bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Quorum Sensing on flaA Transcription and Autoagglutination in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Jeon Byeonghwa , Itoh Kikuji , Misawa Naoaki , Ryu Sangryeol 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSome bacteria can communicate with other species of bacteria by means of autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2)‐mediated quorum sensing. In this study, we demonstrated that AI‐2‐mediated quorum sensing influences the transcription of flaA, the major flagellin gene in Campylobacter jejuni. A null mutation of luxS in C. jejuni strain 81116 reduced flaA transcription (approximately 43% that of the wild‐type) and induced a reduction in motility. However, the luxS mutant had the same level of total flagellin protein as the wild‐type. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the flagellar structure was preserved in the luxS mutant. The agglutination capability was reduced in the mutant strain, implying that quorum sensing might be involved in the formation of surface structures of C. jejuni. These observations suggest that AI‐2‐mediated quorum sensing may play a role in regulation of motility and surface properties in C. jejuni.
Two Different Scrapie Prions Isolated in Japanese Sheep Flocks
Authors: Hirogari Yasuhiro , Kubo Masanori , Kimura Kumiko M. , Haritani Makoto , Yokoyama Takashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTwo different scrapie prion strains with different characteristics were obtained from two sheep naturally infected with scrapie in Japan. In mice transmission, one (Tsukuba‐1) showed shorter incubation periods (133±2 days) than the other (Tsukuba‐2) (288±5 days). Spongiform changes and accumulation of an abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrPSc) were observed throughout the brain in Tsukuba‐1 inoculated mice, while the lesions and the PrPSc accumulation were localized in the brain stem of mice with Tsukuba‐2. Western blot analysis showed that there was no strain‐specific glycoform of PrPSc within these two strains. A super‐infection experiment revealed that neither strain interfered with the other's propagation.
TCRδ Gene Rearrangements Revealed by Fine Structure of the Recombination Junction in Mice
Authors: Kanari Yasuyoshi , Muto Masahiro , Yamagishi Hideo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe standard products of V(D)J recombination of immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes are two kinds of DNA junction, a coding joint and a signal joint. TCRδ V‐D and D‐D signal joints in adult mouse thymocytes were sequenced following PCR amplification. We observed differential nucleotide insertions at the Vδ‐Dδ signal joints, depending on the Vδ and Dδ gene usage in the developmental stage. Nucleotide insertions at the Vδ‐Dδ1 signal joints were less frequent for the Vδ4,5 genes preferentially utilized in adult thymocytes than for the Vδ3,6 genes, infrequently rearranged to Dδ1. In addition to standard signal joints, unexpectedly, novel nonstandard products, “replacement joints” of Dδ1 substituted downstream by the recombination signal sequence of Vδ were also found. However, no Dδ2‐associated replacement joints other than Vδ5 were found. The other replacement joints of Dδ1‐Dδ2 recombination were also observed. The mutation in TCRβ gene affected the frequency of nucleotide insertions at the Vδ‐Dδ signal joints and inhibited the formation of replacement joint. Recombination mechanism generating the replacement joint and the possible role of TCRβ in up‐regulation of TCRδ gene rearrangements are discussed.
Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Library of Finegoldia magna ATCC 29328 for Genetic Mapping and Comparative Genomics
Authors: Goto Takatsugu , Todo Kozo , Miyamoto Kazuaki , Akimoto Shigeru 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of Finegoldia magna ATCC 29328 DNA to facilitate further genome analysis of F. magna. The BAC library contained 385 clones with an average insert size of 55 kb, representing a 10.1‐fold genomic coverage. Repeated DNA hybridization using primer sets designed on the basis of BAC‐end sequences yielded nine contigs covering 95% of the chromosome and two contigs covering 98% of the plasmid. The contigs were localized on the physical map of F. magna ATCC 29328 DNA. A total of 121 BAC‐end sequences revealed 103 unique genes, which had not been previously reported for F. magna. The homolog ORF of albumin‐binding protein (urPAB), one of the known virulence factors from F. magna, was sequenced and localized on the physical map. Homology analysis of 121 BAC‐end sequences revealed that F. magna is most closely related to clostridia, particularly Clostridium tetani. This close relationship is consistent with the recent classification of peptostreptococci based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The BAC library constructed here will be useful for the whole genome sequencing project and other postgenomic applications.
