Complication rates after direct anterior vs posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty in elderly individuals with femoral neck fractures

BACKGROUND Dislocation rates after hemiarthroplasty reportedly vary from 1%to 17%.This serious complication is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates.Approaches to this surgery are still debated,with no consensus regarding the superiority of any single approach.AIM To compare early postoperative complications after implementing the direct anterior and posterior approaches(PL)for hip hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures.METHODS This is a comparative,retrospective,single-center cohort study conducted at a university hospital.Between March 2008 and December 2018,273 patients(a total of 280 hips)underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasties(n=280)for displaced femoral neck fractures using either the PL(n=171)or the minimally invasive direct anterior approach(DAA)(n=109).The choice of approach was related to the surgeons’practices;the implant types were similar and unrelated to the approach.Dislocation rates and other complications were reviewed after a minimum followup of 6 mo.RESULTS Both treatment groups had similarly aged patients(mean age:82 years),sex ratios,patient body mass indexes,and patient comorbidities.Surgical data(surgery delay time,operative time,and blood loss volume)did not differ significantly between the groups.The 30 d mortality rate was higher in the PL group(9.9%)than in the DAA group(3.7%),but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.052).Among the one-month survivors,a significantly higher rate of dislocation was observed in the PL group(14/154;9.1%)than in the DAA group(0/105;0%)(P=0.002).Of the 14 patients with dislocation,8 underwent revision surgery for recurrent instability(posterior group),and one of them had 2 additional procedures due to a deep infection.The rate of other complications(e.g.,perioperative and early postoperative periprosthetic fractures and infection-related complications)did not differ significantly between the groups.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the DAA to bipolar hemiarthroplasty for patients with femoral neck fractures is associated with a lower dislocation rate(<1%)than the PL.

Engineering The Neck Hinge Reshapes The Processive Movement of Kinesin-3

Objective In kinesin-3,the neck coil correlates with the following segments to form an extended neck that contains a characteristic hinge diverse from a proline in KIF13B to a long flexible linker in KIF1A.The function of this neck hinge for controlling processive movement,however,remains unclear.Methods We made a series of modifications to the neck hinges of KIF13B and KIF1A and tested their movement using a single-molecule motility assay.Results In KIF13B,the insertion of flexible residues before or after the proline differentially impacts the processivity or velocity,while the removal of this proline increases the both.In KIF1A,the deletion of entire flexible neck hinge merely enhances the processivity.The engineering of these hinge-truncated necks of kinesin-3 into kinesin-1 similarly boosts the processive movement of kinesin-1.Conclusion The neck hinge in kinesin-3 controls its processive movement and proper modifications tune the motor motility,which provides a novel strategy to reshape the processive movement of kinesin motors.

Summarizing the evidence for robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction: Systematic review of patency and incontinence outcomes

Objective:Bladder neck contracture and vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis are difficult to manage endoscopically,and open repair is associated with high rates of incontinence.In recent years,there have been increasing reports of robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction in the literature.However,existing studies are small,heterogeneous case series.The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction to better evaluate patency and incontinence outcomes.Methods:We performed a systematic review of PubMed from first available date to May 2023 for all studies evaluating robotic-assisted reconstructive surgery of the bladder neck in adult men.Articles in non-English,author replies,editorials,pediatric-based studies,and reviews were excluded.Outcomes of interest were patency and incontinence rates,which were pooled when appropriate.Results:After identifying 158 articles on initial search,we included only ten studies that fit all aforementioned criteria for robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction.All were case series published from March 2018 to March 2022 ranging from six to 32 men,with the median follow-up of 5e23 months.A total of 119 patients were included in our analysis.A variety of etiologies and surgical techniques were described.Patency rates ranged from 50%to 100%,and pooled patency was 80%(95/119).De novo incontinence rates ranged from 0%to 33%,and pooled incontinence was 17%(8/47).Our findings were limited by small sample sizes,relatively short follow-ups,and heterogeneity between studies.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as a prognostic biomarker in multiple tumors and its therapeutic potential in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background:Fibroblast activation protein(FAP),a cell surface serine protease,plays roles in tumor invasion and immune regulation.However,there is currently no pan-cancer analysis of FAP.Objective:We aimed to assess the pan-cancer expression profile of FAP,its molecular function,and its potential role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSC).Methods:We analyzed gene expression,survival status,immune infiltration,and molecular functional pathways of FAP in The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Genotype Tissue Expression(GTEx)tumors.Furthermore,to elucidate the role of FAP in HNSC,we performed proliferation,migration,and invasion assays post-FAP overexpression or knock-down.Results:FAP expression was elevated in nine tumor types and was associated with poor survival in eight of them.In the context of immune infiltration,FAP expression negatively correlated with CD8+T-cell infiltration infive tumor types and positively with regulatory T-cell infiltration in four tumor types.Our enrichment analysis highlighted FAP’s involvement in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.In HNSC cells,FAP overexpression activated the PI3K-Akt pathway,promoting tumor proliferation,migration,and invasion.Conversely,FAP knockdown showed inhibitory effects.Conclusion:Our study unveils the association of FAP with poor tumor prognosis across multiple cancers and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target in HNSC.

