bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salt Marsh Bacterial Communities before and after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Engel Annette Summers , Liu Chang , Paterson Audrey T. , Anderson Laurie C. , Turner R. Eugene , Overton Edward B.
Published: August 2017

Coastal salt marshes along the northern Gulf of Mexico shoreline received varied types and amounts of weathered oil residues after the 2010
Deepwater Horizon
oil spill. At the time, predicting how marsh bacterial communities would respond and/or recover to oiling and other environmental stressors was difficult because baseline information on community composition and dynamics was generally unavailable. Here, we evaluated marsh vegetation, physicochemistry, flooding frequency, hydrocarbon chemistry, and subtidal sediment bacterial communities from 16S rRNA gene surveys at 11 sites in southern Louisiana before the oil spill and resampled the same marshes three to four times over 38 months after the spill. Calculated hydrocarbon biomarker indices indicated that oil replaced native natural organic matter (NOM) originating from
Spartina alterniflora
and marine phytoplankton in the marshes between May 2010 and September 2010. At all the studied marshes, the major class- and order-level shifts among the phyla
Proteobacteria
,
Firmicutes
,
Bacteroidetes
, and
Actinobacteria
occurred within these first 4 months, but another community shift occurred at the time of peak oiling in 2011. Two years later, hydrocarbon levels decreased and bacterial communities became more diverse, being dominated by
Alphaproteobacteria
(
Rhizobiales
),
Chloroflexi
(
Dehalococcoidia
), and
Planctomycetes
. Compositional changes through time could be explained by NOM source differences, perhaps due to vegetation changes, as well as marsh flooding and salinity excursions linked to freshwater diversions. These findings indicate that persistent hydrocarbon exposure alone did not explain long-term community shifts.

IMPORTANCE
Significant deterioration of coastal salt marshes in Louisiana has been linked to natural and anthropogenic stressors that can adversely affect how ecosystems function. Although microorganisms carry out and regulate most biogeochemical reactions, the diversity of bacterial communities in coastal marshes is poorly known, with limited investigation of potential changes in bacterial communities in response to various environmental stressors. The
Deepwater Horizon
oil spill provided an unprecedented opportunity to study the long-term effects of an oil spill on microbial systems in marshes. Compared to previous studies, the significance of our research stems from (i) a broader geographic range of studied marshes, (ii) an extended time frame of data collection that includes prespill conditions, (iii) a more accurate procedure using biomarker indices to understand oiling, and (iv) an examination of other potential stressors linked to
in situ
environmental changes, aside from oil exposure.
Transcriptome Response to Heavy Metals in Sinorhizobium meliloti CCNWSX0020 Reveals New Metal Resistance Determinants That Also Promote Bioremediation by Medicago lupulina in Metal-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Lu Mingmei , Jiao Shuo , Gao Enting , Song Xiuyong , Li Zhefei , Hao Xiuli , Rensing Christopher , Wei Gehong
Published: August 2017

The symbiosis of the highly metal-resistantSinorhizobium melilotiCCNWSX0020 andMedicago lupulinahas been considered an efficient tool for bioremediation of heavy metal-polluted soils. However, the metal resistance mechanisms ofS. melilotiCCNWSX00200 have not been elucidated in detail. Here we employed a comparative transcriptome approach to analyze the defense mechanisms ofS. melilotiCCNWSX00200 against Cu or Zn exposure. Six highly upregulated transcripts involved in Cu and Zn resistance were identified through deletion mutagenesis, including genes encoding a multicopper oxidase (CueO), an outer membrane protein (Omp), sulfite oxidoreductases (YedYZ), and three hypothetical proteins (a CusA-like protein, a FixH-like protein, and an unknown protein), and the corresponding mutant strains showed various degrees of sensitivity to multiple metals. The Cu-sensitive mutant (ΔcueO) and three mutants that were both Cu and Zn sensitive (ΔyedYZ, ΔcusA-like, and ΔfixH-like) were selected for further study of the effects of these metal resistance determinants on bioremediation. The results showed that inoculation with the ΔcueOmutant severely inhibited infection establishment and nodulation ofM. lupulinaunder Cu stress, while inoculation with the ΔyedYZand ΔfixH-like mutants decreased just the early infection frequency and nodulation under Cu and Zn stresses. In contrast, inoculation with the ΔcusA-like mutant almost led to loss of the symbiotic capacity ofM. lupulinato even grow in uncontaminated soil. Moreover, the antioxidant enzyme activity and metal accumulation in roots ofM. lupulinainoculated with all mutants were lower than those with the wild-type strain. These results suggest that heavy metal resistance determinants may promote bioremediation by directly or indirectly influencing formation of the rhizobium-legume symbiosis.