In Vivo Safety Assessment of Two Bifidobacterium longum Strains
Authors: Mäkeläinen Henna , Tahvonen Raija , Salminen Seppo , Ouwehand Arthur C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBifidobacteria are important members of the intestinal microbiota and are considered to contribute to maintaining health. However, the level of bifidobacteria colonising the intestine of elderly subjects tends to be lower than in younger adults. Therefore, two Bifidobacterium longum strains, isolated from healthy elderly, were chosen for supplementation of the endogenous Bifidobacterium microbiota in the elderly. Bifidobacteria are generally regarded safe for human consumption. However, since the strains are intended for consumption by the elderly, whom may be more prone to disease, it is important to ascertain their safety. For this purpose, the strains were given to healthy adult volunteers. No side effects were reported and no undesirable changes observed in the immune parameters measured. Based on this study it appears that the two strains are well tolerated by human subjects and there are no reservations about their food use.
The Basidiomycetous Yeasts Cryptococcus diffluens and C. liquefaciens Colonize the Skin of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Sugita Takashi , Saito Masuyoshi , Ito Tomonobu , Kato Yukihiko , Tsuboi Ryoji , Takeuchi Shohei , Nishikawa Akemi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOur previous research showed that lipophilic yeasts, Malassezia species, colonize the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) at a high frequency. In this study, we found that two basidiomycetous yeasts, Cryptococcus diffluens and C. liquefaciens, colonize the skin significantly more frequently in AD patients than in healthy subjects. Transparent dressings were applied to the skin of 36 AD patients and 30 healthy subjects and then transferred onto Sabouraud dextrose agar. Colonies recovered from the medium were identified by DNA sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacer regions and the D1/D2 26S rRNA gene. C. diffluens and C. liquefaciens were isolated from 42% (15/36) and 33% (12/36) of AD patients and from 20% (6/30) and 20% (6/30) of healthy subjects, respectively. In addition, fungal DNA was extracted directly from the dressings and amplified in a specific nested PCR assay. C. diffluens and C. liquefaciens DNA were detected in dressings from 97% (35/36) and 86% (31/36) of the AD patients and 47% (14/30) and 37% (11/30) of the healthy subjects, respectively. These findings show that Malassezia spp. are not the only yeasts that colonize the skin of AD patients; Cryptococcus spp. also are present in a high proportion of patients. The role of these microorganisms in AD is as yet unknown, but the current findings, in combination with previous results, indicate that C. diffluens, C. liquefaciens, M. globosa, and M. restricta together colonize the skin surface of AD patients at a high frequency.
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IE1 Plays Role in Resistance to Apoptosis with Etoposide in Cancer Cell Line by Cdk2 Accumulation
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Kwon Ye Jin , Park Eun‐Suk , Sung Bohyun , Kim Jung Heon , Park Chung‐Gyu , Hwang Eung‐Soo , Cha Chang‐Yong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has many strategies to survive the attack of the host. HCMV infection of host cells induces cellular activation and disturbance of the cell cycle. It is possible that HCMV modulates the behavior of certain cancer cells that are susceptible to HCMV infection. This study was performed to identify the possible mechanism of resistance to apoptotic stimuli in some cancer cell lines by HCMV infection. HCMV‐infected cancer cells showed resistance to apoptosis induced by the topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide. UMG1–2, which constitutively expresses HCMV immediate‐early protein‐1 (IE1), had resistance to apoptosis induced by etoposide as compared with the parental cell line U373MG. Measurement of caspases activity with fluorogenic substrates in etoposide‐treated U373MG and UMG1–2 cells and the direct activation of caspase‐3 with peptides containing arginine‐glycine‐aspartate in U373MG and UMG1–2 cells revealed that the inhibition level of apoptosis by HCMV IE1 would be upstream of caspase‐3 in the caspase cascade pathway. Cellular expression of Cdk2 was increased in UMG1–2 after etoposide treatment while the expression of E2F‐1 in UMG1–2 was decreased as compared with that in U373MG. The Cdk2 inhibitor, roscovitine, decreased the resistance to apoptosis on etoposide‐treated UMG1–2. These results suggest that aberrant HCMV infection confers resistance to anticancer drugs on some cancer cells and protects cells from apoptosis, possibly due to the deregulation of cyclin‐dependent kinase by HCMV immediate‐early protein.
