bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of oral fluconazole and amphotericin B in the prophylaxis of fungal infection in neutropenic patients treated for acute leukemia
Authors: Finke R. 
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung40 Patienten mit akuter Leukose im Alter von 16–71 Jahren, 13 Frauen und 27 Männer, mit chemotherapeutisch induzierter Neutropenie bekamen entweder 50 mg Fluconazol oder 800 mg Amphotericin B täglich oral als Prophylaxe gegen Pilzinfektionen. Zur mykologischen Überwachung wurden Nasen‐ und Genitalabstriche, Gurgelwasser, Urin, Stuhl und Blutserum vor Therapiebeginn und wöchentlich einmal während der Neutropeniephase ( < 109Granulozyten/l) pro Patient gewonnen. Die quantitativeBestimmung der Sproßpilzkonzentration im Stuhl ergab, daß Amphotericin B nur bei einem Drittel der Patienten zu einer Hefereduktion im Darm führte, bei einem weiteren Drittel der Patienten jedoch eine intestinale Hefevermehrung nicht zu verhindern vermochte. Darüber hinaus erwies sich die quantitative Bestimmung der Hefebesiedlung in Oropharynx, Genitale, Blut und Stuhl nicht als verläßlicher Bewertungsparameter für die Wirt‐Erreger‐Beziehungen während der Neutropenie. Die Mykoserologie dagegen spiegelte die Candidose‐Episoden gut wider. Die 19 Patienten mit Fluconazol‐Be‐handlung zeigten nur geringe Candida‐Antikörper‐Anstiege. Bei den 21 Amphotericin B‐behandelten Patienten wurden vier Candidämien gefunden: Zwei durch den Hämagglutinationstest (HAT) und Immunfluoreszenztest (IFT), eine durch den IFT und eine durch den Ramco‐Antigennachweis allein. Nur bei einem dieser Patienten wurden Candida‐Zellen mit dem Urin ausgeschieden. Aus den Ergebnissen wird geschlossen, daß die Mykoserologie für solche Studien unabdingbar ist und daß Fluconazol während der induzierten Neutropeniephase einen besseren Schutz vor Candidose als Amphotericin B oral bietet.
Laboratory diagnosis of deep‐seated candidosis
Authors: Müller J. 
Published: December 2017

ZusammenfassungDie Arbeit gibt eine Übersicht über die derzeit praktizierten labordiagnostischen Verfahren der Candida‐Isolierung und ‐Differenzierung sowie der Candidose‐Serologie. Zu den Schwierigkeiten der pathognomonischen Bewertung der Laborparameter wird Stellung genommen.
Influence of Serum on in Vitro Digestion of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis by Neutrophils
Authors: Goihman-Yahr M. , Bastardo de Albornoz María C. , Istúriz G. , Viloria Nora , Saavedra de Borges Nelly , Carrasquero Mercedes , Avila-Millán E. , Guilarte A. , Pereira J. , de Gómez María H. , San Martín Blanca , de Román Ana , Villanueva E. 
Published: December 2017

SummarySerum from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PARA) did not block digestive abilities of neutrophils (PMNs) from healthy individuals against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Conversely, serum from healthy donors did not enhance digestive capacities of PMNs from patients with PARA vis á vis the causative organism. We conclude that the specific digestive defect present in PMNs from patients with PARA is not mediated by serum factors.
Pathogenicity of Streptomyces griseus for Laboratory Mice
Authors: Unaogu I. C. , Gugnani H. C. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryStreptomyces griseus, an aerobic actinomycete usually regarded as a saprophyte, was found to be virulent for laboratory mice both by intraperitoneal and intravenous routes of inoculation, the latter route producing a more progressive and disseminating infection. Suspension in mucin resulted in higher mortality and more extensive lesions, often leading to membranous adhesions of some visceral organs. The lesions appeared as nodules containing granules of Str. griseus. The pathogenicity of Str. griseus is compared with that of Str. somaliensis from published reports.
Treatment of Onychomycosis with a Bifonazole‐Urea Combination
Authors: Hardjoko F. S. , Widyanto S. , Singgih I. , Susilo J. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA clinical trial has been conducted to assess the efficacy of 1 % bifonazole and 40 % urea ointment for 2 weeks followed by 1 % bifonazole cream for one month in the topical treatment of onychomycosis. Thinning and total avulsion of the nails occurred in 97 % of 30 patients with candidal onychomycosis and regrowth of a normal appearing nail was found in 92 % of 26 patients. Failure rate was 4 % and recurrence rate was 12 % in 26 patients. Results of the treatment was followed up for 12 weeks. Side effects were negligible.
