FCS - Artigos em Revistas Científicas Internacionais com Arbitragem Científica
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- Genetic bases in the reabsorption of the mandibular residual crestPublication . Moura Teles, Ana; Colombo, Juan; Lopes Cardoso, InêsThe increase in life span of the human being leads to the appearance of new challenges for the health sciences. As a result of getting old, chronic and degenerative diseases started to occupy a predominant role in clinical research in the last decades. It is the case of degenerative processes that occur in the oral cavity after teeth loss.Mandibular residual ridge resorption is a widely studied process from the middle of last century and muchresearch relate this process with multiple factors. Recently, the understanding of the biological processes that occur after tooth extraction has been amplified.In this work, genetic factors involved in mandibular residual ridge resorption are discussed and the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms of some genes and mandibular residual ridge resorptionare stablished.
- Relevant factors for dental care in planning the response against covid-19: a narrative reviewPublication . Aires, Thadeu Laranja; Lopes Cardoso, Inês; Pina, Cristina; Moura Teles, AnaThe main objective of this work was to analyze, through a review of current references, how different factors correlate to shape the response measures implemented by health authorities to the ongoing pandemic event, in the context of dental care.The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed more than 14million lives directly or indirectly, being a special challenge for society and health care systems. The role of dentists during a pandemic crisis is to provide essential dental care while preventing transmission of the virus. However, this virus has some traits that may increase the risk of cross infection in dental offices, due to aerosols produced during several dental treatments. To address this problem, health authorities have prepared specific protocols to prevent cross-contamination by this virus in dental offices, allowing patients to continue receiving dental care during the pandemic period.
- Antimicrobial potential of cannabinoids: a scoping review of the past 5 yearsPublication . Coelho, Maria João; Araújo, Maria Duarte; Carvalho, Marcia; Lopes Cardoso, Inês; Manso, Maria da Conceição; Pina, CristinaIn the scenario of fighting bacterial resistance to antibiotics, natural products have been extensively investigated for their potential antibacterial activities. Among these, cannabinoids—bioactive compounds derived from cannabis—have garnered attention for their diverse biological activities, including anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Emerging evidence suggests that cannabinoids may also possess significant antimicrobial properties, with potential applications in enhancing the efficacy of conventional antimicrobial agents. Therefore, this review examines evidence from the past five years on the antimicrobial properties of cannabinoids, focusing on underlying mechanisms such as microbial membrane disruption, immune response modulation, and interference with microbial virulence factors. In addition, their synergistic potential, when used alongside standard therapies, underscores their promise as a novel strategy to address drug resistance, although further research and clinical trials are needed to validate their therapeutic use. Overall, cannabinoids offer a promising avenue for the development of innovative treatments to combat drug-resistant infections and reduce the reliance on traditional antimicrobial agents.
- The impact of genetics on craniofacial dysplasias and consequent oral malformations: integrative reviewPublication . Lopes Cardoso, Inês; Guimarães, Maria Inês; Touboul, Laura; C. Leal, M. Fernanda; Via, MarcBackground/Objectives: Diseases affecting the craniofacial skeleton are normally associated with disturbances in the regulation of cellular differentiation, the development of bone structures, and changes in bone density and ossification. Thus, the objective of this integrative review is to evaluate the published scientific literature from the last 8 years concerning the impact of genetics on some craniofacial dysplasias. Our aim covers the identification of oral cavity alterations to those dysplasias, through the most common oro-facial manifestations. Three dysplasias were selected to be part of this integrative review: cleidocranial dysplasia, ectodermal dysplasia and Apert syndrome. Methods: For this purpose, a bibliographic search was performed in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Sci-ence and Google Scholar databases with several keywords combined with each other. The research question of this review was as follows: “What is the impact of genetic factors on the development of craniofacial dysplasias and associated oral malformations?”. Results: After selecting the articles through the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were selected for this review. Conclusions: Genetics plays a crucial role in cranio-facial dysplasias and subsequent oral malformations. The main conclusion was that mutations in different genes can lead to identical phenotypes, while mutations in the same gene can present slight phenotypic differences depending on where they occur. In the future, it would be important to conduct studies with larger samples and control groups that include genetic testing to allow for a more comprehensive study on the impact of genetics on craniofacial dysplasias.
