bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examination of
Campylobacter jejuni
Putative Adhesins Leads to the Identification of a New Protein, Designated FlpA, Required for Chicken Colonization
Authors: Flanagan Rebecca C. , Neal-McKinney Jason M. , Dhillon A. Singh , Miller William G. , Konkel Michael E. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter jejuni
colonization of chickens is presumably dependent upon multiple surface-exposed proteins termed adhesins. Putative
C. jejuni
adhesins include CadF, CapA, JlpA, major outer membrane protein, PEB1, Cj1279c, and Cj1349c. We examined the genetic relatedness of 97
C. jejuni
isolates recovered from human, poultry, bovine, porcine, ovine, and canine sources by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and examined their profile of putative adhesin-encoding genes by dot blot hybridization. To assess the individual contribution of each protein in bacterium-host cell adherence, the
C. jejuni
genes encoding the putative adhesins were disrupted by insertional mutagenesis. The phenotype of each mutant was judged by performing in vitro cell adherence assays with chicken LMH hepatocellular carcinoma epithelial cells and in vivo colonization assays with broiler chicks. MLST analysis indicated that the
C. jejuni
isolates utilized in this study were genetically diverse. Dot blot hybridization revealed that the
C. jejuni
genes encoding the putative adhesins, with the exception of
capA
, were conserved among the isolates. The
C. jejuni
CadF, CapA, Cj1279c, and Cj1349c proteins were found to play a significant role in the bacterium's in vitro adherence to chicken epithelial cells, while CadF, PEB1, and Cj1279c were determined to play a significant role in the bacterium's in vivo colonization of broiler chicks. Collectively, the data indicate that Cj1279c is a novel adhesin. Because Cj1279c harbors fibronectin type III domains, we designated the protein FlpA, for
f
ibronectin-
l
ike
p
rotein
A
.
The Pic Protease of Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
Promotes Intestinal Colonization and Growth in the Presence of Mucin
Authors: Harrington Susan M. , Sheikh Jalaluddin , Henderson Ian R. , Ruiz-Perez Fernando , Cohen Paul S. , Nataro James P. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
(EAEC) is increasingly being recognized as a cause of diarrheal disease in diverse populations. No small animal model is currently available to study this pathogen. We report here that conventional mice orally inoculated with prototype EAEC strain 042 generally became colonized, though the abundance of organisms cultured from their stool varied substantially among individual animals. In contrast, mice whose water contained 5 g/liter streptomycin consistently became colonized at high levels (ca. 10
8
CFU/g of stool). Neither conventional nor streptomycin-treated mice developed clinical signs or histopathologic abnormalities. Using specific mutants in competition with the wild-type strain, we evaluated the contribution of several putative EAEC virulence factors to colonization of streptomycin-treated mice. Our data suggest that the dispersin surface protein and Pic, a serine protease autotransporter secreted by EAEC and
Shigella flexneri
, promote colonization of the mouse. In contrast, we found no role for the aggregative adherence fimbriae, the transcriptional activator AggR, or the surface factor termed Air (entero
a
ggregative
i
mmunoglobulin
r
epeat protein). To study Pic further, we constructed a single nucleotide mutation in strain 042 which altered only the Pic catalytic serine (strain 042PicS258A). Fractionation of the tissue at 24 h and 3 days demonstrated an approximate 3-log
10
difference between 042 and 042PicS258A in the lumen and mucus layer and adherent to tissue. Strains 042 and 042PicS258A adhered similarly to mouse tissue ex vivo. While no growth differences were observed in a continuous-flow anaerobic intestinal simulator system, the wild-type strain exhibited a growth advantage over 042PicS258A in a culture of cecal mucus and in cecal contents in vitro; this difference was manifest only after 6 h of growth. Moreover, enhanced growth of the wild type was observed in comparison with that of the mutant in minimal medium containing mucin but not in the absence of mucin. The data suggest a novel metabolic role for the Pic mucinase in EAEC colonization.
Genome Sequence of the Anaerobic, Thermophilic, and Cellulolytic Bacterium “
Anaerocellum thermophilum
” DSM 6725
Authors: Kataeva Irina A. , Yang Sung-Jae , Dam Phuongan , Poole Farris L. , Yin Yanbin , Zhou Fengfeng , Chou Wen-chi , Xu Ying , Goodwin Lynne , Sims David R. , Detter John C. , Hauser Loren J. , Westpheling Janet , Adams Michael W. W. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

