bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Immunohistochemical Detection of Rhodococcus equi in Impression Smears From Affected Foals on Postmortem Examination
Authors: Szeredi L. , Makrai L. , Dénes B.
Published: March 2003

The first objective of this study was to develop an immunohistochemical procedure for rapid detection of Rhodococcus equi in impression smears from affected organs of foals on postmortem examination. The second aim was to demonstrate whether R. equi can be detected in smears of tracheal exudates collected from the same foals using an immunohistochemical method. Impression smears and cryostat and paraffin‐embedded sections were made from the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes of three foals (A, B and C) that had died of respiratory disease caused by R. equi, and also from the caudal mesenteric lymph node of foal A. Impression smears were made from the tracheal exudates of all foals. An affinity purified rabbit IgG was used for the immunohistochemical demonstration of R. equi. This antibody reacted with serotype 1 of R. equi in Ouchterlony’s immunodiffusion and in the passive haemagglutination test, but not with other serotypes or with Streptococcus equi ssp. equi or Staphylococcus aureus, and failed to give an immunohistochemical reaction with Mycobacterium bovis or M. paratuberculosis. The immunohistochemical method proved to be of identical sensitivity to bacterial culture; moreover, from the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes of one foal, R. equi could only be detected by this method. R. equi was demonstrated in smears of the tracheal exudates of all three foals. The results of this study indicate that the immunohistochemical method may be used for the rapid detection of R. equi in impression smears from the affected organs, especially abscesses, obtained postmortem, and possibly as a tool for diagnosing R. equi pneumonia in live foals by examining smears of tracheal aspirates.
Natural Changes in the Spread of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) Among Estonian Cattle
Authors: VILTROP A. , ALAOTS J. , PÄRN M. , MUST K.
Published: March 2003

The results of a survey conducted during 1993–2000 to study the spread of bovine viral diarrhoeal virus (BVDV) among Estonian cattle are presented. The BVDV infection status of a representative random sample of cattle herds housing 20 or more dairy cows was established to estimate the prevalence of herds with active BVDV infection [potentially having persistently infected (PI) cattle – suspect PI herds]. The herds investigated comprised approximately 70% of all Estonian dairy cows. The BVDV infection status was established in 315–350 herds (making the sampling fraction about 20%) during three sampling periods: 1993–95, 1997–98, 1999–2000. BVDV antibodies were detected in herd bulk milk samples and/or sera from young stock by a liquid‐phase‐blocking enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay developed in the Danish Veterinary Institute for Virus Research. The results of the survey demonstrate the reduction in the prevalence of herds with active BVDV infection in the studied fraction of the Estonian cattle population. During the first sampling period (1993–95) a prevalence of 46% (± 5%) for suspect PI herds was observed, during the second sampling period this prevalence was 16% (± 3%) and in the third period it was 18% (± 3%). As there is no control programme for BVDV in Estonia, the observed changes reflect the natural course of the infection in the study population. A possible cause for these changes is the decreased trade in breeding animals as a result of the economic difficulties present in cattle farming during the study period. The farming practices (most large herds are managed as closed herds) and the low density of cattle farms have obviously facilitated the self‐clearance of herds from the BVDV infection, diminishing the new introduction of infection into the herds.
Demonstration ofListeria monocytogenesby Immunohistochemistry in Formalin‐Fixed Brain Tissues from Natural Cases of Ovine and Bovine Encephalitis
Authors: Campero C. M. , Odeón A. C. , Cipolla A. L. , Moore D. P. , Poso M. A. , Odriozola E.
Published: March 2003

In the present work, evidence ofListeria monocytogenesantigens based on the avidin–biotin complex (ABC) immunoperoxidase technique was performed on formalin‐fixed central nervous system tissues (CNS) from a total of 23 natural cases of encephalitis (four ovine and 19 bovine).Listeria monocytogenesserotype 4 was isolated from 10 of 17 cultured specimens. Meningoencephalitis characterized by focal necrosis, microabscesses, perivascular cuffing, and gliosis with presence of macrophages and/or neutrophils was observed at histological examination. PositiveL. monocytogenesantigens were successfully identified by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the CNS of all 23 cases. Paraffin‐embedded tissues assayed were stored up for 17 years. Morbidity of the outbreaks was between 0.3–3% and 0.1–1% for ovine and bovine cases, respectively. In all the ovine cases, flocks involved were under extensive grazing conditions. In nine of the 19 bovine cases (47.3%), supplementation with corn silage was used. The ABC test can help as a practical tool for the diagnosis of natural cases ofL. monocytogenesencephalitis on formalin‐fixed specimens from ovine and bovine.
The Effect of Season and Vaccination for Glässer's Disease and Post‐weaning Colibacillosis in an Outdoor Pig Unit Endemically Infected with Virulent Strain ofHaemophilus ParasuisSerotype 5 and PathogenicEscherichia coli
Authors: Karg G. , Bilkei G.
Published: March 2003

The objective of this field trial was to determine if vaccination againstHaemophilus parasuisserovar 5 (HPS 5) and pathogenic serotypes ofEscherichia coliwould improve nursery pig performance in an outdoor unit in different seasons. The unit was concurrently infected with HPS 5 and with different serotypes ofE. coli.All piglets were born to HPS 5 vaccinated sows. The trial was carried out in four (two summer and two winter) groups.

