bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Localized cutaneous cryptococcosis successfully treated with itraconazole. Review of medication in 18 cases reported in Japan
Authors: Sato T. , Koseki S. , Takahashi S. , Maie O. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA case of localized cutaneous Cryptococcosis successfully treated with oral Itraconazole is reported. The patient, a 63‐year‐old Japanese housewife, had had an erythematous and partly eroded lesion in the area of her right earlobe for about 10 months. No findings suggesting a primary focus of Cryptococcus infection were found In the lung, central nervous system or other Internal organs. The isolate obtained from the lesion was identified as Cryptococcus neoformans based on the demonstration of encapsulated blastospores and its biological characteristics. The clinical course shifted toward healing in parallel with a decreased serum level of anticryptococcal antibody after initiation of treatment with oral Itraconazole in a dose of 100 mg once daily. The treatment was discontinued after 13 weeks. There were neither subjective nor objective side effects. Furthermore, this paper reviews the medications employed in 18 cases with cutaneous cryptococcosis reported in Japan during the nearly 40‐year period between 1952 and 1989.
Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans from canine otitis
Authors: Pal M. , Ono K. , Goitsuka R. , Hasegawa A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryCryptococcus neoformans was demonstrated in the clinical material of a 15‐year‐old male dog with a history of chronic otitis externa by employing Helianthus annuus seed agar as a selective medium. The examination of the isolate for sexual compatibility on modified Helianthus annuus seed medium revealed that it belonged to Filobasidiella neoformans var. neoformans ‘α’ mating type. In the authors' view, this appears to be the first report of isolation of Cr. neoformans var. neoformans from diseased ear of a dog.
Experimental phaeohyphomycosis
Authors: Pospíšil L. , Buček J. , Moster M. , Synek S. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe authors performed an experimental infection of the rabbit eye with Wangiella dermatitidis which had been isolated from the corneal ulcer of a patient. The fungus was inoculated into the front chamber and the vitreous body. The disease showed a trend to spontaneous recovery. The individual phases of the experimental infection were followed by histology and electronmicroscopy, both TEM and SEM. Different stages of development of the polymorphous fungus, as sclerotic bodies, mycelial filaments and yeast‐like cells, could be demonstrated.
Keratomycosis caused by Dichotomophthoropsis nymphaearum
Authors: Wright Elizabeth D. , Clayton Yvonne M. , Howlader A. , Islam Nazrul M. , Husain R. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA case of Dichotomophthoropsis nymphaearum, a dematiaceous hyphomycete, is described from Bangladesh. This species has not previously been reported as a human pathogen. Hyphae were observed in Gram stained corneal scrapings and the species was grown from cultured corneal material. Reatment with topical econazole and subconjunctival injections of miconazole was successful in the short term but long‐term outcome could not be determined. The results of sensitivity tests for six antifungal drugs are reported for the isolate.
Comparative evaluation of the Premier™ enzyme immunoassay, micro‐immunodiffusion and complement fixation tests for the detection of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum antibodies
Authors: Sekhon A. S. , Kaufman L. , Kobayashi G. S. , Moledina N. , Jalbert M. , Notenboom R. H. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA total of 178 sera, including 68 from proven cases of histoplasmosis (65 positive for the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum antibodies and three positive for antigen), 93 from patients with suspected histoplasmosis but with no laboratory evidence of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum infection, 14 from humans with heterologous fungal and non‐fungal infections and three from normal individuals, were tested for IgG H. capsulatum antibodies and M or M and H precipitins by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Meridian Diagnostics, Cincinnati, OH, USA) and microimmunodiffusion (MID) respectively. Sixty‐three of the 68 histoplasmosis case sera demonstrated IgG antibody, and 65 of 68 demonstrated the presence of specific precipitins in the MID test. Nine positive case sera, when tested with the Laboratory Branch complement fixation (LBCF) test, reacted positively to whole yeast and histoplasmin antigens (titres 1 : 8 to 1 : 512). Three histoplasmosis case sera repeatedly tested negative for IgG, specific precipitins and complement‐fixing antibodies, whereas they were positive for Histoplasma antigen. Eighteen of 95 sera from patients without evidence of histoplasmosis demonstrated IgG antibody in the EIA only. Among these positive sera, three out of three cases of aspergillosis and three out of five cases of blastomycosis were confirmed. Sera from HIV‐infected and healthy individuals did not show IgG or M and/or H antibodies to H. capsulatum. Ninety‐three sera were negative by both EIA and MID. The EIA for IgG was less sensitive (97%) than MID (100%). The specificity of EIA and MID was 84% and 100% respectively.
Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from pigeon (Columba livia) droppings in Mexico City
Authors: Castanón-Olivares L. R. , López-Martínez R. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryTo determine the ecological and epidemiological significance of pigeon excrement in cryptococcosis in Mexico City, 251 samples of pigeon droppings were studied. These were collected from houses, public buildings, churches, parks and pigeon nests. Each sample was suspended 1 : 10 in isotonic saline solution and then cultured in Staib medium. Identification of Cryptococcus neoformans was performed based on the development of brown‐coloured colonies and the presence of encapsulated yeasts. Of 251 samples, 52 (20.7%) were positive for Cr. neoformans. The highest frequency was observed in droppings from public buildings (31.2%), followed by churches (22.0%) and houses (13.3%). No significant differences in isolation frequency were observed between fresh or dried excrement. All isolates obtained were Cr. neoformans var. neoformans. As in other studies on Cr. neoformans from pigeons, performed in other countries, these frequency data are considered ‘normal’. The results, however, accentuate the potential risk of cryptococcosis acquisition, especially now that cryptococcosis frequency is increasing in Mexico, mainly in AIDS patients.
Growth inhibition of pathogenic yeasts by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro: clinical implications in blood cultures
Authors: Grillot R. , Portmann-Coffin V. , Ambroise-Thomas P. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe interaction between yeasts and bacteria may have clinical implications in polymicrobial septicaemia. The in vitro effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on five pathogenic yeast species, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Cyptococcus neoformans, was investigated. Yeast inhibition assays were performed in an aerobic blood culture medium, inoculated with yeast cells (inoculum 1–10 CFU ml −1) and bacterial cells (inoculum 10−107 CFU m1−1). Interactions between P. aeruginosa and yeasts were determined after incubation by enumeration of pure and mixed cultures. Growth of all isolates tested was completely or partially inhibited by P. aeruginosa in blood culture medium, the phenomenon depending on the yeast genus and bacterial inoculum. Suppression of fungal growth was also observed in bacterial culture filtrate. This in vitro antifungal activity may preclude yeast recovery from blood cultures in mixed infections.
Isolation of Candida species from bats in Nigeria
Authors: Oyeka C. A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryEighteen (15%) of 120 Nigerian bats screened for fungal infections yielded yeasts of medical importance from their visceral organs. Candida albicans was the commonest organism recovered from the liver, spleen, kidneys and intestinal contents 1 of 10 out of 40 Glossophaga soricinia bats (nectar‐feeding bats). Candida krusei was recovered from the liver and spleen of 3 out of 50 Molossus maior bats (the tropical house bat). Five out of 30 lesser free‐tailed bats (Rhinopoma hardwickei hardwickei) yielded mixed isolates of Trichosporon cutaneum and Candida spp. from their liver and spleen. Only Glossophaga soricinia showed evidence of infection of the organs. The liver, spleen and kidneys were covered by white patches of yeast colonies.
Incidence, species distribution and antifungal sensitivity pattern of vaginal yeasts in Sri Lankan women
Authors: Perera Jennifer , Clayton Yvonne 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA total of 432 high vaginal swabs from patients with vulvovaginitis were processed for the presence of yeasts. Candida species were isolated from 40 (32.4%). In comparison, vaginal swabs from 107 normal asymptomatic women yielded only eight (7.3%) isolates (P<0.001). Candida albicans was the commonest species isolated (76%). Other species included C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. kefrr, C. glabrata and C. guilliermondii. Of the C. albicans isolates, 42.8% showed in vitro resistance to miconazole and 6.6% to econazole. Ninety‐two percent of the isolates were sensitive to the polyenes (nystatin and amphotericin B) and 87% and 74% to clotrimazole and ketaconazole respectively.