“
Anaerocellum thermophilum
” DSM 6725 is a strictly anaerobic bacterium that grows optimally at 75°C. It uses a variety of polysaccharides, including crystalline cellulose and untreated plant biomass, and has potential utility in biomass conversion. Here we report its complete genome sequence of 2.97 Mb, which is contained within one chromosome and two plasmids (of 8.3 and 3.6 kb). The genome encodes a broad set of cellulolytic enzymes, transporters, and pathways for sugar utilization and compared to those of other saccharolytic, anaerobic thermophiles is most similar to that of
Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus
DSM 8903.
The Propeptide of the Metalloprotease ofListeria monocytogenesControls Compartmentalization of the Zymogen during Intracellular Infection
Authors: O'Neil Heather S. , Forster Brian M. , Roberts Kari L. , Chambers Andrew J. , Bitar Alan Pavinski , Marquis Hélène 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTIntegral to the virulence of the intracellular bacterial pathogenListeria monocytogenesis its metalloprotease (Mpl). Mpl regulates the activity and compartmentalization of the bacterial broad-range phospholipase C (PC-PLC). Mpl is secreted as a proprotein that undergoes intramolecular autocatalysis to release its catalytic domain. In related proteases, the propeptide serves as a folding catalyst and can act either incisor intrans. Propeptides can also influence protein compartmentalization and intracellular trafficking or decrease folding kinetics. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of the Mpl propeptide by monitoring the behavior of Mpl synthesized in the absence of its propeptide (MplΔpro) and of two Mpl single-site mutants with unstable propeptides: Mpl(H75V) and Mpl(H95L). We observed that all three Mpl mutants mediate PC-PLC activation when bacteria are grown on semisolid medium, but to a lesser extent than wild-type Mpl, indicating that, although not essential, the propeptide enhances the production of active Mpl. However, the mutant proteins were not functional in infected cells, as determined by monitoring PC-PLC maturation and compartmentalization. This defect could not be rescued by providing the propeptide intransto themplΔpro mutant. We tested the compartmentalization of Mpl during intracellular infection and observed that the mutant Mpl species were aberrantly secreted in the cytosol of infected cells. These data indicated that the propeptide of Mpl serves to maintain bacterium-associated Mpl and that this localization is essential to the function of Mpl during intracellular infection.
Growth Phase and Metal-Dependent Transcriptional Regulation of thefecAGenes inHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Danielli Alberto , Romagnoli Simona , Roncarati Davide , Costantino Lorenzo , Delany Isabel , Scarlato Vincenzo 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTBalancing metal uptake is essential for maintaining a proper intracellular metal concentration. Here, we report the transcriptional control exerted by the two metal-responsive regulators ofHelicobacter pylori, Fur (iron-dependent ferric uptake regulator) and NikR (nickel-responsive regulator), on the three copies of thefecAgenes present in this species. By monitoring the patterns of transcription throughout growth and in response to nickel, iron, and a metal chelator, we found that the expression of the threefecAgenes is temporally regulated, responds to metals in different ways, and is selectively controlled by either one of the two regulators.fecA1is expressed at a constant level throughout growth, and its expression is iron sensitive; the expression offecA2is mainly off, with minor expression coming up in late exponential phase. In contrast, the expression offecA3is maximal in early exponential phase, gradually decreases with time, and is repressed by nickel. The direct roles of Fur and NikR were studied both in vitro, by mapping the binding sites of each regulator on the promoter regions via DNase I footprinting analysis, and in vivo, by using primer extension analyses of thefecAtranscripts infurandnikRdeletion strains. Overall, the results show that the expression of eachfecAgene is finely tuned in response to metal availability, as well as during the bacterial growth phase, suggesting specific and dedicated functions for the three distinct FecA homologues.
Analysis of TenBrucellaGenomes Reveals Evidence for Horizontal Gene Transfer Despite a Preferred Intracellular Lifestyle
Authors: Wattam Alice R. , Williams Kelly P. , Snyder Eric E. , Almeida Nalvo F. , Shukla Maulik , Dickerman A. W. , Crasta O. R. , Kenyon R. , Lu J. , Shallom J. M. , Yoo H. , Ficht T. A. , Tsolis R. M. , Munk C. , Tapia R. , Han C. S. , Detter J. C. , Bruce D. , Brettin T. S. , Sobral Bruno W. , Boyle Stephen M. , Setubal João C. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe facultative intracellular bacterial pathogenBrucellainfects a wide range of warm-blooded land and marine vertebrates and causes brucellosis. Currently, there are nine recognizedBrucellaspecies based on host preferences and phenotypic differences. The availability of 10 different genomes consisting of two chromosomes and representing six of the species allowed for a detailed comparison among themselves and relatives in the orderRhizobiales. Phylogenomic analysis of ortholog families shows limited divergence but distinct radiations, producing four clades as follows:Brucella abortus-Brucella melitensis, Brucella suis-Brucella canis, Brucella ovis, andBrucella ceti. In addition,Brucellaphylogeny does not appear to reflect the phylogeny ofBrucellaspecies' preferred hosts. About 4.6% of protein-coding genes seem to be pseudogenes, which is a relatively large fraction. OnlyB. suis1330 appears to have an intact β-ketoadipate pathway, responsible for utilization of plant-derived compounds. In contrast, this pathway in the other species is highly pseudogenized and consistent with the “domino theory” of gene death. There are distinct shared anomalous regions (SARs) found in both chromosomes as the result of horizontal gene transfer unique toBrucellaand not shared with its closest relativeOchrobactrum, a soil bacterium, suggesting their acquisition occurred in spite of a predominantly intracellular lifestyle. In particular, SAR 2-5 appears to have been acquired byBrucellaafter it became intracellular. The SARs contain many genes, including those involved in O-polysaccharide synthesis and type IV secretion, which if mutated or absent significantly affect the ability ofBrucellato survive intracellularly in the infected host.
A Survey of Acupuncture Treatments in General Practice
Authors: Joseph Peter 
Published: April 2009

