Can Dance Improve Turning in People With Parkinson's Disease?

Objective: To investigate the effects of a dance intervention on selected functional parameters during the 180° turning phase of the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test in people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD). Methods: Fifteen adults clinically diagnosed with idiopathic PD were allocated into dance intervention (DIG; n = 7 ; age 73 ± 2 years) and control (CG; n = 8; age 64 ± 5 years) groups. The dance intervention lasted for 3 months (1 hour, twice a week). At baseline, all participants completed the Unified PD Rating Scale-part III, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form, and the Hoehn & Yahr scale. Pre- and post-intervention, the primary outcomes were measured (number of steps and time to complete the 180° turning phase of the TUG test) at 2 speeds (comfortable walking and as quickly and safely speed) while using the Xsens® 3D motion suit. The secondary outcome (girdle dissociation) was assessed by calculating the difference between pelvis and affected shoulder orientation in the transverse plane (dissociation angles) at each data point during the TUG test's 180° turning phase. Results: At participant's comfortable walking speed, the functionality during the 180° turning remained unaffected following the dance intervention. However, at participant's fast speed, the dance intervention group significantly reduced the number of steps with a large effect size, and the total time taken to complete the 180° turning with a medium effect size. Post-intervention, most participants in the dance intervention group reduced the affected shoulder and pelvic girdle dissociation and turned more "en bloc." Conclusion: Dance can improve selected functional parameters during the 180° turning at fast speed in PwPD. The current results should be considered in rehabilitation programs.

Comparative transcriptional analysis of Candida auris biofilms following farnesol and tyrosol treatment

Candida auris is frequently associated with biofilm-related invasive infections. The resistant profile of these biofilms necessitates innovative therapeutic options, where quorum sensing may be a potential target. Farnesol and tyrosol are two fungal quorum-sensing molecules with antifungal effects at supraphysiological concentrations. Here, we performed genome-wide transcript profiling with C. auris biofilms following farnesol or tyrosol exposure using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). Since transition metals play a central role in fungal virulence and biofilm formation, levels of intracellular calcium, magnesium, and iron were determined following farnesol or tyrosol treatment using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Farnesol caused an 89.9% and 73.8% significant reduction in the calcium and magnesium content, respectively, whereas tyrosol resulted in 82.6%, 76.6%, and 81.2% decrease in the calcium, magnesium, and iron content, respectively, compared to the control. Genes involved in biofilm events, glycolysis, ergosterol biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation, iron metabolism, and autophagy were primarily affected in treated cells. To prove ergosterol quorum-sensing molecule interactions, microdilution-based susceptibility testing was performed, where the complexation of farnesol, but not tyrosol, with ergosterol was impeded in the presence of exogenous ergosterol, resulting in a minimum inhibitory concentration increase in the quorum-sensing molecules. This study revealed several farnesol- and tyrosol-specific responses, which will contribute to the development of alternative therapies against C. auris biofilms.

IMPORTANCE

Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, which is frequently associated with biofilm-related infections. Candida-derived quorum-sensing molecules (farnesol and tyrosol) play a pivotal role in the regulation of fungal morphogenesis and biofilm development. Furthermore, they may have remarkable anti-biofilm effects, especially at supraphysiological concentrations. Innovative therapeutic approaches interfering with quorum sensing may be a promising future strategy against C. auris biofilms; however, limited data are currently available concerning farnesol-induced and tyrosol-related molecular effects in C. auris. Here, we detected several genes involved in biofilm events, glycolysis, ergosterol biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation, iron metabolism, and autophagy, which were primarily influenced following farnesol or tyrosol exposure. Moreover, calcium, magnesium, and iron homeostasis were also significantly affected. These results reveal those molecular and physiological events, which may support the development of novel therapeutic approaches against C. auris biofilms.

Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, outcome and biofilm forming properties in candidaemia: A single-centre retrospective 4-year analysis from Hungary

BACKGROUND

Candidaemia is a life-threatening disease that is associated with high mortality, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). The number of comprehensive studies dealing with the epidemiologic characteristics of biofilm-related properties is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the clinical characteristics of candidaemia, to assess the biofilm-forming properties of isolates, and to identify the risk factors of mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 149 candidaemia episodes from the University of Debrecen, Clinical Centre, between January 2020 and December 2023 were investigated retrospectively. The susceptibility of Candida isolates to fluconazole, amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin was evaluated and compared to the susceptibility of 1-day-old biofilms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the independent predictors of 30-day mortality rate.

RESULTS

The most common Candida species was Candida albicans (41%), followed by C. parapsilosis (20%), C. glabrata (14%), C. tropicalis (13%), rare Candida species (7%), and C. krusei (5%). Sixty-six percent of Candida isolates were biofilm formers and 44% had high metabolic activity. The 30-day mortality rate was 52%, which was higher in ICUs (65%). The logistic regression analysis revealed several factors significantly influencing mortality including ICU admission (odds ratio [OR] 2.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-8.04, p = 0.025), fluconazole treatment (OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.62-11.42, p = .004), and pneumonia (OR 0.261, 95% CI 0.1-0.67, p = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive analysis supports the better characterisation of candidaemia in healthcare settings, which ultimately may reduce mortality among patients.

