The experimental spectra are compared with theoretical spectra calculated by PF-736 using density functional theory for GMP and the other purine-containing nucleotides, adenosine 5′-monophosphate,

and adenosine 5′-triphosphate. The N K-edge XANES spectra for all of these nucleotides are classified by the numbers of N atoms with particular chemical bonding characteristics in the purine moiety. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.”
“Raloxifene is an antiestrogen marketed for the treatment of osteoporosis. The major metabolic pathway of raloxifene is glucuronidation at 6- and/or 4′-positions, which is mainly catalyzed by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A8 (UGT1A8) expressed in extrahepatic tissues such as the small intestine and colon. Two non-synonymous allelic variants, termed UGT1A8(*)2 (518C > G, A173G)

and UGT1A8(*)3 (830G>A, C277Y), have been found in Caucasian, African-American and Asian populations. In this study, the effect of amino acid substitutions in UGT1A8 on raloxifene glucuronidation was studied using recombinant UGT1A8 enzymes of wild-type (UGT1A8.1) and variant UGT1A8 (UGT1A8.2 and UGT1A8.3) expressed in Sf9 cells. Raloxifene 6- and 4′-glucuronidation by UGT1A8.1 exhibited negative allosteric kinetics. The K-m and V-max values of UGT1A8.1 were 15.0 mu M and 111 pmol/min/mg protein for 6-glucuronidation, and 9.35 mu M and 232 pmol/min/mg BI-2536 protein for 4′-glucuronidation, respectively. The kinetics

of raloxifene 6-glucuronidation by UGT1A8.2 was positive allosteric, whereas the kinetics of raloxifene 4′-glucuronidation was negative allosteric. The S-50 value of raloxifene 6-glucuronidation was markedly low (1.2%) compared with the K-m value of UGT1A8.1, and the K-m value for raloxifene 4′-glucuronidation was 29% that of UGT1A8.1. The V-max value for raloxifene 6-glucuronidation by UGT1A8.2 was comparable to that of UGT1A8.1, whereas the V-max value for raloxifene 4′-glucuronidation was significantly lower (54%) than that of UGT1A8.1. The activities of raloxifene 6- and 4′-glucuronidation in UGT1A8.3 were markedly lower than those of UGT1A8.1. In mycopthenolic acid glucuronidation, the kinetics by wild-type and variant UGT1A8s fitted the Michaelis-Menten model. The K-m and V-max values of UGT1A8.1 JQ-EZ-05 were 123 mu M and 4820 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The K-m and V-max values of UGT1A8.2 were comparable to those of UGT1A8.1. The K-m value of UGT1A8.3 was similar to that of UGT1A8.1, whereas the V-max value was reduced to 2.4% of UGT1A8.1. These findings suggest that A173G and C277Y substitutions of UGT1A8 change the metabolic ability toward raloxifene, and that the polymorphic alleles of UGT1A8 may influence the clinical response and bioavailability of medicines metabolized mainly by UGT1A8. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The PmPR10-1.

5G (100 mW/cm(2)) irradiation intensity. Those cells showed

the open circuit voltage (V-oc) similar to 0.52-0.55 V, the short circuit current density (J(sc)) similar to 0.84-1.13 mA cm(-2), the fill factor similar to 0.39-0.44 and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) similar to 0.18-0.26%. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: The overall objective of this study was to compare senior Emergency Department (ED) trainees (residents) with consultant trauma team leaders, assessing their influence on trauma team performance and patient outcomes. We aimed to identify the effect of seniority of leader on time-based performance measures and Selleckchem Stattic clinical outcomes.\n\nMethods: This retrospective study of prospectively collected data was conducted in an urban Major Trauma Centre which has a well-established trauma team. For the period covered by this study the trauma team was led by either an ED consultant or specialist registrar selleck kinase inhibitor having completed a local trauma team leader development programme. Data from all adult trauma team activations for seriously injured trauma patients (ISS – Injury Severity Score > 15) presenting between 1st January 2008 and 31st October 2009 were included. Performance measures included

