bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Halitosis and oral health‐related quality of life: a case report
Authors: Buunk‐Werkhoven YAB , Dijkstra‐le Clercq M , Verheggen‐Udding EL , de Jong N , Spreen M 
Published: June 2011

To cite this article:

Int J Dent Hygiene
10, 2012; 3–8  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00512.x  Buunk‐Werkhoven YAB, Dijkstra‐le Clercq M, Verheggen‐Udding EL, de Jong N, Spreen M. Halitosis and oral health‐related quality of life: a case report.Abstract:  Objectives:  This is a clinical case of a 36‐year‐old Dutch male, patient in the Dr. S. van Mesdag Forensic Psychiatric Centre in Groningen. It demonstrates a short‐time effect of a tailored oral hygiene self‐care intervention in three sessions over a period of 3 months on halitosis and a patient’s oral health‐related quality of life (OH‐QoL).Methods:  In addition to a dental screening and professional oral hygiene care, a semi‐structured interview was conducted by the dental hygienist, and questionnaires were administered. The questionnaires included were; the Dutch version of the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14‐NL; used as a measurement of OH‐QoL), scales for expected social outcomes for having healthy teeth, attitudes towards oral hygiene behaviour (OHB) and dental anxiety.Results:  Clinical observations showed an improvement in patient’s OHB, while the extreme foetor‐ex‐ore was reduced to an acceptable level. A retrospective assessment showed that patient’s attitude towards the recommended OHB together with his self‐perceived OH‐QoL had positively increased.Conclusions:  This case highlights the value of professional individual oral hygiene instructions performed by a dental hygienist. It also illustrates that a patient’s effective OHB may play an important role in the reduction in halitosis and self‐perceived OH‐QoL. Finally, the retrospective version of the OHIP‐14‐NL may be an adequate method to assess self‐perceived OH‐QoL within a relative short period of time.
DNA barcoding of oomycetes with cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and internal transcribed spacer
Authors: ROBIDEAU GREGG P. , De COCK ARTHUR W. A. M. , COFFEY MICHAEL D. , VOGLMAYR HERMANN , BROUWER HENK , BALA KANAK , CHITTY DAVID W. , DÉSAULNIERS NICOLE , EGGERTSON QUINN A. , GACHON CLAIRE M. M. , HU CHIA‐HUI , KÜPPER FRITHJOF C. , RINTOUL TARA L. , SARHAN EHAB , VERSTAPPEN ELS C. P. , ZHANG YONGHONG , BONANTS PETER J. M. , RISTAINO JEAN B. , ANDRÉ LÉVESQUE C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractOomycete species occupy many different environments and many ecological niches. The genera Phytophthora and Pythium for example, contain many plant pathogens which cause enormous damage to a wide range of plant species. Proper identification to the species level is a critical first step in any investigation of oomycetes, whether it is research driven or compelled by the need for rapid and accurate diagnostics during a pathogen outbreak. The use of DNA for oomycete species identification is well established, but DNA barcoding with cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) is a relatively new approach that has yet to be assessed over a significant sample of oomycete genera. In this study we have sequenced COI, from 1205 isolates representing 23 genera. A comparison to internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences from the same isolates showed that COI identification is a practical option; complementary because it uses the mitochondrial genome instead of nuclear DNA. In some cases COI was more discriminative than ITS at the species level. This is in contrast to the large ribosomal subunit, which showed poor species resolution when sequenced from a subset of the isolates used in this study. The results described in this paper indicate that COI sequencing and the dataset generated are a valuable addition to the currently available oomycete taxonomy resources, and that both COI, the default DNA barcode supported by GenBank, and ITS, the de facto barcode accepted by the oomycete and mycology community, are acceptable and complementary DNA barcodes to be used for identification of oomycetes.
Factors affecting the views and attitudes of Scottish pharmacists to continuing professional development
Authors: Power Ailsa , Grammatiki Aikaterini , Bates Ian , Mc Kellar Susan , Johnson B Julienne , Diack H Lesley , Stewart Derek , Hudson Steve A 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Objectives
To explore factors associated with Scottish pharmacists' views and attitudes to continuing professional development (CPD).

