A narrative review on machine learning in diagnosis and prognosis prediction for tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most common subtype of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), and it also has the worst prognosis. It is crucial to find an effective way to solve the challenges in diagnosis and prognosis prediction for TSCC. Machine learning (ML) has been widely used in medical research and has shown good performance. It can be used for feature extraction, feature selection, model construction, etc. Radiomics and deep learning (DL), the new components of ML, have also been utilized to explore the relationship between image features and diseases. The current study aimed to highlight the importance of ML as a potential method for addressing the challenges in diagnosis and prognosis prediction of TSCC by reviewing studies on ML in TSCC. Methods: The studies on ML in TSCC in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure published between the dates of inception of these databases and April 30, 2022, were reviewed. Key Content and Findings: ML (including radiomics and DL) which was used in diagnosis and prognosis prediction for TSCC, has shown promising performance. Conclusions: Despite its limitations, ML is still a potential approach that can help to deal with the challenges in diagnosis and prognosis prediction for TSCC. Nevertheless, more efforts are needed to enhance the usefulness of ML in this field.

Folate­targeted polymeric micelles loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging of a human tongue cancer cell line.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of using folate­targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) as a magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent that targets human tongue cancer cells. Folate­targeted and folate­free bilayer micelles composed of a diblock copolymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly­caprolactone (PCL) that encapsulated SPIO in their hydrophobic core (SPIO­PEG­PCL micelles) were synthesized. The cytotoxicity of each set of micelles towards Tca­8113 cells was examined using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays. Tca­8113 cells were incubated with folate­free SPIO­PEG­PCL micelles and folate­targeted SPIO­PEG­PCL micelles at an Fe concentration of 80 µg/ml for 0.5, 1 and 2 h. MR imaging was subsequently performed and relative T2 relaxation time was recorded. Endocytosis of each micelle type was observed using Prussian blue staining. The MTT assays demonstrated that varying concentrations of folate­targeted SPIO­PEG­PCL micelles did not result in statistically significant differences in Tca­8113 cell viability when compared with folate­free SPIO­PEG­PCL micelles (F=0.698; P=0.676). In the MR images obtained, decreased T2­weighted signal intensity was observed for the folate­targeted SPIO­PEG­PCL and folate­free SPIO­PEG­PCL micelle treatments, particularly after the 2­h incubation period. However, the folate­targeted micelles exhibited a significantly greater decrease in signal intensity and a higher relative T2 relaxation time at each time point (P=0.002). In addition, blue intracellular particles were observed in the cells that were incubated with each type of micelle and stained with Prussian blue. However, a greater number of blue particles underwent endocytosis in the folate­targeted group. Thus, folate­targeted SPIO­PEG­PCL micelles exhibited preferential targeting of Tca­8113 cells when compared with folate­free SPIO­PEG­PCL micelles, and these results support the potential for these micelles to be used for the early diagnosis of tongue cancer.

Nanoparticles for Colorectal Cancer Targeted Drug Delivery and MR Imaging: Current Situation and Perspectives.

The application of nanoparticles (NPs) offers new prospects for the early detection and effective therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC). Various NPs have been designed and explored as diagnostic and/or therapeutic drug delivery vehicles. To achieve selective treatment and to reduce toxicity, these nanoparticles are usually endowed with targeting abilities. Passive targeting is based on the extravasation and enhanced permeability and retention effect of tumors, while active targeting always involves binding to specific ligands that are recognizable by CRC tissues, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, folate, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), aptamers, and membrane penetrating peptides. In addition, contrast agents, such as gadolinium complexes and iron oxide particles, can be introduced into the delivery system to enable MR imaging and lesion detection. Furthermore, smart carriers have been gradually applied to the delivery system. These carriers are designed to respond to certain changes in the bio-environment and release encapsulated contents on demand, thus achieving effective drug concentrations at tumor sites. This review focuses on recent advances of NP technology for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of CRC and aims to unveil the emerging possibilities of using nanocarriers to enhance therapeutic applications.

Evaluation of intestinal tuberculosis by multi-slice computed tomography enterography.

BACKGROUND: Multi-slice computed tomography enterography (MSCTE) is now widely used to diagnose and monitor intestinal disease. Preliminary studies suggest that MSCTE may be useful in detecting intestinal tuberculosis (ITB). We sought to assess the use of MSCTE for the diagnosis of ITB in our medical center. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 15 patients (11 males and 4 females, 6 to 65 years old) were enrolled and diagnosed with ITB by MSCTE. Diagnosis were confirmed by pathology or clinical criteria. Two experienced abdominal radiologists evaluated the images and defined the location, number, shape, edge, surrounding tissue alterations of ITB and other associated changes in the peritoneum, mesentery and solid abdominal organs. RESULTS: The interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis varied from 20 days to 10 years. The most common symptom was abdominal pain (80 %). The ileocecum was the most common site affected by ITB (87 %). Morphological MSCTE findings were variable and included multi-segmental symmetric intestinal mural thickening found in 6 patients (40 %), solid masses found in 9 patients (60 %), and enlarged lymph nodes (LNs) found in 13 (87 %) patients. Non-enhancing central necrosis and rim enhancement were noted in 10 patients (67 %). CONCLUSIONS: Characteristic MSCTE findings of ITB include solid mass or multi-segmental symmetric mural thickening involving the ileocecal area and rim enhanced LNs. Knowledge of these features in combination with a high index of suspicion can be useful in early diagnosis of ITB.

