Oral Tumors Research Articles

Human–machine coupled modeling of mandibular musculoskeletal multibody system and its application in the designation of mandibular movement function trainer

Many patients suffering from oral and maxillofacial tumors present trismus in the six months following mandibulectomy. Traditional mandibular movement function trainers (MMFT) cannot fulfill patient-specific targeted training, but mandibular musculoskeletal modeling can reveal patient-specific muscle recruitment patterns. This study proposed a digital rehabilitation framework for patients via mandibular musculoskeletal simulations. A flexible MMFT consisting of a soft intraoral airbag and a cable-driven extraoral trainer was designed. A human–machine coupling model was established to estimate the patient-specific muscle activations. Here, the intraoral trainer was modeled as a force vector, and the extraoral trainer was discretized by the flexible cable elements via an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian description. Dynamic optimizations were performed to determine the patient-specific auxiliary forces, and the obtained values were utilized to design a quantitative rehabilitation plan. The effectiveness of the MMFT at increasing the magnitude of mandibular opening was validated with in vitro measurements. Numerical predictions for eight patients demonstrated that the proposed rehabilitation framework could improve the patient's jaw opening magnitude by an average of 3.8 ± 2.0 mm, highlighting the importance of subject-specific musculoskeletal modeling in mandibular rehabilitation.

Application of Submandibular Intubation as Alternative to Elective Short-Term Tracheotomy for Particular Cases of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumors Resection and Defects Reconstruction

Objective: To describe the cases of oral and maxillofacial tumors (OMFT) resection and defects reconstruction under submandibular intubation (SMI) performed in our institution; secondly, to systematically review and analyze the characteristics of studies about SMI in oral and maxillofacial surgery to estimate the incidence rate of complication. Method: Data related to all 6 patients included in this study were prospectively collected from November 2016 to November 2023. The tract for endotracheal tube was created by bluntly dissection from the submandibular area to the floor of mouth. We performed an exhaustive search for studies about SMI using Pubmed, Embase, Proquest, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Meta-analysis of the incidence rate of complication and infection was performed using STATA 14.1. Results: There was a male predominance (87.3%); the mean age was 47.8±16.8 years; squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most frequent diagnosis (33.3%); the mean time of the operation was 237.0±65.2 minutes; the SMI procedure mean time was 5.5±0.9 minutes; and the mean time to extubation 133.3±12.5 minutes. No accident or complication was observed intraoperatively and postoperatively. The systematic review included 22 out of 234 studies screened. The meta-analysis showed an overall complication rate and superficial infection rate of 5.7% and 3.7% in the last 15 years versus 20.2% and 10.6% in over 15 years ago. Conclusion: Submandibular intubation was found technically easy, safe, and effective alternative of elective short-term tracheotomy, orotracheal and nasotracheal intubations in our series of OMFT resection and defects reconstruction.

Letter to the Editor: Oral Tuberculosis Masquerading as an Oral Neoplasm

<i>Letter to the Editor:</i> Oral Tuberculosis Masquerading as an Oral Neoplasm

Eco-friendly synthesis of betanin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles: antimicrobial efficacy and apoptotic pathway activation in oral cancer cells.

Phytochemical-based synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is an eco-friendly approach with various biomedical applications. Betanin, a natural pigment in beetroot, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. When conjugated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), these properties are enhanced. This study aimed to synthesize betanin-ZnO nanoparticles (BE-ZnO-NPs) and evaluate their biological potential. BE-ZnO-NPs were synthesized and characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, EDX, XRD, DLS, and zeta potential analysis. In silico studies assessed interactions with oral pathogen proteins, and antibacterial activity was tested against Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. Antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity on KB cells were evaluated through scavenging assays, MTT assay, and qRT-PCR. Betanin synthesized ZnO NPs UV-Vis results showed surface plasmon resonance at 388 nm, and FTIR confirmed betanin role as a capping agent. FE-SEM and TEM revealed particles of 37 nm. EDX confirmed zinc content, and XRD showed a hexagonal structure. Zeta potential was -3.3 mV, and DLS indicated a size of 38.73 nm. In silico analysis showed strong binding to E. faecalis (-8.0 Kcal/mol). BE-ZnO-NPs demonstrated antibacterial activity at 100 µg/mL, with inhibition zones of 18 ± 0.14 mm for E. faecalis and 14 ± 0.18 mm for S. mutans. In contrast, BE demonstrated antibacterial activity at 100 µg/mL, with zone of inhibition of 10.6 ± 0.14 mm for E. faecalisand 11.4 ± 0.18 mm for S. mutans.Antioxidant assays revealed dose-dependent scavenging activity. Cytotoxicity showed an IC50 of 24.29 µg/mL, with qRT-PCR indicating apoptosis through the BCL2/BAX/P53 pathway. BE-ZnO-NPs exhibited significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities and demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis in oral cancer cells via the BCL-2/BAX/P53 signalling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of BE-ZnO-NPs as promising antimicrobial agents for tooth infections and as therapeutic agents for oral tumour treatment.