Zusammenfassung. Insgesamt 432 Abstriche aus dem oberen Vaginalbereich von Vulvovaginitis‐Patientinnen wurden auf Hefen untersucht. Aus 40 Proben (32.4%) wurden Candida‐Arten isoliert. Bei einer Vergleichsgruppe von 107 asymptomatischen Frauen wurden nur bei acht (7.3%) Hefen isoliert (p<0.001). Candida albicans wurde am häufigsten isoliert (76%). Andere Isolate umfaßten C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. kefyr, C. glabrata und C. guilliermondii. Von den Isolaten waren 42.8% in vitro resistent gegen Miconazol und 6.6% gegen Econazol. Für die Polyene waren 92% empfindlich und 87% fur Clotrimazol und 74% für Ketoconazol.
Systemic treatment of skin candidosis: a randomized comparison of terbinafine and ketoconazole
Authors: Jung E. G. , Haas P. J. , Bräutigam M. , Weidinger G. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryTerbinafine is an antimycotic drug which has a much higher in vitro activity against dermatophytes than against yeasts. To investigate the clinical relevance of these in vitro data, 118 patients with cutaneous candidosis were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind study and allocated to a 4‐week treatment with a daily dose of either 250 mg b.i.d. terbinafine or 200 mg once‐daily ketoconazole. At the final assessment, 3 weeks after cessation of therapy, mycological cure rates (negative culture and negative microscopy) were 82% in the terbinafine group and 73% in the ketoconazole group. Effective treatment with negative mycology and no or minimal signs or symptoms could be achieved in 65% of those who received terbinafine and in 57% of those randomized to ketoconazole. Five per cent and 7% of the patients taking terbinafine and ketoconazole, respectively, complained about adverse events, which were usually mild and did not lead to discontinuation of treatment. In one patient in the ketoconazole group, abnormal liver enzymes were noted at the final laboratory assessment. The results of this study indicate that terbinafine 500 mg daily can be an alternative to ketoconazole when systemic treatment of skin candidosis is required.
Scottish healthcare student's perceptions of an interprofessional ward simulation: An exploratory, descriptive study
Authors: Roberts Fiona E. , Goodhand Kate 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe most memorable learning occurs during placement. Simulated interprofessional learning is a logical learning opportunity to help healthcare professionals work beyond their professional silos. In this qualitative study, we investigated the perceived learning of students from six health professions (adult nursing, diagnostic radiography, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, and pharmacy) from their participation in a 45 min interprofessional ward simulation. Semistructured focus groups were undertaken, and data were analyzed using framework analysis. Two overarching themes were evident, each of which had subthemes: (i) the ward simulation as an interprofessional education opportunity (subthemes: reality of situations and interactions); and (ii) the perceived learning achieved (subthemes: professional roles, priorities, respect, communication, teamwork, and quality of care). The results indicated that a short interprofessional ward simulation, unsupported by additional learning opportunities or directed study, is a useful and engaging interprofessional learning opportunity. Students appear to have learnt important key messages central to the interprofessional education curricula to help develop practitioners who can effectively work together as an interprofessional team, and that this learning is partly due to simulation allowing things to go wrong.