Sporotrichosis in the metropolitan area of Cusco, Peru, and in its region
Authors: Cuadros R. G. , Vidotto V. , Bruatto M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryEight cases of sporotrichosis originating from the metropolitan area of Cusco, Peru, and its region are described, including the circumstances of infection and the isolation of Sporothrix schenckii from the lesions. This finding classifies this particular area with high altitude, low temperature and dry weather as an endemic zone of interest in the epidemiological and ecological study of Andean sporotrichosis. Among the eight cases observed, five were of the fixed cutaneous type and three were lymphocutaneous. Six patients were male and two female. Two paediatric cases were also observed. Therapy with potassium iodide was very satisfactory, whereas poor results were obtained with ketoconazole.
Pathogenicity determinants of Candida
Authors: Ghannoum M. A. , Abu-Elteen K. H. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe incidence of infections due to Candida albicans and other related species has increased in recent years. A number of factors have contributed to this, e.g. the use of a wide range of potent antibacterial and immunosuppressive therapeutic agents and the increased incidence of immune‐deficiency diseases such as AIDS. Pathogenicity determinants which confer virulence on C. albicans, and other Candida species to a lesser extent, have been reviewed. These include factors related to species and strains, adherence, dimorphism, toxin and enzyme production and cell surface composition. This review clearly shows that C. albicans virulence is a function of a multiplicity of factors working jointly to overcome the host defences. A lack or debility in any of these parameters will reflect negatively on its infectivity and make it difficult for Candida to establish itself, particularly in a healthy individual.
A case of cutaneous mucormycosis in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang J.-J. , Satoh H. , Takahashi H. , Hasegawa A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA 34‐year‐old female farmer suffered from localized cutaneous mucormycosis for 17 years. At the first admission, the lesion was a dull red plaque, about 7 x 9 cm in size with ulcerations, surrounded by some nodules on the dorsum of her right hand. General examination did not reveal abnormal findings except the skin lesion. Direct examination of skin scrapings in 10 % KOH revealed broad, sparsely septate, branching hyphae. Histopathology showed many intradermal granulomata and microabscesses as well as mycelial elements comprising broad, distorted, ribbon‐like strands. Some of them were phagocytized by multi‐nucleated giant cells. Cultures revealed rapidly growing yellow colonies on Sabouraud dextrose agar medium at 25°C. Sporangiophores branched in sympodia and the sporangia were globose, 35–60 μm in diameter. Their walls were deliquescent, but some of them were rather persistent. Columellae were mostly globose, 12–17 μm in diameter, up to 35 μm with collars. Sporangiospores were mainly ellipsoidal, 1.5–2.5 x 3–5 μm in size, but sometimes highly variable in size and shape. The maximum growth temperature of the isolate was 37°C. The pathogenic organism isolated was tentatively identified as Mucor lusitanicus, which, as far as we know, has not been reported as a causative agent of cutaneous mucormycosis.
Persistence of Cryptococcus neoformans in seminal fluid and urine under itraconazole treatment. The urogenital tract (prostate) as a niche for Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Staib F. , Seibold M. , L'age M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe open questions of the persistence of Cryptococcus neoformans in the urogenital tract under antimycotic treatment can be examined under optimal mycological‐diagnostic conditions only. The example of a case of cryptococcosis in an AIDS patient diagnosed and treated with itraconazole in the early secondary stage of cryptococcosis is used to discuss the problems of the persistence of Cr. neoformans involvement in the urogenital tract (prostate). Data from a ten‐week follow‐up study are presented and discussed. The observations made have shown that itraconazole is effective in all regions of the body, with the exception of the urogenital tract. In addition to clinical examinations, cases treated with itraconazole should be finally subjected to cultural examination of prostatic secretion and/or seminal fluid, to exclude the possible presence of a symptomfree involvement of the prostate by Cr. neoformans.
