enterocolitica RNase E CTD interacted with both the Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica RhlB degradosome-associated proteins. We chose looking at RhlB because it was the strongest binding partner for the Y. pseudotuberculosis RNase E CTD tested earlier (Fig. 1). Interestingly, the Y. enterocolitica RNase E CTD appeared to bind as well to the Y. enterocolitica RhlB protein as it did to the

Y. pseudotuberculosis RhlB protein (Fig. 2). As was observed earlier with the Y. pseudotuberculosis RNase E CTD vs. Y. pseudotuberculosis enolase (Fig. 1), the Y. enterocolitica-derived RNase E CTD also interacted poorly with the Y. pseudotuberculosis derived enolase (Fig. 2). The positive control Talazoparib in vivo Zip–Zip appeared blue (as expected), while the two empty vector negative controls were white (as expected), pKT25RNE vs. pUT18Cempty and pKT25empty vs. pUT18CRhlB

(Fig. 2). To validate our B2H findings (Figs 1 and 2), co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays, utilizing polyclonal anti-RNase E antibodies fused to Protein G agarose beads, were employed. Immunoprecipitated complexes were resolved by SDS-PAGE and probed with polyclonal anti-RhlB or anti-PNPase antibodies. In agreement with our B2H results, RhlB clearly co-immunoprecipitated with RNase E (Fig. 3). PNPase also appeared to co-immunoprecipitate with RNase E (Fig. 3) as was demonstrated in earlier work (Yang et al., click here 2008). These B2H and co-IP experiments indicate that the RhlB and enolase are conserved subunits of the degradosome in Yersiniae. The degradosome and PNPase have previously been implicated in various stress responses, including macrophage-induced stress, and cold stress

(see ‘Discussion’). To more completely understand their role during stress, we exposed a Δpnp mutant and a strain over-expressing an rne truncation to a variety of stresses. This rne truncation removed the CTD responsible for interaction with the other degradosome subunits, and its over-expression has previously been shown to interfere with degradosome assembly (Briegel et al., 2006; Yang et al., 2008). As the ability of Y. pseudotuberculosis to respond ID-8 to HCIS was previously shown to be dependent upon PNPase (Rosenzweig et al., 2005, 2007) as well as upon degradosome assembly (Yang et al., 2008), we were curious as to whether degradosome assembly was required for growth under oxidative stress which would be experienced during macrophage encounters. To test this directly, H2O2 liquid- and plate-based experiments were carried out. For plate-based assays, 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 mM H2O2 plate concentrations were all evaluated. The Δpnp mutant formed smaller colonies on plates, which was exacerbated by 0.1–0.4 mM H2O2 (Fig. 4). In a manner similar to how E. coli did not require degradosome assembly during oxidative stress (Wu et al., 2009), interfering with degradosome assembly did not affect growth on H2O2-containing plates (Fig. 4b).

Because very few individuals (only three) had specific antibodies against serotype 6B at baseline and all study subjects except two did not have a twofold increase in the concentrations of specific antibodies against serotype 6B after vaccination, data for antibody responses against 6B were not analysed. The laboratory staff member who performed the determinations of antibody responses was blinded to the identity and clinical characteristics of the subjects, their vaccination status, and whether they

were receiving HAART. All statistical analyses were performed using sas statistical software (version 8.1; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Categorical variables were compared using χ2 or Fisher’s exact test, whereas noncategorical variables were compared

using Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test. Univariate analysis followed by multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with a twofold or greater selleck increase in antibody responses to one of the three selected serotypes at follow-up for five consecutive years. All tests were two-tailed and a P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Serial blood specimens were collected from 169 HIV-infected patients before and after vaccination (at 6 months and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years following vaccination). The demographic Fluorouracil and clinical characteristics of the four groups of patients at vaccination are shown in Table 1. There were no significant differences regarding age, sex, Palbociclib risk behaviour for HIV transmission or the proportion of patients who were receiving HAART at vaccination. All patients except for two were receiving HAART when 23-valent PPV was given. Compared with the patients with CD4 counts ≥100 cells/μL at vaccination (groups 2, 3 and 4; n=134), patients with CD4 counts <100 cells/μL (group 1; n=35) had a shorter duration of HAART before vaccination (median 4 months) and poorer virological suppression; only 48.6% of the

