bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycotic keratitis: profile of Fusarium species and their mycotoxins
Authors: Naiker S. , Odhav B. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryIn this study, Fusarium species isolated from 29 patients with mycotic keratitis were identified and tested for their ability to produce mycotoxins. Members of the F. solani species complex (Fs complex) were the predominant species isolated, followed by F. verticillioides, F. dimerum, members of the F. oxysporum species complex Fo complex), F. incarnatum, F. chlamydosporum and F. lateritium. Of these, 76% of the Fusarium isolates produced fusaric acid, moniliformin or fumonisin B1. Many of the fusaria isolated are common aetiological agents of mycotic keratitis infections. However, F. incarnatum, F. chlamydosporum and F. lateritium have previously not been found in this infection. These findings indicate that a greater variety of fusarial species are becoming associated with mycotic keratitis infections. This paper further demonstrates the mycotoxin‐producing ability of these clinical isolates and assesses cellular cytotoxicity.
Incidence of systemic mycoses in autopsy material
Authors: Koch S. , Höhne F.‐M. , Tietz H.‐J. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryThe incidence of systemic mycoses was investigated in the autopsy material of the Institute of Pathology of the Humaine Hospital in Bad Saarow, Germany. This hospital provides qualified standard care in east Brandenburg with a wide spectrum of medical disciplines caring for patients with acute medical conditions as well as oncological cases (660 beds). Between 1973 and 2001, 47 systemic mycoses were diagnosed in 4813 autopsies of deceased adults, corresponding to 0.98%. During the period of investigation, both the care provided by the hospital and the organization of the health service changed. The autopsy frequency fell from about 80% (1973–1991) to about 28% (1992–2001). This is thus still far higher than the average of about 3% assumed for the Federal Republic of Germany. Although the incidence of systemic mycoses increased during the entire 29‐year period of investigation, the number of cases in whom this was the immediate cause of death decreased. Whereas candidoses predominated from 1973 to 1991, a shift in favor of aspergilloses was noticed in the period from 1992 to 2001. Systemic mycosis was diagnosed intravitally in only three of 47 cases. The present study therefore underscores the significance of clinical autopsy as a diagnostic method and means of medical quality control.
Surgical treatment of multiple skull abscesses associated with coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Baddley J. W. , Cobbs C. S. , Pappas P. G. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryThis case emphasizes that aggressive neurosurgical management may benefit patients with disseminated coccidioidomycosis and skull abscesses. Disseminated infection due to Coccidioides immitis, the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis, is difficult to treat and often requires prolonged antifungal therapy in addition to surgical debridement. We present a case of a young woman with disseminated coccidioidomycosis who had multiple skull lesions, two of which penetrated the skull and invaded the subgaleal and epidural spaces. Despite prolonged aggressive medical management, these lesions failed to resolve until they were surgically drained.
Phylogeography of the circumpolar Paranoplocephala arctica species complex (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) parasitizing collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx spp.)
Authors: Wickström L. M. , Haukisalmi V. , Varis S. , Hantula J. , Fedorov V. B. , Henttonen H. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe Paranoplocephla arctica complex (Cyclophyllidea, Anoplocephalidae), host‐specific cestodes of collared lemmings Dicrostonyx, include two morphospecies P. arctica and P. alternata, whose taxonomical status now must be considered ambiguous. The genetic population structure and phylogeography of the P. arctica complex was studied from 83 individuals sampled throughout the Holarctic distribution range using 600 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI). The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) phylogeny divides the species complex into one main Nearctic and one main Palaearctic phylogroup, corresponding to the main phylogenetic division of the hosts. In the Palearctic phylogroup, the parasite clades correspond to the host clades although the parasites from Wrangel Island form an exception as the host on this island, D. groenlandicus, belongs to the Nearctic phylogroup. In the Nearctic, northern refugia beyond the ice limit of the Pleistocene glaciations are proposed for the hosts. All reconstructions of parasite phylogeny show a genetically differentiated population structure that in the Canadian Arctic lacks strict congruence between phylogeny and geography. The parasite phylogeny does not show complete congruence with host relationships, suggesting a history of colonization and secondary patterns of dispersal from Beringia into the Canadian Arctic, an event not proposed by the host phylogenies alone.
