bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nosocomial bloodstream infections associated with Candida species in a Turkish University Hospital
Authors: Yapar Nur , Uysal Ulker , Yucesoy Mine , Cakir Nedim , Yuce Ayse 
Published: February 2006

SummaryIn recent years, a progressive increase in the frequency of nosocomial candidaemia has been observed, especially among the critically ill or immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trend in incidence of candidaemia together with potential risk factors in an 850‐bed Turkish Tertiary Care Hospital in a 4‐year period. A total of 104 candidaemia episodes were identified in 104 patients. The overall incidence was 0.56 per 1000 hospital admissions and the increase in incidence of candidaemia from 2000 to 2003 was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.010). Candida albicans was the most common species (57.7%) and non‐albicans species accounted for 42.3% of all episodes. The most common non‐albicans Candida sp. isolated was C. tropicalis (20.2%) followed by C. parapsilosis (12.5%). The most frequent risk factors possibly associated with the candidaemia were previous antibiotic treatment (76.9%), presence of central venous catheter (71.2%) and total parenteral nutrition (55.8%). Our results show the fact that the incidence of candidaemia caused by non‐albicans species is frequent and increasing significantly, although the most common isolated Candida species were C. albicans and further investigations are necessary to evaluate the mechanisms of increasing incidence of candidaemia caused by non‐albicans species.
In vitro adhesion of Candida species to denture base materials
Authors: He X. Y. , Meurman J. H. , Kari K. , Rautemaa R. , Samaranayake L. P. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryAdhesion of Candida species to prosthetic acrylic resins is an essential first step in the pathogenesis of denture stomatitis. Data on the relative adhesion of pathogenic non‐albicans Candida species to different denture base materials are sparse. The purpose of the present study was to investigate in vitro adhesion of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. dubliniensis to four different denture base materials. Specimens of both heat‐cured resins (VertexTM Rapid Simplified and ProBaseTM Hot) and cold‐cured resins (Paladur® A and Paladur® B) were prepared using a novel method and the adhesion of four strains each of the foregoing Candida species evaluated microscopically using a soft imaging system. There was a significant difference in yeast adherence between Vertex and the other resins. Only C. glabrata attached to Vertex, while all the remainder of the tested species adhered to all other resins tested except ProBase, which resisted C. krusei adhesion. There was a significant difference in candidal adhesion between cold‐cured and heat‐cured resins for three Candida species (C. albicans, P = 0.039; C. glabrata, P = 0.002 and C. krusei, P = 0.000). The type of denture base material and whether they are heat‐cured or cold‐cured play an important role in modifying candidal adhesion.
The glyoxylate cycle enzyme activities in the pathogenic isolates of Candida albicans obtained from HIV/AIDS, diabetic and burn patients
Authors: Lattif Ali Abdul , Prasad Rajendra , Banerjee Uma , Gupta Nivedita , Mohammad Sameer , Baquer Najma Z. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryRecently it has been found that Candida albicans harbours enzymes involved in the glyoxylate cycle (GC), which have a role in its virulence, especially the two key enzymes, isocitrate lyase (ICL) and malate synthase (MS). There are however, few studies on the GC enzyme activities isolated in the clinical isolates. Samples were collected from three groups of patients namely, HIV/AIDS, diabetic and burn patients suffering from candidiasis at different body locations. Isolation, identification and the antifungal susceptibility test of all the isolates of C. albicans were followed by the standard techniques. Measurements of all the GC enzyme activities were also carried out by the standard methods. Levels of the principal GC enzymes showed significant changes when calculated and compared taking control strains of C. albicans. The activity of the two key enzymes of the GC, ICL and MS were significantly higher in the isolates from diabetic patients. No significant relationship between the drug susceptibility and the level of enzymes of the GC was observed. As GC activity is absent in mammalian cells, a specific inhibitor for the GC could be developed and these enzymes therefore can be used as a new antifungal target.
A kerion celsi caused by Microsporum gypseum: unusual direct mycological examination
Authors: Baudraz‐Rosselet Florence , Bontems Olympia , Ninet Béatrice , Panizzon Renato G. , Monod Michel 
Published: February 2006

