bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Standard of Care: An Ethical Responsibility of Public Health Dentistry
Authors: Friedman Jay W. , Atchison Kathryn A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWide variation in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems is indicative of the lack of a standard of care to guide the practitioner and to protect the public. Examples of questionable dental practices are described to illustrate how the public may be overtreated, overcharged, and put at risk of iatrogenic injury, practices that are no longer valid in light of current knowledge of dental diseases and their treatment. Public health dentistry traditionally concerns itself with community preventive, educational, and curative programs. It also has the ethical responsibility—the moral duty and obligation—to recognize and contend with paternalistic professional behavior that, intentionally or otherwise, violates the public trust, and to promote systems that will improve access, quality, and financing of dentistry for everyone.
Medical Risk Classification of Dental Patients in the Netherlands
Authors: de Jong Karin J. M. , Oosting Johannes , Abraham‐lnpijn Louise 
Published: September 2007

Abstract This study centers on the general health of dental patients, evaluated on the basis of the physical status classification system of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). A total of 4,087 patients completed a risk‐related, patient‐administered questionnaire. On the basis of their medical data, a computerized ASA classification was determined for each patient: 63.3 percent were in ASA class I, 25.7 percent in class II, 8.9 percent in class III, and 2.1 percent in class IV. After verification and/or consultation with the physician, the dentist also determined the ASA class, and this was compared with the computerized outcome. The agreement expressed as a kappa value was 0.64; the computer result generally placed the patient in a higher category of medical risk. The computer‐determined ASA classes differed among the various dental practices (χ2= 262.9; df = 138; P <.01). It is possible to estimate the risk class of dental patients on the basis of standardized medical information only; however, the definitive ASA class can only be determined after verification of the patient's reply or, in some cases, after consultation with a physician.
Increased Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in Dental Personnel Necessitates Awareness of Revised Pediatric Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations
Authors: Wisnom Christine J. , Lee Raymond J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis article presents data regarding occurrence of hepatitis B in health care workers and children living in their households. Also reviewed are recent revisions in pediatric hepatitis B vaccine recommendations. The purpose of this discussion is twofold: to provide information to assist dental personnel in the decision‐making process regarding vaccination of infants, children, and adolescents in their households; and to increase knowledge to facilitate educational presentations. In the United States from 1979 to 1989 the prevalence of new acute hepatitis B cases increased by 37 percent. An estimated 1.25 million people with chronic hepatitis B are capable of infecting those within their immediate environment, including their families. Studies indicate that dental health care workers, through occupational exposure, may have a 10 times greater risk of becoming a chronic hepatitis B carrier than the average citizen. The World Health Organization's Expanded Programme on Immunizations recommends that children receive vaccination in populations where hepatitis B is prevalent. The three‐pronged approach for reducing pediatric transmission includes: (1) vaccination of infants bom to infected mothers, (2) routine vaccination of children born to hepatitis‐seronegative mothers, (3) identification and vaccination of specific groups of adolescents. Comprehension of these changes may increase compliance regarding vaccination of children in our household, as well as enhancing our educational presentations to patients, the community, and professional societies.
The Use of a Rapid Enzymatic Assay in the Field for the Detection of Infections Associated with Adult Periodontitis
Authors: Bretz Walter A. , Eklund Stephen A. , Radicchi Ronald , Schork Michael A. , Schork Nicholas , Schottenfeld David , Lopatin Dennis E. , Loesche Walter J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThere are few objective assays for studies of the epidemiology of periodontal diseases. The PerioScan™ is an assay capable of detecting three periodontal pathogens, namely T. denticola, P. gingivalis, and B. forsythus, which have been associated with adult periodontitis. The PerioScan™ was tested in a sample of 301 Brazilians. Clinical indices—bleeding, probing depth, gingival index, and periodontal index—were recorded from four sites in each subject. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from those sites and placed on the PerioScan™ card. Color results were scored in the field after 15 minutes. The plaque samples were screened with polyclonal antibodies for the three species by an ELISA system. The PerioScan™, when compared with the ELISA system, yields a sensitivity of 91 percent, specificity of 89 percent, and an accuracy of 90 percent. When the PerioScan™ was compared to clinical indices, there was a high sensitivity (at least 93%) and a low specificity (no less than 47%), with an accuracy of at least 61 percent.
