Neuroscience Knowledge and Endorsement of Neuromyths among Educators: What Is the Scenario in Brazil?

The field of neuroscience has seen significant growth and interest in recent decades. While neuroscience knowledge can benefit laypeople as well as professionals in many different areas, it may be particularly relevant for educators. With the right information, educators can apply neuroscience-based teaching strategies as well as protect themselves and their students against pseudoscientific ideas and products based on them. Despite rapidly growing sources of available information and courses, studies show that educators in many countries have poor knowledge of brain science and tend to endorse education-related neuromyths. Poor English skills and fewer resources (personal, institutional and governmental) may be additional limitations in Latin America. In order to better understand the scenario in Latin America's largest country, we created an anonymous online survey which was answered by 1634 individuals working in education from all five regions of Brazil. Respondents stated whether they agreed with each statement and reported their level of confidence for each answer. Significant differences in performance were observed across regions, between educators living in capital cities versus the outskirts, between those teaching in private versus public schools, and among educators teaching different levels (pre-school up to college/university). We also observed high endorsement of some key neuromyths, even among groups who performed better overall. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to conduct a detailed analysis of the profile of a large group of educators in Brazil. We discuss our findings in terms of efforts to better understand regional and global limitations and develop methods of addressing these most efficiently.

Short-term effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on local and systemic cytokine levels: Role of hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND: The effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on oral and systemic inflammatory mediators in subjects with periodontitis and hyperglycemia remains largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this clinical study was to compare the short-term effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on serum, saliva and GCF inflammatory markers levels in GP subjects with or without hyperglycemia. METHODS: Sixty subjects divided into four groups of equal size were selected to participate: type 2 diabetics with generalized periodontitis (T2DM + GP), pre-diabetics with GP (PD + GP), normoglycemic subjects with GP (NG + GP), and healthy controls. GCF, serum, and saliva samples were obtained at baseline and 30 days after scaling and root planning (SRP) and the levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1 ß), IL-8, IL-6, IL-2, IL-5, IL-4, IL-10, Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined by ultrasensitive multiplex assay. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded. RESULTS: SRP yielded significant improvement of all periodontal parameters for all GP groups (p < 0.01). A significant reduction in GCF levels of several cytokines were observed; however, only IL-1B and IFN-γ were consistently reduced post-treatment across all GP groups. Salivary levels of IL-1ß were significantly reduced in all GP groups following treatment. No significant differences were observed for serum levels after SRP. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal treatment reduced local inflammatory markers, specifically IL-1B and IFN-γ, irrespective of the diabetes status. Periodontal treatment had no significant effect on serum levels of the inflammatory markers evaluated in this study.

Influence of T2DM and prediabetes on blood DC subsets and function in subjects with periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the myeloid and plasmacytoid DC counts and maturation status among subjects with/without generalized periodontitis (GP) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: The frequency and maturation status of myeloid and plasmacytoid blood DCs were analyzed by flow cytometry in four groups of 15 subjects: healthy controls, T2DM with generalized CP (T2DM + GP), prediabetes with GP (PD + GP), and normoglycemics with GP (NG + GP). RT-PCR was used to determine levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the oral biofilms and within panDCs. The role of exogenous glucose effects on differentiation and apoptosis of healthy human MoDCs was explored in vitro. RESULTS: Relative to controls and to NG + GP, T2DM + GP showed significantly lower CD1c + and CD303 + DC counts, while CD141 + DCs were lower in T2DM + GP relative to controls. Blood DC maturation required for mobilization and immune responsiveness was not observed. A statistically significant trend was observed for P. gingivalis levels in the biofilms of groups as follows: controls 

Polymicrobial synergy within oral biofilm promotes invasion of dendritic cells and survival of consortia members.

