bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential synthesis of phosphate‐starvation inducible purple acid phosphatase isozymes in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) suspension cells and seedlings
Authors: BOZZO GALE G. , DUNN EVELYN L. , PLAXTON WILLIAM C. 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTThis study compares the influence of phosphate (Pi) deprivation on the coordinate synthesis of the principle Pi‐starvation  inducible  (PSI)  acid  phosphatase  (AP)  isozymes in a suspension cell culture with the homologous in planta system. Tomato suspension cells express three PSI purple AP isozymes: a heterodimeric intracellular AP (IAP) composed of 63 and 57 kDa subunits, and two monomeric secreted APs (SAPs) (84 kDa SAP1 and 57 kDa SAP2) localized in the culture media. Immunoblots probed with rabbit antibodies raised against purified SAP1 or IAP indicated the immunological distinctiveness of SAP1 relative to IAP and SAP2. Time‐course studies of cells and seedlings undergoing a transition from Pi sufficiency to Pi deficiency revealed a close relationship between total IAP or SAP activity and relative amounts of antigenic IAP or SAP polypeptides. Upregulation of the pre‐existing IAP in 6‐day‐old Pi‐deficient (–Pi) suspension cells coincided with a 20‐fold reduction in intracellular free Pi levels, which occurred 2 d prior to initial accumulation of SAP1 and SAP2 in the culture media. Similarly, root‐specific SAP synthesis in –Pi seedlings occurred at least 7 d following IAP induction in roots or shoots. Preferential sequestration of limiting Pi to the leaves of the –Pi seedlings was suggested by the delayed induction of leaf versus root IAP. Our results confirm recent transcript profiling studies suggesting that PSI proteins are subject to both temporal and tissue‐specific syntheses in‐ Pi plants.
Oxidative gating of water channels (aquaporins) in corn roots
Authors: YE QING , STEUDLE ERNST 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTAn oxidative gating of water channels (aquaporins: AQPs) was observed in roots of corn seedlings as already found for the green alga Chara corallina. In the presence of 35 m m hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) – a precursor of hydroxyl radicals (*OH) – half times of water flow (as measured with the aid of pressure probes) increased at the level of both entire roots and individual cortical cells by factors of three and nine, respectively. This indicated decreases in the hydrostatic hydraulic conductivity of roots (Lphr) and of cells (Lph) by the same factors. Unlike other stresses, the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) had no ameliorative effect either on root Lphr or on cell Lph when AQPs were inhibited by oxidative stress. Closure of AQPs reduced the permeability of acetone by factors of two in roots and 1.5 in cells. This indicated that AQPs were not ideally selective for water but allowed the passage of the organic solute acetone. In the presence of H2O2, channel closure caused anomalous (negative) osmosis at both the root and the cell level. This was interpreted by the fact that in the case of the rapidly permeating solute acetone, channel closure caused the solute to move faster than the water and the reflection coefficient (σs) reversed its sign. When H2O2 was removed from the medium, the effects were reversible, again at both the root and the cell level. The results provide evidence of oxidative gating of AQPs, which leads on to inhibition of water uptake by the roots. Possible mechanisms of the oxidative gating of AQPs induced by H2O2 (*OH) are discussed.
Impact of elevated UV‐B radiation on photosynthetic electron transport, primary productivity and carbon allocation in estuarine epipelic diatoms
Authors: WARING JEN , UNDERWOOD GRAHAM J. C. , BAKER NEIL R. 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTEpipelic diatoms are important components of microphytobenthic biofilms. Cultures of four diatom species (Amphora coffeaeformis, Cylindrotheca closterium, Navicula perminuta and Nitzschia epithemioides) and assemblages of mixed diatom species collected from an estuary were exposed to elevated levels of ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation. Short exposures to UV‐B resulted in decreases in photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry, photosynthetic electron transport, photosynthetic carbon assimilation and changes in the pattern of allocation of assimilated carbon into soluble colloidal, extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and glucan pools. The magnitude of the effects of the UV‐B treatments varied between species and was also dependent upon the photosynthetically active photon flux density (PPFD) to which the cells were also exposed, with effects being greater at lower light levels. Both increases in non‐photochemical quenching of excitation energy in the pigment antennae and photodamage to the D1 reaction centres contributed to decreases in PSII photochemistry. All species demonstrated a rapid ability to recover from perturbations of PSII photochemistry, with some species recovering during the UV‐B exposure period. Some of the perturbations induced in carbon metabolism were independent of effects on PSII photochemistry and photosynthetic electron transport. Elevated UV‐B can significantly inhibit photosynthetic performance, and modify carbon metabolism in epipelic diatoms. However, the ecological effects of UV‐B at the community level are difficult to predict as large variations occur between species.
