bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Starch‐like exopolysaccharide produced by the filamentous fungi Ophiostoma ulmi and O. novo‐ulmi
Authors: Jeng R. , Huang C. , Sain M. , Hubbes M. , Rodriguez A. , Saville B. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThis paper describes the chemical and biochemical properties of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Ophiostoma ulmi and O. novo‐ulmi isolates, the Dutch elm disease (DED) fungi. Some of EPS have been considered as pathogenicity factor in the DED complex. The selected isolates grow well and produce EPS in a medium containing various types of carbon and nitrogen sources. EPS obtained from potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium appeared to be opaque, firm and stained purple blue with iodine‐potassium iodide solution, whereas those from yeast extract (YE) medium were less opaque, jelly‐like and remained unchanged in iodine solution. The selected fungal isolates produced much higher molecular weight EPS from the medium containing YE than from PDB. The results of this study suggest that high molecular weight compounds produced by O. ulmi (W9) and O. novo‐ulmi (R136) are not involved in DED pathogenesis. Spectrometric analysis of acid‐digested EPS obtained from PDB and YE revealed the presence of a monomer similar to glucose used as a standard. Thin layer chromatography indicated that glucan‐1,4‐α‐glucosidase (glucoamylase) only hydrolyses EPS from PDB media and releases glucose. The results strongly indicate that isolates of O. ulmi and O. novo‐ulmi produce starch‐like EPS from PDB medium. The EPS obtained from YE medium lacked this characteristic. The biological significance and the potential use of these EPS are discussed.
The effects of calcium on stem lesions of silver birch seedlings
Authors: Lilja A. , Luoranen J. , Rikala R. , Heinonen R. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryIn this study, we tested the hypothesis that decreased liming of growth medium has a role in the increase of stem lesions and top dying caused by Phytophthora cactorum in containerized silver birch seedlings (Betula pendula) in Finnish forest nurseries. The effect of limestone dose rates on growth and the nutrient status was also monitored. An index based on severity of symptom expression was used to compare the effect of different liming treatments on P. cactorum infection. Limestone amended into the sphagnum peat growth medium increased the amount of calcium in the seedling stems. Liming did not significantly decrease the disease severity although index values in most cases decreased with the increased limestone dose rates. In general, the lesions were restricted after out‐planting and the mortality of seedlings was low. Only inoculated seedlings on which the lesions had spread around the stem in the nursery died. Phytophthora cactorum appears to be a nursery pathogen, as it did not survive under conditions present in the field. Four years after out‐planting, the tallest birches were those grown in sphagnum peat amended with the highest limestone dose of 8 kg m−3.
Effects of associated fungi Sclerophoma pythiophila and Cenangium ferruginosum on Gremmeniella abietina dieback in Spain
Authors: Santamaría O. , Tejerina L. , Pajares J. A. , Diez J. J. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe interactions between Gremmeniella abietina and either Sclerophoma pythiophila or Cenangium ferruginosum, fungi frequently isolated from diseased twigs along with G. abietina, were studied under laboratory (dual cultures) and greenhouse conditions (double‐inoculations). Virulence of each species was also evaluated in greenhouse experiments by means of single‐inoculations. In vitro interactions were assessed on Petri dishes containing malt agar with pine needle extract, and greenhouse experiments were performed on 1‐year‐old Pinus halepensis seedlings. In vitro growth of G. abietina was inhibited by both fungi when grown in dual culture. In single‐inoculations, G. abietina caused the greatest necrosis length on P. halepensis seedlings, followed by S. pythiophila, whereas C. ferruginosum did not cause significant necrosis. In double‐inoculations, C. ferruginosum was able to reduce the length of necrosis caused by G. abietina on the P. halepensis seedlings. In contrast, necrosis length was greater in seedlings inoculated with both S. pythiophila and G. abietina than in those inoculated with G. abietina alone. Therefore, S. pythiophila seems to play a role in disease expression caused by G. abietina on P. halepensis in Spain.
