Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism by which Filifactor alocis (F. alocis) regulates neutrophil infiltration and exacerbates experimental periodontitis. Methods A F. alocis infection model was established in neutrophils. Neutrophil cytotoxicity under F. alocis stimulation was assessed using CCK-8 assay. RT-qPCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of neutrophil chemokines (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL8, CXCL16) and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). CXCL3 secretion levels were measured using ELISA. The expression of CXCL3 in neutrophils was detected by cellular immunofluorescence. Chemotaxis was measured using Transwell assays. A mouse model of F. alocis-induced periodontitis was established by silk ligation around bilateral maxillary second molars combined with oral smearing of F. alocis. CXCL3 neutralizing antibody was administered by gingival injection. Alveolar bone destruction was assessed using Micro-CT, and the infiltration of lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G (Ly-6G)-positive neutrophils in periodontal tissues was detected by tissue immunofluorescence staining. Results F. alocis exhibited minimal cytotoxic effects on neutrophils at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10 within a 6-hour co-culture period. F. alocis upregulated the mRNA expression of CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL8, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, while downregulating CCL2 expression, thereby enhancing neutrophil chemotaxis and inflammatory cytokine release. In vivo, F. alocis aggravated alveolar bone destruction and neutrophil infiltration in the periodontal tissues of periodontitis model mice. Notably, administration of a CXCL3-neutralizing antibody effectively suppressed this inflammatory process. Conclusion F. alocis promotes neutrophil recruitment into periodontal tissues via CXCL3, exacerbating alveolar bone destruction and tissue inflammation in periodontitis. These findings identify CXCL3 as a key chemokine mediating F. alocis pathogenicity and a potential therapeutic target.

Objective To investigate the effects of triptolide on the secretion of inflammatory factors and alveolar bone resorption in rats with Fusobacterium nucleatum-related periodontitis, as well as its underlying mechanism. Methods Eighteen 6-week-old male SD rats were selected for periodontal ligation and randomly divided into three groups based on whether they were infected with Fusobacterium nucleatum and received triptolide gingival sulcus injection: The simple periodontal ligation control group (LC group), the periodontal ligation + Fusobacterium nucleatum group (FN group), and the periodontal ligation + Fusobacterium nucleatum + 30 μg/kg triptolide group (TPL group). The levels of liver and kidney function indicators in serum, including creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), were measured. The sulcus bleeding index (SBI) and probing depth (PD) of the upper left first molar in rats were recorded. Micro-CT was used to analyze the degree of alveolar bone resorption. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to evaluate the inflammatory status of gingival tissue. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OPG). Alizarin red S staining and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were used to detect the precentage of alizarin red S-positive area and the number of osteoclasts in alveolar bone tissue, respectively. Results Gingival sulcus injection of 30 μg/kg triptolide had no significant impact on liver and kidney function-related indicators in rats. Compared with the LC group, the inflammatory response of periodontitis in the FN group was significantly aggravated, with significantly increased SBI, PD, the number of inflammatory cells and osteoclasts, the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar bone crest (ABC) (CEJ-ABC), and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and RANKL in gingival tissue (P<0.05). In contrast, the bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) of alveolar bone, the level of OPG in gingival tissue, and the percentage of alizarin red S-positive area were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the FN group, the TPL group exhibited reduced gingival inflammation, with significantly decreased SBI, PD, CEJ-ABC of alveolar bone, the number of inflammatory cells and osteoclasts, and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and RANKL in gingival tissue (P<0.05). Conversely, the BMD and Tb.Th of alveolar bone, the level of OPG in gingival tissue, and the percentage of alizarin red S-positive area were significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion Triptolide alleviates the inflammatory response in periodontal tissues and reduces alveolar bone resorption in rats with Fusobacterium nucleatum-related periodontitis by inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and the formation of osteoclasts.

