bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standardized molecular typing
Authors: Müller F.‐M. C. , Lischewski A. , Harmsen D. , Hacker J.
Published: December 2017

Molecular typing methods are useful tools in molecular mycology. The results of these biotyping procedures may help to identify pathogenic strains in order to detect sources of nosocomial infection and for the investigation of epidemiological relationships. With respect to the facultative pathogen, Candida albicans, various methods such as pulse‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), DNA fingerprinting methods and hybridization with repetitive DNA elements have been described as useful tools in molecular epidemiology. The previously described hybridization method with the Candida albicans specific CARE‐2 probe and subsequent rehybridization with a molecular size marker is a standardized reproducible typing method for comparison of results obtained in different laboratories. In a larger epidemiological study conducted at the University Hospital of Würzburg analysing clinical C. albicans isolates, we were able to describe relationships between sequential patient isolates. These findings demonstrate that standardized molecular typing methods are a powerful tool in molecular mycology studies.
Tinea capitis in Germany. A survey in 1998
Authors: Tietz H.‐J. , Czaika V , Ulbricht H. M. , Sterry W.
Published: December 2017

Under the assignment of the ECMM (European Confederation of Medical Mycology) a survey regarding frequency, infectious spectrum and therapy of tinea capitis was conducted in Germany in 1998. In this survey 154 dermatology practitioners and 19 hospitals throughout Germany participated. There were 394 conditions reported, 377 with and 17 without identification of the infectious agent. The most frequent infectious agent was M. canis (n= 216; 54,8%) before T. mentagrophytes (n = 58; 14,7 %), T. verrucosum (n = 32; 8,1 %), T. violaceum (n = 24; 6, 1 %) and T. tonsurans (n = 15; 3,8%). Zoophilic dermatophytes (n = 306; 81,2%) predominated over anthropophilic species (n = 71; 18,8%) in the ratio of 4:1. Tinea capitis microsporica showed to be a more frequent infectious disease again which due to its high virulence and contagiosity of the infectious agent represents a therapeutical problem. Tinea capitis occured in an average age of 17,3 years. The preferred therapeutical regimen was a combination of systemic and topical antimycotics in 61,5% (n = 176) of the reported cases (n = 286). A solely topical or systemical monotherapy was reported in 25,2 % (n = 72) respectively 13,3 % (n = 38) of the patients. In case of systemic antimycotics the most frequent used drugs were griseofulvin (43,0%, n = 101), fluconazole (25,1%, n = 59) or itraconazole (18,7%; n = 44), in topical preparations ciclopiroxolamine dominated (53,3 %, n = 121) prior to clotrimazole (13,2%, n = 30) and terbinafine (7,1 %, n = 16). Different from the situation in Germany and in Southern Europe some of the western European countries show a tendency of an increase of anthropophilic agents in tinea capitis.
Role of fluconazole in the long‐term suppressive therapy of fungal infections in patients with artificial implants
Authors: Penk A. , Pittrow L.
Published: December 2017

With the increased use of artificial implants the management of related infections has become an important challenge. Normally an infected implant would be removed. In many cases this might be contraindicated and drug treatment remains as the only alternative. As microbiological eradication is often impossible, especially in fungal infections at artificial implants (FIAI) long‐term suppressive therapy might be required. The objective of this study was to determine the therapeutic value of fluconazole (F) in the management of FIAI.

Clinical data of 56 patients (pts) with proven or suspected fungal infections and artificial implants (FIAI) subsequently treated with F were analyzed retrospectively. FIAI caused by species with intrinsic resistance to F have been excluded from the study. The following implants were involved: prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) 25 pts (44.6%), intraocular lenses (IL) 9 pts (16.1%), ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) 6 pts (10.7%), knee prostheses (KP) 5 pts (8.9%), biliary stents (BS) 4 pts (7.1 %), venous access devices (VAS) 3 pts (5.4%), urinary stents (US) 2 pts (3.6%), breast implant and pacemaker 1 patient (1.8%) each.

Underlying diseases were valve insufficiency (in PVE), cataract surgery (in IL), prematurity in newborns (in VPS), arthrosis (in KP), biliary obstruction (in BS), cystic fibrosis (in VAS), and obstructive renal calculi (in US). Candida species (C. spp.) were the most frequently detected causative agents with C. parapsilosis as the leading cause (n = 19; 33.9%). Furthermore C. albicans (n = 15; 26.8%), C. spp. and fungi not further specified (n = 8; 14.3%), C. tropicalis (n = 3; 5.4%), C. glabrata (n = 3; 5.4%), and C. lusitaniae (n = 1; 1.8%) were identified. Acremonium kiliense has been detected in 4 pts (7.1%), Cryptococcus neoformans in 2 pts (3.6 %). Histoplasma capsulatum was identified in 1 patient (1.8%). The maximum duration of treatment with F was lifelong with a maximum recorded duration of 4,5 years. The maximum dosage used was 750 mg/d or 50 mg/kg BW in premature infants. No major adverse events were observed.

