bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superparasitism in gregarious hymenopteran parasitoids: ecological, behavioural and physiological perspectives
Authors: DORN SILVIA , BECKAGE NANCY E.
Published: May 2007

Abstract Superparasitism in gregarious wasps occurs with the deposition of a clutch of eggs by a female into a host already parasitized by itself or a conspecific female. This review synthesizes and interprets the available results in the literature reported from field studies, and from behavioural and physiological investigations. To study superparasitism at the ecosystem level, methodological issues have to be solved to determine threshold values beyond which multiple offspring can be indisputably classified as originating from superparasitism. This life strategy is then discussed from the parasitoid’s perspective, considering time and egg limitation, host discrimination, clutch size, offspring body size and sex ratio, as well as development time and survival rate of offspring, with special emphasis on physiological facilitation and constraints. Then, superparasitism in gregarious species is evaluated from the host’s angle, addressing host survivorship and development, host food consumption and growth. Although superparasitism may be beneficial for either the first or the superparasitizing female, depending on the system, it is detrimental for both of them under conditions of extreme superparasitism. Recent methodological and experimental advances encourage further studies on the adaptive host choice under field and laboratory conditions, as well as on mechanisms underlying success of the first or the superparasitizing female and their progeny.
Human Peripheral Blood Dendritic Cells and Monocyte Subsets Display Similar Chemokine Receptor Expression Profiles with Differential Migratory Responses
Authors: Cravens P. D. , Hayashida K. , Davis L. S. , Nanki T. , Lipsky P. E.
Published: May 2007

Human antigen presenting cells (APC) found in peripheral blood are considered to be precursors that have been released from the bone marrow and are in transit to the peripheral tissues. These APC populations include myeloid dendritic cells (mDC), plasmacytoid DC (pDC) and monocytes (Mo). To assign specialized functional roles and stages of development for APCs, CD33 expressing APC subsets were examined for their capacity to respond to chemokines. Three major CD33+ subsets including CD33brightCD14bright Mo, CD33brightCD14− CD11c+ mDC and CD33dimCD14− pDC were present. Dendritic cells subsets and Mo expressed low levels of CC and CXC receptors, but distinctive chemokine receptor expression profiles were not observed. The percentage of cells expressing a particular chemokine receptor varied from donor to donor and over time in the same donor. Myeloid DC and Mo but not pDC migrated toward CXCL12 in a concentration dependent manner. Monocytes and pDC, but not myeloid DC, were attracted by high concentrations of CXCL10. All CD33+ subsets migrated in a concentration dependent manner toward CCL19, but responded less robustly to CCL21. CCL20 was not chemoattractant for any population. Despite the finding that APC did not exhibit unique surface chemokine receptor expression patterns, they exhibited differential migration to CXCL12, CXCL10 and CCL21 but not to CCL20 or CCL19.
Generation of a Considerable Number of Functional Mast Cells with a High Basal Level of FcɛRI Expression from Cord Blood CD34+Cells by Co‐culturing Them with Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Line Under Serum‐free Conditions
Authors: Yamaguchi M. , Azuma H. , Fujihara M. , Hamada H. , Ikeda H.
Published: May 2007

The number of mast cells (MC) that can be obtained from tissue is limited, making it difficult to study the role of MC. Cultured MC derived from cord blood (CB)‐CD34+cells proliferate well compared with those derived from adult CD34+cells; however, they have been reported to be phenotypically or functionally immature regardless of culture system. For example, very few cells express FcɛRI. To resolve this problem, we addressed the effect of human bone marrow stromal cell line on the development of cultured MC. CB‐CD34+(1 × 104) cells were cultured for 8 weeks in a serum‐free medium containing rhIL‐6 and rhSCF with or without a human bone marrow stromal cell line, namely, co‐culture and liquid culture, and were compared in various regards. MC were basically determined by metachromatic staining of granules. The number of MC obtained (60.3 ± 15.8 × 105versus 2.0 ± 1.0 × 105), percentage of FcɛRI+cells (29.3 ± 9.4% versus 1.9 ± 0.8%), histamine content (9.7 ± 2.8 pg/cell versus 5.8 ± 2.3 pg/cell), and IgE‐mediated histamine release (46 ± 10% versus 17 ± 7%) were higher (P < 0.01 andP < 0.05) in the co‐culture than in the liquid culture. When CB‐CD34+cells were developed in liquid culture with the co‐culture supernatant (CM), a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the percentage of FcɛRI+cells and in cell number was observed but these values were lower than those of co‐cultured MC. We concluded that this co‐culture system was useful for obtaining a considerable number of mature MC with a high basal level of functional FcɛRI expression from CB‐CD34+cells. Yet unknown humoral factors in CM may partly mediate this effect.
Murine Trefoil Factor 3 Does not Directly Modulate LPS‐Mediated Dendritic Cell Function
Authors: Loos M. , De Creus A. , Thim L. , Remaut E. , Rottiers P.
Published: May 2007

