Application of neural networks for the detection of oral cancer: A systematic review.

One potential application of neural networks (NNs) is the early-stage detection of oral cancer. This systematic review aimed to determine the level of evidence on the sensitivity and specificity of NNs for the detection of oral cancer, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) and Cochrane guidelines. Literature sources included PubMed, ClinicalTrials, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. In addition, the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the studies. Only 9 studies fully met the eligibility criteria. In most studies, NNs showed accuracy greater than 85%, though 100% of the studies presented a high risk of bias, and 33% showed high applicability concerns. Nonetheless, the included studies demonstrated that NNs were useful in the detection of oral cancer. However, studies of higher quality, with an adequate methodology, a low risk of bias and no applicability concerns are required so that more robust conclusions could be reached.

Effects of interproximal enamel reduction techniques used for orthodontics: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of the interproximal enamel reduction (IPR) techniques used in orthodontics. Six databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, ScienceDirect and Clinical Trials. Grey literature was sourced from Google Scholar. The risk of bias was assessed by Risk of Bias 2, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Robins-I depending on the design of the evaluated study. Additionally, the quality of the included studies was determined using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. This systematic review included randomized clinical trials, non-randomized clinical trials and observational studies with a control group that reported the effects of IPR for orthodontic purposes on the teeth and periodontium. Case reports, and in vitro and in vivo studies were excluded. Eight clinical studies match the eligibility criteria. As a result, no demineralization of the enamel, no increase in caries incidence, no periodontal changes or dental sensitivity was found after IPR. Also, considering the duration of orthodontic treatment, IPR resulted in a quicker technique than dental extractions. At the risk-of-bias assessment, all observational studies showed low risk, the non-randomized clinical trial had a critical bias, and all randomized clinical trials exhibited some concerns. The overall quality of the studies was found to be between low and very low. After the analysis of the data from included studies, it was concluded that the IPR procedures could be useful to treat dental crowding in orthodontic clinical practice without negative effects. However, more randomized controlled clinical trials with a longer follow-up time and high-quality studies are required to generate robust statements.