Brief Overview:
This interview directly highlights and disseminates findings from the Alzheimer’s & Dementia publication listed above. The discussion centers on the oral–brain axis, periodontal pathogens, neuroinflammation, and translational implications for Alzheimer’s disease prevention and brain health. The interview significantly expands the manuscript’s reach beyond the academic community to clinicians, researchers, and public health audiences. (Click on link above to view the YouTube interview.)
By: Gilliana Rozenblum, Dr. Abidi, and Dr. Kassan.
Presentation Link
Julianna Iuorno recieved the Most Outstanding Presentation Award in Biomaterials and Technology Research at the 2025 Hinman Student Research Symposium for her presentation titled, " 3-D Evaluation of Transverse Maxillary & Palatal Dimensions in Patients with Cleft and Non-Cleft."
Abstract
Introduction: Cleft palate, affecting ~1 in 1,000 births, is a common craniofacial anomaly associated with feeding, speech, and breathing difficulties. Despite therapeutic advances, few studies have assessed maxillary and palatal dimensions beyond the cleft itself. This study compares cleft and non-cleft patients, with and without orthodontic expansion, evaluating maxillary intermolar width, crestal bone width, overall maxillary width, and palatal area.
Methods: Anonymized cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from two orthodontic clinics were analyzed using Invivo 7 software. Patients were categorized as unilateral, bilateral, or non-cleft controls, and subgrouped by expansion status, age, and sex. Measurements included maxillary intermolar width, intermolar crestal bone width, width of the maxilla, and palatal area. Data was analyzed using linear regression models and correlation matrices (Spearman) (p ≤ 0.05).
Results: Initial analysis reveals that in non-expanded cleft palates, intermolar width is significantly associated with palatal area, indicating that natural variation in arch width contributes directly to palatal size (r = 0.63, p < 0.05). In contrast, no such relationship was observed in expanded cleft patients (p > 0.5), suggesting that expansion alters palatal morphology in a way that does not proportionally increase palatal area. Additionally, in non-expanded cleft palates, the width of the maxilla significantly predicted palatal area (r = 0.65, p < 0.05), indicating that skeletal transverse dimensions naturally constrain palatal size. In contrast, no such relationship was observed in expanded clefts (p > 0.9), suggesting that expansion widens skeletal dimensions without proportionally increasing palatal area.
Conclusions: Preliminary analysis shows controls and expanded patients demonstrate similar, higher transverse values, while non-expanded clefts display greater variability and lower averages. Ongoing data collection will strengthen correlations between dimensions and timing of interventions. This study also lays the foundation for comparing rapid and slow expansion protocols in cleft patients, with the goal of optimizing surgical and orthodontic treatment outcomes.research and fostering student excellence in dental education.
Uswa Arain received 2 Place in Poster Presentations at the AAID conference in Phoenix, AZ.
Poster Link 
Students Presentation (LMU-CDM)
Annual Research Symposium (LMU-CDM 2nd Annual Research Day)
Location: College of Dental Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN
Date: Oct. 2, 2025
3-D Evaluation of Transverse Maxillary & Palatal Dimensions in Patients with Cleft and Non-Cleft. Julianna Iuorno, Jim Pickering, Frank Iuorno, Jr., Karima Ait-Aissa, Shaza Mardini. Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine and Pickering & Allen Orthodontics West End Orthodontics.
Chemokines Gene Expression in Healthy and Diseased Gingival Fibroblasts: Impact of Cannabinoid Therapy. Uswa Arain, Karima Ait-Aissa, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Ehsanul Hoque Apu, Amal M. Sahyoun, Mustafa Dabbous, Modar Kassan, Ammaar Abidi. Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine & University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Dentistry.
Comparative Efficacy and Aesthetic Outcomes of 1-Step vs 2-Step Silver Diamine Fluoride in Pediatric Caries Management: A Split-Mouth Study. Jordan Renard, Cade Morrow, Hala Abutineh, Katherine Parfomak, Ammaar Abidi, Lincoln Memorial University, College of Dental Medicine.
Electric Pulp Testing (EPT) in Canine Dentistry: Reliability, Responses, and Quadrant Variability. Olga Michka, Joshua Bryson, Annika Lagos, Tabitha Abshire, Abigail Witmer, Alexis Kastigar, Alexis Funchess, Nicholas Heffelfinger, Crystal LeRoy, Tiffany Halvorson, Richard Sams, William Muir, Susanna Kitts-Morgan, Ammaar H. Abid. Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine & Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, KCA Laboratories.