Erosion of interspecific reproductive barriers resulting from hatchery supplementation of rainbow trout sympatric with cutthroat trout
Authors: Docker Margaret F. , Dale Angie , Heath Daniel D. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe frequency of hybridization between cutthroat (Onchorhynchus clarki clarki) and rainbow (O. mykiss irideus) trout from coastal habitats in British Columbia, Canada, was examined in seven populations where the two species are sympatric with no history of rainbow trout stocking and compared with areas where native rainbow trout populations have been supplemented with hatchery fish (three populations). Four nuclear markers were used to identify each species and interspecific hybrids and one mitochondrial marker showed the direction of gene exchange between species. The frequency of hybrids was significantly higher (Fisher exact test, P < 0.001) in river systems where hatchery rainbow trout have been introduced (50.6% hybrids) than in populations where the two species naturally co‐occur without supplementation (9.9% hybrids).
Differentiation between subpopulations of a polychromatic damselfly with respect to morph frequencies, but not neutral genetic markers
Authors: Wong Alex , Smith Myron L. , Forbes Mark R. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe damselfly, Nehalennia irene (Hagen), has two distinct female colour morphs. Individuals of one morph have male‐like colouration and pattern (androchromes), whereas gynochromes are different from males and androchromes in these respects. In several damselflies, such female‐limited polychromatism is attributable to a single genetic locus. We developed six polymorphic genetic markers, which were codominant, to test for genetic differentiation in N. irene, collected from two sites located 8 km from one another in eastern Ontario, Canada. Based on three censuses spanning a 10 year period (1992–2001), morph ratios differed consistently and significantly between these two sites. However, subpopulations at these sites were not genetically differentiated with respect to the putatively neutral markers. Our results suggest that site differences in morph ratios of female N. irene cannot be explained by genetic drift, but are consistent with spatially variable selection operating on different morphs, perhaps mediated by male density. Alternatively, morph type may be a plastic trait and cues for induction may differ between sites.
Microsatellite markers to assess the influence of population size, isolation and demographic change on the genetic structure of the UK butterfly Polyommatus bellargus
Authors: Harper G. L. , Maclean N. , Goulson D. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractFive microsatellite DNA markers were isolated and used to quangify population genetic structure among a subset of UK populations of the Adonis blue (Polyommatus bellargus Rottemburg). Specifically, whether population size, degree of isolation or history of bottlenecking in 1976–1978 can explain current patterns of genetic variation. The butterfly is at its northern range limit in the UK, where it exists as a highly fragmented metapopulation on isolated pockets of calcareous grassland. Most populations were affected by a severe bottleneck in the late 1970s, when a drought caused the host plant (Hippocrepis comosa) to wilt. Mantel tests and spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated a significant effect of isolation by distance among the UK populations, a relationship that broke down at greater geographical scales (> 23.85 km), probably because of large areas of unsuitable habitat presenting barriers to gene flow. Similarly, amova revealed that variation among geographical regions was almost double that observed within regions. Larger populations were found to support significantly higher levels of genetic diversity, suggesting that small populations may lose genetic diversity through drift. If, as in other butterfly species, low genetic diversity increases the probability of population extinction, then these populations are likely to be under threat. Neither isolation nor a history of bottlenecks appeared to influence genetic diversity. The results indicate that adequate population size a crucial factor in the conservation of genetic diversity in P. bellargus in the UK.
