The administration of the antibiotic using carrier erythrocytes e

The administration of the antibiotic using carrier erythrocytes elicited a higher accumulation in macrophages, both in vitro and in vivo. The tissue pharmacokinetics of amikacin in vivo using carrier erythrocytes revealed an accumulation of the antibiotic in specific tissues such as the liver and spleen.

Minor changes in the pharmacokinetics were observed in organs and tissues such as renal cortex and medulla. According to the partition coefficients obtained, the relative selleck products uptake of amikacin when carrier erythrocytes were used was: spleen > peritoneal macrophages > liver > lung > renal cortex > renal medulla. Loaded erythrocytes can be seen to be potentially useful for the delivery of aminoglycoside antibiotics in macrophages. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Background. Our objective was to compare the effect of a restricted intravenous fluid regimen adjusted by serum lactate level with a standard restricted regimen on complications after major elective surgery for gastrointestinal KPT-8602 chemical structure malignancy.\n\nMethods. This is a randomized, observer-blinded,

single-center trial conducted across a time span of 13 months. A total of 299 patients were allocated to either a restricted intravenous fluid regimen with supplementary intravenous fluids given based on serum lactate level (group A) or a standard restricted regimen (group R). In group A, the serum lactate level was monitored closely postoperatively to maintain a normal pre-operative serum lactate level. Group R involved patients treated with a restricted fluid regimen in whom additional fluid and electrolytes were administered when deemed necessary based on the usual clinical criteria. The primary outcome measure was complications; the secondary measures were death and adverse effects.\n\nResults. Additional fluid supplementation was needed in some patients in both groups (group A [28%] vs group R [26%]). In group A, the time for additional fluid infusion occurred LBH589 research buy earlier

in the postoperative period than group R. Patients in group A received their first supplementary fluid treatment within the first 12 h more commonly than those in. group R (74% vs 37%, respectively; P < .004). The regimen adjusted by serum lactate decreased systemic postoperative complications in group A versus group R (10% vs 22%, respectively; P = .023) but not overall total complications (23% vs 33%, respectively; P = .090). In contrast, in patients who required additional fluid infusion, the difference in complications between the 2 groups was greater (overall complication, 45% vs 85%, respectively; P = .023; major complication, 16% vs 44%, respectively; P = .018; systemic complications, 19% vs 63%, respectively; P = .001). One patient died in group A and 4 died in group R (1% vs 4%, respectively; P = .206).\n\nConclusion.

Such cross-linking would require one extra fructose per chain in

Such cross-linking would require one extra fructose per chain in the native inulin crystal, as observed. Completion of five H-bonded internal ring-domains would ‘lock in’ each new 6-fructose structural unit of each antiparallel helix pair to create a new isoform. All known properties of inulin VX-809 chemical structure isoforms follow readily from these concepts. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Genome and exome sequencing in large cohorts enables characterization of the role of rare variation in complex diseases. Success in this endeavor, however, requires investigators to test a diverse array of genetic hypotheses which differ in the number, frequency

and effect sizes of underlying causal variants. In this study, we evaluated the power of gene-based association methods to interrogate such hypotheses, and examined the implications for study design. We developed a flexible simulation approach, using 1000 Genomes data, to (a) generate sequence variation at human genes in up to 10K case-control samples, and (b) quantify the statistical power of a panel of widely used gene-based association tests under a variety of allelic architectures, locus effect sizes, and significance thresholds. For loci explaining similar to 1% of phenotypic variance underlying a common dichotomous trait, we find that

all methods have low absolute power to achieve exome-wide significance (similar to 5-20% P5091 clinical trial power at alpha=2.5×10(-6)) in 3K individuals; even in 10K samples, power is modest (similar to 60%). The combined application of multiple methods increases sensitivity, but does so at the expense of a higher false positive rate. MiST, SKAT-O, and KBAC have the highest individual mean power across simulated datasets, but we observe wide architecture-dependent variability in the individual loci detected by each test, suggesting that inferences about disease architecture from analysis of sequencing studies can differ depending on which methods are used. Cl-amidine Our results imply that tens of thousands of individuals, extensive functional annotation,

