EM - Artigos Científicos
URI permanente para esta coleção:
Navegar
Entradas recentes
- When bones blur the lines : ancient DNA validation of morphological sex estimation traits and the challenges of population-specific dimorphismPublication . Alves-Cardoso, Francisca; Gomes, Cláudia; Palomo-Díez, Sara; López-Matayoshi, César; Vassallo, Steffi; Malcherek, Anne; Rodrigues, Zélia; Assis, Sandra; Márquez-Grant, NicholasBackground/Objectives: Sex estimation is a cornerstone of research and practice in bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. However, morphological and metric methods are often hampered by population-specific variation, subjectivity in assessment, and taphonomy. This study compares morphological analysis and ancient DNA (aDNA)-based sex assessment in a 19th-century Portuguese sample to evaluate the accuracy of osteological (anthropological) criteria. Methods: This study analysed 37 skeletons from the Venerável Ordem Terceira da Nossa Senhora do Carmo burial grounds in Porto. Sex estimation was based on (1) the bioanthropological assessment of morphological traits of the os coxae and the skull (2) through aDNA analysis using a multi-marker approach, including real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting autosomal loci, the amelogenin locus, a Y-chromosomal INDEL, and Y-STRs. aDNA was extracted via a non-destructive protocol. Results: Whilst anthropological analysis was possible on all 37 individuals, estimation of sex through aDNA analysis was possible for 26 individuals. A 20% discordance rate was found between morphological and aDNA results. Many individuals morphologically classified as “possible female” or “indeterminate” were genetically identified as male. Genetic analysis resolved most cases that biological anthropologists concluded were “indeterminate”. Conclusions: The high discordance in the Carmo sub-sample may indicate reduced skeletal sexual dimorphism, with males exhibiting skeletal traits typically associated with females, suggesting a sample-specific reduction in sexual dimorphism likely influenced by environmental, nutritional, and/or genetic stressors. A limitation of this study is its small sample size: only 26 of 37 individuals yielded usable genetic results, and only a portion of these individuals provided sufficient data for a direct comparison between morphological and genetic data. Nevertheless, these findings highlight the risk that applying generalised osteological standards relying solely on morphology can lead to systematic misclassification, emphasising the need for a critical, multidisciplinary approach to sex estimation.
- Surgical and conservative management of periorbital tumors in four dogsPublication . Vasiu, Iosif; Dragomir, Mădălina Florina; Ober, Ciprian Andrei; Peştean, Cosmin Petru; Pop, Romelia; Taulescu, Marian; Gal, Claudiu; Saari, Seppo; Vicente, DavidFour client-owned dogs with histopathologically confirmed periorbital tumors were included in this retrospective case series: one spayed female, one intact male, and two neutered males. The dogs ranged in age from 6 to 8 years. The most common clinical signs were slowly progressive exophthalmos (4/4 dogs), epiphora (3/4 dogs), and prolapse of the nictitating membrane gland (2/4 dogs). Periorbital disease was initially suspected based on the clinical examination. Computed tomography (CT) was subsequently used to characterize the presence, location, and extent of the lesion and for surgical planning, whereas histopathological examination confirmed the tumor type. The identified tumors included two multilobular tumors of bone (MTB), one inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), and one sebaceous carcinoma (SC). Treatment for the first three dogs consisted of wide tumor excision via combined modified lateral orbitotomy and partial ostectomies of the zygomatic arch and mandibular ramus. The remaining dog received conservative therapy. For the first two surgically treated dogs, survival times were 55 months; the third dog was lost to follow-up two weeks after surgery. For the conservatively treated dog, the survival time was 4 months. Although limited by the small number of heterogeneous cases, this report suggests that the described surgical approach facilitated en bloc excision in these three surgically treated dogs. However, histologically tumor-free surgical margins were confirmed in only one of the three surgically treated dogs, and clinical outcomes varied according to tumor type, extent of disease, and duration of follow-up. Therefore, further studies are required before definitive conclusions regarding oncologic outcome or prognosis can be drawn.
