bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of Capsular Polysaccharides from Acetobacter diazotrophicus Strains Isolated from Sugarcane
Authors: Stephan MaríLia Penteado , Fontaine Thierry , Previato José Osvaldo , Mendonça‐Previato Lúcia 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCapsular polysaccharides (CPSs) from six representative strains of Acetobacter diazotrophicus were isolated and fractionated by gel filtration and anion‐exchange chromatography. Purified CPSs obtained in the non‐adsorbed fraction of a DEAE‐Sephadex A‐25 column were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for sugar composition. Uronic acid and amino sugars were not detected in all purified CPSs. Basically the CPSs of A. diazotrophicus are composed of rhamnose, mannose, galactose and glucose. The presence of fucose was only observed in the CPS of strains PR2 and PAL3. Based on these results, the six strains of A. diazotrophicus could be divided into four groups according to the sugar content of their capsules: (i) fucose‐containing capsules (PR2 and PAL3, localized in roots), (ii) mannose‐rich capsule (PAL5, localized in root), (iii) capsules with a high ratio of hexose to rhamnose (PR4 and PR20, localized in stems) and (iv) capsules with a low ratio of hexose to rhamnose (PR14, localized in rhizosphere). For all CPSs, sodium dodecy sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed diffuse bands of slow mobility in silver‐stained gels. The different CPS migration patterns could not be correlated with sugar composition. The purified CPS of strain PAL3 was found to be immunogenic and immunochemically similar to the CPS of strain PR2. The serological specificity to CPS of strains PAL3 and PR2 correlated well with the presence of fucose, indicating that this deoxyhexose is immunodominant. These findings demonstrated the feasibility of preparing specific antibodies to fucose‐containing CPS of A. diazotrophicus, indicating the possibility of utilization of this antiserum for future taxonomic studies or to select strains with chemically related capsular polysaccharides from their natural habitat.
Proliferative Response of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Desai Anita , Ravi Vasanthapuram , Chandramuki Akkepati , Gourie‐Devi Mandaville 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCell‐mediated immune response to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and its purified envelope (E) protein was measured in 45 laboratory confirmed JE patients using a proliferation assay of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In parallel, JEV‐specific IgM antibodies were measured by ELISA. No correlation was observed between the antibody response and results of the lymphocyte proliferation assay. Only 11 of the 42 patients positive in the antibody test were positive in the proliferation assay, and PBMC from 14/45 (31%) patients did not respond to either phytohemagglutinin and to JEV and/or its purified E protein antigen. No correlation was observed between the cell‐mediated immune response and the final clinical outcome (fatality vs. recovery).
Development of a New Selective Plating Medium for Rhodococcus equi
Authors: von Graevenitz Alexander , Pünter‐Streit Verena 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA new selective plating medium for Rhodococcus equi containing ceftazidime (20 mg/l) and novobiocin (25 mg/l) on a Mueller‐Hinton agar basis is described. It proved to be less inhibitory for R. equi than selective plating media devised earlier and grew only very few other nocardioform bacteria.
Rapid Identification by Polymerase Chain Reaction of Staphylococcal Exfoliative Toxin Serotype A and B Genes
Authors: Sakurai Susumu , Suzuki Hitoshi , Machida Katsuhiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA new system was designed to detect staphylococcal exfoliative toxin A (ETA) and B (ETB) genes by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The primer pairs for the ETA gene (eta) were 20 and 20‐mer, and its PCR product was a 741‐bp eta fragment, while the primer pairs for the ETB gene (etb) were also 20 and 20‐mer, and its PCR product was a 629‐bp etb fragment. When these primers were simultaneously used in the PCR, the two types of ET were clearly detected as two bands in an ETA and ETB double‐producer using only one colony within 3 hr. We examined 66 strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from patients with staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) and compared the results obtained by ELISA and PCR. The same results were obtained for 56 of the strains, i.e., 30 strains were ETA producers, 20 strains were ETB producers, and 6 strains were double‐producers. However, positive results were obtained for 5 of the 10 non‐ET‐producing strains. Two of these strains were judged by PCR as ETA producers and three as ETB producers. Thus, PCR is very sensitive and rapid in detecting ETA and ETB gene fragments in colonies isolated from patients with SSSS.