Evaluation of gastrointestinal motility with MRI: Advances, challenges and opportunities
Authors: de Jonge C. S. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Nederveen A. J. , Stoker J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of gastrointestinal motility has developed rapidly over the past few years. The non‐invasive and non‐ionizing character of MRI is an important advantage together with the fact that it is fast and can visualize the entire gastrointestinal tract. Advances in imaging and quantification techniques have facilitated assessment of gastric, small intestinal, and colonic motility in a clinical setting. Automated quantitative motility assessment using dynamic MRI meets the need for non‐invasive techniques. Recently, studies have begun to examine this technique in patients, including those with IBD, pseudo‐obstruction and functional bowel disorders. Remaining challenges for clinical implementation are processing the large amount of data, standardization and validation of the numerous MRI metrics and subsequently assessment of the potential role of dynamic MRI. This review examines the methods, advances, and remaining challenges of evaluation of gastrointestinal motility with MRI. It accompanies an article by Khalaf et al. in this journal that describes a new protocol for assessment of pan‐intestinal motility in fasted and fed state in a single MRI session.
Novel DNAJ‐related proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Pulido Pablo , Leister Dario 
Published: December 2017

SummaryClassical DNAJ proteins are co‐chaperones that together with HSP70s control protein homeostasis. All three classical types of DNAJ proteins (DNAJA, DNAJB and DNAJC types) possess the J‐domain for interaction with HSP70. DNAJA proteins contain, in addition, both the zinc‐finger motif and the C‐terminal domain which are involved in substrate binding, while DNAJB retains only the latter and DNAJC comprises only the J‐domain. There is increasing evidence that some of the activities of DNAJ proteins do not require the J‐domain, highlighting the functional significance of the other two domains. Indeed, the so‐called DNAJ‐like proteins with a degenerate J‐domain have been previously coined as DNAJD proteins, and also proteins containing only a DNAJ‐like zinc‐finger motif appear to be involved in protein homeostasis. Therefore, we propose to extend the classification of DNAJ‐related proteins into three different groups. The DNAJD type comprises proteins with a J‐like domain only, and has 15 members in Arabidopsis thaliana, whereas proteins of the DNAJE (33 Arabidopsis members) and DNAJF (three Arabidopsis members) types contain a DNAJA‐like zinc‐finger domain and DNAJA/B‐like C‐terminal domain, respectively. Here, we provide an overview of the entire repertoire of these proteins in A. thaliana with respect to their physiological function and possible evolutionary origin.
Current perspectives on biological approaches for osteoarthritis
Authors: Whitney Kaitlyn E. , Liebowitz Andrea , Bolia Ioanna K. , Chahla Jorge , Ravuri Sudheer , Evans Thos A. , Philippon Marc J. , Huard Johnny 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMusculoskeletal injuries that disrupt the structure and function of diarthrodial joints can cause permanent biomechanical alterations and lead to a more severe, chronic condition. Despite advancements that have been made to restore tissue function and delay the need for joint replacement, there are currently no disease‐modifying therapies for osteoarthritis (OA). To reduce the risk of OA, innovative preventive medicine approaches have been developed over the last decade to treat the underlying pathology. Several biological approaches are promising treatment modalities for various stages of OA owing to their minimally invasive nature and actively dynamic physiological mechanisms that attenuate tissue degradation and inflammatory responses. Individualized growth factor and cytokine therapies, tissue‐engineered biomaterials, and cell‐based therapies have revolutionary potential for orthopedic applications; however, the paucity of standardization and categorization of biological components and their counterparts has made it difficult to determine their clinical and biological efficacy. Cell‐based therapies and tissue‐engineered biologics have become lucrative in sports medicine and orthopedics; nonetheless, there is a continued effort to produce a biological treatment modality tailored to target intra‐articular structures that recapitulates tissue function. Advanced development of these biological treatment modalities will potentially optimize tissue healing, regeneration, and joint preservation strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review current concepts on several biological treatment approaches for OA.
Bone quality changes associated with aging and disease: a review
Authors: Boskey Adele L. , Imbert Laurianne 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBone quality encompasses all the characteristics of bone that, in addition to density, contribute to its resistance to fracture. In this review, we consider changes in architecture, porosity, and composition, including collagen structure, mineral composition, and crystal size. These factors all are known to vary with tissue and animal ages, and health status. Bone morphology and presence of microcracks, which also contribute to bone quality, will not be discussed in this review. Correlations with mechanical performance for collagen cross‐linking, crystallinity, and carbonate content are contrasted with mineral content. Age‐dependent changes in humans and rodents are discussed in relation to rodent models of disease. Examples are osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), and osteopetrosis in both humans and animal models. Each of these conditions, along with aging, is associated with increased fracture risk for distinct reasons.
