Tongue Research Articles

Totally Intracorporeal Robot-Assisted Bilateral Ileal Ureter Replacement for the Treat-ment of Ureteral Strictures using Kangduo Surgical Robot 2000 Plus.

Ureteroplasty using buccal or lingual mucosa graft Is feasible for complex proximal ureteral stricture (1, 2). Ileal ureter replacement is considered as the last resort for ureteral reconstruction. Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted ileal ureter replacement can be performed safely and effectively (3). In China, the KangDuo Surgical Robot 2000 Plus (KD-SR-2000 Plus) has been developed featuring two surgeon consoles and five robotic arms. This study aims to share our experience with totally intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement using KD-SR-2000 Plus. A 59-year-old female patient underwent a complete intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement for the treatment of ureteral strictures using KD-SR-2000 Plus. The surgical procedure involved dissecting the proximal ends of the bilateral ureteral strictures, harvesting the ileal ureter, restoring intestinal continuity, and performing an anastomosis between the ileum and the ureteral end as well as the bladder. The data were prospectively collected and analyzed. The surgery was successfully completed with single docking without open conversion. The length of the harvested ileal ureter was 25 cm. The docking time, operation time and console time were 3.4 min., 271 min and 231 min respectively. The estimated blood loss was 50 mL. The postoperative hospitalization was 6 days. No perioperative complications occurred. It is technically feasible to perform totally intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement for the treatment of ureteral strictures using KD-SR-2000 Plus. A longer follow-up and a larger sample size are required to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

Increased cell killing effect in neutron capture enhanced proton beam therapy

AbstractThermal neutrons generated in the body during proton beam therapy (PBT) can be used to cause boron neutron capture reactions and have recently been proposed as neutron capture enhanced PBT (NCEPBT). However, the cell killing effect of NCEPBT remains underexplored. Here, we show an increase in the cell killing effect of NCEPBT. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we showed that neutrons generated by proton beam irradiation are uniformly spread on tissue culture plates. Human salivary gland tumor cell line (HSG), human osteosarcoma cell line (MG63), human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SAS), and human malignant melanoma cell line (G-361) were irradiated with X-rays, proton beams, and proton beams with 10B-enriched boronophenylalanine (boron concentration of 20 and 80 ppm). The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values of proton beams alone, proton beams with 20 ppm boron, and proton beams with 80 ppm boron for HSG, MG63, SAS, and G-361 were 1.02, 1.07, and 1.23; 1.01, 1.08, and 1.44; 1.05, 1.09, and 1.46; and 1.04, 1.13, and 1.63, respectively. NCEPBT with high boron concentration showed high RBE and a high sensitizing effect. Our results confirm an increase in the cell killing effect of NCEPBT, should aid in its clinical use, and warrant its further investigation.

Peripheral Ameloblastoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Peripheral ameloblastoma (PA) is a rare benign tumor that can occur mostly in the mandibular gingiva of the premolar area, originating from the residual odontogenic epithelium. The patient is usually asymptomatic and the lesion can be an occasional finding during routine intraoral examination. Due to the lack of clinical and radiographic pathognomonic features, the diagnosis is based on histopathological analysis, associated with 3D computed tomography (CT) imaging. Here, we report the case of a middle-aged man showing an asymptomatic, sessile, normochromic papillomatous mass of the lingual alveolar mucosa, in correspondence of tooth 4.4, which was histologically diagnosed as peripheral ameloblastoma. After the complete excision of the lesion, there were no recurrence and no symptoms during the 3-year follow-up. The treatment of choice for PA is a conservative surgical excision, which usually results in a good prognosis, together with a long-term follow-up, necessary to intercept possible recurrence or, more rarely, malignant transformation.

A Patient-Specific 3D Printed Lingual Nerve Protector in Third Molar Extraction.

We present a novel, patient-specific 3D-printed lingual nerve protector designed to minimize the risk of nerve injury during mandibular third molar extraction, a common cause of lingual nerve damage. Lingual nerve injuries, often resulting from trauma, dental procedures, or maxillofacial surgeries, lead to significant functional impairments. Using computed tomography (CT) data, the custom protector is fabricated through 3D printing with a self-retaining structure to shield the lingual mucosa and nerve. The device effectively separates the lingual nerve from the surgical field without requiring retraction of the lingual flap, thereby reducing the risk of nerve injury and enhancing the safety and ease of the procedure.