Comparison of enzyme immunoassay and immunodiffusion for the detection of canine blastomycosis
Authors: Seawell B. W. , Scalarone G. M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryTwo Blastomyces dermatitidis commercial immunodiffusion antigens, Meridian Diagnostics and Nolan‐Scott Laboratories, and two B. dermatitidis yeast phase lysate antigens, T‐58 and K‐Le, prepared in our laboratory were utilized in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies in 61 serum specimens from dogs with blastomycosis. All antigens used in the ELISA were diluted to 50 ng of protein ml−1. Immunodiffusion (ID) tests were also performed on the sera using a Nolan‐Scott ID antigen. Greater reactivity, based on the ELISA index value, was evidenced with the two yeast phase lysate antigens over the two commercial reagents in the ELISA. In addition the sensitivity of the ELISA with the T‐58, K‐Le and Meridian antigens was considerably greater than that of the ID test. The Nolan‐Scott antigen, however, was able to detect more positive specimens when used in the ID procedure than in the ELISA. Therefore encouraging results were obtained with respect to the continued development and optimization of the ELISA using B. dermatitidis cell lysate antigens for the diagnosis of blastomycosis.
Polymerase chain reaction‐mediated genotyping of Hortaea werneckii, causative agent of tinea nigra
Authors: Uijthof J. M. J. , de Cock A. W. A. M. , de Hoog G. S. , Quint W. G. V. , van Belkum A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe black yeast Hortaea werneckii is known to be a causative agent of human tinea nigra but is also found in the environment. Strains from dissimilar sources were studied by polymerase chain reaction fingerprinting of nuclear DNA, using primers annealing to repetitive and random sequences. The seven groups found correspond to those known from restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) studies of the mitochondrial DNA of the same strains. Two main groups contained strains from human as well as from non‐human sources. The human strains did not cluster, but were randomly distributed over several populations. It was concluded that these strains are not pathogenic. The factor common to both niches is a relatively high salt concentration.
Structural alterations in Candida albicans by caffeine and caffeine salts
Authors: Mittag Hannelore 
Published: December 2017

SummaryCytological alterations of Candida albicans following exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of caffeine and caffeine salts were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect was different from that induced by ketoconazole. Caffeine and especially caffeine salts caused an increase in unusual modes of proliferation with signs of multiple budding in Candida albicans. Structurally, such yeast cells present some resemblance to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
Association between Malassezia furfur colonization and seborrhoeic dermatitis in AIDS patients
Authors: Ross Sabine , Richardson M. D. , Graybill J. R. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA total of 180 HIV‐positive patients were assessed for seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) and colonization with Malassezia species. Diseased skin of patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis were sampled selectively for Malassezia. In patients without SD, uninvolved skin was sampled. The prevalence of SD was 19%. Of the 34 SD patients, 16 were positive for Malassezia. Of the 146 patients without SD, only 27 were culture positive for Malassezia. Analysis of the largest HIV‐positive patient population studied thus far yielded only a weak correlation between SD and Malassezia colonization.
Antifungal activity of some 2,2′:5′,2″‐tertiophene derivatives
Authors: Mares D. , Romagnoli C. , Rossi R. , Carpita A. , Ciofalo M. , Bruni A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe dermatophyte Microsporum cookei Ajello was treated with nine new natural and synthetic 2,2′: 5′,2″‐terthiophenes to determine their possible antifungal activity. In the dark the thiophenes were inactive, while when photoactivated with UV‐A they induced a remarkable reduction in the growth rate of the fungus. The only exception was (E)‐N‐(2‐methylpropyl)‐3‐(2,2′: 5′,2″‐terthien‐5‐yl)‐propenamide, which was not fungistatic even at the highest dose tested (24 μm). The more active compounds were 31‐methoxy‐2,2′: 5′,2″‐terthiophene and 3′‐methylthio‐2,2′ : 5′,2″‐terthiophene, whose activity seems to be related to the presence of a substituent in the 3′ position of the central ring of thiophenes. Transmission electron microscopic observations demonstrated the photoactive nature of the synthetic molecules to be similar to that of α‐terthienyl, a natural thiophene present in some Asteraceae. The dark treatment caused only the accumulation of the compound in vacuoles, without other evident alterations. After UV‐A irradiation the activated thiophene causes severe modifications to the endomembrane system, probably via oxygen‐dependent mechanism.
