A new species of the sharpshooter genus Balacha from an alpine field in southeastern Brazil (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini)

ABSTRACT The sharpshooter genus Balacha Melichar, 1926 includes nine species and is distributed in southeastern and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. All species of Balacha use only members of the genus Eryngium (Apiaceae) as host plants, except for a recently described species that is associated with Actinocephalus polyanthus (Eriocaulaceae). Here we describe and illustrate an additional species, B. caledonia sp. nov., from an alpine field in Nova Friburgo, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, which is also associated with Eryngium. Among the known species of the genus, the new taxon is morphologically most similar to B. caparao Takiya & Mejdalani, 2004, but can be easily distinguished by the shaft of the aedeagus, which has a dorsal lobe on the basal half and no ventroapical lobe, and the female sternite VII with the borders of the posterior emargination sinuous. Our studies indicate that the type locality of the new species and its surrounding Atlantic Forest area in Nova Friburgo harbor an interesting and diverse but still poorly known sharpshooter fauna, including the recently discovered Paratubana auromarginata Côrte et al., 2021 (also from Eryngium) and Cavichiana caelivittata Mejdalani et al., 2023 (from bromeliads).

A new species of Erythrogonia Melichar, 1926 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from the Mantiqueira mountain range, southeastern Brazil, associated with olive orchards.

A new species of the diverse Neotropical sharpshooter genus Erythrogonia Melichar, 1926 is described and illustrated from the Mantiqueira mountain range, municipality of Maria da F, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. The new taxon is associated with olive orchards and has been implicated as a vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al., 1987, which causes a disease known in Brazil as olive leaf scorch syndrome. Erythrogonia sinvali sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other 90 known species of the genus by the following combination of features: (1) crown black without conspicuous contrasting spots; (2) frons with large yellow median spot; (3) pronotum black with large yellow area covering most of disk; (4) forewing dark red, without contrasting spots or stripes, costal margin narrowly black, apical portion dark brown; (5) aedeagus elongate, curved dorsally, with pair of spiniform apical processes; (6) paraphyses greatly reduced; (7) basal portion of male anal tube with pair of spiniform curved processes; (8) posterior margin of female abdominal sternite VII broadly emarginate and with broad central lobe; (9) female sternite VIII with sclerotized areas, including a transverse bar located at bases of ovipositor valvulae I, followed by a pair of elongate sclerites and a posterior bilobed sclerite. Both males and females of the new species are described in detail. A putative group of five species within Erythrogonia is preliminarily proposed, including the new taxon, E. separata Melichar, 1926, E. dorsalis (Signoret, 1853), E. calva (Taschenberg, 1884), and E. melichari Schmidt, 1928. Among these species, the male terminalia of E. sinvali sp. nov. are more similar to those of E. separata.

Two new species of the sharpshooter genus Paratubana (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from alpine fields of Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil.

Two new species of Paratubana Young, 1977 are described and illustrated from Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil, based on specimens collected in alpine fields (above 1,800 m) of the Serra dos rgos mountain range. Paratubana auromarginata sp. nov. (Pico da Calednia) can be recognized by the paraphyses with the apex bifurcate, forming an outer subquadrate projection and inner spiniform process, whereas in P. takiyae sp. nov. (Parque Nacional da Serra dos rgos) the paraphyses have a pair of strong spiniform processes directed dorsally and crossing each other. The two new species are apparently closely related to each other and both use Eryngium L. (Apiaceae) as host plants. A key to males of the ten known species of the genus is added, as well as two maps of their known distribution.

Two new species of Balacha (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) from Brazil with comments on their phylogenetic position and biogeography.

The sharpshooter genus Balacha Melichar, 1926 has seven recognized species and is distributed in southern South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). Here, two new Brazilian species of this genus are described and illustrated, one (B. ancora sp. nov.) from Serra do Caraça and Serra do Cipó (Minas Gerais State) and another (B. nigroflava sp. nov.) from Ponta Grossa (Paraná State) and Passo Fundo (Rio Grande do Sul State). Based on 67 morphological characters, we carried out a parsimony analysis to estimate the phylogenetic position of the two new species. Using implied weighting in TNT, a single topology within Balacha was obtained with k values that varied from 1.599 to 7.412. In this topology, the two new taxa appeared within the clade of black Balacha species. A biogeographical analysis (S-DIVA) suggested that the ancestral area of distribution of Balacha was the Atlantic Forest domain. Balacha species were so far known to have only Eryngium (Apiaceae) species as host plants. Here we report a new host plant for the genus: B. ancora sp. nov. specimens were collected on Actinocephalus polyanthus (Eriocaulaceae). Balacha similis and B. rubripennis are newly recorded from Argentina and specimens of the latter have a very distinct color pattern from the typical Brazilian specimens. Finally, a key to species and maps showing the known distribution of the genus are given (several state records of species are also provided).