Functional characterization of genes encoding cadmium pumping P1B-type ATPases in Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus nidulans

Several P1B-type ATPases are important Cd2+/Cu2+ pumps in Aspergillus species, and they are tightly associated with the heavy metal stress tolerance of these ascomycetous fungi. To better understand the roles of the two P1B-type ATPases, Aspergillus nidulans CrpA Cd2+/Cu2+ pump (orthologue of the Candida albicans Crp1 Cd2+/Cu2+ pump) and Aspergillus fumigatus PcaA Cd2+ pump (orthologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pca1 Cd2+ pump), we have generated individual mutants and characterized their heavy metal susceptibilities. The deletion of CrpA in A. nidulans has led to the increased sensitivity of the fungus to stresses induced by Zn2+, Fe2+, or the combination of oxidative-stress-inducing menadione sodium bisulfite and Fe3+. Heterologous expression of A. fumigatus PcaA in the S. cerevisiae pca1 deletion mutant has resulted in enhanced tolerance of the yeast to stresses elicited by Cd2+or Zn2+ but not by Fe2+/Fe3+ or Cu2+. Mammalian host immune defense can attack microbes by secreting Zn2+ or Cu2+, and the oxidative stress induced by host immune systems can also disturb metal (Cu2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+) homeostasis in microbes. In summary, PcaA and CrpA can protect fungal cells from these complex stresses that contribute to the virulence of the pathogenic Aspergillus species. Moreover, due to their presence on the fungal cell surface, these P1B-type ATPases may serve as a novel drug target in the future. IMPORTANCE Mammalian host immune defense disrupts heavy metal homeostasis of fungal pathogens. P1B-type ATPase of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus nidulans may help to cope with this stress and serve as virulence traits. In our experiments, both A. nidulans Cd2+/Cu2+ pump CrpA and A. fumigatus Cd2+ pump PcaA protected fungal cells from toxic Zn2+, and CrpA also decreased Fe2+ susceptibility most likely indirectly. In addition, CrpA protected cells against the combined stress induced by the oxidative stressor menadione and Fe3+. Since P1B-type ATPases are present on the fungal cell surface, these proteins may serve as a novel drug target in the future.

The canonical E2Fs together with RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED are required to establish quiescence during plant development

Maintaining stable and transient quiescence in differentiated and stem cells, respectively, requires repression of the cell cycle. The plant RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED (RBR) has been implicated in stem cell maintenance, presumably by forming repressor complexes with E2F transcription factors. Surprisingly we find that mutations in all three canonical E2Fs do not hinder the cell cycle, but similarly to RBR silencing, result in hyperplasia. Contrary to the growth arrest that occurs when exit from proliferation to differentiation is inhibited upon RBR silencing, the e2fabc mutant develops enlarged organs with supernumerary stem and differentiated cells as quiescence is compromised. While E2F, RBR and the M-phase regulatory MYB3Rs are part of the DREAM repressor complexes, and recruited to overlapping groups of targets, they regulate distinct sets of genes. Only the loss of E2Fs but not the MYB3Rs interferes with quiescence, which might be due to the ability of E2Fs to control both G1-S and some key G2-M targets. We conclude that collectively the three canonical E2Fs in complex with RBR have central roles in establishing cellular quiescence during organ development, leading to enhanced plant growth.

Radial artery calcification in predicting coronary calcification and atherosclerosis burden

Background

Atherosclerosis is a systemic arterial disease with heterogeneous involvement in all vascular beds, however studies examining the relationship between coronary and radial artery calcification are lacking.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the two sites and the prognostic value of radial artery calcification (RC) for coronary artery disease.

Methods and results

This is a single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study based on doppler ultrasound of radial artery (RUS) and coronary artery angiography (CAG). We included a total of 202 patients undergoing RUS during distal radial access and CAG at the same procedure, between December 2020 and May 2021, from which 103 were found having RC during RUS (RC-group) and 99 without (NRC-group). Coronary calcifications were evaluated either by angiography examination (moderate and severe), positive CT (>100 Agatson units) or intracoronary imaging (IVUS, OCT). A significant correlation was observed between radial calcification and coronary calcification variables (67.3%, vs 32.7% – p=0.001). The correlation between risk factors such as age, smoking, chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus was higher while sex did not play a role. The need of PCI and/or CABG was higher in the RC-group (60% vs 44%, p=0.02). RC therefore predicts the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.

Conclusion

RC may be frequently associated with calcific coronary plaques. These findings highlight the potential beneficial examination of radial arteries whenever CAD is suspected.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Antivirulent Potential of Essential Oils Isolated from Juniperus oxycedrus L. ssp. macrocarpa Aerial Parts

As a consequence of the worsening situation with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and a disparity in the commercialization of novel antimicrobial agents, scientists have been prompted to seek out new compounds with antimicrobial activity from a wide range of sources, including medicinal plants. In the present study, the antibacterial, antifungal, anti-virulence, and resistance-modulating properties of the essential oil from the Sardinian endemic Juniperus oxycedrus L. ssp. macrocarpa aerial parts were evaluated. The GC/MS analysis showed that the main compounds in the oil were α-pinene (56.63 ± 0.24%), limonene (14.66 ± 0.11%), and β-pinene (13.42 ± 0.09%). The essential oil showed potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (0.25–2 v/v%) and Salmonella spp. (4 v/v%). The strongest fungicidal activity was recorded against Candida auris sessile cells (median FICI was 0.088) but not against C. albicans biofilms (median FICI was 1). The oil showed potent efflux pump inhibitory properties in the case of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The therapeutic potential of Juniperus may be promising for future more extensive research and in vivo tests to develop new drugs against antibiotic and antifungal resistance.

