene mutations, combined positive score (CPS), tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite sequence status and human leukocyte antigen B (HLA-B) locus. Excel was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were enrolled and 9 were included in this study, including 6 males and 3 females, with an average age of (55.44±9.59) years. The tumor location was buccal (5 cases), tongue (3 cases) and gingival (1 case). The results of genetic testing showed that 3 (33.3%) patients had no gene mutations in the tumor tissue, 5 (55.6%) patients had unique TP53 gene mutations, and 1 (11.1%) patient had TP53 and CHEK1 mutations. However, no drugs were available for targeted therapy of the mutated genes. The genetic tumor gene testing results showed that no genetic tumor gene was found in all the patients, suggesting that OSCC had a low possibi-lity of hereditary tumor. In terms of immune efficacy related markers, CPS test results showed that 8 patients had CPS≥1. TMB detection results showed that the median value of TMB value was 0.72 mutations/Mb, and the range was 0 to 4.32 mutations/Mb. The negative and positive control results of microsatellite sequence status were consistent, indicating that all the tumor tissues detected were microsatellite stability. The results of HLA-B detection showed that only one patient had B62 gene mutation, suggesting that the B44 and B62 related genotypes of HLA-B in OSCC tissue samples were low. CONCLUSION: The present results do not support the wide application and promotion of genetic testing and immune related indexes in OSCC.

Bone resorption after maxillary reconstruction with the vascularized free iliac flap.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resorption of the iliac bone after maxillary reconstruction with a vascularized free iliac flap. Twenty-seven patients with maxillary defects who underwent maxillary reconstruction with the vascularized free iliac flap between January 2017 and January 2021 were included. Computed tomography (CT) images taken at 1 week, approximately 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery were used for evaluation. The total iliac bone thickness and height, cortical bone thickness, and cancellous bone density were measured in the CT images. Compared with 1 week after the surgery, the total thickness and height of the iliac bone were reduced significantly 1 year after the surgery, and the cortical bone thickness and cancellous bone density were reduced significantly at 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. Compared with 6 months after the surgery, cancellous bone density was reduced significantly 1 year after the surgery. In conclusion, during the first year after maxillary reconstruction with a vascularized free iliac flap, there was significant resorption of iliac bone, including the total iliac bone thickness and height, the cortical bone thickness, and the cancellous bone density.

Accurate occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with deep circumflex iliac artery flap using computer-assisted techniques and intraoral anastomosis: a case series.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap, using computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology and intraoral anastomosis. The data of 11 patients who underwent occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with this method between December 2018 and December 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperative complications and functional and aesthetic outcomes were recorded. The accuracy of the postoperative restoration was assessed using Geomagic Control 2014. Reconstruction was successful in nine patients; all were satisfied with their aesthetic and functional outcomes. One patient underwent extraoral anastomosis after failure of intraoral anastomosis. In another patient, the DCIA flap had to be removed after the operation because of flap failure. Among the 10 patients with DCIA flap success, colour map analysis showed a mean deviation of 0.40 ± 0.08 mm between the preoperative and postoperative craniomaxillary models. Thus, occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with the DCIA flap, using CAD/CAM technology and intraoral anastomosis, appears to be a feasible and accurate method for the repair of maxillary defects.

Preoperative oral carbohydrates in elderly patients undergoing free flap surgery for oral cancer: randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of carbohydrate intake 2 hours before surgery in elderly patients undergoing free flap surgery for oral cancer. Elderly patients undergoing free flap surgery between September 2019 and January 2021 were randomly divided into control (n = 43) and intervention (n = 43) groups. Control group patients fasted for 6 hours and were forbidden from drinking water for 4 hours before surgery. Intervention group patients fasted for 6 hours and were forbidden from drinking after the oral administration of 5 ml/kg carbohydrate (≤400 ml) 2 hours before surgery. The main outcome measures were aspiration, fasting blood glucose level, insulin concentration, insulin resistance index (fasting at admission, prior to anaesthesia induction, immediately after surgery, and at 6 a.m. on postoperative days 1 and 2), and comfort before and after surgery. No aspiration occurred in any of the patients during anaesthesia. There were significant differences in fasting blood glucose, insulin concentration, and insulin resistance index between the control and intervention groups prior to anaesthesia induction, immediately after surgery, and on day 1 after surgery (P < 0.01). Thirst (P = 0.001) and hunger (P = 0.003) differed significantly between the two groups prior to anaesthesia induction. The intake of oral carbohydrate 2 hours before surgery was both safe and effective for elderly patients with oral cancer undergoing free flap surgery and could relieve the physiological stress response.

