"Determining the efficacy of a machine learning model for measuring periodontal bone loss".

BACKGROUND: Considering the prevalence of Periodontitis, new tools to help improve its diagnostic workflow could be beneficial. Machine Learning (ML) models have already been used in dentistry to automate radiographic analysis. AIMS: To determine the efficacy of an ML model for automatically measuring Periodontal Bone Loss (PBL) in panoramic radiographs by comparing it to dentists. METHODS: A dataset of 2010 images with and without PBL was segmented using Label Studio. The dataset was split into n = 1970 images for building a training dataset and n = 40 images for building a testing dataset. We propose a model composed of three components. Firstly, statistical inference techniques find probability functions that best describe the segmented dataset. Secondly, Convolutional Neural Networks extract visual information from the training dataset. Thirdly, an algorithm calculates PBL as a percentage and classifies it in stages. Afterwards, a standardized test compared the model to two radiologists, two periodontists and one general dentist. The test was built using the testing dataset, 40 questions long, done in controlled conditions, with radiologists considered as ground truth. Presence or absence, percentage, and stage of PBL were asked, and time to answer the test was measured in seconds. Diagnostic indices, performance metrics and performance averages were calculated for each participant. RESULTS: The model had an acceptable performance for diagnosing light to moderate PBL (weighted sensitivity 0.23, weighted F1-score 0.29) and was able to achieve real-time diagnosis. However, it proved incapable of diagnosing severe PBL (sensitivity, precision, and F1-score = 0). CONCLUSIONS: We propose a Machine Learning model that automates the diagnosis of Periodontal Bone Loss in panoramic radiographs with acceptable performance.

Effectiveness of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in children and adolescents: a large-scale observational study.

Background: Policymakers urgently need evidence to adequately balance the costs and benefits of mass vaccination against COVID-19 across all age groups, including children and adolescents. In this study, we aim to assess the effectiveness of CoronaVac's primary series among children and adolescents in Chile. Methods: We used a large prospective national cohort of about two million children and adolescents 6-16 years to estimate the effectiveness of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac) in preventing laboratory-confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), hospitalisation, and admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) associated with COVID-19. We compared the risk of individuals treated with a complete primary immunization schedule (two doses, 28 days apart) with the risk of unvaccinated individuals during the follow-up period. The study was conducted in Chile from June 27, 2021, to January 12, 2022, when the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was predominant but other variants of concern were co-circulating, including Omicron. We used inverse probability-weighted survival regression models to estimate hazard ratios of complete immunization over the unvaccinated status, accounting for time-varying vaccination exposure and adjusting for relevant demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical confounders. Findings: The estimated adjusted vaccine effectiveness for the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in children aged 6-16 years was 74.5% (95% CI, 73.8-75.2), 91.0% (95% CI, 87.8-93.4), 93.8% (95% CI, 87.8-93.4) for the prevention of COVID-19, hospitalisation, and ICU admission, respectively. For the subgroup of children 6-11 years, the vaccine effectiveness was 75.8% (95% CI, 74.7-76.8) for the prevention of COVID-19 and 77.9% (95% CI, 61.5-87.3) for the prevention of hospitalisation. Interpretation: Our results suggest that a complete primary immunization schedule with the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine provides effective protection against severe COVID-19 disease for children 6-16 years. Funding: Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (ANID) Millennium Science Initiative Program and Fondo de Financiamiento de Centros de Investigación en Áreas Prioritarias (FONDAP).

Las consecuencias de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en la salud oral de las personas: un desafío para la Odontología

La pandemia por COVID-19 tiene consecuencias en la salud bucal, directas e indirectas. A través de una revisión de la literatura se encontró evidencia del impacto negativo de la pandemia en la carga acumulada de enfermedades orales. En el territorio maxilofacial se han observado manifestaciones tales como ageusia y anosmia, además de otros tipos de lesiones como xerostomía y lesiones vesiculobulosas. En general estos efectos directos se consideran discretos y transitorios. Por otro lado, dado el rol de los determinantes sociales de salud en las enfermedades bucales crónicas no transmisibles, las medidas tomadas para la mitigación y control de la pandemia podrían acentuar inequidades en la distribución y frecuencia de estas en las poblaciones. Al mismo tiempo, COVID-19 ha producido una reingeniería de la atención en cuanto a ventilación, uso de elementos de protección personal y espacios físicos con implicancias para los equipos clínicos y las comunidades. La teleodontología ha aparecido como una oportunidad, pero al mismo tiempo requiere mayores alcances y regulación. En conclusión, la pandemia ha generado un desafío a corto, mediano y largo plazo en Odontología. Este evento sin precedentes podría ser una iluminación para el rol de la profesión en la provisión de salud oral.