patients in group 1 achieved undetectable plasma HIV RNA load at vaccination compared with 66.7–81.8% in the other three groups. The median observation duration after vaccination for each group was ≥5 years (Table 1). Although the absolute CD4 cell counts remained significantly lower in group 1 at year 5 of follow-up, similar or greater increases in absolute CD4 cell counts after HAART were observed in group 1 compared with groups 2, 3 and 4 throughout the 5-year follow-up period, suggesting a good immunological recovery after receipt of HAART for a longer period of time (Table 1). Before vaccination, similar proportions of the patients in the four groups had levels of antibodies to serotypes 14 and 19F ≥0.35 μg/mL, which has been suggested as the threshold for protective immunity against pneumococcal infection [29] (Fig. 1a and b), while a lower proportion of patients in groups 1 and 3 had protective levels of antibody to serotype 23F than in the other two groups (Fig.

The in-depth interviews highlighted a knowledge deficit as to the nature of clinical problems that could result from performing the procedures and the associated professional liabilities. Some interviewees expressed reservations about the effectiveness of the dose when administered in this way. Co-mixing was perceived as a time-consuming process and preference was expressed for mixing the powdered dosage form into juice or a liquid rather than into solid foods. Several training issues were identified from this

study, including more information about drug/food compatibilities and the need for standardised documentation around the procedures which could be implemented at the ward level. Conclusions  Palbociclib in vivo Co-mixing of medication into foodstuff is a common practice. The majority of nurses are unaware of potential drug stability/degradation issues and/or the clinical impact of these practices. “
“Objectives The aim was to determine New Zealand pharmacists’ views on the range of services outlined in the Ten Year Vision for Pharmacists document and the need for accreditation to provide these services. Methods A national postal survey of LGK-974 mouse practising pharmacists registered with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (n= 1892)

was carried out, with two follow-ups. Key findings The response rate was 51.8% (n= 980 usable surveys). Findings indicated that the majority of pharmacists believe they should continue to undertake traditional clinical and technical roles (median 98.5%, range 92.7–99.3%). Less than one-third of respondents felt these activities required pharmacists to be accredited. A lower proportion, but still the majority, of respondents thought that pharmacy should undertake selected enhanced or collaborative roles (median 74.85%, range 64–92.5%). However, there was a greater emphasis on accreditation for these roles, with more than two-thirds of respondents suggesting a need for accreditation. Conclusions There is a high level of support for the retention

of current clinical and technical roles. PtdIns(3,4)P2 A lack of need for additional accreditation suggests that pharmacists believe their training is adequate. There is a positive, but more tempered view regarding enhanced or collaborative services. There is recognition of a greater need for accreditation for enhanced and collaborative services. This suggests a cautious optimism about new services and a perceived need for pharmacists to learn more about these programmes. “
“The purpose of this study was to identify the type and frequency of drug-related problems (DRPs) that are encountered when dispensing secondary care prescriptions in community pharmacy. A cross-sectional study was conducted attempting to recruit all patients presenting with secondary care prescriptions to a single community pharmacy in New Zealand over a 3-month period. The DRPs were recorded to allow analysis of the types and frequencies of the problems seen.

19 After a single dose of IVM (150 µg/kg), Loa microfilaremia decreases by 70–80% within the first 3 days.20–22The densities then plateau or decrease more slowly, and remain at very low values up to

1 year after treatment.23 Whether this is due to a partial macrofilaricidal Ku-0059436 ic50 or to an embryostatic effect (preventing the release of developed mf from the uteri of the adult female worms) is not known. Monthly treatment with IVM has a cumulative effect, leading after six doses to extremely low microfilarial densities, which remain so for at least several months.24 Besides its effects on the parasite, IVM also has a beneficial effect on the clinical manifestations of loiasis, and seems to prevent the reappearance of Calabar swellings for several months.25 Lastly, it should be reminded that as L loa does not harbor Wolbachia endosymbionts,26 antibiotics (doxycyclin) are useless in the treatment of loiasis. This being said, the treatment strategy depends firstly on the risk of adverse events, which is related to the

