bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Pestivirus Infection in Free‐Living Japanese Serows,Capricornis crispus
Authors: Harasawa Ryô , Aoyama Fumio , Goryo Masanobu , Okada Kosuke , Nishimura Takashi , Matsubara Kazuei , Tsujimoto Tsunenori , Giangaspero Massimo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSixteen serum samples collected from free‐living Japanese serows,Capricornis crispus, between 2001 and 2004 in Morioka and its vicinity were examined for the presence of pestivirus by reverse transcription‐nested PCR procedure. Three out of the 16 samples produced a visible band in electrophoresed agarose gels. The nucleotide sequences of the three PCR products were found to be identical. The pestivirus found in the serow was identified asBovine viral diarrhea virus 1(BVDV‐1) based on nucleotide sequence analyses by phylogeny as well as palindromic nucleotide substitutions at the 5′ untranslated regions. Our data first indicated that BVDV‐1 infection occurred continuously among the free‐living serow populations though the role of BVDV‐1 in wild ungulates is currently unknown.
Detection and Quantification of Specific IgE Antibodies against Eight Malassezia Species in Sera of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis by Using an Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Kato Hiroshi , Sugita Takashi , Ishibashi Yoshio , Nishikawa Akemi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe lipophilic yeast Malassezia, a member of the cutaneous microflora, is an exacerbating factor in atopic dermatitis (AD). Of the 11 currently recognized species, M. globosa and M. restricta are found to frequently colonize the skin of AD patients. In this study, we attempted to quantify specific IgE antibodies against eight Malassezia species, namely, M. dermatitis, M. furfur, M. globosa, M. obtusa, M. pachydermatis, M. slooffiae, M. sympodialis, and M. restricta, in sera from AD patients by using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The specific IgE value against M. restricta was greater than those against other Malassezia species. Competitive ELISA inhibition tests revealed that M. restricta contained species‐specific as well as shared antigens. Therefore, M. restricta could be considered as a candidate diagnostic antigen for detecting anti‐Malassezia IgE in sera from AD patients.
Protective Immunity against Bordetella pertussis by a Recombinant DNA Vaccine and the Effect of Coinjection with a Granulocyte‐Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor Gene
Authors: Li Qingtian , Zhu Yongzhang , Chu Jiayou , Wang Yaying , Xu Yinghua , Hou Qiming , Zhang Shumin , Guo Xiaokui 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA recombinant pertussis DNA vaccine was described here with its immunogenicity and the ability to induce protection against B. pertussis infection in mice. Three immunodominant antigen gene fragments of pertussis, pertussis toxin subunit 1 (pts1), fragments of pertactin (prn) and filamentous hemagglutinin (fha), were recombined as fragment pts1‐prn‐fha named ppf, and it was cloned to plasmid pVAX1 as pVAX1/ppf. Compared to those injected with pVAX1, the mice injected with pVAX1/ppf significantly elicited more antigen specific antibody anti‐PTS1, anti‐PRN, anti‐FHA and cytokine IL‐10, IFN‐γ. When pGM‐CSF was coinjected with pVAX1/ppf, the mice showed significantly increases of the three antibodies and cytokine IL‐10, IL‐4, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α compared to those injected with pVAX1 only. The mice in group pVAX1/ppf & pGM‐CSF, in particular; induced much more anti‐PTS1, IL‐4 and TNF‐α than those in group pVAX1/ppf. In the intracerebral mouse protection test, the mice immunized with pVAX1/ppf or pVAX1/ppf & pGM‐CSF induced protection to a lethal dose of B. pertussis. The results indicate that recombinant DNA vaccine and pGM‐CSF coinjection can induce protective immunity against B. pertussis, demonstrating a valuable method to prevent pertussis.
Sulfatide and Its Synthetic Analogues Recognition byMoraxella catarrhalis
Authors: Ozcelik Pinar , Bezirci Fatma Betul , Suzuki Yasuo , Uzawa Hirotaka , Nishida Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Kazukiyo , Suzuki Takashi , Miyamoto Daisei , Nagatake Tsuyoshi , Ahmed Kamruddin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMoraxella catarrhalisis one of the major pathogens of respiratory and middle ear infections. Attachment of this bacterium to the surface of human pharyngeal epithelial cells is the first step in the pathogenesis of infections. This study revealed that sulfatide might act as a binding molecule for the attachment ofM. catarrhalisto human pharyngeal epithelial cells. Furthermore, six different synthetic sulfatides were found to inhibit the attachment ofM. catarrhalissignificantly at an optimum concentration of 10 μg/ml. Synthetic sulfatides may have the potential to be used as a therapy to preventM. catarrhalisinfections.
