The levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma cytokines in the study group wer

The levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma cytokines in the study group were higher than in the control group. After the treatment the level of IFN-gamma secretion in the male patients with seborrheic dermatitis significantly increased. The levels PD98059 ic50 of the other studied cytokines did not significantly differ.

Conclusions:

The treatment with itraconazole had a beneficial effect on the clinical condition of the skin of the patients. IFN-gamma is a cytokine whose secretion might affect the condition of the skin in seborrheic dermatitis.”
“Conversion operations after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) are sometimes performed because of vomiting and/or acid regurgitation. Primary operation with gastric bypass (GBP) is known to reduce gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Previous studies have not been designed to differentiate between the effects of the altered anatomy and of the ensuing

weight loss. No series has reported data on acid reflux before and after conversion from VBG to GBP.

We invited eight VBG patients with current symptoms of GERD. All had intact staple lines as assessed by barium meal and gastroscopy. Acid reflux was quantified using 48-h Bravo capsule measurements. Conversion operations were performed creating an isolated 15-20-ml pouch; the previously banded part of gastric wall was excised. Gastrojejunostomy was made end to end with a 28-mm circular stapler. The study is based on five patients consenting to early postoperative endoscopy and pH measurement.

All patients were women with a mean age of 49.5 years and BMI of Taselisib clinical trial 36.3. Time since VBG was 132.1 months. Time from conversion

to second measurement was 46.6 days and BMI at that time 32.7. There was no mortality and no serious morbidity. All patients improved clinically and no patient had to go back on proton pump inhibition or antacids. Total time with pH < 4.0 was reduced from 18.4% to 3.3% ( < 0.05). DeMeester score was reduced from 58.1 to 15.9 ( < 0.05).

The effect of converting VBG-operated patients to GBP results in a near-normalisation of acid reflux parameters and a discontinuation of proton pump inhibitor medication.”
“Cosmos GSK1120212 mw caudatus (ulam raja) contains high mineral content and possesses high antioxidant activity which may be beneficial in bone disorder such as postmenopausal osteoporosis. The effects of C. caudatus on bone metabolism biomarkers in ovariectomized rats were studied. 48 Sprague-Dawley rats aged three months were divided into 6 groups. One group of rats was sham-operated while the remaining rats were ovariectomized. The ovariectomized rats were further divided into 5 groups: the control, three groups force-fed with C. caudatus at the doses of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg or 300mg/kg and another group supplemented with calcium 1% ad libitum.

96, 95% CI 0 89 to 1 04) as frequently as other Canadian patients

96, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.04) as frequently as other Canadian patients. Although the 30-day mortality rate was similar across the three ethnic groups, the mortality rate in the follow-up period was significantly lower for South Asian patients (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.95) and AS1842856 chemical structure marginally lower for Chinese patients (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.07) compared with other Canadian patients.

CONCLUSIONS: South Asian and Chinese patients used revascularization

slightly less but had better survival outcomes than other Canadian patients. The factors underlying the better outcomes for South Asian and Chinese patients warrant further study.”
“Identification and treatment of extra canals is the cornerstone to successful endodontic practice. Over the years, many

diagnostic aids have evolved to facilitate the clinician in detection of hidden canals and to familiarize with the internal radicular anatomy. This case report highlights the rare incidence of 3 canals in the distal root of a permanent mandibular first molar. A spiral computerized tomography scan was used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol EGFR inhibitor Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: e77-e81)”
“Behcet’s disease is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by oral and genital ulcers, and by multisystem disease, including arthritis, neurologic complications and vasculitis. Large-vessel and coronary artery aneurysms are often an indication for surgery, but the return of aneurysms, thrombosis, and the tendency to exhibit an exaggerated inflammatory response at puncture sites (pathergy) complicate surgical recovery. As such, cardiac transplantation, which requires atrial and large-vessel anastomoses, has not been reported in patients with Behcet’s disease. We report the first orthotopic heart transplant with

