bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dermatophytoses in outpatients attending the Dermatology Center of Avicenna Hospital in Qazvin, Iran
Authors: Aghamirian Mohammad Reza , Ghiasian Seyed Amir 
Published: September 2007

SummaryDermatophytosis is still being considered as one of the major public health problems in many parts of the world. To identify the prevalence and etiological agents of dermatophytoses, a study was carried out between 2004 and 2006. Out of 1023 subjects suspected to have cutaneous mycoses, 348 (34%) patients were affected with dermatophytoses. The causative agents were identified macroscopically and microscopically after the clinical samples were subjected to potassium hydroxide examination and culture isolation. Epidermophyton floccosum was the most frequently isolated species representing 32.8% of isolates, followed by T. rubrum (18.1%), T. verrucosum (17.2%), T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale (15.8%), T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (6.6%) and T. violaceum, T. schoenleinii and Microsporum canis (0.9%). The most common type of infection was tinea cruris (31.9%) affecting in particular male patients. Some other most prevalent tinea types were tinea corporis (20.7%), tinea pedis (19%), and tinea unguium (11.2%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on dermatophytoses in Qazvin and the first study that shows tinea cruris as a major type of superficial fungal infection in Iran. The frequency of tinea was higher in males and tinea cruris showed a remarkably increasing tendency and was an important public health issue in Qazvin.
An epidemiological survey of tinea capitis in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina over a 10‐year period
Authors: Prohic Asja 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the incidence and aetiological agents of tinea capitis in Sarajevo area, Bosnia and Herzegovina, during a 10‐year period (1997–2006). A total of 707 patients with suspected dermatophyte infections of scalp was analysed. Tinea capitis was determined in 241 (34.1%) of these patients, in whom causative agents were identified in 209 (29.6%). Zoophilic dermatophytes (91.8%) prevailed over anthropophilic (7.2%) and geophilic (1.0%) dermatophytes. Microsporum canis was the most frequent dermatophyte isolated (90.4%), followed by Trichophyton schoenleinii (2.4%) and Trichophyton violaceum (1.9%). The majority of infections occurred in males (56.5%) and in children with age less than 10 years (52.6%).
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in neutropenic patients and the influence of hospital renovation
Authors: Pini Gabriella , Faggi Elisabetta , Donato Rosa , Sacco Cristiana , Fanci Rosa 
Published: September 2007

SummaryTo evaluate the effects of airborne Aspergillus contamination during and after the renovation work of a Florentine haematology unit, we conducted (November 2003–January 2005) a strict programme of environmental fungal surveillance. Air samples were taken from patients’ rooms, along the corridors inside the wards, along the corridor between wards and outside the building. The concentration of Aspergillus fumigatus was high along the corridor between the two haematology wards (2.98 CFU m−3), lower in the non‐neutropenic patients’ rooms and outside the hospital building (1.53 and 1.42 CFU m−3, respectively), very low in the neutropenic patients’ rooms (0.09 CFU m−3). During this period, three proven cases (A. fumigatus), two probable ones and two possible cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis were documented in 97 patients with acute leukaemia (7%). The three cases of proven aspergillosis coincided with the period of renovation work and with the period in which we have found the maximum concentration of A. fumigatus along the corridor. These data suggest a possible relationship between environmental fungal contamination and the incidence of invasive aspergillosis, and underline the importance of environmental surveillance.
Primary isolation of Candida species from urine specimens using chromogenic medium
Authors: Okulicz J. F. , Rivard R. G. , Conger N. G. , Nguyen M. X. , Hospenthal D. R. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryCHROMagar Candida (CaC) is a chromogenic medium that can be used to detect Candida species, including Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and perhaps Candida glabrata. We evaluated the utility of CaC to detect candiduria in high‐risk patients and the potential usefulness of this information in directing initial antifungal therapy in those later identified with candidaemia. CaC was compared in parallel to standard laboratory methods (SM) for the detection of Candida from urine collected from high‐risk units and wards. Of 893 samples, Candida was recovered by CaC from 104 compared with 35 using SM. No isolates detected by SM were undetected by CaC. More than one Candida species were recovered by CaC in 19 of the 104 (18.3%); only two mixed cultures were detected by SM. The identification was more rapid with CaC. Five of 69 patients with candiduria detected by CaC developed candidaemia on or after the date of urine culture. SM recovered fungus in only two of these patients. CaC can be used as primary media for the detection of Candida species from urine specimens. Primary isolation by CaC may enable clinicians to make earlier, directed selection of antifungal agents and potentially reduce patient morbidity and mortality.
Infertility in a Dog due to Proximal Cytoplasmic Droplets in the Ejaculate: Investigation of the Significance for Sperm Functionality In Vitro
Authors: Peña AI , Barrio M , Becerra JJ , Quintela LA , Herradón PG 
Published: September 2007

