bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and Molecular Characteristics of Escherichia coli Isolated from Aquatic Environment of Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Munirul , Nur‐A‐Hasan  , Ahsan Sunjukta , Pazhani Gururaja Perumal , Tamura Kazumichi , Ramamurthy Thadavarayan , Gomes Donald James , Rahman Sabita R. , Islam Atiqul , Akhtar Fahmina , Shinoda Sumio , Watanabe Haruo , Faruque Shah M. , Nair Gopinath Balakrish 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPathogenic Escherichia coli remains important etiological agent of infantile diarrhea in Bangladesh. Previous studies have focused mostly on clinical strains, but very little is known about their presence in aquatic environments. The present study was designed to characterize potentially pathogenic E. coli isolated between November 2001 and December 2003 from aquatic environments of 13 districts of Bangladesh. Serotyping of 96 randomly selected strains revealed O161 to be the predominant serotype (19%), followed by O55 and O44 (12% each), and 11% untypable. Serotype‐based pathotyping of the E. coli strains revealed 47%, 30%, and 6% to belong to EPEC, ETEC, and EHEC pathotypes, respectively. The majority of the 160 strains tested were resistant to commonly used antimicrobial agents. Plasmid profiling showed a total of 17 different bands ranging from 1.3 to 40 kb. However, 35% of the strains did not contain any detectable plasmid, implying no correlation between plasmid and drug resistance. Although virulence gene profiling revealed 97 (61%) of the strains to harbor the gene encoding heat‐stable enterotoxin (ST), 2 for the gene encoding Shiga toxin (Stx), and none for the gene for heat‐labile enterotoxin (LT), serotype‐based pathotyping of E. coli was not fully supported by this gene profiling. A dendrogram derived from the PFGE patterns of 22 strains of three predominant serogroups indicated two major clusters, one containing mainly serogroup O55 and the other O8. Three strains of identical PFGE profiles belonging to serogroup O55 were isolated from three distinct areas, which may be of epidemiological significance. Finally, it may be concluded that serotype‐based pathotyping may be useful for E. coli strains of clinical origin; however, it is not precise enough for reliably identifying environmental strains as diarrheagenic.
First Detection of Rickettsia in Soft‐Bodied Ticks Associated with Seabirds, Japan
Authors: Kawabata Hiroki , Ando Shuji , Kishimoto Toshio , Kurane Ichiro , Takano Ai , Nogami Sadao , Fujita Hiromi , Tsurumi Miyako , Nakamura Noboru , Sato Fumio , Takahashi Mamoru , Ushijima Yoko , Fukunaga Masahito , Watanabe Haruo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRickettsia was first detected in seabird soft‐bodied ticks, Carios capensis and C. sawaii in Japan. According to sequence analysis, Rickettsia in Japan was identical to Rickettsia scc31 in C. capensis in the U.S.A. This suggested that an environmental circulation had consisted among microorganisms, ticks and long distance migratory seabirds around the Pacific Ocean.
Evaluation of Antifungal Pharmacodynamic Characteristics of AmBisome against Candida albicans
Authors: Takemoto Koji , Yamamoto Yutaka , Ueda Yutaka 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA liposomal formulation of Amphotericin B (AmBisome), with small unilamellar vesicles containing amphotericin B, shows characteristic pharmacokinetics as liposomes, and in consequence, has different pharmacological activity and toxicity from amphotericin B deoxycholate (Fungizone). In this study, we evaluated the antifungal pharmacodynamic characteristics of AmBisome against Candida albicans using the in vitro time‐kill method and murine systemic infection model. A time‐kill study indicated that the in vitro fungicidal activities of AmBisome and Fungizone against C. albicans ATCC 90029 increased with increasing drug concentration. For in vivo experiments, leucopenic mice were infected intravenously with the isolate 4 hr prior to the start of therapy. The infected mice were treated for 24 hr with twelve dosing regimens of AmBisome administered at 8‐, 12‐, 24‐hr dosing intervals. Correlation analysis between the fungal burden in the kidney after 24 hr of therapy and each pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameter showed that the peak level/MIC ratio was the best predictive parameter of the in vivo outcome of AmBisome. These results suggest that AmBisome, as well as Fungizone, has concentration‐dependent antifungal activity. Furthermore, since AmBisome can safely achieve higher concentrations in serum than Fungizone, AmBisome is thought to have superior potency to Fungizone against fungal infections.