[Chinese version of the Mann assessment of swallowing ability-oral cancer: revision and evaluation of reliability and validity].

Objective: To translate and revise the Mann assessment of swallowing ability-cancer (MASA-C) into Chinese according to postoperative patients with oral cancer and to evaluate the reliability and validity of Mann assessment of swallowing ability-oral cancer (MASA-OC) in postoperative patients with oral cancer. Methods: The MASA-C was translated into Chinese through pre-translation, reconciliation and back translation, then the Chinese MASA-C was revised to MASA-OC according to postoperative patients with oral cancer by expert panel and pre-investigation. One hundred and seven patients recieved oral cancer surgery in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were selected by convenient sampling and investigated to evaluate the reliability and validity of the MASA-OC. The volume viscosity swallow test (V-VST) was used to determine the best diagnosis threshold of MASA-OC for dysphagia. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated and analyzed. Results: The Chinese MASA-OC contained 15 items. The Cronbach's coefficient was 0.868. The content validity showed that the scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) was 1.00, the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) was 1.00 and the intraclass correlation coefficient between the researchers and the other reviewers was 0.985. The best diagnosis threshold of MASA-OC for dysphagia was 105, the sensitivity was 95.0%, the specificity was 92.5%, the positive predictive value was 97.4% and the negative predictive value was 86.2%. Conclusions: The introduction process of MASA-OC was scientific. MASA-OC showed good reliability and validity and reliable diagnostic efficacy MASA-OC could be used as an effective tool for scientific research and clinical practice of dysphagia in postoperative patients of oral cancer.

[Postoperative position change of fibular bone after reconstruction of maxillary defect using free fibular flap].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the position change of the fibular bone after maxillary reconstruction by free fibular flap and to analyze the factors affecting the position change. METHODS: Patients who underwent maxillary reconstruction by free fibular flap in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from November 2012 to November 2016 were enrolled in this study. CT scans 1 week and 1 year postoperatively were collected and stored in DICOM format. The ProPlan CMF software was used to reconstruct the CT scans and separate the maxilla and each segment of the fibular flap. The Geomagic Control software was used to measure the long axis direction vector of each fibular segment. And the position change direction was recorded. The patients were divided into groups according to the use of the fibula or titanium plate to reconstruct the zygomaticmaxillary buttress. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were enrolled. Among them, 21 were in the titanium plate group and 11 in the fibula bone group. The angle between the long axis of the fibular segment and the X axis in the X-Y plane was 95.65°±53.49° and 95.53°±52.77°, 1 week and 1 year postoperatively, and there was no statistical difference (P>0.05). The angle between the long axis of the fibular segment and the X axis in the X-Z plane was 96.88°±69.76° and 95.33°±67.42°, respectively, with statistical difference (P=0.0497). The angular changes of the long axis of the fibular segment in the titanium plate group and the fibular bone group were 3.23°±3.93° and 1.94°±1.78°, respectively, and the angular changes in the X-Z plane were 6.02°±9.89° and 3.27°±2.31°, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). The long axis changes of the fibular segment in the X-Y plane for reconstruction of the anterior alveolar, posterior alveolar, and buttress were 3.13°±3.78°, 2.56°±3.17°, and 5.51°±4.39°, respectively. There was a statistical difference (P = 0.023) between the posterior and buttress. In the X-Z plane, theses were 4.94°±4.75°, 5.26°±10.25°, 6.69°±6.52°, respectively. There was no statistical difference among the three groups (P>0.05). The main positional deviation directions of the titanium plate group and the fibular bone group were interior and superior sides, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: One year postoperatively, the position of the free fibular flap was changed compared with 1 week postoperatively. The position of the free fibular flap was mainly changed to the interior and superior sides.