The COVID-19 pandemic has direct and indirect oral health consequences. Our literature review found evidence of the negative impact of the pandemic on the cumulative burden of oral diseases. In the maxillofacial territory, manifestations such as ageusia and anosmia have been observed, in addition to other types of lesions such as xerostomía and vesiculobullous lesions. In general, these direct effects are considered to be discrete and transitory. On the other hand, given the role of social determinants of health in chronic noncommunicable oral diseases, the measures taken for the mitigation and control of the pandemic could accentuate inequities in the populations. At the same time, COVID-19 has produced a reengineering of care in terms of ventilation, use of personal protective equipment and physical spaces with implications for clinical workers and communities. Teledentistry has appeared as an opportunity, but at the same time, it requires greater scope and regulation. In conclusion, the pandemic has created a short-, medium- and long-term challenge for dentistry. This unprecedented situation could be an illumination for the role of the profession in the provision of oral health.

The unfolding consequences of postponing routine dental care / Explorando las consecuencias de posponer las atenciones odontológicas de rutina

The COVID-19 pandemic represents some of the most distressing challenges for health systems all over the world in the past decades, forcing clinicians to modify standards, prioritise treating conditions that require immediate care, and implement elements of remote attention in record time (Douglas et al., 2020). These challenges have also had an impact in the population's oral health.

Recomendaciones para Resolución de Urgencias Odontológicas en Atención Primaria de Salud Durante la Pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 / Recommendations for the Resolution of Dentistry Emergencies in Primary Health During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

RESUMEN: La enfermedad originada por el nuevo tipo de coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, se ha convertido en un problema de Salud Pública a nivel mundial. Esto ha llevado a posponer las atenciones clínicas electivas de pacientes, exceptuando las atenciones de urgencia o emergencia. Las urgencias odontológicas han continuado con alta demanda en el Sistema Público de Salud durante la pandemia COVID-19, e incluso han aumentado en severidad de los cuadros. Las restricciones de horario y las medidas implementadas a nivel país, llevan a que los pacientes consulten en el Centro de Salud más cercano a su domicilio, es decir, Centro de Salud Familiar (CESFAM) o en los Servicios de Atención Primaria de Urgencia (SAPU). Como Cirujanos Dentistas somos parte de un equipo multidisciplinario de salud, por lo que debemos conocer la enfermedad de COVID-19, sus principales signo s, síntomas y riesgos asociados. El Cirujano Dentista es indispensable en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y derivación oportuna de enfermedades buco-maxilofaciales, las cuales pueden afectar de forma física y psicológica a los pacientes, llegando a producir complicaciones sistémicas graves si no son tratadas oportunamente. La atención odontológica actual debe incluir el manejo previo, durante y posterior al tratamiento del paciente de APS. Debemos considerar que el personal odontológico tiene un elevado riesgo de transmisión viral, debido a la cercanía con fluidos desde la cavidad oral del paciente. En este artículo se entregaran recomendaciones, basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible y la experiencia clínica actual para la atención odontológica de urgencias enfocadas en la Atención Primaria de Salud.

ABSTRACT: The disease caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has become a world wide public health problem. This has lead to pospone elective clinical care, maintaining urgent and emergency care. Dental emergency maintains high demand, even more severe clinical situations, at the public health system during the pandemic COVID-19. The local restrictions implemented makes patients to consult at the closest health center, like the Family health centers (CESFAM) or at primary health urgency centers (SAPU). As dental surgeons, part of the multidisciplinary health team, it is a duty to know the COVID-19, signs, simptoms and associated risks. The dental surgeon it is essential in the diagnosis, traetment and timely referral of maxilofacial diseases, wich can affect patients physically and psychologically, even leading to serious systemic complications if not treated promptly. Dental care should have previous, during and posterior considerations in pandemic situations. Dental staff has high viral transmisión risk, due to closeness with oral cavity fluids. This article will provide evidence based recommendations and current clinical experience for dental emergency care at primary health centers.

Abordaje transconjuntival en comparación con abordaje subciliar para el tratamiento de fracturas orbitarias / Transconjunctival versus subciliary approach for the treatment of orbital fractures

RESUMEN: Introducción: Los abordajes transconjuntival preseptal y subciliar han sido ampliamente utilizados para el manejo quirúrgico de las fracturas orbitarias. Sin embargo, aún existe incertidumbre sobre las complicaciones asociadas a cada uno de estos abordajes. Métodos: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios. Realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Resultados y conclusiones: Identificamos seis revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron 21 estudios primarios, de los cuales cuatro corresponden a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que el abordaje transconjuntival preseptal podría disminuir tanto la incidencia de ectropión como de un resultado estético insatisfactorio, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja. Además, este abordaje probablemente disminuye el riesgo de complicaciones intra y postoperatorias, tales como diplopía, parestesia transitoria, equimosis, exposición escleral, laceración del plato tarsal y laceración palpebral inferior. Por otro lado, el abordaje transconjuntival podría aumentar el riesgo de entropión, pero la certeza de la evidencia también es baja.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The preseptal transconjunctival and subciliary approach have been widely used for the surgical management of orbital fractures. However, there is still uncertainty about the complications associated with each of these approaches. Methods: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions: We identified six systematic reviews that included 21 primary studies, four of which correspond to randomized trials. We conclude that the preseptal transconjunctival approach could decrease the incidence of ectropion and an unsatisfactory aesthetic result, but the certainty of the evidence is low. Furthermore, this approach probably decreases the risk of intra and postoperative complications, such as diplopia, transient paresthesia, ecchymosis, scleral show, tarsal plate laceration and lower palpebral laceration. On the other hand, the transconjunctival approach could increase the risk of entropion, but the certainty of the evidence is also low.