Intraocular light scatter, reflections, fluorescence and absorption: what we see in the slit lamp
Authors: van den Berg Thomas J. T. P. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeMuch knowledge has been collected over the past 20 years about light scattering in the eye‐ in particular in the eye lens‐ and its visual effect, called straylight. It is the purpose of this review to discuss how these insights can be applied to understanding the slit lamp image.ResultsThe slit lamp image mainly results from back scattering, whereas the effects on vision result mainly from forward scatter. Forward scatter originates from particles of about wavelength size distributed throughout the lens. Most of the slit lamp image originates from small particle scatter (Rayleigh scatter). For a population of middle aged lenses it will be shown that both these scatter components remove around 10% of the light from the direct beam. For slit lamp observation close to the reflection angles, zones of discontinuity (Wasserspalten) at anterior and posterior parts of the lens show up as rough surface reflections. All these light scatter effects increase with age, but the correlations with age, and also between the different components, are weak. For retro‐illumination imaging it will be argued that the density or opacity seen in areas of cortical or posterior subcapsular cataract show up because of light scattering, not because of light loss.Notes(1) Light scatter must not be confused with aberrations. Light penetrating the eye is divided into two parts: a relatively small part is scattered, and removed from the direct beam. Most of the light is not scattered, but continues as the direct beam. This non‐scattered part is the basis for functional imaging, but its quality is under the control of aberrations. Aberrations deflect light mainly over small angles (<1°), whereas light scatter is important because of the straylight effects over large angles (>1°), causing problems like glare and hazy vision. (2) The slit lamp image in older lenses and nuclear cataract is strongly influenced by absorption. However, this effect is greatly exaggerated by the light path lengths concerned. This obviates proper judgement of the functional importance of absorption, and hinders the appreciation of the Rayleigh nature of what is seen in the slit lamp image.
Paranoia and maladaptive behaviours in homelessness: The mediating role of emotion regulation
Authors: Powell Kathryn , Maguire Nick 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesCurrent research has implicated a role for cognitive and emotional processes in the pathways to becoming homeless. Evidence implicates three risk factors, which are often associated with an increased incidence of homelessness: paranoid thinking, emotion regulation, and engaging in maladaptive behaviours. Maladaptive behaviours include deliberate self‐harm, substance misuse, and high‐risk sexual practices. Currently, no studies have investigated the specific psychological mechanisms, such as difficulty regulating emotions, which underpin the association between paranoia and maladaptive behaviours.DesignA mediational design was employed in a group of homeless individuals. Method: Participants (N = 40), who were homeless at the time of the study, completed a single‐session assessment of paranoia, emotion regulation, and maladaptive behaviours.ResultsMediation analyses indicated that individuals scoring high on paranoia were more likely to engage in maladaptive behaviours, particularly substance misuse and aggression, when they had difficulty regulating their emotions. These results demonstrate a novel finding relating to the effect of emotion regulation in maintaining psychopathology and behaviours in vulnerable individuals, which may in turn sustain periods of homelessness.ConclusionsEmotion regulation may therefore be one particular psychological mechanism through which severe mental illness affects engagement in self‐destructive behaviours in homelessness. These findings have valuable clinical implications for targeted therapeutic interventions, in this often difficult to treat homeless population.Practitioner points

Psychosis is over‐represented in the homeless population; the cycle of homelessness may be attenuated by addressing psychotic symptomology.

Homeless individuals engage in drug abuse, self‐harm, aggression, and high‐risk sexual practices due to an inability to regulate distressing emotions effectively.

Therapeutic interventions, such as MBT and DBT, which target emotion regulation difficulties, may be useful in reducing maladaptive behaviours and preventing homelessness, by providing emotion regulation strategies to cope when homeless persons become distressed.