bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing comorbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: LU Vicky , LU Christine 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that decreases physical function and imposes substantial medical costs. Comorbid conditions are common in patients with RA and they adversely affect quality of life and RA‐related outcomes such as work disability and mortality. Rheumatologists have the important responsibility to consider comorbidities and their risks when treating patients and to adapt therapies to the specific situation of individual patients. This paper discusses the common comorbidities in patients with RA and management approaches.
Failure of rasburicase therapy in recurrent acute gout with tophi
Authors: HILL Catherine L. , LU Tim Y. , CERVELLI Matthew , MATHEW Timothy 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRasburicase, a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme, has been used successfully in several cases of chronic tophaceous gout. We report the case of an elderly woman with chronic tophaceous gout who failed rasburicase therapy due to recurrent acute episodes of gout following each rasburicase infusion, despite prophylactic therapy.
Undiagnosed acrodermatitis continua leading to amputations of the distal phalanxes
Authors: MIRFEIZI Zahra , HASHEMZADEH Sarah , HASHEMZADEH Kamila 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAcrodermatitis continua is a localized pustular psoriasis which usually affects the extremities. We report the case of a 79‐year‐old patient presenting with osteolysis of the distal phalanxes of the hands. Some pustules were noted on the finger pulps. A skin biopsy led to the diagnosis of acrodermatitis continua.
Agony of a retired pediatrician
Authors: LI‐YU Julie T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractUnderstanding the etiopathogenesis of both osteonecrosis and osteoporosis can remarkably minimize associated morbidity and mortality. An astute clinician should carefully assess the complexity of specific problems in formulating a working diagnosis of chronic back and hip pain in an elderly patient. Although degenerative conditions are more common, malignancy should not be missed. Careful evaluation of various manifestations complemented with appropriate ancillary procedures in these two conditions are integral in clinical management decisions. Evidence‐based therapeutic modalities with foremost consideration to safety, efficacy and cost, are the mainstays in managing osteonecrosis and osteoporosis.
Potential involvement of cellular ageing in the pathogenesis of arthritis
Authors: YUDOH Kazuo , KARASAWA Rie 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRecently, attention has been drawn to the involvement of cellular ageing in the pathogenesis of bone and joint diseases. We reviewed the mechanism underlying degeneration of bone and cartilage tissues, from a viewpoint of the senescence of cells composing the joints. We demonstrated not only the mechanism controlling ageing but also the development of new methods of treatment and prophylactic measures for diseases affecting bone and joint tissues in the future.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of the Malay health assessment questionnaire for use in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: HUSSEIN Heselynn , MUSTAFA Rais , QUEK Kia Fat , HASSANUDIN Nurul Suhaizah , SHAHID Shahdan 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective:  To validate the Malay version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (Malay‐HAQ) for use in Malay‐speaking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in the Malaysian setting. The HAQ – Disability Index has been validated in several languages, but not in Malay.Methods:  The original HAQ was modified and translated into Malay by two translators, one of whom was aware of the objectives of the Questionnaire and the other as a lay translator. Two sets of Malay‐HAQ were distributed to RA patients during their routine follow‐up visits; one set to be completed immediately and another set to be completed 2 weeks later. A total of 61 patients completed the two sets of Malay‐HAQ. The data collected was analysed using SPSS V. 11.0. Reliability of the data was evaluated using the test‐retest method and internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha.Result:  The study showed that the Malay‐HAQ is feasible and reliable. The Spearman's correlation coefficient ranged from 0.65 to 0.82, while the internal consistency was 0.88–0.92.Conclusion:  The Malay‐HAQ is a sensitive, reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of functional status in RA patients in a Malay setting.
Vitamin D and rheumatoid arthritis: is there a link?
Authors: KIRAN Gopinath , DEBASHISH Danda 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis predisposes to osteoporosis and most physicians supplement calcium and 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 along with the standard treatment with disease modifying drugs. Advances in the understanding of physiological actions of 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 suggest that this molecule plays an important role in modulating the immune response of the body. Vitamin D receptor has been found in many cells of the immune system including promyelocytes, myelocytes and macrophages. Experiments in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis have shown amelioration of the disease after administration of 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3. This article reviews the available data regarding the role of 1,25 dihydoxy vitamin D3 in rheumatoid arthritis.
