Particulate matter 2.5 exposure during pregnancy and birth outcomes: Evidence from Colombia.

Particulate matter is a type of air pollution that consists of fine particles with a diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), which can easily penetrate the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, increasing health risks for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Recent reports have suggested that there is a positive association between PM2.5 exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, most evidence of this relationship comes from Western countries. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association between PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy and birth outcomes among pregnant women in Colombia. This study included 542,800 singletons born in 2019 to Colombian women, aged 15+ years, residing in 981 municipalities. Data on parental, child and birth characteristics were extracted from anonymized live birth records. Satellite-based estimates of monthly PM2.5 concentrations at the surface level were extracted for each municipality from the Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group (ACAG). PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy was indicated by the monthly average of PM2.5 concentrations across the pregnancy duration for the municipality where the child was born. The associations of municipality-level PM2.5 concentration during pregnancy with pre-term birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) were tested in separate two-level logistic regression models, with babies nested within municipalities. The prevalence of PTB and LBW were 8.6 % and 8.3 %, respectively. The mean PM2.5 concentration across the 981 municipalities was 18.26 ± 3.30 µg/m3, ranging from 9.11 to 31.44 µg/m3. Greater PM2.5 concentration at municipality level was associated with greater odds of PTB (1.05; 95%CI: 1.04-1.06) and LBW (1.04; 95%CI: 1.03-1.05), after adjustment for confounders. Our findings provide new evidence on the association between PM2.5 on adverse pregnancy outcomes from a middle-income country.

Frequency of anticancer drug use at the end of life: a scoping review

Purpose Anticancer drug use at the end of life places potential extra burdens on patients and the healthcare system. Previous articles show variability in methods and outcomes; thus, their results are not directly comparable. This scoping review describes the methods and extent of anticancer drug use at end of life. Methods Systematic searches in Medline and Embase were conducted to identify articles reporting anticancer drug use at the end of life. Results We selected 341 eligible publications, identifying key study features including timing of research, disease status, treatment schedule, treatment type, and treatment characteristics. Among the subset of 69 articles of all cancer types published within the last 5 years, we examined the frequency of anticancer drug use across various end of life periods. Conclusion This comprehensive description of publications on anticancer drug use at end of life underscores the importance of methodological factors when designing studies and comparing outcomes (AU)

Frequency of anticancer drug use at the end of life: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: Anticancer drug use at the end of life places potential extra burdens on patients and the healthcare system. Previous articles show variability in methods and outcomes; thus, their results are not directly comparable. This scoping review describes the methods and extent of anticancer drug use at end of life. METHODS: Systematic searches in Medline and Embase were conducted to identify articles reporting anticancer drug use at the end of life. RESULTS: We selected 341 eligible publications, identifying key study features including timing of research, disease status, treatment schedule, treatment type, and treatment characteristics. Among the subset of 69 articles of all cancer types published within the last 5 years, we examined the frequency of anticancer drug use across various end of life periods. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive description of publications on anticancer drug use at end of life underscores the importance of methodological factors when designing studies and comparing outcomes.

Treatments for non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic quality assessment of clinical practice guidelines

Aim To evaluate the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods We searched MEDLINE, CPG developer websites, lung cancer societies, and oncology organizations to identify CPGs providing recommendations on treatments for NSCLC. The methodological quality for each CPG was determined independently by three appraisers using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) instrument. Results Twenty-two CPGs met the eligibility criteria. The median scores per AGREE II domain were: scope and purpose 90.7% (64.8–100%), stakeholder involvement 76.9% (27.8–96.3%); rigor of development 80.9% (27.1–92.4%); clarity of presentation 89.8% (50–100%); applicability 46.5% (12.5–87.5%); and editorial independence 91.7% (27.8–100%). Most of the CPGs (54.5%) were rated as “recommended with modifications” for clinical use. Conclusions Overall, the methodological quality of CPGs proving recommendations on the management of NSCLC is moderate, but there is still room for improvement in their development and implementation (AU)

Assessing the magnitude of changes from protocol to publication-a survey on Cochrane and non-Cochrane Systematic Reviews.

