Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of carbon dioxide fractional laser in early treatment of postoperative scar of primary cleft lip. Methods: A total of 24 children who had undergone primary cleft lip repair in the treatment group were treated with carbon dioxide fractional laser within three months after operation, and 24 children who had undergone primary cleft lip repair in the control group were not treated with laser after operation. Based on the subjective assessment by comparing photographs before and after the treatment and the objective assessment using Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scoring method, the scar conditions of the two groups were compared one year after laser therapy. Results: The total effective rate of the treatment group was 91.7% after the completion of the whole course of 4 treatments after 1 year, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The objective assessment results showed that the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Carbon dioxide fractional laser is effective in the early treatment of postoperative scar of primary cleft lip, which is worthy of clinical application.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect, advantages, and disadvantages of digital polyetheretherketone cyst plug in fenestration decompression of jaw cyst. Methods: A total of thirteen patients with jaw cyst who underwent surgery in Tongji University Stomatological Hospital from 2021 to 2022 were treated with fenestration decompression and digital polyetheretherketone cyst plug after operation. Through clinical examination and imaging data, the effect of digital polyetheretherketone cyst plug was evaluated. Postoperative follow-up was conducted regularly to observe the shrinkage of cyst cavity, the formation of new bone, the occurrence of complications and the wearing satisfaction of cyst plug. Results: In some cases, mild mouth opening restriction and cheek swelling appeared in those who pulled out the impacted teeth in the capsule cavity at the same time of fenestration. Questionnaire survey showed that all indexes were acceptable or satisfactory except one patient who was dissatisfied with the appearance of cyst plug. The new bone deposition rates measured in 3, 6, 9, 12 months after operation were 71.03% (59.37%, 82.84%), 82.75% (77.25%, 88.66%), 89.93% (86.41%, 95.08%), and 94.21% (90.21%, 95.09%) respectively. The reduction rates of cysts measured in 3, 6, 9, 12 months after operation were 96.91% (92.47%, 98.65%), 100% (98.36%, 100%), 100% (99.79%, 100%), and 100% (100%, 100%) respectively. Conclusion: Digital polyetheretherketone cyst plug, with its unique material advantages and design advantages, has achieved good therapeutic effect in the application of fenestration decompression, and patients' wearing satisfaction is high, which is worthy of further promotion.

Objective: To study the effect of long non-coding RNA-EPS (lincRNA-EPS) on osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells induced by receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: RAW264.7 cell strain overexpressing lincRNA-EPS (lincRNA-EPS OE strand) and its negative control strain were generated by transfection of lincRNA-EPS overexpressing vector and negative control vector and subsequent screening. Osteogenesis was induced with either RANKL or LPS (after pretreatment with RANKL). The cells were then stained with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining (TRAP staining) kit to count the number and observe the morphology of osteoclasts. Phalloidin staining was performed to detect the F-actin rings and therefore to evaluate bone-resorbing ability of osteoclasts. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to measure the mRNA levels of osteoclast-associated genes. Results: RAW264.7 cell strain overexpressing lincRNA-EPS and its negative control strain were generated. Neither strain showed significant difference during osteoclastogenesis (P>0.05), either induced by RANKL or LPS; for osteoclastogenesis by LPS induction, TRAP staining showed that significantly more osteoclasts were generated from lincRNA-EPS OE strain (P<0.05), while phalloidin staining showed that larger F-actin rings were generated from lincRNA-EPS OE strain, and RT-qPCR also showed that the mRNA levels of 4 osteoclastogenesis-related genes (TRAP, CTSK, DC-STAMP and ATP6v0d2) after induction were significantly lower in lincRNA-EPS OE strain (P<0.05); however, those difference were not present (P>0.05) when osteoclastogenesis was induced by RANKL. Conclusion: The overexpression of lincRNA-EPS inhibits LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis and the function of osteoclasts. However, the overexpression of lincRNA-EPS does not affect RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis significantly.

Objective: To explore the changes in condyle cartilage development and primary ciliary gene expression after changes in masticatory force.Methods: Three-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were divided into 3 groups, and they were fed with normal diet (ND) for 2 weeks, soft diet (SD) for 2 weeks, and fed with 1 week of soft diet than 1 week of re-normal diet (RND). After collecting the samples, safranin O-fast green staining, toluidine blue staining, Masson staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and collagen typeⅡ(COL2) immunofluorescence staining were performed to observe changes in the condylar cartilage and subchondral bone. Primary ciliary gene expression was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: Compared with the ND group, the SD group has thinner condyle cartilage, less extracellular matrix, and subchondral bone structure has changed. The primary cilia gene expression (Ift88, Ift140, Ptch1, Smo, Gli1) was decreased. Compared with the SD group, the above changes recovered in the RND group. Conclusion: Changes of masticatory force during growth will affect the development of condyle cartilage and primary ciliary gene expression in mice.

After implantation of implants as foreign bodies into the jawbone, the immune and skeletal systems of the body regulate and adapt to each other, promoting bone resorption and remodeling around the implants. The imbalance of foreign body response may lead to loss of bone around the implants. This article summarizes the relevant factors that may trigger peri-implant immune response and lead to bone resorption, including peri-implant microbial infection, implant overload, poor overall condition, and biological wear of implant materials. Osteoclasts are currently the only known cells in the human body that can cause bone resorption, so their generation has been used as a clue to sort out several key pathways and factors that regulate this process, such as macrophage polarization, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) / receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) / osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. This review discusses the immune mechanism of peri-implant bone loss, providing insights for understanding the concept of osseointegration and treating peri-implant bone loss from an immune perspective.