Functional coordination between leaf gas exchange and vulnerability to xylem cavitation in temperate forest trees
Authors: MAHERALI HAFIZ , MOURA CATARINA F. , CALDEIRA MARIA C. , WILLSON CYNTHIA J. , JACKSON ROBERT B. 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTWe examined functional coordination among stem and root vulnerability to xylem cavitation, plant water transport characteristics and leaf traits in 14 co‐occurring temperate tree species. Relationships were evaluated using both traditional cross‐species correlations and phylogenetically independent contrast (PIC) correlations. For stems, the xylem tension at which 50% of hydraulic conductivity was lost (Ψ50) was positively associated (P < 0.001) with specific conductivity (KS) and with mean hydraulically weighted xylem conduit diameter (Dh‐w), but was only marginally (P = 0.06) associated with leaf specific conductivity (KL). The PIC correlation for each of these relationships, however, was not statistically significant. There was also no relationship between rootΨ50and rootKSin either cross‐species or PIC analysis. Photosynthetic rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) were strongly and positively correlated with rootΨ50in the cross‐species analysis (P < 0.001), a relationship that was robust to phylogenetic correction (P < 0.01).Aandgswere also positively correlated with stemΨ50in the cross‐species analysis (P = 0.02 and 0.10, respectively). However, onlyAwas associated with stemΨ50in the PIC analysis (P = 0.04). Although the relationship between vulnerability to cavitation and xylem conductivity traits within specific organs (i.e. stems and roots) was weak, the strong correlation betweengsand rootΨ50across species suggests that there is a trade‐off between vulnerability to cavitation and water transport capacity at the whole‐plant level. Our results were therefore consistent with the expectation of coordination between vulnerability to xylem cavitation and the regulation of stomatal conductance, and highlight the potential physiological and evolutionary significance of root hydraulic properties in controlling interspecific variation in leaf function.
ABO incompatible kidney transplantation – an analysis of UNOS Registry data
Authors: Futagawa Yasuro , Terasaki Paul I 
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Background:  The ABO incompatible kidney transplants have been performed successfully from large numbers of living donors and some blood type A2 deceased donors. However, there are few reports to support the feasibility of ABO incompatible transplants from non‐A2 deceased donors. This problem was examined in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data file.Patients and methods:  The UNOS Registry data of kidney transplants performed between 1995 and 2003 from 256 centers was utilized for Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank tests to compare graft and functional graft survival rates.Results:  Deceased donor transplants from all ABO incompatible donors had the same graft survival rates, as that from ABO compatible donors regardless of whether the blood group incompatibility was A (A1), A2 or B. Graft survival from 201 ABO incompatible donors was 66.9% at 5 yr, compared with 66.7% for ABO compatible donors (p = 0.83). Non‐A2 incompatible donors also yielded comparable survival rates to ABO compatible donors. From living donors, ABO incompatible donors yielded significantly lower graft survival rates than the ABO compatible group, although long‐term graft survival rates of those who survived >1 yr did not differ significantly.Conclusion:  Except higher initial graft loss possibility because of insufficient removal of antibodies, non‐A2 kidneys yielded equivalent graft survival rates to ABO compatible transplants. In addition to A2 incompatibilities, Blood group A1 and B incompatibilities can also be considered in ABO incompatible transplants.
Four cases of Candida albicans infections with isolates developing pink colonies on CHROMagar Candida plates
Authors: Saunte D. M. , Klingspor L. , Jalal S. , Arnau J. , Arendrup M. C. 
Published: October 2005

Summary Candida albicans, the most commonly isolated yeast species, is typically identified by its green colony‐colour on CHROMagar Candida plates. We here report four cases of Candida albicans infections, in which the initial identification was non‐albicans isolates due to a clear pink colour of the colonies on CHROMagar Candida plates. However, classical phenotypic criteria, biochemical assimilation pattern and molecular characterisation identified all four isolates as C. albicans isolates.