Characterization of the Dextranase Gene (dex) of Streptococcus mutans and Its Recombinant Product in an Escherichia coli Host
Authors: Igarashi Takeshi , Yamamoto Ayako , Goto Nobuichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe gene (dex), which encodes the Streptococcus mutans dextranase (Dex), was cloned in Escherichia coli. The E. coli host harboring a recombinant plasmid (pSD2) containing an 8‐kb BamHI insert produced a Dex protein of 133 kDa as well as smaller enzymes of 118, 104, and 88 kDa. The Dex produced by the recombinant E. coli was apparently located in the cytoplasmic fraction, not in the periplasmic nor the extracellular fractions. Subcloning and deletion analysis of pSD2 showed that the structural gene of Dex was encoded by a 4‐kb BamHI‐SalI fragment. The fragment also contained the dex promoter which was effective in the E. coli cell.
Suppression of Anti‐Candida Activity of Murine Neutrophils by Progesterone In Vitro: A Possible Mechanism in Pregnant Women's Vulnerability to Vaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Nohmi Takao , Abe Shigeru , Dobashi Kazuyoshi , Tansho Shigeru , Yamaguchi Hideyo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSex steroid hormones were examined for their effect on mycelial growth of Candida albicans, and the inhibitory activity of casein‐induced murine peritoneal neutrophils against mycelial growth of C. albicans was examined in vitro using a crystal violet staining method or a [3H]glucose incorporation method. Four steroid hormones, danazol, estradiol, estriol and testosterone had no effect on mycelial growth of C. albicans, but progesterone appeared to convert the growth form of C. albicans from hyphal to yeast. Danazol (10–6 m) and progesterone (10–5 m) suppressed anti‐Candida activity of neutrophils of non‐treated mice, while testosterone, estradiol, and estriol did not. The anti‐Candida activity of neutrophils of estradiol‐pretreated mice was clearly suppressed by progesterone even at 10–6 m which corresponded to its plasma concentration in pregnant women in the third trimester. The physiological significance of this suppressive effect of progesterone was discussed in relation to the vulnerability of pregnant women to vaginal candidiasis.
Biomaterial‐Associated Infection with Candida albicans in Mice
Authors: Różalska Barbara , Ljungh Asa , Burow Aleksandra , Rudnicka Wiesława 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCandida yeasts are frequently isolated from patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis or other biomaterial‐associated infections. The mouse model of candidal peritonitis was used to study the interaction of Candida cells with end‐point attached heparinized polyethylene (H‐PE) and with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) or macrophages (Mφ). Two Candida strains differing in cell surface hydrophobicity and in expression of fibronectin (Fn) binding were used for the study. Cells of both Candida strains adhered at higher numbers to H‐PE surfaces preadsorbed with Fn or with human dialysis fluid (HDF) than to non‐modified H‐PE, supporting a role of Fn in mediating adhesion. C. albicans 4016 cells expressing low hydrophobicity and low binding of soluble Fn demonstrated stronger adhesion to PMNs than the more hydrophobic C. albicans 3248 yeasts, which express high binding of soluble Fn. However, C. albicans 4016 cells were more resistant to phagocytic killing and were hardly eradicated in intraperitoneally infected mice. The animals depleted in PMNs by treatment with CY were neither able to eradicate C. albicans 3248 (rapidly eliminated by normal mice) nor C. albicans 4016 yeasts (with a tendency to persist in the tissues of normal mice).
Sequential Involvement of NK Cells and CD8+ T Cells in Granuloma Formation of Rhodococcus aurantiacus‐Infected Mice
Authors: Asano Misako , Nakane Akio , Kohanawa Masashi , Minagawa Tomonori 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe investigated the effect of in vivo administration of antibodies against T‐cell subsets and natural killer (NK) cells on endogenous gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) production and granuloma formation in Rhodococcus aurantiacus‐infected mice. High titers of endogenous IFN‐γ were detected in the extracts of the livers and spleens during 24 hr of the infection, reaching the peak at 8 hr, and the IFN‐γ production was reduced by in vivo administration of anti‐NK 1.1 monoclonal antibody (MAb) or antibody against asialo GM1+ cells. Endogenous IFN‐γ declined until 2 days of the infection, then reappeared from 1 week and peaked at 3 weeks. Endogenous IFN‐γ at 1 and 3 weeks was reduced by in vivo administration of anti‐CD8 MAb, but not by anti‐CD4 MAb or anti‐NK 1.1 MAb. Granulomatous lesions in the livers and spleens began to appear from 1 week of the infection and developed in 3 weeks. In vivo administration of rat anti‐IFN‐γ MAb reduced the development of granulomas. In addition, granuloma formation was reduced by depletion of NK cells prior to the infection or depletion of CD8+ T cells at 1 week of the infection. Based on these findings, it is presumed that the biphasic production of IFN‐γ is attributable to NK cells in the early phase of the infection and CD8+ T cells in the phase of granuloma formation, and that granuloma formation is regulated by NK cells and CD8+ T cells through the secretion of endogenous IFN‐γ.
Effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 Vesicle on Adherence of Streptococcus mutans OMZ 70 to the Experimental Pellicle
Authors: Kamaguchi Arihide , Baba Hisae , Hoshi Masaaki , Inomata Koshiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe vesicles of Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 strongly aggregated Streptococcus cricetus, S. rattus, and S. mutans, but poorly aggregated S. sobrinus. The adherence of S. mutans OMZ 70 to hydroxyapatite (HA) coated with whole saliva was increased in parallel with the quantity of the vesicles. The significant increase of adherence of S. mutans OMZ 70 by the vesicles was also observed on the HA coated with parotid saliva, submandibular saliva, serum, and type I collagen. These findings suggest that the vesicles may act as a bridge between mutans streptococcus and the tooth surface.
Further Characterization of Chlamydia pneumoniae Specific Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Puolakkainen Mirja , Parker Julia , Kuo Cho‐chou , Grayston J. Thomas , Campbell Lee Ann 
Published: November 2013

AbstractStudies using monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated species‐specific reactivities with Chlamydia pneumoniae. In this study, further characterization of C. pneumoniae specific monoclonal antibodies TT‐205 and RR‐402 and description of C. pneumoniae specific antibodies prepared against other isolates are presented. TT‐205 and RR‐402 were shown to neutralize infectivity. Neutralization in cell culture was specific and enhanced by complement. Attempts to characterize the reactive antigen by immunoblotting, immunoaffinity chromatography and radioimmunoprecipitation were unsuccessful, probably due to difficulties in solubilizing the immunoreactive epitope without denaturing it. Recognition of the determinant by the monoclonal antibodies is labile to physical and chemical treatments suggesting that the reactive epitope is conformational.
Sequences of E/NS1 Gene Junction from Four Dengue‐2 Viruses of Northeastern Thailand and Their Evolutionary Relationships with Other Dengue‐2 Viruses
Authors: Thant Kyaw Zin , Morita Kouichi , Igarashi Akira 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe determined the 240‐nueleotide sequences of the E/NS1 gene junction of four dengue‐2 viruses by the primer extension dideoxy chain termination method. These viruses were isolated from dengue patients with different clinical severities in Nakhon Phanom, Northeastern Thailand in 1993. The results were compared with the 52 published dengue‐2 sequences of the same gene region. Sequence divergence of four new isolates varied from 4.17% to 5.42% compared with dengue‐2 prototype New Guinea C strain whereas it varied from 5.42% to 6.67% and from 6.67% to 7.09% when compared with Jamaica 1409 strain and PR159/S1 strain, respectively. All nucleotide substitutions were found at the 3rd position of the codons which were silent mutations. All 56 isolates studied were classified into five genotypic groups by constructing the dendrogram. The results indicated that four new isolates from Northeastern Thailand belong to genotype II of dengue virus serotype 2, and were most closely related to prototype New Guinea C strain. We also observed the variation in nucleotide and amino acid sequences among clusters of isolates (Thailand‐1980, Malaysia‐1989 and Thailand‐1993) which were obtained from the dengue patients with different clinical severities. The significance of these genetic differences have been discussed in terms of the possible correlation between genetic variability and virulence.
