bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Leishmania Antigen in Kala Azar Patients Using Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Sinha Raghu , Arora Sunil K. , Datta Usha , Sehgal Shobha 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTwenty‐one monoclonal antibodies were produced against promastigote antigens of Leishmania donovani, Five monoclonal antibodies (Hyb.17, 6, 5, 4 and 2) identifying molecules associated with various L. donovani antigenic determinants ranging from 42–116 kDa were selected as ‘capture antibodies’ and compared with specific anti‐leishmania antisera for detection of circulating leishmania antigens in kala azar patients' sera in a competitive‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay system (ELISA). The anti‐leishmania antisera could detect circulating antigen in 30% of kala azar cases while out of the five monoclonals, Hyb.17 could effectively detect circulating leishmania antigen in 85.4%. The efficacy of Hyb.6 was however low (31.7%). The antigens recognized by these monoclonal antibodies in the western blot assay could possibly represent the ones circulating in sera of patients suffering from kala azar. A cocktail of these monoclonal antibodies may be more useful than the conventional polyclonal antisera in detection of circulating antigen for clinical diagnosis of kala azar.
Recognition of the Self Idiotype by T Cells: Induction of a Rapid Increase in Cytoplasmic Free Calcium in T Cells Recognizing a Variable L Chain Determinant
Authors: Utsunomiya‐Tate Naoko , Nakanishi Mamoru , Arata Yoji , Sugiyama Haruo , Vera‐Antola Maria E. , Fujio Hajime , Sakato Nobuo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo investigate the initial stages of recognition of the self idiotype (Id) by T cells, we examined the early increase in cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) occurring in murine CD4+ T cells specific for a model Id, Id315, following their interaction with the Id. The changes in [Ca2+]i were monitored with stopped‐flow fluorometry bv loading T cells with fura 2, a Ca2+‐binding fluorescent dye. An increase of [Ca2+]i in the Id‐specific T cell line was dependent on the presence of both antigen‐presenting cells (APC) and Id315. When T cells were mixed with APC pulsed with M315 for 90 min at 37 C, a significant increase in T cell [Ca2+]i was observed within one second. A pronounced elevation in [Ca2+]i was also observed in T cells after their interaction with APC which had been pulsed for 90 min with VL‐315 Id‐containing proteins (such as VL‐315, L315, FV‐315 or Fab′‐315 fragments). In contrast, pulsing APC for 5 min with the VL fragment produced little or no change in the [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that VL must be further processed by APC before it can be recognized by T cells. Indeed, a synthetic VL region peptide (positions 91–108, designated as P18) produced an elevation in T cell [Ca2+]i when mixed with APC without pulsing.
A Simple Purification Method of Vibrio cholerae Non‐O1 Hemagglutinin/Protease by Immunoaffinity Column Chromatography Using a Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Naka Atsuko , Honda Takeshi , Miwatani Toshio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA new simple purification method (I) for Vibrio cholerae non‐O1 hemagglutinin/protease (NAG‐HA/P) was developed. The method (I) requires only an immunoaffinity column chromatography using a monoclonal antibody against NAG‐HA/P. The method (I) is much simpler than previously reported purification method (II) (Honda, T. et al, Infection and Immunity 57: 2799–2803, 1989) which required four or more complicated chromatographic procedures. Method (I) also gave an improved recovery rate (about 27%) compared with (II), The molecular weight of NAG‐HA/P purified by method (I) was mainly 34 kilodaltons (kDa) with a little of 32 kDa, whereas that of NAG‐HA/P purified by (II) was usually 32 kDa. Immunological analysis by the Ouchterlony double gel diffusion test and Western blotting test using polyclonal antibody against 32 kDa protein revealed that the 34 and 32 kDa proteins are immunologically indistinguishable and thus it is supposed that 34 K protein is an isoform or a preform of the 32 K protein.
