Fusao Ota, 斉藤 理恵子 and 福井 公明 : 免疫実験操作法, Japanese Society for Immunology, Tokyo, 1980.
21.
Fusao Ota and 福井 公明 : 免疫実験操作法, Japanese Society for Immunology, Tokyo, 1979.
Academic Paper (Judged Full Paper):
1.
Bemnet Amare, Beyene Moges, Bereket Fantahun, Ketema Tafess, Desalegn Woldeyohannes, Gizachew Yismaw, Tilahun Ayane, Tomoki Yabutani, Andargachew Mulu, Fusao Ota and Afework Kassu : Micronutrient levels and nutritional status of school children living in Northwest Ethiopia, Nutrition Journal, Vol.11, 108, 2012.
(Summary)
Several micronutrients are essential for adequate growth of children. However, little information is available on multiple micronutrient status of school children in Ethiopia. The present study was designed to evaluate the relationship between multiple micronutrient levels and nutritional status among school children. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric data, blood and stool samples were collected from 100 children at Meseret Elementary School in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Serum concentration of magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Anthropometric indices of weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age were used to estimate the children's nutritional status. Stool samples were examined by standard microscopic methods for intestinal parasites. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting and intestinal parasitoses among school children was 23%, 21%, 11% and18%, respectively. The mean serum levels of magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum were 2.42±0.32 (mg/dl), 15.31±2.14 (mg/dl), 328.19±148.91 (μg/dl), 191.30±50.17 (μg/dl), 86.40±42.40 (μg/dl), 6.32±2.59 (μg/dl), and 0.23±0.15 (μg/dl), respectively. Selenium deficiency, zinc deficiency and magnesium deficiency occurred in 62%, 47%, and 2% of the school children, respectively. Height-for-age showed significant positive correlation with the levels of copper and molybdenum (p = 0.01) and with the levels of magnesium (p = 0.05). Deficiencies of selenium and zinc were high among the school children although the deficiencies were not significantly related with their nutritional status. The prevalence of both malnutrition and intestinal parasitism was not negligible. These calls for the need to undertake multicentre studies in various parts of the country to substantiate the data obtained in the present study so that appropriate and beneficial strategies for micronutrient supplementation and interventions on nutritional deficiencies can be planned.
Afework Kassu, Tomoki Yabutani, Andargachew Mulu, Belay Tessema and Fusao Ota : Serum zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, and magnesium levels in pregnant and non-pregnant women in gondar, northwest ethiopia, Biological Trace Element Research, Vol.122, No.2, 97-106, 2008.
(Summary)
Pregnant women in developing countries are vulnerable to multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Studies assessing serum levels of the micronutrients and magnitude of their deficiencies are very scarce in African subjects. This study was aimed at determining serum levels of micronutrients in 375 pregnant (42 HIV seropositive) and 76 non-pregnant women (20 HIV seropositive) who visited the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. Serum concentrations of zinc,copper, selenium, calcium, and magnesium were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Irrespective of HIV serostatus, pregnant women had significantly higher serum concentrations of copper and copper/zinc ratio and significantly lower magnesium compared to those in non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). Except for selenium, which was significantly lower in HIV-seropositive pregnant women (P < 0.05), the mean serum concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium were not significantly different between pregnant women by HIV serostatus. The prevalence of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, selenium, and calcium in the pregnant women, irrespective of their HIV serostatus, was 66.7%, 25.6%, 21.9%, and 9.3%, respectively. The magnitude of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, and selenium was significantly higher in HIV seropositive pregnant women (76.2%, 52.4%, and 45.2%) than that in HIV-seronegative pregnant women (65.5%, 22.2%, and 18.9%) and in HIV-seronegative non-pregnant women (42.9%, 8.1%, and 30.4%; P < 0.05). Deficiency in one, two, three, or four mineral elements was observed in 44.8%, 14.4%, 9.9%, and 5.1% of the pregnant women, respectively. Only 25.9% of the pregnant women and 44.7% of the non-pregnant women were not deficient in any of the micronutrients. The high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Gondar, Ethiopia warrants the need for strategies on prevention and control of the deficiencies.
Nhien Van Nguyen, Nguyen Cong Khan, Nguyen Xuan Ninh, Phan Van Huan, Le Thi Hop, Nguyen Thi Lam, Fusao Ota, Tomoki Yabutani, Vu Quynh Hoa, Junko Motonaka, Yutaka Nakaya and Takeshi Nishikawa : Micronutrient deficiencies and anemia among preschool children in rural Vietnam, Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol.17, No.1, 48-55, 2008.
(Summary)
The prevalence of trace elements deficiencies, vitamin A deficiency, anemia, and their relationships were investigated in a cross sectional study involving 243 children aged from 12 to 72 months in rural Vietnam. Serum levels of copper, zinc, selenium and magnesium were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and that of retinol by high performance liquid chromatography. Hemoglobin concentration in whole blood was measured by the cyanmethemoglobin method. The prevalence of deficiencies in zinc, selenium, magnesium, and copper was 86.9%, 62.3%, 51.9%, and 1.7%, respectively. On the other hand, 55.6% were anemic and 11.3% had vitamin A deficiency. Deficiency in two or more micronutrient was found in 79.4% of the children. Parameters associated significantly with anemia were selenium deficiency (OR 2.80 95% CI 1.63-4.80, p=0.0002) and serum retinol<1.05 micromol/L (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.10-3.05, p=0.021). Magnesium deficiency (OR 3.09 95% CI 1.36-7.03) was found to be a risk factor for zinc deficiency and vice versa. The results indicate that micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent among preschool children in Vietnam. In addition, the results also demonstrate a strong relationship between selenium deficiency and anemia. Clearly, sustainable strategies are urgently required to overcome the problems in the country.
(Keyword)
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Child, Preschool / Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Confidence Intervals / Cross-Sectional Studies / Female / Hemoglobins / Humans / infant / Magnesium / Magnesium Deficiency / Male / Micronutrients / Nutritional Status / Odds Ratio / Prevalence / Risk Factors / Rural Population / Selenium / Vietnam / Vitamin A Deficiency / zinc
(Link to Search Site for Scientific Articles)
● PubMed @ National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine (PMID): 18364326
Kassahun Desalegn, Takeshi Nishikawa, Afework Kassu, Anddargachew Mulu, Gizachew Yismaw, Sisay Yefru and Fusao Ota : Skin sensitivity reactions to some allergens in different population groups of Ethiopian subjects, International Journal of Environmental Health Research, Vol.17, No.6, 397-406, 2007.
(Summary)
The prevalence of allergic diseases to a variety of allergens has only been studied in a few countries and it has never been studied in Ethiopia. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of skin sensitivity reactions to allergens in Ethiopian subjects. A total of 216 subjects were tested with a skin scratch test using five types of allergens and also for total and differential white blood cell counts. Positive reaction to one or more allergens was detected in 49.5% of the subjects, the most prevalent allergen being mite extract. Some 27% showed a positive reaction to multiple allergens. The mean eosinophil count was higher in the subjects reacting to at least one of the allergens compared to those with no reaction (p=0.038). The results demonstrate a high prevalence of allergic reactions to the few allergens tested. Further studies using several allergens are recommended to substantiate this finding.
(Keyword)
Adult / Age Factors / Allergens / Animals / Comorbidity / Ethiopia / Female / Humans / Hypersensitivity / Infant / Leukocyte Count / Male / Middle Aged / Mites / Population Groups / Prevalence / Skin / Skin Tests
A Kassu, G Mengistu, B Ayele, E Diro, F Mekonnen, D Ketema, F Moges, T Mesfin, A Getachew, B Ergicho, D Elias, Y Wondmikun, A Aseffa and Fusao Ota : HIV and intestinal parasites in adult TB patients in a teaching hospital in Northwest Ethiopia, Tropical Doctor, Vol.37, No.4, 222-224, 2007.
(Summary)
The level of HIV infection and intestinal parasitoses among TB patients was assessed in a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 257 patients in Gondar, Ethiopia. In TB patients, our study reported co-infection with HIV (52.1%) and intestinal parasites (40.9%) The high prevalence of HIV and intestinal parasites indicates an increased morbidity inTB patients and emphasized the importance of continued HIV sero-surveillance, stool analysis and treatment.
Zahid Hayat Mahmud, Suchiarit Basu Heogi, Afework Kassu, Takaomi Wada, M. Sirajyul Islam, G. Balakrish Nair and Fusao Ota : Seaweeds as a reservoir for diverse Vibrio parahaemolyticus populations in Japan, International Journal of Food Microbiology, Vol.118, No.1, 92-96, 2007.
(Summary)
Gastroenteritis caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus has recently been associated with foods prepared with seaweeds, but little is known about the bacterium's abundance and diversity among seaweeds in coastal environment. Therefore, we determined its phenotypic and genotypic diversity in relation to its seasonal abundance in seawater and seaweed samples from three areas of Kii Channel, Japan during June 2003 to May 2004. Isolates were obtained by selective enrichment of samples and detection of V. parahaemolyticus by colony hybridization with a species-specific probe. A total of 128 isolates comprising 16 from each source in each season were characterized by serotyping and ribotyping. V. parahaemolyticus was more abundant in seaweeds (3,762 isolates) than in water samples (2,238 isolates). Twenty and 17 serotypes were found among the selected seaweed and seawater isolates, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed 19, 11, 7 and 9 ribotypes during summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively. Seaweeds supported a diverse V. parahaemolyticus population throughout the year and thus seaweeds are a reservoir for the organism. However, V. parahaemolyticus occurrence had positive correlation with water temperature and its abundance in seaweeds was at least 50 times higher during summer than in winter.
Anddargachew Mulu, Afework Kassu, Belay Tessema, Gizachew Yismaw, Moges Tiruneh, Felek Moges, Yared Wondminkun, Takeshi NishikAwa and Fusao Ota : Seroprevalence of Syphilis and HIV-1 during Pregnancy in a Teaching Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia, Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol.60, No.4, 193-195, 2007.
