Relevance of angiotensin-(1-7) and its receptor Mas in pneumonia caused by influenza virus and post-influenza pneumococcal infection.

Resolution failure of exacerbated inflammation triggered by Influenza A virus (IAV) prevents return of pulmonary homeostasis and survival, especially when associated with secondary pneumococcal infection. Therapeutic strategies based on pro-resolving molecules have great potential against acute inflammatory diseases. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is a pro-resolving mediator that acts on its Mas receptor (MasR) to promote resolution of inflammation. We investigated the effects of Ang-(1-7) and the role of MasR in the context of primary IAV infection and secondary pneumococcal infection and evaluated pulmonary inflammation, virus titers and bacteria counts, and pulmonary damage. Therapeutic treatment with Ang-(1-7) decreased neutrophil recruitment, lung injury, viral load and morbidity after a primary IAV infection. Ang-(1-7) induced apoptosis of neutrophils and efferocytosis of these cells by alveolar macrophages, but had no direct effect on IAV replication in vitro. MasR-deficient (MasR-/-) mice were highly susceptible to IAV infection, displaying uncontrolled inflammation, increased viral load and greater lethality rate, as compared to WT animals. Ang-(1-7) was not protective in MasR-/- mice. Interestingly, Ang-(1-7) given during a sublethal dose of IAV infection greatly reduced morbidity associated with a subsequent S. pneumoniae infection, as seen by decrease in the magnitude of neutrophil influx, number of bacteria in the blood leading to a lower lethality. Altogether, these results show that Ang-(1-7) is highly protective against severe primary IAV infection and protects against secondary bacterial infection of the lung. These effects are MasR-dependent. Mediators of resolution of inflammation, such as Ang-(1-7), should be considered for the treatment of pulmonary viral infections.

ACKR2 contributes to pulmonary dysfunction by shaping CCL5:CCR5-dependent recruitment of lymphocytes during influenza A infection in mice.

Inflammation triggered by influenza A virus (IAV) infection is important for viral clearance, induction of adaptive responses, and return to lung homeostasis. However, an exaggerated immune response, characterized by the overproduction of chemokines, can lead to intense lung injury, contributing to mortality. Chemokine scavenger receptors, such as ACKR2, control the levels of CC chemokines influencing the immune responses. Among the chemokine targets of ACKR2, CCL5 is important to recruit and activate lymphocytes. We investigated the role of ACKR2 during IAV infection in mice. Pulmonary ACKR2 expression was increased acutely after IAV infection preceding the virus-induced lung dysfunction. ACKR2-knockout (ACKR2-/-) mice were protected from IAV, presenting decreased viral burden and lung dysfunction. Mechanistically, the absence of ACKR2 resulted in augmented airway CCL5 levels, secreted by mononuclear and plasma cells in the lung parenchyma. The higher chemokine gradient led to an augmented recruitment of T and B lymphocytes, formation of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and production of IgA in the airways of ACKR2-/- mice post-IAV. CCL5 neutralization in ACKR2-/- mice prevented lymphocyte recruitment and increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein levels and pulmonary dysfunction. Finally, CCR5-/- mice presented increased disease severity during IAV infection, displaying increased neutrophils, pulmonary injury and dysfunction, and accentuated lethality. Collectively, our data showed that ACKR2 dampens CCL5 levels and the consequent recruitment of CCR5+ T helper 1 (Th1), T regulatory cells (Tregs), and B lymphocytes during IAV infection, decreasing pathogen control and promoting lung dysfunction in wild type mice. Therefore, ACKR2 is detrimental and CCR5 is protective during IAV infection coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses in mice.

Peripheral levels of sST2 are increased in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy: Additional evidence of low-grade inflammation.

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) pathophysiology. IL-33 can act as a transcription factor or as a cytokine, the latter through the transmembrane ST2 receptor or its soluble isoform (sST2), presenting a dual role in neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma levels of IL-33 and sST2 in parallel with clinical features in patients with TLE. Peripheral blood from patients and controls was sampled for the measurement of plasma levels of IL-33 and sST2 by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). While there were similar levels of IL-33 between controls and patients, sST2 were increased in patients. IL33 and sST2 plasma levels were not associated with TLE-related clinical features. In a subgroup analysis, IL-33 levels correlated with memory performance. In conclusion, our results reinforce the concept of chronic low-grade inflammation in patients with TLE.