Portanini (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadellidae): morphology of female terminalia, first record of host plants, a new species of Portanus from Brazil, and taxonomic notes.

Portanus adenomari sp. nov. from the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Paraná, and Maranhão is described and illustrated. It can be easily distinguished by the aedeagus with a pair of apical, slender curved processes, crossing each other medially. The previously unknown females of Portanus restingalis Felix Mejdalani, 2016 and Metacephalus facetus (Kramer, 1961), as well as the female terminalia of Metacephalus sakakibarai Souza, Takiya Felix, 2017, are also described in detail. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the ovipositor valvulae of P. restingalis are given. Comparative notes on the morphology of the female terminalia in the tribe Portanini are provided. Specimens of P. restingalis were observed feeding and resting on Bromeliaceae leaves; this is the first record of host plants for the Portanini. Metacephalus marica (Felix Mejdalani, 2016) is regarded as a junior synonym of Metacephalus longicornis (Osborn, 1923).

In situ substrate-formed biofilms using IDODS mimic supragingival tooth-formed biofilms.

This study aimed to compare the bacterial viability and diversity of a substrate-formed biofilm (SF-biofilm) in situ to a supragingival tooth-formed biofilm (TF-biofilm) in the same group of individuals. The impact of the device/disc position and toothbrushing during the formation of SF-biofilm was also assessed. Two tests were run. In test 1, 15 volunteers wore two hemi-splints carrying six discs of human enamel, glass, and hydroxyapatite for 2 days, and were instructed to not perform any oral hygiene measure. Biofilm samples were collected from the substrates and the contralateral tooth and were analysed using CLSM. In five volunteers, half of the biofilm present on the discs and their contralateral teeth were scraped and analysed using 16S  pyrosequencing. In test 2, the microscopic analysis was repeated only on the SF-biofilm samples, and the volunteers were allowed to brush their teeth. Multivariate analyses revealed that the donors had a significant effect on the composition of the biofilm, confirming its subject-dependent character. The bacterial composition of the SF-biofilm was similar to the TF-biofilm, with significant differential abundance detected in very few taxa of low abundance. The toothbrushing during the formation of SF-biofilm was the only factor that conditioned the thickness or bacterial viability.

A new species of Cardioscarta (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil and key to species of the genus.

The South American genus Cardioscarta Melichar, 1932 includes seven species of colorful sharpshooters. Here we describe and illustrate an additional species, C. aurantia sp. nov., from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil (state of Rio de Janeiro). The new taxon can be distinguished by the dark brown to black forewing with two large orange areas, one from basal portion of corium to distal portions of discal cells and another covering most of clavus, or with single large orange area on basal two-thirds. A key to species of Cardioscarta is provided and the new species is compared with the other ones of the genus.

