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Copyright of Der Hautarzt is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Exceedingly virulent pathogens and growing antimicrobial resistances require new therapeutic approaches. The zoophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton benhamiae causes highly inflammatory, cutaneous fungal infections. Recently, it could be shown that the plant-derived alkaloid tryptanthrin (TRP) exhibits strong anti-microbial activities against yeasts and dermatophytes. The aim of this study was to analyse the bioactivity of TRP under infectious conditions using an in-vitro dermatophytosis model employing fibroblasts and keratinocytes infected with T. benhamiae DSM6916. Analyses comprised determination of cell viability, effects on the innate immune response including expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines as well as expression of various antimicrobial peptides (AMP), toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and proliferation marker MKI67. T. benhamiae caused severe inflammation in the cutaneous cell models. TRP almost fully prevented T. benhamiae-derived damage of dermal fibroblasts and substantially reduced it in epidermal keratinocytes. A distinct down-regulation of the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed. Further, TRP promoted AMP expression, especially of HBD2 and HBD3, in keratinocytes even without fungal presence. This study provides crucial evidence that TRP is not only a strong antifungal agent but also potentially modulates the innate immune response. This makes it interesting as a natural antimycotic drug for adjuvant treatment and prevention of fungal re-infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida-related infections have become a major problem in hospitals. The species identification of yeast is the prerequisite for the initiation of adequate antifungal therapy. In the present study, the connection between inherent UV resonance Raman (RR) spectral profiles of Candida species and taxonomic differences was investigated for the first time. UV RR in combination with statistical modeling was applied to extract taxonomic information from the spectral fingerprints for subsequent differentiation. The identification accuracies of independent batch cultures were determined by applying a leave-one-batch-out cross validation. The quality of differentiation can be divided into three levels. Within a defined taxonomic group comprising the species C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, and C. haemulonii, the identification accuracy was low. On the next level, the identification results of C. albicans and C. tropicalis were characterized by high sensitivities of 98 and 95% but simultaneously challenged by false-positive predictions due to the misallocation of C. spherica (as C. albicans) and C. viswanathii (as C. tropicalis). The highest level of identification accuracies was reached for the species C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. africana, C. novergica, and C. parapsilosis. Reliable identification results were observed with accuracies ranging from 93 up to 100%. The species allocation based on the UV RR spectral profiles could be reproduced by the identification of independent batch cultures. We conclude that the introduced spectroscopic approach is capable of transforming the high-dimensional UV RR data of Candida species into clinically useful decision parameters.Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoid contents of peel and pulp of local citrus fruits from Aceh were investigated using HPLC equipped with DAD detector and LC-MS. Most of the citrus samples investigated mainly contained lutein and zeaxanthin. Jeruk takengon ( Citrus nobilis) had a more complex carotenoid profile and the highest carotenoid contents compared to other citrus fruits studied here, and peel contained higher carotenoid contents than pulp. ( Z)-Violaxanthin and ( all- E)-violaxanthin were the main carotenoids of the peel, while ( all- E) β-cryptoxanthin and ( Z)-violaxanthin were the main carotenoids of the pulp of jeruk takengon. Determination of the lipophilic antioxidant capacity (L-TEAC) of the carotenoid extracts of jeruk takengon showed promising antioxidant potential. The peel extract showed stronger antioxidant capacity than the pulp extract, and saponification further improved the antioxidant capacity. Investigating the inhibition of α-amylase activity resulted in a moderate α-amylase inhibition by jeruk takengon due to the carotenoid contents and the contribution of some flavonoids. Pulp extracts exhibited better inhibition activity than peel extracts, and saponification led to a reduction of the α-amylase inhibition activity. Antibacterial activity tests showed that jeruk takengon could inhibit the growth of K. pneumonia and S. aureus, and saponification enhanced the antibacterial activities. In general, the peel extracts showed biological potential due to the relatively strong in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and α-amylase inhibitory activity. In addition, these by-products of food processing may serve as potential carotenoid sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients' airways, inflammatory processes decisively contribute to remodeling and pulmonary destruction. The aims of this study were to compare upper airway (UAW) inflammation in the context of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization in a longitudinal setting, and to examine further factors influencing UAW inflammation. Therefore, we analyzed soluble inflammatory mediators in noninvasively