The Human‐Specific Action of Intermedilysin, a Homolog of Streptolysin O, Is Dictated by Domain 4 of the Protein
Authors: Nagamune Hideaki , Ohkura Kazuto , Sukeno Akiko , Cowan Graeme , Mitchell Timothy J. , Ito Wataru , Ohnishi Ooki , Hattori Kanako , Yamato Miki , Hirota Katsuhiko , Miyake Yoichiro , Maeda Takuya , Kourai Hiroki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIntermedilysin is a pore‐forming cytolysin belonging to the streptolysin O gene family known as the ‘Cholesterol‐binding/dependent cytolysins’ and is unique within the family in that it is highly human‐specific. This specificity suggests interaction with a component of human cells other than cholesterol, the proposed receptor for the other toxins of the gene family. Indeed, intermedilysin showed no significant degree of affinity to free or liposome‐embedded cholesterol. Characterization of intermedilysin undecapeptide mutants revealed that this lack of affinity to cholesterol was a result of the substitutions of intermedilysin in this region. Absorption assays with erythrocyte membranes from various animals, competitive inhibition with domain 4 of intermedilysin and liposome‐binding assays of streptolysin O and intermedilysin indicated that cell membrane binding is the human‐specific step of intermedilysin action, that the host cell membrane‐binding site is located within domain 4 in common with other members of the family and that the receptor for this toxin is not cholesterol. The species specificity of undecapeptide mutants of intermedilysin and streptolysin O and chimeric mutants between intermedilysin and streptolysin O, and intermedilysin and pneumolysin indicated that domain 4 of intermedilysin determines the human‐specific action step and the cell‐binding site of domain 4 lies within the 56 amino acids of the C‐terminal, excluding the undecapeptide region.
Role of Follicular Dendritic Cells in the Early HIV‐1 Infection: In vitro Model without Specific Antibody
Authors: Taruishi Midori , Terashima Kazuo , Dewan Md. Zahidunnabi , Yamamoto Norio , Ikeda Satoshi , Kobayashi Daisuke , Eishi Yoshinobu , Yamazaki Momoko , Furusaka Tohru , Sugimoto Masahiro , Ishii Masanori , Kitamura Ken , Yamamoto Naoki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAbout 90% of HIV‐1 RNA in the lymph nodes is reported to localize in follicular dendritic cells‐network (FDC‐NW) as early as several days after infection and as much as that in the late stage. But the mechanism remains to be fully understood. To elucidate the role of follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in the early stage of HIV‐1 infection, FDC‐like cell strains (FDCLC) were established and they were characterized in the co‐culture system with T cells for their effect on HIV‐1 trapping and replication in p24 immunoassay, immunohistochemistry as well as confocal and electronmicroscopy. Established FDCLC were positive for CNA‐42, S‐100α and intercellular desmosome‐like junctions. L‐SIGN and DC‐SIGN were also detected in FDCLC. Alu‐HIV‐1 PCR analysis showed no HIV‐1 integration in FDCLC. FDCLC trapped HIV‐1 and transferred them to uninfected MOLT‐4 T cells (MOLT‐4) efficiently in the absence of specific antibody. FDCLC also accelerated HIV‐1 replication in HIV‐1‐pre‐exposed MOLT‐4. These unique FDCLC effects were explained, at least partly, by the fact that FDCLC up‐regulated CD4 expression in MOLT‐4 and helped T cells escape from apoptosis in the co‐culture. These data suggest that FDC/FDCLC engage not only in trapping but also in active expansion of HIV‐1 in the absence of specific antibody.
Susceptibility to Killer T Cells of Gastric Cancer Cells Enhanced by Mitomycin‐C Involves Induction of ATBF1 and Activation of p21 (Waf1/Cip1) Promoter
Authors: Miura Yutaka , Kataoka Hiromi , Joh Takashi , Tada Toyohiro , Asai Kiyofumi , Nakanishi Makoto , Okada Noriko , Okada Hidechika 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAlpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) expression is observed in embryonic tissues and, the expression of this protein is absent in normal adult tissues. The re‐elevation of serum AFP strongly suggests generation of a malignant tumor in an adult. We demonstrated here that AFP‐producing gastric cancer (AFP‐gastric cancer) could be treated by a combination therapy with a low dose of Mitomycin‐C (MMC) and lymphokine‐activated killer T (LAK‐T) cells. Treatment with MMC of AFP‐gastric cancer cells enhanced their susceptibility to LAK‐T cells and induced ATBF1 gene expression. We revealed here a novel signal pathway for regulation of the cell cycle of AFP‐gastric cancer cells through ATBF1, which enhances the promoter activity of the p21 (Waf1/Cip1) gene. Immunoprecipitation revealed the direct interaction between ATBF1 and p53. Overexpressed ATBF1 stimulated p21 (Waf1/Cip1) promoter activity up to 4‐fold compared with basal activity. The expression level of ATBF1 mRNA was doubled by MMC (0.05 μg/ml) treatment. The MMC treatment and ATBF1 overexpression synergistically activated the p21 (Waf1/Cip1) promoter activity in a dose‐dependent manner up to 7‐fold compared with basal activity.
