Applying Machine Learning for Enhanced MicroRNA Analysis: A Companion Risk Tool for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Standard Care Incisional Biopsy.

Machine learning analyses within the realm of oral cancer outcomes are relatively underexplored compared to other cancer types. This study aimed to assess the performance of machine learning algorithms in identifying oral cancer patients, utilizing microRNA expression data. In this study, we implemented this approach using a panel of oral cancer-associated microRNAs sourced from standard incisional biopsy specimens to identify cases of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). For the model development process, we used a dataset comprising 30 OSCC and 30 histologically normal epithelium (HNE) cases. We initially trained a logistic regression prediction model using 70 percent of the dataset, while reserving the remaining 30 percent for testing. Subsequently, the model underwent hyperparameter tuning resulting in enhanced performance metrics. The hyperparameter-tuned model exhibited high accuracy (0.894) and ROC AUC (0.898) in predicting OSCC. Testing the model on cases of potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) revealed that leukoplakia with mild dysplasia was predicted as having a high risk of progressing to OSCC, emphasizing machine learning's advantage over histopathology in detecting early molecular changes. These findings underscore the necessity for further refinement, incorporating a broader set of variables to enhance the model's predictive capabilities in assessing the risk of oral potentially malignant disorders.

Extracellular Vesicles in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted from most cell types and utilized in a complex network of near and distant cell-to-cell communication. Insight into this complex nanoscopic interaction in the development, progression and treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and precancerous oral mucosal disorders, termed oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), remains of interest. In this review, we comprehensively present the current state of knowledge of EVs in OSCC and OPMDs. A systematic literature search strategy was developed and updated to December 17, 2019. Fifty-five articles were identified addressing EVs in OSCC and OPMDs with all but two articles published from 2015, highlighting the novelty of this research area. Themes included the impact of OSCC-derived EVs on phenotypic changes, lymph-angiogenesis, stromal immune response, mechanisms of therapeutic resistance as well as utility of EVs for drug delivery in OSCC and OPMD. Interest and progress of knowledge of EVs in OSCC and OPMD has been expanding on several fronts. The oral cavity presents a unique and accessible microenvironment for nanoparticle study that could present important models for other solid tumours.

Comparison of placenta accreta spectrum disorders diagnosed in intrapartum and antepartum period- A three year experience in a tertiary referral unit of India.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders and to study the demographic profile, risk factors and maternal and fetal outcomes in women with antepartum diagnosis of PAS as compared to women with diagnosis made in the intrapartum period. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis over a 3-year period of all patients who delivered with PAS. The cases were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of the patients who were diagnosed during the intra partum period and Group 2 was those diagnosed as PAS by ultrasound in the antepartum period. Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. The cases that underwent conservative management were also analyzed for need of secondary hysterectomy/placental resolution RESULTS: There were 81,480 deliveries conducted during the study period of which 74 were identified as PAS. Hence PAS was seen in 1:1101 deliveries (0.09%). The estimated blood loss and number of units of blood products required were significantly higher in Group 1 (2.36 ± 0.77 l vs 1.8 ± 0.91 L, p = 0.002; and 10.17 ± 5.12 vs 6.77 ± 4.22, p = 0.005) compared to Group 2. The ICU stay was also more common in Group 1 (p = 0.01). The perinatal mortality was significantly higher in Group 1(45.71% vs 23.08%, p = 0.040). 79.7% women underwent primary cesarean hysterectomy while others were managed conservatively. In conservatively managed group, placental resolution took place in 60% and 40% required secondary hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorders decreases the maternal morbidity and perinatal mortality.

Assessment of palatal rugae pattern and their reproducibility for application in forensic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rugae are the anatomical folds that are located on the anterior third of palate behind the incisive papillae. They are also known as "Plica palatine," and the study of these patterns is called palatoscopy. It can be used in various fields such as sex determination, orthodontics and forensic odontology. OBJECTIVE: To investigate palatal rugae patterns in females and males and to evaluate the stability of these patterns in pre- and post-operative orthodontic cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients were selected for this study (25 males and 25 females). From the above sample, 10 males and 10 females had undergone orthodontic treatment and their casts were retrieved for sex determination analysis and stability of rugae patterns pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Changes occur in bony structures during fixed orthodontic treatment but rugae patterns remain stable. Kappa stats and Chi square test were used to analyze agreement between the two evaluators, and 95% correct matches were achieved. CONCLUSION: Palatal rugae are unique to every individual and can be used as an indicator in forensic odontology.