(Summary)
Ethiopia is one of the countries in which sexually transmitted infections are highly prevalent. However, the data needed to present a realistic picture of the infections are lacking. This study was therefore designed to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis and HIV-1 among pregnant women at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital. A prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted between March and June, 2005. Blood samples were collected from 480 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of the hospital. Sera were tested for syphilis using the Rapid Plasma Regain (RPR) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) kits, and serostatus for HIV infection was checked using rapid HIV diagnostic test kits following the manufacturers' instructions. The mean (+/-SD) age of the study participants was 26.1 (+/-7.2) years. The seroprevalence of syphilis was 1%. Antibodies against HIV-1 were detected in 9.6% of the pregnant women. A higher HIV-1 prevalence (13%) was observed in the 25- to 29-year-old age group followed by the 30- to 34-year-old age group (10.2%). Only one subject (2.2%) was found to be positive for both HIV-1 and syphilis. The data indicated a relatively declined prevalence of syphilis and HIV-1 among pregnant women in an urban antenatal clinic. However, incidence and behavioral studies are required to substantiate the findings.
A Kassu, F Fujino, M Matsuda, M Nishizawa, Fusao Ota and W Sugiura : Molecular epidemiology of HIV type 1 in treatment-naive patients in north Ethiopia, AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, Vol.23, No.4, 564-568, 2007.
(Summary)
To understand the predominant HIV subtype and drug-resistant viruses in northwest Ethiopia, isolates from 92 antiretroviral drug-naive HIV-1-infected tuberculosis patients were analyzed. Of these patients, 90 (97.8%) were found to be infected with viral subtype C. Other isolates had subtype A (1.1%) and subtype D (1.1%). No primary mutations were associated with protease inhibitor drug resistance. One case (1.1%) had the reverse-transcriptase mutation, V75I. Two patients (2.2%) had the G190A mutation, which confers resistance to the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, nevirapine. Our study demonstrates that subtype C is the major HIV-1 subtype in northwest Ethiopia. Our results also reveal that the population in the study area had been exposed to antiretrovirals and that treatment-naive patients had drug resistance mutations. Thus, our results emphasize the need for routine drug resistance monitoring in northwest Ethiopia.
(Keyword)
Adult / Anti-Retroviral Agents / DNA Mutational Analysis / Drug Resistance, Viral / Ethiopia / Female / HIV Infections / HIV Protease / HIV Reverse Transcriptase / HIV-1 / Humans / Male / Middle Aged / Molecular Epidemiology / Phylogeny / Tuberculosis
Afework Kassu, Berhanu Andualem, Nguyen Van Nhien, Masayo Nakamori, Takeshi Nishikawa, Shigeru Yamamoto and Fusao Ota : Vitamin A deficiency in patients with diarrhea and HIV infection in Ethiopia, Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol.16, No.Suppl 1, 323-328, 2007.
(Summary)
Diarrhea, micronutrient deficiencies and HIV/AIDS are major public health problems in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed to investigate serum levels of vitamin A in diarrheic patients with and without HIV co-infection compared to healthy controls. Two hundred eleven diarrheic patients (110 HIV infected), 87 apparently healthy controls and 41 asymptomatic HIV seropositive blood donors who visited the University of Gondar Hospital, in Gondar, Ethiopia were included. Stool samples were examined for enteropathogens following the standard procedures. Serum vitamin A levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Shigella species were isolated from 8.5% of the patients while intestinal parasites were detected in 32.2% without significant difference by HIV serostatus. The mean+/-SD serum vitamin A in diarrheic patients with (0.82+/-0.59 micromol/L) and without (0.84+/-0.54 micromol/L) HIV co-infection and in asymptomatic HIV infected blood donors (0.96+/-0.52 micromol/L) was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (1.52+/-0.71 micromol/L), p<0.001. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD, serum retinol < 0.70 micromol/L) was observed in 52.7% and 45.5% of diarrheic patients with and without HIV co-infection, respectively. About 13% of healthy controls and 29.3% of asymptomatic HIV infected blood donors were deficient in vitamin A. The levels of serum vitamin A were not associated with the presence of intestinal parasites or Shigella species. The findings demonstrate that VAD is a severe public health problem among diarrheic patients in Gondar, Ethiopia. Intervention programmes involving health and nutrition education and supplementation of vitamin A might help in reducing morbidity in such patients.
(Keyword)
Adolescent / Adult / Case-Control Studies / Cross-Sectional Studies / Diarrhea / Dysentery, Bacillary / Ethiopia / Feces / Female / HIV Infections / Humans / Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Male / Middle Aged / Nutritional Requirements / Public Health / Viral Load / Vitamin A / Vitamin A Deficiency / Vitamins
(Link to Search Site for Scientific Articles)
● PubMed @ National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine (PMID): 17392128
A Kassu, G Mengistu, B Ayele, E Diro, F Mekonnen, D Ketema, F Moges, T Mesfin, A Getachew, B Ergicho, D Elias, A Aseffa, Y Wondmikun and Fusao Ota : The HIV/tuberculosis co-infection and clinical manifestations of tuberculosis in HIV infected and uninfected adults in a teaching hospital Northwest Ethiopia, Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2007.
(Tokushima University Institutional Repository: 51707)
13.
Nguyen Van Nhien, Nguyen Cong Khan, Tomoki Yabutani, Nguyen Xuan Ninh, Afework Kassu, Bui Thi Mai Huong, Tran Thanh Do, Junko Motonaka and Fusao Ota : Serum Levels of Trace Elements and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adult Vietnamese, Biological Trace Element Research, Vol.111, No.1-3, 1-10, 2006.
(Summary)
This study was aimed at assessing the serum levels of vitamin A, copper, zinc, selenium, and iron among adult Vietnamese with and without iron-deficiency anemia. Blood was collected from adult Vietnamese living in the midland of northern Vietnam. One hundred twenty-three subjects in the age range 20-60 yr were included in the study. Anemia, where the concentration of hemoglobin in whole blood is less than 120 g/L in females and 130 g/L in males, was found in 30% (37/123) of the study population. The levels of vitamin Aand selenium in the sera of anemic subjects (n = 37) were significantly lower than that in nonanemic group (n = 86). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in the concentrations of copper and zinc between the two groups. This study was the first to show serum levels of trace elements in adult Vietnamese, providing useful baseline information for further studies.
(Keyword)
Adult / Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Copper / Cross-Sectional Studies / Female / Humans / Iron / Male / Middle Aged / Selenium / Trace Elements / Vietnam / vitamin A / zinc
Alizadeh Mohammad, Fusao Ota, Afework Kassu, Kherivari Sorayya and Tohru Sakai : Modulation of Oral Tolerance to Ovalbumin by Dietary Protein in Mice, Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, Vol.52, No.2, 113-120, 2006.
(Summary)
This study sought to determine whether oral tolerance to ovalbumin (OVA), responsible for food allergy, is affected by different amounts of protein intake. For this, 6-wk-old BALB/c mice were fed with low protein (5%, LP), normal protein (20%, NP) and high protein (40%, HP) diets, orally given either OVA (OVA-fed) or water (Water-fed) for 4 d, and then immunized intraperitoneally twice at a 3-wk interval with alum-precipitated OVA. After the last immunization, sera were collected to measure total and OVA-specific IgE by enzyme assay (ELISA). Splenocytes were cultured and stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or OVA and assayed for 3H-thymidine incorporation. The culture supernatants from their splenocytes stimulated with OVA were analyzed for interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and IL-12. Total IgE was significantly higher in OVA-fed HP groups as compared to NP and LP groups (p<0.05). The highest and the lowest OVA-specific IgE were observed in HP and LP diet groups, respectively (p<0.05). OVA-fed mice receiving the LP diet demonstrated significantly lower IL-4 as compared to the other two groups (p<0.05), while IFN-gamma was significantly higher in the LP compared to the HP group (p<0.05). Levels of IL-12 did not differ among the OVA-fed groups. Splenocytes of OVA-fed mice kept on the LP and HP diet showed significant impairment of proliferation to OVA as compared to the NP group (p<0.01). Proliferation against Con A was impaired in the LP group compared to the NP group (p<0.05) but not in Water-fed groups. However, it was higher against LPS in the HP than the LP group (p<0.05) both in Water-fed and OVA-fed animals. All these findings indicate that established oral tolerance to OVA is clearly affected by the amount of protein diet. They support the suggestion that dietary protein plays an important role(s) in IgE-mediated food allergies.
Hiroyuki Tomotake, Testuro Koga, Masayuki Yamato, Afework Kassu and Fusao Ota : Antibacterial Activity of Citrus Fruit Juices against Vibrio Species, Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, Vol.52, No.2, 157-160, 2006.
(Summary)
Lemon, lime and sudachi juices were tested for antibacterial activity against seven strains of Vibrio species. All juices were effective in inhibiting the growth of the Vibrio strains. Citric acid, the major organic acid in these juices, was found to be responsible for inhibiting the growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Sauce prepared from sudachi juice showed a strong bactericidal activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, whereas the sauce adjusted to higher pH values had no bacterial activity. Diluted sudachi juice or citric acid solution also had antibacterial activity independently. These results suggest that citrus fruit juices are effective in preventing infection with Vibrio species.
(Keyword)
Anti-Bacterial Agents / Beverages / Citrus / Fruit / Vibrio
Afework Kassu, Feleke Moges, Firew Mekonnen, Getahun Mengistu, Ebba Abate, Endris Mekonnen, Kassie Molla, Tessema Zewde, Abraham Aseffa, Yared Wondmikun and Fusao Ota : Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors in Northwest Ethiopia,1995-2002, Tropical Doctor, Vol.36, No.2, 106-107, 2006.
(Summary)
Data on age, sex, occupation, HIV serostatus and year of donation were collected from the blood donors log book of Gondar College of Medical Sciences Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, for the period between January 1995 and December 2002 and analysed. The crude HIV seroprevalence was 9.9% (1109/11,204). A declining trend in the prevalence was observed from as high as 15.7% (207/1321) in 1995 to 9.3% (123/1327) in 1999 and down to 4.3% (68/1576) in 2002. The declining trend observed in recent years is encouraging and should further be strengthened by making use of the blood bank as an entry point for HIV testing and counselling services.
(Keyword)
Adolescent / Adult / Aged / Blood Donors / Ethiopia / Female / HIV Seroprevalence / Humans / Male / Middle Aged / Urban Population
Feleke Moges, Afework Kassu, Getahun Mengistu, Solomon Adugna, Berhanu Andualem, Takeshi Nishikawa and Fusao Ota : Seroprevalence of Helycobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients and its relationship with ABO blood groups in a University Hospital,Northwest Ethiopia, World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG, Vol.12, No.12, 1957-1961, 2006.