The Genomic Heterogeneity among Mycobacterium terrae Complex Displayed by Sequencing of 16S rRNA and hsp65 Genes
Authors: Lee Chang Kyu , Gi Hyun Mi , Cho Yunjung , Kim Young Kee , Lee Kap No , Song Ki‐Joon , Song Jin‐Won , Park Kwang Sook , Park Eun Mi , Lee Hyeyoung , Bai Gill‐Han 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe species identification within Mycobacterium terrae complex has been known to be very difficult. In this study, the genomic diversity of M. terrae complex with eighteen clinical isolates, which were initially identified as M. terrae complex by phenotypic method, was investigated, including that of three type strains (M. terrae, M. nonchromogenicum, and M. triviale). 16S rRNA and 65‐kDa heat shock protein (hsp65) gene sequences of mycobacteria were determined and aligned with eleven other references for the comparison using similarity search against the GenBank and Ribosomal Database Project II (RDP) databases. 16S rRNA and hsp65 genes of M. terrae complex showed genomic heterogeneity. Amongst the eighteen clinical isolates, nine were identified as M. nonchromogenicum, eight as M. terrae, one as M. mucogenicum with the molecular characteristic of rapid growth. M. nonchromogenicum could be subdivided into three subgroups, while M. terrae could be subdivided into two subgroups using a 5 bp criterion (>1% difference). Seven isolates in two subgroups of M. nonchromogenicum were Mycobacterium sp. strain MCRO 6, which was closely related to M. nonchromogenicum. The hsp65 gene could not differentiate one M. nonchromogenicum from M. avium or one M. terrae from M. intracellulare. The nucleotide sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and hsp65 genes was shown to be useful in identifying the M. terrae complex, but hsp65 was less discriminating than 16S rRNA.
Bacterial mRNA Purification by Magnetic Capture‐Hybridization Method
Authors: Pang Xin , Zhou Dongsheng , Song Yajun , Pei Decui , Wang Jin , Guo Zhaobiao , Yang Ruifu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA magnetic capture‐hybridization method was developed for purification of bacterial messenger RNA (mRNA) from total RNA by removing 5S, 16S and 23S ribosomal RNAs (rRNA). The quality of mRNA was evaluated by A260nm/A280nm value, denatured gel electrophoresis and RT‐PCR. The results showed that highly purified and intact mRNA was obtained by this method. The magnetic capture‐hybridization is a rapid and simple method for bacterial mRNA purification and has promising potential for improving studies using bacterial mRNA.
Augmenting Effect of Antibiotics on Endotoxin Activity May Cause a Safety Problem
Authors: Yamamoto Akihiko , Sakai Takeo , Ochiai Masaki , Kamachi Kazunari , Kataoka Michiyo , Toyoizumi Hiromi , Arakawa Yoshichika , Horiuchi Yoshinobu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEnhancing/interfering effect of antibiotics on endotoxin was evaluated using the endotoxin test and the cell line assay in 28SC cells that has a responsiveness consistent with that of human peripheral blood. When a total of 21 products of seven different kinds of antibiotics were tested, none showed any significant effect on the endotoxin test at its therapeutic dose. However, aminoglycosides showed a significant augmenting effect on IL‐6 induction of endotoxin in 28SC cells. Detailed examination of the augmenting effect was made on spectinomycin in the in vitro cell line assay and also in the lethal endotoxin challenge assay in D‐galactosamine‐treated mice. Spectinomycin also enhanced the endotoxin lethality in D‐galactosamine‐treated mice. A kinetic analysis in endotoxin‐sensitized 28SC cells revealed that the augmentation takes place as quickly as 10 min after spectinomycin treatment. Accordingly, a special caution concerning the augmenting effect was assumed necessary for the safety control of antibiotic products as well as for selecting antibiotics for the therapeutic use.