Community‐based Sealant Programs in the United States: Results of a Survey
Authors: Cohen Leonard A. , Horowitz Alice M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe appropriate use of pit and fissure sealants could reduce substantially the majority of occlusal caries among US school‐aged children. The 1986–87 national oral health survey conducted by the NIDR showed that less than 8 percent of the children 5–17 years of age had sealants on their teeth. The purpose of this national study was to document the current status of community‐based sealant programs and to identify general program characteristics. Data were gathered through a mail survey to all state dental directors and site visits to four selected comprehensive community‐based programs. Twentynine states were currently conducting sealant programs. The vast majority of these programs had formal quality assurance systems and companion health education components. Eight states indicated that sealant programs had been terminated within the last two years. Medicaid reimbursement for sealants was available in 42 states, with a mean reimbursement rate of $10.71 per sealant. Reimbursement rates ranged from $3.00‐ $20.00 per sealant. State practice acts almost uniformly permitted the placement of sealants by dental hygienists (n = 48), but less frequently by dental assistants (n = 15). Approximately 43 percent of state practice acts did not require a dentist to be present physically when auxiliaries place sealants in public/community sealant programs. All respondents indicated that there was a need for additional programs in their state. No structural factors—for example, level of Medicaid reimbursement for sealants or state practice act requirements for auxiliary supervision—were found to be associated with the presence of community‐based sealant programs. Nationally, only a small percentage of children appeared to be receiving sealants in community programs.
Factors Associated with Fissure Sealant Delegation: Dentist Characteristics and Office Staffing Patterns
Authors: Farghaly Mahassen M. , Lang W. Paul , Woolfolk Marilyn W. , Faja Barbara W. , Ziemiecki Thomas L. , Pritzel Susan J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to identify dentist characteristics and dental office staffing patterns related to delegation of sealant applications. Results from a 1989 ma/led survey were used to characterize Michigan general dentists (N =300) who did or did not delegate sealant applications to auxiliaries and to identify factors associated with delegation. Nearly 50 percent of respondents were applying all sealants themselves. In offices that delegated the procedure, the mean proportion of sealants being applied by dentists was 39.9 percent. Registered dental hygienists were applying 51 percent, while registered dental assistants were applying 6.5 percent. Delegating dentists were more knowledgeable about sealant procedures, held more favorable attitudes, treated more young patients, placed more sealants, and were better informed about the legality of delegation according to the state practice act. Logistic regression analysis found that employing a registered dental hygienist was the most significant factor associated with sealant delegation, followed by employing a registered dental assistant. Findings suggest that dental auxiliaries, and particularly registered dental assistants, are underutilized for applying sealants. Approaches to increasing delegation of sealants may include changing dentists' traditional hiring patterns, highlighting the skills of auxiliaries such as the registered dental hygienist (RDH) and the registered dental assistant (RDA), and increasing awareness of legally allowable procedures that RDHs and RDAs can perform.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Lamivudine in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Exposed and -Infected Infants
Authors: Tremoulet Adriana H. , Capparelli Edmund V. , Patel Parul , Acosta Edward P. , Luzuriaga Katherine , Bryson Yvonne , Wara Diane , Zorrilla Carmen , Holland Diane , Mirochnick Mark 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to determine lamivudine disposition in infants and to construct an appropriate dose adjustment for age, given the widespread use of lamivudine for both the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the treatment of HIV-infected infants. Using a pooled-population approach, the pharmacokinetics of lamivudine in HIV-exposed or -infected infants from four Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group studies were assessed. Ninety-nine infants provided 559 plasma samples for measurement of lamivudine concentrations. All infants received combination antiretroviral therapy including lamivudine dosed at 2 mg/kg of body weight every 12 h (q12h) for the first 4 to 6 weeks of life and at 4 mg/kg q12h thereafter. Lamivudine's apparent clearance was 0.25 liter/h/kg at birth, doubling by 28 days. In the final model, age and weight were the only significant covariates for lamivudine clearance. While lamivudine is predominantly renally eliminated, the serum creatinine level was not an independent covariate in the final model, possibly because it was confounded by age. Inclusion of interoccasion variability for bioavailability improved the individual subject clearance prediction over the age range studies. Simulations based on the final model predicted that by the age of 4 weeks, 90% of infant lamivudine concentrations with the standard 2 mg/kg dose of lamivudine fell below the adult median concentration. This population pharmacokinetic analysis affirms that adjusting the dose of lamivudine from 2 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg q12 h at the age of 4 weeks for infants with normal maturation of renal function will provide optimal lamivudine exposure, potentially contributing to more successful therapy.
