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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Blastomyces: Why Be Dimorphic?, Dennis J. Baumgardner
Blastomyces: Why Be Dimorphic?, Dennis J. Baumgardner
Dennis J. Baumgardner, MD
In introducing the infectious disease focus for this edition of the Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, the author describes the unsolved mysteries surrounding the dimorphic fungus Blastomyces and the related pathogenesis of pulmonary blastomycosis.
Disease-Causing Fungi In Homes And Yards In The Midwestern United States, Dennis J. Baumgardner
Disease-Causing Fungi In Homes And Yards In The Midwestern United States, Dennis J. Baumgardner
Dennis J. Baumgardner, MD
A number of fungal pathogens that may result in a variety of human diseases are found in residential homes and yards. The growth of these microscopic fungi is often favored by particular characteristics of the dwelling and nearby outdoor environment. Evolved virulence factors or increased ability of specific fungi to grow in diverse, and sometimes harsh, microenvironments presented by the domestic environment may promote growth and pathogenesis. Infection may occur by inhalation or direct inoculation and include endemic fungi in addition to opportunistic or emerging species. Systemic or locally aggressive fungal infections are particularly likely and may be life-threatening in …
Β-Thujaplicin: A Soil Antifungal, Dennis J. Baumgardner
Β-Thujaplicin: A Soil Antifungal, Dennis J. Baumgardner
Dennis J. Baumgardner, MD
Background: β-thujaplicin (β-Th), also known as hinokitiol, naturally occurs in cedar mulch, is found in personal care products and has in vitro antitumor activities. It is antibacterial and antifungal, but has not been tested on soil. Scedosporium apiospermum (Sce) is an emerging “extremophile” fungal pathogen found in built outdoor environments. Purpose: Pilot β-Th as “natural” soil antimicrobial or for isolation of extremophiles, and to explore β-Th resistance as selective advantage to Sce in mulched landscape. Methods: A variety of outdoor and indoor environments were used for 2 sets of 24 paired soil samples. Soil/H20 slurry (0.1 ml) was spread on …