bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gamma Interferon‐Induced Nitric Oxide Production in Mouse CD5+ B1‐Like Cell Line and Its Association with Apoptotic Cell Death
Authors: Koide Naoki , Sugiyama Tsuyoshi , Mu Mya Mya , Mori Isamu , Yoshida Tomoaki , Hamano Teruaki , Yokochi Takashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe in vitro effect of gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) on nitric oxide (NO) production in a mouse CD5+ B1‐like cell line, TH2.52, was studied. The TH2.52 cell line is the hybridoma line between mouse B lymphoma line and mouse splenic B cells and expresses a series of B1 markers. IFN‐γ induced a marked NO production in TH2.52 cells through the expression of an inducible type of NO synthase (iNOS). IFN‐γ‐induced NO production was triggered by the Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway since it was inhibited by AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor. The growth of TH2.52 cells significantly was inhibited in the presence of IFN‐γ. A significant number of cells underwent apoptotic cell death, accompanied by the DNA fragmentation, annexin V binding, and caspase 3 activation. N(G)‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine, an iNOS inhibitor, prevented IFN‐γ‐induced cell death. Therefore, IFN‐γ‐induced NO production was possible in causing cell death in TH2.52 cells. Further, IFN‐γ‐induced NO production and cell death significantly were prevented by interleukin‐4, a representative Th2 cytokine. The immunological significance of IFN‐γ‐induced NO production in a mouse B1‐like cell line is discussed.
Use of the dnaJ Gene for the Detection and Identification of All Legionella pneumophila Serogroups and Description of the Primers Used to Detect 16S rDNA Gene Sequences of Major Members of the Genus Legionella
Authors: Liu Hongsheng , Li Ying , Huang Xinxiang , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Ezaki Takayuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe sequenced about 930 bp of the dnaJ gene from 15 Legionella pneumophila serogroups and some other members of the genus Legionella. As L. pneumophila 16S rDNA sequences could not discriminate between all subspecies and serogroups, we assessed the use of dnaJ gene sequences to differentiate between Legionella subspecies as well as between L. pneumophila serogroups. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that dnaJ gene sequences were more variable between the L. pneumophila serogroups than mip gene and 16S rDNA sequences. By studying 61 strains from 41 species of the genus Legionella, as well as other genera, we established a PCR method that could amplify 285 bp of dnaJ gene from all L. pneumophila serogroups. This primer set was more sensitive than mip gene primers and was able to detect 0.25 ng of purified DNA. We also describe the 16S rDNA primers that were used to detect most Legionella genus members.
Biofilm Formation by a Fimbriae‐Deficient Mutant of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Inoue Tetsuyoshi , Shingaki Ryuji , Sogawa Norio , Sogawa Chiharu Aoki , Asaumi Jun‐ichi , Kokeguchi Susumu , Fukui Kazuhiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractActinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strain 310‐TR produces fimbriae and forms a tight biofilm in broth cultures, without turbid growth. The fimbriae‐deficient mutant 310‐DF, constructed in this study, was grown as a relatively fragile biofilm at the bottom of a culture vessel. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that on glass coverslips, 310‐TR formed tight and spherical microcolonies, while 310‐DF produced looser ones. These findings suggest that fimbriae are not essential for the surface‐adherent growth but are required for enhancing cell‐to‐surface and cell‐to‐cell interactions to stabilize the biofilm. Treatment of the 310‐DF biofilm with either sodium metaperiodate or DNase resulted in significant desorption of cells from glass surfaces, indicating that both carbohydrate residues and DNA molecules present on the cell surface are also involved in the biofilm formation.
Characterization and Localization of Fluorescent Pseudomonas Cold Shock Protein(s) by Monospecific Polyclonal Antibodies
Authors: Khan Mahejibin , Bajpai Virendra Kumar , Anasari Shaheen Akhtar , Kumar Anil , Goel Reeta 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCold shock protein (CSP) from Pseudomonas fluorescens MTCC 103 and cold resistant protein (CRP) from its mutant CRPF8 of 14 and 35 kd, respectively were purified to homogeneity by HPLC. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against these proteins and the expression level was checked at different temperatures, i.e., 4, 10, 20, 30 and 37 C. Furthermore, morphological changes in P. fluorescens MTCC 103 and its mutant (CRPF8) were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Localization of CSP and CRP documented with immunoelectron microscopy, using colloidal gold particles conjugated with secondary antibodies being the probe were used. Nevertheless, the results of cytosolic localization of CSP and CRP were evident. Furthermore, the expression of CSP and CRP increased with decrease in temperature and the cell wall thickness of the mutant exhibited 2‐fold increase, thus facilitating low temperature survival.
