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C Mouton

Publications and source records attributed to C Mouton.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Relation of demographic and lifestyle factors to symptoms in a multi-racial/ethnic population of women 40-55 years of age.

A community-based survey was conducted during 1995-1997 of factors related to menopausal and other symptoms in a multi-racial/ethnic sample of 16,065 women aged 40-55 years. Each of seven sites comprising the Study of Women's Health across the Nation (SWAN) surveyed one of four minority populations and a Caucasian population. The largest adjusted prevalence odds ratios for all symptoms, particularly hot flashes or night sweats (odds ratios = 2.06-4.32), were for women who were peri- or postmenopausal. Most symptoms were reported least frequently by Japanese and Chinese (odds ratios = 0.47-0.67 compared with Caucasian) women. African-American women reported vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness more (odds ratios = 1.17-1.63) but urine leakage and difficulty sleeping less (odds ratios = 0.64-0.72) than Caucasians. Hispanic women reported urine leakage, vaginal dryness, heart pounding, and forgetfulness more (odds ratios = 1.22-1.85). Hot flashes or night sweats, urine leakage, and stiffness or soreness were associated with a high body mass index (odds ratios = 1.15-2.18 for women with a body mass index > or =27 vs. 19-26.9 kg/m2). Most symptoms were reported most frequently among women who had difficulty paying for basics (odds ratios = 1.15-2.05), who smoked (odds ratios = 1.21-1.78), and who rated themselves less physically active than other women their age (odds ratios = 1.24-2.33). These results suggest that lifestyle, menstrual status, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affect symptoms in this age group.

Adult↗

Identification of mutans and other oral streptococci by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis.

The identification and classification of the non-haemolytic or viridans group of streptococci have long been recognised as difficult and unsatisfactory. Phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity have resulted in ambiguous speciation, particularly with mutans streptococci and other oral streptococci. This study was done to determine whether random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis is useful to identify and even classify oral and other streptococci. DNA was prepared and purified from 25 strains of mutans streptococci including 11 reference strains of Streptococcus mutans, seven of S. sobrinus, three of S. rattus and one each of the four other species of the mutans group, together with 20 other reference species, mostly streptococci, and from 49 fresh isolates of mutans streptococci and of S. mutans from human saliva and dental plaque. DNA amplification was primed with each of three arbitrarily selected primers nine or 10 nucleotides in length. The amplified DNA fragments (amplicons) obtained were compared by agarose gel electrophoresis. Species- and strain-specific RAPD fingerprints were obtained not only from pure genomic DNA, but also from the supernates of crude cellular or colony extracts. Pending the analysis of numerous other strains, the data suggest that RAPD may be of value: (i) to distinguish the species S. mutans and S. sobrinus from each other and potentially from other species of oral streptococci, (ii) to differentiate and possibly classify oral streptococci and (iii) as a valuable tool in mutans streptococci epidemiology and transmission studies, by virtue of its rapidity, efficiency and reproducibility in generating genetic fingerprints of streptococcal isolates.

Adult↗

Use of rep-PCR to define genetic relatedness among Bacteroides fragilis strains.

Bacteroides fragilis, a component of the normal flora and an important anaerobic pathogen in non-intestinal endogenous infections, has recently been associated with enteric diseases. In this study, 41 B. fragilis strains were analysed in relation to their genetic diversity. This collection included two reference strains (ATCC 23745 and 25285), 20 isolates from non-intestinal infections, six from intestinal infections, five from intestinal microflora and eight from an aquatic environment. The fingerprints were generated by using two repetitive sequences (REP and ERIC) as primers to PCR (rep-PCR). A dendrogram was obtained with the Taxotron Program. Three clusters (threshold genotypes I, II and III) were observed when the genetic distance was 0.30. These results confirm previous data found regarding the genotypical diversity of B. fragilis.

