berghei-infected mice [43], and in Ghanaian children cerebral malaria mortality was not associated with IL-17 [15]. While IL-17F levels were similar in NEG, MM and SM infants, the cytokine IL-31, which has comparable effects to IL-17 [44], was highest in SM patients. IL-17 and IL-31 both have

additive effects on secretion of cytokines and chemokines [44,45], and ubiquitin-Proteasome system IL-31, a member of the gp130/IL-6 cytokine family [45], may recruit polymorphonuclear cells, monocytes and T cells to an inflammatory site in vivo[46]. IL-31 will induce the genes of inflammatory chemokines MIP-1β, MIP-3α, MIP-3β[47,48] and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-16 and IL-32 [44,45]. IL-31-receptor-deficiency in mice injected with Schistosoma mansoni eggs resulted in severe

Akt inhibitor pulmonary inflammation, enlarged granuloma and significantly more IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 than in wild-type mice [48]. In allergic asthma patients, serum levels of IL-31 were elevated above controls [49], a further suggestion that the IL-31/IL-31R signalling pathway will regulate type 2 inflammations [48]. Another key player promoting Th2 type responses, the cytokine IL-33, is considered a mediator of pathology with allergies and septic shock [50–52]; IL-33 was suggested to function as an alarmin [53], to alert after endothelial or epithelial cell damage during trauma, stress or infection [53]. IL-33 levels were enhanced in infants with MM and SM, clearly above NEG, Astemizole correlated positively with parasite densities, and diminished strongly following parasite clearance. Sequestration of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes or the release of merozoites may have amplified IL-33 production by endothelial cells, and additional cytokines augmented by IL-33 are IL-5, IL-13, TNF and IL-3 [54]. Furthermore, IL-33 will promote splenomegaly, blood eosinophilia and epithelial hyperplasia, massive mucus production in lungs

and pulmonary inflammation [55]. To what extent the enhanced production of IL-31 and IL-33 may contribute to pathogenesis of acute P. falciparum infection to cerebral inflammation and vascular obstructions should be investigated further. For the development of cerebral malaria, an important role has been attributed to cytokines and chemokines [56,57]. With severe P. falciparum infection an increased production of MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1α and MIP-1β, and also IL-8/CXCL8, has been observed [9,13], and the mortality risk with cerebral malaria (CM) was associated independently with the serum concentration of IP-10/CXCL10 [15]. The chemokines IP-10/CXCL10 and MIG/CXCL9, together with their common receptor CXCR3, are required for the development of murine CM [58]. MIG/CXCL9 and its receptor are expressed predominantly in Th1 cells, and MIG/CXCL9 is considered to be a predictive marker for antigen-specific IFN-γ-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in volunteers immunized with irradiated P. falciparum sporozoites [59].

Histopathology showed granulomas with hyphae surrounded by an eosinophilic sheath (Splendore–Hoeppli phenomenon). Culture of biopsy specimens on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar led to the growth of fungi with microscopically visible conidiophores and terminal spherical conidia (primary conidium), with multiple

secondary conidia and villose conidia. The patient was successfully treated with combination therapy, primarily itraconazole and terbinafine. We conclude with a brief literature review of the epidemiology of conidiobolomycosis. “
“The objective of this study was to evaluate the infection of domestic rabbits by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Initially two rabbits were experimentally infected with P. brasiliensis and the humoral immune response was evaluated by ELISA using gp43 as antigen. The two animals showed IgG response against gp43 although no signs of disease were observed. The seroepidemiological study was carried out in MAPK Inhibitor Library high throughput 170 rabbits (free range n = 81 and caged n = 89) living in an endemic area for human Selleckchem GS 1101 paracoccidioidomycosis and a positivity

of 27% was observed in the ELISA using gp43 as antigen. The free-range rabbits showed a significantly higher positivity (34.6–51.7%) than the caged animals (11.1%). Sentinel rabbits exposed to natural infection with P. brasiliensis were followed up for 6 months and a seroconversion rate of 83.3% was observed. This is the first report of paracoccidioidomycosis in rabbits and suggests that this species can be useful sentinels for P. brasiliensis presence in the environment. “
“Onychomycosis is a common, chronic fungal nail infection that can have a significant negative impact on patients’ physical and social functioning and emotional well-being. This study was undertaken to assess health-related

quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with toenail onychomycosis. The Onychomycosis Amine dehydrogenase QoL questionnaire (ONYCHO), as a disease-specific instrument, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) as a generic instrument, were applied in 140 consecutive patients affected by onychomycosis. Women and patients who were experiencing toenail onychomycosis for more than 2 years were reporting worse disease-specific HRQoL. The patients working in blue-collar occupations and patients with greater involvement of individual nails were more affected by onychomycosis regarding symptoms. The results of this study confirm that although onychomycosis is not a life-threatening disease, it can significantly reduce patients’ QoL. “
“The aetiology of psoriasis remains elusive. Among multiple factors hypothesised, association of Malassezia spp. is supported by response to topical antifungals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of Malassezia spp. with psoriatic lesion. The subjects included 50 consecutive patients with psoriasis, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Samples were collected using scotch tape over one square inch area from the lesional and non-lesional sites.

Actually, the degree of interstitial injury might become a better renal predictor than glomerular damages in chronic progressive glomerular diseases. Early interstitial change is included infiltration of inflammatory cells, but the finding can be reversible

by therapy. Thus, we evaluated the interstitial fibrosis as one of the indicators of renal prognosis in patients with LN. Methods: Forty-three patients who had been diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus ICG-001 datasheet (SLE) and performed renal biopsy in our department from 1987 to 2012 were enrolled. All patients were reviewed by means of ISN/RPS classification and were semiquantitatively evaluated interstitial fibrosis in the same way as described previously (no interstitial fibrosis:

0%, mild interstitial fibrosis: 0–25%, moderate interstitial fibrosis: 25–50%, severe interstitial fibrosis: >50%). Their blood and urinary examinations were evaluated at the time of renal biopsy and at the last follow up period. Results: According to ISN/RPS classification, renal function (SUN, sCre and eGFR) both at the time of biopsy and at the last Gefitinib price follow up period didn’t have statistical difference. When all patients were divided into semiquantitative interstitial fibrosis grade, there was no significant difference concerning about renal function at the time of biopsy. Renal symptoms of severe fibrosis grade presented significantly worse renal prognosis than other interstitial fibrosis grades

(no, mild and moderate interstitial fibrosis grade, respectively) at the last follow up period in the levels of SUN (p < 0.01), sCre (p < 0.05) and eGFR (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). The serum SLE activity (C3, C4 and anti-DNA antibody) significantly ameliorated after appropriate treatments in spite of ISN/RPS classification or the interstitial fibrosis grade (data not shown). Conclusion: We should recognize the severe interstitial fibrosis as a http://www.selleck.co.jp/products/Metformin-hydrochloride(Glucophage).html predictor for worsening renal function and an independent factor from glomerular lesions or the serum SLE activity. ENDO NOBUHIDE, TSUBOI NAOTAKE, FURUHASHI KAZUHIRO, MATSUO SEIICHI, MARUYAMA SHOICHI Department of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan Introduction: In addition to the effector roles of classically activated macrophages for tissue injury, recent studies have shown that alternatively activated (M2) macrophages are involved in resolution of inflammation in animal models of kidney disease. But, clinical relevance of M2 macrophage in human disease is largely unknown.

5 nm, the endothelial vesicular system has been the best structural candidate for the large pore system. As large pores are far fewer HSP inhibitor in number than small pores and are expected to undergo a dynamic fluctuation between open and closed states, the occurrence of large pores in an EM section should be infrequent. The dynamics and interactions of endothelial vesicles are unknown. Palade [13,14] first described endothelial vesicles and postulated a discontinuous mechanism of transport whereby vesicles shuttled solutes between luminal and abluminal surface.

