bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors related to oral hygiene in persons with scleroderma
Authors: Poole JL , Brewer C , Rossie K , Good CC , Conte C , Steen V 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to assess potential risk factors for the development of poor oral hygiene and increased dental caries in individuals with scleroderma.Methods:  Twenty‐two subjects with scleroderma participated in this study. All subjects were examined with the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) Index, which assesses the extent of plaque and debris over a tooth surface. In addition, oral aperature, xerostomia and dominant upper extremity strength, motion, skin thickness, and dexterity were measured.Results:  None of the subjects had good or excellent hygiene. Fifteen subjects had fair oral hygiene and seven subjects had poor oral hygiene as measured by the PHP Index. Significant differences were seen between these two groups for oral aperture, percentage of teeth with caries, skin thickness, dexterity and finger flexion. Dexterity and joint motion correlated significantly with the number of decayed surfaces and number of caries. Oral aperture correlated with the PHP Index and the number of dental caries.Conclusions:  Subjects with poor oral hygiene required more time to complete manual dexterity task and had decreased hand strength and joint motion. Moreover, these same subjects had more contractures, scars, ulcers, and higher skin scores (more disease activity) than subjects in the fair hygiene group. In addition to frequent dental exam and routine cleaning, dental personnel may want to consider exercises to increase oral aperature and investigate toothbrush and dental floss selection used by persons with scleroderma.
Behavioural science in dentistry. The role of the dental hygienist in prevention and treatment of the fearful dental patient
Authors: Skaret E , Soevdsnes E‐K 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:The prevalence of dental anxiety in the general population seems to be fairly stable, and the incidence is not reduced in spite of more modern treatment methods. Intensive fear often leads to avoidance of care and consequences like poor oral health, psychosocial problems and reduced quality of life. The aetiology of dental anxiety is complex, but is often associated with direct traumatic dental experiences during childhood. These negative experiences are reported as painful/unpleasant and are influenced by the patient's perception of lack of coping and control. The theory of latent inhibition indicates that several positive dental appointments before any invasive or painful treatment sessions may act as a barrier to these perceptions of lack of coping. This paper is presenting a short overview of behavioural science in dentistry and discussing the role of the dental hygienists as potential key personnel in prevention and treatment of dental anxiety.
CD69 Expression on CD4+T Lymphocytes after In Vitro Stimulation with Tuberculin Is an Indicator of Immune Sensitization againstMycobacterium tuberculosisAntigens
Authors: Avgustin Bojana , Kotnik Vladimir , Škoberne Mojca , Malovrh Tadej , Skralovnik-Stern Aleksandra , Terčelj Marjeta 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTThe expression of the CD69 antigen on CD4 T lymphocytes after in vitro stimulation with purified protein derivative (2 tuberculin units) was used to evaluate the tuberculin reactivities of 52 individuals from four experimental groups:Mycobacterium bovisBCG-vaccinated healthy individuals with a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) result (group A), BCG-vaccinated healthy individuals with a positive TST result (group B), patients with active tuberculosis (TB) before treatment (group C), and individuals with clinically inactive TB who had previously completed a prescribed course of chemotherapy (group D). The expression of CD69 on CD4 T lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients with active TB (16.2% ± 7.3%), individuals with clinically inactive TB (10.5% ± 7.4%), and healthy individuals with a positive TST result (15.5% ± 7.2%) than in healthy individuals with a negative TST result (3.8% ± 4.3%) (P< 0.005). We confirmed the correlation between CD69 antigen expression on T lymphocytes after stimulation with tuberculin and the TST induration diameter (Spearman rho = 0.783;P< 0.001), an assay for gamma interferon (the Quantiferon-TB assay; Spearman rho = 0.613;P< 0.001), and the lymphocyte BLAST transformation test (Spearman rho = 0.537;P< 0.001). Our results demonstrate the usefulness of the determination of CD69 on CD4 T lymphocytes after in vitro stimulation with tuberculin as a rapid indicator of immune sensitization againstMycobacterium tuberculosis.
