bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periarticular Ossification at the Elbow Joint and Meniscal Ossification in the Stifle Joint of Pigs – Occurrence, Pathomorphology, Breed Differences and Correlations with Osteochondrosis, Leg Weakness and Production Parameters
Authors: JØRGENSEN B. , JENSEN H. E.
Published: March 2003

The occurrence, pathomorphology, and possibly impact of periarticular ossification at the elbow joint and meniscal ossification in the stifle joint are described. A total of 4029 boars of the Landrace and Yorkshire breeds were performance tested and examined radiologically. Periarticular ossification at the elbow joint was found in radiographs at a prevalence of 0.9%. Meniscal ossification was seen as single or multiple foci at the cranial aspect of the joint at a prevalence of 2.6%, and had a bilateral occurrence in 20%. Significant breed differences (P < 0.001) were found for both joint processes. The meniscal ossifications were associated with hindlegs turned out (abduction) (P < 0.001) and stiff locomotion in the rear (P < 0.001), and were negatively (adversely) associated with growth rate (P < 0.01). The periarticular osseous foci were seen as focal firm swellings at the craniomedial aspect of the elbow joint. The meniscal ossifications were observed as single or multiple small, smooth, firm, and irregular swellings in the cranial horn of only the lateral meniscus. The histomorphology of both types of ossifications was similar. Centrally, they were made up by osseous trabeculae. The trabeculae might contain clusters of chondrocytes. Between the trabeculae, which were lined with flat osteoblasts, adipocytes were present. The osseous centre was encircled by mineralized cartilage that blended into more or less fibrous cartilage. However, towards the joint cavity the meniscal ossifications were covered by hyaline cartilage.
Hepatocholangiocellular Carcinoma in a Rat – Case Report
Authors: Teredesai A. , Wöhrmann T. , Schlage W.
Published: March 2003

A mixed epithelial tumour in the liver of a 24‐month‐old male Wistar rat from a 30‐month inhalation study is described. The rat, which was in a group exposed to low concentrations of diesel exhaust, was euthanized because of emaciation, forced respiration and abnormal gait. Macroscopic examination of the enlarged liver revealed multiple partly confluent beige‐red nodules up to 1.5 cm in diameter. Small nodules up to 7 mm in diameter were seen in the spleen. Histologically, the tumour nodules in the liver consisted of hepatocellular and cholangiocellular components. The hepatocellular component consisted of moderately differentiated polygonal to round hepatocytes about twice as large as normal hepatocytes and having hyperchromatic, centrally located nuclei with prominent nucleoli and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Foci of haematopoiesis and focal necroses were prominent. The cholangiocellular component was moderately differentiated and consisted of tubular structures lined by low cuboidal to cylindrical cells showing cytoplasmic basophilia and small dark nuclei without prominent nucleoli. The histological features of the nodules in the spleen corresponded to those of the primary tumour in the liver. Based on these criteria, the tumour nodules were diagnosed as hepatocholangiocellular carcinoma. The immunohistological examination confirmed the diagnosis, i.e. immunostaining for cytokeratins was positive for eight and 18 (hepatocellular carcinoma) and for seven and 19 (cholangiocellular carcinoma) as well as for vimentin (dense fibrous stroma). This tumour is considered to be spontaneous because of its single occurrence.
Detection of Antibodies to S. enteritidis in Broilers by Means of Indirect ELISA and Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
Authors: Zamora B. M. , Hartung M. , Hildebrandt G. , Käsbohrer A.
Published: March 2003

This study was conducted to develop a serological detection system for the monitoring of broiler flocks for Salmonella enteritidis infections. A specific S. enteritidis antigen (FG‐Antigen) was used to compare the sensitivity and the specificity of the chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) with those of the indirect ELISA. This comparison was performed using a total of 578 sera, which, depending on the microbiological and vaccination history, were categorized into groups. Most of the serum samples which were classified as positive showed higher titers in CLIA than in ELISA. Using the prevalence of positive reactors, significant differences between Groups were additionally demonstrated. The absorbance values of the passively immunized group showed the highest and those of the Salmonella‐negative group the lowest correlation‐coefficient. Using the mean net absorbance of the prevalence group, the ELISA system exhibited a sensitivity of 100 % and a specificity of 96.2 %, while CLIA had a sensitivity and a specificity of 85.7 % and 96.2 %, respectively. ELISA and CLIA can be used in the examination of non‐vaccinated flocks for S. enteritidis‐infections as alternative to the bacteriological culture method. CLIA is distinguished for its fast and convenient procedure as well as for its wider measurement spectrum, while the indirect ELISA is almost as efficient as CLIA and requires less investment.
Detection and Identification of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis by PCR. Based on the16S. rRNA. Gene
Authors: Giacometti M. , Nicolet J. , Johansson K.E. , Naglic T. , Degiorgis M.P. , Frey J.
Published: March 2003

A specific PCR assay based on unique sequences of the rrs genes (16S rRNA) of Mycoplasma conjunctivae was developed for direct detection and identification of this pathogen from clinical material. DNA from eye swabs was amplified after a simple lysis step by either a single PCR with the M. conjunctivae specific primer pair McoR1 and McoF1, or by a nested PCR with the Mycoplasma genus specific primer pair MOLIGEN1‐L and 16UNI‐R in the first step and McoR1 and McoF1 in the second step. The specificity of the primer pair McoR1 and McoF1 was verified with purified DNA from the type strain, from 17 field isolates of M. conjunctivae and from several Mollicutes which are phylogenetically related to M. conjunctivae or which can be isolated from the same host animals. This method identified mycoplasma isolates from goat, sheep, ibex and chamois originating from different countries as M. conjunctivae. No cross amplifications with other mycoplasmas which are related to M. conjunctivae were observed.