Peptides of the trefoil factor family (TFF) are expressed along the gastro‐intestinal tract. They protect mucous epithelia from damage and contribute to mucosal repair, which is essential for preventing inflammation. Moreover, it has been suggested that TFF2 and TFF3, in particular, play a role in regulating immune responses. Depending on their activation status, dendritic cells (DC) can initiate either tolerance or immunity. This study, by comparing LPS‐induced maturation of mTFF3‐treated DC and non‐treated DC, investigated whether murine TFF3 directly regulated DC function. mTFF3‐treated DC and non‐treated DC did not differ phenotypically or functionally. Both populations expressed, both before and after LPS‐stimulation, similar levels of co‐stimulatory molecules and cytokines, and were both efficient stimulators of T‐cells. Our results suggest that mTFF3 does not govern immune responses on the level of DC function.
Surface properties of stabilizing coastal dunes: combining spectral and field analyses
Authors: LEVIN NOAM , KIDRON GIORA J. , BEN‐DOR EYAL
Published: May 2007

The coastal dunes of Israel have been undergoing a process of stabilization since 1948. One of the major features of this process is a change in the surface properties of the dunes – the development of a biological soil crust (BSC), and a change in the properties of the sand grains themselves. In Ashdod, at the southern coastal plain of Israel, sand properties that include the BSC, their fines (silt and clay) content and free iron‐oxide (indicating their degree of rubification) have been analysed in detail using field and lab spectroscopy methods. In addition, sand erosion and deposition were measured using erosion pins to determine their effect on the presence of the above‐mentioned factors. It was found that the BSC over these dunes is comprised of green algae that differs in its reflectance spectra from cyanobacterial crust, especially in the blue band. The crust was found to be particularly developed in the stable areas (mainly the interdunes) and on the north‐facing slopes rather than on the south‐facing slopes. A positive correlation was found between the crust fines and chlorophyll content, with stable areas showing more developed BSC. The stable areas showed also a lower albedo and slightly more developed reddish colour, indicating a slightly higher rate of rubification. This study demonstrates that the intensity of sand erosion/deposition rates affects soil properties, with the BSC being the fastest to react to the stabilization process (months to several years), followed by the content of fine particles (several years to a decade), whereas the rubification process is a much weaker marker and may need much longer time periods to develop (decades to centuries).
First record of Fergusonina (Diptera: Fergusoninidae) and associated Fergusobia (Tylenchida: Neotylenchidae) forming galls on Metrosideros (Myrtaceae) from New Zealand
Authors: TAYLOR GARY , DAVIES KERRIE , MARTIN NICHOLAS , CROSBY TREVOR
Published: May 2007

Abstract A new species of fly, Fergusonina metrosiderosi Taylor sp.n. (Diptera: Fergusoninidae) [and its associated nematode, Fergusobia pohutukawa Davies sp.n. (Tylenchida: Neotylenchidae)], is described from unilocular basal shoot‐bud galls on Pohutukawa (New Zealand Christmas Tree), Metrosideros excelsa Banks ex Gaertn. (Myrtaceae). The fly is characterized by the short, sclerotized postabdomen of the female, distinctly grey wings, reduction in length of the reclinate orbital, postocellar and vertical setae, undifferentiation of the ocellar setae, supernumerary setation of the genae, and three pairs of scutellar setae rather than two. The dorsal shield is restricted to a few raised sclerotized spicules on the first to third thoracic segments of the larva and epidermis of the puparium. The nematode is characterized by the combinations of arcuate shape, small ‘a’ ratio, swollen cuticle, small cephalic region with elevated circum‐oral area with a flat tip, coarse annulation and relatively slender conical tail of the parthenogenetic female, and coarse annulation, long bursa and angular spicule with short, broad, offset manubrium of the male. Fergusonina metrosiderosi sp.n. and Fergusobia pohutukawa sp.n. represent the first record of the fly‐nematode association from the host genus Metrosideros, and the first record from New Zealand. Aspects of the biology and biogeography of the fly‐nematode association are discussed.
Symmetrical alopecia, scaling and hepatitis in a rabbit
Authors: Florizoone Koenraad , Van Der Luer René , Van Den Ingh Ted
Published: May 2007

A 5‐year‐old rabbit with inappetence, symmetrical alopecia and skin lesions was examined. No mites or Malassezia were found in skin scrapings and tape impressions and dermatophyte culture was negative. Trial therapy with ivermectin did not reduce skin lesion severity, and euthanasia was performed because of anorexia after 1 month. Histopathology of the skin showed hyperkeratosis, lymphocytic exocytosis, cell‐poor interface dermatitis (lymphocytic infiltration and apoptotic cells in basal layer of epidermis), absence of sebaceous glands and lymphocytic mural folliculitis comparable to sebaceous adenitis and thymoma‐associated exfoliative dermatitis previously described in rabbits. The liver exhibited an interface hepatitis, comparable to autoimmune hepatitis in man. The occurrence of morphological similarities to exfoliative dermatitis and sebaceous adenitis in rabbits, in association with an autoimmune hepatitis, has not been described before.
Suspected polymyxin B‐induced pemphigus vulgaris in a dog
Authors: Rybníček Jan , Hill Peter B.
Published: May 2007

