bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ESX‐1 secreted virulence factors are recognized by multiple cytosolic AAA ATPases in pathogenic mycobacteria
Authors: DiGiuseppe Champion Patricia A. , Champion Matthew M. , Manzanillo Paolo , Cox Jeffery S. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe ESX‐1 secretion system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis delivers bacterial virulence factors to host cells during infection. The most abundant factor, the ESAT‐6/CFP‐10 dimer, is targeted for secretion via a C‐terminal signal sequence on CFP‐10 that is recognized by the cytosolic ATPase, Rv3871. However, the selection determinants for other ESX‐1 substrates appear to be more complex. Some substrates, such as ESAT‐6, are secreted despite lacking signal sequences. Furthermore, all substrates require targeting of the other ESX‐1 secreted proteins, a distinguishing feature of this system. How ESX‐1 substrates are selected and the basis for co‐dependent secretion is unknown. Here we show that the EspC substrate interacts with Rv3868, a cytosolic AAA ATPase, through its C‐terminus. Swapping the C‐termini of EspC and CFP‐10 revealed that these signals are functionally distinct, suggesting that the proteins are targeted via interactions with different ATPases. Surprisingly, biochemical purification experiments demonstrate that these substrates and ATPases form multi‐protein complexes inside the cell and identified a new secreted substrate. By interfering with this protein interaction network, we have partially uncoupled co‐dependent substrate secretion. Our results suggest that proper functioning of the ESX‐1 pathway requires the interaction of multiple ESX‐1 substrates and components prior to their secretion. Ultimately, understanding the details of ESX‐1 targeting may allow for engineering of better vaccines to prevent tuberculosis.
SirA enforces diploidy by inhibiting the replication initiator DnaA during spore formation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Wagner Jennifer K. , Marquis Kathleen A. , Rudner David Z. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryHow cells maintain their ploidy is relevant to cellular development and disease. Here, we investigate the mechanism by which the bacterium Bacillus subtilis enforces diploidy as it differentiates into a dormant spore. We demonstrate that a sporulation‐induced protein SirA (originally annotated YneE) blocks new rounds of replication by targeting the highly conserved replication initiation factor DnaA. We show that SirA interacts with DnaA and displaces it from the replication origin. As a result, expression of SirA during growth rapidly blocks replication and causes cell death in a DnaA‐dependent manner. Finally, cells lacking SirA over‐replicate during sporulation. These results support a model in which induction of SirA enforces diploidy by inhibiting replication initiation as B. subtilis cells develop into spores.
Schistosomiasis and liver fibrosis
Authors: ANDRADE Z. A. 
Published: August 2009

Summary Schistosoma mansoni infection invariably results in liver fibrosis of the host. This fibrosis may be represented by small focal areas of chronic inflammation and excess extracellular matrix deposited in periovular granulomas, distributed in variable numbers at the periphery of the portal vein system. This is the outcome of 90% of the infected population in endemic areas. Conversely, a minority of infected individuals develop extensive disease with numerous granulomas along the entire extension of the portal spaces. This latter situation is mainly dependent on special hemodynamic changes created by a heavy worm load, with the subsequent production of numerous eggs and represents a severe form of a peculiar chronic hepatopathy. Thus, host–parasite interactions in schistosomiasis help us to understand a number of important features of liver fibrosis: its initiation and regulation, the significance of accompanying vascular changes, the dynamics of fibrosis formation and regression with antiparasitic treatment; host genetic and immunological contributions, and the pathophysiology of portal hypertension.
An international quality control programme for PRISM chemiluminescent immunoassays in blood service and blood product laboratories
Authors: Walker S. , Dimech W. , Kiely P. , Smeh K. , Francis B. , Karakaltsas M. , Dax E. M. 