Decompression is a surgical method for the preservation treatment of large jaw cysts, and a cyst plug with excellent performance is a necessary condition to ensure the therapeutic effect of this method. Making drainage port through cyst plug, balancing the pressure inside and outside the cyst cavity, and washing with postoperative physiological saline can effectively reduce the volume of the cyst cavity, and reduce the risks of nerve injury, adjacent tooth and tooth germ injury and pathological fracture of jaw caused by traditional radical surgery. In this paper, the classification and application of common cyst plugs after fenestration decompression of large jaw cysts, and the application of cyst plugs combined with negative pressure suction in recent years are reviewed.

The application of deep learning (DL) has become widespread with the development of digital medicine. At present, DL has been gradually applied to the fields of stomatology. Multiple studies have applied DL, combined with preoperative examination images such as X ray and cone beam CT (CBCT) images, to assist clinical diagnosis and decision-making in dealing with impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM). Besides, inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is one of the most serious sequelae after extraction of IMTM. Combined with imageological examination, DL can provide objective and accurate estimation of the risk of IAN injury to improve the outcome of treatment. This paper reviews the current application of DL in preoperative image recognition, preoperative auxiliary diagnosis and evaluation, and IAN injury prognosis prediction in the extraction of IMTM, and looked into the role of DL in the extraction of IMTM in the future.

Objective: To explore the effect of zinc finger protein 260 (Zfp260/ZNF260) on macrophage polarization and alveolar bone resorption due to periodontitis. Methods: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of ZNF260/Zfp260 in inflammatory periodontal tissues of human/wild-type mice. The expression of Zfp260 in RAW264.7 cells in inflammatory or non-inflammatory environments was detected by RT-qPCR. Mice with specific knockout of Zfp260 were bred, and control mice (Zfp260^f/f; Lyz2-cre^-) and conditional knockout (cKO) mice (Zfp260^f/f; Lyz2-cre⁺) periodontitis models were established respectively. Morphological changes of alveolar bone were detected by micro-CT and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The polarization of RAW264.7 cells when Zfp260 was knocked down via specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) in an inflammatory environment was detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression of M1 and M2 macrophage-associated markers in periodontal tissues. Results: The expression of ZNF260/Zfp260 in inflammatory periodontal tissues of human/wild-type mice were significantly higher than that of healthy periodontal tissues. The expression of Zfp260 in RAW264.7 cells was significantly increased in an inflammatory environment. Alveolar bone resorption in the ligatured side of cKO mice was significantly less than that of flox/flox mice. The knockdown of Zfp260 in RAW264.7 cells could inhibit its M1 polarization in an inflammatory environment. The expression of M1-related markers in inflammatory periodontal tissues was significantly lower than that of flox/flox mice. Conclusion: Inhibition of Zfp260 in macrophage decreased M1 polarization and rescued the bone loss due to periodontitis.

With the continuous explorations and researches of osteocytes, osteocytes are no longer mistaken for a kind of quiescent and passive cells, but active and positive cells, which play important regulatory roles in osteoblasts and osteoclasts. While an increasing number of studies have identified key signaling pathways and crosstalk mechanisms related to osteocytes. To some extent, the role of osteocyte apoptosis and its complex mechanisms occurring in various states of pathologies are still not elucidated. If further studies can be performed, this will help to fully understand the function and mechanism of osteocytes in a variety of states, as well as provide a novel target for bone diseases. At present, there are many reports about osteocytes regulating osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In this paper, the research progresses in regulation and mechanism of osteoblasts and osteoclasts by osteocytes are reviewed.

α-ketoglutarate (AKG) is an essential intermediary metabolite of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and amino acid metabolism. By participating in the generation of adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) and the biosynthesis of a variety of important amino acids and proteins, it is widely involved in a series of important physiological processes. Since there are few reports on the research of AKG in stomatology, this paper reviews the physiological function of AKG and its research advances in stomatology, which may lay a theoretical foundation for broadening the application of AKG in stomatology.

The complete resection of tumor and metastatic cervical lymph nodes are the key to the successful surgical treatment of oral cancer. However, during the operation, surgeons do not have a convenient and effective auxiliary means to evaluate the completeness of tumor eradication, in addition to relying on frozen biopsy techniques. In recent years, with the development of near-infrared fluorescence (NIF) imaging, fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) has gradually evolved, providing important real-time intraoperative assistance for surgeons, and has also been widely recognized and applied in clinical practice. The application of fluorescence imaging in the surgical treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still in its early stages. This article introduces the specific clinical application scenarios of this technology in oral cancer surgery, discusses the current challenges, and looks forward to future development, so as to provide reference for its clinical application and research.