In Situ Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils with and without Alcohol on Oral Biofilm: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Currently, there is little evidence on the in situ antibacterial activity of essential oils (EO) without alcohol. This study aimed to evaluate in situ the substantivity and antiplaque effect on the plaque-like biofilm (PL-biofilm) of two solutions, a traditional formulation that contains EO with alcohol (T-EO) and an alcohol-free formulation of EO (Af-EO). Eighteen healthy adults performed a single mouthwash of: T-EO, Af-EO, and sterile water (WATER) after wearing an individualized disk-holding splint for 2 days. The bacterial viability (BV) and thickness of the PL-biofilm were quantified at baseline, 30 s, and 1, 3, 5, and 7 h post-rinsing (Test 1). Subsequently, each volunteer wore the splint for 4 days, applying two daily mouthwashes of: T-EO, Af-EO, and WATER. The BV, thickness, and covering grade (CG) of the PL-biofilm were quantified (Test 2). Samples were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy after staining with the LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ solution. To conduct the computations of the BV automatically, a Matlab toolbox called Dentius Biofilm was developed. In test 1, both EO antiseptics had a similar antibacterial effect, reducing BV after a single rinse compared to the WATER, and keeping it below baseline levels up to 7 h post-rinse (P < 0.001). The mean thickness of the PL-biofilm after rinsing was not affected by any of the EO formulations and ranged from 18.58 to 20.19 µm. After 4 days, the T-EO and Af-EO solutions were significantly more effective than the WATER, reducing the BV, thickness, and CG of the PL-biofilm (P < 0.001). Although, both EO antiseptics presented a similar bactericidal activity, the Af-EO rinses led to more significant reductions in the thickness and CG of the PL-biofilm than the T-EO rinses (thickness = 7.90 vs. 9.92 µm, P = 0.012; CG = 33.36 vs. 46.61%, P = 0.001). In conclusion, both essential oils antiseptics had very high immediate antibacterial activity and substantivity in situ on the 2-day PL-biofilm after a single mouthwash. In the 4-day PL-biofilm, both essential oils formulations demonstrated a very good antiplaque effect in situ, although the alcohol-free formula performed better at reducing the biofilm thickness and covering grade.

Devices for In situ Development of Non-disturbed Oral Biofilm. A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to assess the types of devices used for in situ development of oral biofilm analyzed microbiologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify all in situ studies of oral biofilm which used an oral device; the Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases complemented with manual search were used. Specific devices used to microbiologically analyze oral biofilm in adults were included. After reading of the selected full texts, devices were identified and classified according to the oral cavity zone and manufacturing material. The "ideal" characteristics were analyzed in every group. RESULTS: The search provided 787 abstracts, of which 111 papers were included. The devices used in these studies were classified as palatal, lingual or buccal. The last group was sub-classified in six groups based on the material of the device. Considering the analyzed characteristics, the thermoplastic devices and the Intraoral Device of Overlaid Disk-holding Splints (IDODS) presented more advantages than limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal devices were the most commonly used for the study of in situ biofilm. The majority of buccal devices seemed to slightly affect the volunteer's comfort, the IDODS being the closest to the "ideal" model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: New devices for in situ oral biofilm microbiological studies should take into account the possible effect of their design on the volunteer's comfort and biofilm formation.

Ex vivo vs. in vivo antibacterial activity of two antiseptics on oral biofilm.

AIM: To compare the immediate antibacterial effect of two application methods (passive immersion and active mouthwash) of two antiseptic solutions on the in situ oral biofilm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized observer-masked crossover study was conducted. Fifteen healthy volunteers wore a specific intraoral device for 48 h to form a biofilm in three glass disks. One of these disks was used as a baseline; another one was immersed in a solution of 0.2% Chlorhexidine (0.2% CHX), remaining the third in the device, placed in the oral cavity, during the 0.2% CHX mouthwash application. After a 2-weeks washout period, the protocol was repeated using a solution of Essential Oils (EO). Samples were analyzed for bacterial viability with the confocal laser scanning microscope after previous staining with LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™. RESULTS: The EO showed a better antibacterial effect compared to the 0.2% CHX after the mouthwash application (% of bacterial viability = 1.16 ± 1.00% vs. 5.08 ± 5.79%, respectively), and was more effective in all layers (p < 0.05). In the immersion, both antiseptics were significantly less effective (% of bacterial viability = 26.93 ± 13.11%, EO vs. 15.17 ± 6.14%, 0.2% CHX); in the case of EO immersion, there were no significant changes in the bacterial viability of the deepest layer in comparison with the baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The method of application conditioned the antibacterial activity of the 0.2% CHX and EO solutions on the in situ oral biofilm. The in vivo active mouthwash was more effective than the ex vivo passive immersion in both antiseptic solutions. There was more penetration of the antiseptic inside the biofilm with an active mouthwash, especially with the EO. Trial registered in clinicaltrials.gov with the number NCT02267239. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02267239.

The intraoral device of overlaid disk-holding splints as a new in situ oral biofilm model.