Group 1 (E. coliand HPS vaccinated, summer season) (n = 362): Piglets were vaccinated pre‐weaning with inactivatedE. coli‐VT2e‐toxin and post‐weaning against HPS 5.

Group 2 (non‐vaccinated, summer season) (n = 349): Piglets were not vaccinated.

Group 3 (E. coliand HPS vaccinated, winter season) (n = 358): The animals were analogously treated as Group 1.

Group 4 (non‐vaccinated, winter season) (n = 353): Piglets were not vaccinated.

The following parameters were evaluated: A: average daily nursery weight gain (ADG), B: nursery mortality, C: feed efficiency (FE).

No significant weight differences were detected within the vaccinated and non‐vaccinated summer or winter raised groups of weaners. Summer raised weaners were significantly (P<0.05) heavier from day 35 on than winter raised animals. ADG and FE of summer raised pigs were significantly better (weeks 1–3P<0.05; fourth week post‐weaningP<0.01) during the nursery period than that of the winter raised groups. Winter raised vaccinated weaners showed during the last week of nursing significantly (P<0.05) better daily gain and feed efficiency compared with the non‐vaccinated winter raised animals. Non‐significant ADG and FE differences were detectable between the summer raised vaccinated or non‐vaccinated groups of pig. Winter raised non‐vaccinated animals suffered significantly (P<0.05) higher nursery mortality (10.63%) compared to the winter raised vaccinated animals.

Implication: In cases of concurrent infections with HPS 5 and with different serotypes ofE. coli, especially during winter season, vaccination against both diseases is suggested.
Changes in Distribution and Numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T‐lymphocytes in Lymphoid Tissues and Intestinal Mucosa in the Early Phase of Experimentally Induced Early Onset Mucosal Disease in Cattle
Authors: Frink S. , Grummer B. , Pohlenz J. F. , Liebler‐Tenorio E. M.
Published: March 2003

Mucosal disease (MD), one sequelae of bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection, causes severe lesions in lymphoid tissues and mucosal surfaces. Lesions are associated with the presence of cytopathogenic (cp) BVDV and initially characterized by apoptotic cell death. The objective of this investigation was to determine if this cell death is mediated only by the cp BVDV, which is known to induce apoptosis in cell culture or if immune‐mediated host reactions might also contribute. Early onset MD was experimentally induced in calves by inoculation of persistently viremic calves with a closely related cp BVDV. Calves were euthanized in the early phase of infection between days 5 and 13 post‐inoculation and tissues from tonsils, lymph nodes, Peyer's patches, jejunum and colon were collected. Presence of cp BVDV antigen was correlated with distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations in consecutive cryostat sections. In the lymphoid tissues, cp BVDV antigen was predominantly found in the lymphoid follicles. The increase of infected cells with time post‐inoculation was paralleled by a decrease of B‐lymphocytes and an increase of CD4+ T‐lymphocytes. An increased number of CD8+ T‐lymphocytes was seen in progressed lesions only. In the intestinal mucosa, initially multifocal, later diffuse infection with cp BVDV was accompanied by a multifocal or diffuse increase of CD4+ T‐lymphocytes, respectively. Numbers of IgA+ plasma cells and CD8+ T‐lymphocytes were decreased. The common change observed in lymphoid tissues and mucosa was the increase of CD4+ T‐lymphocytes in sites with lesions. This might indicate a cell‐mediated immune response to the cp BVDV. Besides their helper function to other cells of the immune system, activated CD4+ T‐lymphocytes might also exert cytotoxic activity, induce apoptosis in target cells via Fas/Fas ligand binding and thus contribute to the severity of tissue lesions in MD.
Staphylococcus aureusExosecretions and Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Younis A. , Krifucks O. , Heller E. D. , Samra Z. , Glickman A. , Saran A. , Leitner G.
Published: March 2003

The role ofStaphylococcus aureusand coagulase‐negative staphylococcal exosecretions in bovine udder infection was tested by monitoring the cows’ response toin vivoinoculation of bacterial exosecretions into udder quarters. Twenty Israeli‐Holstein dairy cows were included in the study; two or three of the udder quarters of each cow were intracisternally inoculated with 0.04–0.05 mg/quarter (total proteins) of the various sterile bacterial exosecretions in a sterile pyrogen‐free saline. Each udder was inoculated with two or three different bacterial exosecretions or placebo (Columbia Broth). Cows were monitored for 96 h post‐inoculation for rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates, alimentary tract activity (rumen contraction), udder temperature, pain, oedema and udder size. Milk samples were examined bacteriologically and for somatic cell count,N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAGase) activity and somatic cell differentiation. No enterotoxins (β–G) or toxic shock syndrome toxin‐1 were detected in response to any of the bacteria tested. Control quarters or those inoculated with Columbia Broth, showed similar NAGase and somatic cell count values throughout the experiment. Twelve of the 18 strains tested, induced inflammation in the inoculated quarters while six did not. Of the 12 strains causing local inflammation, only six were found significantly different from the control and were considered as high response (group 1). The other six that caused a local inflammation did not differ significantly from the control, and were considered to be moderate response (group 2). The sixS. aureusisolates that did not cause an inflammatory response were considered to have low response (group 3). In all quarters inoculated withS. aureusbacterial exosecretions belonging to groups 1 and 2, the polymorphonuclear cells and macrophages were proportionally increased while CD4+and CD8+T‐lymphocyte populations decreased. One‐dimensional NuPAGE (7%) Tris–acetate gel electrophoresisof the bacterial exosecretions revealed four different bands appearing between 36 and 31 kDa, marked from top to bottom as A, B, C and D. An association was found between the combinations of expressed bands and the cow responses: the majority of the cases could be linked to the expression of bands B and C.
Systemic mycoses during prophylactical use of liposomal amphotericin B (Ambisome®) after liver transplantation
Authors: Lorf T. , Braun F. , Rüchel R. , Müller A. , Sattler B. , Ringe B.
Published: March 2003