Objective: To evaluate the treatment outcomes of mandibular condyle fractures managed by surgical and conservative procedures based on new classification. Methods: A total of 45 patients with 57 condyle fractures who were referred to Department of Stomatology in Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School Nanjing University and Suzhou Kowloon Hospital from January 2012 to December 2021 were retrospected. The data were related to causes of injury, fracture classification, treatment methods, complications, and follow-up results. These data were then analyzed. Results: There were 11 females and 34 males, with an average age of 34.67 years (16-76 years). Traffic accidents were the main cause of injury (56%). There were 26 cases (35 sides) of intracapsular condyle head fractures. Among them, there were 13 cases (13 sides) of type A, 7 cases (11 sides) of type B, 1 case (1 side) of type C, 3 cases (6 sides) of type M and 2 cases (4 sides) of no displacement. There were also 12 cases (13 sides) of condylar neck fractures, and 7 cases (9 sides) of condyle base fractures. Ten cases of condylar head fractures including 4 cases of type B, 1 case of type C, 3 cases of type M and 2 cases of no displacement, and 3 cases of condylar neck fractures. Thirteen cases were treated conservatively. Sixteen cases of condylar head fractures including 13 cases of type A and 3 cases of type B, 9 cases of condylar neck fractures and 7 cases of condyle base fractures (a total of 32 cases) were treated surgically. Five patients were lost to follow-up, forty patients had follow-ups over 6 months. There were 3 cases of pain, 1 case of TMJ clicking, and 1 case of limited mouth opening in conservative treatments group. Postoperative complications showed 1 case of condyle resorption and 2 cases of facial nerve injury. Conclusion: Mandibular condyle fractuers should be considered in combinantion with new fracture classification and patient's general condition, and a reasonable individualized treatment plan should be selected.

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of maxillofacial chainsaw injuries, and provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of maxillofacial chainsaw injury. Methods: Seven patients with maxillofacial trauma caused by chainsaw that visited the Emergency Department of West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University from Jan 2022 to Jan 2023 were included. Demographic information, wound variables, treatments, and postoperative healing characteristics were collected to analyze the pathogenesis and summarize the treatment experience of maxillofacial chainsaw injury. Results: All patients underwent first-stage debridement and suture within 10 hours after injuries, among which 77.78% (7/9) of them underwent debridement and suture within 6 hours after injuries. The health education and wound nursing management were conducted postoperatively. Post-treatment wound healing was satisficed in 6 patients, while one patient had permanent right eye blindness, and one patient suffered wound infection after treatment, Conclusion: Multidimensional prevention strategies should be established to standardize the practice behavior of chainsaw and reduce the incidence of maxillofacial trauma caused by chainsaw. Came to an emergency, medical staffs and patients should take active measures to reduce the incidence of postoperative vital organ function impairment and complications.

Objective: To measure the labial bone thickness of mandibular anterior teeth and depth of medial lingual foramina (MLF) by cone beam CT (CBCT) and to provide data for immediate implant in the mandible anterior region. Methods: Two hundred patients aged 18 to 40 years old were selected. CBCT was used to measure the labial bone thickness at 2.0 mm (P1), 5.0 mm (P2) and 8.0 mm (P3) below the enamel-cemental junction of mandibular central incisors, mandibular lateral incisors and mandibular canines, and the distance between the MLF and the alveolar crest. The means and standard deviations were calculated, and the data was statistically analyzed by SPSS 25.0. Results: At P1, the percentage of the thickness of mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors and canines less than 1.0 mm was 81.0%, 87.0% and 91.5%; at P2, the percentage of the thickness of mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors and canines less than 1.0 mm was 94.0%, 98.0% and 95.0%; at P3, the percentage of the thickness of mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors and canines less than 1.0 mm was 35.5%, 65.5% and 70.0% respectively. The labial bone thickness in male patients of mandibular central incisors at P2 and canines at P2 and P3 were thicker than that in female patients (P<0.05). The detection rate of MLF was 97.9% for male patients and 96.2% for female patients, with no significant difference (P>0.05). The closest distance between the MLF and alveolar crest was 11.4 mm. 7.2% of the distance were less than 14.0 mm, 78.4% of the distance were concentrated between14.0 mm and 24.0 mm, and 14.4% of the distance were more than 24.0 mm. The majority of MLF was 1, accounting for 72.2%, and the maximum number was 3. "Large lingual foramina" with excessive diameter was also found. Conclusion: Most of the labial bone thickness in mandible was less than 1.0 mm, and only got thickened at 8.0 mm below the enamel-cemental junction of mandibular central incisor. The MLF is generally safe for implant, but there are variations in location, number, and diameter.

Objective: To introduce the surgical technique of temporomandibular joint disc anchoring through a modified tragus incision.Methods: From February 2017 to October 2021, 264 patients (328 sides of joints) with advanced anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) admitted to our hospital were treated with temporomandibular joint disc anchorage using a modified tragus approach. The specific method was as follows: Use a modified intraauricular approach to separate the superficial temporal fascia and the deep and superficial layers of the deep temporal fascia, as well as the joint capsule, cut the joint capsule at the root of the zygomatic arch, expose the joint disc, using a Mini Mitek anchor screw to fix it at the posterior and lower pole of the condylar process, and using two Orthocor sutures for horizontal mattress suture to reposition the anterior displaced joint disc. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint was performed before and within 7 days after surgery. The facial nerve condition was observed from 1 to 7 days after surgery, follow-up MRI was performed 3 months after surgery, and the mouth opening degree was recorded at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to record the relief of temporomandibular joint pain in patients at 3 months after surgery. The vancouver scar scale was used to evaluate the scar condition in the surgical area at 3 months after surgery. Results: According to the evaluation of postoperative MRI, 306 joints (249 cases) were evaluated as "excellent", 20 joints (14 cases) were evaluated as "good", and 2 joints (one case) were evaluated as "poor". The successful reduction rate was 99.39% (326/328 sides). Only one patient evaluated as "poor" after surgery, accounting for 0.61% (2/328 sides). At the 3-month follow-up after surgery, all patients showed improvement in limited mouth opening, with pain scores below 2 and scar evaluations below 3. Conclusion: Improving the concealed position of the incision inside the tragus and achieving good results in the reduction of the temporomandibular joint disc is a widely applicable surgical approach for temporomandibular joint disc anchoring.