Occurrence of Escherichia coli producing extended spectrum β-lactamases in food-producing animals

Multidrug resistance due to the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) is a major problem in human as well as in veterinary medicine. These strains appear in animal and human microbiomes and can be the source of infection both in animal and in human healthcare, in accordance with the One Health theorem. In this study we examined the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria in food-producing animals. We collected 100 porcine and 114 poultry samples to examine the prevalence of ESBL producers. Isolates were identified using the MALDI-TOF system and their antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the disk diffusion method. ESBL gene families and phylogroups were detected by polymerase chain reactions. The prevalence of ESBL producers was relatively high in both sample groups: 72 (72.0%) porcine and 39 (34.2%) poultry isolates were ESBL producers. Escherichia coli isolates were chosen for further investigations. The most common ESBL gene was CTX-M-1 (79.3%). Most of the isolates belong to the commensal E. coli phylogroups. The porcine isolates could be divided into three phylogroups, while the distribution of the poultry isolates was more varied. In summary, ESBL-producing bacteria are prevalent in the faecal samples of the examined food-producing animals, with a dominance of the CTX-M-1 group enzymes and commensal E. coli phylogroups.

The Negative Effect of Protein Phosphatase Z1 Deletion on the Oxidative Stress Tolerance of Candida albicans Is Synergistic with Betamethasone Exposure

The glucocorticoid betamethasone (BM) has potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects; however, it increases the susceptibility of patients to superficial Candida infections. Previously we found that this disadvantageous side effect can be counteracted by menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB) induced oxidative stress treatment. The fungus specific protein phosphatase Z1 (CaPpz1) has a pivotal role in oxidative stress response of Candida albicans and was proposed as a potential antifungal drug target. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of CaPPZ1 gene deletion and MSB treatment in BM pre-treated C. albicans cultures. We found that the combined treatment increased redox imbalance, enhanced the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the growth in cappz1 mutant (KO) strain. RNASeq data demonstrated that the presence of BM markedly elevated the number of differentially expressed genes in the MSB treated KO cultures. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species, increased iron content and fatty acid oxidation, as well as the inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis and RNA metabolic processes explain, at least in part, the fungistatic effect caused by the combined stress exposure. We suggest that the synergism between MSB treatment and CaPpz1 inhibition could be considered in developing of a novel combinatorial antifungal strategy accompanying steroid therapy.

In vitro and in vivo interaction of caspofungin with isavuconazole against Candida auris planktonic cells and biofilms

The in vitro and in vivo efficacy of caspofungin was determined in combination with isavuconazole against Candida auris. Drug-drug interactions were assessed utilising the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs), the Bliss independence model and an immunocompromised mouse model. Median planktonic minimum inhibitory concentrations (pMICs) of 23 C. auris isolates were between 0.5 and 2 mg/L and between 0.015 and 4 mg/L for caspofungin and isavuconazole, respectively. Median pMICs for caspofungin and isavuconazole in combination showed 2-128-fold and 2-256-fold decreases, respectively. Caspofungin and isavuconazole showed synergism in 14 out of 23 planktonic isolates (FICI range 0.03-0.5; Bliss cumulative synergy volume range 0-4.83). Median sessile MICs (sMIC) of 14 biofilm-forming isolates were between 32 and > 32 mg/L and between 0.5 and > 2 mg/L for caspofungin and isavuconazole, respectively. Median sMICs for caspofungin and isavuconazole in combination showed 0-128-fold and 0-512-fold decreases, respectively. Caspofungin and isavuconazole showed synergistic interaction in 12 out of 14 sessile isolates (FICI range 0.023-0.5; Bliss cumulative synergy volume range 0.13-234.32). In line with the in vitro findings, synergistic interactions were confirmed by in vivo experiments. The fungal kidney burden decreases were more than 3 log volumes in mice treated with combination of 1 mg/kg caspofungin and 20 mg/kg isavuconazole daily; this difference was statistically significant compared with control mice (p < 0.001). Despite the favourable effect of isavuconazole in combination with caspofungin, further studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic advantage of this combination when treating an infection caused by C. auris.

Comparison of In Vitro Killing Activity of Rezafungin, Anidulafungin, Caspofungin, and Micafungin against Four Candida auris Clades in RPMI-1640 in the Absence and Presence of Human Serum

Candida auris is an emerging and frequently multidrug-resistant pathogen against which the echinocandins are the preferred therapeutic option. We compared killing activities of anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin, and rezafungin against 13 isolates representing four C. auris clades (South Asian n = 3; East Asian n = 3; South African n = 3; South American n = 4, of which two were of environmental origin). Minimum inhibitory concentration MICs and killing kinetics in RPMI-1640 and RPMI-1640 plus 50% serum (50% serum) were determined. The four echinocandins were never fungicidal and induced large aggregates in RPMI-1640 and, less markedly, in 50% serum. Colony forming unit CFU decreases were found more consistently in 50% serum than in RPMI-1640. Isolates from the East Asian clade were killed at ≥1-≥ 4 mg/L with all echinocandins regardless of media. Anidulafungin and micafungin produced killing at peak drug serum concentration (8 mg/L) against environmental but not clinical isolates from the South American and the South African clades. Micafungin at ≥8 mg/L but not anidulafungin produced CFU decreases against the South Asian clade as well. In 50% serum, rezafungin at ≥1-≥ 8 mg/L produced killing against all four clades. The next generation echinocandin, rezafungin, showed the same or better activity at clinically attainable trough concentration regardless of media, compared with anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin against all four tested C. auris clades.

Glucose-level dependent brain hypometabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome and its individual components lead to wide-ranging consequences, many of which affect the central nervous system. In this study, we compared the [18F]FDG regional brain metabolic pattern of participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-DM obese individuals.

