bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Coxiella burnetii from Dairy Cattle and Ticks, and Some Characteristics of the Isolates in Japan
Authors: Ho To , Htwe Khin Khin , Yamasaki Naomi , Zhang Guo Quan , Ogawa Motohiko , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Fukushi Hideto , Hirai Katsuya 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCoxiella burnetii was isolated from raw milk (36/214, 16.8%) and uterus swab samples (13/61, 21.3%) originating from dairy cattle with reproductive disorders, aborted bovine fetus samples (2/4, 50%), mammary gland samples (4/50, 8%) originating from healthy dairy cattle, and tick samples (4/15, 26.7%) originating from 2 pastures. Fifty‐nine strains had various degrees of pathogenicity, high (8; 13.6%), moderate (28; 47.5%) and low (23; 39%), for guinea pigs. The results of isolation suggested a high prevalence of Coxiella infection in dairy cattle with reproductive problems in Japan. Twelve strains (7, 2 and 3 strains from cattle, ticks and humans, respectively) and the reference Nine Mile strain of phases I and II were propagated in both yolk sacs of embryonated hen eggs and Buffalo green monkey (BGM) cell cultures. Protein profiles of these strains were similar to those of the reference strain of phase I. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) profiles of 12 strains were similar to those of the reference strain of phase I and different from those of the reference strain of phase II. The LPS profiles of 12 strains suggested that these strains are associated with an acute form of Q fever.
Enhanced Expression of Fc Receptors on Neutrophils from Calves with Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
Authors: Nagahata Hajime , Higuchi Hidetoshi , Nochi Hiromi , Tamoto Koichi , Noda Hiroshi , Kociba Gary J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe expression of Fc receptors for immunoglobulin G(IgG) and concanavalin A (con A)‐binding receptors, luminol‐dependent chemiluminescent (LDCL) responses, and the effect of anti‐bovine IgG on LDCL responses were evaluated in neutrophils from Holstein calves with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD). Neutrophils from affected calves showed a 2.1‐ to 2.5‐fold increase in Fc receptor expression compared with those of control calves by flow cytometric analysis. Con A‐binding activities of neutrophils from affected calves were similar to those of control calves. Neutrophils from a calf with BLAD, when stimulated with zymosan opsonized with bovine serum (OPZ), heat‐aggregated bovine IgG (Agg‐bovine IgG), sheep red blood cells (SRBC) sensitized with anti‐SRBC antibody (SRBC‐anti‐SRBC Ab), or con A had LDCL responses of 36 (P<0.05), 77, 126 and 119% of peak LDCL values of controls, respectively. The NBT‐reducing value of neutrophils from a calf with BLAD when stimulated with Agg‐bovine IgG after pretreatment with anti‐bovine IgG was 116.5% of the values of neutrophils from control calves, but the difference was not significant. The LDCL responses of neutrophils from a control calf and a calf with BLAD stimulated with OPZ were inhibited markedly by pre‐incubation with anti‐bovine IgG antiserum at concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 20 or 40 μg/ml. Although an increase in Fc receptor expression on neutrophils from calves with BLAD was observed, the LDCL responses stimulated with SRBC‐anti‐SRBC Ab and NBT‐reducing activity stimulated with Agg‐bovine IgG after pretreatment with anti‐bovine IgG did not correlate significantly with the increased Fc receptor expression. These results support that neutrophil functions mediated by the Fc receptors are associated synergistically with the presence of the complement receptor type 3 (CR3)(CD11b/CD18).
Immunological Characterization of the Neurotoxin Produced by Clostridium botulinum Type A Associated with Infant Botulism in Japan
Authors: Kozaki Shunji , Nakaue Shoji , Kamata Yoichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe neurotoxin associated with type A infant botulism in Japan shows different antigenic properties from those produced by authentic strains. The monoclonal antibodies recognizing the light chain reacted to both neurotoxins, whereas half the antibodies recognizing the heavy chain reacted specifically to the respective neurotoxin. Each neurotoxin showed its own manner of binding to brain synaptosomes. These results indicate that the distinguishable characteristics are ascribable to the heavy chain but not to the light chain. In both neurotoxins, an epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody that reacts to the light chain and neutralizes the toxin was found to be very close to the amino‐terminal half (H‐1 fragment) of the heavy chain. This may support the hypothesis that the H‐1 fragment functions in the transport of the light chain in the target cell.
