Cladosporium sphaerospermum causing brain abscess, a saprophyte turning pathogen: Case and review of published reports.

Emergence of saprophytic fungi thriving in dead plant material and soil as opportunistic human pathogens is of great concern. Cladosporium species are environmental saprophytes reported to cause various superficial and invasive fungal infections worldwide. C. sphaerospermum, a predominantly indoor fungus has been reported from cases of meningitis, subcutaneous and pulmonary fungal infections in the past. Herein we report the first case of cerebral abscess due to C. sphaerospermum in an immunocompetent host who was successfully managed by combined medical and surgical therapy.

Applications of soluble, encapsulated and cross-linked peroxidases from Sapindus mukorossi for the removal of phenolic compounds.

Peroxidases have been known to polymerize phenolic compounds and precipitate them from solution. Sapindus peroxidases (SPases) were extracted from the leaves of Sapindus mukorossi and precipitated with four volumes of chilled methanol. Soluble, encapsulated and cross-linked forms of enzymes were used for the removal of phenolic compounds (initial concentration 1.0 mM) in a stirred batch reactor. Calcium alginate beads were prepared using sodium alginate and calcium chloride at 1.5% and 5.0% (w/v), respectively. Sodium alginate and glutaraldehyde at 1.0% (w/v) and 0.8% (v/v), respectively, were optimized for cross-linking of SPases. The maximal removal of 2-chlorophenol was found in the buffers ofpH range 4-7 and at 30-60 degrees C in the presence of 1.2 mM H2O2 by soluble enzymes, but encapsulated and cross-linked enzymes worked well at pH 5 and at 50 degrees C in the presence of 0.8 mM H2O2. The optimized doses of soluble, encapsulated and cross-linked SPases were 1.2, 4.2 and 1.2 mg/mL, respectively, for the removal of phenolic compounds. Encapsulated and cross-linked enzymes showed a lower efficiency than soluble enzyme but can be reused in multiple cycles for the removal of phenolic compounds.

Association of mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphism with tuberculosis susceptibility and sputum conversion time.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in innate immunity. The effect of low MBL levels producing variants of MBL2 gene on tuberculosis (TB) has been controversial with some studies reporting it to confer protection against the disease, whereas others estimating a susceptibility relation. Other than conducting a case-control study to evaluate the role of MBL A/B polymorphism on TB, we conducted a longitudinal study to check whether this MBL variant can influence the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. A total of 357 TB patients (286 pulmonary TB, 71 extrapulmonary (EP) TB) and 392 healthy controls belonging to same ethnicity were included in the study. We found the mutant allele 'B' allele confers a protective role against TB in our study population. This effect was absent in EP patients. On stratification on the basis of sex, the protective role of the 'B' allele was found to be limited to females only and males reported no significant difference. No effect of MBL A/B polymorphism on sputum conversion time was reported. We conclude that MBL 'B' allele is associated with protection against TB, but no influence was found on sputum conversion rate.

Genetic polymorphisms in the P2X7 gene and its association with susceptibility to tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the influence of genetic variations on susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB). Polymorphism in P2X7 gene coding for P2X7 receptor present on macrophages has been linked to TB in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of P2X7 gene -762T/C and -1513A/C polymorphisms in TB susceptibility. DESIGN: In a case-control study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples of cases and controls was followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism or allele-specific PCR. RESULTS: The 1513C allele was found to be associated with TB susceptibility (P = 0.02, OR for variant C allele 1.33, 95%CI 1.03-1.73). A significant protective association against TB was found for -762T/C polymorphism (P < 0.01, OR for variant C allele 0.72, 95%CI 0.57-0.91). On classifying samples on the basis of sex, only males showed a significant association between P2X7 -1513A/C and P2X7 -762T/C and TB in the present study. CONCLUSION: A significant association of 762T/C and 1513A/C polymorphisms with TB in the P2X7 gene was found in our study population. A sex bias, with only males showing a significant association with the disease, is the first report of this kind. Genetic studies for the characterisation of the susceptibility genes can help to gain a better understanding of TB pathogenesis.

Neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulins as a marker of disease activity and response to therapy in patients with neuromyelitis optica.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether neuromyelitis optica (NMO) immunoglobulin (IgG) antibody status in NMO/Devic's disease patients followed prospectively is persistent or can change relative to the clinical status and/or response to therapy. DESIGN: A cross-sectional group of patients with NMO, relapsing extensive longitudinal transverse myelitis (RLETM) or optico-spinal multiple sclerosis (OSMS) were evaluated for the presence of NMO IgG antibodies. Repeated evaluation was made in all NMO/RLETM patients and in a subgroup of OSMS patients. SETTING: Baird Multiple Sclerosis Center, Buffalo, New York, an academic multiple sclerosis center. RESULTS: Out of a consecutive cohort of 38 patients evaluated for the presence of NMO IgG, 12 had NMO and 26 had OSMS. Five of the 12 NMO/RLETM patients were NMO IgG positive at the time of their initial evaluation. Four of these patients were repeatedly tested for NMO IgG: two of these became negative and two remained positive. One patient who was initially negative became positive during an acute event and again became negative during the stable disease phase following treatment. A positive test result was associated with active disease, whereas a negative NMO IgG result was consistently found in stable, long-term treated patients. None of the OSMS patients were positive for NMO IgG even during acute attacks. CONCLUSIONS: NMO IgG antibodies are associated with active NMO/RLETM. A well-controlled stable disease usually under effective immunosuppressive therapy can transform the NMO IgG to a negative status. Repeated NMO IgG testing should be considered as a useful biological marker for monitoring NMO/RLETM disease and or response to therapy.

Characterization of ionically bound peroxidases from apple (Mallus pumilus) fruits.

Ionically bound peroxidases (POD) were salt extracted from the pulp of four Indian apple varieties, i.e., Golden delicious HP, Golden delicious JK, Red delicious, and Royal delicious. They were precipitated with chilled ethanol. Thermal treatments of partially purified enzymes were given from 40-70 degrees C for 30 minutes. Golden delicious HP peroxidase showed thermostability at 60 degrees C, while three other peroxidases were observed at 50 degrees C. Phenolic compounds (i.e., caffeic acid, ferulic acids, p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid) and metal ions (i.e., Cu2+ and Fe2+) activated all apple peroxidases. However, Mn2+ inhibited the peroxidases from Golden delicious HP, Golden delicious JK, and Red delicious, and a substantial increase was observed in Royal delicious peroxidase. Mg2+ inhibited the peroxidases from Golden delicious HP and Red delicious, but marginal activation was reported in peroxidases from Golden delicious JK and Royal delicious. Zn2+ established stimulation in Golden delicious HP and Golden delicious JK peroxidases, but inhibition was observed in peroxidases in Red delicious and Royal delicious.. Methionine, proline, tryptophan, and valine stimulated all four apple peroxidases, but cysteine showed inhibition in Golden delicious JK.

Modelling and simulation of acoustic wave propagation in locally resonant sonic materials.

Sonic crystals are artificial structures consisting of a periodic array of acoustic scatterers embedded in a homogeneous matrix material, with a usually large impedance mismatch between the two materials. They exhibit strong sound attenuation at selective frequency bands due to the interference of multiply reflected waves. However, sound attenuation bands in the audible range are only achieved by unfunctionally large sonic crystals. If local resonators are used instead of simple scatterers, the frequencies of the attenuation bands can be reduced by about two orders of magnitude. In the present paper we perform numerical simulations of acoustic wave propagation through sonic crystals consisting of local resonators using the local interaction simulation approach (LISA). Three strong attenuation bands are found at frequencies between 0.3 and 6.0 kHz, which do not depend on the periodicity of the crystal. The results are in good qualitative agreement with experimental data. We analyze the dependence of the resonance frequencies on the structural parameters of the local resonators in order to create a tool for design and optimization of any kind of sonic crystal.

