bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cooperation between Alteration of DNA Gyrase Genes and Over‐Expression of MexB and MexX Confers High‐Level Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from a Patient Who Received a Liver Transplant Followed by Treatment with Fluoroquinolones
Authors: Niga Toshiyuki , Ito Hideaki , Oyamada Yoshihiro , Yamagishi Jun‐ichi , Kadono Manami , Nishino Takeshi , Gotoh Naomasa , Inoue Matsuhisa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractClinical isolates of highly fluoroquinolone‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa had a mutation in either A or B subunit of DNA gyrase and over‐expressed MexB and MexX, the efflux system proteins. Introduction of wild‐type gyrase genes of Escherichia coli into the isolates made them as fluoroquinolone‐susceptible as the moderately fluoroquinolone‐resistant strains that only over‐expressed efflux system proteins. These findings demonstrate that high fluoroquinolone‐resistance in P. aeruginosa is attributed to cooperation between alteration in DNA gyrase genes and over‐expression of efflux systems proteins.
Regulation of CD93 Cell Surface Expression by Protein Kinase C Isoenzymes
Authors: Ikewaki Nobunao , Kulski Jerzy K. , Inoko Hidetoshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHuman CD93, also known as complement protein 1, q subcomponent, receptor (C1qRp), is selectively expressed by cells with a myeloid lineage, endothelial cells, platelets, and microglia and was originally reported to be involved in the complement protein 1, q subcomponent (C1q)‐mediated enhancement of phagocytosis. The intracellular molecular events responsible for the regulation of its expression on the cell surface, however, have not been determined. In this study, the effect of protein kinases in the regulation of CD93 expression on the cell surface of a human monocyte‐like cell line (U937), a human NK‐like cell line (KHYG‐1), and a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUV‐EC‐C) was investigated using four types of protein kinase inhibitors, the classical protein kinase C (cPKC) inhibitor Go6976, the novel PKC (nPKC) inhibitor Rottlerin, the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H‐89 and the protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor herbimycin A at their optimum concentrations for 24 hr. CD93 expression was analyzed using flow cytometry and glutaraldehyde‐fixed cellular enzyme‐linked immunoassay (EIA) techniques utilizing a CD93 monoclonal antibody (mAb), mNI‐11, that was originally established in our laboratory as a CD93 detection probe. The nPKC inhibitor Rottlerin strongly down‐regulated CD93 expression on the U937 cells in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas the other inhibitors had little or no effect. CD93 expression was down‐regulated by Go6976, but not by Rottlerin, in the KHYG‐1 cells and by both Rottlerin and Go6976 in the HUV‐EC‐C cells. The PKC stimulator, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), strongly up‐regulated CD93 expression on the cell surface of all three cell‐lines and induced interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) production by the U937 cells and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production by the KHYG‐1 cells. In addition, both Go6976 and Rottlerin inhibited the up‐regulation of CD93 expression induced by PMA and IL‐8 or IFN‐γ production in the respective cell‐lines. Whereas recombinant tumor necrosis factor‐α (rTNF‐α) slightly up‐regulated CD93 expression on the U937 cells, recombinant interleukin‐1β (rIL‐1β), recombinant interleukin‐2 (rIL‐2), recombinant interferon‐γ (rIFN‐γ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) had no effect. Taken together, these findings indicate that the regulation of CD93 expression on these cells involves the PKC isoenzymes.
Involvement of Mannose Receptor in Glycopeptidolipid‐Mediated Inhibition of Phagosome‐Lysosome Fusion
Authors: Shimada Ken‐ichi , Takimoto Hiroaki , Yano Ikuya , Kumazawa Yoshio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe previously reported that glycopeptidolipid (GPL) isolated from Mycobacterium avium serovar 4 inhibited phagosome‐lysosome (P‐L) fusion when macrophages phagocytosed heat‐killed Staphylococcus aureus (SA). In the present study we analyzed the underlying inhibitory mechanism of GPL coated on SA. Elimination of oligosaccharide from GPL abrogated its inhibitory activity. GPL did not inhibit P‐L fusion of opsonized SA phagocytosed via complement receptors. The inhibitory activity of GPL was competitively reduced by the presence of α‐methyl‐D‐mannoside and anti‐mannose receptor antibody, suggesting that inhibition of P‐L fusion by GPL is mediated through mannose receptor. Recruitment of early endosome antigen 1 and Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II in human macrophage‐like THP‐1 cells were significantly suppressed by GPL, indicating that GPL inhibits steps for leading to the P‐L fusion.