BEZ235 clinical trial >1-year survival in a patient with Behcet’s disease despite major complications. The investigators remain pessimistic about cardiac transplantation in patients with Behcet’s disease until advances in preventing recurrent vascular pathology ensue. J Heart Lung Transplant 2010;29:1306-8 (C) 2010 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. All rights reserved.”
“A case of a retained root tip simulating apical periodontitis on radiographic examination is described. The retained root tip, originating from the left lower first molar, floated under the left lower second premolar apical region mimicking apical periodontitis. It appeared as an ill-defined periapical radiolucency containing a smaller radiodense mass on radiograph. The differential diagnosis included focal sclerosing osteomyelitis (condensing osteitis) and ossifying fibroma. Upon exicisional biopsy, a retained root associated with granulation tissue was found. After 1-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and the periradicular lesion was healing. Meanwhile, the associated tooth showed a normal response to stimulation testing.

6 %) experienced sudden death and 13 (3 0 %) required implantatio

6 %) experienced sudden death and 13 (3.0 %) required implantation of a pacemaker. On univariate analysis, adverse events were associated with advancing age, prolongation of the PR, QRS and corrected QT (QTc) intervals, as well as the degree of neuromuscular impairment. No such relationship was found with the extent of genetic anomaly (number of cytosine-thymine-guanine repeats). However, multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards models showed that only baseline PR and QTc

intervals were significantly linked to the LY3023414 nmr end points of sudden death or pacemaker implantation; the age-adjusted RR was 3.7 (95 % CI 1.5 to 8.6) if baseline PR was 200 ms or longer (P=0.003), and 3.0 (95 % CI 1.0 to 8.8) if selleck the baseline QTc was 450 ms or longer (P=0.047).CONCLUSIONS:

In a large unselected cohort of 428 patients with DM1, the cumulative incidence of sudden death was relatively low, and the delayed conduction on surface electrocardiogram was found to be potentially helpful for identifying patients at risk for sudden death or pacemaker implantation.”
“Background: A well-established method to preserve failing synthetic arteriovenous grafts

(AVGs) dialysis accesses is percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Nevertheless, the one-year primary patency rate following PTA is approximately 25%. This study was designed to compare the angiographic and clinical outcomes following stent-graft insertion versus angioplasty and/or bare metal stenting (BMS) of recurrently failing AVGs, because of anastomotic and/or venous outflow stenoses.

Methods: Self-expanding stent-grafts were deployed for the treatment of failing AVGs in case of recurrent stenosis after treatment with conventional angioplasty or bail-out BMS. Regular angiographic follow-up was scheduled every two months the first six months and every three

months thereafter. Data from previous procedures on the same treatment site were retrieved from our database. Primary patency was defined as a functioning graft with a patent treatment site without angiographic restenosis >50% and without any subsequent repeat procedures. Outcome data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results: In total, 35 patients previously treated with angioplasty and/or BMS for the treatment Compound C concentration of recurrent significant AVG stenosis (group PTA), underwent stent-graft placement of the same treatment site (group SG). Of those, 20 patients had undergone angioplasty and 15 bail-out BMS. Mean lesion length was 4.8 +/- 1.7cm. Primary patency was significantly improved in the SG group (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.2 [95% CI= 0.11-0.36], P=.0001) by log-rank test. The estimated six and 12-month patency rates were 76.9% vs. 25.7%, and 61.4% vs. 8.6% for groups SG and PTA respectively, (P<.0001).

Conclusions: Stent-graft placement significantly improves primary patency of anastomotic and venous outflow stenoses in recurrently failing prosthetic arteriovenous grafts.