Plunging ranulas are relatively rare cystic mass in the neck, which are mucous extravasation or retention pseudocysts from the sublingual gland, without the epithelial linings. They plunge inferiorly into the neck by extending beyond the free edge of the mylohyoid muscles or through the dehiscences of the muscles. We report a case of plunging ranula treated in our hospital, with recurrence seven months after the intraoral sublingual gland excision. The literatures associated with pathogenesis, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, surgical approach and recurrent causes are reviewed.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of extraction of mandibular third molars with cystic lesions under the guidance of a dynamic navigation system (DNS).Methods: Retrospectively analyzed hospitalized patients with lower impacted mandibular third molars in Hospital of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University from December 15, 2022 to April 15, 2023. According to the inclusion criteria, seven patients with the complex mandibular third molars accompanied cystic lesions, which was tightly adjacent to the inferior alveolar canal were included. All the CT imaging data were imported into the DNS and completed the navigation design. Then the molar were extracted, and cyst was removed under the guidance of navigation. The surgical condition and postoperative recovery state were further analyzed, focusing on the symptoms of postoperative inferior alveolar nerve injury (IANI). Results: All patients' wounds healed uneventfully with the application of DNS and the patients had no symptoms of IANI. Conclusion: The DNS technology determines the operation position in real time, which reduces the damage of the inferior alveolar neural canal and reduces the risk of inferior alveolar nerve damage.

Objective: To analyze the factors influencing labial bone resorption six months after delayed implant placement with simultaneous guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the anterior maxillary region. To explore the impact of the labial bone width at the time of second-stage surgery on marginal bone loss, 1 year after final restoration. Methods: The retrospective cohort study included 57 patients with 94 implants and with a follow-up of 1 year after final restoration. Cone beam CT (CBCT) was used to measure the labial horizontal bone width and vertical bone height of implants immediately after surgery (T1) and six months later (T2). Generalized linear mixed models were employed to analyze the factors affecting horizontal and vertical bone resorption. Implants were categorized into three groups based on labial bone width measured by CBCT six months postoperatively: 0 mm bone wall group, <2 mm bone wall group, and ≥2 mm bone wall group respectively. The impact of labial bone width on marginal bone resorption was explored through one-year follow-up after prosthetic loading. Results: Non-contained defects and implant connection with healing abutments were correlated with less horizontal and vertical bone resorption. Results from the one-year follow-up revealed that there was no significant difference among the three groups. Soft tissue augmentation at implant sites were significantly associated with less marginal bone loss. Conclusion: Six months after GBR, the use of healing abutments and contained defects intraoperatively favored the preservation of horizontal and vertical bone volume. Soft tissue augmentation at implant sites contributed to maintaining stable marginal bone level.

Objective: To explore the efficacy of concentrated growth factor (CGF) in promoting wound healing after extraction of mandibular impacted third molar and its influences on distal osseous defect depth (ODD) of second molar, clinical attachment level (CAL) and pain stress indexes. Methods: A total of 96 patients undergoing extraction of mandibular impacted third molar in the hospital between January and December 2022 were enrolled. According to random number table method, they were divided into research group (n=48) and control group (n=48). After extraction, control group was not given any implant, while research group was given CGF congelation. The postoperative scores of visual analogue scale (VAS), degree of facial swelling, contents of pain stress indexes [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), galactosamine (Gal), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)], ODD, CAL and postoperative quality of life [postoperative symptom severity scale (PoSSe)] were compared between the two groups. Results: At 1 d, and 3 d after surgery, VAS scores in research group were (3.72±0.56) and (2.94±0.43) points, significantly lower than those in control group [(4.81±0.61), (3.86±0.57) points; P<0.001]. After surgery, degree of facial swelling in research group was milder than that in control group [(2.79±0.64) mm vs (5.46±1.22) mm, P<0.001]. At 3 d after surgery, the levels of 5-HT, Gal and CGRP were increased in both groups, which were lower in research group than those before surgery [(2.46±0.68) ng/mL, (9.56±1.42) nmol/mL, (1.76±0.52) ng/mL vs (3.15±0.46) ng/mL, (13.19±1.08) nmol/mL, (2.89±0.44) ng/mL; P<0.001]. At 6 months after surgery, the levels of ODD and CAL were lower than those at one week after surgery in both groups, which were lower in research group than control group [(4.21±0.87), (0.48±0.12) mm vs (5.75±0.61), (0.73±0.19) mm; P<0.001]. PoSSe scores in research group were lower than those in control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: CGF can reduce levels of pain stress indexes after extraction of mandibular impacted third molar, relieve pain and facial swelling, and improve postoperative quality of life in patients.