Reproductive potential of male Portan rats exposed to various levels of lead with regard to zinc status.

The present study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms accounting for disruption of the normal function of the testis exposed to various levels of Pb. Three different doses of Pb (10, 50, 200 mg Pb/kg body weight per d) were given orally to male Portan rats (groups 2, 3, 4). Zn (1 mg Zn/kg body weight per d) was also given with Pb (50 mg Pb/kg body weight per d) in group 5. Treatments continued for 3 months. Plasma luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations were found to be decreased in Pb-exposed rats. This was in turn reflected in the appreciable decline in fertility status. In cell kinetic studies, significant declines in various cell populations (preleptotene, pachytene, young (step 7) spermatids and mature (step 19) spermatids) were seen. However, in group 5 after Zn supplementation, hormone levels, cell numbers and fertility status were found to be close to normal. It is concluded that Pb might act at maturation level to cause conspicuous degenerative changes in the testis; Zn supplementation protected against these effects.

Modulatory effects of Salmonella LAP-LPS on murine macrophages.

PURPOSE: To study the modulatory effects of Salmonella lipid associated protein - lipopolysaccharides (LAP-LPS) on murine macrophages as the intracellular survival within the host macrophages is an important feature for a number of gram-negative pathogens like S. typhi. METHODS: Macrophage functions were studied in two groups of mice immunized with either LPS or LAP-LPS. RESULTS: Comparison of protective efficacy of mice preimmunized with LPS based preparations, against challenge infectious doses, showed higher protection in LAP-LPS complex immunized mice group as compared to the mice group immunized with LPS alone. Aggregation of S. typhi cells was lesser with intestinal mucus extracted from LAP-LPS immunized mice as compared to LPS immunized challenged group. A significant increase in the number of macrophages in LAP-LPS immunized mice was also observed in comparison to control and LPS immunized mice groups. Nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) production were also more in macrophages derived from LAP-LPS immunized mice group. Phagocytic uptake studies showed that there was enhanced uptake of bacteria in the LAP-LPS immunized animals in comparison to LPS immunized and controls. Similar trend was observed in intracellular killing of bacteria by the macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the involvement of protein moiety in LAP on modulation of effects of LPS on macrophages.

Influence of lead and zinc on rat male reproduction at 'biochemical and histopathological levels'.

Sequential lead accumulation and biochemical and histopathological changes were observed in rat testis and epididymis after oral administration at varied doses of lead (10, 50 and 200 mg kg(-1) body wt.) for 3 months and also following the concomitant administration of lead with zinc (1 mg kg(-1) body wt. +50 mg Pb kg(-1) body wt.). Accumulation of lead in both testis and epididymis increased with dose. The concomitant administration of zinc reduced the lead levels. Similarly, dose-related changes were seen in the activities of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, which decreased with increased dose of lead. A significant improvement in the activities of these enzymes was seen in the groups given both lead and zinc. Histologically, discernible changes were noticed only at higher doses (50 and 200 mg kg(-1) body wt.), which included disorganization and disruption of spermatogenesis with accumulation of immature cells in lumen of tubule. At higher doses of lead, complete arrest of spermatogenesis was seen and a significant decrease in germ cell layer population was evident. Even in epididymis, the histoarchitecture was disrupted only at higher doses of lead both in the caput and corpus regions. The changes included damage of basement membrane, disorganization of epithelium and vacuolization of cells. The tubules were found almost empty, indicating arrest of spermatogenesis. However, with concomitant administration of lead and zinc both testis and epididymis presented a near-normal picture, indicating the protective role of zinc. Hence, the data indicate that the protective effect of zinc on lead toxicity was mediated largely by significant competition between lead and zinc or due to reduction of the available binding sites.

The effect of zinc supplementation on the effects of lead on the rat testis.