In conclusion, especially the excellent safety profile as well as the documented therapeutic experience justify the use of F as long‐term suppressive therapy in FIAI. Higher dosages and even life‐long treatment may be needed.
Revisiting the Quality of Reporting Randomized Controlled Trials in Nursing Literature
Authors: Adams Yenupini Joyce , Kamp Kendra , Liu Cheng Ching , Stommel Manfred , Thana Kanjana , Broome Marion E. , Smith Barbara
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To examine and update the literature on the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as reported in top nursing journals, based on manuscripts’ adherence to the CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines.

Design

Descriptive review of adherence of RCT manuscript to CONSORT guidelines.

Methods

Top 40 International Scientific Indexing (ISI) ranked nursing journals that published 20 or more RCTs between 2010 and 2014, were included in the study. Selected articles were randomly assigned to four reviewers who assessed the quality of the articles using the CONSORT checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

A total of 119 articles were included in the review. The mean CONSORT score significantly differed by journal but did not differ based on year of publication. The least consistently reported items included random allocation, who randomly assigned participants and whether those administering the interventions were blinded to group assignment.

Conclusions

Although progress has been made, there is still room for improvement in the quality of RCT reporting in nursing journals. Special attention must be paid to how adequately studies adhere to the CONSORT prior to publication in nursing journals.

Clinical Relevance

Evidence from (RCTs) are thought to provide the best evidence for evaluating the impact of treatments and interventions by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Since the evidence may be used for the development of clinical practice guidelines, it is critical that RCTs be designed, conducted, and reported appropriately and precisely.
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of severe placental invasion
Authors: Wang Yan , Gao Yan , Zhao Yangyu , Chong Yiwen , Chen Yunshan
Published: December 2017

Aim

Placental invasion is a life‐threatening obstetric complication. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal ultrasonographic (US) criteria for placenta increta/percreta in order to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

In a retrospective diagnostic study, all 116 patients at Peking University Third Hospital who had been diagnosed with placental invasion from October 2006 to October 2013 were included. Depending on their clinical and/or histopathological diagnosis, the study was divided into two groups: the Placenta Accreta Group (63 cases) and the Placenta Increta/Percreta Group (53 cases). The US images were analyzed for differences between placenta accreta and placenta increta/percreta.

Results

The sonographic criteria found to have predictive value for placenta increta/percreta using a regression model were: deficiency of retroplacental sonolucent zone and/or segmental retroplacental myometrial thinning less than 1 mm, multiple vascular lacunae presenting a ‘moth hole’ appearance, and placenta previa. Using a cut‐off point of 0.589, the sensitivity and specificity were 81.1% and 77.8%, respectively. The area under the receiver–operator curve was 0.848 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

US diagnosis not only allows the detection of placental invasion, but also facilitates preliminary classification. The three aforementioned criteria facilitate the identification of placenta increta/percreta for precise and comprehensive clinical decision‐making.
Transient Multilingual Communities as a Field of Investigation: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Mortensen Janus
Published: December 2017

A key assumption in linguistic anthropology and sociolinguistics has traditionally been that interaction within communities tends to proceed on the basis of some degree of shared understanding of social and linguistic norms. However, in transient multilingual communities, defined here as social configurations where people from diverse sociocultural and linguistic backgrounds come together (physically or otherwise) for a limited period of time around a shared activity, such shared assumptions cannot be assumed to be in placea priori. By examining the social and linguistic processes that characterize transient communities, researchers are invited to analyze and theorize meaning‐making in ways that hold the potential to enrich current work at the interface between sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology. The article aims to take a first step in this direction by offering a definition and a discussion of the notion of transient multilingual communities, exemplified by data from an international student community in Denmark, and by discussing some of the general methodological challenges and opportunities involved in research that focuses on transient multilingual communities. The article is concluded by a brief discussion of how the notion of transient communities may be utilized in a research agenda concerned with sociolinguistic change.
Interest of Biotyping Candida albicans in Chronic Vulvovaginitis
Authors: Poirier S. , Auger P. , Joly Jeannine , Steben M.
Published: December 2017

Chronic vulvovaginitis due to Candida albicans is a major clinical problem for the physician. Although new antifungal drugs are now available, the therapeutic approach of this disease remains disappointing. The aims of this study were twofold. First, we wanted to evaluate the reliability of a single sampling performed by most clinicians in verifying if the yeast infects the entire genital mucosa or a preferential site and, second, to biotype the strains recovered in order to see if more than one strain are responsible for the infection. We found, in 18 patients suffering from vaginal candidosis, that the entire genital mucosa was infected by the yeast and the strain recovered from the different genital sites in a single patient was the same in 100% of the cases. Only 1.4% of the samples were negative. In addition, we biotyped the strains obtained from the gastrointestinal tract of these patients to evaluate this site as a potential source of infection. We obtained gastrointestinal tract samples for 15 of the 18 patients and we could identify C. albicans in 100% of the cases. Furthermore, 73.3 % of the patients harboured the same strains of C. albicans in the gastrointestinal tract as in the vagina.
An Autochthonous Phaeohyphomycotic Nail Infection in Canada Caused by Hendersonula toruloidea
Authors: Kane J. , Porretta Mary , Krajden S. , Goldhar J. , Diena B.B.
Published: December 2017

