bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Expression and Roles of Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Determinants during Colonization and Disease
Authors: Jenkins Amy , Diep Binh An , Mai Thuy T. , Vo Nhung H. , Warrener Paul , Suzich Joann , Stover C. Kendall , Sellman Bret R. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a Gram-positive, commensal bacterium known to asymptomatically colonize the human skin, nares, and gastrointestinal tract. Colonized individuals are at increased risk for developing S. aureus infections, which range from mild skin and soft tissue infections to more severe diseases, such as endocarditis, bacteremia, sepsis, and osteomyelitis. Different virulence factors are required for S. aureus to infect different body sites. In this study, virulence gene expression was analyzed in two S. aureus isolates during nasal colonization, bacteremia and in the heart during sepsis. These models were chosen to represent the stepwise progression of S. aureus from an asymptomatic colonizer to an invasive pathogen. Expression of 23 putative S. aureus virulence determinants, representing protein and carbohydrate adhesins, secreted toxins, and proteins involved in metal cation acquisition and immune evasion were analyzed. Consistent upregulation of
sdrC
,
fnbA
,
fhuD
,
sstD
, and
hla
was observed in the shift between colonization and invasive pathogen, suggesting a prominent role for these genes in staphylococcal pathogenesis. Finally, gene expression data were correlated to the roles of the genes in pathogenesis by using knockout mutants in the animal models. These results provide insights into how S. aureus modifies virulence gene expression between commensal and invasive pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
Many bacteria, such as
Staphylococcus aureus
, asymptomatically colonize human skin and nasal passages but can also cause invasive diseases, such as bacteremia, pneumonia, sepsis, and osteomyelitis. The goal of this study was to analyze differences in the expression of selected S. aureus genes during a commensal lifestyle and as an invasive pathogen to gain insight into the commensal-to-pathogen transition and how a bacterial pathogen adapts to different environments within a host (e.g., from nasal colonization to invasive pathogen). The gene expression data were also used to select genes for which to construct knockout mutants to assess the role of several proteins in nasal colonization and lethal bacteremia. These results not only provide insight into the factors involved in S. aureus disease pathogenesis but also provide potential therapeutic targets.
In Vivo
Transcriptional Profiling of Yersinia pestis Reveals a Novel Bacterial Mediator of Pulmonary Inflammation
Authors: Pechous Roger D. , Broberg Christopher A. , Stasulli Nikolas M. , Miller Virginia L. , Goldman William E. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

Inhalation of
Yersinia pestis
results in primary pneumonic plague, a highly lethal and rapidly progressing necrotizing pneumonia. The disease begins with a period of extensive bacterial replication in the absence of disease symptoms, followed by the sudden onset of inflammatory responses that ultimately prove fatal. Very little is known about the bacterial and host factors that contribute to the rapid biphasic progression of pneumonic plague. In this work, we analyzed the
in vivo
transcription kinetics of 288 bacterial open reading frames previously shown by microarray analysis to be dynamically regulated in the lung. Using this approach combined with bacterial genetics, we were able to identify five Y. pestis genes that contribute to the development of pneumonic plague. Deletion of one of these genes,
ybtX
, did not alter bacterial survival but attenuated host inflammatory responses during late-stage disease. Deletion of
ybtX
in another lethal respiratory pathogen,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, also resulted in diminished host inflammation during infection. Thus, our
in vivo
transcriptional screen has identified an important inflammatory mediator that is common to two Gram-negative bacterial pathogens that cause severe pneumonia.