Eye swab samples containing known numbers of M. conjunctivae cells were analysed after direct lysis of the material. The detection level was estimated to be 20 cells per swab when the nested PCR procedure was used and 2 × 105 by the single PCR method. In an experimental infection model of sheep, the nested PCR method for detection of M. conjunctivae gave results which were comparable to mycoplasmal culture. These are the implications for diagnostic purposes: M. conjunctivae isolates can be identified by the one‐step PCR method, whereas for detection and identification of M. conjunctivae in clinical material the two‐step method should be used (higher sensitivity).
An Outbreak of Newcastle Disease in Free‐Living Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)
Authors: J P. H. , ørgensen . , Handberg K. Jensen , Ahrens P. , Hansen H. C. , Manvell R. J. , Alexander D. J.
Published: March 2003

The epidemiology of an outbreak of Newcastle disease in a population of approximately 12 000 free‐living pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) on the island of Faenø in Denmark in 1996 is described. The mortality during the epizootic was 56 %. The spread of the disease between 7 groups of pheasants could be demonstrated over an observation period of 3 weeks. A total of 70 avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV‐1) isolates was made from the flock. The intra cerebral pathogenicity indices of the 4 isolates tested were in the range 1.78–1.88. By means of immunoperoxidase monolayer assay with murine monoclonal antibodies and sequence analysis of an RT‐PCR amplified segment of the F0 viral protein it was found, that the virus belonged to the highly virulent C1 antigenic group and that the amino acid sequence at the F0 cleavage site corresponded with the sequences of virulent APMV‐1 strains. Based on the epidemiological circumstances it is believed that the virus was transmitted to the pheasants by feral birds.I
Epidermal Tissue‐Derived T‐cell Growth Factor, Colony Stimulating Factor and Nerve Growth Factor in Chickens
Authors: Oshibe T. , Kitamura I. , Tanaka K. , Baba T. , Kodama H. , Mukamoto M. , Tsuji S.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of the local cytokine‐mediated immune response in the skin of chickens. The incorporation of 3H‐thymidine into spleen T lymphocytes from 9‐ to 10‐week‐old chickens was augmented by the addition of epidermal tissue culture supernatant (ESN) from 11‐day‐old embryos. The colony formation of neonatal chicken bone marrow cells in the methylcellulose medium was also significantly increased by addition of ESN. When axonal outgrowth in matrigel was investigated, the embryonal sympathetic ganglion was found to grow axons outwards towards the epidermal tissue specimens. The above results suggest that chicken epidermal cells (probably keratinocytes) produce T‐cell growth factor (corresponding to IL‐1), colony‐stimulating factor for macrophages (M‐CSF) and granulocytes (G‐CSF), and nerve growth factor (NGF).
Lack of Immunological Cross‐reactivity of 36‐kDa Secretory Salivary Gland Antigen of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum with Hyalomma dromedarii and Boophilus microplus Ticks
Authors: Kumar S. , Kondal J. K.
Published: March 2003

During feeding of ticks of the species Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, most of the proteins in salivary gland extracts (SGEs) remained unchanged from the unfed to the fully fed state (from day 1 to day 7 of the experiment), as revealed by SDS‐PAGE. However, a 45‐kDa protein band disappeared and 26‐, 32‐ and 33‐kDa bands appeared when feeding commenced. Some of the protein bands changed their intensity. When probed with anti‐H. anatolicum anatolicum hyperimmune sera, transblotted SGE proteins of unfed H. anatolicum anatolicum and Hyalomma dromedarii revealed two common bands of 105 and 80 kDa. A 36‐kDa protein band present in H. anatolicum anatolicum SGE could not be detected in H. dromedarii. None of these proteins were detected in partly fed Boophilus microplus when probed with anti‐H. anatolicum anatolicum hyperimmune serum. This H. anatolicum anatolicum specific 36‐kDa protein was strongly recognized throughout feeding, and thus may be an immunogen of importance for the development of an H. anatolicum anatolicum specific serodiagnostic assay.
Classical Swine Fever Virus in Plasma and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Acutely Infected Swine
Authors: Gisler A. C. F. , Nardi N. B. , Nonnig R. B. , Oliveira L. G. , Roehe P. M.
Published: March 2003