Predominant T Helper 2 Immune Responses againstBartonella henselaein Naturally Infected Cats
Authors: Kabeya Hidenori , Sase Makiko , Yamashita Masaya , Maruyama Soichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study was conducted to explicate the mechanism of long‐term bacteremia inBartonella henselae‐infected cats by the examining host immune responses. Blood samples were collected from three naturally infected cats and the IgG antibody titers and the cytokine responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were examined by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reactions (RT‐PCR). Relapsing bacteremia was found in two of the three cats during the examination period. The quantitative RT‐PCR analyses demonstrated that increases of the mRNA expressions in interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) but not in gamma‐interferon (IFN‐γ) were observed in PBMC from these infected cats after the bacteremia had peaked, showing that the T helper 2 (Th2) responses were specifically induced in the cats. Furthermore, the specific antibody titer increased, resulting in a decrease in the number ofB. henselaeto undetectable levels in these cats. However, the number of bacteria increased again in two of these cats at 90 and 45 days after the previous bacteremia, respectively. These results suggest thatB. henselaepredominantly induced IL‐4 production from PBMC and resulted in stimulation of the humoral immune responses, including the secretion of specific antibodies in the cats. Furthermore, the specific antibody may play a role in eliminating the bacteria from cats partially but not completely, because relapsing bacteremia was found in these two cats.
Chloroquine Inhibits Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Survival within Human Monocytes by Limiting the Availability of Intracellular Iron
Authors: Dias‐Melicio Luciane Alarcão , Moreira Ana Paula , Calvi Sueli Aparecida , de Campos Soares Angela Maria Victoriano 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe mechanisms used by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb 18) to survive into monocytes are not clear. Cellular iron metabolism is of critical importance to the growth of several intracellular pathogens, including P. brasiliensis, whose capacity to multiply in mononuclear phagocytes is dependent on the availability of intracellular iron. Chloroquine, by virtue of its basic properties, has been shown to prevent release of iron from holotransferrin by raising endocytic and lysosomal pH, and thereby interfering with normal iron metabolism. Then, in view of this, we have studied the effects of CHLOR on P. brasiliensis multiplication in human monocytes and its effect on the murine paracoccidioidomycosis. CHLOR induced human monocytes to kill P. brasiliensis. The effect of CHLOR was reversed by FeNTA, an iron compound that is soluble at neutral to alkaline pH, but not by holotransferrin, which releases iron only in an acidic environment. CHLOR treatment of Pb 18‐infected BALB/c mice significantly reduced the viable fungi recovery from lungs, during three different periods of evaluation, in a dose‐dependent manner. This study demonstrates that iron is of critical importance to the survival of P. brasiliensis yeasts within human monocytes and the CHLOR treatment in vitro induces Pb 18 yeast‐killing by monocytes by restricting the availability of intracellular iron. Besides, the CHLOR treatment in vivo significantly reduces the number of organisms in the lungs of Pb‐infected mice protecting them from several infections. Thus, CHLOR was effective in the treatment of murine paracoccidioidomycosis, suggesting the potential use of this drug in patients' treatment.
Occurrence of the Fimbria Gene hifA in Clinical Isolates of Nonencapsulated Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Nakamura Masahiko , Asaka Toshiyuki , Kirita Akiko , Miyazaki Hatsumi , Senda Yasuko , Fujita Shin‐Ichi , Fukushima Ritsuko , Watanabe Kishichiro , Karasawa Tadahiro , Kawahara Ei , Shimura Satoshi , Yamagishi Takayoshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe adherence of Haemophilus influenzae to epithelial cells plays a crucial role in infections. However, little is known about the occurrence of fimbriae. In this study, we examined the distribution of the fimbria gene (hifA) by PCR among 167 H. influenzae strains isolated from patients with respiratory infections. Almost all (163; 98%) of the isolates were nonencapsulated strains. The carriage rate of hifA by the nonencapsulated strains was 18.4%. Electron microscopy showed that fimbriae were abundantly present on the cell surface of hifA‐positive strains tested. Only four (2.4%) isolates were encapsulated, all of which were type b and did not possess hifA. The present work suggests that fimbriae may play a considerable role as adhesins in nonencapsulated H. influenzae strains.