Methods
A retrospective principal component analysis of 552 (22.8%) questionnaires returned from a sample of 2420 Scottish pharmacists randomly selected from the 4300 pharmacists registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and with a Scottish address.

Key findings
Principal component analysis of questionnaire items (n = 19) revealed four factors associated with Scottish pharmacists' views and attitudes to CPD: having positive support in the workplace, having access to resources and meeting learning needs, having confidence in the CPD process and motivation to participate in the CPD process. Community pharmacists were identified as the subgroup of pharmacists that needed most support for CPD regarding all four factors, while pharmacists working in primary care felt that they had most support in the workplace in comparison to other sectors (P &lt; 0.05) and better access to resources and meeting learning needs when compared to community (P &lt; 0.001) and hospital (P = 0.008) colleagues. Pharmacists working in primary care also felt more motivated to participate in the CPD process than those in the community (P &lt; 0.001), and hospital pharmacists reported having more confidence in the CPD process compared to community pharmacists (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Using principal component analysis has identified four factors associated with Scottish pharmacists' views and attitudes to CPD. This may provide an approach to facilitate comparison of CPD views and attitudes with intra and inter professional groupings. Further study may allow identification of good practice and solutions to common CPD issues.
A Constrained Convex Approach to Modal Design Optimization of Vibrating Systems
Authors: Richiedei Dario , Trevisani Alberto , Zanardo Gabriele 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
This paper introduces a general and flexible design method for the inverse modal optimization of undamped vibrating systems, i.e., for the computation of mass and stiffness linear modifications ensuring the desired system eigenstructure. The technique is suitable for the design of new systems or the optimization of the existing ones and can handle several design requirements and constraints. Paramount strengths of the method are its capability to modify an arbitrary number of parameters and assigned vibration modes, as well as the possibility of dealing with mass and stiffness matrices with arbitrary topologies. To this purpose, the modification problem is formulated as a constrained inverse eigenvalue problem and then solved within the frame of convex optimization. The effectiveness of the method is assessed by applying it to two different test cases. In particular, the second investigation deals with a meaningful mechanical design application: the optimization of a system recalling an industrial vibratory feeder. The results highlight the generality of the method and its capability to ensure the achievement of the prescribed eigenstructure.
Linezolid plus Rifampin as a Salvage Therapy in Prosthetic Joint Infections Treated without Removing the Implant
Authors: Gómez J. , Canovas E. , Baños V. , Martínez L. , García E. , Hernández-Torres A. , Canteras M. , Ruiz J. , Medina M. , Martínez P. , Canovas A. , Soriano A. , Clavel M. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to describe our experience with linezolid plus rifampin as a salvage therapy in prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) when other antibiotic regimens failed or were not tolerated. A total of 161 patients with a documented prosthetic joint infection were diagnosed with a PJI and prospectively followed up from January 2000 to April 2007. Clinical characteristics, inflammatory markers, microbiological and radiological data, and antibiotic treatment were recorded. After a 2-year follow-up, patients were classified as cured when the prosthesis was not removed, symptoms of infection disappeared, and inflammatory parameters were within the normal range. Any other outcome was considered a failure. The mean age of the entire cohort (
n
= 161) was 67 years. Ninety-five episodes were on a knee prosthesis (59%), and 66 were on a hip prosthesis (41%). A total of 49 patients received linezolid plus rifampin: 45 due to failure of the previous antibiotic regimen and 4 due to an adverse event associated with the prior antibiotics. In no case was the implant removed. The mean (standard deviation) duration of treatment was 80.2 (29.7) days. The success rate after 24 months of follow-up was 69.4% (34/49 patients). Three patients developed thrombocytopenia and 3 developed anemia; however, it was not necessary to stop linezolid. Linezolid plus rifampin is an alternative salvage therapy when the implant is not removed.