METHODS

In our prospective study, 51 patients with controlled T2DM (ages 50.6 ± 8.0 years) and 45 non-DM obese participants (ages 52.0 ± 9.6 years) were enrolled. Glucose levels measured before PET/CT examination (pre-PET glucose) as well as laboratory parameters assessing glucose and lipid status were determined. NeuroQ application (NeuroQTM 3.6, Syntermed, Philips) was used to evaluate regional brain metabolic differences. [18F]FDG PET/CT (AnyScan PC, Mediso) scans, estimating brain metabolism, were transformed to MNI152 brain map after T1 registration and used for SPM-based group comparison of brain metabolism corrected for pre-PET glucose, and correlation analysis with laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

NeuroQ analysis did not reveal significant regional metabolic defects in either group. Voxel-based group comparison revealed significantly (PFWE<0.05) decreased metabolism in the region of the precuneus and in the right superior frontal gyrus (rSFG) in the diabetic group as compared to the obese patients. Data analysis corrected for pre-PET glucose level showed a hypometabolic difference only in the rSFG in T2DM. Voxel-based correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation of the metabolism in the following brain regions with pre-PET glucose in diabetes: precuneus, left posterior orbital gyrus, right calcarine cortex and right orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus; whilst in the obese group only the right rolandic (pericentral) operculum proved to be sensitive to pre-PET glucose level.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to perform pre-PET glucose level corrected comparative analysis of brain metabolism in T2DM and obesity. We also examined the pre-PET glucose level dependency of regional cerebral metabolism in the two groups separately. Large-scale future studies are warranted to perform further correlation analysis with the aim of determining the effects of metabolic disturbances on brain metabolism.

Comparison of in vivo pathogenicity of four Candida auris clades in a neutropenic bloodstream infection murine model

Candida auris is an emerging worldwide concern, but comparative data about the virulence of different C. auris lineages in mammalian hosts is lacking. Different isolates of the four prevalent C. auris clades (South Asian n = 5, East Asian n = 4, South African n = 5, and South American n = 5) were compared to assess their virulence in a neutropenic murine bloodstream infection model with C. albicans as reference. C. auris, regardless of clade, proved to be less virulent than C. albicans. Highest overall mortality at day 21 was observed for the South American clade (96%), followed by the South Asian (80%), South African (45%) and East Asian (44%) clades. Fungal burden results showed close correlation with lethality. Histopathological examination revealed large aggregates of blastoconidia and budding yeast cells in the hearts, kidneys and livers but not in the spleens. The myocardium of apparently healthy sacrificed mice as well as of mice found moribund showed contraction band necrosis in case of all lineages. Regardless of clade, the heart and kidneys were the most heavily affected organs. Isolates of the same clade showed differences in virulence in mice, but a markedly higher virulence of the South American clade was clearly demonstrated.

The Neosartorya fischeri Antifungal Protein 2 (NFAP2): A New Potential Weapon against Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris Biofilms

Candida auris is a potential multidrug-resistant pathogen able to persist on indwelling devices as a biofilm, which serve as a source of catheter-associated infections. Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein 2 (NFAP2) is a cysteine-rich, cationic protein with potent anti-Candida activity. We studied the in vitro activity of NFAP2 alone and in combination with fluconazole, amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin against C. auris biofilms. The nature of interactions was assessed utilizing the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), a Bliss independence model, and LIVE/DEAD viability assay. NFAP2 exerted synergy with all tested antifungals with FICIs ranging between 0.312-0.5, 0.155-0.5, 0.037-0.375, 0.064-0.375, and 0.064-0.375 for fluconazole, amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin, respectively. These results were confirmed using a Bliss model, where NFAP2 produced 17.54 μM²%, 2.16 μM²%, 33.31 μM²%, 10.72 μM²%, and 111.19 μM²% cumulative synergy log volume in combination with fluconazole, amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin, respectively. In addition, biofilms exposed to echinocandins (32 mg/L) showed significant cell death in the presence of NFAP2 (128 mg/L). Our study shows that NFAP2 displays strong potential as a novel antifungal compound in alternative therapies to combat C. auris biofilms.

Farnesol increases the activity of echinocandins against Candida auris biofilms

Candida auris biofilms exhibit decreased susceptibility to echinocandins, which is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule enhancing the activity of antifungals; therefore, we evaluated the in vitro effect of farnesol with anidulafungin, caspofungin, or micafungin against biofilms using fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICI), Bliss independence model, LIVE/DEAD-assay and scanning electron microscopy. Based on mathematical models, farnesol caused synergism in eleven out of twelve cases (FICIs range 0.133-0.507; Bliss synergy volume range 70.39-204.6 μM2%). This was confirmed by microscope images of combination-exposed biofilms. Our study showed the prominent effect of farnesol with echinocandins against C. auris biofilms.

In vitro activity of rezafungin against common and rare Candida species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BACKGROUND

Rezafungin is a novel echinocandin with excellent activity against common Candida species; however, limited data are available regarding rare Candida species.

METHODS

We determined the in vitro susceptibility of 689 clinical isolates of 5 common and 19 rare Candida species, as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The activity of rezafungin was compared with that of anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin, amphotericin B and fluconazole, using CLSI broth microdilution methodology (Fourth Edition: M27).

