MedWorm: Candida

Lipase‐Catalyzed Production of Pinolenic Acid Concentrate from Pine Nut Oil Using a Recirculating Packed Bed Reactor

Journal of Food Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Pinolenic acid (PLA) concentrate in fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) was efficiently produced from pine nut oil via lipase‐catalyzed ethanolysis using a recirculating packed bed reactor (RPBR). The effects of reaction temperature, molar ratio, and residence time on the concentration of PLA were explored. Novozym 435 lipase from Candida antarctica showed less selectivity toward PLA esterified at the sn‐3 position when temperature was increased from 45 to 55 °C. For the trials of molar ratio between 1: 50 and 1: 100 (pine nut oil to ethanol), there were no significant differences in the yield of PLA. Residence time of substrate in a RPBR affected significantly the PLA content as well as the yield of PLA. Optimal temperature, molar ratio (pine nut oil to ethanol), and residen...

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Composition and antimicrobial activities of the leaf essential oil of Machilus zuihoensis from Taiwan

Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:30:49 +0100

This study investigated the chemical composition, and antimicrobial and anti-wood-decay fungal activities of the essential oil isolated from the leaf of endemic Machilus zuihoensis Hayata, Lauraceae, of Taiwan. The essential oil from the fresh leaves of M. zuihoensis was isolated using hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus, and characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS. A total of 104 compounds were identified, representing 100% of the oil. The main components identified were n-dodecanal (23.8%) and (E)-nerolidol (10.5%). The antimicrobial activity of the oil was tested by the disc diffusion method and micro-broth dilution method against ten microbial species (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomo...

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of lichen Toninia candida

Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:30:49 +0100

In the present investigation, methanol, chloroform and petrol ether extracts from the lichen Toninia candida (Weber) Th. Fr, Catillariaceae, were assayed for their antioxidant activity. The phenolic composition of the extracts was determined by HPLC-UV analysis. The predominant phenolic compound in all the extracts was depsidone, norstictic acid. All the tested extracts of T. candida contain, besides norstictic acid, atranorin, stictic, protocetraric and usnic acid, but in different amounts and relations. The lichen extracts showed comparable and strong antioxidant activity, exhibited higher DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavengings, chelating activity and inhibitory activity towards lipid peroxidation. This is the first report of chemical composition and antioxidant antimicrobial activity of ...

Starmerella bombicola influences the metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase level during mixed wine fermentation

Microbial Cell Factories — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In mixed fermentation, S. bombicola immobilized cells greatly affected the fermentation behavior of S. cerevisiae and the analytical composition of wine. The influence of S. bombicola on S. cerevisiae was not limited to a simple additive contribution. Indeed, its presence caused metabolic modifications during S. cerevisiae fermentation causing variation in the gene expression and enzymatic activity of alcohol deydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxilase. (Source: Microbial Cell Factories)

The Mind Behind the Message: Advancing Theory‐of‐Mind Scales for Typically Developing Children, and Those With Deafness, Autism, or Asperger Syndrome

Child Development — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Children aged 3–12 years (n = 184) with typical development, deafness, autism, or Asperger syndrome took a series of theory‐of‐mind (ToM) tasks to confirm and extend previous developmental scaling evidence. A new sarcasm task, in the format of H. M. Wellman and D. Liu’s (2004) 5‐step ToM Scale, added a statistically reliable 6th step to the scale for all diagnostic groups. A key previous finding, divergence in task sequencing for children with autism, was confirmed. Comparisons among diagnostic groups, controlling age, and language ability, showed that typical developers mastered the 6 ToM steps ahead of each of the 3 disabled groups, with implications for ToM theories. The final (sarcasm) task challenged even nondisabled 9‐year‐olds, demonstrating the new scale’s sen...

The effect of various concentrations of iodine potassium iodide on the antimicrobial properties of mineral trioxide aggregate – a pilot study

Dental Traumatology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Substitution of IKI solutions (1%, 2%, and 4%) for water did not significantly increase the antimicrobial activity of MTA. (Source: Dental Traumatology)

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Killing by neutrophil extracellular traps: fact or folklore?

Blood — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA structures released by dying neutrophils and claimed to constitute a new microbicidal mechanism. Killing by NET-forming cells is ascribed to these structures because it is prevented by preincubation with DNase, which has been shown to dismantle NETs, before addition of the target microorganisms. Curiously, the possibility that the microorganisms ensnared in NETs are alive has not been considered. Using Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans blastospores, we demonstrate that the microorganisms captured by NETs and thought to be killed are alive because they are released and recovered in cell medium by incubation with DNase. It is concluded that NETs entrap but do not kill microbes. (Source: Blood)

Efficient capture of Candida albicans and zymosan by SIGNR1 augments TLR2-dependent TNF-{alpha} production

International Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we explore the impact of SIGNR1 in the recognition of C. albicans/zymosan and the subsequent tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production using SIGNR1-transfected RAW264.7 (RAW-SIGNR1) cells and resident peritoneal macrophages. Compared with RAW-control cells, RAW-SIGNR1 cells dramatically enhanced TNF-α production upon the stimulation with heat-killed C. albicans and zymosan. Recognition of microbes via carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of SIGNR1 was crucial for the enhanced TNF-α production. Consistently, such an enhancement was significantly decreased by anti-SIGNR1 mAb. Laminarin, antagonistic Dectin-1 ligand, cooperated to further diminish the response, although no effect was observed by itself in RAW-SIGNR1 cells. However, it moderately reduced the re...

Fungi and allergic lower respiratory tract diseases

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Asthma is a common disorder that in 2009 afflicted 8.2% of adults and children, 24.6 million persons, in the United States. In patients with moderate and severe persistent asthma, there is significantly increased morbidity, use of health care support, and health care costs. Epidemiologic studies in the United States and Europe have associated mold sensitivity, particularly to Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum, with the development, persistence, and severity of asthma. In addition, sensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus has been associated with severe persistent asthma in adults. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is caused by A fumigatus and is characterized by exacerbations of asthma, recurrent transient chest radiographic infiltrates, coughing up thick mucus plugs,...

Triple fungal infection in a patient with liver cirrhosis.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a case of triple fungal infection including an invasive pulmonary aspergillosis by Aspergillus fumigatus, a candidemia by Candida albicans and a Pneumocystis pneumonia. The overall clinical picture of this patient was liver cirrhosis with medical history of immunosuppressive treatment for Crohn disease and a non-hodgkin lymphoma. There was no antifungal prophylaxis for this patient. Under treatment, the issue was unfavourable with multivisceral failure. PMID: 22294141 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique)

Essential Oil of Juniperus communis subsp. alpina (Suter) Čelak Needles: Chemical Composition, Antifungal Activity and Cytotoxicity

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Essential oils are known to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of bacteria and fungi. In the present work the composition and the antifungal activity of the oils of Juniperus communis subsp. alpina (Suter) Čelak were evaluated. Moreover, the skin cytotoxicity, at concentrations showing significant antifungal activity, was also evaluated. The oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal lethal concentration (MLC) were used to evaluate the antifungal activity of the oil against dermatophytes (Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, T. rubrum, T. verrucosum), yeasts ...

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Lipase Immobilization on Differently Functionalised Vinyl-Based Amphiphilic Polymers: Influence of Phase Segregation on the Enzyme Hydrolytic Activity.

Biomacromolecules — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bellusci M, Francolini I, Martinelli A, D'Ilario L, Piozzi A Abstract Microbial lipase from Candida rugosa was immobilized by physical adsorption onto an ethylene-vinyl alcohol polymer (EVAL) functionalized with acyl chlorides. In order to evaluate the influence of the reagent chain-length on the amount and activity of immobilized lipase, three differently long aliphatic fatty acids were employed (C8, C12, C18), obtaining EVAL functionalization degrees ranging from 5% to 65%. The enzyme-polymer affinity increased with both the length of the alkyl chain and the matrix hydrophobicity. In particular, the esterified polymers showed a tendency to give segregated hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. It was observed the formation of an enzyme multilayer at both low and high prote...

Ambroxol influences voriconazole resistance of Candida parapsilosis biofilm

FEMS Yeast Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our data seem to encourage the use of different substances in combination with classical antimycotics, with the aim of finding a solution to the increasing problem of the resistance of biofilms formed on medical devices by non‐albicans Candida species.© 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved (Source: FEMS Yeast Research)

An Aspergillus nidulans bZIP response pathway hardwired for defensive secondary metabolism operates through aflR

Molecular Microbiology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:34:56 +0100

SummaryThe eukaryotic bZIP transcription factors are critical players in organismal response to environmental challenges. In fungi, the production of secondary metabolites (SMs) is hypothesized as one of the responses to environmental insults, e.g. attack by fungivorous insects, yet little data to support this hypothesis exists. Here we establish a mechanism of bZIP regulation of SMs through RsmA, a recently discovered YAP‐like bZIP protein. RsmA greatly increases SM production by binding to two sites in the A. nidulans AflR promoter region, a C6 transcription factor known for activating production of the carcinogenic and anti‐predation SM, sterigmatocystin (ST). Deletion of aflR in an overexpression rsmA (OE::rsmA) background not only eliminates ST production but also significantly re...

Discrepancy of in-vitro data and clinical efficacy of micafungin against Candida tropicalis endophthalmitis

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:32:03 +0100

We report findings for a 74-year-old woman with Candida tropicalis endophthalmitis for whom an increase in β-d-glucan level and worsening of endophthalmitis were observed after intravenous injection of micafungin, an echinocandin antifungal agent. Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by C. tropicalis developed in both eyes. On the basis of her surgical history, laboratory data, and lesions, tentative diagnosis of fungal endophthalmitis was made. She was then treated with fluconazole and itraconazole, but the β-d-glucan level did not decrease, and there was no improvement of the endophthalmitis. The fluconazole was discontinued and replaced by micafungin. Unexpectedly, the level of β-d-glucan increased and endophthalmitis did not improve. The micafungin was immediately stopped and replac...

Anidulafungin for the treatment of candidaemia/invasive candidiasis in selected critically ill patients

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractA prospective, multicentre, phase IIIb study with an exploratory, open‐label design was conducted to evaluate efficacy and safety of anidulafungin for the treatment of candidaemia/invasive candidiasis (C/IC) in specific ICU patient populations. Adult ICU patients with confirmed C/IC meeting ≥1 of the following criteria were enrolled: postabdominal surgery, solid tumour, renal/hepatic insufficiency, solid organ transplant, neutropaenia, age ≥65 years. Patients received anidulafungin (200 mg on day 1, 100 mg/day thereafter) for 10–42 days, optionally followed by oral voriconazole/fluconazole. The primary efficacy endpoint was global (clinical and microbiologic) response at the end of all therapy (EOT). Secondary endpoints included global response at the end of intravenous the...

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An evolutionary perspective on C‐type lectins in infection and immunity

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Host–pathogen interactions have coevolved for many years. On the one hand, the human immune system consists of innate and adaptive immune cells that function to defeat pathogens, and on the other hand, pathogens have coevolved to use the system for their own propagation. C‐type lectins are conserved receptors recognizing carbohydrate structures on viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. C‐type lectins such as DC‐SIGN, langerin, and dectin‐1 are expressed by dendritic cell subsets and macrophages. Pathogen recognition by C‐type lectins triggers signaling pathways that lead to the expression of specific cytokines which subsequently instruct adaptive T helper immune responses. T helper cell differentiation is crucial for initiating proper adaptive immune responses; some pathogens...

Low virulent oral Candida albicans strains isolated from smokers

Archives of Oral Biology — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:46:12 +0100

Abstract: It is widely accepted that tabagism is a predisposing factor to oral candidosis and cumulate data suggest that cigarette compounds may increase candidal virulence. To verify if enhanced virulence occurs in Candida albicans from chronic smokers, a cohort of 42 non-smokers and other of 58 smokers (all with excellent oral conditions and without signs of candidosis) were swabbed on tong dorsum and jugal mucosa. Results showed that oral candidal loads do not differ between smoker and non-smokers. Activities of secreted aspartyl-protease (Sap), phospholipase, chondroitinase, esterase–lipase, and haemolysin secretions were screened for thirty-two C. albicans isolates. There were detected significant increments in phospholipasic and chondroitinasic activities in isolates from non-smoke...

CR3 Is a Signaling Receptor for Soluble {beta}-Glucan [Immunology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Neutrophils provide an innate immune response to tissues infected with fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans. This response is tightly regulated in part through the interaction of integrins with extracellular matrix ligands that are distributed within infected tissues. The β2 integrin, CR3 (CD11b/CD18), is unique among integrins in containing a lectin-like domain that binds the fungal pathogen-associated molecular pattern β-glucan and serves as the dominant receptor for recognition of fungal pathogens by human granulocytes. β-Glucan, when isolated in soluble form, has been shown to be a safe and effective immune potentiator when administered therapeutically. Currently a pharmaceutical grade preparation of β-glucan is in several clinical trials with an anti-cancer indication. CR3 bi...