The distribution of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in plasma, monocytes, T and B lymphocytes in peripheral blood was monitored during experimentally induced acute classical swine fever infection in piglets. Six piglets were infected with 103.8 TCID50 of virus and blood samples taken up to 18 days post‐inoculation (p.i.). Infectious virus was detected in monocytes, T and B lymphocytes to similar titres in five of the six infected piglets. Infectious virus was detected earlier in plasma than in any of the mononuclear cell subpopulations. No significant difference was observed in the period of time in which virus could be isolated from the three cell subpopulations. While a progressive lymphopenia developed, a marked B cell depletion was observed. However, B cells were apparently replaced by non‐IgM‐bearing mononuclear cells, as the proportion ‘total lymphocyte/total leucocytes’ remained unaltered throughout the experiment. Virus titres in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed a tendency to increase as the disease progressed to its outcome.
A Combination of Different Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assays for the Presumptive Identification of Yersinia pestis
Authors: Neubauer H. , Meyer H. , Prior J. , Aleksic S. , Hensel A. , Splettstösser W.
Published: March 2003

A combination of four polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the Yersinia pestis‐specific plasmoidal genes of the fraction 1 capsular antigen and plasminogen activator/coagulase, the gene of the V antigen of the Yersinia virulence plasmid, and the chromosomal 16S rRNA gene was evaluated for the identification of Y. pestis isolates. All four assays were subjected to the same sample preparation technique, reagents and cycling conditions. Eighteen Y. pestis, 66 Y. pseudotuberculosis, 40 Y. enterocolitica strains, the type strains of the other Yersinia species, and 20 other pathogenic bacterial strains were investigated. By using the proposed combination of PCR assays all Y. pestis strains were identified correctly. The applicability of this combination of PCR assays was demonstrated by the detection of Y. pestis DNA in spiked tissues from Rattus norwegicus and fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis and Ctenocephalides spp.). As little as 60 genome equivalents were detected. This system is applicable for monitoring Y. pestis and its vectors in enzootic natural foci and in the diagnosis of plague in humans and animals.
Diagnosis and Genetic Analysis of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infected in Horses
Authors: Lian W.‐C. , Liau M.‐Y. , Mao C.‐L.
Published: March 2003

Nervous disorders were found in two horses and verified as aseptic encephalitis by necropsy in the summer of 2000. To investigate agents that affected the horses, diagnostic procedures involving virus isolation, neutralization test and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were performed. We intracranially inoculated litters of suckling mice with tissues suspected of containing aseptic encephalitis, including cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, thalamus, and cerebrospinal fluids; the mice were then observed for 14 days. Neutralizing antibodies against Japanese encephalitis (JE) viruses were present in the cerebrospinal fluid of the horses in titers of 10. Sequences of 500 nucleotides of the premembrane gene of JE virus, synthesized by RT‐PCR, from both the cerebrum and cerebellum were determined. The phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of the premembrane gene revealed a relationship with the JE virus. The divergences at the nucleotide level of 1.2–5.7% and at the amino acid level of 0–4.3% were conserved with other JE strains. The results demonstrated that the pathogens causing equine encephalitis were JE viruses. The strains were closely related to Taiwanese isolates.
Amplification of `Variola Virus‐Specific' Sequences in German Cowpox Virus Isolates
Authors: MEYER H. , NEUBAUER H. , PFEFFER M.
Published: March 2003

In 1995 a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol describing the specific detection of variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, was published by Knight and others. Virulent variola major strains could be differentiated from less virulent variola minor strains because of the distinct amplicon sizes. Here, we applied this PCR protocol to DNA from various orthopoxvirus isolates. There was no amplification with the orthopoxvirus species vaccinia, monkeypox, mousepox, or camelpox viruses. However, amplification was observed in six out of 15 cowpox virus strains investigated. The size of the amplicons corresponded exactly with the size described for variola minor strains and the nucleotide sequence identity accounted for 97%. Findings are discussed with respect to the evolution of orthopoxvirus species assuming that variola virus most probably stems from a rodent‐transmitted cowpox virus‐like progenitor.
An Experimental Infection to Investigate the Indirect Transmission of Classical Swine Fever Virus by Excretions of Infected Pigs
Authors: Dewulf J. , Laevens H. , Koenen F. , Mintiens K. , de Kruif A.
Published: March 2003

In this experiment transmission of classical swine fever (CSF) virus via excretions of infected pigs was investigated under experimental conditions. Five pairs of pigs were experimentally infected with CSF virus. Eight days after experimental infection, when all pigs were viraemic for at least 3 days, the pens were depopulated and 20 h later, restocked with five pairs of susceptible pigs which stayed in these pens for 35 days. During the first 3 weeks of the experiment, the pens were neither cleaned nor disinfected. During the observation period, none of the susceptible pigs became infected. This result indicates that CSF virus spread via excretions is of minor importance in the early stages of infection. For extrapolation of these findings to the field situation and to increase the validity of the conclusions further research is needed to evaluate the effect of factors like virus strain, interval, …, that may influence the outcome of the experiment.
Microalgal Communities of the Sea Ice, Ice‐Covered and Ice‐Free Waters of Wood Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica) During the Austral Summer 1993 – 94
Authors: Moro Isabella , Paccagnella Roberta , Barbante Carlo , Andreoli Carlo
Published: March 2003