Published: August 2009

Background  Laboratories screening for blood‐borne virus infections in blood and blood products are required by international standards and guidelines to ensure that their testing processes remain within control. An effective means of ensuring this aim is through participation in a quality control programme. Analyses of results from a quality control (QC) programme conducted for the Abbott PRISM (PRISM) assays are reported.Materials and methods  Laboratories participating in the National Serology Reference Laboratory, Australia's PRISM QC programme were provided with aliquots of a multimarker QC sample which were tested regularly in each PRISM subchannel. Test results were submitted to a single database using an Internet‐based QC monitoring system, EDCNet. The QC test results submitted between 15 October 2001 and 5 March 2006 for each PRISM instrument and each lot of PRISM reagent were analysed to determine the imprecision and bias in each test system.Results  A total of 157 404 test results from approximately 47 000 test runs submitted into the EDCNet database were analysed. Six batches of the multimarker QC samples were tested in 454 PRISM reagent lots. The coefficient of variation of QC sample test results ranged from 9·17 to 15·83%, 8·29 to 9·44%, 10·50 to 15·38% and 7·05 to 10·32% when tested in the PRISM anti‐hepatitis C virus, anti‐human immunodeficiency virus, anti‐human T‐cell lymphotrophic virus and hepatitis B surface antigen assays, respectively. Analysis of QC test results reported from testing in the anti‐HTLV assay detected one lot of reagent (10572HN00) which was identified to be an outlier using Tukey's filter.Discussion  Analysis of test results of an external QC sample can be used as a statistical process control through ongoing measurement of imprecision. When laboratories test the same QC sample in the same assay and submit test results to a single database, the results can be compared and a measure of bias can be calculated. The resulting QC programme can offer detection of unexpected variation in the testing processes and the source of variation investigated.
Detection of Chalara fraxinea from tissue of Fraxinus excelsior using species‐specific ITS primers
Authors: Johansson S. B. K. , Vasaitis R. , Ihrmark K. , Barklund P. , Stenlid J. 
Published: August 2009

Summary Chalara fraxinea (teleomorph: Hymenoscyphus albidus) is known as a serious pathogen of Fraxinus excelsior, causing massive dieback of trees in Europe. The fungus is able to cause latent infections, and has been previously detected as an endophyte in asymptomatic tissues. Chalara fraxinea is a slow grower in culture, and is thus likely to be overgrown by faster growing fungi whenever pure culture isolations are being attempted. This study reports species‐specific ITS primers allowing fast and reliable detection of the pathogen directly from infected tissues of F. excelsior.
Genetic distinctions among the Mediterranean and Chinese populations ofBemisia tabaciQ biotype and their endosymbiontWolbachiapopulations
Authors: Ahmed M. Z. , Shatters R. G. , Ren S.‐X. , Jin G.‐H. , Mandour N. S. , Qiu B.‐L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe sweetpotato whitefly,Bemisia tabaci, is a cryptic species complex composed of more than 24 different biotypes around the world. The Q biotype ofB. tabaci, which is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean Basin, is now a widespread and serious agricultural pest. In this study, the genetic differences among Q biotype populations from Mediterranean countries and China were investigated. Based on their mt COI gene sequences, the Q biotype populations could be divided into two groups, which were labelled as MedBasin 1 and MedBasin 2. MedBasin 1 is indigenous to the western Mediterranean area while MedBasin 2 is indigenous to the eastern Mediterranean area. Genetic variation was greater in the MedBasin 1 populations than in the MedBasin 2 populations. Unlike the introductions into the USA, which involved both Medbasin1 and MedBasin2 populations, allB. tabaciQ biotype populations in China belonged to MedBasin 1.Wolbachiadetection in eight representative Q biotype populations from China, Egypt and Syria indicated that all of the populations were infested withWolbachia, and the infection rate of the Chinese populations (42.5%) were not significantly different from that of Egypt and Syria (51.4%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the evolution of theWolbachiapopulations was not closely linked with the evolution of theirB. tabacihosts.
Respiration partitioning in contrasting subtidal sediments: seasonality and response to a spring phytoplankton deposition
Authors: Franco Maria de Assunção , Vanaverbeke Jan , Van Oevelen Dick , Soetaert Karline , Costa Maria José , Vincx Magda , Moens Tom 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBiomass and respiration rates of bacteria, nematodes and macrobenthos were estimated in relation to the deposition of the spring phytoplankton bloom at two contrasting sites in the Southern North Sea: one with fine‐grained sediment close to the coastline and another with highly permeable sediments. Sediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC) was also measured. Bacterial biomass was relatively similar at both stations, whereas nematode and macrobenthic biomass were higher in fine‐grained sediment. In fine sediments, bacterial biomass increased quickly after deposition of the phytoplankton bloom, whereas the response of nematodes and macrobenthos was delayed. In coarser sediments, nematodes and macrobenthos also showed a fast response in terms of density and biomass. Respiration in permeable sediments was mainly dominated by bacteria at all periods of the year. Hence, nematode and macrobenthic respiration did not contribute strongly to SCOC. This is in contrast to the patterns observed in finer sediments, where both macrofauna and nematodes were important oxygen consumers as well. Macrobenthos contributed more to total SCOC than did nematodes in winter. However, shortly after the arrival of phytodetritus at the sea floor, nematodes and macrobenthos contributed equally to the total SCOC, indicating that all benthic size classes should be taken into account when investigating marine benthic respiration rates.
Cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Saksenaea vasiformis following water‐related wound in a 24‐year‐old immunocompetent woman
Authors: Stewardson Andrew J. , Holmes Natasha E. , Ellis David H. , Howden Benjamin P. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryWe describe a case of cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Saksenaea vasiformis in an immunocompetent 24‐year‐old woman. Diagnosis was based on histological and microbiological examination. The patient made a complete recovery with surgical debridement and antifungal therapy (liposomal amphotericin and posaconazole).
Effects of terlipressin on systemic, hepatic and renal hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Narahara Yoshiyuki , Kanazawa Hidenori , Taki Yasuhiko , Kimura Yuu , Atsukawa Masanori , Katakura Tamaki , Kidokoro Hideko , Harimoto Hirotomo , Fukuda Takeshi , Matsushita Yoko , Nakatsuka Katsuhisa , Sakamoto Choitsu 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Terlipressin has been shown to be effective in the management of hepatorenal syndrome. However, how terlipressin exerts its effect on the renal artery is unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of terlipressin on systemic, hepatic and renal hemodynamics in cirrhosis.Methods:  Twenty‐eight patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension were studied. Systemic and hepatic hemodynamics, hepatic and renal arterial resistive indices and neurohumoral factors were measured prior to and 30 min after intravenous administration of 1 mg terlipressin (n = 19) or placebo (n = 9).Results:  After terlipressin, there were significant increases in both mean arterial pressure (P < 0.001) and systemic vascular resistance (P < 0.001), whereas heart rate (P < 0.001) and cardiac output (P < 0.001) decreased significantly. There was a significant decrease in the hepatic venous pressure gradient (P < 0.001). Portal venous blood flow also decreased significantly (P < 0.001). The mean hepatic arterial velocity increased significantly (P < 0.001). Although there was a significant decrease in the hepatic arterial resistive index (0.72 ± 0.08 to 0.69 ± 0.08, P < 0.001) and renal arterial resistive index (0.74 ± 0.07 to 0.68 ± 0.07, P < 0.001), portal vascular resistance was unchanged (P = 0.231). Plasma renin activity decreased significantly (P < 0.005), and there was a significant correlation between this decline and the decrease in renal arterial resistive index (r = 0.764, P < 0.005). The effects of terlipressin on systemic, hepatic and renal hemodynamics were observed similarly in patients with and without ascites. Placebo caused no significant effects.Conclusion:  Terlipressin decreases hepatic and renal arterial resistance in patients with cirrhosis.
Interleukin‐27 polymorphisms are associated with inflammatory bowel diseases in a Korean population
Authors: Li Chun‐Shi , Zhang Qinggao , Lee Kwang‐Jae , Cho Sung‐Won , Lee Kee‐Myung , Hahm Ki‐Baik , Choi Suck‐Chei , Yun Ki‐Jung , Chung Hun‐Taeg , Chae Soo‐Cheon 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The cytokine interleukin (IL)‐27 is composed of two subunits, Epstein–Barr virus‐induced gene 3 (EBI3) and p28, and IL‐27 is a novel IL‐12 family member that mediates between the innate and adaptive immune systems. We previously identified four polymorphisms in the human IL‐27 gene and we suggested that the polymorphism of IL‐27 is associated with the susceptibility to asthma. IL‐27 transcripts are significantly elevated in active Crohn's disease (CD) but not in ulcerative colitis (UC). To determine whether these IL‐27 single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the genotype and allelic frequencies of the IL‐27 polymorphisms were analyzed between the IBD patients and the healthy controls.Methods:  Genotype analysis of the IL‐27 gene was performed by the single‐base extension (SBE) method. The haplotype frequencies of IL‐27 for multiple loci were estimated using the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm.Results:  The genotype frequencies of the g.‐964A > G polymorphism in the IBD patients were significantly different from those of the healthy control group (P = 0.001). In both the UC and CD patients, the genotype frequencies of the g.‐964A > G polymorphism were also significantly different from the frequencies of the healthy control group (P = 0.009). The frequencies of the AGT and GGT haplotypes were significantly different between the healthy control group and the IBD patient group (P = 0.00004 and 0.021, respectively).Conclusion:  Our results suggest that the g.‐964A > G polymorphism of the IL‐27 gene located on the IBD1 locus might be associated with the susceptibility to IBD.