Simionescu et al. [19] described transendothelial channels of fused vesicular compartments that were true pores through which solutes could move. However, Bundgaard et al. [1] detected very few if any free vesicles in serial section reconstructions

of the capillary wall, which showed that the standard configuration of vesicular compartments was fused clusters of vesicles connected to either surface but not both. These Selleck BAY 80-6946 studies were based on reconstructions of ultrathin (25 nm) sections through randomly chosen regions. As large pores need only to occur at a frequency 1/μm2 of capillary wall [17], it is possible that free vesicles and open channels may have been missed in these studies. In contrast, Wagner and Robinson [26] examined stereopairs of high-voltage electron images of thick (0.5–1.0 μm) sections and detected free vesicles not connected to either surface. Distribution of perfused tracer through serial sections of the capillary wall has also provided evidence that the vesicular system is involved in transport [25]. These previous 3D studies have limitations that leave uncertainty regarding the structure of the vesicular system and have sometimes produced conflicting results. Another uncertainty lies in whether

or not conventional methods of chemical fixation produce artifactual vesicular configurations. Comparing cryofixation with chemical fixation, Frøkjaer-Jensen et al. [5] showed that interconnection of vesicular structures persisted regardless of the type of fixation. Wagner and Andrews [22] demonstrated that chemically fixed capillaries had significantly more vesicular profiles per unit area than isothipendyl cryofixed capillaries, which suggested that vesicle formation may be stimulated by aldehyde fixation. However, comparisons between this study using aldehyde fixation and those of Lebbink et al. [9] on cryofixed endothelial cells indicate that free vesicles and transendothelial channels persist regardless of fixation method and are most likely bona fide biological structures. This study constitutes a new approach, marrying a previous technique of perfusing tracers through capillaries with TEM tomography. As perfused agents that increase permeability in capillaries may also affect the conformation of vesicular structures [2], it could be reasonably argued that terbium might induce the formation of transendothelial channels and/or free vesicles.

3 and 1.9 mm. The most common perforator was medial (present in 85.6% of thighs); found near the adductor magnus at 3.8 cm from midline and 5.0 cm below the gluteal fold. The second most common perforator was lateral (present in 65.4% of thighs); found near the biceps femoris and

vastus lateralis at 12.0 cm from midline Bortezomib mw and 5.0 cm below the gluteal fold. Nearly 48.3% were purely septocutaneous. And 51.7% had an intramuscular course (average length 5.7 cm). Preoperative imaging corresponded to suitable perforators at the time of dissection of all PAP flaps. Thirty five PAP flaps (18 patients) were performed with 100% flap survival. Conclusion: Analysis of preoperative posterior thigh imaging confirms our intraoperative findings that a considerable number of suitable posterior thigh profunda perforators

are present, emerge from the fascia in a common pattern, and are of sufficient caliber to provide adequate flap perfusion and recipient vessel size match. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. BMS-354825 manufacturer Microsurgery, 2012. “
“Injury of peripheral nerve is associated with the development of post-traumatic neuroma at the end of the proximal stump, often being the origin of neuropathic pain. This type of pain is therapy-resistant and therefore extremely nagging for patients. We examined the influence of the microcrystallic chitosan gel applied to the proximal stump of totally transected sciatic nerve on the neuroma formation and neuropathic pain development in rats. In 14 rats, right sciatic nerve was transected and the distal stump was removed to avoid spontaneous rejoining. In the chitosan (experimental) group (n = 7), the proximal stump was covered with a thin layer of the microcrystallic chitosan gel. In

control animals (n = 7), the cut nerve was left unsecured. Autotomy, an animal model of neuropathic pain, was monitored daily for 20 weeks following surgery. Then, the animals were perfused transcardially and the proximal stumps of sciatic nerves were dissected and subjected to histologic evaluation. The presence, size, and characteristics of neuromas as well as extraneural fibrosis were examined. In chitosan group, the incidence and the size of the neuroma were markedly reduced, Rebamipide as compared with the control group; however, there was no difference in autotomy behavior between groups. In addition, extraneural fibrosis was significantly reduced in chitosan group when compared to the control group. The results demonstrate beneficial influence of microcrystallic chitosan applied to the site of nerve transection on the development of post-traumatic neuroma and reduction of extraneural fibrosis, however without reduction of neuropathic pain. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011. “
“Skin flap necrosis, as well as positive resection margins in the context of skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction, may require reoperation, potentially associated with tissue loss, and thereby impair the aesthetic result.