We investigated the prophylactical administration of liposomal amphotericin B (Ambisome®) in the early phase after liver transplantation (LTx). Fifty‐eight patients received Ambisome® prophylactically after LTx. Ambisome® (1 mg kg−1 day−1) was given intravenously for 7 days after LTx. Immunosuppressive prophylaxis was cyclosporin A (CsA) based in 11 patients. Forty‐seven patients had a tacrolimus‐based immunosuppressive regimen. CsA and tacrolimus dosages were adjusted to trough levels of 150–250 ng ml−1 (EMIT) and 5–15 ng ml−1 (MEIA II) respectively. Three patients died from sepsis due to Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Reasons for a fatal outcome were foudroyant Aspergillus pneumonia in a patient transplanted for fulminant hepatic failure on post‐operative day (pod) 8; Aspergillus sepsis with severe endocardidtis in a patient with two retransplantations for graft non‐/dysfunction on pod 24; and disseminated aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in a patient retransplanted for primary non‐function (pod 19). All three patients underwent haemofiltration for renal failure. One patient with Candida albicans sepsis (pod 4) recovered under increased dosage of Ambisome® (3 mg kg−1 per day). Ambisome® (1 mg kg−1 per day) seems to be beneficial against systemic Candida infections. However, the onset of systemic Aspergillus infections could not be prevented. Obviously, higher Ambisome® doses appear to be necessary against Aspergillus. We recommend the use of Ambisome® (3 mg kg−1 per day) for patients with risk factors such as graft dys‐/non‐function, retransplantation, haemofiltration and complicated acute liver failure to prevent invasive aspergillosis.
Effects of modified pellicles on Candida biofilm formation on acrylic surfaces
Authors: Nikawa H. , Nishimura H. , Hamada T. , Yamashiro H. , Samaranayake L. P.
Published: March 2003

The role of saliva or serum proteins, such as mucin, fibronectin (FN) and mannan‐binding protein, on Candida biofilm formation was investigated. Supplementation of saliva with FN had no significant effect on biofilm formation. In contrast, biofilm formation on either mucin‐coated or FN‐coated acrylic surfaces was significantly less than that of the control. These results suggest that salivary mucin or FN alone does not facilitate biofilm formation of Candida. Supplementation of serum with FN increased biofilm formation of C. glabrata compared with the control. Pretreatment of serum with anti‐FN monoclonal antibody significantly reduced biofilm formation, as did pretreatment of serum with anti‐mannan‐binding protein monoclonal antibody or Con‐A. Therefore, Candida biofilm formation on acrylic surfaces appears to be a complex phenomenon involving a multiplicity of proteins operating intraorally.
Adherence of Escherichia coli serogroup 0 157 and the Salmonella Typhimurium mutant DT 104 to the surface of Saccharomyces boulardii
Authors: Gedek
Published: March 2003

The detection of lectin sites for mannose‐sensitive adhesion in the outer membrane of Saccharomyces boulardii and the irreversible binding of both enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and salmonellae (serovar Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis) provided the motivation to carry out further investigations to find out whether also other enteric bacteria such as enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and the DT 104 mutant of S. Typhimurium have the capacity for binding to the cell wall of this yeast. Reference strains and fresh isolates from clinical cases of EHEC infections as well as salmonellae of the DT 104 mutant were included in this study using the agglutination test. The results first of all showed that EHEC of the serogroup 0 157 and the DT 104 mutant of S. Typhimurium were bound to the surface of Saccharomyces boulardii. Because these bacteria do not respond very well to drugs but most of the gastrointestinal infections are caused by them, the use of S. boulardii for treatment and prophylaxis could be an excellent alternative.
Epidemiology of dermatomycoses of humans in Central Poland. Part I—Superficial infections caused by yeasts and moulds
Authors: Seneczko  , Lupa  , Jeske  , Głowacka Anna , Ochęcka‐Szymańska Aldona
Published: March 2003

This work presents the epidemiology of dermatomycoses and their etiological agents of people living in the Łódź region, Central Poland, over the years 1987–1996. The analysis involved subjects referred by physicians to three major mycological laboratories in Łódź (covering the entire mycological diagnostics of the Łódź region). The study comprised a total of 25 737 persons aged 1–82. Positive results of mycological examinations were obtained for 14 084 (54.7%) patients. The total number of 14 295 positive mycological results included 6902 (48.3%) isolations of non‐dermatophyte fungi. The non‐dermatophytes included: Candida‐like (69.8%), moulds (26.9%) and lipophilic yeasts (3.3%). The distribution of non‐dermatophytes was characterized by dependence on sociodemographic features such as subjects’ age, place of residence, education and occupation. Candida‐like fungi are etiological factors of superficial infections of all clinical types whereas moulds were found to cause infections of finger and toe nails and periungual walls.
Comparative evaluation of Fungitest®, Neo‐Sensitabs® and M27T‐NCCLS broth microdilution methods for antifungal drug susceptibility testing of Candida species and Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Swinne Danielle , Raes‐Wuytack  , Van Looveren  , Desmet
Published: March 2003

