Antioxidant effect of an innovative active plastic film containing olive leaves extract on fresh pork meat and its evaluation by Raman spectroscopy.

An antioxidant food packaging material was developed and applied to fresh minced pork meat. The material consists of a multilayer polyethylene film in which 4 different concentrations (2%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) of olive leaves (OL) extract were immobilized in an adhesive formula used to build the multilayer. The antioxidants were not in direct contact with the meat. The packaged meat was kept at 4°C during 16days and finally analyzed by two methods: Raman spectroscopy and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Raman demonstrated a higher sensitivity for antioxidant evaluation than TBARS. Color of fresh meat packaged with the active film was also measured to evaluate the shelf life of packaged meat. The results showed that active film containing natural antioxidants efficiently enhanced the stability of fresh meat against oxidation processes, thus being a promising way to extend the shelf life of fresh minced meat for about two days.

Characterizing the variability of benthic foraminifera in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico following the Deepwater Horizon event (2010-2012).

Following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) event in 2010 subsurface hydrocarbon intrusions (1000-1300 m) and an order of magnitude increase in flocculent hydrocarbon deposition caused increased concentrations of hydrocarbons in continental slope sediments. This study sought to characterize the variability [density, Fisher's alpha (S), equitability (E), Shannon (H)] of benthic foraminifera following the DWH event. A series of sediment cores were collected at two sites in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico from 2010 to 2012. At each site, three cores were utilized for benthic faunal analysis, organic geochemistry, and redox metal chemistry, respectively. The surface intervals (∼0-10 mm) of the sedimentary records collected in December 2010 at DSH08 and February 2011 at PCB06 were characterized by significant decreases in foraminiferal density, S, E, and H, relative to the down-core intervals as well as previous surveys. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis suggested that a 3-fold increase in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration in the surface interval, relative to the down-core interval, was the environmental driver of benthic foraminiferal variability. These records suggested that the benthic foraminiferal recovery time, following an event such as the DWH, was on the order of 1-2 years.

Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of olive by-products and antioxidant film containing olive leaf extract.

The antioxidant activity of olive leaf (OL) and cake (OC) extracts with different solvents was evaluated. 70% of aqueous ethanol extract of OL was chosen as the most antioxidant extract based on antiradical activity (DPPH) (95.4±0.3%) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) (0.82±0.07g equivalent Trolox per g of solution) assays. This OL extract was incorporated in two multilayer materials consisting of (i) polyethylene/polyethylene (PE/PE) film and (ii) polyethylene/paper (PE/P). These multilayers were exposed to a gas stream enriched in free radicals to evaluate the scavenging capacity of both materials. PE/PE film exhibited the highest scavenging activity of free radicals (78.8%). Migration of the phenolic compounds from olive by-products into two simulants was performed and demonstrated a non-migrating behavior. The limits of detection and quantification for oleuropein were 0.5µgkg(-1) and 1.7µgkg(-1) and for Luteolin-7-O-glucoside 1.3µgkg(-1) and 4.3µg kg(-1) respectively.

Ratio between maximum standardized uptake value of N1 lymph nodes and tumor predicts N2 disease in patients with non-small cell lung cancer in 18F-FDG PET-CT scan.