The recipient vessels were digital artery and dorsal digital vein. The flap was not reinnervated during transfer procedures. The donor sites were closed primarily in all cases. Flap size ranged from 15 × 25 mm to 60 × 20 mm. All flaps selleck were survival. Partial loss occurred in one flap, due to venous congestion caused by excessive stitch tension. The donor sites healed unevenfully

in eight cases, but mild wound dehiscence occurred in two cases. The follow-ups ranged from 6 to 29 months with the mean of 18.1 months. The mean of s-2PD and m-2PD were 8.8 mm and 6.8 mm at patients’ last visits, respectively. MPAP flaps are good in terms of general morbidity, cosmetic results, and durability. This flap is a valuable alternative method

of repairing the glabrous finger pulp and tip defects. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010. “
“Preoperative CT-angiography (CTA) has shown to reduce operative time in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction compared to Doppler ultrasonography (US). Although decreased flap loss has been suggested, statistical significant reduction remains indeterminate. The purpose of this review is to evaluate flap loss after preoperative CTA and Doppler US in DIEP-flap breast reconstruction. A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries. All articles comparing CTA to Doppler US were selected and critically appraised; https://www.selleckchem.com/screening/mapk-library.html data on flap loss were extracted. From 678 studies, eight were selected for appraisal. Six case–control studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled

analysis showed CTA resulted in a significant reduction Progesterone in partial necrosis (odds ratio/OR 0.15; 95% confidence interval/CI 0.07–0.32, P < 0.0001) and decreased flap loss (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.10–0.79, P = 0.02). Studies included in this meta-analysis have several limitations. However, most studies find a large clinical advantage of CTA over Doppler US, which reaches statistical significance when combined. As results show that CTA prior to DIEP flap breast reconstruction offers significant clinical benefits, we suggest the routine use of preoperative CTA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:496–502, 2013. "
“Microvascular free tissue transfer is a reliable technique for head and neck reconstruction with success rates of 90–99%. Currently, there is no consensus concerning antithrombotic agents, antibiotics, or monitoring techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review current literature dealing with microvascular free-tissue transfer and factors influencing the outcome. In addition to excellent microsurgical techniques, coupling devices are a promising new technique, but are not useful in all arteries. Antibiotics should be given in three doses, as a more lengthy dosage time seems to have no advantage.

In the rodent this DC network develops fastest in the nasal turbinates, which represent the collection point for the bulk of TGF-beta inhibitor inspired particulate antigen, including microbial agents [42]. This suggests

that postnatal maturation of the airway DC network may be driven by stimulation from environmental irritants, including those associated with microbial pathogens, and data from infants who succumb to infections which demonstrate markedly increased AMDC density in the airway mucosa [43] are consistent with this possibility. Moreover, kinetic studies in a rat model of respiratory parainfluenza infection, which demonstrate rapid expansion of the AMDC network during early infection [44], provide further support for this idea, and similar findings are available for inhalation of bacterial stimuli [45]. Intriguingly, in the case of viral infection, the AMDC network does not return to baseline for several weeks post pathogen https://www.selleckchem.com/products/PD-0325901.html clearance [44], suggesting long-term effects of viral infection (related possibly to covert persistence of low levels of virus) on homeostasis of this DC population. These findings have prompted

us to add a specific AMDC component to the ‘two-hit’ model for asthma development [36]. In particular, we point to the possibility that viral infection may enhance the pathogenicity of nascent aeroallergen-specific Th2 immunity in the airway mucosa of recently sensitized children by expanding the population of available APCs which are necessary for local T memory cell activation