Two commercial antifungal susceptibility testing systems (Fungitest® and Neo‐Sensitabs®) were compared with the M27T‐NCCLS reference broth microdilution method using one hundred isolates of Candida sp. and Cryptococcus neoformans. Six different antifungal drugs were tested: amphotericin B, 5‐fluorocytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and miconazole. The overall agreement between the Fungitest and the reference methods was much better than between the Neo‐Sensitabs and the reference methods: the agreement for the Fungitest ranged from 100% for amphotericin B to 76.7% for itraconazole whereas for the Neo‐Sensitabs, it ranged from 90.4% for amphotericin B to 36% for ketoconazole. For the total number of tests performed with Neo‐Sensitabs, there were 37.8% of discrepancies with the reference method whereas for the tests performed with Fungitest, there was only 16.5% of discrepancies. Major discrepancies, defined as results that classified an isolate as susceptible by one method and resistant by another, occurred in 21 cases for the Neo‐Sensitabs test and only in four cases with the Fungitest, namely 0.6% of the cases. We conclude that the Fungitest method constitutes a simple and reliable procedure for antifungal drug susceptibility testing.
Incidence and distribution of Candida species isolated from human skin in Jordan
Authors: Abu‐Elteen
Published: March 2003

In the period between December 1992 and September 1993 a total of 1060 clinically suspected cases of dermatomycoses were examined for causative fungi. Of these 330 (31%) were suspected as cutaneous candidosis. A higher incidence was observed in adults (62.9%) than in children (36.2%) and infants (19.5%). The infected patients that were adults were divided into four categories: diabetics; those receiving steroid; those receiving antibiotic therapy; and a non‐risk control group. Analysis of the data revealed that the incidence rate appears to be approximately doubled in diabetes (49.3%), steroid therapy (33.8%) and antibiotic therapy (27.4%) than in the control group (15.7%). Candida albicans was the most frequent isolate (57.6%) followed by Candida tropicalis (16.5%).
The epidemiology of onychomycoses in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Kiraz  , Yeğenoğlu  , Erturan  , Anğ
Published: March 2003

Between September 1995 and September 1997, 1840 patients attending our mycology department were suspected as having onychomycoses. Of the patients 985 were females and 855 were males. A total of 426 finger nail and 1414 toe nail scrapings were examined. Both microscopic and culture tests were carried out for each specimen. In 759 cases positive fungal cultures were found and 1081 cases were determined as negative. One fungal species was isolated from 715 specimens, in 44 of the cases two different species were found.
Fungaemia survey: a 10‐year experience in Bergamo, Italy
Authors: Farina C. , Vailati F. , Manisco A. , Goglio A.
Published: March 2003

The authors analysed 10 years of experience of fungaemia at a Regional Italian Hospital, the Azienda Ospedaliera (A.O.) ‘Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo’, Bergamo, Italy, from 1988 to 1997. One hundred and sixty‐eight cases were observed, with a global incidence corresponding to 3.43/10 000 in‐patients. Median age was 38.5 years and mean age was 38.9 years (range: 0–94 years). Female:male ratio was 1:1.75. Fungaemia occurred 25.7 days (mean value) after admission to the hospital. Aetiology was: 134 Candida spp. (70%), 11 Cryptococcus neoformans (6.5%), seven Torulopsis inconspicua (4.1%), three Trichosporon beigelii (1.8%), one Hansenula anomala (0.6%); three Fusarium verticillioides (1.8%), three Geotrichum candidum (1.8%) and one Histoplasma capsulatum (0.6%). Total mortality was 50.6%, and particularly related to Candida kefyr and Candida krusei, to Cr. neoformans and Fusarium spp.
Case Reports. Four paediatric cases of tinea capitis due to unusual agents
Authors: Romano Clara
Published: March 2003

Three cases of mycoses infection of the scalp due to Trichophyton rubrum and one due to Epidermophyton floccosum were observed in Siena in the period 1987–1998. Griseofulvin therapy led to clinical and mycological recovery in all cases.
Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome®) application and hepatic microsomal enzyme function in the rat
Authors: Inselmann G. , Schimanski Anna , Jahns R. , Heidemann H. T.
Published: March 2003

In the present study we investigated the influence of AmBisome®, a lyophilized liposomal amphotericin B formulation on various hepatic cytochrome P450‐dependent mixed function oxidases, antipyrine clearance and hepatic glucose‐6‐phosphatase activity in rats. Animals were treated intravenously for 6 days with AmBisome (15 mg kg−1 body weight). Subsequently, the enzyme activities and cytochrome P450 concentrations were measured ex vivo in hepatic microsomes. Following AmBisome the activity of the microsomal ethoxycoumarin‐O‐deethylase increased significantly from 333±77 pmol mg−1 to 459±125 pmol mg−1, whereas benzpyrenhydroxylase and glucose‐6‐phosphatase did not change compared with the controls. Accordingly, antipyrine clearance was not affected by AmBisome treatment. Microsomal cytochrome P450 concentrations as well as total microsomal protein concentrations were not changed following treatment with AmBisome and it did not affect either serum levels of liver transaminases or bilirubin. The results show that the application of a high AmBisome dose had no adverse effects on a variety of microsomal hepatic enzymes and the antipyrine clearance in rats. Thus, it seems likely that AmBisome does not seriously impair metabolic liver function.
Case Report. Localized pulmonary zygomycosis without pre‐existing immunocompromised status
Authors: Yokoi S. , Iizasa T. , Yoshida S. , Kamei K. , Hiroshima K. , Ohwada O. , Fujisawa T.
Published: March 2003