Circulating levels of adipokines are altered in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: A persistent low-grade inflammatory state has been described in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in the interictal period. Adipokines are cytokines produced by the adipose tissue that can influence inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of adipokines in patients with TLE in comparison with controls. In addition, we sought to investigate whether the levels of adipokines were associated with clinical parameters in TLE. METHODS: Forty patients with TLE and 40 controls were enrolled in this study. All participants were subjected to clinical assessment that included the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Peripheral blood was drawn, and plasma levels of adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, and resistin) were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). RESULTS: People with TLE presented higher leptin and lower adiponectin and resistin levels in comparison with controls. The levels of these adipokines correlated negatively with illness length but not with other clinical parameters. In a binary logistic regression model, higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels remained as significant predictors of TLE diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: These results corroborate the view that TLE is a multisystemic condition associated with low-grade inflammation.

Peripheral leukocyte profile in people with temporal lobe epilepsy reflects the associated proinflammatory state.

INTRODUCTION: Markers of low-grade peripheral inflammation have been reported amongst people with epilepsy. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unknown. We attempted to characterize peripheral immune cells and their activation status in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and healthy controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty people with TLE and 19 controls were recruited, and peripheral blood lymphocyte and monocyte subsets evaluated ex vivo by multi-color flow cytometry. People with TLE had higher expression of HLA-DR, CD69, CTLA-4, CD25, IL-23R, IFN-γ, TNF and IL-17 in CD4(+) lymphocytes than controls. Granzyme A, CTLA-4, IL-23R and IL-17 expression was also elevated in CD8(+) T cells from people with TLE. Frequency of HLA-DR in CD19(+) B cells and regulatory T cells CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) producing IL-10 was higher in TLE when compared with controls. A negative correlation between CD4(+) expressing co-stimulatory molecules (CD69, CD25 and CTLA-4) with age at onset of seizures was found. The frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells was also positively correlated with age at onset of seizures. CONCLUSION: Immune cells of people with TLE show an activation profile, mainly in effector T cells, in line with the low-grade peripheral inflammation.

Interleukin-1ß plasma levels are associated with depression in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Inflammatory mediators such as cytokines are likely to contribute to the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Proinflammatory cytokines are also associated with mood disorders, such as major depression. As people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are at an increased risk of mood disorders, we attempted to evaluate peripheral levels of IL-1ß in people with TLE with depression and people with TLE without depression and in healthy controls. In a cross-sectional study, we compared three groups: 21 people with TLE without depression (TLE D-), 18 people with TLE with depression (TLE D+), and 31 controls without depression. A structured clinical interview (MINI-Plus) was used to diagnose current depression, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to quantify depressive symptoms. Plasma levels of IL-1ß were significantly higher in people with TLE with depression than in controls (p=0.004) or people with TLE without depression (p=0.006). Interleukin-1beta levels positively correlated with HAM-D scores (Spearman's rho=0.381, p=0.017) in people with TLE. Higher levels of IL-1ß in TLE seem to be associated with depression.

Screening for depression in people with epilepsy: comparative study among neurological disorders depression inventory for epilepsy (NDDI-E), hospital anxiety and depression scale depression subscale (HADS-D), and Beck depression inventory (BDI).

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess and compare the psychometric properties of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Depression Subscale (HADS-D), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as screening instruments for depression and suicidality in people with epilepsy. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six people (54% women) diagnosed with epilepsy were recruited and evaluated on their sociodemographic and clinical features. Depression and suicide risk were assessed with a structured psychiatric interview, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus), and the performance of NDDI-E, HADS-D, and BDI was evaluated. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of BDI for the diagnosis of depression was around 90%; HADS-D and NDDI-E have sensitivity higher than 80%, and specificity was greater than 75%. For identifying suicide risk, the NDDI-E sensitivity was 92.9%, and HADS-D sensitivity was 85.7%, and a reasonable specificity (68%) was observed for both instruments. All instruments showed a negative predictive value of over 90%. Comparisons of the areas under the ROC curve for these instruments were not significantly different regarding depression or moderate/severe risk of suicide. CONCLUSION: All three instruments evaluated have clinical utility in the screening of depression in people with epilepsy. Both NDDI-E and HADS-D are brief efficient screening instruments to identify depression in people with epilepsy. The BDI is a more robust instrument, but it takes longer to apply, which hampers its use by busy clinicians and by people with cognitive impairment.