[36]. It is generally assumed that the triggering of wheezing attacks in humans sensitized to perennial ‘indoor’ allergens occurs directly via inhalation of supra-threshold levels of the relevant allergens. This can undoubtedly almost occur, and the phenomenon can be reproduced readily in murine models; however, it is by no means the only route via which asthma attacks can be triggered in atopics. This is particularly the case with respect to asthma exacerbations of sufficient severity to require hospitalization, which appear to be triggered instead by lower respiratory tract viral infection (reviewed in [36]). Our recent studies have identified a pathway by which host–anti-viral immunity can recruit allergen-specific Th2 recall responses into the inflammatory response at the airway mucosal infection site. The key element in this process is up-regulation of IgE-FcR expression on the myeloid precursors of AMDC, thus arming these cells optimally for subsequent presentation of activating signals to Th2 memory cells [46]. The resulting Th2 milieu in the airway mucosa is likely to blunt Th1 polarized anti-viral defences, and as such may represent an example of successful viral invasion of sterilizing immunity.

Databases searched: MeSH terms and text words for kidney transplantation were combined with MeSH terms and text words for living donor, and combined with MeSH terms and text words for hypertension. The search was carried out in Medline (1950–July Week 3, 2008). The Cochrane

Renal Group Trials Register was also searched for Epacadostat nmr trials not indexed in Medline. Date of searches: 24 July 2008. Assessment of living donors’ BP should consider the long-term cardiovascular risk and the presence of hypertension as a surrogate marker of underlying renal disease. The definition of hypertension and how BP should be measured requires some consideration. There is a well-established relationship between cardiovascular risk and degree of hypertension, however, the threshold for concern has been progressively lowered in more recent years. The definition of ‘hypertension’ as a threshold of measurement has been generally considered to be 140/90 mmHg, however, the most recent Joint National Committee now defines increased cardiovascular risk for individuals previously considered to be in the ‘normal’ range, and define a group of patients as ‘pre-hypertension’ with BP readings 120–140 systolic/80–90 diastolic.1 The implication of this redefinition of risk for these patients previously considered to be in

the normal range has not been evaluated for living donors. The method of BP measurement is an additional variable that needs further consideration. Assessment of live donors should check details include serial manual BP measurements on at least three separate outpatient visits as a minimum evaluation. The majority of studies evaluating BP measurement in the general population relating measurement to cardiovascular risk and morbidity have relied on manual measurement. The role of ABPM continues to be evaluated and has been shown to correlate with end-organ damage2 and predict cardiovascular risk better than manual BP measurement in some studies.3,4 If elevated manual BP is detected, then it may be worthwhile performing home self-BP measurements or ABPM, since 10–20% of patients with

elevated manual measurements have normal BP by ABPM.5–7 A normal BP on home BP measurements or ABPM is an average of less than 135/85 mmHg. If hypertension is detected evidence of end-organ disease should be excluded by echocardiogram Thiamine-diphosphate kinase and ophthalmology assessment. Patients with evidence of end-organ damage should not be considered as donors, including potential donors with poorly controlled BP or those taking multiple antihypertensives. In addition to detecting patients with ‘white-coat’ hypertension, ABPM may also improve the detection of hypertension. Ozdemir et al. studied renal donors and demonstrated that ABPM was more sensitive at detecting hypertensive patients than manual BP.5 Textor et al. also reported that ABPM is useful in the diagnosis of hypertension in renal donors, particularly the elderly.

Results: Hic-5+/+ GN mice demonstrated glomerular cell click here proliferation at day 7. Glomerular cell number was significantly increased in Hic-5−/− GN mice compared to Hic-5+/+ GN mice. Increased glomerular cell number was associated with increased expression of α-SMA and fibronectin. In culture experients, proliferation assays also revealed that Hic-5 −/− MC significantly proliferates compared to Hic-5+/+ MC. Interestingly, TGF-β1 stimulated proliferation in Hic-5−/− MC but did not in Hic-5+/+ MC. On the other side, PDGF-BB, another growth factor, increased both Hic-5+/+ and Hic-5−/−

