Aim: This prognostic study aims to develop a machine learning (ML) survival model for estimating the longevity (success and survival rate) of restorations in endodontically treated teeth (ETT). Methodology: Data were consolidated from four controlled clinical trials conducted in the Netherlands and Brazil, involving 424 patients and 618 restorations with up to 17 years of follow‐up. The evaluated predictive models included Gradient Boosting Survival, Random Survival Forests and Survival Support Vector Machine. The dataset was split into 70% for training and 30% for testing. Hyperparameter tuning was optimised via 10‐fold cross‐validation with 50 iterations using hyperopt. Performance was assessed through the time‐dependent area under the ROC curve (AUC), concordance index (C‐index), inverse probability of censoring weights (IPCW C‐index) and time‐dependent Brier score. Results: The Gradient Boosting Survival model achieved the highest AUC mean (0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–0.78), C‐index (0.80), IPCW C‐index (0.78) and Brier score (0.06) for survival rate predictions, maintaining predictive stability over time. For success rate, the Random Survival Forest model outperformed others (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.70–0.75]), C‐index (0.66), IPCW C‐index (0.64) and Brier score (0.14). SHAP analysis identified patient age and tooth type as having the highest variable importance for survival, while the dentist's experience was critical for success outcomes. Fairness analysis revealed performance disparities across sexes and countries in the models. Conclusions: The models demonstrated high predictive performance, mainly in survival rate prediction. ML models show promise for developing a robust, data‐driven framework to evaluate success and survival outcomes in ETT.

Despite numerous clinical studies on bruxism management, critical evaluation parameters, including the impact of bruxism pain on quality of life and secondary issues like changes in craniocervical posture, are often disregarded. Evaluate the effect of two treatments on the craniocervical posture of adult patients with myofascial pain. This parallel randomized clinical trial included 60 patients with myofascial pain due to probable bruxism that fulfilled the study requirements. A computer-generated random sequence was used to allocate treatments: botulinum toxin-A or occlusal appliance. Follow-up time was 3 and 6 months. Kyphosis angle (α) and head posture measurement by cervical radiograph were assessed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA (alpha = 0.05). Sixty patients were randomized (mean age 30 ± 7.6) and 6 were excluded from the analysis (did not attend follow-up). No statistically significant difference was observed for the head posture measure (p = 0.98) and kyphosis angle (p = 0.74). Mild pain was reported by one patient after botulinum toxin-A application. Results indicate that craniofacial posture does not seem to be influenced by the treatment of pain in bruxers. If a better posture is desired, this should probably be targeted with other therapies. Clinical Trials NCT03456154.

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate if cannabis use can be associated with gingival bleeding and caries experience among Brazilian students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2016 with first-semester university students in Pelotas. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Self-reported gingival bleeding and caries experienced were collected. Cannabis use was assessed using a modified version of the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). We define cannabis users as individuals who report using cannabis at least once a month. A Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 2,058 (64.5% of eligible students) students were assessed. The prevalence of caries experience was 68.2% and gingival bleeding was 50.8%. The prevalence of cannabis use was 11.7%. After controlling (sex, skin color, age, family income, depressive symptoms, oral health self-perception tobacco use), individuals who use cannabis present a prevalence of gingival bleeding 2.51 (CI95%[1.42–4;53]) higher than individuals who did not use cannabis. The association was maintained even when the individuals who used tobacco were excluded from the sample (PR=2.24, CI95%[1.16 – 4.31]). Cannabis use did not show an association with the experience of dental caries in both crude (PR 0.91 CI95%[0.82 – 1.01]) and adjusted models (PR 0.93 CI 95%[0.83 – 1.05]). Conclusion: Cannabis use was associated with the presence of gingival bleeding among the students of a public university in the south of Brazil. However, the experience of dental caries did not present an association with cannabis use.

Purpose: To assess the knowledge and use of reporting guidelines among research group leaders in the health sciences in Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with leaders of research groups registered on the CNPq platform in health sciences disciplines. Participants were invited to complete an electronic survey comprising 70 questions across five sections, addressing scientific integrity practices within graduate programs and research groups. The estimated response time was 15 minutes. The questionnaire was pilot-tested by two reviewers. This report adheres to the STROBE and CHERRIES checklists from the EQUATOR Network. Results: The survey was sent to 5,576 researchers, yielding 430 responses after three contact attempts (response rate: 7.7%). Most respondents were female (55.5%) and had over 11 years of leadership experience (34.6%). Approximately 56.4% reported being unaware of the EQUATOR Network, although 64.3% stated they followed an appropriate reporting guideline in their most recent study. Additionally, 45.8% emphasized the importance of adherence to reporting guidelines by other research groups; 53.2% highlighted their relevance to their own groups; and 54.6% considered such adherence to be extremely important on a personal level. Conclusions: Although respondents reported adherence to scientific integrity practices, potential selection and cognitive biases must be acknowledged. These findings underscore the need for strategies to enhance the implementation of reporting guidelines and promote completeness and transparency in research reporting. Initiatives led by information science professionals may support this goal. Further investigation is warranted to explore these complexities and foster integrity in academic research.