Relationship between an 85 kDa Protein and the Protective Effects of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Yayoshi Masami , Sasaki Tsuguo , Yoshioka Morimasa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the immunoblot analysis, sera from patients infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae reacted with the 168 kDa (P1) and the 85 kDa proteins of virulent strain FH‐P24 and P24‐S1 mutant strain but not with the 85 kDa protein of P24‐S11. Sera of hamsters and BALB/c mice, which had been immunized with live vaccines, were tested. In FH‐P24 immunized animals, 100% or 80%, and in P24‐S1, 40% of hamsters and 60% of BALB/c mice, developed antibodies against the 85 kDa protein, but antibodies were not detected in sera of P24‐S11 immunized animals. The correlation between the development of antibodies to 85 kDa protein in the sera of vaccinated animals and the effects of protection by living vaccines were suggested.
Genetic Variation among Malaysian Isolates of Salmonella typhi as Detected by Ribosomal RNA Gene Restriction Patterns
Authors: Pang Tikki , Altwegg Martin , Martinetti Gladys , Koh Chong Lek , Puthucheary Savithri 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGenetic variation among Malaysian isolates of Salmonella typhi was determined by analysis of ribosomal RNA gene restriction patterns. Of the 20 isolates analyzed, eight different pattern combinations were detected. The amount of variation observed was also dependent upon the restriction endonuclease used; PstI produced more different patterns than did SmaI. The results suggested that disease activity was due to a number of different clones circulating simultaneously rather than a single strain. Further implications of the data are discussed.
Sequence Comparison of the Capsid Region of Hepatitis E Viruses Isolated from Myanmar and China
Authors: Aye Thein Thein , Uchida Toshikazu , Ma Xuezhung , Iida Fusae , Shikata Toshio , Zhuang Hui , Win Khin Maung 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHepatitis E viruses (HEVs) were isolated during epidemics, one from Myanmar (formerly called Burma) and one from China and were partially sequenced. Another HEV Myanmar strain from sporadic hepatitis was previously sequenced by us. A cDNA sequence comparison was performed among them in the 3′‐terminal region, approximately 750‐base long. This region contained at least two immunological epitopes and was considered to correspond to the structural protein. The nucleotide sequence identity was 97.2% between the two Myanmar strains and 93.3 and 92.5% between the two Myanmar and the China strain. The deduced amino acid sequence identity ranged from 98.4 to 100.0% among the three strains. Thus this segment was well conserved on the amino acid level among the different strains isolated from these two Asian countries, although the China strain diverged more from the Myanmar strains on the nucleotide sequence level. This data may provide important information for the development of a vaccine and for identification of the virological link between different geographical locations.
Heat‐Labile Toxin from Bordetella parapertussis Induces Contraction of Smooth Muscle Cells in Culture
Authors: Nagai Masaaki , Endoh Masahiko , Burns Drusilla L. , Nakase Yasukiyo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe ability of Bordetella heat‐labile toxin (HLT) to contract various types of cells in culture was examined. HLT from B. parapertussis induced contraction of cultured smooth muscle cells from trachea, intestine, uterus and vas deferens as well as from aorta. The time required for contraction decreased as the dose of B. parapertussis HLT increased from 3 to 100 MID/ml. Upon exposure of cells to concentrations of toxin greater than 100 MID/ml, at least 2 hr was required for contraction. HLT from B. parapertussis did not affect cultured cardiac or skeletal muscle cells within 8 hr after the exposure to HLT (100 MID/ml). No effect on other types of primary culture cells or established cells such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells has been described. These data indicate that the primary target cells for HLT might be smooth muscle cells.
Characterization of an Exo‐β‐d‐Fructosidase from Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt
Authors: Igarashi Takeshi , Yamamoto Ayako , Goto Nobuichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAn extracellular enzyme β‐d‐fructosidase was purified from the culture supernatant of Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt and characterized. The molecular weight of the enzyme was 127,000 as determined by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was specific for levan which mainly consists of β‐(2,6)‐linked d‐fructose and was also able to hydrolyze inulin, sucrose and raffinose at the activities of 13, 9 and 5% of that hydrolyzing levan, respectively. The pH optima for levan, inulin and sucrose were approximately 5.5, 6.0 and 5.0, respectively. The enzyme was optimally reactive at 55 C for levan. The enzyme was inhibited by Fe3+, Hg2+ and Zn2+ and not by either anionic or non‐ionic detergents. Paper chromatographic analysis revealed that the enzyme attacked levan by an exo‐type mechanism.