The presence of citrulline in salivary glands is evidence that nitric oxide is mediator of inflammation in Sjögren acinar epithelia
Authors: BOLLAIN‐Y‐GOYTIA Juan José , MENDOZA‐SALAZAR Lucero , ROMO‐FLORES María de Lourdes , VILLANUEVA‐GUZMÁN Margarita , LÓPEZ‐ROBLES Eréndira , RAMÍREZ‐SANDOVAL Roxana , LÓPEZ‐SAUCEDO Adrián , AVALOS‐DÍAZ Esperanza , HERRERA‐ESPARZA Rafael 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim:  The present study addresses the question whether nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in inflammation of salivary glands in Sjögren's syndrome.Methods:  The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the presence of citrulline, as a monitor of NO activity were studied by immunohistochemistry, in minor salivary glands from 24 patients with primary Sjögren syndrome. An equal number of control tissues were included. The presence of mRNA of eNOS (endothelial NOS) and iNOS in tissues was studied by fluorescent in situ hybridization.Results:  All salivary glands displayed eNOS along the ductal epithelia, blood vessels and acini. In Sjögren disease iNOS enzyme was widely expressed along ductal epithelia, acini and in foci of lymphocyte infiltration; therefore by the extensive citrulline presence and iNOS, we infer that NO is related to inflammation. Control biopsies were negative for iNOS and citrulline.Conclusion:  The present data suggest that local production of NO should contribute to salivary gland inflammation in Sjögren disease.
Gene Expression Profiling of
Listeria monocytogenes
Strain F2365 during Growth in Ultrahigh-Temperature-Processed Skim Milk
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Ream Amy 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

To study how
Listeria monocytogenes
survives and grows in ultrahigh-temperature-processed (UHT) skim milk, microarray technology was used to monitor the gene expression profiles of strain F2365 in UHT skim milk. Total RNA was isolated from strain F2365 in UHT skim milk after 24 h of growth at 4°C, labeled with fluorescent dyes, and hybridized to “custom-made” commercial oligonucleotide (35-mers) microarray chips containing the whole genome of
L. monocytogenes
strain F2365. Compared to
L. monocytogenes
grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth for 24 h at 4°C, 26 genes were upregulated (more-than-twofold increase) in UHT skim milk, whereas 14 genes were downregulated (less-than-twofold decrease). The upregulated genes included genes encoding transport and binding proteins, transcriptional regulators, proteins in amino acid biosynthesis and energy metabolism, protein synthesis, cell division, and hypothetical proteins. The downregulated genes included genes that encode transport and binding proteins, protein synthesis, cellular processes, cell envelope, energy metabolism, a transcriptional regulator, and an unknown protein. The gene expression changes determined by microarray assays were confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR analyses. Furthermore, cells grown in UHT skim milk displayed the same sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide as cells grown in BHI, demonstrating that the elevated levels of expression of genes encoding manganese transporter complexes in UHT skim milk did not result in changes in the oxidative stress sensitivity. To our knowledge, this report represents a novel study of global transcriptional gene expression profiling of
L. monocytogenes
in a liquid food.
Heterotrophic and Autotrophic Microbial Populations in Cold Perennial Springs of the High Arctic
Authors: Perreault Nancy N. , Greer Charles W. , Andersen Dale T. , Tille Stefanie , Lacrampe-Couloume Georges , Lollar Barbara Sherwood , Whyte Lyle G. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

The saline springs of Gypsum Hill in the Canadian high Arctic are a rare example of cold springs originating from deep groundwater and rising to the surface through thick permafrost. The heterotrophic bacteria and autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (up to 40% of the total microbial community) isolated from the spring waters and sediments were classified into four phyla (
Actinobacteria
,
Bacteroidetes
,
Firmicutes
, and
Proteobacteria
) based on 16S rRNA gene analysis; heterotrophic isolates were primarily psychrotolerant, salt-tolerant, facultative anaerobes. Some of the isolates contained genes for thiosulfate oxidation (
soxB
) and anoxygenic photosynthesis (
pufM
), possibly enabling the strains to better compete in these sulfur-rich environments subject to long periods of illumination in the Arctic summer. Although leucine uptake by the spring water microbial community was low, CO
2
uptake was relatively high under dark incubation, reinforcing the idea that primary production by chemoautotrophs is an important process in the springs. The small amounts of hydrocarbons in gases exsolving from the springs (0.38 to 0.51% CH
4
) were compositionally and isotopically consistent with microbial methanogenesis and possible methanotrophy. Anaerobic heterotrophic sulfur oxidation and aerobic autotrophic sulfur oxidation activities were demonstrated in sediment slurries. Overall, our results describe an active microbial community capable of sustainability in an extreme environment that experiences prolonged periods of continuous light or darkness, low temperatures, and moderate salinity, where life seems to rely on chemolithoautotrophy.
