Factors associated with death due to severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by influenza: Brazilian population study.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza infection is characterized by acute viral infection of high transmissibility. Worsening of the case can lead to the need for hospitalization, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and even death. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional population-based study that used secondary database from the Brazilian Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System. Only cases of adults with diagnosis of influenza by RT-PCR and case evolution recorded were included. RESULTS: We identified 2273 adults with SARS by influenza, 343 of which had death as an outcome. The main risk factors for death were lack of hospitalization, not having cough and age, both with p < 0.001. In addition, without asthma, having black skin color, not receiving flu vaccine, having brown skin color and not having a sore throat (p ≤ 0.005) were risk factors too. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with death due to SARS caused by influenza in Brazil, risk factors and protective factors to death were identified. It was evident that those who did not receive the flu vaccine presented twice the risk of unfavorable outcome, reinforcing the need to stimulate adherence to vaccination adhering and propose changes in public policies to make influenza vaccines available to the entire population, in order to prevent severe cases and unfavorable outcomes.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in odontogenic myxoma in vivo and in vitro.

Odontogenic myxoma is a benign neoplasm, which presents local invasiveness and tendency for recurrence. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are involved in tumor invasion. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the expression and activity of these MMPs in odontogenic myxoma in vivo and in vitro. Three cases of odontogenic myxoma and cultured cells derived from this tumor (Mix1 cell line) were used. The detection and activity of two MMPs (2 and 9) were performed by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of odontogenic myxoma and immunofluorescence of the cultured cells and, by gelatin zymographic analysis of Mix1 conditioned media, respectively. MMPs 2 and 9 were detected in vivo and in vitro. The zymographic assay detected latent MMP-2 as well as latent and active MMP-9. Based on our findings, we suggest that MMPs may be involved in local invasiveness of the odontogenic myxoma. MMP-9 is not only secreted by odontogenic myxoma but also has enzyme activity with no further stimulation. Other MMPs were not analyzed; however, our results suggest that the invasive behaviour of odontogenic myxoma could be related at least to MMP-9.

Effect of the chemical composition of Ricinus communis polyurethane on rat bone marrow cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation.

Alterations in the chemical composition of a polymer may be undertaken to improve its biological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro biocompatibility of Ricinus communis polyurethane (RCP) with three different chemical compositions: RCPp (pure RCP), RCP+CaCO(3), and RCP+Ca(3)(PO(4))(2). Rat bone marrow cells were cultivated under conditions that allowed osteoblastic differentiation and were evaluated for cell attachment, cell proliferation, cell morphology, total protein content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and bonelike nodule formation. For the evaluation of attachment, cells were cultured for 4 h. After 3 days, cell morphology was evaluated. Cell proliferation was evaluated after 7 and 14 days. Total protein content and ALP activity were evaluated after 14 days. For bonelike nodule formation, cells were cultured for 21 days. Data were compared with an analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test when appropriate. Cell attachment and ALP activity were not affected by RCP chemical composition. Proliferation, total protein content, and bonelike nodule formation were all affected by RCP chemical composition. These results suggest that initial cell events are not affected by RCP chemical composition, whereas RCPs blended with calcium carbonate or, better yet, calcium phosphate, by favoring events that promote matrix mineralization, are more biocompatible materials.

Odontogenic glandular cyst: a case report.

Glandular Odontogenic Cyst (GOC) is a rare developmental cyst of the jaws. The histological features of GOC strongly suggest an origin from the remains of dental lamina. Radiographically, GOC presents as well-defined radiolucencies with uni- or multilocular appearance. A case of GOC in a 54-year-old black female is presented here. Clinical, histological and imaging features were evaluated. Due to the high tendency of recurrence and the aggressive potential of GOC, careful clinical and radiological evaluation must be carried out. CT scans are recommended because they provide accurate information about locularity of the lesion, cortical integrity, expansion of the lesion and involvement of the contiguous soft tissue.

Irradiation at 780 nm increases proliferation rate of osteoblasts independently of dexamethasone presence.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We have previously shown that phototherapy increases cell growth and impairs protein secretion of fibroblasts. Our objective was to study the effect of phototherapy on osteoblast-like cells in culture treated with dexamethasone. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat calvaria osteoblast-like cells were previously treated or not with dexamethasone and then, they were irradiated or not with a GaAlAs diode laser (wavelength of 780 nm, 10 mW, 3 J/cm2). Adhesion, proliferation, and osteonectin synthesis were analyzed. RESULTS: Phototherapy increased the proliferation rate of cells independently of dexamethasone presence. Adhesion and osteonectin synthesis were not significantly influenced by laser and/or dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the conditions of this study we concluded that phototherapy acts as a proliferative stimulus on osteoblast-like cells, even under the influence of dexamethasone. Thus, we suggest that phototherapy can be of importance as co-adjuvant in bone clinical manipulation in order to accelerate bone regeneration.