Characterization of cultural traits and fungicidal activity of strains belonging to the fungal genus Chaetomium.

AIMS: Compare and characterize Chaetomium strains with special regard to their potentialities as biocontrol agents. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve strains of the fungal genus Chaetomium from diverse ecological niches were identified as belonging to six different species. Large differences were observed between the strains with regard to temperature requirements for mycelial growth and pigmentation of culture filtrates. Culture filtrates and ethyl acetate extracts were assayed for fungicidal effects against important phytopathogens both on agar media and in multiwell plates. The samples from Chaetomium globosum were particularly active against Botrytis cinerea, Pyrenophora graminea and Bipolaris sorokiniana, while those from C. cochliodes and C. aureum were inhibitory towards Phytophthora infestans, and P. infestans and Fusarium culmorum respectively. To narrow down the active principle, the most promising extracts were separated by preparative HPLC and the resulting fractions tested in bioassays. Chaetoglobosins were identified as active compounds produced by C. globosum. CONCLUSIONS: The bioassays revealed C. aureum and C. cochliodes as promising candidates for use in biocontrol. Both showed remarkably good activity against the prominent plant pathogen P. infestans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: We provide the first systematic study comparing six different Chaetomium species with regard to their use as biocontrol agents.

Monitoring of blood parameters following anterior cervical fusion.

OBJECT: Both C-reactive protein (CRP) level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured prospectively in 51 cases in which uncomplicated cervical anterior fusion was performed. The object of the authors was to quantify the differences in the responses of these parameters recorded in the immediate postoperative period and to determine factors influencing their course. METHODS: Nineteen one-level, 23 two-level, and nine three-level procedures for disc herniation and degenerative disease of the cervical spine were performed in 22 female and 29 male patients (mean age 49.2 years). Blood samples were obtained 1 day before as well as on 10 consecutive days and 3 months following anterior cervical fusion. Serum CRP level was measured using a fluorescence polarization immunoassay and ESR was determined from the same samples. Operative time, the number of blood transfusions, and drugs administered in the postoperative period were recorded. In addition, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, platelet count, white cell count, and axillary body temperature were checked daily. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of CRP level is superior to that of ESR for early detection of infections after cervical spine surgery. Although CRP was not related to any of the factors that have been proposed to explain its peak value variance in previous studies, individual acute-phase protein metabolism response to tissue affection appears to be a more decisive element in this respect.

Nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) in polar stratospheric clouds.

A comprehensive investigation of polar stratospheric clouds was performed on 25 January 2000 with instruments onboard a balloon gondola flown from Kiruna, Sweden. Cloud layers were repeatedly encountered at altitudes between 20 and 24 kilometers over a wide range of atmospheric temperatures (185 to 197 kelvin). Particle composition analysis showed that a large fraction of the cloud layers was composed of nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) particles, containing water and nitric acid at a molar ratio of 3:1; this confirmed that these long-sought solid crystals exist well above ice formation temperatures. The presence of NAT particles enhances the potential for chlorine activation with subsequent ozone destruction in polar regions, particularly in early and late winter.

Accuracy of single-energy quantitative computed tomography in the assessment of bone mineral density of cervical vertebrae.

Earlier studies have shown that single-energy quantitative computed tomography (SEQCT) is a reliable method for bone mineral density (BMD) measurements in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Moreover, SEQCT has proved to be a useful parameter in the selection of appropriate implants in cervical spondylodesis. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of SEQCT in cervical vertebrae BMD measurement. BMD with reference to calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca10[PO4]6[OH]2) was assessed by SEQCT in 100 human vertebral bodies of the cervical spine. Bone cylinders were then cut from the appropriate region of interest. The cylinder volume was determined by the liquid displacement technique. The density of the mineral component was measured following incineration at 1100 degrees C for 24 h. The calculated BMD was correlated with the SEQCT values, resulting in a coefficient of r = 0.79 (P < 0.01). Mean SEQCT values were significantly lower than those determined by direct density assessment (t-test for coupled sampling, P < 0.02). This result was in agreement with studies on thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. These data suggest that SEQCT can reliably measure BMD in the cervical spine.

