bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phagocytosis and Intracellular Killing of Rokitamycin-Exposed Staphylococci by Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Braga P.C. , Sala M.T. , Mancini L. , Dal Sasso M. 
Published: April 2003

The exposure of bacteria to antibiotics at even sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) induces physicochemical and biochemical modifications that facilitate phagocytosis and intracellular killing by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). These PMN functions were investigated by exposing <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> strains to different sub-MICs (<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> to <sup>1</sup>/<sub>32</sub> MIC) of rokitamycin (RKM). Although phagocytosis and the index of phagocytosis of the antibiotic-exposed staphylococci were not significantly modified with respect to controls, the percentage of killing significantly increased after exposure to <sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> and <sup>1</sup>/<sub>4</sub> MIC by 31 and 22%, respectively. Taking into consideration the other aspect of a possible direct interaction between RKM and PMNs, it was observed that up to 10 µg/ml of RKM did not interfere with phagocytosis but significantly enhanced killing activity by up to 33%. This effect can be correlated with the high uptake of RKM by PMNs (cellular/extracellular ratio ≃30.5). The relevance of these in vitro observations to clinical situations remains to be further investigated.
Interaction between Levofloxacin and Vancomycin in Rats – Study of Serum and Organ Levels
Authors: Mori Hideki , Nakajima Toshihiro , Nakayama Atumu , Yamori Motoo , Izushi Fumio , Gomita Yutaka 
Published: April 2003

The changes of pharmacokinetic parameters when levofloxacin (LVFX) and vancomycin (VCM) were administered concomitantly were studied in rats. There was an increase in the AUC and T<sub>max</sub> of LVFX with concomitant administration, but no effect on C<sub>max</sub>. There was also an increase in the AUC and T<sub>½</sub> of VCM with concomitant administration, while V<sub>d</sub> was reduced. Concomitant administration had no effect on the correlation between the serum and hepatic tissue concentrations of LVFX, but it markedly decreased the correlation between the serum and renal tissue concentrations of VCM. BUN was increased at 8 h after the administration of VCM. There have been reports that renal dysfunction can be caused by VCM, and our findings suggested that concomitant administration of LVFX and VCM must be performed with caution.
Comparative in vitro Activity of Vancomycin and Other Antimicrobial Agents against Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Enterococcus faecium</i> in the Tohoku District of Japan
Authors: Lutfor Afzalunnessa Binte , Kikuchi Toru , Tokue Yutaka , Takahashi Hiroshi , Shoji Satoru , Fujimura Shigeru , Nukiwa Toshihiro , Watanabe Akira 
Published: April 2003

Susceptibility patterns of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA) and <i>Enterococcus faecium</i> obtained from various hospitals of the Tohoku district were documented. MICs of 6 antimicrobial agents against a total of 480 strains (380 strains were MRSA and 100 were <i>E. faecium</i>) were estimated. All MRSAs were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin and quinupristin/dalfopristin, but all of them were resistant to ampicillin and benzylpenicillin. None of the <i>E. faecium</i> strains were found to be resistant to vancomycin, teicoplanin and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Excluding these, almost all strains of <i>E. faecium</i> were resistant to the remaining drugs. These data suggest that despite the emergence of vancomycin resistance to <i>E. faecium</i> in Europe and in the United States, vancomycin, teicoplanin and quinupristin/dalfopristin will nevertheless provide effective bactericidal activity in the Tohoku area of Japan.
Effect of Cefamandole, Cefuroxime and Cefoxitin on Yeast Fecal Flora of Surgical Patients
Authors: Thomakos N. , Maraki S. , Liakakos T. , Macheras A. , Kanavaki S. , Marinis E. , Sehas M. , Margioris A.N. , Samonis G. 
Published: April 2003

