bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The
luxS
Gene Is Not Required for
Borrelia burgdorferi
Tick Colonization, Transmission to a Mammalian Host, or Induction of Disease
Authors: Blevins Jon S. , Revel Andrew T. , Caimano Melissa J. , Yang Xiaofeng F. , Richardson James A. , Hagman Kayla E. , Norgard Michael V. 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT

luxS
mutants of
Borrelia burgdorferi
strain 297 naturally colonized their arthropod (
Ixodes scapularis
) vector, were maintained in ticks throughout the molting process (larvae to nymphs), were tick transmitted to uninfected mice, and elicited histopathology in mice indistinguishable from that induced by wild-type
B. burgdorferi
.
Characterization of Adenylate Cyclase-Hemolysin Gene Duplication in a
Bordetella pertussis
Isolate
Authors: Dalet Karine , Weber Christian , Guillemot Laurent , Njamkepo Elisabeth , Guiso Nicole 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT

We describe a clinical isolate of
Bordetella pertussis
, the agent responsible for whooping cough, composed of at least two clones harboring one or two copies of the
cya
locus encoding one of the major toxins, adenylate cyclase-hemolysin. No difference was observed between the two clones in murine and cellular models, probably due to the high instability of the
cya
locus duplication.
Inactivation of the
ciaH
Gene in
Streptococcus mutans
Diminishes Mutacin Production and Competence Development, Alters Sucrose-Dependent Biofilm Formation, and Reduces Stress Tolerance
Authors: Qi Fengxia , Merritt Justin , Lux Renate , Shi Wenyuan 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT

Many clinical isolates of
Streptococcus mutans
produce peptide antibiotics called mutacins. Mutacin production may play an important role in the ecology of
S. mutans
in dental plaque. In this study, inactivation of a histidine kinase gene,
ciaH
, abolished mutacin production. Surprisingly, the same mutation also diminished competence development, stress tolerance, and sucrose-dependent biofilm formation.
Chlamydia pneumoniae
Decreases Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation through Induction of Prostaglandin E
2
Synthesis
Authors: Rödel Jürgen , Prochnau Dirk , Prager Katrin , Baumert Jürgen , Schmidt Karl-Hermann , Straube Eberhard 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT

Chlamydia pneumoniae
may modulate the proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) in atherosclerotic plaques. Conditioned medium from
C. pneumoniae-
infected SMC decreased the proliferation of uninfected SMC. Treatment of infected cells with the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS-398 {
N
-[2-(cyclohexyloxy)-4-nitrophenyl]-methanesulfonamide} suppressed the up-regulation of prostaglandin E
2
(PGE
2
) and abolished the antimitogenic effect of conditioned medium, suggesting that
C. pneumoniae
can decrease SMC proliferation via stimulation of PGE
2
synthesis.
Role of Flagellum and Motility in Pathogenesis of
Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Lee Jong-Ho , Rho Jong Bok , Park Kyung-Je , Kim Chang Beom , Han Yang-Soo , Choi Sang Ho , Lee Kyu-Ho , Park Soon-Jung 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT

To assess the role of the flagellum which was detected by immunoscreening of surface proteins of
Vibrio vulnificus
, an
flgE
-deleted mutant was constructed and tested for its pathogenicity. The ability of this nonmotile mutant to adhere to INT-407 cells and its role in biofilm were decreased, as was its lethality to mice.
Intact Purine Biosynthesis Pathways Are Required for Wild-Type Virulence of
Brucella abortus
2308 in the BALB/c Mouse Model
Authors: Alcantara Rosemarie B. , Read Richard D. A. , Valderas Michelle Wright , Brown Timothy D. , Roop R. Martin 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT

Brucella abortus
2308 derivatives with mini-Tn
5
insertions in
purE
,
purL
, and
purD
display significant attenuation in the BALB/c mouse model, while isogenic mutants with mini-Tn
5
insertions in
pheA
,
trpB
, and
dagA
display little or no attenuation in cultured murine macrophages or mice. These experimental findings confirm the importance of the purine biosynthesis pathways for the survival and replication of the brucellae in host macrophages. In contrast to previous reports, however, these results indicate that exogenous tryptophan and phenylalanine are available for use by the brucellae in the phagosomal compartment.
Off seasonal and pre-seasonal assessment of circulating energy sources during prolonged running at the anaerobic threshold in competitive triathletes
Authors: Knoepfli B , Riddell M C , Ganzoni E , Burki A , Villiger B , von Duvillard S P 
Published: July 2004