Apoptosis-Inducing Activity of Clofazimine in Macrophages
Authors: Fukutomi Yasuo , Maeda Yumi , Makino Masahiko 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTClofazimine is a riminophenazine compound which has been used for the treatment of leprosy since the 1960s. Although the drug is effective in the management of leprosy reactions because of its anti-inflammatory activity, the mechanism leading to the cessation of inflammation is not well understood. In the present study, it was shown that clofazimine exhibits apoptosis-inducing activity in macrophages. When human monocyte-derived macrophages were culturedin vitroin the presence of clofazimine, the cells exhibited a marked decrease in metabolic activity and showed shrinkage in cell size, indicating cell death. Nuclear condensation and fragmentation were also observed by Giemsa and Hoechst 33248 stains. The endonuclease inhibitor ZnCl2inhibited the clofazimine-induced cell death. Significant enhancement of caspase-3 activity was observed in clofazimine-treated macrophages and THP-1 cells. Collectively, these results suggest the apoptosis-inducing activity of clofazimine in macrophages, which may also be responsible for the antibacterial properties of clofazimine.
Self-Resistance and Cell Wall Composition in the Glycopeptide Producer Amycolatopsis balhimycina
Authors: Schäberle Till F. , Vollmer Waldemar , Frasch Hans-Jörg , Hüttel Stephan , Kulik Andreas , Röttgen Marlene , von Thaler Anna-Katharina , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Stegmann Evi 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

The prevailing resistance mechanism against glycopeptides in Gram-positive pathogens involves reprogramming the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan precursors, resulting in
d
-alanyl-
d
-lactate depsipeptide termini.
Amycolatopsis balhimycina
produces the vancomycin-like glycopeptide balhimycin and therefore has to protect itself from the action of the glycopeptide. We studied the roles of the accessory resistance gene orthologs
vanY
b
,
vnlR
b
, and
vnlS
b
, which are part of the balhimycin biosynthetic gene cluster (represented by the subscript “b”). The VanY
b
carboxypeptidase cleaved the terminal
d
-Ala from peptidoglycan precursors, and its heterologous expression enhanced glycopeptide resistance in
Streptomyces coelicolor
. The VanRS-like two component system VnlRS
b
was not involved in glycopeptide resistance or in the expression of the
vanHAX
glycopeptide resistance genes. Mature
A. balhimycina
peptidoglycan contained mainly tri- and tetrapeptides, with only traces of the
d
-Ala-
d
-Ala-ending pentapeptides that are binding sites for the antibiotic produced. The structure of the peptidoglycan precursor is consistent with the presence of
vanHAX
genes, which were identified outside the balhimycin synthesis cluster. Both wild-type and non-antibiotic-producing mutant strains synthesized peptidoglycan precursors ending mainly with
d
-Lac, indicating constitutive synthesis of a resistant cell wall.
A. balhimycina
could provide a model for an ancestral glycopeptide producer with constitutively expressed resistance genes.
Burkholderia cenocepacia ShvR-Regulated Genes That Influence Colony Morphology, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence
Authors: Subramoni Sujatha , Nguyen David T. , Sokol Pamela A. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTBurkholderia cenocepaciais an opportunistic pathogen that primarily infects cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Previously, we reported that ShvR, a LysR regulator, influences colony morphology, virulence, and biofilm formation and regulates the expression of an adjacent 24-kb genomic region encoding 24 genes. In this study, we report the functional characterization of selected genes in this region. A Tn5mutant with shiny colony morphology was identified with a polar mutation in BCAS0208, predicted to encode an acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase. Mutagenesis of BCAS0208 and complementation analyses revealed that BCAS0208 is required for rough colony morphology, biofilm formation, and virulence on alfalfa seedlings. It was not possible to complement with BCAS0208 containing a mutation in the catalytic site. BCAS0201, encoding a putative flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent oxidoreductase, and BCAS0207, encoding a putative citrate synthase, do not influence colony morphology but are required for optimum levels of biofilm formation and virulence. Both BCAS0208 and BCAS0201 contribute to pellicle formation, although individual mutations in each of these genes had no appreciable effect on pellicle formation. A mutant with a polar insertion in BCAS0208 was significantly less virulent in a rat model of chronic lung infection as well as in the alfalfa model. Genes in this region were shown to influence utilization of branched-chain fatty acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle substrates,l-arabinose, and branched-chain amino acids. Together, our data show that the ShvR-regulated genes BCAS0208 to BCAS0201 are required for the rough colony morphotype, biofilm and pellicle formation, and virulence inB. cenocepacia.