A case of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), putatively induced by topical application of polymyxin B ear drops, is described. A 3‐year‐old, female Tosa Inu, presented with acute onset swelling, blistering and ulceration of the pinnae, nostrils, lips and oral mucous membranes. The dog was depressed, febrile and anorexic. For 7 days prior to the onset of the acute ulcerative disease, polymyxin B ear drops had been applied to both ears to treat an ear infection. Skin and mucosal biopsies showed suprabasilar cleft formation and acantholysis, indicative of PV. The polymyxin B ear drops were discontinued and the dog was treated with intravenous fluids, systemic and topical antibacterial therapy, and immunosuppressive therapy comprising prednisone and azathioprine. Complete remission was noted after 2 weeks, and the immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued one month later. No clinical signs of PV recurred over a 1 year follow‐up period. As PV does not usually resolve spontaneously, or enter long‐term remission, it was considered that the condition was most likely drug induced due to the aural application of polymyxin B.
Childhood bullous pemphigoid: a case report and 10‐year follow up
Authors: Sáenz Ana María , González Francisco , Cirocco Antonietta , Tacaronte Inés María , Fajardo Javier Enrique , Calebotta Adriana
Published: May 2007

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a very rare acquired immunbullous disease in children and infants. We report the case of a 15‐month‐old boy referred to our service with multiple tense bullae located predominantly on the trunk, neck and proximal portion of the limbs. Palms, soles and oral mucosa were also affected. Histopathologic and immunopathologic features were characterized with bullous pemphigoid. The patient responded well to systemic steroids, with improvement of his condition. After a 10‐year follow up the patient was no longer suffering from the disease.
Prevalence of acne keloidalis nuchae in Nigerians
Authors: Salami Taofik , Omeife Henry , Samuel Samuel
Published: May 2007

Background  The prevalence of acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN), a chronic inflammatory process of the hair follicles resulting in keloidal papules and plaques at the nape of the neck, is increasing in our environment.

Methods  A prospective hospital‐based observational study was conducted at the adult medical dermatologic outpatient department of Irrua specialist teaching hospital, Edo State, Nigeria. All patients referred to the dermatology clinic with symptoms and signs of AKN were recruited.

Results  Thirty patients presented to the adult dermatologic unit with AKN over a period of 22 months, giving a gross incidence of 9.4% of dermatologic consultations. The common etiologic factor was secondary to trauma from an electric razor whilst having a haircut, followed by spread of keloid from the beard area.

Conclusions  Minimization of trauma during hair cutting or shaving and personalization of haircare instruments may reduce the recently increased incidence of this condition in our environment.
Disseminated cutaneous Fusarium moniliforme infections in a leukemic child
Authors: Chi Ching‐Chi , Wang Shu‐Hui
Published: May 2007

A 5‐year‐old boy had a 10‐month remission of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) after chemotherapy. Re‐induction chemotherapy was performed for relapse of ALL. Thereafter, he suffered from an episode of neutropenic fever with pneumonia. One week following control of the condition with antibiotics, a 1 × 1‐cm, red, painful nodule appeared on the left thigh, which was initially suspected to be Pseudomonas infection. Parenteral ceftazidime and amikacin were administered, but persistent high fever, mild cough, and a few painful erythematous papulonodules on the face and lower extremities appeared several days later (Fig. 1). These lesions increased insidiously in diameter up to 2–5 cm with central necrosis. Hemogram showed neutropenia with a shift to the left [white blood cell (WBC) count, 2.1 × 109/L; neutrophil count, 0.21 × 109/L]. A skin biopsy showed heavy growth of hyaline branching septate hyphae in the deep dermis and subcutis, together with fat necrosis (Fig. 2). Invasion of molds into vessels and sweat glands was also seen. A culture from a lesion yielded Fusarium moniliforme, but no fungi were isolated from blood specimens. Only mild infiltrations on bilateral lower lung fields were detected by chest roentgenography. The skin lesions gradually healed and the fever subsided 2 weeks after the initiation of therapy with amphotericin B 30 mg and itraconazole 200 mg daily.

A few painful erythematous papulonodules appeared on the face and lower extremities

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Skin biopsy showed heavy growth of hyaline branching septate hyphae in the deep dermis and subcutis along with fat necrosis (hematoxylin and eosin, ×400)

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Meanwhile, relapse of leukemia was detected by hemogram showing atypical leukocytosis (WBC count of 24,400 × 109/L, with blast cells representing 78%). A course of chemotherapy with cytarabine, mitoxantrone, and VP‐16 was prescribed, subsequently resulting in neutropenia (WBC count, < 0.1 × 109/L; neutrophil count, 0/L) and spiking fever. Although the aforementioned antifungal therapy was continued, the centers of the originally healed lesions turned dusky red, swollen, necrotic, and ulcerative. There were more than 10 such ecthymiform lesions. After administration for 22 days, itraconazole was discontinued because of no appreciable effects. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) salvage was used, and the neutropenia gradually subsided 20 days later. In addition, the ecthymiform lesions gradually resolved. Amphotericin B was discontinued 1 week following neutrophil recovery. The patient died of Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia sepsis 8 months later.
Tungiasis: high prevalence, parasite load, and morbidity in a rural community in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ugbomoiko Uade Samuel , Ofoezie Ifeanyi Emmanuel , Heukelbach Jorg
Published: May 2007

Background  Tungiasis is common in resource‐poor populations throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub‐Saharan Africa, but epidemiologic data from Africa on this ectoparasitosis are scarce.