Objectives:To compare changes in circulating energy sources during prolonged exercise in off season (OS) and pre-season (PS) training of triathletes.Methods:Nine athletes of the Swiss national triathlon team (three female, mean (SD) age 28.7 (4.9) years, height 169.8 (6.0) cm, weight 57.0 (6.2) kg, V˙o2max66.5 (5.3) ml/min/kg; six male, mean (SD) age 24.0 (4.1) years, height 181.4 (6.9) cm, weight 73.5 (6.0) kg, V˙o2max75.9 (4.9) ml/min/kg) were tested twice (2.5 months apart) during a 25 km aerobic capacity test run at the end of the OS and just before the season. The average training load during the OS was 9.9 h/week, and this increased to 14.4 h/week in the PS. With heart rates as reference, exercise intensity during the aerobic capacity test was 97.0 (4.9)% of the anaerobic threshold and 91.2 (4.5)% of V˙o2max. Blood samples were collected before, during, and after the aerobic capacity test. Samples were collected every 5 km during three minute rest intervals.Results:Blood was analysed for triglyceride (TG), free fatty acids, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, insulin, lactate, and changes in plasma volume. A two factor (season by distance) repeated measures analysis of variance revealed an increase in capacity for prolonged exercise in the PS by a decrease in running intensity during the aerobic capacity test (% of speed at 2.0 mmol/l lactate threshold, p  =  0.008), an increase in running speed at the anaerobic threshold (p  =  0.003) and at 4.0 and 2.0 mmol/l (p<0.001) of the lactate threshold. A significant season by distance interaction was found for TG (p<0.001). TG concentrations peaked at 5 km and decreased logarithmically throughout the OS (1.48 (0.34) to 0.86 (0.20) mmol/l) and PS (1.90 (0.31) to 0.73 (0.18) mmol/l) tests. From the OS to the PS, there was an increase in the difference in TG at 5–15 km with a concomitant increase at 2.0 mmol/l of the lactate threshold. The peak TG concentrations at 5 km followed by a logarithmic decrease suggest that TG may also provide circulating energy. A greater logarithmic decrease in TG occurred in the PS than in the OS, indicating a higher rate of use. There was an increase in the difference in TG at 5–15 km similar to the increase in the speed at 2.0 mmol/l of the lactate threshold between the two seasons. Glucose, insulin, lactate, and free fatty acids were similar in the two seasons.Conclusion:Free fatty acid and TG concentrations were much higher than expected, and the two training seasons showed significantly different patterns of TG concentration during prolonged running. These responses may be related to aerobic capacity of prolonged exercise.
Shoulder pathoanatomy in marathon kayakers
Authors: Hagemann G , Rijke A M , Mars M 
Published: July 2004

Objectives:To determine the prevalence of soft and hard tissue abnormalities and their interrelations in the shoulders of marathon kayakers and to examine the pathoanatomical factors that predispose these athletes to injury.Methods:Fifty two long distance kayakers completed a questionnaire. Their shoulders were examined for range of motion, pain, and stability using a standard set of 10 clinical tests. The shoulder was subsequently scanned by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in three planes and evaluated for evidence of injury or other abnormality. The relation of clinical symptoms and MRI findings was investigated with respect to kayaker’s age, number of years kayaking, and number of marathon races completed.Results:Thirty subjects were asymptomatic at the time of scanning, and twenty two showed symptoms of pain and/or instability. MRI showed acromioclavicular hypertrophy, acromial or clavicular spur, supraspinatus tendinitis, and partial tear of the supraspinatus as the most common abnormalities. Kayaker’s age, number of years kayaking, and number of races completed did not relate significantly to symptoms or to the presence of an abnormality on MRI scan. Of all the pathoanatomical findings that are reported to predispose to rotator cuff injury, only acromial and clavicular spurs were found to correlate highly with supraspinatus muscle pathology.Conclusions:Rotator cuff injuries make up a large portion of the injuries seen in marathon kayakers, about twice the number reported for sprint kayakers. These injuries are the result of secondary impingement factors associated with overuse, possibly specific to kayakers, and not the result of bony restrictions around the shoulder joint. Acromioclavicular hypertrophy is a common finding in marathon kayakers, but is possibly the result of portaging or a previous injury.
A pilot study of the eccentric decline squat in the management of painful chronic patellar tendinopathy
Authors: Purdam C R , Jonsson P , Alfredson H , Lorentzon R , Cook J L , Khan K M 
Published: July 2004

