https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/426 2026-04-04T22:13:41Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143664 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. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143663 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. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/139973 Title: COVID-19 : investigating the impact of face masks on Maltese adults’ behaviour and attitudes regarding oral health Abstract: As implemented by the Maltese government in the form of preventive measures to deter the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, in accordance to the guidelines published by the WHO (World Health Organization, 2020), the use of face masks became an integral part of pandemic times, to the extent of being mandated. Considering the duration with which such masks were donned, this study explores the hypothesis of face mask use affecting the oral health of the minority of adults living in Malta including ‘mask mouth’ symptoms, dental-service seeking behaviour and oral hygiene habits using the specified research question below. A cross-sectional qualitative online survey was conducted and 419 respondents recruited, with statistical analysis demonstrating the mask wearing behaviour of Maltese adults, the significant relationships between mask wearing and oral health & general health while outlining smokers as high risk for ‘mask mouth’. Implications of this study include improving preventive advice during public health crises such as pandemics and to improve awareness of mask mouth in health care settings. Population – adults residing in Malta Intervention – the daily use of face masks related to the COVID-19 pandemic Comparison – (not present) Outcome – affect behaviour and attitudes towards oral health Description: M.D.S.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/139972 Title: Investigating the awareness and use of oral hygiene aids in the Maltese islands Abstract: The purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyse the knowledge, awareness, and use of various oral hygiene aids amongst the Maltese population. Materials and Methods: This study made use of an anonymous questionnaire which was available in two languages, English and Maltese and which was distributed on various social media pages starting in August 2022 with the last response collected in April 2023. The questionnaire had 18 questions which investigated the knowledge, awareness and use of oral hygiene aids. Results and Conclusions A total of 261 individuals participated in the study. This sample size is representative of the Maltese population, (62.8%) being female and 97 (37.2%) being male. 45.6% of participants were aged 8-19 followed by the 30-49 age group (33.3%) then the 50-69 age group (18%) and lastly the 70+ age group (3.1%). The Maltese population has high awareness of different oral hygiene aids with 88.7% being aware of dental floss and 47.7% aware of interdental brushes. Participants were less aware of other oral hygiene aids such as super floss (10.9%) and water flosser (21.5%). With regards to use of the oral hygiene aids, 51.3% of the participants reported brushing their teeth twice a day, while 38.7% reported brushing only once a day. 64.4% reported use of interdental aids, most commonly dental floss at 75.3%. The most prevalent time of use of interdental aids was after tooth brushing at 38.5% followed by after a meal at 26.9%. Multiple significant differences between sex, age and education level were identified with this research. Females brush their teeth (p=0.031) and clean interdentally at a higher frequency (p=0.025). They also have more knowledge and awareness on different oral hygiene aids. Age also influenced brushing habits, with older individuals more likely to brush after meals (p=0.015), while younger groups had higher awareness of dental floss (p=0.004, p=0.001, p=0.025). Education level influenced the timing of brushing (p=0.04), and the type of interdental aids used where individuals with only a secondary education used wooden interdental sticks more frequently than individuals with a post-secondary education (p=0.34) and ones with an under-graduate education (p=0.001). This study provides essential baseline data for the Maltese population, which was previously unavailable. These insights can inform future educational campaigns and preventive strategies targeting demographics with lower awareness and usage of oral hygiene aids. Continued research is recommended to reassess knowledge levels and improve oral health practices across the Maltese Islands Description: M.D.S.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z