Objective: To explore differences between published reviews and their respective protocols in a sample of 97 non-Cochrane Systematic Reviews (non-CSRs) and 97 Cochrane Systematic Reviews (CSRs) in terms of PICOS (Patients/Population, Intervention, Comparison/Control, Outcome, Study type) elements and the extent to which they were reported. Study Design and Setting: We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify non-CSRs and CSRs that were published in 2018. We then searched for their corresponding Cochrane or PROSPERO protocols. The published reviews were compared to their protocols. The primary outcome was changes from protocol to review in terms of PICOS elements. Results: We identified a total of 227 changes from protocol to review in PICOS elements, 1.11 (Standard Deviation (SD), 1.22) changes per review for CSRs and 1.23 (SD, 1.12) for non-CSRs per review. More than half of each sub-sample (54.6% of CSRs and 67.0% of non-CSRs) (Absolute Risk Reduction (ARR) 12.4% [-1.3%; 26.0%]) had changes in PICOS elements. For both subsamples, approximately a third of all changes corresponded to changes related to primary outcomes. Marked differences were found between the sub-samples for the reporting of changes. 95.8% of the changes in PICOS items were not reported in the non-CSRs compared to 42.6% in the CSRs (ARR 53.2% [43.2%; 63.2%]). Conclusion: CSRs showed better results than non-CSRs in terms of the reporting of changes. Reporting of changes from protocol needs to be promoted and requires general improvement. The limitations of this study lie in its observational design. Registration: https://osf.io/6j8gd/.

Mercurio y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en niños: una revisión sistemática / Mercury and neurodevelopmental disorders in children: A systematic review

El mercurio es un metal tóxico que puede atravesar la placenta y la barrera hematoencefálica, y causar la interrupción de varios procesos celulares. Estudios han investigado la exposición al mercurio y trastornos en el neurodesarrollo, por lo que se requiere un análisis crítico y riguroso de esta evidencia. El objetivo de esta revisión fue evaluar la evidencia científica disponible sobre los efectos de la exposición al mercurio durante las etapas prenatal y posnatal, y su relación con el desarrollo de trastornos neuroconductuales. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos MEDLINE y ScienceDirect; los resultados se presentaron a través de tablas y síntesis narrativa. Solo 31 estudios cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad. En general, la evidencia es limitada sobre los efectos de la exposición al mercurio y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en niños. Entre los posibles efectos reportados, se hallan problemas en el aprendizaje, autismo y trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad.

Mercury is a toxic metal which can cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier and cause the disruption of various cellular processes. Studies have investigated mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders; therefore, a critical and rigorous analysis of this evidence is required. The objective of this review was to evaluate the available scientific evidence on the effects of mercury exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods and its relationship with the development of neurobehavioral disorders. A systematic search of the MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases was conducted; the results were presented in tables and narrative synthesis. Only 31 studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall, the evidence on the effects of mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders in children is limited. Learning disabilities, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were some of the reported potential effects.

Treatments for non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic quality assessment of clinical practice guidelines.

AIM: To evaluate the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, CPG developer websites, lung cancer societies, and oncology organizations to identify CPGs providing recommendations on treatments for NSCLC. The methodological quality for each CPG was determined independently by three appraisers using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) instrument. RESULTS: Twenty-two CPGs met the eligibility criteria. The median scores per AGREE II domain were: scope and purpose 90.7% (64.8-100%), stakeholder involvement 76.9% (27.8-96.3%); rigor of development 80.9% (27.1-92.4%); clarity of presentation 89.8% (50-100%); applicability 46.5% (12.5-87.5%); and editorial independence 91.7% (27.8-100%). Most of the CPGs (54.5%) were rated as "recommended with modifications" for clinical use. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the methodological quality of CPGs proving recommendations on the management of NSCLC is moderate, but there is still room for improvement in their development and implementation.

Mercury and neurodevelopmental disorders in children: A systematic review. / Mercurio y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en niños: una revisión sistemática.

Mercury is a toxic metal which can cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier and cause the disruption of various cellular processes. Studies have investigated mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders; therefore, a critical and rigorous analysis of this evidence is required. The objective of this review was to evaluate the available scientific evidence on the effects of mercury exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods and its relationship with the development of neurobehavioral disorders. A systematic search of the MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases was conducted; the results were presented in tables and narrative synthesis. Only 31 studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall, the evidence on the effects of mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders in children is limited. Learning disabilities, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were some of the reported potential effects.