Characterization of a Slow‐Migrating Component of the Rabies Virus Matrix Protein Strongly Associated with the Viral Glycoprotein
Authors: Nakahara Tomomi , Toriumi Harufusa , Irie Takashi , Takahashi Takuo , Ameyama Satoshi , Mizukoshi Masami , Kawai Akihiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe investigated multiple forms of rabies virus matrix (M) protein. Under non‐reducing electrophoretic conditions, we detected, in addition to major bands of monomer forms (23‐ and 24‐kDa) of M protein, an M antigen‐positive slow‐migrating minor band (about 54 kDa) in both the virion and infected cells. Relative contents of the 54‐kDa and monomer components in the virion were about 20–30% and 70–80% of the whole M protein, respectively, while the content of the 54‐kDa component was smaller (about 10–20% of the total M protein) in the cell than in the virion. The 54‐kDa components could be extracted from the infected cells with sodium deoxycholate, but they were quite resistant to extraction with 1% non‐ionic detergents by which most monomer components were solubilized. The 54‐kDa component was precipitated more efficiently than the monomer by a monoclonal antibody (mAb; #3‐9‐16), which recognized a linear epitope located at the N‐terminal of the M protein. The mAb #3‐9‐16 coprecipitated the viral glycoprotein (G), which was demonstrated to be due to strong association between the G and 54‐kDa component of the M protein. Monomers and the 54‐kDa polypeptide migrated to the same isoelectric point (pI) in two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis, implicating that the 54‐kDa component was composed of component(s) of the same pI as that of the M protein monomers. From these results, we conclude that the M antigen‐positive 54‐kDa polypeptide is a homodimer of M protein, taking an N‐terminal‐exposed conformation, and is strongly associated with the viral glycoprotein. Possible association with a membrane microdomain of the cell will be discussed.
Identification and Characterization of Class 1 Integron Resistance Gene Cassettes among Salmonella Strains Isolated from Healthy Humans in China
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Shi Lei , Li Lin , Guo Siyuan , Zhang Ximei , Yamasaki Shinji , Miyoshi Shin‐ichi , Shinoda Sumio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTwenty‐three strains of Salmonella spp. isolated from healthy humans in Guangdong, China, were examined for their susceptibility to ten common antibiotics and the presence of antibiotic resistance integrons. All the strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 4 strains were positive for the intI1 gene. Polymerase chain reaction using in‐F and in‐B primers showed the existence of amplicons of 1,009 bp in two, 1,664 bp in one, and 1,009 bp and 1,664 bp in one of the intI1‐positive isolates, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that the 1,009‐bp amplicon harbored gene cassette aadA2, conferring resistance to spectinomycin, and the 1,664‐bp amplicon harbored genes aadA5 and dfr17, conferring resistance to spectinomycin, streptomycin and trimethoprim. Meanwhile the experiments of plasmid conjugation and Southern hybridization with intI1 as the DNA probe indicated that all the integrons found in these strains were chromosomal. Because the strains carrying class 1 integrons were isolated from healthy humans, it suggests the need for all‐round surveillance of the antibiotic resistance of pathogens.
Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha and Interferon‐Gamma in Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiro , Kita Masakazu , Ohno Tomoyuki , Iwakura Yoichiro , Sekikawa Kenji , Imanishi Jiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractImmune responses to Helicobacter pylori infection play important roles in gastroduodenal diseases. The contributions of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interferon‐7 (IFN‐γ) to the induction of gastric inflammation and to the protection from H. pylori infection were investigated using TNF‐α gene‐knockout (TNF‐α−/−) mice and IFN‐γ gene‐knockout (IFN‐γ−/−) mice. We first examined the colonizing ability of H. pylori strain CPY2052 in the stomach of C57BL/6 wild‐type and knockout mice. The number of H. pylori colonized in the stomach of IFN‐γ−/− and TNF‐α−/− mice was higher than that of wild‐type mice. These findings suggest that TNF‐α and IFN‐γ may play a protective role in H pylori infection. Furthermore, we examined the contribution of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ to gastric inflammation. The CPY2052‐infected TNF‐α−/− mice showed a moderate infiltration of mononuclear cells in the lamina propria and erosions in the gastric epithelium as did wild‐type mice, whereas the CPY2052‐infected IFN‐γ−/− mice showed no inflammatory findings even 6 months after infection. These results demonstrate that IFN‐γ may play an important role in gastric inflammation induced by H. pylori infection, whereas TNF‐α may not participate in the development of inflammatory response.