Structural Similarity of the HLA‐DQ Region in DQ3 and DQ4 Haplotypes and Structural Diversity of the HLA‐DQ Region in HLA‐DR7 Haplotypes
Authors: Tate Genshu , Ishizawa Mitsugu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGenomic DNA obtained from a B lymphoblastoid cell line was digested with appropriate restriction endonuclease and hybridized with several probes specific for genes encoding HLA‐DQ. Southern hybridization with a DQA1 3′untranslated (UT) region probe showed DQ2‐type hybridization pattern in DR7DQ3 haplotype. On the contrary, DQB1 3′UT probe showed DQ3‐type pattern in the same haplotype. Gene cloning and DNA sequencing analysis revealed a repetitive sequence, (TG)19, between DQA1 and DQB1 gene in the DR7DQ3 haplotype. These results suggest that a recombination event has occurred near this potential Z‐DNA structure in the haplotype, DR7DQ3. The 3′UT region probes of DQA1 and DQB1 genes failed to detect restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) differences between DR4DQ3 and DR4DQ4 haplotypes in this experiment, suggesting that the gene structure between DQA1 and DQB1 is conserved in these haplotypes.
Comparison of Immunological Effects of Cholera Toxin on Autoimmune MRL/lpr and BXSB Mice
Authors: Zhou Nan‐nan , Nakai Shoji , Oka Mikio , Nagasawa Hideyuki , Himeno Kunisuke 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMRL/lpr and BXSB mice were treated weekly or biweekly with cholera toxin (CT) in intravenous dose of 2 μg/mouse. CT treatment notably alleviated proteinuria in MRL/lpr mice, but did not influence the course of lupus nephritis in BXSB male mice. Flow cytometric analysis showed that anomalous B220+ T cells in spleen and thymus were reduced in CT‐treated MRL/lpr mice while no significant change in lymphocyte populations was induced in BXSB male mice by this treatment. The suppressive effect of CT treatment on Con A response and the augmentative action on LPS response were observed in MRL/lpr mice. The latter may reflect increased B cells in relative number in the peripheral lymphoid organs. Mitogenic responses in CT‐treated BXSB male mice remained unchanged in comparison with those of untreated group. Increased production of IL‐6 by spleen cells was demonstrated in MRL/lpr mice treated with CT while in BXSB mice the level of IL‐6 was not changed by the treatment with CT. Production of IFNγ was suppressed by CT treatment in both strains of mice. This may be attributed to the inhibitory effect of CT on IFNγ‐producing Th1 cells as reported previously (Munoz et al, J. Exp. Med. 172: 95–103, 1990). However, CT treatment did not inhibit anti‐DNA antibody production in BXSB mice, whereas the autoantibodies were markedly decreased in MRL/lpr mice treated with CT.
Extracellular Localization of a Nonfimbrial Hemagglutinin of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Takumi Kenji , Koga Tetsuro , Oka Tatsuzo , Tsuji Hideaki , Tsubokura Misao , Sheng Yao Jian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA nonfimbrial hemagglutinin (HA) of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was observed by immunoelectron microscopy using monospecific HA antiserum and protein A‐gold conjugate. The HA, an amorphous but morphologically identifiable entity, was located in a region distal to or detached from the outer edge of bacteria.
Production of a Monoclonal Antibody That Recognizes the Lipopolysaccharide of a Campylobacter‐Like Organism
Authors: Kuan Steven Kok Chee , Coloe Peter John , Alderton Malcolm Raymond 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA monoclonal antibody was produced to a Campylobacter‐like organism (RMIT 32A) which was isolated from the terminal ileum of a pig with proliferative enteritis. Isotyping of the antibody revealed that it was an IgG2a with kappa light chains. Immunoblots using the antibody against proteinase‐K‐treated whole cell lysates of RMIT 32A, a selection of Campylobacter species and other enteric bacteria showed that the antibody was specific for RMIT 32A and was directed against the lipopolysaccharide. This antibody can be used for the specific detection of RMIT 32A.
