Surveillance of bacterial pathogens of diarrhoea in two selected sub metros within the Accra metropolis

Background: In recent years, many localities within the Greater Accra Region (GAR) have witnessed several episodes of cholera outbreaks, with some deaths.Compared to previous epidemics, which usually followed heavy rains, recent outbreaks show no seasonality.Objectives: To investigate infective bacterial diseases in selected sub metros within the GAR.Methods: We used existing disease surveillance systems in Ghana, and investigated all reported cases of diarrhoea that met our case-definition. A three-daytraining workshop was done prior to the start of study, to sensitize prescribers at the Korle-Bu Polyclinic and Maamobi General hospital. A case-based investigationform was completed per patient, and two rectal swabs were taken for culture at the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory. Serotyping and antibiogramprofiles of identified bacteria were determined. Potential risk factors were also assessed using a questionnaire.Results: Between January and June 2012, a total of 361 diarrhoeal cases with 5 deaths were recorded. Out of a total of 218 rectal swabs cultured, 71 (32.6%) Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa serotypes, and 1 (0.5%) Salmonella (O group B) were laboratory confirmed. No Shigella was isolated. The Vibrio cholerae isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. Greater than 80% of patients reported having drank sachet water 24 h prior to diarrhoea onset, and many (144/361) young adults (20-29 years) reported with diarrhoea.Conclusion: Enhanced surveillance of diarrhoeal diseases (enteric pathogens) within cholera endemic regions, will serve as an early warning signal, and reduce fatalities associated with infective diarrhoea.Keywords: Diarrhoeal disease surveillance, enteric pathogens, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonell

Discovery of Dabrafenib: A Selective Inhibitor of Raf Kinases with Antitumor Activity against B‑Raf-Driven Tumors

Hyperactive signaling of the MAP kinase pathway resulting from the constitutively active B-Raf^V600E mutated enzyme has been observed in a number of human tumors, including melanomas. Herein we report the discovery and biological evaluation of GSK2118436, a selective inhibitor of Raf kinases with potent in vitro activity in oncogenic B-Raf-driven melanoma and colorectal carcinoma cells and robust in vivo antitumor and pharmacodynamic activity in mouse models of B-Raf^V600E human melanoma. GSK2118436 was identified as a development candidate, and early clinical results have shown significant activity in patients with B-Raf mutant melanoma

Novel class of tertiary phosphine ligands based on a phospha-adamantane framework and use in the Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of aryl halides under mild conditions

A new class of sterically hindered phosphines based on a phospha-adamantane framework is described. Arylation or alkylation of the 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phospha-adamantane system allows for the preparation of tertiary phosphines suitable for use in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. For example, use of a catalytic system incorporating Pd2(dba)3 and 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phenyl-6-phospha-adamantane is shown to promote the Suzuki cross-coupling of aryl iodides, bromides, and activated chlorides with a variety of aryl boronic acids at room temperature in a few hours with high yields