Water stress and insect defoliation promote the colonization of Quercus cerris by the fungus Biscogniauxia mediterranea
Authors: Capretti P. , Battisti A. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe effects of water stress and defoliation by Lymantria dispar on the successful infection of the fungal pathogen Biscogniauxia mediterranea in seedlings of the Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) were studied under controlled conditions. Seedlings were inoculated by spraying with a spore suspension of Biscogniauxia mediterranea and were subjected to different levels of water stress, insect defoliation, and combinations of the two factors. The leaf water potential was periodically assessed throughout the experiment. The fungus was isolated exclusively from seedlings deprived of water, and insect defoliation increased significantly the proportion of fungus isolation when the water stress was moderate. Thus insect defoliation seems to promote fungal colonization in case of moderate water stress.
Effect of heavy metal pollution of forest soil on radial growth of Scots pine
Authors: Fedorkov A. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryA field experiment with artificial soil contamination by the heavy metals copper and nickel was established in Kola Peninsula, northern Russia. To study the effect of soil contamination by heavy metals without SO2 air pollution on the Scots pine trees growth the experiment was located outside the range of forest damage due to emissions from a copper–nickel smelter. Retardation in tree diameter growth over 15 years after contamination with 20 kg of metallurgical dust per 100 m2 plot was 54%, 10 kg 27%, 5 kg 16% and 2.5 kg 7%, respectively, compared with growth in control plots. Thus, decreasing Scots pine growth due to heavy metal pollution was demonstrated.
Advances in the serological diagnosis of invasive Aspergillus infections in patients with haematological disorders
Authors: Maertens Johan , Theunissen Koen , Lodewyck Tom , Lagrou Katrien , Eldere Johan Van 
Published: March 2007

SummaryA reliable diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with haematological malignancies is seldom achieved antemortem. Conventional laboratory diagnostic methods are insensitive and time‐consuming, resulting in late diagnosis and treatment and contributing to unacceptably high mortality. As a result, routine antifungal prophylaxis and early empirical treatment have been recommended. However, overtreatment associated with these strategies results in increased toxicity and cost. The use of sensitive and rapid non‐culture‐based diagnostic assays, such as detection of Aspergillus antigens (galactomannan, β‐d‐glucan) or detection of genomic DNA sequences may allow a shift in emphasis from empirical to pre‐emptive therapy, especially when substantiated by suggestive radiological findings. These new tools may be used to confirm a presumed diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, or, when used to screen high‐risk patients, may identify an infection at the early stage of disease. The excellent negative predictive value of these assays should convince clinicians to withhold antifungal therapy in persistently febrile neutropenic patients with no other signs of fungal infection. On the other hand, consecutive positive results in a high‐risk population should at least trigger a complete diagnostic work‐up. This review will focus on the diagnostic utility as well as on the pitfalls of serial screening for the presence of circulating fungal antigens in haematology patients.
Anidulafungin – state of affairs from a clinical perspective
Authors: Vehreschild Jörg J. , Kümmerle Tim , Karthaus Meinolf , Cornely Oliver A. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryAnidulafungin is the most recent development in the echinocandin class antifungals. Like other echinocandins, it inhibits 1,3‐β‐d‐glucan synthesis, thus achieving fungicidal activity against many Candida spp. including those resistant to fluconazole as well as fungistatic activity against some clinically important filamentous fungi, especially Aspergillus spp. The drug is well tolerated, even in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. It has a low drug–drug interaction profile as it does not significantly interfere with the cytochrome P450 pathway. Anidulafungin has been approved for treatment of candidaemia, intra‐abdominal abscesses, peritonitis and oesophageal candidiasis. Trials have shown non‐inferiority of anidulafungin to fluconazole in the treatment of invasive and non‐invasive candidiasis. After promising results from animal models, the role of anidulafungin in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and other filamentous fungi is yet to be cleared. Currently, anidulafungin offers another alternative in the treatment of Candida infections, especially in patients where avoidance of drug–drug interactions is needed. Future investigations may elucidate how anidulafungin performs clinically in comparison with the other echinocandins.
