Estimating the vaccine-preventable burden of hospitalized pneumonia among young Mozambican children.

Polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae have proven efficacy against radiologically confirmed pneumonia. Measurement of pneumonia incidence provides a platform to estimate of the vaccine-preventable burden. Over 24 months, we conducted surveillance for radiologically confirmed severe pneumonia episodes among children <2 years of age admitted to a rural hospital in Manhiça, southern Mozambique.

Surveillance of acute bacterial meningitis among children admitted to a district hospital in rural Mozambique.

Background: Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) remains an important cause of mortality among African children. Epidemiologic data with regard to ABM infection are necessary for prioritizing public health interventions.

Methods: We strengthened hospital-based surveillance of ABM among children admitted to Manhiça District Hospital (Maputo, Mozambique).

Invasive pneumococcal disease in children<5 years of age in rural Mozambique.

Objectives: To estimate the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children<5 years of age living in a rural area of southern Mozambique.

Methods: As part of the clinical management of children admitted to Manhiça District Hospital, prospective surveillance for invasive bacterial disease was conducted from June 2001 to May 2003. The level of antibiotic resistance of the isolates was also analysed.

Analysis of CGG variation through 642 meioses in Fragile X families.

Fragile X syndrome is the commonest familial form of inherited mental retardation. The molecular defect is an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeats in the 5' untranslated region of the FMR1 gene that is inherited in an unstable fashion in fragile X families. In an attempt to provide more information about the CGG tract intergenerational variation, we have evaluated 642 transmissions in 175 Fragile X families.

Long-term biochemical response after bisphosphonate therapy in Paget's disease of bone. Proposed intervals for monitoring treatment.

Objectives: To monitor the long-term evolution of Paget's disease activity after treatment with tiludronate by using serum total alkaline phosphatase (TAP) and more sensitive markers such as bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) and urinary N-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX); to analyse the predictors of long-term response to therapy; and to study the most appropriate intervals of time for monitoring the response to therapy.

Methods: Thirty-two patients with Paget's disease were included in the study. All received 400 mg of oral tiludronate daily for 3 months.

[Is there a place for otorhinolaryngology in primary care? Analysis of different areas].

Otolaryngological disorders do have a high incidence, and prevalence and require specific physical examinations amongst general population. As a result, it is believed that it would be efficient to have otorhinolaryngologists within the primary care system. The main aim of this study was to assess the differences in hospital referrals comparing primary care units with and without ENT specialists.

Effect of malaria on soluble transferrin receptor levels in Tanzanian infants.

The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in malaria endemic areas is complicated by the influence of the infection on the laboratory tests conventionally used to assess iron status. Determination of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) levels has been shown to be a sensitive indicator of iron deficiency in adults and is not affected by a range of infectious and inflammatory conditions. The utility of sTfR levels in the diagnosis of iron deficiency in malaria endemic areas remains unresolved.