bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candida endophthalmitis associated with intraocular lens implantation: efficacy of fluconazole therapy
Authors: Kauffman Carol A. , Bradley Suzanne F. , Vine A. K.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Four patients with Candida parapsilosis endophthalmitis following intraocular lens implantation were treated with oral fluconazole. All had failed prior therapy with intravitreal amphotericin B. The only patient who had the lens implant removed was cured after treatment with fluconazole for one year. Three patients who did not have the lens implant removed had resolution of symptoms and return of visual acuity towards normal during the year they were on fluconazole. However, five months after therapy had been stopped, all three had decreasing visual acuity, and in two, culture of vitreous fluid yielded C. parapsilosis. Fluconazole may be effective for treatment of endophthalmitis associated with an intraocular lens implant, but only when the implant is removed also.

Zusammenfassung. Vier Patienten mit Candida parapsilosis‐Endophthalmitis nach intraokulärer Linsenimplantation wurden oral mit Fluconazol behandelt. Rei allen Patienten hatte die vorherige intravitreale Amphotericin B‐Therapie versagt. Einem Patienten wurde die implantierte Linse entfernt; er war nach einjähriger Fluconazol‐Therapie geheilt. Den drei ande‐ren Patienten wurde die implantierte Linse nicht entfernt. Unter einjähriger Fluconazol‐Therapie besserten sich zwar die Symptome, und die Sehschärfe normalisierte sich. Fünf Monate nach Beendigung der Therapie verschlechterte sich jedoch bei allen drei Patienten die Sehfähigkeit wieder, und bei zwei von ihnen konnte aus der Glaskorperflussigkeit wieder C. parapsilosis isoliert werden. Fluconazol kann also bei Endophthalmitis nach Linsenimplantation wirksam sein, jedoch nur wenn das Implantat wieder entfernt wird.
Evaluation of a commercial enzyme immunoassay for the detection of cryptococcal antigen
Authors: Sekhon A. S. , Garg A. K. , Kaufman L. , Kobayashi G. S. , Hamir Z. , Jalbert M. , Moledina N.
Published: July 2010

Summary. A total of 143 cerebrospinal and serum samples, from proven and suspected cases of cryptococcosis, were concurrently examined using a recently introduced enzyme immunoassay (EIA Premier, Meridian Diagnostics, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA) and three latex agglutination (LA) procedures (Immunomycologics, Inc., Norman, OK, USA; IBL, Inc., Cranbury, NJ, USA and a non‐commercial LA test). Of these 143 specimens, 115 were negative for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) with the EIA and LA tests. The remaining 28 specimens were evaluated by the LA tests, and all were positive for CrAg (with titres ranging from 1:2 to 1:8192). Of these 28 LA‐positive specimens, 26 were also tested by the EIA. This procedure detected CrAg in 23 specimens (88.5%), with antigen levels ranging from 1:4 to 1:266,857. There were 3 LA‐positive specimens (titres 1:4 to 1:32) which were negative by the EIA procedure (10.7%). One LA‐negative specimen demonstrated CrAg (titre 1:30) by the EIA procedure. The sensitivity of the EIA and LA tests was 85.2 and 100%, respectively. The specificity of the LA test was 100%, whereas that of the EIA was 97%. The agreement among laboratories for testing the specimens with the three LA tests was 100%.

Zusammenfassung. An 143 Liquor‐ und Serumproben von Patienten mit bewiesener Cryptococcose oder Cryptococcose‐Verdacht wurde ein neu eingeführter Enzymimmunoassay (EIA Premier, Meridian Diagnostics, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA) zum Cryptococcus‐Antigen‐nachweis (CrAG) vergleichend mit drei Latex‐Agglutinationssystemen (LA; Immunomycologics, Inc., Norman, OK, USA; IBL, Inc., Cranbury, NJ, USA; und ein nicht‐kommerzieller LA‐Test) bewertet. Von den 143 Proben waren 115 CrAG‐negativ im EIA und in den LA‐Tests. Die übrigen 28 Proben waren in den LA‐Tests CrAG‐positiv rnit Titern von 1:2 bis 1:8192. Von diesen 28 Proben wurden 26 auch im EIA geprüft. Dieses System reagierte bei 23 Proben (88.5%) CrAG‐positiv mit Titern von 1:4 bis 1:266 857. Drei Proben, die in den LA‐tests mit Titern von 1:4 bis 1:32 CrAG‐positiv waren, reagierten im EIA CrAG‐negativ (10.7%). Eine in den LA‐Tests CrAG‐negative Probe reagierte im EIA rnit einem Titer von 1:30 CrAG‐positiv. Die Sensitivi‐tät des EIA betrug 85.2%, die der LA‐Tests 100%. Die Spezifität der LA‐Tests lag bei 100%, die des EIA bei 97%. Die Übereinstimmung der Ergebnisse der drei LA‐Tests zwischen den drei Testlaboratorien betrug 100%.
Diagnostic problems with imported cases of mycetoma in The Netherlands
Authors: de Hoog G. S. , Buiting A. , Tan C. S. , Stroebel A. B. , Ketterings C. , de Boer E. J. , Naafs B. , Brimicombe R. , Nohlmans‐Paulssen M. K. E. , Fabius G. T. J. , Klokke A. H. , Visser L. G.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Eight cases of imported mycetomata in The Netherlands are reviewed. Seven of these were cultured; only one isolate, Actinomadura madurue, belonged to a species commonly known as an agent of mycetoma. The remaining strains either belonged to very rare species, such as Phialophora cyanescens, or could not be identified at all. The list of possible agents of mycetoma apparently needs to be expanded. In addition, the concept of endemic occurrence of aetiological agents of eumycetoma needs revision. Divergent saprophytes may be involved which are able to survive in human tissue.

