Gliotoxin as putative virulence factor and immunotherapeutic target in a cell culture model of cerebral aspergillosis.

The mycotoxin gliotoxin is an important metabolite produced by Aspergillus fumigatus, but its precise role in the pathogenesis of cerebral aspergillosis is not yet determined. We could demonstrate that growth in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) induced the production and secretion of significant amounts of gliotoxin by A. fumigatus.

Early fish oil supplementation and organ failure in patients with septic shock from abdominal infections: a propensity-matched cohort study.

Background: Fish oil (FO) has immunomodulating effects and may improve organ function and outcome in critically ill patients. This retrospective, propensity-matched cohort study investigates the effects of early intravenous FO supplementation on organ failure in patients with septic shock from abdominal infection.

Methods: A medical database was retrospectively searched for critically ill patients admitted because of septic shock from abdominal infection (n = 194).

The association between body-mass index and patient outcome in septic shock: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: It is unknown whether body-mass index (BMI) and commonly defined BMI categories are associated with mortality in patients with septic shock.

Methods: The database of a multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) was retrospectively screened for adult patients with septic shock. BMI, demographic, clinical and laboratory variables together with outcome measures were collected in all patients.

How to protect the heart in septic shock: a hypothesis on the pathophysiology and treatment of septic heart failure.

Heart failure is a well-recognized manifestation of organ failure in sepsis and septic shock. The pathophysiology of septic heart failure is complex and currently believed to involve several mechanisms. So far, the contributory role of high plasma catecholamine levels has not been investigated.