RESULTS

Rezafungin MIC90 values were 0.06 mg/L for Candida albicans (n=125), Candida tropicalis (n=51), Candida dubliniensis (n=22), Candida inconspicua (n=41), Candida sojae (n=10), Candida lipolytica (n=10) and Candida pulcherrima (n=10), 0.12 mg/L for Candida glabrata (n=81), Candida krusei (n=53), Candida kefyr (n=52) and Candida fabianii (n=15), 0.25 mg/L for Candida lusitaniae (n=46) and Candida auris (n=19), 0.5 mg/L for Candida metapsilosis (n=15) and S. cerevisiae (n=21), 1 mg/L for Candida orthopsilosis (n=15) and Candida guilliermondii (n=27) and 2 mg/L for Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto (n=59). Caspofungin MIC90 values were 0.25-2 mg/L for all species, while micafungin and anidulafungin MIC90 values were similar to those of rezafungin. Fluconazole resistance was found in C. albicans (5.6%) and C. glabrata (4.9%); rezafungin was effective against these isolates as well. Amphotericin B MIC values did not exceed 2 mg/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Rezafungin showed excellent in vitro activity against both WT and azole-resistant Candida species, as well as against S. cerevisiae. Rezafungin had similar activity to other echinocandins (excluding caspofungin) against common Candida species and, notably, against clinically relevant uncommon Candida species.

Relative Frequency of Paradoxical Growth and Trailing Effect with Caspofungin, Micafungin, Anidulafungin, and the Novel Echinocandin Rezafungin against Candida Species

Rezafungin is a next-generation echinocandin that has favorable pharmacokinetic properties. We compared the occurrence of paradoxical growth (PG) and trailing effect (TE) characteristics to echinocadins with rezafungin, caspofungin, micafungin and anidulafungin using 365 clinical Candida isolates belonging to 13 species. MICs were determined by BMD method according to CLSI (M27 Ed4). Disconnected growth (PG plus TE) was most frequent with caspofungin (49.6%), followed by anidulafungin (33.7%), micafungin (25.7%), while it was least frequent with rezafungin (16.9%). PG was relatively common in the case of caspofungin (30.1%) but was rare in the case of rezafungin (3.0%). C. tropicalis, C. albicans, C. orthopsilosis and C. inconspicua exhibited PG most frequently with caspofungin, micafungin or anidulafungin. PG never occurred in the case of C. krusei isolates. Against C. tropicalis and C. albicans, echinocandins frequently showed PG after 24 h followed by TE after 48 h. All four echinocandins exhibited TE for the majority of C. auris and C. dubliniensis isolates. Disconnected growth was common among Candida species and was echinocandin- and species-dependent. In contrast to earlier echinocandins, PG was infrequently found with rezafungin.

In vitro and in vivo Effect of Exogenous Farnesol Exposure Against Candida auris

The spreading of multidrug-resistant Candida auris is considered as an emerging global health threat. The number of effective therapeutic regimens is strongly limited; therefore, development of novel strategies is needed. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule with a potential antifungal and/or adjuvant effect; it may be a promising candidate in alternative treatment against Candida species including C. auris. To examine the effect of farnesol on C. auris, we performed experiments focusing on growth, biofilm production ability, production of enzymes related to oxidative stress, triazole susceptibility and virulence. Concentrations ranging from 100 to 300 μM farnesol caused a significant growth inhibition against C. auris planktonic cells for 24 h (p < 0.01-0.05). Farnesol treatment showed a concentration dependent inhibition in terms of biofilm forming ability of C. auris; however, it did not inhibit significantly the biofilm development at 24 h. Nevertheless, the metabolic activity of adhered farnesol pre-exposed cells (75 μM) was significantly diminished at 24 h depending on farnesol treatment during biofilm formation (p < 0.001-0.05). Moreover, 300 μM farnesol exerted a marked decrease in metabolic activity against one-day-old biofilms between 2 and 24 h (p < 0.001). Farnesol increased the production of reactive species remarkably, as revealed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay {3.96 ± 0.89 [nmol DCF (OD₆₄₀)^-1] and 23.54 ± 4.51 [nmol DCF (OD₆₄₀)^-1] for untreated cells and farnesol exposed cells, respectively; p < 0.001}. This was in line with increased superoxide dismutase level {85.69 ± 5.42 [munit (mg protein)^-1] and 170.11 ± 17.37 [munit (mg protein)^-1] for untreated cells and farnesol exposed cells, respectively; p < 0.001}, but the catalase level remained statistically comparable between treated and untreated cells (p > 0.05). Concerning virulence-related enzymes, exposure to 75 μM farnesol did not influence phospholipase or aspartic proteinase activity (p > 0.05). The interaction between fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole and farnesol showed clear synergism (FICI ranges from 0.038 to 0.375) against one-day-old biofilms. Regarding in vivo experiments, daily 75 μM farnesol treatment decreased the fungal burden in an immunocompromised murine model of disseminated candidiasis, especially in case of inocula pre-exposed to farnesol (p < 0.01). In summary, farnesol shows a promising therapeutic or adjuvant potential in traditional or alternative therapies such as catheter lock therapy.