Post-mortem detection of hemoplasmas (hemotropic Mycoplasma spp.) in South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) sampled in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas are bacteria that attaches to erythrocytes surface, which some species presents zoonotic concerns. In the suborder Pinnipedia, genera Otaria and Arctocephalus are prominent in Brazil. This study investigated the occurrence of hemoplasmas in Arctocephalus sp. and Otaria flavescens found dead along the coast of a Southern Brazilian State. DNA from 135 spleen samples were extracted and subjected to conventional PCR protocols, targeting the 16 S rRNA and 23 S rRNA gene. Three (2.22 %) Arctocephalus australis were positive in the 16 S rRNA gene, and no samples amplified in the 23 S rRNA gene. Samples from this study clustered with Zalophus californianus and Arctocephalus tropicalis mycoplasmas on a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Genetic diversity analysis suggested distinct genotypes, indicating A. australis as a new host for hemoplasma, and also a potential putative novel hemoplasma genotype. These findings raises future awareness for pinnipeds conservation, and adds Mycoplasma spp. to be taken into consideration when clinically evaluating rescued animals.

Treatment with lipoxin A 4 improves influenza A infection outcome through macrophage reprogramming, anti-inflammatory and pro-resolutive responses.

Objective and design: Here, we evaluated whether a synthetic lipoxin mimetic, designated AT-01-KG, would improve the course of influenza A infection in a murine model. Treatment: Mice were infected with influenza A/H1N1 and treated with AT-01-KG (1.7 mg/kg/day, i.p.) at day 3 post-infection. Methods: Mortality rate was assessed up to day 21 and inflammatory parameters were assessed at days 5 and 7. Results: AT-01-KG attenuated mortality, reducing leukocyte infiltration and lung damage at day 5 and day 7 post-infection. AT-01-KG is a Formyl Peptide Receptor 2 (designated FPR2/3 in mice) agonist, and the protective responses were not observed in FPR2/3 -/- animals. In mice treated with LXA4 (50mg/kg/day, i.p., days 3-6 post-infection), at day 7, macrophage reprogramming was observed, as seen by a decrease in classically activated macrophages and an increase in alternatively activated macrophages in the lungs. Furthermore, the number of apoptotic cells and cells undergoing efferocytosis was increased in the lavage of treated mice. Treatment also modulated the adaptive immune response, increasing the number of anti-inflammatory T cells (Th2) and regulatory T (Tregs) cells in the lungs of the treated mice. Conclusions: Therefore, treatment with a lipoxin A4 analog was beneficial in a model of influenza A infection in mice. The drug decreased inflammation and promoted resolution and beneficial immune responses, suggesting it may be useful in patients with severe influenza.

The Toxoplasma gondii effector GRA83 modulates the host's innate immune response to regulate parasite infection.

Toxoplasma gondii 's propensity to infect its host and cause disease is highly dependent on its ability to modulate host cell functions. One of the strategies the parasite uses to accomplish this is via the export of effector proteins from the secretory dense granules. Dense granule (GRA) proteins are known to play roles in nutrient acquisition, host cell cycle manipulation, and immune regulation. Here, we characterize a novel dense granule protein named GRA83, which localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole in tachyzoites and bradyzoites. Disruption of GRA83 results in increased virulence, weight loss, and parasitemia during the acute infection, as well as a marked increase in the cyst burden during the chronic infection. This increased parasitemia was associated with an accumulation of inflammatory infiltrates in tissues in both the acute and chronic infection. Murine macrophages infected with Δ gra83 tachyzoites produced less interleukin-12 (IL-12) in vitro , which was confirmed with reduced IL-12 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in vivo . This dysregulation of cytokines correlates with reduced nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of the NF-κB complex. While GRA15 similarly regulates NF-κB, infection with Δ gra83/ Δ gra15 parasites did not further reduce p65 translocation to the host cell nucleus, suggesting these GRAs function in converging pathways. We also used proximity labelling experiments to reveal candidate GRA83 interacting T. gondii derived partners. Taken together, this work reveals a novel effector that stimulates the innate immune response, enabling the host to limit parasite burden. Importance: Toxoplasma gondii poses a significant public health concern as it is recognized as one of the leading foodborne pathogens in the United States. Infection with the parasite can cause congenital defects in neonates, life-threatening complications in immunosuppressed patients, and ocular disease. Specialized secretory organelles, including the dense granules, play an important role in the parasite's ability to efficiently invade and regulate components of the host's infection response machinery to limit parasite clearance and establish an acute infection. Toxoplasma' s ability to avoid early clearance, while also successfully infecting the host long enough to establish a persistent chronic infection, is crucial in allowing for its transmission to a new host. While multiple GRAs directly modulate host signaling pathways, they do so in various ways highlighting the parasite's diverse arsenal of effectors that govern infection. Understanding how parasite-derived effectors harness host functions to evade defenses yet ensure a robust infection are important for understanding the complexity of the pathogen's tightly regulated infection. In this study, we characterize a novel secreted protein named GRA83 that stimulates the host cell's response to limit infection.

