Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2006; 65: 842–850. 51 Watkins E, Findlay P, Gelmann E et al. Enhanced mucosal reactions in AIDS patients receiving orophanryngeal irradiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1987; 13: 1403–1408. 52 Sanfilippo NJ, Mitchell J, Grew D, DeLacure M. Toxicity of head-and-neck radiation therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-positive selleckchem patients. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010; 77: 1375–1379. 53 Evans MD, Yassa M, Podgorsak EB et al. Surface applicators for high dose rate brachytherapy in AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1997; 39: 769–774. 54 Guo W-X, Gill PS, Antakly T. Inhibition of AIDS-Kaposi’s sarcoma cell proliferation following retinoic acid

receptor activation. Cancer Research 1995; 55: 823–829. 55 Walmsley S, Northfelt DW, Melosky B et al. Treatment of AIDS-related cutaneous Kaposi’s sarcoma with topical alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid) gel. Panretin Gel North American Study Group. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 1999; 22: 235–246. 56 Bodsworth

NJ, Bloch M, Bower M et al. Phase III vehicle-controlled, multi-centered study of topical alitretinoin gel 0.1% this website in cutaneous AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma. Am J Clin Dermatol 2001; 2: 77–87. 57 Duvic M, Friedman-Kien AE, Looney DJ et al. Topical treatment of cutaneous lesions of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related Kaposi sarcoma using alitretinoin gel: results of phase 1 and 2 trials. Arch Dermatol 2000; 136: Cediranib (AZD2171) 1461–1469. 58 Aboulafia DM, Norris D, Henry D et al. 9-cis-Retinoic acid capsules in the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma: results of a phase 2 multicenter clinical trial. Arch Dermatol 2003; 139: 178–186. 59 Boudreaux AA, Smith LL, Cosby CD et al. Intralesional vinblastine for cutaneous Kaposi’s sarcoma associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A clinical trial to evaluate efficacy and discomfort associated with infection. J Am Acad Dermatol 1993; 28: 61–65. 60 Moyle G, Youle M, Barton S. Intralesional vinblastine in

the treatment of oral Kaposi’s sarcoma. Br J Clin Pract 1993; 47: 79–80. 61 Ramirez-Amador V, Esquivel-Pedraza L, Lozada-Nur F et al. Intralesional vinblastine vs. 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate for the treatment of oral Kaposi’s sarcoma. A double blind, randomized clinical trial. Oral Oncol 2002; 38: 460–467. 62 Tappero JW, Berger TG, Kaplan LD et al. Cryotherapy for cutaneous Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS): a phase II trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 1991; 4: 839–846. 63 Hebeda KM, Huizing MT, Brouwer PA et al. Photodynamic therapy in AIDS-related cutaneous Kaposi’s sarcoma. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol 1995; 10: 61–70. 64 Bernstein ZP, Wilson BD, Oseroff AR et al. Photofrin photodynamic therapy for treatment of AIDS-related cutaneous Kaposi’s sarcoma. AIDS 1999; 13: 1697–1704. 65 Koon HB, Fingleton B, Lee JY et al. Phase II AIDS Malignancy Consortium trial of topical halofuginone in AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma.

filling decayed teeth; giving instructions on tooth brushing, flossing, and home use of fluoridated mouth rinses; giving advice on the use of fluoridated toothpaste; fluoride therapy; professional prophylaxis; GSK458 order dietary

counselling; and a check-up interval (3–6 months for the high-risk and 9–12 months for the low-risk patient). The students’ responses for prevention-related alternatives were scored from 1 to 5, with the highest scores for favourable responses (i.e., ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ for all the alternatives) for the high-risk patient. For the low-risk patient, the highest scores were for favourable responses ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ for filling decayed tooth, giving instructions on tooth brushing, flossing, and giving advice on and recommendation