Fluconazole is not inferior than caspofungin, micafungin or amphotericin B in the presence of 50% human serum against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis biofilms

Biofilm formation is a relevant risk factor for mortality in candidemia. Data about serum-based susceptibility testing against Candida biofilms are scant; therefore, the activity of fluconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin and micafungin was determined against Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis biofilms with or without 50% human serum using XTT-based assays. Serum caused a remarkable adverse effect regarding biofilm structure for both species. Additionally, the ratio of nonviable cells increased for C. parapsilosis biofilms, as confirmed by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. Despite impaired biofilm development, traditionally biofilm-active antifungals, surprisingly, showed decreased activity against C. albicans biofilms in serum at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1 mg/l and from 0.015 to 1 mg/l for amphotericin B and echinocandins, respectively (P < .01-.05). However, C. parapsilosis showed higher susceptibility to these antifungals due to reduced biofilm mass and the fungicidal effect of serum at concentrations ranging from 0.015 to 1 mg/l and from 0.015 to 512 mg/l for amphotericin B and echinocandins, respectively (P < .01-.05). Fluconazole exerted better antifungal activity in serum than traditionally biofilm-active antifungals against both examined biofilms. For fluconazole, significant differences were observed in susceptibility between serum-treated and serum-free biofilms at concentrations ranging from 0.015 to 8 mg/l and from 0.03 to 512 mg/l for C. albicans and C. parapsilosis isolates, respectively (P < .01-.05). The high antifungal activity of fluconazole in 50% serum both against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis biofilms supports the utility of fluconazole prophylaxis to reduce the risk of catheter-associated fungal infections.

Efficacy of humanized single large doses of caspofungin on the lethality and fungal tissue burden in a deeply neutropenic murine model against Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis

Background

Echinocandins are the first-line therapy for treatment of invasive Candida infections, but the mortality rate remains high, calling for novel strategies. Giving single larger echinocandin doses infrequently is an alternative regimen. Our aim was to test this novel approach in a neutropenic murine model.

Materials and methods

We compared the in vivo efficacy of single 10 and 40 mg/kg of caspofungin (2.5× and 10× the normal humanized dose) to that of the same cumulative doses of daily 2 and 8 mg/kg doses for 5 days against 2 each of wild-type C. albicans and C. dubliniensis as well as echinocandin resistant C. albicans. As a comparator, we tested daily 1 mg/kg amphotericin B.

Results

In lethality experiments, all caspofungin and amphotericin B regimens improved survival against wild-type C. albicans and C. dubliniensis clinical isolates (P<0.0001) and decreased the mean fungal kidney burdens of both species compared to controls. However, fungal kidney burden decreases were not always statistically significant, especially with single 10 or 40 mg/kg caspofungin doses. Amphotericin B was the least active drug against wild-type C. albicans. Against echinocandin-resistant strains, monodose 40 mg/kg caspofungin and 1 mg/kg of daily amphotericin B were effective in lethality experiments. Although, significant kidney CFU decreases were never found, except for amphotericin B against one of the isolates (p<0.05 at day 3 and p<0.001 at day 6).

Conclusion

Single 40 mg/kg caspofungin and 1 mg/kg amphotericin B proved to be effective in the lethality experiments against wild-type and echinocandin-resistant C. albicans and wild-type C. dubliniensis. This was not always shown regarding fungal tissue burdens. Single caspofungin doses used in mice in this study are attainable in humans as well, suggesting a potential place of this dosing strategy not only in prevention but also in curative treatment of evolved invasive Candida infections.

In vitro antifungal susceptibility patterns of planktonic and sessile Candida kefyr clinical isolates

The activity of fluconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin and micafungin was determined using XTT-based fungal damage assays against planktonic cells, early and mature biofilms of Candida kefyr. Median MICs of planktonic cells were 0.25 mg/l, 0.25 mg/l, 0.5 mg/l, and 0.06 mg/l for fluconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, and micafungin, respectively. Fluconazole showed at least 50% fungal damage at ≥4 mg/l (51.5% ± 6.63% to 78.38% ± 1.44%) and at ≥128 mg/l (57.88% ± 9.2% to 67.25% ± 9.59%), while amphotericin B produced an even higher anti-biofilm effect at ≥0.5 mg/l (64.63% ± 6.79% to 79.5% ± 5.9%) and at ≥0.12 mg/l (77.63% ± 8.43% to 92.75% ± 1.89%) against early and mature biofilms, respectively. In case of micafungin, 50% fungal damage was observed at ≥0.06 mg/l (66.88% ± 10.16% to 98.63% ± 1.24%) and ≥0.25 mg/l (74.13% ± 10.77% to 99.38% ± 0.38%) for early and mature biofilms, respectively. Caspofungin-exposed cells showed an unexpected susceptibility pattern, that is, planktonic cells showed significantly decreased susceptibility at concentrations ranging from 0.015 mg/l to 1 mg/l compared to biofilms (P < .05-.01). The damage in planktonic cells and biofilms was comparable at higher concentrations. For planktonic cells and biofilms, 50% fungal damage was observed first at 0.5 mg/l (59.75% ± 3.16%) and at 0.06 mg/l (70.25% ± 10.95%), respectively. This unexpected pattern was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy. The unusual susceptibility pattern observed at lower caspofungin concentrations may explain the poorer outcome of caspofungin-treated C. kefyr infections documented in certain patient populations. As this phenomenon was markedly less apparent in case of micafungin, these data suggest that micafungin may be a more reliable option than caspofungin for the treatment of C. kefyr infections.

Interaction between Different Pharmaceutical Excipients in Liquid Dosage Forms-Assessment of Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity

Nowadays, the safety of parabens as pharmaceutical preservatives is debated. Recent studies investigated their interference with the oestrogen receptors, nevertheless their carcinogenic activity was also proved. That was the reason why the re-evaluation of the biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of parabens is required using modern investigation methods. We aimed to test the cytotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial effect of parabens on Caco-2 cells, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Two complex systems (glycerol-Polysorbate 20; ethanol-Capryol PGMC™) were formulated to study-with the MTT-assay and microdilution method, respectively-how other excipients may modify the biocompatibility and antimicrobial effect of parabens. In the case of cytotoxicity, the toxicity of these two systems was highly influenced by co-solvents and surfactants. The fungi and bacteria had significantly different resistance in the formulations and in some cases the excipients could highly modify the effectiveness of parabens both in an agonistic and in a counteractive way. These results indicate that with appropriate selection, non-preservative excipients can contribute to the antimicrobial safety of the products, thus they may decrease the required preservative concentration.