Majocchi's granuloma of the vulva caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Authors: Chang S. E. , Lee D. K. , Choi J. H. , Moon K. C. , Koh J. K. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryWe report a case of Majocchi's granuloma caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes on the vulva in a 23‐year‐old girl who had used topical steroids for many years. Her dog was a source of the infection.
Invasive chromoblastomycosis and sinusitis due to Phialophora verrucosa in a child from northern Africa
Authors: Hofmann H. , Choi S.‐M. , Wilsmann‐Theis D. , Horré R. , de Hoog G. S. , Bieber T. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryWe report on a severe, verrucous facial mycosis and sinusitis in a 12‐year‐old Libyan girl. Her disease started with verrucous, hyperkeratotic plaques and subcutaneous violet nodules of unknown origin on her face and upper extremities. Despite topical antimycotic therapy she needed in‐hospital treatment because of severely progressive tumorous cutaneous and nasal lesions. Microscopic examination of scale samples taken from the upper extremities and the face revealed brown, thick‐walled fungal elements. Under the assumption of a chromoblastomycosis, an oral treatment with itraconazole and fluorocytosin was initiated, with significant improvement of the lesions. The aetiological agent was identified as Phialophora verrucosa.
The causative pathogens of onychomycosis in southern Taiwan
Authors: Chi Ching‐Chi , Wang Shu‐Hui , Chou Ming‐Chih 
Published: October 2005

SummarySelecting an appropriate antimycotic targeting the pathogens are among the most important factors for successfully treating onychomycosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathogens of onychomycosis in southern Taiwan and analyse the association between various factors and the distribution of pathogens. A total of 375 patients with onychomycosis were enrolled. Histopathological examination and fungus culture of nail specimens were performed. The pathogens were dermatophytes in 227 patients (60.5%),Candidain 118 (31.5%) and moulds in 30 (8%). Compared to patients with toenail involvement, the odds ratio (OR) for those with fingernail involvement to have non‐dermatophytic onychomycosis (NDO), i.e. onychomycosis caused byCandidaand moulds, was 5.04 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.21–11.15], and the OR for those with fingernail and toenail involvement to have NDO was 2.66 (95% CI: 1.61–4.34). The F/M OR to have NDO was 2.36 (95% CI: 1.51–3.61), and 9.80 for diabetics (95% CI: 1.01–106.85). The OR for patients with paronychia to have NDO was 10.33 (95% CI: 5.61–18.88) compared to those without paronychia. Compared to patients with a non‐wet occupation, the OR for those with a wet occupation to have NDO was 4.76 (95% CI: 2.01–11.16). The distribution of pathogens significantly varies with the involved sites, patients’ gender and occupation, and presence of diabetes mellitus or paronychia. In contrast to temperate western countries, NDO is more prevalent in the tropics and subtropics including southern Taiwan.
Isolation of Cryptococcus species including C. neoformans from cloaca of pigeons
Authors: Rosario I. , Hermoso de Mendoza M. , Déniz S. , Soro G. , Álamo I. , Acosta B. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryUpper digestive tract of the pigeon (Columba livia) is well known as a reservoir for different species of Cryptococcus, but lower portions are not so frequently studied. In the present study, we tested on selective media a total of 331 pigeon cloacal swabs; Cryptococcus spp. were recovered from 26 (7.85%). Cryptococcus uniguttulatus was isolated from 11 samples (3.32%), C. laurentii from six (1.81%), C. neoformans var. neoformans from six (1.81%) and C. albidus from three of them (0.91%). The results show the importance of pigeon in the cryptococcosis epidemiology as reservoir and carrier for C. neoformans var. neoformans, but also for other Cryptococcus species of increasing clinical interest.