Modulating the Endocannabinoid System: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Diabetes-Associated Periodontal Disease. Obaed Ashfaq, Karima Ait-Aissa, Modar Kassan, Ammaar Abidi, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Exploring the Role of Oral Microbiota in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Bruxism. Kyle Morris, Karima Ait-Aissa, Amal M Sahyoun, Qi Wang, Ammaar Abidi, Modar Kassan, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Nicotine-Mediated Dysbiosis in Periodontal Disease. Faraz Ghamgosar, Ammaar Abidi, Modar Kassan, Karima Ait-Aissa, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Nitric Oxide and CB2 Modulation in Periodontal Inflammation. Matthew Cooper, Modar Kassan, Ammaar Abidi, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in Gingival Inflammation: Inhibition of IL-1β-Driven MMP Activation and Collagen Breakdown. Keegan Dedman, Braden Cole, Modar Kassan, Ammaar Abidi, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
ToothTok Trends: A Scientific Analysis of Viral Teeth Whitening Hacks on TikTok. Emma Prillaman, Ammaar H Abidi, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Research Day 2025, Poster Presentations:
Biofilm Accumulation & Clinical Significance of Tooth Gems in Dentistry.
Jandi Palmer, George Steedley, Wesley Whisenant, Ammaar Abidi, Karima Ait-Aissa,
Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Comparative Efficacy and Aesthetic Outcomes of 1-Step vs 2-Step Silver Diamine Fluoride in Pediatric Caries Management: A Split-Mouth Study. Jordan Renard, Cade Morrow, Hala Abutineh, Katherine Parfomak, Ammaar Abidi, Lincoln Memorial University, College of Dental Medicine.
Exploring the Effects of Laser Therapy on Salivary Function and Oral Microbiota in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. John Pattison, Ammaar Abidi, Karima Ait-Aissa, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
From Mouth to Mind: Investigating Oral Microbial Contributions to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kylan Burch, Ammaar Abidi, Modar Kassan, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine. John Pattison, Ammaar Abidi, Karima Ait-Aissa, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Impact of Oral-Gut Microbiota Axis on Cardiovascular Diseases Systemic Diseases.
Athena Marlar, Modar Kassan, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
The Importance of Prebiotics in Managing Colic in Horses: Focus on Akkermansia muciniphila and Its Anti-Inflammatory Potential. Ashley Cottone, Keely Seiter, Brinley Thomas, Nathan Schank, Michelle Wulf, Lynda Miller, Stacy Anderson, Ashutosh Verma, Ammaar Abidi, Modar Kassan. Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine, and Lincoln Memorial University Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine.
Oral-Gut Microbiota in Immune-related Inflammatory Diseases. Carson Conard, Modar Kassan, Karima Ait-Aissa, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Oral-Gut Microbiota in Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. James Graham, Modar Kassan, Karima Ait-Aissa, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Oral–Gut Microbiota Interplay: Gastrointestinal Metabolites and Periodontitis. Spencer Edmonds, Karima Ait-Aissa, Amal Sahyoun, Modar Kassan, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Oral and Gut Microbiota Interplay: Microbial Translocation of Specific Bacterium.
William Pilgrim, Karima Ait-Aissa, Modar Kassan, Ammaar H. Abidi, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Oral-Systemic Health Connection: Salivary Microbial Profiles as Predictors of Systemic Disease Risk.Evan Lomax, Karima Ait Aissa, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Susan Baker, Amal Sahyoun, and Modar Kassan. Ammaar Abidi, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
“The Role of Extra-Coronal Splinting in Periodontally Compromised Teeth”: CASE REPORT. Arshia Mohammed, Karima Ait-Aissa, Ammaar Abidi, Katherine Parfomak, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
The Role of Oral and Gut Microbiota in Cancer. John Seale, Modar Kassan, Ehsanul Hoque Apu, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
TLR9-Associated EGFR in Cancer and Tissue Repair. Nicholas Matuszak, Karima Ait-Aissa,
Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
Unraveling the Oral Microbiome's Role in Alzheimer's Disease: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Potential. Gilliana Rozenblum, Karima Ait-Aissa, Gadeer Zahran, Mahdieh Alipour, Qi Wang, Ammaar Abidi, Modar Kassan, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine.
31st Annual Hinman Student Research Symposium
University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, College of Dentistry - Memphis, TN
Oct. 24-26, 2025
50 Dental Schools from US and Canada participated.
LMU-CDM Students:
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Karima Ait Aissa, Dr. Shaza Mardini, Dr. Ammaar Abidi & , Dr. Ghadeer Zahran
Faculty Roles:
- Dr. Ammaar Abidi (Associate Dean of Research) – Faculty Judge, Institutional Representative
- Dr. Ghadeer Zahran – Faculty Judge, Student Mentor
Eductional/Research Outcomes:
- Enhanced student engagement in national research dissemination - Strengthened faculty-student mentorship in basic and translational research - Elevated LMU-CDM visibility among peer institutions - Supports compliance with CODA Standard 2-23 (Research and Scholarly Activity).
Coming Soon!
Steven Quintero won 1st place in Health and Medical Science Poster Presentation category for his delivery of :Exploring the Relationship Between Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis: Potential Role of Butyrate."
He was also picked to represent LMU-CDM at SCADA.