Rapid Detection and Quantification of Japanese Encephalitis Virus by Real‐Time Reverse Transcription Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Toriniwa Hiroko , Komiya Tomoyoshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe established a rapid, quantitative real‐time reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) assay targeting the envelope gene of Japanese encephalitis virus. The RT‐LAMP enabled us to detect the target product within 1 hr by only reacting reverse transcriptase and Bst DNA polymerase in a single tube at an isothermal temperature. The detection sensitivity of the RT‐LAMP for Japanese encephalitis virus was 1 PFU, similar to that of conventional reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Flaviviruses of the Japanese encephalitis virus group, such as Dengue virus and West Nile virus, could not be detected. This confirmed the specificity of the RT‐LAMP assay for Japanese encephalitis virus. A standard curve was constructed by plotting viral titer against the time for virus detection by the RT‐LAMP, validating the quantitative accuracy of the assay. In addition, the amount of virus estimated by RT‐LAMP was strongly correlated (r=0.902) with that determined by plaque assay, a conventional method for virus quantification. These results indicate that the RT‐LAMP assay established in this study is specific for Japanese encephalitis virus, and allows more rapid detection and quantification of the virus.
Presence of LuxS/AI‐2 Based Quorum‐Sensing System in Vibrio mimicus: LuxO Controls Protease Activity
Authors: Sultan Zafar , Miyoshi Shin‐ichi , Shinoda Sumio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPresence of the quorum‐sensing regulation system in Vibrio mimicus was investigated. The culture supernatants of V. mimicus strains were found to possess AI‐2 autoinducer like activity, and the strains were found to harbor the genes which are homologous to luxS, luxO, and luxR of V. harveyi. These genes of V. harveyi have been shown to be important components of V. harveyi‐like quorum‐sensing system. The luxO gene homologue known to encode LuxO, the central component of the regulation system, was disrupted, and effects on protease and hemolysin activity were studied. Disruption of luxO gene resulted in the increased protease activity, but the hemolysin activity did not vary considerably.
Prevalence of Low Positive Anti‐HCV Antibodies in Blood Donors: Schistosoma mansoni Co‐Infection and Possible Role of Autoantibodies
Authors: Agha Salah , El‐Mashad Noha , El‐Malky Mohamed , El‐Shony Huda , El‐Sherif Mohamed Zaki , El‐Hasan Mohamed Abo , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPatients infected with schistosoma frequently show a high seroprevalence of anti‐hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) antibodies. The aim of this study was to find the underlying reason for this phenomenon, and to examine a possible involvement of autoantibodies. Out of 2,400 Egyptian blood donors, 192 (8%) were anti‐HCV positive by ELISA. They were 133 males and 59 females with age ranging from 27 to 48 years. According to optical density ratio (ODR) of anti‐HCV antibodies, 96 cases were low positive (LP) with ODR (1–2) designated as group I, and 96 were high positive (HP) with ODR (≥2) (group II). Both groups were examined for quantitative HCV core antigen (HCVcAg), liver function (Albumin, ALT, AST) and anti‐Schistosoma mansoni (anti‐Sm) IgG. Group I cases were HCVcAg negative with normal liver function tests, and 44 of them were anti‐Sm positive. Ninety cases (93.75%) of group II were HCVcAg positive with markedly affected liver function tests and 72 cases were anti‐Sm positive. All group I cases were examined for autoimmune markers (ANA, AMA, SMA and LKM). In group I, 33 (75%) of anti‐Sm positive cases were positive for one or more of the autoimmune markers examined, while none of anti‐Sm negative was positive for any marker with significant difference between the two groups (P<0.0001). Our results primarily on blood donors indicate that LP anti‐HCV frequently represents false‐positive reactivity with a possible role of Sm‐induced autoantibodies in this phenomenon.
Unnoticed Spread of Class 1 Integrons in Gram‐Positive Clinical Strains Isolated in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Shi Lei , Zheng Meiping , Xiao Zenghuang , Asakura Masahiro , Su Jianyu , Li Lin , Yamasaki Shinji 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA total of 46 gram‐positive bacteria isolated from clinical specimens collected in China were subjected to PCR analysis with the intI1‐specific primers, and the intI1‐positive strains were further analyzed for their resistance gene cassette. All isolates possessed the class 1 integron in their genomes and the array of gene cassettes was dhfrXII‐orfF‐aadA2, which is very similar to other organisms except in one isolate carrying an additional copy of the class 1 integron containing the aadA2 gene cassette. Altogether, the results indicate that the class 1 integron is widespread in gram‐positive clinical strains isolated in Guangzhou, China.
