Leveraging technology-driven strategies to untangle omics big data: circumventing roadblocks in clinical facets of oral cancer

Oral cancer is one of the 19most rapidly progressing cancers associated with significant mortality, owing to its extreme degree of invasiveness and aggressive inclination. The early occurrences of this cancer can be clinically deceiving leading to a poor overall survival rate. The primary concerns from a clinical perspective include delayed diagnosis, rapid disease progression, resistance to various chemotherapeutic regimens, and aggressive metastasis, which collectively pose a substantial threat to prognosis. Conventional clinical practices observed since antiquity no longer offer the best possible options to circumvent these roadblocks. The world of current cancer research has been revolutionized with the advent of state-of-the-art technology-driven strategies that offer a ray of hope in confronting said challenges by highlighting the crucial underlying molecular mechanisms and drivers. In recent years, bioinformatics and Machine Learning (ML) techniques have enhanced the possibility of early detection, evaluation of prognosis, and individualization of therapy. This review elaborates on the application of the aforesaid techniques in unraveling potential hints from omics big data to address the complexities existing in various clinical facets of oral cancer. The first section demonstrates the utilization of omics data and ML to disentangle the impediments related to diagnosis. This includes the application of technology-based strategies to optimize early detection, classification, and staging via uncovering biomarkers and molecular signatures. Furthermore, breakthrough concepts such as salivaomics-driven non-invasive biomarker discovery and omics-complemented surgical interventions are articulated in detail. In the following part, the identification of novel disease-specific targets alongside potential therapeutic agents to confront oral cancer via omics-based methodologies is presented. Additionally, a special emphasis is placed on drug resistance, precision medicine, and drug repurposing. In the final section, we discuss the research approaches oriented toward unveiling the prognostic biomarkers and constructing prediction models to capture the metastatic potential of the tumors. Overall, we intend to provide a bird’s eye view of the various omics, bioinformatics, and ML approaches currently being used in oral cancer research through relevant case studies

Association between soft drinks consumption and asthma:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives To carry out meta-analysis and systematic review on the association between soft drinks consumption and asthma prevalence among adults and children. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational research. Data sources Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched up to December 2018. Eligibility criteria We included observational studies investigating the association between soft drinks consumption (including maternal consumption during pregnancy) and asthma or wheeze. Data extraction and synthesis Data were extracted by one author and reviewed independently by two other authors. The most adjusted estimate from each original study was used in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and heterogeneity was evaluated using I-2 statistic. Results Of 725 publications originally identified, 19 were included in this systematic review, including 3 cohort studies and 16 cross-sectional studies. Ten articles reported on children up to 18 years, 5 articles on adults (>18 years) and 2 articles on prenatal exposure. In total, 468 836 participants were included, with more than 50 000 asthma cases. Soft drinks consumption was associated with significantly increased odds of asthma in both adults (OR=1.37; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.52) and children (OR=1.14; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.21). Prenatal exposure had marginally statistically significant association (OR=1.11; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.23) with asthma in children. In subgroup analysis for childhood exposure, the association persists for sugar-sweetened soft drinks but not for carbonated drinks. Conclusion Our findings show a positive association between soft drinks consumption and asthma prevalence, mostly from cross-sectional studies. Therefore, more longitudinal research is required to establish causality

Transcriptional regulatory signatures of systemic diseases in periodontitis with dyslipidemia

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial infection of tooth that increases the risk of systemic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Although it has been have found altered lipids in periodontitis patients, its gene regulation is largely unknown. This study aimed to examine the lipid meditated regulatory network in periodontitis that may helpful in early detection of periodontal mediated systemic diseases. Methods: We employed a high-throughput gene expression data of 1) patients with periodontitis (n = 6); 2) the periodontitis patients with dyslipidemia (n = 6); and 3) healthy control group (n = 6). The over represented (DEGs) genes in SET-A (control vs. periodontitis) and SET-B (control vs. periodontitis with dyslipidemia) was identified. The protein interaction network was generated for the over represented genes in both the conditions. The constructed network was dissected into multiple regulatory clusters, containing over expressed transcription factors with its interacting proteins. Further the behavior of the clusters was determined through gene ontology and molecular pathways. Results: On expression analysis, 751 in SET-A and 561 in SET-B were over expressed compared to healthy control. Using over expressed genes, protein interaction networks were constructed for SET-A and SET-B, respectively. Topological analysis revel the difference in the complexity of both the network. Four regulatory clusters (ESR1, FOS, RUNX2, and SP1) from SET-A and six (ESR1, ESR2, FOS, JDP2, PBX1, and TAL1) from the SET-B network was extracted. Each cluster displayed a variety of molecular mechanism associated with immune system, cell cycle, and signal processing. Clusters from SET-B showed diverse regulatory pattern in associated with cancer, neurological, psychiatric and metabolic diseases. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate difference in regulatory patterns between periodontitis and periodontitis with dyslipidemia. These finding may provide evidence for dyslipidemia mediated periodontitis contribute to progressive systemic diseases. Further experiments are required to validate these regulators as biomarkers and drug targets

Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Parameters in Tobacco Substance Abusers

Background: Tobacco use by youth is ever-demanding, and it is increasingly distributed not only in India but also globally. Saliva is a complex oral bio-fluid, freely available, performing absolute tasks for maintaining oral health and homeostasis. It contains a plethora of significant constituents such as proline-rich proteins (PRPs), immunoglobulins, IgA, enzymes lysozyme, lactoferrin, peroxidases, amylase, etc. The basic ecological balance of the oral cavity is stabilized via salivary clearance by reduced aggregation and adherence of microorganisms by direct microbial activity. This balance of oral activity is also done by indirect mechanisms by immunological as well as non-immunological means and also by effectively regulating salivary pH flow rate. This institutional observational study was planned to assess and compare salivary parameters (pH, salivary flow rate), total proteins, α-amylase, calcium, phosphate, and IgA, of unstimulated whole saliva of both tobacco abusers and tobacco non-users. Methods: The Study consisted of 270 participants (Tobacco habit) group, n = 135 and Control (Healthy) group, n = 135 and were in the age range of 20–50 years. They were assessed for oral health status, followed by the analysis of salivary pH, flow rate, total proteins, amylase, calcium, phosphates, and IgA of unstimulated whole saliva. Results: Comparative evaluation of salivary parameters among groups found that varying tobacco abusers had increased salivary amylase, protein levels, and phosphate whereas decreased salivary pH, flow rate, IgA, and in the whole unstimulated saliva samples than those of non-tobacco users. This difference among groups was statistically significant. (p < 0.05), and calcium levels were not altered significantly. Conclusions: This study concludes that salivary parameters are altered in tobacco abusers when compared to those of non-abusers, and it was more significant in smokeless tobacco abusers than in any other form of tobacco abuse

Molecular epidemiology, transmission and clinical features of 2022‐mpox outbreak: A systematic review

Abstract Background and Aims The 2022‐mpox outbreak has spread worldwide in a short time. Integrated knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and transmission of mpox are limited. This systematic review of peer‐reviewed articles and gray literature was conducted to shed light on the epidemiology, clinical features, and transmission of 2022‐mpox outbreak. Methods We identified 45 peer‐reviewed manuscripts for data analysis. The standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) Statement and Cochrane Collaboration were followed for conducting the study. Results The case number of mpox has increased about 100 times worldwide. About 99% of the cases in 2022 outbreak was from non‐endemic regions. Men (70%–98% cases) were mostly infected with homosexual and bisexual behavior (30%–60%). The ages of the infected people ranged between 30 and 40 years. The presence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among 30%–60% of cases were reported. Human‐to‐human transmission via direct contact and different body fluids were involved in the majority of the cases (90%–100%). Lesions in genitals, perianal, and anogenital areas were more prevalent. Unusually, pharyngitis (15%–40%) and proctitis (20%–40%) were more common during 2022 outbreak than pre‐2022 outbreaks. Brincidofovir is approved for the treatment of smallpox by FDA (USA). Two vaccines, including JYNNEOSTM and ACAM2000®, are approved and used for pre‐ and post‐prophylaxis in cases. About 100% of the cases in non‐endemic regions were associated with isolates of IIb clade with a divergence of 0.0018–0.0035. Isolates from B.1 lineage were the most predominant followed by B.1.2 and B.1.10. Conclusion This study will add integrated knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical features, and transmission of mpox