BK Virus Replication In Vitro: Limited Effect of Drugs Interfering with Viral Uptake and Intracellular Transport
Authors: Randhawa Parmjeet , Farasati Noush Afarin , Huang Yuchen 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
BK virus is an important pathogen in kidney transplant recipients. In vitro studies demonstrated slight antiviral activity for chloroquine and nystatin. A sialic acid derivative, BTB11968, was identified as a lead compound for further development.
Sel1 Repeat Protein LpnE Is a
Legionella pneumophila
Virulence Determinant That Influences Vacuolar Trafficking
Authors: Newton Hayley J. , Sansom Fiona M. , Dao Jenny , McAlister Adrian D. , Sloan Joan , Cianciotto Nicholas P. , Hartland Elizabeth L. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

The environmental pathogen
Legionella pneumophila
possesses five proteins with Sel1 repeats (SLRs) from the tetratricopeptide repeat protein family. Three of these proteins, LpnE, EnhC, and LidL, have been implicated in the ability of
L. pneumophila
to efficiently establish infection and/or manipulate host cell trafficking events. Previously, we showed that LpnE is important for
L. pneumophila
entry into macrophages and epithelial cells. In further virulence studies here, we show that LpnE is also required for efficient infection of
Acanthamoeba castellanii
by
L. pneumophila
and for replication of
L. pneumophila
in the lungs of A/J mice. In addition, we found that the role of LpnE in host cell invasion is dependent on the eight SLR regions of the protein. A truncated form of LpnE lacking the two C-terminal SLR domains was unable to complement the invasion defect of an
lpnE
mutant of
L. pneumophila
130b in both the A549 and THP-1 cell lines. The
lpnE
mutant displayed impaired avoidance of LAMP-1 association, suggesting that LpnE influenced trafficking of the
L. pneumophila
vacuole, similar to the case for EnhC and LidL. We also found that LpnE was present in
L. pneumophila
culture supernatants and that its export was independent of both the Lsp type II secretion system and the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system. The fact that LpnE was exported suggested that the protein may interact with a eukaryotic protein. Using LpnE as bait, we screened a HeLa cell cDNA library for interacting partners, using the yeast two-hybrid system. Examination of the protein-protein interaction between LpnE and a eukaryotic protein, obscurin-like protein 1, suggested that LpnE can interact with eukaryotic proteins containing immunoglobulin-like folds via the SLR regions. This investigation has further characterized the contribution of LpnE to
L. pneumophila
virulence and, more specifically, the importance of the SLR regions to LpnE function.