Methods  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a representative sample of a rural community in Lagos State, 54 km west of Lagos (Nigeria). In the dry season, 142 households of the community were randomly selected and visited. Family members were examined for the presence of tungiasis. The localization, number, and stage of penetrated fleas, as well as the associated morbidity, were documented.

Results  Five hundred and fifty‐seven individuals were examined, 299 (53.7%) males and 258 (46.3%) females. In total, 252 (45.2%; 95% confidence interval, 41.1–49.5) were infested with Tunga penetrans. The prevalence was highest between the ages of 5 and 14 years, decreased in adults, and increased again in the elderly. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence in males and females (47.2% vs. 43.0%; P = 0.3). Almost 95% of lesions were localized on the feet. Ten per cent of individuals presented with sand fleas on the hands and elbows. The median parasite load was six (interquartile range, 3–16). Individuals aged 60 years or over had significantly more lesions (median of 41 lesions; P < 0.01). About one‐third of the study participants found it difficult to walk; in 10% of cases, fissures were present. Superinfection was common.

Conclusions  The prevalence of tungiasis and the parasite load were high, and the severity of the disease was considerable. The prevalence and parasite burden showed a characteristic distribution. In western Nigeria, tungiasis needs to be regarded as an important public health problem.
Multifocal manifestation does not affect vascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for patient selection in liver transplantation
Authors: Löhe Florian , Angele Martin K , Rentsch Markus , Graeb Christian , Gerbes Alexander , Löhrs Udo , Beuers Ulrich , Jauch Karl‐Walter
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Background and aims:  Liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improves patient survival when tumor size and number are limited according to the Milan criteria. However, the impact of tumor size vs. the number of lesions for tumor recurrence after OLT is unclear. Microvascular invasion appears to be a significant risk factor for tumor recurrence. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to investigate tumor differentiation and microvascular invasion in relation to tumor number and size and their impact on survival after transplantation.

Patients and Methods:  In 97 adult HCC patients who underwent OLT between June 1985 and December 2005 the incidence of microvascular invasion, tumor differentiation, and the number and size of tumor lesions were analyzed retrospectively. Their impact on survival was studied by multivariate analysis.

Results:  Microvascular invasion was the only independent negative predictor of survival after OLT for HCC (p = 0.025). Tumor size > 5 cm was predictive for microvascular invasion (p = 0.007). In contrast, tumor number did not affect the incidence of microvascular invasion or cumulative survival.

Conclusion:  The size of the largest HCC lesion, but not the number of tumors, determined microvascular invasion, a predictor of the outcome following OLT for HCC. Thus, the number of HCC lesions should not be applied to patient selection prior to OLT. These data support the extension of the Milan criteria for the selection of HCC patients for OLT with regard to tumor number, but not tumor size.
Interleukin‐10 gene promoter polymorphisms and the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wei Y.‐S. , Kuang X.‐H. , Zhu Y.‐H. , Liang W.‐B. , Yang Z.‐H. , Tai S.‐H. , Zhao Y. , Zhang L.
Published: May 2007

Genetic factors are known to be important in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is an immunosuppressive cytokine which may facilitate development of cancer by supporting tumor escape from the immune response. Interindividual variations in IL‐10 production were genetically contributed to polymorphisms within IL‐10 promoter region. The aim of this study was to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions −1082 (A/G), −819 (T/C) and −592 (A/C) in the IL‐10 gene promoter were involved in predisposing an individual to NPC. One hundred and ninety‐eight patients with NPC and 210 age‐ and sex‐matched controls, genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. There were significantly differences in the genotype and allele distribution of −1082 A/G polymorphism of the IL‐10 gene among cases and controls. The −1082 AG and GG genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of NPC as compared with the −1082 AA genotypes. Haplotype analysis showed that the homozygosity of the GCC haplotype (defined by SNPs at positions −1082, −819 and −592) of IL‐10 gene conveys the highest risk for NPC compared with the homozygosity for the ATA haplotype. This study shows for the first time an association between IL‐10 gene promoter −1082 A/G polymorphism and its haplotype may contribute to genetic susceptibility to NPC in a Chinese population.
An improved method for dog leukocyte antigen 88 typing and two new major histocompatibility complex class I alleles, DLA‐88*01101 and DLA‐88*01201
Authors: Venkataraman G. M. , Stroup P. , Graves S. S. , Storb R.
Published: May 2007

Development of preclinical dog models of solid organ and hematopoietic transplantation is critically dependent upon characterization of the polymorphic major histocompatibility complex class I and class II loci. While the class II alleles are easily typed as the polymorphic positions reside on a single exon, typing the class I locus is tedious. We have improved the class I typing method by designing improved primers and adopting alternative DNA amplification and cloning reagents that circumvent the use of radioactivity and the need for the single‐stranded conformation polymorphism gels. The method is reliable in typing dogs for the class I dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)‐88 locus, and through its use, we describe here two new alleles DLA‐88*01101 and DLA‐88*01201.
Comparison of relaxation responses to multiple vasodilators in TxA2‐analog and endothelin‐1‐precontracted pulmonary arteries
Authors: Piamsomboon C. , Tanaka K. A. , Szlam F. , Makita T. , Huraux C. , Levy J. H.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Peri‐operative pulmonary hypertension can lead to right ventricular dysfunction and to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Altered function of the pulmonary vascular endothelium and vasoconstriction play a crucial role in the development of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. Because pulmonary artery vasoreactivity is dependent on many factors including the constricting agent that precipitated the event therefore the aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of different classes of vasodilator agents to reverse endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) or thromboxane A2 (TxA2)‐induced vasoconstriction in porcine pulmonary artery (PA) in vitro.