With increasing concerns about environmental pollution, the interaction of micronutrients with toxic metals is of great interest. The present study was designed to investigate testicular effects of lead following concomitant administration of zinc. Lead was administered orally as lead acetate (50 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 3 months to male Portan rats with or without zinc (1 mg/kg b.w. as zinc sulphate). The control group was given the same volume of distilled water. Endpoints included lead concentration in various body organs as well as in the reproductive system, including testicular subfractions; the testicular enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase; the marker enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (delta-ALAD); and testicular histoarchitecture. The concentrations of lead in bone, kidney, prostate, testis, liver, epididymis, spleen, seminal vesicles, and blood were significantly higher in lead-treated rats. Lead deposition was reduced in animals that received supplemental zinc. There was a 30% reduction in lead deposition in the testis when zinc was coadministered. At the subcellular level, there was differential accumulation of lead; the nucleus preferentially took up the metal after lead treatment alone, while zinc coadministration shifted lead accumulation to the mitochondria. A significant decrease in delta-ALAD and in SOD activity was seen in the testis with lead treatment. Coadministration of zinc prevented these decreases, at least partially. Zinc coadministration did not prevent the inhibition of catalase observed with lead treatment. Histologically, the alterations in the testis with lead treatment alone were more pronounced compared to animals in which zinc was supplemented. Improvement in the inhibition of delta-ALAD and in the ubiquitous cellular enzyme SOD suggests less testicular tissue damage due to detoxification of free radicals. In conclusion, zinc supplementation ameliorates lead-induced testicular damage both at the cellular and subcellular level. The protective effect may be due to differential distribution of lead, either because of competition between lead and zinc or displacement of lead by zinc.

Not clients, not consumers and definitely not maternants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine appropriate terminology for addressing women in pregnancy. DESIGN: 100 women (aged 15-50) were asked to fill in a questionnaire using one of the six choices provided for addressing women in pregnancy. SETTING: Antenatal clinic of a teaching hospital. RESULTS: Preferences vary according to context but simple terms like mother-to-be and pregnant women were more popular than client, consumer and maternant. CONCLUSION: No single terminology for addressing women in pregnancy wins all round approval but simple softer terms like Mother-to-be please a vast majority.

Is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of any value during cervical laser treatment?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) during cervical laser therapy. DESIGN: Randomized three arm controlled clinical trial comparing (i) TENS, (ii) local anaesthetic and (iii) TENS plus local anaesthetic (direct infiltration of 2% lignocaine and 0.03 iu/ml octopressin). SETTING: Colposcopy Unit adapted to run randomized trials. SUBJECTS: 100 women with CIN and no previous experience of cervical surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Visual linear analogue pain scores. RESULTS: The median pain score associated with TENS was greater than the score associated with local anaesthesia (23% compared with 17%; P = 0.1). Combining TENS with local anaesthesia did not further reduce pain scores. CONCLUSION: Although there was considerable consumer satisfaction with TENS it provided no additional pain relieving effect in addition to direct infiltration of lignocaine and it is inferior to lignocaine alone. We are unable to advocate the use of TENS for laser treatment of the cervix.

Why this growing atrocities on women?

PIP: After a summary of the prehistoric origins of the low status of women, the present state of women is reviewed and some suggestions for India are proposed. Women got into their present low status as homemakers because of the invention of fire which made them evolve into the weaker sex. The phenomenon of rape arose because leisure gave men the opportunity to indulge in sexuality outside of a mating season. This lead to early marriage and domination of women by father, husband and sons. Now India has fewer hospital facilities for women. Women can only achieve status by bearing sons. Women do all the domestic work, raise half the world's food, earn less than men and are underrepresented in decision-making. Dowry deaths, humiliation, torture and violence toward women are a national disgrace. Legislation alone will not stop dowry abuse. Attitudes must be changed by restructuring the educational system. Anti-dowry squads should be formed to prevent expensive weddings. Legal aid should be provided to victims and kin of dowry abuse. Men proven guilty of murdering their wives should be forbidden to remarry. The single law that would do most for women is to give them the right to property.^ieng