IMPORTANCE
Yersinia pestis is responsible for at least three major pandemics, most notably the Black Death of the Middle Ages. Due to its pandemic potential, ease of dissemination by aerosolization, and a history of its weaponization, Y. pestis is categorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a tier 1 select agent most likely to be used as a biological weapon. To date, there is no licensed vaccine against Y. pestis. Importantly, an early “silent” phase followed by the rapid onset of nondescript influenza-like symptoms makes timely treatment of pneumonic plague difficult. A more detailed understanding of the bacterial and host factors that contribute to pathogenesis is essential to understanding the progression of pneumonic plague and developing or enhancing treatment options.
Novel Components of the Toxoplasma Inner Membrane Complex Revealed by BioID
Authors: Chen Allan L. , Kim Elliot W. , Toh Justin Y. , Vashisht Ajay A. , Rashoff Andrew Q. , Van Christina , Huang Amy S. , Moon Andy S. , Bell Hannah N. , Bentolila Laurent A. , Wohlschlegel James A. , Bradley Peter J. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

The inner membrane complex (IMC) of
Toxoplasma gondii
is a peripheral membrane system that is composed of flattened alveolar sacs that underlie the plasma membrane, coupled to a supporting cytoskeletal network. The IMC plays important roles in parasite replication, motility, and host cell invasion. Despite these central roles in the biology of the parasite, the proteins that constitute the IMC are largely unknown. In this study, we have adapted a technique named proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) for use in T. gondii to identify novel components of the IMC. Using IMC proteins in both the alveoli and the cytoskeletal network as bait, we have uncovered a total of 19 new IMC proteins in both of these suborganellar compartments, two of which we functionally evaluate by gene knockout. Importantly, labeling of IMC proteins using this approach has revealed a group of proteins that localize to the sutures of the alveolar sacs that have been seen in their entirety in Toxoplasma species only by freeze fracture electron microscopy. Collectively, our study greatly expands the repertoire of known proteins in the IMC and experimentally validates BioID as a strategy for discovering novel constituents of specific cellular compartments of T. gondii.

IMPORTANCE
The identification of binding partners is critical for determining protein function within cellular compartments. However, discovery of protein-protein interactions within membrane or cytoskeletal compartments is challenging, particularly for transient or unstable interactions that are often disrupted by experimental manipulation of these compartments. To circumvent these problems, we adapted an
in vivo
biotinylation technique called BioID for Toxoplasma species to identify binding partners and proximal proteins within native cellular environments. We used BioID to identify 19 novel proteins in the parasite IMC, an organelle consisting of fused membrane sacs and an underlying cytoskeleton, whose protein composition is largely unknown. We also demonstrate the power of BioID for targeted discovery of proteins within specific compartments, such as the IMC cytoskeleton. In addition, we uncovered a new group of proteins localizing to the alveolar sutures of the IMC. BioID promises to reveal new insights on protein constituents and interactions within cellular compartments of Toxoplasma.
The Short-Term Effects of Acupuncture on Patients with Diabetic Gastroparesis: A Randomised Crossover Study
Authors: Li Guomin , Huang Chengfei , Zhang Xuezhu , Xie Hui , Cheng Haiyan , Tang Yinshan , Li Zhigang 
Published: February 2015