(Summary)
To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) among dyspeptic patients and to assess the relationship between H pylori infection, blood group, HIV infection and life style of the patients. In a hospital-based cross-sectional study, patients attending Outpatient Department of University of Gondar Hospital were enrolled. Socio-demographic information was collected using questionnaires. Serum was analyzed for anti-H pylori IgG antibodies using a commercial kit. HIV serostatus was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blood grouping was performed by slide agglutination tests. A total of 215 dyspeptic patients were included in the study. One hundred and sixteen patients (54%) were females and 99 (46%) were males. Anti-H pylori IgG antibodies were detected in sera of 184 (85.6%) patients. The prevalence was significantly higher in patients aged 50 years and above. Twenty point five percent of the patients were found to be seropositive for HIV. No significant association was found between sex, ABO blood groups, consumption of spicy diets, socio-economic status and seropositivity for H pylori. However, alcohol consumption was significantly associated with H pylori serology. The prevalence of H pylori infection is associated with a history of alcohol intake and older age. The effect of different diet, alcohol and socioeconomic status as risk factors for H pylori infection needs further study.
Mohammad Alizadeh, Fusao Ota, Kazuo Hosoi, Makoto Kato, Tohru Sakai and Mohammed A. Satter : Altered allergic cytokine and antibody response in mice treated with Bisphenol A, The Journal of Medical Investigation : JMI, Vol.53, No.1, 2, 70-80, 2006.
(Summary)
The objective of this study was to elucidate if Bisphenol A (BPA) administration modulates T helper (Th) cell component of immune responses in a mouse challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), a major food antigen. BALB/c mice, (6 weeks old, female) were orally given either OVA (OVA-fed) or water (Water-fed), immunized intraperitoneally with OVA and injected with either BPA in corn oil or the vehicle alone. After subsequent 2nd immunization, serum titers of total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, IgG, IgG1 IgG2a and ability of their splenocytes for production of interferon (IFN) -gamma, interleukin (IL) -4 and IL-12 were examined by ELISA. Lymphocyte proliferation assay against concanavalin A (Con A) or OVA was also performed for 3H-Thymidine incorporation. In Water-fed groups, treatment with BPA resulted in lower titers of total IgE (P<0.01) and higher levels IgG2a (P<0.05) followed by a higher IFN-gamma (P<0.05) and IL-12 (P<0.05) with an intact IL-4. When OVA-fed groups were examined, the compound did not change production of total and OVA-specific IgE and -IgG2a but resulted in lower production of IFN-gamma (P<0.05). Also, BPA resulted in impaired lymphocyte proliferation to Con A in Water-fed groups (P<0.05) but not in tolerated animals. The findings indicate that BPA results in augmentation of Th1 immune responses but no significant effect on an established tolerance to OVA.
Zahid Hayat Mahmud, Afework Kassu, Alizadeh Mohammad, Masayuki Yamato, A N Bhuiyan, Balakrish G Nair and Fusao Ota : Isolation and molecular characterization of toxigenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus from the Kii Channel, Japan, Microbiological Research, Vol.161, No.1, 25-37, 2006.
(Summary)
Studies were conducted on the ecology of potentially pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus in three coastal areas of Kii Channel, Tokushima, Japan. Seawater and seaweed samples were collected seasonally between June 2003 and May 2004. Total and toxigenic strains of V. parahaemolyticus were isolated using most probable number culture and colony blot hybridization. Toxigenic strains were serotyped and further characterized by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and ribotyping. Six thousand strains of V. parahaemolyticus were isolated and 18 were found positive for tdh. V. parahaemolyticus were detected in all samples during summer and autumn, and from some samples during winter and spring. Among the toxigenic strains seven serotypes, five ribotypes and RAPD patterns were observed. Seven strains belonged to O3:K6 clone with identical ribotypes and RAPD patterns to that of a pandemic reference strain. The presence of toxigenic V. parahaemolyticus with pandemic potential might indicate a human health risk due to consumption of marine food sources.
Afework Kassu, Tomoki Yabutani, ZH Mahmud, A Mohammad, N Nguyen, BTM Huong, G Hailemariam, E Diro, B Ayele, Y Wondmikun, Junko Motonaka and Fusao Ota : Alterations in Serum Levels of Trace Elements in Tuberculosis and HIV Infections, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol.60, No.5, 580-586, 2006.
(Summary)
To evaluate serum concentrations of trace elements in tuberculosis (TB) patients with or with out human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection before and after anti-TB chemotherapy. A total of 155 TB patients, 74 of which were coinfected with HIV, and 31 healthy controls from Gondar, Ethiopia. Serum levels of copper, zinc, selenium and iron were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer from all subjects at baseline and from 44 TB patients (22 with HIV coinfection) at the end of an intensive phase of anti-TB chemotherapy. Compared with the control group, the concentrations of iron, zinc and selenium were significantly lower (P<0.05) while that of copper and copper/zinc ratio was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the serum of TB patients. TB patients with HIV coinfection had significantly lower serum zinc and selenium concentrations and significantly higher copper/zinc ratio compared to that in TB patients without HIV coinfection (P<0.05). The serum concentration of zinc had significantly increased at the end of intensive phase of anti-TB chemotherapy in patients without HIV coinfection (P<0.05). An increase in serum selenium level was observed in TB patients with or without HIV coinfection after therapy. On the contrary, serum copper concentration and copper/zinc ratio declined significantly after anti-TB chemotherapy irrespective of HIV serostatus (P<0.05). The results indicate that TB patients have altered profile of trace elements in their sera. This warrants the need for further investigations so that strategies for trace elements supplementation can be planned in addition to their potential as diagnostic parameters in monitoring responses to anti-TB chemotherapy.
Fusao Ota, M Ota, Z.H. Mahmud, A. Mohammad, Masayuki Yamato, A. Kassu, Y. Kato, H. Tomotake, G Batoni and M. Campa : Serological Diversity Demonstrable by a Set of Monoclonal Antibodies to Eight Serotypes of the Mutans Streptococci, Caries Research, Vol.40, No.1, 6-14, 2005.
(Summary)
A set of monoclonal antibodies were prepared by the conventional cell fusion of myeloma cells (SP2/0-Ag14) with spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunised with whole cells of a strain of mutans streptococci. Their specificities were examined against 35 reference strains of mutans streptococci, 34 reference strains of other oral streptococci and 8 reference strains of other microorganisms often inhabiting the oral cavity. Specificity was examined by enzyme immunoassay using whole cells. A total of 52 strains, consisting of 19 strains isolated in Japan, 19 strains isolated in Italy and 14 strains isolated in England, were characterised by conventional physiological and biochemical tests and then serotyped by the use of 8 monoclonal antibodies with different specificities. They were also confirmed by guanine-plus-cytosine contents of their nucleic acid and DNA-DNA hybridisation test. The results indicated that all monoclonal antibodies are useful for identification of 8 serotypes of the mutans streptococci responsible for dental caries. They also suggest the existence of more serological varieties among mutans species.
Wolday Dawit, Tegbaru Belete, Kassu Afework, Messele Tsehaynesh, Coutinho Roel, van Baarle Debbie, Miedema Frank and Fusao Ota : Expression of Chemokine Receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 on CD4+ T Cells and Plasma Chemokine Levels During Treatment of Active Tuberculosis in HIV-1-Coinfected Patients, Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, Vol.39, No.3, 265-271, 2005.
(Summary)
The pathogenesis of persistently elevated plasma HIV viremia in patients coinfected with tuberculosis (TB) during anti-TB treatment in Africans remains unknown. We examined the expression of chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 on CD4+ T cells and plasma chemokine levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, regulated on activation normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES), and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1alpha among TB patients with HIV coinfection during the first 2 months of anti-TB treatment. During treatment of TB, the plasma HIV-1 load and CD4+ T-cell count remained unchanged. Levels of CCR5 and CXCR4 expression on CD4+ T cells as well as plasma levels of chemokines remained persistently elevated during anti-TB treatment. Persistently elevated plasma HIV viremia also paralleled persistently elevated expressions of activated CCR5+ or CXCR4+ CD4+ T cells. These results suggest that increased expression of CCR5 and CXCR4 on an activated CD4+ T-cell population coupled with persistently elevated chemokines may provide a suitable condition for continuous replication of HIV associated with TB coinfection. This, in turn, may contribute, at least in part, to the observed persistently elevated plasma HIV viremia in coinfected patients despite anti-TB treatment.
友竹 浩之, Masayuki Yamato, 古賀 哲朗, Aya Takeoka, 高田 昭彦 and Fusao Ota : 今後の(管理)栄養士教育に必要な栄養情報処理演習の教育効果ーアンケート調査よりー, Journal of University Education Research, Vol.2, 66-70, 2005.
A Kassu, F Moges, F Mekonnen, G Mengistu, E Abate, E Mekonnen, K Molla, T Zewde, A Aseffa, Y Wondmikun and Fusao Ota : Seroprevalence of HIV in blood donors in Gondar, Tropical Doctor, 2005.
25.
Afework Kassu, Alemayehu Mekonnen, Abebe Bekele, Nuru Abseno, Feleke Moges, Yared Wondmikun and Fusao Ota : HIV and syphilis infection among elderly people in Northwest Ethiopia, Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol.57, No.6, 264-267, 2004.
(Summary)
The prevalence of HIV has been continually increasing both in urban and rural Ethiopia. As yet, there has been no report on the magnitude of the problem in the elderly and rural population. This study assessed the seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis infection among 706 elderly and predominantly rural subjects in Northwest Ethiopia. Socio-demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Venous blood was collected and the serostatus of HIV and that of syphilis were checked by ELISA and RPR, respectively. The total HIV-1 seroprevalence was 5% (35/706). Sex-specific prevalences of HIV for males and females were 5.6 and 4.7% respectively. A 4.2% difference in prevalence was observed by area of residence, which was statistically significant, P = 0.018. Only 6% of subjects positive for syphilis were also positive for HIV, while 4.9% of subjects negative for syphilis were positive for HIV. The data indicates that the prevalence of HIV among elderly people in Northwest Ethiopia was high. This indicates the importance of involving the elderly in HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs.
