Maria Noel Marzano Rodrigues Petruzzi

Risk factors of HIV-related oral lesions in adults

METODOS: Comparou-se a producao cientifica de pesquisadores brasileiros bolsistas 1-A do CNPq, das areas da saude coletiva, imunologia e medicina. Os indices-h de cada pesquisador foram estimados com base no Web of Science , Scopus e Google Academico. Foram estimadas as medianas dos indices-h para os grupos de pesquisadores em cada area, e para comparar as diferencas foram usados, de acordo com cada fonte, o teste nao parametrico de Kruskal- Wallis e as comparacoes multiplas de Behrens-Fisher. RESULTADOS: A area da imunologia apresentou mediana dos indices-h mais alta que os da Saude Coletiva e da Medicina quando se utiliza a base Web of Science . Porem, essa diferenca desapareceu quando a comparacao foi feita utilizando a base Scopus ou o Google Academico. CONCLUSOES: A emergencia do Google Academico traz a um novo patamar as discussoes sobre a medida do impacto bibliometrico das publicacoes cientificas. Areas com fortes componentes profissionais, em que o conhecimento produzido e e deve ser publicado tambem na lingua nativa, vis-a-vis sua difusao para a comunidade internacional, tem padrao de publicacoes e citacoes cientificas diferente de areas exclusivas ou predominantemente academicas e mais bem captado pelo Google Academico. OBJETIVO: Analisar a utilizacao do indice-h como medida do impacto bibliografico da producao cientifica de pesquisadores brasileiros.OBJECTIVE To assess the risk factors in the occurrence of oral lesions in HIV-positive adults. METHODS A retrospective analytical-descriptive survey was conducted using the medical/dental records of 534 patients with oral lesions associated with HIV. The data were collected from five referral centers for managing HIV and associated comorbidities in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, between 1996 and 2011. Using a standardized form, socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded. Exclusively and definitively diagnosed oral pathologies were included and classified according to ECC criteria on Oral Problems Related to HIV Infection. For data analysis cross-tabulations, Chi-squared tests and logistic regression models were used where appropriate. RESULTS CD4+ counts lower than 350 cells/mm³ (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p = 0.011) and female gender (p = 0.031) were predisposing factors for oral candidiasis. The occurrence of hairy leukoplakia was independently associated with CD4+ counts below 500 cells/mm³, (p = 0.029) a viral load above 5,000 copies/mm³ (p = 0.003) and smoking (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Moderate and severe degrees of immunodeficiency and detectable viral loads were risk factors for the onset of oral lesions. Smoking and alcohol consumption also increased susceptibility to the development of opportunistic infections in HIV-positive adults from Porto Alegre, irrespective of the use of antiretroviral therapy.

Role of tumour-associated macrophages in oral squamous cells carcinoma progression: an update on current knowledge

BackgroundOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts over 90% of malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity. This pathological entity is associated to a high mortality rate that has remained unchanged over the past decades. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are believed to have potential involvement in OSCC progression. However, the molecular networks involved in communication between stroma and cancer cells have not yet been fully elucidated.Main bodyThe role of M2 polarized cells in oral carcinogenesis is supported by a correlation between TAMs accumulation into OSCC stroma and poor clinical outcome. Signalling pathways such as the NF-κB and cytokines released in the tumour microenvironment promote a bidirectional cross-talk between M2 and OSCC cells. These interactions consequently result in an increased proliferation of malignant cells and enhances aggressiveness, thus reducing patients’ survival time.ConclusionsHere, we present a comprehensive review of the role of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in macrophage polarization to an M2 phenotype and OSCC progression. Understanding the molecular basis of oral carcinogenesis and metastatic spread of OSCC would promote the development of targeted treatment contributing to a more favourable prognosis.

Microflora associated with primary endodontic infections: Correlations among sem evaluation, clinical features, and radiographic findings

The aim of the present study was to characterize, by means of SEM, primary endodontic infections and to correlate with clinical and radiographic findings. Twelve (12) human extracted teeth (19 roots) presenting primary endodontic infection were examined. SEM qualitative observations of bacterial and defense cells, their features and distribution within the root canal lumen and root dentine were recorded for association with clinical and radiographic tabled data. Although a direct correlation between biofilm composition and clinical/radiographic findings was not established, structural organization and distribution of the biofilm, as well as the characteristics of host response, could be easily related to those features. Bacterial biofilm was predominant at the apical third. Symptomatic apical periodontitis was related to presence of bacterial biofilm all thirds. Defense cells could be seen in the apical third of some samples. These cells were present in all thirds in some of the cases with open cavities. The correlations performed in this study allowed a better understanding of the picture of primary endodontic infection, host response and relevant clinical features. The combined use of scanning electron microscopy with clinical and radiographic evaluation has the potential to overcome some limits of the current knowledge related to pulpal and periapical diseases, providing important insights for improving treatment strategies. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012.

Epidemiological characteristics and HIV-related oral lesions observed in patients from a Southern Brazilian city

PURPOSE: To assess the epidemiological characteristics and associated oral lesions of HIV adult carriers in a southern Brazilian city. METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted to review the medical records of 534 patients treated at 5 referral health centers. RESULTS: Nearly 52% of the patient sample was male, 88.2% were older than 30 years of age, 58% had been diagnosed with an advanced stage of HIV disease and 78.1% presented rapid rates of HIV progression to AIDS. Harmful habits were common (31.9%), and 35% of the patients were unemployed. Approximately 60% of the subjects used highly active antiretroviral therapy. Tuberculosis was the most commonly observed systemic illness (18.5%), and oral candidiasis was the most prevalent lesion in the oral cavity (50%). A higher risk for tuberculosis onset was associated to illicit drugs use and oral candidiasis and hairy leukoplakia. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of concurrent diseases and the rapid progression to AIDS highlight the need for early diagnosis and access to treatment. Professionals must be made aware about the onset of HIV-related oral lesions that would be helpful to diagnose HIV or serve as indicators of a worsening condition.