Methods: BAL was performed in 76 children, and BALF and plasma sR

Methods: BAL was performed in 76 children, and BALF and plasma sRAGE levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: sRAGE levels were fourfold higher in BALF than in plasma (P < 0.001). BALF sRAGE was inversely proportional to age (r = -0.333, P = 0.008) and serum immunoglobulin A (r = -0.283, P = 0.028). Plasma sRAGE showed a positive correlation to the

percentage of BAL macrophages and negative correlation to the percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes (P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis identified that the percentage of BAL lymphocytes and neutrophils were significant independent predictors of plasma sRAGE levels, while age and the percentage of BAL macrophages independently P005091 purchase Selleckchem Birinapant predicted BALF sRAGE levels. Conclusions: In children, sRAGE is present at higher concentrations in the lung compared with blood. It appears that sRAGE varies with age, and hence future studies of sRAGE in paediatric lung disease require age matching. The significant relationship between sRAGE and lung inflammation warrants further research.”
“Background: To translate the concept of full-conditioning (FC) from animal experiments to the human, and to evaluate the efficacy for adhesion prevention. FC consisted of decreasing acute inflammation by 86% CO2 + 10% N2O + 4% O-2 for the pneumoperitoneum, cooling of the peritoneal cavity, humidification,

heparinized rinsing solution and 5 mg of dexamethasone as demonstrated in animal models.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT: NCT01344486) comparing standard laparoscopy with full conditioning together with a barrier in a 2/3 ratio in 44 women undergoing deep endometriosis surgery at KULeuven. The primary aim was reduction of adhesions. Secondary aims were CO2 resorption, postoperative pain and recovery. Randomization was performed selleckchem after signing informed consent. Adhesion scoring during

second look laparoscopy and pain scoring were done blindly.

Results: In the FC group (n = 16) adhesions were completely prevented in 12/16 women whereas in the control group (n = 11) all women had severe adhesions (P < 0.0005). Also the area, density and severity of adhesions were less. (P < 0.001). In the control group, severity, density and area of adhesions were strongly interrelated (P = 0.0001 for all areas) suggesting a common enhancing factor. In the FC group CO2 resorption (P < 0.001), postoperative pain (P < 0.001), and CRP concentrations (P < 0.01) were lower while clinical recovery was faster (P < 0.0001) and time to first flatus (P < 0.002) shorter.

In conclusion: This translational research confirms in the human the efficacy of FC in reducing CO2 resorption and adhesions with in addition less postoperative pain, lower postoperative CRP concentrations and an accelerated recovery.


“Background: There is some evidence suggesting a close rel


“Background: There is some evidence suggesting a close relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and renal inflammation and fibrosis, which are crucial stages in chronic kidney disease.

Methods: To verify the role of PUFAs in renal fibrosis PFTα in vitro processes, we investigated the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and

arachidonic acid (AA) on the gene expression of TGF beta, fibronectin (FN), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and type IV collagen (COLIV) in human mesangial cells, in the absence or presence of angiotensin II (AngII), using reverse transcriptase PCR.

Results: The addition of AA to mesangial cell cultures induced a significant up-regulation of TGF beta, FN, CTGF and COLIV expression, similar to that induced by AngII, while EPA and DHA had no stimulatory effects. The coincubation of cells with AngII and AA potentiated AngII-induced gene expression; on the contrary, the coexposure of cells to EPA or DHA suppressed the AngII- and AA-induced up-regulation

of TGF beta, FN, CTGF and COLIV.

Conclusion: We conclude that the PUFAs have different effects, dependent on their chemical structure, on the AngII-TGF beta system, a major regulator of the renal fibrotic process. Our in vitro results may provide new therapeutic options toward interrupting the irreversible process of renal fibrosis and ameliorating chronic renal injury.”
“Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictors of emergent reading skills in children receiving early access to sound with

a CI.

Study Napabucasin chemical structure Design: Prospective case-control study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Patients: Children who received their first cochlear implant (CI) before 24 months of age and had a minimum of 2 years experience.

Main Outcome Measures: Receptive language skills as measured using the Reynell Developmental Language Scales or the Oral and Written Language Scales; early reading skills including alphabet, conventions, and comprehension skills assessed using the Test of Early Reading Abilities-3 (TERA-3); literacy behaviors in the home, socioeconomic status, and early intervention CP-868596 price measures were explored on a parent questionnaire.