Improved Serological Differentiation between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease by Use of an SmD3 Peptide-Based Immunoassay
Authors: Mahler M. , Stinton L. M. , Fritzler M. J. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTAutoantibodies to the Sm antigens are specifically found in 5 to 30% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) depending on the detection system and the patient group. Several immunoassays designed for research and diagnostic laboratory use have been developed. The autoantigens employed in these tests include purified native proteins, recombinant polypeptides, and synthetic peptides. In the present study, we compared the clinical accuracy of anti-Sm autoantibody assays from commercial suppliers including different conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems based on purified Sm antigens, an addressable laser bead assay and a newly developed anti-Sm peptide assay. Although the clinical sensitivity of all assays under investigation was comparable, relatively poor correlations and significant differences in specificity were found with a patient cohort of 150 patients. The sensitivity and specificity were 10 and 94%, respectively, for the anti-Sm ELISA from Euroimmun, 10 and 90%, respectively, for the QuantaLite Sm (INOVA), 12 and 88%, respectively, for the Sm assay in the Varelisa ReCombi ANA profile (Pharmacia Diagnostics), 10 and 94%, respectively, for the QuantaPlex Sm (INOVA), and 12 and 100%, respectively, for the new SmD3 peptide-based ELISA (Varelisa Sm Antibodies). The majority of positive test results within the control groups were found in patients with mixed connective tissue disease. Based on the results, we conclude that the detection of anti-Sm antibodies strongly depends both on the nature of the antigen and on the detection system. Finally, we conclude that the recently identified SmD peptide containing a symmetrical dimethylarginine at position 112 of D3 represents a promising tool for the detection of a highly specific subpopulation of anti-Sm antibodies.
Identification of Another B-Cell Epitope in the Type-Specific Region of Equine Herpesvirus 4 Glycoprotein G
Authors: Maeda Ken , Mizukoshi Fuminori , Hamano Masataka , Kai Kazushige , Kondo Takashi , Matsumura Tomio 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Recently, a novel 12-mer B-cell epitope, MKNNPIYSEGSL, in the type-specific region of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) glycoprotein G (gG) was identified and used as an antigen for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Maeda et al., J. Clin. Microbiol.
42:
1095-1098, 2004). Although our prototype strain, TH20p, possesses two repeat sequences containing the B-cell epitope, the EHV-4 NS80567 strain has two repeat sequences that are not identical. One repeat sequence stretch contained the B-cell epitope, while the other contained the 11-mer, MKNNP

V

YSESL (underlining indicates a different amino acid). In this study, heterogeneity of the type-specific region was compared among Japanese EHV-4 isolates. The 11-mer peptide, MKNNP

V

YSESL, specifically reacted with sera from horses naturally infected with EHV-4 but not with sera from horses experimentally infected with EHV-4 TH20p. The 11-mer peptide may be another B-cell epitope in the type-specific region.
Monoclonal Antibody-Based Antigen Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Reveals High Sensitivity of the Nucleocapsid Protein in Acute-Phase Sera of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Patients
Authors: Di Biao , Hao Wei , Gao Yang , Wang Ming , Wang Ya-di , Qiu Li-wen , Wen Kun , Zhou Duan-hua , Wu Xin-wei , Lu En-jie , Liao Zhi-yong , Mei Ya-bo , Zheng Bo-jian , Che Xiao-yan 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT
Accurate and timely diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infection is a critical step in preventing another global outbreak. In this study, 829 serum specimens were collected from 643 patients initially reported to be infected with SARS-CoV. The sera were tested for the N protein of SARS-CoV by using an antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on monoclonal antibodies against the N protein of SARS-CoV and compared to 197 control serum samples from healthy donors and non-SARS febrile patients. The results of the N protein detection analysis were directly related to the serological analysis data. From 27 SARS patients who tested positive with the neutralization test, 100% of the 24 sera collected from 1 to 10 days after the onset of symptoms were positive for the N protein. N protein was not detected beyond day 11 in this group. The positive rates of N protein for sera collected at 1 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 to 20 days after the onset of symptoms for 414 samples from 298 serologically confirmed patients were 92.9, 69.8, 36.4, and 21.1%, respectively. For 294 sera from 248 serological test-negative patients, the rates were 25.6, 16.7, 9.3, and 0%, respectively. The N protein was not detected in 66 patients with cases of what was initially suspected to be SARS but serologically proven to be negative for SARS and in 197 serum samples from healthy donors and non-SARS febrile patients. The specificity of the assay was 100%. Furthermore, of 16 sera collected from four patients during the SARS recurrence in Guangzhou, 5 sera collected from 7 to 9 days after the onset of symptoms were positive for the N protein. N protein detection exhibited a high positive rate, 96 to 100%, between day 3 and day 5 after the onset of symptoms for 27 neutralization test-positive SARS patients and 298 serologically confirmed patients. The N protein detection rate continually decreased beginning with day 10, and N protein was not detected beyond day 19 after the onset of symptoms. In conclusion, an antigen capture ELISA reveals a high N protein detection rate in acute-phase sera of patients with SARS, which makes it useful for early diagnosis of SARS.