Performance of ventral spondylodesis screws in cervical vertebrae of varying bone mineral density.

STUDY DESIGN: Biomechanical parameters affecting the strength of screw-to-bone fixations of ventral cervical spondylodeses were determined. OBJECTIVES: The rate of implant loosening with ventral cervical spondylodeses is high. Types of failure and how they can be avoided are presented. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The number of sound studies on corresponding thoraco-lumbar spinal implants is large. However, no comparative study has been published thus far covering the strength of screw-to-bone fixation in the cervical region. METHODS: Human cervical vertebrae were obtained at autopsy. Their bone mineral density related to calcium-hydroxyapatite was determined by single energy quantitative computed tomography scan. Standard cancellous screws with a diameter of 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm "rescue" screws were screwed down to failure into 43 single vertebral bodies. The applied torque T and the resultant axial force Fax at the "washer's" position were measured simultaneously by a specially designed electronic testing machine. RESULTS: A strong correlation among Fax, T, and bone mineral density was found (0.4636 < r < 0.7545). Application of standard screws reveals that Fax and T linearly respond to the effective thread length, whether the posterior vertebral cortex is engaged or not (paired t test: P < 0.05, n = 38). When "rescue" screws are used and the posterior vertebral cortex is included, a significantly higher torque T must be applied to achieve the same revolution. Surprisingly, the resulting force Fax hardly alters. If under similar circumstances the posterior vertebral cortex is not included in the construct, Fax is significantly lower (paired t test: P < 0.05, n = 32). A stable fixation of 3.5 mm screws cannot be achieved if bone mineral density remains below 150 mg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, determining bone mineral density before surgery by quantitative computed tomography is recommended to ensure a proper selection of screw type and thereby increase the success of surgical fixation.

[Turcot syndrome illustrated by two clinical cases]. / Die Problematik des Turcot-Syndroms, aufgezeigt an zwei klinischen Fallbeispielen.

Turcot syndrome denotes the association between either familial polyposis coli (FPC) or sporadic non-familial polyposis coli, and primary neuroepithelial tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). The clinical and morphological intestinal features in both FPC and Turcot syndrome are the same: the histological picture shows typical (tubular) adenomas, often with adenocarcinomatous transformation. As associated CNS tumors astrocytomas, glioblastomas, spongioblastomas, and medulloblastomas are reported. As a modification of ITOH's classification of 1985 we distinguish between four groups: patients with fewer than 100 polyps (group I); patients with fewer than 10 polyps (group II); patients with FPC or sporadic non-familial polyposis (group III); patients with either CNS tumors or FPC with a direct relative with Turcot syndrome and/or FPC (group IV). In patients belonging to the fourth group the diagnosis of Turcot syndrome should not be made. We report on two patients belonging to group II and group IV respectively, and depict the clinical features as well as the heterogenic appearance of Turcot syndrome as outlined in the literature.

[Does the 3d decimal number of single values have significance for calculating average blood alcohol content?]. / Hat die dritte Dezimalstelle der Einzelwerte Bedeutung für die Berechnung des Mittelwertes der BAK?

Judgement of driving capability bases on determination of alcohol concentration in blood. This is carried out by two different methods, whereby the mean value is taken out of four test results. The mean value may very slightly taking either two or three decimal places. We suggest not to abandon the third decimal place. Due to German jurisdiction absolute incapability to drive is given when alcohol concentration in blood reaches 1.3 g Promille. An example shows that in a forensic case the limit of 1.3 g Promille was not reached if only two instead of three decimal places were taken.

[Diagnosis and surgical treatment of craniocerebral trauma within the scope of polytrauma management]. / Die Diagnostik und operative Behandlung des Schädel-Hirn-Traumas im Rahmen der Polytraumaversorgung.

