Analysis of the citation impact of Brazilian researchers in oral pathology and oral medicine over two decades.

BACKGROUND: Brazilian Oral Pathology (OP) and Oral Medicine (OM) have gained significant international recognition. However, no study has yet evaluated the impact of citations in scientific publications. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of citations from Brazilian researchers in OP and OM over the last two decades. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 50 researchers linked to postgraduate programs in OP/OM. Data collected from each professional's Lattes curriculum included gender, academic affiliation, the corporate category of the institution, and location. The number of papers published and citations received between 2004 to 2013 and 2014 to 2023 was also collected from the Web of Science database. RESULTS: Most researchers were male (56%) and from public institutions (90%), mainly in the Southeast region (60%). Over two decades, they collectively published 8,033 scientific articles, with significant growth (p<0.001) from to 2004-2013 to 2014-2023. While the average citations per researcher did not differ significantly between 2004-2013 and 2014-2023 (p=0.538), there was a notable 67.67% increase in citations in the last decade. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian researchers in the areas of OP and OM have demonstrated a significant academic impact over the past two decades, with a marked increase in publications and citations over the last ten years. This highlights the contribution of Brazilians to the global scientific community in these areas.

High-resolution structural profile of hylaseptin-4: Aggregation, membrane topology and pH dependence of overall membrane binding process.

Hylaseptin-4 (HSP-4, GIGDILKNLAKAAGKAALHAVGESL-NH2) is an antimicrobial peptide originally isolated from Hypsiboas punctatus tree frog. The peptide has been chemically synthetized for structural investigations by CD and NMR spectroscopies. CD experiments reveal the high helical content of HSP-4 in biomimetic media. Interestingly, the aggregation process seems to occur at high peptide concentrations either in aqueous solution or in presence of biomimetic membranes, indicating an increase in the propensity of the peptide for adopting a helical conformation. High-resolution NMR structures determined in presence of DPC-d38 micelles show a highly ordered α-helix from amino acid residues I2 to S24 and a smooth bend near G14. A large separation between hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues occurs up to the A16 residue, from which a shift in the amphipathicity is noticed. Oriented solid-state NMR spectroscopy show a roughly parallel orientation of the helical structure along the POPC lipid bilayer surface, with an insertion of the hydrophobic N-terminus into the bilayer core. Moreover, a noticeable pH dependence of the aggregation process in both aqueous and in biomimetic membrane environments is attributed to a single histidine residue (H19). The protonation degree of the imidazole side-chain might help in modulating the peptide-peptide or peptide-lipid interactions. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations confirm the orientation and preferential helical conformation and in addition, show that HSP-4 tends to self-aggregate in order to stabilize its active conformation in aqueous or phospholipid bilayer environments.

Microglia and neurons in the hippocampus of migratory sandpipers.

The semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla and the spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia are long- and short-distance migrants, respectively. C. pusilla breeds in the sub-arctic and mid-arctic tundra of Canada and Alaska and winters on the north and east coasts of South America. A. macularia breeds in a broad distribution across most of North America from the treeline to the southern United States. It winters in the southern United States, and Central and South America. The autumn migration route of C. pusilla includes a non-stop flight over the Atlantic Ocean, whereas autumn route of A. macularia is largely over land. Because of this difference in their migratory paths and the visuo-spatial recognition tasks involved, we hypothesized that hippocampal volume and neuronal and glial numbers would differ between these two species. A. macularia did not differ from C. pusilla in the total number of hippocampal neurons, but the species had a larger hippocampal formation and more hippocampal microglia. It remains to be investigated whether these differences indicate interspecies differences or neural specializations associated with different strategies of orientation and navigation.

Microglia and neurons in the hippocampus of migratory sandpipers

The semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla and the spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia are long- and short-distance migrants, respectively. C. pusilla breeds in the sub-arctic and mid-arctic tundra of Canada and Alaska and winters on the north and east coasts of South America. A. macularia breeds in a broad distribution across most of North America from the treeline to the southern United States. It winters in the southern United States, and Central and South America. The autumn migration route of C. pusilla includes a non-stop flight over the Atlantic Ocean, whereas autumn route of A. macularia is largely over land. Because of this difference in their migratory paths and the visuo-spatial recognition tasks involved, we hypothesized that hippocampal volume and neuronal and glial numbers would differ between these two species. A. macularia did not differ from C. pusilla in the total number of hippocampal neurons, but the species had a larger hippocampal formation and more hippocampal microglia. It remains to be investigated whether these differences indicate interspecies differences or neural specializations associated with different strategies of orientation and navigation.

