Bacterial Infections and Mycoses Commons^™

Impaired Neutrophil Extracellular Trap-Forming Capacity Contributes To Susceptibility To Chronic Vaginitis In A Mouse Model Of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, Junko Yano, Paul L. Fidel

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by is characterized by aberrant inflammation by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in the vaginal lumen. Data from the established murine model shows that despite potent antifungal properties, PMNs fail to clear due to local heparan sulfate that inhibits the interaction between PMNs and , resulting in chronic vaginal immunopathology. To understand the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in defense against at the vaginal mucosa, we investigated the NET-forming capacity of PMNs in chronic VVC-susceptible (CVVC-S/C3H) and -resistant (CVVC-R/CD-1) mouse strains. Immunofluorescence revealed the formation of NETs (release of DNA with PMN-derived antimicrobial proteins) in PMN cocultures …

Candida-Induced Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Are Protective Against Polymicrobial Sepsis, Shannon Esher Righi, Amanda J. Harriett, Elizabeth A. Lilly, Paul L. Fidel Jr., Mairi C. Noverr

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Polymicrobial intra-abdominal infections (IAI) can lead to life-threatening sepsis with significant morbidity and mortality, especially when pathogenic fungi are involved. We have employed an established clinically relevant mouse model of fungal/bacterial IAI and shown that immunization with low-virulence Candida species, that is, Candida dubliniensis, can induce responses that protect against sepsis via the suppression of lethal inflammation. This protection is dependent on long-lived Gr-1(+) polymorphonuclear leukocytes that display characteristics consistent with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and trained innate immunity. Here we aimed to functionally and phenotypically characterize these protective Gr-1(+) leukocytes. Compared to nonimmunized control mice, we observed increased levels …

Orofacial Manifestations Of Lyme Disease: A Systematic Review, Brenda Bradshaw, Kelsey M. Jones, Joleen M. Westerdale-Mcinnis, Holly Gaff

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Orofacial manifestations of Lyme disease can affect head and neck anatomical structures that are frequently examined by dental professionals. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the literature for types and frequencies of orofacial manifestations documented in populations in the United States (US) with Lyme disease.

Methods: Four electronic databases (Dentistry and Oral Sciences, PubMed, Cinahl Plus, and Medline) were systematically searched during the summer of 2019 using keywords and MeSH terms to identify relevant studies. Search term alterations and synonyms were cross-checked using the US National Library of Medicine Unified Medical Language System Metathesaurus. Full-text, English …

Oral Manifestations Of Tuberculosis, Diana V. Macri, Sandra Castellanos, Elvir Dincer

Publications and Research

This article will update the reader on tuberculosis and its oral manifestations.

After decades of decreasing incidence, tuberculosis resurgence is being seen in some global regions due to factors that include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, increased immigration from countries with endemic tuberculosis, transmission of tuberculosis in crowded or unsanitary environments, and poor healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, this review is especially prescient considering the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Fluoride Varnish Application In The Pediatric Population, Ellen Gnaedinger

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Purpose: The United States (U.S.) has a persistent problem of dental caries in primary teeth with a greater prevalence of dental caries found in minority and poor children. The majority of children in the U.S. experience dental caries in their primary teeth by age eight. This problem could be addressed by primary care providers applying fluoride varnish (FV) to children's teeth starting at the age of primary tooth eruption. The causes of dental caries in children’s primary teeth are multifactorial and therefore require multiple interventions. Around the world providers are utilizing FV as an effective and easily administered strategy. This …

Periodontal Disease: Molecular Visualization Through Computer Modeling And 3d Printing, Catherine Chatowsky

Senior Honors Projects

Periodontal disease is a common infection that damages gingival tissue and creates jawbone destruction that can lead to the loosening or loss of teeth. Hundreds of diverse bacterial species reside in the harsh environment of the oral cavity. The creation of plaque and biofilms serve to allow the bacteria to avoid immune-mediated destruction. This project analyzed periodontal disease pathogens using molecular printing 3D visualization. Two bacterial species (T. denticola and P. gingivalis) were chosen from the public resource: Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics: Protein Data Bank. T. denticola was a bacteria found to have a binding protein (FhbB) …