Methods:  Relaxation responses to vasodilatory drugs were studied in PA precontracted with ET‐1 (1 × 10–8 M) or TxA2 analog (U46619, 1 × 10–8 M). All vasodilating drugs were added in a cumulative fashion and isometric tension measurements were obtained using an organ chamber technique.

Results:  In both groups relaxation responses to the vasodilators were dose dependent. When ET‐1 was used as a constrictor nitroglycerin and milrinone caused nearly complete (80–100%) relaxation, whereas other agents were of limited effectiveness (40–50%). On the other hand, in the vessels constricted with U46619, olprinone, indomethacin, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), nitroglycerin, milrinone and clevidipine induced complete (90–110%) vasodilatation but brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), l‐arginine, and isoproterenol relaxed the vessels maximally by 45–60%.

Conclusions:  Nitroglycerin and milrinone are very effective in reversing ET‐1 and U46619‐induced pulmonary vasoconstriction in vitro. The effectiveness of other drugs studied was dependent on the type of constrictor used. BNP, l‐arginine and isoproterenol were shown to have minimal vasodilatory effects in porcine PA.
The Effect of Preceding Crop and Pre‐Sprouting on Crop Growth, N Use and Tuber Yield of Maincrop Potatoes for Processing Under Conditions of N Stress
Authors: Haase T. , Schüler C. , Piepho H.‐P. , Thöni H. , Heß J.
Published: May 2007

Factorial field trials were carried out on an experimental farm near Kassel, Germany, in two consecutive seasons (2003 and 2004) in order to examine the impact of leguminous and cereal preceding crops (i) on soil N availability under subsequent potatoes and (ii) the effect of preceding crop and pre‐sprouting of seed tubers on crop development, N uptake, N utilization efficiency and total and size‐graded tuber yields relevant for processing into either crisps or French fries. In addition, an approach to analyse complex field experiments using mixed models is discussed. Soil mineralized nitrate‐N at emergence of the potato crop was affected by the preceding crop and was highest when potatoes followed peas, while the short‐term alfalfa/grass/clover ley appeared too sensitive to environmental conditions in the preceding cropping season, and its efficiency in terms of N supply may be hard to predict. Pre‐sprouting advanced crop development and dry matter accumulation of the canopy, translocation of assimilates and N from canopy into tubers and allowed an increased N utilization efficiency. The positive effect of pre‐sprouting on total tuber yield was compensated up to the final harvest, but a higher percentage of marketable tuber yield for French fries (>50 mm) was found independently of the date of harvest. An increasing N supply (after peas and a following catch crop) may be efficient in terms of higher yields of the marketable size‐grades (40–65 mm) for crisps, but increase oversized tuber yields in seasons not affected by Phytophthora infestans. Average tuber fresh weight responded consistently and positively to seed‐tuber preparation (pre‐sprouting), cultivar (cv. Agria) and an increased N supply (after peas).
Poor efficacy of amphotericin B‐based therapy in CNS aspergillosis
Authors: Schwartz Stefan , Ruhnke Markus , Ribaud Patricia , Reed Elizabeth , Troke Peter , Thiel Eckhard
Published: May 2007

Recently, improved response and survival rates in patients treated with voriconazole and neurosurgery for central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis have been reported. We assessed retrospectively the outcome in 17 patients with definite or probable CNS aspergillosis treated with amphotericin B alone (n = 15) or in combination with 5‐fluorocytosine (n = 3) or itraconazole (n = 2). Four patients underwent neurosurgery. The mortality rate was 100% with a median survival of only 10 days (range: 3–60) after onset of first symptoms or first radiological evidence of CNS aspergillosis. In conclusion, treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole has negligible efficacy in CNS aspergillosis.
Serotype identification of Cryptococcus neoformans by multiplex PCR
Authors: Ito‐Kuwa S. , Nakamura K. , Aoki S. , Vidotto V.
Published: May 2007

The pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans is traditionally classified into three varieties with five serotypes: var. grubii (serotype A), var. neoformans (serotype D), var. gattii (serotypes B and C) and serotype AD (hybrid of serotypes A and D). A commercial kit, Crypto Check (Iatron Laboratories, Tokyo, Japan), has been used worldwide for serotyping isolated strains. However, its production was discontinued in 2004, and hence the present study aimed to develop a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for serotyping C. neoformans strains. Subjecting genomic DNA of 59 strains of the five serotypes to multiplex PCR amplification using a set of four primers designed for the laccase gene (LAC1) differentiated serotypes A, D, B and C, but could not separate serotype AD from serotype D. However, a primer pair designed for the capsule gene (CAP64) allowed serotypes D and AD to be differentiated. When PCR amplification was performed in the simultaneous presence of the above six primers, the five serotypes produced two to five DNA fragments that could be used to distinguish them. This multiplex PCR method is useful for serotyping C. neoformans isolates, and represents an effective replacement for the Crypto Check kit.
Activity and post antifungal effect of chlorpromazine and trifluopherazine against Aspergillus, Scedosporium and zygomycetes
Authors: Vitale Roxana G. , Afeltra Javier , Meis Jacques F. G. M. , Verweij Paul E.
Published: May 2007