Prognostic factors for surgically resected squamous cell carcinoma of the lower oral cavity.

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of clinical variables on survival rates in patients with squamous cell carcinomas in the lower oral cavity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who exhibited a histological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lower oral cavity, who underwent surgery. Data on clinical, histological, and treatment variables were collected to assess the effect of these variables on global survival and disease-free curves. RESULTS: We studied 117 patients, 86 (73.5%) males and 31 (26.5%) females, who underwent surgery between January 2005 and June 2009. The overall survival rate was 74.4% after two years, and the disease-free rate was 67.5%. Midline invasion by the primary tumor negatively impacted overall survival (P=0.02) and disease-free survival (P=0.01). The disease-free survival rate of patients with histologically confirmed neck metastases was 76.8% versus 59% for patients without metastases (P=0.01). Disease-free survival of patients with one affected lymph node was 89.5%, and 45.2% for more than one affected lymph node (P<0.01). Patients who ended radiotherapy in less than 60 days exhibited a disease-free rate of 59.0%, and patients whose treatment lasted more than 60 days exhibited a rate of 77.1% (P=0.06). CONCLUSION: In our study, primary tumor invasion of the midline, the presence of more than one affected lymph node as confirmed by histology, the delaying radiotherapy for more than 56 days and radiotherapy that lasted longer than 60 days worsen patient prognosis.

Does early oral feeding increase the likelihood of salivary fistula after total laryngectomy?

Objective: This study compared the incidence of salivary fistula between groups with an early or late reintroduction of oral feeding, and identified the predictive factors for salivary fistula. Methods: A randomised trial was performed using 89 patients with larynx or hypopharynx cancer, assigned to 2 groups (early or late). In the early group, oral feeding was started 24 hours after total laryngectomy or total pharyngolaryngectomy, and in the late group, it was started from post-operative day 7 onwards. The occurrence of salivary fistula was evaluated in relation to the following variables: early or late oral feeding, nutritional status, cancer stage, surgery performed, and type of neck dissection. Results: The incidence of salivary fistula was 27.3 per cent (n = 12) in the early group and 13.3 per cent (n = 6) in the late group (p = 0.10). The following variables were not statistically significant: nutritional status (p = 0.45); tumour location (p = 0.37); type of surgery (p = 0.91) and type of neck dissection (p = 0.62). A significant difference (p = 0.02) between the free margins and invasive carcinoma was observed. Conclusion: The early reintroduction of oral feeding in total laryngectomised patients did not increase the incidence of salivary fistula.

Development, income transfer strategies, and the nutritional transition in Brazilian children from a rural and remote region.

INTRODUCTION: Global development processes have been associated with the nutritional transition, where undernutrition is replaced by overnutrition. Income transfer policies in Brazil have targeted hunger, but may not address the need for balanced nutrition. METHODS: Data was collected from government databanks that document the nutritional status of Brazilians applying for social services. This data was analyzed for descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Development and income transfer processes appear to be associated with an increase in overweight children between the years 2008 and 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Income transfer programs need to incorporate educational programs that address the need to budget for balanced nutrition.

Chagas seropositive donors in kidney transplantation.

Among 239 kidney transplantations between September 1992 and September 1997, nine recipients' kidneys were obtained from Chagas seropositive donors. All of these patients were treated with benznidazole (5 mg/kg/d) for 14 days starting on day 0. None of them experienced acute Chagas disease or seroconversion even after 10 years follow-up. We concluded that, due to cadaver shortage, donors with positive serology for Chagas disease should not be excluded.

[Ganglioglioma of the pineal region: case report]. / Ganglioglioma da região da pineal: relato de caso.

Ganglioglioma are tumors presenting neoplastic glial cells and nerve cells, very rarely found in the pineal region. Only eight cases have been previously published in the literature. We present the case of a 14 years-old male patient with a ganglioglioma of the pineal region. The patient was treated surgically by a suboccipital transtentorial approach with complete removal. Histopathologic specimens with immunostaining revealed a ganglioglioma grade I. We conclude that these tumors are rare and should be treated surgically aiming total remove. If it is not possible or in case of reocurrence the patient should be followed and radiotherapy could be considered.