Effects of Artificial Codon Changes in the Movement Protein Gene on Adaptation of a Hybrid Bromovirus to Cowpea
Authors: Sasaki Nobumitsu , Kaido Masanori , Okuno Tetsuro , Mise Kazuyuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA hybrid Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) with the movement protein (MP) gene replaced with that of the closely related Brome mosaic virus cannot infect cowpea systemically. Twenty‐nine spontaneous mutants from the hybrid CCMV capable of systemic infection in cowpea appeared through biased codon changes that resulted in Lys or Arg at five specific positions in the MP gene. In this study, we report that systemic infection of cowpea with the hybrid CCMV can be achieved by artificial codon changes that do not result in Lys or Arg. We discuss mechanisms that restrict the occurrence of cowpeaadapted mutants in nature.
Human Herpesvirus 6 Immediate‐Early 2 Protein Interacts with Heterogeneous Ribonucleoprotein K and Casein Kinase 2
Authors: Shimada Kazuya , Kondo Kazuhiro , Yamanishi Koichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHuman herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) immediate‐early (IE) 2 protein (IE2) may play important but incompletely defined roles during infection. We used yeast two‐hybrid screening to detect proteins interacting with HHV‐6 IE2, and found heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) and the beta subunit of casein kinase 2 (CK2β) specifically interacted with HHV‐6 IE2. The interactions were confirmed by GST pull‐down assay, coimmunoprecipitation, and colocalization studies. These findings indicate that the HHV‐6 IE2 protein interacts with hnRNP K and CK2, and these interactions may affect viral and cellular RNA transcription and translation in viral replication.
Phenotypic Stability of Mature Dendritic Cells Tuned by TLR or CD40 to Control the Efficiency of Cytotoxic T Cell Priming
Authors: Nakamura Ichiro , Kajino Kiichi , Bamba Hiromichi , Itoh Fumito , Takikita Mikiko , Ogasawara Kazumasa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIt is generally accepted that after stimulation immature DCs turn into mature DCs, which present exogenous antigens together with their MHC class I molecules and then activate the antigen‐specific CTLs. Although both TLR and CD40 stimulation appeared to provide the same effects on DC maturation, CD40‐dependent CTL activation is much more potent than CTL activation through LPS stimulation. Despite their different outcomes, the factors that lead mature DCs to different functions remain largely undefined. In this study, we defined the transient maturation and subsequent deactivation of DCs by TLR stimuli, including those by LPS and CpG‐ODN. In contrast, CD40 stimulation induced stable mature DCs that elicited sufficient CTL proliferation. The deactivated DCs, which we defined as “expired DCs,” were phenotypically similar to immature DCs, except for their phenotype stability, MHC class I expression level and IL‐10 production. Moreover, the functions of expired DCs were comparable to those of immature DCs in terms of CTL induction and tolerogenicity. These results may provide an explanation for the role of CD40 stimulation in antigen‐specific CTL induction.
Over‐Expression of the Testis‐Specific Gene TSGA10 in Cancers and Its Immunogenicity
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Ono Toshiro , Sato Shuichiro , Nakada Tetsuya , Koizumi Fumihito , Hasegawa Kosei , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Okumura Hideo , Yamashita Toshiharu , Ohtsuka Mikio , Asagoe Kenji , Yamasaki Osamu , Noguchi Yuji , Iwatsuki Keiji , Nakayama Eiichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe TSGA10 gene was originally isolated in normal testis by differential mRNA display. TSGA10 is located on chromosome 2q11.2 and consists of 19 exons extending over 3 kb. TSGA10 mRNA expression was investigated in normal and malignant tissues using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. It was predominantly expressed in the testis in adult normal tissues. In malignant tissues, TSGA10 was over‐expressed in 4 of 20 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), 1 of 20 colon cancers, 7 of 20 ovarian cancers, 3 of 20 prostate cancers, 1 of 21 malignant melanomas, and 8 of 21 bladder cancers. Serological analysis revealed that 3 out of 346 patients with various types of cancer possessed antibody against recombinant TSGA10 protein. They included 2 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and a patient with malignant melanoma.