Jing-Si Herbal Tea attenuates oral cancer cell viability, migration, and invasion by regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and reactive oxygen species accumulation

Background/purposeOral cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Jing-Si Herbal Tea (JSHT), containing eight traditional Chinese medicine-based herbs, is known to suppress the malignancy, growth, and metastasis of several tumor cells, including breast, lung, and colon cancer cells. However, the pharmacological effect of JSHT on oral cancer progression is still unclear. Materials and methodsIn this study, we evaluated the potential of JSHT to arrest the development of oral cancer via induction of cell death by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and inhibition of migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). For this purpose, we employed the human tongue squamous cell carcinoma SAS cell line, which we treated with different JSHT concentrations for 24 h, and assessed cell viability, migration, and wound healing capabilities, together with western blotting for measuring expression levels of EMT markers. ResultsSurvival, migration/invasion ability, EMT, and ROS production in the SAS human tongue squamous carcinoma and FaDu human pharynx squamous cell carcinoma cell line were decreased by JSHT treatment via Lon protease-independent mechanisms. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that JSHT could be regarded as a candidate new supplement to existing anticancer therapies and an alternative, orally administered healthcare product for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Cryoprotective Ice-Philic Black Phosphorus Nanosheets for Augmented Thawing of Frozen Cells.

Controlling ice formation is critical in fields such as atmospheric science and biological cryopreservation. However, thermal heterogeneity during freezing and thawing in cryopreservation causes uneven ice crystallization and melting, leading to mechanical and thermal stress-induced damage. This study introduces biocompatible and biodegradable black phosphorus (BP)-polyethylene glycol-amine nanosheets (NS) to address this issue. BP NS primarily localize at ice grain boundaries, while amine groups of NH2-PEG-NH2 form hydrogen bonds with H2O molecules, penetrating ice crystals. In situ cross-sectional observations confirmed that BP-PEG-NH2 NS promotes uniform melting and facilitates ice cracks and boundaries. Heat transfer analysis using a bidirectional heating system revealed that the internal heat energy varies based on BP dispersion within the ice crystals. When applied to the cryopreservation of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells, BP-PEG-NH2 NSs significantly improved post-thaw viability. It presents a promising strategy for designing thawing materials after cryopreservation of cells, tissues, and organs.

A first-of-its-kind 3D biomimetic artificial mouth capable of reproducing the oral processing of soft foods

With a growing global population and ageing demographics, the food industry stands at a pivotal crossroads, necessitating bespoke solutions and groundbreaking innovations. In vitro experiments can help understanding food oral processing and formulating products meeting the specific needs of different populations. However, current in vitro models do not reproduce well human oral anatomy and tongue biomechanics, essential for assessing the behaviour of novel and texturized foods under physiologically relevant oral conditions. In response, we unveil a novel 3D biomimetic artificial mouth, showcasing a pneumatic multi-degree-of-freedom artificial tongue meticulously crafted to mirror the mechanical properties and wettability of the human tongue. This cutting-edge technology, featuring tongue surface papillae, is capable of performing lifelike movements. The comparison with in vivo data demonstrates that it accurately reproduces oral processing of three, vastly different, soft foods. Textural characteristics (firmness, adhesive and cohesive properties) and shear viscosities—measured at oral and oropharyngeal-relevant shear rates—of in vitro food boli closely mirrored those observed in vivo. This in vitro device presents unprecedented opportunities for studying the dynamics of food transformation in the mouth, to adapt texture towards food that can be swallowed with ease and to improve food palatability, accommodating specific health needs critical for older adults (e.g., reduced salivary secretion, tongue weakness or poor coordination).