[Dental recommendations in the COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review]. / Recomendaciones odontológicas en la pandemia COVID-19: revisión narrativa.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is a world public health problem due to its morbidity and mortality, especially in at-risk groups. The dental environment has a high risk of viral transmission; accordingly, this study aimed to identify recommendations based on the best available evidence for dental care during this pandemic. METHODS: We performed a search for scientific evidence published since 2002 to March 23th 2020 in electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Epistemonikos) and the web pages of the American Dental Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health, the Ministry of Health in Chile and scientific societies. RESULTS: We included nine published studies. The recommendations were the following: unrestricted use of personal protection elements, use of extraoral radiographic techniques, use of mouth rinses with 1% hydrogen peroxide or 0.2% iodine povidone, a four-hand technique with ongoing aspiration and the use of absorbable sutures. Furthermore, there is a consensus that non-urgent treatments should be postponed during periods of community transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Dental practitioners are exposed to a high risk of cross-infection, meaning they must implement recommendations based on the best available evidence to preserve the health of team members and the population they are caring for.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad por coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) es un problema mundial de salud pública debido a su morbimortalidad, especialmente en grupos de riesgo. El entorno odontológico tiene un alto riesgo de transmisión viral, por ello el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar recomendaciones para la atención odontológica durante esta pandemia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda de evidencia científica publicada desde 2002 hasta el 23 de marzo de 2020 en bases de datos electrónicas (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane y Epistemonikos) y en las páginas electrónicas de la Asociación Dental Americana, de Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health, del Ministerio de Salud de Chile y de sociedades científicas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron nueve artículos publicados, en los cuales se recomienda el uso irrestricto de elementos de protección personal, preferir técnicas radiográficas extraorales, uso de enjuagues bucales con peróxido de hidrógeno al 1% o povidona yodada al 0,2%, técnica a cuatro manos con aspiración constante y uso de suturas reabsorbibles. Además, existe consenso respecto a que durante los periodos de transmisión comunitaria se deben posponer los tratamientos odontológicos no urgentes. CONCLUSIONES: Debido al alto riesgo de infección cruzada que presentan los equipos odontológicos, deben implementarse recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible, con el fin de preservar la salud de los miembros del equipo y de la población a su cuidado.

Recomendaciones odontológicas en la pandemia COVID-19: revisión narrativa / Dental recommendations in the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad por coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) es un problema mundial de salud pública debido a su morbimortalidad, especialmente en grupos de riesgo. El entorno odontológico tiene un alto riesgo de transmisión viral, por ello el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar recomendaciones para la atención odontológica durante esta pandemia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda de evidencia científica publicada desde 2002 hasta el 23 de marzo de 2020 en bases de datos electrónicas (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane y Epistemonikos) y en las páginas electrónicas de la Asociación Dental Americana, de Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health, del Ministerio de Salud de Chile y de sociedades científicas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron nueve artículos publicados, en los cuales se recomienda el uso irrestricto de elementos de protección personal, preferir técnicas radiográficas extraorales, uso de enjuagues bucales con peróxido de hidrógeno al 1% o povidona yodada al 0,2%, técnica a cuatro manos con aspiración constante y uso de suturas reabsorbibles. Además, existe consenso respecto a que durante los periodos de transmisión comunitaria se deben posponer los tratamientos odontológicos no urgentes. CONCLUSIONES: Debido al alto riesgo de infección cruzada que presentan los equipos odontológicos, deben implementarse recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible, con el fin de preservar la salud de los miembros del equipo y de la población a su cuidado.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is a world public health problem due to its morbidity and mortality, especially in at-risk groups. The dental environment has a high risk of viral transmission; accordingly, this study aimed to identify recommendations based on the best available evidence for dental care during this pandemic. METHODS: We performed a search for scientific evidence published since 2002 to March 23th 2020 in electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Epistemonikos) and the web pages of the American Dental Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health, the Ministry of Health in Chile and scientific societies. RESULTS: We included nine published studies. The recommendations were the following: unrestricted use of personal protection elements, use of extraoral radiographic techniques, use of mouth rinses with 1% hydrogen peroxide or 0.2% iodine povidone, a four-hand technique with ongoing aspiration and the use of absorbable sutures. Furthermore, there is a consensus that non-urgent treatments should be postponed during periods of community transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Dental practitioners are exposed to a high risk of cross-infection, meaning they must implement recommendations based on the best available evidence to preserve the health of team members and the population they are caring for.