Zusammenfassung. Acht Fälle von importierten Myzetomen in den Niederlanden werden vorgestellt. Von insgesamt sieben kulturell nachweisbaren Erregern handelte es sich nur bei einem Stamm um eine in der Literatur in Zusammenhang mit Myzetomen gestellte Art, Actinomadura madurae. In der Überzahl waren seltene Arten, wie Phialophora cyanescens, und nicht näher bestimmbare oder fur Myzetome untypische Erreger. Dies 1äßt den Schluß zu, daß das derzeit bekannte, auf endemische Erreger beschränkte Erregerspektrum lückenhaft ist und das endemische Vorkommen als Konzept neu hinterfragt werden sollte. Bei schwer bestimmbaren Eumyzetomerregern mussen Saprophyten mit der Fähigkeit, in Humangewebe zu persistieren, mit berücksichtigt werden.
Tinea corporis bullosa
Authors: Terragni L. , Marelli M. A. , Oriani A. , Cecca E.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The paper reports a case of tinea corporis bullosa in a 63‐year‐old woman. Near the classical annular lesions on the anterior surface of the left leg, the patient presented frank bullous lesions. Serous fluid from the bulla yielded Microsporum canis, the first report of the association of this fungus with bullous lesions in tinea corporis. The patient was investigated with routine examinations and immunological studies which showed an intense inflammatory process much greater than in usual cases of tinea corporis.

Zusammenfassung. Die Autoren berichten über einen Fall von Tinea corporis bullosa bei einer 63 Jahre alten Frau. In der Nachbarschaft klassischer ringfiormiger Läsionen an der Vorderfläche des linken Beines zeigte die Patientin freistehende bullöse Läsionen. Aus dem serösen Blaseninhalt wurde Microsporum canis angezüchtet. Es ist dies der erste Bericht über die Assoziation dieses Pilzes mit bullöser Tinea corporis. Die Patientin wurde mit Routinemethoden wie auch immunologisch untersucht, was zur Aufdeckung eines Entzundungsprozesses führte, der weit stärker war, als es sonst bei Tinea corporis beobachtet wird.
Cutaneous pythiosis in horses from Brazil
Authors: Meireles M. C. A. , Riet‐Correa F. , Fischman O. , Zambrano A. F. H. , Zambrano M. S. , Ribeiro G. A.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Equine pythiosis was studied in five animals from two farms located in a swampy region of southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul State). Granulomatous lesions exuding necrotic material and containing a central yellow and firm tissue core, the ‘kunker’, were observed on the top of the nose of one horse, on the abdomen of two horses and on the hind limbs of two other animals. Direct microscopic preparations, histo‐pathological examination of lesion material, and macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the isolates confirmed the diagnosis of pythiosis. Surgical intervention of the inflammatory processes, intravenous potassium iodide and topical appiication of copper sulphate were used without success.

Zusammenfassung. Es werden fünf Pythiose‐Erkrankungen an Pferden beschrieben, die auf zwei Farmen in einer Sumpfregion in Sübrasilien (Staat Rio Grande do Sul) gehalten wurden. Granulomatöse Läsionen mit reichlich nekrotischem Material, die zentral einen gelben, verhärteten Bereich (‘Kunker’) enthielten, wurden an der Nasenoberseite eines Pferdes, am Abdomen und an den Hinterbeinen je zwei weiterer Pferde beobachtet. Mikroskopische Direktpräparate und der histologische Erregernachweis im Läsionsmaterial sowie die makroskopischen und mikroskopischen Merkmale der Isolate bestätigten die Diagnose Pythiose. Das chirurgische Angehen der Entzündungsherde, die intravenöse Kaliumjodid‐Therapie und die topische Behandlung mit Kupfersulfat waren erfolglos.
Fluconazole versus oral amphotericin B in preventing fungal infection in chemotherapy‐induced neutropenic patients with haematological malignancies Vergleichende Studie über
Authors: Akiyama H. , Mori S. , Tanikawa S. , Sakamaki H. , Onozawa Y.
Published: July 2010

Summary. This open, randomized, controlled study was designed to assess the efficacy of fluconazole in comparison with oral amphotericin B in preventing clinically suspected fungal infection. A total of 178 chemotherapy‐induced neutropenic episodes expected to last more than 10 days in 51 patients with haematological malignancies were randomly treated with fluconazole, 200 mg once a day, or amphotericin B, 800 mg three times a day orally. Defining the end points as (1) documented fungal infection or (2) use of empiric intravenous amphotericin B for suspected fungal infection including an episode of fever lasting more than 5 days or fever developed during the use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics, no difference was observed between the two groups.

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende offene, randomisierte, kontrollierte Studie diente dem Wirksamkeitsvergleich von Fluconazol gegen Amphotericin B oral zur Vorbeugung vor klinisch zu envartenden Pilzinfektionen. Insgesamt wurde während 178 Cheniotherapie‐induzierten Neutro‐penie‐Episoden von mehr als 10 d Dauer bei 51 Leukämie‐Patienten präventiv entweder mit 200 mg Fluconazol 1 ± täglich oder mit 800 mg Amphotericin B oral 3 ± täglich behandelt. Bewer‐tet nach den Kriterien 1. einer dokumentierten Pilzinfektion oder 2. der Notwendigkeit des empiri‐schen Einsatzes von parenteral verabreichtem Amphotericin B bei vermuteter Pilzinfektion, bei mehr als 5 d anhaltendem Fieber oder bei Fieber unter antibakterieller Chemotherapie war zwischen den beiden Probandengruppen kein Unterschied zu beobachten.
Amphotericin B refractory aspergillosis after itraconazole: evidence for significant antagonism
Authors: Schaffner A. , Böhler Annette
Published: July 2010

Summary. Failure of amphotericin B to halt aspergillosis in a patient previously treated with itraconazole raised the question of whether amphotericin B lost its activity as a result of antagonism between the two antifungal drugs. Azoles exhaust the target of amphotericin B on the fungal cell membrane. Accordingly amphotericin B in vitro lost its activity against six isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus after exposure to subfungici‐dal concentrations of itraconazole. Prior treatment of mice with itraconazole abolished the protective effect of amphotericin B, even when itraconazole was stopped before starting amphotericin B therapy. These observations raise concern about sequential therapy of aspergillosis with itraconazole followed by amphotericin B.