The Effect of Laser Micro Grooved Platform Switched Implants and Abutments on Early Crestal Bone Levels and Peri-Implant Soft Tissues Post 1 Year Loading among Diabetic Patients&mdash;A Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to compare the mean crestal bone level (CBL) and peri-implant soft tissue parameters in laser micro-grooved (LMG) platform switched implants and abutments (I&amp;A) post 1 year of functional loading among non-diabetic and type II diabetic individuals. Materials and methods: Patients with an edentulous site having minimum bone height and width of &ge;13 mm and &ge;6 mm, respectively, were divided into two groups: (i) Non-diabetic-8 (control) and (ii) diabetic-8 (test). LMG Implants were placed and loaded immediately with a provisional prosthesis. Mean crestal bone level (MCBL) was evaluated radiographically at baseline and at 1 year. Peri-implant attachment level (PIAL) and relative position of the gingival margin (R-PGM) were recorded. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) level and implant survival rate (ISR) were evaluated at 1 year. Results: Early MCBL within the groups 1 year postloading was similar both mesially and distally (control&mdash;0.00 to 0.16 mm and 0.00 to 0.17 mm, respectively; test&mdash;0.00 to 0.21 mm and 0.00 to 0.22 mm, respectively) with statistical significance (p &le; 0.003, p &le; 0.001 and p &le; 0.001, p &le; 0.001, respectively). However, intergroup comparison showed no significant difference statistically in the MCBL in 1 year post functional loading. The peri-implant soft tissue parameters showed no significant difference between the groups. ISQ level between both groups did not reveal any significant changes (p &le; 0.92), and ISR was 100%. Conclusions: LMG Implants resulted in minimal and comparable early crestal bone loss and soft tissue changes post 1 year of functional loading in moderately controlled diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, suggesting that this could be a reliable system for use in systemically compromised individuals

In-Vitro Assessment of the Corrosion Potential of an Oral Strain of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria on Metallic Orthodontic Materials

Aim: Orthodontic literature is scant when it comes to microbial corrosion. The oral prevalence of many bacteria which are capable of causing microbial corrosion is reported in the dental literature. The aim of this study is to experimentally determine the corrosive potential of an oral strain of Sulfate-reducing bacteria. Materials and Methods: Stainless steel (SS) bracket, stainless steel archwire, NiTi archwire, Titanium molybdenum (TMA) archwire, and titanium miniscrew were immersed in five media which included Artificial saliva (group I), Sulfate rich artificial saliva (group II), API agar medium specific for SRB (group III), AS + API medium+ bacterial strain (group IV), SRAS+ API medium+ bacterial strain (group V). The materials were then subjected to Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Results: Materials in groups I, II, and III did not show any surface changes whereas materials in groups IV and V which contained the bacteria showed surface changes which were erosive patches suggestive of corrosion. EDX analyses were in line with similar findings. Conclusion: This in vitro study suggested that the oral strain of Sulfate-reducing bacteria was able to induce corrosive changes in the experimental setup

Impact of Red Complex Bacteria and TNF-α Levels on the Diabetic and Renal Status of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in the Presence and Absence of Periodontitis

Scientific evidence shows a positive association in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Various confounding factors, such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammation, also play a significant role in the progression of CKD, which remains unexplored. We hypothesise the role of red complex bacteria with various confounding factors associated with chronic kidney disease. The study comprised a total of 120 participants categorised into 4 groups: the control group (C), periodontitis subjects without CKD (P), periodontally healthy chronic kidney disease subjects (CKD), and subjects having both periodontitis and CKD (P + CKD), with 30 subjects in each group. Demographic variables, and periodontal, renal, and diabetic parameters were recorded. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and those of red complex bacteria such as Prophyromonas gingivalis (P.g), Treponema denticola (T.d), and Tonerella forsythia (T.f) were assessed, and the obtained results were statistically analysed. Among the various demographic variables, age showed a level of significance. Mean PI, GI, CAL, and PPD (the proportion of sites with PPD ≥ 5 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm) were elevated in the P + CKD group. Diabetic parameters such as fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c levels were also greater in the P + CKD group. Renal parameters such as eGFR and serum creatinine levels were greater in CKD patients. The estimation of red complex periodontal pathogens such as Pg, Td and Tf levels were significantly greater in the P and P + CKD groups. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlation of red complex bacteria with all variables. Greater levels of P.g, T.d and T.f were found in the P groups, thus indicating their important role in the initiation and progression of inflammation of periodontitis and CKD, with diabetes as one of the confounding factors. The study also confirmed a log-linear relationship between TNF-α levels and red complex bacteria, thereby demonstrating the role of inflammatory biomarkers in periodontal disease progression that could contribute to the development of systemic inflammation such as CKD

Phenotypic and genotypic detection of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Accra, Ghana.