Head trauma of different degrees is present in about two-thirds of multiple trauma patients admitted to hospital. As the primary brain damage is irreversible, our objective should be the recognition and specific treatment of both early and late complications. Stabilization of cardiorespiratory parameters must first be achieved. Secondly, only the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening hemorrhages is of greater importance than the diagnostic and therapeutic measures undertaken by the neurosurgeon. Coma is assessed according to the Glasgow Coma Scale. The indications for CT investigation in trauma patients are: (1) loss of consciousness for more than 30 min (GCS score under 8); (2) manifest neurological deficit; (3) open head injury; (4) deterioration of clinical and neurological status after admission; (5) skull fracture. An algorithm for the management of head trauma, including the above-listed criteria and based on Schweiberer's "Graduated Schedule for Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Trauma" is presented. We also list the indications for urgent early neurosurgical intervention: (1) space-occupying intracranial hemorrhages, epi- or subdural, and intracerebral; (2) open head injury; (3) space-occupying impression fractures; (4) any combination of the above. In some cases neurosurgery may be performed after further stabilization, e.g., in: (1) fronto- and otobasal injuries (the latter often heal spontaneously); (2) small contusions; (3) not-space-occupying extracerebral hematomas with no tendency to increase; (4) not-space-occupying impression fractures. As soon as neurological deficit appears in the presence of one of the above, operative treatment is mandatory.

[Sex determination of human blood micro-stains and single hairs using specific DNA amplification with polymerase chain reaction]. / Geschlechtsbestimmung an menschlichen Mikroblutspuren und Einzelhaaren mit Hilfe gezielter DNA Amplifikation durch die Polymerase-Chain-Reaction.

Amplification of Y chromosome specific DNA in vitro enables a rapid and reliable sex determination of human minute traces such as blood stains and hairs. In presence of male DNA a band of 154 bp is visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis after amplification, this band is lacking in case of female DNA alone. Amplification of a sex independent DNA locus (such as a fragment from the alcohol dehydrogenase gene) generates identical reaction products for both sexes. This shows that the absence of a band is not due to the lack of trace DNA. It is possible to perform this technique with as little as 0.5 microliters of blood or with a single hair.

[Non-surgical management of an infected ventriculo-atrial shunt]. / Nicht-operative Sanierung eines infizierten ventrikulo-atrialen Shunts.

We report on a 81-year old patient who showed clinical signs of a shunt infection eight months after implantation of a ventriculo-atrial shunt system Heyer-Schulte. The reason was identified to be a massive infection with staphylococcus albus. Elimination of the infection was achieved by intravenous administration of fosfomycine and local instillation of gentamycin into the valve. The follow-up was uneventful for more than two years until the death of the patient in January 1987.

[Cellular components in interstitial lung tissue in sudden infant death--immunohistochemical characterization]. / Zelluläre Komponenten im Lungeninterstitium beim plötzlichen Kindestod--Immunhistochemische Charakterisierung.

Monoclonal antibodies against the Leucocyte Common Antigens LC and MAC-387 expressed by lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytes and polymorphonuclears failed to mark the cells of the pulmonary interstitial connective tissue in cases of SIDS. Controls with interstitial pneumonia showed clearly marked inflammatory cells. Although focal proliferation of cells was frequently observed in the vicinity of distended lymphatics in SIDS cases, an inflammatory origin as in the cases of interstitial pneumonia could not be confirmed. A relationship between interstitial edema and a non-inflammatory proliferation of the cells is discussed.

Prophylaxis of postoperative lumbar spondylodiscitis.

Spondylodiscitis after lumbar disc surgery is a well-known complication with a frequency of 0.1 to 3%. According to the authors, the etiological factors are: combination of operated segment instability, damage to the lower and upper plates due to disc space curettage and transmission of germs. After treatment of 100 selected cases, all with increased risk of postoperative spondylodiscitis, distinct possibilities for prevention have been discovered. Basic treatment consisted of 3 x 80 mg perioperative doses of Gentamicin i.m. In addition a collagen sponge (Sulmycin Implant) containing 50 mg Gentamycin was inserted in the cleared disc spaces of 50 patients. Complications in this procedure were not observed. The following is recommended for prevention of postoperative spondylodiscitis: a careful operating technique, perioperative antibiotics, and in particularly endangered patients, insertion of Sulmycin Implant in the disc-spaces.

Pulmonary lymphatics in SIDS--a comparative morphometric study.