Application of Monoclonal Antibody, Specific for Intracellular Orientia tsutsugamushi, to Immunofluorescent Antibody Test for Determining Antibiotic Susceptibility
Authors: Kim Mee‐Kyung , Odgerel Zagga , Kim Mi‐Jeong , Chung Moon‐Hyun , Lim Byung‐Uk , Kang Jae‐Seung 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe simple quantification of viable intracellular bacteria is important for the study of an obligate intracellular bacterium, Orientia tsutsugamushi. We applied a novel monoclonal antibody (M686–13) —specific for intracellular Orientia— to an immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test for determining antibiotic susceptibility of O. tsutsugamushi. M686–13 did not react with Orientia that was inhibited by doxycycline, although bacterial particles still remained in the cells. This preferential staining of proliferating bacteria made the IFA test rapid and precise. Using this method, we could successfully measure the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a Korean strain of O. tsutsugamushi to doxycycline and clindamycin. This method may be used in other procedures to evaluate the growth of Orientia.
In Vitro Susceptibility to Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolones of Japanese Isolates of Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Andoh Masako , Naganawa Takashi , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Fukushi Hideto , Hirai Katsuya 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCoxiella burnetii is the agent of the worldwide zoonosis, Q fever. The in vitro susceptibility to tetracycline and fluoroquinolones of Japanese isolates of C. burnetii was evaluated for the first time. The MICs against Japanese isolates were almost the same as the MICs against the foreign reference isolates. The results suggest that the common antibiotics therapy for Q fever used in other countries is also effective for Japanese Q fever patients.
The Anthracycline Antitumor Agents Doxorubicin and Daunorubicin Reduce the Activity of Candida albicans Phospholipase B
Authors: Arai Rika , Sugita Takashi , Nishikawa Akemi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA pathogenic yeast, Candida albicans, causes life‐threatening infection in immunocompromised patients. Inhibiting the production or release of phospholipase B by C. albicans should reduce direct host cell damage, and inhibit the release of eicosanoids from cells of this microorganism. Of the antitumor agents tested, doxorubicin and daunorubicin inhibited the activity of phospholipase B, and prostaglandin production by C. albicans. These two agents have the potential to inhibit the activity of C. albicans phospholipase B, although the inhibitory concentrations exceeded the clinical dose.
Effects of Tacrolimus (FK506) on Encephalomyocarditic Virus‐Induced Diabetes in Mice
Authors: Yama Sachiko , Nishioka Wakako , Hirokami Yumiko , Setoguchi Ruka , Takeyama Natsumi , Saeki Keiichi , Matsumoto Yoshitsugu , Hayashi Toshiharu , Doi Kunio , Onodera Takashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe effects of tacrolimus on insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) induced by the D‐variant of encephalomyocarditis virus (D‐EMCV) have been investigated. Male BALB/c mice were treated with tacrolimus before viral inoculation, and then were inoculated with 10 plaque forming units (PFU) of D‐EMCV. The mice continued to be treated with tacrolimus until the animals were sacrificed. D‐EMCV‐infected mice, which were treated with saline as controls, showed abnormal glucose tolerance test (GTT) values, whereas all infected mice with tacrolimus pretreatment were normal on 7 days‐post inoculation (DPI). Histological observations revealed that non‐treated tacrolimus D‐EMCV‐infected mice and which developed diabetes showed severe insulitis in their islets of Langerhans. On the other hand, D‐EMCV‐infected mice treated with tacrolimus were normal. In D‐EMCV‐infected mice, viruses in the pancreata were detected at the same level regardless of treatment with tacrolimus or saline. Expressions of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ mRNA in spleens of tacrolimus‐treated D‐EMCV‐infected mice were lower than that of non‐treated tacrolimus D‐EMCV‐infected mice on 7 DPI. The results suggest that tacrolimus suppresses expressions of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ mRNAs to prevent the onset of D‐EMCV‐induced IDDM.