Photodynamic inactivation of biofilms formed by Candida spp., Trichosporon mucoides, and Kodamaea ohmeri by cationic nanoemulsion of zinc 2,9,16,23-tetrakis(phenylthio)-29H, 31H-phthalocyanine (ZnPc)

Lasers in Medical Science — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:11:34 +0100

Abstract The biofilms formed by opportunistic yeasts serve as a persistent reservoir of infection and impair the treatment of fungal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of biofilms formed by Candida spp. and the emerging pathogens Trichosporon mucoides and Kodamaea ohmeri by a cationic nanoemulsion of zinc 2,9,16,23-tetrakis(phenylthio)-29H,31H-phthalocyanine (ZnPc). Biofilms formed by yeasts after 48 h in the bottom of 96-well microtiter plates were treated with the photosensitizer (ZnPc) and a GaAlAs laser (26.3 J cm–2). The biofilm cells were scraped off the well wall, homogenized, and seeded onto Sabouraud dextrose agar plates that were then incubated at 37°C for 48 h. Efficient PDI of biofilms was verifie...

Bacteriuria and antibiotic resistance in catheter urine specimens following radical prostatectomy.

Urologic Oncology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of RP patients have positive urine cultures at the time of catheter removal, despite the administration of prophylactic fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Potentially virulent organisms are commonly cultured, and ciprofloxacin resistance is frequent. However, outcomes are favorable when culture-specific oral antibiotic therapy is initiated. PMID: 22285005 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Urologic Oncology)

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Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: In this study, C. albicans was the most frequently detected species in candidiasis and risk exposures increased the susceptibility of hospitalized patients to acquiring a nosocomial infection by Candida spp. PMID: 22285886 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia)

An Alternative Respiratory Pathway on Candida krusei: Implications on Susceptibility Profile and oxidative stress

FEMS Yeast Research — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:13:23 +0100

AbstractOur aim was detect the presence of an alternative oxidase (AOX) in Candida krusei clinical strains and its influence on fluconazole susceptibility and in reactive oxygen species production. C. krusei clinical isolates were tested in order to evaluate the presence of AOX. Debaromyces hansenii 2968 (AOX positive), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4742 (AOX negative) were used as controls strains. Measurements of oxygen consumption were performed in the presence of 1 mM KCN, an inhibitor of the classical respiratory chain and 5 mM salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM). AOX expression was monitored by western blotting using an AOX monoclonal antibody. Interactions between fluconazole and SHAM were performed using checkerboard assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated in the p...

Elaboration of anti‐biofilm surfaces functionalized with antifungal‐cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractTo tackle the loss of activity of surfaces functionalized by coating and covalently bound molecules to materials, an intermediate system implying the non covalent immobilization of active molecules in the inner cavity of grafted cyclodextrins (CDs) was investigated.The antifungal and antibiofilm activities of the most stable complexes of Anidulafungin (echinocandin) and thymol (terpen) in various cyclodextrins was demonstrated to be almost the same as the free molecules. The selected cyclodextrin was covalently bond to self‐assembled monolayers on gold surfaces. The immobilized antifungal agents reduced the number of culturable Candida albicans ATCC 3153 attached to the surface by 64 ± 8% for anidulafungin and 75 ± 15% for thymol. The inhibitory activity was persistent for thym...

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Prospective Study of Caspofungin vs. Amphotericin B for the Treatment of Invasive Candidiasis in Newborn Infants

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Caspofungin is more effective, safer and alternative to amphotericin B for the treatment of invasive candidiasis in newborn infants. (Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics)

New heterocyclic compounds from 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole class bearing diphenylsulfone moieties. Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity evaluation.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Barbuceanu SF, Saramet G, Almajan GL, Draghici C, Barbuceanu F, Bancescu G Abstract Some new 5-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(R)-2H-1,2,4-triazol-3(4H)-thiones 4a,b; 5a,b and 5-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-N-(R)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amines 6a,b; 7a,b were obtained by cyclization of new N(1)-[4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)benzoyl]-N(4)-(R)-thiosemicarbazides 2a,b; 3a,b (X=H, Br). The 1,2,4-triazoles were synthesized by intramolecular cyclization of acylthiosemicarbazides, in basic media. On the other hand, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles were obtained from same acylthiosemicarbazides, in acidic media. These new intermediates from thiosemicarbazide class were afforded by the reaction of 4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)benzoic acids hydrazides (X=H, Br) 1a,b with 4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl or 3,4,5-trimet...

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Synthesis of lipophilic tyrosyl esters derivatives and assessment of their antimicrobial and antileishmania activities

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results open up potential applications to use medium tyrosyl derivatives surfactants, antioxidants, antimicrobial and antileishmanial compounds in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Candida kuoi sp. nov., a new anamorphic species of the Starmerella yeast clade that synthesizes sophorolipids.

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kurtzman CP Abstract Candida kuoi sp. nov. (NRRL Y-27208T, CBS 7267T, type strain) is described from a strain isolated from concentrated grape juice in Cape Province, South Africa. Analysis of sequences from the D1/D2 domains of the nuclear large subunit rRNA gene separated the proposed new species from Starmerella bombicola and S. meliponinorum, as well as from Candida species that are members of the Starmerella clade. Of described species, C. kuoi is most closely related to S. bombicola but can be separated from this species by its growth on D-ribose and erythritol. C. kuoi produces sophorolipids that have an open chain structure similar to C. batistae, C. riodocensis and C. stellata, which is in contrast to the closed chain sophorolipids produced by S. bombicola and C. ...

Candida borneonana sp. nov., a new methanol-assimilating anamorphic yeast species isolated from decaying fruit in Borneo.

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sipiczki M Abstract Five strains of a previously unknown anamorphic, methanol-assimilating yeast species are described for which the name Candida borneonana is proposed. The strains were isolated from fruit waste collected in markets in Brunei (Borneo). The sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA genes, the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) regions and the 18S rRNA genes were identical in the isolates and differed from the corresponding sequences of all known yeast species. In a phylogenetic analysis of these sequences, the new species formed a cluster with Kuraishia species (the closest species was K. capsulata with 6% nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domain). The type strain is 11-487T. It has been deposited in Centralbureau voor Schimmelcultures (U...

Effect of Streptococcus salivarius K12 on the in vitro growth of Candida albicans and its protective effect on oral candidiasis model.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ishijima SA, Hayama K, Burton JP, Reid G, Okada M, Matsushita Y, Abe S Abstract Oral candidiasis is often accompanied with severe inflammation resulting in a decline in the quality of life of immunosuppressed individuals and elderly people. To develop a new oral therapic options for candidiasis, a non-pathogenic commensal oral probiotic microorganism, Streptococcus salivarius K12 was evaluated for its ability to modulate Candida albicans growth in vitro and its therapeutic activity was tested on an experimental oral candidiasis model.In vitro inhibition of mycelial growth of C. albicans was determined by plate assay and fluorescent microscopy. Addition of S. salivarius K12 to modified RPMI1640 culture medium inhibited the adherence of C. albicans to the plastic petri dish ...

A Recently Evolved Transcriptional Network Controls Biofilm Development in Candida albicans

Cell — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Clarissa J. Nobile, Emily P. Fox, Jeniel E. Nett, Trevor R. Sorrells, Quinn M. Mitrovich, Aaron D. Hernday, Brian B. Tuch, David R. Andes, Alexander D. Johnson. A biofilm is an organized, resilient group of microbes in which individual cells acquire properties, such as drug resistance, that are distinct from those observed in suspension cultures. Here, we.... (Source: Cell)

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Production of Chemoenzymatic Catalyzed Monoepoxide Biolubricant: Optimization and Physicochemical Characteristics

Journal of Nanomaterials — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:27:25 +0100

Linoleic acid (LA) is converted to per-carboxylic acid catalyzed by an immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435). This per-carboxylic acid is only intermediate and epoxidized itself in good yields and almost without consecutive reactions. Monoepoxide linoleic acid 9(12)-10(13)-monoepoxy 12(9)-octadecanoic acid (MEOA) was optimized using D-optimal design. At optimum conditions, higher yield% (82.14) and medium oxirane oxygen content (OOC) (4.91%) of MEOA were predicted at 15 μL of H2O2, 120 mg of Novozym 435, and 7 h of reaction time. In order to develop better-quality biolubricants, pour point (PP), flash point (FP), viscosity index (VI), and oxidative stability (OT) were determined for LA and MEOA. The results showed that MEOA exhibited g...

Spectrum of fungal infection in a neurology tertiary care center in India

Neurological Sciences — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:56:24 +0100

This study reports clinical, MRI and outcome of patients with central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections. 39 patients with CNS fungal infections treated in neurology service during the last 3 years were included and a detailed medical history and clinical examination were undertaken. Cranial MRI including paranasal sinuses were carried out and the location and nature of abnormalities were noted. Fungal infection was confirmed by CSF examination or histopathology. Death during hospital stay was noted. The median age was 37 (8–72) years and 8 were females. The clinical features included altered sensorium in 31, focal motor deficits in 13, visual loss in 12, seizures in 10, diplopia in 7, and papilledema in 9 patients. 28 patients had the following predisposing condition...

Regulatory interactionis for iron homoeostatis in Aspergillus fumigatus inferred by a Systems Biology approach

BMC Systems Biology - Latest articles — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study presents an application of the typical Systems Biology circle and is based on cooperation between wet-lab experimentalists and in silico modellers. The results underline that using prior knowledge during network inference helps to predict biologically important interactions. Together with the experimental results, we indicate a novel iron homoeostasis regulating system sensing the amount of metabolically available iron and identify the binding site of iron-related SrbA target genes. It will be of high interest to study whether these regulatory interactions are also important for close relatives of A. fumigatus and other pathogenic fungi, such as Candida albicans. (Source: BMC Systems Biology - Latest articles)

Essential oil of Myrica esculenta Buch. Ham.: composition, antimicrobial and topical anti-inflammatory activities.

Natural Product Research — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Agnihotri S, Wakode S, Ali M Abstract Hydrodistilled oil obtained from the stem bark of Myrica esculenta Buch. Ham. ex D. Don (yield 0.3%) was analysed by capillary GC and GC-MS. The volatile oil consisted mainly of n-hexadecanol (25.2%), eudesmol acetate (21.9%), palmitic acid (11.6%), cis-β-caryophyllene (8.7%), n-pentadecanol (7.7%) and n-octadecanol (7.6%). The oil was found to be a potential antimicrobial agent against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The essential oil exhibited significant topical anti-inflammatory activity compared to standard drug in Swiss albino mice ear. PMID: 22260222 [PubMed - as supplied by publis...

Fungal Cell Wall Vaccines: An Update.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Edwards JE Abstract This discussion is intended to be an overview of current advances in the development fungal cell wall vaccines with an emphasis on Candida; it is not a comprehensive historical review of all fungal, cell wall vaccines. Selected, more recent, highly innovative strategies for developing fungal vaccines will be highlighted. Both scientific and logistical obstacles related to the development of, and clinical use of, fungal vaccines will be discussed. PMID: 22267544 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology)

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Regulatory interactions for iron homoeostatis in Aspergillus fumigatus inferred by a Systems Biology approach

BMC Systems Biology - Latest articles — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Anti-microbial benzimidazole derivatives: synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation

Medicinal Chemistry Research — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:49:45 +0100

In this study, we have synthesized 5-(nitro/chloro)-2-styryl-benzimidazoles and evaluated for in vitro anti-microbial activity with different strain like anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans were carried out. Compounds 2, 4, 7, 8 showed higher activity against S. aureus, compounds 2, 8, 9, 10 showed higher activity against E. coli and Compounds 2, 7, 9, 8 showed higher activity against C. albicans. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00044-012-9976-2Authors Love Kumar Soni, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry Research Lab., School of Pharmacy, Devi Ahilya University, Takshashila Campus, Ring Road, Indore, 452017 Madhya Pradesh, IndiaTamanna Narsinghani, Pha...

Unusual presentation of MALT lymphoma as diffuse gastric erythema

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:04:55 +0100

A 59-year-old white man was admitted with sudden onset of dysphagia, nausea, and vomiting. He had no abdominal pain, fever, night sweats, or weight loss. Physical examination and basic blood tests showed normal results. EGD revealed multiple distal esophageal ulcers ( ) and Candida esophagitis. The stomach and duodenum were unremarkable. There was no evidence of HIV, cytomegalovirus, or herpes simplex virus infection. His symptoms improved with acid suppression and antifungal therapy. EGD 2 months later revealed a normal esophagus and diffuse erythema in the gastric fundus and body resembling portal hypertensive gastropathy ( ). Gastric biopsy, however, showed MALT lymphoma ( ) with strong CD20 immunohistochemistry staining, but no evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection. A 10-day course...