Zygomycosis – current epidemiological aspects
Authors: Glöckner Andreas , Vehreschild Jörg J. , Cornely Oliver A. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryZygomycoses are very rare invasive fungal infections (IFI). They primarily occur in the immunocompromised patients and are associated with a high mortality. During the last years, a rising incidence of zygomycosis in patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been reported, which is probably a part of the trend in the incidence of mould infections that has been going on for decades. Difficulty in diagnosis, especially concerning the differentiation of zygomycosis from the far more common aspergillosis, additionally hampers a reliable assessment of the incidence of zygomycosis. In patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT, changes in the frequency, severity and management of Graft‐versus‐Host‐Disease (GvHD) also favour mould infections, among them zygomycosis. In centres employing voriconazole for prophylaxis of IFI since its approval for treatment in 2001, incidence of aspergillosis has markedly dropped. The assumption that the frequency of zygomycosis has increased since the introduction of voriconazole is not found in prospective trials and therefore needs verification, especially when considering the long ongoing trends in fungal incidence. Currently recruiting multicentre trials on primary prophylaxis of IFI will have to show the preventive effectiveness of antifungals with mould activity and the incidence of zygomycosis under prospectively controlled conditions.
ANALYSIS OF 82 CASES OF RETROPERITONEAL SCHWANNOMA
Authors: Li Qiang , Gao Chuntao , Juzi Jonathan T. , Hao Xishan 
Published: March 2007

Background:  The aim of the study was to improve the diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal schwannoma by analysing clinical manifestations and postoperative course of this rare disease.Methods:  A retrospective analysis of 82 patients with retroperitoneal schwannoma between January 1951 and September 2004 was carried out.Results:  The patients were 38 (46%) men and 44 (54%) women between the ages of 6 months and 70 years. The interval between clinical manifestation and diagnosis ranged from 10 days to 2 years. The main symptoms were abdominal distension (30.5%) and abdominal pain (20.7%). Only in 13 patients (15.9%) a correct preoperative diagnosis was made by either ultrasound‐guided biopsy, computed tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging. All patients received operative therapy. Sixty patients (73.2%) underwent a total resection; 13 patients (15.9%) subtotal resection, but 9 patients (11.0%) had only an examination and a biopsy. Two patients (2.4%) had multiple schwannomas and two others had a simultaneous malignancy (adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon and squamous‐cell carcinoma of the lung, respectively). Most of the retroperitoneal schwannomas were close to the spine. Pathological results showed 81 (98.8%) were benign schwannoma and 1 (1.2%) was a malignant one. The tumour size ranged from 3 to 22 cm. One benign schwannoma recurred 3 years after the operation. The patient with malignant schwannoma died 18 months after the operation because of metastasized disease.Conclusion:  Most of the retroperitoneal schwannomas are benign. It is difficult to make an accurate preoperative diagnosis. However, with the preoperative assessment of ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the accuracy of diagnosis could definitely be improved. Treatment depends solely on surgery. Malignant schwannomas are insensitive to chemotherapy and radiation, resulting in poor prognosis.
A PILOT STUDY OF PREOPERATIVE AND POSTOPERATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH OPERABLE GASTRIC CANCER: AUSTRALASIAN GASTROINTESTINAL TRIALS GROUP STUDY 9601
Authors: Findlay Michael , Storey David , Gebski Val , Hargreaves Carol , Cullingford Graham , Boyer Michael , Trotter James , Archer Stephen , Davidson Andrew , Johnston Peter , Yuen Jennifer , Dhillon Haryana , Della‐Fiorentina Stephen , Richardson Gary , Truskett Philip , Goldstein David ,   The AGITG
Published: March 2007

Background:  With poor cure rates in gastric cancer using surgery alone, the safety, efficacy and feasibility of preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy was investigated.Methods:  Patients with advanced but operable gastric or cardio‐oesophageal adenocarcinoma were staged using endoscopy, computed tomography scan and laparoscopy. If considered potentially resectable, they received chemotherapy (epirubicin, cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil) for 9 weeks before and after surgery.Results:  Of 59 participants entered, two were found to have metastatic disease and were excluded from the analysis. Of the participants, 10 were women and 47 men; their median age was 58 years (range 27–83 years) and median performance status 0 (range 0–1). Two of the 57 participants commencing chemotherapy did not undergo surgery (one sudden death, one new liver metastases). Grade 3 and 4 preoperative and postoperative toxicity rates were, respectively, neutropenia 22 and 18%, emesis 12 and 14% and other non‐haematological toxicity <10 and <10%. Of the 55 who underwent surgery, 40 had apparently curative resections (clear or positive microscopic margins), 2 died after surgery (anastomotic leak, sepsis) and 16 had postoperative complications. Of these, 27 participants commenced postoperative chemotherapy and 21 completed it. Median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 19.6 and 22 months, respectively.Conclusion:  Epirubicin, cisplatin and protracted venous infusion of 5‐fluorouracil chemotherapy was well‐tolerated in the preoperative setting and did not appear to increase complication rates of surgery for advanced and operable stomach cancer. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of this strategy in the Australasian clinical setting and are in keeping with the results of a recently reported randomized trial, which demonstrated a significant survival advantage using this chemotherapy regimen.
LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED COLECTOMY: EXPERIENCE FROM A RURAL CENTRE
Authors: Guo Ding Y. , Eteuati Jimmy , Hung Nguyen M. , Lloyd David , Ragg Joe L 
Published: March 2007

Background:  This study presents an audit of the first 50 elective laparoscopic assisted colorectal resections carried out at the Launceston General Hospital, Tasmania, particularly in comparison with the 33 elective open resections carried out in the same 18‐month period.Methods:  This was a retrospective review and analysis of prospectively recorded data on an intention‐to‐treat basis using non‐parametric methods.Results:  With respect to case selection, patients in the laparoscopic group were younger (median = 63 years (range 19–98 years) vs 69 years (33–93 years), P = 0.0392) and more patients had benign pathology (22/50, 44% vs 4/33, 12%, P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in sex or American Society of Anesthesiologists status (P = 0.499 and 0.517, respectively). There were more left‐sided than right‐sided resections (28/50, 56% vs 14/33, 42%, P = 0.118), along with more total colectomies in the laparoscopic group (7 vs 2). Operation times in the laparoscopic group were longer (197.5 min (87–452 min) vs 144 min (70–260 min), P = 0.0002) and no significant reduction was recorded over the study period (P = 0.50). There were five conversions from laparoscopic to open procedure (a 10% incidence). Compared with the open colectomy group, patients who underwent laparoscopic resections required less parenteral analgesia (2 days (1–5 days) vs 3 days (0–6 days), P < 0.0001). They had earlier first flatus (3 days (1–7 days) vs 4 days (1–6 days), P = 0.0069) and bowel movement (3 days (1–7 days) vs 4 days (2–9 days), P = 0.0021), tolerated solid diet earlier (3 days (1–9 days) vs 4 days (1–30 days), P = 0.0001) and had shorter hospital stay (5 days (3–12 days) vs 7 days (4–37 days), P = 0.0009). Less major perioperative complications were recorded for the laparoscopic group (2/50 vs 4/33, P = 0.162), but very little difference was found with respect to minor complications (17/50 vs 10/33, P = 0.725). For carcinoma resections, there were no positive resection margins. In the laparoscopic group, tumour size was smaller (3.25 cm (1–7 cm) vs 5 cm (2–15 cm), P = 0.0014) and less lymph nodes were harvested (6 (2–16) vs 8 (3–23), P = 0.101).Conclusion:  Laparoscopic colectomy allowed early postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stay. This was at the expense of a longer operation. It can be taken up by relatively laparoscopically naive surgeons without extra major morbidity/mortality associated with the learning curve. It is technically feasible and safe in small centres.