Detection of Antigen‐Specific T Cells in Experimental Immune‐Mediated Blepharoconjunctivitis in DO11.10 T Cell Receptor Transgenic Mice
Authors: Ozaki Akemi , Ishida Waka , Fukata Kazuyo , Fukushima Atsuki , Ueno Hisayuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAntigen (Ag)‐specific T cells are thought to play a key role in pathogenesis of chronic allergic conjunctivitis (AC) such as atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). In order to investigate the trafficking of Ag‐specific T cells in experimental immune‐mediated blepharoconjunctivitis (EC), we established a novel AC model in DO11.10 T cell receptor (TcR) transgenic (Tg) mice. DO11.10 TcR‐Tg mice were challenged with eye drops of whole OVA protein, OVA peptide 1–15, 321–335, or 323–339. Their eyes were histologically examined. Conventional proliferation assay was performed against each Ag. Phenotypes of infiltrating cells and kinetics of Ag‐specific T cells were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Adoptive transfer of CD4+ Ag‐specific T cells from DO11.10 TcR‐Tg to WT mice was performed. The distribution of KJ1–26+ cells was investigated in recipient mice. The challenge of OVA peptide 323–339 induced infiltration of inflammatory cells in conjunctivae in a dose dependent manner, accompanied by the proliferative responses of splenocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed Ag‐specific/non‐Ag‐specific T cells, macrophages, and eosinophils in conjunctivae. Infiltration of Ag‐specific T cells increased 24 hr later. Transfer of CD4+ cells from DO11.10 TcR‐Tg to WT mice induced EC depending on the number of transferred cells. Ag‐specific T cells were detected in the conjunctivae and spleens of recipient mice, though its numbers were significantly smaller compared to DO11.10 TcR‐Tg mice. The challenge of OVA peptide 323–339 induced EC in DO11.10 TcR‐Tg mice without prior sensitization. The response was mediated by CD4+ Ag‐specific T cells. The trafficking of Ag‐specific T cells in EC was clearly visualized.
New Lactococcus Strain with Immunomodulatory Activity: Enhancement of Th1‐Type Immune Response
Authors: Kimoto Hiromi , Mizumachi Koko , Okamoto Takashi , Kurisaki Jun‐ichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFew studies exist dealing with the probiotic activity of lactococci, which are commonly used as starter bacteria in the manufacture of many kinds of fermented dairy products. Fifteen strains of the genus Lactococcus were examined for their probiotic activities, such as immunomodulatory effects. Six strains induced the production of cytokines (IL‐12, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) in macrophage‐like cell line J774.1, and the highest induction was observed with Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis G50. The cytokine induction in the J774.1 cell line was almost entirely sustained after heat‐killing of the strain. Spleen cells from BALB/c mice fed G50 culture produced more IL‐12 and IFN‐γ and slightly less IL‐4 and IL‐6 than the control (i.e., without strain G50), indicating that strain G50 can enhance Th1‐type immune response in vivo. The effect of the oral administration of strain G50 on antibody response in mice was also investigated. Mice were immunized with ovomucoid (OVM), a potent egg allergen, and the antibody level in the serum was then determined. The total IgE antibody level in the group treated with strain G50 was significantly lower than that of the control. The response of OVM‐specific IgG1 and IgE antibodies tended to be low in the group that was administered strain G50, compared with the response of the control group. These results suggest that strain G50 has an ability to suppress the Th2 response. Thus, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis G50 is a potential probiotic strain for the suppression of hypersensitive reactions caused by the Th2 response.
Nucleolin and the Packaging Signal, ψ, Promote the Budding of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type‐1 (HIV‐1)
Authors: Ueno Tomonori , Tokunaga Kenzo , Sawa Hirofumi , Maeda Masae , Chiba Joe , Kojima Asato , Hasegawa Hideki , Shoya Yuko , Sata Tetsutaro , Kurata Takeshi , Takahashi Hidehiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGag proteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) play a pivotal role in the budding of the virion, in which the zinc finger motifs of the gag proteins recognize the packaging signal of genomic RNA. Nucleolin, an RNA‐binding protein, is identified as a cellular protein that binds to murine leukemia virus (MuLV) gag proteins and regulates the viral budding, suggesting that HIV‐1 gag proteins, the packaging signal, ψ and nucleolin affect the budding of HIV‐1. Here we report that nucleolin enhances the release of HIV‐1 virions which contain ψ. Furthermore, nucleolin and gag proteins form a complex incorporated into virions, and nucleolin promotes the infectivity of HIV‐1. Our results suggest that an empty particle which contains neither nucleolin nor the genomic RNA is eliminated during the budding process, and this mechanism is beneficial for escape from the host immune response against HIV‐1.