(Keyword)
Aged / Aged, 80 and over / Cross-Sectional Studies / Ethiopia / Female / HIV Infections / HIV Seroprevalence / Humans / Male / Middle Aged / Prevalence / Rural Health / Sex Factors / Syphilis / Urban Health
(Link to Search Site for Scientific Articles)
● PubMed @ National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine (PMID): 15623952
Toshio Shimizu, Hitomi Tateishi, Ahmed Sherin and Fusao Ota : Serotypes, Genotypes and Drug Resistance of Group A Streptococcal Strains Isolated in 1991, 2001 and 2002 in Tokushima Prefecture -Comparison after Decade-, Kansenshōgaku Zasshi, Vol.78, No.12, 1006-1015, 2004.
(Summary)
Sixty two strains of Group A streptococcus were isolated between August 2001 and June 2002. They were examined for T serotypes, pyrogenic exotoxin genes and resistance against antibiotics. The results were compared with those for 61 isolates of the same species collected between April and December 1991. Among the strains isolated in 1991, T4 was the dominant serotype (18 strains) followed by T12 and T1 (each 15 strains). These three serotypes represented 78.7% of the total number. In contrast, among the strains isolated in 2001 and 2002 T28 (13 strains) was the dominant serotype followed by T1 (12 strains) and T4 (7 strains). Examination of these isolates for pyrogenic exotoxin gene revealed that all carried speB and more than half of the strains isolated in 1991, 2001 and 2002 carried both speB and speC. Regarding the combination of T type and toxin genotype, out of the isolates in 1991 fifteen T4 strains were associated with B and C, eleven T12 types with B and C, and nine T1 strains with A and B, while out of the strains isolated in 2001 and 2002 eleven T28 strains were associated with B and C, six T1 strains with B and C, and both five T4 and T12 types with B and C. Sma I Pulsed-field gel electrophorasis analysis revealed that PFGE patterns of T4:spe B and C and T12:spe B and C strains in 2001 and 2002 are same as one of those in 1991, respectively. On the other hand, during the decade strains resistant to macrolide increased from 1 strain (1.6%) to 11 strains (17.7%) and those to tetracycline increased from 23 strains (37.7%) to 32 strains (41.6%). During the same period the incidence of multiple resistance increased from 9 strains (14.7%) to 14 strains (22.5%).
(Keyword)
group A streptococci / drug resistance / T serotype / pyrogenic exotoxin genes / pulsed-field gel electrophoresis
(Link to Search Site for Scientific Articles)
● PubMed @ National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine (PMID): 15678976
友竹 浩之, 栢下 淳, 早川 麻理子 and Fusao Ota : 栄養士現場で必要とされる情報処理技術に関する調査, 栄養日本, Vol.47, No.10, 32-35, 2004.
28.
Afework Kassu, Alizadeh Mohammed, Yasunori Fujimaki, Feleke Moges, Daniel Elias, Firew Mekonnen, Getahun Mengistu, Masayuki Yamato, Yared Wondmikun and Fusao Ota : Serum IgE levels of tuberculosis patients in a tropical setup with high prevalence of HIV and intestinal parasitoses, Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Vol.138, No.1, 122-127, 2004.
(Summary)
Tuberculosis remains a major health problem worldwide in the era of HIV/AIDS. Co-infection with intestinal parasites has been suggested to worsen the outcome of infection by polarizing the immune response towards Th2. This study investigated serum IgE levels of 241 tuberculosis patients and compared the IgE profiles in the tuberculosis patients either with or without intestinal helminthic infection and/or HIV infection. The serum levels of IgE in tuberculosis patients before initiation of antimycobacterial chemotherapy were found to be 1722 +/- 1290 IU/ml (Mean +/- SD) in HIV seronegatives and 2366 +/- 1849 IU/ml in HIV seropositives. Further, the IgE level was significantly higher in patients coinfected with intestinal helminthes and HIV compared to those infected with helminthes or without coinfection (P < 0.05). Anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy significantly reduced serum IgE levels in HIV seronegative tuberculosis patients (P < 0.05). These findings might indicate an active role of therapy in shifting the immune response towards Th1 which is crucial for prognosis in tuberculosis patients.
(Keyword)
Adult / Antitubercular Agents / Ethiopia / Female / HIV Infections / HIV Seropositivity / Helminthiasis / Humans / Immunoglobulin E / Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Male / Prevalence / Th2 Cells / Tropical Climate / Tuberculosis / Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
Dao To Quyen, Amalia V. Irei, Yuki Sato, Fusao Ota, Yasunori Fujimaki, Tohru Sakai, Daisuke Kunii, Nguyen Cong Khan and Shigeru Yamamoto : Nutritional factors, parasite infection and allergy in rural and suburban Vietnamese shool children, The Journal of Medical Investigation : JMI, Vol.51, No.3,4, 171-177, 2004.
(Summary)
Urban areas often have more allergy than rural areas. Dietary patterns and parasite infection have been suggested as possible related factors. This study evaluated the prevalence of allergy in school children in one rural and suburban area of Vietnam where parasite infection is common. A total of 195 children aged 9 to 13 years old completed a self-administered allergy questionnaire and provided blood and stool samples for analysis. Nutritional status, dietary intake and parasite infection were determined in all participants. Allergy was more common in girls (10.7% vs. 7.6%), suburban children (11.8% vs. 6.9%), children with weight-for-age (16.7% vs. 6.0%) and height-for-age (14.8% vs. 4.9%) in the 10th to 75th percentile compared to <3rd percentile, and in children without trichuriasis compared to light trichuriasis (12.5% vs. 9.3%), although none of these comparisons were statistically significant. Logistic regression adjusted for sex, age and area of residence revealed no association between allergy and nutritional status, food intake or parasite infection. Intake of riboflavin, however, was negatively associated with allergy (OR=0.00, 95% CI:0.00-0.65, p=0.038). In conclusion, we were unable to detect any association between allergy and nutritional status, diet, or parasite infection. However, in a population with high undernutrition and parasite infection, the prevalence of allergy was low and the extremely low intake of riboflavin was associated with a higher risk of allergy.
(Keyword)
Adolescent / Child / Diet / Female / Humans / Hypersensitivity / Male / Nutritional Status / Parasitic Diseases / Rural Population / Suburban Population / Vietnam
G Hailemariam, A Kassu, G Abebe, E Abate, D Damte, E Mekonnen and Fusao Ota : Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS and HIV seronegative individuals in a teaching hospital, Ethiopia, Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol.57, No.2, 41-43, 2004.
(Summary)
The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) /AIDS patients requires careful consideration in the developing world. However, there have been very few studies addressing this issue in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in HIV/AIDS patients at Jimma Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia, between January and February 2002. Stool specimens from HIV/AIDS patients and control groups were screened for intestinal parasitic infections using direct and formalin-ether sedimentation concentration methods. Out of 78 HIV/AIDS patients, 52.6% (41/78), and out of 26 HIV-negative individuals, 42.3% (11/26), were infected with one or more types of intestinal protozoa and/or helminthes. The parasites detected among HIV/AIDS patients included Ascaris lumbricoides (30.8%), Blastocystis spp. (14.1%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.3%), Trichuris trichiura (6.4%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5.1%), Giardia lamblia (3.8%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.5%), hookworm species (2.5%), and Taenia spp. (1.3%). Multiple infections were more common among HIV/AIDS patients. Blastocystis spp. were found to be significantly higher in HIV/AIDS patients than in controls (P < 0.05). The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection was high both in HIV/AIDS patients and in controls. Routine examinations of stool samples for parasites would significantly benefit the HIV-infected and uninfected individuals by contributing to reduce morbidity.
A Kassu, A Tsegaye, D Wolday, D Petros and Fusao Ota : CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets and immune activation markers in HIV-1 infected adults in Ethiopia, Focus Chronicle, Vol.4, No.2, 174-190, 2004.
32.
坂井 堅太郎, 石見 百江, 水羽 陽子, 山本 茂, Fusao Ota, Kenichi Maeda and Yosihiro Minato : 大学生の甲殻類に対するアレルギー調査, Health Care, Vol.45, No.8, 599-603, 2003.
Sherin Ahmed, Mohammed A. Satter, Shigeru Yamamoto, Kenichi Maeda, Yasuhiro Minato and Fusao Ota : Further Evidence Regarding the Effect of Dietary Protein on Oral Tolerance against Beta-Lactoglobulin through Th1-mediated Immune Response in Mice, Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, Vol.49, No.2, 112-119, 2003.
(Summary)
Oral tolerance is a potential strategy for preventing or minimizing aberrant immune responses. Although, oral tolerance has been extensively studied, to date the effects of dietary protein on the induction of oral tolerance are poorly understood. We have previously shown that restricted dietary protein induces oral tolerance to ovalbumin. This study was designed to investigate whether or not such tolerance occurs with beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) instead of ovalbumin (OVA) and if the tolerance resulting from this feeding regimen involves Th1-mediated immune response. Female BALB/c mice fed either 20% or 5% dietary protein were given 5 mg BLG or water orally for four consecutive days and then immunized intraperitoneally (ip) twice with BLG at 3-wk intervals. Oral tolerance induction was compared in BLG-fed and water-fed mice by measuring total IgE, BLG-specific antibodies, footpad reactions, splenocyte proliferation, and cytokine production. When mice were given BLG orally before ip immunization, the Th1-mediated immune responses (production of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and IgG2a) were significantly reduced, whereas the Th2-mediated immune responses (production of IL-4 and IgG1) were unchanged. The Th1-mediated immune responses were markedly down-regulated in mice fed 5% protein as compared to those in mice fed 20% protein. Moreover, the production of total IgE, BLG-specific IgE, splenocyte proliferation, and footpad reactions were more reduced in mice fed 5% protein than those in mice fed 20% protein. The present study provides evidence that dietary protein plays an important role in the induction of oral tolerance against BLG as the result of, clear down-regulation of Th1 helper activity accompanied by a reduction in IgE.
Mohammed A. Satter, Ahmed Sherin, Mohammed Alizadeh, Kenichi Maeda, Yoshihiro Minato and Fusao Ota : ENHANCEMENT OF ORAL TOLERANCE IN MICE BY LOW DIETARY PROTEIN AND THE MECHANISMS INVOLVED, Nutriton and Immunology in the 21st Century, 2003.