Identification and Molecular Characterization of an N‐Acetylmuraminidase, Aml, Involved in Streptococcus mutans Cell Separation
Authors: Yoshimura Goh , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi , Hayashi Ikue , Fujiwara Tamaki , Yamada Sakuo , Nakano Yoshio , Tomita Yuko , Kozai Katsuyuki , Sugai Motoyuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe previously demonstrated Streptococcus mutans produces two bacteriolytic enzymes of 100 kDa and 80 kDa (G. Yoshimura et al. Microbiol. Immunol. 48, 465–469, 2004). Here, we identified the protein sequence of these enzymes and found they come from a single gene product designated as automutanolysin (Aml). Aml has a modular design where the N‐terminus contains five 13‐amino‐acid repeats and a C‐terminal enzyme active domain. Aml selectively lyses S. mutans and S. sobrinus but no other oral streptococci. This suggests Aml possesses strong substrate specificity towards cariogenic bacteria present in the human oral cavity. Analysis of S. mutans peptidoglycan fragments released by Aml shows the enzyme is an N‐acetylmuraminidase. We found Ca2+ enhances the activity; and EGTA, EDTA and iodoacetic acid inhibit the activity. The optimum pH range for lytic activity was 6 to 7. Disruption of the aml gene in S. mutans results in the formation of a longer bacterial cell chain length that was dispersed by the addition of a low concentration of Aml. This suggests Aml is involved in S. mutans cell separation.
Listeria monocytogenes Induces the Expression of Retinoic Acid‐Inducible Gene‐I
Authors: Imaizumi Tadaatsu , Sashinami Hiroshi , Mori Fumiaki , Matsumiya Tomoh , Yoshida Hidemi , Nakane Akio , Wakabayashi Koichi , Oyama Chikara , Satoh Kei 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRetinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I) is considered to play a role in innate immunity against virus infections. We showed by immunohistochemical study that RIG‐I expression is upregulated in vivo in hepatic Kupffer cells and in splenic reticular cells of mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Both heat‐killed L. monocytogenes and live L. monocytogenes induced the expression of RIG‐I in cultured RAW264.7 murine macrophage‐like cells in vitro. RIG‐I may also be involved in innate immunity against Listeria infection.
High Efficiency Cross‐Reactive Monoclonal Antibody Production by Oral Immunization with Recombinant Norwalk Virus‐Like Particles
Authors: Tanaka Tomoyuki , Kitamoto Noritoshi , Jiang Xi , Estes Mary K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are important for in‐depth antigenic characterization and diagnosis of infections with human caliciviruses that cause almost all outbreaks of nonbacterial gastroenteritis. We compared different routes of immunization with nonreplicating virus‐like particles (VLPs) from recombinant Norwalk virus (rNV) and recombinant Mexico virus (rMX) administered to BALB/c mice to determine the efficiency of hybridoma production. Oral immunization with VLPs without adjuvant resulted in high yields of MAb‐secreting hybridomas (90%) to these VLPs of IgG (61%), IgM (29%) and IgA (10%) isotypes. Fusions with mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes yielded MAbs of various subclasses including IgG2a, IgG3, IgM and IgA. These results suggest that an immunization route that mimics the natural route of viral infection pathway may facilitate MAb technology by increasing the yields of antibody secreting hybridoma cells.
Mycobacterium kumamotonense Sp. Nov. Recovered from Clinical Specimen and the First Isolation Report of Mycobacterium arupense in Japan: Novel Slowly Growing, Nonchromogenic Clinical Isolates Related to Mycobacterium terrae Complex
Authors: Masaki Takayuki , Ohkusu Kiyofumi , Hata Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Nagatoshi , Iihara Hirotoshi , Yamada‐Noda Makiko , Nhung Pham Hong , Hayashi Masahiro , Asano Yuko , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Ezaki Takayuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThree mycobacterium strains isolated from clinical specimens in Japan were provisionally assigned to the genus Mycobacterium based on their phenotypical characteristics. These isolates were further investigated to determine their specific taxonomic statuses. Mycolic acid analysis and 16S rRNA gene, rpoB, and hsp65 sequence data for the isolates showed that they are most similar to M. terrae complex. DNA‐DNA hybridization studies indicated that the three strains were of two species and were distinguishable from M. terrae, M. nonchromogenicum, and M. hiberniae. Therefore, these strains represent two novel species within the genus Mycobacterium. However, one potential new species should have been considered as M. arupense with the 16S rRNA gene and hsp65 sequences similarities of 99.8% and 100% respectively; it was isolated from human specimens in the United States and was proposed in June 2006 as a new species. This report describes the first isolation of M. arupense in Japan, suggesting that the organism is clinically relevant. In addition, we propose the novel species designation Mycobacterium kumamotonense sp. nov. The type strain is CST 7247T (=GTC 2729T, =JCM 13453T, =CCUG 51961T).