Sensitivity of Rabies Virus to Type I Interferon Is Determined by the Phosphoprotein Gene
Authors: Shimizu Kenta , Ito Naoto , Sugiyama Makoto , Minamoto Nobuyuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe growth of a virulent strain of fixed rabies virus, Nishigahara, in mouse neuroblastoma NA cells treated with type I interferon (IFN) was compared with that of a derivative avirulent strain, Ni‐CE. Nishigahara strain was slightly sensitive to IFN treatment but still grew more efficiently than did Ni‐CE strain in IFN‐treated NA cells. Furthermore, a virulent chimeric virus with the phosphoprotein gene from Nishigahara strain in the Ni‐CE genome was less sensitive to IFN treatment than was Ni‐CE strain, indicating that the IFN sensitivity is determined by the phosphoprotein gene of the virus.
The Role of p38 Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase in Regulating Interleukin‐10 Gene Expression in Burkitt's Lymphoma Cell Lines
Authors: Horie Kazutaka , Ohashi Makoto , Satoh Yukio , Sairenji Takeshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn malignant B lymphoma cells interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) expression is frequently upregulated. This effect is thought to support to the malignant transformation of these cells and to be a potential target for pharmacotherapy. To define better the mechanism for upregulation of the IL‐10 gene, we tested the association between IL‐10 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in several Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infected and non‐infected Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines. The all BL cell lines expressed IL‐10 and IL‐10 receptor mRNAs, and produced IL‐10. p38 MAPK was constitutively phosphorylated in the cytoplasm of the BL cell lines. We further analyzed molecular effects of p38 MAPK on IL‐10 expression in Akata cells. Exogenous IL‐10 lead rapidly to phosphorylation of Jak1 and Tyk2 as transducers of signals of IL‐10, and promoted growth of Akata cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The phosphorylation of cytoplasmic p38 MAPK in Akata cells was reduced by the serine/threonine kinase inhibitor, 1‐(5‐isoquinolinesulfonyl)‐2‐methylpiperazine (H7). A specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, SB203580, blocked simultaneously STAT3 DNA‐binding activity, and IL‐10 mRNA expression, IL‐10 production, and then the cell growth was inhibited. These results indicate that the p38 MAPK pathway is functionally linked to IL‐10 gene expression and supports the view that the constitutive activation of cytoplasmic p38 MAPK in BL cells is a step in the upregulation of IL‐10 gene expression and lymphomagenesis.
Immunostimulatory Flagellin from Burkholderia pseudomallei Effects on an Increase in the Intracellular Calcium Concentration and Up‐Regulation of TNF‐α by Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Chen Ya‐Lei , Chen Yao‐Shen , Lin Hsi‐Hsun , Chan Chun‐Wen , Chen Ssu‐Ching , Chen Ching‐Hsein 
Published: November 2013

AbstractUsing flow cytometry analysis, the flagellin of Burkholderia pseudomallei acts as a signalling inducer, and evokes an increase in the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The cells with increased [Ca2+]i segregate into the live monocyte gate and not into the live lymphocyte gates. The stimulated [Ca2+]i increase can be neutralized with anti‐flagellin antibodies. In the absence of [Ca2+], [Ca2+]i was increased rapidly in flagellin‐treated cells compared to non‐flagellin‐treated cells only after the addition of 1 mM CaCl2. Selective calcium antagonists were used to effectively block the [Ca2+]i signal, revealing that this signal was decreased by the addition of L‐type calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nifedipine and verapamil) and La2+ but was not changed by the addition of a T‐type calcium channel blocker (flunarizine). It seemed that flagellin facilitates [Ca2+]i influx via a La2+ sensitive L‐type cellular membrane channel. Furthermore, flagellin also acts as a TNF‐α inducer in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner when adhered mononuclear cells are treated with flagellin. This ability to induce TNF‐α production was affected by the presence of [Ca2+] in the culture medium. It suggested that B. pseudomallei flagellin is an immuno‐stimulatory molecule, causing an increase in [Ca2+]i and an up‐regulation of TNF‐α, which may play an important role in the inflammation process.