of the use of fluoridated toothpaste; and ‘disagree’ and ‘strongly disagree’ for home use of fluoride mouth rinse, fluoride therapy, dietary counselling, and professional prophylaxis. First, the responses were analysed to identify those who agreed with including the right alternatives in the treatment plans of the high-risk case and the low-risk case. Next, the mean of the scores for each response was calculated and used as the final prevention-oriented practice score for each subject. The scores were summed to calculate the final prevention-oriented practice scores. To dichotomize the variable, the median of the final scores served as cut-off point, with respondents scoring below the median comprising those with poor Epacadostat cell line prevention practice and all others comprising those with good prevention practice. Finally, factors associated with acceptable caries-preventive practice (defined as a combination of agreement on need for dietary counselling for the children with high risk of caries and giving instructions for tooth brushing and using fluoridated toothpaste to patients with both high and low caries risk) were identified. In five separate questions, students were requested to assess their self-perceived competency in giving oral hygiene instructions, giving dietary counselling, applying topical fluoride, applying

fissure sealants, and managing children at high risk of developing caries. Alternatives were very competent, competent, not Beta adrenergic receptor kinase very competent, and not at all competent and I have never done that. Variables were dichotomized as described. Chi-squared test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of differences in frequencies between subgroups. Binary logistic regression models were applied to these data to evaluate the association of outcome measures with explanatory factors and to calculate corresponding odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. STATA version 12.0 was used for statistical analysis. One hundred and seventy-nine students of the 223 eligible students filled the questionnaire giving a response rate of 80.3%. There were 106 (59.2%) men and 71 (39.7%) women. Two (1.1%) respondents did not indicate their sex.

In conclusion, these results show high (> 35%) HIV infection rates in adults in this southern area of Mozambique. Furthermore, in this area HIV prevalence estimates from routine ANC surveillance

tended to underestimate the magnitude of the epidemic, especially in the youngest age group. The estimated HIV infection rates will help to identify populations at greatest risk for infection which need to be prioritized in prevention programmes and strategies [43]. Indeed, HIV/AIDS education programmes commonly target adolescents and younger adults, but our results suggest that prevention programmes should also be SGI-1776 extended to older adults [44]. Improving the prevention tools already available is crucial, but the development and testing of innovative prevention strategies

such as circumcision, prevention strategies that include HIV-infected individuals and test and treat may need to be tailored to different age and risk groups, especially in sub-Saharan countries such as Mozambique, where the epidemic continues to exact a severe toll. This work was supported by the PFT�� mouse European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) as part of the AfrEVacc consortium and co-funded by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitaria from the Spanish Ministry of Health. The CISM receives core funding from the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECI) and the HIV VCT units and personnel from the selleckchem Manhiça Health Centre are supported by the Agència de Cooperació Catalana. R.G. was supported by a grant from the Spanish

Ministry of Health (Contrato post-Formación Sanitaria Especializada ‘Rio Hortega’, Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, ref. CM07/0015). We are grateful to the study participants, field workers, HIV counsellors and all the staff from the Demography and Social Sciences Departments at the CISM, especially to Charfudin Sacoor, Elpidia Pedro, Carolina Mindu and Helena Boene. “
“Background. Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) can affect travelers to sub-Saharan Africa, as well as migrants from disease endemic countries (DECs), posing diagnosis challenges to travel health services in non-disease endemic countries (non-DECs). Methods. Cases reported in journals have been collected through a bibliographic research and complemented by cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) during the process to obtain anti-trypanosome drugs. These drugs are distributed to DECs solely by WHO. Drugs are also provided to non-DECs when an HAT case is diagnosed. However, in non-DEC pentamidine can also be purchased in the market due to its indication to treat Pneumocystis and Leishmania infections. Any request for drugs from non-DECs should be accompanied by epidemiological and clinical data on the patient. Results. During the period 2000 to 2010, 94 cases of HAT were reported in 19 non-DECs.

In the UK, parliament was to legalize physician assisted suicide in December 1997 when a private bill, ‘Doctor Assisted Dying’ was presented signaling pathway by MP Joe Ashton which gained little publicity. The debate continues and there are several organizations seeking public support to legalize euthanasia and PAS. There have been some studies into the views of the medical and nursing profession towards these issues with little involvement

of pharmacists. Considering the diversifying role of the pharmacist and increasing contribution to palliative care, patient safety and medicines use, their input and subsequently attitudes to these practices warrants attention. A questionnaire adapted from MS-275 purchase literature1 was administered to the level 4 MPharm cohort that investigated their views