Pulmonary zygomycosis rarely occurs without pre‐existing immunocompromised disease. A 72‐year‐old male was found to have a nodular shadow (3 cm×4 cm) in the right S8 and S9 on a chest X‐ray. Right lower lobectomy was performed and histological examination of the resected material demonstrated pulmonary zygomycosis. Hyphae stained positively not only with Grocott‐Gomori methenamine silver staining, but also with an anti‐Rhizopus oryzae polyclonal antibody.
Effect of serum concentration on Candida biofilm formation on acrylic surfaces
Authors: Nikawa H. , Nishimura H. , Makihira S. , Hamada T. , Sadamori S. , Samaranayake L. P.
Published: March 2003

The biofilm formation of the oral fungal pathogen Candida on denture acrylic strips coated with saliva, serum and, saliva–serum pellicle were examined in vitro using Candida albicans (four isolates), Candida glabrata (three isolates) and Candida tropicalis (three isolates). The degree of biofilm activity varied depending upon both the isolate and the pellicle. Significantly increased biofilm activity on the pellicle (particularly serum)‐coated strips was observed with three isolates of C. albicans and another of C. glabrata on protein‐coated acrylics, with increasing concentration of serum in the pellicle. Similar trends were observed with one isolate of C. albicans and C. glabrata, although the effects of pellicles were not significant. In contrast, with all three isolates of C. tropicalis and a single isolate of C. glabrata, although the biofilm activity on the protein‐free control strips was significantly higher than that of saliva‐coated strips, the increase in activity of pellicle‐admixed biofilm depended upon the serum concentration. Candidal biofilm formation on acrylic surfaces is essentially promoted with increasing concentration of serum in the pellicle. This suggests that inflammation in the oral environment would facilitate fungal colonization on denture acrylic.
Multiple forms of the serine protease Alp of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Kunert J. , Kopeček P.
Published: March 2003

Alkaline proteases were produced by a virulent strain of Aspergillus fumigatus during growth on media containing glucose and proteins or peptides. After isoelectric focusing, six bands of proteolytic activity were detected with synthetic substrates after blotting on nitrocellulose membranes. The main protease (pI=8.6) corresponded to the known subtilisin‐like protease Alp of A. fumigatus and five minor components had lower isoelectric points (8.1 to 5.2). All proteases were produced on different media and in various phases of growth with only small quantitative variations. They also had identical pH optima, were denatured above 45 °C and stabilized by Ca2+ ions, were affected by the inhibitors of serine proteases only and had nearly identical substrate specificity against 13 synthetic substrates. On gel chromatography the three most acidic components had higher molecular weights than the main enzyme Alp. It remains to be determined if the enzymes under study arise through post‐translational processing of the main protease or are true isoenzymes, products of a gene family.
Chromoblastomycosis: clinical and mycologic experience of 51 cases
Authors: Bonifaz A. , Carrasco‐Gerard E. , Saúl A.
Published: March 2003

Summary . This is a study of 51 cases of chromoblastomycosis detected in a 17‐year period, all of which were clinically and mycologically proven by direct examinations, cultures and biopsies. The therapeutic results of the various treatments used are reported. Most cases were males (36 of 51; 70%), the mean age was 35 years and farmers predominated (74%); the most frequent lesions were in the lower limbs (54%). Major clinical presentations were nodular (41%) and verrucous (26%). The principal aetiologic agent isolated was Fonsecaea pedrosoi (90%). Overall results of the various treatments were as follows: 31% were cured, 57% improved and 12% failed. The best results were obtained with cryosurgery for small lesions, with itraconazole for large ones, and in some cases the combination of both treatments.
Case Report. Erythrasmoid pityriasis versicolor
Authors: Gorani A. , Oriani A. , Klein E. Falconi , Veraldi S.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  A 50‐year‐old Caucasian man with pityriasis versicolor that was localized almost exclusively in the inguinal folds and was characterized by lesions clinically superimposable on those of erythrasma is described. Due to these clinical characteristics, it is proposed that this variety of pityriasis versicolor is defined as ‘erythrasmoid’.
A study of dermatophytoses in Sana'a, Yemen Republic
Authors: Mahmoud A.‐L. E.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  The present study describes the extent and causative agents of dermatophytoses in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen Republic. Out of 1100 patients with various skin diseases, 16.6% were affected with dermatophytoses. Among them, 70% were male and the age group 11–20 years was most susceptible to tinea infections. Tinea corporis was the most common disease, followed by tinea capitis. One hundred and seventy isolates of dermatophytes related to 9 species were identified. Microsporum canis was the most prevalent species, followed by Trichophyton violaceum.
Case Report. Widespread tinea corporis due to Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Gorani A. , Schiera A. , Oriani A.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  We report the case of a 36‐year‐old man who presented large erythematous plaques involving the trunk, face and extremities, since one month. Some of these lesions had a psoriasis‐like aspect, with abundant superficial scaling. Direct microscopic examination of scales removed from the plaques revealed numerous hyphae. Cultural examination lead to the identification of Trichophyton rubrum species. Our case of tinea corporis presented some peculiarities related both to the extension of the lesions and their clinical aspects.