Piercing – Risiken, Folgen und psychologische Hintergründe eines kulturellen Phänomens
Authors: Stirn Aglaja 
Published: February 2004

ZusammenfassungEine breite Anzahl unterschiedlicher Medizinberufe sieht sich mit der zunehmend populären Praxis des Piercings konfrontiert. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die typischsten Formen dieser Art der Körpermodifikation, ihre Ursprünge und Besonderheiten sowie die mit ihnen verbundenen Nebenwirkungen und Komplikationen. Einige der vielfältigen und oftmals intensiven psychologischen Motivationen für Piercing werden vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Lipödem – aktueller Stand, neue Perspektiven
Authors: Meier‐Vollrath Ilka , Schmeller Wilfried 
Published: February 2004

ZusammenfassungAufgrund des lebenslangen, meist progredienten Verlaufs und des ausgeprägten Leidensdrucks ist das Lipödem ein wichtiges dermatologisches Krankheitsbild. Durch die vor Jahren als Standardbehandlung eingeführte Komplexe Physikalische Entstauungstherapie lässt sich eine deutliche Abnahme der krankheitstypischen Ödeme erzielen. Als neues effektives Verfahren hat sich die Liposuktion in Tumeszenz‐Lokalanästhesie mit vibrierenden Mikrokanülen erwiesen. Eine gezielte und dauerhafte Reduktion der unproportionierten Fettgewebsanteile verhilft den Betroffenen aufgrund des verbesserten Aussehens, der Ödemreduktion und der Schmerzbeseitigung zu einer ausgeprägten Verbesserung der Lebensqualität.
Aspergillusspecies in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cameli‐Rojas Virginia , Mata‐Essayag Sofía , de Capriles Claudia Hartung , Magaldi Sylvia , de Pérez Elizabeth Garrido , Garrido Liselotte , Balderrama‐Caballero David 
Published: February 2004

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the frequency ofAspergillusspp. in the paranasal cavities of 40 patients with suspicion of chronic rhinosinusitis, by standard mycological as well as serological examinations. We foundAspergillusin nine of 37 patients.
Trichophyton rubrum in the external auditory meatus
Authors: Buzina W. , Lang‐Loidolt D. , Ginter‐Hanselmayer G. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryWe report the case of a 28‐year‐old immunocompetent male suffering from otitis externa. The right external auditory meatus was filled with cerumen and detritus, the tympanic membrane covered wallpaper‐like with layers of fungi. Mycological analysis revealed Trichophyton rubrum. With further examination tinea pedis of plantar and interdigital type and concomitant onychomycosis of the toenails due to T. rubrum could be detected. The auditory meatus was cleaned and treated topically with clotrimazole. Two weeks later the auditory meatus and the tympanic membrane were bare of fungi and the inflammation was resolved. Treatment of tinea pedis and onychomycosis with terbinafine (systemically and topically) is still lasting.
Toenail onychomycosis in Estonia
Authors: Järv H. , Naaber P. , Kaur S. , Eisen M. , Silm H. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryThe aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical features, predisposing factors and pathogens of toenail onychomycosis in Estonia. During study period we interviewed and examined 436 dermatological patients with clinical signs of toenail onychomycosis in all counties of Estonia. In 69% of cases, the clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis was confirmed by the mycological analysis. The most common clinical symptoms of onychomycosis both in mycologically proven and non‐proven cases were discolorization of nail plate, hyperkeratosis and brittle nails. The number of infected toenails positively correlated with patients’ age. On average, patient had 5.4 infected nails. In 78% of culture‐positive cases, a dermatophyte was isolated as the causative agent, in 10% yeasts and in 7% moulds. In 6% of culture‐positive cases we reported mixed infections. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common pathogen. The high occurrence of mixed infections, clinical symptoms characteristic to long lasting or chronic infection and high number of infected toenails indicate that Estonian patients have more advanced stage of toenail onychomycosis compared with other western and central European countries.