Poor in vivo efficacy of caspofungin, micafungin and amphotericin B against wild-type Candida krusei clinical isolates does not correlate with in vitro susceptibility results

We determined micafungin, caspofungin and amphotericin B (AMB) minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) and killing rates in RPMI-1640 and in RPMI-1640 with 50% serum against three Candida krusei bloodstream isolates. MIC ranges in RPMI-1640 were 0.125-0.25, 0.25 and 0.125-0.5 mg/L, in RPMI-1640 with 50% serum, MICs were 64-128-, 8- and 4-16-fold higher, respectively. In RPMI-1640 micafungin and caspofungin at 1, 4, 16 and 32 mg/L as well as AMB at 2 mg/L were fungicidal against all isolates in ≤3.96, ≤4.42 and 14.96 h, respectively. In RPMI-1640 with 50% serum, caspofungin was fungicidal for all isolates only at 32 mg/L, micafungin and AMB were fungistatic. In neutropenic mice, 5 mg/kg caspofungin and 1 mg/kg AMB were ineffective against two of the three isolates. Thus, in vivo efficacy of echinocandins and AMB is weak or absent against C. krusei. Prescribers treating C. krusei infections with echinocandins should watch out for clinical resistance and therapeutic failure.

Effect of caspofungin and micafungin in combination with farnesol against Candida parapsilosis biofilms

The in vitro activities of caspofungin and micafungin were determined with and without farnesol against Candida parapsilosis biofilms. Drug interactions were examined using the XTT colorimetric assay-based broth microdilution chequerboard method. Drug-drug interactions were assessed utilising the FICI, Bliss independence models and time-kill experiments. Median sessile MICs of five C. parapsilosis clinical isolates ranged between 32-256 mg/L, 16-512 mg/L and >300 μM for caspofungin, micafungin and farnesol, respectively. Median MICs for caspofungin and micafungin in combination with farnesol showed 8-64- and 4-64-fold decreases, respectively. Paradoxical growth noticed with both echinocandins was eliminated by farnesol. Based on FICIs for sessile clinical isolates, synergism was observed for caspofungin (range of median FICIs, 0.155-0.5) and micafungin (range of median FICIs, 0.093-0.5). Concordantly, MacSynergy analysis and global fitting of non-linear regression based on a Bliss independence models also showed synergism for caspofungin and micafungin. In line with FICI findings and the Bliss independence model, synergistic interactions were confirmed by time-kill experiments. The metabolic activity of fungal cells was significantly inhibited by caspofungin+farnesol at all three tested combinations (4 mg/L+75 μM, 8 mg/L+75 μM and 16 mg/L+75 μM) between 3 and 24 h compared with the control (P<0.05-0.001). Significant inhibition was observed for micafungin+farnesol between 3 and 12h (P<0.001) but not at 24 h. Despite the favourable effect of farnesol in combination with echinocandins, further in vivo studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic advantage in catheter-associated infections caused by C. parapsilosis.

UVB-dependent changes in the expression of fast-responding early genes is modulated by huCOP1 in keratinocytes

Ultraviolet (UV) B is the most prominent physical carcinogen in the environment leading to the development of various skin cancers. We have previously demonstrated that the human ortholog of the Arabidopsis thaliana constitutive photomorphogenesis 1 (COP1) protein, huCOP1, is expressed in keratinocytes in a UVB-regulated manner and is a negative regulator of p53 as a posttranslational modifier. However, it was not known whether huCOP1 plays a role in mediating the UVB-induced early transcriptional responses of human keratinocytes. In this study, we report that stable siRNA-mediated silencing of huCOP1 affects the UVB response of several genes within 2 h of irradiation, indicating that altered huCOP1 expression sensitizes the cells toward UVB. Pathway analysis identified a molecular network in which 13 of the 30 examined UVB-regulated genes were organized around three central proteins. Since the expression of the investigated genes was upregulated by UVB in the siCOP1 cell line, we hypothesize that huCOP1 is a repressor of the identified pathway. Several members of the network have been implicated previously in the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancers; therefore, clarifying the role of huCOP1 in these skin diseases may have clinical relevance in the future.

Predictors of relapse in patients with Crohn's disease in remission after 1 year of biological therapy

BACKGROUND

Some of the most important questions relating to the use of biological therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases concern the duration of maintenance therapy.

AIM

To assess the disease course and frequency of relapse of Crohn's disease (CD) following discontinuation of biological therapy, and to determine predictive factors for relapse.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-one CD patients who had achieved clinical remission following 1 year of biological therapy and for whom biological therapy was then discontinued participated in this prospective observational study. Eighty-seven CD patients had received infliximab and 34 adalimumab. The definition of relapse was an increase of >100 points in CDAI to at least a CDAI of 150 points.

RESULTS

Biological therapy was restarted within 1 year of treatment cessation in 45% of patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed that previous biological therapy (P = 0.011) and dose intensification during the 1-year course of biological therapy (P = 0.024) were associated with the need for and the time to the restarting of biological therapy. Smoking was observed to have an effect that was not statistically significant (P = 0.053).