Zusammenfassung.  Wir berichten über einen 36‐jährigen Mann, der grösseren rotlaufartigen Ausschlag an Rumpf, Gesicht und Gliedmassen seit einem Monat aufwies. Einige dieser Läsionen sahen wie Psoriasis mit reichlichem Abschuppen aus. In der direkten mikroskopischen Kontrolle der kleinen Schuppen aus den Flecken fanden wir viele Hyphen Kulturell wurde Trichophyton rubrum nachgewiesen. Unser Fall von Tinea corporis zeigte einige Eigenheiten in Hinblick auf den Umfang und das klinische Bild.
Mathematical modelling of antifungal action
Authors: Giordani R. , Buc J. , Regli P.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  In this paper a simplified modelling approach indicated that yeast growth was inhibited by an antifungal drug according to an exponential function. In addition, the corresponding inhibition rate followed a hyperbolic function the parameters of which permit us to determine the percentage of maximum inhibition and the minimum inhibitory concentration for 80%. From the equation of a hyperbola it was also possible to calculate an affinity constant Kaff corresponding to the inverse of the concentration of antifungal drugs giving half the maximal inhibition. The affinity constant was demonstrated to be characteristic of the yeast strain and of the antifungal drug employed. Simulation of the mathematical modelling enabled determination of a theoretical inhibition level corresponding to strong concentrations of antifungal drugs which cannot be carried out for technical reasons (precipitates, opacity etc.). The interest of this mathematical modelling of growth and inhibition to predict the doses of antifungals which can act synergistically is discussed.
Aspergillus nidulans is frequently resistant to amphotericin B
Authors: Kontoyiannis D. P. , Lewis R. E. , May G. S. , Osherov N. , Rinaldi M. G.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  The high failure rate of amphotericin B‐based therapy in patients with Aspergillus nidulans infections may not be entirely a result of host factors as suggested previously. Innate resistance of A. nidulans to polyenes may contribute to the poor response in patients.
Semi‐quantitative adsorption for detection of antibodies to Candida albicans germ tubes by indirect immunofluorescence test
Authors: Bulajić Nina , Ristović B. , Velimirović Slobodanka , Lako B.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Adsorption of antibodies against antigens expressed on the Candida albicans blastoconidia cell walls was standardized for the detection of antibodies to germ tubes by an indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT). Sera from rabbits immunized with C. albicans bearing germ tubes, were diluted by two‐fold serial dilutions to obtain specimens 1 : 640–1 : 20 positive by IIFT. Different volumes of specimens were adsorbed with different amounts of whole, heat‐inactivated C. albicans blastoconidia. It was found that a 1 : 640 titre serum should be adsorbed at 30 μl by 50 mg cells, down to a 1 : 20 titre serum at 110 μl by 12.5 mg cells. Accurate detection of anti‐germ tube antibodies by IIFT depends on the semi‐quantitative relation between the positive titre of the specimen and the amount of blastoconidia used in adsorption.
Pseudomembranous tracheobronchial aspergillosis: a rare manifestation of invasive aspergillosis in a non‐neutropenic patient with Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Buchheidt D. , Weiss A. , Reiter S. , Hartung G. , Hehlmann R.
Published: March 2003

Summary  Pseudomembranous tracheobronchial aspergillosis coincident with systemic pulmonary aspergillosis represents a rare manifestation of fungal infection in immunocompromized hosts. We report on a patient with recurrent Hodgkin's disease, showing this infectious pattern after treatment with corticosteroids within the antineoplastic schedule, whereas neutropenia – the main risk factor for mold infections – had not occurred. An impaired number of helper T lymphocytes was merely detected as an additional, but hypothetical risk factor, when investigating the status of immunosuppression. Treated systemically with amphotericin B, the patient recovered quickly, although reported mortality rates are disastrous. What is crucial for the clinical management is an early diagnosis by bronchoscopy and cultural proof of the pathogen followed by an adequate antifungal treatment.
Tinea barbae caused by a zoophilic strain of Trichophyton interdigitale
Authors: Trotha R. , Gräser Y. , Platt J. , Köster A. , König B. , König W. , Freytag C.
Published: March 2003

Summary A deep absceding infection is reported of the inframandibular part of the face of a 22‐year‐old male student due to a zoophilic strain of Trichophyton interdigitale. The fungus was probably acquired from the cat of the patient. Initial therapy by a general practitioner was with topical glucocorticoids and oral antihistaminica. The patient developed a severe phlegmoneous inflammation of the bearded part of the face. Later, the patient was successfully treated by a combination of itraconazole and fluconazole. Identification of the species was confirmed by light and scanning microscopy as well as sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA.
Genetic control of in vitro‐organogenesis in recombinant inbred lines of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Berrios E. F. , Gentzbittel L. , Alibert G. , Griveau Y. , Bervillé A. , Sarraf A.
Published: March 2003