SummaryA case of kerion celsi caused by Microsporum gypseum is documented. The patient was a 6‐year‐old girl with a 2‐cm purulent lesion on the scalp. Direct mycological examination of the hair showed hyphae with extremely numerous spindle‐shaped macrospores. The species identification was confirmed by 28S ribosomal DNA sequencing. The presence of numerous macrospores is unusual in direct mycological examination, but could be an indication for M. gypseum.
Intrinsic in vitro susceptibility of primary clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus nidulans, Candida albicans and Candida lusitaniae against amphotericin B
Authors: Singh Jagpal , Rimek Dagmar , Kappe Reinhard 
Published: February 2006

SummaryA total of 60 clinical fungal isolates from patients without prior amphotericin B treatment and three control strains were evaluated for their intrinsic susceptibility to amphotericin B (AmB) using microdilution, Etest and disc diffusion assays, on three media each, Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640, Antibiotic Medium 3 (AM3) and High Resolution Medium. The fungal strains included isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus (n = 10), Aspergillus terreus (n = 12), Aspergillus nidulans (n = 9), Candida albicans (n = 6) and Candida lusitaniae (n = 23). The A. terreus strains were significantly less susceptible to AmB than the A. fumigatus strains in all nine experimental settings (P‐values ranging from 0.009 to <0.00001). The A. nidulans strains were equally susceptible to AmB as the A. fumigatus strains in seven of nine experimental settings and less susceptible in two (microdilution performed on RPMI and AM3, P = 0.01 and 0.007). The C. lusitaniae strains were equally susceptible to AmB as the C. albicans strains in seven of nine experimental settings and more susceptible in two (microdilution and Etest, both performed on AM3, P = 0.01 and 0.0002). Thus, we confirmed that A. terreus is intrinsically less susceptible to AmB than A. fumigatus. In contrast, nine German clinical isolates of Aspergillus nidulans were found equally susceptible to AmB as 10 isolates of A. fumigatus. Furthermore, we found 23 German clinical isolates of C. lusitaniae from patients without prior treatment with AmB equally susceptible to AmB as C. albicans.
Risk factors and outcome for breakthrough candidaemia in patients with cancer
Authors: Chung Jin‐Won , Lee Sang‐Oh , Choi Sang‐Ho , Woo Jun‐Hee , Ryu Jiso , Kim Yang Soo , Kim Nam Joong 
Published: February 2006

SummaryWhile candidaemia that develops during systemic antifungal prophylaxis or therapy [breakthrough (BT) candidaemia] has been reported increasingly, the risk factors and outcome of BT candidaemia are not yet known definitely. We evaluated a consecutive series of cancer patients with candidaemia at Asan Medical Center during 6 years to identify risk factors and outcome in BT candidaemia comparing with non‐BT candidaemia. Fifty‐four episodes of candidaemia in cancer patients diagnosed during this period were reviewed retrospectively. There were 10 episodes (18.5%) of BT candidaemia in which the species distribution and frequency of catheter‐related infection in the BT and non‐BT groups were similar. BT candidaemia had a tendency to occur more frequently in patients with haematological than non‐haematological diseases. Profound neutropenia and disseminated candidiasis were more common in the BT group; however, these differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.17 and 0.07 respectively). The duration of prior antibiotic therapy and duration of profound neutropenia (<100 mm−3) were identified as risk factors for BT candidaemia (P < 0.01 and 0.02 respectively) in univariate analysis and the latter was the only risk factor in multivariate analysis. The death rates due to candidaemia were 85.7% in the BT group and 42.9% in the non‐BT group (P = 0.08); however, BT candidaemia alone did not increase mortality rate.
Dermatophytoses in Monterrey, México
Authors: Welsh Oliverio , Welsh Esperanza , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge , Gomez Minerva , Vera‐Cabrera Lucio 
Published: February 2006

