Electrical impedance spectroscopy for the characterization of skin barrier in atopic dermatitis.

Background: Allergic disorders such as atopic dermatitis (AD) are strongly associated with an impairment of the epithelial barrier, in which tight junctions and/or filaggrin expression can be defective. Skin barrier assessment shows potential to be clinically useful for prediction of disease development, improved and earlier diagnosis, lesion follow-up, and therapy evaluation. This study aimed to establish a method to directly assess the in vivo status of epithelial barrier using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Phenol biodegradation by fungal cells immobilized in sol-gel hybrids.

The capability of cells of the fungus Aspergillus awamori, either free or immobilized in hybrid sol-gel material cells, for phenol biodegradation was demonstrated. Phenol was present in the reaction mixture as the sole carbon and energy source, and its decomposition was followed in repeated batch degradation experiments. Atomic force microscopy provided information on the development of self-organizing structures in the materials synthesized by the sol-gel method.

Simultaneous copper, cobalt and phenol removal from aqueous solutions by alternating biosorption and biodegradation.

A strategy for removal of heavy metals and phenol from wastewaters is proposed. It involves consecutive cation biosorption by fungi, phenol biodegradation by the yeast association Candida sp. 2326 + Candida sp.

Biosorption of copper(II) and cadmium(II) from aqueous solutions by free and immobilized biomass of Aspergillus niger.

This study investigates the ability of Aspergillus niger resting cells entrapped into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) network to remove Cu(II) and Cd(II) from single ions solutions. The performance of free and immobilized biosorbent was evaluated by equilibrium and kinetic studies. The PVA-immobilized fungal biosorbent removed Cu(II) and Cd(II) rapidly and efficiently with maximum metal removal capacities of 34.

Cd (II) stress response during the growth of Aspergillus niger B 77.

Aims: To investigate the relationship between growth, heavy metal ions uptake and participation of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the protection of Aspergillus niger B 77 against cadmium stress.

Methods And Results: The stress response of the model fungal strain, under conditions of a wide range of Cd (II) ion concentrations, was investigated by determining the biomass formation, protein biosynthesis, SOD and CAT activities and heavy metal uptake in growing cells. Exposure to heavy metal ions induced an increase in protein content, heavy metal uptake and SOD activity, and a heavy decrease in CAT activity.

Biosorption of binary mixtures of copper and cobalt by Penicillium brevicompactum.

This work reports on a study of the biosorption of copper and cobalt, both singly and in combination (in equimolar concentrations), by the resting cells of Penicillium brevicompactum. Equilibrium batch sorption studies were carried out at 30 degrees C and pH 5.0 for a contact time of 1 hour to guarantee that equilibrium was reached.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in limited gynecological surgeries for pregnancy termination].

The authors attempted with this trial to confirm the necessity of periabortal antibiotic prophylaxis after spontaneous and induced abortion. The trial included 172 patients with abortion; 53 of them with induced abortion and 119 with spontaneous abortion. The term of gestation was between 5 and 22 week.

[Candidiasis and birth canal injuries].

Candidiasis of the lower female genital tract during pregnancy is a leading cause for seeking medical help. During pregnancy candidiasis is encountered about 30% more often compared to non-pregnant (by the time of delivery about 18-22% of the pregnant women would have the infection). It is clinically manifested especially after 36 w.

[Utrogestan--an alternative for synthetic gestagen treatment in spontaneous abortion].

A clinical trial is conducted with 32 pregnant patients with a history of sterility and infertility, uterine malformations as well as progesterone deficiency. The mean week of gestation is 9-10. All patients were treated with Utrogestan in the usual doses 2 x 100 mg for vaginal application.

[The rare case of successful pregnancy and delivery in patient with hereditary angioedema].

A rare case of successful pregnancy and delivery of a patient with Hereditary angioedema is described. The complications of the disease during pregnancy are described as well as the possibilities for their prevention. The delivery was accomplished without complications and the preoperative preparations are listed.

[Retrospective study of the pregnancy course in preeclamptic patients].

105 women had been evaluated using a retrospective analysis for the period 1999-2000. Clinical and laboratory data indicated development of preeclampsia and the pregnancy progress, antenatal complications, mode of delivery and perinatal outlet has been observed. The group has been divided using the following criteria: preexisting disease, severity of preeclampsia, mode of delivery, gestational age and prematurity rate.

Removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution using Rhizopus delemar mycelia in free and polyurethane-bound form.

This study assesses the ability of mycelia of Rhizopus delemar (both free and immobilized on polyurethane foam) to remove heavy metals from single-ion solutions as well as from a mixture of them. All experiments were conducted using 0.5-5 mm solutions of CuSO4 x 5H2O, CoCl2-6H2O and FeSO4 7H2O.

Copper (II) accumulation and superoxide dismutase activity during growth of Aspergillus niger B-77.

The influence of copper (II) ions on the growth, accumulation properties and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of a growing culture of Aspergillus niger B-77 were studied. Microbial growth, the level of copper (II) accumulation and SOD activity depended on the initial copper (II) concentration. Aspergillus niger is able to accumulate large amounts of copper (II) from the nutrient medium with 200 mg x l(-1) copper (II) ions without loosing its biological activities.

[A case of pregnancy with fetal malformation and an hepatic hydatid cyst].

A case of pregnancy, malformation of the foetus--Spina bifida, and hydatidosis hepatis is discussed. The patient is 19-year old, primigravida, pregnant in the 31st gestational week who was admitted to the ward with an observation of Hydrocephalia and fetal compromise (low beat-to-beat variability and lack of accelerations of the fetal heart rate). Un ultrasound scan of the foetus proved hydrocephalia and Spina bifida in the lumbal segment of the fetal spine.

[A case of multiple pregnancy (twins) in each cavity of a double uterus and a vaginal septum].

A case of a multiple pregnancy in each of the horns of a double uterus with a double cervix and a vaginal septum is discussed. The uterine malformation was known prior to pregnancy. In 34 g.

[Pregnancy with Rh-isoimmunization. Results of a retrospective analysis in the maternity hospital "Maichin Dom"].

Unlabelled: The aim of the study is to analyze the outcome of pregnancies complicated by Rh-isoimmunization for the period 1996-2001 and to outline the aspects of optimization of the obstetrical conduct.

Material And Methods: The current study includes 39 pregnant women with Rh-isoimmunisation to whom amniocentesis and cordocentesis was performed. All cases were analyzed using medical history, serology (indirect Coombs, PAP test), ultrasound examination, amniocentesis, cordocentesis, NST.

Copper uptake by Penicillium brevicompactum.

The copper binding properties of Penicillium brevicompactum biomass were influenced by growth phase of mycelium and concentration of copper in reaction mixtures. The efficiency of copper uptake increased with growth time and was largest at the mid-logarithmic growth phase. The time course of copper uptake was biphasic.

Copper removal from aqueous solution using Aspergillus niger mycelia in free and polyurethane-bound form.

This study assesses the ability of mycelia of Aspergillus niger B-77 (both free and immobilized on polyurethane foam) to remove copper from single-ion solution. All experiments were conducted using 0.5 mM solutions of CuSO4.

Effect of cadmium and copper on the production of citric acid by Aspergillus niger.

Copper and cadmium inhibited the growth as well as citric acid production (depending on the heavy metal concentrations) by citric-acid-producing Aspergillus niger. Activity of citrate synthase was connected with citrate synthesis in the absence as well as in the presence of heavy metals. The activity of aconitase, and both NAD- and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenases was strongly inhibited by copper.

Copper accumulation by Aspergillus awamori.

Aspergillus awamori accumulated Cu2+ from aqueous solutions. The level of copper uptake was dependent on the ambient metal concentration. The process consisted of two phases: a fast initial phase and a slower secondary phase.

Copper accumulation and phosphatase activities of Aspergillus and Rhizopus.

Copper accumulation and phosphatase activities of three Aspergillus species resistant to copper were compared to three copper-sensitive Rhizopus species. High level of acid phosphatases and decreased Cu2+-uptake were found with resistant in contrast to sensitive strains. The presence of copper(II) ions in the medium increased the production of acid phosphatases in the resistant A.

Kinetics of the gluconic acid biosynthesis by strain Aspergillus niger 13-73.

The kinetics of gluconic acid biosynthesis of the strain Aspergillus niger 13-73 by submerged cultivation in a medium containing 26% glucose was investigated. The maximum amount of the product was obtained at minimum biomass growth. The yield of the product compared to the theoretical one was 95% and the fermentation period was 42 hours.