or highly targeted hypothesis testing will be required to confidently detect or exclude rare variant signals at complex disease loci.”
“Survivin has been demonstrated to be an excellent target for immunotherapy in several types of cancer, but little is known of the efficacy of survivin with gastric adenocarcinoma. In this study, a simple method was performed, and relatively high efficacy was shown upon inducing survivin-derived peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors. The induced CTLs exhibited specific lysis against HLA-A2 matched tumor cells in vitro, and similar results were demonstrated in primary cell cultures isolated from patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Up to 30% of randomly selected patients could potentially benefit from immunotherapy targeting survivin.

In this study, the recombinant Omp25 was formulated in PC-PE lipo

In this study, the recombinant Omp25 was formulated in PC-PE liposomes and PLGA microparticles, to Anti-infection Compound Library clinical trial enhance the protective immunity generated by it. Significant protection was seen with prime and booster liposome immunization in Balb/c mice against virulent B. abortus 544 as it

was comparable to B. abortus S-19 vaccine strain. However, microparticle prime and booster immunization failed to give better protection when compared to B. abortus S-19 vaccine strain. This difference can be attributed to the stimulation of cell mediated immune response in PC-PE liposome immunized mice even after challenge which converted to cytotoxicity seen in CD4(+) and CD8(+) enriched lymphocytes. However, in PLGA microparticle immunized mice, cell mediated immunity was not generated after challenge as observed by decreased cytotoxicity of CD4(+) and CD8(+) enriched lymphocytes. Our study emphasizes on the importance of liposome encapsulating Omp25 immunization in

conferring protection against Selleck Vorinostat B. abortus 544 challenge in Balb/c mice with a single dose immunization regimen. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.”
“2-(2-Cyano-2-phenylethyl)aziridines were converted into novel trans-2-aminomethyl-1-phenylcyclopropanecarboxamides via regiospecific ring opening and 3-exo-tet cyclisation, thus providing the first convenient entry into the trans-isomer of Milnacipran as a useful template for further derivatisation. Furthermore, unprecedented 2-aminomethyl-1-benzylcyclopropanecarboxamides have been synthesized using two different routes starting from 2-( 2- cyanoethyl) aziridines, both involving alpha-benzylation with respect to the nitrile group and aziridine to cyclopropane ring transformation.”
“On behalf of the Global Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes group, the authors provide a perspective on the rights of a child as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) concerning the care

of pediatric endocrine disorders and diabetes mellitus, throughout the world, with particular reference to care in resource-constrained settings. Selleck Quisinostat In this article, we define the spectrum of health care needs of the child with an endocrine disorder and how they may be addressed, in terms of education, research, and development of sustainable programs for improved health outcomes. We emphasize the responsibilities of medical communities, the pharmaceutical industry, and relevant governments in promoting and supporting such concepts. Pediatrics 2013; 131: e573-e578″
“Although a number of plant carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) genes have been functionally characterized in different plant species, little is known about the biochemical role and enzymatic activities of members of the subclass 4 (CCD4).

9-fold differential expression between hemispheres (BAIAP2, DAPPE

9-fold differential expression between hemispheres (BAIAP2, DAPPER1, LMO4, NEUROD6, ATP2B3, and ID2) and performed a case-control association study in an initial Spanish sample this website of 587 ADHD

patients (270 adults and 317 children) and 587 control subjects.\n\nResults: The single- and multiple-marker analysis provided evidence for a contribution of BAIAP2 to adulthood ADHD (p = .0026 and p = .0016, respectively). We thus tested BAIAP2 for replication in two independent adult samples from Germany (639 ADHD patients and 612 control subjects) and Norway (417 ADHD cases and 469 control subjects). While no significant results were observed in the Norwegian sample, we replicated the initial association between BAIAP2 and adulthood ADHD in the German population (p = .0062).\n\nConclusions: Our results support the participation of BAIAP2 in the continuity of ADHD across life span, at least in some of the populations analyzed, and suggest that genetic factors potentially influencing abnormal cerebral lateralization may be involved in this disorder.”
“Background:

