OAR@UM Community:

Progress and insights in health and biomedical research

2026-02-13T13:42:09Z

Title: Progress and insights in health and biomedical research Authors: Cortes, Arthur R. G.; Barbosa, Joana; Gonçalves, Virgínia; Henriques, Bruno; Sarmento, Bruno; Rodrigues, Célia Fortuna; Souza, Júlio C. M.; Tiritan, Maria Elizabeth; Vieira Brito, Nuno; Bezerra Cass, Quezia; Dinis-Oliveira, Ricardo Jorge; Warnakulasuriya, Saman; Bolanos-Garcia, Victor M.; Bousbaa, Hassan Abstract: On behalf of the Editorial Team of Scientific Letters, we are pleased to announce the publication of the journal’s fourth issue. In 2025, Scientific Letters continued its mission of disseminating high-quality open-access research across the fields of biology and medicine. The two review articles and five original research papers published this year highlight both foundational biological mechanisms and pressing clinical and public health issues. João Carvalho et al. performed a systematic integrative review addressing different orthodontic approaches to the traction of impacted canines. Their work critically analyzed existing techniques, highlighting the advantages and limitations of surgical and orthodontic strategies, and emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment planning to optimize functional and esthetic outcomes. This review contributes valuable guidance for clinical decision-making in orthodontic practice.

Impact of different yttrium oxide concentrations and sintering protocols on the flexural strength and optical properties of monolithic zirconia

2026-02-13T13:29:03Z

Title: Impact of different yttrium oxide concentrations and sintering protocols on the flexural strength and optical properties of monolithic zirconia Authors: DeVito-Moraes, André Guaraci; Vardasca, Isabela Souza; Peñarrocha-Diago, Miguel; Cortes, Arthur R. G. Abstract: This study investigates the mechanical and optical properties of monolithic zirconia used in dentistry, focusing on how different concentrations of yttrium oxide and varied sintering times affect the material. A critical trade-off in ceramics has been reported in the literature, in which increased crystalline content (like in zirconia) leads to higher mechanical strength but lower aesthetic translucency. However, detailed information on this trade-off process for different types of zirconia is lacking. A total of seven types of zirconia varying in yttria content (3 mol% to 5 mol%) were tested across four sintering protocols available in a laboratory zirconia sintering device: Slow (12 h), Standard (8 h), Fast (3.5 h), and Ultrafast (1.15 h). The primary findings indicate that while a higher yttria concentration correlates with lower flexural strength and high translucency, the sintering time generally did not compromise mechanical strength or color variation across most samples. Nevertheless, the Fast and Ultrafast protocols did significantly reduce the translucency of zirconia with a high concentration of yttrium oxide.

Integrating generative artificial intelligence in clinical dentistry : enhancing diagnosis, treatment planning, and procedural precision through advanced knowledge representation and reasoning

2025-09-30T11:14:23Z

Title: Integrating generative artificial intelligence in clinical dentistry : enhancing diagnosis, treatment planning, and procedural precision through advanced knowledge representation and reasoning Authors: Dawa, Hossam; Cortes, Arthur R. G.; Ribeiro, Carlos; Neves, José; Vicente, Henrique Abstract: Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is poised to transform clinical dentistry by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment planning, and improving procedural precision. This study integrates logic programming and entropy within knowledge representation and reasoning to generate hypotheses, quantify uncertainty, and support clinical decisions. A six-month longitudinal questionnaire was administered to 127 dentists, of whom 119 provided valid responses across four dimensions: current use and knowledge (CUKD), potential applications (PAD), future perspectives (FPD), and challenges and barriers (CBD). Responses, analyzed with both classical statistics and entropy-based measures, revealed significant differences among dimensions (𝘱 < 0.01, η2 = 0.14). CUKD, PAD, and FPD all increased steadily over time (baseline means 2.32, 3.06, and 3.27; rising to 3.75, 4.51, and 4.71, respectively), while CBD remained more variable (1.87–3.87). The overall entropic state declined from 0.43 to 0.31 (p = 0.018), reflecting reduced uncertainty. Statistical and entropy-derived trends converged, suggesting growing professional clarity and cautious acceptance of GAI. These findings indicate that, despite persistent concerns, GAI holds promise for advancing adaptive and evidence-driven dental practice.

The impact of digital imaging tools and artificial intelligence on self-reported outcomes of dentists

2025-07-18T09:50:00Z

Title: The impact of digital imaging tools and artificial intelligence on self-reported outcomes of dentists Authors: Dawa, Hossam; No-Cortes, Juliana; Peñarrocha-Diago, Miguel; Vicente, Henrique; Ribeiro, Carlos; Cortes, Arthur R. G. Abstract: Background: The integration of digital imaging tools in dentistry has transformed clinical workflows, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes. However, less attention has been given to how these tools influence dentists’ self-reported outcomes, including clinical confidence, efficiency, perceived treatment quality, communication, and professional satisfaction. This article aimed at assessing AI-powered digital tools in dentistry and their self-reported impact on dental practitioners’ activity and treatment outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive survey was distributed to 126 dental professionals of different genders, ages, years of experience, and types of dental practice to assess their experiences and attitudes towards AI applications in diagnostics and treatment planning, as well as how patients and dentists perceive the benefits and challenges associated with digital dentistry. Results: Digital photographs and CBCT were regarded as essential tools to have in clinical practice, in contrast with intraoral scanners. However, barriers like high initial costs, specialty differences, and lack of formal training may influence the results. Conclusion: These findings suggest that when used appropriately, AI digital tools can significantly elevate the quality of clinical practice and professional fulfillment and underscore the importance of tailored training programs and supportive infrastructures to facilitate the effective integration of digital technologies in dental practice.