CONCLUSIONS

Biological therapy was restarted a median of 6 months after discontinuation in almost half of Crohn's disease patients in who had been in clinical remission following 1 year of biological therapy. These results suggest that, in the event of the presence of certain predictive factors, biological therapy should probably be continued for more than 1 year by most patients.

Sensitivity and specificity of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, Frontal Assessment Battery and Mini Mental State Examination for diagnosing dementia in Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Among the non-motor features of Parkinson's disease (PD), cognitive impairment is one of the most troublesome problems. Highly sensitive and specific screening instruments for detecting dementia in PD (PDD) are required in the clinical practice.

METHODS

In our study we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of different neuropsychological tests (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, ACE; Frontal Assessment Battery, FAB and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, MDRS) in 73 Parkinson's disease patients without depression. By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, these screening instruments were tested against the recently established clinical diagnostic criteria of PDD.

RESULTS

Best cut-off score for ACE to identify PDD was 80 points (sensitivity = 74.0%, specificity = 78.1%). For FAB the most optimal cut-off value was 12 points (sensitivity = 66.3%, specificity = 72.2%); whereas for MDRS it was 125 points (sensitivity = 89.8%, specificity = 98.3%). Among the examined test batteries, MDRS had the best clinicometric profile for detecting PDD.

CONCLUSION

Although the types of applied screening instruments might differ from movement disorder clinic to clinic within a country, determination of the most specific and sensitive test for the given population remains to be an important task. Our results demonstrated that the specificity and sensitivity of MDRS was better than those of ACE, FAB and MMSE in Hungary. However, further studies with larger sample size and more uniform criteria for participation are required to determine the most suitable screening instrument for cognitive impairment.

Early clinical remission and normalisation of CRP are the strongest predictors of efficacy, mucosal healing and dose escalation during the first year of adalimumab therapy in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Adalimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting tumour necrosis factor with proven efficacy in the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD).

AIM

To investigate the predictors of medium-term clinical efficacy and mucosal healing during adalimumab therapy, in patients with CD, in specialised centres approved for biological therapy in Hungary.

METHODS

Data capture of the 201 CD patients was standardised and prospective (male/female: 112/89, median age: 33.0 years, duration: 8 years). Previous infliximab therapy had been administered in 48% of patients, concomitant steroids in 41%, azathioprine in 69% and combined therapy in 27% of patients.

RESULTS

Overall clinical response and remission rates at 24 weeks were 78% and 52%, respectively; at 52 weeks were 69% and 44%, respectively. Endoscopic improvement and healing were achieved in 43% and 24% of patients. In a logistic regression model, clinical efficacy and CRP at week 12, need for combined immunosuppression at induction, shorter disease duration and smoking were identified as independent predictors for 12-month clinical outcome, whereas CRP at week 12, clinical remission at week 24, inflammatory parameters and nonsmoking were associated to endoscopic improvement/healing. Intensification to weekly dosing was needed in 16% of patients. Parallel azathioprine therapy and clinical remission at week 12 were inversely associated with dose escalation.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical efficacy and normalised CRP at week 12 (early deep clinical remission) are associated with medium-term clinical efficacy and mucosal healing during adalimumab therapy, whereas need for combined immunosuppression at induction and smoking status are predictors for non-response. Parallel azathioprine therapy may decrease the probability for dose escalation.

Organ-specific and light-induced expression of plant genes

Light plays a pivotal role in the development of plants. The photoregulation of plant genes involves recognition of light quality and quantity by phytochrome and other light receptors. Two gene families, rbcS and Cab, which code for abundant proteins active in photosynthesis, the small subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase and the chlorophyll a/b binding protein, show a 20-to 50-fold increase in transcript abundance in the light. Analyses in calli and transgenic plants of deletions of the rbcS gene and of chimeric constructions has allowed localization of two regions involved in light-induced transcription. One element is confined to a 33-base pair region surrounding the TATA box. In addition, an enhancer-like element contained within a 240-base pair fragment can confer phytochrome-induced transcription and organ specificity on nonregulated promoters.

Effect of radiation dosage on efficiency of chloroplast transfer by protoplast fusion in Nicotiana

Chloroplasts of Nicotiana tabacum SR1 were transferred into Nicotiana plumbaginifolia by protoplast fusion. The protoplasts of the organelle donor were irradiated with different lethal doses using a (60)Co source, to facilitate the elimination of their nuclei from the fusion products. After fusion induction, clones derived from fusion products and containing streptomycin-resistant N. tabacum SR1 chloroplasts were selected by their ability to green on a selective medium. When N. tabacum protoplasts were inactivated by iodoacetate instead of irradiation, the proportion of N. plumbaginifolia nuclear segregant clones was low (1-2%). Irradiation markedly increased this value: Using 50, 120, 210 and 300 J kg(-1) doses, the frequency of segregant clones was 44, 57, 84 and 70 percent, respectively. Regeneration of resistant N. plumbaginifolia plants with SR1 chloroplasts indicated that plastids can be rescued from the irradiated cells by fusion with untreated protoplasts. Resistant N. plumbaginifolia plants that were regenerated (43 clones studied) had diploid (2n = 2X = 20) or tetraploid chromosome numbers and were identical morphologically to parental plants. The absence of aneuploids suggests that in these clones irradiation resulted in complete elimination of the irradiated N. tabacum nuclei. Resistance is inherited maternally (five clones tested). The demonstration of chloroplast transfer and the presence of N. tabacum plastids in the N. plumbaginifolia plants was confirmed by chloroplast DNA fragmentation patterns after EcoRI digestion.