OBJECTIVE: F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose integrated PET-CT scan is commonly used in the work-up of lung cancer to improve preoperative disease stage. The aim of the study was to analyze the ratio between SUVmax of N1 lymph nodes and primary lung cancer to establish prediction of mediastinal disease (N2) in patients operated on non-small cell lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a retrospective study of a prospective database. Patients operated on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with N1 disease by PET-CT scan were included. None of them had previous induction treatment, but they underwent standard surgical resection plus systematic lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: There were 51 patients with FDG-PET-CT scan N1 disease. 44 (86.3%) patients were male with a mean age of 64.1±10.8 years. Type of resection: pneumonectomy=4 (7.9%), lobectomy/bilobectomy=44 (86.2%), segmentectomy=3 (5.9%). HISTOLOGY: adenocarcinoma=26 (51.0%), squamous=23 (45.1%), adenosquamous=2 (3.9%). Lymph nodes after surgical resection: N0=21 (41.2%), N1=12 (23.5%), N2=18 (35.3%). Mean ratio of the SUVmax of N1 lymph node to the SUVmax of the primary lung tumor (SUVmax N1/T ratio) was 0.60 (range 0.08-2.80). ROC curve analysis to obtain the optimal cut-off value of SUVmax N1/T ratio to predict N2 disease was performed. At multivariate analysis, we found that a ratio of 0.46 or greater was an independent predictor factor of N2 mediastinal lymph node metastases with a sensitivity and specificity of 77.8% and 69.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SUVmax N1/T ratio in NSCLC patients correlates with mediastinal lymph node metastasis (N2 disease) after surgical resection. When SUVmax N1/T ratio on integrated PET-CT scan is equal or superior to 0.46, special attention should be paid on higher probability of N2 disease.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations and resulting exposure in homes in California: relationships among passive air, surface wipe and dust concentrations, and temporal variability.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in furniture foam, electronics, and other home furnishings. A field study was conducted that enrolled 139 households from California, which has had more stringent flame retardant requirements than other countries and areas. The study collected passive air, floor and indoor window surface wipes, and dust samples (investigator collected using an HVS3 and vacuum cleaner) in each home. PentaBDE and BDE209 were detected in the majority of the dust samples and many floor wipe samples, but the detection in air and window wipe samples was relatively low. Concentrations of each PBDE congener in different indoor environmental media were moderately correlated, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.42 and 0.68. Correlation coefficients with blood levels were up to 0.65 and varied between environmental media and age group. Both investigator-collected dust and floor wipes were correlated with serum levels for a wide range of congeners. These two sample types also had a relatively high fraction of samples with adequate mass for reliable quantification. In 42 homes, PBDE levels measured in the same environmental media in the same home 1 year apart were statistically correlated (correlation coefficients: 0.57-0.90), with the exception of BDE209 which was not well correlated longitudinally.

A novel methane sensor based on porous SnO2 nanorods: room temperature to high temperature detection.

We report for the first time a novel room temperature methane (CH(4)) sensor fabricated using porous tin oxide (SnO(2)) nanorods as the sensing material. The porous SnO(2) nanorods were synthesized by using multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as templates. Current versus time curves were obtained demonstrating the room temperature sensing capabilities of the sensor system when exposed to 0.25% CH(4) in air. The sensor also exhibited a wide temperature range for different concentrations of CH(4) (25-500 °C), making it useful in harsh environments as well.

Role of catechins in the antioxidant capacity of an active film containing green tea, green coffee, and grapefruit extracts.

The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method was used to characterize the antioxidant capacity of natural extracts of green tea, green coffee, and grapefruit. These natural extracts were incorporated into a plastic film layer, which was subsequently subjected to a free radical gas stream in order to determine the antioxidant capacity directly in the active film. The green tea extract (GTE) afforded the strongest antioxidant activity. To identify the active compounds in the extract, concentration of the diverse catechins in samples were determined by HPLC-UV analysis. The results showed that the content of catechins in the GTE is around 77% (w/w), the major components being (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, (-)-epicatechin gallate, and (-)-epicatechin. A variation in the concentration profile of catechins was detected during the oxidation process. The chromatographic study demonstrated that (-)-gallocatechin, (-)- epigallocatechin, (+)-catechin, and (-)-catechin gallate exhibited the most radical scavenging.

Surface oxidation study of single wall carbon nanotubes.

Functionalization of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is desirable to enhance their ability to be incorporated into polymers and enhance their bonding with the matrix. One approach to carbon nanotube functionalization is by oxidation via a strong oxidizing agent or refluxing in strong acids. However, this approach can damage the nanotubes, leading to the introduction of defects and/or shorter nanotubes. Such damage can adversely affect the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. A more benign approach to nanotube functionalization has been developed involving photo-oxidation. Chemical analysis by XPS revealed that the oxygen content of the photo-oxidized SWCNTs was 11.3 at.% compared to 6.7 at.% for SWCNTs oxidized by acid treatment. The photo-oxidized SWCNTs produced by this method can be used directly in various polymer matrices or can be further modified by additional chemical reactions.

Laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair in octogenarians.

PURPOSE: This retrospective chart review was designed to compare outcomes for open and laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias in the population over the age of 80. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 104 patients over 80 years old who underwent inguinal hernia repair (2005-2008) at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. Patients were grouped into laparoscopic or open repair cohorts and compared accordingly. RESULTS: The open group (n = 73) and the laparoscopic group (n = 31) had mean ages of 84 and 83 years, respectively. The mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.6 for the open cohort and 2.3 for the laparoscopic group (P < 0.05). Peri-operative complications in the open and laparoscopic groups were not found to be statistically significant. There was no mortality in either group. CONCLUSIONS: With octogenarians, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair can be performed as a safe alternative to open repair with comparable rates of morbidity and mortality.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis 38-kDa lipoprotein is apoptogenic for human monocyte-derived macrophages.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main aetiologic agent of tuberculosis, a disease of great concern in less-developed regions. Apoptosis is a conspicuous event in macrophages infected in vitro with mycobacteria, a phenomenon also observed in vivo in granulomas of patients with tuberculosis. To determine its significance, it is important to define the mycobacterial moieties involved and how they cause apoptosis. Here we show that the 38-kDa lipoprotein induces macrophage caspase-dependent apoptosis involving TNF-alpha and FasL and, interestingly, with the upregulation of cell-death receptors TNFR1, TNFR2 and Fas. A role for the Toll-like receptor 2 was also demonstrated. In conclusion, the ability to induce apoptosis of host cells is another property of the 38-kDa lipoprotein, a molecule that has focused attention for being an immunodominant antigen that participates in phosphate transport.

Field Emission and Radial Distribution Function Studies of Fractal-like Amorphous Carbon Nanotips.

The short-range order of individual fractal-like amorphous carbon nanotips was investigated by means of energy-filtered electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The nanostructures were grown in porous silicon substrates in situ within the TEM by the electron beam-induced deposition method. The structure factor S(k) and the reduced radial distribution function G(r) were calculated. From these calculations a bond angle of 124 degrees was obtained which suggests a distorted graphitic structure. Field emission was obtained from individual nanostructures using two micromanipulators with sub-nanometer positioning resolution. A theoretical three-stage model that accounts for the geometry of the nanostructures provides a value for the field enhancement factor close to the one obtained experimentally from the Fowler-Nordheim law.

Minimally invasive surgery for splenic malignancies.

While minimally invasive surgery, i.e. laparoscopy, has become well-accepted in the treatment algorithm for malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract and gynecologic tumors, the role of laparoscopy for malignancies involving the spleen is less clear. Initially described in 1992 for benign hematologic disease, laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) for splenic malignancy was avoided secondary to the severe hematologic disease, profound cytopenia, and massive splenomegaly frequently seen in these patients. As experience with LS grew and larger data were generated, it became clear that hematologic malignancy and splenomegaly could be safely managed laparoscopically. In experienced hands, LS can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of both lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative disorders affecting spleen, in addition to splenic tumors of both primary and metastatic origin. LS can be performed from a lateral or anterior approach, and hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy can provide significant benefit in cases of massive splenomegaly. Preoperative imaging for accurate splenic measurement is invaluable to guide surgical planning. Triple vaccination should be given to all patients prior to surgery, and splenic artery embolization before surgery should be considered in patients with massive splenomegaly to reduce intraoperative bleeding. LS can be performed safely for nearly all cases of malignancy involving the spleen, and potentially offers significant advantages of decreased pain and recovery time while maintaining equivalent complications and survival compared to open splenectomy.

[Diagnostic problems in adult celiac disease]. / Problemas diagnósticos en la enfermedad celiaca del adulto.

INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy, resulting from a gluten intolerance in genetically predisposed individuals. OBJECTIVE: a) to describe clinical features, associated disorders and serology of CD in adults; and b) to study the main that serology displays in diagnosis, clinical and histological expression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 31 patients diagnosed of CD in adulthood have been reviewed retrospectively, including clinical presentation, associated disorders, biochemical results, serological tests (anti-gliadin and anti-endomysial antibodies) and genetical features (HLA-DQ2). It has been studied the relation between typical presentations and AEm with clinical, serological or histological findings. RESULTS: Almost 50% of patients had atypical clinical manifestations and gastrointestinal symptoms were absent in 33%. Typical manifestations are associated with villous atrophy stage III b-c of Marsh's classification (87 vs. 53%, p = 0,03). 70% of patients shows AEm mostly in women (78 vs. 37%, p = 0.03) and stage III b-c of Marsh (84 vs. 50%, p = 0.05). 68,4% were DQ2 positive. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical features of CD varies greatly. AEm and DQ2 are less common than others studies. There may be an association with clinical and serological findings and villous atrophy stage. Genetical features could help AEm in diagnosis.

Development of novel and sensitive methods for the determination of sulfide in aqueous samples by hydrogen sulfide generation-inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy.

Two new, simple and accurate methods for the determination of sulfide (S(2-)) at low levels (microgL(-1)) in aqueous samples were developed. The generation of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) took place in a coil where sulfide reacted with hydrochloric acid. The resulting H(2)S was then introduced as a vapor into an inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) and sulfur emission intensity was measured at 180.669nm. In comparison to when aqueous sulfide was introduced, the introduction of sulfur as H(2)S enhanced the sulfur signal emission. By setting a gas separator at the end of the reaction coil, reduced sulfur species in the form of H(2)S were removed from the water matrix, thus, interferences could be avoided. Alternatively, the gas separator was replaced by a nebulizer/spray chamber combination to introduce the sample matrix and reagents into the plasma. This methodology allowed the determination of both sulfide and sulfate in aqueous samples. For both methods the linear response was found to range from 5microgL(-1) to 25mgL(-1) of sulfide. Detection limits of 5microgL(-1) and 6microgL(-1) were obtained with and without the gas separator, respectively. These new methods were evaluated by comparison to the standard potentiometric method and were successfully applied to the analysis of reduced sulfur species in environmental waters.

Problemas diagnósticos en la enfermedad celiaca del adulto / No disponible

Introducción: la enfermedad celiaca (EC) es una enteropatíacrónica de base inmune debida a una intolerancia al gluten en sujetosgenéticamente predispuestos.Objetivos: a) describir clínica, enfermedades asociadas y serologíaen la EC del adulto; y b) estudiar la utilidad de la serología enel diagnóstico y su relación con la expresión clínica e histológica.Pacientes y métodos: se han estudiado de forma retrospectiva31 pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de EC seguidos en consulta.Se recogieron datos referidos a los síntomas de presentación,enfermedades asociadas, bioquímica, serología (anticuerposantigliadina y AEm) y genética (HLA DQ2). Se comprobó si la clínicatípica o la positividad de AEm se asociaban a diferencias clínicas,serológicas o grado de atrofia vellositaria.Resultados: prácticamente el 50% de los pacientes tuvo manifestacionesclínicas atípicas y el 33% no tuvo síntomas gastrointestinales.La clínica típica se asoció a atrofia de vellosidades grado III b-cde Marsh (87 vs. 53%, p = 0,03). El 70% de los pacientes tuvo anticuerposAEm positivos. Entre los pacientes con AEm fueron másfrecuentes las mujeres (78 vs. 37%, p = 0,03) y la atrofia de vellosidadesgrado III b-c de Marsh (84 vs. 50%, p = 0,05). En el estudiogenético, el 68,4% (13/19) eran portadores de los dos alelos.Conclusiones: la clínica de la EC del adulto es muy variable.La frecuencia que encontramos de AEm y genética (DQ2) es menora la publicada. Clínica, grado de atrofia y serología podrían interrelacionarse.La genética puede complementar a los AEm en eldiagnóstico

