Michelle Nascimento Meger

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play a crucial role in regulating vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin concentrations, which are involved in bone health. Some reports suggested that fractal analysis is useful in the morphometric analysis of the mandible trabecular bone in panoramic radiographs. Therefore, we investigated if SNPs in genes that influence vitamin D, calcitonin, and PTH levels are involved in condylar bone quality during the active growing phase of the mandible. Fractal dimension was obtained from the condyle region of interest (ROI) using panoramic radiographs and used to measure the complexity and the microarchitecture of the bone. Fractal dimension using the box‐counting algorithm was then calculated. In order to avoid information bias, a script to automate the commands in the software ImageJ was generated to ensure consistency and minimize the potential for human error during the data analysis process. SNPs in vitamin D receptor ( VDR ), cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 ( CYP27B1 ), cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 ( CYP24A1 ), vitamin D binding protein ( VDBP ), SEC23 homolog A ( SEC23A ), calcitonin receptor ( CALCR ), and parathyroid hormone ( PTH ) were analyzed. DNA extracted from saliva was used for genotyping analysis of VDR (rs7975232, rs2228570, and rs1544410), CYP27B1 (rs4646536), CYP24A1 (rs927650), VDBP (rs4588), SEC23A (rs8018720), CALCR (rs1801197), and PTH (rs6256, rs307247, and rs694). A statistical analysis was performed with an alpha error tolerance of 5%. A total of 100 children were included; 50 (50%) were boys and the age ranged from 5 to 14 years old. Fractal dimensions were compared among genotypes. The GT (mean = 1.20 and standard error = 0.03, p = 0.024) and TT genotypes (mean = 1.16 and standard error = 0.06, p = 0.047) in the gene VDBP (rs4588) presented lower fractal dimension. The GG genotype in SEC23A (rs8018720) (mean = 1.34 and standard error = 0.03, p = 0.011) and the TC genotype in PTH (rs694) showed an increased fractal dimension (mean = 1.29 and standard error = 0.03, p = 0.020). In conclusion, SNPs in VDBP, SEC23A, and PTH encoding genes are associated with mandibular condylar trabecular bone structure in children.

Postoperative care following dental extractions requires clear and continuous guidance; however, patient adherence to postoperative instructions remains suboptimal, and access to timely professional support may be limited. This study aimed to develop and evaluate PostOPbot, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based virtual assistant designed to provide standardized postoperative guidance through natural language processing. The system was implemented in Python with a web-based interface and integrated with the ChatGPT-4o application programming interface through a conversational endpoint. Postoperative recommendations were identified through a structured PubMed search and incorporated into a static prompt that defined the system’s operational rules, restricted its scope to postoperative counseling, and guided the interpretation of user input. The rule set was embedded into the code so that each user query was combined with predefined instructions before being processed by the language model. The chatbot was evaluated using three simulated postoperative scenarios representing different time intervals after tooth extraction. For each scenario, the system was expected to provide a predefined set of recommendations, and its performance was assessed by determining whether each item was delivered spontaneously or only after explicit prompting. PostOPbot provided most expected recommendations with few omissions, and missing recommendations were consistently generated upon direct request. Although large language model-based systems have inherent limitations, the findings suggest that PostOPbot may serve as a complementary AI tool to reinforce postoperative guidance without replacing professional evaluation.

Introduction The mechanism of action of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in bone resorption supports the idea that polymorphisms in this gene may be associated with root resorption. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the gene encoding PTH and the occurrence of severe orthodontically induced external apical root resorption (OIEARR) in patients with severe skeletal malocclusion. Methodology This cross-sectional study involved the evaluation of panoramic radiographs from orthodontic patients and DNA extracted from saliva. Post-treatment external apical root resorption was evaluated according to the Levander and Malmgren classification. Patients exhibiting Grade 4 resorption in at least one permanent tooth were included in the case group.Three polymorphisms in the PTH gene (rs694, rs6256, and rs307247) were investigated. DNA concentration and purity were quantified using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer, and genomic DNA was subsequently genotyped for allelic discrimination using TaqMan-based real-time PCR assays. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated. Comparisons between groups with and without severe OIEARR were performed using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis with a significance level of 5%. Results A total of 159 patients (53 males and 106 females) were included. Most patients presented a Class III profile. Sex, age, and facial profile were not associated with severe OIEARR (p>0.05). A borderline association was observed in the allele distribution for the polymorphism rs6256 (p=0.057; OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.0–3.2). Binary logistic regression analysis did not show statistical significance (p>0.05). Conclusion The G allele in the rs6256 polymorphism in the PTH gene showed borderline values for severe OIEARR. The multivariable model adjusted for sex and facial profile type did not show statistical associations between the studied PTH genetic polymorphisms and OIEARR.