patient’s Loa microfilarial density. The latter must mandatorily be quantified before any therapy decision by examining a Giemsa-stained thick blood smear (50 µL) prepared between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, ie, when Loa microfilaremia in the peripheral blood is the highest. In countries located outside the loiasis distribution area, this assessment and the resulting treatment Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor should be conducted in specialized units or by specialized physicians. DEC and IVM can induce potentially fatal encephalopathies in persons harboring >30,000–50,000 mf/mL of blood.27,28 Functional impairment without alteration of consciousness but requiring assistance for several days can occur after DEC in individuals with >2000 mf/mL,29 and after IVM in patients with densities exceeding 8000 mf/mL.28 Use of ALB in loiasis patients is usually very safe. Given the risk of serious adverse events after DEC or IVM treatment, one can propose the following strategy: 1 If the patient’s microfilarial

density is below 2000 mf/mL, DEC—the only proven macrofilaricidal drug—can be administered straightaway. The first course should last 3–4 weeks and start with low doses (3 or 6 mg/d if mf are present in the blood, or 50 mg/d if the patient is amicrofilaremic) Miconazole divided into two or three doses. The dose is doubled every day until 400 mg/d (or 8–10 mg/kg/d) still divided in two to three doses. Treatment should be started in hospital and oral antihistamines or corticosteroids may be useful in the first days to reduce the severity of side effects (pruritus, angioedema, arthralgias, headache, fever, etc.) which occur in 50% of the cases. As stated above, several courses of DEC may be needed. If the patient is refractory to DEC, a course of ALB (200 mg twice a day for 21 d) can be useful.16 In conclusion, definitive cure of Loa infection can sometimes be difficult and this is all the more true because DEC is not widely available.

We calculated the incremental cost of the educational video intervention versus treatment as usual from a National Health Service (NHS) perspective. We applied unit costs from market prices and published sources [5]. Our main analysis is based on an HA (Band 7) conducting three tests click here per hour. In sensitivity analyses we explored the impact of using different staff and increasing the number of tests per hour. Full details of the methodology

used and results have been previously published [6]. During the pilot period there were 606 eligible admissions to the AAU. Three-quarters (456 of 606; 75.3%) of all eligible admissions were approached to participate in the study. There were no significant differences in gender, age, ethnicity, presence of HIV indicator condition [1] or length of stay between those approached and not approached. Despite often multiple attempts, over half (53.5%) of approaches failed as patients were frequently absent or too unwell. Of the 282 patients who were asked if they would be involved in this website the pilot project, 153 (54.3%) agreed. On introduction of the video, four patients asked to have an HIV test but did not want to watch the video, and five disclosed that they had recently been tested for HIV and therefore withdrew from further involvement. After watching the video, a further 11 patients declined to be tested: four had been tested within

the past 3 months; two had never been sexually active; two declined because of communication difficulties; one wanted to be tested in an anonymous environment and was referred to a sexual health clinic; one became unwell during the video; and one declined. In all, of the 140 patients who watched the video and had not been tested for HIV in the preceding 3 months, 93.6% (131 of 140) agreed

to a test. All patients received their results at the time of testing. There was no difference in uptake of the video or HIV test by gender, or in uptake of the DCLK1 test by age. In total, 23.0% of eligible admissions during the pilot period had a POCT, and 25.7% left the AAU knowing their HIV status, having been tested on that admission or within the preceding 3 months or having previously been diagnosed HIV positive. Three tests (2.2%; three of 135) were reactive on POCT and all were confirmed HIV positive on further laboratory testing. All three patients were seen by specialist HIV services while in-patients and remained engaged with HIV services 12 months on. Only one of the three had previously been tested for HIV, over 5 years previously. The majority of participants who completed the survey were male (58.6%), with a median age of 38.5 years. Over half (51.9%) resided in the hospital catchment area and 85.5% were from within London. In total, 42.8% were born abroad: 19 (12.5%) in Europe, 17 (11.2%) in Africa [nine (5.9%) black African] and 15 (9.9%) in Asia or the Indian subcontinent. Forty per cent (61 of 152) of participants had previously been tested for HIV; however, only 22 (14.