Sensitive Detection of Bacillus anthracis Using a Binding Protein Originating from γ‐Phage
Authors: Fujinami Yoshihito , Hirai Yoshikazu , Sakai Ikuko , Yoshino Mineo , Yasuda Jiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDetection of biological weapons is a primary concern in force protection, treaty verification, and safeguarding civilian populations against domestic terrorism. One great concern is the detection of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop novel methods for rapid, simple, and precise detection of B. anthracis. Here, we report that the C‐terminal region of γ‐phage lysin protein (PlyG) binds specifically to the cell wall of B. anthracis and the recombinant protein corresponding to this region (positions, 156–233), PlyGB, is available as a bioprobe for detection of B. anthracis. Our detection method, based on a membrane direct blot assay using recombinant PlyGB, was more rapid and sensitive than the γ‐phage test and was simpler and more inexpensive than genetic methods such as PCR, or immunological methods using specific antibodies. Furthermore, its specificity was comparable to the γ‐phage test. PlyGB is applicable in conventional methods instead of antibodies and could be a potent tool for detection of B. anthracis.
Molecular Characterization of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Hospitals in Niigata, Japan: Divergence and Transmission
Authors: Zaraket Hassan , Otsuka Taketo , Saito Kohei , Dohmae Soshi , Takano Tomomi , Higuchi Wataru , Ohkubo Takeshi , Ozaki Kyoko , Takano Misao , Reva Ivan , Baranovich Tatiana , Yamamoto Tatsuo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe major methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) distributed among hospitals in Japan is New York/Japan clone [multilocus sequence type 5 (ST5), agr type 2 and methicillin resistance locus type (SCCmec) II] which possesses both the toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 gene (tst) and staphylococcal enterotoxin C gene (sec). In this study, we collected 245 MRSA strains from four hospitals during 2001 to 2005 in Niigata, Japan, and analyzed tst and sec genes and SCCmec type among them. A total of 13 strains were further examined for their genotypes, virulence gene patterns and drug resistance. Among the 245 strains four tst sec genes patterns were observed; tst+sec+ strains represented a majority of 86.5% and 9.4% were tst−sec−. SCCmec typing revealed that 91.4% had type II, 4.1% type IV and 4.1% type I. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that 10 of the 13 typed strains belonged to clonal complex 5 (7 had ST5 while 3 were single locus variants of ST5) with similar characteristics to the New York/Japan clone and possessed multi‐drug resistance with high virulence gene content The remaining 3 strains were ST8 (n=2) and ST91 (n=1). The ST91 strain had SCCmecIV and seemed to originate in the community, while ST8 strains exhibited SCCmec type I, which is distinct from community type IV. The data suggest that MRSA in hospitals in Niigata now mainly includes the New York/Japan clone (undergoing genomic divergence and clonal expansion) and other minor types (e.g. ST8) as well as the community type.
Molecular Characterization of Imipenem‐Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Hiroshima, Japan
Authors: Ohara Masaru , Kouda Shuntaro , Onodera Makoto , Fujiue Yoshihiro , Sasaki Megumi , Kohara Tadahiro , Kashiyama Seiya , Hayashida Shizue , Kadono Manami , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi , Gotoh Naomasa , Usui Tuguru , Itaha Hideyuki , Kuwabara Masao , Yokoyama Takashi , Sugai Motoyuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa showing resistance to imipenem were found in 100 of 1,058 strains (9.5%) from six hospitals (a–f) in Hiroshima City, Japan. Of the 100 strains, 14 (14%) were double disk synergy test positive using sodium mercaptoacetic acid disks, and 18 (18%) were blaIMP‐1 or blaVIM‐2 allele positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among 100 imipenem‐resistant strains, 32 were categorized into multi‐drug resistant strains, in which 13 were positive for the metallo‐β‐lactamase gene. Fifty‐one strains (51%) among the 100 imipenem‐resistant strains had elevated RND efflux pump activity against levofloxacin. But only 6 of 51 strains were classified as multi‐drug resistant strains. The pulsed field gel electrophoresis analysis of the SpeI‐digested DNA from the 100 isolates suggested not only clonal spread but spread of heterogeneous clones started to contribute to the prevalence of metallo‐β‐lactamase producing P. aeruginosa strains in Japanese hospitals.
Effects of Phthalate Esters on Dendritic Cell Subsets and Interleukin‐4 Production in Fluorescein Isothiocyanate‐Induced Contact Hypersensitivity
Authors: Maruyama Takashi , Shiba Takahiro , Iizuka Hiromi , Matsuda Tomoko , Kurohane Kohta , Imai Yasuyuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPhthalate esters with short alkyl chains, such as di‐ethyl (DEP), di‐n‐propyl (DPP), and di‐butyl phthalate (DBP), have adjuvant effects on an FITC‐induced contact hypersensitivity mouse model. The adjuvant effects of DPP and DBP are associated with enhanced trafficking of FITC‐presenting CD11b+ dendritic cells (DC). DEP has relatively weak activity as to FITC‐positive cell migration. Here we demonstrated that DBP and DPP also increased the number of FITC‐positive CD8alpha+ DC in draining lymph nodes. We also found enhanced production of interleukin‐4 in draining lymph nodes after FITC sensitization with DEP, DPP, or DBP, suggesting an additional adjuvant mechanism of phthalate esters.
The Potent Antibacterial Activity of Sitafloxacin against Fluoroquinolone‐Resistant Clinical Isolates of Vibrio cholerae O1
Authors: Okuda Jun , Ramamurthy Thandavarayan , Yamasaki Shinji 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe in vitro antibacterial activity of sitafloxacin using clinical isolates of Vibrio cholerae O1 was compared to other fluoroquinolones: ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, sparfloxacin and levofloxacin. Against fluoroquinolone‐resistant O1 strains, sitafloxacin was 4‐ to 16‐fold more effective than other fluoroquinolones at MIC90. Against fluoroquinolone‐susceptible O1 strains, the MIC90 of sitafloxacin was 2‐ to 4‐fold lower than other fluoroquinolones. This suggests sitafloxacin can be used in the treatment of infections caused by V. cholerae O1 strains including the fluoroquinolone‐resistant strains.
Production of Shiga Toxin by a luxS Mutant of Escherichia coli O157:H7 In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Jeon Byeonghwa , Itoh Kikuji 
Published: November 2013

AbstractQuorum sensing is a type of bacterial communication mediated by chemical signaling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). The production of AI‐2 and AI‐3 is dependent on the luxS gene in Escherichia coli O157:H7. A luxS mutation caused a minimal decrease (about 2‐fold) in Shiga toxin (Stx) production in in vitro cultures using Luria‐Bertani broth. The effect of a luxS mutation on the virulence of E. coli O157:H7 was examined by using germfree mice. There were no differences between the luxS mutant and the wild‐type in the bacterial counts in feces shedding, Stx production, or the survival of the mice. The treatment of ciprofloxacin decreased the bacteria in feces but increased the Stx production. However, even treatment with ciprofloxacin did not make any difference between the luxS mutant and the wild‐type in animal experiments.
Identification of a Porphyromonas gingivalis Novel Protein Sov Required for the Secretion of Gingipains
Authors: Saiki Keitarou , Konishi Kiyoshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGingipains are extracellular proteases important for the virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis; however, the mechanism for the secretion of gingipains is poorly understood. In this report, we found that insertion mutants for PG0809 (83K1 and 83K2) were defective in black pigmentation and hemolysis. We cloned and sequenced PG0809 and found that PG0809 contains two additional nucleotides that are not deposited in the W83 genome database. The revised sequence reveals an in‐frame fusion of PG0810 and PG0809 and is designated the sov gene. We constructed a sov deletion mutant (83K3) and showed that 83K3 was defective in the activities of black pigmentation, hemolysis, and hemagglutination. Furthermore, in 83K3, the activities of gingipains were severely reduced whereas those of other secreted proteases DPPIV, DPP‐7, and PtpA were not affected. Immunoblot analysis using anti‐RgpB antiserum showed that Arg‐gingipains were poorly secreted in an outer membrane or into an extracellular portion but accumulated within the cells of 83K3, suggesting the secretion of gingipains is defected in 83K3. Taken together, our findings indicated that Sov is a novel protein required for the secretion of gingipains and suggested that the secretion system for gingipains is different from the conserved secretion systems.
Plasma Levels of Unactivated Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFI) Are Down‐Regulated in Young Adult Women: Analysis of a Normal Japanese Population
Authors: Akatsu Hiroyasu , Ishiguro Masae , Ogawa Norihiro , Kanesaka Takeshi , Okada Noriko , Yamamoto Takayuki , Campbell William , Okada Hidechika 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is an anaphylatoxin‐inactivating enzyme generated by proteolytic cleavage of its zymogen, and is the same enzyme as that first designated by our group as procarboxypeptidase R (proCPR). TAFI in plasma is presumed to influence vascular disease in its role as a fibrinolysis inhibitor. The activity of TAFI is strongly influenced by genetic polymorphism, especially at amino acids Thr/Ala‐147 and Thr/Ile‐325. In this study, we analyzed 202 healthy controls who were not on any medication, had no unusual medical history and whose blood data were normal. In a previous report, we established an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) specific for non‐activated TAFI (proCPR), and investigated levels of unactivated TAFI as an estimate of anti‐fibrinolytic capacity. In this study, we determined normal Japanese TAFI levels for each age, sex, and genetic polymorphism of Thr/Ala‐147 and Thr/Ile‐325, and also showed that the TAFI level in young adult women is lower than in aged women.
Construction of Human Fab (Y1/K) Library and Identification of Human Monoclonal Fab Possessing Neutralizing Potency against Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Arakawa Mitsue , Yamashiro Tetsu , Uechi Gen‐ichiro , Tadano Masayuki , Nishizono Akira 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA combinatorial human Fab library was constructed using RNAs from peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from Japanese encephalitis virus hyper‐immune volunteers on pComb3H phagemid vector. The size of the constructed Fab library was 3.3 × 108 Escherichia coli transformants. The library was panned 3 times on the purified Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) virion, and phage clones displaying JEV antigen‐specific Fab were enriched. The enriched phage pool was then screened for clones producing Fab molecule with JEV neutralizing activity by the focus reduction‐neutralizing test. Among 188 randomly selected clones, 9 Fab preparations revealed neutralizing activities against JEV strain Nakayama. An E. coli transformed with TJE12B02 clone, which produced human monoclonal Fab with the highest neutralizing activity was cultured in a large scale, and the Fab molecule was purified using affinity chromatography. The purified FabTJE12B02 showed the 50% focus reduction endpoint at the concentration of 50.2 μg/ml (ca. 1,000 nM) when JEV strain Nakayama was used. The FabTJE12B02 recognized E protein of JEV strain Nakayama, and the dissociation equilibrium constant (Kd) of the FabTJE12B02 against purified JEV antigen was calculated as 1.21 × 10–8 M. Sequence analysis demonstrated that TJE12B02 used a VH sequence homologous to the VH3 family showing 88.8% homology to germline VH3–23, and used a VK sequence homologous to the VκII subgroup showing 92.8% homology to germline A17.
Potent CTL Induction by a Whole Cell Pertussis Vaccine in Anti‐Tumor Peptide Immunotherapy
Authors: Yano Arisa , Komatsu Toshihiro , Ishibashi Masahide , Udaka Keiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPromising yet limited clinical responses have been reported for peptide based immunotherapy against tumors. In order to induce more potent cytolytic CD8 T cell responses, we investigated the use of Bordetella pertussis vaccine as an adjuvant for peptide immunization. A whole cell (Wc) vaccine has been known to induce a Th1 biased immune response while an acellular (Ac) vaccine tends to induce that of the Th2 type. Natural infection by B. pertussis helps to maintain a robust Th1 memory in the host population. To examine the adjuvant activity of the pertussis vaccine, we immunized mice with an ovalbumin peptide as a model tumor antigen, and monitored the development of anti‐tumor activities. The addition of either the Ac or the Wc vaccine helped expand the specific CD8 T cells. However, there was a marked difference in the induced cytolytic activity where the Wc vaccine was superior to the Ac. The Wc vaccine was also more effective in inducing in vivo tumor rejection. The adjuvant activity was not only effective against ovalbumin, but was also evident when an endogenous tumor antigen, Wilms' tumor 1 gene product, was targeted. These results indicate that, although the Wc vaccine does not share the same antigen specificity with tumor cells, it can aid in the development of highly cytolytic CD8 T cells as an adjuvant at the site of peptide immunization.
Metascardovia criceti Gen. Nov., Sp. Nov., from Hamster Dental Plaque
Authors: Okamoto Masaaki , Benno Yoshimi , Leung Kai‐P. , Maeda Nobuko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA novel microorganism, Metascardovia criceti gen. nov., sp. nov., was isolated from dental plaque of golden hamsters fed with a high‐carbohydrate diet. The three isolated strains, OMB104, OMB105, and OMB107, were Gram‐positive, facultative anaerobic rods that lacked catalase activity. Analyses of the partial 16S rRNA and heat‐shock protein 60 (HSP60) gene sequences of these isolates indicated that they belonged to the family Bifidobacteriaceae. However, in contrast to Bifidobacterium, one of the genera under this family, these isolates grew under aerobic conditions, and the DNA G + C contents were lower (53 mol%) than those of Bifidobacterium. On the basis of phylogenetic analyses using phenotypic characterization, and partial 16S rRNA and HSP60 gene sequences data, we propose a novel taxa, Metascardovia criceti for OMB105T (type strain=JCM 13493T=DSM 17774T) for this newly described isolate.