Objective To investigate the expression changes of the lysosomal protein transmembrane 5(LAPTM5) in periodontitis tissues, analyze its correlation with the level of macrophage infiltration, and explore the clinical significance of this correlation in the occurrence and development of periodontitis. Methods GEO datasets(GSE16134, GSE171213) were integrated for differential gene expression analysis, functional enrichment, immune infiltration profiling, and WGCNA to identify core genes, combined with single-cell data for cellular localization. Gingival tissue samples from 53 periodontitis patients and 5 healthy controls were collected, and immunohistochemistry was performed to validate the correlation between the target gene and macrophage infiltration as well as inflammation. Results The leukocyte migration pathway was most significantly enriched in periodontitis group (P=7.27×10^-6), and its activity was positively correlated with pro-inflammatory immune cell infiltration. LAPTM5 was identified as the core gene of this pathway, showing upregulated expression in periodontitis tissues, and positively correlated with disease severity. Single-cell RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the localization of LAPTM5 in macrophages. Clinical validation revealed that the proportion of CD68⁺ macrophages was significantly positively correlated with IL-6(P<0.001) and LAPTM5(P<0.001) expression levels, suggesting that LAPTM5 expression level is positively correlated with the severity of periodontitis. Conclusion As a core gene of the leukocyte migration pathway, LAPTM5 may participate in periodontitis progression by regulating macrophage function and represents a potential immunotherapeutic target.

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of OMV@FeS against oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC). Methods Escherichia coli-derived outer membrane vesicle (OMV) was extracted using ultracentrifugation and co-precipitated with FeS to form OMV@FeS. The morphology, average particle size, Zeta potential, and elemental composition of OMV@FeS were characterized. Photothermal performance under 808 nm laser irradiation was assessed. Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential changes were detected using DCFH-DA and JC-1 probes respectively on squamous cell carcinoma(SCC-7) cells. The synergistic cytotoxicity of OMV@FeS combined with laser irradiation was evaluated through CCK-8 and Calcein-AM/PI dual staining, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to evaluate the induction of tumor-associated macrophage polarization and maturation of undifferentiated dendritic cells. A subcutaneous xenograft model of SCC-7 was developed to systematically evaluate the antitumor efficacy and biosafety of OMV@FeS. Results Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) analysis confirmed that FeS was uniformly distributed within OMV vesicles to form OMV@FeS. Under near-infrared laser (808 nm) irradiation, the temperature of the OMV@FeS system (>100 μg/mL) could exceed 55 ℃, meeting the tumor ablation temperature required for photothermal therapy. The photothermal conversion rate was 58.7%, demonstrating excellent photothermal performance and stability. When combined with OMV@FeS under laser irradiation, significant ROS generation and a marked decrease in JC-1 fluorescence-labeled mitochondrial membrane potential were observed within SCC-7 cells. Calcein-AM/PI dual staining and CCK-8 assays revealed that the combination of OMV@FeS with a near-infrared laser exhibited significant synergistic cytotoxic effects against SCC-7 cells. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that OMV@FeS effectively induced the polarization of M2 macrophages toward the M1 phenotype. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis of CD80 and CD86 demonstrated that OMV@FeS combined with near-infrared laser irradiation significantly promoted the maturation of dendritic cells. The tumor-inhibiting effect of OMV@FeS under laser intervention was highly significant in SCC-7 tumor-bearing mice, as evidenced by a continuous reduction in tumor volume. HE staining demonstrated significant apoptotic or necrotic features in tumor cells, further validating the efficacy of this combined therapy strategy in vivo. Conclusion OMV@FeS exhibits synergistic effects of photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy under near-infrared laser irradiation, realizing combined enhancement of physical therapy and biological immunotherapy, thereby exerting a positive therapeutic effect on OSCC.