Retraction Note: Detection of oral tumour cells using quantum optics with carbon/graphene dot models

Retraction Note: Detection of oral tumour cells using quantum optics with carbon/graphene dot models

Response of Spontaneous Oral Tumors in Canine Cancer Patients Treated with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

To describe outcome and toxicity for dogs with oral tumors, specifically oral malignant melanoma (OMM), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and soft tissue sarcoma (STS) after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). A single institution retrospective study was conducted. Outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard analysis. Treatment responses at different time points were evaluated with Pearson's Chi-squared test to identify prognostic factors. Acute and late toxicities were recorded according to VRTOG criteria and were analyzed to identify risk factors. Adverse events other than acute and late toxicities were recorded. A total of 98 patients met the inclusion criteria (OMM n = 37; SCC n = 18; STS n = 43). The SBRT prescription was 1-6 fractions, with a total dose range of 12-40 Gy. Local progression-free survival (PFS) for OMM, SCC, and STS was 187, 253, and 161 days, respectively. Overall PFS was 152 days and median survival time (MST) was 270 days, with no statistical difference between tumor types. The presence of lymph node metastasis and the use of elective nodal irradiation (ENI) were associated with shorted PFS and MST. Severe acute toxicities to organs at risk affected 10/85 (11.8%) of patients. Osteoradionecrosis and oronasal fistula formation occurred in 23/81 (28.4%) of patients and was significantly associated with tumor type (SCC, P = 0.006). BRT can be offered as a treatment option for oral tumors in dogs. Toxicities were common and warrant risk factor considerations and adjustments to current SBRT protocols.

A retrospective analysis of oral tumors in dogs in Switzerland identifies peripheral odontogenic fibroma and melanoma as the predominant tumor types.

Determine the prevalence, types, and geographical distribution of oral tumors in dogs in Switzerland to provide insights into demographics, tumor characteristics, and trends. The medical and pathology records of dogs diagnosed with oral tumors from 2012 to 2022 were sourced from diagnostic laboratories in Switzerland. The focus was on histopathologically confirmed oral neoplasms. Inflammatory, viral, and cystic lesions were excluded. Geographic trends were analyzed by use of postal addresses, revealing local distributions. Of the 948 reports, 773 cases fulfilled the study's criteria. Benign tumors constituted 63% (487 of 773), with peripheral odontogenic fibroma being the most common (77.8% [379 of 487]). Among the malignant tumors, malignant melanoma was the most frequent (38.1% [109 of 286]), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (21% [60 of 286]) and fibrosarcoma (8% [23 of 286]). The locations of tumors varied, with a higher prevalence of malignant melanoma on the lips. Histopathologic findings indicated ulceration and necrosis were more common in malignant tumors. Significant differences were noted in the mitotic index between benign and malignant groups. No tumor predisposition was noted for any breed. Oral tumors were prevalent in older dogs (median age, 9.4 years). The findings highlighted the predominance of benign tumors in dogs in Switzerland, with specific histopathologic features distinguishing benign from malignant cases. Understanding the prevalence, types, and geographic distribution of oral tumors based on the representation in dogs in Switzerland may aid in early detection, appropriate diagnostic workup, and informed treatment planning for oral tumors in dogs.

Prediction of Oral Cancer Biomarkers by Salivary Proteomics Data.