Antibody Responses Raised against a Conformational V3 Loop Peptide of HIV‐1
Authors: Bukawa Hiroki , Fukushima Jun , Hamajima Kenji , Kimura Mari , Tsuji Takashi , Xin Ke‐qin , Okuda Kenji 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe amino acid sequence of the principal neutralizing determinant (PND) of 224 cases of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) was determined and the most frequently occurring sequence was used as a peptide antigen for studying virus‐specific antibody responses. In our present study, a linear peptide of the most frequent PND was first synthesized and then oxidized to create a disulfide‐bridged loop conformation. Then, in order to construct a macromolecular structure for the purpose of increasing anti‐genicity, the synthetic peptide was conjugated to a core peptide. We compared the immunogenicity of the disulfide‐bridged loop PND peptide antigen (AG4) and the linear PND peptide antigen (AG5). After immunizing rabbits 5 and 6 times with both peptides, the results obtained using ELISA revealed that AG4 (conformational‐loop type) was more capable of inducing a high titer of antigen‐specific antibodies than was AG5 (linear type). Despite an amino acid sequence homology of 72%, a 1:8 dilution of serum raised against AG4 inhibited 81.9% of HIV‐1IIIB‐mediated cell fusion, suggesting that conformational V3 loop peptide is able to elicit an antibody response which is strongly HIV‐1‐specific.
The Purification of a GroEL‐Like Stress Protein from Aerobically Adapted Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Takata Tohru , Wai Sun Nyunt , Takade Akemi , Sawae Yoshiro , Ono Junko , Amako Kazunobu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFrom plate cultures of Campylobacter jejuni grown in room air a particulate protein of 62 kDa was isolated by ion‐exchange chromatography. The protein had a square shape from the side view but when viewed from the top it had a star‐shaped structure. The molecular size of the whole particle determined by gel filtration was 850 kDa which suggested the presence of 14 subunits of 62 kDa in each particle. The N‐terminal 37 amino residues showed more than 80% homology with the sequence of these heat shock protein (HSP) 60 homologs of Chlamydia trachomatis, Helicobacter pylori, and Escherichia coli (GroEL). This protein is immunologically cross‐reactive with the antiserum for the 60‐kDa HSP of Yersinia enterocolitica. Production of the 62‐kDa protein increased under heat stress and growth in an aerobic atmospheric environment. From these observations we concluded that the 62‐kDa protein is a Campylobacter stress protein (Cj62) which belongs to the HSP 60 family.
Prevalence of Antibody to Hepatitis E Virus among Healthy Individuals in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Peng Chien‐Fang , Lin Meei‐Ru , Chue Pay‐Yu , Tsai Jung‐Fa , Shih Ching‐Hua , Chen I‐Lung , He Junkun , Carl Mitchell 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among 997 healthy individuals aged 6 to 84 years, collected between July 1993 and June 1994 at Kaohsiung‐Pingtung area in Southern Taiwan was studied. Of the study populations of vegetable farmers, elementary school children, volunteer blood donors and college students, the prevalence of IgG anti‐HEV ranged from 6.4% to 8.8%. In suburban elemantary school children of Mang‐Chou Village at Pingtung‐Hsien, the seroprevalence rate (9.6%) was significantly higher than the positive rate (1.5%) found in rural aboriginal elementary school of San‐Min Village at Kaohsiung‐Hsien. IgG anti‐HEV antibodies were widely distributed among all age groups, with a significantly higher percentage (13.1%) in the age group of 46‐55 years old.
Mapping and Characterization of a Sequential Epitope on the Rabies Virus Glycoprotein Which Is Recognized by a Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody, RG719
Authors: Ni Yajin , Tominaga Yuichi , Honda Yoshikazu , Morimoto Kinjiro , Sakamoto Shin'ichi , Kawai Akihiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe have established a murine hybridoma cell line RG719 which produces a rabies virus‐neutralizing IgM‐type monoclonal antibody (referred to as MAb RG719). Immunoblot analysis indicated that the antibody recognized a sequential epitope of G protein. Among four rabies virus strains tested, the antigenicity to MAb RG719 was absent from the Nishigahara strain, while the other three strains (HEP, ERA and CVS) reacted to the MAb. Studies with deletion mutants of the G protein indicated that the epitope was located in a middle region of the primary structure of G protein, ranging from position 242 to 300. By comparing the estimated amino acid sequence of the four strains, we found in this region two amino acids (at positions 263 and 291) which are common to three of those strains but are not shared by the Nishigahara strain. The site‐directed point mutagenesis revealed that replacement of phenylalanine‐263 by leucine destroyed the epitope of the HEP G protein, while the epitope was generated on the Nishigahara G protein whose leucine‐263 was replaced by phenylalanine. These observations suggest that phenylalanine‐263 is essential for constructing the epitope for MAb RG719. The synthetic 20‐mer peptide produced by mimicking the amino acid sequence (ranging from amino acid positions 249 to 268) of the presumed epitope region was shown to bind specifically to MAb RG719 and also to raise the virus‐neutralizing antibodies in rabbits. Vaccination with the HEP vaccine produced in Japan induced in humans and rabbits production of significant amounts of the antibodies which reacted with the 20‐mer peptide.