OBJECTIVES: To design a device that allows the formation of in situ oral biofilm with similar characteristics to those from the dental plaque, overcoming the limitations of previous devices. STUDY DESIGN: The Intraoral Device of Overlaid Disk-holding Splints (IDODS) was designed and manufactured. To test its validity, five healthy adult volunteers wore them for two and four days allowing the biofilm to grow without any type of distortion. After each period, the thickness, vitality and structure of the formed biofilm were measured with a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) in combination with a dual fluorescence solution. All volunteers filled out a Likert-type questionnaire to evaluate the device. RESULTS: Mean bacterial vitality in the 2- and 4-day biofilms was 71% and 63%, respectively. Mean thicknesses were 21 µm and 28 µm, respectively. There was predominance in the open and heterogeneous structure whose complexity was ascending as the biofilm matured. The results obtained from the questionnaire were 2/5 in the influence in aesthetics, 3.4/5 in comfort, and 5/5 in ease of maintaining oral hygiene and withdrawal from the oral cavity. CONCLUSIONS: A biofilm with optimum characteristics was obtained by IDODS. Its use is associated with good aesthetic and comfort results and is absent of functional limitations, allowing optimal oral hygiene without altering the structure of the in situ oral biofilm. Key words:Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope, fluorochromes, in situ, intraoral device, oral biofilm.

Characteristics of in situ oral biofilm after 2 and 4 days of evolution.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evolution of the thickness, bacterial vitality, covering grade, and the structure after 2 and 4 days of aging in "non-disturbed" plaque-like biofilm (PL-biofilm). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Twenty healthy volunteers wore a specific appliance. After 2 days half of the samples were removed from the appliance. Posteriorly, after bacterial vital staining, samples were analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. In the first volunteer, one of the disks was analyzed using a scanning electronic microscope. The same process was realized on the remaining disks after 4 days. RESULTS: The thicknesses of the PL-biofilm after 2 and 4 days were not significantly different. The bacterial vitality changed significantly from 72.50 ± 15.50% to 57.54 ± 15.66% over time, which was in contrast to the covering grade (53.08 ± 18.03% and 70.74 ± 19.11%). The structure changed from an irregular surface and compact deepest layer with a high predominance of the coccus shape to a complex structure with voids in the deepest layer and a great proportion of bacillus-shaped bacteria. CONCLUSION: The PL-biofilm thickness remained practically constant, decreasing the bacterial vitality and increasing the covering grade over time. Regarding the structure, differences were principally bacterial disposition in the surface and bacterial shape. Clinically, the findings show that new control strategies for combating the oral biofilm should be focused on inhibiting bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces, which would reduce biofilm formation.

Antiplaque effect of essential oils and 0.2% chlorhexidine on an in situ model of oral biofilm growth: a randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in situ antiplaque effect after 4 days of using of 2 commercial antimicrobial agents in short term on undisturbed plaque-like biofilm. TRIAL DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: An observer-masked, crossover randomised clinical trial on 15 oral and systemically healthy volunteers between 20-30 years who were randomly and sequentially allocated in the same group which performed 3 interventions in different randomised sequences. INTERVENTION: The participants wore an appliance in 3 different rinsing periods doing mouthwashes twice a day (1/0/1) with essential oils, 0.2% chlorhexidine or sterile water (negative control). At the end of each 4-day mouthwash period, samples were removed from the appliance. Posteriorly, after bacterial vital staining, samples were analysed using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bacterial vitality, thickness and covering grade by the biofilm after 4 days of applying each of the mouthwashes. RESULTS: The essential oils and the 0.2% chlorhexidine were significantly more effective than the sterile water at reducing bacterial vitality, thickness and covering grade by the biofilm. No significant differences were found between the 0.2% chlorhexidine and the essential oils at reducing the bacterial vitality (13.2% vs. 14.7%). However, the 0.2% chlorhexidine showed more reduction than the essential oils in thickness (6.5 µm vs. 10.0 µm; p<0.05) and covering grade by the biofilm (20.0% vs. 54.3%; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The essential oils and 0.2% chlorhexidine showed a high antiplaque effect. Although the 0.2% chlorhexidine showed better results with regard to reducing the thickness and covering grade by the biofilm, both antiseptics showed a high and similar antibacterial activity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Daily essential oils or 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes are effective when reducing dental plaque formation in the short term. Although 0.2% chlorhexidine continues to be the "gold standard" in terms of antiplaque effect, essential oils could be considered a reliable alternative. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02124655.

Rediscovery and redescription of the sharpshooter Kogigonaliaincarnata (Germar, 1821), comb. n. (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Cicadellini) from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, with a key to the species of the genus.