Oral cancer, representing 2-4% of all cancer cases, predominantly consists of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), which makes up 90% of oral malignancies. Early detection of OSCC is crucial, and identifying specific proteins in saliva as biomarkers could greatly improve early diagnosis. Here, we proposed a strategy to pinpoint candidate biomarkers. Starting from a list of salivary proteins detected in 10 OSCC patients and 20 healthy controls, we combined a univariate approach and a multivariate approach to select candidates. To reduce the number of proteins selected, a Protein-Protein Interaction network was built to consider only connected proteins. Then, an over-representation analysis (ORA) determined the enriched pathways. The network from 172 differentially abundant proteins highlighted 50 physically connected proteins, selecting relevant candidates for targeted experimental validations. Notably, proteins like Heat shock 70 kDa protein 1A/1B, Pyruvate kinase PKM, and Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 were suggested to be differentially regulated in OSCC patients, with implications for oral carcinogenesis and tumor growth. Additionally, the ORA revealed enrichment in immune system, complement, and coagulation pathways, all known to play roles in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The employed method has successfully identified potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of OSCC using an accessible body fluid.

Management of a labial pleomorphic adenoma in the odontostomatology department of the Idrissa Pouye general hospital in Dakar

Pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands (formerly called mixed tumor) represents 60% of oral salivary tumors. The accessory salivary glands have their preferential location at the palate, the lips of the cheek and the oropharynx. At the level of the lips, this tumor most often affects the right upper lip.We report a case of pleomorphic adenoma of the right upper lip evolving for more than 4 years in a 70-year-old melanoderm patient who was referred to the odontostomatology department of the Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (HOGIP).The swelling was large, slightly exceeding the midline of the upper lip. The swelling measured approximately 20 cm from its long axis. It was firm, painless and did not bleed on contact and covered with a healthy-looking mucosa. The management was surgical under local anesthesia and the postoperative course was simple.Histological analysis specified that it was a well-limited nodular lesion, corresponding to a mixed epithelial and mesenchymal proliferation with a thin capsule in favor of a pleomorphic adenoma. No recurrence was observed 4 months after the operation.

Benign Soft Tissue Tumors of oral cavity, relevance to prosthodontics – Laconic Review.

The influence of oral soft tissue tumors on the surrounding structures and oral tissues makes them a considerable problem in prosthodontic treatment, regardless of their malignancy. Maintaining functional rehabilitation with prosthetic devices while addressing the tumor pathology is a delicate balance in the therapy of malignant tumors. Prosthodontics is relevant in this situation in a number of ways. Long-term side effects from cancer therapies, especially radiation therapy, can include mucositis, osteoradionecrosis, and xerostomia. The efficacy of prosthetic treatments may be significantly impacted by these negative effects. Patients with soft tissue tumors in the mouth cavity can greatly benefit from prosthodontic treatment, despite its difficulties. There is not much literature is available on the relevance of soft tissue tumors in various prosthodontic treatment procedures. Hence this laconic review aimed to discuss about various soft tissue tumors which are related to prosthodontic treatment and different precautions to be taken during prosthodontic procedures.

Relative Tumour Volume in Canine Oral Melanoma Staging and Prognosis.

Melanoma is one of the most common canine oral malignant tumours and is highly aggressive and metastatic, even at the early stages of development. Surgery relies on wide excision of the primary tumour and regional lymphadenectomy, with or without adjuvant therapy. Tumour location and size are important when considering staging, which ultimately affects the curative intent of surgery. Nevertheless, absolute tumour volume (TV) is not related to the vast phenotypic variability within canine breeds. This study aimed to determine the cutoff values of two ratios-tumour-to-head volume (THR) and tumour-to-body volume (TBR)-and assess whether they could be associated with the odds of finding metastasis at presentation and/or the likelihood of achieving tumour-free excision margins. A retrospective case series involving 51 dogs was used to evaluate the preoperative head/neck and chest computed tomography and histopathology of the primary mass and excised lymph nodes. Higher TV, THR% and TBR% values were associated with bone lysis and mitotic count (MC). The Ki67 index was significantly associated with local and distant metastases at presentation, whereas MC was associated with local metastasis alone. Tumour-infiltrated surgical margins were associated with caudally located tumours, regardless of the tumour size. Dogs with lymph node metastasis at presentation were seven times more prone to have local relapse. TV, THR% and TBR% values were positively associated with local lymph node metastasis at presentation. Cutoff values for both TV and TBR% were proposed to predict lymph node metastasis at presentation (TV = 6.423 cm3 and TBR% = 0.043), being supported by post-surgical survival analysis.