Histological detection of intramyocardial abscesses in Candida sepsis mimicking left ventricular non‐compaction/hypertrabeculation on echocardiography
Authors: Stöllberger C. , Preiser J. , Finsterer J. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryLeft ventricular non‐compaction/hypertrabeculation (LVHT) is a rare cardiac abnormality characterized by more than three trabeculations protruding from the left ventricular wall, apically to the papillary muscles, visible in one echocardiographic image plane and intertrabecular spaces, perfused from the ventricular cavity. LVHT is frequently associated with neuromuscular disorders. Differential diagnoses of LVHT are intraventricular thrombi, false tendons, aberrant bands, intramyocardial hematoma, cardiac metastases and the apical type of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Intramyocardial abscesses have not been reported as a differential diagnosis of left ventricular non‐compaction. In the presented case, cardiac microabscesses as a result of Candida sepsis mimicked left ventricular non‐compaction in a 55‐year‐old man with hypopharyngeal carcinoma who died 20 days after chemotherapy. These microabscesses were not visible on echocardiography but were detected only at histologic examination of the myocardium. This case shows that intramyocardial abscesses as a result of Candida sepsis are a rare differential diagnosis of LVHT.
Identification of medically important fungi by the PyrosequencingTM technology
Authors: Gharizadeh B. , Norberg E. , Löffler J. , Jalal S. , Tollemar J. , Einsele H. , Klingspor L. , Nyrén P. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryThe PyrosequencingTM technology was used for identification of different clinically relevant fungi. The tests were performed on amplicons derived from the 18S rRNA gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) universal primers for amplification. Sequencing was performed up to 40 bases in a variable region with a designed general sequencing primer and the Pyrosequence data were analyzed by BLAST sequence search in the GenBank database. DNA from a total of 21 fungal specimens consisting of nine strains of clinically relevant fungi and 12 clinical specimens from patients suffering from proven invasive fungal infections were PCR‐amplified and analyzed by gel electrophoresis, PCR‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Pyrosequencing technology. All data obtained by the Pyrosequencing technology were in agreement with the results obtained by PCR‐ELISA using species/genus‐specific oligonucleotides and were as well in accordance with the culture results. The results demonstrate that the Pyrosequencing method is a reproducible and reliable technique for identification of fungal pathogens.
Orbital pythiosis: a non‐fungal disease mimicking orbital mycotic infections, with a retrospective review of the literature
Authors: Mendoza L. , Prasla S. H. , Ajello L. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryIn the past decade there have been four well‐documented cases of orbital pythiosis caused by Pythium insidiosum. All were recorded in apparently healthy children. Although pythiosis seems to be a rare infection in humans, we recently conducted a review of the medical literature to investigate misdiagnosed cases of orbital pythiosis in the past 100 years in children. To track putative cases of orbital pythiosis, we first identified orbital cases initially diagnosed as fungal infections. We were particularly interested in cases (a) involving apparently young healthy hosts, (b) the presence of hyaline, aseptate hyphal elements in the infected tissues, (c) the morphological features of the hyphal elements, (d) the presence of an eosinophilic granulomatous reaction with the Splendore–Hoeppli phenomenon around the mycelial elements, (e) resistance to antifungal therapy, (f) outcome after therapy, if any, and (g) cultural strategies. This study showed that indeed, there had been five other recorded cases of orbital infections, all in young children in the USA, with characteristics consistent with infections caused by P. insidiosum. The reports had described those cases of orbital‐cranial‐arterial diseases as patients with aspergillosis (one case), penicilliosis infection (one case), and zygomycosis (three cases). We reviewed those anomalous cases and discuss details about their clinical, pathologic, therapeutic, and etiologic evidence used to reclassify them as putative cases of orbital pythiosis.