Bacteroides Infections↗

Molecular detection of Bacteroides forsythus in infected root canals.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Bacteroides forsythus in infections of dental root canals. Eleven samples from infected root canals were analyzed by four different molecular methods. The prevalence of the monitored species varied as a function of the detection method. The polymerase chain reaction-DNA probe method after immunocapture yielded the highest prevalence value (6/11), whereas the lowest value was observed with the slot-blot (3/11). Of the 11 canal samples, 5 were positive by ELISA and 4 were positive by immunofluorescence. The presence of B. forsythus was detected by all four methods in 3/11 canals, whereas 4/11 appeared to be free of B. forsythus. Our data indicate that B. forsythus can be part of the endodontic microflora. The procedure consisting of immunomagnetic capture and a polymerase chain reaction-DNA probe assay can be useful as an alternative to culture for clinical studies of the species infecting human dental pulp.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

Bacteroides fragilis isolates compared by AP-PCR.

Bacteroides fragilis is a component of the normal intestinal flora and an important pathogen in nonintestinal endogenous infections. It has been associated with enteric infections and has already been detected in polluted water. In order to evaluate the genetic diversity of B. fragilis, a total of 31 isolates and two reference strains were examined. This collection included strains from nonintestinal infections [12], intestinal infections [5], intestinal microflora [10], aquatic environments [4], and the reference strains ATCC 25285 and ATCC 23745. DNA fingerprints were detected using two separate PCR reactions with different arbitrary primers. The computer-assisted system Taxotron (Institut Pasteur, Dr P. Grimont) was used to analyze the profiles obtained and dendrograms were generated. By using a distance of 0.65 as the threshold, two clusters (hereafter referred to as genotypes I and II) were defined. Strains of differents origins could be distributed into both genotypes. We were unable to detect any obvious correlation between a given genotype and the specific disease or the source of the corresponding strains.

Bacteroides fragilis↗

Identical clonal types of Porphyromonas gingivalis or Prevotella nigrescens recovered from infected root canals and subgingival plaque.

Clinical samples from 10 infected root canals and from subgingival plaque in 10 patients were screened by anaerobic culture for black-pigmented anaerobes. A total of 17 Porphyromonas gingivalis and 9 Prevotella nigrescens were obtained from four patients and were identified by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The arbitrarily primed PCR reaction used to examine the genetic diversity of the isolates revealed that the P. gingivalis or P. nigrescens simultaneously present in the root canal system and in subgingival plaque of all four patients were genotypically indistinguishable. These data indicate that the endodontium and the periodontium can be colonized by the same clonal types of black-pigmented anaerobes.

Clone Cells↗

Post-transcriptional control of c-myc RNA during early development analyzed in vivo with a Xenopus-axolotl heterologous system.

We have set up a heterologous in vivo system to study gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level during early development. This system uses two amphibian species, Xenopus laevis and Ambystoma mexicanum (axolotl), the development of which is three to four times slower than that of X. laevis. The stability of three different synthetic X. laevis c-myc transcripts was followed after injection into fertilized axolotl eggs. One transcript is 2.2 kilobases (kb) long (full-length). The second is 1.5-kb long with most of the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) removed, and the third corresponds to the 3'UTR (0.7-kb). The behavior of the endogenous axolotl c-myc RNA was compared with the exogenous injected c-myc transcripts. Our results show the existence of several developmental timers controlling degradation of the c-myc molecules. The first is activated at oocyte maturation and affects both the endogenous and exogenous (2.2- and 1.5-kb) transcripts containing the coding regions. A second timer could be linked to the number of cell divisions since fertilization (6th-7th cleavages) and involves the endogenous c-myc RNAs. Another timer could involve the c-myc mRNA molecule itself, because when injected into axolotl eggs, the half-life of the 2.2-kb X. laevis transcript appears to be independent of the axolotl context. After injection into axolotl fertilized eggs, the behavior of this X. laevis full-length c-myc molecule reveals an unexpected increase in the intensity of its autoradiographic signals. This increase occurs independently of events linked to mid-blastula transition and preliminary investigations are discussed.

Amanitins↗

beta-Lactamase-producing strains in the species Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens.