time to FAST, time to CT scan and time to haemorrhage control. Patient outcomes were mortality, critical care and hospital length of stay.\n\nResults: There were 579 patients seriously injured in the study period. Trainees led 126 (22%) of the trauma teams. Significant differences in times to diagnostics or haemorrhage control between trainees and consultants were only seen in patients presenting with shock. Compared

with trainees, consultant team leaders were significantly more likely to achieve targets for diagnostic imaging (FAST < 15 min: consultants 97% vs. 33% trainees, p < 0.01; CT scan < 60 min: 76% vs. 50%, p < 0.01) and haemorrhage control (surgery or angiography < 60 min: 82% vs. 54%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in overall mortality between consultants and trainees (consultants 25% vs. trainees 27%, p 1.00). Critical care length of stay was also the same for both (consultants median 5 days vs. trainees median 5 days).\n\nConclusions: Consultant Selumetinib purchase team leaders improve team performance, resulting in shorter times to diagnostic imaging, and faster transfer to haemorrhage control. The greatest benefit seems to be for bleeding patients. Clinical outcomes were similar for trainees and consultants in our major trauma centre. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Using mitochondrial DNA sequence data and genotypic data from four microsatellite loci, we evaluate the population genetic structure for three common species of the freshwater mussel genus Elliptio in the Altamaha River basin in Georgia, USA.

\n\nMethods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 26 patients treated for ABCs: 16 by curettage and 10 by en bloc excision. Each lesion was classified according to Enneking and patients were followed up for a mean time of 9.2 years. On follow-up, radiological examination and functional assessment (range of motion, muscle strength) were performed. Recurrence was defined as the presence of an osteolytic lesion, especially one with a tendency to grow.\n\nResults: On follow-up, the following symptoms were more prevalent in the en bloc excision group compared to the curettage group: pain (en bloc 20% versus curettage

6.25%), limb length differences (en bloc 20% versus curettage 12.5%), reduced range of motion (en bloc 20% versus curettage 6.25%) and muscle strength impairment (en bloc 50% versus curettage 31.2%); however, the differences Geneticin ic50 were not statistically significant (P >0.05). In the curettage group, two cases of postoperative complications and two cases of recurrence were seen, while in the en bloc excision group one case of complications was noted.\n\nConclusions: Curettage is a standard procedure in ABC management. Entinostat nmr En bloc excision is another option, albeit more

technically demanding, that may be considered in recurrent lesions with extensive bone destruction or for cysts in an expendable location.”
“Introduction The Scottish surgeon Robert Liston was an accomplished anatomist of the nineteenth century. The study of anatomy during this day was often overshadowed by the so-called resurrectionists. Conclusions: The present historic paper reviews the life and contributions of Robert Liston and discusses his fascination with childhood hydrocephalus.”
“Objective. selleck screening library To objectively assess the voice outcomes of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis treated with medialization thyroplasty and arytenoid adduction suture.\n\nStudy Design. Case series of patients who underwent medialization thyroplasty and arytenoid adduction suture. Preoperative and postoperative voice testing was performed and the data were compared by statistical analysis.\n\nSetting. Tertiary referral teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia.\n\nSubjects.

All patients had a unilateral vocal fold paralysis, with a large posterior glottic gap and vocal symptoms affecting their quality of life.\n\nMethods. Thirteen patients with a diagnosis of a unilateral vocal fold paralysis with a large posterior glottic gap, vocal symptoms, and total denervation of the vocal fold underwent medialization thyroplasty and arytenoid adduction suture. The surgery was performed in a novel method under a general anesthetic using a laryngeal mask and with direct intraoperative endoscopic feedback. Preoperative and postoperative measures of voice performance were compared, including acoustic analysis (fundamental frequency, speech intensity against quiet and loud background noise, speech rate) and aerodynamic assessment (airflow, maximum phonation time).

