bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herpesvirus DNA in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Some Patients with Meniere's Disease
Authors: Takahashi Kazuo , Aono Toshiya , Shichinohe Mitsuo , Tamura Manabu , Iwata Yasuhide , Yamanishi Koichi , Shigeta Shiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHerpes simplex virus‐1 (HSV) or varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with Meniere's disease (one of 28 patients for HSV‐1,2 of 28 patients for VZV) during acute illness (within 5 days after onset). On the other hand, neither HSV‐1 DNA or VZV DNA was detected in PBMCs of 50 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals and 50 pregnant women. These findings may imply that reactivation of HSV‐1 or VZV may be associated with the development of some cases of Meniere's disease.
Coaggregation of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia
Authors: Kamaguchi Arihide , Nakayama Koji , Ohyama Tohru , Watanabe Toshihiro , Okamoto Masaaki , Baba Hisae 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPorphyromonas gingivalis cells coaggregated with Prevotella intermedia cells. The coaggregation was inhibited with L‐arginine, L‐lysine, Nα‐p‐tosyl‐L‐lysine chloromethyl ketone, trypsin inhibitor, and leupeptin. Heat‐ and proteinase K‐treated P. gingivalis cells showed no coaggregation with P. intermedia cells, whereas heat and proteinase K treatments of P. intermedia cells did not affect the coaggregation. The vesicles from P. gingivalis culture supernatant aggregated with P. intermedia cells, and this aggregation was also inhibited by addition of L‐arginine or L‐lysine and by heat treatment of the vesicles. The rgpA rgpB, rgpA kgp, rgpA rgpB kgp, and rgpA kgp hagA mutants of P. gingivalis did not coaggregate with P. intermedia. On the other hand, the fimA mutant lacking the FimA fimbriae showed coaggregation with P. intermedia as well as the wild type parent. These results strongly imply that a heat‐labile and proteinous factor on the cell surface of P. gingivalis, most likely the gingipain‐adhesin complex, is involved in coaggregation of P. gingivalis and P. intermedia.
Inhibitory Role of Neutrophils on Influenza Virus Multiplication in the Lungs of Mice
Authors: Fujisawa Haruo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe protective role of neutrophils on intranasal infection of influenza virus was investigated in 3 strains of tumor‐bearing mice with neutrophilic leukocytosis. In vitro multiplication of influenza virus was inhibited by neutrophils from both normal and tumor‐bearing mice, and the inhibitory effect of neutrophils was augmented by an addition of fMLP to the culture. Pulmonary virus infectivities in the early phase after infection decreased in such ICR and BALB/c mice, and virus elimination in the late phase was accelerated in the ICR mice. However, no decrease in pulmonary virus infectivity was observed in tumor‐bearing C57BL/6 mice. Intranasal administration of fMLP into normal and tumor‐bearing C57BL/6 mice after infection significantly inhibited the virus propagation in the lungs. The decrease in neutrophil infiltration into the lung in tumor‐bearing C57BL/6 mice was confirmed from histological observations of the lung and lung lavage after infection and from analysis of the neutrophil chemotactic activity induced by fMLP. This might be responsible for the high level of pulmonary virus titer in tumor‐bearing C57BL/6 mice. Phagocytic activities of alveolar macrophages and productions of neutralizing antibody were suppressed in the 3 strains of tumor‐bearing mice. These observations indicated that neutrophils could be significant effector cells as a host defense mechanism against influenza virus infection in vivo, and infiltration and functional activation of neutrophils could play a significant role in virus elimination from the infected site. Furthermore, the inhibition of virus propagation by neutrophils in vitro was almost completely abrogated by an addition of ZnSO4, suggesting that calprotectin could inhibit influenza virus multiplication.
