bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IgE Production after Four Routes of Injections of Japanese Cedar Pollen Allergen without Adjuvant: Crucial Role of Resident Cells at Intraperitoneal or Intranasal Injection Site in the Production of Specific IgE toward the Allergen
Authors: Sakurai Kanji , Takenaka Hiroshi , Yoneda Yukio , Tashiro‐Yamaji Junko , Yamamoto Yumiko , Lee Koutetsu , Yamaguchi Satoko , Miyoshi Masako , Kubota Takahiro , Yoshida Ryotaro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe production of specific IgE antibodies directed toward cedar pollen correlates well with the onset of allergic rhinitis; but the mechanisms of allergen recognition as nonself and Ig class switch to IgE by the immune system are still not fully understood. In the present study, we injected cedar pollen into mice through 4 different routes (intranasal (i.n.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), intravenous (i.v.), and subcutaneous (s.c.)) without adjuvant 1 to 3 times, and determined time‐dependent changes in the total and specific serum IgE levels compared with those in the serum levels of other isotype Igs. After an i.p. or i.n. injection of allergen into the mice, they produced a 1.5‐ to 1.7‐fold increase in total IgE, but none in IgG, IgM, or IgA antibodies in their serum, whereas an i.v. or s.c. injection of allergen was inactive as an inducer of total IgE antibodies. Upon a 2nd (s.c.) injection of the allergen into the i.p. or i.n. sensitized mice, a large amount of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies was found in the serum. In the case of i.v. or s.c. sensitized mice, however, they produced total, but not specific, IgE antibodies; and a 3rd (s.c.) injection of the allergen resulted in a large amount of specific IgE antibodies in the serum. These results imply that resident cells at the i.p. or i.n. injection site may play a crucial role in the efficient production of total and specific IgE antibodies toward the allergen.
The Cytotoxin‐Hemolysin Genes of Human and Eel Pathogenic Vibrio vulnificus Strains: Comparison of Nucleotide Sequences and Application to the Genetic Grouping
Authors: Senoh Mitsutoshi , Miyoshi Shin‐ichi , Okamoto Keinosuke , Fouz Belen , Amaro Carmen , Shinoda Sumio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractVibrio vulnificus can be divided into two groups on the basis of pathogenesis. Group 1 is pathogenic only to humans, whereas group 2 is pathogenic to eels and occasionally to humans. Although both groups produce a 50‐kDa cytotoxin‐hemolysin (V. vulnificus hemolysin; VVH), the toxins are different. In the present study, the nucleotide sequence of the toxin gene (vvhA) of strain CDC B3547 (a group 2 strain) was determined, and the deduced amino acid sequence was compared to that of strain L‐180 (a group 1 strain). The nucleotide sequence of vvhA of strain CDC B3547 was about 96% identical with that of strain L‐180, which results in a difference of 3 amino acid residues in the C‐terminal lectin domain of VVH. Nevertheless, two primer sets for polymerase chain reaction could be designed to differentiate the toxin gene of each strain. When 27 V. vulnificus clinical isolates were tested, group 1 strains (9 strains) were shown to react only to the primers designed for vvhA of strain L‐180; whereas, the gene of group 2 strains (18 strains) could be amplified with the primers for vvhA of strain CDC B3547. These findings may lead to development of a novel genetic grouping system related to the virulence potential or to the host range.
A Quantitative Analysis of Cedar Pollen‐Specific Immunoglobulins in Nasal Lavage Supported the Local Production of Specific IgE, Not of Specific IgG
Authors: Yoshida Tomoaki , Usui Ayako , Kusumi Taeko , Inafuku Shigeru , Sugiyama Tsuyoshi , Koide Naoki , Yokochi Takashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMany studies have proved the relevance of local immune responses, rather than systemic immunity, to the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. Indeed, allergen‐specific B lymphocyte undergoes class switching to IgE in situ. However, the relative contribution of in situ production to the amount in serum is still ambiguous. Here, a quantitative comparison of the local concentration of allergen‐specific IgE with the systemic concentration was explored for the estimation. Among seasonal rhinitis patients, total and Japanese cedar pollen (JCP)‐specific IgE, IgA and IgG antibodies were quantified in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) and serum with the time‐resolved fluorescence immunosorbent assay. Although the total amounts of IgE and IgG classes in the NLF, which were apparently passive discharge from the mucosal tissue, were smaller and variable, the relative proportions of JCP‐specific antibodies could be quantitatively compared between NLF and serum or between subjects. The proportions of specific IgE in the NLF were remarkably higher than in serum (average 13.2‐fold) in most subjects, which strongly supported the predominant in situ production of the specific IgE and subsequent dilutions in the systemic circulations. Similar but smaller values were obtained for IgA (average 3.7‐fold). In contrast, the specific proportions of IgG in the NLF were surprisingly consistent with serum (average 1.0‐fold), suggesting that the specific IgG was mostly produced in the downstream lymphoid organs. The local productions of specific IgE would encourage the topical therapies and the usage of the NLF for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.