Objective To improve the surface bioactivity of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) by constructing a polydopamine (PDA)-mediated recombinant humanized type Ⅲ collagen coating. Methods A composite coating was fabricated using a two-step immersion method. Briefly, PEEK substrates were first immersed in a dopamine (DA) solution to form an in situ self-polymerized PDA intermediate layer (PDA-PEEK), followed by immersion in a recombinant humanized type Ⅲ collagen solution to obtain Col-PEEK. Surface characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Human jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hjBMMSCs) were used as a model. Cells were cultured either with complete medium (Control group) or with material extracts (PEEK, PDA-PEEK, and Col-PEEK groups), and cell proliferation was then evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Cell adhesion morphology was observed microscopically. Osteogenic differentiation and mineralization were assessed by quantitative alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity analysis and semi-quantitative alizarin red S (ARS) staining. The expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes were determined by RT-qPCR. Results SEM observations revealed that the coating was uniformly distributed without altering the microstructure of the substrate. The water contact angle of Col-PEEK was significantly reduced (P<0.05), indicating markedly improved hydrophilicity. FTIR and XPS analyses confirmed the successful immobilization of type Ⅲ collagen onto the PDA layer. CCK-8 assays demonstrated that the modified materials exhibited no cytotoxicity. Cells cultured on Col-PEEK displayed enhanced spreading and more filopodia formation. ALP activity and calcium nodule deposition were significantly increased(P<0.05), accompanied by a marked upregulation of key osteogenic gene expression(P<0.05). Conclusion The PDA-mediated recombinant humanized type Ⅲ collagen composite coating significantly enhances the hydrophilicity, cell adhesion, and osteoinductive activity of PEEK surfaces. This modification strategy provides a novel surface modification approach and experimental evidence for the clinical translation of PEEK in oral implantation and maxillofacial bone regeneration.

Objective To investigate the biomechanical effects of internal friction angles during crown sectioning on surrounding tissues in horizontally low-positioned impacted third molars through three-dimensional finite element analysis, and establish quantitative operational criteria for precise crown division. Methods Utilizing CBCT data, a three-dimensional finite element model incorporating the impacted tooth (M3M), adjacent tooth (M2M), periodontal ligament, cortical/trabecular bone, and inferior alveolar nerve canal was constructed. Four experimental groups with distinct internal friction angles (50°/60°/75°/90°) were established to simulate crown sectioning under 35 N vertical loading. The tooth fracture efficiency and stress/displacement responses in adjacent teeth, jawbone, and neural structures were systematically evaluated. Results Using enamel’s maximum yield strength as the stress threshold, fracture efficiency was quantified through stress concentration factor (SCF) analysis. The 60° group demonstrated 139.57% greater stress concentration effect compared to conventional 90° group, indicating enhanced fracture efficiency. The 50° group exhibited incomplete fractures due to stress interruption. For adjacent tooth protection, the 75° and 60° groups reduced M2M periodontal ligament stress by 16.7% versus the 90° group. Fracture risk assessment revealed lingual bone plate stress in the 50° group approached mandibular yield thresholds. The 60° group showed minimal neural canal stress among tested angles. Conclusion Optimal internal friction angles (60°, 75°) during crown sectioning of horizontally impacted third molars effectively balance fracture efficiency with tissue preservation. Excessive reduction in friction angle (50°) causes uneven stress distribution and compromised fracture outcomes. Surgical protocols should emphasize lingual bone plate protection to prevent neurovascular damage.

Objective To analyze the dento-maxillofacial features of adolescents with congenital absence of lower incisor teeth, and explore the influence of lower incisor absence on dento-maxillofacial morphology. Methods A total of 60 control samples and 114 samples with missing teeth(missing 1 tooth: 69; missing 2 teeth: 45)were included in the study. By means of cephalometric imaging analysis on the lateral cephalic radiography, the differences in the dento-maxillofacial features between the normal population and teenagers with lower incisor missing teeth were compared, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results Compared with control group, SNB, ANB, FMA, Po-NB and SGn-FH were significantly different in bone tissue measurement(P<0.05). In tooth measurement, L1-NB angle, L1-NB distance and L1-MP angle were significantly reduced(P<0.05). LL-EP, FH-N'Pog' and N'-Sn-Pog' were significantly different in soft tissue measurements(P<0.05). Conclusion The congenital absence of lower incisor teeth in adolescents is mostly manifested as Class Ⅱ skeletal pattern, and most of thempresented with mandibular underdevelopment including the vertical and sagittal directions. However, the chin has compensatory growth. The lingual inclination of the incisor axis is obvious in the missing teeth group, and the lingual inclination of the incisor is more obvious in the patients with 2 missing incisor teeth. In addition, the chin soft tissue is well developed, but the lower lip is relatively retracted.