This paper represents a retrospective survey of the effectiveness of acupuncture in an urban General Practice setting. Patients were treated within normal surgeries and records kept of treatments and outcomes. The paper reveals that when acupuncture is offered by a General Practitioner in the course of his normal working day, a significant number of patients can benefit without an excessive rise in workload.
Longer-Term Clinical and Economic Benefits of Offering Acupuncture to Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain Assessed as Suitable for Primary Care Management – 3 Month Clinical Outcomes from a Controlled Trial of 241 Patients
Authors: Macpherson H , Thomas K , Brazier J , Fitter M , Thorpe L , Campbell M , Nicholl J , Roman M , Morgan A 
Published: April 2009

Objectives To undertake a pragmatic randomised controlled trial to test the hypothesis that a population of patients with persistent low back pain, when given access to an acupuncture service, gain more relief from pain than those offered usual management only, for equal or less cost. Methods The study is a pragmatic randomised controlled trial (n=241). Suitable patients are identified by their general practitioners. Patients randomised to the experimental arm are offered the option of referral for up to 10 individualised treatments from one of six qualified acupuncture practitioners. The control group continues to receive usual management from their general practitioner. The primary scale used for measuring change is the Bodily Pain (SF–36) at 3 months and 12 months post randomisation. The main outcome is cost-effectiveness at 12 months. Results A total of 43 general practitioners participated in the trial and 241 patients were randomised. All patients randomised to the option of acupuncture chose to receive treatment. Clinical outcomes at 3 months show that the SF-36 Bodily Pain scores improved by 29.4 and 24.9 points in the acupuncture and normal management group respectively (p=0.125). Patients in the acupuncture group reported lower levels of worry at three months (p<0.001). Conclusions It is possible to conduct a large pragmatic randomised controlled trial of acupuncture in a primary care setting. Acupuncture is seen as an acceptable treatment by patients with low back pain. Clinical outcomes at three months suggest that the acupuncture group are in less pain than the control group.
Validating a New Sham (Placebo) Acupuncture Device: Two Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Park J , White AR , Stevinson C , Ernst E , James MA 
Published: April 2009

