bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of atrophic body gastritis in Chinese patients by measuring serum pepsinogen
Authors: Wu Kai Chun , Li Hong Tao , Qiao Tai Dong , Li Cai Ning , Ji Wan Sheng , Tian Feng Qi , Wang Xin , Wang Biao Luo , Miao Ji Yan , Ding Jie , Fan Dai Ming 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVE:  Atrophic body gastritis (ABG) is common in China. Although histology via endoscopy is an efficient and reliable means of diagnosing ABG, it is an invasive procedure. Therefore, in the present study serum pepsinogen (PG) was used as a biomarker to develop a novel noninvasive test as the first option for screening of ABG in certain groups of Chinese.METHODS:  The study population consisted of 81 selected dyspeptic patients (mean age, 64.8 ± 0.7 years; M:F, 43:38) who underwent diagnostic gastroscopy. At least four biopsy specimens were taken from the antrum and corpus of the stomach (two specimens from each site) for histological diagnosis. Blood samples for ELISA assays of serum pepsinogen I (PGI), pepsinogen II (PGII) and IgG antibodies against Helicobacter pylori (Hp IgG) were drawn after endoscopy. Cut‐off points were calculated using receiver operating curves (ROC).RESULTS:  There was no correlation between serum PG and atrophy in the antral mucosa. The mean serum concentration of PGI was lower (P < 0.05) in patients with ABG (89.9 µg/L) than in those with normal mucosa (NM) and non‐ABG (123.7 µg/L and 139.1 µg/L). The mean ratio of PGI:PGII was also lower (P < 0.01) in patients with ABG (6.2) than in those with NM and non‐ABG (11.6 and 11.7). There was no difference in serum PGI or the PGI:PGII ratio between patients with and without H. pylori infection. For diagnosing ABG, the area under the ROC of PGI and the PGI:PGII ratio was 0.741(95% CI: 0.627–0.856) and 0.874(95% CI: 0.788–0.961), respectively. The maximum of the Youden's index (YI) of PGI and the PGI:PGII ratio was 0.426 and 0.722, respectively. The best cut‐off point for PGI was 97.1 µg/L with sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 76%, and for PGI:PGII ratio was 8.1 µg/L, with sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 83%.CONCLUSIONS:  The serum PGI:PGII ratio appears to be a sensitive and specific assay for corpus atrophy, thus providing a noninvasive and indicative test for diagnosis of atrophic gastritis.
Construction and identification of polycistron adenoviral expression vector PCA13/FasL–IRES–iNOS
Authors: Qiu Jiang Feng , Wu Zhi Yong , Luo Chun Xia , Yu Fu Rong , Zhang Zhi Qi 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVE:  To construct the Fas ligand (FasL) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) coexpressed PCA13 plasmid used for packing of adenovirus, so as to observe the immunoprotective effect of FasL on the adenovirus vector.METHODS:  By way of the internal ribosome entry site (IRES), gene engineering techniques such as preparation and transformation of competent cells, plasmid extraction, agarose gel electrophoresis and restriction enzymolysis were used for the construction of the polycistron adenoviral expression vector PCA13/FasL–IRES–iNOS, which could coexpress FasL and the iNOS gene after multisubcloning steps.RESULTS:  FasL and iNOS connected with the IRES were successfully cloned to the PCA13 plasmid and verified by enzymolysis (600 bp FasL, 1000 bp IRES and 4000 bp iNOS) and the gene sequence was concordant with the gene bank.CONCLUSIONS:  The polycistron adenoviral expression vector PCA13/FasL–IRES–iNOS was successfully constructed.