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic modified ureteroplasty using lingual mucosa grafts or appendiceal flaps for the management of complex ureteral strictures: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of robot-assisted laparoscopic modified ureteroplasty using a lingual mucosa graft (LMG) or an appendiceal flap (AF) for complex ureteral strictures and summarize our experience.MethodsA total of 16 patients with complex ureteral strictures (range: 1.5–5 cm) who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic-modified ureteroplasty and were admitted to our hospital from May 2022-October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. We used modified presuture methods in patients who needed the posteriorly augmented anastomotic technique to reduce anastomotic tension. Perioperative variables and outcomes were recorded for each patient.ResultsThe operation under robot-assisted laparoscopy was successfully performed in all sixteen patients (12 with LMG ureteroplasty and 4 with AF ureteroplasty) without conversion to open surgery. The mean length of the ureteral structure was 2.90 ± 0.90 cm (range: 1.5–5 cm), the mean operation duration was 209.69 ± 26.74 min (range: 170–255 min), the median estimated blood loss was 75 (62.5) ml (range: 50–200 ml), and the duration of postoperative hospitalization was 10.44 ± 2.10 d (range: 7–14 d). The follow-up time in this group was 6 ~ 21 months. The success rate of the surgery was 100%.ConclusionRobot-assisted laparoscopic modified ureteroplasty using AF or LMG is a safe and feasible operation for complex ureteral strictures and deserves to be popularized.

Anlotinib treatment for rapidly progressing pediatric embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in the maxillary gingiva: a case report

BackgroundEmbryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a highly aggressive form of soft-tissue sarcoma that predominantly affects children. Due to limited benefits and resistance to therapy, there is an unmet need to explore alternative therapeutic strategies.Case presentationIn this report, we present a rare case of pediatric ERMS located on the right side of the maxillary gingiva. A composite reference guide integrating clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic findings was used for a definitive diagnosis. Targeted next-generation sequencing of tumor biopsy was performed to identify genetic alterations. A 12-year-old female was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and underwent a tracheotomy to relieve asphyxiation caused by a 5.5 cm diameter mass compressing the tongue root and pharyngeal cavity. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a hybrid morphology characterized by clusters of round and spindle cells. Further immunohistochemistry assays indicated positive immunoreactivity for desmin, myogenin, and MyoD1. Various genetic alterations were identified, including mutations in GNAS, HRAS, LRP1B, amplification of MDM2 and IGF1R, and two novel IGF1R fusions. Negative PAX-FOXO1 fusion status supported the clinical diagnosis of ERMS. Initial treatment involved standard chemotherapy; however, the tumor persisted in its growth, reaching a maximum volume of 12 cm × 6 cm × 4 cm by the completion of treatment. Subsequent oral administration of anlotinib yielded a significant antitumor response, characterized by substantial tumor necrosis and size reduction. Following the ligation of the tumor pedicle and its removal, the patient developed a stabilized condition and was successfully discharged from PICU.ConclusionsOur study highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis established on multifaceted assessment for the effective treatment of ERMS. We present compelling evidence supporting the clinical use of anlotinib as a promising treatment strategy for pediatric ERMS patients, especially for those resistant to conventional chemotherapy.

Cost-Effective, Patient-Centric, and Innovative Repurposing of a Broken Lingual Arch Space Maintainer: A Case Report

Abstract Introduction Premature loss of primary teeth due to caries or trauma can cause space discrepancies leading to malocclusion and other dental issues. Space maintainers are essential for preserving the arch space until the eruption of the permanent teeth. This case report presents an innovative modification of an existing space maintainer to address clinical challenges, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs. Case Report An 8-year-old female presented with a broken lingual arch space maintainer impinging on the lingual mucosa. Clinical examination revealed nonrestorable teeth 84 and 75 that required extraction. Radiographs showed tooth 34 erupting soon and tooth 45 delayed. Owing to financial constraints, the existing appliance was modified by lingually cutting and adapting the wire to the distal surface of the canine. The appliance was cemented using Type I Glass Ionomer Cement in a single visit. After 6 months, tooth 35 erupted normally, without impaction. Conclusion This case demonstrates the effectiveness of modifying existing space maintainers to provide cost-effective patient-centric solutions in pediatric dentistry.

Inhibition of Oral Pathogenic Bacteria, Suppression of Bacterial Adhesion and Invasion on Human Squamous Carcinoma Cell Line (HSC-4 Cells), and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts from Acanthaceae Family.