Zusammenfassung. Das Versagen einer Amphotericin B‐Therapie bei Aspergillose an einem anfänglich mit Itraconazol behandelten Patienten stellte die Frage, ob Amphotericin B seine Aktivität wegen des Antagonismus zwischen den beiden Antimykotika verloren hatte. Azole führen zur Verarmung der Zielsubstanz des Amphotericins B auf der Pilzzellmembran. Dementsprechend verlor Amphotericin B in vitro seine Aktivitat für sechs Aspergillus fumigatus‐Isolate nach Exposition gegenüber subfungiziden Itraconazol‐Konzentrationen. Die Vorbehandlung von Mäusen mit Itraconazol verhinderte die protektive Wirkung von Amphotericin B auch dann, wenn Itraconazol vom Beginn der Amphotericin B‐Behandlung an nicht mehr verabreicht wurde. Diese Beobachtungen haben Bedeutung für die sequenzielle Therapie von Amphotericin B nach Itraconazol.
Obstructive bronchial aspergillosis after heart transplantation
Authors: Hummel M. , Schüler S. , Hempel Susanne , Rees W. , Hetzer R.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Obstructive bronchial aspergillosis is a rarely observed consequence of Aspergillus infection. It occurs not only in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but also after heart transplantation (HTx) if T cells are reduced markedly by the application of anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) in addition to immuno‐suppression with corticosteroids. In contrast to invasive aspergillosis or Aspergillus tracheobronch‐itis, the course of this form of Aspergillus infection may not be accompanied by symptoms, because bronchial inflammation with pseudomembranes, ulcers or destruction of mucosa and intra‐pulmonary infiltrates are absent. To prevent invasive aspergillosis following HTx, intensive anti‐fungal therapy is necessary in cases of bronchial obstructive aspergillosis, because this form of Aspergillus infection seems to represent a stage before recognizable invasive disease, as in other immunocompromised patients.

Zusammenfassung. Die obstruktive bronchiale Aspergillose ist eine seltene Verlaufsform der Aspergillus‐Infektion. Sie tritt nicht nur bei Patien‐ten mit einem envorbenen Immundefektsyndrom (AIDS) auf, sondern auch bei Patienten nach Herztransplantation. Ursache ist möglichenveise eine deutlich reduzierte T‐Zellzahl nach Gabe von Antithymocytenglobulin (ATG) bei zusätzlicher Behandlung mit Corticosteroiden. Im Gegensatz zur invasiven Aspergillose oder Aspergillus‐Tracheo‐bronchitis kann diese Form der Aspergillus‐Infektion symptomlos verlaufen, da dabei keine pseudomem‐branöse bronchiale Entzündung, Ulzerationen, Mukosadestruktionen und intrapulmonale Infiltration auftreten. Um eine invasive Aspergillus‐Infektion nach Herztransplantation zu verhindern, ist eine intensive antimykotische Behandlung bereits beim Auftreten einer obstruktiven bron‐chialen Aspergillose erforderlich, da diese Verlaufsform eine Vorstufe einer invasiven Aspergillose bei immunsupprimierten Patienten sein kann.
Zygomycosis of the spleen in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Teira R. , Trinidad J. M. , Eizaguirre B. , Ortiz J. , Santamaria J. M.
Published: July 2010

Summary. A case of zygomycosis of the spleen in a drug addict with AIDS is reported.

Zusammenfassung. Es wird über einen Fall von Zygomykose bei einem Drogenabhängigen mit AIDS berichtet.
Phaeohyphomycosis in a cat caused byAlternaria infectoriaE. G. Simmons
Authors: Roosje Petra J. , de Hoog G. S. , Koeman J. P. , Willemse T.
Published: July 2010

Summary.The first case of phaeohyphomycosis in a cat caused byAlternaria infectoriaE. G. Simmons is reported.A. infectoriawas isolated from several cutaneous nodules. Treatment of the cat with itraconazole is described.

Zusammenfassung.Der erste Fall einer Phaeohyphomykose bei einer Katze, verursacht durchAlternaria infectoriaE. G. Simmons wird beschrie‐ben.A. infectoriawurde aus verschiedenen kutanen Knoten isoliert. Die Behandlung der Katze mit Itraconazol wird beschrieben.
Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome®) treatment of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised children
Authors: Ringdén O. , Tollemar J.
Published: July 2010

Summary.Thirteen children were treated for 16 cases of proven (8 cases) or suspected (8 cases) invasive fungal infections caused byCandidaspp. (9 cases),Aspergillusspp. (3 cases) and mycetoma (1 case). The type of fungal infection was not identified in 3 cases. Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome®) was instituted because of the failure of previous treatments in 9 cases, toxicity‐associated amphotericin B therapy‐ in 4 cases and renal insufficiency in 3 cases. AmBisome® was given for a median of 19 days (range 3–55) with a mean cumulative dose of 1.8plusmn;1.3 g (plusmn;SD). Acute toxic side‐effects were not seen in any patients. Slight increases in serum creatinine were seen in 3 cases during AmBisome® therapy. No other side‐effects were observed. Among 8 cases with proven invasive fungal infection, 6 were clinically cured, one had persistent fungi and one died after only 3 days of AmBisome® therapy. Eradication of fungi was documented in 5 out of 6 cases. Among the 8 cases with presumed fungal infections, 6 were clinically cured, one improved and one died after 6 days of treatment.

To conclude, AmBisome® can safely be given to children with invasive fungal infections; side‐effects are minimal and among those treated for at least a week, the overall cure rate was 86% (12 out of 14).