Abstract. During the austral summer 1993 – 94, microalgal density and biomass were investigated in the sea ice, in the underlying water column, in the melt water and during the formation of the sea ice. Of the 96 taxa identified, 59 were diatoms and 32 were dinoflagellates. Among the remaining five species, Pseudopleurochloris antarctica was very abundant both in the sea ice and in the ice‐free waters. Cell densities and biomass of microalgae were higher in the bottom of the sea ice and during the formation of the ice than in the seawater, and diatoms were the dominant group at higher microalgal biomass. Among these, Entomoneis kufferathii, Chaetoceros dichaeta and Fragilariopsis species were the most common taxa.
Substrate Effects on the Bioeroding  Demosponge Cliona orientalis. 1. Bioerosion Rates
Authors: Schönberg Christine H. L.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Bioeroding sponges are highly specialised to live in and to erode various natural and man‐made calcareous substrates. They encounter very different substrate features. Previous field observations suggest that damage caused by sponge bioerosion may vary with substrate density and architecture. This study aims to experimentally investigate influences of structurally different calcareous substrates on bioerosion activities of Cliona orientalisThiele, 1900, an important eroder of inshore Great Barrier Reef calcium carbonate. Blocks were made of the corals Goniopora tenuidens, massive Porites sp., Astreopora listeri, Favites halicora, Favia pallida, Goniastrea retiformis and Cyphastrea serailia, and of the clam Tridacna squamosa. They were grafted with C. orientalis tissue and re‐examined after 9 months. Block weight loss, increase of pore volume and differences in breaking stability were measured as indicators of sponge erosion. Erosion caused by C. orientalis differed between substrates and was significantly more pronounced in denser materials with lower pore volume and in coral blocks with more structural barriers. Coral substrates with imperforate thecae and thicker dissepiment walls were more strongly eroded than those with perforate thecae and thinner dissepiments. At similar growth rates, more material has to be removed in denser material with more barriers compared to more porous substrates. Existing pores will be occupied, resulting in lower erosion rates. Erosion capabilities of the sponge could best be detected by the blocks' loss in dry weight, but the sponges also significantly reduced block breaking stability. Change in pore volume was not found to be a reliable parameter to investigate sponge erosion.
Early investigation and initiation of therapy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in leukaemic and bone marrow transplant patients
Authors: Barnes Amanda J. , Oppenheim B. A. , Chang J. , Morgenstern G. R. , Scarffe J. H.
Published: March 2003

Invasive fungal infections are an increasingly common problem in cancer patients and in other vulnerable groups. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in the neutropenic host presents particular challenges in terms of diagnosis and therapy. Against the background of a recognized problem of invasive aspergillosis in haematology/oncology patients treated at the Christie Hospital, we undertook a prospective study in patients at risk for IPA. The aim of the study was to improve outcome by using the linked strategies of first, early diagnosis, and secondly, early aggressive therapy with a lipid‐associated formulation of amphotericin B, amphotericin B colloidal dispersion (‘Amphocil’). Early investigation comprised the use of high‐resolution computerized tomography scanning of the thorax and fibreoptic bronchoscopy to obtain bronchoalveolar lavage specimens, processed using conventional detection and culture methods. Using this approach, the incidence of proven or probable IPA in patients with acute leukaemia was 9%. Prompt initiation of amphotericin B colloidal dispersion therapy led to a successful outcome in 11 of 13 patients, compared with a mortality of 100% in historical controls.
Case Report. Kerion Celsi effectively treated with terbinafine. Characteristics of kerion Celsi in the elderly in Japan
Authors: Tanuma H. , Doi M. , Abe Michiko , Kume H. , Nishiyama S. , Katsuoka K.
Published: March 2003

A 75‐year‐old non‐working male living in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, had erythematous plaques with scales associated with follicular pustules in the head area extending from the occipital to right temporal regions about 1 month prior to his initial visit, when hair loss increased. The diagnosis was kerion Celsi. Trichophyton rubrum was isolated from scales and tissues taken from lesions in the head. Histopathological examinations showed irregular epidermal thickening with dense cell infiltration from the dermis to subcutaneous adipose tissues. Granulomatous reactions involving neutrophils, histiocytes and giant cells were seen mainly in the hair follicles. Periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) and Grocott‐positive microbial elements were detected in the horny layer, and inside and outside the hair follicles. Pustules disappeared 1 week after starting the oral treatment with terbinafine (125 mg day−1). A cure was achieved 2 weeks after starting the treatment, with only slight scales remaining. No recurrence has been observed to date. Terbinafine was thought to be very effective and safe for kerion Celsi. We reviewed 27 cases of kerion Celsi reported in patients, aged at least 70 years, in Japan and found that the major characteristics of this disease in Japan include the following: (1) female cases outnumber male cases; (2) the causative organism was T. rubrum in 14 of 27 patients (51.9%); and (3) topical application of steroids often induces this disease in patients with superficial tinea capitis.
Oral terbinafine (Lamisil®) in the short‐term treatment of fungal infections of the skin: results of a post‐marketing surveillance study
Authors: Binder M. , Nell G.
Published: March 2003