Objective: To compare the distribution characteristics of biochemical stress on two techniques of zygomatic implant (ZI), sinus slot (SS) and extra sinus (ES), in combination with conventional implants respectively, and to provide theoretical basis for functional restoration of severe atrophic maxilla.Methods: Finite element analysis (FEA) models were constituted based on high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning data of a patient. ZIs were virtually placed into models with SS or ES techniques combined with two or four conventional implants. The von Mises stress values in implants and the principal stress values in alveolar bone were analyzed. Results: The highest von Mises stress was in the configuration of 2 conventional implants and 2 ZIs with ES technique (292 MPa). The lowest von Mises stress level in ZIs was in the configuration of 4 conventional implants and 2 ZIs with the SS technique (184 MPa). The highest maximum principal stress was in the configuration of 2 conventional implants and 2 ZIs with SS technique (31 MPa). The lowest maximum principal stress was in the configuration of 4 conventional implants and 2 ZIs with ES technique (12 MPa). The lowest minimum principal stress was in the configuration of 4 conventional implants and 2 ZIs with the SS technique (|-58| MPa). The highest minimum principal stress value in bone was in the configuration of 2 conventional implants and 2 ZIs with ES technique (|-81| MPa). Conclusion: Two ZIs with the SS technique and four conventional implants may be biomechanically safer for the rehabilitation of severe atrophic maxilla.

Gingival amyloidosis represents the deposition of amyloid substances within the gingiva. This article reports a case of gingival amyloidosis treated at our hospital, discussing its clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, pathological features, treatment, and prognosis, with the aim of providing clinical physicians with insights and treatment guidelines for the disease.

The impact of mechanical force stimulation on bone metabolism is currently garnering significant scholarly interest. As scientific inquiry progresses, the focus of these studies has increasingly shifted towards a more granular level of analysis. Recent years, researchers are now examining this phenomenon from various perspectives, including the influence of differing mechanical properties, force magnitudes, frequencies, cell types, and underlying molecular mechanisms on bone metabolism. Given the intricate nature of this process, this article seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancements in research pertaining to the modulation of bone metabolism through the alteration of mechanical stimuli or the targeting of specific cell types and receptors, in order to provide a reference for further research.

Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13) in the repair of inferior alveolar nerve injury.Methods: To establish the model of inferior alveolar nerve injury in SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats. RNA from inferior alveolar tissue samples was collected 1, 3, 7 days after injury. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the transcription expression levels of FGF13 gene at different time points after injury. Primary trigeminal nerve cells of neonatal SD mice were extracted and divided into experimental group and control group, transfected with FGF13 overexpressed plasmid and control plasmid, respectively. 3 days after successful transfection, cell RNA was extracted to detect the gene expression level of neurotrophin by RT-qPCR. Trigeminal nerve cells were stained with Neun and βⅢ-Tubulin nerve immunofluorescence, and the axon length of nerve cells was observed by laser scanning confocal microscope. ND7/23 nerve cells were divided into overexpression group (ND7/23-FGF13) and control group (ND7/23-vector), transfected with FGF13 overexpression lentivirus and control virus, respectively. Stable transmutation strains were screened out by purinomycin, and FGF13 protein immunofluorescence staining and JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential fluorescence probe staining were performed. Extract cell RNA, then RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of mitophagy related genes. Results: The expression level of FGF13 was significantly increased at 1 day after inferior alveolar nerve injury, decreased at 3 days after injury, and decreased to an equivalent level to the control group at 7 days after injury. Compared with the control group, the expression of FGF13, nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other factors increased in the experimental group. In the lentivirus overexpression group, FGF13 protein was more densely distributed in the nucleus, mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly increased, and the expression of mitochondrial autophagy related genes was increased. Conclusion: After inferior alveolar nerve injury, the expression level of FGF13 is transiently increased, which may have potential significance for the repair process of inferior alveolar nerve. Overexpression of FGF13 in trigeminal nerve cells can promote axonal elongation of nerve cells. The underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of mitochondrial function and the promotion of mitochondrial homeostasis.

As a tissue engineering restorative material, hydrogel possesses outstanding biocompatibility, degradability and plasticity. Due to the lack of appropriate pore characteristics, the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of cells inside and outside the gel are limited, which seriously affect the results of tissue engineering. Therefore, the preparation of macroporous structure has become a research focus on modification of hydrogel. In this paper, the effect of pore characteristics on biological behavior of scaffolds and the prepared methods of macroporous structure in recent years are reviewed.

Objective: To explore the neural differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) induced by neural-induced conditional medium in vitro, and to study the optimal concentration of forskolin and the effect of optimal concentration on neurogenic differentiation of ASCs in vitro. Methods: ASCs were isolated by enzyme digestion method. The phenotype and differentiation ability of stem cells are identified by flow cytometry and cell staining. Nerve induction differentiation was performed in vitro by neural-induced conditional medium containing different concentrations of forskolin, and the optimal concentration was screened by immunofluorescence staining. ASCs were induced by neural-induced conditional medium containing the optimal concentration of forskolin and the morphological changes of cells were observed by microscope before induction, 6 h after induction and 24 h after induction. Effects of induction on rat ASCs were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence. Results: The optimal concentration of forskolin in neural-induced conditional medium was 10 μmol/L, and the cells induced by neural-induced conditional medium containing 10 μmol/L forskolin could rapidly induce ASCs to differentiate in the direction of nerve formation. After induction, the cell morphology was similar to nerve cells. Results of RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence indicated that the expressions of anti-class Ⅲ β-tubulin (Tuj1), neurofilament-M (NF-M), nestin and S100 β at the mRNA level and protein level were increased after induction (P<0.05). Conclusion: Nerve differentiation of ASCs can be induced by conditional medium containing 10 μmol/L forskolin, and the induced cells are expected to become seed cells of facial nerve conduits.