A case of an autochthonous toenail infection caused by Hendersonula toruloidea is presented. H. toruloidea was characterized by thick, branching septate brown‐walled hyphae of a non‐dermatophyte in microscopic tissue mounts in 25 % Na0H with 5 % glycerol. Cultures grew out on Littman's agar and Sabouraud peptone glucose agar plus chloramphenicol, but only if cycloheximide was not present. In vitro, the H. toruloidea isolate was characterized by copious 1‐to 2‐celled hyaline to dark‐brown arthroconidia deriving from the fragmentation of aerial hyphae. It is likely that more infections due to H. toruloidea will be diagnosed if cycloheximide‐free media are routinely used in the isolation of organisms from suspected dermatophyte infections.
Biotyping of Candida strains with regard to the epidemiology of candidosis. A practical approach
Authors: Tomšiková Alena , Vraná D. , Kotál L.
Published: December 2017

In 62 strains of Candida albicans cultivated from specimens of patients with recurrent vaginal candidosis or with renal transplants, the biotypes were determined according to several characters: colony morphology, production of chlamydospores, auxanogram of C‐ and N‐substances, zymogram, growth kinetics, adherence capability, proteolytic activity, sensitivity to 6 antimycotics, and serotypes. On the basis of this typing system the endogenous and exogenous sources of chronic vaginal candidosis as well as the sources of systemic candidosis in patients with renal transplants could be evaluated.
Aspergillus species from hospital air and from patients
Authors: Schmitt H. J. , Blevins A. , Sobeck K. , Armstrong D.
Published: December 2017

During a seven month period, 367 molds were isolated from hospital air and 23 from patients. Aspergillus niger accounted for 56% of air isolates, but for only 17% of patient isolates. Aspergillus fumigatus was rarely found in air (0.3%), but was the dominant isolate among our patients (44%). We conclude, that different Aspergillus species may have a varied aptitude to colonize immunocompromised patients.
Systematic control of dermatophytosis profunda of cattle in the former GDR
Authors: Kielstein P.
Published: December 2017

Human occupational diseases orginated from Trichophyton verrucosum infection of cattle belonged to the most frequent zooanthroponoses since 1960. Morbidity peaks of this human dermatophytosis could be observed in 1970 and 1971 with about 740 cases of occupational diseases per year. The ecological properties of Tr. verrucosum (compulsory monoxenic parasite), the pathogenetic development of bovine dermatophytosis (rising immunity with subsequent elimination of the agent), systematic medical therapy and prophylaxis with griseofulvin and other drugs as well as the application of Tr. verrucosum live vaccines were the preconditions for a successful control of this zooanthroponosis. Since then the number of human and animal diseases could be essentially reduced.
Dermatomycoses and their etiology in the material of the Dermatological Department in Łódź, Poland
Authors: Bienias L. , Włodarczyk Wiesława
Published: December 2017

In the period of 1982–1988 mycological examinations were carried out on 4 657 patients suspected of having dermatomycoses. In approximately 60% of patients infections were localized on the feet and hands and in approximately 30% other regions of the glabrous skin were involved. Before treatment, 5 725 examinations were made. The diagnosis was confirmed mycologically in 30% of the cases, most often in tinea cruris (51%) and chronic paronychia (60%). In more than half of the cases the isolated fungi were dermatophytes, the most frequent species being Tr. mentagrophytes, followed by Tr. rubrum and E. floccosum. Among the other fungi, more than 50% were C. albicans and other Candida species.
Systemic candidosis in renal and cardiac transplant recipients
Authors: Tausch Irene , Pertschy J. , Reinke Petra , Ziegler-Böhme Hannelore
Published: December 2017

Infektionen können für Patienten nach Organtransplantationen lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen bedeuten, die nur durch frühzeitige Diagnostik und frühzeitigen Therapiebeginn zu beherrschen sind. Mit Fluconazol (Diflucan®) wurden bei Patienten nach Nieren‐ bzw. Herztransplantation Bute Ergebnisse in der Therapie der Candidose ohne Nebenwirkungen erzielt.
Current Status of Cryptococcosis in Canada
Authors: Sekhon A. S. , Bannerjee S. N. , Mielke B. M. , Idikio H. , Wood G. , Dixon J. M. S.
Published: December 2017

The concurrent use of microscopic, cultural, histopathologic and immunologic procedures enabled us to diagnose 91 cases of cryptococcosis, belonging to cutaneous, pulmonary, meningeal and disseminated types, from the time this mycosis was first reported in Canada in 1953 to the present. These cases occurred predominantly in Quebec (43 %) followed by Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. It is not known whether any Cryptococcus neoformans infections have occurred elsewhere in Canada. The clinical and laboratory findings indicate that infections occurred in debilitated as well as non‐debilitated individuals. Nearly 25 % of the infections were seen in individuals having the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. In some of the AIDS cases, the latex agglutination (LA) test demonstrated exceptionally high titres of circulating cryptococcal antigen (1:256 to 1:32,768). Cr. neoformans infections occurred more commonly in males than in females, and there were 11 fatal cases of cryptococcosis. The incidence of Cr. neoformans in Canada is probably higher than our data suggest because cryptococcosis is not notifiable in Canada and underreporting is likely.
Lipase Activity of Basidiobolus and Conidiobolus Species
Authors: Okafor Josephine I. , Gugnani H. C.
Published: December 2017