[Economic evaluation of plasma exchange combined with dual plasma adsorption therapy for early, mid and late stage liver failure].

Objective: To compare the economic characteristics of the four artificial liver models [plasma exchange, half-dose plasma exchange combined with double plasma adsorption (DPMAS), pre-equal amount of plasma exchange followed by DPMAS, and pre-DPMAS followed by equal amount of plasma exchange] in the treatment of liver failure. Methods: A decision tree model was established with the Treeage pro 2011 software. The cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness value of four different treatment modalities were calculated and compared in patients with liver failure at early, mid and late stages, respectively. The sensitivity analysis of the model was performed using data from the preliminary research results of these groups. Results: The cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness value of patients treated with artificial liver therapy with half-dose plasma exchange combined with DPAMS plan in early stage liver failure were 89 547.79 and 34 665.34, which was lower than per capita GDP, so the increased cost had cost-effective advantages. In the middle and late stage of liver failure, the cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness value of pre-DPMAS followed by equal plasma exchange plan was 122 865.5 and 284 334.97, and 70 744.55 and 75 299.48, respectively, which was less than three times of per capita GDP. The increased cost was acceptable and had economic advantages. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the basic analysis results were reliable. Conclusion: Half-dose plasma exchange combined with DPAMS plan is the most cost-effective treatment for early liver failure, while pre-DPMAS followed by equal plasma exchange plan is the most economical treatment for mid and late stage liver failure.

[Delayed diagnosis of oral squamous cell neoplasms at different sites].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic delay of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma by self-designed questionnaire to find out the significant influencing factors, so as to identify the influencing factors of the patient's delay and the risk of oral cancer. METHODS: A total of 514 patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled at Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2014 to April 2016, including 334 men and 180 women, with a male to female ratio of 1.85:1. The youngest participant was 21 years old, with a maximum of 89 years and a median age of 57.6 years. The position of the disease according to International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) was divided into lip, buccal, gingival, retromolar, palate, floor of the mouth, tongue, and oropharynx. The age group is divided into 10 years. The level of education was divided into illiteracy, primary education level and advanced education level. Body mass index (BMI) was divided into three levels by 18 kg/m2 and 25 kg/m2. Visual analog scale (VAS) method was to evaluate the patient's preoperative pain. At the same time, the patients were examined by detailed questionnaire to understand the delay factors and delay characteristics, and use SPSS 18.0 software, analysis of variance and chi-square test to explore correlation. RESULTS: Among all patients, the proportion of patients developed in the tongue was the highest (43.3%). Delay was defined by a span of three months or longer from the onset of symptoms until treatment. The delays to diagnosis according to location were as follows (in months and in descending order): lip (6.1 months), buccal (4.1 months), floor of the mouth (3.9 months), tongue (3.6 months), oropharyngeal (2.9 months), retromolar (2.7 months), palatine (2.4 months), and gingival (2.4 months). Different sites and delayed diagnosis were statistically significant (P=0.048). There were no statistically significant differences in gender, education, pain, smoking, drinking and VAS score. CONCLUSION: The study has found that tumor positions and delay have a significant correlation. The position of the tumor is an obvious factor associated with the findings. The lip is the most likely to delay the diagnosis of oral positions. For the lip of the lesion, more than three months' obvious mass is recommended for timely treatment, while at admission, physicians should take the appropriate diagnostic method as soon as possible.

Identity and virulence properties of Aeromonas isolates from healthy Northern snakehead (Channa argus) in China.

