Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of using autologous mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" grafting to augment mandible for correcting lower facial asymmetry with normal occlusal relationships.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with lower facial asymmetry treated at the Department of Plastic Surgery, the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from January 2016 to December 2019. Preoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans of the maxillofacial region were obtained to acquire three-dimensional data of the maxillofacial skeleton. Computer-aided design was used to determine the osteotomy range of the mandibular outer cortex and design osteotomy guide template. The outer cortex of the larger mandibular side (donor site) was harvested according to the osteotomy guide template and sectioned. The segmented mandibular outer cortex was then contoured to match the arc of the recipient side’s mandibular outer cortex and fixed to the inner side of the recipient mandibular outer cortex, thus increasing the width and thickness of the expanded mandible. Follow-up was conducted at 7th day and 6 months postoperatively, CBCT scan was performed to measure the changes in ramus height (Co-Go), mandibular body length (Go-Me), and mandibular outer cortex thickness, and volume, and the patient satisfaction with facial appearance (1 to 5 points, with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction), were assessed to evaluate surgical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12.0 software. Paired t-tests were used to compare patient satisfaction scores preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Repeated measurement ANOVA was used to compare Co-Go and Go-Me measurements preoperatively, 7th day, and 6 months postoperatively. If a statistically significant difference is found, further analysis using post-hoc testing(Tukey’s HSD test) will be conducted to examine the data. Results:Sixteen patients with lower facial asymmetry were included, comprising of 5 males and 11 females, aged 18 to 40 years, with an average age of 25.2 years. Surgical method included contralateral mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" grafting to the expanded mandible in 9 cases and simultaneous genioplasty in 7 cases. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 5 years, with an average follow-up of 18.6 months. All patients experienced numbness of the lower lip postoperatively, which resolved within six months, and no severe complications occurred. The symmetry of lower facial contour improved significantly and remained stable. Patient satisfaction score for facial appearance increased from (1.63±0.62) points preoperatively to (4.19±0.75) points six months postoperatively( P<0.01). The differences in Co-Go on the donor side and Go-Me on the recipient side across the three time points(preoperatively, 7th day and 6 months postoperatively) were not statistically significant(all P>0.05). However, the differences in Go-Me on the donor side and Co-Go on the recipient side across the three time points were statistically significant(all P<0.05). On the donor side, the mandibular outer cortex thickness decreased by a maximum of 6 mm on 7th day postoperatively and increased by a maximum of 2 mm at 6 months postoperatively compared to 7th day. On the recipient side, mandibular outer cortex thickness increased by a maximum of 6 mm on 7th day postoperatively and decreased by a maximum of 2 mm at six months postoperatively compared to 7th day. The volume of the mandibular outer cortex on the recipient side increased by (4 415.94±1 017.21)mm 3 at 7th day postoperatively compared to preoperatively, and decreased by (202.63±300.85)mm 3 at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion:For lower facial asymmetrical with normal occlusal relationships and no occlusal plane deviation, contralateral mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" bone grafting can effectively increase the width and volume of the mandible on the grafted side, achieving favorable clinical outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of using autologous mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" grafting to augment mandible for correcting lower facial asymmetry with normal occlusal relationships.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with lower facial asymmetry treated at the Department of Plastic Surgery, the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from January 2016 to December 2019. Preoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans of the maxillofacial region were obtained to acquire three-dimensional data of the maxillofacial skeleton. Computer-aided design was used to determine the osteotomy range of the mandibular outer cortex and design osteotomy guide template. The outer cortex of the larger mandibular side (donor site) was harvested according to the osteotomy guide template and sectioned. The segmented mandibular outer cortex was then contoured to match the arc of the recipient side’s mandibular outer cortex and fixed to the inner side of the recipient mandibular outer cortex, thus increasing the width and thickness of the expanded mandible. Follow-up was conducted at 7th day and 6 months postoperatively, CBCT scan was performed to measure the changes in ramus height (Co-Go), mandibular body length (Go-Me), and mandibular outer cortex thickness, and volume, and the patient satisfaction with facial appearance (1 to 5 points, with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction), were assessed to evaluate surgical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12.0 software. Paired t-tests were used to compare patient satisfaction scores preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Repeated measurement ANOVA was used to compare Co-Go and Go-Me measurements preoperatively, 7th day, and 6 months postoperatively. If a statistically significant difference is found, further analysis using post-hoc testing(Tukey’s HSD test) will be conducted to examine the data. Results:Sixteen patients with lower facial asymmetry were included, comprising of 5 males and 11 females, aged 18 to 40 years, with an average age of 25.2 years. Surgical method included contralateral mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" grafting to the expanded mandible in 9 cases and simultaneous genioplasty in 7 cases. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 5 years, with an average follow-up of 18.6 months. All patients experienced numbness of the lower lip postoperatively, which resolved within six months, and no severe complications occurred. The symmetry of lower facial contour improved significantly and remained stable. Patient satisfaction score for facial appearance increased from (1.63±0.62) points preoperatively to (4.19±0.75) points six months postoperatively( P<0.01). The differences in Co-Go on the donor side and Go-Me on the recipient side across the three time points(preoperatively, 7th day and 6 months postoperatively) were not statistically significant(all P>0.05). However, the differences in Go-Me on the donor side and Co-Go on the recipient side across the three time points were statistically significant(all P<0.05). On the donor side, the mandibular outer cortex thickness decreased by a maximum of 6 mm on 7th day postoperatively and increased by a maximum of 2 mm at 6 months postoperatively compared to 7th day. On the recipient side, mandibular outer cortex thickness increased by a maximum of 6 mm on 7th day postoperatively and decreased by a maximum of 2 mm at six months postoperatively compared to 7th day. The volume of the mandibular outer cortex on the recipient side increased by (4 415.94±1 017.21)mm 3 at 7th day postoperatively compared to preoperatively, and decreased by (202.63±300.85)mm 3 at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion:For lower facial asymmetrical with normal occlusal relationships and no occlusal plane deviation, contralateral mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" bone grafting can effectively increase the width and volume of the mandible on the grafted side, achieving favorable clinical outcomes.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of correcting breast ptosis using the rotational filling of an inferolaterally pedicled tongue-shaped parenchymal flap via a double periareolar incision.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 34 female patients (68 breasts) with breast ptosis treated at the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2023. The patients＇ ages ranged from 23 to 53 years, with an average of (37.4±7.9) years. All patients underwent correction of breast ptosis using an inferolaterally pedicled tongue-shaped parenchymal flap via a double periareolar incision. Pre-operative and post-operative measurements were taken to assess the corrective outcomes, including mammary base width (MBW), areola diameter (AD), nipple-to-nipple distance (NN), suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance (SSN-N), nipple-to-inframammary fold distance (N-IMF), and thoracic circumference at the nipple level (TN). Patients＇ satisfaction was assessed using the BREAST-questionnaire (BREAST-Q) module.Results:Postoperative first-stage wound healing was achieved in all 34 patients without complications such as hematoma, infection, or nipple necrosis. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 60 months, with a median of 12 months. Early postoperative observations showed periareolar folds, which disappeared within 3 to 6 months in 31 cases, while mild periareolar folds, persisted for up to 12 months in 3 cases. Four patients reported reduced nipple sensation postoperatively. Measurements showed a statistically significant increase in TN and a reduction in NN, SSN-N, AD, N-IMF, and MBW compared to preoperative values (all P<0.001). BREAST-Q scores indicated significant improvements in satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being and physical well-being, with preoperative scores of (21.6±8.9), (42.4±11.9) and (49.7±12.9) scores increasing to (82.3±8.5), (81.9±8.1) and (81.2±8.3) scores, respectively (all P<0.001). Conclusions:The double periareolar incision technique with rotational filling of an inferolaterally pedicled tongue-shaped glandular flap is a safe and effective method for correcting breast ptosis.

Objective:To explore the application of biomechanics principle in the repair of double eyelid disappearance after blepharoplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 47 patients (46 females and 1 male) with double eyelid disappearance after blepharoplasty in the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Friendship Plastic Surgical Hospital from July 2018 to December 2022. The patients aged from 19-42 (28±8) years. The repair surgery was performed by increasing the mechanical factors that promoted the double eyelid formation or weakening the mechanical factors that inhibited the double eyelid formation. The overall satisfaction with ocular appearance, and psychological well-being and social function were evaluated with the Face-Q qustionnaires before or after operation.Results:By following-up for 3-24 months, the morphology of upper eyelids in all 47 patients were remarkably improved. 2 patients complained about asymmetry and 1 patient had multiple creases, for whom satisfactory results achieved after re-operation. The remaining patients presented smooth natural double eyelid line, and concave groove deformity when eyes closed were not noticed. The operative effects were satisfactory. After surgery, the scores for ocular satisfaction with facial appearance, psychological well-being and social function were (69.5±10.3), (75.5±13.6) and (68.3±11.3) scores, which were significantly increased than those before operation [(38.7±9.3), (54.8±10.5) and (52.3±8.7) scores], respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusion:More effective and reliable operation results can be obtained in the repair strategies of double eyelid disappearance after blepharoplasty by utilizing the biomechanical mechanism.