The abundance of molecular data PND-1186 concentration makes it possible, at least in theory, to predict how such agents might interact across crucial growth control networks. Initial strategies to examine molecularly targeted agent combinations have produced a small number of successes

in the clinic. However, for most of these combination strategies, both in preclinical models and in patients, it is not clear whether the agents being combined actually hit their targets to induce growth inhibition. Here, we consider the initial approach of the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) to the evaluation of combinations of molecularly targeted anticancer agents in patients and provide a description of several new approaches that the NCI has initiated to improve the effectiveness of combination-targeted therapy for cancer.”
“Object. The effectiveness

of Gamma Knife stereotactic surgery to obliterate brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may be diminished by the preoperative adjunctive use of endovascular liquid embolic agents. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if commercially available liquid embolic agents reduce the radiation dose to the target because of attenuation of the (60)Co beam.\n\nMethods. The apparent linear attenuation coefficients for 120- to 140-keV radiographs in embolized regions were retrieved from CT scans for several patients with AVMs who had undergone embolization Selleckchem PD173074 procedures with liquid embolic agents to reduce nidal volumes. Based on these coefficients and a virtual model of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) with basic ray tracing, the authors obtained the path lengths and densities

of the embolized regions. The attenuation of (60)Co beams was then calculated for various sizes and positions of embolized AVM regions and for the number of beams used for treatment. Published experiments for several high-atomic-number materials were used to estimate the effective (60)Co beam attenuation coefficients for the N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA, suspended in ethiodized oil) and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH, with suspended micronized tantalum powder, Onyx) used in the AVM embolizations. Dose reductions P005091 research buy during GKS were calculated for a theoretical model based on the CT-documented apparent linear attenuation coefficients and for the (60)Co energy attenuation coefficient. Dose measurements were obtained in a phantom study with EVOH for comparison with the estimates generated from the two attenuation coefficients.\n\nResults. Based on CT (key) apparent attenuation coefficients, the authors’ theoretical model predicted that the cumulative effect of either of the embolic agents decreased the number of kilovoltage photons in an embolized nidus by -8% to -15% because of the increased atomic number and density of NBCA and Onyx.

(C) 2011 JQEZ5 molecular weight Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The increasing number of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) crystal structures offers new opportunities for histamine receptor homology modeling. However, computational prediction of ligand binding modes in GPCRs such as the histamine H-4 receptor (H4R), a receptor that plays an important role in inflammation, remains a challenging task. In the current work we have combined complementary in silico receptor modeling approaches with in vitro ligand structure-activity relationship (SAR)

and protein site-directed mutagenesis studies to elucidate the binding modes of different ligand classes in H4R. By systematically considering different H4R modelling templates, ligand binding LY2157299 order poses, and ligand protonation states in combination with docking and MD simulations we are able to explain ligand-specific mutation effects and subtle differences in ligand SAR. Our studies confirm that a combined theoretical and experimental approach represents a powerful strategy to map ligand-protein interactions.”
“Three-dimensional (3-D) stereoscopic vision is theoretically superior to two-dimensional (2-D) vision

in endoscopic endonasal surgery. However, only few reports have quantitatively compared endoscopic performance under the two visual conditions. We introduced a newly designed stereoendoscopic system with a “dual-lens and single camera” for endoscopic endonasal surgery and objectively compared the performances under 3-D and high-definition 2-D visualizations on a dry laboratory model.\n\nThirty subjects without experience performing endoscopic surgery, computer-simulated training or any 3-D video system were recruited and divided into two groups (Group A and Group B) for performing two different tasks. The novel 4.7-mm-diameter stereoendoscope provided high-definition (HD) images. In Task 1, Group A started the task under the 3-D condition followed by the 2-D Selleckchem MAPK inhibitor condition, and Group B vice versa. In Task 2, Group A started the task under the 2-D condition followed by the

3-D condition, and Group B vice versa. The performance accuracy and speed under the two visual conditions were analyzed.\n\nSignificant improvement in performance accuracy and speed was seen under 3-D conditions in the both “3-D first” and “2-D first” subgroups during both tasks (P < .001). Regardless of order, the inaccuracy rate and performance time under 3-D conditions was significantly lower than that under 2-D conditions in each subject.\n\nWe demonstrated the advantage of 3-D visualization over 2-D visualization for inexperienced subjects. Further quantitative clinical studies are required to confirm whether stereoendoscopy actually provides benefits in clinical settings.”
“Objective: Valid and reliable instruments to measure aspects of hand hygiene are needed to determine the current situation and impact of training among health professionals.