Bone healing and bore regeneration are complex processes in maintaining normal bone homeostasis. Mesenchymal stem cells are main resource of osteoblasts that are responsible for bone formation. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is emerging as important regulatory role in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, in which lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene (SNHG) has been shown to be participated in mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation via various mechanisms, promising to be a new therapeutic target in bone metabolism and bone regeneration therapy. Herein, this article aims to review the biological functions and emerging mechanisms of SNHG involved in the mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation.

Objective: To examine the effects of orthognathic surgery on the condylar morphology in patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion and mandibular deviation, as well as the variations in condylar morphology and alterations in individuals with varying degrees of deviation. Methods: According to the value of menton deviation (MD), 20 patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion and mandibular deviation were selected, and then divided into group A (mild deviation group: 4 mm≤MD<10 mm) and group B (severe deviation group: MD≥10 mm), 10 cases in each group. Condyles were three-dimensionally reconstructed in Proplan CMF using the craniofacial spiral CT data from the T1 (before surgery) and T2 (six months after surgery) periods. Condylar morphological index (MI) was derived after reading the condylar volume and surface area. Results: Condyles in group A had a decrease in volume and surface area in T2 (P<0.05) on both the deviated side (DS) and the non-deviated side (NDS). For condylar volume, surface area, and MI during the T1 and T2 periods in each group: The NDS was larger than the DS, and the bilateral difference was statistically significant as group A is smaller than group B; the values of each index in group A were higher than those in group B, and there was a statistical difference in the DS (P<0.05). There was a statistical difference in the magnitude of changes in volume and surface area between the two groups on the DS (P<0.05), and the degree of condylar change between T2 and T1 is different. Conclusion: Condylar volume and surface area were reduced after orthognathic surgery, and statistically significant differences in condylar volume and surface area reduction were more pronounced in the mildly deviated group at 6 months postoperatively on the DS. Condylar volume, surface area, and MI were less than those on the NDS, and the DS indexes were higher in individuals with mild deviation than in individuals with severe deviation. The morphological changes of condyles after surgery were related to the degree of deviation.

Objective: To apply bioinformatics technology to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) microarray data to further predict potential targets and prognostic genes. Methods: GSE23558 and GSE138206 datasets were downloaded from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database to analyze DEGs of OSCC and normal oral mucosa tissues online with the help of GEO2R; the associated pathways, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and key network nodes were analyzed, and the top 25 hub genes were screened and verified through multiple external databases. The Timer website was used to analyze the relationship between hub genes and immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints. Based on Lasso-Cox algorithm, a prognostic risk model of related genes was constructed. A nomogram containing prognostic risk model and multiple clinicopathological factors was constructed. Results: Integrin α3 (ITGA3) and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) genes were highly expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues and were correlated with poor prognosis of patients (P<0.05). ITGA3 was considered to be a potential immunotherapy target with future clinical significance. The prognostic model based on SPP1 and ITGA3 genes can effectively predict the prognosis of OSCC patients. Conclusion: ITGA3 and SPP1 may be biomarkers for the prognosis of OSCC patients. These results provide new clues for exploring the molecular mechanism and targeted therapy of OSCC.

Objective: To explore the effect of zinc‐finger protein 260 (Zfp260) on the osteogenic differentiation, proliferation and migration of mouse embryo osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1 cells) in vitro. Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in vitro and induced to differentiate into osteoblasts. The expression of Zfp260 was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) when it was induced for 7 days and 14 days. MC3T3-E1 cells were transfected with siRNA, and the knockdown efficiency of Zfp260 and the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and other osteogenic biomarkers in knockdown group and control group were measured by RT-qPCR. The change of migration ability of MC3T3-E1 cells after knockdown of Zfp260 was detected by Transwell, cell scratch assay. The change of proliferation ability of MC3T3-E1 cells after knockdown of Zfp260 was detected by CCK8 experiment. Results: The expression of Zfp260 was significantly up-regulated after inducing osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro (P<0.05). After using siRNA to knock down Zfp260, the expression of ALP and BMP2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Transwell and cell scratch assays showed that the migration ability of MC3T3-E1 cells was inhibited after knocking down Zfp260. CCK8 experiment showed that the proliferation ability of MC3T3-E1 cells increased after knocking down Zfp260. Conclusion: Zfp260 can promote the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.

Objective: To analyze the clinical value of preoperative blood inflammatory markers in diagnosing cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Methods: A total of 141 TSCC patients who underwent surgical treatment in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2017 to June 2023 were included. According to the postoperative pathological results, they were divided into cervical lymph node metastatic group and cervical lymph node non-metastatic group. The index of peripheral blood inflammatory cells (neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte count values) were collected from patients before surgery, and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated to analyze the value of preoperative NLR and PLR in diagnosing cervical lymph node metastasis in TSCC patients. Results: The NLR and PLR values in cervical lymph node metastatic group were significantly higher than those in the cervical lymph node non-metastatic group. The area under the curve (AUC) and optimal cutoff values for diagnosing cervical lymph node metastasis in TSCC patients using NLR and PLR are 0.72, 2.24 and 0.61, 115.43, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLR is an independent influencing factor for cervical lymph node metastasis in TSCC patients. Conclusion: The preoperative inflammatory marker NLR may be a potential biomarker for evaluating cervical lymph node metastasis in TSCC patients.

