bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance of anti‐α‐fodrin autoantibody in diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome
Authors: FEI Yun Yun , ZHAO Yan , DONG Yi , TANG Fu Lin , ZHANG Feng Chun 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective:  Anti‐α‐fodrin autoantibody has been reported to be a highly specific and sensitive test for the diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome (SS). The objective of our report is to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of anti‐α‐fodrin antibody in patients with SS and its correlation with clinical manifestations.Methods:  Recombinant human α‐fodrin was used as envelope antigen in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the relatively specific autoantibody in sera of 42 primary SS, 24 secondary SS with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 40 other connective tissue diseases (CTDs) (SLE 17, RA 8, ankylosing spondylitis 5, dermatomyositis 5, systemic schlerosis 3, mixed connective tissue disease 1, Takayasu's disease 1) patients.Results:  Antibodies against α‐fodrin were present in 59.5% of primary SS patients, 31.5% of secondary SS patients, 35.0% and 11.3% of other CTD patients and controls, respectively; the specificity of anti‐α‐fodrin antibody was 79.4% in patients with SS. It showed no significant difference between primary and secondary SS (P > 0.05), as well as SS compared with other CTD patients (P > 0.05). The positive rates of antibodies against α‐fodrin in CTD patients were significantly higher than those in non‐CTD patients and normal controls (P < 0.01). The presence of anti‐α‐fodrin antibodies has no significant correlation with clinical manifestations or other autoantibodies, while the levels of sera IgG and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are higher in α‐fodrin antibody‐positive patients (IgG: 23.2 vs. 18.6, P < 0.05; ESR: 52.9 vs. 37.1, P < 0.05) than α‐fodrin antibody‐negative patients. Anti‐α‐fodrin antibodies are all negative in anti‐SS antigen A and antinuclear antibody‐negative SS patients.Conclusion:  The result showed a lower sensitivity and specificity for anti‐α‐fodrin antibody as a diagnostic marker of SS, compared with previous reports. Anti‐α‐fodrin antibodies had no significant association with clinical manifestations, but might be related to the sera IgG level. Antibodies against α‐fodrin played no important roles in diagnosis of antibody‐negative SS patients.
Proprioception, dynamic balance and maximal quadriceps strength in females with knee osteoarthritis and normal control subjects
Authors: MOHAMMADI Farshid , TAGHIZADEH Shohreh , GHAFFARINEJAD Farahnaz , KHORRAMI Mojdeh , SOBHANI Sobhan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide. The knee is the most frequently involved joint of the lower limb in OA. Knee joint proprioception, dynamic balance and maximal quadriceps strength may be impaired in patients with knee OA.Objective: To investigate whether females with knee OA have reduced knee joint proprioception, balance responses and quadriceps strength compared with normal controls.Methods: We undertook a cross‐sectional study of 30 females with knee OA and 30 controls. Knee joint proprioception was measured using electrogoniometer. Dynamic balance response was determined using a step test. Quadriceps strength was measured isometrically using a modified Tornvall chair.Results: Subjects with OA had greater mean error, poorer dynamic balance and less quadriceps strength than non‐symptomatic ones (P < 0.001). Increasing age was associated with a decline in proprioceptive acuity for both controls and patients (r = 0.40,P < 0.001). In subjects with knee OA, decreased dynamic balance was associated with increasing weight (r = 0.30,P < 0.001) and reduced quadriceps strength (r = –0.37,P = 0.002).Conclusion: Compared with age and sex‐matched controls, females with symptomatic knee OA have reduced knee proprioception, balance responses and quadriceps strength.
Clinical presentation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Bangladesh: experience from a tertiary hospital
Authors: RAHMAN Shahana A. , ISLAM Mohammad Imnul , HOSSAIN Mahmuda , TALUKDER Manik Kumar 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective:  To present our experience of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients in terms of clinical presentation and to observe if there is any difference in clinical presentation of our children from that in the Western world.Methodology:  A cross‐sectional observational study was carried out in the paediatric rheumatology follow‐up clinic run by the Department of Child Health, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the study period of January 2004 to April 2007. A total of 132 patients fulfilling International League against Rheumatism classification criteria were enrolled in the study. Data were collected in a questionnaire containing clinical history, physical findings, relevant investigations and ophthalmologic findings.Results:  Among the 132 cases 89 were male and 43 were female, M:F ratio being approximately 2:1. Age range of the patients was 1.5 years to 15 years. Maximum number of patients presented in the age group from 7–8 years (12.10%) followed by 10–11 years (11.36%). Duration of illness was more than 12 months in the majority. Polyarticular rheumatoid factor‐negative patients were most frequent (41.70%), followed by persistent oligoarthritis (23.50%). The majority of the patients (51.52%) were diagnosed with rheumatic fever before they reported to us.Conclusion:  Late diagnosis with long duration of disease and deformities were common. Wrong diagnosis and wrong treatment was also very common. Clinical presentation of our cases differed from Western JIA cases mainly is terms of sex distribution, subtypes and late presentation.
Stopping the rot: the stories behind methotrexate, sulphasalazine and hydroxychloroquine
Authors: MICALLEF Maree , LIM Keith , TRAVERS Richard 
Published: April 2008

AbstractUntreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has devastating effects on joint structure, function and quality of life. Treatment has improved over the last few decades as the emphasis has switched from empiric symptomatic treatment with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs to early introduction of disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and in severe disease, biological DMARDs. We review the history of methotrexate, sulphasalazine and hydroxychloroquine and reflect on how individual studies, world events and the discovery of cortisone may have ‘robbed’ a generation of RA patients of the treatments still used today – in particular methotrexate and sulphasalazine.
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH): an often missed diagnosis
Authors: GARG Shriram , KAPOOR Sanjiv , MALAVIYA Anand Narayan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDiffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a well known and well researched condition. Yet it is not unusual to come across patients with this disease where the diagnosis was missed. Recently we saw a patient with this disease who was misdiagnosed and treated as gout with no improvement in symptoms. This case report highlights salient features of DISH, its diagnosis and the basic principles of management. Readers are reminded to consider this diagnosis in the appropriate clinical setting.
Systemic lupus erythematosus with sickle cell/β0‐thalassemia
Authors: PINTO Lancelot Mark , SAMANT Rohini 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe coexistence of haemoglobinopathies with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an occurrence that has been reported infrequently. The symptomatic overlap between the two diseases can make the diagnosis of an SLE flare versus a sickle crisis challenging. The limited reports available do not suggest an association, but the coexistence of the two diseases has been reported to manifest in a more virulent manner necessitating aggressive immunosuppression. The purpose of this report is to highlight the diagnostic challenges faced in a patient with the coexisting diseases, to report the severity and spectrum of the manifestations of SLE in the patient and our experience in treatment of her complications.
Laryngeal rhinosporidiosis in a Belgian warmblood horse
Authors: Nollet H. , Vercauteren G. , Martens A. , Vanschandevijl K. , Schauvliege S. , Gasthuys F. , Ducatelle R. , Deprez P. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryIn Belgium and even in northern Europe Rhinosporidium seeberi has not been reported in autochtonous people or animals. In this paper, the authors report the first observation of laryngeal masses, caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, in a Belgian Warmblood horse. Moreover, laryngeal rhinosporidiosis is extremely rare since this localisation is only described in four human cases.
Antiparasitic Activities and Toxicities of Individual Enantiomers of the 8-Aminoquinoline 8-[(4-Amino-1-Methylbutyl)Amino]-6-Methoxy-4-Methyl-5-[3,4-Dichlorophenoxy]Quinoline Succinate
Authors: Nanayakkara N. P. Dhammika , Ager Arba L. , Bartlett Marilyn S. , Yardley Vanessa , Croft Simon L. , Khan Ikhlas A. , McChesney James D. , Walker Larry A. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