Spectrum of appearances on CT and MRI of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) characteristics of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE). METHODS: Eleven patients with histopathologically confirmed HEHE via surgical excision or biopsy were included. Imaging findings of these 11 patients were retrospectively analyzed (CT images obtained from all patients and MR images from five patients). Patterns of growth, characteristics of distribution, density/signal features, patterns of contrast enhancement, and changes of adjacent tissues were evaluated. RESULTS: HEHE is characterized by multiple lesions in the liver. HEHE could be further categorized as three types when considering patterns of growth: nodular type(5 cases), coalescent type(1 case) and mixed type(5 cases). In this study, a total of 312 lesions were detected, 214(74.3%) of which were subcapsular. All lesions appeared as hypodense while round lower density were found within 10 lesions(<2 cm) on unenhanced CT images. On MRI, all lesions demonstrated low signal intensity on T1 weighted images and high heterogeneous signal intensity on T2 weighted images when compared to the normal liver parenchyma. Other imaging features included "lollipop sign"(6 cases) and capsular retraction(6 cases). On contrast-enhanced CT and MRI, lesions smaller than 2.0 cm mostly showed mild homogeneous enhancement (214/227, 94.3%); lesions measuring 2.0-3.0 cm in diameter showed ring-like enhancement (16/53,30.2%) and heterogeneous delayed enhancement (29/53,54.7%); lesions larger than 3.0 cm demonstrated heterogeneous delayed enhancement (26/32, 81.3%). CONCLUSION: The imaging findings of HEHE showed some typical imaging features and size-dependent patterns with contrast enhancement on both CT and MR images, these features can be used for accurate imaging diagnosis of HEHE.

Diagnostic and post-treatment CT appearance of biopsy proven mixed Cryptococcus and Candida cholangitis.

Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida are common opportunistic pathogens of human. There is very limited literature on Cryptococcus neoformans cholangitis or Candida cholangitis in immunocompetent patient while mixed Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida cholangitis has not been reported in the literature ever before. We hereby report the imaging findings of a case of mixed Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida cholangitis in an immunocompetent boy. The CT features included nodules in the cystic duct and common bile duct, dilatation of the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts with mural thickening, irregular hypodense mass-like lesion extending along the bile ducts from the liver hilum to the periphery which was confirmed by the presence of enlarged and confluent lymph nodes. CT characteristics can contribute to timely diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Chronological age estimation of third molar mineralization of Han in southern China.

In order to study the chronology of age of third molar mineralization of Han in southern China, Demirjian staging method was used to determine the stage of four third molars (18, 28, 38, 48) mineralization in 3,100 Han in southern China aged 4.1-26.9 years based on radiological evidence from digital orthopantomograms. The mean age of the 3,100 patients was 15.96 +/- 4.73 years, including 1,200 male (mean age, 15.32 +/- 4.62) and 1,900 female (mean age, 16.35 +/- 4.76). Results show that there was no significant difference in mineralization between 18 and 28 and 38 and 48 of male or female. However, significant difference was observed between 28 and 38 of female at stage C; 28 was 0.25 years earlier than 38. In male, at stage G, 38 was 0.61 years earlier than 28, and 48 was 0.62 years earlier than 18. At stages D, E, F, G, and H, male 48 was 0.34, 0.66, 0.72, 1.34, and 0.76 years earlier than that of female, respectively. At stages A, D, E, F, G, and H, male 38 was 0.73, 0.26, 0.56, 0.91, 1.29, and 0.70 years earlier than that of female, respectively. At stages B, E, F, G, and H, the mineralization mean age of male 18 was 0.54, 0.50, 0.76, 0.92, and 0.58 years earlier than that of female, respectively. At stages E, F, G, and H, the mineralization mean age of male 28 was 0.51, 0.76, 0.92, and 0.49 years earlier than that of female, respectively. After reviewing the literature, the chronological mineralization age of 48, at stages D to G, of Han in southern China was 1 to 4.6 years earlier than that of Japanese and 1 to 3 years earlier than that of German. The mean age at stage H of 48 of Han in southern China was similar to Turkish, Black African, Japanese, and German, but was later than Spanish. Finally, the conclusions are: (1) in the same gender group of Han in southern China, the mineralization ages between two sides in upper or lower jaw are very similar, and (2) the chronology mean age and complete time of third molar mineralization of male were earlier than that of female.

[Radiation-induced maxillary malignancies: complications of radiotherapy treatment for head-neck malignant tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of radiation-induced maxillary malignancy after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. METHODS: A total of 273 patients who suffered from osteoradionecrosis after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer were evaluated. Among them, 6 patients were presented with carcinoma and sarcoma arising from maxillary area after radiotherapy. RESULTS: Radiation-induced maxillary cancers happened at a rate of 2.2% in the patients with osteoradionecrosis. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex and the time interval between the radiotherapy and the cancer occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation-induced malignancy after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer is mainly located in maxilla, presenting as squamous cell carcinoma or sarcoma of the maxillary sinus.