Hemoglobin, interleukin-6, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, beta(2) microglobulin and albumin were also measured. The erythropoietin dosage, Kt/V, and normalized protein catabolic rate were recorded monthly.\n\nResults: At 12 months, mean (SD) serum levels of Lp(a) in the CD patients increased from 143.46 (125.11) to 283.89 (145.81) mg/L (p<0.01), whereas levels in the UPD group remained unchanged: 131.38 (201.45) to 120.90 (122.11) mg/L. Endotoxin levels in the 10 CD patients who completed the study ranged from 0.116 to 0.349 EU/mL and were undetectable in the 11 UPD patients who completed the study.

The cultures were less than 200 CFU/mL in CD patients and negative all the time for all UPD patients. Changes in Lp(a)

3-MA purchase from baseline values were lower in the UPD group than in the CD group (p<0.05). However, changes in other variables did not differ between groups.\n\nConclusions: Ultrapure dialysate can prevent the rise of Lp(a), PHA-739358 potentially decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients.”
“Previous studies demonstrated that p190RhoGAP (p190) negatively affects cytokinesis in a RhoGAP-dependent manner, suggesting that regulation of Rho may be a critical mechanism of p190 action during cytokinesis. P190 localizes to the cleavage furrow (CF) of dividing cells, and its levels decrease during late mitosis by an ubiquitin-mediated mechanism, consistent with the hypothesis that high RhoGTP levels are required for completion of cytokinesis. To determine whether RhoGTP levels in the CF are affected by p190 and to define the phase(s) of cytokinesis in which p-190 is involved, we used FRET analysis alone or in combination with time-lapse microscopy. In normal cell division activated Rho accumulated at the

cell equator in early anaphase and in the contractile ring, where it co-localized with p190. Real-time movies revealed that cells expressing elevated levels of p190 exhibited multiple cycles of abnormal CF site selection and PND-1186 inhibitor ingression/regression, which resulted in failed or prolonged cytokinesis. This was accompanied by mislocalization of active Rho at the aberrant CF sites. Quantified data revealed that in contrast to ECT2 and dominate negative p190 (Y1283Ap190), which resulted in hyper-activated Rho, Rho activity in the CF was reduced by wild type p190 in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that p190 regulates cytokinesis through modulation of RhoGTP levels, thereby affecting CF specification site selection and subsequent ring contraction. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Paraquat is one of the most widely used herbicides worldwide. It produces a Parkinson’s disease (PD) model in rodents through redox cycling and oxidative stress (OS) and is associated with PD risk in humans. Glutathione transferases provide cellular protection against OS and could potentially modulate paraquat toxicity.

Future studies

should try to identify nonDNA synapomorphies uniting Barbeyaceae with Dirachmaceae. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the antiatherogenic effects of the dipeptidyl selleck screening library peptidase-4 inhibitor, des-fluoro-sitagliptin (DFS).\n\nBackground The new class of anti-type 2 diabetes drugs, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, improves glucose metabolism by increasing levels of active glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1.\n\nMethods Endothelial function was examined by acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation using aortic rings and atherosclerotic lesion development in the entire aorta in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet with or without DFS, and the antiatherogenic effects of DFS were investigated in cultured human macrophages and endothelial cells. Plasma levels of active GLP-1 were measured in patients with or without coronary artery disease.\n\nResults DFS significantly improved endothelial dysfunction (89.9 +/- 3.9% vs. 79.2 +/- 4.3% relaxation at 10(-4) mol/l acetylcholine, p < 0.05) associated with increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation and reduced atherosclerotic lesion

area (17.7% [15.6% to 25.8%] vs. 24.6% [19.3% to 34.6%], p < 0.01) compared with vehicle treatment. In cultured human macrophages, DFS significantly increased GLP-1-induced cytosolic levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate PERK inhibitor compared with GLP-1 alone, resulted in inhibiting phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and nuclear find more factor-kappa B p65 nuclear translocation through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A pathway, and suppressed proinflammatory cytokines