Reducing starbursts in highly aberrated eyes with pupil miosis
Authors: Xu Renfeng , Kollbaum Pete , Thibos Larry , Lopez‐Gil Norberto , Bradley Arthur 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo test the hypothesis that marginal ray deviations determine perceived starburst sizes, and to explore different strategies for decreasing starburst size in highly aberrated eyes.MethodsPerceived size of starburst images and visual acuities were measured psychophysically for eyes with varying levels of spherical aberration, pupil sizes, and defocus. Computationally, we use a polychromatic eye model including the typical levels of higher order aberrations (HOAs) for keratoconic and post‐LASIK eyes to quantify the image quality (the visually weighted Strehl ratio derived from the optical transfer function, VSOTF) with different pupil sizes at both photopic and mesopic light levels.ResultsFor distance corrected post‐LASIK and keratoconic eyes with a night‐time pupil (e.g., 7 mm), the starburst diameter is about 1.5 degrees (1 degree for normal presbyopic eyes), which can be reduced to ≤0.25 degrees with pupil sizes ≤3 mm. Starburst size is predicted from the magnitude of the longitudinal spherical aberration. Refracting the eye to focus the pupil margin also removed starbursts, but, unlike small pupils, significantly degraded visual acuity. Reducing pupil diameter to 3 mm improved image quality for these highly aberrated eyes by about 2.7 × to 1.7 × relative to the natural pupils when light levels were varied from 0.1 to 1000 cd m−2, respectively.ConclusionSubjects with highly aberrated eyes observed larger starbursts around bright lights at night predictable by the deviated marginal rays. These were effectively attenuated by reducing pupil diameters to ≤3 mm, which did not cause a drop in visual acuity or modelled image quality even at mesopic light levels.
Simulation of a central scotoma using contact lenses with an opaque centre
Authors: Almutleb Essam S. , Bradley Arthur , Jedlicka Jason , Hassan Shirin E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeThis study evaluated the feasibility of using soft contact lenses (CLs) with an opaque centre to induce absolute central scotomas that move with the eye. We examined the geometrical optics prediction that scotoma size will vary with the size of the CL's opaque centre and with ocular pupil size. We also tested the hypothesis that high environmental light levels will ensure that the ocular pupil will remain small enough, even with opaque centre CLs, to generate absolute scotomas representative of those experienced by patients with age‐related macular disease.MethodsUsing an Octopus 900 Perimeter ( www.Haag-Streit.com), kinetic visual fields (VFs) were measured in five normally‐sighted subjects using a V4e Goldmann target with CLs that had central opaque areas with diameters of 2.8, 3.0, and 3.2 mm. To control pupil size, VFs were measured with background perimeter bowl luminances of 10, 585, and 1155 cd m−2. Subjects attempted to (i) fixate the bowl centre; and (ii) place the scotoma edge at the bowl fixation target (eccentric viewing).ResultsAs predicted, there was a direct relationship between scotoma size and both luminance level and diameter of the opacity. Mean scotoma diameters were 0°, 17.6° and 22°, for the low, medium and high bowl luminances, respectively. Scotoma size was determined primarily by the difference between the diameters of CL opacity and the entrance pupil of the eye and the axial separation between them, and between‐subject differences in pupil diameters contributed most to the between‐subject variability in scotoma diameter at each light level (SD: 6.01°). Scotoma displacement during eccentric fixation confirmed the gaze‐contingent characteristics of this experimental model.ConclusionIt is possible to induce a gaze‐contingent absolute scotoma and hence mimic central vision loss using centrally‐opaque CLs provided that the CL opacity is larger than the entrance pupil of the eye. This simulation tool will, therefore, be ineffective at low environmental light levels (as shown previously) if the entrance pupil of the eye is larger than the CL opacity.