Objectives:This non-randomised pilot study investigated the effect of eccentric quadriceps training on 17 patients (22 tendons) with painful chronic patellar tendinopathy.Methods:Two different eccentric exercise regimens were used by subjects with a long duration of pain with activity (more than six months). (a) Nine consecutive patients (10 tendons; eight men, one woman; mean age 22 years) performed eccentric exercise with the ankle joint in a standard (foot flat) position. (b) Eight patients (12 tendons; five men, three women; mean age 28 years) performed eccentric training standing on a 25° decline board, designed to increase load on the knee extensor mechanism. The eccentric training was performed twice daily, with three sets of 15 repetitions, for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures were (a) 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS), where the subject recorded the amount of pain during activity, and (b) return to previous activity. Follow up was at 12 weeks, with a further limited follow up at 15 months.Results:Good clinical results were obtained in the group who trained on the decline board, with six patients (nine tendons) returning to sport and showing a significantly reduced amount of pain over the 12 week period. Mean VAS scores fell from 74.2 to 28.5 (p  =  0.004). At 15 months, four patients (five tendons) reported satisfactory results (mean VAS 26.2). In the standard squat group the results were poor, with only one athlete returning to previous activity. Mean VAS scores in this group were 79.0 at baseline and 72.3 at 12 weeks (p  =  0.144).Conclusion:In a small group of patients with patellar tendinopathy, eccentric squats on a decline board produced encouraging results in terms of pain reduction and return to function in the short term. Eccentric exercise using standard single leg squats in a similar sized group appeared to be a less effective form of rehabilitation in reducing pain and returning subjects to previous levels of activity.
Does generalised ligamentous laxity increase seasonal incidence of injuries in male first division club rugby players?
Authors: Stewart D R , Burden S B 
Published: July 2004

Objectives:To investigate if ligamentous laxity increases seasonal incidence of injury in male first division club rugby players, and to determine if strength protects against injury in hypermobile and tight players.Methods:Fifty one male first division club rugby players were examined for ligamentous laxity using the Beighton-Horan assessment and graded with an overall laxity score ranging from 0 (tight) to 9 (hyperlax). Each participant was classified into a group determined by their laxity score: tight (0–3), hypermobile (4–6), or excessively hypermobile (7–9). The incidence of joint injuries was recorded prospectively throughout the rugby season and correlated with laxity score. Differences between the groups were analysed.Results:The overall prevalence of generalised joint hypermobility was 24% (12/51). The incidence of injuries was significantly higher in hypermobile (116.7 per 1000 hours) than tight (43.6 per 1000 hours) players (p  =  0.034). There were no significant differences in peak strength between the hypermobile and tight groups.Conclusions:The laxity of the players may explain the differences in injury rates between these groups. Peak strength does not protect the hypermobile joint against injury. It appears that hypermobility may cause an increase in the injury rate of male first division club rugby players.
A one season prospective cohort study of volleyball injuries
Authors: Verhagen E A L M , Van der Beek A J , Bouter L M , Bahr R M , Mechelen W Van 
Published: July 2004