New perspectives on biology,disease progression,and therapy response of head and neck cancer gained from single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide.The main risk factors are consumption of tobacco products and alcohol,as well as infection with human papilloma virus.Approved therapeutic options comprise surgery,radiation,chemotherapy,targeted therapy through epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition,and immunotherapy,but outcome has remained unsatisfactory due to recurrence rates of~50%and the frequent occurrence of second primaries.The availability of the human genome sequence at the beginning of the millennium heralded the omics era,in which rapid technological progress has advanced our knowledge of the molecular biology of malignant diseases,including HNSCC,at an unprecedented pace.Initially,microarray-based methods,followed by approaches based on next-generation sequencing,were applied to study the genetics,epigenetics,and gene expression patterns of bulk tumors.More recently,the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNAseq)and spatial transcriptomics methods has facilitated the investigation of the heterogeneity between and within different cell populations in the tumor microenvironment(e.g.,cancer cells,fibroblasts,immune cells,endothelial cells),led to the discovery of novel cell types,and advanced the discovery of cell-cell communication within tumors.This review provides an overview of scRNAseq,spatial transcriptomics,and the associated bioinformatics methods,and summarizes how their application has promoted our understanding of the emergence,composition,progression,and therapy responsiveness of,and intercellular signaling within,HNSCC.

Deep neck infections mortal complications:Intrathoracic complications and necrotising fasciitis

BACKGROUND We planned this study considering that complications of deep neck infections can be seriously life threatening.AIM To raise awareness that introthoracic complications and necrotizing fasciitis are causes of serious mortality and morbidity.METHODS This study was carried out with the participation of 188 patients who were treated at Mersin University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at January 1,2024.When the patient files were retrospectively examined,16 of 188 patients(8.5%)were included in the study because they were observed to have necrotizing fasciitis and/or intrathoracic complications.RESULTS There were a total of 16 patients in this study,9 males(56.25%)and 7 females(43.75%).All patients were adults(>18 years)and the mean age was 50.37 years±15.37 years.Female patients had a mean age of 40.42 years±13.38 years,whereas for male patients was 58.11 years±12.44 years.CONCLUSION Patients with necrotizing fasciitis and/or intrathoracic complications require more complicated and serious surgeries,intensive care unit monitoring,and mechanical ventilator support.Higher rates of morbidity and mortality should be expected in Bal KK et al.Deep neck infections mortal complications WJCC https://www.wjgnet.com 6384 October 26,2024 Volume 12 Issue 30 these patients who are hospitalized for longer periods of time.

PPP1R14A is Associated with Immunotherapy Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Identified by Single-Cell and Bulk RNA-Sequencing

Objective To identify nivolumab resistance-related genes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)using single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data.Methods The single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed to screen out differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between nivolumab resistant and nivolumab sensitive patients using R software.The Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator(LASSO)regression and Recursive Feature Elimination(RFE)algorithm were performed to identify key genes associated with nivolumab resistance.Functional enrichment of DEGs was analyzed with Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses.The relationships of key genes with immune cell infiltration,differentation trajectory,dynamic gene expression profiles,and ligand-receptor interaction were explored.Results We found 83 DEGs.They were mainly enriched in T-cell differentiation,PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint,and T-cell receptor pathways.Among six key genes identified using machine learning algorithms,only PPP1R14A gene was differentially expressed between the nivolumab resistant and nivolumab sensitive groups both before and after immunotherapy(P<0.05).The high PPP1R14A gene expression group had lower immune score(P<0.01),higher expression of immunosuppressive factors(such as PDCD1,CTLA4,and PDCD1LG2)(r>0,P<0.05),lower differentiation of infiltrated immune cells(P<0.05),and a higher degree of interaction between HLA and CD4(P<0.05).Conclusions PPP1R14A gene is closely associated with resistance to nivolumab in HNSCC patients.Therefore,PPP1R14A may be a target to ameliorate nivolumab resistance of HNSCC patients.