We calculated the incremental cost of the educational video intervention versus treatment as usual from a National Health Service (NHS) perspective. We applied unit costs from market prices and published sources [5]. Our main analysis is based on an HA (Band 7) conducting three tests Vincristine per hour. In sensitivity analyses we explored the impact of using different staff and increasing the number of tests per hour. Full details of the methodology

used and results have been previously published [6]. During the pilot period there were 606 eligible admissions to the AAU. Three-quarters (456 of 606; 75.3%) of all eligible admissions were approached to participate in the study. There were no significant differences in gender, age, ethnicity, presence of HIV indicator condition [1] or length of stay between those approached and not approached. Despite often multiple attempts, over half (53.5%) of approaches failed as patients were frequently absent or too unwell. Of the 282 patients who were asked if they would be involved in selleck chemicals llc the pilot project, 153 (54.3%) agreed. On introduction of the video, four patients asked to have an HIV test but did not want to watch the video, and five disclosed that they had recently been tested for HIV and therefore withdrew from further involvement. After watching the video, a further 11 patients declined to be tested: four had been tested within

the past 3 months; two had never been sexually active; two declined because of communication difficulties; one wanted to be tested in an anonymous environment and was referred to a sexual health clinic; one became unwell during the video; and one declined. In all, of the 140 patients who watched the video and had not been tested for HIV in the preceding 3 months, 93.6% (131 of 140) agreed

to a test. All patients received their results at the time of testing. There was no difference in uptake of the video or HIV test by gender, or in uptake of the STK38 test by age. In total, 23.0% of eligible admissions during the pilot period had a POCT, and 25.7% left the AAU knowing their HIV status, having been tested on that admission or within the preceding 3 months or having previously been diagnosed HIV positive. Three tests (2.2%; three of 135) were reactive on POCT and all were confirmed HIV positive on further laboratory testing. All three patients were seen by specialist HIV services while in-patients and remained engaged with HIV services 12 months on. Only one of the three had previously been tested for HIV, over 5 years previously. The majority of participants who completed the survey were male (58.6%), with a median age of 38.5 years. Over half (51.9%) resided in the hospital catchment area and 85.5% were from within London. In total, 42.8% were born abroad: 19 (12.5%) in Europe, 17 (11.2%) in Africa [nine (5.9%) black African] and 15 (9.9%) in Asia or the Indian subcontinent. Forty per cent (61 of 152) of participants had previously been tested for HIV; however, only 22 (14.

We hypothesized that triclosan enriches for Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi because these bacteria respire organochlorides and are likely less sensitive, relative to other bacteria, to the antimicrobial effects of triclosan. Triplicate anaerobic soil microcosms were seeded with agricultural soil, which was not previously exposed to triclosan, and were amended with 1 mg kg−1 of triclosan. Triplicate control microcosms did not receive triclosan, and the experiment was run for 618 days. The overall bacterial community (assessed by automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) was not

impacted by triclosan; however, the abundance of Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi 16S rRNA genes (determined by qPCR) increased 20-fold with triclosan amendment compared with a fivefold increase without triclosan. This work demonstrates that triclosan

impacts Selleckchem SB203580 anaerobic soil communities at environmentally relevant levels. “
“Endophytic fungi associated with three bryophyte species in the Fildes Region, King George Island, maritime Antarctica, that is, the liverwort Barbilophozia hatcheri, the mosses Chorisodontium aciphyllum and Sanionia uncinata, were studied by culture-dependent method. A total of 128 endophytic fungi were isolated from 1329 tissue segments of 14 samples. The colonization rate of endophytic fungi in three bryophytes species were 12.3%, 12.1%, and 8.7%, respectively. Galunisertib datasheet These isolates were identified to 21 taxa, with 15 Ascomycota,

5 Basidiomycota, and 1 unidentified fungus, based on morphological characteristics and sequence analyses of ITS region and D1/D2 domain. The dominant fungal endophyte was Hyaloscyphaceae Sclareol sp. in B. hatcheri, Rhizoscyphus sp. in C. aciphyllum, and one unidentified fungus in S. uncinata; and their relative frequencies were 33.3%, 32.1%, and 80.0%, respectively. Furthermore, different Shannon–Weiner diversity indices (0.91–1.99) for endophytic fungi and low endophytic fungal composition similarities (0.19–0.40) were found in three bryophyte species. Growth temperature tests indicated that 21 taxa belong to psychrophiles (9), psychrotrophs (11), and mesophile (1). The results herein demonstrate that the Antarctic bryophytes are an interesting source of fungal endophytes and the endophytic fungal composition is different among the bryophyte species, and suggest that these fungal endophytes are adapted to cold stress in Antarctica. “
“The Bacillus cereus group comprises seven bacterial species: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus cytotoxicus, and Bacillus weihenstephanensis. Bacillus weihenstephanensis is distinguished based on its capability to grow at 7 °C but not at 43 °C, and the presence of specific signature sequences in the 16S rRNA and cspA genes and in several housekeeping genes: glpF, gmK, purH, and tpi.