Background For clinical trials of acupuncture, it would be desirable to have a sham procedure that is indistinguishable from the real treatment, yet inactive. A sham needle has been designed which telescopes instead of penetrating the skin. The Park Sham Device involves an improved method of supporting the sham needle and requires validation. Objective To test whether the sham procedure using the new device is: 1. Indistinguishable from real needles, and 2. Inactive. Design Two subject and assessor-blind, randomized controlled trials. Study samples: Study 1: 58 patients included in a clinical trial of acupuncture for acute stroke. Study 2: 63 healthy, acupuncture naïve, adult volunteers. Intervention: Real or sham acupuncture using the Park Sham Device. Settings: 1. District general hospital, 2. University laboratory. Measurements: 1. The form of treatment that patients believed they had received 2. Experience of de-qi, as judged by three acupuncture experts. Results Study 1: No patient in either group believed s/he had been treated with the sham needle. Study 2: In 40 volunteers for whom experts achieved consensus, the relative risk of experiencing de-qi with real acupuncture to that with sham acupuncture was 15.38 (95% CI 2.26 to 104.86). The inter-rater reliability of all 13 experts, calculated from their judgements on 10 subjects selected by randomisation, was 0.52 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.61). Conclusions Results suggest that the procedure using the new Park Sham Device is both indistinguishable from real acupuncture and inactive. It is therefore a valid control for acupuncture trials. The findings also lend support to the existence of de-qi, a major concept underlying traditional Chinese acupuncture.
Superficial versus Deep Dry Needling
Authors: Baldry Peter 
Published: April 2009

Ninety percent of my patients with myofascial trigger point (MTrP) pain have this alone and are treated with superficial dry needling. Approximately 10% have concomitant MTrP pain and nerve root compression pain. These are treated with deep dry needling. Superficial Dry Needling (SDN) The activated and sensitised nociceptors of a MTrP cause it to be so exquisitely tender that firm pressure applied to it gives rise to a flexion withdrawal reflex (jump sign) and in some cases the utterance of an expletive (shout sign). The optimum strength of SDN at a MTrP site is the minimum necessary to abolish these two reactions. With respect to this patients are divided into strong, average and weak responders. The responsiveness of each individual is determined by trial and error. It is my practice to insert a needle (0.3mm × 30mm) into the tissues immediately overlying the MTrP to a depth of 5–10mm and to leave it in situ long enough for the two reactions to be abolished. For an average reactor this is about 30secs. For a weak reactor it is several minutes. And for a strong reactor the insertion of the needle and its immediate withdrawal is all that is required. Following treatment muscle stretching exercises should be carried out, and any steps taken to eliminate factors that might lead to the reactivation of the MTrPs. Deep Dry Needling (DDN) This in my practice is only used either when primary MTrP activity causes shortening of muscle sufficient enough to bring about compression of nerve roots. Or when there is nerve compression pain usually from spondylosis or disc prolapse and the secondary development of MTrP activity. Unlike SDN, DDN is a painful procedure and one which gives rise to much post-treatment soreness.
Acupuncture Mechanisms for Clinically Relevant Long-Term Effects – Reconsideration and a Hypothesis
Authors: Carlsson Christer 
Published: April 2009

From the author's direct involvement in clinical research, the conclusion has been drawn that clinically relevant long-term pain relieving effects of acupuncture (>6 months) can be seen in a proportion of patients with nociceptive pain. The mechanisms behind such effects are considered in this paper. From the existing experimental data some important conclusions can be drawn: Much of the animal research only represents short-term hypoalgesia probably induced by the mechanisms behind stress-induced analgesia (SIA) and the activation of diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC). Almost all experimental acupuncture research has been performed with electro-acupuncture (EA) even though therapeutic acupuncture is mostly gentle manual acupuncture (MA). Most of the experimental human acupuncture pain threshold (PT) research shows only fast and very short-term hypoalgesia, and, importantly, PT elevation in humans does not predict the clinical outcome. The effects of acupuncture may be divided into two main components – acupuncture analgesia and therapeutic acupuncture.A hypothesis on the mechanisms of therapeutic acupuncture will include: Peripheral events that might improve tissue healing and give rise to local pain relief through axon reflexes, the release of neuropeptides with trophic effects, dichotomising nerve fibres and local endorphins. Spinal mechanisms, for example, gate-control, long-term depression, propriospinal inhibition and the balance between long-term depression and long-term potentiation. Supraspinal mechanisms through the descending pain inhibitory system, DNIC, the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA-axis. Is oxytocin also involved in the long-term effects? Cortical, psychological, “placebo” mechanisms from counselling, reassurance and anxiety reduction.
The role of physical activity in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yates T , Khunti K , Troughton J , Davies M 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Physical activity and weight loss are considered cornerstones of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management programmes. However, there is much controversy and debate surrounding the relative importance of each of these factors in the treatment of T2DM. This review provides an overview of the evidence surrounding the relative importance of physical activity and weight loss in the management of T2DM and highlights key ways of initiating physical activity behaviour change.
Do older patients receive adequate stroke care? An experience of a neurovascular clinic
Authors: Kee Y-Y K , Brooks W , Bhalla A 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
National guidelines and government directives have adopted policies for urgent assessment of patients with a transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke not admitted to hospital. The risk of recurrent stroke increases substantially with age, as does the potential benefit of secondary prevention. In order to develop effective strategies for older patients, it is important to identify how stroke care is currently provided for this patient group.