El mercurio es un metal tóxico que puede atravesar la placenta y la barrera hematoencefálica, y causar la interrupción de varios procesos celulares. Estudios han investigado la exposición al mercurio y trastornos en el neurodesarrollo, por lo que se requiere un análisis crítico y riguroso de esta evidencia. El objetivo de esta revisión fue evaluar la evidencia científica disponible sobre los efectos de la exposición al mercurio durante las etapas prenatal y posnatal, y su relación con el desarrollo de trastornos neuroconductuales. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos MEDLINE y ScienceDirect; los resultados se presentaron a través de tablas y síntesis narrativa. Solo 31 estudios cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad. En general, la evidencia es limitada sobre los efectos de la exposición al mercurio y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en niños. Entre los posibles efectos reportados, se hallan problemas en el aprendizaje, autismo y trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad.

The intersections of socioeconomic position, gender, race/ethnicity and nationality in relation to oral conditions among American adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate how gender, socioeconomic position (SEP), race/ethnicity and nationality intersect to structure social inequalities in adult oral health among American adults. METHODS: Data from adults aged 20 years or over who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2018 were analysed. The outcomes were poor self-rated oral health and edentulism among all adults (n = 24 541 and 21 446 participants, respectively) and untreated caries and periodontitis among dentate adults (n = 16 483 and 9829 participants, respectively). A multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (MAIHDA) was conducted for each outcome, by nesting individuals within 48 intersectional strata defined as combinations of gender, SEP, race/ethnicity and nationality. Intersectional measures included the variance partition coefficient (VPC), the proportional change in variance (PCV) and predicted excess probability due to interaction. RESULTS: Substantial social inequalities in the prevalence of oral conditions among adults were found, which were characterized by high between-stratum heterogeneity and outcome specificity. The VPCs of the simple intersectional model showed that 9.4%-12.7% of the total variance in the presentation of oral conditions was attributed to between-stratum differences. In addition, the PCVs from the simple intersectional model to the intersectional interaction model showed that 84.1%-97.1% of the stratum-level variance in the presentation of oral conditions was attributed to the additive effects of gender, SEP, race/ethnicity and nationality. The point estimates of the predictions for some intersectional strata were suggestive of an intersectional interaction effect. However, the 95% credible intervals were very wide and the estimations inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis highlights the value of the intersectionality framework to understand heterogeneity in social inequalities in oral health. These inequalities were mainly due to the additive effect of the social identities defining the intersectional strata, with no evidence of interaction effects.

Demographic, Epidemiologic and Nutrition Transitions in Colombia: Implications for Oral Diseases and Dental Services.

Socioeconomic, cultural, and political shifts are essential to achieve progress and growth. When countries develop, their populations undergo several changes. Some theories seek to explain changing trends that are occurring at the population level, such as the demographic, epidemiologic, and nutrition transition models. Colombia has undergone major transitions in terms of population demographics, disease patterns, and lifestyles. This country is at the late expanding stage of the demographic transition, the age of degenerative and man-made diseases of the epidemiologic transition, and the stage of degenerative diseases of the nutrition transition. These transition stages have an impact on population oral health as most of the common oral disorders have an association with age changes, chronic general diseases, and lifestyles. Therefore, dental services should be adapted and equipped to cope with the challenges posed by these transition stages.

Salud bucal en sujetos con trastorno del espectro autista: consideraciones para la atención odontológica / Oral health in subjects with autistic spectrum disorder: considerations for dental care / Saúde oral em sujeitos com transtorno do espectro autístico: considerações para assistência odontológica

Resumen El estado de salud bucal y la atención odontológica en sujetos con Trastornos del Espectro Autista (TEA), amerita atención, dada las características específicas en su fisiopatología bucal y algunos factores comportamentales que influyen el progreso de enfermedades bucales como la caries dental y la enfermedad periodontal. El objetivo de la presente revisión fue describir la evidencia referente a salud bucal, así como consideraciones relevantes para la atención odontológica en sujetos con TEA. Se realizó búsqueda sistemática de la literatura empleando los buscadores de información: EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, y Scopus. Los descriptores empleados fueron: Trastorno del Espectro Autista, Salud Bucal, Caries dental, Enfermedades Periodontales, Atención Odontológica (DeCS-Bireme), sus combinaciones y equivalencias en inglés Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oral health, Dental caries, Periodontal Diseases, Dental care (MeSH-Database). Considerando artículos publicados entre 2014 y septiembre de 2019. Inicialmente, se revisaron los títulos y aplicaron criterios de elegibilidad para la descripción de evidencia incluida, correspondiente a 46 artículos, considerando su enfoque, tipología, idioma y año de publicación y luego se plantea un análisis de la información. Concluyendo que la evidencia sigue siendo controversial y limitada con tendencia a destacar deficiencias en la higiene bucal que se realiza en los hogares de sujetos con TEA, la presencia de caries dental, enfermedad periodontal y algunos hallazgos que condicionan la fisiología oral y progreso de enfermedades bucales. Así mismo, se resalta la dificultad en la atención odontológica a causa de la cuestionable preparación del personal de odontología y los consecuentes temores en los padres que puede limitar la asistencia a la consulta de manera oportuna y en edades tempranas para lograr una buena adaptación. Por todo lo anterior, la atención odontológica se convierte en un desafío que deberá orientar sus acciones con empatía para atender esta población con participación de la familia, profesores y otros miembros de instituciones especializadas, con carácter holístico y de medicina familiar.