Comparison of the Amino Acid Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Peplomer, Integral Membrane and Nucleocapsid Proteins of Feline, Canine and Porcine Coronaviruses
Authors: Motokawa Kenji , Hohdatsu Tsutomu , Hashimoto Hiroshi , Koyama Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractComplete nucleotide sequences were determined by cDNA cloning of peplomer (S), integral membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N) genes of feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) type I strain KU‐2, UCD1 and Black, and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) type II strain 79–1683. Only M and N genes were analyzed in strain KU‐2 and strain 79–1683, which still had unknown nucleotide sequences. Deduced amino acid sequences of S, M and N proteins were compared in a total of 7 strains of coronaviruses, which included FIPV type II strain 79–1146, canine coronavirus (CCV) strain Insavc‐1 and transmissible gastroenteritis virus of swine (TGEV) strain Purdue. Comparison of deduced amino acid sequences of M and N proteins revealed that both M and N proteins had an identity of at least 90% between FIPV type I and type II. The phylogenetic tree of the M and N protein‐deduced amino acid sequences showed that FIPV type I and type II form a group with FECV type II, and that these viruses were evolutionarily distant from CCV and TGEV. On the other hand, when the S protein‐deduced amino acid sequences was compared, identity of only about 45% was found between FIPV type I and type II. The phylogenetic tree of the S protein‐deduced amino acid sequences indicated that three strains of FIPV type I form a group, and that it is a very long distance from the FIPV type II, FECV type II, CCV and TGEV groups.
Laboratory Investigation of Ecological Factors Influencing the Environmental Presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Tong Shide , Yang Song , Lu Zhenzhi , He Weihai 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFactors like temperature, pH value, water content in soil, and ultraviolet rays that might have influence on the survival of environmental Burkholderia pseudomallei strains were evaluated. Data showed that the optimal temperature and pH value for B. pseudomallei were 24 C to 32 C and 5 to 8, respectively. Water content in soil of less than 10% brought about the death of the bacteria within 70 days, while water content of more than 40% maintained bacteria life for 726 days. The bacteria were easily killed by ultraviolet rays at 465 μW/cm2 for 7.75 min while other permanent soil bacteria were killed at 1,860 μW/cm2 for 31 min. From these results, it could be concluded that proper temperature, enough water in soil, and suitable soil pH might be the three major ecological conditions governing the environmental presence of B. pseudomallei.
Long‐Term Acceptance of Major Histocompatibility Complex‐Mismatched Cardiac Allograft Induced by a Low Dose of CTLA4IgM Plus FK506
Authors: Yamada Akira , Murakami Masaaki , Ijima Kenichi , Yagita Hideo , Okumura Ko , Komatsu Sakuzo , Uede Toshimitsu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe immunosuppressant FK506 prolongs allograft survival. However, at therapeutic doses it has significant side effects. A fusion protein consisting of the extracellular portion of CTLA4 and the Fc portion of human IgG (CTLA4IgG) also prolongs allograft survival, but large doses of CTLA4IgG are required for the induction of cardiac allograft acceptance. Therefore, we constructed a pentameric form of a new CTLA4 fusion protein, CTLA4IgM. We tested whether low doses of CTLA4IgG or CTLA4IgM in combination with subtherapeutic doses of FK506 can prolong allograft survival in a synergistic fashion. C57BL/6 (H‐2b) neonatal hearts were transplanted to CBA/J (H‐2k) mice in a heterotopic, nonvascularized cardiac allograft model. The findings demonstrate that a combination of low doses of FK506 plus a pentameric form of CTLA4Ig, CTLA4IgM, leads to significant graft survival, while a combination of FK506 plus CTLA4IgG does not.
Involvement of Vulnibactin and Exocellular Protease in Utilization of Transferrin‐ and Lactoferrin‐Bound Iron by Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Okujo Noriyuki , Akiyama Toshihito , Miyoshi Shin‐Ichi , Shinoda Sumio , Yamamoto Shigeo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn vitro growth experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of vulnibactin, a siderophore produced by Vibrio vulnificus, to sequester transferrin‐ or lactoferrin‐bound iron for growth. Comparative studies with the strain producing vulnibactin and its exocellular protease‐deficient mutant revealed the involvement of the protease in addition to vulnibactin in effective utilization of iron ion (Fe3+) bound to transferrin and lactoferrin. It appears that the protease causes cleavage of these proteins, thereby making bound iron more accessible to vulnibactin.