Keratin (KRT) is one of the members of the cytoskeletal protein intermediate filament family mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, which plays a significant role in maintaining the morphology of epithelial cells and intercellular connections. In addition, KRT also participates in the occurrence and development of squamous cell carcinoma by regulating epithelial cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant tumor of the oral cavity which usually has a poor prognosis and low survival rate in patients. In recent years, the research on KRT in OSCC has gradually increased, and this paper expounds on the biological function of keratin and its research progress in OSCC.

Objective: To explore the effects of TARDNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) on mouse gingival fibroblasts (MGFs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory microenvironment. Methods: The gingival fibroblasts of wild-type C57BL/6J mice were cultured. LPS of different concentrations and treatment time were set, mRNA expression levels of related inflammatory factors were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the optimal treatment conditions were selected. The cells were stained with immunofluorescence to observe the changes of TDP-43 in MGFs under inflammatory microenvironment. TDP-43 in MGFs was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection technique, and transfection efficiency was measured. Three experimental groups were set up: Negative control group (NC group), LPS induced control group (NL group) and TDP-43 knockdown +LPS induced group (SL group). RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of some inflammatory factors, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and adhesion related factors. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of some inflammatory factors and adhesion related factors. Picro sirius red staining was used to investigate intracellular collagen deposition. Results: The optimal concentration of LPS stimulation was 100 ng/mL for 6 h. In the absence of LPS stimulation, TDP-43 in MGFs was basically in the nucleus, and it appears in the nucleus and the cytoplasm after LPS stimulation. The cell model with TDP-43 knockdown was successfully constructed by siRNA transfection with MGFs, and the transfection efficiency was nearly 50%. Compared with the control group (NL group), the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors, MMPs and adhesion-related factors were significantly down-regulated in the TDP-43 down-knocked experimental group (SL group) under LPS stimulation (P<0.05). The protein expressions of some adhesion related factors and inflammatory factors were also significantly down-regulated. Collagen deposition in SL group and NL group was decreased compared with NC group (P<0.05), but there was no striking difference between the NL group and SL group (P>0.05). Conclusion: When MGFs were in the inflammatory microenvironment induced by LPS, TDP-43 showed a tendency to move from inside the nucleus to outside. TDP-43 positively regulates the expression of inflammatory factors, adhesion related factors and MMPs in the LPS-induced inflammatory microenvironment of MGFs, but has no significant effect on collagen deposition.

Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare and aggressive malignant odontogenic tumor, which is often misdiagnosed as benign odontogenic tumor or metastatic tumor due to the non-specific histologic appearance and benign clinical presentation. CCOC requires early diagnosis and treatment due to the metastasis tendency. This paper reports a case of mandibular CCOC, aiming to improve the understanding of the disease through its diagnosis, treatment and postoperative follow-up.

Objective: To investigate the incidence rate and clinical characteristics of supernumerary teeth in the anterior region of lower jaw. Methods: Patients who came to Suzhou Stomatological Hospital from January 2019 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and the occurrence of supernumerary teeth in the anterior region was observed and recorded. SPSS 24.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data. The medical records of the patients with supernumerary teeth in the anterior region were reviewed and recorded. Results: A total of 75 patients with supernumerary teeth in the anterior region of lower jaw were finally included. The incidence rate of supernumerary teeth in the lower anterior region was 0.99‰ (75/75 465). Boys (31 subjects) were less than girls (44 subjects), and the difference between the genders was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Features of supernumerary teeth in this group: Mixed dentition, one supernumerary tooth, root undeveloped, unerupted supernumerary and vertical positive growth accounted for 48.00%, 92.00%, 65.43%, 65.43%, 90.12%, respectively. Supernumerary teeth resembled mandibular incisors, canines or premolars in morphology. Overcrowding of lower anterior teeth accompanied by supernumerary teeth accounted for 52.00%. The incidence of impacted adjacent permanent teeth, delayed eruption and residual deciduous teeth was 12.00%. Patients were also accompanied by supernumerary teeth in primary dentition, congenital absence of deciduous and permanent teeth, fused teeth of deciduous and permanent teeth, supernumerary teeth in other parts, and even dentigerous cyst. 35 out of 75 subjects received extraction of anterior supernumerary teeth and/or orthodontic treatment in our hospital. Conclusion: Clinically, supernumerary teeth in the lower anterior region are rare and can affect the appearance and oral function, which should be paid attention to by dentists. Patients often need multidisciplinary treatment to achieve satisfactory results.

