Two flagellar stators and their roles in motility and virulence in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605.

The motor proteins around the flagellar basal body consist of two cytoplasmic membrane proteins, MotA and MotB, and function as a complex that acts as the stator to generate the torque that drives rotation. Genome analysis of several Pseudomonas syringae pathovars revealed that there are two sets of genes encoding motor proteins: motAB and motCD. Deduced amino acid sequences for MotA/B and MotC/D showed homologies to the H(+)-driven stator from Escherichia coli and Na(+)-driven stator from Vibrio alginolyticus, respectively.

Influence of urease activity in the intestinal tract on the results of 13C-urea breath test.

Background And Aim: A late rise in (13)CO2 excretion in the (13)C-urea breath test (UBT) should be found when the substrate passes rapidly through the stomach and makes contact with the colonic bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of intestinal urease activity on the results of the UBT.

Method: A total of 143 subjects who were diagnosed as Helicobacter pylori negative by serology, histology and rapid urease test were recruited.

High incidence of fermentation in the digestive tract in patients with reflux oesophagitis.

Objectives: Because bacteria represent the sole source of gut hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4), fasting breath H2 and CH4 gases have been used as markers of colonic fermentation. The presence of carbohydrates in the colonic lumen inhibits gastric and pancreatic secretions, and also influences lower oesophageal sphincter function in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Materials And Methods: Studies were performed in 793 consecutive patients undergoing oesophagogastroscopy (270 men and 523 women, aged 19-85 years).

Comparison of serum IgA and IgG antibodies for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection.

Objective: Although the diagnostic utility of serum IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is well established, the usefulness of IgA-based tests is less well documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate two commercially available ELISAs, both for IgG and IgA.

Serum pepsinogens as a predicator of the topography of intestinal metaplasia in patients with atrophic gastritis.

The importance of atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia is related to the fact that it increases the risk of gastric cancer development. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum pepsinogens in predicting the topography of intestinal metaplasia. Both dye endoscopy and 13C-urea breath test were carried out in 878 subjects.

Usefulness of gastric cancer screening using the serum pepsinogen test method.

Objective: The measurement of serum pepsinogen has recently gained attention as a candidate for a new screening test for gastric cancer. This method is particularly attractive given its lower cost and simplicity to administer relative to photofluorography. To compare the accuracy between the two screening methods, and to elucidate the usefulness of the serum pepsinogen test method, we performed this study.

Hydrogen breath test as an indicator of the quality of colonic preparation for colonoscopy.

Background: Breath hydrogen levels after ingestion of polyethylene glycol were evaluated as a method of predicting the quality of colonic preparation.

Methods: One hundred patients undergoing nonemergency colonoscopy were recruited for this study. After fasting overnight, they were instructed to ingest a polyethylene glycol solution containing 12 g lactulose at a rate of 50 mL every 5 minutes for 2 hours.