Zusammenfassung.Zwölf Kinder wurden in 16 Behandlungszyklen wegen bewiesener (8 Fälle) oder vermuteter (8) invasiver Mykose behandelt; davon waren neun Infektionen durchCandidaspp. und drei durchAspergillusspp. verursacht, eine Infektion war ein Myzetom. In drei Fällen war die Ätiologie der Pilzinfektion unbekannt. Liposomales Amphotericin B (AmBisome®) wurde gegeben, weil in fünf Fällen eine vorange‐gangene Therapie versagt hatte, in vier Fällen wegen toxischer Nebenwirkungen konventionel‐len Amphotericins B und in drei Fällen wegen Niereninsuffizienz. AmBisome® wurde im Mittel 19 d verabreicht (3–55 d) mit einer mittleren kumulativen Dosis von 1.8plusmn;1.3 g (plusmn; Standardabweichung). Akute toxische Nebenwirkungen wurden bei keinem der Patienten beobachtet. Ein leichter Anstieg des Serumkreatinins trat bei drei Patienten während der AmBisome®—Therapie auf. Andere Nebenwirkungen wurden nicht beobachtet. Von acht Fällen mit bewiesenen Mykosen wurden sechs klinisch geheilt, einer zeigte Pilzpersistenz, und einer verstarb nach 3 d AmBisome®—Therapie. Die Eradikation der Pilze konnte bei funf von sechs Patienten dokumentiert werden. Von den acht Patienten mit vermuteter Pilzinfektion wurden sechs klinisch geheilt, bei einem Patienten trat Besserung ein, und einer verstarb nach 6 d AmBisome®—Behandlung. Nach unseren Erfahrungen kann AmBisome® mit hoher Therapiesicherheit zur Behandlung invasi‐ver Mykosen bei Kindern eingesetzt werden. Die Nebenwirkungen sind minimal, und bei Patienten, die wenigstens eine Woche lang thera‐piert werden konnten, betrug die Heilungsrate 86% (12 von 14).
Immunohistological characterization of the cellular infiltrate in dermatophytosis
Authors: Szepes E. , Magyarlaki M. , Battyáni Z. , Schneider I.
Published: July 2010

Summary.The local cell composition of skin infections caused byTrichophyton rubrum(13 cases) andMicrosporum canis(2 cases) was examined using monoclonal antibodies and the ABC immunperoxidase technique. The number of Langerhans cells increased both in the epithelium and in the dermis of the mycotic area. Apart from these, only T cells were found in the dermis, among which helper cells were predominant. The helper/suppressor ratio showed variations depending upon the pathogen.

Zusammenfassung.Mit monoklonalen Anti‐körpern und der ABC‐Immunperoxidase‐Technik wurde die Zusammensetzung der orts‐ständigen Zellen bei Hautinfektionen, 13 mal durchTrichophyton rubrumund zweimal durchMicrosporum canisverursacht, untersucht. Im Mykoseherd waren die Langerhans‐Zellen sowohl im Epithel wie in der Dermis vermehrt. Davon abgesehen wurden T‐Zellen nur in der Dermis gefunden, unter denen T‐Helferzellen vorherrsch‐ten. Das Helfer/Suppressor‐Verhältnis zeigte Unterschiede in Abhängigkeit vom Erreger.
One hundred years ago: the history of crytococcosis in Greifswald. Medical mycology in the nineteenth century
Authors: Knoke M. , Schwesinger G.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Medico‐mycological investigations began at Greifswald in Germany as early as 1842 when Wilhelm Baum (1799–1883) was appointed to the chair of surgery of the university. This is shown by some theses of the time, as well as by the discovery of the contagious nature of pityriasis versicolor by Carl Ferdinand Eichstedt (1816‐92), who identified a fungus as the cause (1846), later named Microsporon furfur (C. Robin 1853). In 1868 the physician Karl Friedrich Mosler (1831–1911) published clinical‐mycological studies and investigations about animal feeding with yeasts. Seme time later (1870) Friedrich Grohé (1830‐86) and his assistants, Alwin R.A. Block (1843‐?) and M.R. Roth of the Pathological Institute, described the results of transmission studies with ‘Aspergillus glaucus, Penicillium glaucum and yeast’. His successor in the chair, Paul Grawitz (1850–1932), also published the results of his own mycological investigations. Finally, on 7 July 1894, at an evening lecture of the Greifswald Medical Society, Abraham Buschke (1868–1943) from the Hospital of Surgery gave a talk ‘on a peculiar disease caused by coccidia’, which was followed by a talk by the pathologist Otto Busse (1867–1922) on a ‘demonstration of a pathogenic coccidia species’. Busse's subsequent publications are the first proper descriptions of cryptococcosis (1894 ff.). However, Cryptococcus neoformans was named after F. Sanfelice, whose results were published later (1895).

Zusammenfassung. Spätestens im Jahre 1842 begannen mit der Berufung Wilhelm Baums (1799–1883) an die Chirurgische Universitätsklinik medizin‐mykologische Untersuchungen in Greifswald. Davon zeugen Dissertationen sowie vor allem die Entdeckung des kontagiösen Charakters der Pityriasis versicolor durch Carl Ferdinand Eichstedt (1816–1892), der 1846 als Ursache jenen Pilz entdeckte, der 1853 von C. Robin Microsporon furfur genannt wurde. Klinisch‐mykologische Beobachtungen sowie Fütterungsversuche mit Pilzen an Tieren veröffentlichte 1868 der Internist Karl Friedrich Mosler (1831–1911). 1870 beschrieben Friedrich Grohé (1830–1886) und seine Assistenten Alwin R.A. Block (1843‐?) und M.R. Roth aus dem Pathologischen Institut ihre Ergebnisse von Übertragungsversuchen mit “Aspergillus glaucus, Penicillium glaucum, sowie von Hefe”. Auch der Nachfolger Paul Grawitz (1850–1932) hatte mykologische Untersuchungsergebnisse veröffentlicht. Schließlich trugen erstmalig am 7. Juli 1894 im Greifswalder Medizinischen Verein Abraham Buschke (1868–1943) aus der Chirurgischen Klinik “über eine eigenartige durch Coccidien hervorgerufene Krankheit” und der Pathologe Otto Busse (1867–1922) über die ‘Demonstration einer pathogenen Coccidienart’ vor. Die anschließenden Veröffentlichungen durch Busse sind die ersten Beschreibungen der Cryptococcose (1894 ff). Sie datieren vor denen von F. Sanfelice (1895), mit dem der Name Cryptococcus neoformans heute verknüpft wird.
White piedra and Trichosporon species in equatorial Africa. II. Clinical and mycological associations: an analysis of 449 superficial inguinal specimens
Authors: Thérizol‐Ferly M. , Kombila M. , de Diaz M. Gomez , Douchet C. , Salaun Y. , Barrabes A. , Duong T. H. , Richard‐Lenoble D.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Eighty‐one of 449 Gabonese female patients examined were found to be positive for genitopubic white piedra. The association with trichobacteriosis is frequent (53 cases), and mostly seen with inguinal intertrigo. Fifty‐two strains belonging to the genus Trichosporon were isolated from genital hairs as well as from inguinal intertrigo lesions. These strains were identified in accordance with previously defined morphological and biochemical criteria. Three species were recognized. T. mucoides (25 strains), T. inkin (20 strains) and T. asahii (seven strains). Their macroscopic and microscopic morphological properties, as well as their ability to reduce tetrazolium, were determined. In addition, the study of the clinical and pathogenic associations in which each of these strains was involved revealed some of their particular properties.

