bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrathymic Effect of Acute Pathogenic SHIV Infection on T‐Lineage Cells in Newborn Macaques
Authors: Suzuki Hajime , Motohara Makiko , Miyake Ariko , Ibuki Kentaro , Fukazawa Yoshinori , Inaba Katsuhisa , Masuda Kyoko , Minato Nagahiro , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Hayami Masanori , Miura Tomoyuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe intrarectally infected newborn macaques with a pathogenic simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) that induced rapid and profound CD4+ T cell depletion, and examined the early effects of this SHIV on the thymus. After intrarectal infection, viral loads were much higher in the thymus than in other lymphoid tissues in newborns. In contrast, no clear difference was seen in the viral loads of different tissues in adults. Histological and immunohistochemical observations showed severe thymic involution. Depletion of CD4+ thymocytes began in the medulla at 2 weeks post infection and spread over the whole thymus. After in vivo infection, the CD2+ subpopulation, which represents a relatively later stage of T cell progenitors, was selectively reduced and development of thymocytes from CD3–CD4–CD8– cells to CD4+CD8+ cells was impaired. These results suggest that profound and irreversible loss of CD4+ cells that are observed in the peripheral blood of SHIV‐infected monkeys are due to destruction of the thymus and impaired thymopoiesis as a result of SHIV infection in the thymus.
Protective Effect of Vaccination with Toxoplasma Lysate Antigen and CpG as an Adjuvant against Toxoplasma gondii in Susceptible C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: El‐Malky Mohamed , Shaohong Lu , Kumagai Takashi , Yabu Yoshisada , Noureldin Mohamed S. , Saudy Niveen , Maruyama Haruhiko , Ohta Nobuo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInfection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes serious public health problems to both humans and livestock and of great economic impact worldwide. Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) which contain immunostimulatory CG motifs (CpG ODN) can promote Th1 responses, an adjuvant activity that is desirable for vaccination against intracellular pathogens. We investigated the feasibility of using CpG as an adjuvant combined with Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA) as a vaccine against toxoplasmosis. Genetically susceptible C57BL/6 mice were vaccinated with TLA with or without CpG ODN as an adjuvant and then challenged with 85 cysts of the moderately virulent RRA (Beverley) strain of T gondii. Prior to challenge infection, immunization with TLA plus CpG ODN directed cellular and humoral immunity toward a Th1 pattern, characterized by enhanced INF7 production by splenic cells in response to TLA, and enhanced production of toxoplasma‐specific IgG and IgG2a antibodies. Consequently, CpG/TLA‐treated mice showed prolonged survival and 64% reduction in brain parasite burden compared to non‐CpG/TLA treated group. Our results suggest that CpG ODN would provide a stable and effective adjuvant for use in vaccination against toxoplasmosis.
Chimeric Structure of omp2 of Brucella from Pacific Common Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
Authors: Ohishi Kazue , Takishita Kiyotaka , Kawato Masaru , Zenitani Ryoko , Bando Takeharu , Fujise Yoshihiro , Goto Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Saburo , Maruyama Tadashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the Pacific common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), a new variant of Brucella has been detected using the polymerase chain reaction. Detailed analysis of the porin protein genes, omp2a and omp2b from the whale Brucella showed that these two genes have some motifs in common with Atlantic marine strains in the 5′‐terminal one‐third region. On the other hand, the nucleotide sequences in the 3′‐terminal two‐thirds region of the two genes were almost identical to the respective genes of terrestrial strains. Thus, Pacific whale Brucella omp2 genes are chimeras between marine and terrestrial strains.
Identification of Platelet Receptors for the Streptococcus gordonii DL1 Sialic Acid‐Binding Adhesin
Authors: Yajima Ayako , Takahashi Yukihiro , Konishi Kiyoshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAggregation of human platelets by Streptococcus gordonii DL1, an interaction implicated in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis, requires the expression of hsa, the gene encoding the sialic acid‐binding adhesin (Hsa) of this organism. To identify the sialoglycoproteins on the platelet surface as the receptors for Hsa, intrinsic membrane proteins were assessed by bacterial overlay assay. S. gordonii DL1 adhered to 130‐140‐kDa proteins, a reaction that was abolished by neuraminidase treatment of immobilized platelet surface proteins. These sialoglycoproteins were identified as platelet glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) and glycoprotein IIb (GPIIb) by immunoprecipitation with specific monoclonal antibody against each glycoprotein.