Genome Differences between
Treponema pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
Strain Nichols and
T. paraluiscuniculi
Strain Cuniculi A
Authors: Strouhal Michal , Šmajs David , Matějková Petra , Sodergren Erica , Amin Anita G. , Howell Jerrilyn K. , Norris Steven J. , Weinstock George M. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

The genome of
Treponema paraluiscuniculi
strain Cuniculi A was compared to the genome of the syphilis spirochete
Treponema pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
strain Nichols using DNA microarray hybridization, whole-genome fingerprinting, and DNA sequencing. A DNA microarray of
T. pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
Nichols containing all 1,039 predicted open reading frame PCR products was used to identify deletions and major sequence changes in the Cuniculi A genome. Using these approaches, deletions, insertions, and prominent sequence changes were found in 38 gene homologs and six intergenic regions of the Cuniculi A genome when it was compared to the genome of
T. pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
Nichols. Most of the observed differences were localized in
tpr
loci and the vicinity of these loci. In addition, 14 other genes were found to contain frameshift mutations resulting in major changes in protein sequences. Analysis of restriction target sites representing 0.34% of the total genome length and DNA sequencing of three PCR products (0.46% of the total genome length) amplified from Cuniculi A chromosomal regions and comparison to the Nichols genome revealed a sequence similarity of 98.6 to 99.3%. These results are consistent with a close genetic relationship among the
T. pallidum
strains and subspecies and a strong, but relatively divergent connection between the human and rabbit pathogens.
Transgenic Mice Expressing Human Transferrin as a Model for Meningococcal Infection
Authors: Zarantonelli Maria-Leticia , Szatanik Marek , Giorgini Dario , Hong Eva , Huerre Michel , Guillou Florian , Alonso Jean-Michel , Taha Muhamed-Kheir 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
The pathogenesis of meningococcal disease is poorly understood due to the lack of a relevant animal model. Moreover, the use of animal models is not optimal as most meningococcal virulence determinants recognize receptors that are specifically expressed in human tissues. One major element of the host specificity is the system of meningococcal iron uptake by transferrin-binding proteins that bind specifically human transferrin but not murine transferrin. We developed a new mouse model for experimental meningococcal infection using transgenic mice expressing human transferrin. Intraperitoneal challenge of transgenic mice induced bacteremia for at least 48 h with an early stage of multiplication, whereas the initial inoculum was rapidly cleared from blood in wild-type mice. Inflammation in the subarachnoidal space with a high influx of polymorphonuclear cells was observed only in transgenic mice. Meningococcal mutants that were unable to use transferrin as a source of iron were rapidly cleared from both wild-type and transgenic mice. Thus, transgenic mice expressing human transferrin may represent an important advance as a new mouse model for in vivo studies of meningococcal virulence and immunogenicity factors.
AttenuatedCoxiella burnetiiPhase II Causes a Febrile Response in Gamma Interferon Knockout and Toll-Like Receptor 2 Knockout Mice and Protects against Reinfection
Authors: Ochoa-Repáraz Javier , Sentissi Jami , Trunkle Theresa , Riccardi Carol , Pascual David W. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTCoxiella burnetiiis a highly infectious obligate intracellular bacterium. The phase I form is responsible for Q fever, a febrile illness with flu-like symptoms that often goes undiagnosed. The attenuatedC. burnetiiphase II (having a truncated “O” chain of its lipopolysaccharide) does not cause disease in immunocompetent animals; however, phase II organisms remain infectious, and we questioned whether disease could be produced in immunodeficient mice. To studyC. burnetiiphase II infections, febrile responses in gamma interferon knockout (IFN-γ−/−), BALB/c, Toll-like receptor 2 knockout (TLR2−/−), and C57BL/6 mice were measured using the Nine Mile phase II (NMII) strain ofC. burnetii. Immunocompetent mice showed minimal febrile responses, unlike those obtained with IFN-γ−/−and TLR2−/−mice, which showed elevated rectal temperatures that were sustained for ∼15 days with transient increases in splenic weights. Reinfection of IFN-γ−/−and TLR2−/−mice withC. burnetiiNMII 30 days after primary infection protected mice as evident by reduced febrile responses and a lack of splenic inflammation. Although minimal detection ofCoxiellain TLR2−/−mouse spleens was observed, greater colonization was evident in the IFN-γ−/−mice. Cytokine analysis was performed on infected peritoneal macrophages isolated from these mice, and immunocompetent macrophages showed robust tumor necrosis factor alpha, IFN-γ, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) but no interleukin-12 (IL-12) responses. IFN-γ−/−macrophages produced elevated levels of IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12, while TLR2−/−macrophages produced GM-CSF, IL-12, and minimal IL-10. To distinguish immunity conferred by innate or adaptive systems, adoptive transfer studies were performed and showed that immune lymphocytes obtained from immunocompetent mice protected against a subsequent challenge with NMII, indicating that adaptive immunity mediates the observed protection. Thus, our data show that NMII is capable of eliciting disease in immunocompromised mice, which may help in evaluation of vaccine candidates as well as the study of host-pathogen interactions.