Propranolol reduces variceal pressure and wall tension in schistosomiasis presinusoidal portal hypertension
Authors: Farias Alberto Queiroz , Kassab Fabio , Da Rocha Evandra Cristina Vieira , Dos Santos Bomfim Valdinélia , Vezozzo Denise Cerqueira Paranaguá , Bittencourt Paulo Lisboa , Carrilho Flair José 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Although prophylaxis with β‐blockers has been shown to decrease variceal pressure and wall tension in cirrhotic patients, this has not been demonstrated in non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension caused by Schistosoma mansoni infection.Methods:  Thirteen patients without history of previous gastrointestinal bleeding were included. All of them had high‐risk esophageal varices at endoscopy. An endoscopic gauge and a high‐frequency endoscopic ultrasonography miniprobe were used to assess transmural variceal pressure and wall tension before and after achieving β‐blockade with propranolol.Results:  Baseline variceal pressure decreased from 13.3 ± 3.5 to 8.2 ± 2.0 mmHg (P < 0.0001) and wall tension from 500.2 ± 279.8 to 274.0 ± 108.3 mg.mm−1. The overall effect of propranolol on decreasing variceal pressure and wall tension expressed in percentage change in relation to baseline values was 35.7 ± 18.4% and 35.9 ± 26.7%, respectively (P = 0.9993).Conclusion:  Propranolol significantly reduced variceal pressure and wall tension in schistosomiasis.
Validation of model for end‐stage liver disease score to serum sodium ratio index as a prognostic predictor in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Lv Xiao‐Hui , Liu Hong‐Bo , Wang Ying , Wang Bing‐Yuan , Song Min , Sun Ming‐Jun 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the prognostic ability of model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) to serum sodium (SNa) ratio (MESO) index and to compare the predictive accuracy of the MESO index with the MELD score and the modified Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score for short‐term survival in cirrhotic patients.Methods:  A total of 256 patients with cirrhosis were retrospectively evaluated. The predictive accuracy of the MESO index, MELD score and modified CTP score were compared by the area under the receiver–operator characteristic curve (AUC).Results:  Using 1‐month and 3‐month mortality as the end‐point, overall, MESO and MELD were significantly better than the CTP score in predicting the risk of mortality at 1 month (AUC, 0.866,0.819 vs 0.722, P < 0.01) and 3 months (AUC, 0.875,0.820 vs 0.721, P < 0.01). In the low MELD group, the AUC of MESO index (0.758, 0.759) and CTP score (0.754, 0.732) were higher than that of the MELD score (0.608, 0.611) at 1 month and 3 months, respectively (P < 0.01). However, in the high MELD group, the AUC of MESO index (0.762, 0.779) and MELD (0.737, 0.773) were higher than that of the CTP score (0.710, 0.752) at 1 month and 3 months, respectively, although there were no significant differences (P > 0.05). With appropriate cut‐offs for the MESO index, the mortality rate of patients in high MESO was higher (57.1% at 1 month and 69.2% at 3 months) than that of the low MESO (5.5% at 1 month and 7.9% at 3 months) (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  The MESO index, which adds SNa to MELD, is a useful prognostic marker and is found to be superior to the MELD score and modified CTP score for short‐term prognostication of patients with cirrhosis.