Years of human microbiome research have confirmed that microbes rarely live or function alone, favoring diverse communities. Yet most experimental host-pathogen studies employ single species models of infection. Here, the influence of three-species oral microbial consortium on growth, virulence, invasion and persistence in dendritic cells (DCs) was examined experimentally in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and in patients with periodontitis (PD). Cooperative biofilm formation by Streptococcus gordonii, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis was documented in vitro using growth models and scanning electron microscopy. Analysis of growth rates by species-specific 16s rRNA probes revealed distinct, early advantages to consortium growth for S. gordonii and F. nucleatum with P. gingivalis, while P. gingivalis upregulated its short mfa1 fimbriae, leading to increased invasion of DCs. F. nucleatum was only taken up by DCs when in consortium with P. gingivalis. Mature consortium regressed DC maturation upon uptake, as determined by flow cytometry. Analysis of dental plaques of PD and healthy subjects by 16s rRNA confirmed oral colonization with consortium members, but DC hematogenous spread was limited to P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum. Expression of P. gingivalis mfa1 fimbriae was increased in dental plaques and hematogenous DCs of PD patients. P. gingivalis in the consortium correlated with an adverse clinical response in the gingiva of PD subjects. In conclusion, we have identified polymicrobial synergy in a three-species oral consortium that may have negative consequences for the host, including microbial dissemination and adverse peripheral inflammatory responses.

Periodontal therapy and systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis.

AIM: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of periodontal therapy (PT) on serum levels of inflammatory markers in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: A literature search was carried out using MEDLINE via Pubmed, EMBASE, LILACS and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) evaluating the effect of PT on systemic inflammatory markers were deemed eligible. Case series (CS), reports and pilot trials were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk assessment tool. Meta-analysis was carried out using random effect methods. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 3,164 potential studies of which 61 were assessed for eligibility and 9 (6 RCTs and 3 CCTs) were included in this systematic review. Three RCTs were classified by the authors as being at low risk of bias and three were "unclear" and classified as uncertain risk of bias. All CCTs were considered to be at a high risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant mean difference (MD) for TNF- α (-1.33 pg/ml, 95% CI: -2.10; -0.56, p<0.001) and CRP (-1.28 mg/l, 95% CI: -2.07; - 0.48, p<0.001) favoring periodontal intervention versus control. CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis support the hypothesis that PT reduces serum levels of TNF- α and CRP in T2DM individuals. The decrease of inflammatory burden has important implications for metabolic control and can, in part, explain the mechanisms linking periodontitis and increased risk for complications in people with T2DM.

Perfil inflamatório de pacientes submetidos à endarterectomia de carótida e sua relação com doença periodontal crônica / Inflammatory profile of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and its relationship to chronic periodontal disease

A relação entre periodontite e doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) tem sido amplamente discutida, embora os mecanismos de interação não estejam claros. Foi sugerido que pacientes com periodontite apresentam inflamação sistêmica e um pequeno aumento no risco cardiovascular. Patógenos periodontais foram encontrados em placas de ateroma, mas a influência destes microrganismos na aterosclerose ainda não é compreendida. O objetivo primário deste estudo foi delinear o perfil inflamatório sistêmico de pacientes submetidos à endarterectomia carotídea. Os objetivos secundários foram associar o perfil inflamatório dos participantes à condição periodontal e à presença de patógenos orais encontrados na cavidade oral e em placas de ateroma. Trinta e cinco pacientes submetidos à endarterectomia carotídea foram incluídos neste estudo. Antes da cirurgia vascular, um exame clínico periodontal foi realizado e foram coletadas amostras de sangue, saliva e biofilme subgengival. Durante a endarterectomia, uma amostra da placa de ateroma foi coletada. As amostras de soro foram testadas com o ensaio imunoenzimático de alta sensibilidade Multiplex para dezessete marcadores de células Th17. Amostras de saliva, biofilme subgengival e placa de ateroma foram submetidas ao PCR quantitativo para avaliação de dez patógenos periodontais. Este estudo foi capaz de detectar vários marcadores inflamatórios circulantes, o que indica a presença de inflamação sistêmica como uma característica da população...

T. forsythia foi o microrganismo mais frequentemente encontrado em amostras de ateroma (37% das amostras). Níveis de T. forsythia em amostras de ateroma foram positivamente correlacionados com os níveis séricos de IL-7, IL-6, IL-17, IL-13, IL-12p70, IFN-?, GCS-F (p<0,05) e IL-10 (p<0,01). Níveis séricos de IL-2 foram positivamente correlacionados com os concentrações salivares de P. intermedia, P. endodontalis (p<0,05) e T. denticola (p<0,01). Níveis séricos de TNF-? foram positivamente correlacionados com concentrações salivares de P. endodontalis (p<0,01). Concentrações de P. endodontalis em amostras subgengivais foram correlacionadas positivamente com IL-2 (p<0,05). A inflamação periodontal (PISA) foi positivamente correlacionada com IL-2 (p<0,05). A coexistência de patógenos periodontais comuns na cavidade oral e na placa de ateroma está associada a um estado inflamatório sistêmico, o que poderia ser relevante para a compreensão dos mecanismos que ligam periodontite com DCV...