Introduction: celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediatedenteropathy, resulting from a gluten intolerance in geneticallypredisposed individuals.Objetive: a) to describe clinical features, associated disordersand serology of CD in adults; and b) to study the main that serologydisplays in diagnosis, clinical and histological expression.Patients and methods: 31 patients diagnosed of CD inadulthood have been reviewed retrospectively, including clinicalpresentation, associated disorders, biochemical results, serologicaltests (anti-gliadin and anti-endomysial antibodies) and geneticalfeatures (HLA-DQ2). It has been studied the relation between typicalpresentations and AEm with clinical, serological or histologicalfindings.Results: almost 50% of patients had atypical clinical manifestationsand gastrointestinal symptoms were absent in 33%. Typicalmanifestations are associated with villous atrophy stage III b-cof Marsh’s classification (87 vs. 53%, p = 0,03). 70% of patientsshows AEm mostly in women (78 vs. 37%, p = 0,03) and stage IIIb-c of Marsh (84 vs. 50%, p = 0,05). 68,4% were DQ2 positive.Conclusions: clinical features of CD varies greatly. AEm andDQ2 are less common than others studies. There may be an associationwith clinical and serological findings and villous atrophystage. Genetical features could help AEm in diagnosis (AU)

Mycotic aneurysm: a rare complication of vertebral osteomyelitis

We report the case of a 49-year-old man that presented with persistent low back pain after being treated for vertebral osteomyelitis. An abdominopelvic CT scan with intravenous contrast showed a mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. The patient was taken to the operating room where a bypass reconstruction surgery was successfully performed. The history, pathophysiology, most common organisms, risk factors, and clinical presentation of mycotic aneurysms are discussed. The importance of a high index of suspicion for prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment, is emphasized to create awareness about this dreadful complication of vertebral osteomyelitis.

Clinical remission of systemic lupus erythematosus after human immunodeficiency virus infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection during the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unusual. The clinical manifestations of SLE can be influenced by the HIV infection. Worsening of HIV has been documented after the use of immunosuppressives. We describe a case of a 37-year-old male patient who underwent complete clinical remission of SLE after serologic conversion.

Rheumatologic manifestations in patients with selected primary immunodeficiencies evaluated at the University Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To characterize an IgA deficient and common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) group of patients in terms of the presence of rheumatologic manifestations. BACKGROUND: Although the molecular basis of some of the primary immunodeficiencies has been elucidated, it has not been possible to explain why in most cases these conditions are often associated with autoimmune manifestations, besides infections. The concomitant inability to fight infections adequately (immunodeficiency) and an inordinate reaction of the immune system to self components (autoimmunity) has been a perplexing situation. METHODS: The clinical and immunological profile of 71 patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of selective IgA deficiency (n=38) and common variable immunodeficiency (n=33) were evaluated for concurrent rheumatologic manifestations after a thorough medical history, physical examination and pertinent immunological parameters. RESULTS: The most common autoimmune conditions identified in patients with selective IgA deficiency were Crohn's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); while immune thrombocytopenic purpura and Crohn's disease were the most common disorders associated to CVI. Anti-IgA antibodies were only found in 26.6(95C.I. 10.1-51.4) of patients with selective IgA deficiency but were present in all patients with that condition and SLE. Fifty per cent patients with CVI and ITP exhibited ANA positivity. CONCLUSIONS: The IgA-deficient group of patients in this study showed a higher prevalence of autoimmune conditions and greater positivity for ANA as compared to patients with CVI. In contrast to other reports with around 44positivity of anti-IgA antibodies in selective IgA patients these were only present in 263of patients with that disorder in this study. The high prevalence of antinuclear antibodies not associated with any clinical autoimmune condition in the IgA-deficient patients in this study will need to be further explored to ascertain why IgA-deficient patients may be at an increased risk of autoimmunity. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) constituted the most common clinical autoimmune manifestations in both groups of patients studied. ITP was the commonest organ-specific autoimmune condition identified in the CVI group, as reported in previous publications. The limited number of patients studied does not allow a reliable estimate of the prevalence of SLE in the IgA-deficient population analyzed.