Pulmonary lymphatics in a group of SIDS cases were compared with a control group of a similar age distribution. The causes of death in the controls were known to be associated with varying degrees of pulmonary edema. The surface areas of pleural, interstitial, peribronchial, periarterial and perivenous lymphatics were planimetrically measured. The data were statistically tested. The tests showed that the pulmonary lymphatics of the SIDS group were significantly more distended than those of the control group as expressed by highly significant differences in their surface areas. On the whole 2142 lymphatics were measured; 1255 in the SIDS group, which consisted of slides from 10 cases and 887 in the control group which consisted of slides from 11 controls. Although the sample size imposes a limit on the general applicability of the results, the clear distinction between the two groups as shown by the tests do indicate a possible feature of SIDS--lymphatic stasis--which might be secondary to some impairment of lymphatic drainage. This in turn could induce subtle fibrotic changes in the connective tissue framework of these lungs. The results are presented in the light of the forensic significance of the signs of asphyxia frequently found in SIDS and the diagnostic difficulties encountered in differentiating between SIDS and mechanical asphyxia e.g. due to smothering.

[Changes in the ratio of collagen type I and III in the interlobular interstitium of the lung in sudden infant death--a pilot study]. / Uber Veränderungen des Mengenverhältnisses von Kollagen Typ I und III im interlobulären Lungeninterstitium beim plötzlichen Kindstod--eine Pilotstudie.

In a blind study the interlobular interstitial connective tissue in paraffin embedded lung sections from 45 autopsy cases aged under 2 years (23 SIDS and 22 Non-SIDS) were investigated with the aim of determining the collagen type I:type III ratio by means of polarimetric evaluation. Sections were stained with Resorcin-Fuchsin for elastin fibres, Celestine Blue/Mayer's Haematoxylin for nuclear details and with Solophenyl Red 3 BL in saturated picric acid solution for the differential staining of type I and type III collagen fibres for polarization microscopy. The type I fibres were orange and the type III fibres green in colour. The spectral distribution of the coloured polarized light from the sections was determined and peaks were evident at the wavelengths 590 nm for the orange coloured light of type I and 490 nm for the green coloured light of type III collagen. With corresponding filtres the intensities of the orange and green emissions were separately measured at several points adjacent to lymphatic vessels. The ratio collagen I/III, deduced from the ratio of the intensities of orange to green light, was significantly higher in the SIDS-group than in the Non-SIDS-group (a = 0.001) due to the increase in the amount of collagen type I and could indicate an insiduous fibrosis resulting from lymphostasis.

[Fatal lung hemorrhage in complex pulmonary angiodysplasia in a case of mongolism]. / Tödliche Lungenblutung bei komplexer pulmonaler Angiodysplasie in einem Fall von Mongolismus.

A case of sudden and unexpected death of a boy with Down-Syndrome is reported. Death was due to acute excessive haemorrhage from the lungs. There were no cardiac anomalies. Histology revealed in addition to mediahyperplasia, intimaproliferation and occlusions, multiple foci of anomalous ectatic blood vessels predominantly in the lungs, some of which ruptured and bled into adjacent airways. Evidence of previous less severe bleeding episodes was present. Further investigation showed a familial occurrence of the blood vessel anomaly.

[Myocardial dysplasia of the right ventricle (Uhl's anomaly) as a possible cause of sudden, unexpected death]. / Myokardiale Dysplasie der rechten Herzkammer (Uhl'sche Anomalie) als mögliche Ursache eines plötzlichen, unerwarteten Todes.

Partial absence and fatty replacement of the myocardial compacta of the right ventricular wall was observed in five young male adults, four of whom died suddenly and unexpectedly and one in a car accident. In one of these cases there was only one coronary orifice. Four cases of the so-called Uhl anomaly had histological findings indicating dysmorphic myocardial cells associated with minimal lymphohistiocytic infiltrates within the fatty tissue. In one case, chronic destructive inflammation was a prominent feature. Marked dysmorphic alterations in the myocardial fibers suggested the occurrence of arrhythmic episodes as the main cause of sudden heart failure and death.