Audit of acute admissions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: inpatient management and outcome
Authors: Chang C. L. , Sullivan G. D. , Karalus N. C. , Hancox R. J. , McLachlan J. D. , Mills G. D. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: Despite the publication of several management guidelines for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is little information on standards of care in clinical practice. The aim of this audit was to examine the assessment, management and outcome of COPD admissions to a secondary and tertiary referring New Zealand hospital during two different seasons. Compliance to current recommendations was examined and compared with the available international published work.Methods: All COPD‐related admissions to Waikato Hospital during the months of May and October 2004 were reviewed. Ninety‐four cases (from 84 patients) were audited.Results: General characteristics, clinical features and lung function tests were similar to that of other cohorts. Twenty‐three per cent of the admissions were Maori and the mean age of Maori admissions were significantly less than that of the non‐Maori admissions (57 and 72 years, respectively; P = 0.0001). The geometric mean length of stay was 3.4 days, which is significantly less than most other reported hospital lengths of stays related to exacerbations of COPD. Fifty‐five per cent of the cohort was admitted more than once to the hospital for COPD in the 12 months before the index admission. Thirteen per cent of all admissions received assisted ventilation. Overall 30‐day mortality was 8% and the 12‐month mortality was 31%. Decreased body mass index was a risk factor for death as was an increased CURB‐65 (confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure age) score – a simple bedside assessment score, which has previously been used to predict mortality in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia.Conclusion: This audit documented the general characteristics, assessment, management and outcome of the COPD admissions to a secondary New Zealand hospital. Further investigations into factors contributing to shorter length of stay and predictors of mortality are needed.
Effects of vitamin E treatment on peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α expression and insulin resistance in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: results of a pilot study
Authors: Yakaryilmaz F , Guliter S , Savas B , Erdem O , Ersoy R , Erden E , Akyol G , Bozkaya H , Ozenirler S 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: Insulin resistance (IR) is commonly associated with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) may also play a role in the pathogenesis of NASH. A pivotal role in NASH pathogenesis depends on the hypothesis of increased oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental oral vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, on liver functions, PPAR‐α expression and IR in patients with NASH.Methods: Nine patients with biopsy‐proven NASH were given oral vitamin E 800 mg daily for 24 weeks. Liver functions, lipid parameters, IR index with homeostatic metabolic assessment and liver histology and PPAR‐α staining index in biopsy specimens were detected before and after the treatment.Results: Seven patients (78%) had IR initially. After 6 months of therapy in nine patients, fasting insulin improved (P = 0.01), but serum cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose levels and body mass index remained unchanged. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels decreased (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). IR index with homeostatic metabolic assessment resistance improved (P = 0.01), but PPAR‐α staining index did not change (P = 0.37). Although the histological grade of steatosis decreased (P = 0.01), necroinflammation and fibrosis remained unchanged. In seven patients with IR, however, necroinflammation and PPAR‐α staining index were improved (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02).Conclusion: Vitamin E treatment, in addition to its previously shown beneficial effect by suppressing oxidative stress, may also achieve improvement by reducing IR and PPAR‐α expression in NASH.
Efficacy of aprepitant in management of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting
Authors: Osorio‐Sanchez J. A. A. , Karapetis C. , Koczwara B. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: Chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is an important cause of distress for cancer patients. We have evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a new antiemetic aprepitant in improving management of CINV refractory to standard antiemetic therapy in the general oncology setting.Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients who received aprepitant from 1 January 2004 to 31 May 2005.Results: Twenty‐six patients received oral aprepitant in addition to 5‐hydroxytryptamine blocker and corticosteroid. Eighty‐five per cent of the patients were women. Median age was 49 years. More than half patients had early‐stage cancers. Majority received anthracycline‐based chemotherapy for breast cancer. Fourteen (54%) patients received aprepitant during cycle 2, seven patients (27%) started aprepitant during cycle 4 and one (4%) during cycle 5. Side‐effects observed included constipation (27%), fatigue (27%) and diarrhoea (8%). Six (23%) patients did not complete chemotherapy. Two of these had persistent nausea and vomiting, and four experienced diarrhoea, febrile neutropenia and other chemotherapy‐related events. Three patients (12%) were hospitalized prior to starting aprepitant because of CINV, and one patient was hospitalized because of CINV while receiving aprepitant. Only six (23%) patients would have been eligible for aprepitant under the reimbursement scheme available at the time.Conclusion: The addition of aprepitant was associated with improved control of nausea and vomiting and reduction in hospitalization in patients receiving chemotherapy.