Results: Among 39 participants in the study, there was on average a 12-month delay in receptive language as compared with hearing peers. The study cohort as a group had age-appropriate reading scores. An inverse correlation was found between language delay and early reading performance. While accounting for language delay, girls on average performed better than boys. Daily reading at home and the use of open-ended questions during parent-child reading sessions were both associated with smaller language delays.

Conclusion: The importance of verbal language to the development of early reading skills and vice verse is evident as is the important influence of literacy behaviors at home.

Finally, we shall

examine whether such future-oriented be

Finally, we shall

examine whether such future-oriented behaviour involves future planning and ask why this and other cognitive abilities might have evolved in corvids.”
“This study examined the effects of the incorporation of carbon fiber (CF) and silicon carbide powder (SCP) into a high temperature vulcanized (HTV) silicone rubber, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) containing vinyl groups on the ablation properties using an oxy-acetylene torch test. The ablation test results showed that CF enhanced the hardness of the char formed on the composite surface during the oxy-acetylene torch test and was an important factor determining the ablation properties. GS-9973 inhibitor SCP was also beneficial in enhancing the surface char hardness of the HTV/CF composite. A new method was devised to evaluate the ablation properties more objectively by measuring the time elapsed for a rectangular-shaped silicone rubber composite with specimens loaded with a constant weight to burn and fail off during the oxy-acetylene torch test. The mechanical properties of the

silicone rubber composites were also examined as a function of the additive content using a universal test machine (UTM). (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 831-838, 2011″
“We explore the behavior of periodic arrays of magnetic nanowires by micromagnetic simulations using the NMAG modeling package. A large number of modeling studies on such arrays of nanowires have been performed using finite size models. We show that these finite size micromagnetic descriptions can only be used in specific situations. We perform a systematic study selleck products of more or less dense one-and two-dimensional

arrays of nanowires using either finite size or infinite size models and we show that finite size models fail to capture some of the features of real infinite systems. We show that the mean field model scaled to the system S63845 cell line porosity is valid. This work can be used as a basis to the extension of micromagnetic calculations of the magnetization dynamics in arrays of nanowires. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3518498]“
“Some plants that are dispersed by scatter-hoarding animals appear to have evolved the ability to manipulate the behaviour of those animals to increase the likelihood that seeds and nuts will be stored and that a portion of those items will not be recovered. Plants have achieved this in at least four ways. First, by producing large, nutritious seeds and nuts that are attractive to animals and that stimulate hoarding behaviour. Second, by imposing handling costs that cause animals to hoard rather than to eat items immediately. These handling costs can take one of two forms: physical barriers (e.g. hard seed coats) that take time to remove and secondary chemicals (e.g. tannins) that impose metabolic costs.

Regression analysis revealed positive correlation between the med

Regression analysis revealed positive correlation between the medial prefrontal cortical thickness and the social IQ. The authors suggest

that the difference between the 2 groups in the medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices thickness may entail an altered social cognitive style. Functional MRI studies directly differentiating between social indifference (autism) and social avoidance (fragile X) are needed to further characterize the spectrum of social abnormalities between these 2 groups.”
“Human giant cell tumour of bone (GCT(B)) is a rare low grade of malignancy tumour with tendency to recur. During tumourigenesis the bone remodeling balance is subverted by the tumour cellular components that interacting with bone matrix induce release of selleck products growth factors and cytokines, promoting cell proliferation and bone resorption. The master regulators of this positive feed-back are acid and neutral proteases

that destroying extracellular matrix increase osteolysis. In contrast, in cats, very few data are reported on GCT(B) biological activity. In this study, histological features and metalloproteinase (MMPs) and urokinase plasminogen activator system (uPA) expression were compared in human and feline GCT(B) and differences Acalabrutinib chemical structure in distribution and intensity related to histological pattern and clinical behaviour were determined. In both species, the overexpression of these molecules suggested a strong and complex cross-talk between tumour and microenvironment. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Three patients at our institution developed corneal infections associated with sutures placed after clear corneal incision cataract surgery. The time to infection was Ispinesib datasheet 9 weeks, 22 months, and 33 months. One patient required injection of intravitreal antibiotic agents for presumed endophthalmitis associated with the corneal infection. Two patients were treated with topical fortified antibiotic eyedrops only. Although