The phenothiazine compounds chlorpromazine and trifluopherazine are antipsychotic agents that exhibit antimicrobial activity against bacteria, some protozoa and yeasts. Data of activity against filamentous fungi are lacking. The in vitro activity and postantifungal effect (PAFE) of chlorpromazine and trifluopherazine was determined against Aspergillus species, zygomycetes and Scedosporium species. In vitro susceptibility testing was performed with CLSI M38A and the PAFE was determined with previously established methods. Both drugs inhibited the growth of all fungi tested at concentrations of 16 to 64 μg ml−1. For Aspergillus species the mean PAFE was 3.7 and 4.7 h; for zygomycetes, 3.1 and 3.4 h; for Scedosporium, 4.3 and 5.3 h for chlorpromazine and trifluoroperazine respectively. These are the first drugs shown to induce PAFE against Scedosporium. We show that phenothiazine compounds have in vitro antifungal activity and exhibit PAFE against a broad range of filamentous fungal pathogens. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, further studies are needed to explore the clinical usefulness of phenothiazine compounds.
A case of tinea corporis purpurica
Authors: Kim Hei Sung , Cho Baik Kee , Oh Shin Taek
Published: May 2007

We present a case of tinea corporis purpurica localized to the legs of a 47‐year‐old woman. Trichophyton rubrum was the aetiological agent. So far, only a single report has been made on tinea corporis purpurica. Although the exact mechanism of purpura formation is unknown, we postulate the virulence of the fungal strain and host immune response to play a role.
The involvement of physico‐chemical interactions in the adhesion of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis to epithelial cells
Authors: Henriques Mariana , Azeredo Joana , Oliveira Rosário
Published: May 2007

Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis are two pathogenic yeasts particularly hazardous to immunocompromised patients. Adhesion of yeast cells to epithelium is considered one of the virulence factors and its study is of major importance. The main aim of this study was the comparison of the influence of physico‐chemical properties on the adhesion of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis to epithelium. Two strains of each Candida species were used in the adhesion assays to HeLa cells. Adhered cells were enumerated by direct microscopic images observation. Yeast cell surface tension parameters and degree of hydrophobicity were determined by contact angle measurement. Pseudohyphae and hyphae formation was analysed by scanning electron microscopy. Yeast cells presented no statistical differences concerning their physico‐chemical surface properties. However, the extent of adhesion to epithelium was different among the four strains. As general conclusion, yeast adhesion to epithelium seems to be strain‐dependent and not directly correlated with pseudohyphae formation.
Pneumocystis jiroveci thyroiditis: report of 15 cases in the literature
Authors: Zavascki Alexandre P. , Maia Ana L. , Goldani Luciano Z.
Published: May 2007

The authors review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci thyroiditis of 15 cases reported in the medical literature. Patients with acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome were particularly at risk. P. jiroveci thyroiditis was diagnosed at autopsy as a part of disseminated infection in a substantial number of patients without clinical manifestations and laboratory evidence of thyroid dysfunction. Local signs and symptoms of infection were indistinguishable from other infectious thyroiditis and included neck enlargement with or without cervical pain, sometimes associated with dysphagia and dysphonia, and clinical and laboratory features of hypothyroidism. Antemortem diagnosis of fungal thyroiditis was made by direct microscopy and culture of a fine‐needle aspirate in most cases. As most patients with P. jiroveci thyroiditis had disseminated Pneumocystis infection with a delay in diagnosis and treatment, the overall mortality was high. Pneumocystis jiroveci thyroiditis is rare but should be suspected in HIV‐infected patients with CD4 count lower than 200 cells μ−1 on prophylatic inhalatory pentamidine who present with neck enlargement with or without pain, and clinical and laboratory evidence of hypothyroidism.
Quality of Internet information referring to mental health and mental disorders in Japan
Authors: NEMOTO KIYOTAKA , TACHIKAWA HIROKAZU , SODEYAMA NORIKO , ENDO GOH , HASHIMOTO KOUKI , MIZUKAMI KATSUYOSHI , ASADA TAKASHI
Published: May 2007

Abstract  Although the Internet has been widely used in Japan, the quality of information on mental health‐related issues has not been evaluated so far. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the current status of Japanese websites that deal with mental health, mental disorders, and their associated matters. Using a search engine, Google, 37 websites were identified that exclusively contain information on mental health or mental disorders. The characteristics of the sites were then examined, along with variety of mental disorders mentioned, and quality of contents for each of the 37 websites. More than half of the websites were set up, at least in part, for commercial purposes and only 27% of sites were owned by professionals. Mood disorder, panic disorder, and schizophrenia were the three most commonly referred disorders on websites. Aside from some exceptions, the quality of information was inadequate, especially that regarding treatment. Most of the websites on mental health and mental disorders examined in the present study have scope for improvement. The challenge is to establish a system to evaluate the sites and to motivate each webmaster to improve the sites.
Comparison of the risk of adverse events between risperidone and haloperidol in delirium patients
Authors: MIYAJI SHINGO , YAMAMOTO KENJI , HOSHINO SYUNYA , YAMAMOTO HIROAKI , SAKAI YOSHIRO , MIYAOKA HITOSHI
Published: May 2007