ContentsA 4‐year‐old Basque Shepherd male dog was presented for breeding soundness evaluation after the dog failed to impregnate the three bitches he had mated. Clinical examination showed no anomaly of the reproductive system. Semen evaluation showed normal sperm count (640 × 106), 80% had progressively motile spermatozoa, and 96% had morphologically abnormal sperm of which 84% had proximal cytoplasmic droplet and 12% had proximal droplet plus other anomaly. A zona pellucida‐binding assay, using canine oocytes derived from frozen‐thawed ovaries, was performed in order to investigate the zona‐binding ability of dog spermatozoa with proximal cytoplasmic droplets. For the zona pellucida‐binding assay, ovaries were thawed and minced in phosphate‐buffered saline + 0.4% bovine serum albumin, the oocytes recovered were divided into two groups of 35–40 oocytes to be, respectively, used with the infertile dog and with a control fertile dog. Spermatozoa were capacitated in Canine Capacitating Medium (CCM) at 38.5°C and 5% CO2 in air for 2 h before oocyte insemination. Groups of five to six oocytes placed in 45 μl droplets of CCM were incubated for 1 h. Afterwards, 5 μl of CCM containing 25 000 spermatozoa were added to each droplet and co‐incubated for 2 h before fixation and evaluation of the complexes. After oocyte insemination, sperm motility and viability were evaluated: the sample from the infertile dog had 85% sperm motility with fast and linear progressive movement, and sperm viability of 92%. The sample from the control dog showed 40% sperm motility with fast and highly curvilinear and erratic movement, high degree of sperm agglutination and sperm viability of 32%. For the infertile dog the mean number of bound spermatozoa/oocyte was 0.33 whereas for the control dog it was 1.80. It was concluded that dog sperm with proximal cytoplasmic droplets seem to lack normal capacitating ability in vitro, and consequently, they may have reduced capacity to bind to the zona pellucida of canine oocytes.
INDUCTION OF INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE RELEASE FROM HUMAN UMBILICAL VEIN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS BY AGONISTS OF PROTEINASE‐ACTIVATED RECEPTOR‐2
Authors: Niu Qing‐Xia , Chen Han‐Qiu , Chen Zhuo‐Yi , Fu Yi‐Ling , Lin Jie‐Lian , He Shao‐Heng 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYHuman endothelial cells express proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR‐2), inflammatory cytokines and trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4). However, little is known about the mechanism through which trypsin induces cytokine release from endothelial cells.In the present study, we investigated the effect of trypsin on cytokine release from primary cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) using an antibody based protein microarray and ELISA.The results showed that 1 mg/mL trypsin induced release of 32 different inflammatory factors, whereas 100 mmol/L Ser‐Leu‐Ile‐Gly‐Lys‐Val‐NH2(SLIGKV‐NH2) only stimulated secretion of 16 inflammatory factors from HUVEC, as assessed by an antibody based protein microarray. Because the release of interleukin (IL)‐1a, IL‐8, IL‐10 and IL‐12 was markedly increased following PAR‐2 activation, their release was investigated further using ELISA. Increases in release of up to approximately 4.8‐, 4.3‐, 4.1‐ and 1.8‐fold were observed for IL‐1a, IL‐10, IL‐12 and IL‐8, respectively, when HUVEC were challenged with trypsin for 16 h. Agonist peptides of PAR‐2, namely SLIGKV‐NH2andtrans‐cinnamoyl‐Leu‐Ile‐Gly‐Arg‐Leu‐Orn‐NH2(tc‐LIGRLO‐NH2), also provoked significant release of IL‐8. Trypsin‐induced cytokine release was inhibited by its inhibitors soybean trypsin inhibitor, a1‐antitrypsin and the inhibitor peptide of PAR‐2 Phe‐Ser‐Leu‐Leu‐Arg‐Tyr‐NH2(FSLLRY‐NH2).These data indicate the action of trypsin on HUVEC is most likely through activation of PAR‐2, suggesting that PAR‐2‐related mechanisms are involved in the inflammatory process in humans.
INCREASED SUPEROXIDE CONTRIBUTES TO ENHANCEMENT OF VASCULAR CONTRACTION IN INS2AKITA DIABETIC MICE, AN AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT MUTANT MODEL
Authors: Yang Xiang‐Qun , Wang Ying‐Ying , Chen Alex F 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARY

Superoxide has been reported to be involved in vascular dysfunction in diabetes. The Ins2Akita mouse is an autosomal dominant mutant diabetic model that can serve as an excellent substitute for the Type 1 diabetic mouse model induced by chemical diabetogens. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of superoxide on vascular dysfunction using this new diabetic model.
Compared with age‐matched normal C57BL/6 mice, in Ins2Akita diabetic mice arterial superoxide, lipid peroxidation production (1.2 ± 0.1 vs 17.4 ± 1.9 mmol/mg tissue, respectively; P < 0.01) and plasma lipid peroxidation production (0.08 ± 0.02 vs 0.40 ± 0.03 mmol/L, respectively; P < 0.01) were increased. Meanwhile, expression of vascular adhesion molecule‐1, E‐selectin and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in the aorta and/or plasma was elevated.
The contraction of carotid arteries to U46619 in Ins2Akita diabetic mice was significantly enhanced compared with control mice (P < 0.05). Tempol (a scavenger of superoxide), apocynin (an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase) and allopurinol (an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase) all not only decreased superoxide in carotid arteries, but also suppressed arterial contractions to U46619 in Ins2Akita diabetic mice. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclo‐oxygenase, and chelerythrine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, also suppressed the enhanced vascular contraction.
These results suggest that increased arterial superoxide generated from diverse sources may potentiate the contractions of carotid arteries in Ins2Akita diabetic mice.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in chronic hepatitis C and the effect of interferon α treatment
Authors: Manning Diarmuid S , Sheehan Katherine M , Byrne Michael F , Kay Elaine W , Murray Frank E 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), a target of aspirin and other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is upregulated in chronic hepatitis B and may have a role in hepatocellular carcinoma. Little is known about the expression of COX‐2 in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. The aim the present study was to evaluate the extent of COX‐2 expression in liver biopsies in patients with HCV infection and to determine the effect of treatment with interferon α (IFN).Methods:  Percutaneous liver biopsy specimens were retrieved. Following formalin fixation and paraffin embedding, the biopsies were histologically evaluated for inflammation and fibrosis. The extent of COX‐2 expression was measured by the avidin biotin immunohistochemical technique using a monoclonal COX‐2 antibody. The extent of COX‐2 expression was graded according to the number of hepatocytes expressing COX‐2. Data were analyzed using Student's t‐test.Results:  Liver biopsies from 10 patients before and after treatment with IFN were obtained and compared with nine normal liver biopsies. All of the liver biopsies showed some COX‐2 expression. COX‐2 expression was confined to hepatocytes and bile duct epithelium and was not detected in vascular endothelium or inflammatory cells. The extent of COX‐2 expression was greater in hepatitis C infected liver biopsies than in normal biopsies. Following treatment with IFN, there was a greater than threefold reduction in COX‐2 expression (P < 0.01). This result was independent of the sustained virological response.Conclusion:  In this small pilot study we have shown that COX‐2 is overexpressed in liver biopsies infected with HCV and COX‐2 expression is reduced following treatment with IFN.
Retrospective comparative study of 59 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Transperitoneal anterior versus transperitoneal posterior approach
Authors: Li Baoxing , Suzuki Kazuo , Tsuru Nobuo , Ushiyama Tomomi , Ozono Seichro 
Published: September 2007