Objective:To estimate the overall incidence of acute and overuse volleyball injuries, and to describe factors associated with ankle sprains.Methods:486 players from the second and third Dutch national volleyball divisions participated in the study and were followed prospectively during a whole season. Three measurements were made during the season (baseline, follow up 1, and follow up 2), where all players completed a questionnaire on demographic variables (only at baseline), sports participation, use of preventive measures, and previous injuries. Volleyball exposure during training and matches was recorded for each individual player by the coach on a weekly exposure form. In case of injury the coach provided the injured player with an injury registration form, which had to be completed within one week after the onset of injury.Results:100 injuries were reported, resulting in an overall injury incidence of 2.6 injuries/1000 hours. The incidence of acute injuries was 2.0/1000 hours. Ankle sprains (n = 41) accounted for most of the acute injuries, and 31 (75%) of all players with an ankle sprain reported a previous ankle sprain. Twenty five overuse injuries were reported. The overall incidence of overuse injuries was 0.6/1000 hours; the back and the shoulder were the most common sites.Conclusions:Ankle sprain is the most common injury in volleyball, accounting for 41% of all volleyball related injuries. Previous injury seems to be an important risk factor for an ankle sprain. Injury prevention programmes should focus on ankle sprains and concentrate on players with previous ankle sprains.
KSHV viral cyclin binds to p27KIP1 in primary effusion lymphomas
Authors: Järviluoma Annika , Koopal Sonja , Räsänen Susanna , Mäkelä Tomi P. , Ojala Päivi M. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Primary effusion lymphomas (PELs) represent a unique non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is consistently infected by Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV). PEL cells express high levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27KIP1 and yet proliferate actively. KSHV genome encodes a viral cyclin homolog, v-cyclin, which has previously been implicated in down-regulation of p27KIP1 levels. To address how PEL cells can tolerate high p27KIP1 levels, we investigated functional interactions between v-cyclin and p27KIP1 using PEL-derived cell lines as a model system. Here we demonstrate that v-cyclin and p27KIP1 stably associate in PEL cells in vivo suggesting an attractive model by which p27KIP1 is inactivated in the actively proliferating PEL cells. Moreover, we show that v-cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) form an active kinase without p27KIP1 and that CDK6 is the in vivo catalytic subunit of v-cyclin in PEL cells. These findings suggest that KSHV may promote oncogenesis in PEL by expressing v-cyclin, which both overrides negative cell cycle controls present in the PEL precursor cells and induces a strong proliferative signal via CDK6 kinase activity. (Blood. 2004;104:3349-3354)
Early endothelial dysfunction in cholesterol-fed rabbits: a non-invasive in vivo ultrasound study.
Authors: Drolet Marie-Claude , Plante Éric , Battistini Bruno , Couet Jacques , Arsenault Marie 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic rabbits is usually evaluated ex vivo on isolated aortic rings. In vivo evaluation requires invasive imaging procedures that cannot be repeated serially.

Aim
We evaluated a non-invasive ultrasound technique to assess early endothelial function in rabbits and compare data with ex vivo measurements.

Methods
Twenty-four rabbits (fed with a cholesterol diet (0.5%) for 2 to 8 weeks) were given progressive infusions of acetylcholine (0.05–0.5 μg/kg/min) and their endothelial function was assessed in vivo by transcutaneous vascular ultrasound of the abdominal aorta. Ex vivo endothelial function was evaluated on isolated aortic rings and compared to in vivo data.

Results
Significant endothelial dysfunction was demonstrated in hypercholesterolemic animals as early as 2 weeks after beginning the cholesterol diet (aortic cross-sectional area variation: -2.9% vs. +4% for controls, p < 0.05). Unexpectedly, response to acetylcholine at 8 weeks was more variable. Endothelial function improved in 5 rabbits while 2 rabbits regained a normal endothelial function. These data corroborated well with ex vivo results.