A total of 96 strains were collected that included laboratory strains and clinical isolates classified Prevotella intermedia sensu lato and the type strains of the species P. intermedia sensu stricto and Prevotella nigrescens. Susceptibility to amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was determined by the Etest. PCR-DNA probe assays were used to speciate each strain as P. intermedia sensu stricto or P. nigrescens. By Etest, 71 strains (74%) were susceptible to both amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid with minimum inhibitory concentrations in the 0.016-0.064 microgram/ml range. In contrast, amoxicillin minimum inhibitory concentrations of 25 strains (26%) were in the range of 1.5-96 micrograms/ml with concomitant amoxicillin-clavulanic acid minimum inhibitory concentrations in the low range 0.016-0.38 microgram/ml, indicating a production of beta-lactamase as confirmed by nitrocefin tests. Of these beta-lactamase-producing strains, 20% (5/25) were identified as P. intermedia sensu stricto by the PCR-DNA probe assay and 72% (18/25) as P. nigrescens. Our results provide support for the major role of P. nigrescens in the failure of therapy using beta-lactam antibiotics.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Detection of Bacteroides forsythus by immunomagnetic capture and a polymerase chain reaction-DNA probe assay.

The aim of this study was to combine immunomagnetic capture and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by hybridization with a DNA probe for the detection of Bacteroides forsythus. Magnetic beads were coated with the immunoglobulin G fraction of an antiserum specific for B. forsynthus. Aliquots were incubated with various concentrations of a suspension of B. forsythus or with a suspension containing 16 bacterial species, at a concentration of 10(10) cells/ml, spiked with dilutions of B. forsythus. Beads with bound bacteria were boiled, and the target DNA in the supernatant was amplified to generate a 392-bp PCR fragment specific for B. forsythus. The amplified product was detected by dot-blot hybridization with a digoxigenin-labeled 392-bp probe. The detection limit was determined to be 10 cells/ml using immunocapture on a suspension of B. forsythus and 100 on spiked bacterial suspensions. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from 39 Bolivian individuals with poor oral hygiene. Each sample was analyzed by the above procedure and by immunofluorescence. The overall prevalence of individuals harboring B. forsythus was 62% by immunofluorescence and 82% by PCR-DNA probe assay. The immunocapture, PCR. DNA-probe procedure should be useful for the detection of B. forsythus, particularly in false-negative samples obtained by less sensitive techniques.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of root canal bacteria and their antimicrobial susceptibility in teeth with necrotic pulp.

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiota of necrotic pulp in teeth without carious lesions where the crown and root were intact and to test the sensitivity of this microbiota to antibiotics in order to improve treatment. The necrotic pulp was sampled from 26 single-rooted teeth in intact pulp chambers. A total of 84 strains were isolated. The number of species isolated per tooth varied from 2 to 8, with a strong component (81%) of anaerobic bacteria. The most commonly represented species were Bacteroides gracilis, Propionibacterium acnes, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella buccae and Eubacterium lentum. The sensitivity of these organisms to amoxicillin, amoxicillin combined with clavulanate and tetracycline was evaluated by Etest on 38 isolates. For all strains tested, the minimum inhibitory concentration values obtained were low and substantially below effective serum concentrations for these antibiotics. These data enable us to devise suitable treatments for acute development of apical lesions and to prevent dissemination of this source of infection to the rest of the host.

Amoxicillin↗

Conservation of fimbriae and the hemagglutinating adhesin HA-Ag2 among Porphyromonas gingivalis strains and other anaerobic bacteria studied by epitope mapping analysis.

Monoclonal antibodies characterized as antifimbria and anti-HA-Ag2 were used in immunoblotting to examine the antigenic distribution of fimbriae and HA-Ag2 among a collection of human and animal Porphyromonas strains and human Prevotella and Bacteroides strains. The results showed that fimbrial and HA-Ag2 antigenic structures are peculiar to the species Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Animals↗

Fimbriae and the hemagglutinating adhesin HA-Ag2 mediate adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis to epithelial cells.