IMPORTANCERhizobium-legume symbiosis has been promoted as an appropriate tool for bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. Considering the plant-growth-promoting traits and survival advantage of metal-resistant rhizobia in contaminated environments, more heavy metal-resistant rhizobia and genetically manipulated strains were investigated. In view of the genetic diversity of metal resistance determinants in rhizobia, their effects on phytoremediation by the rhizobium-legume symbiosis must be different and depend on their specific assigned functions. Our work provides a better understanding of the mechanism of heavy metal resistance determinants involved in the rhizobium-legume symbiosis, and in further studies, genetically modified rhizobia harboring effective heavy metal resistance determinants may be engineered for the practical application of rhizobium-legume symbiosis for bioremediation in metal-contaminated soils.
Unleashing Natural Competence in Lactococcus lactis by Induction of the Competence Regulator ComX
Authors: Mulder Joyce , Wels Michiel , Kuipers Oscar P. , Kleerebezem Michiel , Bron Peter A.
Published: August 2017

In biotechnological workhorses like
Streptococcus thermophilus
and
Bacillus subtilis
, natural competence can be induced, which facilitates genetic manipulation of these microbes. However, in strains of the important dairy starter
Lactococcus lactis
, natural competence has not been established to date. However,
in silico
analysis of the complete genome sequences of 43
L. lactis
strains revealed complete late competence gene sets in 2
L. lactis
subsp.
cremoris
strains (KW2 and KW10) and at least 10
L. lactis
subsp.
lactis
strains, including the model strain IL1403 and the plant-derived strain KF147. The remainder of the strains, including all dairy isolates, displayed genomic decay in one or more of the late competence genes. Nisin-controlled expression of the competence regulator
comX
in
L. lactis
subsp.
lactis
KF147 resulted in the induction of expression of the canonical competence regulon and elicited a state of natural competence in this strain. In contrast,
comX
expression in
L. lactis
NZ9000, which was predicted to encode an incomplete competence gene set, failed to induce natural competence. Moreover, mutagenesis of the
comEA-EC
operon in strain KF147 abolished the
comX
-driven natural competence, underlining the involvement of the competence machinery. Finally, introduction of nisin-inducible
comX
expression into
nisRK
-harboring derivatives of strains IL1403 and KW2 allowed the induction of natural competence in these strains also, expanding this phenotype to other
L. lactis
strains of both subspecies.

IMPORTANCE
Specific bacterial species are able to enter a state of natural competence in which DNA is taken up from the environment, allowing the introduction of novel traits. Strains of the species
Lactococcus lactis
are very important starter cultures for the fermentation of milk in the cheese production process, where these bacteria contribute to the flavor and texture of the end product. The activation of natural competence in this industrially relevant organism can accelerate research aiming to understand industrially relevant traits of these bacteria and can facilitate engineering strategies to harness the natural biodiversity of the species in optimized starter strains.
Induction of Shiga Toxin-Encoding Prophage by Abiotic Environmental Stress in Food
Authors: Fang Yuan , Mercer Ryan G. , McMullen Lynn M. , Gänzle Michael G.
Published: August 2017

The prophage-encoded Shiga toxin is a major virulence factor in Stx-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC). Toxin production and phage production are linked and occur after induction of the RecA-dependent SOS response. However, food-related stress and Stx-prophage induction have not been studied at the single-cell level. This study investigated the effects of abiotic environmental stress on
stx
expression by single-cell quantification of gene expression in STEC O104:H4 Δ
stx2
::
gfp
::
amp

r

. In addition, the effect of stress on production of phage particles was determined. The lethality of stressors, including heat, HCl, lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and high hydrostatic pressure, was selected to reduce cell counts by 1 to 2 log CFU/ml. The integrity of the bacterial membrane after exposure to stress was measured by propidium iodide (PI). The fluorescent signals of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and PI were quantified by flow cytometry. The mechanism of prophage induction by stress was evaluated by relative gene expression of
recA
and cell morphology. Acid (pH < 3.5) and H
2
O
2
(2.5 mM) induced the expression of
stx
2
in about 18% and 3% of the population, respectively. The mechanism of prophage induction by acid differs from that of induction by H
2
O
2
. H
2
O
2
induction but not acid induction corresponded to production of infectious phage particles, upregulation of
recA
, and cell filamentation. Pressure (200 MPa) or heat did not induce the Stx2-encoding prophage (Stx2-prophage). Overall, the quantification method developed in this study allowed investigation of prophage induction and physiological properties at the single-cell level. H
2
O
2
and acids mediate different pathways to induce Stx2-prophage.