Antimicrobial and Anticoagulant Activity of N-chlorotaurine (NCT), N,N-dichloro-2,2-dimethyltaurine (NVC-422) and N-monochloro-2,2-dimethyltaurine (NVC-612) in Human Blood.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Martini C, Hammerer-Lercher A, Zuck M, Jekle A, Debabov D, Anderson M, Nagl M Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the potential application of N-chlorotaurine (NCT), N,N-dichloro-2,2- dimethyltaurine (NVC-422) and N-chloro-2,2-dimethyltaurine (NVC-612) as catheter-lock solutions for the prevention of catheter blockage and catheter-related bloodstream infections by testing their anticoagulant and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in human blood.NCT, NVC-422 and NVC-612 and control compounds were serially diluted in fresh human blood to evaluate the effects on prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, and direct thrombin inhibition. Quantitative killing assays against pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylo...

Azole resistance by loss of function of the sterol {Delta}5,6-desaturase gene (ERG3) in Candida albicans does not necessarily decrease virulence.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vale-Silva LA, Coste AT, Ischer F, Parker JE, Kelly SL, Pinto E, Sanglard D Abstract The inactivation of ERG3, a gene encoding sterol Δ(5,6)-desaturase (essential for ergosterol biosynthesis), is a known mechanism of in vitro resistance to azole antifungal drugs in the human pathogen Candida albicans. ERG3 inactivation typically results in loss of filamentation and attenuated virulence in animal models of disseminated candidiasis. In this work, we identified a C. albicans clinical isolate (VSY2) with high level resistance to azole drugs in vitro and absence of ergosterol but normal filamentation. Sequencing of ERG3 in VSY2 revealed a double base deletion leading to a premature stop codon and thus a non-functional enzyme. The reversion of the double base deletion in the mu...

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S279 Point Mutations in Candida albicans Sterol 14-α Demethylase (CYP51) Reduces in vitro Inhibition by Fluconazole.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Warrilow AG, Mullins JG, Hull CM, Parker JE, Lamb DC, Kelly DE, Kelly SL Abstract The effects of S279F and S279Y point mutations in Candida albicans CYP51 (CaCYP51) on activity and on substrate (lanosterol) and azole antifungal binding were investigated. Both S279F and S279Y bound lanosterol with two-fold increased affinities (K(s) 7.1 and 8.0 μM) compared to the wild-type CaCYP51 protein (K(s) 13.5 μM). S279F, S279Y and wild-type CaCYP51 proteins bound fluconazole, voriconazole and itraconazole tightly, producing typical type II binding spectra. However, S279F and S279Y had 4- to 5-fold lower affinities for fluconazole, 3.5-fold lower affinities for voriconazole and 3.5- to 4-fold lower affinities for itraconazole than the wild-type CaCYP51 protein. S279F and S279Y gave...

Cranberry proanthocyanidins inhibit the adherence properties of Candida albicans and cytokine secretion by oral epithelial cells

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: AC-PACs by affecting the adherence properties of C. albicans and attenuating the inflammatory response induced by this pathogen represent potential novel therapeutic agents for the prevention/treatment of oral candidiasis. (Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Disinfection of Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopes After In Vitro Contamination With Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Various different cleaning methods appeared to properly disinfect FFLs after inoculation with S aureus and C albicans in an in vitro model. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Antimicrobial activity of peptides derived from human ß‐amyloid precursor protein

Journal of Peptide Science — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Antimicrobial peptides are important effector molecules of the innate immune system. Here, we describe that peptides derived from the heparin‐binding disulfide‐constrained loop region of human ß‐amyloid precursor protein are antimicrobial. The peptides investigated were linear and cyclic forms of NWCKRGRKQCKTHPH (NWC15) as well as the cyclic form comprising the C‐terminal hydrophobic amino acid extension FVIPY (NWCKRGRKQCKTHPHFVIPY; NWC20c). Compared with the benchmark antimicrobial peptide LL‐37, these peptides efficiently killed the Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and the fungi Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. Correspondingly, fluorescence and electron microscopy de...

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cassava starch for production of bioethanol with a colombian wild yeast strain

Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:04:39 +0100

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cassava starch for producing glucose syrups was evaluated using alpha-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis and glucoamylase from Aspergillus niger. Moreover, an enzyme mixture of α-amylase from Aspergillus kawachi and glucoamylase from Aspergillus niger was tested. Enzyme conditions for starch hydrolysis were optimized by a factorial experimental design (3³×2) using as variables substrate concentration, enzyme/substrate ratio and time reaction. Optimal enzyme reactions with 100 g of starch per L were: α-amylase at pH 5.0, 80 °C and enzyme dosage of 130.5 U g-1 of starch; and glucoamylase, pH 4.5, 70 °C and enzyme dosage of 81.5 U g-1 of starch. Additionally, optimal conditions for the enzymatic mixture were pH 4.5, 46 °C, and enzyme dosage of 16.4 U g-1 of sta...

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Design of Biosolvents Through Hydroxyl Functionalization of Compounds with High Dielectric Constant.

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ou G, He B, Yuan Y Abstract We proposed basic principles for biosolvent design on the viewpoint of ionization. Two classes of biosolvents, based on cyclic carbonate moiety and amide moiety, were designed through hydroxyl functionalization of highly dielectric compound. The newly designed compounds, glycerol carbonate (GC) and N-hydroxymethyl formamide (HOF), were synthesized for the development of soluble enzymatic systems and characterized by (13)C NMR and (1)H NMR. All the characterization data were consistent with the expected structures. Using conductance measurements, the pK (a) values of trichloroacetic acid in GC and HOF were determined as 0.80 and 0.85 at 25.0 °C, which was very close to that in water (pK (a) = 0.70), suggesting that the i...

An external ecological niche for Candida albicans within reducing, oxygen-limited zones of wetlands.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stone W, Jones BL, Wilsenach J, Botha A Abstract Candida albicans is well-studied within the human host; however, identifying environmental reservoirs of pathogens is epidemiologically valuable for disease management. Oxygen-limited, carbohydrate-rich zones of wetlands, to which sewage-borne C. albicans is often exposed, are characteristically similar to the gastrointestinal reservoir. Consequently, using qRT-PCR and GC-MS we demonstrated that oxygen-limited zones in polluted wetlands may act as potential reservoirs of C. albicans. PMID: 22247177 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology)

Candida zemplinina can reduce acetic acid produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in sweet wine fermentations.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study demonstrates that mixed S. cerevisiae and C. zemplinina fermentation could be applied in sweet wine fermentation to reduce the production of acetic acid, connected to the S. cerevisiae osmotic stress response. PMID: 22247148 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology)

Time to blood culture positivity of different Candida species causing fungemia.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the different TTP values of different Candida species causing bloodstream infection may be helpful in differentiating C. glabrata from other Candida species. PMID: 22245787 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology)

The Construction of a New Integrative Vector with a New Selective Marker of Copper Resistance for Glycerol Producer Candida glycerinogenes.

Current Microbiology — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gao X, Zhuge B, Fang H, Zhuge J Abstract Candida glycerinogenes WL2002-5 has been used for industrial-scale fermentation of glycerol and may be a promising genetic host due to its tolerance to high osmotic pressure and fast growth. It resists many kinds of drugs, such as G418/hygromycin/cycloheximide. In previous studies, only Zeocin was used as a drug-resistant marker. But Zeocin is so expensive that it largely limits the genetic and molecular study. Here, we constructed a eukaryotic integrative vector pGAPZU, based on pGAPZB, to gain a new selectable marker of copper resistance for this strain. The results showed that the CUP1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae elevated copper resistance of C. glycerinogenes. The C. glycerinogenes transformed with recombinant vector pGUC, ...

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Novel Copper-Based Therapeutic Agent for Anti-Inflammatory: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biochemical Activities of Copper(II) Complexes of Hydroxyflavone Schiff Bases.

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Joseph J, Nagashri K Abstract Four hydroxyflavone derivatives have been synthesized with the aim of obtaining a good model of superoxide dismutase. Better to mimic the natural metalloenzyme, copper complexes have been designed. The Cu(II) complexes of general formulae, [CuL] where L = 5-hydroxyflavone-o-phenylenediamine (L(1)H(2))/m-phenylenediamine (L(2)H(2)) and 3-hydroxyflavone-o-phenylenediamine (L(3)H(2))/m-phenylenediamine (L(4)H(2)) have been synthesized. The structural features have been determined from their analytical and spectral data. All the Cu(II) complexes exhibit square planar geometry. Redox behavior of copper complexes was studied and the present ligand systems stabilize the unusual oxidation state of the copper ion during electrolysis. The in vitro a...

Enzymatic strategies for solvent‐free production of short and medium chain phytosteryl esters

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractTransesterification of phytosterols with short and medium chain fatty acids ethyl esters and with tributyrin catalyzed by Candida rugosa and Pseudomonas stutzeri TL lipases in solvent‐free medium were studied including the effects of temperature, fatty acid specificity, enzyme quantity, the residual activity of each lipase and reduced pressure. More than the 90% of the original phytosterols were transformed into their corresponding phystosteryl esters after 3‐4 h reaction at 50‐60 °C and at 100‐350 mbar. Then product mixtures containing 40‐50% (w/w) phystosteryl esters were vacuum distilled to remove molar excess of short and medium chain fatty acid ethyl esters utilized in the enzymatic reaction. By this methodology, purities > 95% in short and medium chain phytoster...

Species and susceptibility distribution of 1062 clinical yeast isolates to azoles, echinocandins, flucytosine and amphotericin B from a multi‐centre study

Mycoses — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryDescriptive values were determined for eight antifungal agents within the course of a multi‐centre study encompassing 1062 German and Austrian clinical yeast isolates. Candida albicans (54%) was the predominant species isolated followed by Candida glabrata (22%), Candida parapsilosis (6%), Candida tropicalis (5.7%), Candida krusei (4.3%), as well as eleven further candidal and four non‐Candida yeast species. While 519 (48.9%) isolates were tested susceptible to all antifungals tested, no isolate was found to exhibit complete cross resistance. For C. albicans, the proportions of susceptible isolates were 93.2% (amphotericin B), 95.6% (flucytosine), 84.3% (fluconazole), 83.8% (posaconazole), 91.8% (voriconazole), 96.5% (anidulafungin), 96.2% (caspofungin) and 97.6% (micafungin)....

Evaluation of the peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridisation technology for yeast identification directly from positive blood cultures: an Italian experience

Mycoses — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Summary Fungaemia is an increasing nosocomial pathology. The ‘gold standard’ for detection of fungaemia is blood culture, but it is time‐consuming and its sensitivity for early detection is low. On the other hand, yeasts present different antifungal sensitivity patterns to be quickly detected to allow an effective treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performances of PNA‐FISH to directly identify yeasts from blood cultures and to compare results with those obtained by culture. A total of 176 blood cultures positive for yeasts at direct Gram stain and 24 negative blood cultures as control collected from 15 Italian hospitals, included in a network coordinated by the Medical Mycology Committee, Italian Society of Clinical Microbiology (AMCLI), were examined...

Human ZG16p recognizes pathogenic fungi through non-self polyvalent mannose in the digestive system

Glycobiology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Human zymogen granule protein 16 (ZG16p) contains a Jacalin-like lectin domain, although its glycan-binding properties are not fully understood. Here, we screened the glycan-binding specificity of ZG16p by recently developed glycoconjugate microarray. ZG16p appeared to exhibit selective binding to α- and β-linked mannose-polyacrylamide-biotin probes. In more quantitative analysis using frontal affinity chromatography, dissociation constants to two types of polyvalent mannose, i.e. high-density mannose and yeast mannan, were determined to be 1.3 and 1.7 µM, respectively. Mutation of the evolutionarily conserved amino acid Asp151, which is involved in sugar binding among the Jacalin-related lectins (JRLs), abolished binding activity to mannose. By immunohistochemical st...

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Host cell and expression engineering for development of an E. coli ketoreductase catalyst: Enhancement of formate dehydrogenase activity for regeneration of NADH

Microbial Cell Factories — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Expression engineering of C. boidinii FDH is an important strategy to optimize E. coli whole-cell reductase catalysts that employ intracellular formate oxidation for regeneration of NADH. Increased FDH-activity was reflected by higher reduction yields of D-xylose and o-chloroacetophenone conversions provided that mass transfer limitations were overcome. (Source: Microbial Cell Factories)

Investigation and threshold of optimum blood concentration of voriconazole: a descriptive statistical meta-analysis

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:42:05 +0100

Abstract Voriconazole (VRCZ) reportedly possesses a broad spectrum of antifungal activity against Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp., and the blood concentration of VRCZ is correlated with both the efficacy and the adverse effects of this drug. Monitoring of the blood concentration target level of VRCZ has not yet been widely adopted in the medical field, and no evidence concerning this target level has been reported. Accordingly, we used a meta-analysis to investigate the optimal blood concentration of VRCZ. Using data from 12 reports, we found that the success rate for fungal infection treatment increased significantly at VRCZ levels greater than 1.0 μg/ml when a graded cutoff value within the range of 1.0–3.0 μg/ml was used as the VRCZ trough blood concentra...