Medical school and resident training programmes offer different learning opportunities and outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess medical student and intern experience in common clinical procedures.\n\nMethods: Interns employed in a metropolitan teaching hospital from 2000 to 2004 completed a survey of experience GSK3326595 and confidence GS-1101 manufacturer in clinical procedures at the beginning and end of their intern year. Attendance at and the contribution to procedural confidence of a voluntary procedural skill-training programme were examined.\n\nResults: For the 314 interns, clinical experience before and during internship varied for each procedure and between year cohorts as did training programme attendance (44-84%). Student procedural confidence was predicted by pre-intern experience either on patients or by simulation (beta = 0.17, 95% confidence

interval (CI) 0.02-0.21, P = 0.03) and age > 30 years on commencing internship (beta = 8.44, 95% CI 3.03-14.06, P = 0.003. Adjusted R(2) = 0.08, P = 0.002). Intern procedural confidence by year’s end was predicted by attendance at the training programme (beta = 0.48, 95% CI 0.34-0.62, P < 0.001), intern experience with patient procedures (beta = 0.34, 95% CI 0.21-0.47, P < 0.001) and a clear decision to enter a postgraduate training programme (beta = 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.22, P = 0.007, Adjusted R(2) = 0.50, P < 0.001).\n\nConclusion: Interns and students receive variable experience to carry out procedural skills on patients. This makes designing training programmes difficult as training needs vary each year. Both mandatory supervision of key skills and opportunities to supplement limited experience are needed during the intern year to ensure a uniform experience.


“Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) do not produce alpha


“Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) do not produce alpha interferon (IFN-alpha)

unless viruses cause a systemic infection or overcome the first-line defense provided by conventional DCs and macrophages. We show here that even paramyxoviruses, whose infections are restricted to the respiratory tract, have a V protein able to prevent Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7)- and TLR9-dependent IFN-alpha induction specific to pDCs. Mutational analysis of human parainfluenza virus type 2 demonstrates that the second Trp residue of the Trp-rich motif (Trp-X(3)-Trp-X(9)-Trp) in the C-terminal domain unique to V, a determinant for IRF7 binding, is critical for the blockade of TLR7/9-dependent signaling.”
“A nonhuman primate model was applied to investigate the relationships between variations in the organization of microtubules, microfilaments, Pevonedistat price and chromatin in metaphase I and metaphase II oocytes. Marmoset oocytes were subjected to in vitro maturation and coincubation with sperm. Oocytes which failed to cleave were investigated for chromatin, tubulin, and actin using Hoechst 33258, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled alpha-tubulin antibody and rhodamine-labeled phalloidin, respectively. Spindles were categorized according to size, shape and microtubule organization: normal, large, multipolar, check details disorganized, absent spindle, and spindles with broad poles. Actin caps were categorized

as: normal, small, split, and disorganized. Chromosomal condensation and alignment were described as

AZD8186 manufacturer normal or abnormal. Improper chromosomal condensation was associated with both abnormal microfilament and microtubule arrangement. This was further associated with abnormal actin organization, disorientation and late stabilization of microtubules, but not related to abnormal organization of spindle poles. Chromosomal misalignment was associated with disorientation and late stabilization of tubulin, but not to broad spindle pole. Additionally, abnormal actin polarization appeared not to be related to abnormal spindle poles. The model system presented in this study could be used as an experimental platform for studying the contribution of different factors to the exactness of late meiotic events in primate oocytes. The present study provides basic information on spindle, chromosome, and actin normal and abnormal organization, which can be observed in in vitro matured, but failed to cleave primate oocytes. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Notocotylus attenuatus (Digenea: Notocotylidae) is a monostome fluke parasitizing the intestinal caeca of waterfowl that uses an injection apparatus to infect its intermediate snail host. Morphology of the invading larva (a sporocyst), and the intramolluscan larval development of this fluke have not been characterized extensively. In this study, experimental infections of Lymnaea stagnalis using N.