Abstract  The aim of this study was to determine the risk of adverse events for risperidone and haloperidol in delirium patients. The authors conducted a retrospective study with medical records of 266 Japanese delirium inpatients who were referred to them between July 2001 and May 2005. Information on gender, age, delirium, drug therapy, adverse events, death, and other relevant factors was collected and analyzed for each patient. As a primary antipsychotic drug for the treatment of delirium, risperidone was used in 93 patients; oral haloperidol was used in 95; and intravenous or intramuscular haloperidol was used in 61. The incidence of adverse events was 6.5% for risperidone, 31.4% for oral haloperidol, and 32.8% for haloperidol injection. The incidence of death during delirium was 3.2% for risperidone, 2.1% for oral haloperidol, and 13.1% for haloperidol injection. The incidence of death within 1 year after the onset of delirium was 30.1% for risperidone, 29.5% for oral haloperidol, and 45.9% for haloperidol injection. Between risperidone, oral haloperidol, and intravenous or intramuscular haloperidol the incidence of adverse events was significantly lowest for risperidone, and the incidence of death during delirium was significantly highest for intravenous or intramuscular haloperidol. The use of haloperidol as a first‐line drug in delirium patients who can receive the drug orally will not contribute to the establishment of drug therapy for delirium based on risk‐benefit assessment of the therapy.
Psychometric study of the test of variables of attention: Preliminary findings on Taiwanese children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: WU YU‐YU , HUANG YU‐SHU , CHEN YU‐YING , CHEN CHIH‐KEN , CHANG TZYH‐CHYANG , CHAO CHIA‐CHEN
Published: May 2007

Abstract  Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder in children. Unfortunately, reliable means of measuring attention and impulsivity to help with diagnoses are scarce. The test of variables of attention (TOVA) is a computer‐administered continuous performance test measuring attention and impulsivity, designed to avoid confounding arising from language processing skills or short‐term memory problems. Some evidence has indicated the TOVA can be useful in diagnosing ADHD. This study examines its validity and reliability in helping diagnose Taiwanese ADHD children. The study included 31 ADHD children (24 males, seven females) from a northern Taiwan children's hospital and 30 normal controls (18 males, 12 females) from the local community. The TOVA and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were administered to all children. TOVA scores for omissions, commissions, response time, response time variability, D′ and ADHD scores were analyzed. Results showed a mean internal consistency of 0.81 for all six TOVA variables across conditions, with moderate convergent and discriminant validities. Groups showed significant differences in response time variability, D′ and ADHD scores, with the normal group outperforming the ADHD group. Significant group differences were also found in all CBCL subscale scores except somatic complaints. The ADHD group obtained a clinically significant score on the hyperactivity subscale of the CBCL. The findings partially support the usefulness of the TOVA in assessing attention and impulsivity problems for a Taiwanese sample. Future studies should increase the sample size, use multiple measures, and collect behavior ratings from both parents and teachers.
Effects of polydipsia–hyponatremia on seizures in patients with epilepsy
Authors: OKAZAKI MITSUTOSHI , ITO MASUMI , KATO MASAAKI
Published: May 2007

Abstract  Aggravation of seizures due to hyponatremia was investigated in five patients with epilepsy and polydipsia–hyponatremia. They experienced marked increases in the frequency of their complex partial seizures with a decrease in the serum sodium level to 118–127 mEq/L. In all cases, the serum sodium level returned to normal through restriction of fluids, and the clinical seizures improved. All patients had shown intellectual impairment and/or psychotic episodes, and all had been given antipsychotics. Hyponatremia caused by polydipsia appears to be a risk factor for aggravation of habitual seizures in patients with epilepsy.
Correlation of the health‐promoting lifestyle, enrollment level, and academic performance of College of Nursing students in Kuwait
Authors: Al‐Kandari Fatimah , Vidal Victoria L.
Published: May 2007

Abstract  This descriptive study of 224 nursing students assessed their health‐promoting lifestyle profile and correlated it with the levels of enrollment in nursing courses and academic performance. The health‐promoting lifestyle profile was measured by Walker’s Health‐promoting Lifestyle Profile II instrument. Academic performance was measured by assessing the nursing grade point average and general grade point average of the students. The students had positive health‐promoting lifestyles with significant differences noted between males and females in the overall profile, physical activity, interpersonal relations, and stress management. Sociodemographic variables, such as age, nationality, and marital status, but not income, showed an association with students’ health‐promoting lifestyles. A significant correlation was noted between students’ nursing enrollment and level of health responsibility. No significant correlation was established between a health‐promoting lifestyle and academic performance. This study poses a challenge for nurse educators to provide an effective environment to maximize students’ potential to be future vanguards of health.
Workplace and personal factors associated with physical and mental health in hospital nurses in China
Authors: Lambert Vickie A. , Lambert Clinton E. , Petrini Marcia , Li Xiao Mei , Zhang Yi Jin
Published: May 2007