Spontaneous Proliferation of HTLV‐II‐Infected Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes: HLA‐DR‐Driven, IL‐2‐Dependent Response
Authors: Lal Renu B. , Hjelle Brian , Rudolph Donna L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPeripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from HTLV‐II‐infected persons (n = 13) and cultured in the absence of exogenous stimulator demonstrated augmented spontaneous proliferation (17,672 ± 5,498 cpm) when compared with cells from healthy donors (1,921 ± 1,306 cpm). Removal of non‐T population did not abrogate the proliferative response of patients' PBMC, suggesting that the proliferation is not related to the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction. Addition of recombinant interleukin‐2 (rIL‐2; 0.1 U/ml) to spontaneously proliferating cultures from HTLV‐II‐infected persons resulted in a 3‐ to 4‐fold increase in proliferation (61,985 ± 16,003); in contrast, PBMC from controls demonstrated 38‐ to 42‐fold increase in their proliferative capacity in response to rIL‐2 (77,256 ± 13,044). Antibodies to both IL‐2 receptor and HLA‐DR were able to inhibit the spontaneous proliferation of PBMC from HTLV‐II‐infected persons in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, addition of cyclosporin A, which preferentially blocks accumulation of IL‐2 mRNA, also inhibited spontaneous proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. These observations suggest that the spontaneous proliferation of HTLV‐II‐infected PBMC is at least in part an HLA‐DR‐driven, IL‐2‐dependent event, which is not analogous to the AMLR.
Influence of Inoculation Route on Virulence of Rhodococcus equi in Mice
Authors: Takai Shinji , Sasaki Yukako , Tsubaki Shiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractViruleuce of R. equi ATCC 33701 was compared by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intravenous (i.v.) routes in mice. Strain ATCC 33701 was more virulent by the i.v. than the i.p. route. The LD50 of strain ATCC 33701 by either route correlated with the initial number of bacteria in the liver and spleen at day 0.
Correlative Detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antigen p24 and Epstein‐Barr Virus DNA In Vitro: Clinical Influence on HIV Infection
Authors: Lardelli Pilar , Manzano Diego , Steinberg Seth M. , Madariaga Lucila , Antón Isabel , Cisterna Ramón 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe existence of molecular transactivations between EBV and HIV‐1, as well as reactivations of EBV latent infections in AIDS patients, have been recently documented. In order to shed more light on the putative association between EBV and HIV, and its role in the evolution to AIDS, we have determined simultaneously p24 protein and EBV DNA in culture supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 47 individuals suspected of having HIV infection. The results of the in vitro assays were correlated with the clinical stage of the individuals and their serologic status to EBV. Statistical analysis showed a concordance between HIV infection and in vitro detection of EBV DNA (P < 0.002); particularly, a strong correlation between the presence of EBV DNA and p24 in culture was observed (P < 0.001). These results are consistent with the occurrence of viral interactions, manifested in vitro. However, in our series, the appearance of EBV DNA in culture was not concomitant with an elevation of anti‐VCA IgG titers, anti‐EA titers or the development of symptomatology, suggestive of a reactivation of a latent EBV infection or a progression of HIV infection. Therefore we conclude that, although interaction between both viruses may take place at the molecular level, there is no clear evidence of the repercussion that this event may have on the clinical course of HIV infection.
Structural Studies of Peptidoglycans in Campylobacter Species
Authors: Amano Ken‐ichi , Shibata Yoshiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPeptidoglycans (PG) from Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Campylobacter fetus were composed of muramic acid, glucosamine, alanine, glutamic acid, and diaminopimelic acid in a molar ratio of 1.1: 1: 1.7: 1.1:0.9. Thirty percent of the amino groups of diaminopimelic acid were involved in cross‐linkages between peptides. During cultivation, C. coli and C. jejuni changed from a spiral to a coccoid form. In C. coli, we could isolate PG only from the spiral forms in yields of 0.8‐1.2% by dry weight. C. fetus did not change to a coccoid form, and always contained PG. Thus, it is possible that the morphological transformation from the spirals to the coccoid forms of C. coli and C. jejuni is accompanied by, and probably due to, the degradation of PG.