05) and “cognitive confidence” (z=-2 39; p=026<0 05) Concl

05) and “cognitive confidence” (z=-2.39; p=026<0.05).\n\nConclusion: Cognitive confidence (confidence in memory and attention) of the suicidal group was found to be lower compared to non-suicidal group. This can be related with the decrement in the self esteem of the patients or increment in the perception and over generalization of the negative events. We suggest that the extreme responses to the items might be the indication of a tendency of “black and white” style of thinking. Black and white style of thinking

is also a risk factor for suicide behavior. Most of the people with suicidal attempts are unable to produce alternative solutions to their problems and feel hopeless. The extreme effort to control the thoughts in suicidal group may Selleck Wnt inhibitor be related to their over attention to the thoughts.”
“Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common form of age-related dementia, characterized by deposition of amyloid A beta plaques, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) are postsynaptic glutamate receptors that play a role in memory formation and are targets for

memantadine, an anti-AD drug. www.selleckchem.com/products/cl-amidine.html Nitric oxide (NO) signaling has been involved in both memory development through neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), and neuroinflammation through inducible NO synthase (iNOS) which mediates CNS inflammatory processes. Aim: To study the expression of the NMDAR2B subunit in an inflammatory selleck products model of AD before and after treatment with NO modulators. Materials and methods: AD was induced in mice by a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Behavioral tests for spatial and non-spatial memories and locomotor activity were performed to assess disease severity and progression. The effects of L-NAME (general NOS inhibitor), 1400W (iNOS inhibitor), diflunisal (systemic anti-inflammatory

drug that does not cross the blood brain barrier), and L-arginine, the substrate for NOS was determined. Immunohistochemistry was done to confirm AD and brain lysates were tested for A beta formation, levels of NMDAR2B subunits, and brain NO levels. Results: Systemic LPS induced AD, as shown by cognitive impairment; increased levels of A beta and concomitant increase in the brain NO concentrations. This was associated with overexpression of NMDAR2B. All tested drugs improved behavioral dysfunction, prevented A beta formation and NMDAR overexpression, and lead to decrease in NO concentration in the brain. L-Arginine alone, however, did not produce similar improvements. Conclusion: NMDAR2B subunits are overexpressed in an inflammatory model of AD and NO inhibitors ameliorate this expression. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“The retinotectal projection of rodents presents a precise retinotopic organization that develops, from diffuse connections, from the day of birth to post-natal day 10. Previous data had demonstrated that these projections undergo reorganization after retinal lesions, nerve crush and monocular enucleation.

Where the listeners with SN loss confused sounds on the basis of

Where the listeners with SN loss confused sounds on the basis of frequency (pitch) differences, the FRDA subjects with AN/AD made errors that reflected an inability to perceive temporal (timing) cues in the speech sounds.”
“Diffusion-time distribution analysis (DDA) has been used to Compound C price explore the plasma membrane fluidity of multidrug-resistant cancer

cells (LR73 carcinoma cells) and also to characterize the influence of various membrane agents present in the extracellular medium. DDA is a recent single-molecule technique, based on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), well suited to retrieve local organization of cell membrane. The method was conducted on a large number of living cells, which enabled us to get a detailed overview of plasma membrane microviscosity, and plasma membrane micro-organization, between the cells of the same line. Thus, we clearly reveal the higher heterogeneity of plasma membrane in multidrug-resistant cancer cells in comparison with the nonresistant ones (denoted sensitive cells). AZD5363 concentration We also display distinct modifications related to a membrane fluidity modulator, benzyl alcohol, and two revertants of multidrug resistance, verapamil and cyclosporin-A. A relation between the distribution of the diffusion-time values and the modification of membrane lateral heterogeneities is proposed.