Cell Elongation and Cell Death of Helicobacter pylori Is Modulated by the Disruption of cdrA (Cell Division‐Related Gene A)
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroaki , Nakazawa Teruko , Okamoto Takeshi , Shirai Mutsunori , Kimoto Mitsuo , Nishioka Mitsuaki , Con Sergio A. , Morimoto Norihito , Sugiura Tetsuro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe cell division‐related gene A (cdrA) of Helicobacter pylori is dispensable in vivo and unique in having a repressive role on cell division and long‐term survival. To clarify its role, comparisons of the wild‐type HPK5 and isogenic cdrA ‐disrupted mutant HPKT510 were examined by ultrastructural morphology, PBP profiles, and susceptibility to β‐lactam antibiotics during long‐term cultivation. Ultrastructural analyses revealed that the shorter rods of HPKT510 had a slightly wider periplasmic space between the inner and the outer membrane than those of HPK5. Cell division of HPKT510 cells was complete even under high‐salt conditions in which HPK5 cells became filamentous due to inhibition of division. The filamentous HPK5 cells constructed an inner membrane without a cell wall at the presumed division site. After 4 days of cultivation (the late stationary phase), most of the HPK5 cells turned into ghosts and aggregates, while some of the HPKT510 cells remained as curved rods, which coincided with the results of cell viability. HPKT510 cells became resistant to ampicillin killing compared to HPK5 cells, although their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and PBP profiles were not significantly different. These results suggest that the cdrA product represses cell division via inhibiting cell wall synthesis at division site. During infection in both mice and humans, inactivation of cdrA eventually gains biological aspects such as increased viability, long‐term survival and tolerance to antibiotics and high‐salt condition, which might enhance a persistent infection.
Role of the Septin Cdc10 in the Virulence of Candida albicans
Authors: González‐Novo Alberto , Labrador Leticia , Jiménez Antonio , Sánchez‐Pérez Miguel , Jiménez Javier 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe relationship between the morphology and virulence of Candida albicans has aroused interest in the study of the proteins involved in its morphogenesis. We present virulence data for one important element in fungal morphogenesis—septins. We disrupted CaCDC10 and studied the virulence in a mouse infection model and the different steps followed by the fungus during the infection: adherence to epithelial cells, organ colonisation, macrophage phagocytosis, and host survival. We found the altered subcellular localisation of Int1—a C. albicans adhesin— in the septin null mutants. The Int1 mislocalisation and the defects in the cell wall of defective CaCdc10 strains permit us to propose a model for explaining the biological meaning of the absence of virulence presented by these septin mutants.
Isolation and Identification of Mycobacteria from Soils at an Illegal Dumping Site and Landfills in Japan
Authors: Wang Yan , Ogawa Midori , Fukuda Kazumasa , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Taniguchi Hatsumi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn order to study the diversity and community of genus Mycobacterium in polluted soils, we tried to isolate mycobacteria from 11 soil samples collected from an illegal dumping site and 3 landfills in Japan. Using culture methods with or without Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, a total of 19 isolates of mycobacteria were obtained from 5 soil samples and 3 of them were isolated only by the co‐culture method with the amoeba. Conventional biochemical tests and sequencing of the hsp65, rpoB, and 16S rRNA genes were performed for species identification of 17 of the 19 isolates. Among the 17 isolates, there was one isolate each of Mycobacterium vanbaalenii, Mycobacterium mageritense, Mycobacterium frederiksbergense, M. vanbaalenii or Mycobacterium austroafricanum, and Mycobacterium chubuense or Mycobacterium chlorophenolicum. The remaining 12 isolates could not be precisely identified at the species level. A phylogenic tree based on the hsp65 sequences indicated that 2 of the 12 isolates were novel species. In addition, 4 isolates were phylogenically close to species that degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which induce some cancers in humans. These results demonstrated that there were many hitherto‐unreported mycobacteria in the polluted soils, and suggested that some mycobacteria might play roles in the natural attenuation and engineered bioremediation of contaminated sites with other microorganisms.