35.
Masayuki Yamato, Kanako Ozaki and Fusao Ota : Partial purification and characterization of the bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus YIT 0154, Microbiological Research, Vol.158, No.2, 169-172, 2003.
(Summary)
One strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus was found to produce a bacteriocin-like substance in the culture filtrate. The substance was produced in a growth-associated manner, showed heat stability at neutral and acidic pH and exhibited antibacterial activity against various species of Lactobacillus including L. acidophilus itself. The molecular weight of the substance was in the range of 6.2-95 kDa. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis suggests that the substance may belong to class IIb bacteriocin.
Fusao Ota, Masayuki Yamato, Mie Hayashi, Tetsuro Koga, Ahmed Sherin, Chiharu Mukai, Kentaro Sakai and Shigeru Yamamoto : Genetic studies on reference strains of mutans streptococci, Microbiological Research, Vol.157, No.4, 305-310, 2002.
(Summary)
Twenty four reference strains (serotype a-h) belonging to the mutans group of streptococci were compared for DNA fragment patterns of rDNA after treatment with Hind III. It was shown that Streptococcus cricetus (serotype a), S. rattus (serotype b), and S. downei (serotype h) reveals comparatively homogeneous patterns while S. mutans (serotype c, e and f) exhibits differences between the different serotypes as well as within single serotypes. S. sobrinus had an intermediary diversity. These data support the previous findings that S. mutans is heterogeneous at the serological, biochemical and genetical level.
Katsumasa Sato, Haruaki Tomioka, Toshiaki Shimizu, Tatsuo Gonda, Fusao Ota and Chiaki Sano : Type II Alveolar Cells Play Roles in Macrophage-Mediated Host Innate Resistance to Pulmonary Mycobacterial Infections by Producing Proinflammatory Cytokines, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol.185, No.8, 1139-1147, 2002.
(Summary)
Roles of type II pneumocytes in macrophage (Mphi)-mediated host resistance to pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and M. avium complex (MAC) infections were studied. Electron microscopy of the lung sections of mice given intratracheal infection indicated that the organisms invaded both Mphis and type II pneumocytes. When Mono-Mac-6 Mphis(MM6-Mphis) and A-549 type II pneumocytes (A-549 cells) were cocultivated, bacterial growth in MM6-Mphis was reduced by A-549 cell-derived soluble factors, indicating the roles of type II pneumocytes in Mphi-mediated host resistance to mycobacteria. MTB- or MAC-infected A-549 cells showed increased mitochondrial RNA expression of cytokines and surfactant proteins (SPs), in the order tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) > or = granulocyte-Mphi colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) > Mphi chemoattractant protein > or = interleukin-8 > SP-D. Anti-TNF-alpha and anti-GM-CSF antibodies attenuated A-549 cell-dependent inhibition of intramacrophage mycobacteria, indicating their crucial roles in A-549 cell-mediated potentiation of Mphi antimycobacterial activity.
Mohammed A. Satter, Kentaro Sakai, Sherin Ahmed, Kenji Yoshino, Shigeru Yamamoto, Yuji Shimizu and Fusao Ota : Low Protein Diet Induces Oral Tolerance to Ovalbumin in Mice, Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, Vol.48, No.1, 51-58, 2002.
(Summary)
The suitable development of oral tolerance against ingested dietary foods is of critical importance to escaping food allergy. Using mice as an animal model for oral tolerance against ovalbumin (OVA) as a dietary antigen, we investigated the effects of dietary protein on their immunological tolerance. Female BALB/c mice fed either a 20% or 5% protein diet were orally administered 5 mg of OVA for four consecutive days, then immunized intraperitoneally with 100 microg of OVA. The immunized group of mice were fed and treated in the same manner, except that they received orally distilled water for four consecutive days before receiving intraperitoneal immunization with the antigen. Immunization alone with OVA elevated the total IgE and induced the production of OVA-specific antibodies IgE, IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in the sera of both the 20% and 5% protein diet groups. The oral administration of OVA to mice before intraperitoneal immunization significantly reduced the total IgE and OVA-specific antibodies in mice fed 5% protein diet, but it had hardly any effect on those in mice fed a 20% protein diet. When spleen cells from these groups of mice were cultured with OVA as a mitogen, they responded substantially to OVA in the immunized groups fed 20% and 5% protein diets and in the presensitized group fed 20% protein, but those from the presensitized group fed a 5% protein diet did not respond. Furthermore, when IL-4 was assayed in the spleen cell cultures of the 20% and 5% groups, mice in the presensitized group fed a 5% protein diet produced a significantly less amount of IL-4 than those fed a 20% protein diet. Moreover, irrelevant to the protein amount in the diet, the production of IFN-gamma from spleen cell cultures dramatically decreased in the group without presensitization and profoundly increased in the presensitized group of mice fed a 5% protein diet. These findings suggest that a low-protein diet leads to an induction of oral tolerance against dietary antigens; this appears to involve a clear down-regulation of Th2 cytokine, IL-4.
Giovanna Batoni, Manuela Pardini, Alessia Giannotti, Fusao Ota, Maria Rita Giuca, Mario Gabriele, Mario Campa and Sonia Senesi : Effect of removable orthodontic appliances on oral colonisation by mutans streptococci in children, European Journal of Oral Sciences, Vol.109, No.6, 388-392, 2001.
(Summary)
Little is known about the effect of removable orthodontic appliances on oral colonisation by mutans streptococci (MS). In the present study, the frequency of isolation and serotype distribution of MS were evaluated in two groups of children, one undergoing therapy with removable appliances and the other not subjected to any kind of orthodontic treatment, respectively. Streptococci isolated from dental plaque samples from both groups of children were identified as mutans streptococci on the basis of their morphological and biochemical properties and were then serotyped in an enzyme immuno-assay using monoclonal antibodies. The number of subjects harbouring MS in their dental plaque was statistically higher in the group of orthodontic children without caries experience (CF) in comparison with CF children of the control group (10/12, 83.3% vs. 15/44, 34%). No clear difference was observed in the distribution of the different MS serotypes between the experimental and control group: S. mutans c,f serotype was the most frequently isolated in both groups of children followed by S. mutans serotype e and S. sobrinus serotype g. Such results suggest that the use of removable appliances may lead to the creation of new retentive areas and surfaces, which favour the local adherence and growth of MS. The data obtained stress the importance of a careful monitoring of patients treated orthodontically for risk of caries development.
坂井 堅太郎, Satter A. Mohammed, Fusao Ota and Shigeru Yamamoto : 経口免疫寛容に及ぼす低蛋白質食の影響, 必須アミノ酸研究, Vol.161, 88-92, 2001.
41.
Kentaro Sakai, Kenji Yoshino, Mohammed A. Satter, Fusao Ota, Yoshitaka Nii, Kazuhiro Fukuta, Nobuo Ueda, Yuji Shimizu and Shigeru Yamamoto : Effects of pH variation and NaCl on in vitro digestibility of cow's milk proteins in commercially available infant formulas, Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, Vol.46, No.6, 325-328, 2000.
(Summary)
Allergenicity and antigenicity of food proteins are generally dependent on their heat-stability and resistance to digestive enzymes. Using the methods of SDS-PAGE and immunoblots, we assessed peptic-digestibility of major milk proteins (casein, beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin) in commercially available infant formulas in acidic pH range (pH 1.5 to 4.0), and we also investigated the effect of NaCl on peptic-digestibility of cow's milk proteins at pH 2.0. The profile of peptic-digestion of casein was similar at pH range from 1.5 to 3.5 where the intact protein of casein rapidly disappeared, whereas slow digestibility of the protein was found at pH 4.0. Beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin were digested at pH range from 1.5 to 2.5 and were almost entirely resistant to peptic digestion at over pH 3.0. In the presence of NaCl at pH 2.0, casein showed a good digestibility by pepsin similar to that in the absence of NaCl, in contrast to beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin both having their peptic-digestibility decreased in the presence of 0.2 M NaCl. As the state of the stomach in new born infants shows low amounts of secretary pepsin and out of optimum pH of peptic activity, low digestibility of beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin in cow's milk based infant formulas at over pH 3.0 is supposed to be responsible for their allergenicity.
Masayuki Yamato, Hiroshi Yoneyama, Taiji Nakane and Fusao Ota : Preparation and Epitope Mapping of Monoclonal antibodies to Mex-A Protein of Mex-A,B/ Opr-M Efflux Pump in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, China-Japan Intonational Congress of Microbiology Shanghai Symposium-2000, 2000.
43.
Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Hajime Hisaeda, Yoichi Maekawa, Hideyuki Nagasawa, Tohru Sakai, Fusao Ota and Kunisuke Himeno : Expression of heat shock protein in host macrophages correlates with a protective potential against infection with Leishmania major in mice, Parasitology International, Vol.46, No.4, 263-270, 1997.
Hiroyuki Tomotake, Masayuki Yamato, Katsuhiko Hirota and Fusao Ota : Characterization of serotype polysaccharide antigen of group E streptococci using a monoclonal antibody, Microbiological Research, Vol.152, No.2, 113-119, 1997.
(Summary)
A Monoclonal antibody (MAb II-T) specific for serotypes II and V Group E streptococci (GES) was prepared by fusing myeloma cells with spleen cells of mice immunized with whole cells of a serotype II strain. MAb II-T reacted in an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with whole cells of both serotypes and reacted in gel diffusion test with autoclaved-saline extraction of serotypes II and V. The extract was purified by DEAE-Sephadex A-25, followed by treatment with proteinase K, and further by chromatography with a Sephadex G-200 column. The purified polysaccharide (PS) antigen contained 98.6% carbohydrate and 1.4% protein, but no detectable phosphorus. In hapten inhibition tests using various sugars, D-mannosamine markedly inhibited the precipitin reaction. These results indicated that the antigenic determinant might have a structure similar to D-mannosamine.
Masayuki Yamato, Mie Hayashi, Yasuhisa Shiomoto and Fusao Ota : Quantitation by enzyme immunoassay of spirosin from Lactobacillus reuteri and Escherichia coli, Microbiological Research, Vol.152, No.1, 87-92, 1997.
