Protecting the Security of Network Data

The purpose of this article is to present the major issues regarding threats to the security of network data, define internal/external intrusion and provide a list of the common methods of detection and significant established intrusion preventive practices for maximizing Internet network data security

Allergy—A New Role for T Cell Superantigens of Staphylococcus aureus?

Staphylococcus aureussuperantigens (SAgs) are among the most potent T cell mitogensknown.They stimulate large fractions of T cells by cross-linking their T cell receptor withmajor histocompatibility complex class-II molecules on antigen presenting cells, resulting in Tcell proliferation and massive cytokine release. To date, 26 different SAgs have been described in thespeciesS. aureus; they comprise the toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1), as well as 25 staphylococcalenterotoxins (SEs) or enterotoxin-like proteins (SEls). SAgs can cause staphylococcal food poisoningand toxic shock syndrome and contribute to the clinical symptoms of staphylococcal infection. Inaddition, there is growing evidence that SAgs are involved in allergic diseases. This review providesan overview on recent epidemiological data on the involvement ofS. aureusSAgs and anti-SAg-IgEin allergy, demonstrating that being sensitized to SEs—in contrast to inhalant allergens—is associatedwith a severe disease course in patients with chronic airway inflammation. The mechanisms by whichSAgs trigger or amplify allergic immune responses, however, are not yet fully understood. Here, wediscuss known and hypothetical pathways by which SAgs can drive an atopic diseas

Evaluating Modeling and Validation Strategies for Tooth Loss

Prediction models learn patterns from available data (training) and are then validated on new data (testing). Prediction modeling is increasingly common in dental research. We aimed to evaluate how different model development and validation steps affect the predictive performance of tooth loss prediction models of patients with periodontitis. Two independent cohorts (627 patients, 11,651 teeth) were followed over a mean ± SD 18.2 ± 5.6 y (Kiel cohort) and 6.6 ± 2.9 y (Greifswald cohort). Tooth loss and 10 patient- and tooth-level predictors were recorded. The impact of different model development and validation steps was evaluated: 1) model complexity (logistic regression, recursive partitioning, random forest, extreme gradient boosting), 2) sample size (full data set or 10%, 25%, or 75% of cases dropped at random), 3) prediction periods (maximum 10, 15, or 20 y or uncensored), and 4) validation schemes (internal or external by centers/time). Tooth loss was generally a rare event (880 teeth were lost). All models showed limited sensitivity but high specificity. Patients' age and tooth loss at baseline as well as probing pocket depths showed high variable importance. More complex models (random forest, extreme gradient boosting) had no consistent advantages over simpler ones (logistic regression, recursive partitioning). Internal validation (in sample) overestimated the predictive power (area under the curve up to 0.90), while external validation (out of sample) found lower areas under the curve (range 0.62 to 0.82). Reducing the sample size decreased the predictive power, particularly for more complex models. Censoring the prediction period had only limited impact. When the model was trained in one period and tested in another, model outcomes were similar to the base case, indicating temporal validation as a valid option. No model showed higher accuracy than the no-information rate. In conclusion, none of the developed models would be useful in a clinical setting, despite high accuracy. During modeling, rigorous development and external validation should be applied and reported accordingly

Demystifying the Huntress: Exploring the Experiences of Women Hunters in Eastern North Carolina

The hunter occupies a special place in the system of human-animal interactions. When entering the natural world of wildlife each hunter learns to navigate this world in his or her own way. Hunters aid wildlife management agencies tangibly by maintaining a balance in wildlife populations and economically through hunting license fees, tags, stamps, and taxes from the sales of hunting weapons and equipment. Hunting participation in the United States has been declining over the past twenty years. However, the number of female hunters increased 25% between 2006 and 2011. The increasing concern for animal (wild and domesticate) welfare and the decreasing connectedness to nature makes the exploration of women hunters a critical component to creating a comprehensive understanding of human-animal relationships. This study explores how women hunters in Eastern North Carolina are engaging in and experiencing hunting and uncovering their thoughts and beliefs about hunting, wildlife, and the changing place of women in hunting. The sample includes 25 women hunters, living in Eastern North Carolina. The data are collected using a four part interview instrument; a semi-structured interview, an instrument to gather demographic information, and two structured components. Using the grounded theory approach to text analysis and the software application RStudio to conduct statistical analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, three main findings emerge; the culture of hunting that enables women’s participation, women hunters’ relationships with wildlife, and the changing perspectives about women who hunt. These findings can assist wildlife management agencies to improve their understanding of women hunters in hopes of further increasing female hunting participation, educating the general public about hunters and hunting in the US, and informing policy and planning for environmental and wildlife conservation

Antibody responses in furunculosis patients vaccinated with autologous formalin-killed Staphylococcus aureus