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of cefamandole, cefuroxime and cefoxitin on the level of gastrointestinal (GI) colonization by <i>Candida albicans</i> in humans. Twenty-eight adult patients received one of these three cephalosporins for 10 days, as treatment of infection, and were studied prospectively. Quantitative stool cultures for yeasts were performed immediately before, at the end, and 1 week after discontinuation of treatment. All three antibiotics caused an increase of the yeast concentration in the fecal flora. The increase caused by cefoxitin was the highest (2.5 log<sub>10</sub> CFU/g of stool). Our results suggest that the cephalosporins tested cause minor increases of the colonization of the GI tract by <i>C. albicans</i>.
Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Antifungal Agents in Different Regimens against Vaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Mikamo Hiroshige , Kawazoe Kyoko , Sato Yasumasa , Hayasaki Yoh , Tamaya Teruhiko 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objective:</b> A study was carried out to compare three treatment regimens for vaginal candidiasis. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 150 women with clinical and mycological evidence of vaginal candidiasis were randomized to receive daily a 200-mg dose of oral itraconazole for 3 days (50 women), a single oral 150 mg dose of fluconazole (50 women), or daily 100 mg dose of intravaginal clotrimazole for 6 days (50 women). They were assessed at 5–15 days (short-term assessment) and again at 30–60 days (long-term assessment) after discontinuation of the treatment. <b>Results:</b> At the short-term or long-term assessment, <i>Candida</i> species were completely eradicated from the vagina in 80 or 74% in the 3-day oral itraconazole group, 76 or 70% in the single oral fluconazole group, and 72 or 60% in the intravaginal clotrimazole group, respectively. The rates of clinical effectiveness were 92 or 88% in the 3-day oral itraconazole group, 80 or 76% in the single oral fluconazole group, and 72 or 58% in the intravaginal clotrimazole group, respectively. Treatment-related side effects were not found in any group. <b>Conclusions:</b> Our study suggests that the treatment of vaginal candidiasis with oral itraconazole or oral fluconazole would be effective and that an oral itraconazole or fluconazole therapy might be one choice in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.
Reduction of Mucoid <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> Adherence to Intraocular Lenses by Selected Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Kadry Ashraf A. , Tawfik Abdel-Kader F. , Abu El-Asrar Ahmed A. , Shibl Atef M. 
Published: April 2003

The effect of low concentrations of various antimicrobial agents on the adherence of mucoid Staphylococcus epidermidis to intraocular lenses was investigated. Adherent growth of S. epidermidis on to polymethylmethacrylate lenses was greatly diminished by ciprofloxacin and clindamycin (>75%), followed by ceftazidime (≈50%) and less affected by gentamicin and vancomycin (<25%) compared to the adherent growth of control untreated cells. The reduction in adherence growth was concentration-dependent and found to be due to the inhibition of slime production since no growth inhibition was observed at the concentrations used. Cell surface hydrophobicity was markedly reduced in parallel to the inhibition of adherence as compared to the control cells. The differential effect of antibiotics on adherence, regardless of their antimicrobial activity, may have a clinical significance in reducing the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis and intraocular inflammation due to the reduction of cell adherence.
Therapeutic Effect of Oral Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Ampicillin on Experimental Murine Pneumonia Caused by Penicillin Intermediate <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> for Which the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of the Quinolones Are Similar
Authors: Ishida Yoshihisa , Kurosaka Yuichi , Murakami Yoichi , Otani Tsuyoshi , Yamaguchi Keizo 
Published: April 2003

The therapeutic efficacy of oral treatment with levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin on an experimental pneumonia caused by the penicillin-intermediate <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> for which the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the quinolones are similar was assessed in immunocompetent CBA/J mice. Levofloxacin exhibited a dose-dependent therapeutic effect, and achieved complete eradication of <i>S. pneumoniae</i> from the lungs at 120 mg/kg/day, whereas ciprofloxacin and ampicillin were hardly effective at all. A pharmacokinetic study in infected mice revealed good oral absorption and lung tissue penetration of levofloxacin (peak lung concentration: 5.95 µg/g of lung), low oral absorption of ciprofloxacin in spite of a good penetration into lung tissue (1.10 µg/g of lung), and low lung tissue penetration of ampicillin despite rather good oral absorption (1.71 µg/g of lung). In an in vitro time-kill study that simulated the peak concentration of drugs in the lungs of infected animals, the killing activity of levofloxacin was found to be greater than that of ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. These data suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of levofloxacin in this model is attributable to both its potent bactericidal activity and excellent pharmacokinetic profile.
In vitro Antibacterial Activity of Men 10700, a New Penem Antibiotic
Authors: Varotto Fabio , Parravidini Elena , De Luca Massimo , Casini Alessandro , Fraschini Franco 
Published: April 2003