Objective:  We retrospectively compared perioperative parameters, as well as the oncological and functional results, for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) carried out via the posterior and anterior approaches in our hospital.Methods:  We recorded pre‐, peri‐, and postoperative parameters and complications, and evaluated the oncological and functional results to compare the posterior approach (group 1, n = 25) with the anterior approach (group 2, n = 34).Results:  There were no significant differences regarding the preoperative characteristics of the two groups. The incidence of major complications, positive surgical margins, and continence at 3 and 6 months postoperatively showed no significant differences between the two groups. Although mean blood loss (including urine) was not significantly different, the mean prostatectomy time was significantly shorter in group 2 (174.21 ± 57.97 min) than in group 1 (224.76 ± 66.72 min) (P = 0.003 by Student's t‐test). Also, the postoperative recovery period until discharge was 5.94 days in group 2, and was significantly shorter than in group 1 (7.48 days) (P = 0.02 by Student's t‐test).Conclusions:  This retrospective comparative study shows that the anterior approach yields similar, if not better results than the posterior approach for LRP.
Downregulation of klotho gene expression in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ishizaka Nobukazu , Matsuzaki General , Saito Kan , Furuta Kyoko , Mori Ichiro , Nagai Ryozo 
Published: September 2007

Objective:  The expression of klotho, which may function as an anti‐aging hormone, is most abundant in the kidney. We have investigated the regulation of klotho expression in the kidneys of diabetic rats.Methods:  Diabetes was induced by a single i.v. injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 60 mg/kg. Renal klotho expression was investigated 8 weeks post‐STZ injection. Some rats were given losartan or deferoxamine from 5 weeks post‐STZ injection until sacrifice. Klotho expression was examined by Western blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.Results:  Expression of Klotho protein was reduced by approximately a third in the kidneys of diabetic rats compared to that of the untreated control rats. This downregulation was suppressed by either losartan or deferoxamine; these drugs also decreased the albuminuria. Histological study showed that, in the kidneys of the STZ‐induced diabetic rats, mRNA expression of klotho, albeit less intense than in the untreated control, was observed in the tubular epithelial cells, and was co‐localized with heme oxygenase‐1, an oxidative stress‐sensitive gene.Conclusion:  Expression of klotho was downregulated in the kidneys of diabetic rats. An activation of the renin‐angiotensin system, altered iron homeostasis, and presumably enhanced oxidative stress, may play a role in this phenomenon.
Klotho gene delivery suppresses oxidative stress in vivo
Authors: Ohta Junsuke , Rakugi Hiromi , Ishikawa Kazuhiko , Yang Jin , Ikushima Masashi , Chihara Yukana , Maekawa Yoshihiro , Oguro Ryosuke , Hanasaki Hiroko , Kida Iwao , Matsukawa Naomichi , Ogihara Toshio 
Published: September 2007

Objective:  Mice deficient in the klotho gene exhibit a syndrome resembling premature human aging. A recent report also suggested that klotho transgenic mice exhibited a long lifespan, which shows that klotho is an antisenescence gene. Previously, klotho has been reported to improve endothelial dysfunction, and also to have a preventive effect against oxidative stress. In the present study, we investigated the effect of klotho gene delivery on blood pressure and oxidative stress in vivo.Methods:  Klotho plasmid was injected into the tail vein of mice and spontaneous hypertensive rats over 5 s.Results:  Klotho gene delivery upregulated manganese superoxide dismutase protein expression and total superoxide dismutase activity in the aorta of mice compared with the control. It upregulated nitric oxide production, and downregulated lipid peroxide concentration in the serum of mice. When klotho plasmid was administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats, superoxide dismutase activity in the kidney and liver was significantly increased, and lipid peroxide concentration in the kidney and liver was significantly decreased, compared with the control. Klotho gene delivery in spontaneously hypertensive rats did not alter systolic blood pressure.Conclusion:  These results suggest that klotho gene infusion into the tail vein of mice and rats has a suppressive effect against oxidative stress. These findings may provide a new insight into the therapeutic potential of klotho gene delivery in vivo to regulate oxidative stress.
Factors associated with use of percutaneous coronary intervention among very elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction: Lessons from the Tokai Acute Myocardial Infarction Study (TAMIS)
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Masuda Yuichiro , Kuzuya Masafumi , Kimata Takaya , Iguchi Akihisa , Uemura Kazumasa 
Published: September 2007