Bipolar hip arthroplasty using conjoined tendon preserving posterior lateral approach in treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures

BACKGROUND Hip fractures account for 23.8%of all fractures in patients over the age of 75 years.More than half of these patients are older than 80 years.Bipolar hemiarthroplasty(BHA)was established as an effective management option for these patients.Various approaches can be used for the BHA procedure.However,there is a high risk of postoperative dislocation.The conjoined tendon-preserving posterior(CPP)lateral approach was introduced to reduce postoperative dislocation rates.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the CPP lateral approach for BHA in elderly patients.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed medical data from 80 patients with displaced femoral neck fractures who underwent BHA.The patients were followed up for at least 1 year.Among the 80 patients,57(71.3%)were female.The time to operation averaged 2.3 d(range:1-5 d).The mean age was 80.5 years(range:67-90 years),and the mean body mass index was 24.9 kg/m^(2)(range:17-36 kg/m^(2)).According to the Garden classification,42.5%of patients were typeⅢand 57.5%of patients were typeⅣ.Uncemented bipolar hip prostheses were used for all patients.Torn conjoined tendons,dislocations,and adverse complications during and after surgery were recorded.RESULTS The mean postoperative follow-up time was 15.3 months(range:12-18 months).The average surgery time was 52 min(range:40-70 min)with an average blood loss of 120 mL(range:80-320 mL).The transfusion rate was 10%(8 of 80 patients).The gemellus inferior was torn in 4 patients(5%),while it was difficult to identify in 2 patients(2.5%)during surgery.The posterior capsule was punctured by the fractured femoral neck in 3 patients,but the conjoined tendon and the piriformis tendon remained intact.No patients had stem varus greater than 3 degrees or femoral fracture.There were no patients with stem subsidence more than 5 mm at the last follow-up.No postoperative dislocations were observed throughout the follow-up period.No significance was found between preoperative and postoperative mean Health Service System scores(87.30±2.98 vs 86.10±6.10,t=1.89,P=0.063).CONCLUSION The CPP lateral approach can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative dislocation without increasing perioperative complications.For surgeons familiar with the posterior lateral approach,there is no need for additional surgical instruments,and it does not increase surgical difficulty.

Lateral femoral neck stress fractures: A case report

BACKGROUND Sport-induced injuries particularly affect young,healthy,and active individuals.Running,a popular and accessible sport,can cause a wide range of injuries,including stress fractures.Stress fractures can occur during high-intensity training or competitions,especially among well-trained amateurs and professional athletes.Adequate diagnosis can be complicated by the typically young age,unremarkable medical history,and vital condition of the patient.Stress fractures present insidiously,and this is specifically the case with stress fractures of the femoral neck.Timely intervention is crucial to prevent progressive displacement,as this can damage the blood supply to the femoral head.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old male runner presented to our outpatient clinic with persistent pain 3 weeks after running a marathon.X-ray showed a complete lateral fracture of the left femoral neck,which was treated surgically with a dynamic hip screw.CONCLUSION It is essential for healthcare providers to be vigilant for the subtle symptoms of stress fractures to ensure timely treatment.Early recognition prevents com-plication and leads to a better prognosis.

Direct anterior compared to posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty following femoral neck fractures

The differences in complication rates between the direct anterior and posterior approaches for hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures are not yet fully understood.Dislocation,a severe complication associated with increased mortality and often requiring additional surgery,may occur less frequently with the direct anterior approach compared to the posterior approach.Careful consideration of patient demographics is essential when planning the surgical approach.Future research in this area should focus on robust randomized controlled trials involving elderly patients recovering from femoral neck fractures.