IMPORTANCE
Induction of the Stx-prophage in STEC results in production of phage particles and Stx and thus relates to virulence as well as the transduction of virulence genes. This study developed a method for a detection of the induction of Stx-prophages at the single-cell level; membrane permeability and an indication of SOS response to environmental stress were additionally assessed. H
2
O
2
and mitomycin C induced expression of the prophage and activated a SOS response. In contrast, HCl and lactic acid induced the Stx-prophage but not the SOS response. The lifestyle of STEC exposes the organism to intestinal and extraintestinal environments that impose oxidative and acid stress. A more thorough understanding of the influence of food processing-related stressors on Stx-prophage expression thus facilitates control of STEC in food systems by minimizing prophage induction during food production and storage.
Constant Flux of Spatial Niche Partitioning through High-Resolution Sampling of Magnetotactic Bacteria
Authors: He Kuang , Gilder Stuart A. , Orsi William D. , Zhao Xiangyu , Petersen Nikolai
Published: August 2017

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) swim along magnetic field lines in water. They are found in aquatic habitats throughout the world, yet knowledge of their spatial and temporal distribution remains limited. To help remedy this, we took MTB-bearing sediment from a natural pond, mixed the thoroughly homogenized sediment into two replicate aquaria, and then counted three dominant MTB morphotypes (coccus, spirillum, and rod-shaped MTB cells) at a high spatiotemporal sampling resolution: 36 discrete points in replicate aquaria were sampled every ∼30 days over 198 days. Population centers of the MTB coccus and MTB spirillum morphotypes moved in continual flux, yet they consistently inhabited separate locations, displaying significant anticorrelation. Rod-shaped MTB were initially concentrated toward the northern end of the aquaria, but at the end of the experiment, they were most densely populated toward the south. The finding that the total number of MTB cells increased over time during the experiment argues that population reorganization arose from relative changes in cell division and death and not from migration. The maximum net growth rates were 10, 3, and 1 doublings day
−1
and average net growth rates were 0.24, 0.11, and 0.02 doublings day
−1
for MTB cocci, MTB spirilla, and rod-shaped MTB, respectively; minimum growth rates for all three morphotypes were −0.03 doublings day
−1
. Our results suggest that MTB cocci and MTB spirilla occupy distinctly different niches: their horizontal positioning in sediment is anticorrelated and under constant flux.

IMPORTANCE
Little is known about the horizontal distribution of magnetotactic bacteria in sediment or how the distribution changes over time. We therefore measured three dominant magnetotactic bacterium morphotypes at 36 places in two replicate aquaria each month for 7 months. We found that the spatial positioning of population centers changed over time and that the two most abundant morphotypes (MTB cocci and MTB spirilla) occupied distinctly different niches in the aquaria. Maximum and average growth and death rates were quantified for each of the three morphotypes based on 72 sites that were measured six times. The findings provided novel insight into the differential behavior of noncultured magnetotactic bacteria.
A Novel Colletotrichum graminicola Raffinose Oxidase in the AA5 Family
Authors: Andberg Martina , Mollerup Filip , Parikka Kirsti , Koutaniemi Sanna , Boer Harry , Juvonen Minna , Master Emma , Tenkanen Maija , Kruus Kristiina
Published: August 2017

We describe here the identification and characterization of a copper radical oxidase from auxiliary activities family 5 (AA5_2) that was distinguished by showing preferential activity toward raffinose. Despite the biotechnological potential of carbohydrate oxidases from family AA5, very few members have been characterized. The gene encoding raffinose oxidase from
Colletotrichum graminicola
(
Cg
RaOx; EC 1.1.3.−) was identified utilizing a bioinformatics approach based on the known modular structure of a characterized AA5_2 galactose oxidase.
Cg
RaOx was expressed in
Pichia pastoris
, and the purified enzyme displayed the highest activity on the trisaccharide raffinose, whereas the activity on the disaccharide melibiose was three times lower and more than ten times lower activity was detected on
d
-galactose at a 300 mM substrate concentration. Thus, the substrate preference of
Cg
RaOx was distinguished clearly from the substrate preferences of the known galactose oxidases. The site of oxidation for raffinose was studied by
1
H nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, and we confirmed that the hydroxyl group at the C-6 position was oxidized to an aldehyde and that in addition uronic acid was produced as a side product. A new electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method for the identification of C-6 oxidized products was developed, and the formation mechanism of the uronic acid was studied.
Cg
RaOx presented a novel activity pattern in the AA5 family.

