Bibliometric evaluation of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (2013-2022)

Abstract The Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, published since 1925, is the most influential dermatological journal in Latin America, indexed in the main international bibliographic databases, and occupies the 50th position among the 70 dermatological journals indexed in the Journal of Citations Reports, in 2022. In this article, the authors present a critical analysis of its trajectory in the last decade and compare its main bibliometric indices with Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The journal showed consistent growth in different bibliometric indices, which indicates a successful editorial policy and greater visibility in the international scientific community, attracting foreign authors. The increases in citations received (4.1 ×) and in the Article Influence Score (2.9×) were more prominent than those of the main Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The success of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia in the international scientific scenario depends on an assertive editorial policy, on promptly publication of high-quality articles, and on institutional stimulus to encourage clinical research in dermatology.

Bibliometric evaluation of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (2013-2022).

The Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, published since 1925, is the most influential dermatological journal in Latin America, indexed in the main international bibliographic databases, and occupies the 50th position among the 70 dermatological journals indexed in the Journal of Citations Reports, in 2022. In this article, the authors present a critical analysis of its trajectory in the last decade and compare its main bibliometric indices with Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The journal showed consistent growth in different bibliometric indices, which indicates a successful editorial policy and greater visibility in the international scientific community, attracting foreign authors. The increases in citations received (4.1×) and in the Article Influence Score (2.9×) were more prominent than those of the main Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The success of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia in the international scientific scenario depends on an assertive editorial policy, on promptly publication of high-quality articles, and on institutional stimulus to encourage clinical research in dermatology.

JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors in dermatology.

The JAK-STAT signaling pathway mediates important cellular processes such as immune response, carcinogenesis, cell differentiation, division and death. Therefore, drugs that interfere with different JAK-STAT signaling patterns have potential indications for various medical conditions. The main dermatological targets of JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors are inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata; however, several dermatoses are under investigation to expand this list of indications. As JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors should gradually occupy a relevant space in dermatological prescriptions, this review presents the main available drugs, their immunological effects, and their pharmacological characteristics, related to clinical efficacy and safety, aiming to validate the best dermatological practice.

Prevalence of and risk factors for post-COVID: Results from a survey of 6,958 patients from Brazil.

A plethora of prolonged COVID-19 symptoms, or late manifestations has been reported after acute disease and labeled "post-COVID". The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of and risk factors for post-COVID up to 12 weeks after the onset of acute COVID-19. An electronic survey was conducted to evaluate post-COVID-19 symptoms, disease severity, demographics, and pre-existing diseases. The participants were recruited through 88,648 SMS messages, and post on social media. The associations between variables were explored through multivariate models. From 6,958 respondents with confirmed COVID-19, 753 (10.8%) required hospitalization, and 5,791 (83.2%) exhibited at least one post-COVID manifestation. Hair loss (49.4%), memory loss (40.7%), low attention (37.0%), fatigue (34.2%), anxiety (31.2%), and headache (29.6%) were the most reported post-COVID manifestations. Female sex, myalgia, anosmia, and severe disease were associated with most post-COVID manifestations. Pre-existing depression was associated with the development of neuropsychiatric manifestations. Post-COVID manifestations were identified in most patients following COVID-19 infection, placing a supplementary burden on the healthcare system. Hair loss, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were the most prevalent post-COVID manifestations. Female sex, myalgia, anosmia, and more severe disease are risk factors for multiple post-COVID manifestations.

Correction: Association of NOD2 and IFNG single nucleotide polymorphisms with leprosy in the Amazon ethnic admixed population.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008247.].

JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors in dermatology

Abstract The JAK-STAT signaling pathway mediates important cellular processes such as immune response, carcinogenesis, cell differentiation, division and death. Therefore, drugs that interfere with different JAK-STAT signaling patterns have potential indications for various medical conditions. The main dermatological targets of JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors are inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata; however, several dermatoses are under investigation to expand this list of indications. As JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors should gradually occupy a relevant space in dermatological prescriptions, this review presents the main available drugs, their immunological effects, and their pharmacological characteristics, related to clinical efficacy and safety, aiming to validate the best dermatological practice.