Audit of oral neoplasms in children and young adults in Nigeria

BackgroundOrofacial neoplasms in children and young adults may differ significantly from those observed in adults. Our aim was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of histologically diagnosed orofacial neoplasms among children and young adults in Nigeria.MethodsThis was a multicenter cross-sectional study across geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Annual reports of clinical information and surgical biopsies submitted at the Oral Pathology Laboratory, clinic day registries, surgical day case registries and operative theatre registries were retrieved from January 2008 to March 2024. The relevant demographic data were obtained for each patient. The study subjects were categorized by age into children, adolescents and young adults. Tissue involvement was classified as soft tissue involvement, bony involvement or both soft tissue and bony involvement. The site and behaviour of the lesions were subdivided according to the ICD-10 codes. Statistical analysis was performed via the R programming language.ResultsA total of 1889 cases were observed during the period under review, with a mean age of 15 years. Cases were more common in females (52%) and in young adults (47%). Most cases were benign neoplasms (85%), and bony affectation (54%) was slightly predominant. Odontogenic tumours (38%) and fibro-osseous lesions (20%) were the most common category of lesions observed, whereas salivary gland tumours (2.2%) and neoplasms of epithelial origin (2.5%) were the least common. Neoplasms in children involved mostly soft tissues, whereas those in adolescents and young adults had a preference for bone (p < 0.001). In all age groups, benign lesions were mostly observed in the mouth and pharynx. For malignant lesions, in children, the bones of the skull and face were mostly involved, whereas in adolescents, the mandible was the predominant site (p < 0.001). In children, mesenchymal neoplasms were the most prevalent category of lesions, whereas in both adolescents and young adults, odontogenic tumours were more common. The proportion of malignant neoplasms in males was significantly greater than that in females (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study revealed that although most biopsied orofacial lesions were more often benign, the proportion of malignant neoplasms in this population was greater than that previously reported.

Adverse Event Assessment of Upadacitinib: A Pharmacovigilance Study Based on the FAERS Database.

Upadacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA to treat various autoimmune conditions. This study assessed its adverse events by analyzing reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). FAERS data from Q3 2019 to Q4 2023 were extracted, and disproportionality analyses were conducted using four statistical measures, reporting odds ratio, proportionate reporting ratio, Bayesian confidence propagation neural network, and empirical Bayesian geometric mean. A total of 6 879 398 adverse event reports were collected, with 37 700 reports identifying upadacitinib as the "primary suspected." These reports involved 24 system organ classes and 246 preferred terms that met the criteria across all four algorithms. The distribution of adverse events was assessed separately for female and male patients. Further analysis of the top 25 preferred terms revealed that, although the system organ classes were similar between sexes, the specific adverse events differed. The adverse events were analyzed by gender, showing musculoskeletal and skin disorders were prevalent and severe in male patients, while musculoskeletal issues, infections, and abnormal laboratory tests were common in female patients. Unexpected events like trigger finger, biliary sepsis, and serious events such as oral neoplasm were also identified. This study provides real-world evidence for the safety evaluation of upadacitinib and underscores the need to monitor sex-specific adverse events. Future prospective studies are necessary to confirm these pharmacovigilance findings.

Pairwise analysis of gene expression for oral squamous cell carcinoma via a large-scale transcriptome integration.

Among all cancers occurring in the head and neck region, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral malignant tumours characterized by its aggressiveness and metastasis. The development of transcriptomics technology has greatly facilitated the diagnosis of various cancers. However, identifying genetic biomarkers is limited by data from a single batch of OSCC samples, and integrating analysis across different platforms remains a great challenge. In this study, we integrated five OSCC transcriptome datasets using an innovative strategy capable of mitigating batch effect, and extracting information from different datasets based on changes in the relative expression of gene pairs. By leveraging a machine learning method, we developed a prediction model including 27 differential gene pairs (DGPs) to discriminate OSCC from control samples, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.8987 for the training set. Moreover, the model demonstrated commendable performance in four external validation sets, with AUCs of 0.9926, 0.9688, 0.8052 and 0.8565, respectively. Subsequently, a prognostic model was constructed based on six key gene pairs through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The AUCs of the model at 1-year and 3-year overall survival time prediction were 0.717 and 0.779 in an independent dataset. Our result demonstrates the effectiveness of this new method of integrating data and identifying DGPs. Using DGPs can significantly improve the performance of both diagnostic and prognostic models.