Quantitation of tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) in hepatic and systemic circulation in patients with chronic liver diseases
Authors: Puoti Claudio , Bellis Lia , Guarisco Riccardo , Costanza Olga Mitidieri , Felici Renata , Spilabotti Lucia , Paglia Federica , Galossi Alessandra , Dell' Unto Orlando 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Abnormal serum tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) values are commonly found in patients with chronic liver damage and liver cirrhosis even in the absence of malignancies. The aim of this study was to compare serum TPA levels in patients with cirrhosis, to examine correlations between TPA levels and the degree of portal hypertension, and to evaluate TPA concentrations in paired hepatic and peripheral blood samples.Methods:  A total of 128 patients with chronic liver disease of various severity were studied prospectively. TPA concentrations in hepatic vein and peripheral blood were determined, and Hepatic Vein Pressure Gradient (HVPG) was measured.Results:  TPA levels were significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis than in those with chronic hepatitis, and in systemic circulation than in hepatic vein blood. Peripheral but not hepatic TPA levels did correlate with the HVPG. Subjects with clinically significant portal hypertension (HVPG > 10 mmHg) showed significantly higher peripheral TPA levels than those with HVPG < 10 mmHg.Conclusions:  Our data suggest that the increased TPA levels observed in cirrhotic patients and the high systemic‐to‐hepatic blood TPA gradient are probably due to the presence of portal‐systemic shunts rather than to hepatic necro‐inflammatory activity. In clinical practice, TPA determination could help us to identify and to follow up cirrhotic patients with more severe portal hypertension.
Preoperative colonoscopy for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyung Ook , Hwang Sang Il , Yoo Chang Hak , Kim Hungdai 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  In patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (GA), the most common double primary cancer is colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the necessity of preoperative colonoscopy in patients with GA who have no symptoms of colorectal disease or any past/family history of colorectal cancer.Materials:  Colonoscopy was carried out in 205 patients before gastric surgery for treatment of GA. The prevalence of colorectal neoplasms (CRN, adenoma and adenocarcinoma) was evaluated according to age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and stage, location and differentiation of GA.Results:  The median age and BMI were 59 years (range 32–81) and 22.9 (range 17.0–42.3), respectively. There were 135 male patients (65.9%). Synchronous adenoma and adenocarcinoma were detected in 68 (33.2%) and four (2.0%) patients, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that patients 50 years and older, male or with multiple GA had a significantly higher incidence of CRN (P = 0.005, 0.019, and 0.023, respectively). All of the GA patients with synchronous colorectal adenocarcinoma were older than 50 years. The stage, location and differentiation of GA and BMI did not show a significant difference in the incidence of CRN. Multivariate analysis showed that age (50 years and older) was the only risk factor of CRN in GA patients (odds ratio 2.470; 95% confidence interval 1.058–5.767).Conclusion:  Preoperative colonoscopy for screening of CRN should be considered in GA patients ≥ 50 years because of a relatively high prevalence of CRN and the possibility of synchronous CRC.
Diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of single‐balloon enteroscopy: Series of 106 cases
Authors: Ramchandani Mohan , Reddy D Nageshwar , Gupta Rajesh , Lakhtakia Sandeep , Tandan Manu , Rao Guduru V , Darisetty Santosh 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Single‐balloon enteroscopy (SBE) is a novel method of balloon assisted enteroscopy which allows deep intubation of intestine and has therapeutic potential. This prospective study was done in a tertiary care center to evaluate the feasibility, complications, diagnostic and therapeutic yield of SBE in patients with suspected small bowel disorders.Methods:  One hundred and six patients (mean age 40.1 years, range 12–76 years, 65 men) with suspected small bowel diseases underwent 131 SBE procedures between February 2007 and July 2008.Results:  Indications for SBE included obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) (40), chronic abdominal pain with abnormal imaging studies (34), chronic diarrhea (20), polyposis syndromes (11) and foreign body (1).The mean insertion depth was 255.8 ± 84.5 cm beyond the duodenojejunal flexure by the oral route and 163 ± 59.3 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve by the per anal approach. The mean duration of the procedure for antegrade and retrograde enteroscopy was 65.9 ± 19.5 min and 72.3 ± 18.3 min, respectively. Pan‐enteroscopy was possible in 25% of cases (five of 20 cases in which total enteroscopy was attempted). Diagnostic yields in cases of OGIB, chronic abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea were 60%, 65% and 55%, respectively. Overall new diagnosis was established in 46% and the extent of known disease was assessed in 15% of cases. In 21% of patients, therapeutic interventions were carried out while surgical treatment was directed to 8.4% of the patients. No major complications were observed.Conclusion:  SBE is well tolerated and has good diagnostic yield, having a similar yield to previous double‐balloon enteroscopy reports.