8-Aminoquinolines are an important class of antiparasitic agents, with broad utility and excellent efficacy, but also limitations due to hematological toxicities, primarily methemoglobinemia and hemolysis. One representative from this class, (±)-8-[(4-amino-1-methylbutyl)amino]-6-methoxy-4-methyl-5-[3,4-dichlorophenoxy]quinoline succinate (NPC1161C), proved extremely efficacious in animal models of malaria and pneumocystis pneumonia. This racemic mixture was separated into its component enantiomers by chemical and chromatographic means. The enantiomers were evaluated for antiparasitic activity in murine models of
Plasmodium berghei
,
Pneumocystis carinii
, and
Leishmania donovani
infection, as well as the propensity to elicit hematotoxicity in dogs. The (−)-enantiomer NPC1161B was found to be more active (by severalfold, depending on the dosing regimen) than the (+)-enantiomer NPC1161A in all of these murine models. In addition, the (−) enantiomer showed markedly reduced general toxicity in mice and reduced hematotoxicity in the dog model of methemoglobinemia. It is concluded that the configuration at the asymmetric center in the 8-amino side chain differentially affects efficacy and toxicity profiles and thus may be an important determinant of the “therapeutic window” for compounds in this class.
Mutations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Integrase Confer Resistance to the Naphthyridine L-870,810 and Cross-Resistance to the Clinical Trial Drug GS-9137
Authors: Hombrouck Anneleen , Voet Arnout , Van Remoortel Barbara , Desadeleer Christel , De Maeyer Marc , Debyser Zeger , Witvrouw Myriam 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTTo gain further insight into the understanding of the antiviral resistance patterns and mechanisms of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor L-870,810, the prototypical naphthyridine analogue, we passaged the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 strain HIV-1(IIIB) in cell culture in the presence of increasing concentrations of L-870,810 (IIIB/L-870,810). The mutations L74M, E92Q, and S230N were successively selected in the integrase. The L74M and E92Q mutations have both been associated in the past with resistance against the diketo acid (DKA) analogues L-708,906 and S-1360 and the clinical trial drugs MK-0518 and GS-9137. After 20, 40, and 60 passages in the presence of L-870,810, IIIB/L-870,810 displayed 22-, 34-, and 110-fold reduced susceptibility to L-870,810, respectively. Phenotypic cross-resistance against the DKA analogue CHI-1043 and MK-0518 was modest but that against GS-9137 was pronounced. Recombination of the mutant integrase genes into the wild-type background reproduced the resistance profile of the resistant IIIB/L-870,810 strains. In addition, resistance against L-870,810 was accompanied by reduced viral replication kinetics and reduced enzymatic activity of integrase. In conclusion, the accumulation of L74M, E92Q, and S230N mutations in the integrase causes resistance to the naphthyridine L-870,810 and cross-resistance to GS-9137. These data may have implications for cross-resistance of different integrase inhibitors in the clinic.
Radiofungicidal Effects of External Gamma Radiation and Antibody-Targeted Beta and Alpha Radiation on
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Bryan Ruth A. , Huang Xianchun , Morgenstern Alfred , Bruchertseifer Frank , Casadevall Arturo , Dadachova Ekaterina 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the clonogenic survival, membrane permeability, metabolic activity (XTT reduction), and apoptosis (FLICA binding) of
Cryptococcus neoformans
cells subjected to gamma rays from an external source, and beta and alpha particles delivered to fungal cells by capsule-specific antibody. We found that gamma, beta, and alpha radiation affected cells through different pathways.
Mechanisms of Macrolide Resistance among
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Isolates from Russia
Authors: Reinert Ralf R. , Filimonova Olga Y. , Al-Lahham Adnan , Grudinina Svetlana A. , Ilina Elena N. , Weigel Linda M. , Sidorenko Sergey V. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

Among 76 macrolide-nonsusceptible
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates collected between 2003 and 2005 from Central Russia, the resistance mechanisms detected in the isolates included
erm
(B) alone (50%),
mef
alone [
mef
(E),
mef
(I), or a different
mef
subclass; 19.7%], or both
erm
(B) and
mef
(E) (30.3%). Isolates with dual resistance genes [
erm
(B) and
mef
(E)] belonged to clonal complex CC81 or CC271.
Delayed Development of Linezolid Resistance in
Staphylococcus aureus
following Exposure to Low Levels of Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Miller Keith , O'Neill Alexander J. , Wilcox Mark H. , Ingham Eileen , Chopra Ian 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