(Summary)
Three EIA methods (Direct, Indirect and Sandwich EIA) were studied to quantify spirosin in Lactobacillus reuteri and Escherichia coli cultured under various conditions in an attempt to get some insight into the function of spirosome. Both Direct and Indirect EIA were suited well for the quantitation of L. reuteri spirosin while Direct EIA was appropriate for spirosin of E. coli. Sandwich EIA could not be applied successfully in either case. By use of these methods, the amounts of spirosin produced by E. coli were determined to be 1.4, 36.2 and 46.5 micrograms per mg protein of the cell lysate under aerobic, standing and anaerobic culture conditions, respectively. Since the production profile of spirosin coincided entirely with that of alcohol dehydrogenase, these findings supported the identity of spirosin to alcohol dehydrogenase in E. coli. In the same way, L. reuteri spirosin was quantified to be 73.5 and 65.4 micrograms/ mg protein of the lysate in standing and anaerobic culture, respectively. The production pattern of spirosin did not parallel that of alcohol dehydrogenase among three strains of L. reuteri, suggesting that spirosin might not be identical to alcohol dehydrogenase.
Fusao Ota : 腸チフスパラチフス, 10, 感染症中毒, 今日の治療食指針. II, 臨床栄養, Vol.90, No.4, 376-378, 1997.
47.
K Okada, K Hirota, RJ Zhang, K Yasutomo, T Kuhara, Fusao Ota, S Kagami and Y Kuroda : Possible role for a polysaccharide antigen shared between Streptococcus pyogenes and S. mutans in the pathogenesis of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, Acta Paediatrica Japonica; Overseas edition, Vol.38, No.5, 470-475, 1996.
(Summary)
Streptococcus mutans has been shown to share a polysaccharide (PS) antigen with S. pyogenes strains isolated from patients with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), using a monoclonal antibody f-77 reactive with the PS. To investigate the pathogenetic role of the shared PS in PSNG, experimental nephritis was induced in animals. Rats were immunized thrice with heat-killed cells of S. mutans or S. pyogenes, followed by an intravenous injection of live cells of S. pyogenes. Histologic examination showed that both animal groups had comparable degrees of diffuse proliferative nephritis characterized by immune deposits. The shared PS antigen was detected in glomeruli of all nephritic rats by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibody f-77. Furthermore, all nephritic rats had an elevated antibody titer to the shared PS antigen. These results suggest that prior sensitization (infections such as dental caries) to S. mutans modulates immune responses to subsequent S. pyogenes infections and induces immune-complex disease (PSGN) through the shared PS antigen.
Fusao Ota, Hirohisa Kato, Katsuhiko Hirota, Susumu Imai, Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Masayuki Yamato and Yosihiro Minato : Immunochemical analysis and localisation of a cell wall antigen of Streptococcus rattus with a specific monoclonal antibody, Zentralblatt für Bakteriologie, Vol.282, No.4, 343-352, 1995.
(Summary)
A monoclonal antibody specific to a cell wall antigen of Streptococcus rattus (S. rattus) was prepared after cell fusion of mouse myeloma cells to the spleen cells of mice immunized with whole cells of strain FA1. The monoclonal antibody reacted with a crude and purified polysaccharide antigen of S. rattus in precipitin reactions as well as in a solid phase enzyme assay (EIA). It also reacted in the EIA with whole cells of S. rattus strains, but did not react with any other species of the mutans group or of other oral and streptococcal species. Moreover, among many haptenic sugars and their derivatives tested, D-galactosamine and D-glucosamine strongly inhibited the reaction in a competitive enzyme immunoassay using the purified antigen and whole cells, indicating that the type-specific antigenic determinant of the organism has a structure similar to the amino group of the sugar molecules. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the antigen epitopes formed an irregular fibrous structure over the entire surface of individual cells.
Masayuki Yamato, Hiroyuki Tomotake, Yasuhisa Shiomoto and Fusao Ota : Chromatographic study of spirosin by use of monoclonal antibodies to spirosin of Yersinia enterocolitica, Microbiology and Immunology, Vol.39, No.4, 225-259, 1995.
50.
Tsuneko Ono, Katsuhiko Hirota, Ken Nemoto, J. E. Fernandez, Fusao Ota and K Fukui : Detection of Streptococcus mutans by PCR amplification of spaP gene, Journal of Medical Microbiology, Vol.41, No.4, 231-235, 1994.
(Summary)
Synthetic oligonucleotide primers were used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a sequence of the spaP gene, which encodes the surface protein antigen I/II of Streptococcus mutans. A DNA fragment of c. 192 bp was amplified from lysed S. mutans cells or isolated DNA. With S. mutans cells, the lower limit of detection was 4-40 cfu. With these primers, 13 reference and 50 clinical strains of S. mutans were identified. Amplification of the 192-bp product was not demonstrated when 41 strains of other streptococcal and non-streptococcal species were tested. The spaP gene PCR has potential for the rapid diagnosis of S. mutans infections.
Fusao Ota, Hirohisa Kato, Katsuhiko Hirota, Hiromasa Inoue, Hiroyuki Tomotake, choji Uchiyama and Yoshihiro Minato : Immunochemical study of polysaccharide antigen in Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus downei with a cross-reactive monoclonal antibody, FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology, Vol.8, No.3, 213-218, 1994.
Katsuhiko Hirota, Fusao Ota, Yoshihiro Minato, Masayuki Yamato, R. Osawa, Hiroyuki Tomotake, Giovanna Batoni, Emilia Ghelardi, Sonia Senesi and Komei Fukui : Streptococcus mutans has a polysaccharide antigenic determinant in common with Streptococcus porcinus, In Pathogenic Streptococci:Present and Future, 204-205, 1994.
54.
Fabio Marchettii, Giovanna Batoni, Emilia Ghelardi, Rita Maria Giuca, Katsuhiko Hirota, Masayuki Yamato, Hiroyuki Tomotake, Melissa Marcucci, Fusao Ota, Mario Campa and Sonia Senesi : Incidence of mutans streptococci in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, In Pathogenic Streptococci:Present and Future, 290-291, 1994.
55.
Katsuhiko Hirota, Fusao Ota, Kikuji Yamashita, Kaname Okada, Yasuhiro Kuroda, Hiroyuki Inoue, Chitose Uchiyama, Fabio Marchetti, Emilia Ghelardi, Mario Campa and Komei Fukui : A cross-reactivepolysaccharide antigen between Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes, In Pathogenic Streptococci:Presentand Future, 386-387, 1994.
56.
Hiroyuki Tomotake, Yoshihiro Minato, masayuki Yamato, Katsuhiko Hirota, Giovanna Batoni, Fabio Marchetti, Sonia Senesi and Fusao Ota : Characterization of polysaccharide antigen of Str.porcinus type by monoclonal antibody, In Pathogenic Streptococci:Presentand Future, 206-207, 1994.
57.
Masayuki Yamato, Yuko Takahashi, Hiroyuki Tomotake, Fusao Ota, Katsuhiko Hirota and Kazuo Yamaguchi : Monoclonal autibodies to Spirosin of Yersinia enterocolitica and Analysis of the Localization of Spirosome by Use of Them, Microbiology and Immunology, Vol.38, No.3, 177-182, 1994.
(Summary)
Two hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were prepared by fusing myeloma cells (Sp2/0-Ag14) with mouse spleen cells immunized with purified spirosin from Yersinia enterocolitica SYT-11-72 (YE72). The antibodies produced by them were designated MAbs-S5 and S27. They were IgG2a and IgG1, respectively, both with kappa light chains. MAbs-S5 and S27 reacted specifically with spirosin from YE72. On Western blotting after limited proteolysis with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, YE72 spirosin revealed peptide fragments of 35 and 37 kDa reacting markedly with MAb-S5, which suggested the presence of an antigenic determinant on these fragments. By cellular fractionation of YE72 and subsequent EIA and Western blot analysis, spirosome was shown to be present in the cytoplasm of YE72.
Katsuhiro Hirota, Hayashi Matsumoto, Kikuji Yamashita, Seiichiro Kitamura, Fusao Ota and Komei Fukui : Oral streptococci and systemic diseases-Immunological analysis of cell surface antigens by monoclonal antibodies to oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes-, Dentistry in Japan, Vol.30, 28-34, 1993.
59.
Giovanna Batoni, Fabio Marchetti, Fusao Ota, Emilia Ghelardi, S Barnini, Hiroyuki Inoue, Chitose Uchiyama, Katsuhiko Hirota, Yosihiro Minato, MR Guica, M Gabriele, M Campa and S Senesi : First characterization in Italy of clinical isolates of mutans streptococci by using specific monoclonal antibodies, European Journal of Epidemiology, Vol.9, No.5, 483-488, 1993.
(Summary)
The aim of this investigation was to gain further insight into the prevalence of different serotypes of mutans streptococci in the Italian population by using specific monoclonal antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay. Isolates from dental plaque samples, collected from an adult population living in Pisa (Italy), were identified as mutans streptococci on the basis of their morphological and biochemical properties, and were then serotyped. The results show that 77.5% of the strains isolated belonged to serotype c or f (i.e., S. mutans), 15.9% were serotype e (i.e., S. mutans) and only two strains (1.4%) belonged to serotype g (i.e., S. sobrinus). These data are partially in agreement with other studies in Europe and in the U.S.A. The distribution pattern of the various serotypes turned out to be substantially similar among the different groups of patients, subdivided on the basis of their caries status, indicating that none of the serotypes was particularly associated with dental caries.
Giovanna Batoni, Fusao Ota, Emilia Ghelardi, Silvia Senesi, S Barnini, Giulia Freer, Giulia Freer, Katsuhiko Hirota, Mario Gabriele, Melissa Marcucci and Mario Campa : Epidemiological survey of Streptococcus mutans in a group of adult patients living in Pisa (Italy), European Journal of Epidemiology, Vol.8, No.2, 238-242, 1992.
(Summary)
An epidemiological investigation was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in a group of 134 adult patients. Markedly higher frequency of isolation was observed in caries-active subjects than in caries-inactive or caries-free subjects, indicating a significant association between the prevalence of the microorganism and the caries status. Moreover, the presence of the microorganism appeared to have a significant association with the extent of caries experience evaluated by the DMF score. These findings are in agreement with those reported previously for school children in other areas of Italy. Isolation of S. mutans was compared among patients groups with different caries activity in relation to culture times of dental plaque samples in a transport medium (Colorimetric Broth Medium). S. mutans was most frequently isolated from caries-active subjects when the medium was incubated for 48 h after inoculation with dental plaque samples.