(i.e., interleukin-1-beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production in response to lipopolysaccharide. DFS-enhanced GLP-1 activity sustained endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation and decreased endothelial senescence and apoptosis compared with GLP-1 alone. In the human study, fasting levels of active GLP-1 were significantly lower in patients with coronary artery disease than those without (3.10 pmol/l [2.40 to 3.62 pmol/l] vs. 4.00 pmol/l [3.10 to 5.90 pmol/l], p < 0.001).\n\nConclusions A DPP-4 inhibitor, DFS, exhibited antiatherogenic effects through augmenting GLP-1 activity in macrophages and endothelium. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2012;59:265-76) (C) 2012 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation”
“The title compound, C20H19O2PSe or SePPh(2-OMe-C6H3)(2), crystallizes with two distinct orientations for the methoxy groups. The Se=P bond is 2.1170 (7) angstrom and the cone angle is 176.0 degrees. Intramolecular C-H center dot center dot center dot Se interactions occur.

(C) 2011 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Exposure to contaminants, often pesticides, has been implicated as a major factor contributing to decreases in bat populations. Bats provide essential ecosystem services and a sustained, thriving population is vital for ecosystem health. Understanding issues threatening their survival is crucial for their protection and conservation. This paper provides the first review for 12 years on organic pollutants in bats and aims to investigate trends and any new issues impacting bat resilience. C59 Wnt purchase Organochlorine (OC) pesticides have been reported most often, especially

in the older literature, with the dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane Pim inhibitor (DDT) metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), present at highest concentrations in tissues analyzed. The OC pesticide concentrations reported in bat tissues have declined significantly since the late 1970s, presumably as a result of restrictions in

use. For example, DDE study mean concentrations over time periods 1970-1980, 1981-1999 and 2000-2013 ranged from 2.6-62, 0.05-231, 0.08-0.19 ppm wet weight, respectively. Exposure, however, still occurs from remaining residues, many years after the compounds have been actively used. In recent years (2000-2013), a range of other organic chemicals have been reported in bat tissues including brominated flame retardants (polybrominated this website diphenyl ether at a mean concentration of 2.9 ppm lipid weight) and perfluorinated compounds (perfluorooctanyl sulfonate at a mean concentration 0.09 ppm wet weight). The persistent organic compounds concentrate in tissues with higher fat content notably back-depot fat. Numerous factors influence exposure, residues detected and concentrations in different individuals, species and tissues which must be understood to provide meaningful assessment of the impacts of exposure. Exposure can lead to not only acute and lethal impacts, but also physiological sub-lethal and chronic

effects, often linked to the annual cycle of fat deposition and withdrawal. Current challenges for bat conservation include collation of a more extensive and standardized database of bat exposure, especially to current use pesticides and emerging contaminants, and better prediction and definition of toxicity end points notably for the sub-lethal effects. Understanding sub-lethal effects will be of greater importance for sustaining populations in the longer-term. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: Although plenty of researchers have reported systemic effects originating from chronic periodontitis (CP) on potentially distal inflammatory processes, such as those leading to coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cancer, no study has reported the association between CP and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Full Text in PDF www.elis.sk.”
“Background: Patients undergoing gastric bypass lose substantial weight, but 20% regain weight starting at 2 years after surgery. Our objective was to identify behavioral predictors of weight regain after laparoscopic

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).\n\nMethods: We retrospectively surveyed 197 patients for factors predictive of weight regain (>= 15% from lowest weight to weight at survey completion). Consecutive patients who had bariatric surgery from 1/2003 through 12/2008 were identified from an existing database. check details Response rate was 76%, with 150 patients completing the survey.\n\nResults: Follow-up after LRYGB was 45.0+/-12.7 months, 22% of patients had weight regain. After controlling for age, gender, and follow-up time, factors associated A-1210477 datasheet with weight regain included low physical activity (odds ratio (OR) 6.92, P=0.010), low self-esteem (OR 6.86, P=0.008), and Eating Inventory Disinhibition (OR 1.30,