Abstract  Limited research exists on the workplace and personal factors that might be associated with the physical and mental health of nurses working in China. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to examine, in Chinese hospital nurses, the most frequently occurring workplace stressor, the most often used coping strategy, and the relationships that exist among workplace stressors, coping strategies, psychological hardiness, demographic characteristics, and physical and mental health. Four‐hundred‐and‐eighty hospital nurses from five hospitals in three major Chinese cities were administered five self‐report questionnaires. The findings indicated the most frequently cited workplace stressor was workload, while the most commonly used coping strategy was positive reappraisal. Numerous positive and negative correlations were found, suggesting the importance that workplace stress, coping strategies, psychological hardiness, and demographic characteristics play in relationship to each other, as well as to both the physical and mental health of Chinese nurses.
Living‐related transplantation of an ectopic pelvic kidney
Authors: Papanikolaou Vasilios , Giakoustidis Dimitrios , Antoniadis Nikolaos , Ouzounidis Nikolaos , Takoudas Dimitrios , Antoniadis Antonios
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Ectopic kidneys are usually contraindicated for transplantation as a result of anomalous vascular and drainage system. Graft shortage increases the need of expanding the donor pool and the use of ectopic pelvic kidneys might provide a small but useful source. Transplantation of an ectopic pelvic kidney is a technically demanding procedure and very few cases have been published. We present a case of a living‐related kidney transplantation of an ectopic pelvic kidney. The donor was a healthy 65‐year‐old lady and preoperative work‐up had showed a left ectopic pelvic kidney. The recipient was a 34‐year‐old male with a history of end‐stage renal disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis. After the transplantation, there was an immediate function of the allograft and the donor’s postoperative course was uneventful. The donor was discharged on the fifth postoperative day.
Urachal signet ring cell carcinoma
Authors: Morii Akihiro , Furuya Yuzo , Fujiuchi Yasuyoshi , Akashi Takuya , Ishizawa Shin , Fuse Hideki
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Urachal adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm associated with poor prognosis. We report a case of urachal signet ring cell carcinoma in a 65‐year‐old man. He was admitted with a chief complaint of microscopic hematuria. Cystoscopic examination and transurethral biopsy showed an urachal tumor. After undergoing radical cystectomy and intravenous chemotherapy, the patient developed bilateral hydronephroses as a result of bilateral ureteral metastases and bowel obstraction because of the Para‐aortic lymphnode metastasis. He has been alive for 5 years after three courses of chemotherapy and a bypass operation.
Reversible inactivation of amygdala and cerebellum but not perirhinal cortex impairs reactivated fear memories
Authors: Sacchetti Benedetto , Sacco Tiziana , Strata Piergiorgio
Published: May 2007

The cerebellum, amygdala and perirhinal cortex are involved in fear learning but the different roles that these three structures play in aversive learning are not well defined. Here we show that in adult rats amygdala or cerebellar vermis blockade causes amnesia when performed immediately, but not 1 h, after the recall of fear memories. Thus, the cerebellum, as well as the amygdala, influences long‐term fear memories. These effects are long lasting, as they do not recover over time, even after a reminder shock administration. However, all of the subjects were able to form new fear memories in the absence of inactivation. By increasing the strength of conditioning, we observed that stronger fear memories are affected by the combined but not independent amygdala and cerebellar blockade. These results demonstrate that the cerebellum supports the memory processes even in the absence of a crucial site for emotions like the amygdala. Furthermore, they suggest that the amygdala is only one of the neural sites underlying long‐term fear memories. Finally, the inactivation of the perirhinal cortex never alters retrieved fear traces, showing important differences between the amygdala, cerebellum and perirhinal cortex in emotional memories.
Proliferating neuronal progenitors in the postnatal hippocampus transiently express the proneural gene Ngn2
Authors: Ozen Ilknur , Galichet Christophe , Watts Colin , Parras Carlos , Guillemot François , Raineteau Olivier
Published: May 2007

Little is known of the transcription factors expressed by adult neural progenitors produced in the hippocampal neurogenic niche. Here, we study the expression of the proneural basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor Neurogenin‐2 (Ngn2) in the adult hippocampus. We have characterized the pattern of expression of Ngn2 in the adult hippocampus using immunostaining for Ngn2 protein and a Ngn2‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter mouse strain. A significant proportion of Ngn2‐expressing cells were mitotically active. Ngn2‐GFP expression was restricted to the subgranular zone and declined with age. Neuronal markers were used to determine the phenotype of Ngn2‐expressing cells. The vast majority of Ngn2‐GFP‐positive cells expressed the immature neuronal markers, doublecortin (DCX) and polysialic acid‐neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM). Finally, the pattern of Ngn2 expression was studied following seizure induction. Our data show an increase in neurogenesis, detected in these animals by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and DCX staining that was contemporaneous with a marked increase in Ngn2‐GFP‐expression. Taken together, our results show that Ngn2‐GFP represents a specific marker for neurogenesis and its modulation in the adult hippocampus. Ngn2 transient expression in proliferating neuronal progenitors supports the idea that it plays a significant role in adult neurogenesis.