Susceptibility to antifungal agents of Candida species isolated from paediatric and adult patients with haematological diseases
Authors: Nawrot U. , Nowicka J. , Juszczak K. , Gusin B. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe susceptibility to six antifungals: amphotericin B (AMF), 5‐fluorocytosine (5‐F), miconazole (MIK), ketoconazole (KET), fluconazole (FLU) and itraconazole (ITR) was tested among 206 Candida spp. isolated from paediatric and adult patients with haematological malignancies. To determinate the susceptibility the commercial microdilution method Fungitest® (Bio‐Rad, France) was used. The strains were classified as susceptible, intermediate susceptible, or resistant on the base of the growth in following breakpoint concentrations of particular drugs: 2 and 8 μg ml−1 for AMF, 2 and 32 μg ml−1 for 5‐F, 0.5 and 8 μg ml−1 for MIK, 0.5 and 4 μg ml−1 for KET and ITR, and 8 and 64 μg ml−1 for FLU. The highest activity to overall species showed AMF (only one resistant strain) and 5‐F (85% susceptible strains). Most of C. albicans isolates were susceptible to tested azoles. The percentages of C. albicans resistant to FLU, ITR, KET and MIK were 4, 11, 8, and 0.8%, respectively. The less susceptible to azoles were C. glabrata and C. krusei (14% and 44% isolates resistant to FLU). A non‐albicans Candida isolated from adult patients receiving KET prophylaxis was more frequently resistant to FLU than isolates from patients without previous exposure to azoles (P < 0.05). We did not observe differences in the susceptibility of Candida strains isolated from children compared with those from adults.
Posaconazole therapy for systemic coccidioidomycosis in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes): a case report
Authors: Herrin Kimberly Vinette , Miranda Abraham , Loebenberg David 
Published: October 2005

SummarySystemic coccidioidomycosis was diagnosed in a 4‐year‐old male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) with ascites and failure to thrive. Physical examination, laboratory and radiological studies, and exploratory laparotomy showed signs of systemic fungal infection that included penetration into the central nervous system (CNS). Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) titres, along with ascites cytology findings, confirmed the presence of Coccidioides immitis. However, the organism could not be cultured from the CSF. Treatment with fluconazole 10 mg kg−1 daily for 6 months was not associated with clinical improvement. Subsequent treatment with posaconazole 50 mg kg−1 daily for approximately 24 months resulted in negative serum titres and improved clinical status. Illness not directly related to the C. immitis infection caused the chimpanzee's deterioration and eventual killing. Histological examination performed during necropsy provided no evidence of coccidioidomycosis; however, a positive C. immitis serum antibody titre was noted. The successful suppression of coccidioidomycosis observed in this chimpanzee suggests that posaconazole may have a role in the treatment of CNS infections caused by susceptible fungi.
A case of pityriasis versicolor atrophicans
Authors: Romano C. , Maritati E. , Ghilardi A. , Miracco C. , Mancianti F. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryA case of pityriasis versicolor atrophicans caused by Malassezia globosa is reported in a 49‐year‐old woman. Diagnosis was based on direct microscopic examination and culture. Differential diagnosis was performed with respect to other skin diseases manifesting with cutaneous atrophy.
Onychomycosis in children: a survey of 46 cases
Authors: Romano C. , Papini M. , Ghilardi A. , Gianni C. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThis is a retrospective study of the agents, clinical aspects, sources of infection and therapy of onychomycosis in children. In the period 1989–2000, we observed 46 consecutive children, until 16 years of age with onychomycosis (29 boys, 17 girls, mean age 10.8 years). Dermatophytes were isolated in 30 cases (Trichophyton rubrum in 22 cases, Trichophyton mentagrophytes in five, Epidermophyton floccosum in two and Trichophyton violaceum in one) and Candida spp. in 16, associated with Trichophyton rubrum in two. Moulds were isolated in three children (Fusarium oxysporum in one, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in another and Aspergillus fumigatus associated with Trichophyton rubrum in a third). The commonest features were distal and distolateral subungual hyperkeratosis in dermatophyte infections (93%) and onychodystrophy and paronychia in Candida infections (56% and 50% respectively). Forty patients achieved clinical and mycological recovery. It is appropriate to suspect onychomycosis in children, perform microbiological diagnosis and undertake early treatment. An approach of this kind may help to prevent nail dystrophy and the spread of infection.