Two isolates of Basidiobolus namely, B. haptosporus (ATCC 36600) and B. ranarum (MHB1), and one isolate of Conidiobolus coronatus (C1) were grown in modified Sierra medium for twelve days. Periodic measurements of their lipase activity showed significant activity of the enzyme from the fourth day with a steady increase up to the twelfth day of incubation. The lipases produced by the three isolates were stable over a wide range of pH (4 – 8) and temperature (30 – 60° C). Maximum lipase activity for B. haptosporus and C. coronatus was at pH 5.0 and that for B. ranarum was at pH 6.0. The three fungi exhibited a peak of activity at the same temperature, i. e. 35° C.
Dermatophytes in Healthy Chilians
Authors: Zaror L. , Aliaga X.
Published: December 2017

To study the presence of dermatophytes in healthy persons, 1060 skin samples from the scalp, complexion, inguinal region and sole were taken from 265 healthy individuals who live in Valdivia, Chile. The carpet technique of Mariat and Tapia was used. The isolated dermatophytes were identified according to Rebell and Taplin. Zoophilic dermatophytes were isolated in only 4.9 % of the healthy individuals. Microsporum canis was found in the scalp and inguinal area of children (1.5 %). Trichophyton mentagrophytes was isolated from the feet and inguinal skin of adults (3.4 %). Measures to avoid a mycosis or/and to reduce the risk of infections are suggested.
Experimental Actinomycetoma Due to Nocardia transvalensis in Laboratory Mice
Authors: Unaogu I. C. , Gugnani H. C. , Ikerionwu S. E.
Published: December 2017

Nocardia transvalensis was investigated for its ability to cause mycetoma in the skin and foot pad of laboratory mice. Freund's incomplete adjuvant appeared to aid the development of mycetoma lesions. The infection manifested itself as palpable nodules under the skin which discharged white to cream coloured pus containing nocardial granules. The lesions in the skin necrotized, while those of foot pad resulted in bone destruction.
Experimental Dermatophytosis in Nude Guinea Pigs Compared with Infections in Pirbright White Animals
Authors: Hänel H. , Braun Bettina , Löschhorn Karin
Published: December 2017

With this investigation we wanted to compare the suitability oftwo different strains of guinea pigs to evaluate topical antifungals after experimental Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection. The “hairless”‐strain was compared with the hairy Pirbright White strain. The infection areas were treated with a skin retention test (application before infection) and two sets of therapy tests (application after infection). In the retention test the different antimycotic compounds led to better gradations. Also, in the two sets of therapy tests the gradations among the compounds were more clearly and more comparable to published results of clinical trials.

In the histological investigations the infections in the "hairless" animals developed in a way which is known from dermatophytoses in human skin. In the Pirbright White strain, however, due to the adjacent hair roots, a marked inflammatory reaction of the tissue persisted for 3 weeks which is not observed on human skin of the trunk and extremities. We, therefore, consider the "hairless" strain of guinea pigs to be more suitable than hairy animals for the comparison of topical antimycotics.
Rilopirox ‐ a New Hydroxypyridone Antifungal with Fungicidal Properties
Authors: Raether W. , Hänel H.
Published: December 2017

Rilopirox, 6‐[[p‐chlorophenoxy )phenoxy]methyl]‐1 hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐2(1H)‐pyridone, is a new fungicidal antimycotic with very low water solubility. It was designed to meet the demand for an Intravaginal antifungal with a long skin retention time and a strong killing effect on pathogenic yeasts. In addition, it inhibits all common fungal pathogens in the range 0.98 to 15.6 μg/ml. Fungicidal rates vis‐à‐vis Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans under proliferative and non‐proliferative conditions are higher than those achieved with common azole and allylamine antifungals. Rilopirox is affected by Fe3+ mos and high concentrations of human serum owing to its chelating activity. The peptone source is of utmost importance to the inhibitory activity of rilopirox whereas the pH value seems to be unimportant so long as it is within the range 5‐8.5. Rilopirox appears to meet the demand for an mtravaginal antifungal as a result of its very low water solubility of 50 ng/ ml and its immediate fungicidal action even under non‐proliferative conditions.
Melanin as a virulence factor in pathogenic fungi
Authors: Polak Annemarie
Published: December 2017

The pigment melanin is found universally in nature and is attributed to a variety of functions. In some fungi it is thought to play a decisive role in the determination of virulence. This review examines the experimental evidence which has led to an understanding of the mechanisms by which melanin functions in pathogenic fungi, particularly in plant pathogens, in Cryptococcus neoformans and Wangiella dermatitidis.
Liposomal amphotericin B treatment in a 9‐month‐old liver recipient
Authors: Tollemar J. , Duraj F. , Ericzon B. G.
Published: December 2017

A 9‐month‐old boy with a suggested candidemia was treated with liposomal amphotericine B (AmBisome, Vestar) after a liver transplant due to an inherited glycogenosis (Pompe's disease). This is believed to be the youngest patient in which this new therapeutic agent has been utilized.
In vitro antifungal activities of new imidazole salts towards dermatophytes
Authors: Tullio V. , Cuffini A. M. , Carlone N. A.
Published: December 2017