- Bacterial contamination of Gutta-Percha points from different brands and the efficacy of a chairside disinfection protocolPublication . Bracciale, Francesca; Marino, Nicole; Noronha, Anariely; Manso, Maria da Conceição; Gavinha, Sandra; Lopes Cardoso, Inês; Pina, Cristina; Moura Teles, AnaObjective: To evaluate the bacterial contamination of different brands of Gutta-Percha (GP) points routinely used in clinical practice and the efficacy of a chairside disinfection protocol with sodium hypochlorite. Methods: GP points (n=240), in sizes A, B, C, D, K15, K20, K25, K30, K35, K40, F1, F2, F3 (Dentsply®, Proclinic®, ProTaper® and R&S®), were randomly sampled from commercial packages already in use. These were added directly to Fluid Thioglycolate Medium (one GP point per tube) and incubated at 37ºC for 21 days. During this period, the presence/absence of turbidity was evaluated. To evaluate the efficacy of a chairside disinfection protocol, all detected contaminated GP points were immersed for 1 minute in 10 mL of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, followed by 5 minutes in 10 mL of detergent solution (3% Tween 80 and 5% sodium thiosulfate) and a final rinse with 10 mL of sterile distilled water and incubated. The data was analysed using the chi-square test and differences between characteristics of dichotomic variables were performed using the binomial test. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: Bacterial growth was observed in 22.9% of the total study samples. Dentsply® and R&S® showed the highest level of contamination, 47.3% each, although without significant differences to the other commercial brands. The most contaminated GP point size was K30 (16.4%). The chairside disinfection protocol was effective in disinfection of 76.4% of GP points (P<0.001). Conclusion: A real small number of GP points in clinical use harboured bacteria, including after the Chairside Disinfection Protocol that, anyway, proved to be effective. No significant difference was observed between tested commercial brands.
- Assessing the preparedness of dental professionals for bioterrorism events: protocol of a scoping review on knowledge gaps and strategiesPublication . Guimarães, Maria Inês; Chiadmi, Yasmine; Sá, Mariana; Moreira, Teresa; Lopes Cardoso, InêsIntroduction: Forensic dentistry and bioterrorism are distinct concepts, yet they are connected through the role forensic dentistry plays in identifying victims and analysing biological threats. This review examines the intersection and significance of these factors, considering the available training, protocols, and preventive measures. Hence, this scoping review aims to assess the current literature on the role of dental professionals in bioterrorism response, identify existing knowledge gaps, and propose strategies for enhancing preparedness. Methods: A scoping review will be performed according to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Scientific databases as well as grey literature will be used and the following keywords will be applied: bioterrorism, dental health services, dentists, dental care, emergency response. Results: This scoping review is expected to identify and map the extent of existing evidence regarding the preparedness of dental professionals to respond to bioterrorism events. Anticipated findings include significant gaps in knowledge, limited integration of bioterrorism-related content in dental education, and uneven preparedness across countries and professional backgrounds. The review will likely highlight that while most dentists express willingness to assist in emergency responses, they often lack the specific competencies and formal training required. Additionally, it is expected to identify effective educational strategies and models—such as simulation-based training, online learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration—that may enhance preparedness. The synthesized evidence will inform recommendations for curriculum development, continuing professional education, and policy-making aimed at strengthening bioterrorism readiness within dental healthcare systems. Conclusions: This scoping review will enhance our understanding concerning dental practice and bioterrorism in a forensic context. According to the available data, it will help implement guidelines for dental preparedness. This protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework.
- Association of rs324420 (C385A) polymorphism with high-level performance in volleyball playersPublication . Silva, Hugo-Henrique; Tavares, Valéria; Silva, Maria Raquel; Neto, Beatriz Vieira; Cerqueira, Fátima; Medeiros, RuiGenetic variants are recognized to affect athletic performance, partially by modulating competition-facilitating behavior. In this study, the role of three genetic variants previously linked to athlete status was investigated among elite volleyball players. A total of 228 players (26.7 ± 8.1 years old) participating in the Portuguese championship and with multiple medalists in national and international competitions were evaluated in terms of anthropometrics, training regime, sports experience, and a history of sports lesions. SNP genotyping was conducted by means of TaqMan Allelic Discrimination Methodology. Volleyball players showed significantly different anthropometric indicators and training habits according to sex ( < 0.05). The A allele of the genetic variant () rs324420 (C385A) was shown to be significantly associated with superior athletic achievements under a dominant genetic model (AA/AC vs. CC, odds ratio (OR) = 1.70; 95% Cl, 0.93-3.13; = 0.026; < 0.001 after Bootstrap), which was corroborated by a multivariable analysis (AA/AC vs. CC adjusted OR = 2.00; 95% Cl, 1.04-3.82; = 0.037). Age and hand length were also found to be independently associated with high-level performance ( < 0.05). Our results confirm the role of in athletic performance. More investigation into this polymorphism's potential impact on stress coping, pain, and inflammation regulation in sport, particularly in the scope of lesions prevention and treatment, is required.