FNG II (Echinacea, Hydrastis Canadensis, Lomatium Dissectum, Nasturtium Aquaticum, Tabebuia Impetiginosa, Iodium, Adrenalinum, Argentum Metallicum, Thymus, Thyroidinum, Phosphoricum Acidum, Candida Albicans, Lycopodium Clavatum, Pulsatilla, Sepia,) Liquid [Apotheca Company]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jan 10, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Antimicrobial Prenylated Acetophenones from Berries of Harrisonia abyssinica

Planta Medica — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Planta MedDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1298143AbstractThe ripe berries of Harrisonia abyssinica yielded two new prenylated acetophenones, namely 5-(ethan-1′′′-one)-4,6-dihydroxy-7-(3′′,3′′-dimethylallyl)-2S-(1′S-hydroxy-1′,5′-dimethylhex-4′-enyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (1) and 5-(2′′′-hydroxyethan-1′′′-one)-4,6-dihydroxy-7-(3′′,3′′-dimethylallyl)-2S-(1′S-hydroxy-1′,5′-dimethylhex-4′-enyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (2), herein named harronin I and harronin II, respectively. The compounds were isolated following activity guided fractionation and the structures were determined using 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic, CD and MS spectrometric techniques. The methanol-dichloromethane mixture (1 : 1 v/v) crude extract exhibited strong antimicrobial activity agai...

Candida albicans Dicer (CaDcr1) is required for efficient ribosomal and spliceosomal RNA maturation [Genetics]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The generation of mature functional RNAs from nascent transcripts requires the precise and coordinated action of numerous RNAs and proteins. One such protein family, the ribonuclease III (RNase III) endonucleases, includes Rnt1, which functions in fungal ribosome and spliceosome biogenesis, and Dicer, which generates the siRNAs of the RNAi pathway. The recent discovery of small RNAs in Candida albicans led us to investigate the function of C. albicans Dicer (CaDcr1). CaDcr1 is capable of generating siRNAs in vitro and is required for siRNA generation in vivo. In addition, CaDCR1 complements a Dicer knockout in Saccharomyces castellii, restoring RNAi-mediated gene repression. Unexpectedly, deletion of the C. albicans CaDCR1 results in a severe slow-growth phenotype, whereas deletion of anot...

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Could liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) lock solutions be useful to inhibit Candida spp. biofilms on silicone biomaterials?

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions L-AMB (1000 mg/L) lock solutions strongly inhibited Candida spp. in young and mature biofilms for up to 48 h after the end of the lock. However, overall eradication of the biofilm was not obtained using 1000 mg/L L-AMB as a single lock. These results suggest the usefulness of systemic treatment combined with an L-AMB lock to control Candida spp. biofilms associated with catheters. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

FUNGAL PLUS (Candida Albicans,) Liquid [Apotheca Company]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jan 9, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Effect of pH on in vitro susceptibility of Candida glabrata and Candida albicans to eleven antifungal agents - Implications for clinical use.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Danby CS, Boikov D, Rautemaa R, Sobel JD Abstract The treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) due to Candida glabrata is challenging with limited therapeutic options. Unexplained disappointing clinical efficacy has been reported with systemic and topical azole antifungal agents in spite of in vitro susceptibility. Given that vaginal pH of patients with VVC is unchanged at 4 - 4.5, we studied the effect of pH on the in vitro activity of eleven antifungal agents against 40 C. glabrata isolates and compared activity against 15 fluconazole sensitive, and 10 fluconazole reduced-susceptibility C. albicans strains. In vitro susceptibility to flucytosine, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, ciclopiroxolamine, amphoteri...

Non-thermal atmospheric plasma rapidly disinfects multidrug-resistant microbes by inducing cell surface damage.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kvam E, Davis B, Mondello F, Garner AL Abstract Plasma, a unique state of matter with properties similar to ionized gas, is an effective biological disinfectant. However, the mechanism through which non-thermal or "cold" plasma inactivates microbes on surfaces is poorly understood due, in part, to challenges associated with processing and analyzing live cells on surfaces rather than in aqueous solution. Here, we employ membrane-adsorption techniques to visualize the cellular effects of plasma on representative clinical isolates of drug-resistant microbes. Through direct fluorescent imaging, we demonstrate that plasma rapidly inactivates planktonic cultures, with >5-log(10) kill in 30 seconds, by damaging the cell surface in a time-dependent manner, resulting in a loss o...

Effect of high dose inhaled corticosteroids on cell mediated immunity in patients with asthma.

Allergologia et Immunopathologia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Patients with asthma taking high dose inhaled corticosteroids chronically (>6 months) did not have significantly greater impaired cell mediated immunity than patients not taking inhaled corticosteroids in this study. PMID: 22236734 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Allergologia et Immunopathologia)

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A model of the transmission of micro‐organisms in a public setting and its correlation to pathogen infection risks

Journal of Applied Microbiology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that infection risks are mainly dependent on current infectious doses of pathogens. For enteritic viruses or bacteria, for example Norovirus or EHEC, only a few particles or cells are sufficient for infection in public lavatories, thus bearing a high risk of infection for other persons. However, there seems to be only a low probability of becoming infected with pathogens that have a high infectious dose whilst sharing the same bathroom.Significance and Impact of the Study: The transmission model for micro‐organisms enables a risk assessment of gastro‐intestinal infections on the basis of a practical approach. (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology)

In vitro antifungal activities of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) seed extract.

Fitoterapia — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aims to evaluate antifungal activities of longan fruit extract in comparison to its active compounds. The results showed that longan seed exhibited antifungal activity against the opportunistic yeasts (Candida species and Cryptococcus neoformans). In contrast, longan pulp and whole fruit did not demonstrate any inhibitory effects. Ellagic acid showed the most potent antifungal activity followed by corilagin and gallic acid, respectively. Ellagic acid inhibited Candida parapsilosis and C. neoformans more effectively than Candida krusei and also some Candida albicans clinical strains. Baidam cultivar possessed higher antifungal activity (MIC=500-4000μg/ml) as it contained higher contents of ellagic acid and gallic acid than Edor (MIC=1000-8000μg/ml). For antibacterial activity, ...

Characterization of the adherence properties of human Lactobacilli strains to be used as vaginal probiotics.

FEMS Microbiology Letters — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:34:50 +0100

AbstractIn the present work, the adhesion of 43 human lactobacilli isolates to mucin has been studied. The most adherent strains were selected and their capacities to adhere to three epithelial cell lines were studied. All intestinal strains and one vaginal isolate adhered to HT‐29 cells. The latter was the most adherent to Caco‐2 cells, although two of the intestinal isolates were also highly adherent. Moreover, five out of the eight strains strongly adhered to HeLa cells. The binding of an Actinomyces neuii clinical isolate to HeLa cells was enhanced by two of the lactobacilli and by their secreted proteins, while those of another two strains almost abolished it. None of the strains were able to interfere with the adhesion of Candida albicans to HeLa cells. The components of the extr...

Antimicrobial screening of actinobacteria using a modified cross-streak method

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Sonashia Velho-Pereira, NM KamatIndian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2011 73(2):223-228Out of the 30 actinobacterial cultures screened for antimicrobial activity, 28 cultures were found to produce active products against various pathogenic microorganisms such as Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria and yeast, using a modified cross streak method. The modified method helped in easy quantification of results and also in ruling out probable mutual antibiosis. The actinobacterial strains that showed the ability to produce antimicrobial compounds belonged to Streptomyces (53%), Micromonospora (13%) and Actinomadura (10%) genera. Streptomyces sp. strain MMA-5 showed the highest multispecific antibiosis efficiency score value. Broad antibiotic spectrum activity was exhi...

In vitro evaluation of antifungal activity of the seed extract of embelia ribes

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A Sabitha Rani, K Saritha, V Nagamani, G SulakshanaIndian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2011 73(2):247-249Antifungal activity of Embelia ribes was evaluated on eight different fungal species by employing various concentrations of seed extract (0.5-2.0 mg). All the concentrations of seed extract inhibited the fungal growth, whereas maximum activity was observed at 2.0 mg concentration of seed extract. Among different doses, the diameter of inhibition zones ranged from 9 to 18 mm in various fungal species and increased with the increase in the concentration of test solution. Among all the fungi, high inhibition zones were observed in Colletotricum crassipes (18 mm). This was followed by Cladosporium (17.5 mm), Armillaria mellea (17 mm), Colletotricum capsici (17 mm), Aspergillus niger (...

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Immunological characterization and transcription profiling of peripheral blood (PB) monocytes in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and specific polysaccharide antibody deficiency (SPAD): Case study.

Journal of Neuroinflammation — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study assessed whether these ASD/SPAD children have distinct immunological findings in comparison with ASD/non-SPAD or non-ASD/SPAD children.Case description: We describe 8 ASD/SPAD children with worsening behavioral symptoms/cognitive skills that are triggered by immune insults. These ASD/SPAD children exhibited delayed type food allergy (5/8), treatment-resistant seizure disorders (4/8), and chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (5/8) at high frequencies. Control subjects included ASD children without SPAD (N=39), normal controls (N=37), and non-ASD children with SPAD (N=12).Discussion and Evaluation: We assessed their innate and adaptive immune responses, by measuring the production of pro-inflammatory and counter-regulatory cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) ...

Effect of Phenotypic Switching on the Biological Properties and Susceptibility to Chlorhexidine in Candida krusei ATCC 14243

FEMS Yeast Research — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study was carried out to evaluate the phenotypic switching ability of C. krusei ATCC 14243 and to determine its effect on the biological properties, adherence capacity and susceptibility towards chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). To induce switched generations C. krusei was cultured under nitrogen depleted growth condition by adding phloxine B. These phenotypically switched colonies were designated as the 1st generation. Subsequent sub‐culturing was done to produce the 2nd, 3rd and 4th switched generations. The recovery of the 3rd generation was the highest at 85.7% while that of the 4th generation was lower at 70.8%, and the recovery of the 1st and 2nd generations gradually reduced to 46.6% and 36.4%, respectively. All generations of C. krusei were susceptible towards CHX. The unswit...

The Candida glabrata adhesin Epa1p causes adhesion, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion by innate immune cells.

FEMS Yeast Research — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractWhile Candida albicans is the most significant fungal pathogen for humans, C. glabrata accounts for an increasing number of infections. Little is known about how C. glabrata interacts with the innate immune system, the first line of defense against such organisms. The C. glabrata adhesin Epa1p was previously shown to bind mammalian epithelial cells. We hypothesized Epa1p mediates unique, non‐opsonic binding to macrophages, leading to induction of immune responses. We found Epa1p mediated adhesion by both C. glabrata (Cg) and transformed S. cerevisiae (ScEPA1) to human macrophage‐like cells, including Thp1 and U937 lines, and donor PBMCs. Adhesion was distinct from described mechanisms such as Dectin‐1. Epa1p expression was necessary and sufficient for S. cerevisiae binding an...

Candida adriatica sp. nov. and Candida molendinolei sp. nov., two novel yeast species isolated from olive oil and its by-products.

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cadez N, Raspor P, Turchetti B, Cardinali G, Ciafardini G, Veneziani G, Péter G Abstract Thirteen strains isolated from virgin olive oil or its by-products in several Mediterranean countries were found phenotypically and genetically divergent from currently recognised yeast species. Sequence analysis of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA D1/D2 domain and internal transcribed spacer regions with 5.8S rRNA gene revealed that the strains represented two novel species described as Candida adriatica sp. nov. (ZIM 2234T, CBS 12504T) and Candida molendinolei sp. nov. (DBVPG 5508T, CBS 12508T). Phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated sequences of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, D1/D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and translation elongation factor-1á gene suggested that C. adriati...

Rhodococcus sp. CR-53 LipR is the first member of a new bacterial lipase family (Family X) displaying an unusual Y-type oxyanion hole, similar to Candida antarctica lipase clan.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bassegoda A, Pastor FI, Diaz P Abstract Bacterial lipases constitute the most important group of biocatalysts for synthetic organic chemistry. Accordingly, there is substantial interest in developing new valuable lipases. Considering the lack of information concerning the lipases of the genus Rhodococcus and taking into account the interest raised by the enzymes produced by actinomycetes, a search for putative lipase-encoding genes from Rhodococcus sp. CR-53 was performed. We isolated, cloned, purified, and characterized LipR, the first lipase described from the genus Rhodococcus. LipR is a mesophilic enzyme showing preference for medium chain length acyl groups without showing interfacial activation. It displays good long-term stability and high tolerance for the presence...