Beta Interferon-Mediated Activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Protein 1 Interferes with Rickettsia conorii Replication in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Colonne Punsiri M. , Eremeeva Marina E. , Sahni Sanjeev K. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Infection of the endothelial cell lining of blood vessels with
Rickettsia conorii
, the causative agent of Mediterranean spotted fever, results in endothelial activation. We investigated the effects of
R. conorii
infection on the status of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription protein (STAT) signaling pathway in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs), the most relevant host cell type, in light of rickettsial tropism for microvascular endothelium
in vivo
.
R. conorii
infection induced phosphorylation of STAT1 on tyrosine 701 and serine 727 at 24, 48, and 72 h postinfection in HMECs. Employing transcription profile analysis and neutralizing antibodies, we further determined that beta interferon (IFN-β) production and secretion are critical for STAT1 activation. Secreted IFN-β further amplified its own expression via a positive-feedback mechanism, while expression of transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) and IRF9, implicated in the IFN-β–STAT1 feedback loop, was also induced. Metabolic activity of rickettsiae was essential for the IFN-β-mediated response(s) because tetracycline treatment inhibited
R. conorii
replication, IFN-β expression, and STAT1 phosphorylation. Inclusion of IFN-β-neutralizing antibody during infection resulted in significantly enhanced
R. conorii
replication, whereas addition of exogenous IFN-β had the opposite inhibitory effect. Finally, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown further confirmed a protective role for STAT1 against intracellular
R. conorii
replication. In concert, these findings implicate an important role for IFN-β-mediated STAT1 activation in innate immune responses of vascular endothelium to
R. conorii
infection.
Characterization of the Fibrinogen Binding Domain of Bacteriophage Lysin from Streptococcus mitis
Authors: Seo Ho Seong , Sullam Paul M. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

The binding of bacteria to human platelets is a likely central mechanism in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. Platelet binding by
Streptococcus mitis
SF100 is mediated in part by a lysin encoded by the lysogenic bacteriophage SM1. In addition to its role in the phage life cycle, lysin mediates the binding of
S. mitis
to human platelets via its interaction with fibrinogen on the platelet surface. To better define the region of lysin mediating fibrinogen binding, we tested a series of purified lysin truncation variants for their abilities to bind this protein. These studies revealed that the fibrinogen binding domain of lysin is contained within the region spanned by amino acid residues 102 to 198 (lysin
102–198
). This region has no sequence homology to other known fibrinogen binding proteins. Lysin
102–198
bound fibrinogen comparably to full-length lysin and with the same selectivity for the fibrinogen Aα and Bβ chains. Lysin
102–198
also inhibited the binding
in vitro
of
S. mitis
to human fibrinogen and platelets. When assessed by platelet aggregometry, the disruption of the lysin gene in SF100 resulted in a significantly longer time to the onset of aggregation of human platelets than that of the parent strain. The preincubation of platelets with purified lysin
102–198
also delayed the onset of aggregation by SF100. These results indicate that the binding of lysin to fibrinogen is mediated by a specific domain of the phage protein and that this interaction is important for both platelet binding and aggregation by
S. mitis
.
Evaluation of the Safety and Immunogenicity in Rhesus Monkeys of a Recombinant Malaria Vaccine for Plasmodium vivax with a Synthetic Toll-Like Receptor 4 Agonist Formulated in an Emulsion
Authors: Lumsden Joanne M. , Pichyangkul Sathit , Srichairatanakul Utaiwan , Yongvanitchit Kosol , Limsalakpetch Amporn , Nurmukhambetova Saule , Klein Jennifer , Bertholet Sylvie , Vedvick Thomas S. , Reed Steven G. , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Bennett Jason W. , Polhemus Mark E. , Ockenhouse Christian F. , Howard Randall F. , Yadava Anjali 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTPlasmodium vivaxis the major cause of malaria outside sub-Saharan Africa and inflicts debilitating morbidity and consequent economic impacts in developing countries. In order to produce aP. vivaxvaccine for global use, we have previously reported the development of a novel chimeric recombinant protein, VMP001, based on the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) ofP. vivax. Very few adjuvant formulations are currently available for human use. Our interest is to evaluate second-generation vaccine formulations to identify novel combinations of adjuvants capable of inducing strong, long-lasting immune responses. In this study rhesus monkeys were immunized intramuscularly three times with VMP001 in combination with a stable emulsion (SE) or a synthetic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist (glucopyranosyl lipid A [GLA]) in SE (GLA-SE). Sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were tested for the presence of antigen-specific humoral and cellular responses, respectively. All groups of monkeys generated high titers of anti-P. vivaxIgG antibodies, as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, all groups generated a cellular immune response characterized by antigen-specific CD4+T cells secreting predominantly interleukin-2 (IL-2) and lesser amounts of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). We conclude that the combination of VMP001 and GLA-SE is safe and immunogenic in monkeys and may serve as a potential second-generation vaccine candidate againstP. vivaxmalaria.
