Unraveling a model of TCL/RhoJ allosterism using TC10 reverse chimeras.

In addition to the classical regulation of GTPase activity by effector proteins, investigating the variations in the amino acid sequence and structures of GTPases often provides insights into regulatory mechanisms that are more GTPase-specific. TCL/RhoJ is a Rho GTPase most closely related to Cdc42 and TC10; however, its nucleotide exchange activity is distinctly influenced by N-terminal amino acids 17-20 and the more distal amino acids 121-129. In this short study, we have further explored the differences between TCL and its homolog TC10 and show that its unique mode of allosteric regulation requires broader diversification of its amino acid sequence than previously appreciated.

Association of antibiotic utilization measures and reduced incidence of infections with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms.

With the overuse of expanded-spectrum cephalosporins, especially ceftazidime, outbreaks of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli infections have been reported. In this prospective observational study, we demonstrated that the addition of piperacillin/tazobactam to the formulary and the restriction of ceftazidime were associated with a decrease in the percentage of ceftazidime-resistant isolates. When the use of ceftazidime decreased by 96.