Human sporotrichosis: recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology for the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic management

Abstract Background: The increase in the zoonotic epidemic of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, which started in the late 1990s in Rio de Janeiro and is now found in almost all Brazilian states, has been equally advancing in neighboring countries of Brazil. Changes in the clinical-epidemiological profile, advances in the laboratory diagnosis of the disease, and therapeutic difficulties have been observed throughout these almost 25 years of the epidemic, although there is no national consensus. The last international guideline dates from 2007. Objectives: Update the clinical classification, diagnostic methods and recommendations on the therapeutic management of patients with sporotrichosis. Methods: Twelve experts in human sporotrichosis were selected from different Brazilian regions, and divided into three work groups: clinical, diagnosis and treatment. The bibliographic research was carried out on the EBSCOHost platform. Meetings took place via electronic mail and remote/face-to-face and hybrid settings, resulting in a questionnaire which pointed out 13 divergences, resolved based on the opinion of the majority of the participants. Results: The clinical classification and laboratory diagnosis were updated. Therapeutic recommendations were made for the different clinical forms. Conclusions: Publication of the first national recommendation, carried out by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, aimed at the Brazilian scientific community, especially dermatologists, infectologists, pediatricians, family medicine personnel, and laboratory professionals who work in the management of human sporotrichosis.

Human sporotrichosis: recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology for the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic management.

BACKGROUND: The increase in the zoonotic epidemic of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, which started in the late 1990s in Rio de Janeiro and is now found in almost all Brazilian states, has been equally advancing in neighboring countries of Brazil. Changes in the clinical-epidemiological profile, advances in the laboratory diagnosis of the disease, and therapeutic difficulties have been observed throughout these almost 25 years of the epidemic, although there is no national consensus. The last international guideline dates from 2007. OBJECTIVES: Update the clinical classification, diagnostic methods and recommendations on the therapeutic management of patients with sporotrichosis. METHODS: Twelve experts in human sporotrichosis were selected from different Brazilian regions, and divided into three work groups: clinical, diagnosis and treatment. The bibliographic research was carried out on the EBSCOHost platform. Meetings took place via electronic mail and remote/face-to-face and hybrid settings, resulting in a questionnaire which pointed out 13 divergences, resolved based on the opinion of the majority of the participants. RESULTS: The clinical classification and laboratory diagnosis were updated. Therapeutic recommendations were made for the different clinical forms. CONCLUSION: Publication of the first national recommendation, carried out by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, aimed at the Brazilian scientific community, especially dermatologists, infectologists, pediatricians, family medicine personnel, and laboratory professionals who work in the management of human sporotrichosis.

Secondary infection profile after snakebite treated at a tertiary referral center in the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Bothrops envenomations can often lead to complications, such as secondary infections. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with snakebite. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients were included. Clindamycin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, with 105 patients (82.7%) receiving it as the primary antibiotic regimen. In 31 (24.4%) individuals, the first-choice antibiotic did not cease the infection. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary infection is an important complication resulting from snakebites, and evidence-based management of this complication can contribute to better clinical outcomes.

Secondary infection profile after snakebite treated at a tertiary referral center in the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT Background: Bothrops envenomations can often lead to complications, such as secondary infections. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with snakebite. Results: A total of 127 patients were included. Clindamycin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, with 105 patients (82.7%) receiving it as the primary antibiotic regimen. In 31 (24.4%) individuals, the first-choice antibiotic did not cease the infection. Conclusions: Secondary infection is an important complication resulting from snakebites, and evidence-based management of this complication can contribute to better clinical outcomes.

Putative pathogen-selected polymorphisms in the PKLR gene are associated with mycobacterial susceptibility in Brazilian and African populations.