Aims: The current evidence suggests that the formation of pulp stones (PS) has a genetic background. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the association between PS in orthodontically treated patients and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the mineralization‐related genes ( bone morphogenetic protein 2 [ BMP2] , BMP4 , SMAD6 , and runt-related transcription factor 2 [ RUNX2] ). Materials and Methods: This cross‐sectional study analyzed genomic DNA and panoramic radiographs from patients with a history of orthodontic treatment. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed and PS were identified as well‐ or poorly defined radiopaque opacities located within the pulp chamber of the maxillary and mandibular first and second permanent molars. Genomic DNA obtained from all participants was analyzed. The genetic analysis focused on seven specific SNPs located in genes involved in mineralization pathways: BMP2 (rs235768 and rs1005464), BMP4 (rs17563), SMAD6 (rs3934908 and rs2119261), and RUNX2 (rs59983488 and rs1200425). Comparisons of allele and genotype (codominant, dominant, and recessive models) distributions between patients with and without PS were performed using the chi‐square test. Logistic regression analyses were performed to control for potential confounders such as age and sex for the SNPs located in the RUNX2 gene. One‐way ANOVA was applied to evaluate differences in the mean number of teeth with PS across genotypes. The significance level was established at α = 0.05. Results: The final sample comprised 235 patients: 120 presented with PS, and 115 served as controls. For the SNP rs59983488 in RUNX2 , a statistical association was observed for genotype distribution in the dominant model ( p = 0.033) and for allele distribution ( p = 0.022). For the SNP rs1200425 in RUNX2 , a statistical association was observed for genotype distribution in the recessive model ( p = 0.046; odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.0–3.8). No statistically significant association was observed in the logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Our study suggests that RUNX2 could have a small effect on the susceptibility of orthodontic patients to develop PS.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms in the BMP2, BMP4, RUNX2, and SMAD6 genes and the presence of severe external apical root resorption (EARR) in orthodontic patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. EARR represents a significant adverse outcome in orthodontic treatments, and genetic susceptibility may influence its occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 158 orthodontic patients treated with fixed appliances and mono or bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Postoperative panoramic radiographs were used to assess severe EARR. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal epithelial cells. Seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the target genes were genotyped using real-time PCR with TaqMan assays. Statistical analyses were performed with Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. No significant associations were observed for polymorphisms in BMP2 (rs1005464, rs235768), BMP4 (rs17563), RUNX2 (rs59983488, rs1200425), or SMAD6 (rs2119261). However, a significant association was found for SMAD6 rs3934908 (p < 0.05), with the CC genotype more frequent in patients with severe EARR. No deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed. The findings suggest that the SMAD6 rs3934908 polymorphism may be associated with an increased susceptibility to severe EARR in orthodontic surgery patients. While most SNPs showed no association, these results contribute to understanding the genetic factors involved in EARR. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings and explore gene-environment interactions.

Objective: Nonsyndromic oral clefts (NSOC) result from disruptions in the development of the primary and secondary palate and are categorized into cleft lip (CL), cleft lip and palate (CLP) and cleft palate (CP). NSOC is a condition with complex genetically heterogeneous backgrounds for that several genes might be involved. Thus, this study investigated whether functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that potentially influence the vitamin D levels and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are associated with NSOC. Materials and methods: Brazilian individuals with NSOC—presenting cleft lip (CL), cleft lip and palate (CLP) and cleft palate (CP)—and a comparison group were selected. Individuals’ DNA was obtained from epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. Nine SNPs in five genes ( VDR, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, SEC23A and PTH ) were selected. Genotyping was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The association between NSOC and vitamin D related polymorphisms was analyzed by Χ ² test at a significance level of p < 0.005 (after Bonferroni correction). Results: The sample consisted of 274 individuals: 154 NSOC individuals and 120 controls. A total of 43 (27.9%) had CL, 91 (59.1%) had CLP and 20 (13.0%) had CP. After Bonferroni correction, none of the SNPs were associated with NSOC ( p > 0.005). Conclusion: None of the studied SNPs in vitamin D related and parathyroid hormone genes were associated with NSOC.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) include changes related to the presence of orofacial pain, limited mouth opening, and inflammatory issues. These inflammatory issues are related to interleukins, which are inflammatory mediators. Thus, the presence of genetic polymorphisms in genes that encode interleukins could impact TMD. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the impact of genetic polymorphisms in the genes encoding interleukins on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of individuals with TMD. A total of 230 male construction workers were evaluated regarding the presence of TMD with or without pain, as well as changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). OHRQoL was assessed using the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). DNA extracted from saliva was used to evaluate the genetic polymorphisms in IL1B (rs1143627 and rs1143629) and IL6 (rs1800795 and rs1800796) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Student's t-test or ANOVA was used for statistical analysis (alpha=5%). An association between OHIP-14 and TMD was observed (p<0.05). Individuals’ heterozygous AG in rs1143629 showed increased values in domains 2 (physical pain) and 4 (physical disability) compared to AA homozygotes (p=0.035; p=0.042, respectively). Individuals homozygous for the C allele at rs1800796 demonstrated higher values in domain 7 (handicap) compared to heterozygous CG and homozygous GG individuals (p=0.007). In conclusion, our study supported the hypothesis that TMD and genetic polymorphisms associated with inflammatory disorders are associated with OHRQoL