Medicinal plants have traditionally been used to treat various human diseases worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the leaf extracts of plants from the Acanthaceae family, specifically Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau, Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl., and Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl., for their compounds and antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extracts of A. ebracteatus showed the highest total phenolic content at 22.55 mg GAE/g extract and the strongest antioxidant activities, with IC50 values of 0.24 mg/mL and 3.05 mg/mL, as determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. The antibacterial efficacy of these extracts was also tested against Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The diameters of the inhibition zones ranged from 14.7 to 17.3 mm using the agar well diffusion method, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 7.81 to 250 mg/mL. Anti-biofilm formation, antibacterial adhesion, and antibacterial invasion assays further demonstrated that these medicinal plant extracts can inhibit bacterial biofilm formation and prevent the adhesion and invasion of oral pathogenic bacteria on the human tongue squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell line (HSC-4 cells). The ethanolic extracts of C. nutans and A. ebracteatus were able to inhibit the gtfD and gbp genes, which facilitate biofilm formation and bacterial adherence to surfaces. These findings provide new insights into the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of plant extracts from the Acanthaceae family. These activities could enhance the clinical and pharmaceutical applications of plant extracts as an alternative therapy for bacterial infections and a dietary supplement.

Accurate repair of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects with ulnar artery flap

To investigate the characteristics of the clinical application of ulnar artery flap in the repair of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects. The clinical data of 12 patients with oral and maxillofacial defects repaired with ulnar artery flap between June 2021 and July 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 11 cases were male and 1 case was female; their ages ranged from 28 to 76 years, with a mean age of 54.8 years. The lesions were located in the lateral margin of the tongue in 3 cases, the root of the tongue in 2 cases, the base of the tongue in 4 cases, and the buccal region, upper gingiva, and lower lip in 1 case each. The pathological types were squamous cell carcinoma in 11 cases and adenoid cystic carcinoma in 1 case; according to the TNM staging of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), there were 5 cases of T 3N 0M 0, 2 cases of T 3N 1M 0, 1 case of T 4aN 0M 0, 1 case of T 4aN 1M 0, 1 case of T 4aN 2bM 0, and 2 cases of T 4aN 2cM 0. After complete resection of the lesion, the defect ranged from 6 cm×3 cm to 8 cm×5 cm. Preoperatively, colour Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the non-dominant forearm, measure the thickness of the subcutaneous fat in the donor area, confirm and mark the ulnar artery and reflux vein, and measure the diameter of the vessels, flow velocity, and the perforator position; intraoperatively, the flap was designed, prepared, anastomosed, and positioned according to the corresponding data. The vessels were all anastommosed with one artery and two veins to form a super-reflux. After complete hemostasis, the defects were repaired with sliding flap (2 cases), direct suture (4 cases), biomembrane (2 cases), or razor thin skin graft (4 cases). No vascular crisis occurred after operation, and all the flaps survived in 12 cases. Wounds in the donor site healed by first intention in 10 cases and by second intention in 2 cases. Wounds in the recipient site healed by first intention in all cases. All 12 patients were followed up 5-18 months, with an average of 11.4 months. The colour and texture of the flap were normal. The function of hand and upper limb was evaluated according to the trial standard of upper limb function assessment of the Chinese Society of Hand Surgery of the Chinese Medical Association, and the score was 65-81 (mean, 71.3), and achieved excellent in 1 case and good in 11 cases. The score of Oral Health Impact Scale (OHIP) was 9-18, with an average of 14.2, and the oral function was satisfactory. During the follow-up, 1 case had local recurrence and underwent extended resection again, while the other patients had no recurrence or metastasis. For moderate soft tissue defects with complex oral and maxillofacial function, ulnar artery flap repair is effective.

Antihypertensive agent losartan promotes tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation via EGFR/ERK1/2/cyclin D1 signaling axis

ObjectiveTo study the effects of losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, in the SCC4 and SCC25 human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. MethodsCell proliferation was measured by MTS/PMS activity and trypan blue exclusion assays. The levels of the cell proliferation marker, cyclin D1, were analyzed by western blotting. Apoptosis was assessed by caspase-3 activation and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide double staining. Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ERK1/2 was validated by western blotting. ResultsModerate concentrations of losartan enhanced the proliferation of SCC4 and SCC25 cells. However, high losartan concentrations induced apoptosis in SCC4 cells. Losartan activated the EGFR/ERK1/2/cyclin D1 signaling axis, which in turn promoted cell proliferation. Afatinib (EGFR inhibitor) and U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) abolished losartan-induced cell proliferation. In contrast, UC2288 (p21 inhibitor) enhanced it. ConclusionsLosartan exhibited dual effects on tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells. Moderate losartan concentrations facilitated cell proliferation, whereas high concentrations induced cytotoxicity in tongue carcinoma cells.

