Plasmid pFM205 contains the genetic determinant for the K88ab antigen and is composed of a 4.3-megadalton DNA fragment derived from wild-type K88ab plasmid pRI8801 and cloning vehicle pBR322. The K88 NA of pFM205 contains five genes, which code for polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 17,000, 26,000 (the K88ab subunit), 27,000 27,500, and 81,000. All five polypeptides were synthesized as precursors approximately 2,000 daltons larger than the mature polypeptides, indicating that they are transported across the cytoplasmic membrane by means of a signal sequence. A set of deletion derivatives of pFM205 was constructed, each containing a deletion in one of the five genes. In strains harboring derivatives of pFM205 containing a deletion in the gene for the 17,000- or 81,000-dalton polypeptide, the K88ab subunit was synthesized and transported to the outside of the cell. However, these strains did not adhere to brushborders or guinea pig erythrocytes, suggesting that the K88ab subunits were not assembled into normal fimbriae. Strains harboring plasmids containing a deletion in the gene for the 27,500-dalton polypeptide still adhered to brush borders and guinea pig erythrocytes, although very little K88ab antigen could be detected with an immunological assay. In strains harboring plasmids containing a deletion in the gene for the 27,000-dalton polypeptide, the K88ab subunit was synthesized but was probably subsequently degraded rapidly.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The Belgian-Flemish version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ).

We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Belgian-Flemish language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Belgian-Flemish CHAQ was fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations, while the Belgian-Flemish CHQ was equal to the Dutch version and revalidated in this study. The French version of both CHAQ and CHQ was exactly the same as the one used in France. A total of 199 subjects were enrolled: 53 patients with JIA (11% systemic onset, 40% polyarticular onset, 13% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 36% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 146 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular onset, and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Belgian-Flemish version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA.

Adolescent↗