Immunological Effects of Recombinant Feline Interferon‐ω (KT‐80) Administration in the Dog
Authors: Kuwabara Masato , Nariai Youko , Horiuchi Yutaka , Nakajima Yuko , Yamaguchi Yu , Horioka Eriko , Kawanabe Mikiko , Kubo Takuya , Yukawa Masayoshi , Sakai Takeo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe immunological effects of recombinant feline interferon‐ω (rFeIFN‐ω; KT‐80, Toray) were examined on administration to healthy dogs. The activities of whole blood cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells were enhanced. Moreover, the whole blood activity was examined when KT‐80 was administered to dogs which had been diagnosed as having natural canine parvovirus (CPV) infection. Only some cases in which the activity increased until 3 hr post‐administration survived. These results suggest that rFeIFN‐ω (KT‐80) treatment enhanced the cellular immunity of normal dogs, and could exert significant therapeutic effects on only natural CPV infected dogs with induced continuous immunoenhancement.
Preparation and Functional Analysis of Tumor‐Infiltrating Stroma Cells Using Bone Marrow Chimera Mice
Authors: Ishigaki Hirohito , Yamamoto Yoshiko , Ishida Hideaki , Kajino Kiichi , Itoh Yasushi , Fujiyama Yoshihide , Ogasawara Kazumasa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTumor‐infiltrating stroma cells (TISC) as well as tumors themselves are thought to be involved in tumor‐related immunosuppression, which is one of the critical mechanisms of tumor escape from immune surveillance. However, preparation of TISC is difficult because of the small proportion of TISC in established tumors. Thus, the cells thought to be involved in tumor‐related immunosuppression are generally prepared from spleens or draining lymph nodes in tumor‐bearing mice. In this study, we developed a method for directly preparing TISC from established tumors in order to analyze their function. Using green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic (Tg) mice and C57BL/6 mice transplanted with bone marrow (BM) cells of GFPTg mice, we detected three subpopulations of TISC: one is compatible with immature myeloid cells (ImC) derived from BM and the two other subpopulations, CD11b+ cells and CD11b– cells, do not originate from BM. The TISC including these subpopulations but not each subpopulation independently after culturing with tumors in the presence of GM‐CSF could suppress T cell proliferation induced by anti‐CD3. In our system, tumors did not inhibit T cell responses directly, but unknown factors from tumors affected immunosuppression by TISC.
Efficacy of Intracerebral Immunization against Pseudorabies Virus in Mice
Authors: Shin Jae‐Ho , Sakoda Yoshihiro , Kim Jae Hoon , Tanaka Tomohisa , Kida Hiroshi , Kimura Takashi , Ochiai Kenji , Umemura Takashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo evaluate the efficacy of intracerebral (IC) immunization, mice were immunized with formalin‐inactivated pseudorabies virus (PRV) by either subcutaneous (SC) or IC injection, and then 106 plaque‐forming units of PRV were introduced into the hindleg of the immunized or non‐immunized mice by intramuscular injection. The antibody titer in serum was elevated and boosted by additional immunization via both the SC and IC routes, but was higher after IC immunization. Intracerebrally immunized mice were completely protected from mortality and neurological signs, whereas all the non‐immunized and 80% of the subcutaneously immunized mice died after developing neurological signs. In mouse models, IC immunization is more effective at inducing a protective immune response against the transneural spread of PRV than SC immunization.
Contribution of L‐Alanine Dehydrogenase to In Vivo Persistence and Protective Efficacy of the BCG Vaccine
Authors: Scandurra Gabriella M. , Ryan Anthony A. , Pinto Rachel , Britton Warwick J. , Triccas James A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe tuberculosis (TB) vaccine strain Mycobacterium bovis BCG is unable to utilise alanine and this deficiency is thought to inhibit the growth of the vaccine in vivo and limit vaccine efficacy. In this report we demonstrate that L‐alanine catabolism can be conferred on BCG by introduction of the gene encoding L‐alanine dehydrogenase (Ald) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Restoration of Ald activity did not change the in vivo growth of BCG in macrophages or mice, and protection against aerosol M. tuberculosis infection was not altered by addition of ald to the BCG vaccine. These results demonstrate that the inability to utilise L‐alanine is not a contributing factor to the attenuated phenotype of BCG and does not influence the protective efficacy of the vaccine against TB.