Abstract Oral health status and dental care in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) deserves attention, given the specific characteristics of their oral pathophysiology and some behavioral factors that influence the progress of oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease. The objective of the present review was to describe the evidence regarding oral health as well as relevant considerations for dental care in subjects with ASD. Therefore, a systematic search of the literature was carried out using the information seekers: EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. The descriptors used were: Trastorno del Espectro Autista, Salud Bucal, Caries dental, Enfermedades Periodontales, Atención Odontológica (DeCS-Bireme), their combinations and equivalents in English: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oral health, Dental caries, Periodontal Diseases, Dental care (MeSH-Database). Considering articles published between 2014 and September 2019. Initially, the titles were reviewed and eligibility criteria were applied for the description of the included evidence, corresponding to 46 articles, considering their focus, typology, language and year of publication, and then an analysis of the information was proposed. Concluding that the evidence remains controversial and limited, with a tendency to highlight deficiencies in oral hygiene performed in the homes of individuals with ASD, the presence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and some findings that condition oral physiology and the progress of oral diseases. Likewise, the difficulty in dental care is highlighted due to the questionable preparation of the dental staff and the consequent fears in parents that may limit attendance at the consultation in a timely manner and at an early age to achieve a good adaptation. Due to all the above, dental care becomes a challenge that should guide its actions with empathy to serve this population with the participation of the family, teachers and other members of specialized institutions, with a holistic and family medicine nature.

Resumo O estado da saúde bucal e da assistência odontológica em indivíduos com Transtornos do Espectro do Autismo (TEA) merece atenção, dadas as características específicas de sua fisiopatologia bucal e alguns fatores comportamentais que influenciam no progresso de doenças bucais, como cárie dentária e doença periodontal. O objetivo da presente revisão foi descrever as evidências sobre a saúde bucal, bem como considerações relevantes para o cuidado odontológico em indivíduos com TEA. Portanto, uma busca sistemática da literatura foi realizada usando os motores de busca de informações: EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect e Scopus. Os descritores usados ​​foram: Trastorno del Espectro Autista, Salud Bucal, caries dental, Enfermedades Periodontales, Atención Odontológica (DeCS-Bireme), suas combinações e equivalentes em inglês Autism Spectrum Disorder, oral health, dental caries, Periodontal Diseases, dental care (MeSH-Database). Considerando os artigos publicados entre 2014 e setembro de 2019. Inicialmente, os títulos foram revisados ​​e os critérios de elegibilidade aplicados para a descrição das evidências incluídas, correspondendo a 46 artigos, considerando seu foco, tipologia, idioma e ano de publicação, para então uma análise é proposta das informações. Concluindo que as evidências permanecem controversas e limitadas, com tendência a evidenciar deficiências na higiene bucal realizada nas residências de indivíduos com TEA, a presença de cárie dentária, doença periodontal e alguns achados que condicionam a fisiologia oral e o progresso das doenças bucais. Da mesma forma, destaca-se a dificuldade no atendimento odontológico devido ao preparo questionável da equipe odontológica e os consequentes temores dos pais que podem limitar o comparecimento à consulta em tempo hábil e em idade precoce para uma boa adaptação. Por tudo isso, a assistência odontológica torna-se um desafio que deve nortear suas ações com empatia para atender essa população com a participação da família, professores e demais membros de instituições especializadas, com caráter holístico e de medicina de família.