Identification of Components of the Sigma B Regulon in
Listeria monocytogenes
That Contribute to Acid and Salt Tolerance
Authors: Abram F. , Starr E. , Karatzas K. A. G. , Matlawska-Wasowska K. , Boyd A. , Wiedmann M. , Boor K. J. , Connally D. , O'Byrne C. P. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

Sigma B (σ
B
) is an alternative sigma factor that controls the transcriptional response to stress in
Listeria monocytogenes
and is also known to play a role in the virulence of this human pathogen. In the present study we investigated the impact of a
sigB
deletion on the proteome of
L. monocytogenes
grown in a chemically defined medium both in the presence and in the absence of osmotic stress (0.5 M NaCl). Two new phenotypes associated with the
sigB
deletion were identified using this medium. (i) Unexpectedly, the strain with the Δ
sigB
deletion was found to grow faster than the parent strain in the growth medium, but only when 0.5 M NaCl was present. This phenomenon was independent of the carbon source provided in the medium. (ii) The Δ
sigB
mutant was found to have unusual Gram staining properties compared to the parent, suggesting that σ
B
contributes to the maintenance of an intact cell wall. A proteomic analysis was performed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, using cells growing in the exponential and stationary phases. Overall, 11 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in the wild type and the Δ
sigB
mutant; 10 of these proteins were expressed at lower levels in the mutant, and 1 was overexpressed in the mutant. All 11 proteins were identified by tandem mass spectrometry, and putative functions were assigned based on homology to proteins from other bacteria. Five proteins had putative functions related to carbon utilization (Lmo0539, Lmo0783, Lmo0913, Lmo1830, and Lmo2696), while three proteins were similar to proteins whose functions are unknown but that are known to be stress inducible (Lmo0796, Lmo2391, and Lmo2748). To gain further insight into the role of σ
B
in
L. monocytogenes
, we deleted the genes encoding four of the proteins, lmo0796, lmo0913, lmo2391, and lmo2748. Phenotypic characterization of the mutants revealed that Lmo2748 plays a role in osmotolerance, while Lmo0796, Lmo0913, and Lmo2391 were all implicated in acid stress tolerance to various degrees. Invasion assays performed with Caco-2 cells indicated that none of the four genes was required for mammalian cell invasion. Microscopic analysis suggested that loss of Lmo2748 might contribute to the cell wall defect observed in the Δ
sigB
mutant. Overall, this study highlighted two new phenotypes associated with the loss of σ
B
. It also demonstrated clear roles for σ
B
in both osmotic and low-pH stress tolerance and identified specific components of the σ
B
regulon that contribute to the responses observed.
Temporal Assessment of the Impact of Exposure to Cow Feces in Two Watersheds by Multiple Host-Specific PCR Assays
Authors: Lee Yong-Jin , Molina Marirosa , Santo Domingo Jorge W. , Willis Jonathan D. , Cyterski Michael , Endale Dinku M. , Shanks Orin C. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

Exposure to feces in two watersheds with different management histories was assessed by tracking cattle feces bacterial populations using multiple host-specific PCR assays. In addition, environmental factors affecting the occurrence of these markers were identified. Each assay was performed using DNA extracts from water and sediment samples collected from a watershed directly impacted by cattle fecal pollution (WS1) and from a watershed impacted only through runoff (WS2). In WS1, the ruminant-specific
Bacteroidales
16S rRNA gene marker CF128F was detected in 65% of the water samples, while the non-16S rRNA gene markers Bac1, Bac2, and Bac5 were found in 32 to 37% of the water samples. In contrast, all source-specific markers were detected in less than 6% of the water samples from WS2. Binary logistic regressions (BLRs) revealed that the occurrence of Bac32F and CF128F was significantly correlated with season as a temporal factor and watershed as a site factor. BLRs also indicated that the dynamics of fecal-source-tracking markers correlated with the density of a traditional fecal indicator (
P
< 0.001). Overall, our results suggest that a combination of 16S rRNA gene and non-16S rRNA gene markers provides a higher level of confidence for tracking unknown sources of fecal pollution in environmental samples. This study also provided practical insights for implementation of microbial source-tracking practices to determine sources of fecal pollution and the influence of environmental variables on the occurrence of source-specific markers.