Relationship between preoperative psychological stress and shortterm prognosis in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture

BACKGROUND Older adults are at high risk of femoral neck fractures(FNFs).Elderly patients face and adapt to significant psychological burdens,resulting in different degrees of psychological stress response.Total hip replacement is the preferred treatment for FNF in elderly patients;however,some patients have poor postoperative prognoses,and the underlying mechanism is unknown.We speculated that the postoperative prognosis of elderly patients with FNF may be related to preoperative psychological stress.AIM To explore the relationship between preoperative psychological stress and the short-term prognosis of elderly patients with FNF.METHODS In this retrospective analysis,the baseline data,preoperative 90-item Symptom Checklist score,and Harris score within 6 months of surgery of 120 elderly patients with FNF who underwent total hip arthroplasty were collected.We analyzed the indicators of poor short-term postoperative prognosis and the ability of the indicators to predict poor prognosis and compared the correlation between the indicators and the Harris score.RESULTS Anxiety,depression,garden classification of FNF,cause of fracture,FNF reduction quality,and length of hospital stay were independent influencing factors for poor short-term postoperative prognoses in elderly patients with FNF(P<0.05).The areas under the curve for anxiety,depression,and length of hospital stay were 0.742,0.854,and 0.749,respectively.The sensitivities of anxiety,depression,garden classification of FNF,and prediction of the cause of fracture were 0.857,0.786,0.821,and 0.821,respectively.The specificities of depression,FNF quality reduction,and length of hospital stay were the highest at 0.880,0.783,and 0.761,respectively.Anxiety,depression,and somatization scores correlated moderately with Harris scores(r=-0.523,-0.625,and-0.554;all P<0.001).CONCLUSION Preoperative anxiety,depression,and somatization are correlated with poor short-term prognosis in elderly patients with FNF and warrant consideration.

Treatment of a femoral neck fracture combined with ipsilateral femoral head and intertrochanteric fractures: A case report

BACKGROUND This article presents a rare case of a complex hip fracture involving the ipsilateral femoral neck,trochanter,and femoral head,that was accompanied by hip dislocation.Currently,there is no established standard treatment method for this specific type of fracture.Therefore,it is crucial to comprehensively consider factors such as patient age,fracture type,and degree of displacement to achieve a successful outcome.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old man sustained a comminuted fracture of his right hip as a result of a car accident.The injuries included a fracture of the femoral head,a fracture of the femoral neck,an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur,and a posterior dislocation of the hip on the same side.We opted for a treatment approach combining the use of a proximal femoral locking plate,cannulated screws,and Kirschner wires.Following the surgery,we developed an individualized rehabil-itation program to restore patient limb function.CONCLUSION For this complex fracture,we selected appropriate internal fixation and for-mulated individualized rehabilitation,which ultimately achieved good results.

Nanomaterials for refining tumor microenvironment and enhancing therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a review

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent and lethal solid tumor with a high mortality rate. Conventional cancertreatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, primarily target cancer cell eradication. However, uncontrolled proliferation and metabolic activities of these cells result in abnormalities in nutrient levels, hypoxia, and immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These factors constrain the efficacy of traditional treatments by promoting drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Nanomaterials (NMs), such as nanozymes, can exhibit enzymatic activity similar to that of natural enzymes and offer a promising avenuefor the direct modification of the TME through catalytic oxidation-reduction processes. Moreover, they can serve as sensitizers or drug deliverycarriers, enhancing the efficacy of traditional treatment methods. Recently, NMs have garnered significant attention from oncologists. Thisreview begins with an overview of the composition and unique characteristics of the TME. Subsequently, we comprehensively exploredthe application of NMs in the treatment of HNSCC. Finally, we discuss the potential prospects and challenges associated with usingNMs in biomedical research.

Classificatory updates in verrucous and cuniculatum carcinomas:Insights from the 5^(th) edition of WHO-IARC head and neck tumor classification

The International Agency for Research on Cancer(IARC)and World Health Organization(WHO)collaboratively produce the'WHO Blue Books'essential tools standardizing the diagnostic process for human cancers.Regular updates in this classification accommodate emerging molecular discoveries,advances in immunohistochemical techniques,and evolving clinical insights.The 5th edition of the WHO/IARC classification of head and neck tumors refines the'Oral Cavity and Mobile Tongue'chapter,including sections for non-neoplastic lesions,epithelial tumors,and tumors of uncertain histogenesis.Notably,the epithelial tumors section is rearranged by tumor behavior,starting with benign squamous papillomas and progressing through potentially malignant oral disorders to oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).The section on OSCC reflects recent information on epidemiology,pathogenesis,and histological prognostic factors.Noteworthy is the specific categorization of verrucous carcinoma(VC)and carcinoma cuniculatum(CC),both associated with the oral cavity and distinct in clinical and histologic characteristics.This classification adjustment emphasizes the oral cavity as their predominant site in the head and neck.Designating specific sections for VC and CC aims to provide comprehensive insights into these unique subtypes,elucidating their clinical features,distinct histological characteristics,prevalence,significance,and clinical relevance.By categorizing these subtypes into specific sections,the 5th edition of the WHO classification aims to provide a more nuanced and detailed account,enhancing our understanding of these specific variants within the broader spectrum of head and neck tumors.