Serological Evidence of the Persistence of Infection with Leptospira interrogans Serovar Hardjo in Cattle in Mongolia
Authors: Odontsetseg Namsraijav , Sakoda Yoshihiro , Kida Hiroshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSerum samples were collected randomly from Mongol breed cattle in three geographically distinct provinces of Mongolia. Antibodies specific to Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo were detected by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) at titres of 100 or more in 80.4% (86/107) of the samples from Dornod Province, but in only 28.9% (13/45) in Arkhangai and 23.5% (12/51) in Khuvsgul Provinces, respectively. Treatment of 9 serum samples from Dornod, positive to serovar Hardjo in MAT and negative in the homologous immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with 2‐mercaptoethanol (2‐ME) indicated that those animals were recently infected.
Genetic Comparison of H5N1 Influenza A Viruses Isolated from Chickens in Japan and Korea
Authors: Mase Masaji , Kim Jae‐Hong , Lee Youn‐Jeong , Tsukamoto Kenji , Imada Tadao , Imai Kunitoshi , Yamaguchi Shigeo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOutbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused by H5N1 virus occurred during 2003 to 2004 in Korea and Japan. The H5N1 viruses isolated in both countries were genetically similar at >99% identity in the nucleotide sequences of all eight RNA segments, indicating that they belong to genotype V and are distinct from HPAI viruses prevalent in southeast Asia that belong to genotype Z. These findings indicate that the H5N1 viruses that caused the HPAI outbreaks in both Korea and Japan were derived from a common ancestor.
Role of Lipooligosaccharide in the Attachment of Moraxella catarrhalis to Human Pharyngeal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Akgul Gulcan , Erturk Ali , Turkoz Mustafa , Turan Tolga , Ichinose Akitoyo , Nagatake Tsuyoshi , Ahmed Kamruddin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe goal of this study was to determine the role of lipooligosaccharide in the attachment of Moraxella catarrhalis to human pharyngeal epithelial cells. Strain 2951 and its Pk mutant strain 2951 galE were used in this study. This study suggests that the Pk epitope of LOS is not an adhesin for M. catarrhalis, but plays a crucial role by its surface charge in the initial stage of attachment.
Gene Cloning and Characterization of Four MATE Family Multidrug Efflux Pumps from Vibrio cholerae Non‐O1
Authors: Begum Anowara , Rahman M. Mushfequr , Ogawa Wakano , Mizushima Tohru , Kuroda Teruo , Tsuchiya Tomofusa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThere are six putative genes for multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family multidrug efflux pumps in the chromosome of Vibrio cholerae. We have so far analyzed two MATE family pumps in V. cholerae non‐O1 NCTC4716. Here we cloned four remaining genes for putative MATE family efflux pumps by the PCR method from this microorganism and designated them as vcmB, vcmD, vcmH and vcmN. Each one of the four genes was introduced and expressed in the drug hypersusceptible host Escherichia coli KAM32 cells. We observed elevated MICs of multiple antimicrobial agents, such as fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33342 in the transformants. Energy‐dependent efflux of substrate was observed with the transformed cells. We found that efflux activities of VcmB, VcmD and VcmH were Na+‐dependent, but that of VcmN was Na+‐independent. Thus, all six of the MATE family multidrug efflux pumps of V. cholerae non‐O1 have been characterized. We also found that all six genes were expressed in cells of V. cholerae non‐O1.