SummaryIn the present report we reviewed a total of 2397 cases of dermatophytosis from superficial cutaneous lesions between the years 1978 and 1990. The cases included were from the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital located in the city of Monterrey, México. A total of 726 tinea pedis, 613 tinea unguium, 441 tinea capitis, 395 tinea corporis and 222 tinea cruris cases were observed. The most commonly isolated dermatophyte species was Trichophyton rubrum (45%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (23.7%), Trichophyton tonsurans (21%), Microsporum canis (7.1%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (2.5%). Less frequently we isolated Microsporum audouinii, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton verrucosum. Most of the cases were observed in the warmest months of the year (from March to September), and were equally distributed in both genders, except for tinea cruris which was more prevalent in men (3.5 : 1 ratio).
Genotyping of Turkish environmental Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans isolates by pulsed field gel electrophoresis and mating type
Authors: Saracli M. A. , Yildiran S. T. , Sener K. , Gonlum A. , Doganci L. , Keller S. M. , Wickes B. L. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryA total of 26 environmental Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans strains isolated from 634 samples of pigeon droppings collected from 54 different provinces of Turkey in 1996 and 1997 were included in this study. The results of pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) showed that the 26 strains could be separated into 24 different PFGE patterns. In a mating‐type study, of 26 strains, 20 were MATα, four were MATa, one was MATa/α and one was non‐typable by STE20 specific primers. By the polymerase chain reaction typing, all the isolates were serotype A. The extensive heterogeneity among these isolates suggests that a single clonal population may not be present in Turkey. Additionally, the presence of an AMATa/DMATα hybrid may indicate the existence of strains that are AMATa mating type in Turkish environment.
Concentric rings: an unusual presentation of tinea corporis caused by Microsporum gypseum
Authors: Sun Pei‐Lun , Ho Hsin‐Tsung 
Published: February 2006

SummaryA case of tinea corporis with the unusual presentation of concentric erythematous rings on the abdomen is reported. The pathogen was identified as Microsporum gypseum. While a number of unusual lesions have been described in M. gypseum infections, we are unaware of any reports on concentric rings.
Necrotising cryptococcal vasculitis in an HIV‐negative woman
Authors: J. Sico Jason , Hughes Eric 
Published: February 2006

SummaryAn 84‐year‐old woman with a past medical history significant for haemolytic anaemia necessitating chronic steroid therapy presented with skin induration and erythema initially thought to be cellulitis. After a rapid progression of symptoms and failure to respond to antibiotics, a clinical diagnosis of necrotising vasculitis was made. Necrotising cryptococcal vasculitis was confirmed by histopathology and culture.
Vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3) identifies spatially segregated excitatory terminals in the rat substantia nigra
Authors: Martín‐Ibañez Raquel , Jenstad Monica , Berghuis Paul , Edwards Robert H. , Hioki Hiroyuki , Kaneko Takeshi , Mulder Jan , Canals Josep M. , Ernfors Patrik , Chaudhry Farrukh A. , Harkany Tibor 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe excitability of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra is controlled by the convergent activity of multiple glutamatergic afferents. Here, we show that vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3)‐immunoreactive (ir) terminals segregate to the perisomatic region of DA neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, and VGLUT3 decorates a synapse population distinct from those marked by vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2. VGLUT3‐ir nerve endings form asymmetric terminals on DA neurons. Retrograde tracing suggests the superior colliculus as an origin of excitatory VGLUT3‐ir afferents. Collectively, our data indicate that VGLUT3 identifies a novel excitatory terminal subset that contributes to the tuning of DA cell excitability in the substantia nigra.
NMDA receptor‐mediated transmission contributes to network ‘hyperexcitability’ in the rat insular cortex
Authors: Inaba Yuji , De Guzman Philip , Avoli Massimo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe insular cortex (IC) plays distinct roles under physiological and pathological conditions. However, the mechanisms regulating excitability in this area remain unknown. By employing field potential and sharp‐electrode intracellular recordings in horizontal rat brain slices comprising the IC and the perirhinal cortex, we studied here the intrinsic and network characteristics of neurons in the agranular IC. These cells generated regular action potential firing with weak adaptation during intracellular injection of depolarizing current pulses, and were pyramidal in shape when neurobiotin filled. Spontaneous, field events (duration = 2.3 ± 0.25 s; intervals of occurrence = 44.9 ± 6.3 s) were identified in 22/52 slices and corresponded in IC neurons to intracellular depolarizations with action potential firing. Similar field and intracellular discharges were elicited in all slices by electrical stimuli. Antagonizing N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors blocked the spontaneous activity and reduced or abolished the stimulus‐induced discharges. In the latter cases, stimuli elicited depolarizing events that became hyperpolarizing at about −64 mV, suggesting the contribution of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor‐mediated conductances. Our findings identify for the first time some functional properties of agranular IC neurons and point at a powerful NMDA receptor‐mediated mechanism implementing network hyperexcitability. This feature may contribute to the role of IC in neurological disorders.
1H MRS identifies lactate rise in the striatum of MPTP‐treated C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Koga Keiko , Mori Atsushi , Ohashi Satoshi , Kurihara Naoki , Kitagawa Hisashi , Ishikawa Makoto , Mitsumoto Yasuhide , Nakai Masami 
Published: February 2006