Prolonged Viral RNA Detection in Blood and Lymphoid Tissues from Coxsackievirus B4 E2 Orally‐Inoculated Swiss Mice
Authors: Jaïdane Hela , Gharbi Jawhar , Lobert Pierre‐Emmanuel , Lucas Bernadette , Hiar Raïda , M'Hadheb Manel Ben , Brilot Fabienne , Geenen Vincent , Aouni Mahjoub , Hober Didier 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe spreading of viral RNA within Swiss Albino mice orally inoculated with coxsackievirus B4 E2 strain (CVB4 E2) was studied by using RT‐PCR and semi‐nested‐RT‐PCR methods. Viral RNA was detected in various organs: pancreas, heart, small intestine, spleen, thymus, and blood at various postinfectious (p.i.) times ranging from 8 hr to 150 days. Our results show that (i) outbred mice can be infected with CVB4 E2 following an oral inoculation, which results in systemic spreading of viral RNA, (ii) CVB4 E2 infection can be associated with a prolonged detection of viral RNA in spleen, thymus and blood, up to 70 days p.i. and further in other organ tissues.
Long‐Term Prevalence of Antimicrobial‐ResistantSalmonella entericaSubspeciesentericaSerovar Infantis in the Broiler Chicken Industry in Japan
Authors: Asai Tetsuo , Ishihara Kanako , Harada Kazuki , Kojima Akemi , Tamura Yutaka , Sato Shizuo , Takahashi Toshio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEleven broiler isolates ofSalmonellaInfantis obtained between 1989 and 1998 were examined for antimicrobial susceptibility and pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles. Seven strains ofS. Infantis isolated after 1993 harbored similar antimicrobial susceptibilities to the recent isolates between 2001 and 2003. In comparison of PFGE profile with 22 isolates obtained from 22 apparently healthy broiler chickens between 2001 and 2003, the predominant cluster included the seven strains isolated after 1993. We could not clarify the reasons why the serovar has been prevalent in the broiler industry for a long time, but current antimicrobial usage is not always linked to its prevalence.
Tandem Repeats of Lactoferrin‐Derived Anti‐Hepatitis C Virus Peptide Enhance Antiviral Activity in Cultured Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Abe Ken‐ichi , Nozaki Akito , Tamura Kazushi , Ikeda Masanori , Naka Kazuhito , Dansako Hiromichi , Hoshino Hiro‐o , Tanaka Katsuaki , Kato Nobuyuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPreviously, we found that bovine and human lactoferrin (LF) specifically inhibited hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in cultured non‐neoplastic human hepatocyte‐derived PH5CH8 cells, and we identified 33 amino acid residues (termed C‐s3–33; amino acid 600–632) from human LF that were primarily responsible for the binding activity to the HCV E2 envelope protein and for the inhibiting activity against HCV infection. Since the anti‐HCV activity of C‐s3–33 was weaker than that of human LF, we speculated that an increase of E2 protein‐binding activity might contribute to the enhancement of anti‐HCV activity. To test this possibility, we made two repeats [(C‐s3–33)2] and three repeats [(C‐s3–33)3] of C‐s3–33 and characterized them. Far‐Western blot analysis revealed that the E2 protein‐binding activities of (C‐s3–33)2 and (C‐s3–33)3 became stronger than that of the C‐s3–33, and that the binding activity of (C‐s3–33)3 was stronger than that of (C‐s3–33)2. Using an HCV infection system in PH5CH8 cells, we demonstrated that the anti‐HCV activities of (C‐s3–33)2 and (C‐s3–33)3 became stronger than that of the C‐s3–33. Furthermore, using a recently developed infection system with a VSV pseudotype harboring the green fluorescent protein gene and the native E1 and E2 genes, we demonstrated that the antiviral activities of (C‐s3–33)2 and (C‐s3–33)3 were stronger than that of C‐s3–33. These results suggest that tandem repeats of LF‐derived anti‐HCV peptide are useful as anti‐HCV reagents.