Prospective Surveillance of Community‐Onset and Healthcare‐Associated Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from a University‐Affiliated Hospital in Japan
Authors: Piao Chuncheng , Karasawa Toshiko , Totsuka Kyoichi , Uchiyama Takehiko , Kikuchi Ken 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe conducted a prospective comparative study of community‐onset (CO) and healthcare‐associated (HA) methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains between 2000 and 2001 at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital (1,500 beds) in Japan. Of the 172 consecutive MRSA isolates analyzed, 13 (8%) were categorized as CO‐MRSA. The mean age of patients with CO‐MRSA was significantly younger than that of patients with HA‐MRSA. Most CO‐MRSA strains were isolated from skin and more likely to be susceptible to erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, and spectinomycin compared to HA‐MRSA isolates. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, and multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that CO‐MRSA strains were divided into the following multi‐clones: 3 clone A: II: ST5 (PFGE type: SCCmec type: MLST sequence type); 1 L: II: ST5; 1 H: IV: ST1; 1 I: IV: ST81; 2 D: IV: ST8; 1 B: IV: ST89; 1 B: IV: ST379; and 3 B: IV: ST91. Of the 159 HA‐MRSA strains, 124 (78%) belonged to a single clone (PFGE clone A: SCCmec type II: tst and sec positive: coagulase type II: multi‐drug resistance). Four CO‐MRSA strains belonging to PFGE clone B: SCCmec type IV: MLST clonal complex 509 (ST89, 91, 379) had the exfoliative toxin B (etb) genes, but all CO‐MRSA and HA‐MRSA strains did not possess the Panton‐Valentine leukocidin (pvl) genes. These results demonstrate that multiple lineages of CO‐MRSA have the potential for dissemination in the community in Japan.
Molecular Epidemiology of Adenovirus Infection among Pediatric Population with Diarrhea in Asia
Authors: Li Lei , Phan Tung Gia , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Kim Kyo Sun , Seo Jeong Kee , Shimizu Hideaki , Suzuki Eiko , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA total of 3,577 fecal specimens from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan, Korea and Vietnam during 1998 and 2001 were tested for adenovirus by the ELISA method. Of these, adenovirus was detected in 158 (4.4%). The detection rate of adenovirus was highest in Korea (8.7%, 20/231) followed by 5.0% (100/1,991) in Japan and 2.8% (38/1,355) in Vietnam. All adenoviruses were further serotyped by PCR‐RFLP. The diversity of adenovirus serotypes including Ad2, 3, 5, 8, 31, 40 and 41 was demonstrated. Worth of note was a decrease in the rate of isolation of Ad40 (7.6%, 12/158) and a concomitant increase of Ad41 (63.9%, 101/158) to become the predominant serotype. Another interesting feature of the study was the presence of Ad3 (4.0% and 30%) and Ad8 (8.0% and 20%) in Japan and Korea, respectively, which is mainly associated with keratoconjunctivitis worldwide. Our result underscored the importance of adenovirus in association with acute gastroenteritis in Asian countries.
Comparisons of the Laccase Gene among Serotypes and Melanin‐Deficient Variants of Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Tanaka Eiichiro , Ito‐Kuwa Shoko , Nakamura Kenjirou , Aoki Shigeji , Vidotto Valerio , Ito Masaaki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCryptococcus neoformans is a fungus causing life‐threatening infections in immunocompromised hosts. Melanin production is a major virulence factor of this fungus and the initial steps of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)‐melanin biosynthesis pathways are catalyzed by laccase. To understand phylogenetic relationships among serotypes of three varieties, partial sequences (about 600 bases) of the laccase gene (CNLAC1) were determined in a total of 64 strains, including 10 melanin‐deficient variants. The phylogenetic tree constructed from the nucleotide sequence grouped the 64 strains into the clusters corresponding to the three varieties. The diversity of the fragment sequences was very minor among strains of each of var. grubii and var. neoformans. Strains in var. gattii, however, were subdivided into two groups, although differences between serotypes B and C were not large. The sequences of the melanin‐deficient variants were almost completely homologous to those of the melanin‐producing strains in the same serotype. Results of laccase assay and northern blot analysis suggested that the lower melanin production in the variants was associated with lower transcription of the laccase gene.
Preparation of Monoclonal Antibodies Cross‐Reactive with Orthopoxviruses and Their Application for Direct Immunofluorescence Test
Authors: Kitamoto Noritoshi , Kobayashi Takayuki , Kato Yoji , Wakamiya Nobutaka , Ikuta Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Ueda Shigeharu , Miyamoto Hiroyuki , Kato Shiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractVariola virus (smallpox virus), vaccinia virus (VV), cowpox virus (CPV) and ectromelia virus (EV) belong to the genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. To establish the possible diagnosis for smallpox infection, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against VV and CPV were produced. The cross‐reactivity of seven MAbs with cells infected with various strains of the orthopoxviruses (CPV, VV and EV) was confirmed by an immunofluorescence (IF) test and other immunological analyses. Four and three MAbs reacted with the common antigen of all poxviruses (probably NP antigen) and the antigen involved in neutralization, respectively. We developed the IF test using these MAbs. The direct IF test required only 45 min to perform. Smallpox infection is now eradicated, but it is important to prepare for the diagnosis of smallpox in an emergency. The direct IF assay using MAbs cross‐reactive with orthopoxviruses is rapid, simple, specific, applicable for multiple samples, and will make it possible to screen for and detect orthopoxviruses that include variola virus with tissue impression smears from skin lesions in most laboratories or institutes.