The Toxoplasma gondii effector GRA83 modulates the host's innate immune response to regulate parasite infection.

Toxoplasma gondii's propensity to infect its host and cause disease is highly dependent on its ability to modulate host cell functions. One of the strategies the parasite uses to accomplish this is via the export of effector proteins from the secretory dense granules. Dense granule (GRA) proteins are known to play roles in nutrient acquisition, host cell cycle manipulation, and immune regulation. Here, we characterize a novel dense granule protein named GRA83, which localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) in tachyzoites and bradyzoites. Disruption of GRA83 results in increased virulence, weight loss, and parasitemia during the acute infection, as well as a marked increase in the cyst burden during the chronic infection. This increased parasitemia was associated with an accumulation of inflammatory infiltrates in tissues in both acute and chronic infections. Murine macrophages infected with ∆gra83 tachyzoites produced less interleukin-12 (IL-12) in vitro, which was confirmed with reduced IL-12 and interferon-gamma in vivo. This dysregulation of cytokines correlates with reduced nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) complex. While GRA15 similarly regulates NF-κB, infection with ∆gra83/∆gra15 parasites did not further reduce p65 translocation to the host cell nucleus, suggesting these GRAs function in converging pathways. We also used proximity labeling experiments to reveal candidate GRA83 interacting T. gondii-derived partners. Taken together, this work reveals a novel effector that stimulates the innate immune response, enabling the host to limit the parasite burden. Importance Toxoplasma gondii poses a significant public health concern as it is recognized as one of the leading foodborne pathogens in the United States. Infection with the parasite can cause congenital defects in neonates, life-threatening complications in immunosuppressed patients, and ocular disease. Specialized secretory organelles, including the dense granules, play an important role in the parasite's ability to efficiently invade and regulate components of the host's infection response machinery to limit parasite clearance and establish an acute infection. Toxoplasma's ability to avoid early clearance, while also successfully infecting the host long enough to establish a persistent chronic infection, is crucial in allowing for its transmission to a new host. While multiple GRAs directly modulate host signaling pathways, they do so in various ways highlighting the parasite's diverse arsenal of effectors that govern infection. Understanding how parasite-derived effectors harness host functions to evade defenses yet ensure a robust infection is important for understanding the complexity of the pathogen's tightly regulated infection. In this study, we characterize a novel secreted protein named GRA83 that stimulates the host cell's response to limit infection.

Molecular phylogeny of the arthrostylidioid bamboos (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae: Arthrostylidiinae) and new genus Didymogonyx.

We present the first multi-locus chloroplast phylogeny of Arthrostylidiinae, a subtribe of neotropical woody bamboos. The morphological diversity of Arthrostylidiinae makes its taxonomy difficult and prior molecular analyses of bamboos have lacked breadth of sampling within the subtribe, leaving internal relationships uncertain. We sampled 51 taxa, chosen to span the range of taxonomic diversity and morphology, and analyzed a combined chloroplast DNA dataset with six chloroplast regions: ndhF, trnD-trnT, trnC-rpoB, rps16-trnQ, trnT-trnL, and rpl16. A consensus of maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference analyses reveals monophyly of the Arthrostylidiinae and four moderately supported lineages within it. Six previously recognized genera were monophyletic, three polyphyletic, and two monotypic; Rhipidocladum sect. Didymogonyx is here raised to generic status. When mapped onto our topology, many of the morphological characters show homoplasy.

Slaughter condemnation in bovine due to parasitic lesions and their economic impact in Federal Inspection System establishments in Brazil and in State inspection System in Rio Grande do Sul State.