The in vitro activities of two new miconazole and econazole salts with the sulphosalicylic acid against 71 clinical isolates of dermatophytes were evaluated in comparison with those of miconazole, miconazole nitrate, econazole and econazole nitrate. Miconazole sulphosalicylate and econazole sulphosalicylate were equally effective in inhibiting the fungal growth compared with miconazole, econazole, and their nitrates.
Hepatosplenic candidosis ‐ a late manifestation of Candida septicemia
Authors: v. Eiff M. , Fahrenkamp A. , Roos N. , Fegeler W. , van de Loo J.
Published: December 2017

Hepatolienal candidosis was diagnosed in 27 patients suffering from malignant hematologic disorders. All patients had received intensive cytostatic chemotherapy and developed septic, antibiotic‐resistant temperatures during severe treatment‐induced neutropenia. During neutropenia hepatic and splenic foci were not identified by imaging procedures. Foci were poorly defined histologically. Blastospores and pseudomycelia were seen in non‐reactive tissue and within necrotic areas in the liver, spleen, and other organs. Only Candida species could be isolated.

One to four weeks after granulocyte recovery, round liver and splenic foci were demonstrated by sonographic and CT scans. Histologically, there were necrotic areas with blastospores and pseudohyphae exhibiting different degrees of cellular border reaction. Whereas the maximum diameter of fungal foci in aplasia was 0.4 cm, these increased in size to 1.5 cm after granulocyte regeneration.
Subcutaneous mucormycosis caused by Saksenaea vasiformis in a thalassaemic child: first case report in Thailand
Authors: Tanphaichitr V. S. , Chaiprasert A. , Suvatte V. , Thasnakorn P.
Published: December 2017

A first case of subcutaneous infection caused by Saksenaea vasiformis in an 11‐year‐old Thai thalassaemic boy was described. The specific diagnosis of infection was attained from microscopic demonstration of the causal agent as well as the isolation of the fungus. The patient was successfully treated by debridement of the lesion and parenteral amphotericin B. The predisposing factors, source of infection and regimen for treatment are discussed.
The effects of amorolfine and oxiconazole on the ultrastructure of Trichophyton mentagrophytes. A comparison
Authors: Melchinger W. , Polak Annemarie , Müller J.
Published: December 2017

Amorolfine applied in concentrations of 0.1–100 μg ml−1 caused considerable damages to the ultrastructure of Trichophyton mentagrophytes: Electron‐transparent areas appear in the cytoplasma. The cell wall increases in thickness. Extracytoplasmic membrane vesicles are formed and deposited in the cell wall. Starved fungal cells, with normal ultrastructure, can be found. Lysed, dead cells demonstrate the process of final, vigorous ultrastructural damage. The feature of the damage caused by amorolfine is comparable to that effected by azole antifungals. The characteristics of the ultrastructural changes are similar to those due to amorolfine in the yeast species Candida albicans.
The effect of temperature on the ultrastructure of Histoplasma capsulatum during the mycelium‐yeast transition
Authors: Borgia G. , Tallarino A. , Crowell J. , Lambiase A. , Cicciarello S. , Reynaud L. , Nasti G. , Piazza M.
Published: December 2017

The ultrastructural morphology of the early phases of mycelium‐yeast transition in Histoplasma capsulatum after a temperature shift from 25°C to only 34°C is described. Under this condition of lower temperature oxidative phosphorylation is not completely uncoupled and maximum production of heat shock proteins (hsp) occurs. 24 h after temperature shift more than 90 % of the cells still appear vital. Alterations in the organization of the mitochondrial cristae are the only ultrastructural changes observed in these cells. In contrast, 70 % of the cells degenerate 24 h after a temperature shift from 25°C to 37°C and in the remaining cells mitochondria are rarely observed. These observations are discussed in relation to the production of hsp, the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and the virulence of different strains of H. capsulatum.
A case of Candida parapsilosis endocarditis
Authors: Kontou-Kastellanou C. , Leonardopoulos J. , Boniatsi L. , Kastellanos S. , Toutouzas P.
Published: December 2017

The authors report a case of Candida parapsilosis endocarditis in a non‐drug‐addicted young patient who, 6 months before the manifestation of endocarditis, was submitted to cardiac surgery. This is the first report from Greece and the second found in the accessible literature.
Oral carriage of yeasts in two villages in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Clayton Yvonne M. , Richens J. , Saleu G.
Published: December 2017

Oral swabs were taken from 194 subjects in two villages in Papua New Guinea. Yeasts were isolated from 103 (53.1 %) individuals of which 41 (21.1 %) were Candida albicans. A wide variety of other yeasts were also identified.
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis protoplast production by enzymatic treatment
Authors: de Moraes Borba Cintia , Meirelles M. N. S. L. , Mendes da Silva A. M. , de Oliveira P. C.
Published: December 2017