Background:  Although prior studies have shown that older patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are less likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) than younger patients, the predictors of PCI use among the very elderly are unknown. We identified the predictors using data from the Tokai Acute Myocardial Infarction Study (TAMIS), a multi‐hospital retrospective study performed in Japan.Methods:  All of the study subjects were patients hospitalized for newly diagnosed AMI at one of 13 acute care hospitals between January 1995 and December 1997. We abstracted the baseline and procedural characteristics from detailed chart reviews. Multivariate analysis was performed, controlling for the variables found to be significantly different between AMI patients aged 75 and over with and without PCI by χ2 test or unpaired Student's t‐test. We evaluated a total of 207 patients with PCI and 201 without PCI.Results:  The univariable analysis abstracted four predictors: age, previous heart failure, hospital and maximum creatine phosphokinase. After multivariable adjustment, age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89) and previous heart failure (OR = 0.36), and number of hospital beds (351–550, OR = 0.38; ≥551, OR = 0.17, respectively) were still independent predictors.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that advanced age itself and number of hospital beds are important predictors of underuse of PCI among very elderly patients.
Usefulness of the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) to evaluate the nutritional status of Japanese frail elderly under home care
Authors: Inoue Keiko , Kato Masahiko 
Published: September 2007

Background:  The Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) has proved useful in Western countries to predict long‐term mortality of institutionalized elderly patients, as well as the elderly living at home. However, there are few reports on the usefulness of this evaluation in the elderly in Japan. Our objective was to examine the usefulness of the MNA to screen and diagnose malnutrition in the elderly in Japan and investigate the effect of nutritional status on their activities of daily living (ADL) and mortality.Methods:  We recruited 181 frail elderly (62 men and 119 women) under home care whose age was 79.8 ± 8.8 years old. We assessed their nutritional status (anthropometric measurements, serum albumin, MNA) and ADL; then we followed up these patients for more than 2 years to see whether the MNA reflected their prognosis.Results:  The MNA score correlated with anthropometric measurements, serum albumin and ADL (P < 0.01). The hazard ratio of mortality by all causes was significantly higher in the elderly with protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and risk for PEM, compared with well‐nourished elderly patients.Conclusion:  The MNA was useful to screen the elderly for nutritional status because it reflected the ADL and the prognosis, as well as conventional nutritional indexes such as anthropometric values and serum albumin.
Fetal manifestations and poor outcomes of congenital cytomegalovirus infections: Possible candidates for intrauterine antiviral treatments
Authors: Maruyama Yuko , Sameshima Hiroshi , Kamitomo Masato , Ibara Satoshi , Kaneko Masatoki , Ikenoue Tsuyomu , Minematsu Toshio , Eizuru Yoshihito 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim:  This retrospective study was performed to reveal the natural history of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infected fetuses during the perinatal period and to find prenatal findings associated with poor outcomes.Methods:  33 neonates with CMV infection, born after 30 weeks of gestation, were registered from a total of 12 414 infants between 1995 and 2003. Maternal and neonatal medical records were reviewed regarding fetal growth; abdominal signs including ascites and hepatosplenomegaly; cerebral signs including ventriculomegaly, microcephaly, and calcification; and fetal heart rate monitoring, for signs which may have been detected by the standard obstetric ultrasonography. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to test for any associations between these manifestations and poor outcomes such as death and neurological damages.Results:  Among the 33 infants, 6 died, 10 developed neurological damage including cerebral palsy (n = 8), epilepsy (n = 5), and hearing difficulties (n = 5), and the remaining 17 were normal. After adjusting for ganciclovir treatment and gender, death was 40‐fold more likely associated with infants having abdominal signs (OR 40, 95%CI 4.6–930) than those without abdominal signs. Similarly, poor outcomes (death or neurological damage) were more likely associated with infants having either abdominal or cerebral signs (OR 39, 95%CI 3.8–1323). Fetal growth restriction and non‐reassuring fetal heart rate patterns were not significantly associated with poor outcomes.Conclusion:  The absence of abdominal signs guarantees the infant's survival. The presence of abdominal or cerebral signs is associated with poor outcomes, suggesting that these fetuses are possible candidates to receive in‐utero therapy of congenital CMV infection.