The Brazilian sharpshooter Tettigoniaincarnata Germar, 1821 was treated as incertae sedis in the most comprehensive and recent monograph of the New World Cicadellini. We have been able to identify male and female specimens of Tettigoniaincarnata from northeastern and southeastern Brazil using high-resolution images of two syntypes deposited in the Museum für Naturkunde, Universität Humboldt, Berlin. Here we transfer Tettigoniaincarnata to the genus Kogigonalia Young, 1977 and provide a detailed redescription of this species, including information on intraspecific color variation. In addition, we provide an updated key to the species of Kogigonalia. This is the first record of the genus from Brazil. Kogigonaliaincarnata comb. n. can be recognized, among other features, by the subgenital plates with a distinct emargination at outer margin, aedeagus with a ventral unpaired process near midlength of shaft, and female sternite VII bearing an elongate strong projection on posterior margin.

In situ antimicrobial activity on oral biofilm: essential oils vs. 0.2 % chlorhexidine.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the in situ antibacterial activity of a mouthwash containing essential oils (M-EO) on undisturbed de novo plaque-like biofilm (PL-biofilm) up to 7 h after its application. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An appliance was designed to hold six glass disks on the buccal sides of the lower teeth, allowing PL-biofilm growth. Fifteen healthy volunteers wore the appliance for 48 h and then performed a M-EO. Disks were removed after 30 s and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 h later. After a washout period, the same procedure was repeated with a M-WATER and a M-0.2 % chlorhexidine. After PL-biofilm vital staining, samples were analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. RESULTS: At 30 s after M-EO, the levels of bacterial vitality were 1.18 %, significantly lower than that of the basal sample (p < 0.001). After 7 h, the antibacterial effect of essential oils was still patent with a 47.86 % difference in bacterial vitality compared to the basal sample (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A single M-EO presents high antibacterial immediate activity and penetration capacity in situ and a substantivity which lasts for at least 7 h after its application over de novo biofilm. These results were better than those observed with 0.2 % chlorhexidine under the same conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A single M-EO is an effective measure against the de novo biofilm, presenting a good alternative to clorhexidine such as a preoperative rinse, in periodontal procedures or post-treatment applications.

A new genus and new bromelicolous species of Cicadellini (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Southeastern Brazil.

A new genus, Cavichiana, is described for a new species of Cicadellini, C. bromelicola, from Southeastern Brazil (states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo). The new genus can be distinguished from other genera of the Cicadellini by the following combination of features: (1) head deltoid, strongly produced anteriorly; (2) ocelli located distinctly anterad of anterior eye angles; (3) aedeagus tubular, elongate, its apex with a conspicuous crown of spines; (4) paraphyses with both stalk and rami elongate, rami slender and each with basidorsal dentiform projection. The new species has a distinctive color pattern. The dorsum is dark brown to black with contrasting blue to white spots. The anterior half of the fore wings has a large, circular transcommissural yellow macula bordered by a blue to white border, the anterior portion of this macula covering the scutellum. Specimens of the new species were found on leaves of bromeliads in areas of restinga (sand dune vegetation) of the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil. Other cases of association between hemipterans and bromeliads are listed and briefly discussed.

Chlorhexidine substantivity on salivary flora and plaque-like biofilm: an in situ model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in situ antibacterial activity of a mouthrinse with 0.2% Chlorhexidine (M-0.2% CHX) on undisturbed de novo plaque-like biofilm (PL-biofilm) and on salivary flora up to 7 hours after its application. METHODS: A special acrylic appliance was designed, with 3 inserted glass disks on each buccal side, allowing for PL-biofilm growth. Fifteen healthy volunteers wore the appliance for 48 hours and then performed an M-0.2% CHX; disks were removed at 30 seconds and 1, 3, 5 and 7 hours after the mouth-rinsing. Applying a washout period, saliva samples were collected from each volunteer at 30 seconds and 1, 3, 5 and 7 hours after performing an M-0.2% CHX. The PL-biofilm and saliva samples were analysed by confocal laser scanning and epifluorescence microscopes, respectively. RESULTS: At 30 seconds after M-0.2% CHX, the levels of viable bacteria detected in saliva were significantly lower than those observed in PL-biofilm. The difference in the percentage of live bacteria detected in saliva was significantly higher than that observed in PL-biofilm at 5 and 7 hours after M-0.2% CHX. CONCLUSION: After a single mouthrinse of the 0.2% CHX formulation tested in the present study, the 2-day PL-biofilm presented a significantly higher resistance to this antiseptic in situ than that observed in salivary flora. However, this 0.2% CHX formulation showed a higher substantivity on PL-biofilm than on salivary flora at 5 and 7 hours after mouth-rinsing, which could be related to the slower growth rate of PL-biofilm and the possible reservoir function for antimicrobial agents associated with the undisturbed de novo PL-biofilm.