We report here the antibacterial activity of the new penem antibiotic Men 10700 against a total of 740 gram-positive and gram-negative clinical isolates, in comparison to imipenem, meropenem, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Men 10700 has shown a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity, with a potent activity both against gram-positive species (with the exception of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i>) as indicated by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC<sub>90</sub>) values ≤0.5 mg/l, and gram-negative species, with MIC<sub>90</sub> values generally ≤2 mg/l. Men 10700 was the most potent antibiotic against methicillin-susceptible <i>S. aureus</i> and <i>S. epidermidis,</i> while the overall spectrum of activity resembled that of imipenem; meropenem was more active against most gram-negative species. In comparison with third-generation cephalosporins, Men 10700 demonstrated superior activity against methicillin-susceptible <i>S. aureus</i> and <i>S. epidermidis</i> and some gram-negative species such as <i>Morganella morganii, Serratia</i> spp. and <i>Enterobacter cloacae;</i> moreover, in contrast to third-generation cephalosporins, Men 10700 showed moderate activity against <i>Enterococcus</i> spp. The activity of Men 10700 against penicillin-resistant <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> (10 strains) and some gram-negative strains selected for their resistance to cefotaxime (20 strains) was particularly interesting.
In vitro Activity of Levofloxacin against Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Montanari Maria Pia , Mingoia Marina , Marchetti Federico , Varaldo Pietro Emanuele 
Published: April 2003

The in vitro activity of levofloxacin was investigated against 256 clinical strains of four gram-positive genera (<i>Staphylococcus</i>, <i>Streptococcus</i>, <i>Enterococcus</i>, and <i>Listeria</i>). Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were used as comparators. Uniform susceptibility to levofloxacin was recorded among methicillin-susceptible staphylococci, streptococci other than <i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i>, regardless of their being susceptible, intermediate, or resistant to penicillin (<i>S. pneumoniae</i>) or erythromycin (<i>S. pyogenes</i> and <i>S. pneumoniae</i>), in enterococci other than <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> and <i>E. faecium</i>, and in <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> isolates. Moreover, 1 of 22 <i>S. agalactiae</i> isolates and 1 of 19 <i>E. faecium</i> isolates was resistant, and 2 of 19 were intermediate. Resistances to levofloxacin with MIC90s in the resistance range were only observed in methicillin-resistant staphylococci and <i>E. faecalis</i> isolates. In any case, the MICs of ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were usually 2–4 times higher than those of levofloxacin. In time-kill assays using three test strains (a methicillin-susceptible <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> isolate, a penicillin-susceptible <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> isolate, and an <i>E. faecalis</i> isolate), the bactericidal activity of levofloxacin was greater than that of ciprofloxacin.
Overview of SPA-S-843 in vitro Activity against Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Rimaroli Claudio , Bruzzese Tiberio 
Published: April 2003