Characterization of the Genus Bifidobacterium by Automated Ribotyping and 16S rRNA Gene Sequences
Authors: Sakata Shinji , Ryu Chun Sun , Kitahara Maki , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Hayashi Hidenori , Fukuyama Masafumi , Benno Yoshimi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn order to characterize the genus Bifidobacterium, ribopatterns and approximately 500 bp (Escherichia coli positions 27 to 520) of 16S rRNA gene sequences of 28 type strains and 64 reference strains of the genus Bifidobacterium were determined. Ribopatterns obtained from Bifidobacterium strains were divided into nine clusters (clusters I–IX) with a similarity of 60%. Cluster V, containing 17 species, was further subdivided into 22 subclusters with a similarity of 90%. In the genus Bifidobacterium, four groups were shown according to Miyake et al.: (i) the Bifidobacterium longum infantis‐longum‐suis type group, (ii) the B. catenulatum‐pseudocatenulatum group, (iii) the B. gallinarum‐saeculare‐pullorum group, and (iv) the B. coryneforme‐indicum group, which showed higher than 97% similarity of the 16S rRNA gene sequences in each group. Using ribotyping analysis, unique ribopatterns were obtained from these species, and they could be separated by cluster analysis. Ribopatterns of six B. adolescentis strains were separated into different clusters, and also showed diversity in 16S rRNA gene sequences. B. adolescentis consisted of heterogeneous strains. The nine strains of B. pseudolongum subsp. pseudolongum were divided into five subclusters. Each type strain of B. pseudolongum subsp. pseudolongum and B. pseudolongum subsp. globosum and two intermediate groups, which were suggested by Yaeshima et al., consisted of individual clusters. B. animalis subsp. animalis and B. animalis subsp. lactis could not be separated by ribotyping using EcoRI. We conclude that ribotyping is able to provide another characteristic of Bifidobacterium strains in addition to 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogenetic analysis, and this information suggests that ribotyping analysis is a useful tool for the characterization of Bifidobacterium species in combination with other techniques for taxonomic characterization.
Genotype Analysis of the Variable Internal Repeat Region in the rRNA Gene of Trichophyton tonsurans Isolated from Japanese Judo Practitioners
Authors: Sugita Takashi , Shiraki Yumi , Hiruma Masataro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTinea capitis due to Trichophyton tonsurans is currently epidemic among Japanese Judo practitioners. T. tonsurans has seven genotypes in a variable internal repeat (VIR) region of the rRNA gene. All 101 isolates obtained from Japanese Judo practitioners had the identical genotype. This suggests that a specific genotype strain occurs throughout Japan.
Genetic Characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7/– Strains Carrying the stx2 Gene but Not Producing Shiga Toxin 2
Authors: Koitabashi Tsutomu , Vuddhakul Varaporn , Radu Son , Morigaki Tadaaki , Asai Norio , Nakaguchi Yoshitsugu , Nishibuchi Mitsuaki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNine Escherichia coli O157:H7/– strains isolated primarily from non‐clinical sources in Thailand and Japan carried the stx2 gene but did not produce Stx2 toxin in a reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA) assay. A strain (EDL933) bearing a stx2 phage (933W) was compared to a strain (Thai‐12) that was Stx2‐negative but contained the stx2 gene. To study the lack of Stx2 production, the Thai‐12 stx2 gene and its upstream nucleotide sequence were analyzed. The Thai‐12 stx2 coding region was intact and Stx2 was expressed from a cloned stx2 gene using a plasmid vector and detected using RPLA. A lacZ fusion analysis found the Thai‐12 stx2 promoter non‐functional. Because the stx2 gene is downstream of the late promoter in the stx2 phage genome, the antitermination activity of Q protein is essential for strong stx2 transcription. Thai‐12 had the q gene highly homologous to that of Φ21 phage but not to the 933W phage. High‐level expression of exogenous q genes demonstrated Q antitermination activity was weak in Thai‐12. Replication of stx2 phage was not observed in Stx2‐negative strains. The q‐stx2 gene sequence of Thai‐12 was well conserved in all Stx2‐negative strains. A PCR assay to detect the Thai‐12 q‐stx2 sequence demonstrated that 30% of O157 strains from marketed Malaysian beef carried this sequence and they produced little or no Stx2. These results suggest that stx2‐positive O157 strains that produce little or no Stx2 may be widely distributed in the Asian environment.