The development of resistance to linezolid (LZD) in gram-positive bacteria depends on the mutation of a single 23S rRNA gene, followed by homologous recombination and gene conversion of the other alleles. We sought to inhibit this process in
Staphylococcus aureus
using a range of antibacterial agents, including some that suppress recombination. A model for the rapid selection of LZD resistance was developed which allowed the selection of LZD-resistant mutants with G2576T mutations in all five copies of the 23S rRNA gene following only 5 days of subculture. The emergence of LZD-resistant isolates was delayed by exposing cultures to low concentrations of various classes of antibiotics. All antibiotic classes were effective in delaying the selection of LZD-resistant mutants and, with the exception of fusidic acid (FUS) and rifampin (RIF), prolonged the selection window from 5 to ∼15 days. Inhibitors of DNA processing were no more effective than any other class of antibiotics at suppressing resistance development. However, the unrelated antimicrobials FUS and RIF were particularly effective at preventing the emergence of LZD resistance, prolonging the selection window from 5 to 25 days. The enhanced suppressive effect of FUS and RIF on the development of LZD resistance was lost in a
recA
-deficient host, suggesting that these drugs affect
recA
-dependent recombination. Furthermore, FUS and RIF were shown to be effective inhibitors of homologous recombination of a plasmid into the staphylococcal chromosome. We suggest that RIF or FUS in combination with LZD may have a role in preventing the emergence of LZD resistance.
In Vitro Selection and Characterization of Ceftobiprole-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Banerjee Ritu , Gretes Michael , Basuino Li , Strynadka Natalie , Chambers Henry F. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is resistant to β-lactam antibiotics because it expresses penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), a low-affinity penicillin-binding protein. An investigational broad-spectrum cephalosporin, ceftobiprole (BPR), binds PBP2a with high affinity and is active against MRSA. We hypothesized that BPR resistance could be mediated by mutations in
mecA
, the gene encoding PBP2a. We selected BPR-resistant mutants by passage in high-volume broth cultures containing subinhibitory concentrations of BPR. We used strain COLnex (which lacks chromosomal
mecA
) transformed with pAW8 (a plasmid vector only), pYK20 (a plasmid carrying wild-type
mecA
), or pYK21 (a plasmid carrying a mutant
mecA
gene corresponding to five PBP2a mutations). All strains became resistant to BPR by day 9 of passaging, but MICs continued to increase until day 21. MICs increased 256-fold (from 1 to 256 μg/ml) for pAW8, 32-fold (from 4 to 128 μg/ml) for pYK20, and 8-fold (from 16 to 128 μg/ml) for pYK21. Strains carrying wild-type or mutant
mecA
developed six (pYK20 transformants) or four (pYK21 transformants) new mutations in
mecA
. The transformation of COLnex with a
mecA
mutant plasmid conferred BPR resistance, and the loss of
mecA
converted resistant strains into susceptible ones. Modeling studies predicted that several of the
mecA
mutations altered BPR binding; other mutations may have mediated resistance by influencing interactions with other proteins. Multiple
mecA
mutations were associated with BPR resistance in MRSA. BPR resistance also developed in the strain lacking
mecA
, suggesting a role for chromosomal genes.
Reduced
Candida glabrata
Susceptibility Secondary to an
FKS1
Mutation Developed during Candidemia Treatment
Authors: Cleary John D. , Garcia-Effron Guillermo , Chapman Stanley W. , Perlin David S. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

We describe a case of recurring
Candida glabrata
infection in a 68-year-old African-American female on caspofungin therapy. The initial isolate was susceptible, but isolates recovered during following relapses were not. All isolates were clonal, and high-MIC strains contained a mutation in the highly conserved hot spot 1 region of Fks1p.
Repression of the Locus of the Enterocyte Effacement-Encoded Regulator of Gene Transcription of
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 by
Lactobacillus reuteri
Culture Supernatants Is LuxS and Strain Dependent
Authors: Jelčić Ivan , Hüfner Eric , Schmidt Herbert , Hertel Christian 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