Sequence Analysis of the Florfenicol Resistance Gene Encoded in the Transferable R‐Plasmid of a Fish Pathogen, Pasteurella piscicida
Authors: Kim Eun‐Heui , Aoki Takashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe florfenicol resistance gene (pp‐flo) derived from a transferable R‐plasmid of Pasteurella piscicida consisted of 1,122 nucleotides, and the predicted amino acid sequence showed 47.4% identity to that of a non‐enzymatic chloramphenicol resistance gene (cmlA). The pp‐flo gene was located in the downstream region of the sulfonamide resistance gene of the transferable R‐plasmid.
An N‐[(R)‐(‐)‐2‐Hydroxypropionyl]‐α‐L‐Perosamine Homopolymer Constitutes the O Polysaccharide Chain of the Lipopolysaccharide from Vibrio cholerae O144 Which Has Antigenic Factor(s) in Common with V. cholerae O76
Authors: Sano Yasuhiro , Kondo Seiichi , Isshiki Yasunori , Shimada Toshio , Hisatsune Kazuhito 
Published: November 2013

AbstractChemical and serological studies were performed with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Vibrio cholerae O144 (O144). The LPS of O144 contained D‐glucose, D‐galactose, L‐glycero‐D‐manno‐heptose, D‐fructose, D‐quinovosamine (2‐amino‐2,6‐dideoxy‐D‐gluco‐pyranose) and L‐perosamine (4‐amino‐4,6‐dideoxy‐L‐manno‐pyranose). The perosamine, a major component sugar of the LPS from O144, was in an L‐configuration, as is also the case in the LPS from V. cholerae O76 (O76), in contrast to the D‐configuration of the perosamine in the LPS of V. cholerae O1. A structural analysis revealed that the O polysaccharide chain of the LPS from O144 is an α(1 → 2)‐linked homopolymer of (R)‐(‐)‐2‐hydroxypropionyl‐L‐perosamine. The serological cross‐reactivity between O144 and O76 was clearly revealed by cross‐agglutination and cross‐agglutinin absorption tests with whole cells, as well as by passive hemolysis tests with sheep red‐blood cells that had been sensitized with the LPS from O144 and O76. In contrast, in passive hemolysis tests, the LPS of O144 did not cross‐react serologically with the LPSs from other strains such as V. cholerae O1 (Ogawa and Inaba), V. cholerae O140, Vibrio bio‐serogroup 1875 (Original and Variant) and Yersinia enterocolitica O9. The LPSs from these strains consist of O polysaccharide chains composed of α(1 → 2)‐linked homopolymers of D‐perosamine with various N‐acyl groups, and they share the Inaba antigen factor C of V. cholerae O1 in common. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the absolute configuration of the perosamine residue in homopolymers plays a very important role in the expression of the serological specificity of the Inaba antigen factor C of V. cholerae O1.
Rapid Identification of Mutans Streptococcal Species
Authors: Igarashi Takeshi , Yamamoto Ayako , Goto Nobuichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMutans streptococci are considered the predominant pathogens in dental caries. Three methods, i.e. dot blot hybridization analysis, PCR analysis and SDS‐blue dextran‐PAGE, were examined for identifying mutans streptococcal species. In dot blot hybridization, DNA probe derived from the dextranase gene (dexA) of Streptococcus mutans hybridized with different intensities under the condition of low stringency against each species of mutans streptococci although the dexA probe was specific for S. mutans under the condition of high stringency. Oligonucleotide primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were designed on the basis of the dexA DNA sequence. The primers amplified species‐specific PCR products in the reference species (15 strains of 5 species) of mutans streptococci. An electrophoretic profile of dextranases from the mutans streptococci on SDS‐blue dextran‐PAGE also showed species‐specific behavior. These results suggest that the three identification methods examined here are useful for distinguishing the species of mutans streptococci and also indicate that PCR analysis is suitable for simple, rapid and reliable identification of mutans streptococcal species.
Borrelia tanukii Sp. Nov. and Borrelia turdae Sp. Nov. Found from Ixodid Ticks in Japan: Rapid Species Identification by 16S rRNA Gene‐Targeted PCR Analysis
Authors: Fukunaga Masahito , Hamase Akiko , Okada Keiji , Nakao Minoru 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBased on the results of RFLP‐ribotyping, whole DNA/DNA hybridization and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, we previously defined two genomic groups of spirochetes closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato: group Hk501 for strains isolated from Ixodes tanuki ticks and group Ya501 for strains isolated from Ixodes turdus ticks. In this report, we propose that group Hk501 should be classified as Borrelia tanukii sp. nov. and group Ya501 as Borrelia turdae sp. nov. The alignment of previously published Borrelia 16S rRNA gene sequences led us to design species‐specific PCR primer sets. The primers allowed the rapid identification of B. tanukii and B. turdae.