Induction of Thymus-Derived γδ T Cells byEscherichia coliEnterotoxin B Subunit in Peritoneal Cavities of Mice
Authors: Shimizu Toshiyasu , Sasaki Keiko , Kato Michio , Arimitsu Hideyuki , Ochi Sadayuki , Shigemori Naoko , Wasito Eddy Bagus , Yokochi Takashi , Tsuji Takao 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTWe examined the activation of intraperitoneal T cells in BALB/c mice by theEscherichia colienterotoxin B subunit, which induced a specific Th2 type of T-cell response to intraperitoneally coadministered bovine immunoglobulin G. The numbers of both γδ and αβ T cells increased significantly after intraperitoneal administration of the B subunit in a time-dependent manner; these numbers were not affected by the B-subunit G33D mutant, which is defective in GM1ganglioside-binding ability. Early after administration a small number of γδ T cells produced either interleukin-4 (IL-4) or gamma interferon, while late after administration primarily IL-10-producing γδ T cells were detected. γδ T cells induced by the B subunit did not express a characteristic V gene over the time course of the study. The induction of γδ T cells did not occur in athymicnu/numice but could be induced upon transplantation of fetal AKR thymus-like αβ T cells. γδ T cells in athymicnu/numice with a fetal thymic graft predominantly expressed the donor Thy-1.1 antigen but not the host Thy-1.2 antigen. The induction of these T cells, however, could not be restored by coadministration of the B subunit with peritoneal cells from normal mice. These results suggest that the B subunit activates intraperitoneal γδ and αβ T cells in a manner dependent upon its ability to bind to GM1ganglioside. γδ T cells induced by the B subunit are Th2-type cells derived from the thymus. These γδ T cells may be functionally involved in specific Th2 responses to the B subunit, which possibly acts as an adjuvant through the influence of αβ T cells.
Immunofluorescence Assay for Detection of Human Metapneumovirus-Specific Antibodies by Use of Baculovirus-Expressed Fusion Protein
Authors: Ishiguro Nobuhisa , Ebihara Takashi , Endo Rika , Ma Xiaoming , Shirotsuki Ryo , Ochiai Susumu , Ishiko Hiroaki , Kikuta Hideaki 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has recently been identified as an etiological agent of acute respiratory infections. The hMPV fusion (F) protein has been indicated to be a major antigenic determinant that mediates effective neutralization and protection against hMPV infection. We developed a new immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using
Trichoplusia ni
(Tn5) insect cells infected with a recombinant baculovirus-expressing hMPV F protein (Bac-F IFA). A total of 200 serum samples from Japanese people 1 month to 41 years old were tested for immunoglobulin G antibodies to hMPV F protein by Bac-F IFA. The results were compared with those of the conventional IFA based on hMPV-infected LLC-MK2 cells (hMPV IFA). The titers obtained by the two IFAs correlated well (correlation coefficient of 0.88), and the concordance of seroreactivities between the two IFAs was 91% (κ = 0.76). For 192 of the 200 serum samples, the titers obtained by the Bac-F IFA were equal to or higher than those obtained by the hMPV IFA. These results indicated that the Bac-F IFA was more sensitive than the hMPV IFA and that the majority of the antibodies detected by the hMPV IFA reacted with the hMPV F protein. The Bac-F IFA is a more reliable, sensitive, and specific method for the detection of hMPV antibodies than is the hMPV IFA.