Ninety‐three recombinant inbred lines (F8) of sunflower developed by the single‐seed descent method from the cross ‘PAC‐2 × RHA‐266’ were used to screen their regenerability by organogenesis. The experiment was designed in randomized complete blocks with three replications. Each replication consisted of 10 Petri dishes with four explants. Cotyledons were excised from 2‐day‐old seedlings. Each cotyledon was divided into two pieces (four explants), which were incubated in solid regeneration medium consisting of full‐strength Murashige and Skoog medium modified by adding hormones. A high genotypic variability for organogenesis parameters between genotypes was observed in this study. The difference between all recombinant F8 lines and their parents was not significant, showing that the 93 inbred lines used in this experiment are representative of the total possible recombinant lines from the cross ‘PAC‐2 × RHA‐266′. These F8 lines were not consciously selected for any trait; therefore, they represent a random set of lines segregating for the organogenesis parameters, as well as for other traits which could be important for breeding.
Androgenetic green plants from winter rye, Secale cereale L., of diverse origin
Authors: Immonen S.
Published: March 2003

Twenty varieties and breeders’ lines of winter rye, Secale cereale L., including Finnish, Polish, Russian, Swedish and Danish germplasm, were tested for their anther culture ability. To establish a reference point, the initial culture method was based on published results from rye anther culture. Following results from methodological studies, a modified protocol was tested on the same 19 winter rye lines. The modifications to the protocol included growth of mother plants under controlled greenhouse conditions, prolonged cold pretreatment of spikes for 3 weeks at 4°C, excision of anthers with microspores in the late uninucleate/binucleate developmental stage and induction on liquid medium supplemented with a buoyancy increasing component, Ficoll. With the modified protocol, the total production of green androgenetic plants increased nearly fivefold; it reached an average of 2.75% with the best line yielding 12.5%, while the proportion of green to albino plants increased by 50% to 25.1%. Eighteen rye lines showed green plant regeneration ability. Several genetically different winter rye lines with relatively good anther culture ability, yielding ≤ 1/% green plants per 100 anthers, were identified for the use in further methodical studies and for researching doubled haploidy in rye breeding.
Comparison of evaluation methods for selection of resistance to Fusarium head blight in a recurrent selection programme in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yang Z. P. , Yang X. Y. , Huang D. C.
Published: March 2003

The objectives of this study were to compare efficiency of evaluation for resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) under two inoculation methods in a recurrent selection programme. Fifty selected homozygous F5 fertile lines, from each of five cycles (C0, C1, C2, C3 and C4) of recurrent selection, and two control cultivars were evaluated in a split‐plot design in 1995 and 1996 under the soil‐surface inoculation with Fusarium graminearum‐colonized kernels and the single‐floret inoculation with ascospore suspension. Comparison of the two inoculation methods using means, ranges, coefficients of variation, heritabilities and correlations among infected spikelet rate (ISR), reaction index (RI) and disease index (DI) indicated that FHB resistance could be evaluated with similar accuracy and precision using either of the two inoculation methods. Regressions of disease scores in the soil‐surface inoculation on disease scores in the single‐surface inoculation were positive and highly significant, showing a strong relationship between both inoculation methods for FHB resistance. The percentage of lines with similar performance for FHB disease scores in both inoculation methods was high. The soil‐surface inoculation and single‐floret inoculation appear to be useful techniques for evaluating numerous individuals of segregating population and screening advanced homozygous lines for FHB resistance in a recurrent selection programme in wheat, respectively.
Effect of inbreeding and growth regulators on the in vitro androgenesis of wheatgrass, Agropyron glaucum
Authors: Chekurov V. M. , Razmakhnin E. P.
Published: March 2003

The capacity of haploid production by anther culture has been analysed in 42 crossbred genotypes (wild type) and in 32 genotypes from inbreeding generations (I2‐I3) of wheatgrass, Agropyron glaucum. On potato‐2 medium, about 50% of the genotypes investigated were capable of embryoid and callus induction. For the regeneration of haploid plants, five media containing various growth regulators were used. The crossbred genotypes were superior to the inbred lines in all the androgenesis parameters examined.
Single gene mutation for green cotyledons as a marker for the embryonic genotype in faba bean, Vicia faba
Authors: Duc G. , Moussy F. , Zong X. , Ding G.
Published: March 2003

A new spontaneous mutation is described in faba bean, Vicia faba L., characterized by a marked green colour in the entire cotyledon tissues of the mature seeds, while the wild phenotype is yellow. This seed character reflects the embryonic genotype and is determined by a single recessive allele named i1‐1. It is distinct from the y gene, which codes for green testa. As is the case for gene y, the gene i1‐1 displays no epistatic effects with the zero‐tannin genes zt1 and zt2 which influence seed and flower colour in faba bean. In this allogamous species, such a mutation is a useful tool in cross‐fertilization studies.
Marker‐assisted selection for oleic acid content in spring turnip rape
Authors: Tanhuanpää P. , Vilkki J.
Published: March 2003

The efficiency of marker‐assisted selection for oleic acid content was studied in an F2 population of spring turnip rape, Brassica rapa ssp. oleifera, using a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker, the distance of which from the oleic acid gene is 11.5 cM, and allele‐specific markers which are located at the gene locus. As expected, the allele‐specific markers recognized the oleic acid genotypes more precisely than the SCAR marker. A further complication in the use of the SCAR was the existence of null alleles and polymorphism in almost all the lines/cultivars tested. Therefore, parents have to be carefully selected to find informative combinations in different crosses. Allele‐specific markers are very efficient in selection since heterozygous plants can be identified. This is not possible when selection is based on the commonly applied gas chromatography analysis of oil composition. The allele‐specific detection was further simplified by using direct staining of PCR products instead of electrophoresis.
Sexual transfer of Arabidopsis DNA to Brassica napus
Authors: Dixelius C. , Forsberg J.
Published: March 2003