- Knowledge, perception, and clinical experiences on molar incisor hypomineralization amongst dental professionals : a systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Balixa, Gabriela; Rodrigues, Carlota; Botelho, João; Machado, Vanessa; Lopes, Luísa BandeiraBackground: Molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a common developmental enamel defect that presents important diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in pediatric dentistry. Differences in dental professionals’ knowledge and clinical confidence may affect patient care. Aim: To evaluate dental professionals’ awareness, diagnostic confidence, clinical management, referral practices, and training related to MIH. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled estimates, with subgroup analyses by geographic region, dental specialty, and risk of bias. Results: Thirty-six observational studies including over 10,000 dental professionals were included. Awareness of MIH diagnostic criteria was moderate (72.1%) and higher among pediatric dentists than general dental practitioners. Diagnostic confidence (67.5%) and comfort in providing treatment (64.1%) were suboptimal, particularly among non-specialists. Most respondents perceived a distinct caries pattern in MIH-affected teeth (84.8%), while referral to pediatric dentists was inconsistent (52.5%). Approximately 80% of participants reported a need for additional MIH-related training. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across analyses. Conclusions: Despite moderate awareness of MIH, important gaps persist in diagnostic confidence, clinical management, and referral practices. Strengthening undergraduate education, continuing professional development, and structured referral pathways is essential to improve early diagnosis, appropriate management, and outcomes for children affected by MIH, highlighting the pivotal role of paediatric dentists in interdisciplinary care.
- Impact of CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea on stomatognathic system function : a study on bite force, thickness, and temperature of the masseter and temporal musclesPublication . Gomes, Guilherme G. C.; Palinkas, Marcelo; Verri, Edson D.; Rossi, Ana Lívia L.; Sousa, Daniel S. de; Lattaro, Danilo H.; Hallak, Júlia C.; Ferreira, Luciano M. A.; Regalo, Simone C. H.; Siéssere, SelmaObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects the body due to repeated obstruction of the upper airways. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a treatment that can influence muscle function. This nine-month longitudinal study evaluated the effects of CPAP on molar bite force and on the thickness and surface temperature of the masseter and temporal muscles in adults. The study included 12 adults aged 20–70 with moderate or severe OSA, confirmed by polysomnography, all using CPAP. Molar bite force was measured with dynamometer; muscle thickness was evaluated by ultrasound at rest and during maximum contraction; and temperature was assessed using infrared thermography. Measurements were taken before treatment and at 3, 6, and 9 months. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (p<0.05). Although no significant differences in bite force were observed, only a non-significant tendency toward increased maximum molar force on both sides was noted after nine months. Ultrasound showed a significant increase in right temporal muscle thickness at rest and during contraction, and a left-side increase at rest. Nine months of CPAP therapy in adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea resulted may influence craniofacial muscle morphology without significantly altering stomatognathic function.
- Fueling the future : advances in sports nutrition for young athletesPublication . Vicente, FilipaEditorial
- Editorial : the immune microenvironment-microbiome interactions in peri-implantitis and periodontitisPublication . Bessa, Lucinda J.; An, Ying; Li, ZejianEditorial
- Comprehensive chemical and enantiomeric characterization of commercial turpentine oils by GC–MSPublication . Pombo, Débora․S․ D․; Barra, Bárbara F․ C․; Bettencourt, Madalena; Quintas, Alexandre; Bekman, Evguenia P.; Neng, Nuno R.Recent reports from families of individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by severe neurological impairment and epilepsy, have described perceived neurological improvements following the topical application of a commercial turpentine oil (TO). These observations prompted the present analytical study, which aimed to characterise and quantify the terpenoid composition of 2 commercial TOs (Diamond and Creekwood), together with 6 additional commercial TOs, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Analysis of 6 TOs reported to originate from Pinus pinaster revealed similar combined percentages of α- and β-pinene (≈75%), except for one oil that exhibited a more complex profile, a lower α-pinene content (≈30%), and the presence of eucalyptol, which is uncommon in TOs from this species. The Creekwood oil contained a higher proportion of α-pinene (≈76%) and a markedly lower β-pinene content (≈3%) than the Diamond oil (≈62% and ≈26%, respectively). Chiral GC–MS analysis further revealed contrasting enantiomeric distributions, with (–)-α-pinene predominating in the Diamond oil and (+)-α-pinene in the Creekwood oil, while (–)-β-pinene predominated in both samples. For quantitative analysis, the analytical method was successfully validated, demonstrating suitable detection (1.5–5.0 mg/L) and quantification (5.0–16.7 mg/L) limits, good linearity (r2>0.991), and acceptable precision and accuracy (<15%). These findings demonstrate substantial chemical variability among commercial TOs and provide a framework for future studies on the biological effects of pine resin terpenoids in neuronal models relevant to AS.
