In vivo and ex vivo actions of a novel P. gingivalis inhibitor on multi‐species biofilm,inflammatory response,and periodontal bone loss

Chronic periodontitis is one of the most common infectious inflammatory diseases worldwide. Current therapeutic options for the disease are only partially and temporarily successful due to periodontal re‐emergence of pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone bacterium in the oral microbial communities, which elicits a dysbiosis between the microbiota and the host. Previously, we reported a peptide inhibitor of P. gingivalis (SAPP) that specifically targets P. gingivalis and reduces its virulence potential in vitro. Here, we show that SAPP can modulate the ability of P. gingivalis to suppress the host innate immune system. Using a cytokine array analysis, we found that the levels of several cytokines including IL‐6, IL‐8, and MCP‐1 in the culture media of human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) were significantly diminished in the presence of P. gingivalis. Whereas the levels of these cytokines were restored, at least partially, in the culture media of HOKs by SAPP treatment. Furthermore, we also observed in an ex vivo assay that SAPP efficiently inhibited biofilm primed formation by mixed‐species oral bacteria, and significantly dampened the abnormally innate immune responses induced by these bacteria. We also demonstrated, using a mouse model, that SAPP could prevent alveolar bone loss induced by P. gingivalis. Our results suggest that SAPP specifically targets P. gingivalis and its associated bacterial communities and could be envisioned as an emerging therapy for periodontitis.     

Negative workplace behavior and coping strategies among nurses: A cross‐sectional study

Negative workplace behavior affecting nurses is an internationally recognized problem. This study examines the types and extent of negative workplace behavior experienced by nurses in non‐metropolitan, regional acute care settings and their ways of coping when subject to that behavior. A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 74 nurse participants in four regional hospitals in Australia. The structured questionnaire consisted of four parts: demographic questions, the Negative Acts Questionnaire – Revised, questions on exposure to bullying and/or incivility and policy awareness and use of pathways, and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Overall, 34% of participants were exposed to bullying and 49% to incivility over the previous month. The most common type of negative workplace behavior reported was “work‐related bullying,” which included exposure to excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, and information being withheld. Nurses reported the use of a variety of coping mechanisms, including problem‐focused coping strategies and seeking social support. The findings imply that negative workplace behaviors occur not only at individual nurses? level but also derive from the broader contexts of organizational management and systemic factors.     

Comparing passive dosing and solvent spiking methods to determine the acute toxic effect of pentachlorophenol on Daphnia magna

Ecotoxicology - Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a widespread and persistent hydrophobic organic pollutant in the environment despite its restricted public use. Risk assessment of such hydrophobic...