Background Acupuncture may improve gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with various disorders, but its efficacy in diabetic gastroparesis is unclear. Objective To evaluate the short-term effects of acupuncture on gastric emptying and gastroparesis symptoms in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. Methods In a single-blind controlled crossover trial, 25 patients with diabetic gastroparesis were randomly assigned to undergo 1 week of real acupuncture (RA) treatment followed by 1 week of sham acupuncture (SA) treatment, or vice versa, with a washout of 1 month in between. Before and after each intervention, gastric retention, the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels were measured. Results 21 patients completed the study. Compared with SA treatment, RA treatment was associated with significantly greater reductions in gastric retention at 2 h (−11.1±7.0%; 95% CI −13.6% to −6.2%; p<0.01) and at 4 h (−5.0±2.8%; 95% CI −6.0% to −0.2%; p=0.04) and in GCSI score (−8.0±3.4; 95% CI −8.4 to −2.8; p<0.01). There were no significant differences in FBG and HbA1c levels between RA and SA treatments. Conclusions In patients with diabetic gastroparesis, 1 week of short-term manual acupuncture reduces gastric retention and improves gastroparesis symptoms.
Napping, development and health from 0 to 5 years: a systematic review
Authors: Thorpe Karen , Staton Sally , Sawyer Emily , Pattinson Cassandra , Haden Catherine , Smith Simon 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundDuration and quality of sleep affect child development and health. Encouragement of napping in preschool children has been suggested as a health-promoting strategy.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to assess evidence regarding the effects of napping on measures of child development and health.DesignThis study is a systematic review of published, original research articles of any design.SubjectsChildren aged 0–5 years.MethodElectronic database search was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and assessment of research quality was carried out following a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) protocol.ResultsTwenty-six articles met inclusion criteria. These were of heterogeneous quality; all had observational designs (GRADE-low). Development and health outcomes included salivary cortisol, night sleep, cognition, behaviour, obesity and accidents. The findings regarding cognition, behaviour and health impacts were inconsistent, probably because of variation in age and habitual napping status of the samples. The most consistent finding was an association between napping and later onset, shorter duration and poorer quality of night sleep, with evidence strongest beyond the age of 2 years.LimitationsStudies were not randomised. Most did not obtain data on the children's habitual napping status or the context of napping. Many were reliant on parent report rather than direct observation or physiological measurement of sleep behaviour.ConclusionsThe evidence indicates that beyond the age of 2 years napping is associated with later night sleep onset and both reduced sleep quality and duration. The evidence regarding behaviour, health and cognition is less certain. There is a need for more systematic studies that use stronger designs. In preschool children presenting with sleep problems clinicians should investigate napping patterns.
Pulmonary function as a risk factor for dementia death: an individual participant meta-analysis of six UK general population cohort studies
Authors: Russ Tom C , Starr John M , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Kivimäki Mika , Batty G David 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundIn addition to being associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality, lung function has been linked with dementia. However, existing studies typically provide imprecise estimates due to small numbers of outcome events and are based on unrepresentative samples of the general population.MethodsIndividual participant meta-analysis of six cohort studies from the Health Survey for England and the Scottish Health Survey (total N=54 671). Dementia-related mortality was identified by mention of dementia on any part of the death certificate (mean follow-up 11.7 years). Study-specific Cox proportional hazard models of the association between lung function and dementia-related death were pooled using random effect meta-analysis to produce overall results.ResultsThere was a dose–response association between poorer lung function and a higher risk of dementia-related death (age- and sex-adjusted HR compared to highest quartile of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), 95% CI: second quartile 1.32, 0.99 to 1.76; third quartile 1.78, 1.30 to 2.43; fourth (lowest) quartile 2.74, 1.73 to 4.32). There was no significant heterogeneity in study-specific estimates (I2=0%). Controlling for height, socioeconomic status, smoking and general health attenuated but did not remove the association (second quartile 1.15, 0.82 to 1.62; third quartile 1.37, 0.96 to 1.94; fourth quartile 2.09, 1.17 to 3.71). Results for forced vital capacity and peak flow were similar.ConclusionsIn these general population samples, the relation between three measures of lung function and dementia death followed a dose–response gradient. Being in the bottom quartile of lung function was associated with a doubling of the risk.
Outcome of oesophagogastric carcinoma in young patients
Authors: Bowrey D J , Clark G W B , Rees B I , Williams G T , Carey P D 
Published: February 2015