Dexmedetomidine administration in a laryngeal cancer patient with emergency tracheostomy: a case report

The maintenance of vital functions in any patient depends upon the preservation and maintenance of airway patency. Conditions that may cause difficult airway, such as a laryngeal mass, require rapid and expert intervention. We briefly review the current knowledge on this subject by presenting the report of a patient who required emergency airway intervention and in whom a tracheostomy had to be resorted to under sedation. A 59-year-old male patient who was scheduled for total laryngectomy and neck dissection due to laryngeal cancer was taken to the operating room with the decision of emergency tracheostomy after developing respiratory distress. Nasoendoscopic visualization of the patient showed an exophytic lesion starting from the root of the tongue on the left and extending to the chordae. Inj fentanyl and dexmedetomidine were administered to the patient for sedation and dexmedetomidine infusion was continued after the loading dose. When the thyroid isthmus was encountered during the surgical intervention, a tracheostomy was made at 45 min. A 7.5 mm cuffed tube was inserted and respiratory control was achieved. This case report stresses that a combination of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl can be used safely in such cases. Keywords: tracheostomy, dexmedetomidine, diffuculut airway Citation: Kaya F, Evirgen ES, Aydin EU, Kocagil S, Erkiliç E. Dexmedetomidine administration in a laryngeal cancer patient with emergency tracheostomy: a case report. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(4):772−775; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i4.2522 Received: April 17, 2024; Reviewed: June 05, 2024; Accepted: June 05, 2024

Efficient Taste Analysis via Single-Channel Hybrid Electronic Tongue

The prospective applications of electronic tongues (e-tongues) in the food, water, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries have long been hampered by the inconvenient nature of series measurements using expensive and specialised sensor arrays. A cost-efficeint and easier solution to this problem arises in the shape of a single-channel hybrid e-tongue, presenting a novel approach to overcoming restrictions. This progress uses data fusion from potentiometry and impedimetry to combine these measures into a single channel made up of unfunctionalized metal electrodes supported by a pH electrode.The hybrid e-tongue combines potentiometric response, which includes pH and open circuit potential, with impedimetric response, which takes into account comparable electric circuit parameters such as charge transfer resistance and double-layer capacitance. The taste discriminability of this low-cost single-channel hybrid e-tongue is validated using two metal electrodes, Pt and Ni, and two separate sample preparations of basic taste analytes, each at concentrations around the human tongue threshold.Principal component analysis (PCA) plots are used to test qualitative discrimination by reducing dimensionality and clustering analytes. Silhouette coefficients (SC) and hierarchical cluster analysis are used to assess clustering quality. Even without particular sample preparation, the Pt and Ni electrodes exhibit substantial clustering with SC values of 0.83 and 0.74, respectively. This significant outcome highlights the efficacy of the hybrid e-tongue in improving taste discriminability.Comparisons with potentiometric and impedimetric measurements performed independently show that the hybrid e-tongue, assisted by data fusion at a single channel, improves accuracy and clustering significantly. This finding not only speeds up the analysis process, but it also improves the overall effectiveness of taste discrimination.Correlations between taste analytes and physicochemical factors are formed using heatmap plots and PCA loading plots to provide a fuller knowledge of the hybrid e-tongue's mechanics. These visualisations provide vital insights into the complex interplay of several physicochemical processes, offering insight into the mechanism underlying the hybrid e-tongue's excellent performance.discrimination.Despite its remarkable capabilities, the study acknowledges that taste discriminability diminishes due to the buffer activity of the standard reference solution used for sample preparation. This recognition prompts further exploration and optimization of the solution to ensure the broad applicability of the hybrid e-tongue across various scenarios.In conclusion, the reported single-channel hybrid e-tongue represents a significant advancement in taste analysis technology. By addressing the challenges associated with series measurements on complex sensor arrays, this innovation opens new avenues for commercial e-tongues in diverse industries. The amalgamation of potentiometry and impedimetry in a single channel not only enhances accuracy and clustering but also provides valuable mechanistic insights. As the research community continues to refine and optimize this technology, the future holds great promise for the widespread adoption of single-channel hybrid e-tongues in analytical applications, advancing how we perceive and understand taste.

