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Objective: Nonrestorative sleep and sleep disorders are commonly reported in patients suffering from craniomandibular (CMD) and craniocervical dysfunctions (CCD). This study aimed to investigate polysomnographic characteristics and the reduction of pain before and after treatment in these patients.Methods: Seventy-four patients with sleep disorders and evident CMD and CCD were included. Manual therapy and an Aqualizer® were used in the therapeutic group. Polysomnographic measurements were conducted pre- and post-therapy.Results: The number of sleep stage alterations and the sleep stage index differed significantly between pre- and post-therapeutic measurements. Between both groups, these parameters were significantly different, as well (p = .001 and p = .012). The subjective perception of sleep quality improved in 81.6% post-therapy (p < .001).Discussion: Manual therapy and the application of an Aqualizer® may improve sleep quality in patients suffering from CMD and CCD. Pain may not be the main cause for the sleep disorders in CMD and CCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a significant role in the formation of different cancer subtypes. There is evidence that TGF-β pathways promote cancerogenic cell characteristics but also have tumor-suppressor capabilities. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors nilotinib, dasatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and everolimus are approved as targeted therapies for several tumor entities, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aimed to investigate the effects of these substances on the expression levels of TGFβ1 and TGF-β receptor type 2 (TGFβR2) in HPV-negative and HPV-positive SCC cell cultures., Materials and Methods: Expression patterns of TGFβ1 and TGFβR2 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in three HNSCC cell lines (i.e., HNSCC-11A, HNSCC-14C, and CERV196). These cells were incubated with nilotinib, dasatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and everolimus (20 μmol/l) and compared to a chemonaive control. An assessment of concentration levels was conducted after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of treatment., Results: Statistically significant changes in the expression levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβR2 were found in all tested cell cultures (p<0.05) compared to the negative control. An increase in TGFβ-R2 expression was detected after treatment with most of the tested tyrosine kinase inhibitors, whereas a reduction in TGFβ1 was observed. The addition of everolimus had the opposite effect on both TGFβR2 and TGF-B1- expression., Conclusion: Expression of TGFβ1 and TGFβR2 was detected in all cultured HNSCC cell lines. Nilotinib, dasatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and everolimus had an impact on the expression levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβR2 in vitro., (Copyright © 2024 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Objective : Nonrestorative sleep and sleep disorders are commonly reported in patients suffering from craniomandibular (CMD) and craniocervical dysfunctions (CCD). This study aimed to investigate polysomnographic characteristics and the reduction of pain before and after treatment in these patients. Methods : Seventy-four patients with sleep disorders and evident CMD and CCD were included. Manual therapy and an Aqualizer® were used in the therapeutic group. Polysomnographic measurements were conducted pre- and post-therapy. Results : The number of sleep stage alterations and the sleep stage index differed significantly between pre- and post-therapeutic measurements. Between both groups, these parameters were significantly different, as well ( p  = .001 and p = .012). The subjective perception of sleep quality improved in 81.6% post-therapy ( p  < .001). Discussion : Manual therapy and the application of an Aqualizer® may improve sleep quality in patients suffering from CMD and CCD. Pain may not be the main cause for the sleep disorders in CMD and CCD.

As far as aesthetic and functional aspects are concerned, local as well as regional flaps are mainly recommended for facial plastic surgery. A careful preoperative planning is essential. Adequate knowledge of various surgical options of reconstruction as well as their implementation into clinical practice are of utmost importance. The surgical procedure is selected on the basis of the patients' demands and the properties of the surgical site to which the selected technique must be adapted. The current review presents frequently used and recommendable methods for the reconstruction of nasal defects.

Reconstruction of defects resulting from the resection of skin tumors in the face depends on patient-specific factors such as prior radiation therapy or prior surgery, the patient´s individual expectations and the skills of the surgeon. Local flaps are favorable in several respects, however they require a detailed plan and experience when being executed. The following article provides an overview of the most frequently used local flaps which have a high reliability for reconstruction. Defects in specific anatomical areas of the nose, the ears, the cheek and the forehead are described and analysed. The authors suggest possible surgical reconstruction strategies which are highlighted by clinical cases., Competing Interests: Die Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Skin tumors are becoming more and more frequent due to an increased exposition to UV-radiation and the growing age of the population. At the same time expectations with regard to function and aesthetics are growing. An in-total resection of the tumor with clear margins is the first step in surgical treatment of such patients. Reconstruction of the resulting defects depends on patient-specific factors such as prior radiation therapy or prior surgery, the patient´s individual expectations and the surgeon´s skills. Local flaps are favorable in several respects, however they require a detailed plan and experience when being executed. The following article provides an overview of the most frequent facial skin tumors and the secure margins they require. Furthermore, it gives a general overview of the design of local flaps and grafts., Competing Interests: Die Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)