This article reports a case of early implant placement combined with soft tissue augmentation for a defect in the esthetic zone. During the surgery, an autonomous dental implant robot (Yake Intelligence, Beijing, China) assisted with implant placement, and guided bone regeneration (GBR) was performed to repair the bone defect. In the second-stage surgery, a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) was performed to improve the soft tissue contour. A three-year postoperative follow-up showed good osseointegration around the implant, with the labial bone plate thickness maintained at 2.95 mm. The pink esthetic score (PES) was 12, the white esthetic score (WES) was 9, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) was 90. The restoration exhibited a harmonious shape, stable soft tissues, and satisfactory esthetic results. This case demonstrates that autonomous robot-assisted implant placement combined with soft tissue augmentation techniques can achieve long-term stability and favorable esthetic results for implant placement in the esthetic zone.

Objective To investigate the application effectiveness of a mind map-assisted problem-based learning (PBL) teaching method in the clinical teaching of undergraduate medical students in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Methods A total of 48 undergraduate stomatology students undergoing clinical clerkship in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Shanghai Tongji Stomatological Hospital between July 2024 and May 2025 were enrolled as subjects. They were randomly assigned to either a control group or a teaching reform group. Using the chapter Oral and Maxillofacial Tumors as the teaching content, the control group received traditional lecture-based learning (LBL), while the teaching reform group received mind map-assisted PBL. The first mini-clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) assessment was conducted during the second week of the clerkship, evaluating seven indicators: history taking, physical examination, humanistic care and doctor-patient communication, clinical interpretation, procedural skills, medical documentation, and overall competence. Theoretical knowledge assessment and the second Mini-CEX assessment were performed during the eighth week. The survey on teaching satisfaction was conducted in the teaching reform group. Results The theoretical test scores for the Oral and Maxillofacial Tumors chapter were significantly higher in the teaching reform group compared to the control group (P<0.001). In the first Mini-CEX assessment, the teaching reform group scored significantly higher than the control group in history taking (P=0.021); no significant differences were observed between the two groups for the remaining assessment items. In the second Mini-CEX assessment, the teaching reform group scored significantly higher than the control group in five items: history taking, physical examination, humanistic care and doctor-patient communication, medical documentation, and overall competence (P<0.05). A Mini-CEX score of 7 to 9 is considered excellent. The rate of excellence was also significantly higher in the teaching reform group. 91.30% (21/23) of the medical students believed that this teaching method was helpful in enhancing their clinical operation skills and improving their learning efficiency. Conclusion The mind map-assisted PBL teaching method optimizes knowledge structure, significantly enhances students’ learning motivation, and improves their clinical reasoning and operational skills. It is worthy of promotion and application in the clinical teaching of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma(ACC)is a common malignant tumor encountered in oral and maxillofacial surgery, characterized by its aggressive nature, frequent recurrence, and distant metastasis, posing significant challenges in clinical treatment. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway stands as a crucial intracellular signaling cascade, involved in regulating various biological processes such as cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, and migration. Studies have revealed the abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in ACC, which not only promotes tumor cell proliferation and invasion but also closely correlates with drug resistance and poor prognosis. Furthermore, targeted therapies against the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway have demonstrated potential efficacy in preclinical studies on ACC, offering new avenues for improving patient outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive review of the regulatory mechanisms, biological functions, and interactions with other signaling pathways of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade in ACC. It aims to offer insights and references for future in-depth understanding of ACC pathophysiology and the development of novel drugs and therapeutic approaches.

Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion(MARPE), a transformative approach for adult maxillary transverse deficiency, is increasingly superseding conventional palatal expansion. While MARPE boasts robust evidence in biomechanical efficacy and clinicaloutcomes, its seamless integration with AI-driven digital diagnostic systems remains under-explored. This study converges biomechanical analysis, clinical evaluation, and novel device design to pioneer synergistic applications of 3D imaging and AI technologies. By advancing data-driven protocols for customized force delivery and skeletal adaptation, this work aims to establish a scientific foundation for precision orthodontic correction, propelling the evolution of personalized and digitized treatment paradigms.