obtained nasal lavage (NL) of CF patients together with microbiology, medication, and relevant clinical parameters. NL, applying 10 mL of isotonic saline per nostril, was serially performed in 74 CF patients (326 samples). Concentrations of the inflammatory mediators' interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and its anti-protease TIMP-1 were quantified by bead-based multiplexed assay, neutrophil elastase (NE) via ELISA. Culture-based microbiology of the upper and lower airways (LAW), as well as serological and clinical findings, were compiled. Our results indicate that UAW colonization with S. aureus significantly impacts the concentration of all measured inflammatory mediators in NL fluid except TIMP-1, whereas these effects were not significant for P. aeruginosa. Patients with S. aureus colonization of both the UAW and LAW showed significantly increased concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-9, and slightly elevated concentrations of NE in NL fluid compared to non-colonized patients. This work elaborates a survey on S. aureus' virulence factors that may contribute to this underestimated pathology. Serial assessment of epithelial lining fluid by NL reveals that colonization of the UAW with S. aureus contributes more to CF airway inflammatory processes than hitherto expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is chemically identical with plant cellulose but free of byproducts like lignin, pectin, and hemicelluloses, featuring a unique reticulate network of fine fibers. BNC sheets are mostly obtained by static cultivation. Now, a Horizontal Lift Reactor may provide a cost efficient method for mass production. This is of particular interest as BNC features several properties of an ideal wound dressing although it exhibits no bactericidal activity. Therefore, BNC was functionalized with the antiseptics povidone-iodine (PI) and polihexanide (PHMB). Drug loading and release, mechanical characteristics, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial efficacy were investigated. Antiseptics release was based on diffusion and swelling according to Ritger-Peppas equation. PI-loaded BNC demonstrated a delayed release compared to PHMB due to a high molar drug mass and structural changes induced by PI insertion into BNC that also increased the compressive strength of BNC samples. Biological assays demonstrated high biocompatibility of PI-loaded BNC in human keratinocytes but a distinctly lower antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus compared to PHMB-loaded BNC. Overall, BNC loaded with PHMB demonstrated a better therapeutic window. Moreover, compressive and tensile strength were not changed by incorporation of PHMB into BNC, and solidity during loading and release could be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibacterial activity of dressings containing antimicrobials is mostly evaluated using in vitro tests. However, the various methods available differ significantly in their properties and results obtained are influenced by the method selected, micro-organisms used, and extraction method, the degree of solubility or the diffusability of the test-compounds. Here, results on antimicrobial activity of silver-containing dressings obtained by agar diffusion test (ADT), challenge tests (JIS L 1902, AATCC 100), and extraction-based methods (microplate laser nephelometry (MLN), luminescent quantification of bacterial ATP (LQbATP)) using Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of the pH on antibacterial efficacy of these dressings was investigated. All silver-containing dressings exerted antimicrobial activity in all in vitro tests and results correlated considerably well. Differences were observed testing the agent-free basic materials. They did not exhibit any antimicrobial effects in the ADT, MLN or LQbATP, since these methods depend on diffusion/extraction of an active agent. However, they showed a strong antimicrobial effect in the challenge tests as they possess a high absorptive capacity, and are able to bind and sequester micro-organisms present. Therefore, it seems recommendable to choose several tests to distinguish whether a material conveys an active effect or a passive mechanism. In addition, it could be shown that release of silver and its antimicrobial efficacy is partially pH-dependent, and that dressings themselves affect the pH. It can further be speculated that dressings’ effects on pH and release of silver ions act synergistically for antimicrobial efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Latex allergy can be diagnosed by different test methods such as IgE quantification, Western blot, cellular antigen stimulation test (CAST), and in vivo methods [e.g. skin prick test (SPT)]. Phadia provides two modern methods using recombinant latex allergens: ImmunoCAP and the Immuno Solid-phase Allergen Chip (ISAC), which enables simultaneous determination of specific IgE against five latex allergens. We compared the diagnostic sensitivity of the ISAC test kit and the conventional Hev b 5-spiked ImmunoCAP latex extract. Methods: Forty sera were sampled from subjects with suspected natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy. These patients had positive SPT to NRL extract, positive NRL Western blots, and positive results in the CAST. All sera were analysed using the ISAC and recombinant NRL ImmunoCAP allergens and compared to the results of 20 negative control sera. Results: Only 22 of the 40 subjects (55 %) showed positivity to at least one latex allergen on the ISAC (sensitivity ISAC 55 %). The sensitivity of the ImmunoCAP latex extract was 70 %. The