Slaughter condemnations are important sources of information on cattle health. The incidence of bovine parasitic diseases is still very high in Brazil. These diseases, in addition to causing harm to the animals health, are neglected zoonotic diseases in several parts of world. The study analysed not only the Carcass losses, but also the economic damage resulting from slaughter condemnations due to parasitic causes. Cattle slaughter data from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), over the period of 2012 to 2015 and data from the Secretary of Livestock and Irrigation of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (SEAPI-RS) were analyzed between 2014 and 2018.The number of organs and carcasses condemned was multiplied by the respective values (in Brazilian Real) obtained from slaughterhouses and subsequently converted into dollars. Brazilian analysis in SIF (Federal Inspection System) establishments showed that more than 1.2 million organs (3,884,505 kg) and 20,000 carcasses (4,547,718 kg) were condemned only due to parasitic causes during post-mortem inspection. In Rio Grande do Sul, in state inspection establishments, more than 1.7 million organs (8,210,559 kg) and 5,000 carcasses (1,243,200 kg) were condemned. These data are alarming and support the need for public policies to control these parasitic diseases.

PI3K, mTOR and GSK3 modulate cytokines' production in peripheral leukocyte in temporal lobe epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a common pathological condition that predisposes individuals to seizures, as well as cognitive and emotional dysfunctions. Different studies have demonstrated that inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Indeed, seizures change the peripheral inflammatory pattern, which, in turn, could contribute to seizures. However, the cause of the altered production of peripheral inflammatory mediators is not known. The PI3K/mTOR/GSK3ß pathway is important for different physiological and pharmacological phenomena. Therefore, in the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the PI3K/mTOR/GSK3ß pathway is deregulated in immune cells from patients with epilepsy and contributes to the abnormal production of inflammatory mediators. METHODS: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy presenting hippocampal sclerosis and controls aged between 18 and 65 years-old were selected for this study. Peripheral blood was collected for the isolation of peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC). Cells were pre-incubated with different PI3K, mTOR and GSK-3 inhibitors for 30 min and further stimulated with phytohaemaglutinin (PHA) or vehicle for 24 h. The supernatant was used to evaluate the production of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF e IL-12p70. RESULTS: Non-selective inhibition of PI3K, as well as inhibition of PI3Kγ and GSK-3, reduced the levels of TNF and IL-10 in PHA-stimulated cells from TLE individuals. This stimulus increased the production of IL-12p70 only in cells from TLE individuals, while the inhibition of PI3K and mTOR enhanced the production of this cytokine. On the other hand, inhibition of GSK3 reduced the PHA-induced production of IL-12p70. CONCLUSIONS: Herein we demonstrated that the production of cytokines by immune cells from patients with TLE differs from non-epileptic patients. This differential regulation may be associated with the altered activity and responsiveness of intracellular molecules, such as PI3K, mTOR and GSK-3, which, in turn, might contribute to the inflammatory state that exists in epilepsy and its pathogenesis.

Serotonin and dopamine receptors profile on peripheral immune cells from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

The role of inflammation and immune cells has been demonstrated in neurological diseases, including epilepsy. Leukocytes, as well as inflammatory mediators, contribute to abnormal processes that lead to a reduction in seizure threshold and synaptic reorganization. In this sense, identifying different phenotypes of circulating immune cells is essential to understanding the role of these cells in epilepsy. Immune cells can express a variety of surface markers, including neurotransmitter receptors, such as serotonin and dopamine. Alteration in these receptors expression patterns may affect the level of inflammatory mediators and the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Therefore, in the current study, we evaluated the expression of dopamine and serotonin receptors on white blood cells from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS). Blood samples from 17 patients with TLE-HS and 21 controls were collected. PBMC were isolated and stained ex vivo for flow cytometry. We evaluated the expression of serotonin (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, 5-HT4), and dopamine receptors (D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5) on the cell surface of lymphocytes and innate immune cells (monocytes and granulocytes). Our results demonstrated that innate cells and lymphocytes from patients with TLE-HS showed high mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT4 compared to controls. No difference was observed for 5-HT2B. For dopamine receptors, the expression of D1, D2, D4, and D5 receptors was higher on innate cells from patients with TLE-HS when compared to controls for the MFI. Regarding lymphocytes population, D2 expression was increased in patients with TLE-HS. In conclusion, there are alterations in the expression of serotonin and dopamine receptors on immune blood cells of patients with TLE-HS. Although the biological significance of these findings still needs to be further investigated, these changes may contribute to the understanding of TLE-HS pathophysiology.