- Synergistic antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles with an emergent class of azoimidazolesPublication . Ribeiro, Ana Isabel; Dantas, Daniela; Carvalho, Luís Filipe; Padrão, Jorge; Silva, Renata; Remião, Fernando; Pinto, Eugénia; Cerqueira, Fátima; Dias, Alice; Zille, AndreaThe combination of two or more agents capable of acting in synergy has been reported as a valuable tool to fight against pathogens. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) present a strong antimicrobial action, although their cytotoxicity for healthy cells at active concentrations is a major concern. Azoimidazole moieties exhibit interesting bioactivities, including antimicrobial activity. In this work, a class of recently described azoimidazoles with strong antifungal activity was conjugated with citrate or polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized AgNPs. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance was used to confirm the purity of the compounds before further tests and atomic absorption spectroscopy to verify the concentration of silver in the prepared dispersions. Other analytical techniques elucidate the morphology and stability of AgNPs and corresponding conjugates, namely ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, scanning transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis. The synergistic antimicrobial activity of the conjugates was assessed through a checkerboard assay against yeasts ( and ) and bacteria ( and ). The conjugates showed improved antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms, in particular towards bacteria, with concentrations below their individual minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Furthermore, some combinations were found to be non-cytotoxic towards human HaCaT cells.
- Domino synthesis of a new class of red-shifted and antimicrobial imidazole-based azo dyes from 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamidrazones.Publication . Pereira da Silva, Mariana; Silva, Bárbara; Costa, Inês; Coutinho, Paulo; Cerqueira, Fátima; Pinto, Eugénia; Dias, AliceCombining antimicrobial activity with halochromic properties offers an enticing opportunity to both combat and detect microbial infection in the medical field. Previous research has identified a class of compounds that demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity, particularly against pathogenic yeasts. Notably, these compounds also exhibit vibrant pink-blue colours and a halochromic behaviour within the therapeutic pH range. Aiming at developing a more sustainable synthetic method and to generate better red-shifted and pH-responsive imidazole-based azo dyes, a new domino reaction was discovered yielding a novel class of green-coloured 2-aminoimidazole azo-dyes. A strategy based on circular chemistry was achieved by introducing the accessible and environmentally benign O/KI oxidant system, which is able not only to regenerate the oxidants but also minimize side reactions. The isolation of two key intermediates was also an important achievement in comprehending the underlying mechanisms. As expected, this new class of 2-aminoimidazole dyes also presented significant solvatochromism and pronounced halochromism with colours changing from green to purple as the pH decreases. molecular quantum mechanics calculations supported the data obtained experimentally. A great number of compounds (12 in 18 compounds) showed potent fungicidal activity against and moderate activity against.
- Plasmatic microRNAs and treatment outcomes of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a hospital-based cohort study and in silico analysisPublication . Silva, Jani; Tavares, Valéria; Afonso, Ana; Garcia, Juliana; Cerqueira, Fátima; Medeiros, RuiProstate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies among men worldwide. Inevitably, all advanced PCa patients develop metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), an aggressive phase of the disease. Treating mCRPC is challenging, and prognostic tools are needed for disease management. MicroRNA (miRNA) deregulation has been reported in PCa, constituting potential non-invasive prognostic biomarkers. As such, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic potential of nine miRNAs in the liquid biopsies (plasma) of mCRPC patients treated with second-generation androgen receptor axis-targeted (ARAT) agents, abiraterone acetate (AbA) and enzalutamide (ENZ). Low expression levels of miR-16-5p and miR-145-5p in mCRPC patients treated with AbA were significantly associated with lower progression-free survival (PFS). The two miRNAs were the only predictors of the risk of disease progression in AbA-stratified analyses. Low miR-20a-5p levels in mCRPC patients with Gleason scores of <8 were associated with worse overall survival (OS). The transcript seems to predict the risk of death regardless of the ARAT agent. According to the in silico analyses, miR-16-5p, miR-145-5p, and miR-20a-5p seem to be implicated in several processes, namely, cell cycle, proliferation, migration, survival, metabolism, and angiogenesis, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism related to treatment outcome. These miRNAs may represent attractive prognostic tools to be used in mCRPC management, as well as a step further in the identification of new potential therapeutic targets, to use in combination with ARAT for an improved treatment outcome. Despite the promising results, real-world validation is necessary.