Survey of Babesia microti Infection in Field Rodents in Japan: Records of the Kobe‐Type in New Foci and Findings of a New Type Related to the Otsu‐Type
Authors: Saito‐Ito Atsuko , Kasahara Midori , Kasai Masatoshi , Dantrakool Anchalee , Kawai Atsuko , Fujita Hiromi , Yano Yasuhiro , Kawabata Hiroki , Takada Nobuhiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOf 247 rodents comprising 5 genera and 7 species collected at 17 sites throughout Japan from 2003 to 2005, Babesia microti was detected microscopically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 36 rodents comprising 2 genera and 3 species from 12 sites. Based on the analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSUrDNA) sequences, the Kobe‐type, the etiological type of the first Japanese case of human infection was found in Apodemus speciosus and Apodemus argenteus in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of the Japanese mainland, while the U.S.‐type was found on Hokkaido Island and the Otsu‐type was widely distributed. In addition, a new Otsu‐related type was detected exclusively in Eothenomys andersoni in Nagano, a prefecture in central Japan. The sequences of internal transcribed spacer 1 to 2 (ITS1/2) of the present Kobe‐ and Otsu‐types were almost identical to those of the same types previously identified. The ITS1/2 sequence of the U.S.‐type identified in Hokkaido in this survey was somewhat different from that of the U.S.‐type strain originating from the U.S.A., with approximately 95% identity. This value was similar to the 94% identity found between the ITS1/2 sequences of the Otsu‐type and the new Otsu‐related type. The new Otsu‐related type of B. microti was isolated as the Nagano strain, which was serologically differentiated from the other type strains of B. microti. The divergence and distribution of genotypes are important factors in investigating the epidemiology of human B. microti infection in Japan.
Molecular Detection of Various Rickettsiae in Mites (Acari: Trombiculidae) in Southern Jeolla Province, Korea
Authors: Choi Yeon‐Joo , Lee Eun‐Mi , Park Jin‐Mi , Lee Kyung‐Min , Han Seung‐Hoon , Kim Jae‐Kwon , Lee Seung‐Hyun , Song Hyeon‐Je , Choi Myung‐Sik , Kim Ik‐Sang , Park Kyung‐Hee , Jang Won‐Jong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study revealed the presence of various rickettsial agents in mites from wild rodents collected in Southern Jeolla Province, Korea, by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis of a partial citrate synthase and rickettsia outer membrane protein B genes. Rickettsial agents closely related to the Rickettsia species TwKM02, R. australis, and the Rickettsia species Cf15 were successfully identified in this study, for the first time in Korea, and R. japonica, R. akari, R. conorii, R. felis, and R. typhi were also detected, as previously described. The data presented in this paper extend knowledge on the geographic distribution of SFG rickettsiae in eastern Asia and it may necessary to consider the role of mites in rickettsial transmission.
Spread of Community‐Acquired Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Hospitals in Taipei, Taiwan in 2005, and Comparison of Its Drug Resistance with Previous Hospital‐Acquired MRSA
Authors: Takano Tomomi , Saito Kohei , Teng Lee‐Jene , Yamamoto Tatsuo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPanton‐Valentine leucocidin (PVL)‐positive methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (PVL+ MRSA) is an emerging pathogen in the community worldwide. The incidence of PVL+ MRSA in Taipei, Taiwan was 23.3% for hospital MRSA. PVL+ MRSA was isolated from both outpatients and inpatients. Some PVL+ (mecA+) strains (36.8%) showed low MIC values (μ2 μg/ml) to oxacillin. A major PVL+ MRSA resistance pattern was oxacillin and clindamycin resistance (81%). There was no multidrug resistance over three drugs, in contrast to patient PVL– MRSA with resistance to five drugs as a major resistance pattern. The majority of PVL+ MRSA belonged to multilocus sequence (ST) type 59, while PVL– MRSA belonged to ST239, ST59 and ST5. The data suggests that although PVL+ CA‐MRSA is isolated at a high incidence from hospitals in Taipei, the drug resistance is mostly selected in the community and less prominent compared with previous PVL– hospital‐acquired MRSA.