Zusammenfassung. Unter 449 untersuchten gabunesischen Frauen wurden 81 Patientinnen mit weißer Piedra im Genital‐Schamhaar‐Bereich gefunderi. Bei 52 dieser Patientinnen wurde Trichosporon isoliert; die Infektion ging häufig mit Trichobakteriose und meist mit Intertrigo einher. Die isolierten Trichosporon‐Stämme wurden sowohl vom Schamhaar als auch von inguinalen Intertrigo‐Läsionen isoliert. Die Isolate wurden nach den kürzlich definierten morphologischen und biochemischen Kriterien identifiziert. Es wurden drei Arten gefunden: T. mucoides (25 Stämme), T. inkin (20 Stämme) und T. asahii (7 Stämme) Ihre makroskopisch‐ und mikroskopisch‐morphologischen Eigenschaften und ihre Tetrazolium‐Reduktionsfähigkeit werden dargestellt. Bei jedem der Stämme wird auf klinische und pathogenetische Besonderheiten hingewiesen.
Successful treatment of cerebral aspergillosis by stereotactic operation and antifungal therapy
Authors: Kerkmann Marie‐Louise , Blaschke‐Hellmessen Renate , Mikulin H.‐D.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The following is a case report of a cerebral Aspergillus abscess in a male patient predisposed to this disease on account of many years of alcohol abuse. After timely identification of the pathogenic organism, the patient was cured by stereotactic operation in conjunction with antifungal therapy using amphotericin B and 5‐fluorocytosine. The origin and the starting point of the infection remain obscure.

Zusammenfassung. Im folgenden wird ein Fall eines zerebralen Aspergillus‐Abszesses bei einem durch langjährigen Alkoholabusus prädisponierten Patienten beschrieben. Er konnte durch stereotaktische Operation und antimykotische Therapie mit Amphotericin B und 5‐Fluorcytosin nach rechtzeitigem Erregernachweis geheilt werden. Ursprung und Beginn der Infektion blieben unklar.
Bioavailability of fluconazole in the skin after oral medication
Authors: Wildfeuer A. , Faergemann J. , Laufen H. , Pfaff G. , Zimmermann T. , Seidl H. P. , Lach P.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Fluconazole is an antimycotic drug which until now has been used mostly in the systemic therapy of yeast infections. We have now demonstrated the presence of this drug in various skin structures. After administration of 50 mg of fluconazole per day for 12 days to healthy volunteers, the following mean drug concentrations were measured: serum 1.81 μg ml‐1, sweat 4.58 μg ml‐1, dermis‐epidermis (without stratum corneum) 2.77 μg g‐1 and stratum corneum 73 μg g‐1. Thus, 4 h after the last dose the antimycotic attains a 40‐fold higher concentration in the stratum corneum than in serum. One week after ending the oral treatment, 5.8 μg g‐1 fluconazole was present in stratum corneum. After daily ingestion of 200 mg of fluconazole for 5 days there was a further increase in the mean concentration of fluconazole in stratum corneum, to 127 μg g‐1. Even 4–5 months after completing the oral treatment, fluconazole was detectable in the head hair and toenails of healthy volunteers. Fluconazole is eliminated from the stratum corneum about 2–3 times more slowly than from serum or plasma. After oral administration fluconazole evidently accumulated rapidly and intensively into the stratum corneum. The concentrations then attained or exceeded the in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations of fluconazole for most of the dermatophytes and yeasts which are involved in cutaneous mycoses.

Zusammenfassung. Fluconazol, ein bisher vor allem in der systemischen Therapie von Sproßpilzinfektionen etabliertes Antimykotikum, wird in verschiedenen Strukturen der Haut nachgewiesen. Nach oraler Einnahme von 50 mg Fluconazol einmal täglich über 12 Tage konnten an gesunden Probanden folgende mittlere Wirkstoffkonzentrationen gemessen werden: Serum 1.81 μg ml‐1. Schweiß 4.58 μg ml‐1. Dermis‐Epidermis (ohne Stratum corneum) 2.77 μg g‐1 und Stratum corneum 73 μg g‐1. Damit erreicht das Antimykotikum vier Stunden nach der letzten Einnahme im Stratum corneum eine etwa 40fach höhere Konzentration als im Serum. Eine Woche nach Ende der oralen Behandlung werden noch 5.8 μg g‐1 Fluconazol im Stratum corneum gefunden. Die tägliche Einnahme von 200 mg Fluconazol über fünt Tage zeigt zwei Stunden nach der letzten Applikation einen weiteren Anstieg der mittleren Fluconazol‐Konzentration im Stratum corneum auf 127 μg g‐1. Das Antimykotikum ist in Kopfhaaren und Zehennägeln gesunder Probanden noch vier bzw. fünf Monate nach Beendigung der oralen Therapie nachweisbar. Aus Stratum corneum wird Fluconazol zwei‐ bis dreimal langsamer als aus Serum oder Plasma eliminiert. Fluconazol akkumuliert nach oraler Einnahme schnell und intensiv im Stratum corneum. Die dabei gemessenen Konzentrationen überschreiten die in vitro ermittelten Minimalen Hemmkonzentrationen von Fluconazol gegenüber den meisten an kutanen Mykosen beteiligten Dermatophyten und Sproßpilzen.
Fusarium fungaemia in severely neutropenic patients: Fusarium‐Fungämie bei hochgradig neutropenischen Patienten
Authors: Yildiran Ş. T. , Kömürcü Ş , Saraçh M. A. , Gönlüm A. , Beyan C. , Gün H. , Yalçin A.
Published: July 2010