on PAS. Students were asked to anonymously rate answers to questions about moral responsibility, personal beliefs, changes in the law and ethical guidance using a Likert scale, i.e. from 1 to 5, where 1 = strongly agree and 5 = strongly disagree . This was followed up by a focus group of a sample of 8 students selected conveniently to explore comments and issues that were found. Transcripts of the focus group were analysed by thematic analysis and constant comparison. Ethics was granted by the Ethics Committee of the University undertaking this research. 93 questionnaires were returned (53% response rate). There was a general consensus (median Metformin in vivo score 1, interquartile range (IQR) 1–3, 81%, n = 75) that a patient had the right to choose his/her death, and that assistance from their physician should be

allowed (median score 1, IQR 1–3, 72% n = 67). However, the use of prescription medicines to achieve premature death was not as acceptable with 52% (n = 48) disagreeing or strongly disagreeing (median score 4, IQR 2–5) and a further 26% (n = 24) unsure of their use for PAS. 40% agreed or strongly agreed (median score 2.5, IQR 1–5, n = 37) to the moral responsibility of the pharmacist to dispense medication for the purpose of PAS, but 78% agreed or strongly agreed (median score 2, IQR 1–4, n = 73) that legislation is required to regulate the practice appropriately, and specifically the GPhC should provide guidance to pharmacists on appropriate protocol for PAS (73%). Students (73%, n = 68) also claimed an encompassing statement within the conscience clause should allow pharmacists to abstain from involvement in this practice. This undergraduate cohort agrees that the practice of PAS should be accepted and legalised within the UK. However, despite agreeing that physicians have a role to play in this, the role of the pharmacist is less clear, with dispensing of medication for the use of PAS not generally accepted.

, 1994; Copanlisib chemical structure Wenzel et al., 1996; Silverstein et al., 1997; Okusawa et al., 1998; Cohen & Abraham, 1999). The knowledge that stimulation by various Gram-positive pathogens, for example Group B streptococci (Gibson et al., 1991; Teti et al., 1992, 1993), viridans streptococci (Hanage & Cohen, 2002), Streptococcus pneumoniae (Benton et al., 1998), Streptococcus suis (Segura et al., 2006) and Staphylococcus aureus (Cui et al., 2000), generates a signal for elevated release of proinflammatory cytokines that are

correlated with disease severity and mortality (Metz & Murray, 1990; Wakabayashi et al., 1991; Casey et al., 1993) has highlighted some probable similarities in septic shock pathophysiology, leading to an increased research interest aiming to identify the counterpart of LPS, the pivotal molecule in Gram-negative sepsis. Despite great efforts, results are often inconclusive or contradictory. For example, while some works clearly suggest that purified type and/or group-specific GBS polysaccharides induce considerable TNF-α secretion,

(Vallejo et al., 1996; Cuzzola et al., 2000), in vivo data often do not support these results (Williams et al., 1993; Ling et al., 1995). Similar findings were described in the case of S. pneumoniae (Tuomanen et al., 1985). In view of the essential role of EPS in S. iniae pathogenesis, the belief that LTA is the unequivocal counterpart of LPS in terms of pathogenesis of Gram-positive bacteria (Ginsburg, 2002) should be reassessed, especially as other

studies have reported that www.selleckchem.com/products/INCB18424.html staphylococcal and GBS LTA is a weak TNF-α inducer (Nealon & Mattingly, 1985; Vallejo et al., 1996; Han et al., 2003) and that pneumococcal LTA is completely unable to induce cytokine production (Bhakdi et al., 1991). Taken together, these data indicate that despite the fact that the possible disparity in results may be due to technical differences in the assay systems (cell types and culture conditions, variations in the chemical structures, for example CPS from different pathogens, or even minimal biochemical changes between Thalidomide compounds considered similar, for example microheterogeneity among pneumococcal LTAs), the mechanisms underlying the septic shock induced by Gram-positive cocci are very likely heterogeneous. It appears that several of the cell wall components may act together or with other extracellular molecules, perhaps synergistically (Vallejo et al., 1996), to induce TNF-α production. While an in vitro cell-line system cannot completely mimic the complexity of the natural milieu, and therefore can hardly stand alone in witnessing the role of EPS, the addendum of in vivo data, also essentially supporting the concept of resemblance in the cytokine network triggered after stimulation by Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms (but sustaining the theory of the absence of a common LPS-like denominator among Gram-positive pathogens), now indicates that, in the case of the disease induced by S.