The mechanisms by which Porphyromonas gingivalis, a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, is pathogenic for the periodontium remain largely hypothetical. Invasion of host tissues by P. gingivalis is believed to require adhesion of the bacterium to host cells. The aim of this study was to use monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to characterize the bacterial cell surface component(s) acting as a ligand binding to a receptor on epithelial cells. Surface antigens of P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 were obtained as a glass bead-EDTA extract (GBE), and antiserum against the GBE was produced in rabbits. Epithelial cell membrane proteins (ECMP) were prepared from a homogenate of the SK-MES-1 cell line with Triton X-100. The antigen/ligand profile of GBE was resolved by crossed immunoaffinity electrophoresis by using ECMP in the first-dimension gel. The migration of one immunoprecipitate (IP) was retarded, indicating a ligand-receptor interaction between a surface antigen of P. gingivalis and a complementary binding site on the epithelial cell membrane. The corresponding IP in the GBE/anti-GBE immunoelectrophoresis profile was excised from replicate gels to immunize mice for production of MAbs specific for the bacterial ligand. Five MAbs were obtained and tested for reactivity with GBE in immunoblots and for inhibition of the interaction between GBE and ECMP. Immunoblots revealed polypeptides at 28, 42, 43, and 49 kDa. Inhibition tests were positive for all five MAbs. These results are conclusive evidence that the MAbs recognize functional epitopes involved in the adherence of P. gingivalis to epithelial cells and that the adhesins are likely associated with fimbriae and the hemagglutinating adhesin HA-Ag2.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

PCR-DNA probe assays for identification and detection of Prevotella intermedia sensu stricto and Prevotella nigrescens.

The purpose of this study was to construct PCR-DNA probe assays specific for Prevotella intermedia sensu stricto and Prevotella nigrescens based on the ability of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting to generate species-specific markers. The strategy included four steps: (i) construction of first-generation DNA probes from a 850-bp RAPD marker for P. intermedia sensu stricto and a 1,300-bp RAPD marker for P. nigrescens, (ii) cloning and sequencing of each RAPD marker, (iii) designing of primer pairs flanking specific internal sequences of 754 bp for P. intermedia sensu stricto and of ca. 1,100 bp for P. nigrescens, and (iv) synthesis (by PCR amplification) and digoxigenin labeling of quantities of DNA probes 754 and ca. 1,100 bp in size. The PCR-DNA probe assays combine either PCR amplification of a 754-bp specific sequence in the genomic DNA of strains of P. intermedia sensu stricto and hybridization with the 754-bp digoxigenin-labeled probe or amplification of a ca. 1,100-bp sequence of P. nigrescens and hybridization with the ca. 1,100-bp probe. Specific hybridization was observed with the amplified DNAs from 25 strains of P. intermedia and 24 strains of P. nigrescens, and no reaction was observed with the PCR products from 20 foreign species. The PCR-DNA probe assays described here should allow a highly specific and sensitive detection of P. intermedia sensu stricto and P. nigrescens in mixed infections.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

A PCR-DNA probe assay specific for Bacteroides forsythus.

Bacteroides forsythus is a fastidious anaerobic Gram-negative organism associated with active periodontal disease. The ability of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting to generate species-specific markers was exploited towards the construction of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-DNA probe assay specific for B. forsythus. The strategy included the four following steps: (1) construction of a first generation DNA probe based on a 507-bp RAPD species-specific marker; (2) cloning and sequencing the 507-bp RAPD marker; (3) design of the primer pair Bf 392-1/Bf 392-2 flanking a 392-bp specific internal sequence; and (4) synthesis of quantities of a 392-bp second generation DNA probe by PCR amplification. The PCR-DNA probe assay includes a PCR amplification of a 392-bp specific sequence in the genomic DNA of B. forsythus strains followed by hybridization with the 392-bp digoxigenin-labelled second generation probe. We observed strong, specific hybridization with the amplified DNAs from 11 stains of B. forsythus and no cross-hybridization with the PCR products from 22 foreign species. The PCR-DNA probe assay must be seen as a highly specific and sensitive method for the detection of B. forsythus in mixed infections.