Dissemination of periodontal pathogens in the bloodstream after periodontal procedures: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no compilation of evidence-based information associating bacteremia and periodontal procedures. This systematic review aims to assess magnitude, duration, prevalence and nature of bacteremia caused by periodontal procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases were searched in duplicate through August, 2013 without language restriction. Observational studies were included if blood samples were collected before, during or after periodontal procedures of patients with periodontitis. The methodological quality was assessed in duplicate using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). RESULTS: Search strategy identified 509 potentially eligible articles and nine were included. Only four studies demonstrated high methodological quality, whereas five were of medium or low methodological quality. The study characteristics were considered too heterogeneous to conduct a meta-analysis. Among 219 analyzed patients, 106 (49.4%) had positive bacteremia. More frequent bacteria were S. viridans, A. actinomycetemcomitans P. gingivalis, M. micros and species Streptococcus and Actinomyces, although identification methods of microbiologic assays were different among studies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although half of the patients presented positive bacteremia after periodontal procedures, accurate results regarding the magnitude, duration and nature of bacteremia could not be confidentially assessed.

Serum leveis of inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes patients with chronic periodontitis

Diabetes has been associated with periodontitis, but the mechanisms through which periodontal diseases affect the metabolic control remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate serum leveis of inflammatory markers, IL-8, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), in type 2 diabetic patients in the presence of chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods: Forty two individuals were enrolled in this study and assigned to one of five groups: diabetes mellitus with inadequate glycemic control and periodontitis (DMI+P, n = 10), diabetes mellitus with adequate glycemic control and periodontitis (DMA+P, n = 10), diabetes mellitus without periodontitis (DM, n = 10), periodontitis without diabetes (P, n=6), and neither diabetes nor periodontitis (H, n = 6). Periodontal clinical examination included visible plaque index (PL), gingival bleeding index (GB), probing depth (PD), attachment level (AL) and bleeding on probing (BP). Glycemic control was evaluated by serum concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc). Inflammatory serum markers IL-8, IL-6 and (MCP-1) were measured by ELISA. Results: DMI+P and DMA+P groups presented higher PD (p=0.025) and AL (p=0.003) values when compared to the P group. There were no significant differences among groups for IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 serum levels. Conclusions: Although periodontitis was more severe in diabetic patients, the serum levels of the investigated inflammatory markers did not differ among the groups. .

Serum levels of inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes patients with chronic periodontitis.

UNLABELLED: Diabetes has been associated with periodontitis, but the mechanisms through which periodontal diseases affect the metabolic control remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate serum leveis of inflammatory markers, IL-8, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), in type 2 diabetic patients in the presence of chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty two individuals were enrolled in this study and assigned to one of five groups: diabetes mellitus with inadequate glycemic control and periodontitis (DMI+P, n = 10), diabetes mellitus with adequate glycemic control and periodontitis (DMA+P, n = 10), diabetes mellitus without periodontitis (DM, n = 10), periodontitis without diabetes (P, n=6), and neither diabetes nor periodontitis (H, n = 6). Periodontal clinical examination included visible plaque index (PL), gingival bleeding index (GB), probing depth (PD), attachment level (AL) and bleeding on probing (BP). Glycemic control was evaluated by serum concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc). Inflammatory serum markers IL-8, IL-6 and (MCP-1) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: DMI+P and DMA+P groups presented higher PD (p=0.025) and AL (p=0.003) values when compared to the P group. There were no significant differences among groups for IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 serum levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although periodontitis was more severe in diabetic patients, the serum levels of the investigated inflammatory markers did not differ among the groups.

Periodontitis and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review of the association of diseases and the effect of periodontal treatment on estimated glomerular filtration rate.