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the death of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐treated experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we utilized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) to identify changes in energy metabolism in the striatum of MPTP‐treated C57BL/6 mice. Remarkable increases in lactate/creatine (Lac/Cr) ratio were observed at 2 h and then quickly returned to about the basal level by 7 h after injection of MPTP. Neurochemical and Western blot analyses revealed that dopamine contents and protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter in the striatum were profoundly decreased at 3 days after MPTP treatment. Pretreatment with deprenyl, a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, or GBR‐12909, a dopamine uptake inhibitor, almost completely attenuated both the increases in striatal Lac/Cr ratio and the subsequent loss of dopaminergic nerve terminals in MPTP‐treated mice. The present study indicates that 1H MRS is a sensitive measure of biochemical alterations of the brain in a mouse model of PD, and further shows that the increases in striatal Lac/Cr ratio induced by MPTP may be associated with mitochondrial energy crisis, followed by dopaminergic neurotoxicity.
Evening exposure to blue light stimulates the expression of the clock gene PER2 in humans
Authors: Cajochen Christian , Jud Corinne , Münch Mirjam , Kobialka Szymon , Wirz‐Justice Anna , Albrecht Urs 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe developed a non‐invasive method to measure and quantify human circadian PER2 gene expression in oral mucosa samples and show that this gene oscillates in a circadian (= about a day) fashion. We also have the first evidence that induction of human PER2 expression is stimulated by exposing subjects to 2 h of light in the evening. This increase in PER2 expression was statistically significant in comparison to a non‐light control condition only after light at 460 nm (blue) but not after light exposure at 550 nm (green). Our results indicate that the non‐image‐forming visual system is involved in human circadian gene expression. The demonstration of a functional circadian machinery in human buccal samples and its response to light opens the door for investigation of human circadian rhythms at the gene level and their associated disorders.
The Acinetobacter outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is a secreted emulsifier
Authors: Walzer Gil , Rosenberg Eugene , Ron Eliora Z. 
Published: February 2006