Epithelial Cells Secrete Interleukin‐8 in Response to Adhesion and Invasion of Diffusely Adhering Escherichia coli Lacking Afa/Dr Genes
Authors: Meraz Ismail Mustafa , Arikawa Kentaro , Ogasawara Jun , Hase Atsushi , Nishikawa Yoshikazu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEscherichia coli that sparsely adhere to human epithelial cells are known as diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC), and the role of the Afa/Dr family of adhesins is now understood. Strains that do not possess Afa/Dr, however, comprise another group of DAEC, of which the pathogenicity remains unknown. The ability to induce interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) secretion from intestinal epithelial cells might be a feature of enterovirulent bacteria. We previously found that some Afa/Dr DAEC strains induce IL‐8 by stimulating epithelial cells with flagella. The present study examines whether non‐Afa/Dr DAEC can induce IL‐8 in epithelial cells (HEp‐2, INT407, and T84). Among 21 strains, 11 (52%; 11/21) induced as much IL‐8 as high inducer strains of Afa/Dr DAEC. Adhesion did not significantly differ between high and low inducers; therefore diffuse adhesion alone is probably insufficient to induce IL‐8. It was shown that IL‐8 induction and the number of intracellular bacteria directly correlated. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate kinase, reduced both intracellular bacteria and IL‐8 secretion. Motile strains were significantly more prevalent among high (10/11) than low (4/10) inducers. However, 4 low invasive strains hardly induced IL‐8 despite their motility. In conclusion, some non‐Afa/Dr DAEC invoke the induction of high levels of inflammatory cytokines. Unlike Afa/Dr DAEC, however, non‐Afa/Dr strains may require invasion to cause strong induction. These non‐Afa/Dr high inducers can be enteropathogenic for the cytokine‐inducing properties.
Fusion of Doppel to Octapeptide Repeat and N‐Terminal Half of Hydrophobic Region of Prion Protein Confers Resistance to Serum Deprivation
Authors: Lee Deug‐chan , Sakudo Akikazu , Kim Chi‐kyeong , Nishimura Takuya , Saeki Keiichi , Matsumoto Yoshitsugu , Yokoyama Takashi , Chen Shu G. , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Onodera Takashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOur previous studies have shown an essential role played by the octapeptide repeat region (OR) and the N‐terminal half of hydrophobic region (HR) in the anti‐apoptotic activity of prion protein (PrP). As PrP‐like protein Doppel (Dpl), which structurally resembles an N‐terminally truncated PrP, did not show any anti‐apoptotic activity, we examined apoptosis of HpL3–4 cells expressing Dpl fused to various lengths of the N‐terminal region of PrP to investigate whether the PrP/Dpl fusion proteins retain anti‐apoptotic function. HpL3–4 cells expressing Dpl fused to PrP(1–124) with the OR and N‐terminal half of HR of PrP showed anti‐apoptotic function, whereas Dpl fused to PrP(1–95) with OR did not rescue cells from apoptotic cell death induced by serum deprivation. These results indicate that the OR and N‐terminal half of HR of PrP retains anti‐apoptotic activity similar to full‐length PrP.