AIM: The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to evaluate the association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the effect of periodontal treatment (PT) on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched up to and including September 30, 2012 to observational (S1) and interventional (S2) studies on the association of periodontitis with CKD. Studies were considered eligible for inclusion if they reported the eGFR. Search was conducted by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the observational studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for this review, and the Cochrane's Collaboration risk of bias assessment tool. A random-effects odds-ratio meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the degree of association between periodontitis and CKD. RESULTS: Search strategy identified 2456 potentially eligible articles, of which four cross-sectional, one retrospective, and three interventional studies were included. Four S1, 80.0% reported some degree of association between periodontitis and CKD. Similarly, such an outcome was supported by pooled estimates (OR: 1.65, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.35, 2.01, p < 0.00001, χ(2)  = 1.70, I(2 ) = 0%). All interventional studies found positive outcomes related to treatment. CONCLUSION: There is quite consistent evidence to support the positive association between periodontitis and CKD, as well as the positive effect of PT on eGFR.

A influência do controle supragengival no nível glicêmico de pacientes portadores de diabetes tipo 2 / The impact of supragingival mechanical control on glycemic level in subjects with type 2 diabetes

O diabetes mellitus (DM) atualmente é considerado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) como uma epidemia. Para prevenir as suas complicações e desonerar os sistemas de saúde, tem-se dado mais atenção à saúde primária (ex.: dieta e exercícios físicos) e secundária (ex.: bom controle glicêmico). O controle glicêmico é fundamental para a prevenção das complicações do DM (doenças cardiovasculares, retinopatias, nefropatias, neuropatias etc.). A doença periodontal (DP) é considerada uma das complicações do DM e estudos clínicos e epidemiológicos têm avaliado o impacto do tratamento periodontal no controle glicêmico. Dada à relevância deste assunto, o objetivo foi fazer uma revisão crítica da literatura, assim como relatar um caso sobre a influência do controle mecânico supragengival nos níveis glicêmicos de uma paciente portadora de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM 2).

Occlusal adjustment associated with periodontal therapy--a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Occlusal adjustment as part of periodontal therapy has been controversial for years, mostly because the literature does not provide enough evidence regarding the influence of trauma from occlusion (TfO) on periodontitis. The need for occlusal adjustment in periodontal therapy is considered uncertain and requires investigation. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and analyse those studies that investigated the effects of occlusal adjustment, associated with periodontal therapy, on periodontal parameters. DATA: A protocol was developed that included all aspects of a systematic review: search strategy, selection criteria, selection methods, data collection and data extraction. SOURCES: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE via PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE. STUDY SELECTION: Three reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of articles according to the established criteria. Every article that indicated a possible match, or could not be excluded based on the information given in the title or abstract, was considered and evaluated. On final selection, four articles were included. CONCLUSIONS: Although the selected studies suggest an association between occlusal adjustment and an improvement in periodontal parameters, their methodological issues (explored in this review) suggest the need for new trials of a higher quality. There is insufficient evidence at present to presume that occlusal adjustment is necessary to reduce the progression of periodontal disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although it is still not possible to determine the role of occlusal adjustment in periodontal treatment, adverse effects have not been related to occlusal adjustment. This means that the decision made by clinicians whether or not to use occlusal adjustment in conjunction with periodontal therapy hinges upon clinical evaluation, patient comfort, and tooth function.

Como estabelecer confiabilidade e evitar erros de mensuração nas pesquisas clínicas periodontais? / How to establish reliability and to avoid measurement errors in surveys clinical periodontal?

Muitos estudos clínicos na área da Periodontia ainda apresentam erros metodológicos que afetam as suas validades. Um dos motivos que comprometem a reprodutibilidade e a confiabilidade das pesquisas é a prévia falta de treinamento do(s) examinador (es) envolvido(s). Esta revisão tem como objetivo elucidar a importância da calibração na avaliação dos parâmetros clínicos periodontais, assim como apresentar testes estatísticos adequados para que os dados avaliados tenham corretas interpretações.

Methodological errors still may affect the validity of many clinical studies in the field of periodontics. One of the reasons that compromise the research's reliability and reproducibility is the lack of prior training author (s) involved (s). This review aims to elucidate the importance of calibration in the evaluation of clinical periodontal parameters, as well as provide statistical tests appropriate for the data evaluated have the correctinterpretation

Ajuste oclusal associado à terapia periodontal / Occlusal adjustment associated with periodontal therapy