Observation of the Intracellular Behavior of Recombinant Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Invasin Protein
Authors: Koga Hisashi , Izawa Ichiro , Araki Norie , Saya Hideyuki , Mimori Tatsuyuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this study, we observed the intracellular behavior of recombinant invasin, a 103‐kDa outer membrane protein of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. To mimic the in vivo behavior of bacterial invasin, a polyvalent form of invasin was generated by incubation of biotinylated GST‐fused invasin C‐terminal portion protein (GST‐INVS) with avidin. Several experiments confirmed that the recombinant invasin could consistently reproduce the invasin‐mediated entry to mammalian epithelial cells. We analyzed the molecular kinetics of polyvalent INVS by western blotting, 125I‐uptake, and immunofluorescent microscopy. The internalized polyvalent INVS was rapidly translocated to the RIPA‐insoluble (polymerized‐actin enriched) fraction and formed cytoplasmic vesicles, while monovalent invasin did not show such kinetics. From these observations, we concluded that our bacterial‐free system is able to analyze the action of invasin for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis entry.
Hepatitis Induced by an IgM Monoclonal Antibody against Procarboxypeptidase R
Authors: He Lianying , Asai Suzuka , Kawamura Takeshi , Kimbara Noriaki , Tada Toyohiro , Okada Hidechika , Okada Noriko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractProcarboxypeptidase R (proCPR), also known as thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), is present in plasma and can be activated to carboxypeptidase R (CPR) by trypsin‐like enzymes such as thrombin and plasmin. CPR has the carboxypeptidase B‐like activity that can inactivate the inflammatory peptides such as C5a by removing the C‐terminal arginine and can interfere with fibrinolysis by removing C‐terminal lysine residue of fibrin. In the present study, we conducted to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) by using spleen cells from proCPR‐deficient mice immunized by partially purified mouse proCPR. The mAbs obtained were IgM isotype and reacted with proCPR and interfered with activation of proCPR to CPR by thrombin‐thrombomodulin complex. Some BALB/c mice implanted with the hybridoma died in 7 days, and intravenous injection of the mAb to BALB/c mice induced transient elevation of GOT and GPT in plasma although injection to the deficient mice did not. Furthermore, the histological features showed the focally lesions in liver tissue of BALB/c mice injected with the mAb. Since liver is the major site of proCPR synthesis, IgM mAb to proCPR should have induced local inflammation at the side resulting in induction of hepatitis.
A Rapid and Simple PCR Analysis Indicates There Are Two Subgroups of Vibrio vulnificus Which Correlate with Clinical or Environmental Isolation
Authors: Rosche Thomas M. , Yano Yutaka , Oliver James D. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractVibrio vulnificus is an estuarine bacterium which is the causative agent of both food‐borne disease and wound infection. Although V. vulnificus is commonly found in molluscan shellfish at high numbers, the incidence of disease is relatively low, leading to the hypothesis that not all strains of V. vulnificus are equally virulent. Unfortunately, there is currently no easy test to identify virulent strains of this species. We have previously identified a 200 bp randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR amplicon associated with clinical isolates. DNA sequence data from this locus in six clinical and four environmental isolates showed that the strains could be divided into two groups, which we termed C‐type (correlates with clinical origin) and E‐type (correlates with environmental origin). We designed PCR primers that could distinguish between the two groups, and typed 55 randomly selected strains. We found that 90% of the C‐type strains were clinical isolates, while 93% of environmental isolates were classified as E‐type. The region directly downstream of this locus contained a heptanucleotide sequence repeated various times depending on the strain. Using a PCR‐based assay to detect the repeat number present in a given strain, we found a statistically significant correlation with the C/E type classification and the number of repeats. The data reported here are consistent with the existence of two genotypes of V. vulnificus, with the C‐type being a strong indicator of potential virulence.