Fusao Ota, Giovanna Batoni, Sonia Senesi, Mario Gabriele, K Nemoto, A. R. Whiley, M J. Hardie, Emilia Ghelardi, Komei Fukui, Melissa Marcucci and Mario Campa : Serological identification of mutans Streptococci using MAbs in comparison with biochemical and DNA-DNA hybridisation techniques, Zbl Bakt. suppl, Vol.22, 84-87, 1992.
Sonia Senesi, G. Gercignani, Giorgio Freer, Giovanna Batoni, S. Barnini and Fusao Ota : Structural and stereospecific requirements for the nucleoside-triggered germination of Bacillus cereus spores, Journal of General Microbiology, Vol.137, No.2, 399-404, 1991.
Fusao Ota, Shigeru Yamamoto, miyuki Akiyama, Sayoko Takeuchi, Y Yoshimoto, Yasuhiro Kido, Kyoichi Kishi, Katsuhiko Hirota and Komei Fukui : Dietary protein levels affecting resistance to group B streptococcal infection in mice:Nutritional status, mortality, and clinical course.Infect.Immun, Life Sci. Adv., Vol.10, 31-39, 1991.
68.
Fusao Ota, Katsuhiko Hirota, Hideaki Nagamune and Komei Fukui : Enzyme immunoassay and monoclonal antibodies for immunological studies of the mutans group of streptococci, Dentistry in Japan, Vol.27, No.1, 25-28, 1990.
Fusao Ota, Hirohisa Kato, Hideaki Nagamune, Yasuyuki Akiyama, Kuniko Seo, Yoshihiro Minato, Komei Fukui and Toshihiko Koga : Cross-reactive polysaccharide antigens (types a, d, and h) of the mutans group of streptococci: Different molecular forms of the type as distinguishable by monoclonal antibodies, Zentralblatt für Bakteriologie, Vol.272, No.3, 294-305, 1990.
Hideaki Nagamune, Fusao Ota, Komei Fukui, Nagayuki Yoshida, Katsuhiko Hirota, Terushige Kawata and Yosihiro Minato : Studies on the immunological specificity of streptococci by use of monoclonal antibodies. .Selection of EIA microtiter plates for the immunological analysis of streptococcal whole cells, Shikoku Acta Medica, Vol.45, No.4, 256-264, 1989.
(Summary)
S. cricetusとS. sobrinus菌体を抗原とし，5社のEIAプレートの菌体固定化率を比較した結果，Corning社プレートが最も固定化効率が高い事を確認した．また，加熱，NaN3あるいはホルマリン処理をした菌体でもほぼ同一の固定化量を示し，同社プレートは菌体のEIA分析に最適である事を示した．さらに，菌体の固定化方法としては吸着乾固法が水中単純吸着法より効果的であることも示した．
Fusao Ota, Hideaki Nagamune, Ken Nemoto, Komei Fukui, Nagayuki Yoshida, Katsuhiko Hirota, Michinori Kusuda, Terushige Kawata and Yosihiro Minato : Studies on the immunological specificity of streptococci by use of monoclonal antibodies. I.Selection of EIA plates and conditions for the use of polysaccharide antigens, Shikoku Acta Medica, Vol.45, No.4, 245-255, 1989.
Hideaki Nagamune, Osamu Urayama, Yukichi Hara, Fusao Ota, Katsuhiko Hirota, Yasuhiko Satomi, Kuniko Seo, Komei Fukui and Makoto Nakao : Directional immobilization of sodium- and potassium-activated ATPase to expose its cytoplasmic part to the liquid phase on microtiter plates by wheat germ agglutinin, Analytical Biochemistry: Methods in the Biological Sciences, Vol.180, No.2, 362-367, 1989.
Mario Campa, P. Marelli, Fusao Ota, I. Zolfino, Sonia Senesi and B. Malvaldi : B-cell-mediated depression of the granulomatous response to BCG in mice, The Journal of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Vol.119, No.2, 279-285, 1989.
Shigeru Yamamoto, Fusao Ota, Miyuki Akiyama, Sayoko Takeuchi, S Ikemoto, F Shizuka, Kyoichi Kishi, Komei Fukui and Goro Inoue : Optimal protein intake estimated by the resistance to streptococcal infection and the nutritional indices in mine, Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, Vol.34, 423-432, 1988.
80.
Fusao Ota, Michiko Kiso, Yasuyuki Akiyama, yasuhiko Satomi, Masahiko Yasuoka and Komei Fukui : Serological typing of reference strains and clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans by agglutination reaction and/or radioimmunoassay, Zbl.Bakt.Hyg.,, Vol.A265, 330-339, 1987.
81.
Fusao Ota, Miwako Ono, Kenji Uegaki, Yasuyuki Akiyama and Komei Fukui : E-rosetting of guinea pig lymphocytes with lyophilized rabbit red cells after treatment with papain and glutaraldehyde, Int. Archs Allergy Appl. Immun, Vol.83, 72-76, 1987.
82.
Fusao Ota, Hirohisa Kato and Komei Fukui : Immunological study of cross-reactive polysaccharide antigens(types a,d,and h)of oral streptococcus spp.with monoclonal antibodies, Infection and Immunity, Vol.55, 266-268, 1987.
Hirohisa Kato, Fusao Ota, Komei Fukui and K Yagawa : Monoclonal antibody to Streptococcus mutans type e cell wall polysaccharide antigen, Infection and Immunity, Vol.52, 628-630, 1986.
85.
Fusao Ota, Michiko Kiso, Kaname Okada, Hirohisa Kato, Katsuhiko Hirota, Komei Fukui, Masahiko Yasuoka, Miwako Ono, K Uegaki and Yasuji Morimoto : Streptococcus mutans serotype b strain(St. rattus Coykendall): First isolation in Japan from human dental plaque, Microbiology and Immunology, Vol.29, 1005-1010, 1985.
86.
Fusao Ota, Hirohisa Kato, Kaname Okada and komei Fukui : Agglutinating antibodies to serotype Streptococcus mutans:Serotype variations of Reference strains and clinical isolates, Recent Advances on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases, 110-112, 1984.
Fusao Ota, 木曾 道子, 福井 公明, 里見 安彦, 安岡 雅仁, 内山 長司 and 井上 博雅 : 画像解析に関する研究，イメージアナライザー(Luzex500)の機能と細胞生物学への応用, The Journal of the Kyushu Dental Society, Vol.36, No.6, 914-931, 1982.
90.
瀬尾 くにこ, Fusao Ota, 福井 公明, 野田 和秀 and 内山 長司 : Aspergillus flavusのプロトプラスト生成法およびその安定性に対する各種安定剤の効果について, The Journal of the Kyushu Dental Society, Vol.36, No.2, 297-306, 1982.
91.
Fusao Ota, Michiko Kiso and Komei Fukui : Lysis of streptococcus mutans with Achromopeptidase and release of osmotically fragile bodies, Microbiology and Immunology, Vol.26, 957-963, 1982.
92.
福井 公明, Fusao Ota and 木曾 道子 : 口腔微生物の生態学的研究 Geotrichum candidumの分節胞子形成機序に関する研究, Shikoku Acta Medica, Vol.38, 441-446, 1982.
93.
Fusao Ota and Komei Fukui : Scanning electron microscopic studies of the extracellular polysaccharides(EP)synthesized in colonies of Streptoccus mutans:Development of EP and the effect of dextranase on them, Microbiology and Immunology, Vol.26, 623-628, 1982.
Tomihiko Higuchi, Naokatsu Arakaki, Shingo Niimi, Setsuko Nakashima, Rieko Saito, Isamu Tani and Fusao Ota : Anisotropic inhibition of energy transduction in oxidative phosphrylation in rat liver mitochondria by tetraphenylarsonium, The Journal of Biological Chemistry, Vol.255, No.16, 7631-7636, 1980.
99.
Fusao Ota, D. Parker, M. J. Dwyer and L. J. Turk : Preparation of antisera specific for guinea pig B cells., Int.Archs Allergy appl. Immun., Vol.61, No.2, 183-191, 1980.
100.
Fusao Ota, D. Parker and L. J. Turk : Further evidence for Non-T-Cell regulation of delayed hypersensitivity in the guinea pig, The Journal of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Vol.43, No.2, 263-270, 1979.
101.
E. A. Pasieka, E. F. Ashton, R. Wallace, Fusao Ota, A. Ryan, C. Perusse and B. B. Diena : Antibody production in milk serum of goats experimentally infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae., Cand.J.Microbiol, Vol.22, No.8, 1113-1119, 1976.
102.
E. A. Pasieka, Fusao Ota, A. Ryan, A. F. Ashton, R. Wallace, C. Perusse and B. B. Diena : The goat mammary gland as a model infection site for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Brit. J. vener.Dis.,, Vol.52, No.3, 170-171, 1976.
103.
Fusao Ota, E. F. Ashton and B. B. Diena : Type and strain variation in induction of L forms of Neisseria gonorrhoeae., Japanese Journal of Microbiology, Vol.20, No.2, 77-82, 1976.
(Summary)
Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were inoculated onto brain heart infusion (Difco) agar supplemented with penicillin and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer and cultivated in a candle extinction jar. L-form colonies became visible after a few days. They continued to grow and were viable for up to 38 days. The extent of inducibility of L forms of N. gonorrhoeae was examined semiquantitatively. It was found to be constant for each type and strain and to depend only slightly on the amount of penicillin added to the medium. None of the types of one strain produced L-form colonies. In another strain, avirulent types (T3, T4) showed more ability to produce L forms than virulent types (T1, T2) and no L forms were produced by the subtypes of T1 and T2-T1a and T2a. In a third strain, only T4 produced L forms. Electron microscopic studies showed that the L forms consisted of a number of membranous vesicles and a variety of cell types such as those completely lacking cell walls and those with only remnants of cell walls. The results indicate the existence of subtypes of T1 and T2 of gonococci and the intrinsic inducibility of gonococcal types and strains to produce L forms.
(Keyword)
Culture Media / Genetic Variation / L Forms / Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Penicillin Resistance / Virulence
(Link to Search Site for Scientific Articles)
● PubMed @ National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine (PMID): 820897
Fusao Ota, Komei Fukui, E. F. Ashton and B. B. Diena : The fine structure of reverting L-forms of Neisseria gonorrhoeae., Japanese Journal of Microbiology, Vol.20, No.1, 59-62, 1976.
