Multivalent inhibition of the fumigatus KDNase.

is a saprophytic fungus and opportunistic pathogen often causing fatal infections in immunocompromised patients. Recently KDNAse, an exoglycosidase hydrolyzing 3-deoxy-D-galacto-D--nonulosonic acid (KDN), a rare sugar from the sialic acid family, was identified and characterized. The principal function of KDNAse is still unclear, but a study suggests a critical role in fungal cell wall morphology and virulence.

[Antimicrobial peptides: A new alternative for the treatment of aspergillosis].

Aspergillus fumigatus is the predominant fungal species causing pulmonary aspergillosis. The present-day anti-aspergillosis arsenal is limited, with a number of molecules occasioning severe side effects (amphotericin B) or provoking significant drug interactions (azole derivatives). Moreover, the recent emergence of azole-resistant A.

Chronic intranasal administration of mould spores or extracts to unsensitized mice leads to lung allergic inflammation, hyper-reactivity and remodelling.

Allergic asthma is a serious multifaceted disease characterized by eosinophil-rich airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity and airway wall modifications known as remodelling. We previously demonstrated that the spores of two allergenic moulds, Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum, were potent inducers of immunoglobulin E (IgE) production. Moreover, mice sensitized by two intraperitoneal injections before intranasal challenge with A.

Cold snaps, snowfall and sudden death from ischemic heart disease.

The short-term effect of low temperature on the incidence of ischemic heart disease over a 15-year period was examined. To reduce confounding by other seasonal factors the analysis was restricted to the winter months and was based on the change in the daily rate of sudden death at the time of cold snaps (arbitrarily defined as days on which the mean temperature was at least 4.4 degrees C lower than the day before) and around the time of heavy snowfalls.