Effect of short-term fasting on the cisplatin activity in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line HN5 and chemotherapy side effects

BackgroundKetogenic interventions like short-term fasting show potential as complementary therapies to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for cancer. However, the specific effects of fasting on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells and healthy oral mucosa cells during these treatments are not well understood. This study investigates whether short-term fasting can differentially impact HNSCC cell survival and viability compared to healthy keratinocytes while undergoing standard chemotherapy regimens.MethodsThis study investigated the effects of fasting on cell viability in HN5 cell line and healthy oral keratinocyte cells. The HN5 cell line, derived from human tongue squamous cell carcinoma, and primary human keratinocytes isolated from the basal layer of gingival epithelium were divided into three groups: (1) control, (2) treated with the standard chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, and (3) treated with cisplatin under fasting conditions achieved through 48-hour glucose restriction mimicking the blood glucose levels of fasted individuals. Cell proliferation was assessed at 48 and 72 h using the MTT assay, a colorimetric method based on mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. Flow cytometry analysis with specific apoptosis and necrosis markers distinguished between early and late apoptotic, necrotic, and viable cells.ResultsCell viability in HN5 and healthy keratinocyte cells decreased in cisplatin with low glucose groups compared to cisplatin and control groups. The same results were observed for healthy keratinocyte cells; only a decrease in cell viability in cisplatin groups compared to control groups was observed, which was not statistically significant. Cell apoptosis in HN5 and healthy keratinocyte cells increased in cisplatin with low glucose groups compared to cisplatin and control groups. In healthy keratinocyte cells, the cisplatin with low glucose group showed an impressive increase in necrosis, late apoptosis, and early apoptosis and a significant decrease in live cells compared with other groups.ConclusionThis study revealed that short-term fasting chemotherapy significantly improved HNSCC cell line apoptosis and necrosis.

Construction and validation of clinical prediction model of tongue base collapse under drug-induced sleep endoscopy in OSA patients

Objective: To analyze the correlation between drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), results, polysomnography (PSG) indicators, and clinical parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to establish and validate a predictive model for tongue base plane obstruction. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 117 OSA patients diagnosed via PSG and treated at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, between October 2014 and March 2022. The cohort comprised of 114 males and 3 females, with an age range of 20 to 54 years (mean age 38.1±8.4 years). Data on DISE results, PSG results, and clinical indicators were collected for all 117 patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify relevant indicators, and a predictive model for tongue base plane obstruction was constructed and internally validated using the R programming language. Results: Univariate logistic regression analysis identified four independent risk factors for predicting tongue root plane obstruction: tonsil grading, N2, N3, and rapid eye movement sleep(REM) stage [OR:0.412(0.260~0.652),1.045(1.012~1.079),0.943(0.903~0.984),0.961(0.925~0.998),P <0.05]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed tonsil grading and N3 sleep stage (12.48±12.22%) as significant predictors. A nomogram model incorporating these factors demonstrated good predictive performance, with an area under curve(AUC) of 0.82 (95%CI: 0.548-1.000), an optimal cutoff of 0.519, a specificity of 80.0%, and a sensitivity of 86.7%. Internal validation of the model in the validation cohort yielded an AUC of 0.751 (95%CI: 0.625-0.876). Conclusions: Tongue base plane obstruction observed during DISE in OSA patients is associated with tonsil grading and N3 sleep stage duration. The predictive model developed for tongue base plane obstruction based on DISE demonstrates good efficacy, as evidenced by its internal validation.

Comparative Quantification of Fungiform Papillae Density and Taste Perception in Anemic and Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study.