Differential Effects of Prostaglandin E1 and Prostaglandin E2 on Growth and Differentiation of Murine Myeloid Leukemic Cell Line, M1
Authors: Sawamura Hiroshi , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Onozaki Kikuo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEffects of prostaglandins (PGs) of the E series on growth and differentiation of murine myeloid leukemic cell line M1 were studied. PGE1, but not PGE2, inhibited the growth of M1 cells. PGE2 neither inhibited nor augmented the antiproliferative effect of PGE1. PGE1 augmented the differentiation of M1 cells into macrophage‐like cells induced by interleukin 6. PGE2, however, did not exhibit any effect on the differentiation. PGE1 caused a marked increase in intracellular cAMP level in M1 cells, whereas PGE2 had no effect. These results indicate that M1 cells are able to respond only to PGE1. Radiolabeled PGE1 binding experiments, however, revealed that there was no specific binding in M1 cells, suggesting that the cells express low numbers of receptors or very low affinity receptors specific for PGE1. Stable agonists of PGI2, iloprost, cicaprost or carbacyclin, also potently inhibited the growth of M1 cells. These findings suggest that PGE1 as well as PGI2 may play a role in the differentiation of monocyte‐macrophage lineage cells.
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in China
Authors: Zheng Xue Bin , Tsubokura Misao , Wang Yongkun , Xie Chun , Nagano Tetsuji , Someya Kazuhiko , Kiyohara Tomoko , Suzuki Kiyomi , Sanekata Takeshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThirty strains of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were isolated from rabbits (17 strains), wild rats (9 strains) and house rats (4 strains) in China between 1990 and 1993. The biochemical properties of these isolates were identical with those of Y. pseudotuberculosis and no special characteristics were found in these strains. Serologically, serogroups 4b and 5b were identical to isolates found in Japan, and a new serogroup 1c and unclassified strains have also been detected. The existence of virulence‐associated properties were different among strains. The pYV plasmid was detected from 6 strains of 30 isolates. This report documents the presence of Y. pseudotuberculosis in China, providing important epidemiological information.
Demonstration of a Ferric Vibrioferrin‐Binding Protein in the Outer Membrane of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Yamamoto Shigeo , Akiyama Toshihito , Okujo Noriyuki , Matsu‐ura Shiro , Shinoda Sumio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractUnder iron‐restricted conditions, Vibrio parahaemolyticus produces a siderophore, vibrioferrin, accompanying expression of two major outer membrane proteins of 78 and 83 kDa. Autoradiographic analysis of nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoregrams of outer membrane preparations previously incubated with [55Fe]ferric vibrioferrin revealed a single radiolabeled band, in which the 78‐kDa protein was detected predominantly by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The antiserum against the purified 78‐kDa protein partially inhibited Fe‐VF binding to isolated OMPs. The 78‐kDa protein was cleaved by the treatment of whole cells with proteinase K, indicating that a portion of this protein is exposed on the surface of the outer membrane. The treated cells lost most of their iron uptake activity mediated by vibrioferrin. These results suggest that the ferric vibrioferrin‐binding protein of 78 kDa may function as the receptor for ferric vibrioferrin involved in the initial step of vibrioferrin‐mediated iron uptake. Immunoblot analysis using the antiserum against the 78‐kDa protein demonstrated that the molecular mass and antigenic properties of the protein were highly conserved among V. parahaemolyticus strains examined. The antiserum also recognized an iron‐repressible outer membrane protein of 78 kDa from iron‐restricted V. alginolyticus strains, some of which appeared to produce vibrioferrin.