Anti‐Fibrin Antibody Binding in Valvular Vegetations and Kidney Lesions during Experimental Endocarditis
Authors: Yokota Mitsumasa , Basi David L. , Herzberg Mark C. , Meyer Maurice W. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn Streptococcus sanguinis (sanguis) induced experimental endocarditis, we sought evidence that the development of aortic valvular vegetation depends on the availability of fibrin. Endocarditis was induced in New Zealand white rabbits by catheter placement into the left ventricle and inoculation of the bacteria. Fibrin was localized in the developing vegetation with 99mTechnetium (Tc)‐labeled anti‐fibrin antibody one or three days later. When rabbit anti‐fibrin antibody was given intravenously on day 1, the mass of aortic valvular vegetation was significantly reduced at day 3; infusion of non‐specific rabbit IgG showed no effect. The 99mTc‐labeled anti‐fibrin antibody also labeled kidneys that showed macroscopic subcapsular hemorrhage. To learn if the deposition of fibrin in the kidneys was a consequence of endocarditis required a comparison of farm‐bred and specific pathogen‐free rabbits before and after the induction of endocarditis. Before induction, the kidneys of farm‐bred rabbits were labeled, but specific pathogen‐free rabbits were free of labeling and signs of macroscopic hemorrhage. After 3 days of endocarditis, kidneys of 10 of 14 specific pathogen‐free rabbits labeled with 99mTc‐labeled anti‐fibrin antibody and showed hemorrhage. Kidney lesions were suggested to be a frequent sequellae of S. sanguinis infective endocarditis. For the first time, fibrin was shown to be required for the continued development of aortic valvular vegetations.
Mycobacterium leprae and Leprosy: A Compendium
Authors: Sasaki Shin , Takeshita Fumihiko , Okuda Kenji , Ishii Norihisa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLeprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which was discovered by G.H.A. Hansen in 1873. M. leprae is an exceptional bacterium because of its long generation time and no growth in artificial media. Entire sequencing of the bacterial genome revealed numerous pseudogenes (inactive reading frames with functional counterparts in M. tuberculosis) which might be responsible for the very limited metabolic activity of M. leprae. The clinical demonstration of the disease is determined by the quality of host immune response. Th1‐type immune response helps to kill the bacteria, but hosts are encroached upon when Th2‐type response is predominant. The bacteria have affinity to the peripheral nerves and are likely to cause neuropathy. M. leprae/laminin‐α2 complexes bind to α/β dystroglycan complexes expressed on the Schwann cell surface. WHO recommends a chemotherapy protocol [multidrug therapy (MDT)] which effectively controls the disease and contributes to the global elimination program. Leprosy has been stigmatized throughout history, and recent topics regarding the disease in Japan are also discussed.
Immunological Properties of Trehalose Dimycolate (Cord Factor) and Other Mycotic Acid‐Containing Glycolipids–‐A Review
Authors: Ryll Roland , Kumazawa Yoshio , Yano Ikuya 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMycolic acids are characteristic fatty acids of Mycobacteria and are responsible for the wax‐like consistence of these microorganisms. Decades of research revealed that mycolic acid‐containing glycolipids, in particular trehalose‐6,6′‐dimycolate (TDM, cord factor) as their best‐studied representative, exert a number of immunomodifying effects. They are able to stimulate innate, early adaptive and both humoral and cellular adaptive immunity. Most functions can be associated with their ability to induce a wide range of chemokines (MCP‐1, MIP‐1α, IL‐8) and cytokines (e.g., EL‐12, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10). This review tries to link well‐known properties of mycolic acid‐containing glycolipids, e.g., stimulation of cellular and humoral immunity, granuloma formation and anti‐tumor activity, with recent findings in molecular immunology and to give an outlook on potential practical applications.
Crossreactivity of SLE Autoantibodies with 70 kDa Heat Shock Proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Tasneem Subia , Islam Najmul , Ali Rashid 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHeat shock proteins (hsp) may be involved in the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune diseases. In order to investigate the possible role of hsp and other intracellular proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the autoantibody production in SLE, the immuno‐crossreactivity of SLE autoantibodies with Mycobacterium tuberculosis sonic extract and hsp‐70 kDa was investigated. These proteins showed significant binding with Protein A‐Sepharose isolated SLE IgG. Western blotting of hsp‐70 with SLE IgG showed strong recognition, suggesting possible involvement of hsp and other intracellular proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the autoantibody induction in SLE.
Adhesion of Bifidobacterium Spp. to Human Intestinal Mucus
Authors: He Fang , Ouwehand Arthur C. , Hashimoto Hideo , Isolauri Erika , Benno Yoshimi , Salminen Seppo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTwenty‐four Bifidobacterium strains were examined for their ability to bind to immobilized human and bovine intestinal mucus glycoproteins. Each of the tested bacteria exhibited its characteristic adhesion to human and bovine fecal mucus. No significant differences were found among the taxonomic species. Among the tested bacteria, B. adolescentis, B. angulation, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. catenulatum, B. infantis, B. longum and B. pseudocatenulatum adhered to human fecal mucus better than bovine fecal mucus, while the binding of B. animalis and B. lactis was not preferential. These results suggest that the mucosal adhesive properties of bifidobacteria may be a strain dependent feature, and the mucosal binding of the human bifidobacteria may be more host specific.
Intraspecies Diversity of Cryptococcus albidus Isolated from Humans as Revealed by Sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer Regions
Authors: Sugita Takashi , Takashima Masako , Ikeda Reiko , Nakase Takashi , Shinoda Takako 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe basidiomycetous yeast, Cryptococcus albidus, shows intraspecies diversity, but it is rarely isolated from immunocompromised patients. Nineteen strains of C. albidus, including nine clinical isolates, were re‐classified by sequences of their rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. The nine clinical isolates were genetically diverse and included both C. albidus and C. diffluens. One clinical isolate, recovered from the blood of an AIDS patient, represented a new species. Only small differences were found in the biochemical and serological characteristics of C. albidus and C. diffluens. All isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B, but several isolates were resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole. C. albidus heterogeneity should be taken into consideration when identifying clinical isolates.
Menadione‐Catalyzed O2– Production by Escherichia coli Cells: Application of Rapid Chemiluminescent Assay to Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Yamashoji Shiro , Manome Isao , Ikedo Masanari 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study proposes a novel chemiluminescent assay of bacterial activity. Luminol chemiluminescence (LC) was amplified on addition of menadione to Escherichia coli suspension, and it was effectively inhibited by addition of superoxide dismutase rather than catalase. This fact suggests that H2O2 produced from O2– by superoxide dismutase is decomposed by catalase of E. coli. NAD(P)H:menadione reductase activities in periplasm and cytosol corresponded to the amplification of menadione‐catalyzed LC, and outer and cytoplasmic membranes were only slightly involved in the LC. The total activity and Vmax of NAD(P)H:menadione reductase in the cytoplasm were greater than those in the periplasm. A transient increase in menadione‐catalyzed LC was observed in the exponential phase and the LC decreased in the stationary phase during growth of E. coll Menadione‐catalyzed LC was sensitive to antibiotic action. A decrease in menadione‐catalyzed LC by the impairment of membrane functions and by the inhibition of protein synthesis was observed at 5 min and 3 hr, respectively. These findings suggest the possibility that menadione‐catalyzed luminol chemiluminescent assay is applicable to rapid antimicrobial assay because LC is sensitive to the change in growth and cytotoxic events caused by antimicrobial agents.
flaB‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (flaB‐PCR) and Its Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Analysis Are an Efficient Tool for Detection and Identification of Leptospira Spp.
Authors: Kawabata Hiroki , Dancel Louella A. , Villanueva Sharon Y.A.M. , Yanagihara Yasutake , Koizumi Nobuo , Watanabe Haruo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFor establishment of a rapid‐identification method of Leptospira species, aflaB gene of Leptospira was investigated and the following results were obtained. 1) HaeIII‐ or HindIII‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products (793 bp) of flaB gene was effectual for the classification of species of Leptospira. 2) Twenty cells of Leptospira in 1 ml of coagulated blood and 100 cells of Leptospira in 1 ml of anti‐coagulated blood could be detected by flaB‐PCR. These results suggested that PCR‐RFLP based on the flaB gene was an efficient tool for rapid detection and identification of species of infected Leptospira from clinical specimens.
Effects of Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 Derivatives on B Lymphocyte Activation In Vivo
Authors: de Moraes Costa Crespo Adriana , Falcão Deise Pasetto , de Araújo Paulo Maria Ferreira , de Medeiros Beatriz Maria Machado 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe potential sequelae of intestinal infection with Yersinia enterocolitica include reactive arthritis, erythema nodosum, Reiter's syndrome and other autoimmune diseases. The role of the immune response in the pathogenesis of these diseases has not been fully defined, but autoimmune manifestations may be a consequence of the increase in autoantibodies as a result of polyclonal B‐cell activation induced by Yersinia. We investigated the effects of Y. enterocolitica O:3 derivatives on B lymphocyte activation in vivo. Groups of five specific pathogen free (SPF) Swiss mice were inoculated with bacterial cell extract, Yersinia outermembrane proteins (Yops) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) obtained from Y. enterocolitica O:3 and their immunoglobulin‐secreting spleen cells were detected by isotype‐specific protein A plaque assay. The presence of specific anti‐Yersinia antibodies and autoantibodies was determined in mouse sera by ELISA. In all experiments a marked increase in the number of secretory cells of different isotypes was observed as early as the third day after inoculation. IgG and IgM anti‐Yersinia antibodies were detected in the sera of all inoculated mice, and autoantibodies against myosin in the sera of those inoculated with bacterial cell extract. The sera from animals stimulated with LPS reacted with myelin, actin and laminin, while the sera from mice inoculated with Yops reacted with myelin, thyroglobulin and cardiolipin. These results suggest that SPF Swiss mice inoculated with any one of the Y. enterocolitica derivatives tested exhibited polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes as a result of stimulation by various bacterial components and not only LPS stimulation.
Suppressed Proliferative Response of Spleen T Cells from Metallothionein Null Mice
Authors: Mita Masaharu , Imura Nobumasa , Kumazawa Yoshio , Himeno Seiichiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo investigate the role of metal‐binding protein, metallothionein (MT), in lymphocyte activation, the mitogen‐induced proliferation of freshly isolated spleen cells was compared among MT‐I, II null, and control 129/Sv mice. Spleen cells from MT null mice exhibited a markedly reduced proliferation compared with control cells when stimulated by concanavalin A or anti‐CD3(∈) mAb, but not by lipopolysaccharide, indicating that only the response of T cells to mitogens was suppressed in MT null mice. Flow cytometric analysis of unstimulated spleen cells demonstrated no significant difference in the relative percentages of either B220+ and CD3+ cells or CD4+ and CD8+ cells between the two strains of mice. The production of interleukin (IL)‐2 by MT null spleen cells after the stimulation by anti‐CD3(∈) mAb was lower than that of control spleen cells, especially within 24 hr after the stimulation. The addition of IL‐2 recovered the proliferation of MT null spleen cells to the control level. The reduced proliferative response to mitogenic stimulation of MT null T cells was confirmed by using purified splenic T cells. These results suggest that the MT expressed at basal level in the splenocytes plays an important role in T cell mitogen‐induced proliferative response, probably by positively regulating the production of IL‐2.
Promoted Cell Death of Cells Expressing Human MxA by Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Mibayashi Masaki , Nakade Koji , Nagata Kyosuke 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInterferon‐inducible MxA protein plays a crucial role in cellular protection from RNA virus infection, although the protection mechanism is not completely clarified. Here, we examined effects of MxA on either uninfected or influenza virus A/PR/8/34‐infected cells. Viral protein synthesis was reduced in cells expressing MxA. Under serum‐starved conditions, not only viral but also cellular protein synthesis was reduced by expression of MxA. Of interest is that MxA promoted cell death induced by apoptotic stimuli as well as influenza virus infection. These results lead to a possibility that MxA suppresses multiplication of influenza virus by affecting cellular functions including the apoptotic pathway.
The 44‐kb Linear Plasmid Molecule in the Relapsing Fever Agent Borrelia duttonii Strain Ly Serve as a Preservation of vmp Genes
Authors: Tabuchi Norihiko , Mitani Harumi , Seino Satoshi , Fukunaga Masahito 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBorrelia duttonii strain Ly, a causative agent of relapsing fever, contains a linear one megabase chromosome and 12 linear plasmid molecules. Here we report that the sequence of the 44‐kb linear plasmid of strain Ly is found to contain variable major protein (vmp) genes for antigenic variation of relapsing fever borreliae. The determined sequence is of 44,010 bp except for both ends of the molecule. Of 39 open reading frames (ORFs) found in the sequence, 21 ORFs (named vmpA to U) showed moderate similarities with vmp genes for Borrelia hermsii. However, most of the vmp homologues are apparently nonfunctional because of their frameshifts within the sequence and/or absence of promoter and ribosome‐binding signals upstream of their genes. RT‐PCR experiments using the specific primer for each vmp gene revealed that vmpE, one of the vmp genes, was expressed at the location of the 44‐kb plasmid molecule. The result suggests that the plasmid molecule may play a role in the preservation of the serotype switching of vmp genes in a mammalian host.
Anti‐CD11b Monoclonal Antibody Suppresses Brain Dissemination of Cryptococcus neoformans in Mice
Authors: Kawakami Kazuyoshi , Koguchi Yoshinobu , Qureshi Mahboob Hossain , Zhang Tiantuo , Kinjo Yuki , Yara Satomi , Uezu Kaori , Shibuya Kazutoshi , Naoe Shiro , Saito Atsushi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo elucidate the role of the β2 integrin family of adhesion molecules in the disseminated infection of Cryptococcus neoformans from the lung to the central nervous system, we examined the effects of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against CD11a, CD11b, CD11c and CD18 on the number of live microorganisms in both the lung and brain of mice three weeks after intratracheal infection. Administration of anti‐CD11b mAb partially, but reproducibly, reduced the fungal loads in the brain in three independent experiments, while the lung loads were not affected. In addition, the same treatment significantly decreased the number of live microorganisms in the blood. In sharp contrast, the brain loads one week after intravenous injection with C. neoformans were not affected by treatment with anti‐CD11b mAb. Finally, administration of mAb against other adhesion molecules (CD11a, CD11c or CD18) failed to affect the fungal loads in the brain as well as in the lung three weeks after intratracheal instillation, except for anti‐CD18 mAb which rather increased the brain loads. Our results suggested that CD11b might be involved at least in part in the process of fungal dissemination from lung to brain, although the significance of other β2 integrin family adhesion molecules remains to be substantiated.
Purification of a Serine Protease of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Its Characterization
Authors: Ishihara Masami , Kawanishi Ayako , Watanabe Hirofumi , Tomochika Ken‐ichi , Miyoshi Shin‐ichi , Shinoda Sumio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA 50 kDa protease designated as VPP1 was purified from the culture supernatant of a clinical strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephacryl S‐200 HR gel filtration and Fractogel EMD TMAE 650 ion‐exchange chromatography. VPP1 was inhibited by EDTA, EGTA and serine protease inhibitors, suggesting that it is a calcium‐dependent serine protease. N‐terminal amino acid sequence of VPP1 was quite similar to that of V. metschnikovii protease and antibody against VPP1 inhibited the activity of V. metschnikovii protease, suggesting the similarity of the two proteases. It was demonstrated that VPP1 or its related protease widely distribute in not only V. parahaemolyticus but also V. alginolyticus.
Development of Antigen Detection ELISA for the Diagnosis of Brugian and Bancroftian Filariasis Using Antibodies to Recombinant Filarial Antigens Bm‐SXP‐1 and Wb‐SXP‐1
Authors: Lalitha Pattabhiraman , Eswaran Devarajan , Gnanasekar Muniratnam , Rao Kakuturu Venkata Nagaraja , Narayanan Rangarajan Badri , Scott Alan , Nutman Thomas , Kaliraj Perumal 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAntibodies specific to recombinant filarial antigens Wb‐SXP‐1 and Bm‐SXP‐1 have been used to develop a sandwich ELISA for the detection of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) in sera from patients with lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti of Brugia malayi. In patients with W. bancrofti infections, a high proportion of microfilaria (mf) positive (MF) and low proportions of patients with chronic pathology (CP) and endemic normals (EN) showed the presence of CFA. Similarly in patients with brugian infections a high proportion of mf positive individuals contained CFA while none of the patients with chronic pathology or endemic normals showed the presence of CFA. Sera from patients with other parasitic infections (OPI) like O. volvulus, Loa loa, Ascaris lumbricoides and from individuals residing in areas non‐endemic to filariasis did not exhibit any reactivity. This assay shows promise for the detection of microfilaremic infections in lymphatic filariasis and its usefulness as a diagnostic tool especially in B. malayi infections, needs to be further evaluated.