Reconstructing oral cavity tumor evolution through brush biopsy

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with genomic alterations have a heightened risk of evolving into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Currently, genomic data are typically obtained through invasive tissue biopsy. However, brush biopsy is a non-invasive method that has been utilized for identifying dysplastic cells in OPMD but its effectiveness in reflecting the genomic landscape of OPMDs remains uncertain. This pilot study investigates the potential of brush biopsy samples in accurately reconstructing the genomic profile and tumor evolution in a patient with both OPMD and OSCC. We analyzed single nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number aberrations (CNAs), and subclonal architectures in paired tissue and brush biopsy samples. The results showed that brush biopsy effectively captured 90% of SNVs and had similar CNA profiles as those seen in its paired tissue biopsies in all lesions. It was specific, as normal buccal mucosa did not share these genomic alterations. Interestingly, brush biopsy revealed shared SNVs and CNAs between the distinct OPMD and OSCC lesions from the same patient, indicating a common ancestral origin. Subclonal reconstruction confirmed this shared ancestry, followed by divergent evolution of the lesions. These findings highlight the potential of brush biopsies in accurately representing the genomic profile of OPL and OSCC, proving insight into reconstructing tumor evolution.

Impact of AIM2 on HNSCC Development.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) constitutes 90% of head and neck cancers. HNSCC development is linked to chronic inflammation, while established HNSCC tumors are often immune suppressive. However, both occur through mechanisms that are not fully understood. The cytosolic double-stranded DNA sensor Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2) is an inflammasome forming protein that also has inflammasome-distinct roles in restricting tumorigenesis by limited PI3K signaling. Here, we used an experimental mouse model of HNSCC, involving treatment of wild type (WT) and Aim2 -/- mice with the carcinogen 4NQO in drinking water. Compared to WT mice, 4NQO-treated Aim2 -/- mice exhibited larger tumor sizes and increased tissue dysplasia. 4NQO-treated wild type and Aim2 -/- mice displayed similar tongue Il6, Tnf, Il1b, Il12, and Il10 expression and no consistent differences in PI3K or inflammasome activation, suggesting AIM2 may not regulate these factors during HNSCC. Instead, Ifng and Irf1 was elevated in 4NQO-treated Aim2 -/- mice, suggesting AIM2 restricts IFNγ. In line with this, RNA-sequencing of total tongue RNA from 4NQO-treated mice revealed Aim2 -/- mice had enhanced expression of genes related to the MHC protein complex, cell killing, and T cell activation compared to wild type mice. In addition, we observed increased macrophage infiltration into the tongue epithelium of 4NQO-treated Aim2 -/- mice. Lastly, using Aim2 -/- / Rag1 -/- -double deficient animals, we found that the adaptive immune compartment was necessary for the enhanced tumorigenesis during AIM2 deficiency. Taken together, these findings suggest AIM2 limits the progression of oral tumor development partially through regulating IFNγ and adaptive immune responses.

Deleting Trim33 in myeloid cells improves the efficiency of radiotherapy through an interferon beta dependent anti-tumor immune response.

Radiotherapy (RT) triggers an immune response that contributes to anti-tumor effects. Induction of interferon beta (IFN-β) is a key event in this immunogenicity of RT. We have previously shown that TRIM33, a chromatin reader, restrains IFN-β expression in Toll-like receptor-activated myeloid cells. Here, we explored whether deleting Trim33 in myeloid cells might improve the radio-induced immune response, and subsequent efficiency of RT. We first established that Trim33-/- bone marrow-derived macrophages showed increased expression of IFN-β in response to direct irradiation, or to treatment with irradiated cancer cells, further supporting our hypothesis. We then tested the efficiency of a single dose RT in three subcutaneous and one orthotopic tumor models. In all situations, myeloid deletion of Trim33 led to a significantly improved response after RT, leading to a complete and durable response in most of the treated mice bearing orthotopic oral tumors. This effect required the IFN-I pathway, and the presence of CD8+ T lymphocytes, but not NK cells. In addition, cured mice were capable of rejecting a secondary tumor challenge, demonstrating an in situ vaccination effect. We conclude that deleting Trim33 in myeloid cells improves RT efficiency, through a mechanism involving the IFN-I pathway and the immune response. Our work suggests that myeloid Trim33 is a host factor affecting the tumor response to RT, thus representing a new potential therapeutic target for modifying RT responses.