P=0.029).\n\nConclusions: Physical activity, self-esteem, and maladaptive eating may be associated with weight regain after LRYGB. These factors should be addressed in prospective studies of weight loss following bariatric surgery, as they may identify patients at risk for weight regain who may benefit from tailored interventions.”
“Toxoplasmosis is considered one of the opportunistic infections for individuals with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and is also a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of neurotoxoplasmosis, ocular toxoplasmosis and antibodies for Toxoplasma gondii in HIV-positive patients attending the SAE (Specialized Assistance Service for HIV/AIDS), as well as to associate their serological profile with epidemiological and clinical data. A total of 250 patients participated learn more in the study from December, 2009 to November, 2010. Serological analysis was performed using the indirect immunofluorescent technique; epidemiological data were gathered by a questionnaire, and clinical history

was based on the analysis of medical charts. Prevalence of seropositivity was 80%, with history of neurotoxoplasmosis in 4.8% and of ocular toxoplasmosis in 1.6% of the patients. The Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) was not used by 32% of the patients, 18.4% of the patients had CD4+ T-lymphocyte count less than 200 cells/mm(3) and 96.8% of them were not aware of the modes of disease transmission. These findings led us to conclude that the study population is at high risk of clinical toxoplasmosis, because of both reactivation of infection in the seropositive patients who do not make a regular use of HAART, and primo-infection in seronegative patients worsened by an unawareness of the modes of infection reported in this study.”
“High-dose (HD) IL-2 therapy in patients with cancer increases the general population of Tregs, which are positive for CD4, CD25, and the Treg-specific marker Foxp3.

HY2 is a ferredoxin-dependent bilin reductase that catalyzes the reduction of the A-ring 2,3,3(1),3(2)-diene system to produce an ethylidene group for assembly with apophytochromes. GNS-1480 order In this study, we sought to determine the catalytic mechanism of HY2. Data from UV-visible and EPR spectroscopy showed that the HY2-catalyzed BV reaction proceeds via a transient radical intermediate. Site-directed mutagenesis showed several ionizable residues that are involved in the catalytic steps.

Detailed analysis of these site-directed mutants highlighted a pair of aspartate residues central to proton donation and substrate positioning. A mechanistic prediction for the HY2 reaction is proposed. These results support the hypothesis that ferredoxin-dependent bilin reductases reduce BV through a radical mechanism, but their double bond specificity is decided by strategic placement of different proton-donating residues surrounding the bilin substrate

in the active sites.”
“A semi-automated, immunomagneticcapture-reverse transcription PCR(IMC-RT-PCR) assay for the detection of three pineapple-infecting ampeloviruses, Pineapple mealybug wilt-associated virus-1, -2 and -3, is described. The assay was equivalent in sensitivity but more rapid than conventional immunocapture RT-PCR. The assay can be used either as a one- or two-step RT-PCR and allows detection of the viruses separately or together in a triplex assay from fresh, frozen or freeze-dried pineapple leaf tissue. This IMC-RT-PCR assay could be used for high throughput screening FK228 clinical trial of pineapple planting propagules and could easily be modified ISRIB ic50 for the detection of other RNA viruses in a range of plant species, provided suitable antibodies are available. Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae are becoming a major public health concern globally, however, relatively little

is known about the molecular and clinical epidemiology of these organisms in many parts of the world.\n\nMethods: As part of a laboratory surveillance programme, 96 carbapenem non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae isolates from clinical samples from patients in seven hospitals were referred for investigation for carbapenemases. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to screen for a collection of genes encoding carbapenemases, 33 of 96 (34.5%) isolates were confirmed as carbapenemase producers. NDM-1 producers were the most prevalent at 64% (21/33) whilst OXA-181 was the second most common carbapenemase constituting 24.5% (8/33) of the carbapenemase producing isolates. Seven of these eight OXA-181 positive isolates underwent further characterisation with screening for other transmissible antimicrobial resistance determinants using PCR. Clonal relatedness was explored using Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE).