bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signaling Pathways Induced by Lipoproteins Derived from Mycoplasma salivarium and a Synthetic Lipopeptide (FSL‐1) in Normal Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Nakamura Jun‐ichiro , Shibata Ken‐ichiro , Hasebe Akira , Into Takeshi , Watanabe Tsuguo , Ohata Noboru 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLipoproteins derived from Mycoplasma salivarium and a synthetic lipopeptide (FSL‐1) activate human gingival fibroblasts to induce IL‐6 production and ICAM‐1 expression. Human gingival fibroblasts were treated with lipoproteins or FSL‐1 and then examined for the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), ERK1/2, p38, and SAPK/JNK, and transcription factors, AP‐1 and NF‐κB. Western blotting indicated that p38 and SAPK/JNK were activated in response to the stimulators, but the activation of ERK1/2 could not be discriminated because ERK1/2 was activated in the absence of stimulators. The p38 inhibitor SB 203580 also suppressed their IL‐6 production‐inducing activities, whereas the ERK1/2‐activating MAPK kinase (MEK1) inhibitor PD 98059 did not suppress their activities. Moreover, they were capable of inducing the activation of AP‐1 and NF‐κB. NF‐κB activation was also confirmed by the phosphorylation of IκB‐α. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that lipoproteins of M. salivarium and FSL‐1 are capable of activating the MAPKs p38 and SAPK/JNK and the transcriptional factors AP‐1 and NF‐κB in human gingival fibroblasts.
Serological Investigation ofBartonella henselaeInfections in Clinically Cat‐Scratch Disease‐Suspected Patients, Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases, and Healthy Veterinary Students in Japan
Authors: Kikuchi Eisaku , Maruyama Soichi , Sakai Takeo , Tanaka Shigeo , Yamaguchi Fukumitsu , Hagiwara Toshikatsu , Katsube Yasuji , Mikami Takeshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSeroprevalence ofBartonella henselaewas investigated in Japan in 48 individuals clinically suspected of having cat‐scratch disease (CSD), 159 patients with cardiovascular diseases, and 129 healthy veterinary students. Of 48 CSD‐suspected patients examined, 19 (39.6%) were positive forB. henselae‐IgGand 4 (8.3%) forB. henselae‐IgM. Of 159 patients with cardiovascular diseases, 5 (3.1%) were positive forB. henselae‐IgG. In healthy veterinary students, 14 of 129 (10.9%) were positive forB. henselae‐IgGand 1 (0.8%) forB. henselae‐IgM. The positive rates ofB. henselae‐IgGand ‐IgM in CSD‐suspected patients were significantly higher than in other sources. Most CSD‐suspected and healthy individuals who were positive forB. henselaeantibody had had some contacts with cats. In CSD‐suspected patients, theB. henselaepositive rate in females was significantly higher than in males, and high seropositive rates toB. henselaewere found in younger age groups.
Anti‐Tumor Mechanism of Z‐100, an Immunomodulatory Arabinomannan Extracted from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain Aoyama B, on Pulmonary Metastases of B16F10 Melanoma: Restoration of Helper T Cell Responses via Suppression of Glucocorticoid‐Genesis
Authors: Oka Hideki , Emori Yutaka , Sasaki Hidetaka , Shiraishi Yumiko , Yoshinaga Koji , Kurimoto Tadashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the present study, the anti‐tumor mechanism of Z‐100 was investigated with the use of pulmonary metastasis of B16F10 melanoma. In B16F10 mice, Th1 cytokine production (IL‐2, IFN‐γ) was suppressed in comparison with normal mice. On the other hand, Th2 cytokine production (IL‐4, IL‐10) was increased in the B16F10 mice. The administration of Z‐100 to B16F10 mice restored the balance of Th1/Th2 cell responses from the Th2 dominant state to the normal state. Z‐100 significantly suppressed the pulmonary metastasis of B16F10 melanoma in a dose‐dependent manner. These results suggest that Z‐100 restored the breakdown of Th1 cell responses, resulting in the suppression of pulmonary metastasis of B16F10 melanoma. Moreover, Z‐100 decreased the corticosterone levels, which is known to suppress the Th1 cell responses, in both serum specimens and splenic tissue, and the steroidogenic CYP11A1 mRNA expression in CD4+ T cells. These results suggest that a suppression of pulmonary metastasis and restoration of Th1/Th2 cell responses by Z‐100 may be due to the decrease in the corticosterone levels and the steroidogenic CYP11A1 mRNA expression of CD4+ T cells in B16F10 mice. Further, the role of Th1 cytokine, IFN‐γ, on these activities of Z‐100 was examined. The suppressive effects of Z‐100 on pulmonary metastasis and restoration of Th1/Th2 cell responses were eliminated by the administration of anti‐IFN‐γ mAb. Moreover, the suppressive effects of Z‐100 on glucocorticoid‐genesis were eliminated by the administration of anti‐IFN‐γ mAb. These results suggest that Z‐100 restores the balance of Th1/Th2 cell responses via the suppression of glucocorticoid‐genesis by Z‐100‐induced IFN‐γ. IFN‐γ acts as a key cytokine in anti‐tumor activities of Z‐100.
KP‐103, a Novel Triazole Derivative, Is Effective in Preventing Relapse and Successfully Treating Experimental Interdigital Tinea Pedis and Tinea Corporis in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Tatsumi Yoshiyuki , Yokoo Mamoru , Arika Tadashi , Yamaguchi Hideyo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe therapeutic efficacy of KP‐103, a triazole derivative, for 10 guinea pigs with interdigital tinea pedis or tinea corporis was investigated. Topical KP‐103 solution (0.25 to 1%) was dose‐dependently effective in treating both dermatophytoses. A 1% KP‐103‐treatment rendered all infected skins culture‐negative on day‐2 posttreatment. A high negative‐culture rate was obtained with 1% solutions of butenafine and lanoconazole but not with 1% neticonazole solution. The follow up study performed on day‐30 and day‐9 posttreatment demonstrated that the relapse rates for 1% KP‐103‐treated animals with tinea pedis and for those with tinea corporis were 20 and 30%, respectively, and that these values were the same as those for 1% butenafine‐treated animals, but lower than those for 1% lanoconazole‐treated animals (55 and 80%, respectively). When a single dose of 1% KP‐103 was applied to the back skin 48 hr before fungal inoculation, 9 of the 10 animals were protected from the dermatophytosis, suggesting that active KP‐103 is retained in skin tissue for at least 48 hr after dosing. Moreover, it was suggested that KP‐103 retains a high activity in the horny layer because of its lower keratin‐affinity. The effectiveness of KP‐103 against dermatophytoses may be due to the favorable pharmacokinetic properties in the skin tissues, together with its potent antifungal activity.
Comparative Profiles of Intramacrophage Behavior of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium Complex with Different Levels of Virulence
Authors: Sano Keisuke , Sato Katsumasa , Sano Chiaki , Shimizu Toshiaki , Tomioka Haruaki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and M. avium complex (MAC) strains with different levels of virulence in mice were examined for profiles of interaction with murine peritoneal macrophages (MΦs). Their growth rates in MΦs were in these orders: H37Ra strain (attenuated) > H37Rv strain (virulent) for MTB, and N‐260 strain (moderate virulence) > MAC N‐444 strain (low virulence) for MAC. MTB but not MAC caused the necrotic death of host MΦs in terms of increased release of lactate dehydrogenase from infected MΦs. The MTB H37Ra strain induced a greater production of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) by MΦs than the MTB H37Rv strain did. However, this phenomenon was not observed with MAC, implying less important roles of RNI in the expression of MΦ antimicrobial activity against MAC organisms.
Correlation between Secondary Structure of an Amino‐Terminal Portion of the Nonstructural Protein 3 (NS3) of Hepatitis C Virus and Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ogata Satoshi , Ku Yonson , Yoon Seitetsu , Makino Shigeru , Nagano‐Fujii Motoko , Hotta Hak 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCorrelation between sequence variation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been demonstrated. In the present study, we analyzed sequence diversity of the NS3 protein of HCV and its possible correlation with HCC. On the basis of secondary structure of an amino‐terminal portion of NS3, HCV subtype 1b (HCV‐1b) isolates were classified into two groups, A and B. Group A isolates were found in 4 (11%) of 36 patients with HCC, and 22 (63%) of 35 patients without HCC. On the other hand, group B isolates were found in 32 (89%) of 36 patients with HCC, and 12 (34%) of 35 patients without HCC. The distribution patterns of those groups were significantly different between patients with and without HCC (P<0.001). HCV isolates of group B were found in both tumor and adjacent non‐tumor tissues obtained from patients with HCC, suggesting that the emergence of group B isolates was not a result of, but rather a possible causative factor for development of HCC. Taken together, our present results suggest that HCV‐1b strains of group B are highly associated with HCC and that the secondary structure analysis of NS3 would be useful to predict high risk for development of HCC in HCV‐1b‐infected patients.
Genogroup Characterization of Reemerging Serotype G9 Human Rotavirus Strain 95H115 in Comparison with Earlier G9 and Other Human Prototype Strains
Authors: Nakagomi Toyoko , Nakagomi Osamu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSerotype G9 human rotaviruses have emerged globally since the mid‐1990s. The 95H115 strain was derived from a stool specimen collected in Japan in the 1994–95 season, thus it is the earliest of the globally reemerging G9 human rotaviruses that were adapted to cell culture. Genogrouping by RNA‐RNA hybridization was performed to examine the genetic background of 95H115. The 95H115 strain belonged to the Wa genogroup, the most common human rotavirus genogroup, and it had a high degree of homology with AU32 and WI61, the prototype G9 isolates in the 1980s. However, the divergent genomic RNA constellation as indicated by the aberrant hybridization patterns between 95H115 and earlier G9 strains served as further evidence that 95H115 was not a direct descendant of the prototype strains in the ′80s.
Outbreak of Central Nervous System Disease Associated with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Japan during the Summer of 2000: Detection and Molecular Epidemiology of Enterovirus 71
Authors: Fujimoto Tsuguto , Chikahira Masatsugu , Yoshida Shigeru , Ebira Hitomi , Hasegawa Ayako , Totsuka Atsuko , Nishio Osamu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFew outbreaks of the serious enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections, which affect the central nervous system (CNS), had been reported in Japan before 2000. During June through August 2000, a patient died of pulmonary edema caused by brainstem encephalitis accompanied by EV71‐induced hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), and many patients complicated by serious CNS disease, including paralysis, were hospitalized in a restricted area in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan (K‐area). During the same period, endemics of HFMD were reported in other areas in Hyogo Prefecture, where EV71 was isolated from HFMD patients, but few patients developed aseptic meningitis. The isolations of EV71 from K‐area patients were difficult with the use of Vero cells, so the strains were isolated by use of GL37 cells; Vero cells, however, could isolate EV71 strains from other areas in Hyogo Prefecture. We sequenced VP4 coding regions of these EV71 isolates and found that the isolates from K‐area had the same sequence, which, except for one isolate, was different from the sequences of EV71 strains isolated from other areas of Hyogo Prefecture. Although these results were not enough to state that EV71 from K‐area was a virulent strain, it seemed reasonable to conclude that serious CNS diseases in K‐area were caused by EV71 because it was the only infectious agent detected in the inpatients of K‐area.
Role of the C‐Domain in the Biological Activities of Clostridium perfringens Alpha‐Toxin
Authors: Nagahama Masahiro , Mukai Masakazu , Morimitsu Shinsuke , Ochi Sadayuki , Sakurai Jun 
Published: November 2013

AbstractClostridium perfringens alpha‐toxin (370 residues) possesses hemolytic and lethal activities as well as the enzymatic activity of phospholipase C (PLC). In this study we examined the role of the C‐domain (251–370 residues; CP251–370) in biological activities of the toxin. The N‐domain (1–250 residues; CP1–250) of the alpha‐toxin as well as the Bacillus cereus phospholipase C (BcPLC) possessed PLC activity, but did not bind to rabbit erythrocytes and lyse them. A hybrid protein (BC‐CP251–370) consisting of BcPLC and CP251–370 bound to the red cells and lysed them. Incubation of CP1–250 with CP251–370 completely complemented hemolytic and PLC activities. CP251–370 also conferred hemolytic activity on BcPLC. CP251–340 (251–340 residues) significantly stimulated PLC activity of CP1–250, but did not confer hemolytic activity on CP1–250. Kinetic analysis suggested that CP251–370 increased affinity toward the substrate of CP1–250. The results suggested that CP251–370 plays an important role in binding to erythrocytes and the hemolytic and enzymatic activities of CP1–250. Acrylodan‐labeled CP251–370 variants (S263C and S365C) bound to liposomes and exhibited a marked blue shift, and in addition, an N,N′‐dimethyl‐N‐(iodoacetyl)‐N′‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazolyl)ethylene diamine (NBD)‐labeled CP251–370 (S365C) variant also bound to liposomes and the fluorescence intensity significantly increased, suggesting movement of CP251–370 to a hydrophobic environment. These observations suggest that interaction of CP251–370 of alpha‐toxin with fatty acyl residues of phosphatidylcholine plays an important role in the biological activities of CP1–250.
Detection of Specific Helicobacter pylori DNA and Antigens in Stool Samples in Dyspeptic Patients and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Wiśniewska Monika , Nilsson Hans Olof , Bąlk‐Romaniszyn Leokadia , Rechciński Tomasz , Bielański Władysław , Płaneta‐Małecka Izabela , Płonka Małgorzata , Konturek Stanisław , Wadström Torkel , Rudnicka Wiesława , Chmiela Magdalena 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this study stool samples from dyspeptic patients and healthy subjects were used for detection of specific Helicobacter pylori antigens and DNA by immunoenzymatic test (PPHpSA) and semi‐nested PCR (ureA‐PCR), respectively. The H. pylori status was estimated by invasive endoscopy‐based rapid urease test and histology or noninvasive urea breath test (UBT), and by serology (ELISA, Western blot). The coincidence of H. pylori‐negative invasive tests or UBT and negative antigen or DNA stool tests was very high (mean 95%). The PPHpSA results were found positive for 56% and ureA‐PCR for 26% of individuals with H. pylori infection confirmed by invasive tests or UBT. The detection of specific H. pylori antigens and especially DNA in feces is not sufficient as a one‐step diagnosis of H. pylori infection.
A Novel Caspase Dependent Pathway Is Involved in Apoptosis of Human Endothelial Cells by Shiga Toxins
Authors: Yoshida Tomoaki , Koide Naoki , Sugiyama Tsuyoshi , Mori Isamu , Yokochi Takashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractShiga toxins have been shown to induce apoptosis on primary cultures, but not passaged ones, of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, independent of cytokine pre‐treatment. Here, a peculiar pattern of caspase activation was observed; caspase‐3 and ‐2, but not conventional upstream caspases, were activated at the initial phase of 6 hr, whereas a broad range inhibitor of caspases, VAD‐fmk, but not mono‐specific ones, suppressed DNA fragmentation and cell death. These results suggest additional analogous molecules, which have yet to be delineated, are involved. The requirement of retrograde uptake of toxins was also proved by the intervening effect of brefeldin A.
Characterization of Monoclonal Antibody Reacting Exclusively against Intracellular Orientia tsutsugamushi
Authors: Kim Mee‐kyung , Odgerel Zagaa , Chung Moon‐hyun , Lim Byung‐uk , Kang Jae‐seung 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIntracellular bacteria often change the expression of their genes in order to adapt to new environmental conditions. Here we describe a monoclonal antibody (MAb) that reacts exclusively against intracellular Orientia tsutsugamushi Although MAb applied to the 56‐kDa protein, a major outer membrane protein, reacted against a large number of bacteria that had attached to host cells at the early stage of infection, M686–13 reacted against only a minor portion of the attached bacteria. In the later stage of the intracellular growth cycle, both antibodies showed identical staining patterns by double immunofluorescent staining. These results suggest that M686–13 reacted to an epitope or a protein that had probably been expressed during the intracellular growth cycle and rapidly diluted or degraded upon release into the extracellular environment. Although its molecular characteristics remain unknown, the reactive antigen may prove to be a novel developmental antigen and this MAb could be used as reagent for the staining of viable O. tsutsugamushi.
Use of Immunoglobulin Enriched Bovine Colostrum against Oral Challenge with Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Mice
Authors: Funatogawa Kenji , Ide Takayuki , Kirikae Fumiko , Saruta Katsutoshi , Nakano Masayasu , Kirikae Teruo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAn immunoglobulin enriched bovine colostrum preparation, IMMULAC™ (New Zealand Dairy Group, Cambridge, New Zealand), contains antibodies against various bacterial antigens. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of a commercial bovine colostrum preparation against infections with enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 in a murine model. Balb/c mice were given drinking water containing streptomycin for 3 days before and following oral challenge with streptomycin‐resistant EHEC O157:H7 strain (O157‐SMR). In mice pretreated with streptomycin, EHEC O157:H7 maintained stable levels of bacterial colonization in the intestines for the 3‐week experimental time period. Oral administration of colostrum resulted in rapid decrease in the bacteria numbers compared with administration of skim‐milk. Colostrum showed no direct in vitro bactericidal properties against either EHEC O157:H7. When sections prepared from cecum walls of streptomycin‐pretreated mice were incubated in vitro with EHEC O157:H7, the colostrum significantly prevented the attachment of the organisms to the sections when compared with skim‐milk. These results indicate that oral administration of bovine colostrum effectively protects mice against food‐borne infections by inhibiting bacterial attachment to the intestinal mucous membrane, colonization and growth in the intestinal tract.
Stimulation of the Secretion of Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines by Bifidobacterium Strains
Authors: He Fang , Morita Hirotsugu , Ouwehand Arthur C. , Hosoda Masataka , Hiramatsu Masaru , Kurisaki Jun‐ichi , Isolauri Erika , Benno Yoshimi , Salminen Seppo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo characterize the ability of bifidobacteria to affect the production of macrophage‐derived cytokines, a murine macrophage‐like cell line, J774.1, was cultured in the presence of 27 strains of heat‐inactivated bifidobacteria. Bifidobacterium adolescentis and B. longum, known as adult‐type bifidobacteria, induced significantly more pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion, IL‐12 and TNF‐α, by J774.1 cells, than did the infant‐type bifidobacteria, B. bifidum, B. breve, and B. infantis (P<0.01). In contrast, B. adolescentis did not stimulate the production of anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 from J774.1 cells as the other tested bacteria did. The results suggest that the adult‐type bifidobacteria, especially B. adolescentis, may be more potent to amplify but less able to down‐regulate the inflammatory response.
Complete Sequence Analyses of Enterovirus 71 Strains from Fatal and Non‐Fatal Cases of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Singapore (2000)
Authors: Singh Sunita , Poh Chit Laa , Chow Vincent Tak Kwong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEnterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major aetiological agent of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). In recent years, several outbreaks in East Asia were associated with neurological complications and numerous deaths. An outbreak in Singapore in October 2000 afflicted thousands of children, resulting in four fatal cases from three of whom EV71 was isolated. The genomes of two representative EV71 strains isolated from a fatal case and a surviving patient were completely sequenced, and their nucleotide and amino acid sequences compared with known EV71 strains. The two outbreak strains were classified under genogroup B, together with those previously isolated in Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. Comparative sequence analysis of the two Singapore strains revealed 99% nucleotide similarity, while their deduced amino acid sequences were almost identical except for residue 1506 in the 3A non‐structural region. Given that the outbreak involved closely related genetic variants of EV71, the broad spectrum of disease severity may be attributed to critical factors such as varying viral inoculation doses or differing host immune responses following infection, but is less likely to be due to the emergence of EV71 strains with heightened virulence.
Fecal Microbial Diversity in a Strict Vegetarian as Determined by Molecular Analysis and Cultivation
Authors: Hayashi Hidenori , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Benno Yoshimi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFecal microbial diversity in a strictly vegetarian woman was determined by the 16S rDNA library method, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analysis and a culture‐based method. The 16S rDNA library was generated from extracted fecal DNA, using bacteria‐specific primers. Randomly selected clones were partially sequenced. T‐RFLP analysis was performed using amplified 16S rDNA. The lengths of T‐RF were analyzed after digestion by HhaI and MspI. The cultivated bacterial isolates were used for partial sequencing of 16S rDNA. Among 183 clones obtained, approximately 29% of the clones belonged to 13 known species. About 71% of the remaining clones were novel “phylotypes” (at least 98% similarity of clone sequence). A total of 55 species or phylotypes were identified among the 16S rDNA library, while the cultivated isolates included 22 species or phylotypes. In addition, many new phylotypes were detected from the 16S rDNA library. The 16S rDNA library and isolates commonly included the Bacteroides group, Bifidobacterium group, and Clostridium rRNA clusters IV, XIVa, XVI and XVIII. T‐RFLP analysis revealed the major composition of the vegetarian gut microbiota were Clostridium rRNA subcluster XIVa and Clostridium rRNA cluster XVIII. The dominant feature of this strictly vegetarian gut microbiota was the detection of many Clostridium rRNA subcluster XIVa and C. ramosum (Clostridium rRNA cluster XVIII).