(C) 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. [DOI: 10.1117/1.3155518]“
“This article provides a classification of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and its 3 main variants LDK378 to improve the uniformity of case reporting and the reliability of research results. Criteria for the 3 variants of PPA-nonfluent/agrammatic, semantic, and logopenic-were developed by an international group of PPA investigators who convened on 3 occasions to operationalize earlier published clinical descriptions for PPA subtypes. Patients are first diagnosed

with PPA and are then divided into clinical variants based on specific speech and language features characteristic of each subtype. Classification can then be further specified as “imaging-supported” if the expected pattern of atrophy is found and “with definite pathology” if pathologic or genetic data are available. The working recommendations are presented in lists of features, and suggested assessment tasks are also provided. These recommendations have been widely agreed upon by a large group of experts and should be used to ensure consistency of PPA classification in future studies. Future collaborations will collect prospective data to identify relationships between each of these syndromes and specific biomarkers for a more detailed understanding of clinicopathologic correlations.

Patients/methods Twenty patients with known coronary artery d

\n\nPatients/methods Twenty patients with known coronary artery disease receiving 75mg/day clopidogrel were recruited and given 150 mg/day clopidogrel for 30 days, then returned to 75 mg/day for an additional 30 days. Platelet function was assessed through light-transmittance aggregometry (LTA) and the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay at baseline, 30 days, and 60 days.\n\nResults Mean platelet inhibition was significantly improved with the increased maintenance dose when measured by the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay (P2Y12 reaction units: 191 +/- 15 vs. 158 +/- 17, P=0.013), but not when measured by LTA (LTA-adenosine diphosphate 5: 40 +/- 3 vs 36 +/- 3, P=0.11; LTA-adenosine diphosphate

20: 50 +/- 3 vs. 47 +/- 3, P=0.23). However, only 50% of individual patients experienced improved platelet inhibition, as measured

by the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay, when treated with the increased maintenance dose. Furthermore, GSK2126458 chemical structure poor baseline platelet response did not predict improved responsiveness at the increased dose.\n\nConclusion Despite changing the population’s mean antiplatelet response, an increased maintenance dose of clopidogrel did not improve antiplatelet response in a substantial number of patients; nor did baseline platelet function predict response to a higher maintenance dose. Coron Artery Dis 20:207-213 (C) 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.”
“Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces include ventricles and cerebral and spinal subarachnoid spaces. CSF motion is a combined effect of CSF production rate and superimposed GW786034 cardiac pulsations. Knowledge of CSF dynamics has benefited considerably from the development of phase-contrast (PC) MRI. There are several disorders such as communicating and non-communicating hydrocephalus,

Chiari malformation, syringomyelic cyst and arachnoid cyst that can change the CSF dynamics. The aims of this pictorial review are to outline the PC MRI technique, CSF physiology and cerebrospinal space anatomy, to describe a group of congenital and acquired disorders that can alter the CSF dynamics, and to assess the use of PC MRI in the assessment of various central nervous system abnormalities.”
“Objective: Mitral selleck screening library regurgitation (MR) due to commissural prolapse/flail can be corrected by suturing the margins of the anterior and posterior leaflets in the commissural area (commissural closure). The long-term results of this type of repair are unknown. Our aim was to assess the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of this technique up to 15 years after surgery. Methods: From 1997 to 2007, 125 patients (age, 56.8 +/- 15.7 years; left ventricular ejection fraction, 58.1% +/- 7.1%) with MR due to pure commissural prolapse/flail of 1 or both leaflets underwent commissural closure combined with annuloplasty. The etiology of the disease was degenerative in 88.8% and endocarditis in 11.2%. The commissural region involved was posteromedial in 96 patients (76.8%) and anterolateral in 29 (23.

We argue, that, whilst these studies initially aimed to help clin

We argue, that, whilst these studies initially aimed to help clinicians with the differential diagnosis of NES and epilepsy, close sociolinguistic analysis of patient’s talk can also provide clues about the aetiology of NES. We conclude that the interaction of patient with NES with the doctor can be interpreted as a manifestation of avoidance and a demonstration of helplessness perhaps intended to secure active support from the doctor. In the third part of this review, we suggest that a close reading of a transcript of the interaction between a patient with NES and her doctor (and perhaps attentive listening to how patients’ talk about themselves