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Characterization of the adherence properties of human Lactobacilli strains to be used as vaginal probiotics

FEMS Microbiology Letters — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractIn the present work, the adhesion of 43 human lactobacilli isolates to mucin has been studied. The most adherent strains were selected, and their capacities to adhere to three epithelial cell lines were studied. All intestinal strains and one vaginal isolate adhered to HT‐29 cells. The latter was the most adherent to Caco‐2 cells, although two of the intestinal isolates were also highly adherent. Moreover, five of the eight strains strongly adhered to HeLa cells. The binding of an Actinomyces neuii clinical isolate to HeLa cells was enhanced by two of the lactobacilli and by their secreted proteins, while those of another two strains almost abolished it. None of the strains were able to interfere with the adhesion of Candida albicans to HeLa cells. The components of the extrace...

The Candida glabrata adhesin Epa1p causes adhesion, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion by innate immune cells

FEMS Yeast Research — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractWhile Candida albicans is the most significant fungal pathogen for humans, Candida glabrata accounts for an increasing number of infections. Little is known about how C. glabrata interacts with the innate immune system, the first line of defense against such organisms. The C. glabrata adhesin Epa1p was previously shown to bind mammalian epithelial cells. We hypothesized that Epa1p mediates unique, nonopsonic binding to macrophages, leading to induction of immune responses. We found that Epa1p mediated adhesion by both C. glabrata (Cg) and transformed Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScEPA1) to human macrophage‐like cells, including Thp1 and U937 lines, and donor PBMCs. Adhesion was distinct from described mechanisms such as Dectin‐1. Epa1p expression was necessary and sufficient fo...

Candida dubliniensis endophthalmitis: first case in North America

International Ophthalmology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:05:47 +0100

Abstract To report an unusual case of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis due to Candida dubliniensis. Interventional case report of a 27-year-old immunocompetent male with loss of vision, dense vitritis, and chorioretinal infiltrates, who underwent a diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy. Microbiology cultures obtained by a diagnostic vitrectomy were positive for the growth of C. dubliniensis. This infectious process was then appropriately treated with intravitreal amphotericin B and systemic fluconazole with resolution of the endophthalmitis. Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis is a condition that can masquerade other more common causes of endophthalmitis. Atypical cases of endophthalmitis may benefit from diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Co...

The Burkholderia cenocepacia BDSF Quorum Sensing Fatty Acid is Synthesized by a Bifunctional Crotonase Homologue Having Both Dehydratase and Thioesterase Activities

Molecular Microbiology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report that BDSF is synthesized from a fatty acid synthetic intermediate, the acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioester of 3‐hydroxydodecanoic acid. This intermediate is intercepted by protein Bcam0581 and converted to cis‐2‐dodecenoyl‐ACP. Bcam0581 is annotated as a homologue of crotonase, the first enzyme of the fatty acid degradation pathway. We demonstrated Bcam0581to be a bifunctional protein that not only catalyzed dehydration of 3‐hydroxydodecanoyl‐ACP to cis‐2‐dodecenoyl‐ACP, but also cleaved the thioester bond to give the free acid. Both activities required the same set of active site residues. Although dehydratase and thioesterase activities are known activities of the crotonase superfamily, Bcam0581 is the first protein shown to have both activities (Source: Mole...

Xylitol production from d-xylose and horticultural waste hemicellulosic hydrolysate by a new isolate of Candida athensensis SB18.

Bioresource Technology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:25:59 +0100

Authors: Zhang J, Geng A, Yao C, Lu Y, Li Q Abstract This paper describes the production of xylitol from d-xylose and horticultural waste hemicellulosic hydrolysate by a new strain of Candida athensensis SB18. Strain SB18 completely consumed 250 and 300gL(-1)d-xylose and successful converted it to xylitol in the respective yield of 0.83 and 0.87gg(-1), resulting in 207.8 and 256.5gL(-1) of xylitol, respectively. The respective volumetric productivity were 1.15 and 0.97gL(-1)h(-1). Approximately 100.1gL(-1) of xylitol was obtained from the bioconversion of detoxified horticultural waste hemicellulosic hydrolysate using strain SB18. The yield and productivity were 0.81gg(-1) xylose and 0.98gL(-1)h(-1), respectively. Strain C. athensensis SB18 was able to completely utilize glucose, m...

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A Protosilencer of Subtelomeric Gene Expression in Candida glabrata with Unique Properties [Gene Expression]

Genetics — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Adherence to host cells is an important step in the pathogenicity of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata. This adherence is mediated by some members of the large family of cell wall proteins encoded by the EPA (Epithelial Adhesin) genes present in the C. glabrata genome. The majority of the EPA genes are localized close to different telomeres in C. glabrata, resulting in a negative regulation of transcription of these genes through chromatin-based subtelomeric silencing. In vitro, adherence to epithelial cells is mainly mediated by Epa1, the only member of the EPA family that is expressed in vitro. EPA1 forms a cluster with EPA2 and EPA3 at the subtelomeric region of telomere E-R. EPA2 and EPA3 are subject to silencing that propagates from this telomere in a process that dep...

Complement plays a central role in Candida albicans‐induced cytokine production by human PBMCs

European Journal of Immunology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we report that in humans an activated complement system mainly augments Candida albicans‐induced host pro‐inflammatory cytokine production via C5a‐C5a receptor signaling, while phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Candida are not influenced. By blocking the C5a‐C5aR signaling pathway, either with anti‐C5a antagonist antibodies or with the C5aR antagonist W‐54001, C. albicans‐induced IL‐6 and IL‐1β levels were significantly reduced. Recombinant C5a augmented cytokine production. In addition, using serum from patients with various complement deficiencies, we demonstrated a crucial role of C5, but not C6 or the membrane attack complex, in C. albicans‐induced IL‐6 and IL‐1β production in monocytes. These findings reveal a central role of anaphylato...

Females may be more susceptible to infection during ovulation

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) Research in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests a woman's ovarian cycle plays a role in susceptibility to infection. Specifically, researchers found women are most susceptible to infection, such as Candida albicans or other sexually transmitted diseases, during ovulation than at any other time during the reproductive cycle. This natural "dip" in immunity may be to allow spermatozoa to survive the threat of an immune response so it may fertilize an egg successfully. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Combinatorial reshaping of the Candida antarctica lipase A substrate pocket for enantioselectivity using an extremely condensed library [Chemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A highly combinatorial structure-based protein engineering method for obtaining enantioselectivity is reported that results in a thorough modification of the substrate binding pocket of Candida antarctica lipase A (CALA). Nine amino acid residues surrounding the entire pocket were simultaneously mutated, contributing to a reshaping of the substrate pocket to give increased enantioselectivity and activity for a sterically demanding substrate. This approach seems to be powerful for developing enantioselectivity when a complete reshaping of the active site is required. Screening toward ibuprofen ester 1, a substrate for which previously used methods had failed, gave variants with a significantly increased enantioselectivity and activity. Wild-type CALA has a moderate activity with an E value ...

Laboratory evolution of copper tolerant yeast strains

Microbial Cell Factories — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Following evolution, both Candida and Saccharomyces cells were able to proliferate up to 2.5 g * L-1 CuSO4 and to accumulate high amounts of intracellular copper. The comparison of yeasts differing in their robustness, allowed highlighting physiological and molecular determinants of natural and acquired copper tolerance. We observed that different mechanisms contribute to confer metal tolerance: the control of copper uptake, changes in the levels of enzymes involved in oxidative stress response and changes in the copper-binding proteome. However, copper elicits different physiological and molecular reactions in yeasts with different backgrounds. (Source: Microbial Cell Factories)

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Discovery of 2-(4-cyano-3-trifluoromethylphenyl amino)-4-(4-quinazolinyloxy)-6-piperazinyl(piperidinyl)-s-triazines as potential antibacterial agents

Medicinal Chemistry Research — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:54:37 +0100

Abstract A series of 2-(4-cyano-3-trifluoromethylphenyl amino)-4-(4-quinazolinyloxy)-6-piperazinyl(piperidinyl)-s-triazines have been synthesized in this study by a simple and efficient synthetic protocol. The synthetic route to final piperazinyl s-triazines involved two nucleophilic substitution reactions of 4-amino-2-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile and 4-hydroxyquinazoline with 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine resulting in 2,4-disubstituted-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazine derivative to introduce the piperazinyl or piperidinyl functionality. The structures of the compounds were elucidated with the aid of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds was tested against eight bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96, Bacillus...

Comparison of the effect of non-antifungal and antifungal agents on Candida isolates from the gastrointestinal tract.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Trifluoperazine could be considered as an alternative antifungal when encountering Candida spp. resistant to current antifungals. PMID: 22208440 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Diagnostic, management and outcome of Candida endocarditis

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, CE prognosis remains poor with a better outcome among younger patients and intravenous drug users. Detection of serum antigens and molecular tools may contribute to earlier CE diagnosis. (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)

A model of the transmission of microorganisms in a public setting and its correlation to pathogen infection risks

Journal of Applied Microbiology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that infection risks are mainly dependent on current infectious doses of pathogens. For enteritic viruses or bacteria, e.g. Norovirus or EHEC, only a few particles or cells are sufficient for infection in public lavatories, thus bearing a high risk of infection for other persons. However, there seems to be only a low probability of becoming infected with pathogens that have a high infectious dose whilst sharing the same bathroom.Significance and Impact of the Study: The transmission model for microorganisms enables a risk assessment of gastro‐intestinal infections on the basis of a practical approach.© 2012The Authors Journal of Applied Microbiology© 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology)

Interlaboratory comparison of PCR‐based identification of Candida and Aspergillus DNA in spiked blood samples

Mycoses — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryDespite PCR per se being a powerful and sensitive technique, regarding the detection of fungi in patients’ blood, no consensus for a standardised PCR protocol yet exists. To complement other ongoing or accomplished studies which tackle this problem, the German Reference Center for Systemic Mycoses conducted an interlaboratory comparison starting with blood samples spiked with fungal cell elements. Altogether, six laboratories using in‐house PCR‐protocols from Germany and Austria participated in the trial. Blood samples were spiked with vital cells of Candida albicans or Aspergillus fumigatus. Candida was used in the yeast form, whereas Aspergillus cells were either spiked as conidia or as very young germlings, also known as smoo cells. Spiked blood samples contained between 10...

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Antifungal efficacy of soft contact lens disinfecting solutions against Fusarium solani and Candida albicans

Clinical and Experimental Optometry — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There were differences in the rates of disinfection efficacy. Generally, Renu MultiPlus, Contact All In One Advanced and All‐Clean Soft exceeded the primary acceptance criteria of the ISO 14729 guidelines for stand‐alone contact lens solutions. (Source: Clinical and Experimental Optometry)

Chemical Variation of Essential Oil Constituents of Ocimum gratissimum L. from Benin, and Impact on Antimicrobial Properties and Toxicity against Artemia salina Leach.

Chemistry and Biodiversity — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kpadonou Kpoviessi BG, Ladekan EY, Kpoviessi DS, Gbaguidi F, Yehouenou B, Quetin-Leclercq J, Figueredo G, Moudachirou M, Accrombessi GC Abstract To determine the period of harvest that optimizes the antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. from Benin, aerial plant parts were collected at two vegetative stages (pre- and full-flowering) and three sampling times (7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm). Extraction by hydrodistillation yielded between 0.65 and 0.78% of essential oils. Characterization of the oils by GC-FID and GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of monoterpenes (87.26-93.81%), sesquiterpenes (5.57-11.34%), and aliphatic compounds (0.15-0.18%), with p-cymene (1; 28.08-53.82%), thymol (2; 3.32-29.13%), γ-terpinene (3; 1.11-10.91%), α-thujene...

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Achillea ligustica All. (Asteraceae) Essential Oils against Reference and Isolated Oral Microorganisms.

Chemistry and Biodiversity — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cecchini C, Silvi S, Cresci A, Piciotti A, Caprioli G, Papa F, Sagratini G, Vittori S, Maggi F Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of Achillea ligustica essential oils against several oral microorganisms in comparison with a commercial essential oil-containing mouthrinse (Listerine(®) ) and clove oil (containing 89% eugenol). The inhibition efficacy of A. ligustica essential oils alone and in combination with Listerine(®) was evaluated by the micro-dilution method. The most susceptible microorganisms were Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Candida albicans. The efficacy was similar to that of the clove oil. The antiseptic mouthwash Listerine(®) did not exert a strong inhibition on microbial strains tested, whereas its effectiveness i...

Candida spp. with Acquired Echinocandin Resistance, France, 2004-2010(1).

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report 20 episodes of infection caused by acquired echinocandin-resistant Candida spp. harboring diverse and new Fksp mutations. For 12 patients, initial isolates (low MIC, wild-type Fksp sequence) and subsequent isolates (after caspofungin treatment, high MIC, mutated Fksp) were genetically related. PMID: 22257484 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Screening of enzymatic activities in non‐saccharomyces cider yeasts

Journal of Food Biochemistry — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTThe activities of polygalacturonase, pectin lyase, β‐glucosidase, β‐xylosidase and protease were determined using solid media in 420 wild non‐Saccharomyces cider strains identified by internal transcribed spacer‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. The identified species corresponded to Hanseniaspora valbyensis, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Hanseniaspora osmophila, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Candida parapsilosis and Pichia guilliermondii. The most common activity exhibited was that of β‐glucosidase (33%), with all the analyzed species having some strains able to develop this activity. Strains of M. pulcherrima showed the greatest capacity to produce β‐glucosidase and protease. β‐xylosidase was detected in 17 yeast strains belonging to the genera Hanseniaspora, Pich...