Autologous vaccines (short: autovaccines) have been used since the beginning of the 20th century to treat chronic staphylococcal infections, but their mechanisms of action are still obscure. This prospective pilot study involved four patients with furunculosis who were vaccinated with autologous formalin-killed Staphylococcus aureus cells. Vaccines were individually prepared from the infecting S. aureus strain and repeatedly injected subcutaneously in increasing doses over several months. We characterized the virulence gene repertoire and spa genotype of the infecting and colonising S. aureus strains. Serum antibody responses to secreted and surface-bound bacterial antigens were determined by two-dimensional immunoblotting and flow-cytometry based assays (Luminex®). All patients reported clinical improvement. Molecular characterization showed that all strains isolated from one patient over time belonged to the same S. aureus clone. Already before treatment, there was robust antibody binding to a broad range of staphylococcal antigens. Autovaccination moderately boosted the IgG response to extracellular antigens in two patients, while the antibody response of the other two patients was not affected. Similarly, vaccination moderately enhanced the antibody response against some staphylococcal surface proteins, e.g. ClfA, ClfB, SdrD and SdrE. In summary, autovaccination only slightly boosted the pre-existing serum antibody response, predominantly to bacterial surface antigens

Percentage and severity of periodontal diseases in Turkish adults aged 35+ years, 2009‐10

ObjectiveThis article presents data on the burden of periodontal diseases in Turkish adults aged 35 years or older.MethodsWithin each region of Turkey, a rural and an urban area or city were selected in 2009‐10 using a probability proportional to size method. In the selected towns, local officials who were familiar with their communities assisted in recruiting subjects. Loss of Attachment (LOA) was measured at six sites around each tooth present in the mouth, excluding third molars. Additionally, the Community Periodontal Index was used to assess the severity of periodontal diseases around 12 index teeth. Self‐reported data on key risk factors were also collected. Weights were computed using a raking ratio adjustment procedure and used in all analyses.ResultsAlmost all examined adults had some loss of periodontal attachment. The proportion of those with more than 3 mm LOA ranged from 43 percent in 35‐44 year olds to 91 percent in those aged 65+ years. Among females, older age, low education status, smoking 11‐40+ cigarettes a day, being employed, and presence of high number of missing tooth surfaces were associated with LOA > 3 mm. Among males LOA >3 mm was associated with older age, use of alcohol, and unemployment. The CPI data did not yield the same associations with periodontal diseases and risk factors.ConclusionsPeriodontal diseases in Turkish adults are highly prevalent. A tailored common risk factor health promotion program is recommended to reduce the burden of periodontal infection in Turkey.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141786/1/jphd12211.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141786/2/jphd12211_am.pd

Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 (Plathelminthes, Digenea): Entwicklung neuer therapeutischer und diagnostischer Ansätze

Die intestinale Schistosomiasis ist eine parasitäre Tropenkrankheit. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersuchte das schistosomizide Potential eines „drug targeting“-Models und der Malariatherapeutika Mefloquin und Primaquin sowie die Eignung der Konfokalen Laser Scanning Mikroskopie (CLSM) als diagnostisches Instrument. In vitro induzierten verschiedene Albumin- bzw. Polyethylenglycol-Konjugate sowie Mefloquin und Primaquin einen dosis-und zeitabhängigen schistosomiziden Effekt. Die CLSM eignete sich zur Visualisierung und Klassifikation von Schistosomeneiern im Mausdarm.Intestinal schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The present work investigated the schistosomicidal potential of a “drug targeting” model and of the antimalarials mefloquine and primaquine. Additionally, the suitability of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) as a diagnostic tool was evaluated. A dose and time dependent schistosomicidal effect of albumin- and polyethylenglycol-conjugates and the antimalarials was demonstrated in vitro. CLSM visualises schistosomal eggs directly within gut tissue and permits determination of egg viability

Efficiency of cold atmospheric plasma, cleaning powders and their combination for biofilm removal on two different titanium implant surfaces

Objectives: Biofilm removal is the decisive factor for the control of peri-implantitis. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) can become an effective aid due to its ability to destroy and to inactivate bacterial biofilm residues. This study evaluated the cleaning efficiency of CAP, and air-polishing with glycine (APG) or erythritol (APE) containing powders alone or in combination with CAP (APG + CAP, APE + CAP) on sandblasted/acid etched, and anodised titanium implant surface. Materials and methods: On respective titanium discs, a 7-day ex vivo human biofilm was grown. Afterwards, the samples were treated with CAP, APG, APE, APG + CAP, and APE + CAP. Sterile and untreated biofilm discs were used for verification. Directly after treatment and after 5 days of incubation in medium at 37 °C, samples were prepared for examination by fluorescence microscopy. The relative biofilm fluorescence was measured for quantitative analyses. Results: Air-polishing with or without CAP removed biofilms effectively. The combination of air-polishing with CAP showed the best cleaning results compared to single treatments, even on day 5. Immediately after treatment, APE + CAP showed insignificant higher cleansing efficiency than APG + CAP. Conclusions: CAP supports mechanical cleansing and disinfection to remove and inactivate microbial biofilm on implant surfaces significantly. Here, the type of the powder was not important. The highest cleansing results were obtained on sandblasted/etched surfaces. Clinical relevance. Microbial residuals impede wound healing and re-osseointegration after peri-implantitis treatment. Air-polishing treatment removes biofilms very effectively, but not completely. In combination with CAP, microbial free surfaces can be achieved. The tested treatment regime offers an advantage during treatment of peri-implantitis