Top-100 Most Cited Dental Articles with Authors from Brazil.

This study analyzes the characteristics of the top-100 most cited articles published in international dental journals with at least one coauthor affiliated to Brazil. A search in Scopus database for articles published between 1996 and 2017 was carried out in the 178 journals belonging to the category "Dentistry" identified in SCImago Journals & Country Rank. From the top-100 most cited articles, variables related to the journal, article, and authors were collected. Annual citation averages (ACA) and relative citation ratios (RCR) were calculated. Data were analyzed descriptively. There were 75 original reports and 25 reviews in the sample. The number of citations ranged between 124 and 657 (mean=202, median=168). The papers were published in 31 different journals (46% in only four journals), none based in Brazil. The most frequent subjects (61%) were Dental Materials, Endodontics, and Periodontology, which accounted for 63.6% of the total citations. The subject with the highest ACA was Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the subject with the highest RCR was Oral Radiology. Only 12 articles were cited more than 300 times. International collaboration was present in 61 articles and funding was reported in 49 articles. The first author was from Brazil in 70% and corresponding author in 55% of the papers. Southeast (83%) and South (20%) were the regions of Brazil with most presence of coauthors. This top-100 list is presented to provide an overview of the most cited articles and aid in supporting further analyses regarding publication and citation behaviors of Brazilian dentistry.

Age-related differences in conversational discourse abilities A comparative study.

Conversational discourse (CD) is among the most complex tasks in everyday life and relies on multiple cognitive domains (communicative and executive abilities). Alterations in discourse comprehension and production are often present in pathological aging. However, there is still a need to identify changes in healthy aging. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare young and older adults for the frequency of impaired communicative behaviors on a CD task. Performance was scored according to the Complementary Procedure of Conversational Discourse Analysis (CPCDA), developed based on the CD task from the Montreal Communication Evaluation Battery. METHODS: A total of 95 participants (54 young-adults and 41 older adults) were evaluated. The frequency of communicative behaviors was compared between groups using MANCOVA and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Young adults showed fewer impairments in expression, pragmatics, cohesion, coherence, comprehension and emotional prosody. Older adults showed higher levels of verbal initiative and had fewer word finding difficulties. Communicative behaviors associated with planning and self-monitoring (e.g. repetition of information and syllabic false starts) appear to be common in the speech of healthy individuals in general. CONCLUSION: Studies which evaluate both discursive and cognitive skills are required to identify age-related changes. This would allow for the development of screening tools for CD assessment and preventive programs.

O discurso conversacional (DC) está entre as tarefas diárias mais complexas e dependentes de múltiplos domínios cognitivos (habilidades comunicativas e executivas). Alterações na compreensão e produção do discurso são relatadas classicamente durante o envelhecimento patológico. No entanto, ainda é necessário esclarecer mudanças no envelhecimento saudável. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar jovens adultos e idosos quanto à frequência de comportamento comunicativo desviante em uma tarefa de DC utilizando o Procedimento Complementar de Análise do Discurso Conversacional (PCADC), inspirado na tarefa de DC da Bateria Montreal de Avaliação da Comunicação. MÉTODOS: Um total de 95 indivíduos (54 adultos jovens e 41 idosos) foram avaliados. A frequência dos comportamentos comunicativos desviantes foi comparadas entre os grupos usando análise MANCOVA e Qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Adultos jovens apresentaram melhor desempenho nas habilidades comunicativas referentes à: expressão, pragmática, coesão, coerência, compreensão e linguística prosódica e emocional. O grupo de idosos obteve melhor desempenho nas variáveis: "falta de iniciativa verbal" e "procura ou troca palavra" do que os jovens. Itens associados ao planejamento da fala e auto-monitoramento (ex: "repete informações" e "realiza false start"), parecem estar associados a um comportamento comum na fala de indivíduos saudáveis em geral. CONCLUSÃO: Estudos que avaliem habilidades discursivas e cognitivas são necessários para identificar mudanças ​​influenciadas pela idade. Dessa forma, seria possível propor uma ferramenta de triagem para avaliação discursiva, bem como programas de intervenção preventiva.

Brazilian Articles in Top-Tier Dental Journals and Influence of International Collaboration on Citation Rates.

