Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria: a bibliographic study of the first 20 years (1943-1963)

Background: In 2023, the Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria celebrated 80 years. Founded in June 1943 by Oswaldo Lange, Adherbal Tolosa, and Paulino Longo, it has been the official journal of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (ABN) since 1970. Over the decades, it has undergone several upgrades, including indexing in international databases, peer review, and transitioning to open access, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and the internationalization of Brazilian research. This article, the first in a series of four, analyzes the first 20 years of Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria. Objective: To analyze publication trends, authorship patterns, and editorial changes over the first 20 years, highlighting its historical significance. Methods: All editions published by the journal in its digital repository from 1943 to 1963 were analyzed, with each article being examined individually. Additionally, all physical editions available in the Professor Jurandir Marães Picanço Health Sciences Library were also scrutinized. Data from both sources were tabulated independently by two blinded, independent researchers. Subsequently, those two individuals cross-verified the collected data. Results: Between 1943 and 1963, the journal published 83 issues and 2 supplements in 21 volumes, totaling 923 articles. The annual publication rate was 4 issues, except in 1943, with 3 issues, and in 1954, with 6 publications due to two extra supplements. The study analyzed 479 articles classified as article, case report, update, practical note, and technical note, excluding book reviews, tributes, and non-original articles. A total of 893 authors participated, averaging 1.91 authors per article. The articles were categorized as follows: 325 articles, 109 case reports, 19 practical notes, 13 preliminary notes, 9 updates and 9 in other categories. Horacio Martins Canelas was the most prolific author, contributing with 35 articles, followed by Rolando ngelo Tenuto with 29. Only 3.92% were women, notably Maria Elisa Bierrenbach Khoury, the first woman to co-author an article, Iracy Doyle with 3 main authorships, and Maria I. Valente with 1 authorship and 6 co-authorships. Geographically, 418 articles came from Brazil, notably São Paulo (352), Rio de Janeiro (21), and Bahia (21), as well as 61 studies from other countries. Oswaldo Lange was the main Editor throughout the entire study period. Conclusion: The first 20 years of the Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria established it as a vital platform for disseminating knowledge, with significant contributions from Brazilian researchers. Although female participation was low, the journal took steps toward inclusion. The stability of the editorial board and the involvement of influential authors were crucial for the journal’s growth and quality, laying a solid foundation for its continued trajectory of academic excellence and internationalization.