Conclusion
Endothelial function can be evaluated non-invasively in vivo by transcutaneous vascular ultrasound of the abdominal aorta in the rabbit and results correlate well with ex vivo data.
Echocardiographic assessment and percutaneous closure of multiple atrial septal defects
Authors: Mitchell Andrew RJ , Roberts Philip , Eichhöfer Jonas , Timperley Jonathan , Ormerod Oliver JM 
Published: July 2004

AbstractAtrial septal defect closure is now routinely performed using a percutaneous approach under echocardiographic guidance. Centrally located, secundum defects are ideal for device closure but there is considerable morphological variation in size and location of the defects. A small proportion of atrial septal defects may have multiple fenestrations and these are often considered unsuitable for device closure. We report three cases of multiple atrial septal defects successfully closed with two Amplatzer septal occluders.
Cancer of the endometrium: current aspects of diagnostics and treatment
Authors: Münstedt Karsten , Grant Phillip , Woenckhaus Joachim , Roth Gabriele , Tinneberg Hans-Rudolf 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Endometrial cancer represents a tumor entity with a great variation in its incidence throughout the world (range 1 to 25). This suggests enormous possibilities of cancer prevention due to the fact that the incidence is very much endocrine-related, chiefly with obesity, and thus most frequent in the developed world. As far as treatment is concerned, it is generally accepted that surgery represents the first choice of treatment. However, several recommendations seem reasonable especially with lymphadenectomy, even though they are not based on evidence. All high-risk cases are generally recommended for radiotherapy.

Methods
A literature search of the Medline was carried out for all articles on endometrial carcinoma related to diagnosis and treatment. The articles were systematically reviewed and were categorized into incidence, etiology, precancerosis, early diagnosis, classification, staging, prevention, and treatment. The article is organized into several similar subheadings.

Conclusions
In spite of the overall good prognosis during the early stages of the disease, the survival is poor in advanced stages or recurrences. Diagnostic measures are very well able to detect asymptomatic recurrences. These only seem justified if patients' chances are likely to improve, otherwise such measures increases costs as well as decrease the patients' quality of life. To date neither current nor improved concepts of endocrine treatment or chemotherapy have been able to substantially increase patients' chances of survival. Therefore, newer concepts into the use of antibodies e.g. trastuzumab in HER2-overexpressing tumors and the newer endocrine compounds will need to be investigated. Furthermore, it would seem highly desirable if future studies were to identify valid criteria for an individualized management, thereby maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks.
Economic Analysis of Intravenous Plus Oral Amiodarone, Atrial Septal Pacing, and Both Strategies to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation After Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Reddy Prabashni , Kalus James S. , Caron Michael F. , Horowitz Sheryl , Karapanos Angiliki , Coleman Craig I. , Kluger Jeffrey , White C. Michael 
Published: July 2004

Study Objectives. To compare the cost‐effectiveness of intravenous plus oral amiodarone, atrial septal pacing, and both strategies combined to prevent atrial fibrillation after open heart surgery. Secondary objectives were to compare the cost‐effectiveness of amiodarone versus no amiodarone and of pacing versus no pacing, and to compare hospitalization costs of the various strategies.Design. Piggyback cost analysis of a randomized, 2 times 2 factorial trial.Setting. Urban academic hospital.Patients. One hundred and sixty patients with coronary artery and/or valvular disease.Intervention. Patients were randomized to receive amiodarone or matching placebo and then further randomized to receive atrial septal pacing or no pacing.Measurements and Main Results. The economic analysis was conducted from a hospital perspective. Charges were converted to costs using cost: charge ratios. For the cost‐effectiveness analysis, a joint distribution of costs and effectiveness was performed using the nonparametric bootstrap method. Amiodarone plus pacing significantly decreased the frequency of atrial fibrillation after open heart surgery, compared with amiodarone alone, pacing alone, and placebo. Total costs (mean ± SD) were $27,026 ± 30,226 for the placebo group, $22,725 ± 17,661 for the amiodarone group, $33,868 ± 60,309 for the pacing group, and $18,697 ± 8174 for the amiodarone plus pacing group (p=0.27). In the joint distribution cost‐effectiveness analysis, when compared with placebo, the probability of lower cost but higher effect (superiority) was 67% for amiodarone, 15% for pacing, and 97% for amiodarone plus pacing. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative β‐blockers and amiodarone were negatively associated with hospital costs (p<0.05).Conclusions. Data suggest that both amiodarone alone and the combination of amiodarone plus pacing are cost‐effective compared with placebo. Additional comparative studies of these strategies are warranted to confirm these findings.