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Foxp3(+) Regulatory T cells, Immune Stimulation and Host Defense against Infection.

Immunology — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Foxp3(+) Regulatory T cells, Immune Stimulation and Host Defense against Infection. Immunology. 2011 Dec 29; Authors: Rowe JH, Ertelt JM, Way SS Abstract The immune system is intricately regulated allowing potent effectors to expand and become rapidly mobilized after infection, while simultaneously silencing potentially detrimental responses that averts immune-mediated damage to host tissues. This relies in large part on the delicate interplay between immune suppressive regulatory CD4(+) T cells (Tregs) and immune effectors that without active suppression by Tregs cause systemic and organ-specific autoimmunity. Although these beneficial roles have been classically described to be counter-balanced by impaired host defense against infection, newfound protective roles for Treg...

White Tongue Lesions: Candida, Contact Stomatitis, Oral Lichen Planus?

Consultant Live — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:30:01 +0100

(Source: Consultant Live)

Distinct roles of two ceramide synthases, CaLag1p and CaLac1p, in the morphogenesis of Candida albicans

Molecular Microbiology — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study shows that Lag1 family proteins are generally required for polarized growth in hemiascomycetous yeast. However, in contrast to S. cerevisiae where these proteins are functionally redundant, C. albicans Lag1p (CaLag1p) and Lac1p (CaLac1p) are functionally distinct. Lack of CaLag1p, but not CaLac1p, caused severe defects in the growth and hyphal morphogenesis of C. albicans. Deletion of CaLAG1 decreased expression of the hypha‐specific HWP1 and ECE1 genes. Moreover, overexpression of CaLAG1 induced pseudohyphal growth in this organism under non‐hypha‐inducing conditions, suggesting that CaLag1p is necessary for relaying signals to induce hypha‐specific gene expression. Analysis of ceramide and sphingolipid composition revealed that CaLag1p predominantly synthesizes ceramid...

TOP2 gene is involved in the pathogenicity of Candida albicans.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zheng H, Yu YS Abstract Candida albicans is a common cause of morbidity in hospitalized and immunosuppressed patients. There are still many unknown genes involved in the virulence of C. albicans. The present study aims to examine the effect of TOP2 gene in candidal virulence, including hyphal growth, phospholipase and proteinase activity. Targeted gene disruption of both TOP2 alleles in a wild-type strain of C. albicans produced hyphae more efficiently. TOP2 disruption also increased phospholipase and proteinase activities, and enhanced virulence as assessed by host tissue colonization in systemic infection model. The result of reverse transcription PCR displayed that PLB1 and SAP4 expressions of top2 mutants was significantly upregulated when compared with the isogenic pa...

Effect of Alcohol Structure on the Optimum Condition for Novozym 435-Catalyzed Synthesis of Adipate Esters

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:55:03 +0100

Immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B, Novozym 435, was used as the biocatalyst in the esterification of adipic acid with four different isomers of butanol (n-butanol, sec-butanol, iso-butanol, and tert-butanol). Optimum conditions for the synthesis of adipate esters were obtained using response surface methodology approach with a four-factor-five-level central composite design concerning important reaction parameters which include time, temperature, substrate molar ratio, and amount of enzyme. Reactions under optimized conditions has yielded a high percentage of esterification (>96%) for n-butanol, iso-butanol, and sec-butanol, indicating that extent of esterification is independent of the alcohol structure for primary and secondary alcohols at the optimum conditions. Minimum...

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The effects of the Kampo medicine (Japanese herbal medicine) “Daikenchuto” on the surgical inflammatory response following laparoscopic colorectal resection

Surgery Today — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:02:21 +0100

Conclusions Postoperative DKT administration significantly suppressed the CRP level and shortened the time until first flatus. DKT administration also significantly suppressed postoperative inflammation following surgery for colorectal cancer. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00595-011-0094-4Authors Kozo Yoshikawa, Department of Surgery, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Japan, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, JapanMitsuo Shimada, Department of Surgery, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Japan, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, JapanMasanori Nishioka, Department of Surgery, Institute of Health Biosciences, The...

Discovery of a phenotypic switch regulating sexual mating in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida tropicalis [Genetics]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study we investigate Candida tropicalis, an important human fungal pathogen that has been reported to be asexual. Significantly, we demonstrate that C. tropicalis uses a phenotypic switch to regulate a cryptic program of sexual mating. Thus, diploid a and α cells must undergo a developmental transition to the mating-competent form, and only then does efficient cell-cell conjugation take place resulting in the formation of stable a/α tetraploids. We show that both the phenotypic switch and sexual mating depend on the conserved transcriptional regulator Wor1, which is regulated by temperature in other fungal species. In contrast, C. tropicalis mating occurs efficiently at both 25 °C and 37 °C, suggesting that it could occur in the mammalian host and have direct consequences for t...

The monoamine oxidase A inhibitor clorgyline is a broad-spectrum inhibitor of fungal ABC and MFS transporter efflux pump activities which reverses the azole resistance of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata clinical isolates.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Holmes AR, Keniya MV, Ivnitski-Steele I, Monk BC, Lamping E, Sklar LA, Cannon RD Abstract Resistance to the commonly used azole antifungal fluconazole (FLC) can develop due to over-expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) plasma membrane transporters. An approach to overcoming this resistance is to identify inhibitors of these efflux pumps. We have developed a pump assay suitable for high-throughput screening (HTS) that uses recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains hyper-expressing individual transporters from the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The recombinant strains possess greater resistance to azoles and other pump substrates than the parental host strain. A flow cytometry-based HTS, which measured increased ...

Comparative analysis of micafungin, caspofungin and anidulafungin against a difficult-to treat fungal opportunistic pathogen: Candida glabrata.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Spreghini E, Orlando F, Sanguinetti M, Posteraro B, Giannini D, Manso E, Barchiesi F Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro and in vivo activities of micafungin, caspofungin and anidulafungin against Candida glabrata. Minimum inhibitory concentrations against 28 clinical isolates showed that the overall susceptibilities to caspofungin and to micafungin were not statistically different in absence of human serum, whereas the isolates were less susceptible to micafungin than caspofungin in its presence. Minimum fungicidal concentrations as well time-kill experiments showed that caspofungin was more active than anidulafungin, while micafungin was superior either to caspofungin or to anidulafungin without serum; its addition rendered caspofungin and micafung...

Multivariate analysis to discriminate yeast strains with technological applications in table olive processing

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:44:21 +0100

Abstract This survey uses a multivariate classification analysis to discriminate yeast strains with interesting biochemical activities for the processing of table olives among a collection of 32 isolates belonging to 16 different yeast species. Lipase, esterase and β-glucosidase activities (desirable characteristics) were quantitatively evaluated in both extracellular and cellular fractions for all isolates in different types of culture media. The study of the quantitative data by cluster and principal component analyses led to the identification of several Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Candida boidinii and Candida diddensiae isolates with promising characteristics (the best global activity levels), clearly differentiated from the rest of the yeasts. The results obtained in t...

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Artin M, but not jacalin enhances TNF-α production and phagocytosis of Candida albicans mediated by dectin-1 and mannose receptors.

International Immunopharmacology — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Loyola W, Custódio LA, Felipe I, Conchon-Costa I, Carvalho PG, da Silva Quirino GF, da Rosa Santos Silva LF, Gaziri LC Abstract The activities of dectin-1 and mannose receptors on phagocytosis of Candida albicans and the production of TNF-α by macrophages from mice pretreated for 3days with extract of Artocarpus intergrifolia seeds (jack extract), Artin M or jacalin were studied. Macrophages from these mice were coincubated with C. albicans CR15 (yeast), in the presence of mannose (50mM) plus mannan (100μg) or laminarin (1mg). Phagocytosis was significantly enhanced to 52% in macrophages from mice pretreated intraperitoneally for 3days with jack extract (500μg/250μl PBS). Reduction in phagocytosis from 52% to 34% (P<0.05) occurred in the presence of mannose recepto...

Synergistic antifungal effect of lactoferrin with azole antifungals against Candida albicans and a proposal for a new treatment method for invasive candidiasis.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:27:37 +0100

In this study, we investigated the association between the therapeutic effects of this combination and the pharmacological characteristics of fluconazole and itraconazole and the variation in these effects with differences among the strains in terms of the susceptibility and resistance mechanisms. Lactoferrin enhanced the growth-inhibitory activity of fluconazole against two different ergosterol mutants but not againt pump mutants or an azole-susceptible strain; but increased the activity of itraconazole against all the strains tested in this study. Exogenous iron cancelled the synergistic effect, which suggests that the iron-chelating function of lactoferrin may contribute to the synergism. Besides, radiolabeled fluconazole assays revealed that lactoferrin did not affect the intracellular...

In Vitro effect of low-level laser therapy on typical oral microbial biofilms.

Braz Dent J — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 03:42:03 +0100

Authors: Basso FG, Oliveira CF, Fontana A, Kurachi C, Bagnato VS, Spolidório DM, Hebling J, Costa CA Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of specific parameters of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans or an association of both species. Single and dual-species biofilms - SSB and DSB - were exposed to laser doses of 5, 10 or 20 J/cm2 from a near infrared InGaAsP diode laser prototype (LASERTable; 780 ± 3 nm, 0.04 W). After irradiation, the analysis of biobilm viability (MTT assay), biofilm growth (cfu/mL) and cell morphology (SEM) showed that LLLT reduced cell viability as well as the growth of biofilms. The response of S. mutans (SSB) to irradiation was similar for all laser doses and the biofilm growth wa...

α,α-Dibromoacetophenones mediated synthesis of some new 7H-7-alkoxy-3-alkyl/phenyl-6-aryl-s-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines and their antimicrobial evaluation

Medicinal Chemistry Research — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:42:24 +0100

Abstract A series of new 7H-7-alkoxy-3-alkyl/phenyl-6-aryl-s-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines (3, 4) were synthesized by the reaction of various α,α-dibromoacetophenones 1 with 3-alkyl/phenyl-4-amino-5-mercapto-s-triazoles (2) in different alcoholic solvents in good yields. All the newly synthesized compounds (3, 4) were screened for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity. Biological activities of these compounds were compared with those of the commercially available antibiotic, ciprofloxacin and antifungal agent, amphotericin-B. The title compounds showed good activity against the Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and the yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Origina...

CTBT (7‐chlorotetrazolo[5,1‐c]benzo[1,2,4]triazine) producing ROS affects growth and viability of filamentous fungi

FEMS Microbiology Letters — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractCTBT (7‐chlorotetrazolo[5,1‐c]benzo[1,2,4]triazine) causes intracellular superoxide production, oxidative stress and enhances the susceptibility of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans and C. glabrata cells to cycloheximide, 5‐fluorocytosine and azole antimycotic drugs. Here we demonstrate the antifungal activity of CTBT against 14 tested filamentous fungi. CTBT prevented spore germination and mycelial proliferation of Aspergillus niger and the pathogenic A. fumigatus. The action of CTBT is fungicidal. CTBT increased the formation of reactive oxygen species in fungal mycelium as detected by 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and reduced the radial growth of colonies in dose dependent manner. Co‐application of CTBT and itraconazole led to complete inhibit...

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A D‐octapeptide drug efflux pump inhibitor acts synergistically with azoles in a murine oral candidiasis infection model

FEMS Microbiology Letters — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractClinical management of patients undergoing treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis with azole antifungals can be impaired by azole resistance. High‐level azole resistance is often caused by the overexpression of Candida albicans efflux pump Cdr1p. Inhibition of this pump therefore represents a target for combination therapies that reverse azole‐resistance. We assessed the therapeutic potential of the D‐octapeptide derivative RC21v3, a Cdr1p inhibitor, in the treatment of murine oral candidiasis caused by either the azole‐resistant C. albicans clinical isolate MML611 or its azole‐susceptible parental strain MML610. RC21v3, fluconazole (FLC), or a combination of both drugs, were administered orally to immunosuppressed ICR mice at 3, 24, and 27 h after oral inoculation with C...

Optimization of ethanol, citric acid, and α-amylase production from date wastes by strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, and Candida guilliermondii.

Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Acourene S, Ammouche A Abstract The present study deals with submerged ethanol, citric acid, and α-amylase fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae SDB, Aspergillus niger ANSS-B5, and Candida guilliermondii CGL-A10, using date wastes as the basal fermentation medium. The physical and chemical parameters influencing the production of these metabolites were optimized. As for the ethanol production, the optimum yield obtained was 136.00 ± 0.66 g/l under optimum conditions of an incubation period of 72 h, inoculum content of 4% (w/v), sugars concentration of 180.0 g/l, and ammonium phosphate concentration of 1.0 g/l. Concerning citric acid production, the cumulative effect of temperature (30°C), sugars concentration of 150.0 g/l, methanol concentration of 3.0%, initi...

Selection of orlistat as a potential inhibitor for lipase from Candida species.

Bioinformation — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:42:02 +0100

Authors: Khedidja B, Abderrahman L Abstract Infections caused by Candida species manifest in a number of diseases, including candidemia, vulvovaginal candidiasis, endocarditis, and peritonitis. Candida species have been reported to possess lipolytic activity due to the secretion of lipolytic enzymes such as esterases, lipases and phospholipases. Extra-cellular hydrolytic enzymes seem to play an important role in Candida overgrowth. Candidiasis is commonly treated with antimycotics such as clotrimazole and nystatin. The antimycotics bind to a major component of the fungal cell membrane (ergosterol), forming pores that lead to death of the fungus. However, the secondary effects caused during such treatment have aroused a need to develop a treatment based on lipase inhibition. Nonethe...

Antimicrobial activity of nanoemulsion on cariogenic planktonic and biofilm organisms

Archives of Oral Biology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:14:43 +0100

Abstract: Introduction: Nanoemulsions (NE) are a unique class of disinfectants produced by mixing a water immiscible liquid phase into an aqueous phase under high shear forces. NE have antimicrobial properties and are also effective anti-biofilm agents.Materials and methods: The effectiveness of nanoemulsion and its components was determined against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei by live/dead staining. In vitro antimicrobial effectiveness of nanoemulsion against planktonic S. mutans, L. casei, Actinomyces viscosus, Candida albicans and mixed culture was determined by a serial dilution technique to obtain minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC). In addition, efficacy was investigated by kinetics of killing, adherence and biofilm assays...

The Candida genome database incorporates multiple Candida species: multispecies search and analysis tools with curated gene and protein information for Candida albicans and Candida glabrata

Nucleic Acids Research — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The Candida Genome Database (CGD, http://www.candidagenome.org/) is an internet-based resource that provides centralized access to genomic sequence data and manually curated functional information about genes and proteins of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans and other Candida species. As the scope of Candida research, and the number of sequenced strains and related species, has grown in recent years, the need for expanded genomic resources has also grown. To answer this need, CGD has expanded beyond storing data solely for C. albicans, now integrating data from multiple species. Herein we describe the incorporation of this multispecies information, which includes curated gene information and the reference sequence for C. glabrata, as well as orthology relationships that interconnect Loc...

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Using RNA-seq to determine the transcriptional landscape and the hypoxic response of the pathogenic yeast Candida parapsilosis

BMC Genomics - Latest articles — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We provide the first detailed annotation of the C. parapsilosis genome, based on gene predictions and transcriptional analysis. We identified a number of novel ORFs and other transcribed regions, and detected transcripts from approximately 90% of the annotated protein coding genes. We found that the transcription factor Upc2 role has a conserved role as a major regulator of the hypoxic response in C. parapsilosis and C. albicans. (Source: BMC Genomics - Latest articles)

Evolution of 5' Untranslated Region Length and Gene Expression Reprogramming in Yeasts

Molecular Biology and Evolution — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study provides a new angle to understand the role of 5' UTR in gene expression regulation and evolution. (Source: Molecular Biology and Evolution)

Microemulsion-Based Gel of Terbinafine for the Treatment of Onychomycosis: Optimization of Formulation Using D-Optimal Design.

AAPS PharmSciTech — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Barot BS, Parejiya PB, Patel HK, Gohel MC, Shelat PK Abstract The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate microemulsion as a vehicle for dermal drug delivery and to develop microemulsion-based gel of terbinafine for the treatment of onychomycosis. D-optimal mixture experimental design was adopted to optimize the amount of oil (X (1)), Smix (mixture of surfactant and cosurfactant; X (2)) and water (X (3)) in the microemulsion. The formulations were assessed for globule size (in nanometers; Y (1)) and solubility of drug in microemulsion (in milligrams per milliliter; Y (2)). The microemulsion containing 5.75% oil, 53.75% surfactant-cosurfactant mixture and 40.5% water was selected as the optimized batch. The globule ...

Ecotoxicity of siloxane D5 in soil.

Chemosphere — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Velicogna J, Ritchie E, Princz J, Lessard ME, Scroggins R Abstract Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a cyclic volatile methyl siloxane (cVMS) commonly found in commercially available products. D5 is expected to enter the terrestrial environment through the deposit of biosolids from sewage treatment plants onto agricultural fields for nutrient enrichment. Little to no information currently exists as to the risks of D5 to the terrestrial environment. In order to evaluate the potential risk to terrestrial organisms, the toxicity of a D5 contaminated biosolid in an agricultural soil was assessed with a battery of standardized soil toxicity tests. D5 was spiked into a surrogate biosolid and then mixed with a sandy loam soil to create test concentrations ranging from 0 to 407...

[Onychomycosis: Multicentre epidemiological, clinical and mycological study.]

Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Direct mycological examinations were positive in 61%, a higher value than that found in other series. Dermatophytes were prevalent in toenails of both sexes, and in finger nails yeast were prevalent in females, and dermatophytes in males. Non-dermatophyte moulds corresponded to 4.8% of toenail and 2.05% of fingernails isolates. PMID: 22198612 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia)

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Novel and highly effective chemoenzymatic synthesis of (2R)-2-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenoxy)phenoxy]butylpropanoate based on lipase mediated transesterification.

Biotechnology Letters — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhu G, Yao R, Zhu H, Wang H Abstract (2R)-2-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluorophenoxy)phenoxy]butylpropanoate (cyhalofop-butyl, CyB) was synthesized by a chemoenzymatic route involving enantioselective transesterification with Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozym 435). The optimum organic solvent, acyl donor, a ( w ), reaction temperature and shaking rate for the transesterification were acetonitrile, n-butanol, 0.11, 45°C and 200 rpm, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the maximum substrate conversion and the enantiomeric purity of the product were 96.9 and >99%, respectively. The total yield and enantiomeric purity of CyB by this chemoenzymatic synthesis were 60.4 and >99%, respectively; 15.3 and 21% higher than that of the traditional ...

Vasculitis: Molecular Imaging by Targeting the Inflammatory Enzyme Myeloperoxidase [Molecular Imaging]

Radiology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Molecular imaging targeting MPO can be a useful biomarker to noninvasively detect and confirm inflammation in vasculitis by using a murine model of Kawasaki disease. © RSNA, 2011 Supplemental material: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.11110040/-/DC1 (Source: Radiology)

Towards Quantitative Computer-Aided Studies of Enzymatic Enantioselectivity: The Case of Candida antarctica Lipase A.

Chembiochem — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Frushicheva MP, Warshel A Abstract The prospect for consistent computer-aided refinement of stereoselective enzymes is explored by simulating the hydrolysis of enantiomers of an α-substituted ester by wild-type and mutant Candida antarctica lipase A, using several strategies. In particular, we focused on the use of the empirical valence bond (EVB) method in a quantitative screening for enantioselectivity, and evaluate both k(cat) and k(cat) /K(M) of the R and S stereoisomers. We found that an extensive sampling is essential for obtaining converging results. This requirement points towards possible problems with approaches that use a limited conformational sampling. However, performing the proper sampling appears to give encouraging results and to offer a powerful tool for...

Statement of retraction.

Current Eye Research — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:46:59 +0100

Authors: Abstract Withdrawn: Dong X, Shi W, Zeng Q, Xie L. Roles of Adherence and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Growth Patterns of Fungal Pathogens in Cornea. Current Eye Research 2005; 30(8):613-620 doi:10.1080/02713680590968196 Withdrawn: Ma L, Xie L, Dong X, Shi W. Role of extracellular phospholipase B of Canddida albicans as a virulent factor in experimental keratomycosis. Current Eye Research 2009; 34(9):761-768 doi:10.1080/02713680903056391 Withdrawn: Min X, Zhou Q, Dong X, Wang Y, Xie L. Expression Profile and Regulation of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase on Oxygen-Induced Retinal Neovascularization. Current Eye Research 2011; 36(2):135-142 doi:10.3109/02713683.2010.525679 The above articles duplicate previously published work and are hereby retracted in both the prin...

Endogenous Candida albicans Endophthalmitis Following Spontaneous Abortion and IUD Removal.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:06:02 +0100

Authors: Doshi RR, Wender JD, Jumper JM, Sanislo SR, Leng T Abstract The authors report a rare case of a 32-year-old woman who developed endogenous Candida albicans endophthalmitis following spontaneous abortion and removal of a contraceptive intrauterine device. Considerations regarding diagnosis and management are presented based on a review of the literature. PMID: 22165949 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging : the Official Journal of the International Society for Imaging in the Eye)

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Charge carrier mobility and concentration as a function of composition in AgPOAgI glasses

Journal of Chemical Physics — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:22:00 +0100

Ana Candida Martins Rodrigues, Marcio Luis Ferreira Nascimento, Caio Barca Bragatto, and Jean-Louis Souquet Conductivity data of the xAgI(1 x)AgPO system (0 (Source: Journal of Chemical Physics)

Unexpected Enzyme-Catalyzed Regioselective Acylation of Flavonoid Aglycones and Rapid Product Screening

RSC - Organic Biomolecular Chemistry — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:36:46 +0100

Org. Biomol. Chem., 2011, Accepted ManuscriptDOI: 10.1039/C2OB06784F, CommunicationAndreas G Tzakos, Haris StamatisUnprecedented regioselective acylation of flavonoid aglycones was determined for Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). Rapid and direct screening of polyphenols aglycon transformations was achieved by the use of the high...The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - Organic Biomolecular Chemistry)

Telomerase regulatory subunit Est3 in two Candida species physically interacts with the TEN domain of TERT and telomeric DNA [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The yeast telomerase regulatory protein Est3 is required for telomere maintenance in vivo, and shares intriguing structural and functional similarities with the mammalian telomeric protein TPP1. Here we report our physical and functional characterizations of Est3 homologues from Candida parapsilosis and Lodderomyces elongisporus, which bear unique N- and C-terminal tails in addition to a conserved central OB fold. We show that these Est3 homologues form stable complexes with the TEN domain of telomerase reverse transcriptase. Efficient complex formation requires both the N- and C-terminal tails, as well as conserved OB fold residues of Est3. Other Est3 homologues devoid of the tails failed to interact strongly with the cognate TEN domains. Remarkably, the C. parapsilosis Est3 alone exhibit...

Echinocandin Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (January).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:Although studies suggest that the echinocandins may have a favorable safety profile, the lack of pharmacokinetic data and standardized study designs limit current recommendations of use of echinocandins as first-line agents in neonates in the treatment of fungal infections. However, if an echinocandin is to be used in this population, the data presented in this review suggest the use of micafungin over the other echinocandins, and higher doses of micafungin (10-15 mg/kg/day) should be used when central nervous system involvement is suspected. PMID: 22190252 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

Immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on hydrophobic/strong cation-exchange functional silica particles for biocatalytic synthesis of phytosterol esters.

Bioresource Technology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zheng MM, Lu Y, Dong L, Guo PM, Deng QC, Li WL, Feng YQ, Huang FH Abstract In this work, mixed-mode silica particles functionalized with octyl and sulfonic acid groups was conveniently prepared by co-bonding a mixture of n-octyltriethoxysilane and 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane and then oxidized with hydrogen peroxide. Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) was immobilized on the mixed-mode silica particles via hydrophobic and strong cation-exchange interaction. The resulting immobilized CRL increased remarkably its stability at high temperature in comparison to free CRL. The immobilized CRL was used as biocatalysts for enzymatic esterification of phytosterols with free fatty acids (FFAs) to produce phytosterol esters. The phytosterols linolenate esterification degree of 95.3% was o...

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What Causes a Black Colored Tongue?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:29:33 +0100

Discussion Although dental caries, strep throat and oral candidiasis are some of the most common oral pathology. The tongue itself can be a source of potential pathology. Geographic tongue, oral candidiasis, and lingual ulcerations are common problems. Most discolorations of the tongue are because of food, drink or medications that are ingested and are self-limited. However discoloration can be a sign of more significant problems. Hairy tongue, often colored black, is a relatively uncommon problem in the US but has a higher incidence reported in Turkey and Iran. It is more common in adults than children but has been reported in a child 2 months of age. It is also called lingua villosa nigra and is a benign condition caused by keratin accumulation usually in the setting of poor oral hygiene...