The software flags sequences that have uncertain assignments or in which no HMM regions could be detected in either orientation, suggesting the presence of sequence anomalies. We evaluated the reliability of the software by screening all bacterial (387 520) and archaeal (19 261) 16S sequences deposited in the SILVA database release 102 (Fig. 1a); mitochondrial and chloroplast sequences were excluded beforehand. Because the SILVA database stores all entries in a well-curated

multiple sequence GDC-0980 concentration alignment, all these entries should be present in the 5′–3′ orientation. On a 3 GHz dual-core computer, v-revcomp processed the bacterial and archaeal datasets in 252 and 8 min, respectively. All sequences except one bacterial entry were assigned as being in the 5′–3′ orientation, representing a detection accuracy of virtually 100%. The software selleck inhibitor flagged 40 (0.01%) sequences that showed the detection of either one HMM (37 cases), two HMMs (two cases) or three HMMs (one case) in the reverse complementary orientation; however, the majority of HMMs (i.e. 9–16) were detected in the input orientation. We studied these 40 uncertain sequences in more detail using blast against

NCBI GenBank (Benson et al., 2010) as well as through pairwise sequence alignments against an Escherichia coli reference rRNA operon (GenBank accession J01695, Prestle et al., 1992) where necessary. Fifteen cases (37.5%) were reverse complementary chimeras, i.e. sequences erroneously assembled to contain one segment in the reverse complementary orientation as compared with the remainder of the sequence (see representative example in Supporting Information, Fig. S1a). This reverse-complemented segment led to the detection of one or more HMMs in the opposite orientation compared with the rest of the sequence. In

Oxymatrine 12 cases (30%), the HMMs detected a segment at either the 5′ or the 3′ end of the reverse complementary sequence that did not match any entry in GenBank; such sequences are very likely to represent chimeric unions or other sequence artefacts (see representative example in Fig. S1b). The remaining 13 cases (32.5%) contained no obvious anomaly and might represent occasional false-positive detections by individual HMMs. Importantly, though, the average HMM detection ratio between the original and the reverse complementary sequence in these 13 cases was 16 : 1, which leaves no doubt about the true orientation of the query. Considering that any 500-bp segment of a 16S sequence should have approximately 4–6 HMM detections (Hartmann et al., 2010), some sequences had lower HMM detection counts than would have been expected based on the sequence length.

α-32P-dCTP-labelled probes were synthesized using Rediprime II DNA Labelling System (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) according to instructions of the manufacturer. Restriction enzymes were obtained from Invitrogen, New England Biolabs and Fermentas and used according to the instructions supplied by manufacturers. DNA fragments were ligated using the Rapid DNA ligation kit (Fermentas).

When required, fragments were dephosphorylated using Shrimp Alkaline Phosphatase (Fermentas). Sequencing was performed by Service XS. The pΔhemA plasmid was constructed as follows: N402 genomic DNA was used as template for the amplification of flanking regions. The 5′-flank of the hemA gene was amplified as a 1.52-Kb fragment introducing a XbaI site at the 3′end using primers pHemA1Fw (5′-GGCGAGGGTAATTTCGATGA) and pHemA2rev (5′-tgctctagaAATGAGCGGGCAGACAATTC). The 3′flank PD332991 of the Screening Library chemical structure hemA gene was amplified as a 1.56-kb fragment using pHemA3Fw (5′-GGCCAGTCGTTACCGATGA) and pHemA4rev (5′-TCCATTGTTTCACTTGGGCA). The PCR products were cloned into pBluescript SKII (Stratagene) as a SstII–XbaI fragment and XbaI–HindIII fragment for the 5′- and 3′-flanking region using the introduced XbaI restriction site and original restriction sites present in the amplified fragment. Correct clones

were verified by sequencing. Next, the 3′-flank was inserted into the clone containing the 5′-flanking region as XbaI–HindIII. The A. oryzae pyrG, derived from pAO4-13 (de Ruiter-Jacobs et al., 1989), was used as selection marker and inserted between the flanking regions as an XbaI fragment to yield plasmid pΔhemA. The plasmid was linearized prior to transformation using SstII. Complementation of ΔhemA was achieved by transformation of a 5-kb PCR product obtained using pHemA1fw and pHemA4rev, using the hemA gene itself as selection marker. Cultures were pregrown in CM containing 200 μM ALA. Complementation was verified by diagnostic PCR and full restoration of growth on MM.

