Evaluation of Mast Cell Density in the Tumor Microenvironment in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to compare mast cell density (MCD) in oral epithelial dysplasias (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and determine its correlation with clinical and histopathologic parameters and the degree of tumor differentiation. Thirty OSCC samples, 14 OED samples, and 4 non-neoplastic oral mucosa samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry to determine MCD based on the expression of MC tryptase. In addition, MCs were categorized morphologically into degranulated and granulated cells. MCD was significantly higher in OSCC lesions with a greater degree of differentiation (P=0.04). No significant difference in MCD was detected between mild and moderate OED samples (P=0.09). Our findings indicate that MCs are present in the tumor microenvironment and may be associated with a better prognosis.

Antigenic and genomic characterization of adenovirus associated to respiratory infections in children living in Northeast Brazil

From January to December 1998, nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from 482 children with acute respiratory infections attended in emergence department and wards of a teaching hospital in the city of Salvador, Brazil. The samples were tested for the presence of adenovirus by isolation in tissue culture and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Eleven adenoviruses were detected by both methods in the same clinical samples. Infections by adenovirus were observed during seven months of the year without association with rainy season. Genome analysis was performed on these 11 isolates. Species C was represented by serotypes 1, 2 and 5. Within species B, only serotype 7 (Ad7) was detected. Two genomic variants of Ad1, two variants of Ad2, one of Ad5, and one of Ad7 (7h) were identified. This is the first study of molecular epidemiology of adenovirus associated to acute respiratory infections in children living in Northeast Brazil, and contributes to a better understanding of adenovirus infections in the country.

Antigenic and genomic characterization of adenovirus associated to respiratory infections in children living in Northeast Brazil.

From January to December 1998, nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from 482 children with acute respiratory infections attended in emergence department and wards of a teaching hospital in the city of Salvador, Brazil. The samples were tested for the presence of adenovirus by isolation in tissue culture and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Eleven adenoviruses were detected by both methods in the same clinical samples. Infections by adenovirus were observed during seven months of the year without association with rainy season. Genome analysis was performed on these 11 isolates. Species C was represented by serotypes 1, 2 and 5. Within species B, only serotype 7 (Ad7) was detected. Two genomic variants of Ad1, two variants of Ad2, one of Ad5, and one of Ad7 (7h) were identified. This is the first study of molecular epidemiology of adenovirus associated to acute respiratory infections in children living in Northeast Brazil, and contributes to a better understanding of adenovirus infections in the country.

Community-based monitoring of diarrhea in urban Brazilian children: incidence and associated pathogens.

Community-based monitoring was conducted in order to investigate the occurrence of diarrhea in 'sentinel areas' of Salvador, Brazil, and to establish a preliminary profile of the most common pathogens present in children's diarrhea by screening stool samples. This report describes the results obtained from twice weekly home visits to identify and follow diarrhea episodes and testing of carer-requested stool sample collection over a 6-month period. Participants were selected from a large longitudinal study in 21 areas representing the city's poorer socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. Fecal samples were examined for the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protozoa. The mean incidence of diarrhea was 4.97 episodes per child-year, and longitudinal prevalence was 13.6 days per child-year (3.7%). Pathogens were found in 44% of the fecal samples examined. Bacteria were the most frequently encountered pathogens (isolated in 22% of samples), followed by protozoa (19.5%) and viruses (16%). Viral and bacterial pathogens were associated with episodes of severe diarrhea, while viral and protozoan pathogens were associated with longer episodes. The study demonstrated the importance of a public health monitoring system based on 'sentinel areas'.

Visceral leishmaniasis in pregnancy: a case report.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in the island of São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil. Despite an increase in the number of VL cases, the frequency of the disease is low among pregnant women. We present here the case of a pregnant woman followed up by our group, who was treated with amphotericin B with excellent outcome.