Influence of acute renal failure on the mononuclear phagocytic system

Several studies show the ability of macrophages to remove particles injected into the bloodstream. This function seems to be increased in the presence of acute renal failure. The objective of the present study was to assess the phagocytic function of the main organs (spleen, liver and lung) of the mononuclear phagocytic system in renal and postrenal failures. Fifteen rats (250-350 g) were divided into three groups (N = 5): group I - control; group II - ligature of both ureters, and group III - bilateral nephrectomy. On the third postoperative day, all animals received an iv injection of 1 ml/kg 99mTc sulfur colloid. Blood samples were collected for the assessment of plasma urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium concentrations and arterial gasometry. Samples of liver, spleen, lung and blood clots were obtained and radioactivity was measured. Samples of liver, spleen, lung and kidney were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. Plasma urea, creatinine and potassium concentrations in groups II and III were higher than in group I (P<0.05). Plasma sodium concentrations in groups II and III were lower than in group I (P<0.05). Compensated metabolic acidosis was observed in the presence of postrenal failure. Group II animals showed a lower level of radioactivity in the spleen (0.98) and lung (2.63), and a higher level in the liver (105.51) than control. Group III animals showed a lower level of radioactivity in the spleen (11.94) and a higher level in the liver (61.80), lung (11.30) and blood clot (5.13) than control. In groups II and III liver steatosis and bronchopneumonia were observed. Renal and postrenal failures seem to interfere with blood clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system

Influence of acute renal failure on the mononuclear phagocytic system.

Several studies show the ability of macrophages to remove particles injected into the bloodstream. This function seems to be increased in the presence of acute renal failure. The objective of the present study was to assess the phagocytic function of the main organs (spleen, liver and lung) of the mononuclear phagocytic system in renal and postrenal failures. Fifteen rats (250-350 g) were divided into three groups (N = 5): group I - control; group II - ligature of both ureters, and group III - bilateral nephrectomy. On the third postoperative day, all animals received an iv injection of 1 ml/kg 99mTc sulfur colloid. Blood samples were collected for the assessment of plasma urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium concentrations and arterial gasometry. Samples of liver, spleen, lung and blood clots were obtained and radioactivity was measured. Samples of liver, spleen, lung and kidney were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. Plasma urea, creatinine and potassium concentrations in groups II and III were higher than in group I (P<0.05). Plasma sodium concentrations in groups II and III were lower than in group I (P<0.05). Compensated metabolic acidosis was observed in the presence of postrenal failure. Group II animals showed a lower level of radioactivity in the spleen (0.98) and lung (2.63), and a higher level in the liver (105.51) than control. Group III animals showed a lower level of radioactivity in the spleen (11.94) and a higher level in the liver (61.80), lung (11.30) and blood clot (5.13) than control. In groups II and III liver steatosis and bronchopneumonia were observed. Renal and postrenal failures seem to interfere with blood clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system.

Effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and methylprednisolone on the healing of jejunal anastomoses in rats.

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) has been effective in reducing adhesion formation and corticosteroids reduce the inflammatory process. The objective of this study was to define the intraperitoneal (ip) effects of SCMC combined with intramuscular (im) methylprednisolone on peritoneal adhesion formation and on jejunal anastomosis healing in rats. Twenty Wistar rats (200-350 g) were divided into four groups (N = 5): groups I and III (controls) 5 and 21 days of treatment before sacrifice, respectively; groups II and IV (experimental groups) 5 and 21 days of treatment, respectively. SCMC (1%) was infused into the abdominal cavity and methylprednisolone (10 mg kg-1 day-1) was injected im daily from the day before surgery for animals of groups II and IV. All rats were submitted to a jejunal anastomosis. Sections of the anastomosis were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. The abdominal adhesion of group IV was less intense when compared with group III (P<0.0008). Anastomotic resistance was higher in groups II and IV when compared with groups I and III, respectively (P<0.05). There was no histological difference between groups I and II (exuberant granulation tissue on the serosal surface). Group III presented little peritoneal fibrinous tissue, with numerous thick collagen fibers. Group IV presented extensive although immature young fibrous tissue with rare thick collagen fibers. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose combined with corticosteroids seemed to diminish peritoneal adhesion but did not reduce anastomotic resistance.

Effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and methylprednisolone on the healing of jejunal anastomoses in rats

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) has been effective in reducing adhesion formation and corticosteroids reduce the inflammatory process. The objective of this study was to define the intraperitoneal (ip) effects of SCMC combined with intramuscular (im) methylprednisolone on peritoneal adhesion formation and on jejunal anastomosis healing in rats. Twenty Wistar rats (200-350 g) were divided into four groups (N = 5): groups I and III (controls) 5 and 21 days of treatment before sacrifice, respectively; groups II and IV (experimental groups) 5 and 21 days of treatment, respectively. SCMC (1 percent) was infused into the abdominal cavity and methylprednisolone (10 mg kg-1 day-1) was injected im daily from the day before surgery for animals of groups II and IV. All rats were submitted to a jejunal anastomosis. Sections of the anastomosis were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. The abdominal adhesion of group IV was less intense when compared with group III (P<0.0008). Anastomotic resistance was higher in groups II and IV when compared with groups I and III, respectively (P<0.05). There was no histological difference between groups I and II (exuberant granulation tissue on the serosal surface). Group III presented little peritoneal fibrinous tissue, with numerous thick collagen fibers. Group IV presented extensive although immature young fibrous tissue with rare thick collagen fibers. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose combined with corticosteroids seemed to diminish peritoneal adhesion but did not reduce anastomotic resistance

Congenital inclusion cysts of the anterior fontanelle.

BACKGROUND: Congenital inclusion cysts of the anterior fontanelle are rare lesions. Both dermoid and epidermoid cysts are located in the midline of the scalp and occupy the subgaleal space. METHODS: We report 7 cases, 4 boys (57.1%), and 3 girls (42.9%), with ages ranging from 3 months to 16 years (mean 40.85 +/- 68.56 months; median 10 months). Four patients (57.1%) were white and 3 (42.9%) were Afro-Brazilian. RESULTS: The cysts had manifested soon after birth in all patients. They gradually enlarged, with no intracranial extensions. Four patients had dermoid cysts and the others had epidermoid cysts. All of them underwent surgery with complete excision of the cyst and no capsular rupture. There were no complications and no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital inclusion cysts of the anterior fontanelle are rare lesions that usually manifest at birth. The diagnosis is usually easy and surgery is mandatory, with a good prognosis. Recurrence is rare.

[Lipoma of the cerebellopontine angle: case report]. / Lipoma do ângulo pontocerebelar: relato de caso.

Lipoma of the cerebellopontine angle is a very rare tumor. We report the case of a 14-years-old female, with left side deafness during three years, associated with headache. CT scan showed an hypodense mass, without enhancement at the cerebellopontine angle. The patient was treated surgically by left retrosigmoid approach. The lesion involved the eighth and seventh cranial nerves and only a partial removal was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. She had no more headache; the deafness of the left side remained unchanged. Asymptomatic lipoma of the cerebellopontine angle can be treated conservatively, although those with progressive symptoms should be treated surgically, with total or partial remove based on their neurovascular involvement.

[Cavernoma of the lateral ventricle: case report]. / Cavernoma do ventrículo lateral: relato de caso.

UNLABELLED: Cavernous malformations are uncommon lesions that are usually present in the cerebral hemispheres. They occur rarely in the ventricular system, and even more rarely in the lateral ventricle. Only 28 cases have been previously reported in the literature. CASE: We present one case of lateral ventricle cavernoma in a 15-years-old female patient, who suffered of mild chronic headache for 8 months, followed by two episodes of sudden intensive headache and stupor with complete recovery after 48 hours. CT scan was performed and revealed a voluminous size, hiperdense mass in the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle. The surgical access to site was through transcallosal interhemisphere approach. The patient had a good recovery without complications. CONCLUSION: Although lateral ventricle cavernomas are rare they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraventricular tumors. A wrong preoperative diagnosis has sometimes induced a wrong therapy, such as radiotherapy, for these surgically curable benign lesions.

[Carotid body tumors: review of 8 cases and surgical approach]. / Tumores do corpo carotídeo: revisão de oito casos e abordagem cirúrgica.