Naturally Occurring SLE Anti‐DNA Antibodies Recognize Unique Conformation on DNA‐Lysine Photoadduct
Authors: Alam Khurshid , Islam Najmul , Hasan Rashid , Ali Asif , Ali Rashid 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNative calf thymus DNA has been covalently modified with lysine under UV‐A light. Human autoantibodies on purification through affinity column of native DNA linked to polylysyl‐Sepharose 4B showed almost equal recognition of DNA and photoadduct. The recognition of DNA‐lysine photoadduct by the affinity‐purified autoantibodies might be helpful in understanding their origin in SLE vis‐à‐vis the role of positively charged amino acids in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
The Effects of Magnesium, Calcium, EDTA, and pH on the In Vitro Adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to Plastic
Authors: Dunne Wm. Michael , Burd Eileen M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe effects of increasing concentrations of magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+) or EDTA, and pH on the adhesion of five slime‐positive strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis (Se+) to plastic were examined using an in vitro microwell assay. The addition of Mg2+ (as either MgSO4 or MgCl2) to the bacterial suspension in concentrations as low as 16 μM significantly enhanced the adhesion of all test strains to plastic (P<0.001). Similarly, the addition of Ca2+ (as CaCl2) in concentrations exceeding 128 μM produced a significant increase in the adhesion of all test strains, but not to the extent observed with Mg2+. In contrast, the adhesion of all test strains to plastic was significantly reduced in the presence of EDTA at concentrations greater than 8 mM. However, EDTA in concentrations as low as 0.25 mM caused a significant decrease in the adhesion of two strains of Se+. The effect of pH was variable, but at a pH of 5.0 and 6.0, the adhesion of all test strains was significantly reduced compared to control values at a pH of 7.0. Two strains showed a significant increase in adhesion at a pH of 8.0. We also compared the effects of these variables on the adherence of a slime‐negative phase variant derived from a slime‐positive parent strain. With the exception of pH, the adhesion of both strains in response to increasing divalent cations or EDTA was similar. These data indicate that, in addition to hydrophobic interactions, ligand‐specific binding, and slime production, pH and divalent cations, especially Mg2+, are important determinants of the adhesion of S. epidermidis to plastic surfaces in vitro. This has possible implications in the pathogenesis of biomedical implant infections caused by these organisms.
Co‐Existence of Colonies with Different Serotypes and Other Biological Characteristics in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kobayashi Intetsu , Hasegawa Miyuki , Nishida Minoru , Goto Sachiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe biological characteristics of individual colonies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from 138 specimens were investigated. Of these isolates, 90 (65.2%) formed colonies of similar appearance and morphology, and 48 (34.8%) formed colonies which differed either in appearance or morphology. The individual colonies of 138 isolates were tested for serotype. The former 90 isolates formed only the colonies with one kind of serotype, whereas 17 of the latter 48 isolates formed the colonies with more than one kind of serotype. All the 9 isolates tested also differed in other biochemical characteristics: acid productions from xylose, mannitol and maltose, urease production and gelatin liquefaction. β‐Lactamase activity was investigated in 7 isolates forming colonies with more than one serotype. There were no marked differences in β‐lactamase activity among the different colonies in 5 isolates but marked differences among those in the other 2 isolates.
Melibiose Transport System in Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Tamura Chiyuki , Matsushita Osamu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 grew on melibiose at 30 C, but not at 37 C, although it grew on galactose or lactose at either temperature. ATCC 8014 grown on lactose at 30 or 37 C accumulated melibiose slowly, suggesting that melibiose may partly be transported by a lactose transport system. A lactose‐ negative mutant, NTG 21, derived from ATCC 8014 was isolated. The mutant was totally deficient in lactose transport, but retained normal melibiose transport activity. In NTG 21, the melibiose transport activity was induced by melibiose at 30 C, but not at 37 C. The transport activity itself was found to be stable for at least 3 hr at 37 C, suggesting that the induction process in the cytoplasm rather than the inducer entrance is temperature‐sensitive in the organism. The organism also failed to form α‐galactosidase at 37 C when grown on melibiose. The enzyme synthesis, however, was induced by galactose in NTG 21 (and also by lactose in ATCC 8014) even at 37 C, indicating that the induction of the enzyme is essentially not temperature‐sensitive. In NTG 21, melibiose transport system and a‐galactosidase were induced by galactose, melibiose and o‐nitrophenyl‐α‐d‐galactopyranoside when the strain was grown at 30 C. Raffinose induced melibiose transport system only a little, while it was a good inducer for α‐galactosidase. Inhibition studies revealed that galactose may be a weak substrate of the melibiose transport system; no inhibition was demonstrated with lactose and raffinose.