Culture supernatants of
Lactobacillus reuteri
ATCC 55730 repressed
ler
expression in
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 cells, but neither the strain's isogenic
luxS
mutant nor the
L. reuteri
100-23C wild-type strain and its
luxS
mutant elicited a comparable effect. Furthermore, the epinephrine-mediated induction of
ler
expression was repressed by secreted substance(s) of
L. reuteri
ATCC 55730.
Coenzyme F
420
-Dependent Sulfite Reductase-Enabled Sulfite Detoxification and Use of Sulfite as a Sole Sulfur Source by
Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Johnson Eric F. , Mukhopadhyay Biswarup 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

Coenzyme F
420
-dependent sulfite reductase (Fsr) of
Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
, a sulfite-tolerant methanogen, was expressed with activity in
Methanococcus maripaludis
, a sulfite-sensitive methanogen. The recombinant organism reduced sulfite to sulfide and grew with sulfite as the sole sulfur source, indicating that Fsr is a sulfite detoxification and assimilation enzyme for methanogens and that
M. maripaludis
synthesizes siroheme.
Bioenergy Production via Microbial Conversion of Residual Oil to Natural Gas
Authors: Gieg Lisa M. , Duncan Kathleen E. , Suflita Joseph M. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

World requirements for fossil energy are expected to grow by more than 50% within the next 25 years, despite advances in alternative technologies. Since conventional production methods retrieve only about one-third of the oil in place, either large new fields or innovative strategies for recovering energy resources from existing fields are needed to meet the burgeoning demand. The anaerobic biodegradation of
n
-alkanes to methane gas has now been documented in a few studies, and it was speculated that this process might be useful for recovering energy from existing petroleum reservoirs. We found that residual oil entrained in a marginal sandstone reservoir core could be converted to methane, a key component of natural gas, by an oil-degrading methanogenic consortium. Methane production required inoculation, and rates ranged from 0.15 to 0.40 μmol/day/g core (or 11 to 31 μmol/day/g oil), with yields of up to 3 mmol CH
4
/g residual oil. Concomitant alterations in the hydrocarbon profile of the oil-bearing core revealed that alkanes were preferentially metabolized. The consortium was found to produce comparable amounts of methane in the absence or presence of sulfate as an alternate electron acceptor. Cloning and sequencing exercises revealed that the inoculum comprised sulfate-reducing, syntrophic, and fermentative bacteria acting in concert with aceticlastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Collectively, the cells generated methane from a variety of petroliferous rocks. Such microbe-based methane production holds promise for producing a clean-burning and efficient form of energy from underutilized hydrocarbon-bearing resources.
Stimulation of Zero-
trans
Rates of Lactose and Maltose Uptake into Yeasts by Preincubation with Hexose To Increase the Adenylate Energy Charge
Authors: Guimarães Pedro M. R. , Multanen Jyri-Pekka , Domingues Lucília , Teixeira José A. , Londesborough John 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

Initial rates of sugar uptake (zero-
trans
rates) are often measured by incubating yeast cells with radiolabeled sugars for 5 to 30 s and determining the radioactivity entering the cells. The yeast cells used are usually harvested from growth medium, washed, suspended in nutrient-free buffer, and stored on ice before they are assayed. With this method, the specific rates of zero-
trans
lactose uptake by
Kluyveromyces lactis
or recombinant
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strains harvested from lactose fermentations were three- to eightfold lower than the specific rates of lactose consumption during fermentation. No significant extracellular β-galactosidase activity was detected. The ATP content and adenylate energy charge (EC) of the yeasts were relatively low before the [
14
C]lactose uptake reactions were started. A short (1- to 7-min) preincubation of the yeasts with 10 to 30 mM glucose caused 1.5- to 5-fold increases in the specific rates of lactose uptake. These increases correlated with increases in EC (from 0.6 to 0.9) and ATP (from 4 to 8 μmol·g dry yeast
−1
). Stimulation by glucose affected the transport
V
max
values, with smaller increases in

K
m

values. Similar observations were made for maltose transport, using a brewer's yeast. These findings suggest that the electrochemical proton potential that drives transport through sugar/H
+
symports is significantly lower in the starved yeast suspensions used for zero-
trans
assays than in actively metabolizing cells. Zero-
trans
assays with such starved yeast preparations can produce results that seriously underestimate the capacity of sugar/H
+
symports. A short exposure to glucose allows a closer approach to the sugar/H
+
symport capacity of actively metabolizing cells.