Summary
The survival of young patients (⩽ 50 years of age) with carcinoma of the oesophagus or stomach has been reported to be poorer than that of their older counterparts. The aim of the current study was to review the outcome of such young patients with oesophagogastric cancer and to compare the outcome in patients with carcinoma of the oesophagus/cardia with patients with carcinoma of the more distal stomach. The study population was 50 patients. Tumour location was oesophagus/cardia (n=33) and gastric body/antrum (n=17). The most common presenting symptoms were weight loss (66%), epigastric pain (54%), dysphagia (50%), and heartburn (40%). Seventeen patients had experienced foregut symptoms for a period of ⩾6 months. These patients were more likely to have symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and to have received acid suppression therapy than patients with shorter symptom durations. Only 20 patients underwent a potentially curative resection, while 10 underwent open and close laparotomy. The overall median survival was 7 months and the 5-year survival was 8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that surgical resection and UICC stage were the only factors that significantly influenced survival. There was no difference in the survival of patients with proximally situated tumours compared to those with distally located tumours. Wide variations in clinical practice were seen between different surgeons. Consequently, a multidisciplinary team designed to manage all patients with oesophagogastric cancer according to nationally agreed protocols has been established in our hospital. Earlier diagnosis of these tumours is to be encouraged, even if this necessitates the more liberal use of endoscopy in the evaluation of young patients with persistent foregut symptoms.
Hyponatraemia and seizures after ecstasy use
Authors: Holmes Simon B , Banerjee Anindo K , Alexander William D 
Published: February 2015

Summary
A patient presented to our unit with seizures and profound hyponatraemia after ingestion of a single tablet of ecstasy. The seizures proved resistant to therapy and ventilation on the intensive care unit was required. Resolution of the seizures occurred on correction of the metabolic abnormalities. The pathogenesis of seizures and hyponatraemia after ecstasy use is discussed. Ecstasy use should be considered in any young patient presenting with unexplained seizures and attention should be directed towards electrolyte levels, particularly sodium.
A case of ureteric obstruction, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and carcinoid tumour
Authors: Dev S , Al-Dujaily S , Subbuswamy S G 
Published: February 2015

Summary
We report the incidental finding at surgery for retroperitoneal fibrosis of a carcinoid tumour causing complete right ureteric obstruction. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is an uncommon inflammatory disease that leads to extensive fibrosis throughout the retroperitoneum. It can occur at any age, peak incidence being in patients between 40 and 60 years of age. Carcinoid tumours arise from enterochromaffin or amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation cells that occur in gastrointestinal tract. Carcinoid tumours are an uncommon clinical entity and incidence varies with gender and age. No association between retroperitoneal fibrosis and carcinoid tumour has been previously reported in the English literature, although one case has been reported in a French journal.
Tuberculosis presenting as deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Gogna A , Pradhan G R , Sinha R S K , Gupta B 
Published: February 2015

Summary
We present two cases, women of 21 and 60 years old, who presented with deep vein thrombosis. Both cases had retroperitoneal para-aortic and iliac lymph node enlargement without any malignancy or other predisposing thrombophilic factors. Investigations revealed tubercular aetiology of the lymph nodes causing venae caval obstruction.
Surgical treatment of oesophageal obstruction after ingestion of a granular laxative
Authors: Brown D C , Doughty J C , George W D 
Published: February 2015