In this study, we investigated the in vitro antifungal activity of a new water-soluble partricin A derivative, N-dimethylaminoacetyl-partricin A 2-dimethylaminoethylamide diascorbate, coded SPA-843, currently developed by Società Prodotti Antibiotici. The activity of SPA-S-843 was compared to that of amphotericin B against 13 strains of <i>Aspergillus</i> spp., 4 strains of <i>Mucor</i> sp., 4 strains of <i>Rhizopus oryzae</i>, 2 strains <i>Paecilomyces variotii</i>, 5 strains of <i>Penicillium</i> spp., 1 strain of <i>Sporothrix schenkii</i>, 7 strains of <i>Trichophyton</i> spp. and 2 strains of <i>Microsporum</i> spp.; the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) were measured for all the organisms. The in vitro susceptibility testing method employed was an adaptation of the macrodilution reference method for yeasts as described in the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document M27-A. The in vitro inhibitory activities of SPA-S-843 and amphotericin B against the fungi were evaluated in RPMI-1640 supplemented with <i>L</i>-glutamine and buffered with morpholinepropanesulfonic acid, while the in vitro fungicidal activities were determined by subculturing 0.1 ml from all tubes with no visible growth onto drug-free Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. Comparison with amphotericin B showed that the in vitro inhibitory activity of SPA-S-843 against <i>Aspergillus</i> spp. was better than that of amphotericin B and similar against <i>R. oryzae, P. variotii, Penicillium</i> spp. and <i>S. schenkii</i>. Amphotericin B presented geometric means (GM) of the MICs lower than those of SPA-S-843 against <i>Mucor</i> sp., <i>Microsporum</i> spp. and <i>Trichophyton</i> spp. SPA-S-843 was most fungicidal against <i>Mucor</i> sp. and <i>P. variotii</i>; SPA-S-843 and amphotericin B showed the same fungicidal activity against <i>Aspergillus</i> spp. (GM of the MFCs 12.53 μg/ml), <i>Penicillium</i> spp. (about 12 μg/ml) and <i>S. schenkii</i> (MFC 19.2 μg/ml). Amphotericin B presented GM of the MFC values lower than those of SPA-S-843 against <i>R. oryzae, Microsporum</i> spp. and <i>Trichophyton</i> spp.
Adjuvant Effect of Clarithromycin on Chemotherapy for Murine Lung Cancer
Authors: Hamada Kaoru , Mikasa Keiichi , Yunou Yoshihisa , Kurioka Takaaki , Majima Toshimasa , Narita Nobuhiro , Kita Eiji 
Published: April 2003