- Botulinum toxin type A for trigeminal and postherpetic neuralgia : an umbrella review of systematic reviewsPublication . Canales, Giancarlo De la Torre; Dureisseix, Marie-Amélie; Santos, Thiago Germano dos; Cebola, Pedro Miguel Teixeira Carvas; Nascimento, Glauce Crivelaro do; Foscaldo, Tatiana; Poluha, Rodrigo Lorenzi; Durham, Justin; Christidis, NikolaosBackground and Objective: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) are severe peripheral neuropathic pain conditions associated with substantial functional impairment. Although pharmacological treatments are available, many patients experience insufficient efficacy or poor tolerability. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has emerged as a potential treatment, but uncertainties remain regarding its efficacy, safety, and clinical positioning. This umbrella review aimed to synthesise evidence from systematic reviews evaluating BoNT-A in TN and PHN. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL from inception to November 2025. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis evaluating BoNT-A in adults with TN or PHN were included. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2, and only moderate- or high-quality reviews were included. Primary outcomes were pain intensity reduction and responder rates (≥ 50% pain reduction). Secondary outcomes included quality of life and adverse events. Results: Ten systematic reviews (2015–2024) met the inclusion criteria. Botulinum toxin type A was consistently associated with reductions in pain intensity and higher responder rates than placebo, particularly in TN. In PHN, evidence was more limited but supported short-term (1–3 months) improvements in pain intensity. Evidence on quality of life was scarce and inconclusive. Botulinum toxin type A was well tolerated, with mostly mild and transient adverse events. Conclusions: Botulinum toxin type A appears to provide short-term pain relief in selected patients with TN and PHN and is generally well tolerated. Current evidence supports its role as an adjunctive third-line option for focal peripheral neuropathic pain, although heterogeneity and limited long-term data warrant cautious interpretation.
- When silos cannot be broken : rethinking integration and coexistence in one healthPublication . Fernandes, Júlio BeloOne Health is increasingly promoted as a collaborative approach for addressing interconnected challenges across human, animal, and environmental health. Central to this vision is the recurrent call to “break down silos” between disciplines, sectors, and institutions. This article critically examines the assumptions underlying the “breaking down silos” narrative and argues that silos should not be understood solely as barriers to collaboration. They also function as repositories of expertise, accountability structures, and mechanisms that sustain institutional coherence. The analysis explores how institutional, disciplinary, data, geographical, and cultural silos influence One Health practice. Rather than eliminating silos, the challenge lies in developing sustainable bridges that support coordination while preserving specialised expertise. These bridges include technical, relational, and governance mechanisms that sustain collaboration across systems. Ultimately, One Health may be better understood as a process of negotiating productive coexistence across diverse forms of knowledge and governance.
- Salivary biomarkers in burning mouth syndrome : an umbrella review of systematic reviewsPublication . Machete, Mariana Vallera; Bouaita, Anis; Blanco-Carrión, Andrés; López, José López; Carreras-Presas, Carmen Martín; Mascarenhas, Paulo; Evangelista, José Grillo; Trancoso, Pedro Ferreira; Azul, António Mano; Zagalo, CarlosBackground: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain condition without objective diagnostic criteria and with a substantial impact on quality of life. This umbrella review aimed to evaluate the available evidence on salivary biomarkers in BMS, identify which biomarkers show the most consistent associations with the condition, and assess the methodological quality of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, TRIP, and Google Scholar was conducted without language or date restrictions. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing salivary biomarkers in patients with BMS were included. Of the 561 records screened, six reviews met the eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Results: AMSTAR 2 appraisal rated four reviews as moderate confidence and two as low confidence; none was rated high or critically low. The evidence base showed very high overlap among primary studies, indicating that repeated findings across reviews should not be interpreted as fully independent replications. Cortisol showed the most consistent evidence of elevation in BMS. α-amylase and IgA were also frequently elevated, particularly in reviews on stress-related biomarkers. However, their interpretation was limited by methodological heterogeneity, overlap of primary studies and limited disease specificity. Cytokines, sex hormones, opiorphin, trace elements and oxidative stress-related markers showed inconsistent or sparse evidence. Conclusions: Salivary cortisol, α-amylase and IgA may reflect stress-related neuroendocrine, autonomic and mucosal immune dysregulation in BMS. However, current evidence remains methodologically limited and does not support the use of any salivary biomarker as a standalone diagnostic test. Clinical relevance: Saliva-based biomarkers may support mechanistic phenotyping in future research, but standardised protocols, rigorous study designs and improved patient stratification are required before they can inform clinical decision-making.