Summary Acinetobacter strains use hydrophobic carbon sources and most of them are efficient oil degraders. They secrete a variety of emulsifiers which are efficient in producing and stabilizing oil‐in‐water emulsions. The bioemulsifier of Acinetobacter radioresistens KA53 (Alasan) is a high‐mass complex of proteins and polysaccharides. The major emulsification activity of this complex is associated with a 45 kDa protein (AlnA), which is homologous to the outer membrane protein OmpA. The emulsification ability of AlnA depends on the presence of hydrophobic residues in the four loops spanning the transmembrane domains. The finding of a secreted OmpA was unexpected, in view of the fact that this protein is essential in all Gram‐negative bacteria, has four trans‐membrane domains and is considered to be an integral structural component of the outer membrane. However, secretion of an OmpA with emulsifying ability could be of physiological importance in the utilization of hydrophobic substrates as carbon sources. Here we examined the possibility that secretion of OmpA with emulsifying activity is a general property of the oil‐degrading Acinetobacter strains. The results indicate that OmpA is secreted in five strains of Acinetobacter, including strain Acinetobacter sp. ADP1 whose genome has been sequenced. The ompA genes of ADP1 and an additional strain, Acinetobacter sp. V‐26 were cloned and sequenced. Structure analysis of the sequence of the two proteins indicated the existence of the hydrophobic regions, previously shown to be responsible for the emulsification activity of AlnA. Further examination of the recombinant OmpA proteins indicated that they are, indeed, strong emulsifiers, even when produced in Escherichia coli. The finding that Acinetobacter OmpA has emulsifying activity and that it is secreted in five strains of Acinetobacter may be physiologically significant and suggests the involvement of this protein in biodegradation of hydrophobic substrates, including hydrocarbons.
Analysis of fimbrial gene clusters and their expression in enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Low Alison S. , Holden Nicola , Rosser Tracy , Roe Andrew J. , Constantinidou Chrystala , Hobman Jon L. , Smith David G. E. , Low J. Christopher , Gally David L. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe sequence of two enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 strains reveals the possession of at least 16 fimbrial gene clusters, many of the chaperone/usher class. The first part of this study examined the distribution of these clusters in a selection of EHEC/EPEC (enteropathogenic E. coli) serotypes to determine if any were likely to be unique to E. coli O157:H7. Six of the clusters, as determined by the presence of amplified main subunit or usher gene sequences, were detected only in the E. coli O157 and O145 serotypes tested. With the exception of one serotype O103 strain that contained an lpf2 cluster, lpf sequences were only detected in E. coli O157 of the serotypes tested. Expression from each cluster was measured by the construction of chromosomally integrated lacZ promoter fusions and plasmid‐based eGFP fusions in E. coli O157:H7. This analysis demonstrated that the majority (11/15) of main fimbrial subunit genes were not expressed under the majority of conditions tested in vitro. One of the clusters showing promoter activity, loc8, has a temperature expression optimum indicating a possible role outside the host. From the presence of pseudogenes in three of the clusters, the lack of FimH‐like minor adhesins in the clusters and their limited expression in vitro, it would appear that E. coli O157:H7 has a limited repertoire of expressed functional fimbriae. This restricted selection of fimbriae may be important in bringing about the tropism E. coli O157:H7 demonstrates for the terminal rectum of cattle.
Surgery and pre‐operative irradiation for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer in patients over 75 years of age
Authors: Larsen S. G. , Wiig J. N. , Tretli S. , Giercksky K.‐E. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective  Reports of multimodal treatment regimens especially focusing on locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer in the elderly, aged > 75 years, are unavailable. We have tried to identify and evaluate pre‐ and peri‐operative risk factors for morbidity and mortality and outcome after irradiation/surgery regimens in such patients.Patients and methods  Prospective registration of 86 consecutive patients aged > 75 years undergoing elective surgery after irradiation 46–50 Gy for either primary locally advanced rectal cancer (n = 51) or recurrent rectal cancer (n = 35) from January 1991 to August 2003, 51 men and 35 women, median age 78 years (range 75–85 years) in a national cancer hospital.Results  Multivisceral resections were needed in 63% of patients and 70% R0 resections were obtained in locally advanced cases and 46% in recurrent ones. Both in‐hospital‐ and 30‐day‐mortality was 3.5%. Sixty‐two postoperative complications occurred in 38 patients, three of them fatal. Both operation times over 5 h and transfusion of more than 3 SAG were prognostic factors regarding infections. Estimated five‐year survival in R0 patients was 46%. Estimated five‐year survival for patients with nonmetastatic tumours with locally advanced primary cancer was 29% and for locally recurrent rectal cancer 32%. Old males had a higher mortality rate the first year after surgery than females with only 65% relative survival compared to a matched normal population. The estimated five‐year local recurrence rates were 24% for R0 resections and 54% for R1 resections (P = 0.434 ns) and 24% and 45% for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer (P = 0.248 ns), respectively.Conclusion  Thorough pre‐operative evaluation and preparation and judicious surgery are important for achieving potentially curative treatment with acceptable morbidity in locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer in patients over 75 years of age. We suggest that these patients should be evaluated and considered for treatment by multidisciplinary teams as younger patients.