Cladribine followed by autologous stem‐cell transplantation in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Grigg A. , Tubridy N. J. , Szer J. , Mitchell P. , Butzkueven H. , Shuttleworth P. , Kilpatrick T. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract We studied the safety of autologous peripheral blood stem‐cell transplantation (PBSCT) in four patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes were secondary end‐points. Cladribine administration preceded filgrastim‐primed PBSC collection, aiming for lymphocyte depletion. Conditioning was with antithymocyte globulin and cyclophosphamide. The procedure was well tolerated, but without obvious clinical benefit. The study was ­terminated when other therapeutic options with lower morbidity became available. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 66−69)
Designing questionnaires for nutrition research
Authors: Fehily Ann M. , Johns Anthony P. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryWhen developing a questionnaire, whether the questionnaire is to be used to estimate nutrient intakes or for other data, a large number of factors need to be considered. Each of these is discussed, providing guidance to help overcome many of the problems that may occur in data collection and analysis. For a questionnaire to estimate nutrient intakes, first considerations are: the nutrient(s) to be assessed; the foods containing the nutrient(s); food portion sizes. For all questionnaires, it is necessary to consider: whether the questionnaire will be self‐administered or administered; whether a computerised interview or paper form will be used; location of questionnaire completion; whether questions will be open or closed format; length of the questionnaire; sequence and wording of questions; data coding for computer analysis; range and compatibility checks on data. If estimating nutrient intakes, additional considerations are: how nutrient intakes will be calculated; processing of missing values; validation of intake estimates. For all questionnaires, a pilot study is also essential. It is vital that adequate consideration is given to all of these factors at the design stage of the questionnaire in order to ensure that data collection and analysis can be carried out both effectively and efficiently.
A whole diet approach to healthy eating
Authors: E. Hannah, Theobald 
Published: February 2004

SummaryThis paper reviews the importance of a whole diet approach to healthy eating, detailing the development of the Balance of Good Health and explaining why such a healthy eating model works for the UK population. Comparisons are made between dietary recommendations (from the Balance of Good Health) and current eating patterns in the UK. This paper also discusses why it is important to consume foods from each of the four major food groups and discusses the health issues associated with cutting out a food group from the diet, as occurs in a number of popular diets.
Site‐Specificity
Authors: Rowe Dorothy 
Published: February 2004

Books reviewed in this article:Guy Lelong, Daniel BurenHarriet F. Senie, The Tilted Arc Controversy: Dangerous PrecedentMiwon Kwon, One Place After Another: Site‐Specific Art and Locational IdentityJohn Ravenal, Outer and Inner Space: Pipilotti Rost, Shirin Neshat, Jane and Louise Wilson and the History of Video Art
Experience and Theory
Authors: Gerhart Mary , Russell Allan Melvin 
Published: February 2004

AbstractN. R. Hanson's discussion of experience is criticized. Experience, though necessary for knowing, is insufficient as a basis for understanding in either science or religion. Experience alone can be misleading. We may begin with experience, but we cannot claim to understand until experience has been mediated by theory. The article is excerpted from Metaphoric Process: The Creation of Scientific and Religious Understanding (Gerhart and Russell 1984), Chapter 2.
Early learning experiences valued by physiotherapy students
Authors: Lindquist Ingrid , Engardt Margareta , Richardson Barbara 
Published: February 2004

AbstractHealthcare education across Europe aims to prepare students for service in healthcare provision that increasingly focuses on client‐centred care. Broadening access to professional courses can result in student cohorts that include a range of ages and educational backgrounds. The aim of this study was to explore the learning experiences valued by first‐year physiotherapy students in two European universities. Eighteen students were strategically selected for diversity of gender, age, educational background and previous work experiences. A qualitative approach was taken. A commonly developed interview guide was used to guide data collection through semistructured interviews that were carried out at the end of the first and second semester of the first year. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts, within and across countries, revealed themes of valued learning experiences from participation in clinical contexts, observation in clinical practice settings, learning from others and self, and learning from support and feedback. The findings suggest that educators should look more closely to ensure a match between the learning experiences valued by their students and their own approach to teaching, if they want to enhance students’ preparation for the contemporary needs of the profession.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms and Sequence Analysis: an Approach for Genotyping Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus Reference Strains and Other Aquabirnaviruses Isolated from Northwestern Spain
Authors: Cutrín J. M. , Barja J. L. , Nicholson B. L. , Bandín I. , Blake S. , Dopazo C. P. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT
Reference strains of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus resembling the 10 recognized serotypes and local isolates of aquabirnaviruses isolated in northwestern Spain from reservoirs (mollusks) and from asymptomatic and carrier cultured fish were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and nucleic acid sequence analyses. The RFLP analysis yielded seven genogroups, each of which was clearly correlated with a serotype. Sequence analysis of the three open reading frames provided quite similar results in terms of genogrouping. Based on the results of this study and in order to unify the two types of assays, we propose placing aquabirnaviruses into six genogroups, four of which can be subdivided into two genotypes based on a two-step restriction analysis. The genotyping corresponds with serotyping as follows: genogroup I includes two genotypes corresponding to serotypes A9 (genotype I.1) and A1 (genotype I.2); genogroup II corresponds to serotype A3; genogroup III includes genotypes III.1 (serotype A2) and III.2 (serotype B1); genogroups IV and V include two genotypes, each corresponding to serotypes A5, A6, A7, and A8 (genotypes IV.1, IV.2, V.1, and V.2, respectively);and genogroup VI corresponds to serotype A4. As expected, most local isolates belonged to genotype III.1 and genogroup II. However, a few local isolates corresponded to the American types of genogroup I. Finally, based on the results of this study and due to its simplicity, the two-step restriction analysis assay is proposed as a method for typing new isolates of aquabirnaviruses, and the results correspond to the results of conventional serotyping.