Pyruvate kinase (PK), encoded by the PKLR gene, is a key player in glycolysis controlling the integrity of erythrocytes. Due to Plasmodium selection, mutations for PK deficiency, which leads to hemolytic anemia, are associated with resistance to malaria in sub-Saharan Africa and with susceptibility to intracellular pathogens in experimental models. In this case-control study, we enrolled 4,555 individuals and investigated whether PKLR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) putatively selected for malaria resistance are associated with susceptibility to leprosy across Brazil (Manaus-North; Salvador-Northeast; Rondonópolis-Midwest and Rio de Janeiro-Southeast) and with tuberculosis in Mozambique. Haplotype T/G/G (rs1052176/rs4971072/rs11264359) was associated with leprosy susceptibility in Rio de Janeiro (OR = 2.46, p = 0.00001) and Salvador (OR = 1.57, p = 0.04), and with tuberculosis in Mozambique (OR = 1.52, p = 0.07). This haplotype downregulates PKLR expression in nerve and skin, accordingly to GTEx, and might subtly modulate ferritin and haptoglobin levels in serum. Furthermore, we observed genetic signatures of positive selection in the HCN3 gene (xpEHH>2 -recent selection) in Europe but not in Africa, involving 6 SNPs which are PKLR/HCN3 eQTLs. However, this evidence was not corroborated by the other tests (FST, Tajima's D and iHS). Altogether, we provide evidence that a common PKLR locus in Africans contribute to mycobacterial susceptibility in African descent populations and also highlight, for first, PKLR as a susceptibility gene for leprosy and TB.

Main etiological agents identified in 170 men with urethritis attended at the Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil,

Abstract Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a global public health problem. Urethritis are among the most common STIs, and can cause several complications and facilitate the transmission of the HIV virus. Objectives: To investigate the main etiologic agents of urethritis in 170 men treated at Fundação Alfredo da Matta. Methods: To identify the agents, urethral exudate and urine were collected. Gram and culture tests were performed in Thayer-Martin medium for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and polymerase chain reaction for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and herpes simplex types 1 and 2. Results: N. gonorrhoeae were identified in 102 (60.0%) patients, C. trachomatis in 50 (29.4%), U. urealyticum in 29 (17.0%), M. genitalium in 11 (6.5 %), U. parvum in ten (5.9%), and M. hominis in seven (4.1%). Herpes simplex type 2 was diagnosed in 24 (21.6%) of the 111 patients who underwent PCR for this pathogen. In 69 cases there was co-infection; the most frequent were: N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in 21 (14.7%) patients; N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in 21 (12.4%) patients; N. gonorrhoeae and herpes simplex type 2 in 11 (6.5%), and N. gonorrhoeae and U. urealyticum in nine (5.3%). Study limitations: Not relevant. Conclusion: N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, U. urealyticum, and herpes simplex type 2 were the pathogens most frequently identified in the present study. The main coinfection found was N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. T. vaginalis and herpes simplex type 1 were not identified in any of the patients.

Impact of environmental changes on Dermatology

Abstract Urbanization, pollution and the modification of natural landscapes are characteristics of modern society, where the change in human relations with the environment and the impact on biodiversity are environmental determinants that affect the health-disease relationship. The skin is an organ that has a strong interface with the environment and, therefore, the prevalence patterns of dermatoses may reflect these environmental changes. In this article, aspects related to deforestation, fires, urbanization, large-scale agriculture, extensive livestock farming, pollution and climatic changes are discussed regarding their influence on the epidemiology of skin diseases. It is important that dermatologists be aware of their social responsibility in order to promote sustainable practices in their community, in addition to identifying the impacts of environmental imbalances on different dermatoses, which is essential for the prevention and treatment of these diseases.

Main etiological agents identified in 170 men with urethritis attended at the Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a global public health problem. Urethritis are among the most common STIs, and can cause several complications and facilitate the transmission of the HIV virus. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the main etiologic agents of urethritis in 170 men treated at Fundação Alfredo da Matta. METHODS: To identify the agents, urethral exudate and urine were collected. Gram and culture tests were performed in Thayer-Martin medium for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and polymerase chain reaction for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and herpes simplex types 1 and 2. RESULTS: N. gonorrhoeae were identified in 102 (60.0%) patients, C. trachomatis in 50 (29.4%), U. urealyticum in 29 (17.0%), M. genitalium in 11 (6.5 %), U. parvum in ten (5.9%), and M. hominis in seven (4.1%). Herpes simplex type 2 was diagnosed in 24 (21.6%) of the 111 patients who underwent PCR for this pathogen. In 69 cases there was co-infection; the most frequent were: N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in 21 (14.7%) patients; N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in 21 (12.4%) patients; N. gonorrhoeae and herpes simplex type 2 in 11 (6.5%), and N. gonorrhoeae and U. urealyticum in nine (5.3%). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Not relevant. CONCLUSION: N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, U. urealyticum, and herpes simplex type 2 were the pathogens most frequently identified in the present study. The main coinfection found was N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. T. vaginalis and herpes simplex type 1 were not identified in any of the patients.