Flavobacterium
sp. Strain 4221 and
Pedobacter
sp. Strain 4236 β-1,3-Glucanases That Are Active at Low Temperatures
Authors: Rasmussen Mikkel A. , Madsen Søren M. , Stougaard Peter , Johnsen Mads G. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

Secretion of β-1,3-glucanases by the arctic bacterial isolates 4221 and 4236, related to the genera
Flavobacterium
and
Pedobacter
, was discovered.
Escherichia coli
and
Lactococcus lactis
expression of β-1,3-glucanases Glc4221-1 and Glc4236-1 from the respective isolates was achieved. The enzymes hydrolyzed fungal cell walls and retained activity at low temperatures.
Emergence of Novel
Streptococcus iniae
Exopolysaccharide-Producing Strains following Vaccination with Nonproducing Strains
Authors: Eyngor Marina , Tekoah Yoram , Shapira Roni , Hurvitz Avshalom , Zlotkin Amir , Lublin Avishay , Eldar Avi 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus iniae
is a major pathogen of fish, producing fatal disease among fish species living in very diverse environments. Recently, reoccurrences of disease outbreaks were recorded in rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
, Walbaum) farms where the entire fish population was routinely vaccinated. New strains are distinguished from previous strains by their ability to produce large amounts of extracellular polysaccharide that is released into the medium. Present findings indicate that the extracellular polysaccharide is a major antigenic factor, suggesting an evolutionary selection of strains capable of extracellular polysaccharide production.
Exogenous or
l
-Rhamnose-Derived 1,2-Propanediol Is Metabolized via a
pduD
-Dependent Pathway in
Listeria innocua
Authors: Xue Junfeng , Murrieta Charles M. , Rule Daniel C. , Miller Kurt W. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

1,2-Propanediol (1,2-PD) added exogenously to cultures or produced endogenously from
l
-rhamnose is metabolized to
n
-propanol and propionate in
Listeria innocua
Lin11. The
pduD
gene, which encodes a diol dehydratase ß subunit homolog, is required for 1,2-PD catabolism.
pduD
and 16 other genes within the
pduA
-to-
pduF
region of a large gene cluster are induced in medium containing 1,2-PD.
Identification of
Campylobacter jejuni
Proteins Recognized by Maternal Antibodies of Chickens
Authors: Shoaf-Sweeney Kari D. , Larson Charles L. , Tang Xiaoting , Konkel Michael E. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter jejuni
is one of the leading bacterial causes of food-borne gastroenteritis. Infection with
C. jejuni
is frequently acquired through the consumption of undercooked poultry or foods cross-contaminated with raw poultry. Given the importance of poultry as a reservoir for
Campylobacter
organisms, investigators have performed studies to understand the protective role of maternal antibodies in the ecology of
Campylobacter
colonization of poultry. In a previous study, chicks with maternal antibodies generated against the S3B strain of
C. jejuni
provided protection against
Campylobacter
colonization (O. Sahin, N. Luo, S. Huang, and Q. Zhang, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 69:5372-5379, 2003). We obtained serum samples, collectively referred to as the
C. jejuni
S3B-SPF sera, from the previous study. These sera were determined to contain maternal antibodies that reacted against
C. jejuni
whole-cell lysates as judged by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The antigens recognized by the
C. jejuni
S3B-SPF antibodies were identified by immunoblot analysis, coupled with mass spectrometry, of
C. jejuni
outer membrane protein extracts. This approach led to the identification of
C. jejuni
proteins recognized by the maternal antibodies, including the flagellin proteins and CadF adhesin. In vitro assays revealed that the
C. jejuni
S3B-SPF sera retarded the motility of the
C. jejuni
S3B homologous strain but did not retard the motility of a heterologous strain of
C. jejuni
(81-176). This finding provides a possible mechanism explaining why maternal antibodies confer enhanced protection against challenge with a homologous strain compared to a heterologous strain. Collectively, this study provides a list of
C. jejuni
proteins against which protective antibodies are generated in hens and passed to chicks.