Aquatic Plants Stimulate the Growth of and Biofilm Formation by
Mycobacterium ulcerans
in Axenic Culture and Harbor These Bacteria in the Environment
Authors: Marsollier Laurent , Stinear Timothy , Aubry Jacques , Saint André Jean Paul , Robert Raymond , Legras Pierre , Manceau Anne-Lise , Audrain Christine , Bourdon Sandra , Kouakou Henri , Carbonnelle Bernard 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium ulcerans
is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, one of the most common mycobacterial diseases of humans. Recent studies have implicated aquatic insects in the transmission of this pathogen, but the contributions of other elements of the environment remain largely unknown. We report here that crude extracts from two green algae added to the BACTEC 7H12B culture medium halved the doubling time of
M. ulcerans
and promoted biofilm formation. Using the 7H12B medium, modified by the addition of the algal extract, and immunomagnetic separation, we also demonstrate that
M. ulcerans
is associated with aquatic plants in an area of the Ivory Coast where Buruli ulcer is endemic. Genotype analysis showed that plant-associated
M. ulcerans
had the same profile as isolates recovered in the same region from both aquatic insects and clinical specimens. These observations implicate aquatic plants as a reservoir of
M. ulcerans
and add a new potential link in the chain of transmission of
M. ulcerans
to humans.
Effect of Condensed Tannins on Bacterial Diversity and Metabolic Activity in the Rat Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Smith Alexandra H. , Mackie Roderick I. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

The effect of dietary condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) on rat fecal bacterial populations was ascertained in order to determine whether the proportion on tannin-resistant bacteria increased and if there was a change in the predominant bacterial populations. After 3 weeks of tannin diets the proportion of tannin-resistant bacteria increased significantly (
P
< 0.05) from 0.3% ± 5.5% to 25.3% ± 8.3% with a 0.7% tannin diet and to 47.2% ± 5.1% with a 2% tannin diet. The proportion of tannin-resistant bacteria returned to preexposure levels in the absence of dietary tannins. A shift in bacterial populations was confirmed by molecular fingerprinting of fecal bacterial populations by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Posttreatment samples were generally still distinguishable from controls after 3.5 weeks. Sequence analysis of DGGE bands and characterization of tannin-resistant isolates indicated that tannins selected for
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Bacteroides
species. Dot blot quantification confirmed that these gram-negative bacterial groups predominated in the presence of dietary tannins and that there was a corresponding decrease in the gram-positive
Clostridium leptum
group and other groups. Metabolic fingerprint patterns revealed that functional activities of culturable fecal bacteria were affected by the presence of tannins. Condensed tannins of
Acacia angustissima
altered fecal bacterial populations in the rat gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a shift in the predominant bacteria towards tannin-resistant gram-negative
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Bacteroides
species.