there was no significant change in visual acuity after resolution of the infection, morbidity from suture-related corneal infections can be significant. Routine suture removal in the early postoperative period may be warranted to prevent such infections. J Cataract Refract Surg 2009; 35:939-942 (C) 2009 ASCRS and ESCRS”
“We present a detailed study on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of chemically synthesized Sn(1-x)Co(x)O(2) (x=0.00 to 0.05) nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope measurements were performed to analyze the crystal structure and morphology of Sn(1-x)Co(x)O(2) nanoparticles. The energy dispersive x-ray analysis measurements were performed to check the possible presence of any impurity elements in the nanocrystals.

Physicochemical integrity was determined by UPLC-UV using a VARIA

Physicochemical integrity was determined by UPLC-UV using a VARIAN Pursuit C8 column 150 x 3.9 mm at 40 degrees C, with detection at 236 nm. Mobile phase was 0.1M KH2PO4 (pH = 6.5) : 4.6 mM SDS : acetonitrile (63: 7: 30 v/v) eluted at 0.8 mL/min. Microbial colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) were determined in soy agar trypticasein (SAT), McConkey agar, and Sabouraud media at 37 and 29 degrees Ricolinostat inhibitor C for 72 and 96 h. The solution retained over 90 % of the initial amount of metformin, showing zero-growth of enteric or aerobic mesophilic

bacteria and was able to restore normal glucose levels in chronically hyperglycemic Wistar rats. This metformin formulation may be helpful managing insulin resistance in pediatric endocrinology.”
“The pathomechanism of

cervical myelopathy due to cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL) remains unclear. No previous literature has quantified the influence of dynamic factors on cervical myelopathy due to C-OPLL. The purpose was to investigate the influence of dynamic factors on the spinal column in the patients with C-OPLL using check details CT scan after myelography (MCT).

The study included 41 patients with cervical myelopathy due to C-OPLL. An MCT was done during neck flexion and extension, and spinal cord cross-sectional areas (SCCSA) were measured at each disc level between C2/3 Navitoclax and C7/T1. Ossification morphology at each segment was divided into three groups, connection department, coating part, and non-connection department of OPLL group. Dynamic changes of SCCSA in each group of

ossification morphology were calculated. The relationship between clinical results and SCCSA at the narrowest level was investigated.

MCT showed SCCSA changes during neck extension; 7.4 +/- A 5.1 mm(2) in the connection department, 5.8 +/- A 6.0 mm(2) in the coating part, and 6.7 +/- A 6.4 mm(2) in the non-connection department of OPLL group. There difference was not statistically significant. There was a weak correlation between the JOA score and SCCSA at the narrowest level (R = 0.49). There was no significant correlation between the recovery rate of JOA score and SCCSA at the narrowest level (R = 0.37).

Dynamic factors are seen both in cervical myelopathy patients with the continuous type of OPLL and others. Deterioration of myelopathy could be induced by motion effects even in the connection department of OPLL.”
“In this work some thermodynamic information related to the transfer of ibuprofen (IBP) between aqueous systems and micellar systems, in some biorelevant media, is reported. For this purpose, the apparent solubility of IBP at different temperatures, in the modified and classical Fasted State Simulated Intestinal Fluid (FaSSIF) biorelevant media, at different concentrations of sodium taurocholate and phosphatidylcholine, was studied.

(C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved “
“This study aim

(C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of short-term maintenance treatment with

cabergoline and to find out minimum effective dosage of cabergoline during maintenance treatment for patients with microadenoma-related NSC 683864 and idiopathic hyperprolactinemia.