Consciência do próprio desvio de fala e processamento auditivo no desvio fonológico / Awareness of their own speech impairment and auditory processing in phonological disorder

TEMA: a habilidade de reconhecimento do próprio desvio de fala e sua possível relação com o processamento auditivo em crianças com diagnóstico de desvio fonológico. PROCEDIMENTOS: participaram do estudo oito sujeitos com diagnóstico de desvio fonológico e idades 5:0;26 e 7:7;2. O sistema fonético/fonológico foi avaliado por meio do instrumento - Avaliação Fonológica da Criança. Aplicou-se ainda o teste de consciência do próprio desvio de fala, o qual tem por finalidade fazer com que a criança ouça e julgue os desvios existentes em sua própria fala. Para avaliação do processamento auditivo, utilizou-se a Avaliação Simplificada do Processamento Auditivo (Triagem), e os testes especiais de Fala no Ruído e o Teste de Dissílabos Alternados. RESULTADOS: todos os sujeitos obtiveram resultados abaixo do esperado, com valores abaixo de 50% do valor máximo possível nos testes de processamento auditivo. Quanto à consciência do próprio desvio de fala, todos os sujeitos apresentaram esta habilidade, mas em valores bastante variáveis ainda que o desempenho dos testes do processamento auditivo não tenham sido satisfatórios. Este achado sugere que as crianças neste período (5-7 anos), mesmo apresentando dificuldade para entender ou interpretar o que ouvem, são capazes de perceber os erros que apresentam na fala. CONCLUSÃO: a consciência do próprio desvio de fala está presente nos sujeitos com desvio fonológico, independentemente do desempenho apresentado em tarefas do processamento auditivo.

BACKGROUND: the ability of recognizing the own speech impairment and its possible relationship with the auditory processing in children with phonological disorder. PROCEDURES: this study included eight subjects diagnosed with phonological disorders, age between 5:0;26 and 7:7;2-year old. The phonetic / phonological system was evaluated by the Phonological Assessment of Child Speech. The Awareness of the own Speech Impairment Test, which aims to make the child listening and judging the deviations existing in their own speech, was applied. For evaluating the auditory processing, we used the Simplified Assessment of Auditory Processing (Screening), and Speech in Noise and the Alternate Dichotic Dissyllable Special Tests. RESULTS: all subjects were rated below expectations, with values below 50% of the maximum possible value in the tests of auditory processing. As for awareness of their own speech impairment, all subjects showed this ability in quite variable values even though their performance in the auditory processing tests was not satisfactory. This finding suggests that children in this period (5 to 7-year old), even the ones with difficulty to understanding or interpreting what they hear, are able to realize the mistakes they have in speech. CONCLUSION: the awareness of the own speech impairment is found in subjects with phonological disorder, regardless the performance in auditory processing tasks.

O processamento auditivo e a combinação de traços distintivos na aquisição de fala em crianças com desvios fonológicos / Auditory processing and combination of distinctive features in speech acquisition in children with phonological disorders