Differentiation, Maturation, and Survival of Dendritic Cells by Osteopontin Regulation
Authors: Kawamura Kodai , Iyonaga Kazuhiro , Ichiyasu Hidenori , Nagano Junji , Suga Moritaka , Sasaki Yutaka 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTDendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells with the ability to induce primary immune responses necessary in innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted acidic phosphoprotein containing an arginine-glycine-aspartate sequence and has been suggested to play an important role in early cellular immune responses. The interaction between DCs and OPN has not been clarified. We hypothesized that there is an important interaction between DCs and OPN, which is an indispensable extracellular matrix component in early cellular immune responses. Human monocyte-derived DCs synthesized OPN especially during the differentiation from monocytes to immature DCs. By blocking of OPN with anti-OPN antibody, cultured DCs became smaller and expressed lower levels of costimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex class II antigens than untreated DCs. Furthermore, DCs treated with anti-OPN antibody easily underwent apoptosis. These results suggest that human DCs can produce OPN and that OPN may play a role in the differentiation, maturation, and survival of DCs by autocrine and/or paracrine pathways.
Evaluation of a West Nile Virus Immunoglobulin A Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Prince Harry E. , Lapé-Nixon Mary 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT
An in-house-developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detected West Nile virus (WNV) immunoglobulin A (IgA) in 65 of 68 sera from WNV-infected patients; 40 of 63 WNV IgM-positive, IgG-negative serum or plasma specimens; 65 of 67 WNV IgM-positive, IgG-positive specimens; 0 of 70 WNV IgM-negative, IgG-negative specimens; and 0 of 64 archived blood donation sera. WNV IgA is thus highly prevalent among WNV-infected patients and typically appears after WNV IgM but before WNV IgG.
Use of Glycopeptidolipid Core Antigen for Serodiagnosis of
Mycobacterium avium
Complex Pulmonary Disease in Immunocompetent Patients
Authors: Kitada Seigo , Maekura Ryoji , Toyoshima Naomi , Naka Takashi , Fujiwara Nagatoshi , Kobayashi Masami , Yano Ikuya , Ito Masami , Kobayashi Kazuo 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

We report the development of a serodiagnostic method for
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) disease with an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with the MAC-specific glycopeptidolipid (GPL) core as the antigen. In this study, we confirmed by EIA that the GPL core antibody was in the sera of immunocompetent patients with MAC disease. The EIA for quantifying the GPL core antibody was evaluated as a clinical tool for serodiagnosis of pulmonary MAC disease. A significant increase in GPL core antibodies (immunoglobulins G, A, and M) was detected in sera of patients with MAC pulmonary diseases when they were compared to patients who were colonized with MAC, patients with
Mycobacterium kansasii
disease or tuberculosis, and healthy subjects. The sensitivities and specificities of the GPL core-based EIA for diagnosis of MAC pulmonary disease were 72.6% and 92.2%, respectively, for IgG, 92.5% and 95.1%, respectively, for IgA, and 78.3% and 91.0%, respectively, for IgM. The best sensitivity and specificity were obtained by measuring immunoglobulin A antibodies against GPL core antigen. The level of GPL core antibodies reflected disease activity, since it decreased in cured MAC patients who had responded to chemotherapy. Measurement of serum antibodies against GPL core is useful for both diagnosis and assessment of disease activity in MAC disease of the lung.
