Tunable theranostics: innovative strategies in combating oral cancer

Objective

This study aims to assess and compare the potential of advanced nano/micro delivery systems, including quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, magnetic nanoparticles, dendrimers, and microneedles, as theranostic platforms for oral cancer. Furthermore, we seek to evaluate their respective advantages and disadvantages over the past decade.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed using Google Scholar and PubMed, with a focus on articles published between 2013 and 2023. Search queries included the specific advanced delivery system as the primary term, followed by oral cancer as the secondary term (e.g., "quantum dots AND oral cancer," etc.).

Results

The advanced delivery platforms exhibited notable diagnostic and therapeutic advantages when compared to conventional techniques or control groups. These benefits encompassed improved tumor detection and visualization, enhanced precision in targeting tumors with reduced harm to neighboring tissues, and improved drug solubility and distribution, leading to enhanced drug absorption and tumor uptake.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that advanced nano/micro delivery platforms hold promise for addressing numerous challenges associated with chemotherapy. By enabling precise targeting of cancerous cells, these platforms have the potential to mitigate adverse effects on surrounding healthy tissues, thus encouraging the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.

Dynamic Cyclic Fatigue and Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis of R-Motion

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance of an R-Motion file at simulated body temperature and document corresponding phase transformations compared to OneCurve and HyFlex EDM (HFEDM).

METHODS

R-Motion (25/.06), OneCurve (25/.06), and HFEDM (25/.06) files were selected and divided into 3 groups (n = 9) according to the file type. Dynamic cyclic fatigue testing was done with a custom-made artificial stainless-steel canal that had a 90° angle of curvature and a 5-mm radius of curvature. Files were operated continuously at body temperature until fracture in the artificial canal. The time to fracture was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed, and significance was set at 5%. Phase transformation temperatures for 2 instruments of each group were analysed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis.

RESULTS

The highest mean time to fracture value was measured in the HFEDM group (277.84 ± 2.51), followed by the R-Motion group (115.09 ± 0.01), whilst the lowest value was found in the OneCurve group (44.28 ± 3.63). Post hoc pairwise comparisons were all statistically significant (P < .001). DSC heating curves show austinite start temperatures to be 33.94 °C and 43.32 °C and austinite finish temperatures to be 35.09 °C and 50 °C for R-Motion and HFEDM, respectively. DSC cooling curves show martensite start temperatures to be 27.54 °C and 44.52 °C and martensite finish temperatures to be 29.13 °C and 37.68 °C for R-Motion and HFEDM, respectively. DSC curves of OneCurve failed to demonstrate transformation temperatures within the tested heat range.

CONCLUSIONS

Crystalline arrangement of Ni and Ti atoms within the NiTi alloys greatly affects the dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance of the file.

Mild Campomelic Dysplasia: Report on a Case and Review

We report on a 10.5-year-old girl with a mild form of campomelic dysplasia. She presented with short stature of prenatal onset, dysmorphic facial features, limitation of supination and pronation of the forearms, dysplastic nails, and bone abnormalities consisting especially of cone-shaped epiphyses of the middle phalanx of the 2nd fingers, brachydactyly and clinodactyly of the middle phalanx of both 5th fingers, short 4th metacarpals, radial and femoral head subluxation, hypoplastic scapulae, humeral and ulnar epiphyseal abnormalities, unossified symphysis pubis, and a significant delay in bone age. Molecular analysis of the SOX9 gene revealed the presence of a de novo missense mutation: p.P170L (c.509C>T). Mild and surviving cases of campomelic dysplasia are reviewed.

Congenital segmental dilatation of the small bowel (CSD)

Congenital segmental dilatation (CSD) is a rare pathology of unknown etiology, usually with early-onset presentation in the neonatal age. We present a case of CSD of the jejunum of a 9-year-old boy with severe malnutrition. Its clinical, radiological and histological features are similar to those described in the literature but the remarkable aspect of this case lies in its late presentation.

[Liver transplantation in infants and children. Evaluation of the first 40 cases (March 1991-March 1997)]

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of end-stage liver disease in children. We report our experience with LT using grafts from living related (LRD) and cadaver donors (CD).

POPULATION

From March 1991 to March 1997, 40 children and infants received a total of 42 liver grafts. A reduced-size liver was used in 28 cases. We studied pre-transplantation status, survival rate, and medical and surgical complications in these patients.

RESULTS

The survival rate in our series was respectively 85 and 80% at 1 and 7 years after LT. Low weight infants required a prolonged ventilatory assistance. Five of the six deaths noticed during the first three months after LT occurred in children weighing less than 12 kg. One year after LT, no significant difference in the incidence of rejection was found, neither between low-weight children and the others, nor between patients transplanted from CD or LRD. Biliary tract stricture was the major surgical complication.

CONCLUSION

This series consisted of a majority of low-weight children. The survival rate in the patients weighting less than 12 kg is lower than in the others. This may be explained by the nutritional status of these patients and early postsurgical complications. The use of grafts from living donors offers more flexibility since the operation is performed electively, but it did not seem to modify the incidence of acute rejections and surgical complications.