Oral terbinafine (Lamisil®, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland) is an effective therapy for fungal infections of the skin and nails. A post‐marketing surveillance study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of oral terbinafine. A total of 454 patients with clinically and mycologically confirmed superficial fungal infections of the skin were enrolled from 79 dermatology clinics. Patients received oral terbinafine (250 mg day−1) for 2 weeks. Specific signs and symptoms were assessed by standard questionnaire before, immediately after, and 4 weeks after treatment. Observed improvements in patients after 2 weeks treatment were: erythema 81%, blistering 33%, exudation 50%, scaling 89%, pruritus 83%. After 4 weeks treatment, erythema was absent in 85% of patients, blistering and exudation in 99.7%, scaling in 82%, and pruritus in 94%. Overall clinical efficacy was assessed as good to excellent in 97% of patients. Adverse effects – mainly gastrointestinal and minor skin rashes – were reported in 5.3% of patients. The results of this study confirm that oral terbinafine is safe and highly effective for the short‐term treatment of fungal skin infections.
Bacterial flora accompanying Candida yeasts in clinical specimens
Authors: Hermann Cornelia , Hermann J. , Munzel U. , Rüchel R.
Published: March 2003

From 1986 to 1988, in the pre‐fluconazole era, 67 765 clinical specimens from the Göttingen University Hospital were investigated for bacteria and fungi in our institution. Oral and throat swabs, respiratory secretions, gastric juices, faeces, urine, genital swabs, blood, wound secretions and skin swabs were analysed for yeast‐like fungi, and opportunistic or pathogenic bacteria. A total of 5195 specimens (7.7%) yielded Candida spp. alone or in combination with bacteria (fungal (F‐) group) and 62 570 specimens yielded bacteria only or remained sterile (non‐fungal group, N‐group). Elevated rates of accompanying bacteria were detected with Candida spp. colonizing blood, urine, and skin. Among the dominant bacterial isolates, the distribution of staphylococci and enterococci did not reflect a distinct association pattern. Among the enterobacterial isolates from patients in intensive care, colonization patterns of the throat, gastric juices, and faeces reflected the use of a selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD). A statistically significant association between Candida and enterobacteria of the genus Enterobacter which was unaffected by SDD, was observed throughout this study. Such an association pattern was also observed, to a lesser extent, with the related genera Klebsiella and Serratia, but not with Escherichia coli.
Killer activity at different pHs against Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans serotype A by environmental yeast isolates
Authors: Criseo G. , Gallo M. , Pernice A.
Published: March 2003

Yeast isolates that share the same habitats as Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans serotype A in a restricted Mediterranean area were assayed in order to verify their killer activity against Cr. neoformans strains isolated from clinical and environmental sources. Many of the environmental yeast isolates expressed the killer phenomenon against the assayed strains of Cr. neoformans. Two species of Candida: Candida parapsilosis and Candida famata, and Pichia carsonii, were the most active killers at pH 4.6, 5.0 and 5.6 levels encountered in pigeon and canary guanos. Killer activity by C. parapsilosis is reported for the first time. The authors hypothesized that the killer phenomenon exerted by yeast species with heavy killer activity against Cr. neoformans would lend themselves for use as biological control agents against sensitive strains of Cr. neoformans when directly inoculated into the habitats of Cr. neoformans.
Evaluation of the growth dynamics of Trichophyton rubrum cultures by morphometry and non‐linear curve fitting analysis
Authors: Bahmer  , Lorenz
Published: March 2003

To determine the size of dermatophyte thalli, a point‐counting procedure with a square lattice grid is proposed instead of using the one‐dimensional diameter as the size parameter. For an analysis of the growth dynamics of such colonies, the area values might be subjected to a non‐linear curve‐fitting procedure. To demonstrate the method, samples of 15 Trichophyton rubrum strains, isolated from human skin and cultured concomitantly on Sabouraud and Selective agar during a period of 8 weeks, were used. The morphometric assessment of the area of the thalli, subjected to non‐linear curve fitting, disclosed only a slight difference in the growth dynamics.
Case Report. Fatal Aspergillus flavus pericarditis in a patient with acute myeloblastic leukaemia
Authors: Gökahmetoğlu Selma , Koç  , Patiroğlu
Published: March 2003

We report a case of Aspergillus flavus pericarditis treated with fluconazole for oral candidosis. The patient with acute myeloblastic leukaemia developed tachypnoea after antileukaemic chemotherapy. Pericardial effusion was seen in the echocardiogram. Aspergillus flavus was isolated from the pericardial fluid. The patient died from aspergillosis, before the antimycotic treatment could be changed to amphotericin B.
Case Report. Granuloma caused by Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Hong  , Liao  , Gu
Published: March 2003

A case of cerebral cryptococcal granuloma is reported. The diagnosis was based on histological examination and rDNA‐PCR identification. Complete cure was achieved with fluconazole.
Case Report. Pathohistological findings in a clinical case of disseminated infection with Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Peltroche‐Llacsahuanga Heidrun , Manegold Edith , Kroll Gisela , Haase G.
Published: March 2003