The action of the enzymes novozym 234, chitinase and zymolyase 20T on the yeast‐like cells of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was studied in an attempt to obtain protoplast release. Three enzyme systems were used: the first consisted of novozym 234 and chitinase plus 0.2 m phosphate buffer, 0.9 m sorbitol and 0.5 m sodium thioglycolate; the second consisted of novozym 234, chitinase, zymolyase 20T, buffer and osmotic stabilizer, with no sodium thioglycolate; the third consisted of the same enzymes as used in the second system but at twice the concentration, plus buffer and osmotic stabilizer. Protoplasts were only released from 72‐hold cells cultured on solid peptone‐yeast extract‐glucose medium (PYG) treated with the third enzyme system. Sodium thioglycolate used as pretreatment favoured protoplast release but had no such action when added to the enzyme solution, possibly by altering the activity of the enzymes, novozym 234 in particular. The osmotic stabilizer used, 0.9 m sorbitol, was probably one of the factors, in addition to the enzymes, responsible for the cytoplasmic changes observed by transmission electron microscopy in yeast phase cells and in their protoplasts.
Spiral hyphae of Candida albicans formed in anaerobic culture
Authors: Kaminishi H. , Iwata A. , Tamaki T. , Cho T. , Hagihara Y.
Published: December 2017

Candida albicans from a patient with dental caries grew on minimal medium consisting of agar supplemented with magnesium chloride and sodium phosphate. Hyphal growth was observed when the yeast was cultured between 26 °C and 28 °C under aerobic conditions, and typical chlamydospores were formed. However, when the yeast was cultured at the same temperature under anaerobic conditions, curly hyphae developed on the surface of the medium, but no chlamydospores were formed. This phenomenon was also observed if the culture was started under aerobic conditions but was continued under anaerobic conditions.
Studies on growth, spore‐forming ability and virulence of the vaccine strain TV‐M‐310 of the vaccine Bioveta against ringworm
Authors: Siesenop Ute , Böhm K. H. , Brandebusemeyer E. , Conrad P.
Published: December 2017

We determined the intensity of growth, the ability to form spores and virulence in guinea pigs of the vaccine strain of the Czech live vaccine Bioveta. Comparative investigations were carried out with the vaccine strain of the Russian live vaccine LTF 130 and Trichophyton verrucosum field strains. Growth of the vaccine strains was faster than growth of the field strains on solid media and in broth. Later the vaccine strains formed many microconidia. In experimentally infected guinea pigs the virulence of the vaccine strain Bioveta was highly dependent on the infectious dose. At 101 CFU m1−1 (according to the number of CFUs in the Russian live vaccine) the vaccine strain Bioveta was nearly avirulent. Resuspended according to the manufacturer's instructions (at least 1010 CFU ml−1) virulence of the vaccine strain Bioveta could be observed.
Impact of a novel biomarker, T‐LAK cell‐originating protein kinase (TOPK) expression on outcome in malignant glioma
Authors: Hayashi Tomohide , Hayakawa Yumiko , Koh Masaki , Tomita Takahiro , Nagai Shoichi , Kashiwazaki Daina , Sugimori Michiya , Origasa Hideki , Kuroda Satoshi
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the biological features of T‐lymphokine‐activated killer cell‐originating protein kinase (TOPK) in vitro and to assess clinical impact of TOPK on the outcome in patients with malignant glioma. TOPK protein level and TOPK mRNA and protein levels in six glioma cell lines were examined using Western blot and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), respectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine their subcellular localization of TOPK. Using surgical specimens from 57 patients with gliomas, TOPK and Ki‐67 expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry. Their co‐localization was also examined with double immunofluorescence immunohistochemistry. Impacts of TOPK/Ki‐67 expression on the overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) in 32 patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) were examined, using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportion hazard models. Immunohistochemistry revealed that approximately 20–30% of glioma cells were positive for TOPK in vitro. TOPK mRNA was identified in all glioma cell lines on RT‐PCR. The value of TOPK/GAPDH was 0.27 ± 0.11. TOPK and Ki‐67 expressions were significantly higher in GBM patients than in non‐GBM patients. A majority of TOPK‐positive cells were also positive for Ki‐67 and vice versa. Multivariate analysis revealed that a low TOPK expression (≤ 12.7%) was an independent predictor of longer OS (P = 0.0372), and that gross total removal and a low TOPK expression (≤ 12.7%) were independent predictors of longer PFS (P = 0.0470 and P = 0.0189, respectively). The findings strongly suggest biological and clinical importance of TOPK expression in gliomas, indicating a novel therapeutic potential of TOPK inhibitors to treat malignant gliomas.
Prevalence of vision loss among hospital in‐patients; a risk factor for falls?
Authors: Leat Susan J. , Zecevic Aleksandra A. , Keeling Alexis , Hileeto Denise , Labreche Tammy , Brymer Christopher
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Despite poor vision being a risk factor for falls, current hospital policies and practices often do not include a vision assessment at patient admission or in the hospital's incident reporting system when a fall occurs. Our purpose was to document the prevalence of vision loss in hospital general medicine units to increase awareness of poor vision as a potential risk factor for falls that occur within the hospital, and inform future preventative practice.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study took place in medicine units of an acute care hospital. Participants were adult in‐patients. Visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity and stereoacuity were measured, and patients were screened for field loss, extinction and neglect.