OBJETIVO: Investigar a relação entre as habilidades auditivas e as combinações de traços presentes na fala de crianças com desvios fonológicos. MÉTODOS: Participaram da pesquisa 22 crianças com diagnóstico de desvio fonológico, com idades entre 5 e 7 anos e de ambos os gêneros. Foi feita a coleta dos dados de fala por meio do teste Avaliação Fonológica da Criança. A combinação de traços foi observada mediante o Modelo Implicacional de Complexidade de Traços (MICT). Os traços adquiridos consideraram uma produção correta acima de 80 por cento. Foram aplicados ainda os testes: Avaliação Simplificada do Processamento Auditivo (triagem), Teste Dicótico de Dissílabos Alterados (SSW), Teste Dicótico de Dígitos, Teste de Fusão Binaural, Teste de Fala no Ruído e o Teste de Logoaudiometria Pediátrica (PSI). RESULTADOS: Todas as crianças obtiveram 100 por cento de êxito no PSI. Nos testes de fala no ruído e de fusão binaural, bem como na triagem, os sujeitos também obtiveram médias altas. Os testes SSW e Dicótico de Dígitos mostraram escores baixos. A combinação de traços que se mostrou mais alterada foi a [+aproximante,+contínuo], que está na composição do fonema /r/, seguida de [coronal,+contínuo]/(-anterior), que compõem os fonemas /ʃ,ʒ/. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos nos testes SSW e Dicótico de Dígitos mostraram haver alteração nas habilidades de ordenação temporal complexa e figura-fundo, bem como memória sensorial defasada. Ao relacionar com os traços, estas alterações encontradas podem comprometer a aquisição destes traços descritos.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between auditory abilities and combinations of distinctive features present in the speech of children with phonological disorders. METHODS: Participants were 22 children diagnosed with phonological disorders, of both genders, with ages between 5 and 7 years. Speech data were gathered using the Phonological Assessment of Children. The combination of features was observed through the Implicational Model Complexity of Traces (MICT). The acquired features considered a correct production above 80 percent. The following tests were also applied: Simplified Auditory Processing Evaluation (screening), Staggered Spondaix Word Test (SSW), Dichotic Listening Test, Binaural Fusion Test, Speech-in-Noise Test, and Pediatric Speech Intelligibility (PSI). RESULTS: All children had 100 percent success in the PSI. In the Binaural Fusion and Speech-in-Noise tests, as well as in the screening, subjects also had high averages. The SSW and the Dichotic Listening Test showed low scores. The combination of features that was more affected was [+approximant,+continuous], which is in the composition of the phoneme /r/, followed by [coronal,+continuous]/(-front), which compose the phonemes /ʃ,ʒ/. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the SSW and Dichotic Listening Test showed a deficit in the abilities of complex temporal order and figure-ground, as well as lagged sensorial memory. These deficits might jeopardize the acquisition of the features described.

A generalização estrutural silábica no tratamento do desvio fonológico / Generalization of syllabic structure in the treatment of phonological disorders

OBJETIVO: analisar a generalização estrutural silábica no tratamento realizado. MÉTODOS: a amostra constituiu-se de sete sujeitos, com idades de 4:0 e 7:0 anos, selecionados através do banco de dados da amostra do Centro de Estudos da Linguagem e Fala (CELF) de uma instituição de ensino superior. Os sujeitos selecionados haviam passado por avaliações fonoaudiológicas, apresentando alteração somente no nível fonológico (A1), que havia sido realizada durante a composição do banco de dados. Os pacientes foram posteriormente tratados com o /r/ em Onset Medial pelo Modelo ABAB-Retirada e Provas Múltiplas, por um ciclo de nove sessões terapêuticas, durante nove semanas. Para a análise da generalização estrutural silábica, foram comparados os dados do sistema fonológico obtidos na avaliação fonológica inicial e na Prova de Generalização 1 (PG1). RESULTADOS: o S1 percorreria duas metas, mas houve generalização em apenas uma; o S2 não houve generalização em nenhuma das duas metas indicadas; o S3 e o S4 percorreram as quatro metas que seriam indicadas, e o S5 percorreu as 3 metas propostas. CONCLUSÃO: a análise permitiu verificar de forma detalhada as metas de generalização.

PURPOSE: to analyze the structural generalization syllabic treatment. METHODS: the sample consisted of seven subjects, aged 4:0 to 7:0 years old and selected from a sample database at the Center for the Study of Language and Speech (CELF) located at an institution university.The subjects selected had undergone speech therapy evaluations, presented only change the phonological level (A1), which had taken place during the composition of the database. Patients were subsequently treated with the / r / in the Medial Onset ABAB-Withdrawal and Multiple Probes by a cycle of nine therapeutic sessions during nine weeks. For the analysis of structural generalization syllabic, we compared the data of the phonological system obtained in the initial phonological and Proof of Generalization 1 (PG1). RESULTS: S1 would go through two goals, but was generalization in only one, the S2 was not generalization in either targets set, the S3 and S4 walked the four goals that would be displayed, and S5 toured the 3 goals. CONCLUSION: the analysis has shown in detail the goals of generalization.