Therapeutic Options in Unresectable Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: This review describes the current scientific evidence of therapeutic options in unresectable oral squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We searched MEDLINE (Via PubMed) to identify studies assessing treatments for unresectable oral squamous cell carcinoma. The methodological quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist tool. The evidence was organized and presented using tables and narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies met the eligibility criteria. Most studies had an observational design. The sample size varied from 16 to 916 participants. The methodology quality of the included studies ranged from 2.5 to 10 using the JBI tool. Overall, the optimal treatment of patients with unresectable oral cancer is challenging, so there is a sprinkling of studies assessing a variety of therapeutic options, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy plus chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and gene therapy plus chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: There is lacking evidence about the benefits of some therapeutic options for unresectable oral squamous cell carcinoma. Overall, these patients can be treated using a multimodal approach such as concurrent chemoradiotherapy or induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy, which have shown good clinical outcomes. However, other options could be considered depending on the assessment of risk/benefits, tumor extension, and patient values and preferences.

Estimating the prevalence of untreated caries in permanent teeth from the DMF index and lifetime caries prevalence.

AIM: To derive formulas to estimate the prevalence of untreated dental caries in permanent teeth based on the DMF index and lifetime caries prevalence. METHODS: Data from participants, aged 5 years or older, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2016 were analyzed. Dental caries was assessed at surface level with the Radike criteria, which matches the case definition of the Global Burden of Disease study. Participants' data were aggregated into 438 groups, based on survey strata and 5-year age brackets, to produce population estimates for the prevalence of untreated caries (DT > 0), DMFT, DMFS, DT, DS, and lifetime caries prevalence (DMFT>0). Conversion formulas were derived using fractional polynomials to characterize the association of each caries indicator with the prevalence of untreated caries. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of untreated caries was 23.5 percent (SD: 12.9 percent, range: 1.0-72.3 percent). After adjustment for age, the prevalence of untreated caries was correlated with DMFT (r = 0.23), DMFS (r = 0.25), DT (r = 0.74), DS (r = 0.65) and lifetime caries prevalence (r = 0.18). Using fractional polynomial models adjusted for categorical age, the prevalence of untreated caries at population level could be estimated from DMFT with power 1 (linear form), DMFS with power 0.5, DT with power 0.5, DS with powers (0.5; 1) and lifetime caries prevalence with power 1. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of untreated caries in permanent teeth can be estimated from the DMF index and lifetime caries prevalence. These conversion formulas can facilitate the inclusion of more studies in estimation of the global burden of untreated caries in permanent teeth.

The research output on interventions for the behavioural risk factors alcohol & drug use and dietary risk is not related to their respective burden of ill health in countries at differing World Bank income levels.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol and drug use (A&D) and dietary risks are two increasingly important risk factors. This study examines whether there is a relationship between the burden of these risk factors in countries of specific income bands as defined by the World Bank, and the number of primary studies included in Cochrane Systematic Reviews (CSRs) conducted in those countries. METHODS: Data was extracted from primary studies included in CSRs assessing two risk factors as outcomes. For each risk factor, data was obtained on its overall burden in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by World Bank Income Levels and examined for a link between DALYs, the number of primary studies and participants. RESULTS: A total of 1601 studies from 95 CSRs were included. Only 18.3% of the global burden for A&D is in high income-countries (HICs) but they produced 90.5% of primary studies and include 99.5% of participants. Only 14.2% of the dietary risk burden is in HICs but they produced 80.5% of primary studies and included 98.1% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the unequal output of research heavily weighted towards HICs. More initiatives with informed contextual understanding are required to address this inequality and promote health research in low and middle-income countries.

[Diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders: A systematic review protocol]. / Precisión diagnóstica de biomarcadores salivales para cáncer oral y desórdenes potencialmente malignos: protocolo de revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 50% because diagnosis is commonly performed at an advanced stage of the disease, so new diagnostic tools are needed. Nowadays, there is a vast number of publications suggesting the use of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders diagnosis, but their diagnostic accuracy is unclear. Thus, the goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders. METHODS: This protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). We will include primary studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders. Studies must report data about sensitivity and specificity; gold standard must be the histopathology diagnosis. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and gray literature. Two authors will independently select the studies and extract the data. The methodology quality of studies will be determined using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). EXPECTED RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our findings will provide information about the diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cáncer oral tiene una tasa de supervivencia a los cinco años de 50%, debido a que frecuentemente su diagnóstico es realizado en estadios avanzados. Por lo tanto, son necesarias nuevas ayudas diagnósticas. Actualmente, existe un número significativo de publicaciones científicas sugiriendo el uso de biomarcadores salivales para el diagnóstico de cáncer oral. Sin embargo, son desconocidas las propiedades diagnósticas de estos biomarcadores. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es evaluar la evidencia sobre la precisión diagnóstica de biomarcadores salivales usados en la identificación de cáncer oral y desórdenes potencialmente malignos. MÉTODOS: Este protocolo es reportado en concordancia con el Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). Se incluirán estudios evaluando la precisión diagnóstica de biomarcadores salivales para cáncer oral y desórdenes potencialmente malignos. Estos deberán reportar sensibilidad y especificidad, y utilizar como estándar de referencia un diagnóstico histopatológico. Se realizará una búsqueda en MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library y literatura gris. Dos autores independientemente seleccionarán los estudios y extraerán los datos. La calidad metodológica de los estudios será determinada usando The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). RESULTADOS ESPERADOS Y CONCLUSIÓN: Los hallazgos de esta revisión sistemática proporcionarán información acerca de la precisión diagnóstica de los biomarcadores salivales para diagnóstico de cáncer oral y desórdenes potencialmente malignos.