Consolidation of a Femoral Neck Fracture in Sickle Cell Disease Patient after Surgical Abstention: A Beneficial and Favorable Outcome

Femoral neck fracture is classically a traumatic pathology in the elderly but it can also occur in young people during a road traffic accident or occasionally when the femoral neck has been weakened by a pathological process. In sickle cell patients, the hip is often subjected to aseptic necrosis. The authors report the case of the child NL, aged 5 years and 4 months in whom a fracture of the femoral neck classified Delbet 3 was found as well as his sickle cell status discovered and in whom treatment by surgical abstention was carried out with a favorable evolution. This association of factors of the femoral head necrosis or nonunion is unusual and confirms the osteogenetic potential of a child. However, monitoring is necessary because other anomalies may reveal themselves.

Effect of Mouth Opening Training Stick Combined with Oral Massage on Mouth Opening Difficulty in Head and Neck Cancer Patients after Treatment

Objective: To study the application effect of mouth-opening training sticks combined with oral massage on patients with mouth-opening difficulty after treatment for head and neck cancer. Methods: Using convenient sampling, 60 patients with mouth-opening difficulty after treatment for head and neck cancer admitted to the Oncology Department from February 2022 to October 2023 were selected for a 2-week exercise and nursing program. The patients were divided into a control group (February 1, 2022 to November 30, 2022) and an observation group (December 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023), with 30 patients in each group. The control group underwent routine mouth-opening functional exercises combined with cork for oral support training, while the observation group underwent routine mouth-opening functional exercises combined with oral massage and mouth-opening training sticks for oral support training. The mouth-opening degree, mouth-opening difficulty level, comfort level, compliance, and quality of life were observed in both groups. Results: Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in mouth-opening degree and mouth-opening difficulty level between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the mouth-opening degree, mouth-opening difficulty level, oral comfort level, compliance, and QLICP-HN scores in the observation group were all better than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of mouth-opening training sticks and oral massage with mouth-opening functional exercises can effectively improve the degree of mouth-opening difficulty, enhance oral comfort, increase compliance with mouth-opening exercises, and improve quality of life.

Epidemiology and Histopathology of Cancers of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract in the ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital

Introduction: Head and neck cancers represent a significant burden of cancer, collectively ranking fourth for cancer incidence and second for cancer mortality worldwide. Objective: To study the epidemiological and histopathological aspects of head and neck cancers in the ENT-CCF department of Ignace Deen National Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study covering a period of 5 years from September 1, 2016, to September 30, 2021. Results: We collected 43 cases of head and neck cancers, representing a hospital frequency of 1.85%. The mean age was 45.21 ± 13.23 years. Males predominated, accounting for 65.12%, compared to 34.88% for females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.87. Housewives accounted for 27.90%, followed by farmers at 23.26% and traders/merchants at 18.60%, with 41.86% being uneducated. The main risk factors were tobacco (37.21%) and alcohol (34.88%). Pain (53.49%), dysphonia (51.16%), and dyspnea (39.53%) were the main presenting symptoms. Squamous cell carcinoma (74.42%) and large cell lymphoma (18.60%) were the most commonly cited histological types. Conclusion: Head and neck cancers remain relatively common in our country. Improving prognosis depends on early diagnosis of the condition, resuscitation resources, and prompt management.