Methods
Between 2004 and 2006, older patients (&gt;75 years) referred to a neurovascular clinic were compared with younger patients (⩽75 years). Sociodemographic details, clinical features, resource use and secondary prevention in a neurovascular clinic were collected.

Results
Of 379 patients referred to the clinic, 129 (34%) were given a non-stroke diagnosis. Of the remaining 250 patients, 149 (60%) were ⩽75 years. Median time from symptom onset to clinic appointment was similar for the two groups (24 (IQR 15–42) vs 24 (IQR 14–43) days; p = 0.58). Older patients were more likely to be in atrial fibrillation (10.1% vs 22.8%, p&lt;0.001) and have lacunar stroke (34.7% vs 22.1%; p = 0.04). CT rates were similar in the two groups (27.8% vs 80.0%, p = 0.75). Scans were performed more quickly in younger patients (p&lt;0.01). MRI scan rates were higher in younger patients (26% vs 4%, p&lt;0.01), as was carotid Doppler imaging (92% vs 77%, p&lt;0.01). There were no differences in prescribed secondary preventive treatments. Older patients experienced less delay for carotid endarterectomy (49 vs 90 days, p&lt;0.01). Younger patients were more likely to be given advice on weight reduction (30.2% vs 12.9%, p&lt;0.01) and diet (46.3% vs 31.7%, p = 0.02) than older patients.

Conclusions
Older patients were less likely to receive diagnostic investigations and lifestyle modification advice than younger patients. Guidelines need to be adopted to ensure prompt evidence-based stroke care in the outpatient setting.
Weight assessment in cardiac patients: implications for prescription of low molecular weight heparin
Authors: Spicer K , Gibson P , Bloe C , Cross S J , Leslie S J 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackgroundMany drugs such as low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are administered at “patient weight adjusted” doses. Obtaining an accurate measurement of a patient’s weight may not always be possible. The aim of this study was to assess patterns and accuracy of weight estimation and implications for drug dosing.MethodsThe study comprised three parts: (1) inpatient weight documentation was reviewed over a 4 week period (January 2008); (2) a questionnaire was distributed to healthcare staff; (3) healthcare staff were asked to estimate the weight of patients. These estimates took place in three locations: the coronary care unit, cardiac catheterisation laboratory, and the cardiac outpatient department.Results(1) In 385 patient notes, only 192 (49.9%) had a record of the patient’s weight. The dose of LMWH was correct only 51% of the time. (2) Doctors were more likely to estimate a patient’s weight than nurses (85 vs 51%, p = 0.003). (3) 50 healthcare staff made 533 weight estimations on 182 patients. There was a tendency to overestimate the weight of lighter patients and underestimate the weight of heavier patients (p&lt;0.001). Patients were more accurate than healthcare staff at estimating their weight (80% vs 39%, p&lt;0.001) and female patients were more likely to be accurate than men (62% vs 44%, p = 0.035).ConclusionsIn our institution weight estimation occurs and may result in inaccurate prescription of LMWH. Estimating a patient’s weight should be discouraged but if necessary the patient reported weight is likely to be most accurate. Unless there is significant investment in improved technology to allow obese or acutely unwell patients to be weighed, the dangerous practice of weight estimation is likely to continue.