MC in the same degree. These data suggest that Hic-5 might be a specific downstream molecule of TGF-β1 to control MC proliferation in glomerular injury. In addition, Hic-5−/− MC expressed increased level of p-paxillin118, which is the most homologous selleck products to Hic-5, suggesting the competitive role of Hic-5 against paxillin signaling for MC growth. Conclusion: Hic-5 might determine MC proliferation under regulation of TGF-β1 signaling in proliferative GN. KADOYA HIROYUKI, SATOH MINORU, SASAKI TAMAKI, KASHIHARA NAOKI Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Kawasaki Medical School Introduction: Recent clinical trials have reported that mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have organ-protective effects that are independent

of blood pressure reduction. However, the organ-damaging mechanisms of aldosterone (Aldo) have not been fully elucidated. The inflammasome plays an important role in a variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The inflammasome is a cytoplasmic multiprotein complex that activates caspase-1, through interaction

with ASC (Apoptosis-associated Speck-like Protein Containing a Caspase Recruitment Domain), and finally leads to the processing and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18. Aldo has been indicated to induce kidney damages through activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathway. We hypothesized that Aldo induces renal tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis via activation of inflammasome. Methods: We used ASC-deficient mice (ASCKO) to investigate the role of inflammasome, which ASC are critical components of the inflammasome. C57Bl/6 mice (WT) were used for control. All animals were received Dipeptidyl peptidase left uninephrectomy and given drinking water with 1% NaCl. The mice were divided into the following groups: WT-vehicle, WT-Aldo (Aldo, 0.25 mg/kg/day, osmotic pump), WT-Aldo treated with eplerenone (WT-Aldo+Eple; Eple, 100 mg/kg/day, gavage), and ASCKO-Aldo. Four weeks after drug administration, mice were sacrificed. We also examined IL-1β and IL-18 production by Aldo stimulation in THP-1 and mouse peritoneal macrophages. Results: Tubulointerstitial damage and increased expressions of inflammasome components, NLRP-3 and ASC, were demonstrated in WT-Aldo.

The airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with chronic Pseudomonas mTOR inhibitor aeruginosa infection represent a complex environment which shapes evolution of the bacteria (Yang et al., 2011). The complexity of the environment is due to differences in the inflammatory process and antibiotic penetration in the

different focal areas of infection which occur in the compartments of the respiratory tree: paranasal sinuses, are conductive and respiratory zones where the bacteria form biofilms (Bjarnsholt et al., 2009; Hoiby et al., 2010). The biofilm mode of growth is the main reason for the failure of antibiotic treatment to eradicate airway infection, allowing the bacteria to persist for decades in the CF lung. It has been shown that P. aeruginosa might survive in the CF lung for more than 200 000 generations, during which evolution through adaptive mutagenesis occurs (Yang et al., 2011). The biofilm mode of growth has been shown to play an important role in the evolution of bacterial diversification (Boles & Singh, 2008). Oxidative stress has been shown to trigger the diversification process both inside (Boles & Singh, 2008; Driffield et al., 2008; Conibear et al., 2009) and outside the biofilm due to inflammation and antibiotic treatment (Ciofu et al., 2005; Kohanski et al.,

2007). As a consequence of bacterial evolution in the CF airways, P. aeruginosa CF strains often exhibit remarkable phenotypic diversity, as documented from the appearance of multiple colony morphology variants, including the mucoid phenotype, the development of hypermutability AZD9291 manufacturer and various degree of antimicrobial resistance (Doggett, 1969; Hoiby, 1977; Ciofu et al., 1994; Oliver et al., 2000). It has been proposed that this diversity is associated with specialized adaptation

to the different compartments in the CF airways (Bjarnsholt et al., 2009; Hassett et al., 2010; Mowat et al., 2011). The tolerance of biofilms to antibiotics is a physiological condition that does not involve mutations in resistance genes and allows the bacteria to survive, but not necessarily grow, in the presence of antibiotic concentrations above their planktonic minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (Ciofu & Tolker-Nielsen, 2011). Recent research has shown that biofilm tolerance GNA12 is multifactorial, involving restricted penetration, differential metabolic/physiological activity in bacterial subpopulations of biofilms, presence of persisters and activation of biofilm-specific genes (Fux et al., 2005; Williamson et al., 2012). Here we address the question of how the antibiotic tolerance of biofilms is affected by mucoidy, hypermutability and antibiotic resistance of planktonic cells, based on in vitro investigations. A discussion of the therapeutic recommendations in light of the in vitro results is presented.