PTEN as a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This review article explores phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)’s role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)through comprehensive expression and methylation examinations,genetic mutation investigation,and prognostic evaluation.Using the UALCAN informational collection,PTEN expression examination uncovered a critical over-expression in HNSCC cells isolated from normal control samples,proposing its role in HNSCC multiplication.Further,analysis of PTEN expression across various clinical limits has shown critical up-regulation in different cancer development stages,racial groups,gender,and age classes within the context of HNSCC patients,suggesting its major role in cancer duplication.PTEN expression was validated by utilizing the GEPIA2.0 online tool,which showed PTEN expression was particularly significantly expressed in HNSCC cancer improvement when it appeared differently from normal control samples.Accordingly,examining PTEN validation across different phases of cancer advancement showed dysregulation in each of the four phases with the most raised expression in stage I and the least expression in stage IV.Thus,this study investigated the promoter methylation level of PTEN,figuring out a basic relationship between HNSCC samples and normal control samples.Analyzing promoter methylation across various clinical limits uncovered massive variations,with specific methylation patterns seen across malignant growth stages,race groups,gender,and age groups.Overall survival and disease-free survival(OS and DFS)utilizing the KM plotter tool showed a critical relationship between PTEN expression levels in HNSCC patients,showing high PTEN expression exhibited good overall survival when showed up distinctively comparable to low PTEN expression levels.In addition,in disease-free survival(DFS)evaluation HNSCC patients showing low PTEN expression experienced great DFS relative to HNSCC patients with high PTEN expression.Moreover,to validate PTEN expression against survival,the study examined the HNSCC patients into low and high-expression groups of PTEN.In HNSCC,low PTEN expression was connected with great overall survival(OS)when it appeared contrastingly relative to the high PTEN expression.In like manner,the study found that low PTEN expression level was connected with great DFS in HNSCC when it appeared contrastingly related to the high PTEN expression group.Genetic mutation analysis via cBioPortal identifies a minimal proportion of PTEN mutations in HNSCC,predominantly in-frame mutation,missense mutation,splice mutation,truncating mutation,and structural variant,indicating their basal significance in PTEN dysregulation within HNSCC.Further investigation of PTEN molecular components and their exchange inside the HNSCC microenvironment might disclose novel roads for designated treatment and accurate medication approaches in battling this harmful disease.

ATM is a Prognostic Biomarker of Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

This review examines the role of ATM expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).Analysis revealed significant overexpression of ATM in HNSCC cells compared to normal control samples,suggesting its involvement in cancer proliferation.ATM expression was notably upregulated across various clinical parameters,including different stages of cancer,racial groups,genders,and age groups,highlighting its role in cancer progression.Validation using the GEPIA2 tool confirmed strong ATM expression throughout all four stages of HNSCC,with the highest levels in stage II and the lowest in stage I.Promoter methylation analysis of ATM showed distinct patterns across different demographics and cancer stages,reinforcing its significance.The study also explored the relationship between ATM expression and patient outcomes using the KM plotter tool,finding that high ATM expression was associated with better overall survival(OS),while low ATM expression correlated with better disease-free survival(DFS).Genetic mutation analysis via cBioPortal identified minimal ATM mutations in HNSCC,including in-frame,splice,truncating,and missense mutations,suggesting their role in ATM dysregulation.The STRING tool was used to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network,revealing that the ATM gene interacts with ten key genes(NBN,ATR,CHEK2,MDC1,MSH2,MSH6,MRE11,TP53,TP53BP1,BRCA1),indicating its involvement in various biological functions.Functional annotation of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)through the DAVID web server revealed their participation in critical biological processes,including double-strand break repair,cellular response to DNA damage,and DNA damage checkpoints.KEGG pathway analysis further linked DEGs to cellular senescence,platinum drug resistance,homologous recombination,p53 signaling,and the cell cycle,underscoring ATM’s multifaceted role in HNSCC.

Finite Element Analysis of Coronal Shear Fractures of the Femoral Neck: Displacement of the Femoral Head and Effect of Osteosynthetic Implants

Coronal shear fractures of the femoral neck (CSFF) are the most challenging to treat among proximal femur fractures, directly affecting the life expectancy of patients with osteoporosis. However, an adequate osteosynthesis method has not been elucidated yet. This study investigated the displacement direction of the femoral head fragment and its effect on the bone using finite element method. A finite element model for CSFF was developed from CT image data of a patient with osteoporosis using Mechanical Finder (ver. 11). Subsequently, finite element analyses were performed on six osteosynthesis models under maximum load applied during walking. The compressive stresses, tensile stresses, and compressive strains of each model were examined. The results suggested that the compressive and tensile stress distributions were concentrated on the anterior side of the femoral neck. Compressive strain distribution in the femoral head and neck was concentrated in four areas: at the tip of the blade or lag screw, the anteroinferior side of the blade or lag screw near the fracture site, and the upper right and lower left near the junction of the blade or lag screw and nail. Thus, the distribution of both these stresses revealed that the femoral head fragment was prone to anterior and inferior displacement. Distribution of compressive strains revealed the direction of the stress exerted by the osteosynthetic implant on the bone. The same results were observed in all osteosynthetic implants;thus, the findings could lay the foundation for developing methods for placing osteosynthetic implants less prone to displacement and the osteosynthetic implants themselves. In particular, the study provides insight into the optimal treatment of CSFF.