Factores de riesgo de lesiones bucales asociadas al VIH en adultos

METODOS: Comparou-se a producao cientifica de pesquisadores brasileiros bolsistas 1-A do CNPq, das areas da saude coletiva, imunologia e medicina. Os indices-h de cada pesquisador foram estimados com base no Web of Science , Scopus e Google Academico. Foram estimadas as medianas dos indices-h para os grupos de pesquisadores em cada area, e para comparar as diferencas foram usados, de acordo com cada fonte, o teste nao parametrico de Kruskal- Wallis e as comparacoes multiplas de Behrens-Fisher. RESULTADOS: A area da imunologia apresentou mediana dos indices-h mais alta que os da Saude Coletiva e da Medicina quando se utiliza a base Web of Science . Porem, essa diferenca desapareceu quando a comparacao foi feita utilizando a base Scopus ou o Google Academico. CONCLUSOES: A emergencia do Google Academico traz a um novo patamar as discussoes sobre a medida do impacto bibliometrico das publicacoes cientificas. Areas com fortes componentes profissionais, em que o conhecimento produzido e e deve ser publicado tambem na lingua nativa, vis-a-vis sua difusao para a comunidade internacional, tem padrao de publicacoes e citacoes cientificas diferente de areas exclusivas ou predominantemente academicas e mais bem captado pelo Google Academico. OBJETIVO: Analisar a utilizacao do indice-h como medida do impacto bibliografico da producao cientifica de pesquisadores brasileiros.OBJECTIVE To assess the risk factors in the occurrence of oral lesions in HIV-positive adults. METHODS A retrospective analytical-descriptive survey was conducted using the medical/dental records of 534 patients with oral lesions associated with HIV. The data were collected from five referral centers for managing HIV and associated comorbidities in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, between 1996 and 2011. Using a standardized form, socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded. Exclusively and definitively diagnosed oral pathologies were included and classified according to ECC criteria on Oral Problems Related to HIV Infection. For data analysis cross-tabulations, Chi-squared tests and logistic regression models were used where appropriate. RESULTS CD4+ counts lower than 350 cells/mm³ (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p = 0.011) and female gender (p = 0.031) were predisposing factors for oral candidiasis. The occurrence of hairy leukoplakia was independently associated with CD4+ counts below 500 cells/mm³, (p = 0.029) a viral load above 5,000 copies/mm³ (p = 0.003) and smoking (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Moderate and severe degrees of immunodeficiency and detectable viral loads were risk factors for the onset of oral lesions. Smoking and alcohol consumption also increased susceptibility to the development of opportunistic infections in HIV-positive adults from Porto Alegre, irrespective of the use of antiretroviral therapy.

Fatores de risco de lesões bucais associadas ao HIV em adultos

METODOS: Comparou-se a producao cientifica de pesquisadores brasileiros bolsistas 1-A do CNPq, das areas da saude coletiva, imunologia e medicina. Os indices-h de cada pesquisador foram estimados com base no Web of Science , Scopus e Google Academico. Foram estimadas as medianas dos indices-h para os grupos de pesquisadores em cada area, e para comparar as diferencas foram usados, de acordo com cada fonte, o teste nao parametrico de Kruskal- Wallis e as comparacoes multiplas de Behrens-Fisher. RESULTADOS: A area da imunologia apresentou mediana dos indices-h mais alta que os da Saude Coletiva e da Medicina quando se utiliza a base Web of Science . Porem, essa diferenca desapareceu quando a comparacao foi feita utilizando a base Scopus ou o Google Academico. CONCLUSOES: A emergencia do Google Academico traz a um novo patamar as discussoes sobre a medida do impacto bibliometrico das publicacoes cientificas. Areas com fortes componentes profissionais, em que o conhecimento produzido e e deve ser publicado tambem na lingua nativa, vis-a-vis sua difusao para a comunidade internacional, tem padrao de publicacoes e citacoes cientificas diferente de areas exclusivas ou predominantemente academicas e mais bem captado pelo Google Academico. OBJETIVO: Analisar a utilizacao do indice-h como medida do impacto bibliografico da producao cientifica de pesquisadores brasileiros.OBJECTIVE To assess the risk factors in the occurrence of oral lesions in HIV-positive adults. METHODS A retrospective analytical-descriptive survey was conducted using the medical/dental records of 534 patients with oral lesions associated with HIV. The data were collected from five referral centers for managing HIV and associated comorbidities in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, between 1996 and 2011. Using a standardized form, socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded. Exclusively and definitively diagnosed oral pathologies were included and classified according to ECC criteria on Oral Problems Related to HIV Infection. For data analysis cross-tabulations, Chi-squared tests and logistic regression models were used where appropriate. RESULTS CD4+ counts lower than 350 cells/mm³ (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p = 0.011) and female gender (p = 0.031) were predisposing factors for oral candidiasis. The occurrence of hairy leukoplakia was independently associated with CD4+ counts below 500 cells/mm³, (p = 0.029) a viral load above 5,000 copies/mm³ (p = 0.003) and smoking (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Moderate and severe degrees of immunodeficiency and detectable viral loads were risk factors for the onset of oral lesions. Smoking and alcohol consumption also increased susceptibility to the development of opportunistic infections in HIV-positive adults from Porto Alegre, irrespective of the use of antiretroviral therapy.