Evaluation of Structural Changes Induced by High Hydrostatic Pressure in
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
Authors: Kaletunç Gönül , Lee Jaesung , Alpas Hami , Bozoglu Faruk 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Scanning electron microcopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate structural changes in
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
cells as a function of high-hydrostatic-pressure treatment. This bacterium usually grows in chains of cells, which were increasingly dechained at elevated pressures. High-pressure treatments at 250 and 500 MPa also caused changes in the external surface and internal structure of cells. Dechaining and blister formation on the surface of cells increased with pressure, as observed in SEM micrographs. TEM studies showed that cytoplasmic components of the cells were affected by high-pressure treatment. DSC studies of whole cells showed increasing denaturation of ribosomes with pressure, in keeping with dense compacted regions in the cytoplasm of pressure-treated cells observed in TEM micrographs. Apparent reduction of intact ribosomes observed in DSC thermograms was related to the reduction in number of viable cells. The results indicate that inactivation of
L. mesenteroides
cells is mainly due to ribosomal denaturation observed as a reduction of the corresponding peak in DSC thermograms and condensed interior regions of cytoplasm in TEM micrographs.
Distribution and Phylogenetic Analysis of Family 19 Chitinases inActinobacteria
Authors: Kawase Tomokazu , Saito Akihiro , Sato Toshiya , Kanai Ryo , Fujii Takeshi , Nikaidou Naoki , Miyashita Kiyotaka , Watanabe Takeshi 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACTIn organisms other than higher plants, family 19 chitinase was first discovered inStreptomyces griseusHUT6037, and later, the general occurrence of this enzyme inStreptomycesspecies was demonstrated. In the present study, the distribution of family 19 chitinases in the classActinobacteriaand the phylogenetic relationship ofActinobacteriafamily 19 chitinases with family 19 chitinases of other organisms were investigated. Forty-nine strains were chosen to cover almost all the suborders of the classActinobacteria, and chitinase production was examined. Of the 49 strains, 22 formed cleared zones on agar plates containing colloidal chitin and thus appeared to produce chitinases. These 22 chitinase-positive strains were subjected to Southern hybridization analysis by using a labeled DNA fragment corresponding to the catalytic domain of ChiC, and the presence of genes similar tochiCofS. griseusHUT6037 in at least 13 strains was suggested by the results. PCR amplification and sequencing of the DNA fragments corresponding to the major part of the catalytic domains of the family 19 chitinase genes confirmed the presence of family 19 chitinase genes in these 13 strains. The strains possessing family 19 chitinase genes belong to 6 of the 10 suborders in the orderActinomycetales, which account for the greatest part of theActinobacteria. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that there is a close evolutionary relationship between family 19 chitinases found inActinobacteriaand plant class IV chitinases. The general occurrence of family 19 chitinase genes inStreptomycineaeand the high sequence similarity among the genes found inActinobacteriasuggest that the family 19 chitinase gene was first acquired by an ancestor of theStreptomycineaeand spread among theActinobacteriathrough horizontal gene transfer.
Disinfection of Contaminated Water by Using Solar Irradiation
Authors: Caslake Laurie F. , Connolly Daniel J. , Menon Vilas , Duncanson Catriona M. , Rojas Ricardo , Tavakoli Javad 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Contaminated water causes an estimated 6 to 60 billion cases of gastrointestinal illness annually. The majority of these cases occur in rural areas of developing nations where the water supply remains polluted and adequate sanitation is unavailable. A portable, low-cost, and low-maintenance solar unit to disinfect unpotable water has been designed and tested. The solar disinfection unit was tested with both river water and partially processed water from two wastewater treatment plants. In less than 30 min in midday sunlight, the unit eradicated more than 4 log
10
U (99.99%) of bacteria contained in highly contaminated water samples. The solar disinfection unit has been field tested by Centro Panamericano de Ingenieria Sanitaria y Ciencias del Ambiente in Lima, Peru. At moderate light intensity, the solar disinfection unit was capable of reducing the bacterial load in a controlled contaminated water sample by 4 log
10
U and disinfected approximately 1 liter of water in 30 min.