In vitro fungistatic effects of natural coniferous resin from Norway spruce (Picea abies)

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 06:45:17 +0100

Abstract Resins (rosin, pitch) are natural products of the coniferous trees and are antimicrobial against a wide range of microbes. The antifungal effectiveness of resin, purified from Norway spruce (Picea abies), was studied against human pathogenic fungi and yeasts with the agar plate diffusion tests and electron microscopy (EM). The fungistatic effect of these resin mixtures (resin salves) was tested against a set of Candida yeasts, dermatophytes, and opportunistic fungi. Transmission and scanning EM was done from samples of fungi (Trichophyton mentagrophytes). In agar diffusion tests, the resin was strongly antifungal against all dermatophytes tested, e.g., against all fungi of the genus Trichophyton, but it was not antifungal against the Candida yeasts or against the opp...

Cytokines in the host response to Candida vaginitis: Identifying a role for non-classical immune mediators, S100 alarmins.

Cytokine — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yano J, Noverr MC, Fidel PL Abstract Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida albicans, affects a significant number of women during their reproductive years. More than two decades of research have been focused on the mechanisms associated with susceptibility or resistance to symptomatic infection. Adaptive immunity by Th1-type CD4(+) T cells and downstream cytokine responses are considered the predominant host defense mechanisms against mucosal Candida infections. However, numerous clinical and animal studies have indicated no or limited protective role of cells and cytokines of the Th1 or Th2 lineage against vaginal infection. The role for Th17 is only now begun to be investigated in-depth for VVC with results already showing significant controversy. On the othe...

Microplate Bioassay for Determining Substrate Selectivity of Candida rugosa Lipase

Journal of Chemical Education — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:17:03 +0100

Journal of Chemical EducationDOI: 10.1021/ed200415h (Source: Journal of Chemical Education)

Antigen‐specific T lymphocyte proliferation decreases over time in advanced chronic hepatitis C

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Summary. To evaluate T cell immunity in advanced liver disease, antigen‐specific lymphoproliferative (LP) responses were prospectively studied in the context of the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long‐term Treatment against Cirrhosis trial. Peripheral blood responses to hepatitis C virus (HCV), tetanus and Candida protein antigens were measured at baseline, month 12 (M12), M24, M36 and M48 in 186 patients randomized to either low‐dose peginterferon‐alfa‐2a (PEG‐IFN) only or observation. Liver histology was evaluated at baseline, M24 and M48. Patients with cirrhosis (Ishak 5–6) were less likely to have positive LP responses to HCV at baseline than patients with fibrosis (15%vs 29%, P = 0.03) and had lower levels of HCV c100 responses at baseline, M24 and M48 (P = 0.11, P =...

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PLC{gamma}2 in Dectin-2-induced NF-{kappa}B MAPK Activation [Signal Transduction]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) such as Dectin-2 function as pattern recognition receptors to sense fungal infection. However, the signaling pathways induced by these receptors remain largely unknown. Previous studies suggest that the CLR-induced signaling pathway may utilize similar signaling components as the B cell receptor-induced signaling pathway. Phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) is a key component in B cell receptor signaling, but its role in other signaling pathways has not been fully characterized. Here, we show that PLCγ2 functions downstream of Dectin-2 in response to the stimulation by the hyphal form of Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogenic fungus. Using PLCγ2- and PLCγ1-deficient macrophages, we found that the lack of PLCγ2, but not PLCγ1, impairs cytokine production i...

Dur3 Is the Major Intracellular Transporter for Hst 5 [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Histatin 5 (Hst 5) is a salivary gland-secreted cationic peptide with potent fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. Hst 5 kills fungal cells following intracellular translocation, although its selective transport mechanism is unknown. C. albicans cells grown in the presence of polyamines were resistant to Hst 5 due to reduced intracellular uptake, suggesting that this cationic peptide may enter candidal cells through native yeast polyamine transporters. Based upon homology to known Saccharomyces cerevisiae polyamine permeases, we identified six C. albicans Dur polyamine transporter family members and propose a new nomenclature. Gene deletion mutants were constructed for C. albicans polyamine transporters Dur3, Dur31, Dur33, Dur34, and were tested for Hst 5 sensitivity and uptake of ...

Detection of Candida albicans by Mass Spectrometric Fingerprinting.

Current Microbiology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the profile of low-molecular weight volatile compounds in the headspace of C. albicans-urine suspensions of four different fungal cell concentrations compared to nutrient media and urine without C. albicans was determined using proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). At fungal counts of ≥1.5 × 10(5) colony forming units (CFU)/ml signals at 45, 47 and 73 atomic mass units (amu) highly significantly increased. At fungal counts of <1.5 × 10(5) CFU/ml signals at 47 and 73 amu also increased, but only at 45 amu a statistically significant increase was seen. Time course alterations of signal intensities dependent on different cell concentrations and after addition of Sabouraud nutrient solution were analysed. Recommendations for measurement conditions ar...

Echinocandins - 1st line in invasive candidiasis: how strong is this "strong" evidence?

Critical Care — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Despite Kett et al argue that they provide data to support an advantage of anidulafungin over fluconazole for the treatment of critically ill non-neutropenic patients with invasive Candida infections, there are several concerns that may limit this interpretation, namely the different duration of intravenous therapy, the choice of a surrogate endpoint that was not predictive of mortality and a superiority claim when the original study was designed as a non-inferiority trial. (Source: Critical Care)

An ultraviolet spectrophotometric assay for the screening of sn-2-specific lipases using 1,3-O-dioleoyl-2-O-{alpha}-eleostearoyl-sn-glycerol as substrate [Methods]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In the present study, we propose a continuous assay for the screening of sn-2 lipases by using triacylglycerols (TAGs) from Aleurites fordii seed (tung oil) and a synthetic TAG containing the α-eleostearic acid at the sn-2 position and the oleic acid (OA) at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions [1,3-O-dioleoyl-2-O-α-eleostearoyl-sn-glycerol (sn-OEO)]. Each TAG was coated into a microplate well, and the lipase activity was measured by optical density increase at 272 nm due to transition of α-eleostearic acid from the adsorbed to the soluble state. The sn-1,3-regioselective lipases human pancreatic lipase (HPL), LIP2 lipase from Yarrowia lipolytica (YLLIP2), and a known sn-2 lipase, Candida antarctica lipase A (CALA) were used to validate this method. TLC analysis of lipolysis produ...

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The β-Glucan Receptor Dectin-1 Activates the Integrin Mac-1 in Neutrophils via Vav Protein Signaling to Promote Candida albicans Clearance.

Cell Host and Microbe — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Li X, Utomo A, Cullere X, Choi MM, Milner DA, Venkatesh D, Yun SH, Mayadas TN Abstract Resistance to fungal infections is attributed to engagement of host pattern-recognition receptors, notably the β-glucan receptor Dectin-1 and the integrin Mac-1, which induce phagocytosis and antifungal immunity. However, the mechanisms by which these receptors coordinate fungal clearance are unknown. We show that upon ligand binding, Dectin-1 activates Mac-1 to also recognize fungal components, and this stepwise process is critical for neutrophil cytotoxic responses. Both Mac-1 activation and Dectin-1- and Mac-1-induced neutrophil effector functions require Vav1 and Vav3, exchange factors for RhoGTPases. Mac-1- or Vav1,3-deficient mice have increased susceptibility to systemic candidia...

Host Defence Against Candida albicans and the Role of Pattern-recognition Receptors.

Acta Dermato-Venereologica — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gauglitz GG, Callenberg H, Weindl G, Korting HC Abstract Recognition of Candida albicans is mediated by several classes of pattern-recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors and C-type lectin receptors. Cell wall components of C. albicans, interact with the pattern-recognition receptors, which are expressed by different cells, primarily antigen-presenting cells. This review aims to discuss the different pattern-recognition receptors responsible for recognition of special structures of C. albicans, which are known to activate intracellular signals that finally lead to directed and efficient host defence. PMID: 22170181 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica)

Pharmacodynamic Effects of Steady-State Fingolimod on Antibody Response in Healthy Volunteers: A 4-Week, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Multiple-Dose Study.

The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Boulton C, Meiser K, David OJ, Schmouder R Abstract Fingolimod, a first-in-class oral sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulator, is approved in many countries for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, at a once-daily 0.5-mg dose. A reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count is an expected consequence of the fingolimod mechanism of S1PR modulation. The authors investigated if this pharmacodynamic effect impacts humoral and cellular immunogenicity. In this double-blind, parallel-group, 4-week study, 72 healthy volunteers were randomized to steady state, fingolimod 0.5 mg, 1.25 mg, or to placebo. The authors compared T-cell dependent and independent responses to the neoantigens, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), and pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine (PPV-23), respec...

Irido-Lenticular Abscess as the Initial Sign of Candida Albicans Endogenous Endophthalmitis.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:18:09 +0100

Authors: Braich PS, Chang JS, Albini TA, Schefler AC Abstract A-33-year-old man presented with 9 days of conjunctival erythema, pain, and worsening vision in the left eye. Anterior segment examination was significant for a well-defined, cream-colored iridociliary mass. Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated an iris lesion with ciliary body and lenticular involvement. The authors performed a pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy with an iris biopsy. Culture of the vitreous cassette and iris mass yielded a diagnosis of Candida albicans endophthalmitis. Clinicians encountering an iris nodule with lenticular involvement, even in an immunocompetent adult, are urged to consider a diagnosis of an endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to C. albicans. PMID: 22150597 [PubMed - as supplied b...

Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with coumarin derivatives and their biological evaluation

RSC - Organic Biomolecular Chemistry — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:18:12 +0100

Org. Biomol. Chem., 2012, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C1OB06598J, PaperDaniela Iannazzo, Anna Piperno, Angelo Ferlazzo, Alessandro Pistone, Candida Milone, Maurizio Lanza, Francesco Cimino, Antonio Speciale, Domenico Trombetta, Antonina Saija, Signorino GalvagnoThe synthesis and the biological evaluation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes linked to 5,7-coumarin and/or oleic acid residues were reported. Coumarin-conjugates are able to activate cell signaling pathways related to the apoptotic process without significantly influencing cell viability.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - Organic Biomolecular Chemistry)

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Fulminant Candidemia Diagnosed by Prompt Detection of Pseudohyphae in a Peripheral Blood Smear.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ikegaya S, Tai K, Shigemi H, Iwasaki H, Toshiharu O, Ueda T Abstract A 77-year-old man treated with prednisolone for pemphigus developed severe sepsis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Several antibiotics were administered. A peripheral blood smear showed growth of a large number of yeast extending pseudohyphae which could be seen both inside and outside of leucocytes. Antifungal agents were added immediately; however, he did not recover. Several days later, blood culture showed Candida albicans septicemia. The autopsy revealed microabscesses in the lung, heart, liver and kidney. A large amount of neutrophil invasion and yeast with pseudohyphae were also detected. PMID: 22173051 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The A...

Structural determination and chemical esterification of the sophorolipids produced by Candida bombicola grown on glucose and α-linolenic acid.

Biotechnology Letters — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gupta R, Prabhune AA Abstract The extracellular surface-active glycolipids produced by the yeast, Candida bombicola when grown on glucose and α-linolenic acid, were analyzed by HPLC with electro-spray ionization (ESI-MS) and collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry. The analysis confirmed that the sophorolipid (SL) mixture contained three different forms of C18:3 SL molecules: free acid, lactone and a diacetylated lactone, which has not been reported previously. Also a minor amount of diacetylated lactone form of C18:1 SL was detected. Further, the SL mixture was subjected to chemical esterification reaction with sodium methoxide. The reaction product was analyzed with ESI-MS and confirmed to be the single homogenous esterified product containing C18:3 moieties in...

Cross regulation between Candida albicans catalytic and regulatory subunits of protein kinase A.

Fungal Genetics and Biology — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Giacometti R, Kronberg F, Biondi RM, Hernández AI, Passeron S Abstract In the pathogen Candida albicans protein kinase A (PKA) catalytic subunit is encoded by two genes TPK1 and TPK2 and the regulatory subunit by one gene, BCY1. PKA mediates several cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation and the yeast to hyphae transition, a key factor for C. albicans virulence. The catalytic isoforms Tpk1p and Tpk2p share redundant functions in vegetative growth and hyphal development, though they differentially regulate glycogen metabolism, the stress response pathway and pseudohyphal formation. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae it was earlier reported that BCY1 overexpression not only increased the amount of TPK3 mRNA but also its catalytic activity. In C. albicans a significant de...

Antifungal Prophylaxis in Lung Transplantation

Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 32: 717-726DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1295719ABSTRACTFungal infections are among the most serious complications of lung transplantation. The 1-year cumulative incidence of invasive fungal infections in lung transplant recipients is 6 to 10%, which is higher than most other solid organ transplant recipients. Aspergillus spp. are the most common etiologic agents, but Candida spp., non-Aspergillus mycelial fungi, Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis, and endemic mycoses can cause active infections in this population. Clinical manifestations of fungal infection in lung transplant recipients are protean, and include invasive pulmonary disease, airway and anastomotic infections, posttransplant empyemas, and disseminated infections. Most centers employ either universal or targeted...