Objective: To investigate the expression of CD74⁺ fibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and their correlation with the immunosuppressive microenvironment of OSCC. Methods: The expression of CD74 of fibroblasts in OSCC tumor tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues will be detected using immunohistochemistry. The correlation between the expression of CD74 in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and patients' clinicopathological parameters, prognosis, and immune cell infiltration will be further investigated. Primary CAFs, paired normal fibroblasts (NFs), and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from non-OSCC patients will be extracted to compare the differences in the expression of CD74 between the two types of fibroblasts. Subsequently, these two types of fibroblasts will be co-cultured with PBMCs, and the concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-35 in the culture supernatant will be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effects of CAFs with different CD74 expression levels on the migration of PBMCs were compared by Transwell assay and flow cytometry. Results: The number of CD74⁺ fibroblasts in OSCC tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues (P<0.001). Moreover, OSCC patients with high CD74 expression had a significantly lower 5-year overall survival rate (P<0.001). Immunohistochemical results showed that in tumor tissues with high CD74⁺ fibroblast expression, the ratio of FOXP3⁺ cells to CD4⁺ cells was significantly higher (P<0.001), and there was a significant positive correlation between the number of CD74⁺ fibroblasts and FOXP3⁺ cells (r=0.439 3). In vitro experiments confirmed that the expression of CD74 in primary CAFs from OSCC tumor tissues was higher than that in the paired NFs. After co-culturing with PBMCs for 12 h, the concentrations of IL-10 and IL-35 in the culture medium of the CAFs CD74 high-expression group were significantly higher than those in the NFs group (P<0.05). Additionally, the concentrations of IL-35 in the culture medium of the CAFs CD74 high-expression group were higher than those in the CAFs CD74 low-expression group (P<0.05). The results of flow cytometry showed that CAFs with high CD74 expression had a stronger chemotactic ability toward CD4⁺ FOXP3⁺ cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: CD74⁺ fibroblasts are associated with poorer prognosis in OSCC patients, and may be involved in the recruitment of CD4⁺ FOXP3⁺ cells.

Angiogenesis is one of the most important factors for the success of bone augumentation. Cortical bone decortication is considered as an essential part of bone augumentation procedure to promote angiogenesis. However, the actual role of decortication in bone augumentation is controversial derived from the present studies. This article summarizes the research results of decortication on guided bone regeneration (GBR), block bone grafting and periosteal distraction osteogenesis (PDO) through literature review, and analyzes the mechanism of decortication on bone regeneration and the reasons for the inconsistency of research results, in order to provide reference for clinicians to perform decortication in the process of bone augmentation.

Radical surgery for oral cancer alters the primary site's morphology and physiological function, impairs patients' ability to eat and results in malnutrition, increases the likelihood of disease-related complications, lowers the tolerance for surgical treatment, and further compromises the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic effects. This study covers the nutritional management experience of oral cancer patients during the perioperative period by combining a portion of the literature review and clinical practice experience.

Objective: To study the effect of Sorafenib tosylate (ST) on autophagy, proliferation and migration of CAL-27 cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: The CAL-27 cells were treated with different concentrations of ST, and their proliferation activity was detected by CCK-8 and cell clone formation assay; the effect of the CAL-27 cells migration was detected by cell wound scratch assay; the expressions of Beclin1, LC3B and PCNA were detected by western blotting. The CAL-27 cells were pretreated with the autophagy activator rapamycin, and the effects of ST on the proliferation, migration and expression of Beclin1, LC3B and PCNA in CAL-27 cells were detected after activation of autophagy. Results: Compared with the control group, ST significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of the CAL-27 cells. ST decreased the expressions of Beclin-1, PCNA and increased the expressions of the cytoplasmic form LC3Ⅰ and the lipid form LC3Ⅱ of LC3B. However, when the CAL-27 cells were pretreated with RA to activate autophagy, the inhibitory effect of ST on proliferation and migration of the CAL-27 cells were weakened, the expressions of Beclin-1 and PCNA were increased, and the expressions of the cytoplasmic form LC3Ⅰ and the lipid form LC3Ⅱ of LC3B were decreased. Conclusion: ST may inhibit the proliferation and migration of CAL-27 cells by down-regulating Beclin-1, and inhibiting autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy may be a potential therapeutic strategy for OSCC.

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of closure therapy for myalgia temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in different sites and subtypes. Methods: A retrospective study of 53 patients with myalgia TMD treated with lidocaine and vitamin B₁₂ combined with compound betamethasone topical muscle closed therapy was conducted. The clinical efficacy assessment, maximum mouth opening, jaw movement distance, muscle pressure pain index (PI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores before treatment, first and third month after treatment were compared and analyzed. Results: After a course of treatment, the patients' maximum mouth opening and jaw movement distance increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), and the PI and VAS scores decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), resulting in a better clinical efficacy. Conclusion: For different sites and subtypes of myalgia TMD, closure therapy can effectively relieve pain and reduce the degree of dysfunction, and this treatment method has certain clinical value.

Objective: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of the clinical application of transoral endoscopy in the posterior parapharyngeal space. Methods: The clinical data of 2 patients underwent transoral endoscopic nerve sheath tumor resection in the posterior parapharyngeal space were retrospectively analyzed, including clinical symptoms, signs, imaging examinations, pathological types, postoperative complications and their management, and the feasibility of the surgical route was analyzed. Results: The tumors were completely resected in both patients. There was no recurrence at 2 years of follow-up. Postoperative complications included: One patient developed Horner's syndrome postoperatively; one patient developed postoperative unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Conclusion: Transoral endoscopic surgery for resection of parapharyngeal space tumors is a good minimally invasive route with less bleeding, which is safe and controlled, without cervicofacial incision. However, the long-term efficacy still needs to be further verified by a large number of surgical cases.