Estimating Single-Cell Lag Times via a Bayesian Scheme
Authors: Malakar P. K. , Barker G. C. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
Network models offer computationally efficient tools for estimating the variability of single-cell lag phases. Currently, optical methods for estimating the variability of single-cell lag phases use single-cell inocula and are technically challenging. A Bayesian network model incorporating small uncertain inocula addresses these limitations.
Global Transcription and Metabolic Flux Analysis ofEscherichia coliin Glucose-Limited Fed-Batch Cultivations
Authors: Lemuth K. , Hardiman T. , Winter S. , Pfeiffer D. , Keller M. A. , Lange S. , Reuss M. , Schmid R. D. , Siemann-Herzberg M. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTA time series of whole-genome transcription profiling ofEscherichia coliK-12 W3110 was performed during a carbon-limited fed-batch process. The application of a constant feed rate led to the identification of a dynamic sequence of diverse carbon limitation responses (e.g., the hunger response) and at the same time provided a global view of how cellular and extracellular resources are used: the synthesis of high-affinity transporters guarantees maximal glucose influx, thereby preserving the phosphoenolpyruvate pool, and energy-dependent chemotaxis is reduced in order to provide a more economic “work mode.” σS-mediated stress and starvation responses were both found to be of only minor relevance. Thus, the experimental setup provided access to the hunger response and enabled the differentiation of the hunger response from the general starvation response. Our previous topological model of the global regulation of theE. colicentral carbon metabolism through thecrp,cra, andrelA/spoTmodulons is supported by correlating transcript levels and metabolic fluxes and can now be extended. The substrate is extensively oxidized in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to enhance energy generation. However, the general rate of oxidative decarboxylation within the pentose phosphate pathway and the TCA cycle is restricted to a minimum. Fine regulation of the carbon flux through these pathways supplies sufficient precursors for biosyntheses. The pools of at least three precursors are probably regulated through activation of the (phosphoenolpyruvate-)glyoxylate shunt. The present work shows that detailed understanding of the genetic regulation of bacterial metabolism provides useful insights for manipulating the carbon flux in technical production processes.
Effective Mutagenesis of
Vibrio fischeri
by Using Hyperactive Mini-Tn
5
Derivatives
Authors: Lyell Noreen L. , Dunn Anne K. , Bose Jeffrey L. , Vescovi Susan L. , Stabb Eric V. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

We have developed a transposon mutagenesis system for
Vibrio fischeri
ES114 that utilizes a hyperactive mutant Tn
5
transposase (E54K and M56A) and optimized transposon ends. Using a conjugation-based procedure, we obtained independent single-insertion mini-Tn
5
mutants at a rate of ∼10
−6
. This simple and inexpensive technique represents a significant improvement over previous methods for transposon mutagenesis of
V. fischeri
and should be applicable to many other bacteria.
Frequent Occurrence of Human-Associated Microsporidia in Fecal Droppings of Urban Pigeons in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Authors: Bart Aldert , Wentink-Bonnema Ellen M. , Heddema Edou R. , Buijs Jan , van Gool Tom 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

Human-associated microsporidia were frequently observed in fecal samples of 331 feral pigeons in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, obtained during high- and low-breeding periods. Thirty-six of 331 samples (11%) contained the human pathogens
Enterocytozoon bieneusi
(
n
= 18),
Encephalitozoon hellem
(
n
= 11),
Encephalitozoon cuniculi
(
n
= 6), and
Encephalitozoon intestinalis
(
n
= 1); 5 samples contained other microsporidia. Pigeon feces can be an important source of human microsporidian infection.