Cabergoline was administered orally at a dose of 0.5 mg twice per week to 164 de novo hyperprolactinemic patients until serum prolactin level normalized. After this initial treatment phase, patients started on maintenance phase for which they were previously randomized. No maintenance treatment (Group I, n = 36) or cabergoline 0.5 mg (Group II, n = 46), 0.25 mg (Group III, n = 39), 0.125 mg (Group IV, n = 43) was administered twice per week for 8 weeks as maintenance treatment. Then, maintenance phase was finalized and patients were followed up for 6 months. Mean serum prolactin levels through Anlotinib order maintenance treatment phase and follow-up period were assessed between groups and

within groups.

Except for group I, all the groups showed a similar pattern with fast decrease of serum prolactine level during maintenance phase and slower increase during the follow-up period. Notably, the average prolactin level was significantly lower at the last follow-up visit than at the diagnosis time in all of the groups. Stable normoprolactinemia of the groups at the end of follow-up period Sapanisertib were 47.2, 37, 48.7, and 34.9%, respectively.

The results indicate that short

maintanence treatment in idiopathic and microadenoma-related hyperprolactinemia seems as effective as long maintenance treatment in the present study. But, further studies with larger study population and longer follow-up period are needed to make a decision about early treatment withdrawal. Also, during the maintenance treatment adminisitration of medicine to patients should be tapered down to the lowest dose that will maintain prolactin levels normal.”
“Introduction: The intestinal mucosa undergoes significant atrophic changes when it is used to reconstruct the urinary tract. We analyzed the ultrastructural changes of intestinal mucosa in the orthotopic neobladder on the basis of our clinical experience. Patients and Methods: Fifteen male patients with an ileal neobladder underwent endoscopic biopsy at different postoperative intervals. Results: No significant changes were observed 3 months after surgery. After 6 and 12 months, the structure of the microvilli was modified significantly. No other substantial changes after 24 months were observed. Conclusions: Progressive modifications occur in the cytoplasmic structures involved in the absorptive process. They do not seem to begin before 3 months and are almost totally completed after 1 year. Copyright (C) 2012 S.

Consequently, preventing foodborne illness and death remains a ma

Consequently, preventing foodborne illness and death remains a major public health concern. Challenges to providing a safe, abundant, and nutritious food supply are complex because all aspects of food production, from farm to fork, must be considered. Given the national and international demand and expectations for food safety as well as the formidable challenges of producing and maintaining a safe food supply, food safety research and educational programs have taken on a new urgency. Remarkable progress has been made during the last century. Wisdom from a century Selleck CT99021 of animal agriculture research now includes the

realization that on-farm pathogens are intricately associated with animal health and well-being, the production of high-quality food, and profitability. In MRT67307 ic50 this review, some of the developments that have occurred over the last few decades are summarized, including types, sources, and concentrations of disease-causing pathogens encountered in food-producing animal environments and their association with food safety; current and future methods to control or reduce foodborne pathogens on the farm; and present and future preharvest food safety research directions. Future scientific breakthroughs will no doubt have a profound impact on animal

agriculture and the production of high-quality food, but we will also be faced with moral, ethical, and societal dilemmas that must be reconciled. A strong, science-based approach that addresses all the complex issues involved in continuing to improve food safety and public health is necessary to prevent foodborne illnesses. Not only must research be conducted to solve complex food safety issues, but results of that research must also be communicated effectively to producers and consumers.”
“Optimizing oxygen content is one of the most essential factors with practical

ramifications for the production of Y1Ba2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) superconductors. In this study, oxygen diffusion was studied using homogeneous c-axis oriented YBCO thin films prepared via the pulsed laser deposition method. The oxygen diffusion process was examined by applying the one-dimensional diffusion model. The diffusion coefficient of oxygen and the activation energy were determined. Galardin This will facilitate the optimization of oxygenation in the production of thin films for YBCO superconductors. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3619861]“
“Neonatal bacterial meningitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially when complicated by intracranial abscesses. The authors report the case of an 11-day-old female with Proteus mirabilis meningitis complicated by an asymptomatic brain abscess. With this report, the authors illustrate the importance of surveillance neuroradiologic imaging in patients with Proteus meningitis.