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of probe-based near-infrared autofluorescence imaging (NIRAF) of the parathyroid gland.Methods:A total of 71 patients with thyroid cancer eligible for admission from May 4, 2023 to May 26, 2023 were selected, including 42 patients with thyroid cancer enrolled in the Department of Thyroid (hernia), Department of General Surgery, PLA General Hospital, including 29 females and 13 males, with a median age of 41 years, ranging from 21 to 76 years. A total of 29 patients with thyroid cancer were enrolled in the Department of Thyroid Surgery of Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, including 22 females and 7 males. The median age was 42.5 years, ranging from 24 to 72 years. The follow-up period was 1 month.Results:Among them, 196 suspicious parathyroid tissues were identified by the naked eye, and 207 suspicious parathyroid tissues were identified by probe NIRAF technology. Naked eye identification sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 84.86%, 56% and 81.89%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of parathyroid tissue identification by probe NIRAF were 92.66%, 80.00% and 90.53%, which were better than that of naked eye identification, and had a good coincidence rate with the results of immunocolloidal gold test or intraoperative freezing pathology (Kappa=0.61, P<0.001) . Conclusion:The probe-based NIRAF technique has a good ability to identify parathyroid tissue.

Objective:To investigate the effects of CT images reconstructed using different field of view (FOV) sizes on the automatic segmentation of organs at risk and dose calculation accuracy in radiotherapy after radical mastectomy.Methods:Under the same scanning conditions, CT values-electron density conversion curves were established by reconstructing the original CT images of a phantom placed at the isocenter and extended FOV (eFOV) positions using FOV sizes of 50, 60, 70 and 80 cm. Then, these curves were compared. A standard phantom with a known volume was scanned, and the automatic segmentation result of the phantom on CT images reconstructed using different FOV sizes was compared. A total of 30 patients in Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 with breast cancer were randomly selected. Through simulated positioning, their CT images were reconstructed using different FOV sizes for the purpose of automatic segmentation of organs at risk, followed by comparison between the outcomes of automatic segmentation and physicians′segmentation. The treatment plan established based on CT images reconstructed using a FOV size of 50 cm (FOV 50 images for short) was applied to CT images reconstructed using FOV sizes of 60, 70 and 80 cm (FOV 60, FOV 70 and FOV 80 images for short) for dose calculation, and the dose calculation result were compared. Results:The CT values - electron density conversion curves derived from CT images reconstructed using different FOV sizes were roughly consistent. At the isocenter, the difference between the segmented volume and actual volume of the standard phantom increased up to a maximum of 6 cm 3 (4.8%) with an increase in the FOV size. As indicated by the automatic segmentation result, the segmentation accuracy of the spinal cord, trachea, esophagus, thyroid, healthy mammary gland, and skin decreased with an increase in the FOV size ( t = -28.43-8.23, P < 0.05). The comparison of dose calculated based on CT images reconstructed using different FOV sizes showed that there was no statistically significant differences( P>0.05) in the dose to target volume ( V95) and the maximum and average doses in the supraclavicular lymph node region, as well as the dose to organs at risk. The coverage for planned target volume decreased with an increase in the FOV size, with a maximum difference of 4.06%. Conclusions:It is recommended that, for radiotherapy after radical mastectomy, FOV 50 images should be selected for the automatic segmentation of organs at risk, CT-values-electron density conversion curves should be established based on the electron density phantom images of the eFOV region, and the eFOV 80 images should be preferred for dose calculation.