Serological Survey of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia in Wild Rats in Thailand in the 1970s
Authors: Okabayashi Tamaki , Tsutiya Kimiyuki , Muramatsu Yasukazu , Ueno Hiroshi , Morita Chiharu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn Thailand, the first human cases of spotted fever group rickettsiosis were reported in 1994, but no serosurveys on wild rats have yet been conducted. We investigated the seroepidemiology in wild rats collected in the 1970s from two regions in Thailand, and found a 62.2% positive rate of antibodies for spotted fever group rickettsia (SFGR) by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Of the antibody‐positive rats, 82.2% had higher titers of antibodies against TT‐118 than those against Rickettsia japonica, which suggests that Thailand is infested mainly with the TT‐118 strain or its antigenically related organisms. The prevalence of antibodies in Bandicota indica was significantly higher than that in other species, which suggests that B. indica is important as a reservoir of SFGR in Thailand.
Different Rifampicin Inactivation Mechanisms in Nocardia and Related Taxa
Authors: Tanaka Yasushi , Yazawa Katsukiyo , Dabbs Eric R. , Nishikawa Kazutaka , Komaki Hisayuki , Mikami Yuzuru , Miyaji Makoto , Morisaki Naoko , Iwasaki Shigeo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMycolic acid‐containing bacteria inactivate rifampicin in a variety of ways such as glucosylation, ribosylation, phosphorylation and decolorization. These inactivations were found to be a species‐specific phenomena in Nocardia and related taxa. Gordona, Tsukamurella and fast‐growing Mycobacterium modified rifampicin by ribosylation of the 23‐OH group of the antibiotic. Such ribosylation was not observed in Rhodococcus and Corynebacterium, but phosphorylation of the 21‐OH group of rifampicin was observed in one strain of Rhodococcus. Nocardia modified the antibiotic by glucosylation (23‐OH group) and phosphorylation, but ribosylation was not observed.
Characterization by Western Blotting of Mouse Intestinal Glycoproteins Bound by Escherichia coli Heat‐Labile Enterotoxin Type I
Authors: Shida Kan , Takamizawa Kotaro , Takeda Tae , Osawa Toshiaki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEscherichia coli heat‐labile enterotoxin type I (LT‐I)‐binding galactoproteins, which were not recognized by cholera toxin, were detected in intestinal epithelial cells of BALB/c mouse by Western blotting. Inhibitory studies using lectins and modifications of sugar chain suggest that LT‐I recognizes certain mucin‐type sugar chains containing the terminal Galβ1‐3GalNAc sugar sequence in the galactoproteins. The terminal sugar sequence is identical to that of GM1 ganglioside, the well‐documented functional receptor for LT‐I.
A New Primer Pair for Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Kubota Yoshifumi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn order to improve the detection and identification of Chlamydia pneumoniae, new primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were designed based on the DNA base sequence within the 53‐kDa protein gene, which is specific for C. pneumoniae. The primers permitted the identification of 24 C. pneumoniae strains collected from different geographical locations, but no reaction was observed with C. trachomatis, C. psittaci nor C. pecorum. The primers were unable to amplify the DNA of bacteria commonly related to respiratory tract infections. The positive amplification was achieved with only 9 EBs/assay. Therefore, the new primers seem to be useful in the diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infections.
Characterization of a Toxin‐Deficient Clostridium perfringens Strain, KZ1340
Authors: Shimizu Tohru , Ohtani Kaori , Ba‐Thein William , Inui Satoko , Nakamura Shinichi , Hayashi Hideo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractClostridium perfringens KZ1340, previously classified as Clostridium plagarum, is an isolate from Antarctic soil, and was identified as an α, θ‐, and κ‐toxin non‐producing variant. On Southern hybridization, the variant was found to be defective in the pfoA (θ‐toxin) gene, but the plc (α‐toxin) and colA (κ‐toxin) genes were present on the same EcoRI fragment as in the standard strain, NCTC8237. Northern analysis revealed that mature plc mRNA was transcribed in KZ1340 though less efficiently than in NCTC8237, while no mature colA mRNA was present in KZ1340. After transformation of the pfoA and plc genes into the KZ1340 via shuttle vector, pJIR418, the pfoA gene was successfully expressed but the plc gene was not efficiently expressed, suggesting that in KZ1340 there is negative regulation of plc gene expression. Toxin‐deficient C. perfringens KZ1340 might be a suitable host for expression analysis of the pfoA gene and other clostridial virulence genes, if expressed efficiently, because it produces a small amount of extracellular toxins.
Role of Milk Whey in the Transmission of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection by Breast Milk
Authors: Asanuma Hideomi , Numazaki Kei , Nagata Nobuo , Hotsubo Tomoyuki , Horino Kiyotaka , Chiba Shunzo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBreast‐fed infants are susceptible to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection via breast milk. In our previous study, HCMV was isolated more frequently from breast milk at later than one month after delivery than from colostrum or early breast milk. To clarify the role of milk cells and whey in vertical infection by breast feeding, we separated breast milk into milk cells and whey and examined each fraction for the presence of HCMV. We collected breast milk from mothers who breast‐fed their infants (aged from 3 days to 2 months). The breast milk was centrifuged and separated into the middle layer (layer of milk whey) and the pellet (containing milk cells). We attempted to isolate HCMV from whey and to detect HCMV immediate early (IE) DNA in both milk whey and cells. HCMV was isolated from 7 out of 35 (20.0%) whey samples and HCMV IE DNA was detected from 15 out of 35 (42.9%) whey and/or milk cells. Detection rates of HCMV IE DNA in the whey layer and milk cells were 39.1% (25 out of 64) and 17.2% (11 out of 64), respectively. HCMV IE DNA was not detected in colostrum, but was detected in breast milk samples one month after delivery. Therefore, cell‐free HCMV shed into milk whey may have a more important role in vertical infection by breast milk than cell‐associated HCMV in the milk.
Isolation and Characterization of Mumps Virus Strains in a Mumps Outbreak with a High Incidence of Aseptic Meningitis
Authors: Saito Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Harata Seizaburo , Tanaka Keiko , Sano Tsuyoshi , Suto Tsunehisa , Yamada Akio , Yamazaki Shudo , Morita Morihiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn 1993, mumps with a high incidence of aseptic meningitis became prevalent in Akita prefecture, Japan. Three mumps virus isolates obtained from the nonvaccine‐associated cases lacked the BamHI restriction cleavage site of the P gene, like the Urabe strain (Yamada, A. et al, Vaccine 8: 553‐557). However, four additional nucleotide substitutions were found in the determined region of 157 bp. Fourteen of 19 cases from which mumps virus showing the Urabe‐like RFLP profile was detected were complicated with symptomatic meningitis, whereas there were only four cases of meningitis among 23 individuals infected with the wild type showing no Urabe‐like RFLP profile (non‐“Urabe‐like” wild‐type). The incidence of meningitis was over 70% among patients infected with the “Urabe‐like” wild‐type virus. The “Urabe‐like” wild‐type disappeared after February 1994 in the epidemic area and was replaced by the non‐“Urabe‐like” wild‐type. Patients infected with the “Urabe‐like” wild‐type lived in a closed colony, in which there were two instances of transmission between siblings. Thus this outbreak was transient and narrowly localized.
Immunohistochemical Studies on the Transneuronal Spread of Virulent Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 and Its US3 Protein Kinase‐Deficient Mutant after Ocular Inoculation
Authors: Yamamoto Mitsuaki , Kurachi Ryutaro , Morishima Tsuneo , Kito Junzo , Nishiyama Yukihiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe transneuronal spread of a virulent wild‐type herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) and its US3 protein kinase‐deficient (US3 PK−) mutant was immunohistochemically studied in mice after inoculations into the cornea, anterior chamber, tongue, and masseter muscle. After corneal inoculation, the wild‐type virus was demonstrated in various brain stem areas including the trigeminal tract and nucleus, the reticular formation, and cerebellar nucleus group. Viral antigen‐positive neurons were strictly confined to the ipsilateral spinal trigeminal nucleus in mice corneally infected with the US3 PK− mutant. No viral antigens were detected in the central nervous system (CNS) after inoculation with the mutant into the tongue and masseter muscle. However, when mice were immunosuppressed by treatment with cyclophosphamide, both the corneally infected mutant and wild‐type virus could invade the CNS. The results suggest that the US3 PK− mutant principally retains the capacity to spread in the CNS.