Antinucleosome Antibodies and Decreased Deoxyribonuclease Activity in Sera of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Sallai Krisztina , Nagy Eszter , Derfalvy Beata , Müzes Györgyi , Gergely Peter 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Nucleosomes are the dominant autoantigens in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and immune complexes involving nucleosomes are the major cause of tissue damage. The activity of DNase I, the enzyme responsible for nucleosome degradation, has been found to be decreased in patients with SLE. However, it is not known whether DNase activity is a clinically useful parameter. The aim of our study was to assess DNase activity in a prospective study of 113 patients with SLE in relation to disease activity and organ involvement. We included two control groups: 9 patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) and 14 healthy individuals. DNase activity was found to be lower in patients with SLE (63.75% ± 12.1%) than in the controls (81.3% ± 9.25%) (
P
< 0.001). DNase activity in patients with UCTD (64.9% ± 18.2%;
P
= 0.854) did not differ from that in patients with SLE. Patients with SLE had higher antinucleosome antibody titers (356.3 ± 851) than the controls (1.44 ± 2.77;
P
< 0.01) or UCTD patients (39.9 ± 57.7;
P
< 0.01). In addition, samples positive for antinucleosome antibodies displayed low levels of DNase activity. Within the SLE group, the presence of renal disease had no impact on DNase activity or antinucleosome antibody titers. Also, the SLE disease activity index showed no correlation with DNase activity. In a longitudinal study of six SLE patients, DNase activity did not follow disease activity or autoantibody titers. Our results confirm that serum DNase activity is decreased in patients with SLE, but we conclude that it is not a clinically useful parameter for the prediction of flare-ups of disease or renal involvement.
Pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening in an African District Hospital
Authors: De Baets A. J. , Edidi B. S. , Kasali M. J. , Beelaert G. , Schrooten W. , Litzroth A. , Kolsteren P. , Denolf D. , Fransen K. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTIn order to evaluate alternative tests and strategies to simplify pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening at the district hospital level, a cross-sectional exploratory study was organized in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Venous and capillary phlebotomies were performed on 941 Congolese children, aged 1 month to 12 years (153 children under 18 months and 788 children more than 18 months old). The HIV prevalence rate was 4.7%. An algorithm for children more than 18 months old, using serial rapid tests (Determine, InstantScreen, and Uni-Gold) performed on capillary blood stored in EDTA tubes, had a sensitivity of 100.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.9 to 100.0%) and a specificity of 100.0% (95% CI, 99.5 to 100.0%). The results of this study suggest that the ultrasensitive p24 antigen assay may be performed on capillary plasma stored on filter paper (sensitivity and specificity, 100.0%;n= 87) instead of venous plasma (sensitivity, 92.3%; specificity, 100.0%;n= 150). The use of glucolets (instruments used to perform capillary phlebotomies), instead of syringes and needles, may reduce procedural pain and the risk of needle stick injuries at a comparable cost. Compared to the reference, HIV could have been correctly excluded based on one rapid test for at least 90% of these children. The results of this study point towards underutilized opportunities to simplify phlebotomy and pediatric HIV screening.
Role of the Simian Virus 5 Fusion Protein N-Terminal Coiled-Coil Domain in Folding and Promotion of Membrane Fusion
Authors: West Dava S. , Sheehan Michael S. , Segeleon Patrick K. , Dutch Rebecca Ellis 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT
Formation of a six-helix bundle comprised of three C-terminal heptad repeat regions in antiparallel orientation in the grooves of an N-terminal coiled-coil is critical for promotion of membrane fusion by paramyxovirus fusion (F) proteins. We have examined the effect of mutations in four residues of the N-terminal heptad repeat in the simian virus 5 (SV5) F protein on protein folding, transport, and fusogenic activity. The residues chosen have previously been shown from study of isolated peptides to have differing effects on stability of the N-terminal coiled-coil and six-helix bundle (R. E. Dutch, G. P. Leser, and R. A. Lamb, Virology 254:147-159, 1999). The mutant V154M showed reduced proteolytic cleavage and surface expression, indicating a defect in intracellular transport, though this mutation had no effect when studied in isolated peptides. The mutation I137M, previously shown to lower thermostability of the six-helix bundle, resulted in an F protein which was properly processed and transported to the cell surface but which had reduced fusogenic activity. Finally, mutations at L140M and L161M, previously shown to disrupt α-helix formation of isolated N-1 peptides but not to affect six-helix bundle formation, resulted in F proteins that were properly processed. Interestingly, the L161M mutant showed increased syncytium formation and promoted fusion at lower temperatures than the wild-type F protein. These results indicate that interactions separate from formation of an N-terminal coiled-coil or six-helix bundle are important in the initial folding and transport of the SV5 F protein and that mutations that destabilize the N-terminal coiled-coil can result in stimulation of membrane fusion.