Authors:
Steven Quintero, Karima Ait-Aissa, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Amal M. Sahyoun, Ehsanul Hoque Apu, Ammaar Abidi, Modar Kassan, “Exploring the Relationship Between Periodontal Diseases and Osteoporosis: Potential Role of Butyrate”
Students Presentation (LMU-CDM)-(September 27th, 2024)
Annual Research Symposium (LMU-CDM 1st Annual Research Day)
Date: September 27th, 2024
Molly Anderson, Karima Ait-Aissa, Amal Majed Sahyoun, Ammaar Abidi, Modar Kassan, “Akkermansia Muciniphila as a Potential Guardian Against Oral Health Diseases.”
Uswa Arain, Sinclair Conley, Karima Ait-Aissa, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Ehsanul Hoque Apu, Amal Majed Sahyoun, Mustafa Dabbous, Modar Kassan, Ammaar Abidi, “Interleukin Gene Profile in Normal and Disease-Stimulated Primary Gingival Fibroblasts: Impact of Cannabinoid Therapy.”
Faraz Ghamgosar, Modar Kassan, Ammaar Abidi, Karima Ait-Aissa, “The Impact of Nicotine on Oral Epithelial Cells: Implication for Cancer Development and Progression.”
Targol Javanmardi, Modar Kassan, Ammaar Abidi, “Balancing the Therapeutic Benefits and Risks of Cannabis: A Review of Cognitive, Cerebrovascular, and Behavioral Impacts.”
Evan Lomax, Susan Baker, Karima Ait Aissa, Amal Sahyoun, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Modar Kassan, Ammaar H. Abidi,“The Link Between Periodontal Bacteria and Systemic Health: An In-Depth Analysis.”
Steven Quintero, Karima Ait-Aissa, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Amal M. Sahyoun, Ehsanul Hoque Apu, Ammaar Abidi, Modar Kassan, “Exploring the Relationship Between Periodontal Diseases and Osteoporosis: Potential Role of Butyrate.”
Hinman Research Symposium
Location: College of Dentistry, Memphis, TN, United States
Molly Anderson, Karima Ait-Aissa, Amal Majed Sahyoun, Ammaar Abidi, and Modar Kassan, “Akkermansia Muciniphila as a Potential Guardian Against Oral Health Diseases.”
Uswa Arain, Sinclair Conley, Karima Ait-Aissa, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Ehsanul Hoque Apu, Amal Majed Sahyoun, Mustafa Dabbous, Modar Kassan, and Ammaar Abidi, “Interleukin Gene Profile in Normal and Disease-Stimulated Primary Gingival Fibroblasts: Impact of Cannabinoid Therapy.”
Evan Lomax, Susan Baker, Karima Ait Aissa, Amal Sahyoun, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Modar Kassan, and Ammaar H. Abidi,“The Link Between Periodontal Bacteria and Systemic Health: An In-Depth Analysis.”
Steven Quintero, Karima Ait-Aissa, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Amal M. Sahyoun, Ehsanul Hoque Apu, Ammaar Abidi, and Modar Kassan, “Exploring the Relationship Between Periodontal Diseases and Osteoporosis: Potential Role of Butyrate.”
Ammaar H. Abidi, Invited Judge, 29th Annual Hinman Student Research Symposium, Memphis, TN
Ammaar H. Abidi, Invited speaker at the AEGD UT Memphis, AEGD “ Cannabis and Dentistry, June 2024.
Karima Ait-Aissa, American Physiological Society (APS) Summit meeting in Long Beach April 4-7th, 2024, Poster presentation
Karima Ait-Aissa, International Vascular Biology Meeting (IVBM) July 2-5, 2024, Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam (Attendee)
Karima Ait-Aissa, Global Cardio Oncology Summit September 22-24, 2024, Minneapolis Marriott City Center Minneapolis. Speaker and session chair.
Ehsanul Hoq Apu, Invited speaker at the Oncology Grand Round (1 hour) arranged by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Host: Prof. Joe Mymryk. Title: “3D organ-on-a-chip and olfaction-based early disease detection”.
Ehsanul Hoq Apu, Invited speaker at the sessions featuring MedTech Technologies: Biosensors, materials, and actuators (30 min) in Biomedical Engineering conference day (BME@LiU) arranged by Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden, May 21, 2024. Host: Prof. Pierfrancesco Pagella, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University. Title: “3D organ-on-a-chip and olfaction-based early disease detection”.
Ehsanul Hoq Apu, Invited speaker at the seminar (1 hour) arranged by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, May 23, 2024. Host: Prof. Ahmed Al-Samadi. Title: “3D organ-on-a-chip and olfaction-based early disease detection”.
Ehsanul Hoq Apu, Invited speaker at the seminar (1 hour) arranged by the Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland, May 24, 2024. Host: Prof. Ali Mobasheri. Title: “3D organ-on-a-chip and olfaction-based early disease detection”.