Subcutaneous alternariosis
Authors: Romano C. , Vanzi L. , Massi D. , Difonzo E. M. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryA case of subcutaneous alternariosis caused by Alternaria alternata is reported in a 52‐year‐old male who underwent kidney transplantation 1 year earlier. The infection manifested as a vegetating mass about 7 cm in diameter on the right forearm. Histological examination with Grocott staining and periodic acid–Schiff diastase revealed fungal spores and hyphae with chronic granulomatous inflammation. Biopsy fragments inoculated on Sabouraud‐glucose agar with chloramphenicol produced colonies which were identified as Alternaria alternata on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic characters.
The serum levels of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis during attack, remission and in healthy controls
Authors: Spacek Jiri , Jilek Petr , Buchta Vladimir , Főrstl Miroslav , Hronek Miloslav , Holeckova Magdalena 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe real cause of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC) is concealed and the etiopathogenesis of this disease remains to be determined. In a cohort study, concentrations of metals in 44 patients with RVVC and 30 healthy age‐matched women were measured and compared. The concentrations of serum calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) were measured photometrically, the zinc (Zn) levels were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. For statistical analysis were used the Student's t‐tests (paired analysis for attack vs. remission; non‐paired analysis for patient vs. control). Although all measured metals were within normal ranges the patients with RVVC had in contrast to the healthy controls significantly lower levels of serum Ca, Mg and Zn and insignificantly higher levels of Fe. These relative changes may contribute to the development of attacks in patients with RVVC.
Hydrolytic enzymes as virulence factors of Candida albicans
Authors: Schaller Martin , Borelli Claudia , Korting Hans C. , Hube Bernhard 
Published: October 2005

Summary Candida albicans is a facultative pathogenic micro‐organism that has developed several virulence traits enabling invasion of host tissues and avoidance of host defence mechanisms. Virulence factors that contribute to this process are the hydrolytic enzymes. Most of them are extracellularly secreted by the fungus. The most discussed hydrolytic enzymes produced by C. albicans are secreted aspartic proteinases (Saps). The role of these Saps for C. albicans infections was carefully evaluated in numerous studies, whereas only little is known about the physiological role of the secreted phospholipases (PL) and almost nothing about the involvement of lipases (Lip) in virulence. They may play an important role in the pathogenicity of candidosis and their hydrolytic activity probably has a number of possible functions in addition to the simple role of digesting molecules for nutrition. Saps as the best‐studied member of this group of hydrolytic enzymes contribute to host tissue invasion by digesting or destroying cell membranes and by degrading host surface molecules. There is also some evidence that hydrolytic enzymes are able to attack cells and molecules of the host immune system to avoid or resist antimicrobial activity. High hydrolytic activity with broad substrate specificity has been found in several Candida species, most notably in C. albicans. This activity is attributed to multigene families with at least 10 members for Saps and Lips and several members for PL B. Distinct members of these gene families are differentially regulated in various Candida infections. In future, prevention and control of Candida infections might be achieved by pharmacological or immunological tools specifically modulated to inhibit virulence factors, e.g. the family of Saps.
Role of Chrysosporium keratinophillum in the parasitic evolution of dermatophytes
Authors: Gokulshankar S. , Ranjithsingh A. J. A. , Ranjith M. S. , Ranganathan S. , Palaniappan R. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryAnti‐dermatophytic activity of Chrysosporium keratinophillum against species of the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton floccosum was tested in vitro. When C. keratinophillum and different species of dermatophytes were inoculated on Sabouraud's dextrose agar plates 2 cm apart, no antagonistic effect of C. keratinophillum on the mycelial growth of dermatophytes was observed. However, conidia production was not observed on the hyphae of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans and E. floccosum grown near C. keratinophillum. The secretory substances released by C. keratinophillum inhibited the growth of T. rubrum, T. tonsurans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale and E. floccosum at a concentration of 2000 μg ml−1 when tested by broth dilution technique. No inhibition of the growth was observed for Microsporum gypseum and Microsporum nanum. The anti‐fungal activity of secretory substances released by C. keratinophillum was recorded to be heat stable. Results of the present study suggest that the anti‐dermatophytic activity of the secretory substances of C. keratinophillum on T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, T. tonsurans and E. floccosum may be responsible in part, for the absence of these dermatophyte species in soil. Considering the global prevalence of C. keratinophillum in soil one may speculate that the anti‐dermatophytic activity of C. keratinophillum is one of the early events for the evolutionary divergence of saprophytic archi‐dermatophytes to obligate parasitic dermatophyte species.