Despite appropriate antimicrobial and antifungal therapy (amphotericin B), a disseminated infection with Fusarium oxysporum in a 75‐year‐old immunocompromised patient (acute myeloid leukaemia, minimal leucocyte count of 0.5 giga l−1) led rapidly to death. A similarly fatal course of an F. oxysporum infection has been reported in several cases. Fusarium oxysporum could be isolated shortly before death from blood cultures and from a swab taken from skin efflorescences. An autopsy revealed histopathologically typical fungal infiltrates in the mucosa of the pharynx, epiglottis, trachea, and oesophagus and in the parenchyma of the spleen, the lung and both kidneys. Because of the high risk of a fatal outcome of this infection, the clinician should aim at maximum diagnostic enforcement. We propose both analysis of blood cultures and immediate skin biopsy—with PAS‐staining—of suspicious dermal efflorescences for microscopic examination. The treatment of choice is discussed controversially but a beneficial effect has been reported from granulocyte transfusion, subcutaneous administration of GM‐CSF and concomitant treatment with amphotericin B.
The definition of Trichophyton rubrum syndrome
Authors: Kick G. , Korting H. C.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Although chronic widespread dermatophyte infection is reported widely in the literature, neither a uniform nomenclature, nor even a clear definition of this syndrome have been established so far. Thus, we suggest Trichophyton rubrum syndrome (TRS) for denomination and define the following obligatory clinical and mycological criteria for TRS. (A) Skin lesions at the following four sites: (1) feet, often involving soles; (2) hands, often involving palms; (3) nails; and (4) at least one lesion in another location than (1) (2) or (3), except for groins. (B) Positive microscopic analyses of potassium hydroxide preparations of skin scrapings in all four locations. (C) Identification of Trichophyton rubrum by cell culture at three of the four locations at least. For diagnosis of TRS the criteria (A) and (B) and (C) have to be fulfilled. This standardization is a prerequisite for further investigations of underlying mechanisms of this disease. The typical clinical pattern of TRS is illustrated by the presentation of two paradigmatic cases.
Case Report. Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. nodulare causing tinea pedis
Authors: Brasch J.
Published: March 2003

Summary. The identification of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. nodulare is described, based on a strain recently isolated from tinea pedis. Different culture media and physiological tests were used in order to compare this strain with related strains. The main characteristics of T. mentagrophytes var. nodulare were its deep yellow‐orange pigmentation, which was released from the mycelium, the flat growth of its colonies and the formation of nodular bodies. Supplementation of Sabouraud glucose agar with 3% NaCl reduced the aerial mycelium and stimulated the formation of conidia. Until now an identification of T. mentagrophytes var. nodulare based on DNA‐patterns has not been published. Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. nodulare is supposed to be an anthropophilic dermatophyte causing ordinary tinea and onychomycosis. The low number of reports indicates that it is a very rare variety.
Itraconazole in the treatment of tinea capitis in children. Case reports with long‐term follow‐up evaluation. Review of the literature
Authors: Schauder S.
Published: March 2003

Summary.Although griseofulvin is considered the standard treatment of tinea capitis in children, alternatives are being investigated. Our purpose was to determine the efficacy of itraconazole for kerion and noninflammatory tinea capitis. An open label study was performed on five patients. It was planned to treat them with itraconazole until they were mycologically and clinically cured. A 28–112‐day course of 100 mg itraconazole daily, combined with a topical antifungal treatment resulted in clinical and mycological cure in all children. One child stopped taking itraconazole after 28 days, before it was clinically cured, because of nausea. Nevertheless, this child also achieved clinical and mycological cure. No other side‐effects were reported. In long‐term follow‐up evaluation of between 2 and 3.5 years no recurrence or reinfection was observed. There was complete regrowth of hair, even after kerion. These findings and the review of the literature suggest that itraconazole offers an alternative to griseofulvin for the treatment of tinea capitis in children, although it is more expensive and not approved by German state authorities for this indication.
Renewed increase in Candida albicans among yeast isolates from the Göttingen university hospital
Authors: Rüchel R. , Kellner Sylvia , Schaffrinski Meike
Published: March 2003

Summary. We report on the recurrence of Candida albicans among yeast isolates from our university hospital. After a decline in occurrence which coincided with the onset of the use of fluconazole, the fraction of C. albicans recovered and at present has reached the pre‐fluconazole level. No permanent rise of C. glabrata or C. krusei has been observed.
Antifungal and cancer cell growth inhibitory activities of 1‐(3′,4′,5′‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐2‐nitro‐ethylene
Authors: Pettit R. K. , Hamel E. , Verdier‐Pinard P. , Roberson R. W. , Hazen K. C. , Pettit G. R. , Crews Laura C.
Published: March 2003

