MALDI-TOF MS-based identification of black yeasts of the genus Exophiala

PubMedID: 25851261In this study, we investigated the applicability of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of Exophiala species. The analysis included a total of 110 Exophiala isolates, including 15 CBS strains representing 4 species, Exophiala dermatitidis (61), E. phaeomuriformis (36), E. crusticola (9), and E. heteromorpha (4), that had been previously identified based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. We also compared the relative efficacies of Sabouraud glucose agar (SGA) and Columbia agar (CA) for use in MALDI-TOF MS. Remarkably, we obtained a log-score value ?2.0 by using either SGA or CA for all 15 CBS strains, indicating species-level identification. The remaining 95 Exophiala strains were identified to the genus or species levels, with identification rates of 96.8% and 90.5%, using SGA or CA, respectively. Most of the E. dermatitidis (100% and 92.9%), E. phaeomuriformis (80.6% and 83.9%), E. crusticola (50% and 100%), and E. heteromorpha (100% and 100%) isolates were correctly identified using SGA or CA, respectively. Furthermore, 58.9% and 26.3% of the strains had log-score values of ?2.0 by using SGA and CA, respectively. Our results indicate that MALDI-TOF MS is a rapid and reliable technique with high rates of correct taxonomic identification. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology

Cannabis, medical use and related policies reflections on society [Kannabis, tibbi kullanimi ve ilişkili politikalarin topluma yansimalari]

2-s2.0-85086270423Cannabis is one of the important food and textile resources that has been used since 4000 BC. The fact that it was used as a medicine by the Chinese caused it to be included in the oldest pharmacopoeia in the world. However, in the 20th century, marijuana production from cannabis was a turning point in cannabis history, and then led to the limitation of cultivation areas and use. Today, cannabis is the most popular illicit drug worldwide. Regular use of cannabis is associated with impaired functioning, decreased academic performance, amotivation, addiction and, psychiatric disorders like psychosis, schizophrenia and mood disorders. On the other hand, recent research proposed promising therapeutic potential of cannabis-based drugs for a wide range of medical conditions including neurological and psychiatric disorders. These findings have led to the legalization of medical use of cannabis in certain states of the United States and in certain European countries. In this review, cannabis use, the historical process of cannabis use, medical use of cannabis, possible consequences of medical use of cannabis and the reflections of cannabis-related policy changes on society will be discussed. © 2020 ANP Publishing. All rights reserved

Clinical factors affecting the translucency of monolithic Y-TZP ceramics

The use of monolithic yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics in aesthetically critical regions is questionable because of the insufficient translucency and opacity of the restorations. Intrinsic (manufacturing process) and extrinsic factors (laboratory procedures and clinical factors) can affect the translucency of monolithic zirconia. In this narrative review, the clinical factors (thickness, cementation type, colour of the monolithic zirconia, surface finishing methods and wear, dental background, cement colour, low temperature degradation) affecting the translucency of monolithic Y-TZP ceramics were reported