Bacteroides↗

[Anaphylactic shock after tourniquet removal in orthopedic surgery].

Case report of six patients who experienced symptoms of severe anaphylactic shock, after tourniquet release at the end of minor orthopaedic surgery of the limbs under regional anaesthesia. The immunological mechanism of the shock was confirmed by prick tests. The causative agent was rifamycin SV used for cleaning the surgical wound prior to its closure. In case of repetitive surgery and/or in allergic patients the use of another antibiotic or the simple cleaning of the wound with normal saline should be considered. In case of surgery using a tourniquet, an iv access should be maintained for 1 hour after tourniquet release and the patient closely monitored in the recovery room. The allergologic assessment should take place 3 to 6 weeks later and include all drugs administered during the 10 minutes preceding the occurrence of shock.

Administration, Topical↗

Selection and phenotypic characterization of nonhemagglutinating mutants of Porphyromonas gingivalis.

To further investigate the relationship between fimbriae and the hemagglutinating adhesin HA-Ag2 of Porphyromonas gingivalis, three spontaneous mutants of the type strain ATCC 33277 were selected by a hemadsorption procedure. They were characterized for hemagglutination, trypsin-like and lectin-binding activities, and hydrophobicity and for the presence of fimbriae. The presence of the 42-kDa (the fimbrilin subunit) and the 43- and 49-kDa (the HA-Ag2 components) polypeptides was investigated by immunoblotting using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed to fimbriae and to the hemagglutinating adhesin HA-Ag2. Cells from two of the three mutants (M1 and M2) exhibited no or little hemagglutination activity and very low trypsin-like activity and did not show the 43- and 49-kDa polypeptides. Abnormal fimbriation in M1 was deduced from the following observations of cells grown for 18 h: absence of the 42-kDa polypeptide and of a 14-kDa polypeptide and no fimbriae visible on electron micrographs. While the cells of mutant M2, irrespective of the age of the culture, were found to lack the 43- and 49-kDa polypeptides and hemagglutination activity, the supernatants of cultures grown for 72 h had high hemagglutination and trypsin-like activities and revealed the presence of the 42-, 43-, and 49-kDa polypeptides. This suggests that M2 may be missing some molecules which anchor the components to the cell surface. Mutant M3 showed levels of activities similar to those of the parental strain but lacked the 43-kDa polypeptide. Other pleiotropic effects observed for the mutants included loss of dark pigmentation and lower hydrophobicity. The data from this study fuel an emerging consensus whereby fimbriation, hemagglutination, and proteolytic activities, as well as other functions in P. gingivalis, are intricate.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

Antigenic, structural, and functional relationships between fimbriae and the hemagglutinating adhesin HA-Ag2 of Porphyromonas gingivalis.

While the adhesive properties of Porphyromonas gingivalis are known to allow colonization of the subgingival tissues, the roles of fimbriae and adhesin molecules in hemagglutination remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the antigenic, structural, and functional relationships of these two components. Five populations of monoclonal antibodies were produced against (i) the hemagglutinating adhesin HA-Ag2 resolved by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), (ii) native fimbriae, and (iii) each of the three immunoprecipitates, Ag8a, Ag8b, and Ag8c, that define fimbriae by CIE. The tests used for characterization of the monoclonal antibodies included immunoblot reactivity, inhibition of hemagglutination, capacity to dissociate immunoprecipitates by CIE, localization of recognized epitopes by immunoelectron microscopy, and epitope mapping by competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results from the different immunochemical tests clearly showed a close antigenic relationship between fimbriae and the hemagglutinating adhesin HA-Ag2. We were able to establish that the epitopic domain H1 of HA-Ag2 is hemagglutinin specific and that domain F2 is fimbria specific. Our data indicate that the polymeric structural unit of fimbriae must be complexed to HA-Ag2, the adhesin, to confer hemagglutination activity to the bacterial cells.

Animals↗