Clarithromycin (CAM) increased the median survival of patients with unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer who had received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy [Chemotherapy 1997;43:288–296]. The present study was performed to ascertain whether CAM alone exhibits an antitumor effect against Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and to analyze the nature of its adjuvant effect on LLC-inoculated C57BL/6 mice. CAM at 10 mg/kg/day retarded the growth of subcutaneously inoculated LLC cells; consequently, the mean survival time of mice with LLC increased. This treatment was also effective in reducing the number of tumor nodules in the lung after intravenous inoculation with LLC cells. When tumor-bearing mice received an intravenous injection of vindesine sulfate (7 mg/kg) and cisplatin (6 mg/kg) 7 days after tumor inoculation, the chemotherapeutic effect was significantly enhanced by CAM treatment when it started 7 days after chemotherapy, but not when it started the day after chemotherapy. The delayed initiation of CAM treatment resulted in the enhancement of natural killer cell activity and CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity and increased the number of interferon-γ-producing T cells and interleukin-4-producing T cells. These findings indicate that CAM can exhibit an antitumor effect by itself and also induce the well-balanced expansion of helper T cell subsets in tumor-bearing mice recovering from the immunosuppression caused by chemotherapy. CAM may therefore be a promising adjuvant drug in anticancer chemotherapy, and treatment with this macrolide should be initiated at some interval after basic cancer therapy.
In vitro Effects of Clarithromycin on Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Functions
Authors: Kadir Tanju , İzzetin Fikret Vehbin , Çevikbaş Adile , Johansson Candan B. , Clark Philip 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> It has been shown that antibacterial agents affect polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), which are active in the body’s first line of defense, in different ways. However, few studies have investigated the effects of tablet dosage forms as opposed to pure powder forms. There is a need to demonstrate the clinical relevance of previous results with commercially available products. <i>Methods:</i> We examined the effects of clarithromycin solutions, prepared separately from either pure powder or commercially available tablets (250 mg), on human PMNs. The in vitro effects of each solution, adjusted to therapeutic concentration (1 mg/l), on PMN adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, candidacidal capacity and superoxide production were studied. <i>Results:</i> Solutions prepared from pure clarithromycin powder did not affect the adherence, phagocytosis or superoxide production of PMNs, but did inhibit (p < 0.05) chemotaxis and candidacidal capacity. By contrast, a decrease (p < 0.05) in all functions except phagocytosis was observed with solutions prepared from the tablet dosage form of clarithromycin. <i>Conclusion:</i> The results of this study suggest that the tablet dosage form of clarithromycin may have a more pronounced inhibitory effect on human PMN functions than solutions prepared from the pure powder form.
Exposure to Subtherapeutic Concentrations of Polyene Antifungals Suppresses the Adherence of <i>Candida</i> Species to Denture Acrylic
Authors: Egusa H. , Ellepola A.N.B. , Nikawa H. , Hamada T. , Samaranayake L.P. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The adherence of <i>Candida</i> species to denture acrylic is the initial event leading to <i>Candida</i>-associated denture stomatitis, with <i>Candida albicans</i> being the main aetiological agent. However, the increased incidence of immunocompromised patients in the community has resulted in the emergence of a number of non-<i>albicans Candida</i> species as causative agents of this disease, which is commonly managed by topically delivered polyene antifungals. Hence, we investigated the effect of the exposure of denture acrylic surfaces to nystatin and amphotericin B on the subsequent adhesion of six different <i>Candida</i> species. <i>Methods:</i> Acrylic strips were exposed to subtherapeutic concentrations of the two polyenes for 30 min, and the adhesion of 4 isolates each of <i>C. albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida guilliermondii, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis</i> and <i>Candida tropicalis</i> was assessed using a previously described in vitro method with slight modifications. <i>Results:</i> Overall, the results indicated a 35.9% (p < 0.01) and 63.1% (p < 0.01) reduction, respectively, in yeast adhesion to denture acrylic following exposure to nystatin and amphotericin B, although this effect was not uniform for all the tested isolates. Thus, all <i>C. glabrata,</i> 3 <i>C. guilliermondii</i> and a single isolate each of <i>C. krusei, C. parapsilosis</i> and <i>C. tropicalis</i> were not significantly affected by nystatin exposure, and a single isolate each of <i>C. glabrata</i> and <i>C. guilliermondii</i> were not significantly affected by amphotericin B. <i>Conclusions:</i> The present data, the first on the effect of polyenes on a wide range of <i>Candida</i> species, indicate that the in vitro exposure of denture acrylic to subtherapeutic concentrations of nystatin and amphotericin B suppresses the adherence of pathogenic <i>Candida</i> species in general.
Comparative in vitro Activity of Older and Newer Fluoroquinolones against Respiratory Tract Pathogens
Authors: Esposito Silvano , Noviello Silvana , Ianniello Filomena 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of older (ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin) and newer (moxifloxacin, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin and levofloxacin) fluoroquinolones. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined, according to the NCCLS guidelines, against the following respiratory tract pathogens: penicillin-susceptible and -resistant <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae,</i> β-lactamase-positive and βlactamase-negative <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> and β-lactamase-positive <i>Moraxella catarrhalis.</i> In addition, we evaluated the minimal bactericidal concentrations of the same antibiotics against all the pneumococci and the haemophili. Finally, the activity of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, sparfloxacin and moxifloxacin against 15 pneumococci were investigated by time-kill analysis. All fluoroquinolones tested exhibited a similar, good activity against <i>H. influenzae</i> and <i>M. catarrhalis.</i> Against <i>S. pneumoniae,</i> irrespective of penicillin susceptibility, moxifloxacin, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin and levofloxacin exhibited excellent activity, better than ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. Time-kill analysis showed that 99.9% killing of all strains was obtained after 24 h with moxifloxacin at 2 × MIC, whereas other antimicrobials obtained similar results at 4 × MIC. Moxifloxacin is characterized by an improved activity against respiratory pathogens, including penicillin-resistant and -susceptible <i>S. pneumoniae.</i> Its activity is not influenced by β-lactamase production. These results suggest that moxifloxacin represents a promising alternative for treatment of respiratory tract infections.