Impact of environmental changes on Dermatology.

Urbanization, pollution and the modification of natural landscapes are characteristics of modern society, where the change in human relations with the environment and the impact on biodiversity are environmental determinants that affect the health-disease relationship. The skin is an organ that has a strong interface with the environment and, therefore, the prevalence patterns of dermatoses may reflect these environmental changes. In this article, aspects related to deforestation, fires, urbanization, large-scale agriculture, extensive livestock farming, pollution and climatic changes are discussed regarding their influence on the epidemiology of skin diseases. It is important that dermatologists be aware of their social responsibility in order to promote sustainable practices in their community, in addition to identifying the impacts of environmental imbalances on different dermatoses, which is essential for the prevention and treatment of these diseases.

Lagoftalmo na hanseníase: experiência clínica em centro de referência amazonense / Lagophthalmos in leprosy: clinical experience in an Amazon reference center

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente trabalho teve por objetivo caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico e clínico de pacientes com lagoftalmo associado à hanseníase, atendidos no ambulatório de oftalmologia da Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, Amazonas. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo realizado por meio da análise dos prontuários clínicos dos pacientes incluídos no estudo. Sexo, idade, forma clínica, grau de incapacidade no diagnóstico e desfecho foram obtidos dos prontuários. Início, tipo de comprometimento (unilateral ou bilateral), grau de intensidade do lagoftalmo e alterações oculares associadas também foram compilados. Resultados: Foram incluídos 65 pacientes; 66,1% eram do sexo masculino e 53,8% tinham idade superior a 60 anos. Em relação à classificação operacional da hanseníase, a maioria dos pacientes (81,5%) era multibacilar: 33,8% na forma de hanseníase borderline e 47% virchowiana. 36,9% casos apresentavam sequelas oculares associadas ao lagoftalmo: opacidade corneana, epífora, ceratopatia em faixa, e neovascularização corneana.41,6% evoluíram para a cegueira. O lagoftalmo foi conduzido de forma clínica em 23 pacientes e a abordagem cirúrgica foi indicada em 42. Em relação ao tratamento cirúrgico consistiu principalmente no implante de peso de ouro e na cantoplastia de Tessier. Discussão: O lagoftalmo nessa casuística acometeu mais homens idosos, esteve relacionado à forma multibacilar, com hanseníase do tipo virchowiano como relatado na literatura. O diagnóstico de lagoftalmo foi tardio na maioria dos casos, explicando o grande número de sequelas incluindo a cegueira. Conclusão: O presente estudo reforça a necessidade de acompanhamento oftalmológico precoce para que as potenciais e graves sequelas associadas a essa condição sejam evitadas.

ABSTRACT Objective: The present study aimed to characterize the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with lagophthalmos associated with leprosy, seen at the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, Amazonas. Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out by analyzing the medical records of the patients included in the study. Sex, age, clinical form, degree of disability in diagnosis and outcome were obtained from medical records. Onset, type of impairment (unilateral or bilateral), degree of intensity of lagophthalmos and associated eye changes were also compiled. Results: 65 patients were included; 66.1% were male and 53.8% were older than 60 years. Regarding the operational classification of leprosy, most patients (81.5%) were multibacillary: 33.8% in the form of borderline leprosy and 47% virchowian. 36.9% of cases had ocular sequelae associated with lagophthalmos: corneal opacity, epiphora, band keratopathy, and corneal neovascularization.41.6% progressed to blindness. Lagophthalmos was performed clinically in 23 patients and the surgical approach was indicated in 42. Regarding surgical treatment, it consisted mainly of gold weight implantation and Tessier's canthoplasty. Discussion: Lagophthalmos in this sample affected more elderly men, was related to the multibacillary form, with leprosy-like leprosy as reported in the literature. The diagnosis of lagophthalmos was delayed in most cases, explaining the large number of sequelae including blindness. Conclusion: The present study reinforces the need for early eye care so that the potential and serious sequelae associated with this condition are avoided.