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) has a multifactorial etiology involving psychological and genetic aspects. This condition commonly begins in adolescence, which is a period of emotional, physical, and psychological maturation. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and happiness as well as polymorphisms in the COMT, HTR2A, and FKBP5 genes in Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. TMD was diagnosed using the RDC/TMD. The Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) was used to assess happiness. Saliva samples were collected for the analysis of genomic DNA and genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COMT (rs165656, rs174675), HTR2A (rs6313, rs4941573), and FKBP5 (rs1360780, rs3800373) genes using real-time PCR (Taqman method). Bivariate, unadjusted, and adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Happiness was associated with TMD in the adolescents (OR=1.37; 95%CI: 1.02–1.85; p = 0.037). The rs174675 polymorphism in the COMT gene was significantly associated with TMD (OR = 0.18; 95%CI: 0.04–0.74; p = 0.018). No associations were found between TMD and polymorphisms in HTR2A and FKBP5 genes (p > 0.05). TMD was associated with happiness, as adolescents who considered themselves less happy were more likely to have this disorder. The diagnosis of TMD was also associated with the rs174675 polymorphism in the COMT gene, as the prevalence of the disorder was higher among homozygous C Brazilian adolescents than in heterozygous CT individuals.

Sleep is a fundamental biological function, and any disturbances can lead to alterations in an individual’s physical, occupational, cognitive, and social functioning. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of sleep and its association with factors such as age, sex, facial profile, and genetic polymorphisms in individuals who underwent dental treatment. Methods: The study comprised a total of 227 individuals. The “Sleep Assessment Questionnaire” was utilized to evaluate sleep quality. For the genetic assessment, oral mucosa cells were collected and markers from the COMT (rs174675, rs165656), HTR2A (rs4941573, rs6313), and FKBP5 (rs1360780, rs3800373) genes were selected for real-time PCR analysis. The data were subjected to statistical analysis with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results showed that women had a poorer perception of sleep quality (p<0.05). There was a significant association between sleep quality and facial profile (p<0.05). Individuals with facial profiles I and II had a poorer perception of sleep quality in general and in the domains of non-restorative sleep, sleep time disturbance, and restlessness. Individuals with facial profile II had a poorer perception of sleep apnea than those with profile III (p=0.034). There was a significant association between the COMT rs174675 polymorphism and restlessness (p=0.035). Conclusion: The poorest perception of sleep quality was associated with women and individuals with facial profiles I and II. The poorest perception of restlessness was associated with COMT rs174675 polymorphism.

Objectives: To predict palatally impacted maxillary canines based on maxilla measurements through supervised machine learning techniques.Materials and Methods: The maxilla images from 138 patients were analysed to investigate intermolar width, interpremolar width, interpterygoid width, maxillary length, maxillary width, nasal cavity width and nostril width, obtained through cone beam computed tomography scans. The predictive models were built using the following machine learning algorithms: Adaboost Classifier, Decision Tree, Gradient Boosting Classifier, K‐Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Logistic Regression, Multilayer Perceptron Classifier (MLP), Random Forest Classifier and Support Vector Machine (SVM). A 5‐fold cross‐validation approach was employed to validate each model. Metrics such as area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, recall, precision and F1 Score were calculated for each model, and ROC curves were constructed.Results: The predictive model included four variables (two dental and two skeletal measurements). The interpterygoid width and nostril width showed the largest effect sizes. The Gradient Boosting Classifier algorithm exhibited the best metrics, with AUC values ranging from 0.91 [CI95% = 0.74–0.98] for test data to 0.89 [CI95% = 0.86–0.94] for crossvalidation. The nostril width variable demonstrated the highest importance across all tested algorithms.Conclusion: The use of maxillary measurements, through supervised machine learning techniques, is a promising method for predicting palatally impacted maxillary canines. Among the models evaluated, both the Gradient Boosting Classifier and the Random Forest Classifier demonstrated the best performance metrics, with accuracy and AUC values exceeding 0.8, indicating strong predictive capability.