FK228 concentration and their disorder) can yield clues to the causes of NES in individual cases. (C) 2013 Elsevier Baf-A1 Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“Due to its antiapoptotic action, derivatives of the lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) provide potential therapeutic utility in diseases associated with programmed cell death. Apoptosis is one of the major pathophysiological processes elicited by radiation injury to the organism. Consequently, therapeutic explorations applying compounds that mimic the antiapoptotic action of LPA have begun. Here we present a brief account of our decade-long drug discovery effort aimed at developing LPA mimics with a special focus on specific agonists of the

LPA(2) receptor subtype, which was found to be highly effective in protecting cells from apoptosis. We describe new evidence that 2-((3-(1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)propyl)thio)benzoic acid (GRI977143), a prototypic nonlipid agonist specific to the LPA(2) receptor subtype, rescues GDC-0068 chemical structure apoptotically condemned cells in vitro and in vivo from injury caused by high-dose gamma-irradiation.

GRI977143 shows the features of a radiomitigator because it is effective in rescuing the lives of mice from deadly levels of radiation when administered 24 h after radiation exposure. Our findings suggest that by specifically activating LPA(2) receptors GRI977143 activates the ERK1/2 prosurvival pathway, effectively reduces Bax translocation to the mitochondrion, attenuates the activation of initiator and effector caspases, reduces DNA fragmentation, and inhibits PARP-1 cleavage associated with gamma-irradiation-induced apoptosis. GRI977143 also inhibits bystander apoptosis elicited by soluble proapoptotic mediators produced by irradiated cells. Thus, GRI977143 can serve as a prototype scaffold for lead optimization paving the way to more potent analogs amenable for therapeutic exploration. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Advances in Lysophospholipid Research. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Infant colonization by Staphylococcus aureus has not been adequately investigated.

Taken together, these facts suggest that activation of RF-produci

Taken together, these facts suggest that activation of RF-producing lymphocytes in CIA model occurs through IAI interactions with anti-BCII lymphocytes.\n\nThree populations of antibodies

were detected in the blood of arthritic rats: a population of antibodies reacting only with BCII, a population of antibodies reacting only with rat collagen (RCII) and a population of antibodies that can bind to both bovine and rat collagen. It was shown that RF in relation to anti-collagen autoantibodies act as anti-idiotype antibodies, and a comparative BX-795 cost analysis of antibody production in arthritic and resistant rats demonstrated that the level of anti-collagen autoantibody production depends on the level of RF production. This suggests that RF and RF-producing lymphocytes are involved in regulation of anti-collagen autoreactive lymphocyte activity through an IAI interaction mechanism. A direct activation of autoreactive anti-RCII lymphocytes by BCII cannot be excluded, but it can be supposed that induction of anti-collagen autoreactive lymphocytes needs a signal generated in IAI interactions by RF-producing lymphocytes. This hypothesis is based on the data obtained, and not only explains the mechanism

of autoreactive lymphocytes activation in the rat CIA model, but also indicates that the key regulatory element in the development of arthritis in animals is RF-producing lymphocytes. The results allow a new insight on the JNK-IN-8 role of RF in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and on seeking more effective therapeutic see more means. (C) 2009 Elsevier

GmbH. All rights reserved.”
“Poliomyelitis is a disease of major public health importance. Since the launch of the Global Poliomyelitis Eradication Initiative in 1988, considerable progress has been achieved globally. At present, the causative agent for the disease – poliovirus – remains endemic in only four countries (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan). The poliovirus eradication plan, as outlined in the WHO strategic plan for 2004-2008, incorporates priority activities for each phase of the plan: (i) polio eradication certification for regions, (ii) oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) cessation phase, and (iii) post-OPV phase. The ultimate goal to eventually stop all vaccination is, however, jeopardized by the emergence of vaccine-derived polioviruses and the risk of bioterrorism. In the post-eradication era, individual countries will be presented with guidelines on OPV cessation and inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) usage. This paper, presented during the Asian Pacific Pediatric Association (APPA) meeting in Pattaya, Thailand from 20 to 22 July 2006, provides an update on the current global situation, focusing on the progress and challenges faced by different countries in their quest for poliovirus eradication. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.