A comparison of the antimicrobial resistance patterns of gram-negative bacilli isolated from community-private and university-affiliated hospitals from Puerto Rico

Few studies have been performed in Puerto Rico concerning the antimicrobial resistance pattern of clinically significant Gram-negative bacilli. The antimicrobial resistance patterns of 5,590 Gram-negative bacteria obtained from three Community-Private Hospitals (CPH) and three University-Affiliated Hospitals (UAH) were evaluated utilizing the institutions' antimicrobial susceptibility reports for the year 2000. The objectives of this study were: to retrospectively evaluate the reported in vitro resistance of clinical isolates of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae, S. marcescens, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii to selected standard antibiotics and to compare the antimicrobial resistance patterns between Community-Private (CPH) and University Affiliated hospitals (UAH). E. coli was the most common Gram-negative enteric bacilli in both CPH and UAH. In UAH, E. coli demonstrated a statistically significant higher resistance to the selected beta lactams and amikacin antibiotics but not to ciprofloxacin or gentamicin. For K. pneumoniae, the antimicrobial resistant pattern showed that UAH isolates were significantly more resistant to the tested antibiotics with the exception of ceftriaxone. In CPH, E. cloacae isolates were significantly more resistant to piperacillin-tazobactam, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, while in UAH this organism was more resistant to amikacin. In UAH, S. marcescens isolates demonstrated a statistically significant higher resistance to all tested antibiotics with the exception of imipenem, which was similar in both hospitals group. Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrated a statistically significant higher resistance in UAH to all selected antibiotics with the exception of ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, which was similar in both hospitals group. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most resistant organisms in both hospitals group. UAH isolates were significantly more resistant than CPH isolates for all tested antibiotics. When compare with other large-scale antimicrobial resistance studies, the present study results suggest an apparent higher resistance in the Puerto Rican isolates. The high numbers of antimicrobial resistant Gram-negative bacilli in our study strongly suggest multiple mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance including the presence of extended spectrum and chromosomally derepressed beta-lactamases.

A comparison of the antimicrobial resistance patterns of gram-positive cocci isolated from community-private and university-affiliated hospitals from Puerto Rico

The antimicrobial resistance patterns of 2,462 selected Gram-positive cocci obtained from three Community-Private Hospitals (CPH) and three University-Affiliated Hospitals (UAH) were evaluated utilizing the institutions' antimicrobial susceptibility reports for the year 2000. The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the in vitro resistance to selected standard antibiotics of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium and Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical isolates, and 2) to compare the antimicrobial resistance patterns between community-private (CPH) and university-affiliated hospitals (UAH). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common Gram-positive isolated organism in CPH (63.3 per cent) followed by E. faecalis (31.0 per cent). In UAH, the most prevalent cocci were E. faecalis (51.7 per cent) followed by S. aureus (43.9 per cent). Enterococcus faecium represented 2.3 per cent and 4.4 per cent of CPH and UAH isolates, respectively. Streptococcus pneumoniae represented 3.4 per cent of the total Gram-positive isolates from CPH, no S. pneumoniae was reported in UAH. The antimicrobial susceptibility results showed that for Staphylococcus aureus there was a statistically significant higher resistance to methicillin and thrimethoprim sulfamethoxazole in UAH, while resistance to erythromycin was significantly higher in CPH. There was no difference in the resistance of S. aureus to other antimicrobial agents between hospitals groups. A statistically significant resistant to vancomycin was found between enterococcal isolates from UAH (43 per cent) and CPH (12.7 per cent). High-level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR) was observed among UAH enterococcal isolates with E. faecium showing a higher resistance than E. faecalis, no data for HLAR in CPH could be obtained. For pneumococci 46 per cent of CPH isolates were resistant to penicillin. In summary, there are important differences in the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance between the Gram-positive bacteria isolated from community and teaching hospitals.