Comparative evaluation of the efficacy and safety of two doses of terbinafine (500 and 1000 mg day−1) in the treatment of cutaneous or lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis
Authors: Chapman S. W. , Pappas P. , Kauffmann C. , Smith E. B. , Dietze R. , Tiraboschi‐Foss N. , Restrepo A. , Bustamante A. B. , Opper C. , Emady‐Azar S. , Bakshi R. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral terbinafine (500 and 1000 mg day−1) in the treatment of cutaneous or lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. A culture for Sporothrix schenckii was required for inclusion into this multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group study. Patients received either 250 mg b.i.d. or 500 mg b.i.d. oral terbinafine for up to a maximum of 24 weeks and were assessed up to 24 weeks post‐treatment. The main efficacy outcome measure was cure, defined as no lesion and absence of adenopathy at the end of follow‐up. Adverse events (AEs), laboratory tests, vital signs and ophthalmological examinations were also assessed. Sixty‐three patients (14–85 years of age) were treated with 500 mg day−1 (n = 28) or 1000 mg day−1 terbinafine (n = 35). The majority of patients were cured after 12–24 weeks of treatment, and the response was dose‐dependent throughout the study and at the end of follow‐up. The cure rate was significantly higher in patients treated with 1000 mg day−1 terbinafine compared with those treated with 500 mg day−1 terbinafine (87% vs. 52%, respectively; P = 0.004). There were no cases of relapse after 24 weeks of follow‐up in the 1000 mg day−1 terbinafine group, compared with six relapses in the terbinafine 500 mg day−1 group. Terbinafine was well tolerated and the frequency of drug‐related AEs was slightly higher in the 1000 mg treatment group. Both doses of terbinafine were well‐tolerated and effective for the treatment of sporotrichosis. The 1000 mg day−1 terbinafine dose was more efficacious than 500 mg day−1 in the treatment of cutaneous or lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis.
Infections of the central nervous system by melanized fungi: a review of cases presented between 1999 and 2004
Authors: Kantarcıoǧlu A. S. , de Hoog G. S. 
Published: February 2004

SummarySeveral types of infections of the central nervous system by melanized fungi can be distinguished: (a) single‐organ infection of the cerebrum, (b) extension into the cerebrum from adjacent cavities, (c) fungal presence in the cerebrospinal fluid, or (d) meningitis. The fungal order Chaetothyriales (containing Exophiala‐like black yeasts and relatives) is particularly rich in fungi causing cerebral infections. Cases by the main agents, Cladophialophora bantiana, Exophiala dermatitidis, and Ramichloridium mackenziei, published during the last 5 years are reviewed. Most of these infections prove to be fatal. Resection of the lesions in combination with antimycotic therapy may reduce mortality.
Further characterization of pigment‐producing Malassezia strains
Authors: Mayser P. , Töws A. , Krämer H.‐J. , Weiß R. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryReference as well as field strains of Malassezia furfur (30), M. sympodialis (49), M. globosa (52), M. obtusa (one), M. restricta (one), M. slooffiae (seven), and M. pachydermatis (373) were investigated for their ability to produce pigment and fluorochromes when tryptophan (Trp) is offered as the main nitrogen source. Only the M. furfur strains produced pigment on a pigment‐inducing medium (p‐medium). Remarkably, the optical activity of Trp was not significant for pigment synthesis. Other nitrogen sources that are structurally similar to Trp (gramine, tryptamine, serotonin) did not induce pigment formation. All lipophilic non‐furfur species failed to grow and to form pigment on this agar. However, growth of all lipid‐dependent species was achieved on a modified Dixon agar in which peptone had been substituted by an equal amount of l‐Trp. Here, too, the M. furfur colonies were characterized by rapidly developing dark brown halos. Furthermore, about 11% of the M. pachydermatis strains tested produced pigment formation on the p‐medium, which was enhanced by addition of d‐glucose. In contrast to M. furfur, pigment formation occurred after a markedly longer incubation time (4 weeks unlike 3–5 days) with a lower yield and limited color spectrum (thin layer chromatography, TLC). The UV filter pityriacitrine recently described for M. furfur was also demonstrated for M. pachydermatis by extraction, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis with co‐elution and mass spectroscopy. The phenotypic feature of pigment formation in some strains of M. pachydermatis may confirm recent molecular‐genetic findings suggesting a relationship between some strains of M. pachydermatis and M. furfur.