It was possible to achieve a similar diagnostic yield to predict F≥2 using APRI in a first step and MMP-2 levels in a second step in a simple diagnostic algorithm. In addition, cirrhosis selleck screening library could be predicted and excluded using the MAPI. This study has some limitations. First, biomarkers were tested in frozen sera. This might have affected the reliability of the results. However, the manufacturers of TIMP-1 and MMP-2 recommend testing fresh or frozen sera stored at −20 °C. The study sera were stored at −80 °C, and had never been thawed before. Secondly, patients included in the study were highly selected. Liver biopsy was performed as part of the

http://www.selleckchem.com/products/DAPT-GSI-IX.html screening before starting HCV therapy. These subjects are not representative of the full spectrum of HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals. However, serum biomarkers would have performed even more poorly in patients with incomplete adherence to antiretroviral therapy or with lower CD4 cell counts than the study subjects. Low CD4 cell counts could confound the results for TIMP-1, as HIV-infected patients (with and without chronic hepatitis C) with low CD4 cell counts show higher levels

of TIMP-1 than those with high CD4 cell counts [21]. Direct markers of fibrogenesis and fibrolysis could be accurate surrogate indicators of liver fibrosis. The resolution of fibrosis in the liver is mediated by MMP-2 [8,22], which is strongly induced in stellate cells during injury [8,22]. The inhibitors of stellate cell activity regulate matrix degradation and stellate cell biology. Thus, decreased levels of TIMP-1 are associated with

clearance of activated stellate cells through apoptosis [8,22]. In contrast, sustained TIMP-1 expression inhibits protease activity and blocks apoptosis of activated stellate cells [8,22]. Hypothetically, serum biomarkers of fibrosis will reflect the status of the whole liver and may therefore provide greater accuracy Megestrol Acetate than needle biopsy, which is subject to sample variation [1,2]. However, fibrosis is the final common pathway of injury repair. The levels of diverse markers of fibrosis can be increased by injury and repair throughout the body. Elevated levels of TIMP-1 and MMP-2 have been demonstrated in chronic diseases of the heart, lung and kidney [23–26]. This nonspecific elevation of serum markers of fibrosis is probably the reason for the overlap of TIMP-1 and MMP-2 concentrations in low and intermediate stages of liver fibrosis in the present study. These overlapping values precluded the use of TIMP-1 for the diagnosis of fibrosis in this study. The diagnostic yield of TIMP-1 and MMP-2 was evaluated previously in a study on HIV/HCV-coinfected patients [15].

5.1 copies/mL; P ≤ 0.001) for the three-way comparison and higher crude mortality rates (35 and 22%, respectively, vs. 11%; P ≤ 0.001). There were no differences in the median age of patients with KS and those without KS (P = 0.729). In paired analyses, the only difference between participants with prevalent KS and those with incident KS that was statistically significant was the proportion of those with WHO stage IV disease at baseline (P < 0.001; data not shown). Because we found few differences between patients with incident and prevalent selleck screening library KS, for

subsequent analyses we combined all patients with prevalent and incident KS. In the univariate logistic regression analysis (Table 2), KS was associated with male sex [odds ratio (OR) 2.94; 95% CI 1.49–5.77], baseline CD4 cell count ≤ 50 cells/μL (OR 3.64; 95% CI 1.16–11.4) and baseline log viral load (OR 2.54 per log10 increase; 95% CI 1.24–5.18). In the final model, KS was associated with male sex [adjusted OR (AOR) 2.41; 95% CI 1.20–4.86] and baseline CD4 cell count ≤ 50 cells/μL (AOR 3.25; 95% CI 1.03–10.3). Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for baseline CD4 cell count, baseline log viral load, age and sex in the cohort found that KS at baseline or during follow-up was independently associated with death [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 2.6; 95% CI 1.3–4.9] (data not shown). Among participants with KS, mortality

see more was associated with visceral disease [hazard ratio (HR) 19.2; 95% CI 2.42–152]. No other factor was significantly associated with mortality in univariate analysis (Table 3).