Summary. The antifungal and cancer cell growth inhibitory activities of 1‐(3′,4′,5′‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐2‐nitro‐ethylene (TMPN) were examined. TMPN was fungicidal for the majority of 132 reference strains and clinical isolates tested, including those resistant to fluconazole, ketoconazole, amphotericin B or flucytosine. Minimum fungicidal concentration/minimum inhibitory concentration (MFC/MIC) ratios were ≤2 for 96% of Cryptococcus neoformans clinical isolates and 71% of Candida albicans clinical isolates. TMPN was fungicidal for a variety of other basidiomycetes, endomycetes and hyphomycetes, and its activity was unaffected by alterations in media pH. The frequency of occurrence of fungal spontaneous mutations to resistance was <10−6. Kill‐curve analyses confirmed the fungicidal action of TMPN, and demonstrated that killing was concentration‐ and time‐dependent. At sub‐MIC exposure to TMPN, C. albicans did not exhibit yeast/hyphae switching. TMPN was slightly cytotoxic for murine and human cancer cell lines (GI50=1–4 µg ml−1), and weakly inhibited mammalian tubulin polymerization (IC50=0.60 µg ml−1).
Susceptibility testing of yeasts to fluconazole by Etest and agar‐diffusion disk test using the synthetic agar medium Mycoplate
Authors: Scheven M.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  A total of 50 clinical Candida isolates was tested against fluconazole using both the Etest and the agar‐diffusion disk test on the synthetic agar medium Mycoplate. Inhibition zones were readable, although a residual yeast growth occurred within the inhibition zones. The diameter of the inhibition zones in the disk test correlated very well with the logarithmically transformed minimal inhibitory concentrations measured with the Etest. For an inhibition zone diameter equal to or greater than 22 mm, using a 25‐μg disk, the isolates were considered as fluconazole‐susceptible, and for zone diameters less than 22 mm, dose‐dependent susceptibility (S‐DD) or resistance to fluconazole was assumed. These results are in agreement with those of other authors. The Mycoplate medium appeared to be suitable for testing yeasts for their susceptibility to fluconazole.
Prevalence of Candida spp. in hospitalized patients and their risk factors
Authors: Pinho Resende J. C. , De Resende M. A. , Saliba J. L.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  A total of 133 Candida spp. strains originating from a group of 100 patients from Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, between March 1995 and December 1996, were first identified and classified into six different species: Candida albicans (51%), C. tropicalis (33%), C. parapsilosis (8%), C. glabrata (5%), C. krusei (2%) and C. guilliermondii (1%). All C. albicans strains were serotyped and 55% of these were found to belong to serotype A and 45% belonging to serotype B. The medical records of each patient were examined to characterise and survey the main risk factors associated with them. Most of the patients were between 60‐ and 80‐years‐old, 53% were males and 47% were females. Most patients were from the intensive care unit (ICU). Only 10 patients were not exposed to antimicrobial agents and 72 patients were not prescribed antifungal agents. Forty patients showed no other clinical condition and all showed some underlying disease that justified hospitalization. Eighty‐seven patients had undergone some invasive procedure and 31 patients had been submitted to two different procedures simultaneously.
Case Report. Bilateral sporotrichosis
Authors: De Lima Prearo C. A. , Daniguchi D. P. , Martinez M. A. R. , Landman G. , Paschoal L. H. C.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  We describe a rare case of sporotrichosis, clinically exuberant, with bilateral distribution.
Case Reports. Chronic and acute Aspergillus meningitis
Authors: Moling O. , Lass‐Floerl Cornelia , Verweij P. E. , Porte Monique , Boiron P. , Prugger Monika , Gebert U. , Corradini R. , Vedovelli C. , Rimenti G. , Mian P.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Cerebral aspergillosis usually occurs in severely immunocompromized hosts, is difficult to diagnose, and has a poor prognosis. After 14 months of chronic meningitis, ventriculitis, choroid plexitis, and lumbar arachnoiditis, which was complicated by acute hydrocephalus, Aspergillus, suspected to be from the candidus group, was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a previously healthy man. Thereafter Aspergillus antigen was found in stored plasma and CSF samples. He was treated with voriconazole and itraconazole. In a haemodialysis patient affected by an acute meningococcal meningitis, following a 3‐day symptom‐free interval, symptoms and signs of acute meningitis had reappeared and were unresponsive to a broad antimicrobial coverage. However, they resolved within 5 days after liposomal amphotericin B treatment had been started. From his CSF Aspergillus‐DNA was identified and Aspergillus fumigatus isolated by culture. These two different clinical cases show that Aspergillus‐DNA and antigen detection tests represent an advance in the diagnosis and liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, and itraconazole are an advance in the treatment of Aspergillus meningitis.
Tinea capitis in Van, Turkey
Authors: Metin A. , Subaşi Ş. , Bozkurt H. , Çalka Ömer
Published: March 2003

Summary. Forty patients with an average age of 6.5 ± 3.2 years (28 male 12 female) who applied to the YYU Medical Faculty Dermatology Department outpatient clinic were investigated. Tinea capitis profunda was determined as the most frequent clinical type. The isolated dermatophytic flora of the patients consisted ofTrichophyton verrucosum(43%), T. violaceum(30%), T. rubrum(23%) andT. mentagrophytes(3%).The patients with tinea capitis profunda were mostly from rural areas.
Invasive aspergillosis in cancer
Authors: Sridhar H. , Jayshree R. S. , Bapsy P. P. , Appaji L. , Navin Kumar M. , Shafiulla M. , VijayKumar B. R.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Ten confirmed cases of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in cancer patients were analysed retrospectively. Eight were pulmonary, one was sinonasal and one was cutaneous. The majority of patients had haematological malignancies (7), the remaining three were cases of solid tumours. Fever was present in all 10 cases. Cough and lung signs were present in all eight cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Haemoptysis was encountered in three of nine cases of pulmonary and sinonasal aspergillosis. Mortality was low (2%). While corticosteroids, antibiotics and anticancer chemotherapy/radiotherapy were factors predisposing the patients to IA, neutropenia was perhaps responsible for their mortality. Seven of the patients had other associated pathogens isolated in culture in addition to Aspergillus spp. Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species, followed by A. flavus, A. glaucus, A. nidulans and A. niger. Direct microscopic examination (in six of seven cases) and culture (six of seven cases) correlated well with radiographic and clinical findings in cases with lung involvement. Serology for anti‐Aspergillus antibodies performed by gel diffusion precipitin test was positive in one case of sinonasal aspergillosis, wherein only one precipitin band was observed. Correlation of clinical symptoms, consistent radiographic findings and microbiological work‐up (the latter including a triad of direct microscopy, culture and serology) are required to arrive at a diagnosis of IA, especially where histology cannot form the mainstay of diagnosis.
Outbreak of nosocomial fungemia caused by Candida glabrata
Authors: Nedret Koc¸ A. , Kocagöz S. , Erdem F. , Gündüz Z.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  An outbreak of Candida glabrata fungemia that was thought to be associated with bottles used for milk feeds occurred at our children's infectious diseases clinic. This cluster of cases was investigated using a case–control study. Isolates were identified by conventional methods and karyotyped using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of genomic DNA. Potential risk factors for nine hospitalized children with candidemia and 14 controls were long‐term hospitalization and treatments with more than two antibiotics. Electrophoretic karyotyping showed a single chromosomal pattern for these outbreak isolates and, in addition, they all had the same antifungal susceptibility results. These findings suggest that clonal dissemination of a single strain was responsible for this outbreak. Karyotyping by PFGE appears to be a useful molecular typing method for strains of C. glabrata.
Tinea pedis observed in Cagliari, Italy, between 1996 and 2000
Authors: Aste N. , Pau M. , Aste N. , Biggio P.
Published: March 2003