Comparison of Survival of
Campylobacter jejuni
in the Phyllosphere with That in the Rhizosphere of Spinach and Radish Plants
Authors: Brandl Maria T. , Haxo Aileen F. , Bates Anna H. , Mandrell Robert E. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter jejuni
has been isolated previously from market produce and has caused gastroenteritis outbreaks linked to produce. We have tested the ability of this human pathogen to utilize organic compounds that are present in leaf and root exudates and to survive in the plant environment under various conditions. Carbon utilization profiles revealed that
C. jejuni
can utilize many organic acids and amino acids available on leaves and roots. Despite the presence of suitable substrates in the phyllosphere and the rhizosphere,
C. jejuni
was unable to grow on lettuce and spinach leaves and on spinach and radish roots of plants incubated at 33°C, a temperature that is conducive to its growth in vitro. However,
C. jejuni
was cultured from radish roots and from the spinach rhizosphere for at least 23 and 28 days, respectively, at 10°C. This enteric pathogen also persisted in the rhizosphere of spinach for prolonged periods of time at 16°C, a temperature at which many cool-season crops are grown. The decline rate constants of
C. jejuni
populations in the spinach and radish rhizosphere were 10- and 6-fold lower, respectively, than on healthy spinach leaves at 10°C. The enhanced survival of
C. jejuni
in soil and in the rhizosphere may be a significant factor in its contamination cycle in the environment and may be associated with the sporadic
C. jejuni
incidence and campylobacteriosis outbreaks linked to produce.
Biodegradation of Benzene by Halophilic and Halotolerant Bacteria under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Nicholson Carla A. , Fathepure Babu Z. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

A highly enriched halophilic culture was established with benzene as the sole carbon source by using a brine soil obtained from an oil production facility in Oklahoma. The enrichment completely degraded benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes within 1 to 2 weeks. Also, [
14
C]benzene was converted to
14
CO
2
, suggesting the culture's ability to mineralize benzene. Community structure analysis revealed that
Marinobacter
spp. were the dominant members of the enrichment.
Improved Laboratory Enrichment for Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
by Exposure to Extremely Acidic Conditions
Authors: Grant Michael A. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Analysis of food samples for
E. coli
O157:H7 using the standard U.S. Food and Drug Administration procedure is frequently complicated by overgrowth of nontarget microorganisms. A new procedure was developed for enrichment of enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC) which utilizes exposure to pH 2.00 for 2 h. This procedure yielded larger populations of EHEC than the standard method by factors ranging from 2.7 to 7.7 and, when age-stressed cultures were used, by factors ranging from 2.7 to 11.5. Cultures of competing enterics were more effectively inhibited by the new enrichment protocol as well.
Effect of Overexpression of
Actinobacillus succinogenes
Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase on Succinate Production in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Kim Pil , Laivenieks Maris , Vieille Claire , Zeikus J. Gregory 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Succinate fermentation was investigated in
Escherichia coli
strains overexpressing
Actinobacillus succinogenes
phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). In
E. coli
K-12, PEPCK overexpression had no effect on succinate fermentation. In contrast, in the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase mutant
E. coli
strain K-12
ppc
::
kan
, PEPCK overexpression increased succinate production 6.5-fold.
NorM, an
Erwinia amylovora
Multidrug Efflux Pump Involved in In Vitro Competition with Other Epiphytic Bacteria
Authors: Burse Antje , Weingart Helge , Ullrich Matthias S. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Blossoms are important sites of infection for
Erwinia amylovora
, the causal agent of fire blight of rosaceous plants. Before entering the tissue, the pathogen colonizes the stigmatic surface and has to compete for space and nutrient resources within the epiphytic community. Several epiphytes are capable of synthesizing antibiotics with which they antagonize phytopathogenic bacteria. Here, we report that a multidrug efflux transporter, designated NorM, of
E. amylovora
confers tolerance to the toxin(s) produced by epiphytic bacteria cocolonizing plant blossoms. According to sequence comparisons, the single-component efflux pump NorM is a member of the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion protein family. The corresponding gene is widely distributed among
E. amylovora
strains and related plant-associated bacteria. NorM mediated resistance to the hydrophobic cationic compounds norfloxacin, ethidium bromide, and berberine. A
norM
mutant was constructed and exhibited full virulence on apple rootstock MM 106. However, it was susceptible to antibiotics produced by epiphytes isolated from apple and quince blossoms. The epiphytes were identified as
Pantoea agglomerans
by 16S rRNA analysis and were isolated from one-third of all trees examined. The promoter activity of
norM
was twofold greater at 18°C than at 28°C. The lower temperature seems to be beneficial for host infection because of the availability of moisture necessary for movement of the pathogen to the infection sites. Thus,
E. amylovora
might employ NorM for successful competition with other epiphytic microbes to reach high population densities, particularly at a lower temperature.