Glioma is the most common type of cancer in the brain and central nervous system,mainly originated from glioma cells or neuronal cells.It is characterized by high prevalence,recurrence rate and mortality.Among aggressive brain tumors,the incidence of glioma is the highest.Long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)is one of the most popular non-coding RNAs in tumor research.It has a variety of biological functions and regulates gene expression at the transcription,post-transcription and genetic levels.It was found that lncRNA was abnormally expressed in cancer patients,and abnormally expressed lncRNA was also found in glioma.lncRNA regulates the occurrence and development of gliomas through different signaling pathways,and affects the heterogeneity and invasiveness of gliomas through the glycolytic pathway.In addition,immune-related lncRNAs are valuable in evaluating the diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of gliomas.In this article,the role of lncRNA in glioma will be reviewed from three aspects including regulation of signaling pathway,glycolytic pathway and immunoregulation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of W-shaped genioplasty in the correction of broad and short chin deformity.Methods:Thirty-eight patients (5 males, 33 females, aged 20 to 41 years, mean 27.3 years) complained with broad and short chin were admitted to the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospitalof Nanjing Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021. CBCT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed to design osteotomy line and determine the distance of chin lengthening, narrowing and advancing or retrocession preoperatively. Under general anesthesia, the W-shaped osteotomy was performed using an intraoral incision, and the angle between the bilateral free bone fragments, the distance of downward and forward movement were adjusted to change the curvature, width, length and prominence of the lower edge of the chin according to the preoperative designs. The results were evaluated by clinical appearances and image analyses at a follow-up of 3-24 months.Results:The amount of vertical lengthening of the chin in 38 cases were 2 mm to 5 mm, with an average of 3.02 mm. The horizontal narrowing width distances were 3-7 mm, with an average of 5.6 mm. The patients were followed up for 3-24 months, with an average of 10.6 months. There were no complications such as hematoma, wound dehiscence, accidental fracture, surgical area infection and permanent neurosensory disorder. 38 patients had transient sensory loss in the lower lip region of varying degrees, but all recovered spontaneously during routine follow-up period. All patients were satisfied with the improvement of facial contour.Conclusions:W-shaped geinoplasty preserves the central bone of the chin and the attachment of genioglossus muscle, which does not affect the normal anatomy and physiological function of the oral cavity. After osteotomy, the bone is removed and the bilateral bone fragments move flexibly. It can effectively change the radian, width, length and protrusion of the lower edge of the chin in three dimensions, so as to correct the wide and short deformity of the chin.

Objective:To investigate the effect of eyebrow arch augmentation with personalized polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implant assisted by endoscope.Methods:From January 2019 to August 2021, 9 patients with low and flat eyebrow arch requiring eyebrow arch augmentation were treated in the plastic surgery department of the Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University. The cranial and maxillofacial CT scanning data were obtained before operation, the eyebrow arch elevation range and height were designed according to the patient's requirements, and personalized peek implants were manufactured. During the operation, a small temporal hairline incision was used to accurately separate the implantation cavity of individualized peek implants under the periosteum of the eyebrow arch implantation area with the aid of endoscope. Personalized PEEK implants were implanted under endoscope to make them fully fit with the eyebrow arch bone and fixed with titanium nails. Photos were taken and analyzed before and after operation.Results:All patients were followed up for 3 months to 2 years. Their facial expressions were normal, and there were no motor nerve injury, rejection and iatrogenic infection. The patients were satisfied with the postoperative effect. Compared with before operation, the low level of orbital bone in eyebrow area was improved, and the facial contour was three-dimensional and harmonious.Conclusions:The eyebrow arch augmentation with individualized peek implant assisted by endoscope is safe and effective. It can greatly reshape the upper contour of the face, deepen the upper eyelid fossa and improve the convex eye phenomenon, so as to achieve the cosmetic effect of enhancing the three-dimensional sense of the eyebrow orbital area, which is worthy of clinical application.

Objective:To investigate the effect of electroporation-mediated local gene therapy on the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in callus of distraction gap during mandibular distraction osteogenesis of rabbits.Methods:The experiments were conducted in the laboratory of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2019 to December 2019. Forty eight New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into control group (group A), gene therapy group (group B) and normal saline group (group C), with 16 rabbits in each group. After bilateral mandible osteotomy and distractors were implanted, the distractors were activated at a speed of 0.8 mm/d on 4th day, postoperatively, and lasted for 7 days, followed by consolidation period. Group A distracted only, group B was subject to local injection of recombinant plasmid pIRES-hBMP2-hVEGF165 in the distraction gap and electroporation stimulation at the beginning of activation distractors; and group C local injection of the same dose of normal saline in the distraction gap and electroporation stimulation at the beginning of activation distractors. Four animals in each group were sacrificed on the day at the end of distraction, 7th, 14th, 28th days of consolidation period, respectively. The callus in the distraction gap was taken for immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR to detect the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin, and image analysis was performed. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results:Immunohistochemical staining showed that Wnt3a and β-catenin were mainly located in the cytoplasm and nuclei of fibroblasts, chondrocytes and osteoblasts in callus tissue. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR showed that the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin reached a peak at the end of distraction. With the disappearance of distraction tension, the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin gradually decreased. After gene therapy intervention, the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin was significantly increased, and the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in group B was the highest at each time point, with statistically significant difference compared with groups A and C ( F=96.3, P<0.01). Conclusions:Gene therapy promotes the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in the callus of distraction gap, regulating the balance of the bone reconstruction system and thus promoting the formation of new bone in the distraction gap.