Role of
Streptococcus gordonii
Surface Proteins SspA/SspB and Hsa in Platelet Function
Authors: Kerrigan Steven W. , Jakubovics Nicholas S. , Keane Ciara , Maguire Patricia , Wynne Kieran , Jenkinson Howard F. , Cox Dermot 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus gordonii
colonization of damaged heart surfaces in infective endocarditis is dependent upon the recognition of host receptors by specific bacterial surface proteins. However, despite several attempts to identify the mechanisms involved in this interaction, the nature of the bacterial proteins required remains poorly understood. This study provides clear evidence that several
S. gordonii
surface proteins participate in the interaction with platelets to support platelet adhesion and induce platelet aggregation.
S. gordonii
strains were found to support strong (DL1-Challis, SK12, SK184, and Blackburn) or moderate (UB1545 Δ
hsa
and CH1-Challis) adhesion or failed to support platelet adhesion (M5, M99, and Channon). In addition, under flow conditions, platelets rolled and subsequently adhered to immobilized
S. gordonii
at low shear (50 s
−1
) in an Hsa-dependent manner but did not interact with
S. gordonii
DL1 at any shear rate of >50 s
−1
.
S. gordonii
strains either induced (DL1-Challis, SK12, SK184, UB1545 Δ
hsa
, and M99) or failed to induce (M5, CH1-Challis, Channon, and Blackburn) platelet aggregation. Using a proteomic approach to identify differential cell wall protein expression between aggregating (DL1) and nonaggregating (Blackburn) strains, we identified antigen I/antigen II family proteins SspA and SspB. The overexpression of SspA or SspB in platelet-nonreactive
Lactococcus lactis
induced GPIIb/GPIIIa-dependent platelet aggregation similar to that seen with
S. gordonii
DL1. However, they failed to support platelet adhesion. Thus,
S. gordonii
has distinct mechanisms for supporting platelet adhesion and inducing platelet aggregation. Differential protein expression between strains may be important for the pathogenesis of invasive diseases such as infective endocarditis.
The Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway Induces the Inflammatory Factor Interleukin-8 followingChlamydia trachomatisInfection
Authors: Buchholz Kerry R. , Stephens Richard S. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTDiseases associated withChlamydiainfection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy, are due to inflammation-mediated tissue damage and scarring that occur after chronic or repeated infections. The inflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) is produced byChlamydia-infected cells through an endogenous mechanism of activation, independent of soluble factors in the supernatant. The host signaling pathways necessary for this response are not understood, but the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been shown to be activated at similar times as IL-8 mRNA up-regulation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the MAPK pathways necessary to induce the endogenous IL-8 response toChlamydia trachomatisinfection of epithelial cells. IL-8 induced by infection withC. trachomatisL2 was shown to be dependent on ERK and independent of p38 and Jun N-terminal MAPK by use of chemical inhibitors of the signaling pathways. Persistent ERK activation during IL-8 mRNA production at 24 h postinfection was necessary to maintain the response.C. trachomatisserovar D also induced IL-8 in an ERK-dependent manner. We concluded that IL-8 induced during infection of epithelial cells is dependent on continual activation of ERK byC. trachomatis.