Summary
A case of oesophageal obstruction after ingestion of a granular laxative in a 91-year-old man is presented. There was no predisposing oesophageal disease. The severity of obstruction prevented endoscopic clearance and the patient required gastrotomy and manual disimpaction of the lower oesophagus.
Non-invasive testing for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Stone Margaret A 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Confirmed and potential benefits of eradicating Helicobacter pylori have led to the development of a range of diagnostic tests. As well as techniques using biopsy tissue obtained during endoscopy, a number of non-invasive tests are now available. These may be appropriate for pre-endoscopy screening of younger dyspeptics, for use in research, particularly epidemiological surveys, to confirm successful eradication after treatment, and possibly in the future for screening in asymptomatic populations. Serology requiring laboratory analysis is likely to be the least expensive option, particularly suitable for testing large numbers, while urea breath tests should yield the most accurate results and are appropriate for confirming successful eradication since only current infection is detected. The performance of near-patient tests can lack consistency, but these may be useful for small numbers and where other non-invasive testing is unavailable. Tests should be used with an awareness of their potential limitations in terms of accuracy.
Dietary linoleic acid, immune inhibition and disease
Authors: Sammon Alastair M 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Review of the evidence available in published literature supports a radical change in viewpoint with respect to disease in countries where maize is the predominant dietary component. In these countries, the pattern of disease is largely determined by a change in immune profile caused by metabolites of dietary linoleic acid. High intake of linoleic acid in a diet deficient in other polyunsaturated fatty acids and in riboflavin results in high tissue production of prostaglandin E2, which in turn causes inhibition of the proliferation and cytokine production of Th1 cells, mediators of cellular immunity. Tuberculosis, measles, hepatoma, secondary infection in HIV and kwashiorkor are all favoured by this reduction in cellular immunity. Diet-associated inhibition of the Th1 subset is a major contributor to the high prevalence of these diseases found in areas of sub-Saharan Africa where maize is the staple.
Experience with invasive Candida infections
Authors: Girishkumar Hanasoge , Yousuf Arshad M , Chivate Jayant , Geisler Edward 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Between January and July 1995, 227 patients at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center had positive fungal cultures.Candida spp were the most common fungi isolated. Forty-three patients with invasive disease, as indicated by fungus-positive blood cultures, became the focus of our study.C albicans caused fungaemia in 21 patients (49%). Twenty-eight patients (65%) were less than 50 years of age; three were neonates. The most common presenting symptoms were fever, chills, and weakness (20 patients, 47%). Thirty patients died, giving a mortality rate of 70%. The patients who died stayed in the hospital an average of 49 days.
The highest mortality occurred among patients who became bacteraemic before or at the same time they became candidaemic (24 of 26 patients) or who were receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics (20 of 26 patients). We also found high mortality rates from invasive fungal infection among patients with HIV infection, a central venous catheter, and liver, renal, or respiratory failure. We did not find any increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infection or mortality among leukopenic or diabetic patients.
Simultaneous onset of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in identical middle-aged twins
Authors: Sutton A G C , Somasundram U , Hall J A 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is a primary myocardial disease which is characterised by left ventricular, or biventricular, dilatation and impaired contractility. The precise aetiology is unknown and the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors is debated. We report two identical male twins of Caucasian origin with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy who presented within a few months of each other.
Internal iliac artery embolisation for intractable bladder haemorrhage in the peri-operative phase
Authors: Gujral Sandeep , Bell Richard , Kabala Julian , Persad Rajendra 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Intractable haemorrhage from the bladder wall during transurethral resection of bladder tumour is uncommon but potentially catastrophic. Internal iliac artery embolisation is a minimally invasive technique, which is now widely practised to stop bleeding from branches of these arteries in situations including pelvic malignancy, obstetric and gynaecological emergencies and trauma. We report its successful use peri-operatively, in an unfit, elderly patient with uncontrolled bleeding.
Hypokalaemic paralysis
Authors: Ahlawat Sushil K , Sachdev Anita 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Hypokalaemic paralysis is a relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening clinical syndrome. If recognised and treated appropriately, patients recover without any clinical sequellae. The syndrome of hypokalaemic paralysis represents a heterogenous group of disorders characterised clinically by hypokalaemia and acute systemic weakness. Most cases are due to familial or primary hypokalaemic periodic paralysis; sporadic cases are associated with numerous other conditions including barium poisoning, hyperthyroidism, renal disorders, certain endocrinopathies and gastrointestinal potassium losses. The age of onset, race, family history, medications, and underlying disease states can help in identifying the cause of hypokalaemic paralysis. Initial therapy of the patient with hypokalaemic paralysis includes potassium replacement and search for underlying aetiology. Further management depends on the aetiology of hypokalaemia, severity of symptoms, and duration of disease. This review presents the differential diagnosis for hypokalaemic paralysis and discusses management of the syndrome.