O ajuste oclusal (AO) como parte da terapia periodontal é um tema controverso, principalmente porque a literatura não fornece evidências suficientes sobre a influência do trauma de oclusão (TO) na doença periodontal (DP). A necessidade de ajuste oclusal na terapia periodontal é considerada incerta e requer investigação. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi identificar e analisar estudos que investigaram os efeitos do AO associado à terapia periodontal, sobre os parâmetros periodontais. Um protocolo foi desenvolvido incluindo todos os aspectos de uma revisão sistemática: estratégia de busca, critérios de seleção, seleção de métodos, coleta de dados e extração de dados. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada utilizando MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Central Register de estudos controlados e EMBASE. Os títulos e resumos de artigos foram selecionados de acordo com critérios estabelecidos na metodologia. Cada artigo que indicava uma possível correspondência com estes critérios, ou não poderia ser excluído baseado nas informações presentes no título ou no resumo, foi considerado e avaliado. Na seleção final, quatro artigos foram incluídos. Embora os estudos selecionados sugerem uma associação entre AO e uma melhora nos parâmetros periodontais, suas questões metodológicas (exploradas nesta revisão) sugerem a necessidade de novos estudos com maior qualidade. Atualmente as evidências presentes são insuficientes para presumir que AO é necessário para reduzir a progressão da doença periodontal.

Occlusal adjustment (OA) as part of periodontal therapy is a controversial theme, mostly because the literature does not provide enough evidence regarding the influence of trauma from occlusion (TO) on periodontitis. The need for occlusal adjustment in periodontal therapy is considered uncertain and requires investigation. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and analyze those studies that investigated the effects of OA, associated with periodontal therapy, on periodontal parameters. It was developed a protocol, which included all aspects of a systematic review: search strategy, selection criteria, selection methods, data collection and data extraction. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE via PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE. Titles and abstracts of articles were selected according to established criteria. Every article that indicated a possible match, or could not be excluded based on the information given in the title or abstract, was considered and evaluated. On final selection, four articles were included. Although the selected studies suggest an association between OA and an improvement in periodontal parameters, their methodological issues (explored in this review) suggest the need for new trials of a higher quality. There is insufficient evidence at present to presume that OA is necessary to reduce the progression of periodontal disease.

Delineamentos de ensaios clínicos em pesquisas odontológicas / Clinical trial designs in dental researches

Ensaios clínicos randomizados, quando bem conduzidos, fornecem uma alta evidência para a avaliação da eficácia de intervenções, importante para decisões da prática clínica. A escolha certa do delineamento de ensaios clínicos, que é a forma como o estudo será conduzido, é fundamental para a redução de vieses nos resultados. O pesquisador precisa, portanto, conhecer os tipos de delineamento mais comuns e suas vantagens e implicações para que possa escolher o ideal para sua pesquisa. O objetivo desse trabalho é apresentar e analisar os principais tipos de delineamento no ensaio clínico odontológico, fornecendo informações básicas sobre cada um deles. Uma busca na literatura pela base de dados PubMed via Medline foi realizada a fim de localizar trabalhos que esclarecessem as normas dos delineamentos de estudos usados em ensaios clínicos. Os trabalhos selecionados tiveram suas informações extraídas e apresentadas nos resultados a fim de facilitar o entendimento de cada tipo de delineamento. Foram analisados os tipos de delineamento: paralelo, cruzado (“cross-over”), por agrupamento(“cluster”), boca- dividida e fatorial. A conclusão deste trabalho mostra que nem sempre o ensaio clínico do tipo paralelo, cujo uso é mais rotineiro, é o mais adequado para uma pesquisa. É necessário conhecer e escolher o delineamento que irá fornecer melhor custo-benefício e resultados significativos à pesquisa.

Randomized clinical trials, when appropriately conducted, provide a high quality of evidence for evaluating therapeutic effectiveness, important on practical decisions. Choosing the right design for a clinical trial, which is how the study will be conducted, is crucial to the final power of the study. Researcher needs to get familiarized with the most common design methods and its implications, to be able to choose the one that fits ideally better on his study. The aim of this present study is to elucidate and analyze the most common design methods, informing the basics of each one. A literature search was conducted on PubMed via Medline to locate studies that clarify the rules of the study designs used in clinical trials. Selected studies had their information extracted and presented at the results in order to facilitate the understanding of each type of design. The following trial designs were analyzed: parallel, cross-over, cluster, split-mouth and factorial. Our conclusion is that not always the parallel design, which is the most common design in clinical trials, is ideally better to a research. It is important to know and chose the trial design that will provide the best cost-benefit and significant results to a research.