MMP-9 activation by tumor trypsin-2 enhances in vivo invasion of human tongue carcinoma cells

Various human cancer cells express tumor-associated trypsinogen-2 (TAT-2), which can efficiently activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in vitro. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are particularly associated with the invasive malignant potential of several tumors. To investigate the role of TAT-2 in tumor invasion, we overexpressed TAT-2 in two malignant human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines of tongue and in non-malignant human papilloma virus transformed gingival keratinocytes. The TAT-2 overexpression significantly increased the levels of active MMP-9 in the most malignant cell line. TAT-2-transfected cells intravasated (invaded blood vessels) up to 60% more efficiently than did the control cells in an in vivo chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane invasion model. This increased intravasation was almost completely abolished by a specific tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI). These results indicate that TAT-2 has a role in the invasive growth of tumors, either alone or in cascade with gelatinases, especially by generating active MMP-9.     

Correction of maxillary atrophy with onlay-plasty

Following tooth loss, augmentation of the extensively atrophized alveolar ridge of the maxilla may be necessary, in order to restore the masticatory function by the replacement of teeth anchored on implants. A number of bone augmentation methods are available for the acceptance of implants. The aim of the presented report is to summarize our experience relating to the use of free monocortical bone grafts originating from the hip (spina iliaca anterior superior) for purposes of onlay-plasty.     

Effects of low-intensity ultrasound on bone. Perspectives for dentistry?

Low-intensity ultrasound is frequently used for non-invasive diagnostic purposes. However, low intensity ultrasound can also be used as a therapeutical agent. It has been concluded from animal experiments that it significantly stimulates the growth of bone. In clinical trials an accelerated healing of fracture has been found. Future research has to define the role in dentistry and the final therapeutical value of low intensity ultrasound.     

Unusual vascular hamartoma of the hard palate. A case report

Hamartomas are tumour-like malformations usually present since birth or which may develop during puberty. Hamartomas are related to anatomical development errors. Hamartomas are rarely found in the head and neck district. The case of an unusual vascular hamartoma localised in the hard palate of a 50-year-old female with no significant medical or family history is reported. Surgical treatment was performed by means of an excisional biopsy.     

Möglichkeiten und Chancen der Gewebechiptechnologie bei Kopf-Hals-Tumoren

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) are malignant tumors with a poor prognosis and low long-term survival rates, even when using modern adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy forms in addition to surgery. For the clinical estimation of each tumor, it is necessary to define stage-dependent molecular and/or cellular parameters as it is known that OSCC develop along a multistep pathway including the loss of tumor suppressor genes and the amplification of oncogenes which result in changes in protein expression. In order to establish a reliable pattern of molecular and cellular biomarkers, a large number of tumor specimens from different stages of the disease need to be analysed. In this study, biopsies of a collective of 293 OSCC in different stages were screened with the novel technique of tissue chip microarrays by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). FISH-analysis was performed on the oncogene cyclin D1 and IHC-analysis on the proteins cyclin D1, p53, p16, cdk4, bcl2, mdm2 and rb. Tissue chip technology was shown to facilitate rapid screening for molecular and cellular alterations in different stages of OSCC and revealed reliable and reproducible results that may allow the definition of a multistep pathway model for tumor progression in OSCC.     

Die FAMI-Schraube für die temporäre intermaxillare Fixation

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the suitability of the FAMI screw (fixation and adaptation in mandibular injuries) for maxillomandibular fixation in the maxillofacial area in orthognathic and trauma surgery. This FAMI screw was used in 28 patients for maxillomandibular fixation with wiring or elastics. The screw is inserted into the labial or buccal surfaces of the alveolar process without predrilling. Adequate intermaxillary fixation with balanced occlusion was created intraoperatively in all patients. In comparison with conventional splinting methods, this technique was far less time-consuming. The use of the FAMI screw has the advantage of being quick and simple, particularly if only a brief period of maxillomandibular immobilization is planned. Furthermore, the risk to the surgeon of sustaining a puncture injury from wire ligatures is distinctly reduced. Screws can be removed without local anesthesia. The above-mentioned method is minimally traumatic, effective, timesaving, and hence inexpensive. It can be used for maxillomandibular immobilization in dentate as well as in edentulous patients.     

Fabrication of a craniofacial implant surgical and treatment planning guide

A procedure is described to fabricate a surgical guide to assist in the placement of craniofacial implants for prosthetic auricular rehabilitation. An impression is made of the defect, and a wax pattern of the missing ear is completed and evaluated on the patient. The definitive wax prosthesis is processed in acrylic resin. An occlusal maxillary splint is also fabricated. The occlusal splint and the acrylic resin ear are joined together using an extraoral acrylic resin bar. The resulting surgical guide provides proper orientation of the acrylic resin ear while remaining securely attached to the maxillary arch. This surgical guide can also be utilized for pretreatment radiographic examination.     

Preemptive rofecoxib and dexamethasone for prevention of pain and trismus following third molar surgery *

Objective The goal of this preliminary randomized prospective clinical trial was to compare the analgesic efficacy and the reduction in trismus of preoperative rofecoxib, intraoperative dexamethasone, and both rofecoxib and dexamethasone following third molar extraction surgery. Study design Thirty-five subjects requiring surgical removal of at least 1 partial bony impacted mandibular third molar were invited to participate in this double-blind and double-dummy placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned into 1 of 4 treatment groups: (1) placebo po preoperatively and placebo IV intraoperatively; (2) rofecoxib 50 mg po preoperatively and placebo IV intraoperatively; (3) placebo po preoperatively and dexamethasone10 mg IV intraoperatively; and (4) rofecoxib 50 mg po preoperatively and dexamethasone 10 mg IV intraoperatively. Subjects completed a diary assessing postoperative pain onset and intensity using categorical and visual analogue scales. Interincisal opening was assessed 1, 2, 3, and 7 days postoperatively using a Therabite ruler. Results This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 35 subjects. Two subjects did not meet the inclusion criteria and 4 did not return completed diaries. The mean age of the remaining 29 subjects (11 males, 18 females) was 22.8 years (+/- 0.6 year). The active treatments tended to delay the need for initial pain medication. When compared to other active treatments and to placebo, the combination of preoperative rofecoxib and intraoperative dexamethasone significantly reduced initial pain intensity ( P < .05). Baseline interincisal opening was 52.6 mm (+/- 6.2). The greatest decrease in interincisal opening was 43.3% for the placebo group at 24 hours. Preoperative rofecoxib alone showed a decrease in interincisal opening of 42.3% ( P = ns) at 24 hours. Intraoperative dexamethasone alone showed a decrease in the interincisal opening of 24.1% of baseline ( P < .05 vs placebo). The group receiving the combination of rofecoxib and dexamethasone showed a decrease in interincisal opening of 23.7% of baseline ( P < .05 vs placebo). Conclusions The results of this trial indicate that the use of intraoperative dexamethasone is an effective therapeutic strategy for limiting trismus following surgical removal of impacted third molars. The combination of preoperative rofecoxib 50 mg and intraoperative dexamethasone 10 mg was most effective in minimizing pain and trismus following third molar surgery.