Macrophage Cell Death Due to Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi and Its Acid Stress Protein Has Features of Apoptosis
Authors: Chander Harish , Majumdar Siddarth , Sapru Sunita , Rishi Praveen 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSalmonella spp. have been shown to cause apoptosis of various host cell types as a part of their infection process. However, the induction of apoptosis remains to be looked into under the different host environments including acidic stress experienced by the pathogen. In order to simulate the in vivo acidic conditions, we studied the potential of S. typhi and its protein expressed under in vitro acidic conditions to induce apoptosis in macrophages. Murine macrophages were isolated and interacted with serovar Typhi and its acid stress protein for different time periods. The assessment of nucleosomal DNA, and nuclear staining with H‐33342 dye and flow cytometry indicated the occurrence of characteristic features of apoptosis. Analysis of data revealed that S. typhi caused apoptotic cell death in 61% of macrophages whereas stress‐induced protein alone accounted for apoptotic cell death in 45% of macrophages. The present study, for the first time demonstrates the potential of stress‐induced outermembrane component of S. typhi to induce apoptosis. Identification of such factors may offer new insights for understanding the pathophysiology of the disease during the host‐pathogen interactions.
Screening of Pro‐Apoptotic Genes Upregulated in an Experimental Street Rabies Virus‐Infected Neonatal Mouse Brain
Authors: Ubol Sukathida , Kasisith Jitra , Pitidhammabhorn Dhanesh , Tepsumethanol Veera 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRabies virus (RABV) is able to induce apoptotic death of target cells. The molecular pathway of RABV‐induced cell death is partially known. In the present study, cDNA array analysis was used as a tool to screen for pro‐apoptotic genes that may be involved in RABV induction. RNA was extracted from the infected CNS and from mock‐infected controls. When the mean gene expression was compared between the infected group and controls, 21 potential apoptotic genes were identified that exhibited more than 2.5‐fold difference in their expression levels. These 21 genes can be grouped into two groups, those genes that participate in the commitment phase and those that play a role as executioners. Examples of genes in commitment phase were death receptors (Fas‐L receptor, TNF‐receptor), lysosomal proteases, calpain, caspase‐1, signaling molecules (ERK, p38MAPK) and bcl‐2 family members. Cytochrome c and caspase‐3 were representatives of executioners. Based on types of genes activated during the commitment phase, two independent apoptotic mechanisms may be activated in response to the RV infection. The first is immune‐mediated death which may operate through the receptor‐ligand pathway activated by caspase‐1 and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐1β. The other mechanism is a protease‐mediated process which involves lysosomal proteases and calcium‐dependent neutral proteases. These two stimulating pathways were followed by Bad, Bak, Bid activation and subsequently the upregulation of cytochrome c and caspase‐3. In addition, mobilization of K+ ion and other accessory apoptotic genes such as annexins and clusterin were also upregulated.
XAGE‐1 mRNA Expression in Prostate Cancer and Antibody Response in Patients
Authors: Koizumi Fumihito , Noguchi Yuji , Saika Takashi , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Sato Shuichiro , Eldib Ali Mohamed Ali , Nasu Yasutomo , Kumon Hiromi , Nakayama Eiichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo evaluate the feasibility of cancer vaccine targeting XAGE‐1, we investigated the expression of 4 XAGE‐1 transcript variants and the humoral immune response to XAGE‐1 in prostate cancer patients. XAGE‐1a, b, c, d mRNA expression was analyzed in 54 prostate cancer specimens and 8 specimens of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The humoral response to XAGE‐1 was investigated in sera obtained from 278 patients with prostate cancer and 40 healthy volunteers by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant protein. XAGE‐1b mRNA expression was observed in 14 of 54 (26%) prostate cancer specimens, while XAGE‐1a, c, and d mRNA expressions were observed in 1, 1, and 3, respectively. None of the 4 XAGE‐1 transcript variants was observed in the 8 BPH specimens. Antibody against XAGE‐1 was detected in sera from 2 of 129 stage D2 patients, whereas none of sera from 149 patients with localized prostate cancer or lymph node metastasis had detectable XAGE‐1 antibody. No reactivity to XAGE‐1 was found in sera from the 40 healthy individuals.