AimTo describe the occurrence of carbapenem resistance among multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens in Accra using phenotypic and genotypic methods.MethodologyThe study was cross-sectional, involving 144 clinical MDR E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from the Central Laboratory of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). The isolates were re-cultured bacteriologically, identified using standard biochemical tests, and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer method. Carbapenem resistance was determined based on imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem zones of inhibition, as well as minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Carbapenemase production was determined phenotypically by modified Hodge test (MHT) and modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM), and genotypically with multiplex PCR targeting the blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaVIM, and blaOXA-48 genes.ResultsOf the 144 MDR isolates, 69.4% were E. coli, and 30.6% were K. pneumoniae. The distribution of antimicrobial resistance rates among them was ampicillin (97.2%), cefuroxime (93.1%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (86.8%), tetracycline (85.4%), cefotaxime and cefpodoxime (77.1% each), amoxicillin-clavulanate (75%), ceftriaxone (73.6%), ciprofloxacin (70.8%), levofloxacin (66.0%), cefepime (65.3%), ceftazidime (64.6%), gentamicin (48.6), piperacillin-tazobactam (40.3%), cefoxitin (14.6%), amikacin (13.9%), ertapenem and meropenem (5.6% each), and imipenem (2.8%). In total, 5.6% (8/144) of them were carbapenem-resistant (carbapenem MIC range = 0.094-32.0 μg/ml), with 75% (6/8) of these testing positive by the phenotypic tests and 62.5% (5/8) by the genotypic test (of which 80% [4/5] carried blaOXA-48 and 20% (1/5) blaNDM). The blaVIM, blaIMP, and blaKPC genes were not detected.ConclusionAlthough the rates of antibiotic resistance among the isolates were high, the prevalence of carbapenemase producers was low. The finding of blaOXA-48 and blaNDM warrants upscaling of antimicrobial resistance surveillance programmes and fortification of infection prevention and control programmes in the country

Antibacterial Effects of <i>Commiphora gileadensis</i> Methanolic Extract on Wound Healing

Commiphora gileadensis (CG) is a small tree distributed throughout the Middle East. It was traditionally used in perfumes in countries in this area. In Saudi Arabia, it was used to treat wounds burns and as an antidote to scorpion stings. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and cutaneous wound healing efficiency of the CG extracts using microbiological tests, rate of wound contraction and histopathological changes. CG plant were extracted using the methanol extraction technique; then, the methanolic extract was characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Afterwards, a six-millimetre (mm) excision wound was induced in 60 male Balb/c mice. Mice were classified into two classes; each class consisted of three groups of 10 mice. In the non-infected wound class, the group I was assigned as control and received normal saline. Group II received gentamicin treatment, and group III treated with CG-methanolic extract. In the Staphylococcus aureus-infected class, group IV received normal saline, and groups V and VI were treated with gentamicin and CG-methanolic extract, respectively. The colonization of infected wounds was determined using colony-forming units (CFUs), and the percentage of wound contraction was measured in all groups. Finally, the histopathologic semi-quantitative determination of wound healing was evaluated by inflammatory cell infiltration, the presence of collagen fibres and granulation tissue, and the grade of re-epithelization. Composition analysis of the methanolic extract confirmed the presence of a high amount of ceramide (69%) and, to a lesser extent, hexosylceramide (18%) and phosphatidylethanolamine (7%) of the total amount. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between the percentage of wound contraction in the CG-treated and control groups in both Staphylococcus aureus-infected and non-infected wounds (p CG than in the control group (p CG-treated group showed significant statistical differences in inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen fibres, re-epithelization and granulation tissue formation compared with the control group (p CG extract possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that induce wound healing