Summary The aim of this study was to verify the incidence of tinea pedis in patients observed in the Department of Dermatology of the University of Cagliari, Italy, in the period from 1996 to 2000. We examined 722 patients, 536 with lesions and 186 without lesions of the feet and in 169 of them (23.4%) we diagnosed tinea pedis. All patients suffering from tinea pedis belonged to the group with lesions. In the 536 patients with clinical manifestations which were evident to a certain degree, microscope and cultural examination gave positive results for dermatophytes in 169 cases (31.5%). The most frequently isolated dermatophyte was Trichophyton mentagrophytes (51.5%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (45.2%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (3.3%). In the 186 patients without lesions, direct microscope examination was consistently negative while cultural examination showed the growth of sparse colonies of Candida albicans in two cases (1.1%) We analysed distribution by sex, age, residence, occupation and clinical manifestations. Stressing the high frequency of tinea pedis in this region, the discovery of a dermatophytic infection of the feet with an absence of signs and symptoms is an exceptional event.
Androgenesis from a Lolium multiflorum × Festuca arundinacea hybrid to generate extreme variation for freezing‐tolerance
Authors: Zare A‐G. , Humphreys M. W. , Rogers W. J. , Collin H. A.
Published: March 2003

New opportunities for plant breeding using androgenesis in Lolium × Festuca hybrids have been identified. Plants derived by anther culture from a Lolium multiflorum × Festuca arundinacea (5x) hybrid were screened for freezing‐tolerance, and their post‐freezing recovery compared. The androgenic population showed extreme diversity in freezing‐tolerance. While the majority of androgenic plants had inferior freezing‐tolerance compared with the freezing‐sensitive L. multiflorum parent, 6% of the population were more freezing resistant than the freezing‐tolerant Festuca parent. Novel Lolium and Festuca gene combinations resulting from rare meiotic events were recovered within the androgenic population. The two most freezing‐tolerant androgenic plants carried virtually the entire F. pratensis subgenome of F. arundinacea. F. pratensis is known to carry genes for freezing‐tolerance and would be expected to be the primary source of genes governing this trait within the F. arundinacea genome. The most freezing‐tolerant androgenic plants were more freezing‐tolerant than the hybrid plant from which they were derived. Consequently, androgenesis was also effective in removing factor(s) reducing the expression of freezing‐tolerance within the L. multiflorum × F. arundinacea (5x) hybrid.
Introgression of crown rust resistance from Festuca spp. into Lolium multiflorum
Authors: Oertel C. , Matzk F.
Published: March 2003

Crown rust, Puccinia coronata Corda, causes one of the most damaging foliar diseases in Italian ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. For introgression of crown rust resistance, highly resistant hybrids of the crosses Festuca arundinacea (2n = 6x = 42) ×L. multiflorum (2n = 4x = 28) and reciprocally, L. multiflorum (2n = 2x = 14) ×Festuca pratensis (2n = 4x = 28) and subsequently resistant recombinant individuals were used as female parents and susceptible cultivars of Italian ryegrass as male parents in three successive backcrosses. The BC3 plants were selfed and crossed mutually. Uredospores of seven different crown rust isolates collected from plants of L. multiflorum, Lolium perenne, F. pratensis, F. arundinacea and L. multiflorum × F. pratensis hybrids were applied to identify the resistance or susceptibility of the parental species, backcrossed, selfed and intercrossed progenies. The various crown rust populations revealed a species‐specific capability to infect plants of the Lolium‐Festuca complex corresponding to the host species from which the spores originated. Selected BC9 plants, however, were found to be completely resistant to all crown rust populations tested. Successful introgression of the resistance was achieved from F. arundinacea as well as from F. pratensis. The resistance represents a dominant character, apparently based on a strong heterologous incompatibility between host and pathogen. In phenotype, bivalent formation during meiosis and in fertility, the novel germplasms are comparable with the L. multiflorum cultivars.