Mosquito Cells Infected with Japanese Encephalitis Virus Release Slowly‐Sedimenting Hemagglutinin Particles in Association with Intracellular Formation of Smooth Membrane Structures
Authors: Ishikawa Tomohiro , Konishi Eiji 
Published: November 2013

AbstractArthropod‐borne flaviviruses can grow in both arthropod and mammalian cells. Virion morphogenesis, though well studied in mammalian cells, is still unclear in arthropod cells. Here, we compared a mosquito cell line C6/36 and a mammalian cell line Vero in extracellular virus particles and intracellular ultrastructures triggered by infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Sedimentation analyses of virion and slowly‐sedimenting hemagglutinin (SHA) particles released by infection with the Nakayama strain revealed that C6/36 cells produced higher envelope (E) antigen levels in the SHA than the virion fraction in contrast to Vero cells that showed the opposite pattern. Specific infectivities per ng of E were similar in both cells, whereas specific hemagglutinating activities in the SHA fraction were lower in C6/36 than Vero cells. The precursor membrane protein was less efficiently cleaved to the membrane protein in SHA particles released from C6/36 than Vero cells. Ultrastructural studies showed more remarkable production of smooth membrane structures (SMSs) in C6/36 than in Vero cells. The differences in sedimentation patterns of extracellular virus particles between Nakayama‐infected C6/36 and Vero cells were consistently observed in 5 other strains (Beijing P1, Beijing P3, JaTH‐160, KE‐093 and JaGAr‐O1), except for KE‐093‐infected C6/36 cells which exhibited the Vero‐type sedimentation profile under conditions of open cultivation. By electron microscopy, the production of SMSs from KE‐093‐infected C6/36 cells under open conditions was markedly less than that under closed conditions where the cells exhibited the C6/36‐type sedimentation profile. Thus, intracellular SMS formations were associated with extracellular SHA production in JEV‐infected mosquito cells.
A Legionellosis Case Due to Contaminated Spa Water and Confirmed by Genomic Identification in Taiwan
Authors: Su Hsun‐Pi , Tseng Lei‐Ron , Tzeng Shin‐Chan , Chou Chen‐Ying , Chung Tung‐Ching 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTracing the source of a legionellosis (LG) case revealed that the Legionella pneumophila (LP) strain isolated from patient's sputum shared the same serogroup (SG) and PFGE‐type with 4 LP strains obtained from a spa center. With a high LP‐contamination rate (81.2%, 13/16) in all of its 16 basins, this spa center was also found to have a multi‐genotypic distribution among its 13 LP isolates, which can be categorized into 5 PFGE‐types. Despite such a serious contamination in the spa center, which usually had ca. 100 visitors per day, this male patient, bearing LG‐risk factors of long‐term heavy smoking and alcoholism, was the only case identifiable after an active investigation. To explore the possible reason for this sporadic infection, all 5 PFGE‐types of LP isolated were assayed for their presence of two important virulent genes (lvh and rtxA) and were identified as either less‐virulent (lvh+, rtxA–) or non‐virulent (lvh–, rtxA–) types. The strong virulent type (lvh+, rtxA+) usually seen in clinical strains elsewhere was not found here. Moreover, the LG‐causative type in this infection was the only one to be classified as the less‐virulent type, with the presence of lvh gene indicating its relatively more virulent potential than other 4 PFGE‐types. Accordingly, mutual interaction between LP's virulent potential and patient's health‐status was suggested to be the force directing the opportunistic infection of this sporadic case. This is the first spa‐associated infection caused by SG 2 of LP.
Vaccination with Live Escherichia coli Expressing Brucella abortus Cu/Zn Superoxide‐Dismutase
Authors: Andrews Edilia , Salgado Paulina , Folch Hugo , Oñate Angel 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPreviously we reported that immunization with Escherichia coli DH5α‐expressing Brucella abortus Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase [E. coli (pBSSOD)] induces a protective immune response in BALB/c mice. Here we studied the type of immune defense that the recombinant E. coli induces in mice using as our experimental model Brucella superoxide dismutase Cu/Zn presented by J744.A1 to sensitized lymphocytes as the target of specific lysis or as cytokine inductors. The results indicate that E. coli carrying the Cu/Zn gene was able to induce specific cytotoxic T cells, mainly from CD8+ subpopulation and IFN‐γ‐producing cells belonging in their vast majority to the CD4+ subpopulation.
Candida pseudohaemulonii Sp. Nov., an Amphotericin B‐ and Azole‐Resistant Yeast Species, Isolated from the Blood of a Patient from Thailand
Authors: Sugita Takashi , Takashima Masako , Poonwan Natteewan , Mekha Nanthawan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCandida haemulonii (types I and II) is rarely isolated from clinical specimens. We isolated a strain that is phylogenetically close to C. haemulonii from the blood of a Thai patient, and named it C. pseudohaemulonii sp. nov. (CBS 10099T=JCM 12453T=DMST 17134T). The new species and C. haemulonii types I and II were resistant to amphotericin B and azole agents but were susceptible to a 1,3‐β‐D‐glucan synthetase inhibitor, micafungin, and 5‐flucytosine. The species were easily distinguished using an ID32 yeast identification kit. The taxonomic description of C. pseudohaemulonii sp. nov. is presented.
