Apolar growth of Neurospora crassa leads to increased secretion of extracellular proteins

Protein secretion in filamentous fungi has been shown to be restricted to actively growing hyphal tips. To determine whether an increase in the amount f growing surface area of a fungus can lead to an increase in the amount of protein secretion, we examined secretion in a temperature-sensitive Neurospora crassa mcb mutant that shows a loss of growth polarity when incubated at restrictive temperature. Incubation of the mcb mutant at restrictive temperature results in a three- to fivefold increase in the level of extracellular protein and a 20-fold increase in carboxymethyl cellulase activity relative to a wild-type strain. A mutation in the cr-1 gene has been shown previously to suppress the apolar growth phenotype of the mcb mutant, and we find that the level of extracellular protein produced by a mcb; cr-1 double mutant was reduced to that of the wild-type control. Immunolocalization of a secreted endoglucanase revealed that proteins are secreted mainly at hyphal tips in hyphae exhibiting polar growth and over the entire surface area of bulbous regions of hyphae that are produced after a shift of the mcb mutant to restrictive temperature. These results support the hypothesis that secretion of extracellular protein by a filamentous fungus can be significantly increased by mutations that alter growth polarity.     

Motor recovery following spinal cord injury associated with cervical spondylosis: a collaborative study

A prospective multicenter study was conducted within the National Model Spinal Cord Injury System program to examine neurological deficits and recovery patterns following spinal cord injury (SCI) in individuals with cervical spondylosis and without a spinal fracture. Nineteen patients were evaluated. Sixty-eight percent presented initially with motor incomplete lesions. Of those who presented with motor incomplete injuries at their initial examination, 69 percent had less deficit in the lower than in the upper extremities, indicative of a central cord syndrome. At follow-up, 12 subjects were unable to ambulate, four required assistance and three were able to ambulate independently. On the average, subjects doubled their initial Asia Motor Score (AMS) scores by one year following injury. Residual upper extremity weakness, however, limited the ability to ambulate. Recovery of motor strength in this group is comparable to that of individuals with incomplete tetraplegia in general but the proportion who regain ambulatory function is less.     

Posttraumatic gas-containing brain abscess caused by Clostridium perfringens with unique simultaneous fungal suppuration by Myceliophthora thermophila: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Gas-containing brain abscesses are rare, and the vast majority are caused by Clostridium perfringens. Significant simultaneous fungal infection in a bacterial abscess is even rarer. We present such a case and review the literature. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 21-month-old male patient sustained a penetrating head injury in a barnyard, developed a gas-containing left parietal brain abscess, and presented with high fever, galeal swelling, and seizure. INTERVENTION: The patient initially underwent debridement of his wound and then repeated aspirations. The initial cultures revealed pure growth of Clostridium perfringens. Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, serial neuroimaging did not demonstrate a decrease in the size of the cavity. An excision had to be undertaken 6 weeks after the injury. The culture from the excised specimen revealed an unexpected growth of a saprophytic and opportunistic fungus, Myceliophthora thermophila. Antifungal treatment consisting of the administration of liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole was then performed. The child was well and neurologically intact 6 months after the excision. CONCLUSION: Our review revealed 38 cases of clostridial brain abscess in the literature. Despite the reputation of the organism, the outcome with clostridial brain abscesses was relatively benign. The main characteristics of clostridial brain abscesses are highlighted, with reference to their optimal treatment. Our review also revealed that fungal infection after a penetrating head injury is extremely rare and often fatal. Our case seems to be the first in the medical literature with growth of M. thermophila as a causative agent for intracranial suppuration.     

Liposomal retention of a modified anti-inflammatory steroid

In studies with synthetic lecithins, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine was found to be the preferred form for liposomal retention of cortisol esters at 37 degrees C. Cortisol palmitate was retained longer than cortisol octanoate, whereas unesterified cortisol escaped readily from liposomes. Such a liposome composition may allow the controlled release of modified anti-inflammatory agents, particularly when used for intra-articular administration.     

Acute effects of laboratory stress on blood glucose in noninsulin-dependent diabetes

The acute effects of two psychological stressors (personally stressful imagery and threat of shock) on blood glucose (BG), heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and subjective stress were studied in 22 noninsulin-dependent diabetic adults and nine healthy, nondiabetic subjects similar in age, weight, education and sex. The diabetic group's BG rose significantly after threat of shock (M change from rest = 18.4 mg/dL, p < .05), although the nondiabetic group's BG remained stable throughout the assessment. Significant increases in subjective stress ratings (p < .05) and skin conductance level (p < .05) paralleled the noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitis (NIDDM) subjects' BG response to threat of shock. The findings suggest that some stressors can have hyperglycemic effects on individuals with NIDDM, although generalization of these findings to the natural environment remains to be demonstrated. The methodology used is contrasted with other studies that have failed to demonstrate stress effects on BG.