Members of the genus Aeromonas are opportunistic pathogen of a variety of aquatic animals that exhibits multidrug resistance, phenotypes, virulence genes and virulence. The present study described the species distribution and the potential pathogenicity of Aeromonas isolated from healthy Northern snakehead (Channa argus) in China. Molecular identification revealed that A. veronii biovar veronii (69/167; 41·3%) and A. hydrophila (41/167; 24·6%) were the most common species found in Northern snakehead intestine based on sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and DNA gyrase subunit B protein. The distribution of seven virulence factors including aer (84·4%), act (80·8%), ser (40·1%), Aha (27·5%), lip (23·4%), exu (15·0%) and LuxS (12·6%) were determined exclusively in Aeromonas isolates. All the seven virulence genes were present in 9·6% (16/167), among which 11 strains were identified as A. veronii biovar veronii. For the strains harbouring seven virulence genes, the 50% lethal doses (LD50 ) of isolates were lower compared to the isolates carrying two virulence genes. The challenge tests revealed that isolate W31 had the lowest lethal dose, causing 50% mortality at 4·5 × 103 colony-forming units (CFU) per ml. Furthermore, histopathology of Northern snakehead infected with Aeromonas strains showed necrosis and congestion in liver, spleen and kidney and also damage to the intestine. This study confirms that the Aeromonas strains isolated from healthy Northern snakehead may be a cause of concern for public health. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Aeromonas species are widely distributed in aquatic environments and have considerable virulence potential. The aim of this study was to identify Aeromonas strains isolated from healthy Northern snakehead, and to investigate if Aeromonas species isolated from healthy fish potential pathogenicity with special reference to virulence and epidemiology studies.

Cortical bone resorption of fibular bone after maxillary reconstruction with a vascularized fibula free flap: a computed tomography imaging study.

This study was performed to evaluate the cortical bone resorption of fibular bone after maxillary reconstruction with a fibula free flap. A total of 35 patients with maxillary defects that were repaired using a fibula flap (62 fibula segments) between January 2011 and January 2016 were enrolled. Computed tomography (CT) images taken 1 week and 1 year postoperative were used to evaluate cortical bone resorption. The 62 fibula segments were measured on four different surfaces in the CT images. At 1 week, the thickness of the cortical bone was 2.57 ± 0.58 mm, 2.72 ± 0.46 mm, 3.84 ± 0.98 mm, and 4.36 ± 0.90 mm for the exterior, interior, superior, and inferior sides, respectively. At approximately 1 year, the cortical bone thickness was significantly reduced to 2.00 ± 0.65 mm (P < 0.01), 2.25 ± 0.60 mm (P < 0.01), 3.37 ± 0.90 mm (P < 0.01), and 2.96 ± 0.84 mm (P < 0.01) for the exterior, interior, superior, and inferior sides, respectively. The cortical bone thickness of fibular bone is significantly reduced 1 year after the restoration of maxillary defects with a fibula free flap, most significantly on the inferior side.

Comparison of the subjective satisfaction of the donor site morbidity: Free radial forearm flap versus anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction in tongue cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to compare the differences of the subjective satisfaction of the donor site morbidity between the free radial forearm flap (FRFF) and anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) for tongue reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and nineteen patients underwent FRFF or ALTF reconstruction were retrospectively evaluated by a standardized self-established donor site morbidity questionnaire which included 5 domains, sensibility, movement disabilities, cosmetics, social activities and general impacts on the quality of life. RESULTS: The Cronbach's coefficient alpha of the questionnaire was 0.707. The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the 5 items of the questionnaire might load onto two distinct subscales. Patients with ALTF had higher scores in the sensibility, cosmetics and the composite score (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the movement disabilities, social activities and general impacts on the quality of life between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ALTF has the advantage of better results of donor site morbidity, such as sensibility and cosmetics, over FRFF.

Botulinum toxin A treatment of epiphora secondary to autologous submandibular gland transplantation.