Summary. We report two cases of Fusarium infection with evidence of fungaemia in severely neutropenic patients with leukaemia. One patient was a 65‐year‐old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia infected by Fusarium verticillioides. The other patient was a 45‐year‐old woman with acute myeloblastic leukaemia infected by Fusarium spp. Fungaemia was the only evident manifestation of these fungal infections.

Zusammenfassung. Es wird über zwei Fälle von Fusarium‐Infektionen mit Fungämie bei zwei neutropenischen Leukämiepatientinnen berichtet. Eine Patientin war eine 65‐jährige Frau mit chronisch‐lymphatischer Leukämie, die mit Fusarium verticillioides infiziert war. Die andere Patientin war ein 45‐jährige Frau mit akuter myeloblastischer Leukämie, infiziert durch Fusarium spp. Die Fungämie war die einzige erkennbare Lokalisation dieser Pilzinfektionen.
Comparison of fungal viability assays using Candida albicans yeast cells undergoing prolonged incubation in the absence of nutrients: Untersuchungen zur Überlebensfähigkeit von Candida albicans bei Langzeitinkubation in Mangelsubstraten
Authors: Hjertstedt Jadwiga , Hahn Beth L. , Kos W. L. , Sohnle P. G.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Staining methods for determining fungal viability are usually assessed by comparisons with enumeration of colony‐forming units (CFU) on solid media. The purpose of the present study was to compare viability as assessed by the acridine orange (AO) and MTT methods with the numbers of CFUs obtained for Candida albicans yeast cells undergoing prolonged incubation in distilled water. In initial assessments of the assays using various proportions of control and heat‐killed C. albicans, the AO and MTT methods consistently indicated significantly higher values for viability than did CFU determinations. Experiments using organisms cultured overnight revealed that ≅95% of the cells were capable of dividing at least once in a microscopic proliferation assay, whereas only 69% were capable of forming colonies. Parallel assays comparing AO uptake and MTT reduction gave excellent agreement with the microscopic proliferation assay, but not with CFU determinations. Using organisms undergoing prolonged incubations in distilled water, much lower viabilities were obtained with the CFU method at 7 and 10 days than with the microscopic proliferation assay or the two staining methods. These results indicate that the AO and MTT assays correlate well with the ability of C. albicans to divide at least once, but may not accurately indicate the percentage of organisms actually able to form colonies.

Zusammenfassung. Färbemethoden zur Bestimmung der Lebendkeimzahl werden üblicherweise bewertet durch Vergleich der Zahlen koloniebildender Einheiten (CFU) auf festen Nährmedien. Zweck der vorliegenden Studie war, die Erfassung der Lebensfähigkeit mittels Akridinorange (AO) oder MTT anhand der CFU‐Zahlen von Candida albicans zu prüfen, die in Langzeitkonservierung in destilliertem Wasser gehalten wurde. In der ersten Versuchsserie mit unterschiedlichen Proportionen von unbehandelten und hitzebehandelten C. albicans‐Zellen zeigten sowohl die AO‐ als auch die MTT‐Methode signifikant höhere Überlebensraten als die CFU‐Bestimmungen. Experimente mit Übernachtkulturen ergaben, daß etwa 95% aller Zellen in der Lage waren, sich in einem mikroskopischen Proliferationsansatz wenigstens einmal zu teilen, wührend nur 69% in der Lage waren, Kolonien zu bilden. In Versuchen mit Hefen unter verlüngerter Aufbewahrung in Aqua dest. wurden viel niedrigere Überlebensraten mit der CFU‐Methode nach 7 und 10 d Bebrütung als mit dem mikroskopischen Proliferationsansatz oder den beiden Fürbemethoden bestimmt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß die AO‐ und MTT‐Ansütze gut mit der Fühigkeit von C. albicans korrelieren, sich wenigsten einmal zu teilen, daß sie aber nicht den Prozentsatz von Organismen widerspiegeln, der in der Lage ist, tatsüchlich Kolonien zu bilden.
In–Flight Carburization of Molybdenum Disilicide Powders by an Induction Plasma
Authors: Fan Xiaobao , Ishigaki Takamasa , Sato Yoichiro
Published: July 2010

In‐flight carburization of MoSi2 powders has been performed in an argon–H2–CH4 induction plasma. CH4 was used as the powder carrier gas, and it reacted with MoSi2 powders under the high‐temperature conditions of the plasma. Carbon and α‐SiC were the major reaction products of the in‐flight carburized MoSi2 powders. The silicon carbide formed through nucleation and subsequent growth in the liquid phase. The influence of the induction plasma power level, reactor pressure, and quantity of CH4 on the carburization efficiency was investigated through a Box–Behnken experimental design. Under the optimal conditions achieved in this investigation, ∼8.0 wt% of carbon was incorporated into the MoSi2 powder particles.
Modeling the Heat Wave Generated during Microwave Heating of Powdered Zinc Oxide in a Nitrogen Atmosphere
Authors: Birnboim Amikam , Carmel Yuval
Published: July 2010