Results

115 participants took part (average age 67 ± 17, 48% female). Overall, 89% had a visual impairment defined as being outside the age‐norms for one or more vision measure, 62% had low vision, and 36% had vision loss equivalent to legal blindness [VA equal to or poorer than 1.0 logMAR (6/60, 20/200) or ≥10x below age‐norms]. There was a considerable discrepancy between the prevalence of low vision and the percentage of patients who reported an ocular diagnosis that would result in visual loss (30%). Ten patients fell during the study period, and of these 100% had visual impairment, 90% had low vision and 60% had vision loss equivalent to legal blindness, which compares to 58%, 22% and 9% for non‐fallers. Similar high prevalences were found in those whose reason for admission to the hospital was a fall (92%, 63% and 33% respectively).

Conclusions

Vision loss has a high prevalence among patients in hospital medicine units, and is higher still among those who fall. Since vision loss may be a contributing factor to falls that occur in hospitals, implementing an assessment of vision at hospital admission would be useful to alert staff to those patients who are at risk for falls due to poor vision, so that preventative measures can be applied.
Undergraduate Health Students’ Intention to Use Evidence‐Based Practice After Graduation: A Systematic Review of Predictive Modeling Studies
Authors: Ramis Mary‐Anne , Chang Anne , Nissen Lisa
Published: December 2017

Background

Incorporating evidence‐based practice (EBP) into clinical decision making and professional practice is a requirement for many health disciplines, yet research across health disciplines on factors that influence and predict student intention to use EBP following graduation has not been previously synthesized.

Aim

To synthesize research on factors that influence development of EBP behaviors and subsequently predict undergraduate students’ intention toward EBP uptake.

Methods

A systematic review of prediction modeling studies was conducted according to a protocol previously published on the Prospero database: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/. The outcome variable was undergraduate students’ future use or intention to use EBP. Evidence synthesis methods were guided by resources from the Cochrane Methods Prognosis Group Web site (https://prognosismethods.cochrane.org).

Results and Findings

Only three studies were found to meet inclusion criteria for the review. Factors relating to EBP capability, EBP attitudes, as well as clinical and academic support were identified as influential toward students’ intention to use evidence in practice. Heterogeneity limited data pooling, consequently, results are presented in narrative and tabular form.

Linking Evidence to Action

Although using a developing method, this review presents a unique contribution to further discussions regarding students’ intention to use EBP following graduation. Despite limitations, consideration of identified factors for undergraduate curriculum could support student's intention to use EBP in their respective clinical environments.
EBP Design and Translation: Teaching How to Begin a Scholarly Practice Project
Authors: Graves Barbara Ann , O'Neal Pamela V. , Roussel Linda , Polancich Shea
Published: December 2017

This column shares the best evidence‐based strategies and innovative ideas on how to facilitate the learning and implementation of EBP principles and processes by clinicians as well as nursing and interprofessional students. Guidelines for submission are available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1741-6787
The Effect of Digital Documentary Production through Field Work on Geography Students’ Problem-Solving Skills
Authors: Adanalı Rukiye
Published: December 2017

In this study, views of students about the applicability of the digital documentary production through fieldwork model and the effect of it on their problem-solving skills were examined. The study was conducted in Turkey, in 2016-2017 spring term with 15 geography teacher candidates who chosen by convenience sampling method. In this study, within producing student digital documentary via fieldwork (FwDD) which is the outcome of the project-based learning (PBL) process, students were asked to carry out field works and to reflect their observations through a digital documentary, on Cultural Geography subjects. The data was collected through Problem-Solving Inventory and focus group interviews, in this case study. Paired Samples Test and content analysis were used for analysis of the data. The findings showed that FwDD-PBL lead to a significant difference regarding the students’ problem-solving skills since the effect size is 0.61. Students stated that they learned to use the technology for educational and reflective purposes, that the project increased their motivations and enterprisingness besides their creative thinking and decision-making skills. The study is important to provide the students effective instruction and teaching skills. It is expected that the results will be useful to encourage the use of FwDD-PBL model in geography education.
Nonlinear Vibrations Analysis of Overhead Power Lines: A Beam With Mass–Spring–Damper–Mass Systems
Authors: Bukhari Mohammad A. , Barry Oumar R.
Published: December 2017

This paper examines the nonlinear vibration of a single conductor with Stockbridge dampers. The conductor is modeled as a simply supported beam and the Stockbridge damper is reduced to a mass–spring–damper–mass system. The nonlinearity of the system stems from the midplane stretching of the conductor and the cubic equivalent stiffness of the Stockbridge damper. The derived nonlinear equations of motion are solved by the method of multiple scales. Explicit expressions are presented for the nonlinear frequency, solvability conditions, and detuning parameter. The present results are validated via comparisons with those in the literature. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the effect of variable control parameters on the nonlinear frequency and the frequency response curves. The findings are promising and open a horizon for future opportunities to optimize the design of nonlinear absorbers.
Wave Rotor Design Method With Three Steps Including Experimental Validation
Authors: Chan Shining , Liu Huoxing , Xing Fei , Song Hang
Published: December 2017