The hemA deletion strain was phenotypically analysed for growth of fresh conidia in 10-fold dilutions or point inoculation with 5 × 103 conidia on MM and CM plates containing hemin (Sigma-Aldrich). Hemin (0.5 g L−1) containing media was additionally supplemented with ALA or 100 mg L−1 l-Methionine (Sigma-Aldrich). A methionine-deficient A. niger strain (A897), kindly MycoClean Mycoplasma Removal Kit provided by Patricia VanKuyk, was used as a control strain. Competition for ALA and hemin uptake by specific amino acids was analysed on MM plates using nitrate, ammonium or no specific nitrogen source, supplemented with selected amino acids (l-methionine, glycine, glutamate, cysteine, asparagine, arginine or alanine (Sigma-Aldrich; 10 mM)). ALA growth tests were performed in CM(NO3) supplemented by 100 μM ALA and in media that lack casamino acids or the N-source. Hemin growth tests were performed in CM(NH4) media supplemented by 0.5 g L−1 hemin and in media that lack casamino acids or the N-source.

, 2004) or in other genes of the folate metabolic pathway (Mathys et al., 2009). Mathys et al. (2009) have therefore suggested that PAS may be a prodrug that is activated only in the presence of a functional ThyA enzyme. However, these findings do not indicate a possible site of action of PAS, only that

it may need activation before it becomes inhibitory. As we have been studying the mechanism of salicylate biosynthesis in M. smegmatis (Nagachar & Ratledge, 2010), we have extended this work to investigate the effect of PAS on the various mutants in which one of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of salicylic acid has been specifically deleted. Our results show that these mutants are hypersensitive to PAS while there is no change Selleckchem Z VAD FMK in their responses to antifolate compounds. Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 and its mutants were grown in a chemically defined (glycerol/asparagine) minimal medium (Ratledge & Hall, 1971). The medium (100 mL in 250-mL conical flasks with shaking at 37 °C) was supplemented with Fe2+ at 0.01 μg mL−1 (for iron-deficient growth) U0126 or at 2 μg mL−1 (for iron-sufficient growth). Antimycobacterial agents were added to the culture medium at the time of inoculation. Growth was measured as the OD600 nm after 7 days of growth and converted to the cell dry weight based on OD600 nm 1=0.83 mg mL−1. The supplements, mycobactin and carboxymycobactin, used were extracted and purified from M. smegmatis

NCIMB 8548 (Ratledge & Ewing, 1996). PAS, salicylic

acid and trimethoprim were from Sigma; stock solutions were prepared in ethanol (PAS and salicylic acid) and DMSO (trimethoprim). trpE2, entC and entD genes in the wild-type strain M. smegmatis were partially deleted and the respective gene knockout mutants were created by homologous recombination as described previously (Nagachar & Ratledge, 2010). entDtrpE2, a double knockout, was also created where both entD and trpE2 genes were deleted together internally. Mycobacterium smegmatis, wild type and mutants grown in minimal medium for 7 days were harvested by centrifugation at 10 000 g for 20 min at 4 °C. The pH of the supernatant was adjusted to 1.5 using concentrated H2SO4 and then extracted twice with equal volumes of ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract PRKD3 was dried under vacuum; the residue was dissolved in 5 mL 0.1 M KH2PO4/KOH buffer, pH 7, and salicylic acid was estimated spectrofluorimetrically by its fluorescence at 410 nm following excitation at 305 nm. The extraction efficiency of PAS was only 1% when extracted for salicylate with ethyl acetate and its response in the spectrofluorimeter was 5% of that of salicylate. Hence, the readings were not affected by the presence of PAS. Mycobacterium smegmatis, being a saprophytic mycobacterium, is much less sensitive to PAS than pathogenic mycobacteria. Nevertheless, it provides a useful model to study the effects of antimicrobial agents including PAS.