(Keyword)
L Forms / Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(Link to Search Site for Scientific Articles)
● PubMed @ National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine (PMID): 818421
E. F. Ashton, F. Charron, Fusao Ota, R. Wallace and B. B. Diena : Gonococcal growth factors in tissue cultures, Cand.J.Microbiol, Vol.21, No.11, 1751-1755, 1975.
106.
Fusao Ota, R. Pontefract, E. F. Ashton and B. B. Diena : Studies on gonococcal infection. II. Attachment and fate of gonococci in tissue-culture cells, Cand.J.Microbiol, Vol.21, No.11, 1698-1704, 1975.
107.
Fusao Ota, J Morita, Nagayuki Yoshida, E. F. Ashton and B. B. Diena : Studies on gonococcal infection. I. Electron microscopic studies on phagocytosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by macrophages, Japanese Journal of Microbiology, Vol.19, No.2, 149-155, 1975.
(Summary)
Macrophages from mice were infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae type 1 cells, and their ultrastructure was studied by electron microscopy. The macrophages showed various stages of engulfment and digestion of gonococci 2 hr after infection. Infected macrophages seemed to develop pseudopodia for phagocytosis, and could engulf more than 30 gonococcal cells. Some engulfed bacteria appeared morphologically intact, while others appeared lysed and some structures resembling the L form of N. gonorrhoeae were also seen. These observations suggest that gonococcal cells may be able to survive intracellularly with normal or altered forms of morphology, and that macrophages containing these bacteria may disseminate gonococcal infection in man.
Fusao Ota, Komei Fukui, J Morita, Nagayuki Yoshida and Tatsuo Kashiyama : Ultrastructure of Rhodospirillum rubrum after freeze-etching, Japanese Journal of Microbiology, Vol.17, No.6, 527-529, 1973.
(Keyword)
Freeze Etching / Microscopy, Electron / Rhodospirillum rubrum
(Link to Search Site for Scientific Articles)
● PubMed @ National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine (PMID): 4210026
Susumu Kimura, Fusao Ota, M Nishikawa, komei Fukui and Nagayuki Yoshida : Plaque formation by herpes simplex virus in established calf kidney cells, Japanese Journal of Microbiology, Vol.17, No.1, 83-84, 1973.
Fusao Ota : Magnesium-stimulated resynthesis of osmoresistant layer by Candida albicans spheroplasts, Japanese Journal of Microbiology, Vol.16, No.5, 359-371, 1972.
(Summary)
Spheroplasts of <i>Candida albicans</i> could be obtained by treating cells with a snail enzyme in the presence of 0.75M MgSO<sub>4</sub> as a stabilizer and cells could subsequently be regenerated by the thin-layer-agar plating method. The initial regeneration process was affected by stabilizers such as MgSO<sub>8</sub> MgCl<sub>2</sub>, MnSO<sub>4</sub>, CaCl<sub>2</sub>, KCl, NaCl and sucrose. It was found that 0.68M MgSO<sub>4</sub> was the best stabilizer. Good stabilization was also achieved in any medium with 0.5-0.75M sucrose, although stabilizing agents were in general most effecive at concentrations giving about 22 atmospheres of osmolarity. This osmolarity was lower than that used to prepare spheroplasts. Using this thin-layer plating method at least three factors were essential for resynthesis of a wall layer: (1) a carbon source, (2) a stabilizer and (3) several minerals. Nitrogen in the form of an amino acid stimulated formation of the wall layer. Relationship between these factors and osmolarity of the medium during regeneration of the wall layer is discussed.
Fusao Ota, Komei Fukui, Nagayuki Yoshida, S Nagasaki and Shigeru Yamamoto : Requirements for regeneration of yeast protoplasts and their ultrastructure during reversion, Yeasts and Yeast-like Microorganisms in Medical Science, Vol.I-5, 39-45, 1972.
118.
Susumu Kimura, T Kamogashira, Fusao Ota, komei Fukui, Nagayuki Yoshida and Yasunobu Sagara : Growth of bovine adenovirus type 3 in cells cloned from a cell line of calf kidney, The Tokushima Journal of Experimental Medicine, Vol.18, 33-37, 1971.
119.
Yasunobu Sagara, Komei Fukui, Fusao Ota, Nagayuki Yoshida, Tatsuo Kashiyama and M Fujimoto : Rapid formation of protoplasts of Streptomyces griseoflavus and their fine structure, Japanese Journal of Microbiology, Vol.15, No.1, 73-84, 1971.
Nhien Van Nguyen, Khan Cong Nguyen, Ninh Xuan Nguen, Yabutani Tomoki, Kassu Afework, Motonaka Junko, Fusao Ota and Yutaka Nakaya : Micronutrient deficiencies among Primary School Children in Vietnam, Consequences and Control of Micronutrient Deficiences, Istanbul, Apr. 2007.
2.
Afework Kassu, Berhanu Andualem, Nguyen Van Nhien, Masayo Nakamori, Takeshi Nishikawa, Shigeru Yamamoto and Fusao Ota : Vitamin A deficiency in patients with diarrhea and HIV infection in Ethiopia., The joint 8th IUNS international symposium on clinical nutrition (8th ISCN) and 5th Asia-Pacific clinical nutrition society (5th APCNS) conference 2006, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, Oct. 2006.
3.
Fusao Ota : A Trend of Food Poisoning and Preventive Measures in Japan, Asian Conference on Diarrhoeal Diseases and Nutrition, Vol.10, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dec. 2003.
4.
Fusao Ota : Food Sanitation Today in Japan, Asian Conference on Diarrhoeal Diseases and Nutrition, Vol.10, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dec. 2003.
5.
Mohammed A. Satter, Sherin Ahmed, Mohammad Alizadeh, Kenichi Maeda, Yosihiro Minato and Fusao Ota : Low protein diet inducing oral tolerance to Th1 & Th2 dietary antigens and its control mechanisms, Nutrition and Immunology in the 21st Century, New Delhi, Feb. 2003.
6.
Mohammed A. Satter, Ahmed Sherin, Mohammed Alizadeh, Ken-ich Maeda, Yoshihiro Minato and Fusao Ota : ENHANCEMENT OF ORAL TOLERANCE IN MICE BY LOW DIETARY PROTEIN AND THE MECHANISMS INVOLVED, Nutriton and Immunology in the 21st Century. Based on the international conference, 20-22, New Delhi, Feb. 2003.
7.
Masayuki Yamato, Hiroshi Yoneyama, Taiji Nakane and Fusao Ota : Preparation and Epitope Mapping of Monoclonal antibodies to Mex-A Protein of Mex-A, B/ Opr-M Efflux Pump in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proceedings of the 7th China-Japan Intonational Congress of Microbiology Shanghai Symposium-2000, Shanghai, 2000.
8.
Fusao Ota, R. Whiley, Mie Hayashi, Jeremy Hardie, Y. Yamto, Sonia Sensesi and Mario Campa : Recognition of mutans streptococci by monoclonal antibodies, Proceedings of the XIIIth Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases, 1997.
9.
Katsuhiko Hirota, Fusao Ota, Sonia Senesi, Hideaki Nagamune, Giovanna Batoni, Giorgio Freer, Terushige Kawata and Komei Fukui : A comparison of various EIA plates for the analysis of polysaccharide antigens and serological identification of oral streptococci, XI Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases; In "New Perspectives on Streptococci and Streptococcal Infections"(G. Orefici, ed.), Zentralblatt für Bakteriologie, Vol.Suppl22, 116-118, Siena, Oct. 1992.
Hideaki Nagamune, Fusao Ota, Sonia Senesi, Giovanna Batoni and Komei Fukui : Monoclonal antibodies specific for a polysaccharide antigenic determinant of Streptococcus mutans (serotypes c, e and f), XI Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases; In "New Perspectives on Streptococci and Streptococcal Infections"(G. Orefici, ed.): Zentralblatt für Bakteriologie, Vol.Suppl22, 223-225, Siena, Oct. 1992.
M Alizadeh, A. Kassu, N. V. Nhien, B M. T. Houng, Masayuki Yamato and Fusao Ota : Antibody response to ovalbumin in mice treated with Bisphenol A in reference to dietary protein, 日本栄養・食糧学会大会, Vol.60, May 2006.
2.
Aya Takeoka, Tetsuro Koga, Masayuki Yamato and Fusao Ota : タイタープレートを使用した抗菌活性測定, 徳島医学会学術集会 平成16年度冬期, Vol.227, Feb. 2005.
3.
M Alozadeh, A. Kassu, NV Nhien, BTM Huong, Masayuki Yamato and Fusao Ota : Effects ofBisphenol A on Immune Torelance to Ovalbumin in Mice, 日本細菌学会中国・四国支部総会, Vol.58, 2005.
4.
OA Kassu, E. Diro, B. Ayele, F. Moges, M. Fujino, M. Nishizawa, S. Sugiura and Fusao Ota : Prevalence of HIV and Intestinal parasites in tuberculosis patients and profile of serum viral load during treatment of tuberculosis, 日本細菌学会中国・四国支部総会, Vol.58, 2005.
5.
Zahid Mahamud, Afework Kasu, Masayuki Yamato and Fusao Ota : Environmental studies of Toxigenic Vibrio Parahaemolyticus in the Kii Channel, Japan, 日本細菌学会総会, Vol.78, 2005.
6.
A. Kassu, B. Ayele, E Diro, F. Mekonnen, F Moges, G. Menigitsu, Y. Wondmikun and Fusao Ota : Infecvtion with HIV and intestinal parsites among adult tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia, 徳島医学会学術集会 平成16年度冬期, Vol.227, 2004.
7.
韓 香欄, Mohammad Alizadeha, Mahmud Hayat Zahid, Masayuki Yamato, Tetsuro Koga, Aya Takeoka and Fusao Ota : 「どくだみ」の抗菌作用に関する研究, 徳島医学会学術集会 平成15年度夏期, Vol.227, 2003.
Et cetera, Workshop:
1.
Fusao Ota : 熱帯地域で使用される伝統薬の抗糸状虫作用, 共同研究報告書平成12年度版, 19-25, 2001.