Among the 18 patients with incident KS, six (33%) developed KS within 90 days after initiating HAART and the median CD4 count at the time of KS diagnosis among patients with incident KS was 158 cells/μL (IQR 81–257 cells/μL). Of these patients, seven were switched to PI-based regimens, because of presumed treatment failure among patients who received only clinical HAART monitoring. A total of 11 patients Diflunisal (61%) had VL measurements below the limits of assay detection; either < 50 or < 400 copies/mL, depending on the assay in use at the time. KS was an uncommon diagnosis among HIV-infected individuals initiating HAART in rural Uganda, affecting 3.2% of individuals in this study and having an estimated incidence of 0.34 cases per 100 person-years of follow-up. Sixty-four per cent of the patients with KS who remained on NNRTI-based regimens survived and achieved complete regression of their tumours. These results are comparable to those of previous studies conducted in industrialized countries in which PI-based regimens were predominantly used [8, 9], Nevertheless, mortality associated with KS in our study was very high (30% compared with 11% for participants without KS). Our findings are similar to those of a recently reported study from South Africa which found a prevalence of KS of 3.4% among unselected patients in an HIV clinic population and a mortality rate of 25% [12].

6.6 (Applied Maths, Belgium) for normalization and band detection. Band search and band matching using a band tolerance of 1% were performed as implemented in the BioNumerics. All fingerprinting data

were combined to make a composite data set using the BioNumerics. The dendrogram was constructed from the composite data using Dice coefficients with the unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) clustering method. The L. rhamnosus GG strain-specific PCR system targeting the putative transposase gene described by Ahlroos & Tynkkynen see more (2009) produced an approximately 760 bp of amplicon from eight of the tested 41 strains of L. rhamnosus, including strain GG (Table 1). Sequence analysis indicated that the eight strains, including L. rhamnosus GG, shared completely identical sequences of the putative transposase

gene among the strains (accession numbers AB685214-AB685217 and AB743581-AB743583). The second L. rhamnosus GG strain-specific XL184 PCR system targeting a phage-related gene described by Brandt & Alatossava (2003) produced an approximately 480 bp of amplicon from five of the 41 strains tested (Table 1). The five amplified strains were included in the eight detected by the specific PCR system targeting the putative transposase gene. Strains LMG 18025, LMG 18030, and LMG 18038, originating from zabady and domiatti cheese, Egyptian fermented milk products, produced an amplicon by the first system but not by the second (Table 1). Rep-PCR, RAPD, and ERIC PCR fingerprinting were carried out to identify L. rhamnosus strains at strain level. The eight strains which produced an expected size of amplicon by the L. rhamnosus

GG strain-specific PCR system targeting the putative transposase gene (Table 1) were used in this study. Strain DSM 20021T was included as reference. Rep-PCR with the REP1R-I/REP2-I primer set clearly indicated that strains LMG 18025, LMG 18030, LMG 18038, and DSM 20021 are genotypically distinct these from L. rhamnosus GG at strain level (Fig. 1a). Strains LMG 23320 and LMG 23325 originating from human blood in Finland, LMG 23534 originating from human feces in Finland, and a dairy starter strain LMG 25859 produced profiles quite similar to L. rhamnosus GG (Fig. 1a). Rep-PCR with the (GTG)5 primer produced a number of bands in the tested strains, but the banding patterns were similar among the strains (Fig. 1b). RAPD fingerprinting using six different primers also demonstrated that strains LMG 18025, LMG 18030, LMG 18038, and DSM 20021T are distinguishable from strain GG (Fig. 2). Strains LMG 23320, LMG 23325, LMG 23534, and LMG 25859 produced profiles very similar to that of strain GG, and any differences were hardly visible (Fig. 2). These tendencies were also observed in ERIC PCR (Fig. 3). All fingerprinting data were imported into BioNumerics software ver. 6.6 and numerically analyzed. Clustering analysis of the fingerprinting data produced two clusters in the strains tested (Fig. 4).