Risk stratification scheme based on the TNM staging system for dogs with oral malignant melanoma centered on clinicopathologic presentation.

Oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is the most common malignant oral neoplasm in dogs. Tumor recurrence, progression, and regional and distant metastasis remain major obstacles despite advanced therapy. Tumor size has been a consistent, key independent prognostic factor; however, other clinical and histopathologic features impact prognosis and likely influence optimal treatment strategies. Adoption of a risk stratification scheme for canine OMM that stratifies groups of dogs on defined clinicopathologic features may improve reproducible and comparable studies by improving homogeneity within groups of dogs. Moreover, it would aid in the generation of multidisciplinary prospective studies that seek to define optimal treatment paradigms based on defined clinicopathologic features. To build a platform upon which to develop a risk stratification scheme, we performed a systematic review of clinicopathologic features of OMM, with particular attention to levels of evidence of published research and the quantitative prognostic effect of clinicopathologic features. Tumor size and presence of bone lysis were repeatable features with the highest level of evidence for prognostic effects on survival. Overall, with strict inclusion criteria for paper review, the levels of evidence in support of other, previously proposed risk factors were low. Factors contributing to the challenge of defining clear prognostic features including inconsistencies in staging and reporting of prognostic variables, incomplete clinical outcome data, inhomogeneous treatment, and absence of randomized controlled studies. To overcome this in the future, we propose a risk stratification scheme that expands the TNM system to incorporate specific designations that highlight possible prognostic variables. The ability to capture key data simply from an expanded TNM description will aid in future efforts to form strong conclusions regarding prognostic variables and their influence (or lack thereof) on therapeutic decision-making and outcomes.

Deep learning-enabled fluorescence imaging for surgical guidance: in silico training for oral cancer depth quantification.

Oral cancer surgery requires accurate margin delineation to balance complete resection with post-operative functionality. Current in vivo fluorescence imaging systems provide two-dimensional margin assessment yet fail to quantify tumor depth prior to resection. Harnessing structured light in combination with deep learning (DL) may provide near real-time three-dimensional margin detection. A DL-enabled fluorescence spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) system trained with in silico tumor models was developed to quantify the depth of oral tumors. A convolutional neural network was designed to produce tumor depth and concentration maps from SFDI images. Three in silico representations of oral cancer lesions were developed to train the DL architecture: cylinders, spherical harmonics, and composite spherical harmonics (CSHs). Each model was validated with in silico SFDI images of patient-derived tongue tumors, and the CSH model was further validated with optical phantoms. The performance of the CSH model was superior when presented with patient-derived tumors ( ). The CSH model could predict depth and concentration within 0.4mm and , respectively, for in silico tumors with depths less than 10mm. A DL-enabled SFDI system trained with in silico CSH demonstrates promise in defining the deep margins of oral tumors.

Exploring the Epidemiology of Melanocytic Tumors in Canine and Feline Populations: A Comprehensive Analysis of Diagnostic Records from a Single Pathology Institution in Italy.

MTs are prevalent in dogs, representing the most frequent oral malignancy, compared to cats, in which ocular melanomas predominate. This study investigates the canine and feline MT epidemiology (2005-2024) of cases submitted to the Veterinary Pathology Service (University of Perugia). Among the canine neoplasms, 845 (4%) were melanocytic: 329 (39%) melanocytomas; 512 (61%) melanomas. Of these, 485 (57%) were cutaneous (4% of canine cutaneous neoplasms), 193 (23%) were oral (50% of oral canine neoplasms), and 104 (12%) were mucocutaneous. The average age of affected dogs was 10 years. Older dogs were more likely to have melanomas compared to melanocytomas (p < 0.001). There were 60 (1%) feline MTs: 6 (10%) melanocytomas; 53 (88%) melanomas. Of these, 29 (48%) were cutaneous (1% of feline cutaneous tumors), 18 (30%) were ocular, and 9 (15%) were oral (22% of feline oral tumors). The average age of affected cats was 11 years. In dogs, mucocutaneous melanomas were more common compared to cutaneous ones (p < 0.05); oral melanomas were more common compared to all other sites (p < 0.001). In cats, ocular melanomas were more common compared to cutaneous ones (p < 0.05). Our study provides the MT prevalence in a selected canine and feline population, revealing MT epidemiological patterns, highlighting species-specific differences in the tumor prevalence, localization, and age distribution.