Precisión diagnóstica de biomarcadores salivales para cáncer oral y desórdenes potencialmente malignos: protocolo de revisión sistemática / Diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cáncer oral tiene una tasa de supervivencia a los cinco años de 50%, debido a que frecuentemente su diagnóstico es realizado en estadios avanzados. Por lo tanto, son necesarias nuevas ayudas diagnósticas. Actualmente, existe un número significativo de publicaciones científicas sugiriendo el uso de biomarcadores salivales para el diagnóstico de cáncer oral. Sin embargo, son desconocidas las propiedades diagnósticas de estos biomarcadores. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es evaluar la evidencia sobre la precisión diagnóstica de biomarcadores salivales usados en la identificación de cáncer oral y desórdenes potencialmente malignos. MÉTODOS: Este protocolo es reportado en concordancia con el Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). Se incluirán estudios evaluando la precisión diagnóstica de biomarcadores salivales para cáncer oral y desórdenes potencialmente malignos. Estos deberán reportar sensibilidad y especificidad, y utilizar como estándar de referencia un diagnóstico histopatológico. Se realizará una búsqueda en MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library y literatura gris. Dos autores independientemente seleccionarán los estudios y extraerán los datos. La calidad metodológica de los estudios será determinada usando The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). RESULTADOS ESPERADOS Y CONCLUSIÓN: Los hallazgos de esta revisión sistemática proporcionarán información acerca de la precisión diagnóstica de los biomarcadores salivales para diagnóstico de cáncer oral y desórdenes potencialmente malignos.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 50% because diagnosis is commonly performed at an advanced stage of the disease, so new diagnostic tools are needed. Nowadays, there is a vast number of publications suggesting the use of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders diagnosis, but their diagnostic accuracy is unclear. Thus, the goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders. METHODS: This protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). We will include primary studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders. Studies must report data about sensitivity and specificity; gold standard must be the histopathology diagnosis. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and gray literature. Two authors will independently select the studies and extract the data. The methodology quality of studies will be determined using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). EXPECTED RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our findings will provide information about the diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders.

Screening and diagnosis of oral cancer: a critical quality appraisal of clinical guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on screening and diagnosis of oral cancer and to describe the characteristics of their recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, CPG' websites, and dentistry and oncology scientific societies to identify CPGs that were related to screening and diagnosis of oral cancer. The quality of selected CPGs was independently assessed by four appraisers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. The inter-appraiser agreement was assessed. We performed a descriptive analysis of the recommendations included in the selected CPGs. RESULTS: Eight CPGs were selected. The overall agreement among reviewers was considered very good (ICC: 0.823; 95% CI: 0.777-0.861). The median scores of the six AGREE II domains were as follows: "scope and purpose" 97.9% (IQR: 96.2-100.0%); "stakeholder involvement" 86.1% (IQR: 69.8-93.1%); "rigor of development" 75.3% (IQR: 64.2-94.3%); "clarity of presentation" 91.7% (IQR: 82.6-94.4%); "applicability" 53.1% (IQR: 19.3-74.2%); and "editorial independence" 83.3% (IQR: 67.2-93.8%). Four CPGs were assessed as "recommended", four "recommended with modifications", and none "not recommended". Twenty-three recommendations were provided, mostly with a low or very low level of evidence. CONCLUSION: The methodological quality of CPGs on screening and diagnosis of oral cancer is moderate. The "applicability" domain scored the lowest. Most recommendations were based on a low o very low level of evidence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Greater efforts are needed to provide healthcare based on high-quality evidence-based CPGs in this field.