MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Microbiology and Immunology' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:35:08 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5674698&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00411.x ABSTRACTTo clarify the epidemiology of enterovirus 68 (EV68), which has been one of the most rarely identified enteroviruses, we carried out virus isolation and molecular screening using reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) for 6,307 respiratory specimens collected at pediatric clinics in Yamagata, Japan between 2005 and 2010. We found 10, 1, 2, 0, 2, 40 EV68‐positive cases in each year between 2005 and 2010. Fourteen virus isolation‐positive cases were only from samples obtained in 2010. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that plural genetically distinct clusters co‐circulated. These results suggest that the difficulty in EV68 isolation leads to an underestimation the occurrence of EV68 infections. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5674698 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5674698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5674697&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00412.x ABSTRACTIt is not well understood how the antibodies of individual convalescent human serum bind to each amino acid residue at the antigenic sites of hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza viruses, and how the antigenic drift strains of influenza viruses are selected by the human sera. In our previous study we indicated that the convalescent human sera, following A/Kamata/14/91(Ka/91)‐like (H3N2) virus infection, bind to antigenic site A of Ka/91 HA, by a binding assay with a chimeric HA between Ka/91 and A/Aichi/2/68. Here we show how those human sera recognized each amino acid residue at antigenic site A, using the chimeric HAs possessing single amino acid substitutions at site A. The results showed; 1) there was a difference from person to person in the capacity of the human sera to recogniz... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5674697 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5674697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5674696&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00419.x In this study, Western Blot and/or immunocytochemistry were performed to explore the ISG15 expression pattern in explants of bovine endometrium, mammary gland and kidney, as well as Madin–Darby bovine kidney (MDBK), endometrial and mammary cells stimulated by IFN‐α, ‐β, ‐τ. Western Blot indicated that there were differential minimum antiviral units among recombinant bovine interferon‐α (rbIFN‐α, 102 IU/ml), rbIFN‐β (103 IU/ml) and rbIFN‐τ (104 IU/ml) in stimulating saturation expression of free and ISG15‐conjugated proteins by MDBK cells and endometrial and mammary explants. The above results were further confirmed through immunocytochemical analysis by use of MDBK, endometrial and mammary cells. For the first time we showed that the expression pattern of ISG15‐c... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5674696 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5674696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5674695&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00421.x ABSTRACTHelicobacter cinaedi is being increasingly recognized as an emerging pathogen. Reports of recurrent bacteremia and isolation of H. cinaedi organisms from a patient with myopericarditis led us to hypothesize that H. cinaedi may be associated with chronic inflammatory cardiovascular diseases such as atrial arrhythmia and atherosclerosis. To assess the association of H. cinaedi with atrial arrhythmia, we performed a retrospective case‐control study of patients at Kumamoto University Hospital from 2005 to 2008. The arrhythmia status of these patients was determined by using electrocardiography and electrophysiological study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors. In a comparison of case patients (n= 132) with control subjects (n= 137), H.... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5674695 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5674695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5644336&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00433.x ABSTRACTOur aims are to investigate the correlation between superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and gastroduodenal diseases and the characteristics of strains exposed to oxidative stress. Two sequenced strains, 26695 and J99, and clinical isolates from 156 Japanese patients with gastroduodenal diseases such as gastric cancer (n = 59) and non‐cancer (n = 97) were utilized. SOD activities of all 158 isolates were measured by a SOD Assay Kit‐WST and were divided into 3 groups; high‐SOD activity (>0.22, n = 2), moderate‐SOD activity (0.15≦　≦0.22, n = 16) and low‐SOD activity (<0.15, n = 140) groups. The expressions of H. pylori iron‐cofactored SOD (Fe‐SOD) were examined by western blotting with anti‐H. pylori Fe‐SOD antibody prep... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5644336 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5644336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5636033&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00429.x ABSTRACTTo date, no information is available on the molecular bases of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella spp. from poultry in Egypt or even in Africa. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze, at the molecular level, the mechanism of multidrug‐resistance in isolates of Salmonella recovered from diseased broilers in Egypt. A total of 21 Salmonella isolates were identified; 13 isolates were Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and eight isolates were Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. 17 (81%) Salmonella isolates displayed multidrug resistance phenotypes, particularly against ampicillin, streptomycin, spectinomycin, kanamycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. PCR and DNA sequencing identified class 1 integrons in nine (42.9%) isol... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5636033 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5636033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5636032&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00430.x ABSTRACTOf the fungal skin microbiota, the lipophilic yeast genus Malassezia predominates at all body sites. Of the members of this genus, M. globosa, M. restricta, and M. sympodialis are the most common on the face, limbs, and trunk. In the present study, we characterized the Malassezia microbiota in the external ear canal and on the sole of the foot. M. slooffiae was the most common species in both the external ear canal and on the sole of the foot, followed by M. restricta. Principal component analysis further revealed that the Malassezia microbiota in the external ear canal and on the sole of the foot constituted a different cluster from those on the scalp and cheek and in the nasal cavity. Additionally, five new Malassezia phylotypes were detected on the sole of the foot and in the ex... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5636032 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5636032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5636031&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00431.x (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5636031 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5636031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5594096&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00426.x We examined Toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 agonists, i.e. lipoteichoic acid (LTA) Staphylococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, lipoarabinomannan (LAM) Mycobacterium smegmatis, peptydoglican (PGN) Staphylococcus aureus, as well as TLR4 agonists, i.e. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, Pophyromonas gingivalis and Escherichia coli. We also estimated the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐, interleukin (IL)‐6‐, CCL5‐, and IL‐10‐priming on mast cell cysLT synthesis following bacterial antigen activation. We found that all bacterial antigens activated mast cells to cysLT generation, however the extent of cysLT release in response to stimulation varied. Out of the examined ant... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5594096 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5594096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5557004&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00423.x ABSTRACTProcedures of sterilization and disinfection are essential to ensure that medical and surgical instruments will not transmit infectious pathogens to patients. In this paper, we tested the residual effect of these compounds on biofilm formation and its efficiency in disrupting preformed biofilms using methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates of the lineage ST239‐SCCmecIII. All compounds examined, except 70% alcohol, caused a significant impairment in biofilm formation with concomitant inhibition of cell growth. Among the compounds examined, 10% povidine‐iodine (PVP‐I) was the only antiseptic that exhibited more than 90% reduction of both biofilm formation and dispersion. In the group of sterilant and disinfectant, a formulation containing 7% hydrogen perox... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5557004 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5557004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5557003&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00424.x This study suggests that MPO‐mediated OCl− generation affects claudin molecules and leads to protein leakage and viral spread as a damage factor oin influenza‐induced ARDS. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5557003 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5557003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534314&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00418.x In this study was to verify the acetylcholinesterase activity in the rat brain after pneumococcal meningitis. In the hippocampus, frontal cortex and cerebrospinal fluid the acetylcholinesterase activity were found increased at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96h without antibiotic treatment, at 48 and 96h with antibiotic treatment. Our data suggest that acetylcholinesterase activity could be related to neuronal damage induced by pneumococcal meningitis. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534314 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534313&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00416.x ABSTRACTSeventy‐three Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were collected from dogs and cats to investigate antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance mechanisms to anti‐pseudomonal agents. Resistance rates against orbifloxacin, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, aztreonam and gentamicin were 34.2, 31.5, 20.5, 17.8, 12.3 and 11.0%, respectively. The level of resistance to cefotaxime, orbifloxacin, and enrofloxacin was greatly affected by efflux pump inhibitors, indicating overexpression of efflux pump contributes to these resistances. Notably, orbifloxacin and enrofloxacin resistance was observed even in isolates without mutations in the target sites. This is the first report on cephalosporin‐ and fluoroquinolone‐resistant isolates of P. aeruginosa from Japanese companion animals... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534313 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5484009&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00401.x ABSTRACTThe genus Enhydrobacter, firstly reported as a member of the family Vibrionaceae, has been placed in the family Moraxellaceae, but as a Genus Incertae Sedis in Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology 2nd edition. During our taxonomic investigation of Enhydrobacter like organisms, we observed that the 16S rRNA sequences of E. aerosaccus type strain versions NCIMB 12535T, ATCC 27094 T and CCUG 58314T were very different from the accessible data (accession no. AJ550856). Phylogenetic analysis of our 16S rRNA sequence data revealed that these organisms were located within the family Rhodospirillaceae. The genera Inquilinus, Oceanibaculum, Skermanella and Nisaea, were closely related (sequence similarities were 88.3∼87.0%), but Enhydrobacter could be distinguished from these genera... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5484009 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5484009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5484008&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00402.x In this study, we identified the cells infiltrating the lungs of mice with Acinetobacter pneumonia and analyzed their response to infection. Normal mice eradicated the A. baumannii infection within 3 days of inoculation. Neutrophils were rapidly recruited to the lungs, followed by macrophages and NK1.1+ cells. Neutrophil‐depleted mice showed acute and severe symptoms, and all of the mice died within 3 days of inoculation. The majority of macrophage‐depleted mice responded in a similar manner to the control mice. These results indicate that neutrophils are essential for the elimination of A. baumannii. Half of NK1.1+ cell‐depleted mice died within 1 day of inoculation and the number of infiltrating neutrophils was lower than that in control mice up until 3 days post‐inoculation. Mor... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5484008 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5484008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5484007&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00403.x ABSTRACTChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 170 million people worldwide. HCV infection is a major global health problem since it can be complicated with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. So far, there is no vaccine available and the nonspecific, interferon‐based treatments in use now have significant side effects and are frequently ineffective since only around 50% of treated patients with genotype 1 and 4 demonstrate HCV clearance. The lack of suitable in vitro and in vivo models for the analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has hampered elucidation of the HCV life cycle and the development of both protective and therapeutic strategies against HCV infection. This review focuses on the progress made towards the establishment of such models... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5484007 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5484007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5484006&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00404.x The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of Alexa‐FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization with Alexa Fluor® 488 labeled oligonucleotide) method as a molecular diagnostic tool for enumeration of multiple sterilant resistant B. pumilus SAFR‐032 spores artificially encapsulated in, and released via organic solvent from, a model polymeric material: poly(methylmethacrylate) (Lucite, Plexiglas). Plexiglas is used extensively in various aerospace applications, and in medical, pharmaceutical and food industries. Alexa‐FISH signals were not detected from spores via standard methods for vegetative bacterial cells. Optimization of a spore permeabilization protocol capitalizing on the synergistic action of proteinase‐K, lysozyme, mutanolysin and Triton X‐100 facilitated... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5484006 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5484006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5484005&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00405.x ABSTRACTA sensitive rRNA‐targeted reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) method was developed for detection of Vibrio cholerae/mimicus, V. parahaemolyticus/alginolyticus and Campylobacter jejuni/coli by using specific primers. Counts of the enteric pathogens spiked in human stools were quantified at the lower detection limit of 103 cells /g of stools by RT‐qPCR, in marked contrast with conventional quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at the detection limit of 105 to 106 cells /g of stools. The bacterial counts determined by RT‐qPCR were almost equivalent to those determined by the culture method and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) during the course of in vitro culture. Bacterial RNA in the stools was stable for at least 4 weeks ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5484005 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5484005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5484004&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00406.x ABSTRACTA VeraCode‐allele specific primer extension (ASPE) method was applied to the detection and genotyping of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. Oligonucleotide primers containing HPV type‐specific L1 sequences were annealed to HPV DNA amplified by PGMY‐PCR, followed by ASPE to label the DNA with biotinylated nucleotides. The labeled DNA was captured by VeraCode beads through hybridization, stained with a streptavidin‐conjugated fluorophore, and detected by an Illumina BeadXpress ® reader. By using this system, sixteen clinically important HPV types (HPV6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68) were correctly genotyped in a multiplex format. The VeraCode‐ASPE genotyping of clinical DNA samples yielded identical results with those obtained by validated PGM... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5484004 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5484004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5674694&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00437.x In conclusion, we established a novel cell culture–adapted genotype 1b HCV strain, termed NC1, which can produce infectious virus when the viral RNA is transfected into cells. This system provides an important opportunity for studying the life cycle of the genotype 1b HCV. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5674694 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5674694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664683&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00436.x ABSTRACTAvian bornavirus (ABV) was discovered recently in parrots with proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), a fatal neurological disease. Although ABV has been shown to be a causative agent of PDD, the virological characteristics of ABV are largely unknown. Here we report the detection of ABV genotype 5 RNA in Eclectus roratus with feather picking disorder (FPD). Interestingly, the bird was persistently infected with ABV5 at least for 8 months without clinical sings of PDD. Although it remains unclear whether ABV5 is associated with FPD, these findings raise the importance of epidemiological studies of birds with diseases other than PDD. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664683 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5664683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5657263&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00435.x ABSTRACTMurine γδ T cells develop as the first T‐cell lineage within the fetal thymus and disproportionately localize in mucosal tissues, such as lung, skin, uterus, and intestine of adult mice. Such unique developmental features and distribution patterns of γδ T cells enable rapid functioning against various insults from pathogens. γδ T cells are also able to respond to local inflammation and consequently regulate the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and development of tumors in mice and humans. Hence, it is clinically important to understand the regulatory mechanisms of γδ T cell functions. Recent evidence has shown that generations of effector γδ T cell subsets producing IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐17 are programmed in the murine thymus before their migration to periphera... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5657263 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5657263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5644335&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00434.x ABSTRACTThe botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT‐LC) is a zinc‐dependent metalloprotease that cleaves neuronal SNARE proteins such as SNAP‐25, VAMP2, and Syntaxin1. This cleavage interferes with the neurotransmitter release of peripheral neurons and results in flaccid paralysis. SNAP, VAMP, and Syntaxin are representative of large families of proteins that mediate most membrane fusion reactions, as well as both neuronal and nonneuronal exocytotic events in eukaryotic cells. Neuron specific SNARE proteins, which are target substrates of BoNTs, have been well studied; however, it is unclear whether other SNARE proteins are also proteolyzed by BoNTs. Herein, we define the substrate specificity of BoNT‐LC/B, /D, and /F towards recombinant human VAMP family proteins. We demonstrate th... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5644335 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5644335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5636030&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00432.x ABSTRACTPandemic influenza (H1N1) virus [A(H1N1)pdm09] emerged in 2009. To determine the phylogeography of A(H1N1)pdm09 in a single population, a total of 70 strains of the virus were isolated from university students or trainee doctors at Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, between September and December 2009. We analyzed nucleotide sequences of HA1 region of the HA genes and described phylogenetic relationships of the strains circulating among them. The results indicate that the 70 isolates could be phylogenetically separated into three groups and that two epidemics were caused by different groups of the virus. The three groups were also distinguished from each other by three amino acid changes: A197T, S203T and Q293H. The substitution of S203T, which located in the antigenic site, suggests antige... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5636030 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5636030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5617574&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00428.x ABSTRACTIn stressful conditions, bacteria enter into the viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state; in this state, they are alive but fail to grow on conventional media on which they normally grow and develop into colonies. The molecular basis underlying this state is unknown. We investigated the role of the alternative sigma factor RpoS (σ38) in the VBNC induction using Salmonella Dublin, Salmonella Oranienburg and Salmonella Typhimurium LT2. VBNC was induced by osmotic stress in LT2 and Oranienburg. Dublin also entered the VBNC state, but more slowly than LT2 and Oranienburg did. The LT2 rpoS gene was initiated from an alternative initiation codon, TTG; therefore, LT2 had smaller amounts of RpoS than Dublin and Oranienburg. Oranienburg had a single amino acid substitution (D118N) in RpoS... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5617574 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5617574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5594095&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2012.00427.x ABSTRACTTo study the genetic characteristics and function of swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I from the Hebao pig, a rare inbreed in China, a pair of primers was designed to amplify the SLA‐2 gene (SLA‐2‐HB) and then the genetic characteristics of the gene were analyzed. The 3D homology modeling was used to analyze the structure and function of SLA‐2‐HB proteins. After cloning, sequencing and computer analysis, four SLA‐2‐HB alleles were found, all of 1,119 bp. Sites 3–1,097 were an open reading frame encoding 364 amino acids with two sets of intra‐chain disulfide bonds comprising four cysteines situated in sites 125, 188, 227 and 283. By alignment of SLA‐2‐HB sequences with other SLA‐2 alleles in the IPD database, eleven key variable amino acid sites were found... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5594095 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5594095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5557002&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00425.x ABSTRACTHelicobacter pylori in Vladivostok, Far Eastern Russia, were investigated during 2004–2009. The genotype cagA+vacA+ (s1/m1 or m2) accounted for 74.7%, with cagA−vacA+ (s2/m2) in 11.2%. The CagA EPIYA type was mainly Western ABC, with minor types (ABCCC and novel AAABC) or non‐Western/non‐East Asia type (AB). Regarding drug resistance, metronidazole resistance was the highest, with marked decrease in six years (from 71.4% to 30.8%); in stead, levofloxacin and clarithromycin resistance increased. The data indicate that in Vladivostok, H. pylori was mainly the Western (not East Asian) type and dynamic changes in drug resistance occurred during six years. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5557002 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5557002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5550317&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00408.x (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5550317 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5550317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5550316&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00389.x ABSTRACTTick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes severe encephalitis in humans. It is endemic in one area of Japan; however no commercial vaccine is available in that country. In this Japan‐based study, the efficacy of subviral particles (SPs) of TBEV administered by needle‐free injector was evaluated as a vaccine candidate. Inoculation with SP‐encoding DNA by needle‐free injector induced neutralizing antibodies more efficiently than when administered by needle and syringe, and mice vaccinated with one dose by needle‐free injector survived challenge with a lethal dose of TBEV. These results suggest that SP vaccines delivered by needle‐free injector can protect against TBEV infection. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5550316 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5550316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5550315&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00391.x ABSTRACTCells lacking rodZ are defective not only in cell shape, but also in cell growth at low temperatures. Cold‐sensitive growth was suppressed by a mutation of ispA without recovery from the round shape, and the mutation improved cell growth of the wild‐type at low temperatures. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5550315 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5550315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5550314&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00396.x ABSTRACTInfluenza virus infection causes severe respiratory disease such as that due to avian influenza (H5N1). Influenza A viruses proliferate in human epithelial cells, which produce inflammatory cytokines/chemokines as a “cytokine storm” attenuated with the viral nonstructural protein 1 (NS1). Cytokine/chemokine production in A549 epithelial cells infected with influenza A/H1N1 virus (PR‐8) or nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) plasmid was examined in vitro. Because tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and regulated upon activation normal T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) are predominantly produced from cells infected with PR‐8 virus, the effects of mRNA knockdown of these cytokines were investigated. Small interfering (si)TNF‐α down‐regulated RANTES expression and secre... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5550314 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5550314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5550313&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00385.x ABSTRACTCommercially available inactivated vaccines against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) have been shown to be effective in reducing PCV2 viremia. Live‐attenuated, orally administered vaccines are widely used in the swine industry for several pathogens because of their ease of use yet they are not currently available for PCV2 and efficacy. The aims of this study were to determine the efficacy of a live‐attenuated chimeric PCV2 vaccine in a dual‐challenge model using PCV2b and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and to compare intramuscular (IM) and oral (PO) routes of vaccination. Eighty‐three 2‐week‐old pigs were randomized into 12 treatment groups: four vaccinated IM, four vaccinated PO and four non‐vaccinated (control) groups. Vaccination was pe... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5550313 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5550313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5550312&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00386.x In conclusion, the cleanliness in KIBO was equivalent to that in a clean room environment on the ground. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5550312 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5550312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5550311&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00420.x ABSTRACTSuccinatimonas hippei is a new bacterial species isolated from human feces. Here we report that the growth of S. hippei YIT 12066T depends on CO2 or bicarbonate and the headspace gas produced by microbiota. Genetic defect for carbonic anhydrase in this bacterium suggested a reason for the syntrophic property of CO2 dependency and may suggest an adaptation to its habitat. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5550311 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5550311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534312&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00417.x ABSTRACTThe recent outbreak of Chikungunya virus causes a rheumatic fever associating with considerable morbidity and fatalities. Thus, it is important to identify biomarker(s) of severe disease induced by this threatening arbovirus. Identification of the putative biomarkers was conducted in cases of chikungunya fever from an outbreak in the Southern part of Thailand during the 2009–2010. Sixty‐two patients who developed fever, myalgia, with or without arthralgia/arthritis were enrolled and grouped into severe/CHIKF (n = 15), mild/CHIKF (n = 20) and non‐CHIKF (n = 27) to investigate circulating immunological mediators that may serve as markers for severity. Blood samples were taken at presentation (day 1) and 30 days later (day 30) and plasma levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534312 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5534312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5520967&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00413.x This study provides information for normal Ig levels in healthy Asian children evaluated by nephelometry and illustrates the importance of having normal Ig values from age‐ and ethnic‐matched controls using the same assay in order to correctly diagnose immunologic disorders. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5520967 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5520967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5493041&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00410.x ABSTRACTThe aims of this study were to elucidate the kinetics of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA load in serially collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with primary EBV infection, and to determine the correlated host factors. Blood samples were collected from 24 patients with primary EBV infection. EBV DNA copy number was measured using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Based on the kinetics of EBV DNA load, the 24 patients were divided into two groups, rapid regression and slow regression. Eighteen of the twenty‐four (75%) patients were included in the slow regression group, and 6 of the 24 (25%) patients were included in the rapid regression group. No statistical difference was observed in clinical features and laboratory findings between the two groups... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5493041 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5493041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5484003&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00409.x ABSTRACTAn effective vaccine would be a priority to control H. pylori‐associated infection which is present about half the people in the world. The H. pylori outer inflammatory protein (oipA) had demonstrated as a potential antigen in vaccination. In the present study, we aimed to investigate oipA gene encoded construct (poipA) in C57BL/6 mice vaccination. Further to explore co‐delivery of IL‐2 gene encoded construct (pIL‐2) and B subunit heat‐labile toxin of E.coli gene encoded construct(pLTB) could modulate the immune response and enhanced DNA vaccine efficacy. Our results demonstrated that the poipA administered via intradermal route (‘the gene gun’ immunization) promoted a strong Th2 immune response, by co‐delivery of either pIL‐2 or pLTB adjuvant elicited a Th1‐bia... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5484003 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5484003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5397585&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00394.x (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5397585 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5397585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5397584&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00377.x ABSTRACTEST analysis based on the megaclone‐megasorting method was performed using leukocytes from the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with or without LPS stimulation. A total of 849 upregulated and 384 downregulated EST clones were sequenced, annotated, and functionally classified. Ferritin heavy peptide I was the most abundant upregulated transcript, suggesting that LPS stimulation induced high production of reactive oxygen species, which were sequestered in ferritin. Among the immune factors, the transcripts coding for an IL‐1Ra, homologs to bovine serum amyloid A3, and canine intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 were highly expressed. Markedly downregulated transcripts of immune factors were those for homologs of calcium‐binding proteins belonging to the S100 family, S100A... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5397584 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5397584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5397583&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00381.x ABSTRACTVaccination with the non‐adjuvanted split‐virion A/California/7/2009 influenza vaccine (pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine) began in October 2009 in Japan. The present study was designed to assess the effect of prior vaccination with a seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine on the antibody response to the pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine in healthy adult volunteers. One hundred and seventeen participants aged 22 to 62 were randomly assigned to two study groups. In Group 1 (the priming group), participants were first vaccinated with the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine followed by two separate one‐dose vaccinations of the pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine, whereas in Group 2 (the non‐priming group), the participants were first vaccinated with one dose of the pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine, followe... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5397583 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5397583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5397582&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00382.x In this study, replication of HCV at different glucose concentrations was investigated by using J6/JFH1‐derived cell‐adapted HCV in Huh‐7.5 cells and the mechanism of regulation of HCV replication by AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) as an energy sensor of the cell analyzed. Reducing the glucose concentration in the cell culture medium from 4.5 to 1.0 g/L resulted in suppression of HCV replication, along with activation of AMPK. Whereas treatment of cells with AMPK activator 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide 1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) suppressed HCV replication, compound C, a specific AMPK inhibitor, prevented AICAR's effect, suggesting that AICAR suppresses the replication of HCV by activating AMPK in Huh‐7.5 cells. In contrast, compound C induced further suppressi... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5397582 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5397582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376656&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00395.x ABSTRACTWe have already obtained the Bordetella bronchiseptica mutant BbLP39, which contains a deep‐rough lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instead the wild type smooth LPS with O antigen. This mutant was altered in the expression of some proteins and in its ability to colonize mice lungs. Particularly, in BbLP39 the expression of pertactin is decreased. To differentiate the contribution of each bacterial component to the observed phenotype, here we used mice defective in the LPS sensing receptor TLR4 (TLR4‐defective mice). In contrast to wild‐type mice, infection of TLR4‐defective mice with BbLP39 resulted in lung infection, which persisted for more than 10 days post‐challenge. Comparative analysis of the immune responses induced by purified mutant and wild type LPSs showed that the muta... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376656 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376655&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00396.x We examined cytokines/chemokines production in A549 epithelial cells infected with influenza A/H1N1 virus (PR‐8) or nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) plasmid in vitro. Because tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and regulated upon activation normal T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) were predominantly produced from the cells infected with PR‐8 virus, effects of mRNA knockdown of these cytokines were investigated. Small interfering (si)TNF‐α down‐regulated RANTES expression and secretion of RANTES, Interleukin (IL)‐8, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1. In addition, siRANTES suppressed interferon (IFN)‐γ expression and the secretion of RANTES, IL‐8, and MCP‐1, suggesting that TNF‐α stimulates production of RANTES, IL‐8, MCP‐1, and IFN‐γ, and RANTES also IL... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376655 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376654&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00397.x In this study, we isolated MRSA from public transport in Tokyo and Niigata. Of 349 trains examined, eight (2.3%) were positive for MRSA. MRSA belonged to sequence types (STs) 5, 8, 88, and 89, and included community infection‐associated ST8 MRSA (with novel type IV staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec) and the ST5 New York/Japan hospital clone. The data indicate that public transport could contribute to the spread of community‐acquired MRSA, and awareness of this mode of transmission is required. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376654 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376653&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00398.x ABSTRACTCertain Bifidobacterium strains have been shown to inhibit inflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells. However, the precise mechanisms of these effects, including the chemical nature of the active compounds, remain to be elucidated. Here we report on partial characterization of the anti‐inflammatory properties of Bifidobacterium strains isolated from feces of healthy infants. We found that conditioned media (CM) of all strains studied are capable of attenuating the TNFα and LPS‐induced inflammatory responses in HT‐29 cell line. In contrast, neither killed bifidobacterial cells, nor cell‐free extracts showed such activities. Further investigations attributed the activity to heat‐stable, non‐lipophilic compound(s) resistant to protease and nuclease treatments ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376653 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376652&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00399.x In conclusion, H.p LPS may negatively modulate the natural cytotoxic activity and cytokine secretion by immunocompetent cells and thus be involved in the maintenance of infection and development of gastric pathologies. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376652 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5331415&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00387.x ABSTRACTOur previous work indicated a murein lipoprotein mutant of Salmonella showed a marked down‐regulation in the expression of yqhC. YqhC is a putative DNA‐binding protein; therefore, it is most likely that YqhC is involved in modulation of Salmonella genes. Deletion of yqhC rendered Salmonella defective in invasion of intestinal epithelial cells, motility, and induction of cytotoxicity. Further, attenuation in the induction of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and histopathological lesions was seen in mice infected with the yqhC mutant. On the other hand, deletion of yqhC did not significantly affect the 50% lethal dose (LD50) in mice or the ability of Salmonella to survive and replicate in vivo. To better understand how YqhC may affect Salmonella virulence and to identify factors... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5331415 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5331415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5331414&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00388.x The objective of this study was to optimize a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using ethidium monoazide (EMA) or propidium monoazide (PMA) for selective detection of viable H. pylori cells in mixed samples of viable and dead bacteria. Before conducting the real‐time PCR using SodB primers of H. pylori, EMA or PMA was added to the suspensions of viable and/or dead H. pylori cells at concentrations between 1 and 100 μM. PMA at a concentration of 50 μM induced the highest DNA loss in dead cells with only little loss of genomic DNA in viable cells. In addition, selective detection of viable cells in the mixtures of viable and dead cells at various ratios was possible with the combined use of PMA and real‐time PCR. In contrast, EMA penetrated the membranes of both viable... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5331414 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5331414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5331413&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00389.x In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of subviral particles (SPs) of TBEV as vaccine candidates in Japan using a needle‐free injector. Inoculation with SP‐encoding DNA by needle‐free injector induced neutralizing antibodies more efficiently than that by needle and syringe, and mice vaccinated with one dose by needle‐free injector survived challenge with a lethal dose of TBEV. These results suggest that SP vaccines delivered by needle‐free injector can protect against TBEV infection. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5331413 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5331413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5331412&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00390.x ABSTRACTTo discriminate between viable and non‐viable Enterococcus faecalis, the predominant pathogen in apical periodotitis, a real‐time PCR method combined with propidium monoazide (PMA) was developed and evaluated. PMA had no antimicrobial effect on E. faecalis cells, and both viable and non‐viable cells were effectively enumerated. Therefore, E. faecalis cells from the root canals of nine apical periodontitis patients were analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of this approach. This method successfully discriminated viable and non‐viable E. faecalis cells in the clinical specimens. A real‐time PCR assay combined with PMA will contribute to the detailed diagnosis of apical periodontitis. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5331412 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5331412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5331411&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00392.x This study investigated the function of TPI on the cell surface of S. aureus. The interactions of TPI with biological substances such as fibronectin, fibrinogen, plasminogen, and thrombin were investigated. The binding of TPI to plasminogen was demonstrated by both surface plasmon resonance analysis and Far‐Western blotting. Lysine residues were suggested to contribute to the binding because the interaction was inhibited by ɛ‐aminocaproic acid. The activation of plasminogen to plasmin by staphylokinase or tissue plasminogen activator decreased in the presence of TPI, whereas TPI was degraded by plasmin. In other experiments, intact S. aureus cells had the ability to both increase and decrease plasminogen activation depending on the number of cells. Several molecules expressed on the s... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5331411 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5331411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5331410&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00393.x ABSTRACTAntibodies to the anti‐oxidative peroxiredoxin (Prxs) enzymes occur in both systemic autoimmune disease and vasculitis in adulthood. Since increased oxidative stress induces vasculitis in Kawasaki disease (KD), we investigated the presence of autoimmunity to Prxs in patients with KD. The presence of antibodies to Prx 1, 2 and 4 was analyzed by ELISA and Western blot. Of 30 patients with KD, 13 (43.3%) possessed antibodies to Prx 2, whereas these antibodies were present in only 1 of 10 (10.0%) patients with sepsis (4 with purulent meningitis and 6 with septicemia). In contrast, antibodies to Prx 1 and 4 were not detected in either group. There was no significant correlation among the titers of the three antibodies. Clinical parameters were compared between anti‐Prx 2‐positive ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5331410 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5331410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376651&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00400.x ABSTRACTThe purpose of the present study is to evaluate the mechanism of microbial resistance to oxidative stress induced by photolysis of H2O2 in relation to microbial catalase activity. In microbicidal test, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were killed with the yield of hydroxyl radical. C. albicans was rather resistant to hydroxyl radical generated by photolysis of H2O2 as compared with S. aureus. Since catalase activity assay demonstrated that C. albicans had higher catalase activity, one of the reasons for the resistance of the fungus to photolysis of H2O2 would be attributable to the catalase activity. Indeed, it was demonstrated that C. albicans with high catalase activity resisted to the photolysis of H2O2 more than that with low catalase activity. Kinetic analysis using ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376651 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5331409&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00391.x ABSTRACTCells lacking rodZ are not only defective in cell shape, but also in cell growth at low temperatures. Cold‐sensitive growth was suppressed by a mutation of ispA without recovery from the round shape, and the mutation improved cell growth of the wild‐type at low temperature. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5331409 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5331409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5257746&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00371.x ABSTRACTA non‐invasive live transconjugant Shigella hybrid (LTSHΔstx) strain was constructed from a Shiga toxin gene deleted mutant of Shigella dysenteriae 1 by introducing a plasmid vector pPR1347 that carried a lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis gene (rfb and rfc) of Salmonella typhimurium. In guinea pigs, four successive oral administrations of LTSH Δstx showed complete protection against rectal challenge with wild type S. dysenteriae 1 strain. Exponential increase of the serum IgG and IgA titer against lipopolysaccharide of LTSH Δstx was observed during immunization, peaked on day 28 and remained at that level until day 35 after the initiation of the immunization. In intestinal lavage of the immunized animals, significant increase of IgA titer against lipopolysaccharide of LTSH Δstx... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5257746 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:30:30 +0100 5257746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246962&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00385.x In this study our aims were to determine the efficacy of a live‐attenuated chimeric PCV2 vaccine in a dual‐challenge model using PCV2b and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and to compare intramuscular and oral routes of vaccination. Eighty‐three, 2‐week‐old pigs were randomized into 12 treatment groups including four intramuscularly vaccinated groups, four orally vaccinated groups, and four non‐vaccinated control groups. Vaccination was done at 3 weeks of age using a PCV1–2a live‐attenuated vaccine followed by no challenge, or challenge with PCV2b, PRRSV or a combination of PCV2b and PRRSV at 7 weeks of age. Intramuscular administration of the vaccine elicited an anti‐PCV2 antibody response between 14 and 28 days post vaccination with 21/28 of t... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246962 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5204921&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00381.x ABSTRACTVaccination with the non‐adjuvanted split‐virion A/California/7/2009 influenza vaccine (pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine) began in October 2009 in Japan. We studied how prior vaccination with a seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine affects the antibody response to the pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine in healthy adult volunteers. One hundred and seventeen participants aged 22 to 62 were randomly assigned to two study groups; Group 1 (the priming group) participants were first vaccinated with the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine followed by two separate one‐dose vaccinations of the pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine. Group 2 (the non‐priming group) participants were first vaccinated with one dose of the pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine, followed by simultaneous vaccination of the seasonal trivalent... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5204921 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5204921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5204920&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00382.x In this study, we have investigated the replication of HCV under the different glucose concentration, by using J6/JFH1‐derived cell‐adapted HCV in Huh‐7.5 cells, and analyzed the mechanism of the regulation of HCV replication by AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) as an energy sensor of the cell. Reducing the glucose concentration in the cell culture medium from 4.5 to 1.0 g/L resulted in the suppression of HCV replication, along with the activation of AMPK. Treatment of cells with AMPK activator 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide 1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) suppressed HCV replication whereas a specific AMPK inhibitor compound C prevented the AICAR's effect suggesting that AICAR suppresses the replication of HCV by activating AMPK in Huh‐7.5 cells. In contrast, compound... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5204920 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5204920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5204919&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00383.x In this study, we find that prior influenza virus infection inhibits the murine alveolar macrophage phagocytosis of S. aureus but not E. coli. Here, we elucidate the mechanism for this inhibition, showing that prior influenza virus infection strongly increases Interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) production. Furthermore, we show that IFN‐γ differentially affects alveolar macrophages phagocytosis of S. aureus and E. coli. Our study explains how influenza virus infection increases susceptibility to only some bacteria, such as S. aureus, and provides evidence that IFN‐γ might be a promising target for protecting the human population from secondary bacterial infection by influenza. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5204919 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5204919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246961&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00386.x In conclusion, cleanliness at KIBO was equivalent to that in a clean room environment on the ground. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246961 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218280&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00358.x In this study, the full‐length genome sequence of the prototype of sapovirus, namely Sapporo virus (SV82), was identified. Sapporo virus RNA was extracted from a fecal sample, amplified by RT‐PCR and the PCR products sequenced directly and analyzed. Sequence analysis showed that Sapporo virus consists of 7433 nucleotides and has three open reading frames. The Sapporo strain shows 91.7% nucleotide sequence identity to the Manchester virus. Phylogenic analysis has also revealed the closeness of Sapporo virus to other sapovirus/genogroup I strains. Basic information on the evolutionary history of sapovirus analysis is provided here. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218280 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218279&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00362.x ABSTRACTCD30 ligand (CD30L, CD153) is a type II membrane‐associated glycoprotein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family. It is shown here that CD30L knock out (KO) mice are highly susceptible to primary infection with Listeria monocytogenes as assessed by the survival rate. There were significantly more bacteria on day 3 after infection in the peritoneal cavity, spleen and liver of CD30LKO mice than in wild type (WT) mice. The innate function of memory phenotype (MP) CD44+ CD4+ T cells for interferon‐gamma production was significantly lower in CD30LKO mice than in WT mice in response to interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐15 in vitro. Depletion of CD4+ T cells by in vivo administration of anti‐CD4 mAb at an early stage after infection hampered protection against Listeria. Furthermo... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218279 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218278&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00357.x In this study, the effect of reducing conditions on the binding of bacterial recombinant mouse PrP (MoPrP) with PrPSc and the conversion of MoPrP into proteinase K‐resistant PrP (PrPres) using a cell‐free conversion assay was investigated. High concentrations of dithiothreitol did not inhibit either the binding or conversion reactions of PrPSc from five prion strains. Indeed, dithiothreitol significantly accelerated mouse‐adapted BSE‐seeded conversion. These data suggest that conversion of PrPSc derived from a subset of prion strains is accelerated under reducing conditions, as has previously been shown for spontaneous conversion. Furthermore, the five prion strains used could be classified into three groups according to their efficiency at binding and conversion of MoPrP and cyste... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218278 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218277&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00364.x ABSTRACTPatients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are highly susceptible to viral, bacterial, and fungal skin infections because their skin is dry and this compromises the barrier function of the skin. Therefore, the skin microbiota of patients with AD is believed to be different from that of healthy individuals. In the present study, the skin fungal microbiota of nine patients with mild, moderate, or severe AD and ten healthy subjects were compared using an rRNA clone library. Fungal D1/D2 large subunit analysis of 3647 clones identified 58 species and seven unknown phylotypes in face scale samples from patients with AD and healthy subjects. Malassezia species were predominant, accounting for 63%–86% of the clones identified from each subject. Overall, the non‐Malassezia yeast microbiota o... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218277 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218276&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00363.x ABSTRACTMonoclonal antibodies against Yersinia enterocolitica were produced by fusion of NS‐1 mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells of ICR mice immunized with heat‐killed and heat‐killed plus SDS‐mercaptoethanol treated forms of Y. enterocolitica ATCC 27729 alone or mixed with Y. enterocolitica MU. The twenty‐five MAbs obtained from five fusions were divided into nine groups according to their specificities to different bacterial strains and species, as determined by dot blotting. The first five groups of MAbs were specific only to Y. enterocolitica, but did not recognize all of the isolates tested. MAbs in groups 6 and 7 reacted with all isolates of Y. enterocolitica tested but showed cross‐reaction with some Yersinia spp. and Edwardsiella tarda, especially in the case of grou... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218276 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218275&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00360.x ABSTRACTMoraxella catarrhalis has been recognized as a particularly threatening respiratory tract pathogen in humans. A prospective study was performed to investigate which strains of M. catarrhalis can be transmitted within families; the study also addressed features of antimicrobial susceptibility. Seventy‐five strains were isolated from six participants between July 2002 and February 2004, including 73 that were verified as beta‐lactamase‐producing strains. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested for six types of antibiotics and no treatment issues were found. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on all strains and 25 independent PFGE patterns were detected. The dominant pattern L (defined in the present study) was found in 21 (28%) of strains that were continuo... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218275 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156681&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00379.x ABSTRACTSendai virus (SeV), a pneumotropic virus of rodents, has an accessory protein, V, and the V protein has been shown to interact with melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 (MDA5), inhibiting interferon regulatory factor‐3 (IRF3) activation and interferon‐β production. In the present study, interaction of the V protein with various IRF3‐activating proteins including MDA5 was investigated in a co‐immunoprecipitation assay. We also investigated interaction of mutant V proteins from SeVs of low pathogenicity with MDA5. The V protein interacted with at least retinoic acid inducible gene I, inhibitor of κB kinase epsilon and IRF3 other than MDA5. However, only MDA5 interacted with the V protein dependently on the C‐terminal V unique (Vu) region, inhibiting IRF3 reporter ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156681 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5117899&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00373.x ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study is to study the relationship between peripheral blood lymphocyte subset proportion and prognosis in patients with septic shock. Fifty‐two patients with septic shock, admitted to the intensive care unit between March 2007 and December 2010, were enrolled in this study. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subset proportions were measured using flow cytometry. The percentage of CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD19+ lymphocytes, CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio were substantially lower in patients with septic shock compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The percentage of CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The percentage of CD16+CD56+ lymphocytes was higher in patients with septic shock than in the control group (P < 0.01... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5117899 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5117899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5117898&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00374.x ABSTRACTFriend murine leukemia virus clone A8 causes spongiform neurodegeneration in the rat brain, and the env gene of A8 is a primary determinant of neuropathogenicity. In order to narrow down the critical region within the env gene that determines neuropathogenicity, we constructed chimeric viruses having chimeric env between A8 and non‐neuropathogenic 57 on the background of A8 virus. After replacement of the BamHI (at nucleotide 5715)‐AgeI (at nucleotide 6322) fragment of A8 virus with the corresponding fragment of 57, neuropathogenicity was lost. In contrast, the chimeric viruses that have the BamHI (5715)‐AgeI (6322) fragment of A8 induced spongiosis in 100% of infected rats at the same or slightly lower intensity than A8 virus. These results indicate that the BamHI (5715)‐A... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5117898 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5117898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5117897&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00375.x In conclusion, the EFGR pathway participates in IL‐8 production by bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with Mp‐Ag. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5117897 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5117897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5117896&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00377.x ABSTRACTExpression sequence tag (EST) analysis based on the megaclone‐megasorting method was performed using leukocytes from the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. A total of 846 up‐regulated and 384 down‐regulated EST clones were sequenced, annotated, and functionally classified. Ferritin heavy peptide I was the most abundant up‐regulated transcript, suggesting that LPS stimulation induced high production of reactive oxygen species, which were sequestered in ferritin. Among the immune factors, the transcripts coding for an interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra), homologues to bovine serum amyloid A3, and canine intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 were highly expressed. Markedly down‐regulated transcripts of immun... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5117896 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5117896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5117895&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00376.x In this study, we constructed three recombinant BCG (rBCG) vaccines that could express proteins of human IL‐12p70 and/or ESAT‐6 and evaluated their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice. Our experiments illustrated that the rBCG‐IE (expressing a fusion protein of human IL‐12p70 and ESAT‐6) was capable of inducing stronger Th1 type cell‐mediated immune responses than conventional BCG, or rBCG‐I (expressing human IL‐12p70), or rBCG‐E (expressing ESAT‐6). However, the results of protective experiments showed that rBCG‐IE could only confer similar and even lower protective efficacy against M.tuberculosis H37Rv infection compared with BCG vaccine. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5117895 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5117895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5204918&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00384.x ABSTRACTMajor histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I)‐restricted CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses are crucial for the control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication. In particular, Gag‐specific CTL responses have been indicated to exert strong suppressive pressure on HIV/SIV replication. Additionally, association of Vif‐specific CTL frequencies with in vitro anti‐SIV efficacy has been suggested recently. Host MHC‐I genotypes would affect the immunodominance patterns of these potent CTL responses. Here, we examined Gag‐specific and Vif‐specific CTL responses during primary SIVmac239 infection in three groups of Burmese rhesus macaques sharing MHC‐I haplotypes, respectively. The first group of four macaques po... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5204918 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5204918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156680&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00380.x ABSTRACTThe formation of the rich cellular features of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs), where the nuclei are arranged circularly at the periphery of the cell (morphologically epithelioid; Langhans‐type), is assumed to be associated with any granulomatous disease. The mechanism by which tumor necrosis factor (TNF) controls the formation of human MGCs in vitro was investigated, focusing on the effect of the TNF‐neutralizing antibody. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated with mAb‐coated immunologic magnetic beads and cultured for 10 days in the presence of 20 ng/mL granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and 10 ng/mL interleukin (IL)‐4. These cells were further incubated in the presence of TNF‐α with/without its blockade antibodies for 14 days. Myeloid d... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156680 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5117894&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00378.x ABSTRACTMannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a serum lectin that activates the lectin pathway of the complement system. MBL forms complexes with three types of MBL‐associated serine proteases (MASPs). Upon binding to Salmonella serogroup C‐specific oligosaccharide, MBL activates the alternative pathway via a C2 bypass pathway without involving MASP‐2, C2 or C4. We demonstrate that mannan‐bound MBL activates the alternative pathway via a C2 bypass pathway that requires MASP‐2 and C4. Thus, depending on the ligands to which MBL binds, there may be two distinct MBL‐mediated C2 bypass pathways. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5117894 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5117894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5085478&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00369.x ABSTRACTIt is not surprising that tumors arising spontaneously are rarely rejected by T cells, because in general they lack molecules to elicit a primary T‐cell response. In fact, cytokine‐engineered tumors can induce granulocyte infiltration leading to tumor rejection. In the present study, we intradermally (i.d.) injected 7 kinds of non‐engineered tumor cells into syngeneic strains of mice. Three of them (i.e., B16, KLN205, and 3LL cells) continued to grow, whereas 4 of them (i.e., Meth A, I‐10, CL‐S1, and FM3A cells) were spontaneously rejected after transient growth or without growth. In contrast to the i.d. injection of B16 cells into C57BL/6 mice, which induces infiltration of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) into the tumors, the i.d. injection of Meth A cells into BAL... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5085478 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5085478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5085477&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00370.x In conclusion, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG expressing an antigen could generate an effective immune response to the antigen and IL2 improved the response generated probably by increasing LGG expressing antigen survival in immune cells. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5085477 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5085477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5085476&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00371.x ABSTRACTA noninvasive live transconjugant Shigella hybrid (LTSHΔstx) strain was constructed from a Shiga toxin gene deleted mutant of Shigella dysenteriae 1 by introducing a plasmid vector pPR1347 that carried a lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis gene (rfb and rfc) of Salmonella typhimurium. In guinea pigs, four successive oral administrations of LTSHΔstx showed complete protection against rectal challenge with wild type S. dysenteriae 1 strain. Exponential increase of the serum IgG and IgA titer against lipopolysaccharide of LTSHΔstx was observed during immunization, peaked on day 28 and remained at that level until day 35 after the initiation of the immunization. In intestinal lavage of the immunized animals, significant increase of IgA titer against lipopolysaccharide of LTSHΔstx was a... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5085476 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5085476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5085475&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00372.x ABSTRACTT cell expression of natural killer cell receptors (NKRs) can trigger or inhibit cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. However, few studies on T lymphocyte NKR expression in HIV infection exist. Here, we examined the expression patterns of natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), natural killer group 2 member A (NKG2A), and Killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor, three domains, long cytoplasmic tail 1(KIR3DL1) on CD8+ and CD3+CD8− cells by multicolor flow cytometry in groups of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) ‐treated AIDS, as well as HIV‐negative normal controls. Individual analysis of KIR3DL1 on CD3+CD8+ or CD3+CD8− cells revealed no significant differences among any of... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5085475 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5085475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5076883&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00350.x ABSTRACTThe present study aimed to develop an innovative, strain‐specific means of identifying the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri TMC0356 and to determine whether orally administered TMC0356 could be recovered from the human intestine. High molecular weight genomic DNA was isolated from TMC0356 and 14 reference strains of L. gasseri, including the type strain. The DNA samples were digested with the selected rare‐cutting restriction endonucleases SmaI, SacII and ApaI and the resulting fragments separated by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in a size range between 20 to 290 kb. TMC0356 could be distinguished from the other L. gasseri strains on the basis of the SmaI and SacII macrorestriction patterns. Furthermore, L. gasseri strains isolated from the feces of subjects who had ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5076883 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 03:12:17 +0100 5076883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5076882&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00348.x ABSTRACTGranulysin and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) have broad antimicrobial activity which controls Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection. Circulating granulysin and IFN‐γ concentrations were measured and correlated with clinical disease in Thai patients with newly diagnosed, relapsed and chronic tuberculosis (TB). Compared to controls, patients with newly diagnosed, relapsed and chronic TB had lower circulating granulysin concentrations, these differences being significant only in newly diagnosed and relapsed TB (P < 0.001 and 0.004, respectively). Granulysin concentrations in patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed TB were significantly lower than in those with chronic TB (P= 0.003 and P= 0.022, respectively). In contrast, significantly higher circulating IFN�... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5076882 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 03:12:15 +0100 5076882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5076881&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00354.x ABSTRACTThe transcription mode of rabies virus high egg passage‐Flury (HEP) strain was examined and compared with that of Evelyn Rokitniki Abelseth (ERA) strain by northern blot analysis using rabies virus gene‐specific probes. The ERA strain was shown to exclusively produce monocistronic mRNAs in transcription. All combinations of multicistronic transcripts, including five monocistronic mRNAs, were detected in the viral RNA transcripts of HEP strain. It was concluded that the unique transcription mode is not due to the nucleotide structure of the genome RNA template, but rather to the viral RNA polymerase of HEP strain. The viral polymerase of HEP strain read through the gene junction at a high frequency. The HEP strain has been passaged many times in chick embryo and cultured cells, ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5076881 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 03:12:14 +0100 5076881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5076880&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00351.x ABSTRACTTo determine serum antibody against human and bacterial heat shock protein (HSP) 60/70  in myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐specific anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) positive microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), 58 patients with MPO‐ANCA positive MPA, 48 with RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and 40 with SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) were studied. Serum antibodies against HSP (human HSP 70, human HSP 60, Mycobacterium HSP 70, and Escherichia coli HSP 60) were measured by sandwich ELISA. The frequency of anti‐human HSP 60/70 antibody positive patients was significantly greater in MPO‐ANCA positive MPA than SLE and healthy controls. Anti‐human HSP 60/70 antibody titers in patients with MPO‐ANCA positive MPA were significantly higher than those of healthy controls; anti‐... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5076880 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 03:12:12 +0100 5076880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5027273&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00365.x ABSTRACTBurkholderia multivorans NKI379 has an antagonistic effect against the growth of B. pseudomallei, which we have demonstrated here using agar diffusion tests and a Transwell system. Bacterial representatives were isolated from agricultural crop soil and mixed to construct a partial bacterial community structure that based on the results of reproducible patterns following PCR‐DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) analysis from total soil chromosomes. The antagonistic effect of B. multivorans on B. pseudomallei was observed in this imitate community. In a field study of agricultural crop soil, the presence of B. pseudomallei was inversely related to the presence of the antagonistic strains B. multivorans or B. cenocepacia. B. multivorans NKI379 can survive in a broader rang... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5027273 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5027273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5027272&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00366.x ABSTRACTAcute viral gastroenteritis is one of the most common infectious diseases in infants and young children. Rotavirus is mainly important in childhood. The present study determined the detection rate, seasonality and G and P genotypes of rotaviruses in children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, Korea in 2009. A total of 1,423 stool specimens were screened by ELISA for the presence of rotavirus antigens and the rotavirus‐positive stools genotyped by RT‐PCR. The G genotype was determined for 90% of samples (242/269) and the P genotype for 93.3% (251/269). During the study, 25 G‐P combinations were detected with G1P[8] in 38.3% (n = 103) and G4P[6] in 5.9% (n = 16) cases. These data provided information on rotavirus in patients with acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, Ko... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5027272 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5027272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5027271&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00367.x ABSTRACTCytotoxic nitic oxide (NO) damages various bacterial macromolecules, resulting in abnormal metabolism by mechanisms largely unknown. We show that NO can cause amino acid auxotrophy in Salmonella Typhimurium lacking major NO‐metabolizing enzyme, Flavohemoglobin Hmp. In NO‐producing cultures, supplementation with amino acid pool restores growth of Hmp‐deficient Salmonella to normal growth phases, whereas excluding Cys or branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) Leu, Ile, or Val from amino acid pool reduces growth recovery. Data suggest that, without detoxification, NO might inactivate key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of amino acids essential for Salmonella replication in amino acid‐limiting host environments. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5027271 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5027271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5027270&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00368.x ABSTRACTPoly‐N‐acetylglucosamine (PNAG) is a major component of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms involved in intercellular adhesion as well as in the interaction of the biofilm with components of the host immune response. Synthesis of PNAG has been found to be regulated by several environmental factors. In the present study, the effect of glucose metabolism‐dependent culture medium acidification in PNAG accumulation was evaluated. Established S. epidermidis biofilms were allowed to grow in excess glucose with or without maintained pH conditions. PNAG accumulation in these biofilms was determined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy using wheat germ agglutinin as a fluorescent probe. Biofilms grown in maintained pH conditions presented significant higher amounts of this po... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5027270 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5027270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975050&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00346.x ABSTRACTPolyomaviruses KI (KIPyV) and WU (WUPyV) were detected from 7 (3.0%) and 38 (16.4%) of 232 children with respiratory tract infections by real‐time PCR. The rates of infection by KIPyV and WUPyV alone were 3 of 7 (42.9%) and 20 of 38 (52.6%), respectively. In the other samples, various viruses (human respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, human rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus 1 and human bocavirus) were detected simultaneously. One case was positive for KIPyV, WUPyV and hMPV. There was no obvious difference in clinical symptoms between KIPyV‐positive and WUPyV‐positive patients with or without coinfection. KIPyV was detected in one of 30 specimens of lung tissue (3.3%). Neither of the viruses was detected in 30 samples of lung adenocarcinoma tissue. (Source: Micro... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975050 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:20:54 +0100 4975050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975049&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00344.x ABSTRACTDespite the high prevalence of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A viruses in Indonesia, epidemiology information on seasonal human influenza is lacking. The present authors, therefore, conducted virologic surveillance in Surabaya, East Java from October 2008 to March 2010. Influenza viruses, including pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses, were isolated from 71 of 635 individuals tested. Seasonal influenza peaked in the rainy season. Compared with seasonal influenza viruses, pandemic 2009 viruses were isolated from younger patients with milder symptoms. Given the high prevalence of H5N1 infections in humans, continued influenza surveillance is essential for pandemic preparedness. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975049 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:20:52 +0100 4975049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975048&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00342.x ABSTRACTBacterial reverse transcriptase (RT) is responsible for the production of an RNA‐DNA complex called multicopy single‐stranded DNA (msDNA). The genetic element required for the sysnthesis of msDNA is named a retron. Here, we characterize two novel retrons named retron‐Vc81 and retron‐Vc137 in Vibrio cholerae. Interestingly, retron‐Vc81 and retron‐Vc137 are replaced by retron‐Vc95 at the same location on the chromosome. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975048 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:20:51 +0100 4975048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975047&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00345.x This study has also demonstrates that P. mirabilis cells grown in acidic broth medium containing urea enhance virulence factors such as flagella production and cytotoxicity to human bladder carcinoma cell line T24, though no significant difference in urease activity under different pH conditions was found. Since there is little published data on the behavior of P. mirabilis at various hydrogen‐ion concentrations, the present study may clarify aspects of cellular differentiation of P. mirabilis in patients at risk of struvite formation due to infection with urease‐producing bacteria, as well as in some animals with acidic or alkaline urine. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975047 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:20:47 +0100 4975047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975046&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00341.x ABSTRACTDeep‐seated trichosporonosis is an opportunistic fungal infection with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. The major causative agent is Trichosporon asahii; its route of infection is not clear. To elucidate whether this microorganism is part of the cutaneous microbiota, we examined skin samples from 380 healthy Japanese ranging in age from 0 to 82 years using a nested PCR assay. The colonization frequency of T. asahii increased with age up to 13–15 years in male and 30–39 years in female subjects, subsequently decreasing gradually in both sexes until senescence. Of the nine genotypes of the intergenic spacer region of the T. asahii rRNA gene, type 1 predominated (81.7%), followed by types 4 (6.7%) and 6 (5.5%). The distribution of identified genotypes was similar to tha... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975046 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:20:45 +0100 4975046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975045&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00343.x ABSTRACTAutophagy is the host innate immune system's first line of defense against microbial intruders. When the innate defense system recognizes invading bacterial pathogens and their infection processes, autophagic proteins act as cytosolic sensors that allow the autophagic pathway to be rapidly activated. However, many intracellular bacterial pathogens deploy highly evolved mechanisms to evade autophagic recognition, manipulate the autophagic pathway, and remodel the autophagosomal compartment for their own benefit. Here current topics regarding the recognition of invasive bacteria by the cytosolic innate immune system are highlighted, including autophagy and the mechanisms that enable bacteria to evade autophagy. Also highlighted are some selective examples of bacterial activities that... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975045 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:20:43 +0100 4975045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4967962&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00361.x We report the isolation of an H5N1 influenza A virus from a tree sparrow (Passer montanus) captured in East Java, Indonesia in 2010. Its hemagglutinin and neuraminidase were genetically similar to that of human isolates from 2006–2007 in Indonesia. The finding of a tree sparrow H5N1 virus that possesses genetically similar surface molecules to those of human viruses highlights the importance of monitoring resident wild birds as well as migratory birds for pandemic preparedness. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4967962 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4967962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4967961&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00362.x ABSTRACTCD30 ligand (CD30L, CD153) is a type II membrane‐associated glycoprotein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family. We show here that CD30L knock out (KO) mice were highly susceptible to primary infection with Listeria monocytogenes as assessed by the survival rate. The number of bacteria on day 3 after infection was significantly greater in the peritoneal cavity, spleen and liver of CD30LKO mice than in wild type (WT) mice. The innate function of memory phenotype (MP) CD44+ CD4+ T cells for interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) production was significantly lower in CD30LKO mice than in WT mice in response to interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐15 in vitro. Depletion of CD4+ T cells by in vivo administration of anti‐CD4 mAb at an early stage after infection hampered the protection... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4967961 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4967961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4967960&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00363.x ABSTRACTMonoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Yersinia enterocolitica were produced by fusion of NS‐1 mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells of ICR mouse immunized with heat‐killed and heat‐killed plus SDS‐mercaptoethanol treated forms of Y. enterocolitica ATCC 27729 alone or mixed with Y. enterocolitica MU. The twenty‐five MAbs obtained from five fusions were divided into nine groups according to their specificities to different bacterial strains and species, as determined by dot blotting. The first five groups of MAbs were specific only to Y. enterocolitica, but did not recognize all of the isolates tested. MAbs in groups 6 and 7 reacted with all isolates of Y. enterocolitica tested but showed cross‐reaction with some Yersinia spp. and Edwardsiella tarda, especially for group 7... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4967960 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4967960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4932943&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00359.x In this study, to investigate the dynamics of PrPSc uptake during the growth of hamsters, scrapie 263K agent was inoculated orally into suckling and weanling Syrian hamsters and the number of PrPSc‐positive villous epithelium cells was estimated immunohistochemically. The number of PrPSc‐positive cells declined significantly as the hamsters aged. Our results suggested that the tendency toward decline of PrPSc‐positive cells according to the animal's stage of growth might be a common phenomenon among the superfamily Muridae. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4932943 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4932943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4901716&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00354.x ABSTRACTThe transcription mode of rabies virus high egg passage‐Flury (HEP) strain was examined and compared with that of Evelyn Rokitniki Abelseth (ERA) strain by northern blot analysis using rabies virus gene‐specific probes. The ERA strain was shown exclusively to produce monocistronic mRNAs in transcription. While all combinations of multicisronic transcripts including five monocistronic mRNAs were detected in the viral RNA transcripts of HEP strain. It was concluded that the unique transcription mode is not due to the nucleotide structure of the genome RNA template, but instead is due to the viral RNA polymerase of HEP strain. The viral polymerase of HEP strain read through the gene junction at a high frequency. The HEP strain has been passaged for many times in chick embryo and c... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4901716 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4901716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4901715&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00355.x ABSTRACTStructural characterization studies have been carried out on the carbohydrate backbone of Vibrio parahaemolyticus serotype O6 lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The carbohydrate backbone isolated from O6 LPS by sequential derivatization, i.e., dephosphorylation, O‐deacylation, pyridylamination, N‐deacylation and N‐acetylation, is a nonasaccharide consisting of 3 mol of D‐glucosamine (GlcN) (of which one is pyridylaminated), 2 mol of L‐glycero‐D‐manno‐heptose (Hep), and 1 mol each of D‐galactose (Gal), D‐glucose (Glc), D‐glucuronic acid (GlcA) and 3‐deoxy‐D‐manno‐oct‐2‐ulosonic acid (Kdo). Structural analyses by NMR spectroscopy and fast‐atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS) demonstrated that the carbohydrate backbone is β‐Galp‐(1→2)‐α‐He... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4901715 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4901715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4901714&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00356.x We reported the apoptotic death of a fungus, Cryptococcus (C.) neoformans, in response to adherence of the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. In co‐culture, cryptococcal actin was visibly aggregated. To investigate the mechanism of death, we considered the participation of small GTP‐binding proteins belonging to the Rho subfamily, which regulate the actin cytoskeleton. C. neoformans was cultured with S. aureus in the presence of N‐(4‐pyridyl)‐4‐(1‐aminoethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (Y‐27632), an inhibitor of Rho‐associated coiled‐coil forming kinase (ROCK), a downstream effector of Rho. The death of C. neoformans was significantly reduced by the inhibitor. Concomitantly, Y‐27632 prevented the aggregation of actin. Therefore, it was thought that the Rho/R... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4901714 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4901714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4901713&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00357.x In this study, we investigated the effect of reducing conditions on the binding of bacterial recombinant mouse PrP (MoPrP) with PrPSc and the conversion of MoPrP into proteinase K‐resistant PrP (PrPres) using a cell‐free conversion assay. High concentrations of dithiothreitol did not inhibit either the binding or conversion reactions of PrPSc from five prion strains. Indeed, dithiothreitol significantly accelerated the mouse‐adapted BSE‐seeded conversion. These data suggested that conversion of PrPSc derived from a subset of prion strains was accelerated under reducing conditions, as well as spontaneous conversion. Furthermore, the five prion strains used could be classified into three groups according to their binding and conversion efficiencies of MoPrP and cysteine‐less mutant... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4901713 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4901713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4967959&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00364.x ABSTRACTPatients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are highly susceptible to viral, bacterial, and fungal skin infections because their skin is dry, which are involved in the barrier function of the skin. Therefore, the skin microbiota of patients with AD is believed to be different from that of healthy individuals. In the present study, we compared the skin fungal microbiota of nine patients with mild, moderate, or severe AD and ten healthy subjects using an rRNA clone library. Fungal D1/D2 large subunit (LSU) analysis of 3,647 clones identified 58 species and seven unknown phylotypes in face scale samples from patients with AD and healthy subjects. Malassezia species were predominant and accounted for 63%–86% of the clones identified from each subject. Overall, the non‐Malassezia yeast mic... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4967959 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4967959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4932942&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00360.x ABSTRACTMoraxella catarrhalis has been recognized as a particularly threatening respiratory tract pathogen in humans. A prospective study was performed to investigate a possible model of M. catarrhalis that can be transmitted intrafamily, which includes features of antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 75 strains were isolated from 6 participants between July 2002 and February 2004, which included 73 that were verified as beta‐lactamase‐producing strains. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested for 6 kinds of antibiotics, and no treatment issues were found. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed for all the strains, and a total of 25 independent PFGE patterns were detected. The dominant pattern L (defined in the present study) was found in 21 (28%) strains that were... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4932942 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4932942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4901712&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00358.x ABSTRACTWe obtained the full‐length genome sequence of the prototype of sapovirus, that is the Sapporo virus (SV82). Sapporo virus RNA was extracted from a fecal sample, amplified by RT‐PCR and the PCR products were sequenced directly and analyzed. Sequence analysis showed that this Sapporo virus consisted of 7433 nucleotides and had 3 open reading frames (ORF). The Sapporo strain showed 91.7% nucleotide sequence identity to Manchester virus. Phylogenic analysis revealed the closeness of Sapporo virus to other SV/GI strains. We can provide basic information on the evolutionary history of sapovirus analysis. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4901712 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4901712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4882897&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00330.x ABSTRACTMannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is an oligomeric serum lectin involved in innate immunity. Human MBL is complexed with three types of serine proteases (MASP‐1, MASP‐2 and MASP‐3) and two types of their truncated forms (sMAP and MAp44). When an MBL complex binds to carbohydrates of pathogens, the complement system is activated via the lectin pathway. Human MBL is a mixture of different sized oligomers that range mainly from trimers to hexamers. It has been suggested that different MBL oligomers may have distinct MASP compositions. In the present study, an MBL trimer (MBL‐I) exclusive of other oligomers was isolated from human serum by chromatography. Immunoblot analysis of MBL‐I revealed that it had been co‐purified with MASP‐1 and sMAP. This suggests that MASP‐1 and ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4882897 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4882897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4882896&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00336.x In this study, 90 samples of Staphylococcus aureus and 90 samples of coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from different clinical materials were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in order to study the genes encoding staphylococcal toxins A (sea), B (seb), C (sec‐1), D (sed) and TSST‐1(tst). The samples shown to be positive for the presence of one or more genes were tested for their capacity to express mRNA encoding the respective toxins by reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR). As regards the CNS species, S. epidermidis was the most frequently isolated, corresponding to 71.1% of the total number of samples of CNS investigated. One hundred and eight samples were positive according to PCR, of which 59 (54.6%) were S. aureus and 49 (45.4%) were CNS. S. aureus s... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4882896 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4882896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4882895&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00332.x ABSTRACTInterleukin‐18 (IL‐18) is a multi‐functional cytokine capable of inducing either Th1 or Th2 polarization depending on the immunologic milieu. IL‐18 may influence the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection. To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms of the IL‐18 and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population, the IL‐18 gene was sequenced to detect polymorphisms and to examine the genotype frequencies in 300 patients and 702 healthy controls. DNA sequencing revealed three IL‐18 variants: rs1946518, rs5744247, and rs549908. It also revealed that allele A of rs1946518 confers a 1.47‐fold increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) (P= 0.0001, OR [95%CI]= 1.47 [1.21–1.78]), and that the C... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4882895 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4882895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852404&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00351.x ABSTRACTTo determine serum antibody against human and bacterial heat shock protein (HSP) 60 / 70 in myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐specific anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) positive microscopic polyangiitis (MPA),fifty‐eight patients with MPO‐ANCA positive MPA, 48 patients with RA, 40 patients with SLE were studied. Serum antibodies against HSP (human HSP 70, human HSP 60, Mycobacterium HSP 70, Escherichia. coli HSP 60) were measured by sandwich ELISA. Frequency of anti‐human HSP 60 / 70 antibody positive patients significantly elevated in MPO‐ANCA positive MPA compared with those of RA (rheumatoid arthritis), SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) and healthy control. Anti‐human HSP 60 / 70 antibody titers in patients with MPO‐ANCA positive MPA were significantly elevate... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852404 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4852404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852403&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00352.x ABSTRACTNasal vaccination is an effective therapeutic regimen for preventing upper respiratory infection. Recently, nasal vaccination with P6 outer membrane protein of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and alpha‐galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer) was reported to induce NTHi‐specific protective immunity. The present study investigated the role of Th17 cells induced by nasal vaccination. Mice were immunized with P6 and α‐GalCer, and P6‐specific immune responses were examined. Cytokine‐producing cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, and expression of cytokines in P6‐specific CD4+ T cells was determined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Bacterial challenges were performed with live NTHi. To examine the role of Th17 cells, bacterial clearance was also eva... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852403 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4852403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4788503&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00346.x ABSTRACTPolyomaviruses KI (KIPyV) and WU (WUPyV) were detected from 7 (3.0%) and 38 (16.4%) of 232 children with respiratory tract infections by real‐time PCR. The rates of single infection of KIPyV and WUPyV were 3 (42.9%) of 7 and 20 (52.6%) of 38, respectively. In other samples, various viruses (human respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus 1 and human bocavirus) were detected simultaneously. One case was positive for KIPyV and WUPyV and also for hMPV. There was no obvious difference between clinical symptoms in KIPyV‐positive and WUPyV‐positive patients with or without coinfection. KIPyV was detected in one (3.3%) of 30 specimens of lung tissues. Neither of the viruses was detected in 30 lung adenocarcinoma tissues. (Source... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4788503 Wed, 04 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4788503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4788502&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00347.x ABSTRACTA novel combination of antimicrobial agents (sulfamethoxazole, 40 μg/ml; trimethoprim 20 μg/ml; amphotericin B, 5 μg/ml; fosfomycin 400 μg/ml; and 5‐fluorouracil, 100 μg/ml) was developed for selective isolation of leptospires from contaminated samples. The growth of 16 microorganisms, considered as possible contaminants during isolation of Leptospira, could be inhibited by this antimicrobial cocktail. In contrast, the growth of a smaller inoculum (101 cells per ml) of 25 Leptospira strains (representing 18 serovars/serogroups of 5 species) was not suppressed by this antimicrobial combination. This cocktail, after incorporating in Leptospira growth medium (Korthof's), could successfully detect leptospires from environmental soil and water. Based on the results, our selective... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4788502 Wed, 04 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4788502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4788501&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00348.x ABSTRACTGranulysin and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) have broad antimicrobial activity which control Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection. Circulating granulysin and IFN‐γ levels were determined in association with clinical disease in Thai patients with newly diagnosed, relapse and chronic tuberculosis (TB). Compared to controls, patients with newly diagnosed, relapse and chronic TB had lower circulating granulysin levels, with significant differences were found only in newly diagnosed and relapse TB (p < 0.001 and 0.004, respectively). These granulysin levels in patients with newly diagnosed and relapse TB were significantly lower than those of chronic TB (p = 0.003 and p = 0.022, respectively). In contrast, significantly higher circulating IFN‐γ levels were fou... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4788501 Wed, 04 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4788501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852402&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00353.x ABSTRACTCationic antimicrobial peptides including cathelin‐related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) in innate immunity are known to play critical roles to protect the host from infection by invasive microbes, including Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria. However, little is known about the interactions between CRAMP and mycoplasmas. In the present study, we examined the antimicrobial activity of CRAMP against M. pneumoniae and the expression of CRAMP in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of M. pneumoniae‐infected mice. CRAMP at 10–20 μg/ml reduced the growth of two strains of M. pneumoniae with 100 to 1,000‐fold reduction. The amount of CRAMP in the BALF of M. pneumoniae‐infected mice was 20∼25 ng/ml by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The presence of mature... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852402 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4852402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828344&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00350.x ABSTRACTThe present study aimed to develop an innovative, strain‐specific means of identifying probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri TMC0356 and to determine whether orally administered TMC0356 could be recovered from the human intestine. High molecular weight genomic DNA was isolated from TMC0356 and 14 reference strains of L. gasseri including the type strain. The DNA samples were digested with the selected rare‐cutting restriction endonucleases SmaI, SacII and ApaI and resulting fragments were separated by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in a size range between 20 to 290 kb. TMC0356 could be distinguished from the other L. gasseri strains on the basis of the SmaI and SacII macrorestriction patterns. Furthermore, L. gasseri strains isolated from the feces of subjects ingested TMC... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828344 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4828344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4788500&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00349.x ABSTRACTThe stability of recombinant bovine interferon‐γ (rbIFN‐γ) produced by a baculovirus expression system was investigated under different storage conditions; freezing‐thawing and storage for 30 days at temperatures of ‐80, 4, 25, and 37°C. Antiviral activity was not significantly decreased by freeze‐thawing at least five times. Furthermore, although not statistically different, antiviral activity gradually decreased as temperature increased. These findings suggest that rbIFN‐γ possesses high thermal and freeze‐thaw stability. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4788500 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4788500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753247&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00318.x In this study, the production of IL‐6 and adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cellular adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and E‐selectin by human astroglioma cells stimulated with Gram‐negative surface components was investigated. Haemophilus influenzae type b porin P2 and its selected active peptide, loop L7, were found to induce MEK1‐MEK2/ mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation in U87‐MG cells as demonstrated by ELISA, and up‐regulate cellular adhesion molecule and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production as shown by RT‐PCR and ELISA. Using two potent and selective inhibitors of MEK activation by Raf‐1 (PD‐098059) and p38 (SB‐203580), it was also demonstrated that both ERK1/2 and p38 pathways play key roles in the productio... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753247 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:05:11 +0100 4753247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753246&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00320.x ABSTRACTA novel influenza A (2009 H1N1) virus has led to a worldwide pandemic. A significant number of patients with pneumonia have been reported, although its pathogenesis remains to be elucidated. To determine its pathogenesis, we evaluated serum interleukin (IL)‐5 and peripheral eosinophil counts in patients with acute pneumonia caused by the 2009 H1N1 virus. During the period from October to December 2009, 40 patients with laboratory‐confirmed 2009 H1N1 pneumonia were under investigation. Their mean age at presentation was 6.8 years. The most characteristic finding was the early development of hypoxemic respiratory distress in the first 24 hr after the onset of fever. Bronchial mucous plugs included eosinophils in addition to neutrophils, even in patients without allergies. Serum I... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753246 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:05:10 +0100 4753246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4652412&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00335.x (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4652412 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:16:22 +0100 4652412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4652411&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00306.x ABSTRACTPneumonia in children is common and can lead to grave consequences if not addressed in a proper and timely manner. In the management of pneumonia, early identification of the causative infective agent is of obvious importance for treatment, as it allows selection of the appropriate antibiotics. However, such identification requires laboratory test results, which may not be immediately available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of 13 markers in differentiating between viral and bacterial pneumonia in Han children (34 healthy controls and 78 patients). It was found that WBC counts were more accurate in diagnosis of the type of agent responsible for infection than was the degree of expression of HMGB1. Among the 13 markers investigated, HMGB1 was the ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4652411 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:16:21 +0100 4652411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4652410&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00311.x ABSTRACTA chimeric PCV1‐2 clone containing the PCV2 capsid gene cloned into the backbone of the nonpathogenic PCV1 genome was recently generated based on PCV2 and PCV1 strains isolated in China. The efficacy of this available candidate inactivated vaccine was evaluated by subjecting conventional pigs to intramuscular immunization with the inactivated chimeric PCV1‐2 virus, followed by challenge with wild‐type PCV2 strain. By 35 days post‐vaccination (DPV), all vaccinated pigs had developed seroconversion, having high indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) titers of antibody and neutralizing antibody against PCV2. By 21 days post‐challenge, gross and microscopic lesions of lymph nodes and lungs in non‐vaccinated but challenged pigs were significantly more severe than those foun... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4652410 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:16:20 +0100 4652410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4652409&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00315.x ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to assess human β‐defensin‐2 (hBD‐2) gene transfection in human bladder epithelial cells and its therapeutic efficacy in a rat urinary tract infection (UTI) model via liposome mediated gene transfer. A large amount of hBD2 production (36.5 ± 3.2 ng/106 cells) was demonstrated in transfected cells’ supernatants. In addition, a detectable amount of hBD‐2 was identified in rats’ urine (4.77 ± 1.4 ng/mL) by ELISA. Expression of the transgene hBD‐2 in transfected cells and rats’ bladders was also confirmed by RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the transgene hBD‐2 expressed in the entire epithelial layer of the transduced bladders. Numbers of bacterial colony‐forming units in urine and bladders from hBD2 ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4652409 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:16:17 +0100 4652409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4641984&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00339.x ABSTRACTThe Schwarz FF‐8 (FF‐8) and AIK‐C measles virus vaccine strains are currently used for vaccination in Japan. Here, we determined the complete genome nucleotide sequence of the FF‐8 strain and found that its genome sequence is remarkably similar to those of the AIK‐C strain. Two nucleotide differences in the phosphoprotein gene differentiate the two strains. Since the FF‐8 strain does not possess the amino acid substitutions in the phospho‐ and fusion proteins which are responsible for the temperature‐sensitivity and small syncytium formation phenotypes of the AIK‐C strain respectively, other unidentified common mechanisms likely attenuate both the FF‐8 and AIK‐C strains. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4641984 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4641984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4621757&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00336.x In this study, 90 samples of Staphylococcus aureus and 90 samples of coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS), isolated from different clinical materials, were investigated by the PCR technique in order to study genes encoding staphylococcal toxins A(sea), B(seb), C(sec‐1), D(sed) and TSST‐1(tst). The samples showing to be positive for the presence of one or more genes were tested for the capacity to express mRNA encoding the respective toxins by the RT‐PCR technique. As regards the CNS species, S. epidermidis was the most frequently isolated, corresponding to 71.1% of the total number of samples of investigated CNS. The findings revealed a total of 108 positive samples by the PCR technique, of which 59 (54.6%) were S. aureus samples, and 49 (45.4%) were CNS. S. aureus showed toxigen... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4621757 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4621757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4621756&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00337.x ABSTRACTRecipient cells migrating into the transplantation site of an allograft recognize histocompatibility antigens on the grafts and are cytotoxic against the grafts. Although the alloreactive immune response is predominantly directed at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC; H‐2 in mice) class I molecules, basic mechanisms of allograft rejection (e.g., a ligand‐receptor interaction) remain unclear, because of the polymorphism and complexity of the MHC. To examine the role of MHC class I molecules in the allograft rejection, we established Dd, Kd or DdKd‐transgenic skin or tumor cells on the C57BL/6 (DbKb) background and transplanted them into C57BL/6 mice. Skin grafts from allogeneic (i.e., BALB/c, B10.D2, and BDF1) strains of mice were rejected from C57BL/6 mice on days 12�... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4621756 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4621756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4574805&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00332.x ABSTRACTInterleukin‐18 (IL‐18) is a multi‐functional cytokine capable of inducing either Th1 or Th2 polarization depending on the immunologic milieu. IL‐18 may influence the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection. To investigated relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of the IL‐18 and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in Chinese Han population, we sequenced the IL‐18 gene to detect polymorphisms and to examine the genotype frequencies in 300 patients and 702 healthy controls. DNA resequencing revealed three IL‐18 variants: rs1946518, rs5744247, and rs549908, and found allele A of rs1946518 had a 1.47‐fold increased risk of developing TB (P = 0.0001, OR(95%CI) = 1.47 (1.21–1.78)), and the C allele of rs5744247 had a 0.77‐f... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4574805 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4574805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4574804&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00333.x ABSTRACTWe purified asparaginase from Helicobacter pylori 26695 and explored its pathophysiological role. The Km value of asparagine was 9.75 ± 1.81 μM at pH 7.0, and the optimum pH range was broad around the neutral pH. H. pylori asparaginase converted extracellular asparagine to aspartate. H. pylori cells were unable to take up extracellular asparagine directly. Instead, aspartate produced by the action of the asparaginase was transported into H. pylori cells, where it was partially converted to β‐alanine. The asparaginase exhibited striking cytotoxic activity against histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937 cells via asparagine deprivation. The cytotoxic activity of live H. pylori cells against U937 cells was significantly diminished by deletion of the asparaginase gene, indicating that... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4574804 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4574804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544567&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00329.x ABSTRACTM protein is an important virulence determinant in Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), but the amounts of M protein present in various strains of the species remain to be elucidated. To assess the amount of M protein in strains of each emm genotype, dot blot analysis was performed on 141 clinically isolated strains. Among the cell membrane‐associated proteins, M protein was present in greater quantities in the emm1, 3, and 6 strains than in the other emm strains. In addition, strains, one each of the emm1, 3, and 6 types, showed very high levels of M protein production (M protein‐high producers). These three emm genotypes are frequently isolated in clinical practice. Sequencing of the csrRS gene, one of the two‐component signal transduction systems implicated in virulence, ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544567 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4544567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544566&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00330.x ABSTRACTMannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is an oligomeric serum lectin involved in innate immunity. Human MBL is complexed with three types of serine proteases (MASP‐1, MASP‐2 and MASP‐3) and two types of their truncated forms (sMAP and MAp44). When the MBL complex binds to carbohydrates of pathogens, the complement system is activated via the lectin pathway. Human MBL is a mixture of oligomers, which mainly ranges from trimers to hexamers of different sizes. It has been suggested that different MBL oligomers could have distinct MASP compositions. We isolated an MBL trimer (MBL‐I) exclusive of other oligomers from human serum by chromatography. Immunoblot analysis of the MBL‐I revealed that it was copurified with MASP‐1 and sMAP. This suggests that MASP‐1 and sMAP are bound to ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544566 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4544566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4641978&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00340.x ABSTRACTBy using multi‐round protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technique, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of disinfectants in reducing the partially protease‐resistant isoform of prion protein (PrPres). Hamster brains, infected with scrapie‐derived strain 263K, were homogenized, treated under inactivating or mock conditions, and subjected to multi‐round PMCA. Four sets of serial 10‐fold dilutions of mock‐treated samples were analyzed. Although considerable variability was observed in the signal patterns, The number of PMCA round linearly correlated with the mean dilution factor of mock‐treated, infected brains between the second and sixth rounds, corresponding to a log reduction factor (LRF) of 3.8–7.3 log. No signal was observed in the PMCA products amplifie... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4641978 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4641978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4621755&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00338.x ABSTRACTNatural killer T cells expressing an invariant T cell antigen receptor (iNKT cells) are cells of the innate immune response. After recognizing glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules on antigen presenting cells (APCs), iNKT cells rapidly produce large quantities of cytokines, thereby stimulating many types of cells. Recent studies have described several mechanisms of iNKT cell activation and their contribution to antimicrobial responses. iNKT cells can be activated by endogenous antigens and/or inflammatory cytokines from APCs. However, iNKT cells also recognize certain microbial glycolipids by their invariant TCR, and they contribute to pathogen clearance in certain microbial infections. These findings indicate that the iNKT TCR is useful for detecting certain microbial pa... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4621755 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4621755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4574803&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00334.x ABSTRACTThe effect of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 (Lc) administered as a supplement in a repletion diet on the resistance of malnourished mice to Candida albicans infection was studied. Weaned mice were malnourished after consuming a protein‐free diet for 21d. Malnourished mice were fed a balanced conventional diet (BCD) for 7d or BCD for 7d with supplemental Lc on days 6 and 7 (BCD+Lc). Malnourished (MNC) and well‐nourished (WNC) mice were used as controls. At the end of the treatments the mice were infected intraperitoneally with the pathogen. Probiotic administration improved survival and resistance against the infection compared to BCD and MNC groups. The number and fungicidal activity of phagocytes and the levels of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and IL‐6 increased in blood and infected tis... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4574803 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4574803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544565&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00331.x In conclusion, sequence heterogeneity within the IRRDR and ISDR, and a single point mutation at position 70 of the core region of HCV‐1b are likely to be correlated with virological responses to PEG‐IFN/RBV therapy. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544565 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4544565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4531607&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00326.x ABSTRACTTo determine whether the water‐soluble polysaccharide fractions from the culture supernatants of Candida metapsilosis (C. metapsilosis water‐soluble fraction; CMWS) induces vasculitis similar to that seen in Kawasaki disease and anaphylactoid shock in mice we examined the biological effects of CMWS prepared using a completely synthesized medium. Our results show that intraperitoneal injection of CMWS induced coronary arteritis and intravenous injection induced acute anaphylactoid shock in mice similar to Candida albicans water‐soluble fraction (CAWS)‐induced arteritis and anaphylactoid shock. We then analyzed the mannan structure of the polysaccharide fraction by performing antiserum reactivity tests and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The mannan structure was inve... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4531607 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4531607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4531606&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00327.x ABSTRACTThere is no existing data on UL97 mutation in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) isolates obtained from individuals who were never exposed to gancyclovir (GCV). UL97 codons 439 to 645 from 61 CMV isolates from 61 immunocompetent Japanese infants and children were sequenced directly. No known GCV resistance mutations were found, meaning that the UL97 mutation results from the use of GCV. On the other hand, a mutation at codon 605 (D to E) was frequently identified (56/61: 91.8%). This could be a genetic marker for HCMV in East Asian counties, because of its low prevalence in the strains of HCMV circulating in Western countries. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4531606 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4531606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4531605&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00328.x ABSTRACTPrions are the infectious agents responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), and are primarily composed of the pathogenic form (PrPSc) of the host‐encoded prion protein (PrPC). Recent studies revealed that protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA), a highly sensitive method for PrPSc detection, could overcome the species barrier in several xenogeneic combinations of PrPSc seed and PrPC substrate. Although these findings provide valuable insight into the origin and diversity of prions, the differences between PrPSc generated by interspecies PMCA and by in vivo cross‐species transmission have not been described. We compared the histopathological and biochemical properties of PrPSc in the brains of tga20 transgenic mice inoculated with Sc237 hamster scrapie... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4531605 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4531605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4516837&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00305.x ABSTRACTFimA of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogen in periodontitis, is known to be closely related to the virulence of these bacteria and has been suggested as a candidate for development of a vaccine against periodontal disease. In order to develop a passive immunization method for inhibiting the establishment of periodontal disease, B hybridoma clones 123‐123‐10 and 256‐265‐9, which produce monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) specific to purified fimbriae, were established. Both mAbs reacted with the conformational epitopes displayed by partially dissociated oligomers of FimA, but not with the 43 kDa FimA monomer. Gene sequence analyses of full‐length cDNAs encoding heavy and light chain immunoglobulins enabled classification of the genes of mAb 123‐123‐10 as members of t... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4516837 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:23:00 +0100 4516837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4516836&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2010.00298.x ABSTRACTUnmethylated CpG‐ODN are known to enhance Th1‐type immune response. However, optimal sequences of CpG‐ODN for activating Th1‐type immune cells vary among species. It is necessary to identify the effective CpG‐ODN sequences in each species. In the present study, in order to identify the sequences of CpG‐ODN that produce fIFN‐γ in cats, 14 kinds of ODN were synthesized and examined regarding their ability to induce fIFN‐γ in feline PBMC and splenocytes. It was shown that some CpG‐ODN significantly induced fIFN‐γ production in splenocytes, but not in PBMC. We found that three kinds of CpG‐ODN (no. 2, 5′‐ggTGCATCGATGCAGggggG‐3′; no. 5, 5′‐ggTGCGTCGACGCAGggggG‐3′; no. 10, 5′‐ggTGCTACGTAGCAGggggG‐3′) specifically and significantly induced ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4516836 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:22:59 +0100 4516836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4516835&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2010.00297.x ABSTRACTExtracellular matrices utilized by biofilms growing on inert surfaces are generally produced entirely by the bacteria growing within those biofilms, whereas symbiotic (mutualistic) biofilms growing in or on a wide range of plants and animals utilize host‐derived macromolecules, such as mucoid substances, as components of their extracellular matrix. Incorporation of host‐derived molecules may have a profound effect on the resistance to antibiotics of symbiotic biofilms, which may have important implications for medicine and biology. As an initial probe of the potential effects of host‐derived molecules in the extracellular matrix on the sensitivity of biofilms to antibiotics, an in vitro model was used to evaluate the effects of ciprofloxacin on biofilms grown in the presence ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4516835 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:22:58 +0100 4516835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4516834&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2010.00304.x ABSTRACTFlavopiridol is a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor and inhibits the growth of various cancer cells. The effect of flavopiridol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced proinflammatory mediator production was examined in RAW 264.7 macrophage‐like cells. Flavopiridol significantly reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor‐α and, to a lesser extent, nitric oxide in LPS‐stimulated cells. Flavopiridol inhibited the activation of nuclear factor‐κB and IκB kinase in response to LPS. Flavopiridol also inhibited the activation of a series of mitogen‐activated protein kinases, such as p38, stress‐activated protein kinase/ c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 in response to LPS. However, flavopiridol did not alter the expression of t... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4516834 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:22:57 +0100 4516834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4506896&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00322.x ABSTRACTListeria monocytogenes vectors have shown promise for delivery of viral and tumor antigens in animals. We used 2 mutant vector strains deleted for actA/plcB (BMB72) and actA/inlB (BMB54) and engineered both strains to secrete a heterologous nucleoprotein antigen from the Influenza A virus. Strains were evaluated in vitro and in mice. Twenty‐two healthy volunteers received single oral doses of either strain in a physiological study of safety, shedding immunogenicity. Volunteers were observed in the hospital for 7 days and had daily blood cultures, routine safety labs, and fecal cultures; none had fever, positive blood cultures, prolonged shedding, or serious or unexpected events. Four of 12 volunteers who received the actA/plcB‐deleted strain had minor, transient, asymptomatic ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4506896 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4506896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4506895&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00323.x ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to characterize the genetic basis of multidrug resistance in Gram‐negative bacteria isolated from bovine mastitis cases in Egypt. Multidrug resistance phenotypes were found in 34 of 112 (30.4%) Gram‐negative bacterial isolates, which harbored at least one antimicrobial resistance gene. The most prevalent multidrug‐resistant (MDR) species were Enterobacter cloacae (8 isolates; 7.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (7 isolates; 6.3%), Klebsiella oxytoca (7 isolates; 6.3%), Escherichia coli (5 isolates; 4.5%) and Citrobacter freundii (3 isolates; 2.7%). The most commonly observed resistance phenotypes were against ampicillin (97.0%), streptomycin (94.1%), tetracycline (91.2%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (88.2%), nalidixic acid (85.3%) and chloramphenicol (76.... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4506895 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4506895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4494622&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00320.x ABSTRACTA novel influenza A (2009 H1N1) virus has led to a worldwide pandemic. A significant number of patients with pneumonia have been reported, although its pathogenesis remains to be elucidated. To determine its pathogenesis, we evaluated serum interleukin(IL)‐5 and peripheral eosinophil counts in patients with acute pneumonia caused by 2009 H1N1 virus. During Oct and Dec 2009, we had 40 patients with laboratory‐confirmed 2009 H1N1 pneumonia. Mean age at presentation was 6.8 years. Most characteristic finding was the early development of hypoxemic respiratory distress in the first 24 hours after fever onset. Bronchial mucous plug included eosinophils in addition to neutrophils even in patients without allergic conditions. Serum IL‐5 levels were elevated in 20 (83%) out of 24 pati... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4494622 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4494622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4511890&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00325.x ABSTRACTWe applied a multiplex reverse transcription‐PCR with fluorescent dye‐labeled primers (fluorescent multiplex RT‐PCR) for noroviruses (NoVs), sapovirus (SaV), and human astrovirus (HAstV) to diagnose 71 outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis during July 2007 and May 2010 in Hiroshima prefecture. In this assay, the green, red, yellow, and blue fluorescence for NoV genogroup I (GI), NoV genogroup II (GII), SaV, and HAstV, respectively, were indicated on an agarose gel under ultraviolet light. In 61 virus‐positive outbreaks confirmed by fluorescent multiplex RT‐PCR, detection rates of outbreaks for NoVs, SaV, and HAstV were 96.7%, 3.3%, and 0%, respectively. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4511890 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4511890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4506894&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00324.x ABSTRACTA real‐time PCR method for detection and identification of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii was developed and evaluated using DNA from single‐colony or koala nasal smears. Two TaqMan® MGB™ probes that distinguished between these species were designed corresponding to the internal sequences of the CAP59 gene for both species. The real‐time PCR assay had 100% specificity, as assessed using 13 reference strains and 300 environmental strains. Twelve smear samples from healthy koalas were analyzed by direct real‐time PCR. This method successfully detected C. gattii and C. neoformans in one and three koalas, respectively. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4506894 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4506894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4494621&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00321.x ABSTRACTWe investigated the mechanism responsible for bile susceptibility in three deoxycholate‐sensitive (DCs) strains of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Pullorum isolated in 1958 in Japan. Of the genes encoding the AcrAB–TolC efflux system, the expression of acrB mRNA was 10‐fold lower in the DCs strains than in a deoxycholate‐resistant (DCr) strain, whereas those of the acrA and tolC genes were 2‐fold lower. These results suggested that low expression of acrB was strongly correlated with bile susceptibility in the DCs strains. In addition, the increase in tolC expression levels was not detected in the DCr mutants derived from the DCs strains, suggesting that difference in the expression levels of tolC is not associated with the bile susceptibility. (Source: Mic... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4494621 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4494621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438831&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00319.x ABSTRACTImmune system has evolved mechanisms to sense not only microbes but also necrotic cells. Pattern‐recognition receptors (PRRs) provided in macrophages/dendritic cells to evoke the acquired immune system are closely associated with danger signaling. Here we developed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specifically interacting with necrotic cells. One IgG1 and two IgM mAbs were established and they recognized a 80 kDa protein expressed in necrotic cells but not live or apoptotic cells. These mAbs, serving as a probe for necrosis, facilitate the analysis of the role of immune complex consisting of necrotic cells and Ab in the formation of inflammatory milieu induced by necrotic cell death. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology) Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438831 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4438831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4432832&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00318.x In this study, the production of IL‐6 and adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and E‐selectin) by human astroglioma cells stimulated with gram‐negative surface components were determined.Haemophilus influenzae type b porin P2 and its selected active peptide, loop L7, induced MEK1‐MEK2/MAPK phosphorylation in U87‐MG cells as demonstrated by ELISA and up‐regulate cellular adhesion molecule and IL‐6 production as shown by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. We also demonstrated, using two potent and selective inhibitors of MEK activation by Raf‐1 (PD‐098059) and p38 (SB‐203580), that both ERK1/2 and p38 pathways play a key role in the production of IL‐6 as well as in the ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and E‐selectin expression by Hib porin. (Source: Micr... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4432832 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4432832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411268&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00317.x ABSTRACTIn the present study, course of acute pneumonia was studied and compared in normal BALB/c mice by intranasal inoculation of planktonic and preformed biofilm cells (3 day old) of K. pneumoniae B5055. Peak of infection was observed on third post infection day with both the cell forms, as assessed on the basis of lung bacterial load and corresponding pathology. There was an intense neutrophil infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage. Tissue damage was ascertained by elevated nitrite, malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase levels in lung homogenates. Phagocytic potential of alveolar macrophages was lower for the biofilm cells as compared to the planktonic cells. Biofilm cell induced infection generated significantly higher levels of tumour necrosis factor–α and interleukin‐1β on... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411268 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 23:47:13 +0100 4411268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411271&cid=s_37316_77_f&fid=37316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1348-0421.2011.00314.x ABSTRACTThe characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical and environmental isolates from both hospital and community settings were analysed in a eukaryotic virulence model employing the AX2 and X22 mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum. Thirty‐one strains of P. aeruginosa were analysed, five from environmental sources, six from clinical sources other than cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and nineteen isolates from CF patient respiratory secretions, including two Australian epidemic strains. The majority of CF isolates almost uniquely supported the growth of D. discoideum. These findings demonstrate decreased virulence in CF isolates of P. aeruginosa when compared to isolates from other sources. Varying degrees of inhibition of the developmental cycle of D. discoideum when growing on CF ... Microbiology and Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411271 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4411271