A theoretical investigation of previous experiments on the microwave heating of cylindrical samples of powdered ZnO in nitrogen and air environments has been presented. Unlike heating in air, which showed an exponentially saturating temperature behavior, a large discontinuity in the measured temperature was observed in nitrogen. Energy considerations suggested that the microwave power was mostly absorbed in a narrow, localized region that moved radially outward as a propagating heat wave. It was assumed that this behavior was caused by an anomaly in the temperature dependence of the permittivity, and the present simulations verify this assumption. The phenomenon has been investigated using a newly developed two‐dimensional code, and the results are in good agreement with the experimental observations. The calculated width of the microwave absorbing region was ∼1 mm, and the radial velocity of the electromagnetically driven heat wave was inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the center of the sample, with a maximum speed of ∼20 mm/min.
High‐Resistivity Grain Boundaries in CaO‐Doped MnZn Ferrites for High‐Frequency Power Application
Authors: Žnidaršič Andrej , Drofenik Miha
Published: July 2010

The microstructural development and magnetic properties of MnZn ferrites doped with various amounts of CaO and sintered in atmospheres containing various oxygen concentrations were investigated. The results indicate a strong link among the amount of CaO segregated in the grain boundary, the oxygen concentration during sintering, the average grain size, and the magnetic properties of the MnZn ferrites.
Investigating the Structure‐Property Relationships at Grain Boundaries in MgO Using Bond‐Valence Pair Potentials and Multiple Scattering Analysis
Authors: Browning Nigel D. , Buban James P. , Moltaji Habib O. , Duscher Gerd
Published: July 2010

We describe the use of bond–valence analysis to investigate the segregation of calcium atoms at an MgO [001] tilt grain boundary. For small deviations away from the equilibrium metal‐oxide bond length, the bond–valence parameter approximates well to a Born–Mayer‐type pair potential. Therefore, by starting with a structural model determined from an atomic resolution Z‐contrast image, compositional and cation valence state information obtained from electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) can be incorporated into a comprehensive model for the grain boundary. For the boundary under investigation here, it is found that specific sites for preferential segregation can be identified, resulting in 0.3–0.4 monolayers of calcium in the boundary plane.
Melting‐Temperature Measurements on alpha‐Silicon Nitride to a Pressure of 37 GPa
Authors: Cerenius Yngve
Published: July 2010

The melting temperature of alpha‐silicon nitride, up to a pressure of 37 GPa, was determined by using the diamond‐anvil cell technique, together with laser heating and spectroradiometry. The melting temperature varied from 2200 ± 75 K at 3.5 GPa to 3600 ± 200 K at 37 GPa; the extrapolated temperature at 1 atm was estimated to be 2100 ± 75 K.
Microstructure, Texture, and Thermal Conductivity of Single‐Layer and Multilayer Thermal Barrier Coatings of Y2O3‐Stabilized ZrO2 and Al2O3 Made by Physical Vapor Deposition
Authors: An Kyongjun , Ravichandran Kakkaveri S. , Dutton Rollie E. , Semiatin S. L.
Published: July 2010

Thermal conductivity is one of the most important properties in the design of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for high‐temperature gas‐turbine blades. In the present study, the thermal conductivities of several TBCs were studied. Single‐layer and multilayer coatings consisting of Al2O3and ZrO2partially stabilized with 8 wt% Y2O3(8YSZ) were deposited on nickel‐base superalloy substrates by electron‐beam physical vapor deposition (EB‐PVD). A columnar microstructure with (200) texture and [200] direction oriented nearly perpendicularly to the plane of the coating was observed in the single‐layer 8YSZ coating. In multilayer coatings with alternating layers of Al2O3and 8YSZ, the tendency to develop columnar structure, as well as the intensity of (200) texture, decreased as the number of layers increased. In both the single‐layer and multilayer coatings, the 8YSZ layer consisted almost entirely of tetragonal (t) phase with a negligible amount of monoclinic (m) phase. This was in contrast to the microstructure of bulk 8YSZ (source material used for deposition), which contained a significant amount ofmphase, in addition totphase. Whereas bulk Al2O3consisted of α‐phase, only γ‐phase was found in the Al2O3layers of coatings. The thermal conductivities of these coatings were measured by the laser flash method. The thermal conductivity data of single‐layer 8YSZ coating compared well with the data on bulk ZrO2stabilized by 5.3 wt% Y2O3reported in the literature. This was due to the similarity of microstructures between the two. The thermal conductivity data of multilayer coatings were well described by a series heat‐transfer model calculation within the limits of experimental errors involved in the measurements.
Chemical and Structural Changes in Manganese‐Doped Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Studied by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy Combined with Electron Diffraction
Authors: Appel Charlotte C. , Botton Gianluigi A. , Horsewell Andy , Stobbs W. Michael
Published: July 2010

Solid solution of manganese in yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) may occur in the electrolyte of solid oxide fuel cells. Possible changes in valence, coordination, and site occupancy of Mn in YSZ are of interest. Also, subsequent structural modification of the cubic YSZ, as well as the possible ordering of vacancies, has important consequences for the ionic conductivity. Electron energy loss spectroscopy was used to measure the O K and the Mn L edge of Mn in solid solution in a zirconia host lattice. The ratio Mn L3/L2was determined for some manganese oxides and for Mn in solid solution. It is shown that the L3/L2ratio does not simply reflect the oxidation state of the Mn ions in solid solution. Selected area diffraction experiments were also made in the TEM. This showed ordering of the cations and the anion vacancies at high doping levels. It is concluded that the number of O ions surrounding each Mn ion may be very important in interpreting the obtained L3/L2ratio.
Effect of Acid on the Coating of Boehmite onto Silicon Carbide Particles in Aqueous Suspensions
Authors: Yang Chia‐Yi , Shih Wei‐Heng
Published: July 2010

It is shown that the addition of acid in aluminum alkoxide precursor gels is critical to the success of coating aluminum oxide onto SiC particles. For aluminum sec‐butoxide processed at 90°C, the addition of acid dissolves the gel network and facilitates the coating of aluminum oxide on SiC. On the other hand, when the coating is performed at room temperature, even with the addition of acids, coating of aluminum oxide is not successful.
Relationship between the Estimated Weibull Modulus and the Coefficient of Variation of the Measured Strength for Ceramics
Authors: Gong Jianghong , Li Ying
Published: July 2010