Background Taste perception is crucial for dietary choices, nutrition, and overall health. The human tongue, particularly the fungiform papillae, plays a significant role in taste sensation, especially for sweet and umami flavors. Anemia, a common condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels, can affect sensory perception, including taste. Recent research has begun to explore the relationship between fungiform papillae density and taste perception in individuals with anemia. Objective This study aimed to investigate the comparative quantification of fungiform papillae density and its correlation with taste perception in anemic and healthy individuals, with the goal of understanding the underlying mechanisms linking anemia to taste disturbances. Methods A total of 100 adults (50 anemic and 50 healthy controls) aged 18-65 participated in the study. Demographic data, dietary habits, and medical history were collected. Taste perception was assessed using a taste strip test and psychophysical scaling methods, including magnitude estimation and the method of constant stimuli. Fungiform papillae density was quantified using high-resolution images of the tongue. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and correlation analyses, were conducted to compare the groups and explore relationships between hemoglobin levels, papillae density, and taste perception. Results The study found that anemic individuals had a slightly lower mean fungiform papillae density (49 papillae per square centimeter) compared to healthy controls (57 papillae per square centimeter). In the taste strip test, anemic participants showed reduced accuracy in taste perception, particularly for bitter flavors. However, psychophysical scaling results, as measured by magnitude estimation, revealed no statistically significant difference in subjective taste intensity between the anemic and healthy control groups (p=0.8666). Conclusion The study suggests that while anemic individuals may exhibit reduced fungiform papillae density and altered taste perception, particularly for bitter flavors, the overall subjective perception of taste intensity does not significantly differ from that of healthy controls. These findings contribute to the understanding of taste disturbances in anemia and may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for managing taste disorders in affected individuals.

Vowel harmony preferences in infants growing up in multilingual Ghana (Africa).

Infants' preference for vowel harmony (VH, a phonotactic constraint that requires vowels in a word to be featurally similar) is thought to be language-specific: Monolingual infants learning VH languages show a listening preference for VH patterns by 6 months of age, while those learning non-VH languages do not (Gonzalez-Gomez et al., 2019; Van Kampen et al., 2008). We investigated sensitivity to advanced tongue root (ATR) harmony in Akan (Kwa, Niger-Congo) in 40 six-month-old multilingual infants (21 girls) in Ghana, West Africa (an understudied population), all learning Akan, Ghanaian English, and most of them several other understudied African languages (e.g., Ga, Ewe). We hypothesized that infants learning both ATR harmony and nonharmony languages would demonstrate sensitivity to ATR harmony. Using the central fixation procedure, infants were presented with disyllabic nonwords that were either harmonic (e.g., puti) or nonharmonic (e.g., petɔ) based on their ATR features. Infants demonstrated sensitivity to ATR harmony with a familiarity preference, listening longer to harmonic syllable sequences than nonharmonic ones. The relative amount of exposure to (an) ATR harmony language(s) did not modulate the preference. These results shed light on our understanding of early multilingualism: they suggest that early sensitivity to VH in multilinguals may be similar to monolingual infants learning other types of VH, irrespective of simultaneous experience with non-VH languages. We conclude with reflections on studying infant language acquisition in multilingual Africa. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The use of thyroid flap for preserving laryngeal function in laryngeal cancer.

Preserving laryngeal function after partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer is an important consideration. Therefore, we examined the use of thyroid flaps for this purpose. We analyzed 21 patients who underwent thyroid flap reconstruction after partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2010 to January 2020. All patients were male and aged 51-64 years. Seventeen patients underwent modified tracheocricohyoidoepiglottopexy, and the remaining four patients underwent modified cricohyoidopexy. The thyroid flap was pedicled from the superior thyroid blood vessels. In the modified tracheocricohyoidoepiglottopexy, the flap was turned to cover the area between the tracheal ring and epiglottis to reconstruct the anterior wall of the cricoid cartilage, whereas in the modified cricohyoidopexy, it was turned over between the cricoid cartilage and tongue root to reduce anastomotic tension. A total of seven patients underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy after surgery. Thyroid flap reconstruction was successfully performed in all patients. The postoperative hospitalization time was 9-21 days, the postoperative nasal feeding time was 18-47 days, and the tracheotomy tube was removed 30-160 days after surgery. No laryngeal stenosis, flap necrosis, bleeding complication, or dysfunction of the thyroid and parathyroid glands was observed after surgery. Two patients experienced wound infections about 1 week after discharge and were admitted again for antibiotic treatment. After dressing and compressing the neck wound, the patients were discharged. Three patients experienced local tumor recurrence after surgery, two of whom did not receive radiotherapy and chemotherapy after modified tracheocricohyoidoepiglottopexy. No patients had distant metastasis after surgery. Thyroid flaps have significant application value in the reconstruction of the laryngeal cavity after partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. It has high safety and feasibility, convenient surgical procedure, and satisfactory postoperative outcomes.