Real‐time elastosonography of lipomatous vs. malignant subcutaneous neoplasms in dogs: Preliminary results
Authors: Longo Maurizio , Bavcar Spela , Handel Ian , Smith Sionagh , Liuti Tiziana 
Published: December 2017

AbstractReal‐time elastography is a recently introduced ultrasound technique allowing the investigation of elastic properties of tissues. A diagnostic accuracy study was conducted to test the performance of this technique in the assessment of subcutaneous lesions in dogs. Fifty‐two dogs were prospectively included in the preliminary study (34 malignant and 18 benign lesions). B‐mode ultrasound was performed assessing the shape, margins, heterogeneity, and echotexture of the lesions. On elastosonography, assessment of the percentage of softness/hardness was recorded. A qualitative assessment was performed according to the Tsukuba elasticity score with a 1–5 score, representing the increased percentage of high stiffness areas. Results were compared with cytology/histopathology of the lesions. Receiver Operating Curves of the overall diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were obtained. Fisher's exact test and Pearsons's Chi‐squared test estimated the relationship between the B‐mode appearance of the lesions and final diagnosis. A hardness cutoff of 50.25% was identified between lesions, with malignant neoplasms having higher percentages. A 100% specificity and 89% sensitivity for correctly detecting the nature of the lesion on elastosonography was established. Qualitative assessment of the Tsukuba elasticity score established 1.5 as the cutoff between elastograms of lipomatous and malignant lesions, with 100% sensitivity and 61% specificity in differentiating them. Real‐time elastosonography is a novel, noninvasive, and accurate technique for differentiating malignant from benign lipomatous lesions in dogs. This method could be considered as a complementary tool with additional diagnostic value for routine invasive procedures, such as fine needle aspirates.
Neuropsychiatric performance and treatment of hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals: a prospective study
Authors: Volpato Sofia , Montagnese Sara , Zanetto Alberto , Turco Matteo , De Rui Michele , Ferrarese Alberto , Amodio Piero , Germani Giacomo , Senzolo Marco , Gambato Martina , Russo Francesco Paolo , Burra Patrizia 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundSince direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a small series of patients with new-onset neuropsychiatric alterations have been referred to us. We therefore set out to study neuropsychiatric function in relation to DAAs prospectively.MethodsTen patients with cirrhosis and 12 post-liver transplant (post-LT) patients were enrolled. All underwent wake electroencephalography (EEG) and a neuropsychological evaluation (paper and pencil battery, simple/choice reaction times, working memory task) at baseline, at the end of treatment with DAAs and after 6 months. At the same time points, full blood count, liver/kidney function tests, quantitative HCV RNA, ammonia and immunosuppressant drug levels were obtained, as appropriate.ResultsPatients with cirrhosis were significantly older than post-LT patients (65±12 vs 55±7 years; P<0.05). Neuropsychological performance and wake EEG were comparable in the two groups at baseline. At the end of a course of treatment with DAAs, a significant slowing in choice reaction times and in the EEG (increased relative delta power) was observed in patients with cirrhosis, which resolved after 6 months. In contrast, no significant changes over time were observed in the neuropsychiatric performance of post-LT patients. No significant associations were observed between neuropsychiatric performance and stand-alone/combined laboratory variables.ConclusionSome degree of neuropsychiatric impairment was observed in relation to treatment with DAAs in patients with cirrhosis, but not in post-LT patients, suggesting that the former may be sensitive to mild DAA neurotoxicity.
Risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring following paternal use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors before conception: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Yang Fen , Chen Jianping , Miao Mao-Hua , Yuan Wei , Li Lin , Liang Hong , Ehrenstein Vera , Li Jiong 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine the association between paternal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use before conception and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring.DesignA population-based cohort study.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of 669 922 children born from 1998 to 2008, with follow-up throughout 2013. Based on Danish national registers, we linked information on paternal use of SSRIs, ASD diagnosed in children and a range of potential confounders. The children whose fathers used SSRIs during the last 3 months prior to conception were identified as the exposed. Cox regression model was used to estimate the HR for ASD in children.ResultsCompared with unexposed children, the exposed had a 1.62-fold higher risk of ASD (95% CI 1.33 to 1.96) and the risk attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders, especially fathers’ psychiatric conditions (HR=1.43, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.74). When extending the exposure window to 1 year before conception, the increased risk persisted in children of fathers using SSRIs only from the last year until the last 3 months prior to conception (HR=1.54, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.94) but not in children of fathers using SSRIs only during the last 3 months prior to conception (HR=1.17, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.82). We also performed stratified analyses according to paternal history of affective disorders and observed no increased ASD risk among children whose father had affective disorders. Besides, the sibling analysis showed that the ASD risk did not increase among exposed children compared with their unexposed siblings.ConclusionsThe mildly increased risk of ASD in the offspring associated with paternal SSRI use before conception may be attributable to paternal underlying psychiatric indications related to SSRI use or other unmeasured confounding factors.