The variation of the estimated Weibull modulus (m*), as a function of the coefficient of variation of the measured strength (cv), has been analyzed by using Monte Carlo simulations. A good linear relationship exists between m* and 1/cv for a given sample size. A simple method is proposed for determining the Weibull modulus directly from the calculated cv value of a set of measured fracture stresses for a given material. From a statistical standpoint, the estimated results by using this new method are identical to those obtained with the conventional methods, such as the least‐squares method and the maximum likelihood method.
Organothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocrystalline ß‐Indium Sulfide
Authors: Yu Shu‐Hong , Shu Lei , Wu Yong‐Sheng , Yang Jian , Xie Yi , Qian Yi‐Tai
Published: July 2010

Uniform nanocrystalline β‐In2S3 powders have been prepared by reacting the reagents at 140°C for 12 h using an organothermal process in nonaqueous solvents. XRD patterns and TEM images showed that the average particle sizes of the powders prepared in toluene and 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME) were 8 and 16 nm, respectively. The particle sizes of nanocrystalline β‐In2S3 powders synthesized by the organothermal process can be controlled by choosing different solvents. The specific surface areas of the products obtained in toluene and DME, which were measured by the BET method, were 74.92 and 36.20 m2/g, respectively. The products were analyzed by XPS, atomic absorption, and IR. The formation process of the nanocrystalline β‐In2S3 has been discussed.
Chemical Composition of Melilite Formed during the Firing of Carbonate‐Rich and Iron‐Containing Ceramic Bodies
Authors: Dondi Michele , Ercolani Giampaolo , Fabbri Bruno , Marsigli Marco
Published: July 2010

During the firing of carbonate‐bearing clay bodies, melilite is frequently formed in the form of very small crystals (1–5 μm or less in size). In the literature, this phase is generally called gehlenite; however, no precise composition is available. To achieve a chemical characterization of this “ceramic” melilite, six industrial products have been analyzed via in situ techniques (scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy) and via X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ray diffractometry (bulk sample). Melilite crystals exhibit the following concentration ranges: 29%–41% SiO2, 32%–42% CaO, 10%–19% Al2O3, 2%–7% MgO, and 4%–10% Fe2O3. The Na2O, K2O, and TiO2 contents are almost always <1%, and FeO is always practically absent in the bulk sample. Overall, “ceramic” melilite seems to be actually a solid solution with the following composition range, in terms of end members: 32%–56% gehlenite, 20%–49%åkermanite, plus a significant fraction of ferri‐gehlenite (14%–37%).
Magnesium Aluminate (MgAl2O4) Spinel Powders from Water‐Based Sols
Authors: Naskar Milan Kanti , Chatterjee Minati
Published: July 2010

Magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel powders of irregular and spherical morphologies were obtained from the bi‐component water‐based sols following the sol–gel and sol–emulsion–gel methods, respectively. For the synthesis of the oxide microspheres, the surfactant concentration and viscosity of the sols were found to affect the characteristics of the derived microspheres. The gel and calcined powders were investigated by using thermogravimetry analysis, differential thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and particle size analysis. XRD results indicated crystallization of the only phase MgAl2O4 spinel from 200° to 1000°C. Formation of hollow microspheres with a single cavity was identified by SEM.
Removal of Nitric Oxide (NO) by Perovskite‐Type Composite Catalytic Thick Film, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ and Gadolinia‐Doped Ceria Electrolyte, Gd0.2Ce0.8O2−δ
Authors: Hwang Hae Jin , Moon Ji‐Woong , Moon Jooho , Awano Masanobu
Published: July 2010

Electrochemical cells consisting of a La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF)–Gd0.2Ce0.8O2−δ (CGO) composite catalytic electrode and a CGO solid electrolyte were fabricated for direct nitric oxide (NO) decomposition, and the electrocatalytic properties and NO decomposition behaviors of the cells were investigated. The electrochemical cells were operated at 600°C in a reactant gas mixture containing 1000 ppm NO and 2% O2 in He, with a flow rate of 50 mL/min. LSCF sintered at temperatures <1000°C seemed to be a better electrode for oxygen reduction than LSCF sintered at 1100°C and platinum (Pt) (+CGO) sintered at 1000°C. An LSCF/CGO/LSCF electrochemical cell sintered at high temperature showed low ohmic resistance, because of good physical contact between the LSCF and the CGO, whereas grain growth and crystal‐structure change appeared to lead to high polarization resistance. Two electrochemical reactions, NO and O2 reductions, occurred at the cathode when the electric current was applied to the electrochemical cells. Of the two reactions, O2 reduction was the preferred reaction, and this tendency was predominant at the LSCF electrode, which had a high affinity for oxygen. Although the onset current for NO decomposition of the LSCF/CGO/LSCF electrochemical cell was slightly higher than that of the other electrochemical cells, excess oxygen could be effectively pumped at a relatively low voltage (<1.3 V at 600°C). As a result, the LSCF/CGO/LSCF electrochemical cell significantly decreased the electric power needed to decompose NO.
Domain Structure and Fatigue Behavior of La3+‐Doped SrBi2Ta2O9 Thin Films
Authors: Liu Jingsong , Zhang Shuren , Yang Chengtao , Dai Linshan
Published: July 2010

Ferroelectric SrBi1.4La0.6Ta2O9 (SBLT) thin films were grown onto Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by pulsed‐laser deposition. With the aid of X‐ray diffractometry, piezoresponse scanning probe microscopy, and ferroelectric‐property measurements, a correlation between microstructure, as well as domain structure and ferroelectric properties, was established. Excluding the effect of preferential orientation on ferroelectric properties, the increase in remanent polarization was attributed to distortion of the perovskite‐like sublattice and atom displacement. Despite the co‐instantaneous observation of a 90° domain and slight fatigue behavior in the SBLT films, the 90° domain‐wall clamping did not seem to account for the fatigue in the SBLT films. Instead, strain‐stress aggravation of the SBLT sublattice, due to the substitution of La3+ into Bi3+ sites, decreased the self‐regulated flexibility of the (Bi2O2)2+ layers and caused fatigue in the SBLT.