This study investigated the presence of co-authorship from Brazil in articles published in top-tier dental journals and analyzed the influence of international collaboration, article type (original research or review), and funding on citation rates. Articles published between 2015 and 2017 in 38 selected journals from 14 dental subareas were screened in Scopus. Bibliographic information, citation counts, and funding details were recorded for all articles (N=15619). Collaboration with other top-10 publishing countries in dentistry was registered. Annual citations averages (ACA) were calculated. A linear regression model assessed differences in ACA between subareas. Multilevel linear regression models evaluated the influence of article type, funding, and presence of international collaboration in ACA. Brazil was a frequent co-author of articles published in the period (top 3: USA=25.5%; Brazil=13.8%; Germany=9.2%) and the country with most publications in two subareas. The subjects with the biggest share of Brazil are Operative Dentistry/Cariology, Dental Materials, and Endodontics. Brazil was second in total citations, but fifth in citation averages per article. From the total of 2155 articles co-authored by Brazil, 74.8% had no co-authorship from other top-10 publishing countries. USA (17.8%), Italy (4.2%), and UK (3.2%) were the main co-author countries, but the main collaboration country varied between subjects. Implantology and Dental Materials were the subjects with most international co-authorship. Review articles and articles with international collaboration were associated with increased citation rates, whereas the presence of study funding did not influence the citations.

Use of scientific evidence by dentists in Brazil: Room for improving the evidence-based practice.

This study investigated the use of scientific evidence and the practice of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) among dentists working in Brazil. An online questionnaire was emailed to dentists registered with Brazilian state dental councils. The questionnaire assessed the demographic, educational, and work characteristics of the sample, along with habits in reading scientific articles and other updating resources. Data were analyzed descriptively and by using Bonferroni, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, and T-test statistical methods (α = 0.05). A total of 795 responses were received between June, 2015 and January, 2016. The response rate was not calculated because it was not possible to determine precisely how many dentists received these e-mails. Over 77% of the responding dentists completed postgraduate training. They referred mainly to books, scientific or clinical journals, conferences, and short-term courses for updating their knowledge. Dentists who reported having a habit of reading scientific journals (60.9%) showed a preference for reading case reports, clinical research articles, and literature reviews. Most dentists (77.5%) reported changing their clinical behaviors or procedures based on information gleaned from journal articles. The types of articles that led them to change their clinical practices were primarily clinical research articles and case reports. Working in the public sector was also associated with a lower prevalence of a habit of reading scientific journals and practicing EBD (i.e., self-reported practice). The results suggest that dentists are interested in reading journal articles, especially those addressing clinical outcomes, and that there is room for improving the practice of EBD, particularly in the public sector.

Executive functions assessment in patients with language impairment A systematic review.

Acquired language impairments may accompany different conditions. Most recent studies have shown that there is an important relationship between language and cognitive functions, such as executive functions (EF). Therefore, we aimed to investigate which main EF components appear to have the greatest impact in the most prevalent acquired communication disorders in adults, and which neuropsychological tests are being used to evaluate them. In addition, we sought to characterize the relationship between the executive functions and language in these conditions. Working memory (WM) was the most frequently chosen cognitive measure, being evaluated by different span tasks. A relationship between WM and narrative and conversational discourse, writing abilities and grammatical comprehension was found. Other currently used cognitive tests included the Trail Making, Wisconsin, Stroop and Verbal Fluency tests. Language and EF have a complex relationship; hence, a complete assessment should reflect the dynamic processing of cognitive brain functions.

Distúrbios de linguagem adquiridas podem acompanhar diferentes quadros. Estudos recentes mostram que existe uma relação importante entre linguagem e funções cognitivas, como as funções executivas (FE). Portanto, visou-se investigar quais os principais componentes das FE parecem ter um maior impacto nos quadros com transtornos de comunicação adquiridos mais prevalentes em adultos e quais testes neuropsicológicos estão sendo mais utilizados para avaliá-los. Além disso, buscamos caracterizar qual a relação entre as funções executivas e a linguagem nesses quadros. A memória de trabalho (MT) foi a medida cognitiva mais frequentemente citada, sendo avaliada por diferentes tarefas de Span. Encontrou-se relação entre MT e discurso narrativo e conversacional, habilidades de escrita e compreensão gramatical. Outros testes cognitivos usados incluem os testes Trail Making, Wisconsin, Stroop e Verbal Fluency. Linguagem e EF têm uma relação complexa e, portanto, uma avaliação completa desses pacientes deve refletir o dinâmico processamento do funcionamento cognitivo.