Carotid body tumors are rather uncommon. Even though there is a great amount of literature on the subject, the controversy regarding its biological behavior and therapeutics and mainly, the surgical management still remains. We present eight patients with carotid body tumors (total of 9 tumors, one bilateral) surgically treated at the Neurosurgery Department of Santa Casa in Belo Horizonte, from 1989 to 1999. The age ranged from 11 to 66-years-old (35,6+/-17.7). Four patients were women and four were men. We had satisfactory postoperative results with low morbidity and no deaths. Based on our experience and on the review of the literature, some aspects of this disease are discussed. We conclude that carotid body tumors are uncommon and should be treat with carefully surgery techniques to obtain low morbi-mortality rates.

[Tumor of ceruminous gland with intracranial invasion: case report]. / Tumor de glândula ceruminosa com invasão intracraniana: relato de caso.

Ceruminous glands are modified apocrine glands, confined to the skin lining of the cartilaginous part of the external auditory meatus. Tumors arising from these glands are rare. Controversy exists regarding the term "ceruminoma". Actually this neoplasia should be classified as adenoma, adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and pleomorphic ceruminous adenoma. We report a 39-year-old woman first seen at Santa Casa of Belo Horizonte, in 1998, presenting with headache, nausea, vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus on the right for the past two years. CT scan showed a tumor eroding cartilaginous and bony limits with intracranial invasion. She was submitted to multidisciplinary treatment with surgery followed by radiotherapy (6000 cG). Histology showed a ceruminous adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient manifested a right peripheral facial palsy and had no recovery of the previous deficits. After one year from surgery she is clinically stable.

Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of saccular aneurysms in the distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA aneurysms), also called pericallosal or A2 aneurysms, has been estimated to be from 1.5 to 9.0% of all intracranial aneurysms in large series in the literature [5,10,12,18]. All reported series of DACA aneurysms have shown a high association with intracranial aneurysms in other locations. These aneurysms are fragile, frequently rupture prematurely during exposure, and have a higher morbidity than expected from their angiographic appearance and location. METHODS: A total of 1,350 patients with cerebral aneurysms were operated in the Department of Neurosurgery at Santa Casa Hospital in Belo Horizonte from January 1982 to January 1998. Seventy-two of those 1,350 patients had DACA aneurysms (5.3%), 51 female and 21 male. The age ranged from 26 to 69 years, the mean age being 44 years. This group of patients is reported herein. We propose three different approaches to DACA aneurysms depending on their location, all of them performed through a unilateral triangular bone flap that can then vary from fronto-basal to parietal. RESULTS: There was no mortality among patients with a single DACA aneurysm. Five deaths in this series were cases of multiple aneurysms. In patients with preoperative Hunt and Kosnick grades I and II [9], we had 90% good results. In grade III patients, we achieved 68.4% good results. The only grade IV patient had a full recovery. All 74 DACA aneurysms in the 72 operated patients were completely clipped, including two giant aneurysms. CONCLUSION: DACA aneurysms have higher morbidity and mortality rates when compared to other supratentorial aneurysms. We recommend the use of a unilateral interhemispheric approach as the most appropriate for aneurysms in this location. In cases of patients with multiple aneurysms who require two different craniotomies, we propose two surgical stages, starting with the aneurysm that has bled. A high mortality rate was noted when two craniotomies were performed in the same sitting.

[Experience with knowledge development in food handlers with te implementation of Hazard Analysis Critical control points (HACCP) in a hospital food service]. / Uma experiência de construção de conhecimento com manipuladores de alimentos a partir da implantação da análise de perigos e pontos críticos de controle (APPCC) em uma unidade de alimentação e nutrição hospitalar.

The present article has as objective to describe the methodology of an experience of implantation of Hazard Analyses Critical Control Points (HACCP) with food handlers in a hospital food service establishment, inside of a conception of relationship and construction of knowledge. Meetings with the food handlers and nutritionists, with the objective of raising the difficulties poined for the sector and the work to be developed. The HACCP consisted of the evaluation of the operations, following the sequential steps recommended, looking itself to instruct the food handlers on the methods of the operations and its interpretations. The detected critical points, the measures of control, the criteria of correction and the monitoring have widely been argued, serving as didactic elements for the reconstruction of quality of the preparations. The discussions generated actions that were developed in short term, revealing the need of a more effective and continuous partnership for the new proposals.