Regulation of NF‐κB Signaling by Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: Isomura Iwao , Morita Akimichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) plays a critical role in regulating expression of genes responsible for a wide range of cellular processes, including innate and adoptive immune responses, and pathways related to cell survival and proliferation. Based on its property as a transcription factor, NF‐κB has been considered as a good target for the treatment of inflammatory immune diseases. To regulate gene expression, “decoy” oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are ideal tools to interfere with binding of transcription factors to promoter regions in genes. Herein we review the application of NF‐κB decoy ODNs to control inflammatory disorders and transplantation tolerance. In addition, we provide information about induction of antigen‐specific peripheral tolerance by their topical application. Regulation of NF‐κB signaling by NF‐κB decoy ODNs might be an effective tool to control a variety of disorders caused by inflammatory immune responses.
Transcriptional Downregulator HexS Controlling Prodigiosin and Serrawettin W1 Biosynthesis in Serratia marcescens
Authors: Tanikawa Taichiro , Nakagawa Yoji , Matsuyama Tohey 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSerratia marcescens has been known as a temperature‐dependent producer of two chemically different exolipids (red pigment prodigiosin and biosurfactant serrawettin W1) in parallel. During genetic investigation of such control mechanisms, mini‐Tn5 insertional mutant Tan1 overproducing these exolipids was isolated. The gene concerning such disregulation was identified as hexS by DNA cloning followed by sequencing and homology analysis of the presumed product with 314 amino‐acids. The product HexS was the homologue of HexA of Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora and classified as a transcriptional regulator belonging to LysR family. By RT‐PCR analysis, the hexS mutant was shown to over‐transcribe the pigA gene (the first gene of the pig cluster involved in prodigiosin synthesis) and the swrW gene encoding serrawettin W1 synthetase belonging to the nonribosomal peptide synthetase family. In contrast, transcription of the pswP gene encoding phosphopantetheinyl transferase in Tan1 was in the level of parent strain 274. Purified protein encoded in his6‐hexS demonstrated binding activity to DNA fragments of the upstream region of pigA and swrW genes and not to that of the pswP gene. S. marcescens strain 274 transformed with a low‐copy plasmid carrying hexS demonstrated reduced production of prodigiosin and serrawettin W1, and reduced activity of exoenzymes (protease, chitinase, and DNase) except phospholipase C. Possible generation of virulent S. marcescens by derepression or mutation of the hexS gene in infected tissues or ex vivo environments was suggested.
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Immunophenotyping in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients before and after Treatment
Authors: Barcelos Warly , Martins‐Filho Olindo Assis , Guimarães Tânia Mara Pinto Dabés , Oliveira Márcio Hamilton Prostzner , Spíndola‐de‐Miranda Silvana , Carvalho Beatriz Nascimento , de Toledo Vicente de Paulo Coelho Peixoto 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is a lung disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The interaction between the bacillus and the host may lead to a protective cellular immune response. In the present study, we propose the “in vitro” evaluation of this cellular immune response in patients with tuberculosis before and after chemotherapic treatment. Eleven patients with TB and 9 asymptomatic subjects with tuberculin skin test negative (TST–) (purified protein derivative (PPD) ≤10 mm) were evaluated. The peripheral lymphocytes of the subjects were analyzed utilizing the following surface markers: CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD25+, CD56+, CD14+, CD16+ and HLA‐DR+. At the end of the treatment, symptomatic patients presented a significant predominance (P<0.05) of CD4+ lymphocytes, a significant decrease (P<0.05) in activated CD8+ T cells and a significant increase (P<0.05) in the marker CD19+. A predominance of mature NK cells and a significant decrease (P<0.05) in NKT cells were observed. Also observed was a trend toward decrease in immunoregulatory T cells and a predominance of pro‐inflammatory macrophages. TST– subjects presented a predominance of CD4+ over CD8+ and predominance of CD19+ and of mature NK cells in comparison to the group of patients, both before and after treatment. Thus, several cell types, such as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, NK cells and their subpopulations, NKT cells and pro‐inflammatory macrophages could act in a synergic way to control the growth and multiplication of M. tuberculosis.