Conclusion. The small molecule AT2R antagonist, EMA401, is in clinical development as a novel analgesic for the relief of neuropathic pain.”
“The nitration of gold surfaces is a nonpolluting method, which can lead Selleckchem AL3818 to large scale production of substrates with remarkable properties and applications. We present a topographical study

of the nanoscale structure of the gold nitride surfaces produced by radio frequency (rf) nitrogen plasma etching of thin gold films. Atomic force microscopy images taken after rf etching reveal the striking appearance of the cluster assembly with large clusters surrounded by small clusters (7.9 +/- 1.4 and 2.3 +/- 0.9 nm, respectively) appearing to exhibit an attractive interaction. We discuss the possible mechanism for this attraction based on a colloid model by Messina [Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 872 (2000)]. This surface exhibits a notable surface enhanced Raman scattering effect demonstrated with L-alanine and rhodamine-6G. The significance of this work is that we found that this SERS active gold nitride surface can be prepared in just one step: by nitrogen plasma etching a thin gold film. Until now most SERS active gold cluster covered surfaces have been prepared in

several steps very often requiring complex lithography.”
“Point prevalence surveys (PPS) are increasingly used to examining and compare hospital antibiotic consumption. The aim of this study was to identify Selleck CCI-779 the (1) point prevalence of antibiotic use in one regional hospital and (2) compare PPS data from similar regional/general hospitals.

Data were collected on all inpatients with an active antibiotic prescription and on all prescriptions issued in the emergency department over a 24-h period. Point prevalence data were obtained from three other regional/general hospitals.

The frequency of antibiotic use was hospital A = 29%, B = 38%, C = 34% and D = 37%. Overall, the most commonly prescribed antibiotic was co-amoxiclav (30%), followed by macrolides (12%). However, new generation broad-spectrum

antibiotics, such as piperacillin/tazobactam or ciprofloxacin, were also commonly used. Prescribing for common conditions such as respiratory infection or cellulites showed diverse antibiotic selection.

Point find more prevalence survey data using a standardised methodology could facilitate both local audit and national benchmarking to monitor antibiotic use.”
“Objective Neuropathic pain is generally chronic and challenging to treat. Studies often ignore chronicity by reporting short-duration outcomes and fail to account for medication tolerability. We assessed efficacy of oral medications on chronic peripheral neuropathic pain. Methods Relevant published, English-language, randomized controlled trials administering oral medications for peripheral neuropathic pain were identified through MEDLINE (1966 to Dec 1, 2012), EMBASE (1980 to December 2012), the Cochrane Library Databases (through December 2012), and the Oxford Pain Relief Database (through 2012).