Comparison of Immunological Responses to the Various Types of Circumsporozoite Proteins of Plasmodium vivax in Malaria Patients of Korea
Authors: Suh In Bum , Lee Kee‐Hoyung , Kim Young Ree , Woo Sang Kyu , Kang Heui Yeon , Won Yoo Duck , An Seong Soo A. , Cho Min , Cho Duck , Lim Chae Seung 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe compared the seroreactivities against four synthetic peptide antigens (VK210, VK247, Korean type 1, and type 2) and a full length recombinant circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antigen of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) in samples of sixty‐three tertian malaria patients in Korea. Among the various CSP antigens, the full‐length recombinant CSP showed the highest reactivity in malaria‐exposed groups (85.7%, 54/63). No significant difference was found in the percentage of malaria patients with antibodies among four peptides examined, except a full‐length recombinant CSP. Absorbance values from the peptide‐based ELISA showed high correlations (r>0.9, P<0.05) at significant values. Five sera without the immunoaffinity against peptides were reactive towards the full‐length recombinant CSP in ELISA. Sera, which were not reactive to a full length recombinant CSP antigen, were not recognized by any of peptide‐based ELISA. These data suggested that peptide structures included in Korean isolates, GNGAGGQAA, and VK247 peptides had immune reactivity and recognition epitopes. Among the antigens, GNGAGGQAA was less recognized by patients exposed to Korean strains of P. vivax in comparison to the VK210 structures.
WT1 Peptide‐Based Immunotherapy for Patients with Lung Cancer: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Tsuboi Akihiro , Oka Yoshihiro , Osaki Tadashi , Kumagai Toru , Tachibana Isao , Hayashi Seiji , Murakami Masaki , Nakajima Hiroko , Elisseeva Olga A. , Fei Wu , Masuda Tomoki , Yasukawa Masaki , Oji Yusuke , Kawakami Manabu , Hosen Naoki , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Yoshihara Satoshi , Udaka Keiko , Nakatsuka Shin‐ichi , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Kawase Ichiro , Sugiyama Haruo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe Wilms' tumor gene WT1 is overexpressed in various types of solid tumors, including lung and breast cancer and WT1 protein is a tumor antigen for these malignancies. In phase I clinical trials of WT1 peptide‐based cancer immunotherapy, two patients with advanced lung cancer were intradermally injected with 0.3 mg of an HLA‐A*2402‐restricted, 9‐mer WT1 peptide emulsified with Montanide ISA51 adjuvant. Consecutive WT1 vaccination at 2‐week intervals resulted in a reduction in tumor markers such as chorio‐embryonic antigen (CEA) and sialyl Lewis (x) (SLX) and by a transient decrease in tumor size. No adverse effects except for local erythema at the injection sites of WT1 vaccine were observed. These results provided us with the first clinical evidence demonstrating that WT1 peptide‐based immunotherapy should be a promising treatment for patients with lung cancer.
Evaluation of the Effects of Sulfamethoxazole on Toxoplasma gondii Loads and Stage Conversion in IFN‐γ Knockout Mice Using QC‐PCR
Authors: Belal Usama S. , Norose Kazumi , Aosai Fumie , Mun Hye‐Seong , Ahmed Azza K. , Chen Mei , Mohamed Rabie M. , Piao Lian‐Xun , Iwakura Yoichiro , Yano Akihiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractToxoplasma gondii abundance with or without sulfamethoxazole treatment was evaluated by quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (QC‐PCR) assay in various organs of IFN‐γ knockout BALB/c (B/c) mice after peroral infection with the cyst‐forming Fukaya strain. T. gondii infection was observed in the brain, skin, tongue, heart, and skeletal muscle of the mice treated with sulfamethoxazole, although the parasite was not observed during the treatment in the mesenteric lymph node, spleen, small intestine or kidney. After discontinuing the therapy, T. gondii reappeared within five days in all organs. Reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR showed that sulfamethoxazole treatment accelerated the stage conversion of T. gondii from tachyzoites into bradyzoites in the brain, lung, and heart. In contrast, after discontinuing sulfamethoxazole treatment, T. gondii underwent stage conversion from bradyzoites into tachyzoites in these organs. These results indicate that we successfully established an animal model for evaluating chemotherapy regimens in immunocompromised hosts infected with T. gondii.