Out of 400 reciprocal crosses made between Brassica napus and Arabidopsis thaliana, 200 maternal B. napus flowers produced 31 seeds and 10 seeds developed when A. thaliana was used as the female parent. Of the latter, three seeds successfully germinated but did not develop into mature plants. In contrast, plants from all 32 seeds generated from B. napus were established. DNA from these 31 plants was analysed by 18 probes mapped to the A. thaliana genome, two selectable marker genes and one A. thaliana species‐specific repetitive probe. It was found that one plant had identical restriction fragments to A. thaliana with two of the 21 probes used. The gene flow within Brassicaceae is discussed in light of this result.
Influence of culture medium and in vitro conditions on shoot regeneration in Solanum phureja monoploids and fertility of regenerated doubled monoploids
Authors: Paz M. M. , Veilleux R. E.
Published: March 2003

Incorporation of monoploids in practical breeding requires an efficient method of producing homozygous diploids. This study investigated factors for efficient regeneration of doubled monoploid (DM) potato, crossability of DMs and their field performance. Incorporation of silver thiosulphate (STS) in propagation medium for in vitro monoploid plantlets of Solanum phureja did not affect the frequency of cells with diploid(2x) nuclei but increased those with monoploid (1x) and decreased those with 4x nuclei. Higher shoot regeneration was obtained from leaf explants compared with stem explants. Induction of shoots from calluswas affected neither by light during incubation nor by overnight treatment with a benzyl adenine pulse. Female fertility based on seed set after pollination of DMs with heterozygous diploid clones varied among DMs but encouraged their utilization in practical breeding.
Relationship between hybrid performance and genetic diversity based on RAPD markers in wheat, Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Liu Z.‐Q. , Pei Y. , Pu Z.‐J.
Published: March 2003

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were generated from 20 wheat, Triticum aestivum lines. Fifty‐four fragments generated by six primers of a 10‐mer arbitrary sequence were used to study their potential power in differentiating parents with different characteristics and predicting the yield performance of hybrids produced from these parents. Experimental results showed that the 20 wheat lines were divided into four groups. Group I was characterized by more grains per spike, group II by heavy grains and group III by more spikes per unit area and short plants; group IV was similar to group III but had a much higher biomass yield and grain yield. Hybrids from parents in different groups were generally superior to most hybrids from parents in the same group. Both yield performance and heterosis of hybrids from parents between group I and group III were much better than those of other intergroup hybrids. These results suggest that, based on RAPD markers, it is possible to differentiate wheat lines with different performances and that the classification of parents from these markers is of predictive value for developing superior hybrids. However, genetic distance (GD) based on RAPD markers was not significantly correlated with hybrid performance and heterosis. It appears to be impossible to predict hybrid performance from GD itself.
Genetic, agronomic and quality comparisons of two 1AL.1RS. wheat‐rye chromosomal translocations
Authors: Graybosch R. A. , Lee J.‐H. , Peterson C. J. , Porter D. R. , Chung O. K.
Published: March 2003

The 1AL.1RS wheat‐rye chromosomal translocation originally found in ‘Amigo’ wheat possesses resistance genes for stem rust, powdery mildew and greenbug biotypes B and C, but also has a negative effect on wheat processing quality. Recently, a second 1AL.1RS translocation carrying Gb6, a gene conferring resistance to greenbug biotypes B, C, E, G and I, was identified in the wheat germplasm line ‘GRS1201′. Protein analytical methods, and the DNA polymerase chain reaction were used to identify markers capable of differentiating the 1RS chromosome arms derived from ‘Amigo’ and ‘GRS1201′. The secalin proteins encoded by genes on 1RS chromosome arms differed in ‘Amigo’ and ‘GRS1201′. A 70 kDa secalin was found in the ‘Amigo’1AL.1RS, but did not occur in the ‘GRS1201’1AL.1RS. Polymorphisms detected by PCR primers derived from a family of moderately repetitive rye DNA sequences also differentiated the two translocations. When ‘GRS1201’was mated with a non‐1RS wheat, no recombinants between 1RS markers were observed. In crosses between 1RS and non‐1RS parents, both DNA markers and secalins would be useful as selectable markers for 1RS‐derived greenbug resistance. Recombination between 1RS markers did occur when 1RS from ‘Amigo’ and 1RS from ‘GRS1201’were combined, but in such intermatings, the molecular markers described herein could still be used to develop a population enriched in lines carrying Gb6. No differences in grain yield or grain and flour quality characteristics were observed when lines carrying 1RS from ‘Amigo’ were compared with lines with 1RS from ‘GRS1201′. Hence, differences in secalin composition did not result in differential quality effects. When compared with sister lines with 1AL.1AS derived from the wheat cultivar ‘Redland’, lines with ‘GRS1201’had equal grain yield, but produced flours with significantly shorter mix times, weaker doughs, and lower sodium dodecyl sulphate sedimentation volumes.