most frequently detected sensitization was against Hev b 6.01 ( n = 12). When the serum samples were tested with all recombinant ImmunoCAP allergens, three additional sensitizations against latex could be detected compared to the ISAC. Conclusions: Microarrays do offer many potential benefits such as elegant simultaneous determination of sensitizations against different NRL allergens with minimal amounts of serum. However, a negative NRL test result should be regarded with caution and at least be confirmed by other in vitro methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP)-containing wound dressings present a valuable and unique category of wound management products. An in vitro approach was used to assess the effects of a new SAP dressing in treatment of non-healing wounds. It was shown that the SAP dressing possesses a significant binding capacity for MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitro ( P < 0.001). The inclusion of the bound proteases was so strong that no MMP-2 and only marginal amounts of MMP-9 were released from the dressing samples in a subsequent elution step. In addition, the SAP dressing was able to take up collagenase and reduce its activity in vitro. However, collagenase was not completely inactivated upon binding and enzyme-mediated substrate turnover could be observed at the dressings. In conclusion, in vitro data confirm the positive effect of the SAP wound dressing observed in vivo. The findings suggest that it should be specifically useful for highly exuding wounds with an elevated proteolytic activity that needs to be reduced to support healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological wound repair is a highly regulated, complex process, which leads to formation of new tissue after injury. However, the healing process is not perfect and healing impairments can occur. Delayed healing and formation of chronic wounds has been linked to the excessive production of proteolytic enzymes leading to reduced amounts of growth factors and successive destruction of the extracellular matrix. It has been implied that there is an alteration in the normal control mechanisms regulating the levels of these enzymes. The study presented provides data on the concentration of proteases and cytokines in wound fluid from chronic when compared with acute wounds. Levels of proteases such as PMN elastase, matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), and MMP-13 were found to be profoundly elevated in chronic when compared with acute wound fluids. In addition, concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were shown to be significantly higher in chronic than in acute wounds. Furthermore, the ability of a wound dressing, consisting of bovine collagen type I, to bind pro-inflammatory cytokines was investigated. Collagen type I was able to bind significant amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Thus, it should be able to establish a more physiological wound milieu in vivo and promote healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of structurally related zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are able to degrade extracellular matrix components. MMPs play a role in tumor invasion and tumor metastasis. MMP-2 (also known as gelatinase A) is expressed in human melanoma cells. Methods: In this study, we measured MMP-2 in 337 serum probes of 166 melanoma patients with a recently developed enzyme immunoassay and compared these data with the tumor stage, presence of metastases, and the levels of S100beta and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in serum. Results: The mean levels were (189.2±50.8) ng/ml for MMP-2, (263.2±74.1) ng/ml for sICAM-1, and (0.424±1.568) U/ml for S100beta. There was a statistical significant correlation of MMP-2 with sICAM-1 ( P=0.05) and S100beta ( P=0.01). The mean MMP-2 levels (in ng/ml) in patients with metastatic melanoma were 196.4±54.0 versus 182.6±46.9 in non-metastasizing melanoma ( P=0.037). However, there was no significant difference in MMP-2 levels between the different tumor stages. Conclusion: Determination of MMP-2 serum levels is of limited value as a tumor marker in melanoma, though there are higher levels in the more advanced disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S100 protein is well established as a diagnostic tool in malignant melanoma immunohistology. In this study we measured S100β in serum with a recently developed luminometric immunoassay with a detection limit of 0.02 μg/l. By measuring S-100β in a group of apparently healthy individuals a mean value of 0.031 ± 0.026 μg/l was found. In the reference group, serum S100β was below 0.12 μg/l in all cases. To assess the sensitivity of the assay we investigated serum S-100β levels in 371 serum samples of 315 patients with histological proven malignant melanoma at different disease stages. Staging was performed according to the German Society of Dermatology classification. Significant differences were observed between the control group and stages IIb ( P = 0.01) and IV ( P = 0.001). In tumour-bearing patients of stages IIIb and IV, the difference was highly significant ( P < 0.0001). S100β > 0.20 μg/l helps to distinguish between tumour-free and tumour-bearing patients with a specificity of 97.0% and a sensitivity of 64.6%. Our results demonstrate the serum S100β is of limited value as a melanoma marker. However, it has clinical significance for identifying tumour-positive patients in advanced malignant melanoma stages III and IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Hautarzt is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)