A practical guide to the differential diagnosis of tremor
Authors: Alty Jane E , Kempster Peter A 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTTremor is, by definition, a rhythmic oscillation of a body part. It is the most prevalent movement disorder in clinical medicine, so doctors working in many specialities and in general practice can expect to encounter it. Most tremors can be classified on the basis of four observable clinical characteristics: anatomical pattern; the relative prominence of the tremor at rest, on maintaining a posture, and with action; tremor frequency; and tremor amplitude. A resting tremor suggests Parkinson’s disease, and the diagnosis then depends on a judgement about whether the patient has other signs of parkinsonism. The most common causes of postural tremor are physiological tremor, essential tremor and drug-induced tremor. The differential diagnosis may also include dystonic tremor and psychogenic tremor, while metabolic tremor caused by thyrotoxicosis should be considered in any recent-onset postural tremor. Wilson’s disease and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome are rarer conditions that may present with tremor and are very important to identify. There is a small but genuine diagnostic grey zone between Parkinson’s disease and more benign tremor disorders such as essential tremor and dystonic tremor, in which resting and postural tremor coexist with mild or equivocal non-tremor parkinsonian signs. The authors review clinical features and investigational techniques that may help to discriminate this group of hard-to-classify tremors.
PM02734 (Elisidepsin) Induces Caspase-Independent Cell Death Associated with Features of Autophagy, Inhibition of the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway, and Activation of Death-Associated Protein Kinase
Authors: Ling Yi-He , Aracil Miguel , Zou Yiyu , Yuan Ziqiang , Lu Bo , Jimeno José , Cuervo Ana Maria , Perez-Soler Roman 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Purpose: PM02734 (elisidepsin) is a synthetic marine-derived cyclic peptide of the kahalalide family currently in phase II clinical development. The mechanisms of cell death induced by PM02734 remain unknown.
Experimental Design: Human non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines H322 and A549 were used to evaluate PM02734-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and autophagy, as well as effects on cell death–related signaling pathways.
Results: PM02734 at clinically achievable concentrations (0.5–1 μmol/L) was cytotoxic to H322 and A549 cells but did not cause nuclear fragmentation, PARP cleavage, or caspase activation, suggesting that classical apoptosis is not its main mechanism of cell death. In contrast, PM02734-induced cell death was associated with several characteristics of autophagy, including an increase in acidic vesicular organelle content, levels of GFP-LC3–positive puncta, elevation of the levels of Atg-5/12 and LC3-II, and an associated compromise of the autophagic flux resulting in increased number of autophagosomes and/or autolysosomes. Cotreatment with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and downregulation of Atg-5 gene expression by siRNA partially inhibited PM02734-induced cell death. PM02734 caused inhibition of Akt/mTOR signaling pathways and cotreatment with the Akt inhibitor wortmannin or with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin led to a significant increase in PM02734-induced cell death. Furthermore, PM02734 caused the activation of death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) by dephosphorylation at Ser308, and downregulation of DAPK expression with siRNA caused also a partial but significant reduction of PM02734-induced cell death. In vivo, PM02734 significantly inhibited subcutaneous A549 tumor growth in nude mice (P &lt; 0.05) in association with induction of autophagy.
Conclusions: Our data indicate that PM02734 causes cell death by a complex mechanism that involves increased autophagosome content, due for the most part to impairment of autophagic flux, inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathway, and activation of DAPK. This unique mechanism of action justifies the continued development of this agent for the treatment of NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 17(16); 5353–66. ©2011 AACR.