, 2000). Each rat was placed in a clear Plexiglas cylinder (of dimensions described by Schallert CDK inhibitor et al., 2000) surrounded by mirrored panels to allow for evaluation of all movements, and videotaped for 5 min or until the completion of 20 taps against the cylinder with the forepaws. The videotapes were evaluated for weight-bearing forelimb movements noting

the use and disuse of each forelimb by an observer blinded to treatment group. Rats were evaluated 1 day every 2 weeks. The total number of right and left forelimb movements was totaled, and a percent of use of the forelimb contralateral to the graft was obtained. Analyses were run during the rat’s dark cycle to enhance spontaneous exploratory behaviors. Data are expressed as (the number of right forelimb movements/total number of forelimb movements) × 100. Abnormal involuntary movements or posturing associated with levodopa or graft treatment are referred to in this text as dyskinesias. Dyskinesias observed in levodopa-treated parkinsonian rats included dystonia and 3Methyladenine hyperkinesias as described previously (Steece-Collier et al., 2003; Maries et al., 2006; Soderstrom et al., 2008). Dystonias were characterized by abnormal muscle

tone, which was noted as excessive stiffness and rigidity, and/or abnormal posturing of the neck, trunk, right forepaw and/or right 5-FU nmr hindpaw. Hyperkinesias consisted of vacuous chewing and/or tongue protrusion (orolingual), repetitive rhythmic bobbing of the head and neck (headbob), and stereotypical and/or chorea-like movements of the right forepaw (right forepaw dyskinesia). Dyskinesias were scored by an observer blinded to treatment group for 1 day every 2 weeks. Each rat was observed for 2 min precisely 30 min following levodopa delivery (a time that corresponds to peak dose dyskinesia). A cumulative score for total dyskinesia was obtained through the summation of the frequency (0–3; with 0 = no expression, 1 = expression < 50% of the time, 2 = expression more than 50% of the time and 3 = constant expression)

and the intensity (0–3; with 0 = no expression, 1 = mild expression, 2 = moderate expression, 3 = severe expression) of the individual scores. Additionally rats were rated for novel dyskinesias that emerged with graft maturation. These included two behaviors involving orolingual and contralateral forelimb behaviors. The first was a compulsive tapping or pushing of cage litter with the forelimb contralateral to the graft (tapping dyskinesia; TPD), and a second ‘goal-directed’, stereotypical retrieving of litter with the forepaw contralateral to the graft and/or chewing of the litter (facial forelimb dyskinesia). Details of these graft-related aberrant behaviors are described elsewhere (Maries et al., 2006; Soderstrom et al., 2008).

1 The questionnaire was developed from the objectives of the study and a review of the literature. Topics covered by the questions related to students’ awareness of what shisha pipe smoking entails, the extent of shisha pipe smoking among pharmacy students, and their awareness of the associated health risks. It was Enzalutamide supplier piloted on 12 lecturers and non-pharmacy students and amendments made on the basis of feedback. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. A total of 221 students participated in the study (response rate 61.6%). Of these 194 (88%) answered yes to the question that asked whether they knew what shisha smoking entailed. Of the students who

were aware of what shisha smoking is, 55% (106) responded that they had never smoked a shisha, whilst 45% (88) of the students responded that they had (i.e. 40% of the 221 survey participants). Of those

students who reported that they had smoked a shisha the overwhelming majority responded that they did not do so regularly (i.e. less often than once a month) and only at shisha cafes. From a range of substances that shishas may contain, the majority of participants (78%) selected tobacco as one of their responses. Less than 10% of students who were aware of what shisha smoking entails responded that they thought there were no health risks associated with it. The findings suggest that a similarly high proportion (40%) of pharmacy students have previously

smoked a shisha as was found in a study of university students in Birmingham.1 However, the results also suggest BYL719 mouse that the majority of students who have previously smoked a shisha do not do so regularly, as has been found in other studies,2 and that awareness of the health risks of shisha smoking appears to be high. The study limitations include the possibility that regular shisha smokers chose not to participate. Qualitative research is warranted to explore the appeal of shisha smoking among undergraduate pharmacy students. 1. Jackson D, Aveyard P. Water pipe smoking in students: prevalence, risk factors, symptoms of addiction and smoke intake. Evidence from one British University. BMC Public Health 2008; 11: 315. 2. Brockman L, Pumper M, Christakis D, Moreno M. heptaminol Hookah’s new popularity among US college students: a pilot study of the characteristics of hookah smokers and their Facebook displays. BMJ Open 2012; 2: e001709. Rushdie Abuhamdah University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK To systematically review published evidence from 2002–2012 relating to Pharmacists’ beliefs towards their role in public health and to summarise these findings in the view of theory of planned behaviour. This review aims to examine the beliefs of pharmacists towards pharmaceutical public health in order to inform how best to support and improve this service.