This paper adapted and extended the preliminary two-step wave rotor design method with another step of experimental validation so that it became a self-validating wave rotor design method with three steps. First, the analytic design based on unsteady pressure wave models was elucidated and adapted to a design function. It was quick and convenient for a first prediction of the wave rotor. Second, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was adapted so that it helped to adjust the first prediction. It provided detailed information of the wave rotor inner flow. Thirdly, an experimental method was proposed to complement the validation of the wave rotor design. This experimental method realized tracing the pressure waves and the flows in the wave rotor with measurement on pressure and temperature distributions. The critical point of the experiment is that the essential flow characteristics in the rotor were reflected by the measurements in the static ports. In all, the three steps compensated for each other in a global design procedure, and formed an applicable design method for generic cases.
Continuous Lubricant Film Thickness Measurement Between Piston Ring and Cylinder Bore
Authors: Emre Ayranci Yunus , Akalin Ozgen
Published: December 2017

Measurement of film thickness between piston ring and cylinder bore has been a challenge for decades; laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) method was used by several groups, and promising results are obtained for the investigation of lubricant film transport. In this study, blue light generated by a laser source is transmitted to a beam splitter by means of a fiber optic cable and combined with another fiber optic line, then transmitted to the piston ring and cylinder bore conjunction. The light causes the fluorescence dye present in the lubricant to emit light in a longer wavelength, i.e., green. Reflected light is recollected; blue wavelength components are filtered out using a narrow band pass optical filter, and only components in the florescence wavelength is transmitted to a photomultiplier tube. The photomultiplier produces a voltage proportional to instantaneous lubricant film thickness. Then, the photomultiplier signal is calibrated for lubricant film thickness using a laser textured cylinder bore with known geometries. Additional marks were etched on the liner for calibration. The LIF system is adapted to a piston ring and cylinder bore friction test system simulating engine conditions. Static piston ring and reciprocating liner configuration of the bench test system allow the collection of continuous lubricant film thickness data as a function of crank angle position. The developed system has potential to evaluate new designs, materials, and surface properties in a controlled and repeatable environment.
Development of a Model for Hydrogen-Assisted Fatigue Crack Growth of Pipeline Steel1
Authors: Amaro Robert L. , White Ryan M. , Looney Chris P. , Drexler Elizabeth S. , Slifka Andrew J.
Published: December 2017

Hydrogen has been proposed as a potential partial solution to the need for a clean-energy economy. In order to make this a reality, large-scale hydrogen transportation networks need to be engineered and installed. Steel pipelines are the most likely candidate for the required hydrogen transportation network. One historical barrier to the use of steel pipelines to transport hydrogen was a lack of experimental data and models pertaining to the fatigue response of steels in gaseous hydrogen. Extensive research at NIST has been performed in conjunction with the ASME B31.12 Hydrogen Piping and Pipeline committee to fill this need. After a large number of fatigue crack growth (FCG) tests were performed in gaseous hydrogen, a phenomenological model was created to correlate the applied loading conditions, geometry, and hydrogen pressure to the resultant hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth (HA-FCG) response of the steels. As a result of this extensive data set, and a simplification of the above-mentioned phenomenological model, the ASME B31.12 code was modified to enable the use of higher strength steels without penalty, thereby resulting in the potential for considerable installation cost savings. This paper details the modeling effort that led to the code change.
Quantum criticality in the spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain system copper pyrazine dinitrate
Authors: Breunig Oliver , Garst Markus , Klümper Andreas , Rohrkamp Jens , Turnbull Mark M. , Lorenz Thomas
Published: December 2017

The material copper pyrazine dinitrate realizes an instructive paradigm of quantum criticality.
Association of obstructive sleep apnoea with the risk of vascular outcomes and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Chengjuan , Zhu Ruolin , Tian Yanghua , Wang Kai
Published: December 2017

Objective

This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to explore and summarise the evidence regarding the association between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and the subsequent risk of vascular outcomes and all-cause mortality.

Methods

Electronic databases PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies conducted through May 2016. Prospective cohort studies that reported effect estimates with 95% CIs of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, cardiac death, all-cause mortality and heart failure for different levels versus the lowest level of OSA were included.

Results

A total of 16 cohort studies reporting data on 24 308 individuals were included. Of these, 11 studies reported healthy participants, and the remaining five studies reported participants with different diseases. Severe OSA was associated with an increased risk of MACEs (relative risk (RR): 2.04; 95% CI 1.56 to 2.66; P<0.001), CHD (RR: 1.63; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.26; P=0.003), stroke (RR: 2.15; 95% CI 1.42 to 3.24; P<0.001), cardiac death (RR: 2.96; 95% CI 1.45 to 6.01; P=0.003) and all-cause mortality (RR: 1.54; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.97; P<0.001). Moderate OSA was also significantly associated with increased risk of MACEs (RR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.33; P=0.034) and CHD (RR: 1.38; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.83; P=0.026). No significant association was found between mild OSA and the risk of vascular outcomes or all-cause mortality (P>0.05). Finally, no evidence of a factor-specific difference in the risk ratio for MACEs among participants with different levels of OSA compared with those with the lowest level of OSA was found.

Conclusions

Severe and moderate OSAs were associated with an increased risk of vascular outcomes and all-cause mortality. This relationship might differ between genders. Therefore, further large-scale prospective studies are needed to verify this difference.