In Vitro Th1 Cytokine‐Independent Th2 Suppressive Effects of Bifidobacteria
Authors: Iwabuchi Noriyuki , Takahashi Noritoshi , Xiao Jin‐zhong , Miyaji Kazuhiro , Iwatsuki Keiji 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA comparison between 17 strains of lactic acid bacteria and 15 strains of bifidobacteria indicated that bifidobacteria induced significantly lower levels of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) in murine splenic cells. The present study aims to evaluate the effect and mechanism of Bifidobacterium longum BB536, a probiotic strain, in suppressing antigen‐induced Th2 immune response in vitro. BB536 suppressed immunoglobulin (Ig) E and IL‐4 production by ovalbumin‐sensitized splenic cells, but induction of Th1‐inducing cytokine production, such as IL‐12 and gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) tended to be lower compared with lactic acid bacteria. Neutralization with antibodies to IL‐12, IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and transforming growth factor β indicated negative involvement of Th1‐inducing cytokines and regulatory cytokines in the suppression of Th2 immune response by BB536, especially when treated at higher doses of BB536 (>10 μg cells/ml). Furthermore, BB536 induced the maturation of immature bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BM‐DCs), and suppressed antigen‐induced IL‐4 production mediated by BM‐DCs. These results suggested that BB536 suppressed Th2 immune responses, partially independent of Th1‐inducing cytokines and independent of regulatory cytokines, mediated by antigen‐presenting cells such as dendritic cells.
A Novel Agar Medium to Detect Hydrogen Peroxide‐Producing Bacteria Based on the Prussian Blue‐Forming Reaction
Authors: Saito Mitsumasa , Seki Masanori , Iida Ken‐ichiro , Nakayama Hiroaki , Yoshida Shin‐ichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe classic method for H2O2 detection involving Prussian blue formation was adapted to formulate a novel agar medium that makes possible in situ detection of H2O2 produced by bacteria. Using this medium, colonies of H2O2‐producing species including Streptococcus pyogenes were easily identified by the appearance of blue halos. The utility of the medium was further illustrated by its successful application to the isolation of H2O2‐producing mutants from a non‐H2O2‐producing stain of S. pyogenes.
In Vitro Susceptibilities of Candida spp. to Panomycocin, a Novel Exo‐β‐1,3‐Glucanase Isolated from Pichia anomala NCYC 434
Authors: İzgü Fatih , Altınbay Demet , Türeli Akif Emre 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPanomycocin, the killer toxin of Pichia anomala NCYC 434 (K5), is a 49 kDa monomeric glycoprotein with exo‐β–1,3‐glucanase activity (patent pending). In this study we evaluated the in vitro activity of panomycocin against a panel of 109 human isolates of seven different pathogenic Candida spp. using microdilution and time‐kill methods. Panomycocin was most active against C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis and C. glabrata with MIC90 values of 1 μg/ml. It displayed significant activity against C. albicans and C parapsilosis with MIC90 values of 4 and 2 μg/ml, respectively. For C. krusei, the MIC90 value was 8 μg/ml. Panomycocin was fungicidal against all the tested Candida spp. The MFC values were only one or 2 dilutions higher than the MICs with the exception of C. krusei isolates with MFCs greater than or equal to 4 × MIC. Results of this study indicated that panomycocin could be considered as a natural antifungal agent against Candida infections and has significant potential for further investigation.
Small and Rough Colony Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Elevated Biofilm Formation Ability Isolated in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Ikeno Takako , Fukuda Kazumasa , Ogawa Midori , Honda Masahisa , Tanabe Tadao , Taniguchi Hatsumi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa is a key pathogen of nosocomial infection, and causes persistent infection in patients with specific diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF). It has been reported that patients affected with CF discharge, at a high frequency, small colony variants with high adherence ability. In routine laboratory testing, we found atypical small and rough type (SR) colony variants of P. aeruginosa. The SRs and the counterpart wild type (WT) colonies showed similar biochemical features, antimicrobial susceptibilities, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles, serotypes, and twitching motilities. The biofilm formation abilities of all the SR colonies, however, were extremely elevated as compared to those of the counterpart WT colonies. The frequency of SR‐positive patients was 3.1% of the P. aeruginosa‐positive inpatients (5/160), and that of the SR isolates was 0.6% of the P. aeruginosa strains (6/970) isolated in our laboratory over a period of 6 months. The SR‐positive patients did not have any common disease or particular antibiotics treatment. The PFGE profiles showed that the SRs and the counterpart WTs were identical to each other, and also that three of the five SR/WT pairs were clonally similar. The three pairs were recovered from the feces, urine, and endotracheal secretion, respectively, of three patients hospitalized in two distinct wards. The results suggest that P. aeruginosa spontaneously produced highly adherent SR colonies in hospitalized patients, and these colonies may tend to spread in a hospital.