The aim of this study was to explore whether botulinum toxin A (BTXA) injection treats epiphora secondary to submandibular gland (SMG) transplantation for severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Fifteen patients with epiphora after SMG transplantation were separated to three groups, and received 15U, 20U and 25U BTXA injection in the transplanted SMG, respectively. Secretion of transplanted SMG was assessed subjectively by visual analogue scale (VAS) regarding epiphora, and objectively by Schirmer test. There were no significant differences in the 15-U BTXA group regarding the values of the VAS on epihora before and 1 month after BTXA injection. While in 20-U group and 25-U group, the values of VAS on epihora decreased significantly after BTXA injection, and lasted for 6months. Under resting conditions, the secretion of transplanted SMG decreased 64.4%, 73.0% and 78.0% in 15-U, 20-U and 25-U groups, respectively (P<0.01), in 1month after BTXA injection; significant secretion decreasing lasted 3months only in the 25-U BTXA group. BTXA injection can decrease the secretion of transplanted SMG significantly, relieving the symptoms of epiphora; 25U BTXA is a suitable dose to treat 'opportunistic epiphora' after SMG transplantation.

Surgical navigation-assisted mandibular reconstruction with fibula flaps.

The mandible has an important role in appearance and function. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate surgical navigation-assisted mandibular reconstruction with the fibula flap. Patients recruited into the study had a custom dental splint fabricated to maintain the mandible in a fixed position. Later, the computed tomography (CT) scan, preoperative design, and operation on the mandible were done in the same position. At 1 week after surgery, a CT scan was done to evaluate the repeatability between the preoperative design and the postoperative result. Twenty patients were enrolled in this study. Good repeatability between the postoperative CT and the preoperative design was found. The repeatability between the preoperative plan and postoperative outcome was 79.1 ± 8.6% at within 1mm, 87.1 ± 6.7% at within 2mm, and 91.9 ± 5.4% at within 3mm. From this study, it can be concluded that surgical navigation techniques can precisely transfer the preoperative design to the operation in mandible reconstruction with a fibula flap. This will assist the surgeon in achieving good cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Pre- and Post-synaptic Effects of Botulinum Toxin A on Submandibular Glands.

Intraglandular injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) is an effective treatment for sialorrhea. Despite numerous experimental and clinical studies on inhibition of saliva section by BoNT/A, the proteolysis of synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) following BoNT/A treatment has not yet been confirmed in the salivary gland after injection of BoNT/A. More important, it is not known whether BoNT/A exerts a direct effect in acinar cells. Here, we show that injection of BoNT/A into the rat submandibular gland (SMG) decreased salivary flow in a dose-dependent manner; the inhibitory effect lasted at least 4 wk, and salivary flow recovered to normal levels by 12 wk. During the inhibitory period, SMG neurons and synapses expressed lower levels of full-length SNAP-25, and cleavage of SNAP-25 was observed, as indicated by detection of reduced molecular weight SNAP-25 using Western blotting. In addition, the water channel aquaporin 5 (AQP5) was downregulated and abnormally distributed in rat SMG after injection of BoNT/A. The direct effects of BoNT/A on AQP5 expression and distribution were assessed in vitro to exclude the influence of BoNT/A-induced inhibitory neurotransmission. In stable GFP-AQP5-transfected SMG-C6 cells, treatment with BoNT/A reduced the cell surface protein level of AQP5 in a dose- and time-dependent manner without affecting total AQP5 protein expression. Cell surface biotinylation and immunofluorescence demonstrated translocation of AQP5 from the membrane to the cytoplasm, which was confirmed by decreased levels of AQP5 protein in the membrane fraction and increased levels in the cytoplasmic fraction, suggestive of AQP5 redistribution. Taken together, these results indicated that BoNT/A reversibly decreased saliva secretion in rat SMGs through not only the presynaptic SNAP-25 cleavage but also the postsynaptic AQP5 redistribution. These data provide the first evidence for a direct effect of BoNT/A on the salivary gland.