IMPORTANCE
Currently, there are only a few characterized members of the CAZy AA5 protein family. These enzymes are interesting from an application point of view because of their ability to utilize the cheap and abundant oxidant O
2
without the requirement of complex cofactors such as FAD or NAD(P). Here, we present the identification and characterization of a novel AA5 member from
Colletotrichum graminicola
. As discussed in the present study, the bioinformatics approach using the modular structure of galactose oxidase was successful in finding a C-6 hydroxyl carbohydrate oxidase having substrate preference for the trisaccharide raffinose. By the discovery of this activity, the diversity of the CAZy AA5 family is increasing.
Hypertensive emergency masquerading as phaeochromocytoma: a report of two cases
Authors: Hulkower Raphael , Gubbi Sriram , Meholli Mimoza , Schubart Ulrich
Published: August 2017

We report two cases of patients who were hospitalised for hypertensive emergency. In both cases, laboratory testing during admission revealed elevated normetanephrines in the range of 4–5 times the upper limit of normal using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Imaging studies did not localise any phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL). Repeat biochemical testing after discharge was within normal limits in both cases. These observations suggest that hypertensive emergency should be recognised as a potential cause of ‘false-positive’ laboratory findings in the diagnostic assessment for PPGL.
Urine trouble: genitourinary tuberculosis and subsequent DRESS syndrome
Authors: Czapka Michael , Shukla Shuchin , Slosar-Cheah Magdalena
Published: August 2017

A 40-year-old woman with HIV (CD4 270, viral load undetectable) from Zambia presented with fevers, urinary tract infection symptoms, sterile pyuria and haematuria. She was found to have genitourinary tuberculosis (TB) via mycobacterial culture of urine and ascites, and treated with rifabutin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. She later had multiple episodes of asymptomatic transaminitis, triggering changes to both TB and HIV regimens. The patient then presented with diffuse rash, fevers, transaminitis and eosinophilia concerning for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). After initial improvement on discontinuation of likely responsible medications and completion of corticosteroid therapy, the patient returned with acute liver failure. This new episode was felt to be severe organ dysfunction due to DRESS, and she was treated with a prolonged corticosteroid taper and changes to her TB regimen. She has since completed therapy for TB, has improving CD4 counts and is without evidence of liver dysfunction.
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration management in the third year: final results from the TREX-AMD randomised trial
Authors: Wykoff Charles C , Ou William C , Croft Daniel E , Payne John F , Brown David M , Clark W Lloyd , Abdelfattah Nizar Saleh , Sadda SriniVas R
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims

Prospectively evaluate outcomes in the third year of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) management using ranibizumab with continued treat and extend (TREX) dosing compared with monthly visits with retreatment upon evidence of exudative disease activity (PRN, pro re nata).

Methods

Subjects with treatment-naïve neovascular AMD were randomised 1:2 to Monthly or TREX and managed through 2 years. In the third year, subjects randomised to Monthly were managed PRN while subjects randomised to TREX were continued on TREX dosing or transitioned to PRN after achieving an interval of 12 weeks between visits.

Results

Sixty subjects enrolled and 46 (77%) completed month 36 (M36). Transition from Monthly to PRN was associated with a decline in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (+10.5 letters (month 24) to +5.4 (M36, p=0.09)); three (15%) subjects required no dosing during year 3, and 47% (114/243) of possible PRN injections were delivered, yielding a mean of 6.1 injections during year 3. Among the 9 (23%) TREX subjects transitioned to PRN, the need for ongoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor retreatments was small, with 4 (4%) intravitreal injections being delivered among 106 PRN visits; this subgroup displayed an inferior BCVA trajectory compared with the remainder of subjects. Outcomes among subjects continued on TREX were more favourable, with a mean gain of +5.0 letters at M36.

Conclusions

Upon transition to PRN, subjects randomised to monthly dosing experienced a decline in BCVA. Among subjects initially randomised to TREX who transitioned to PRN after achieving a 12-week interval between visits, the overall need for additional treatment was low.

Trial registration number

NCT01748292, Results.
INCIDENCE OF ACUTE TRAUMATIC INJURIES AND MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS IN 34 033 CYCLISTS PARTICIPATING IN A MASS COMMUNITY BASED EVENT – SAFER CYCLING
Authors: Killops Jannelene , Schwellnus Martin , van Rensburg Dina Christina Janse
Published: August 2017

Background

Mass participation in recreational sport (such as cycling) is part of a healthy lifestyle, and is an important component in the primary and secondary prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCD's). However, there is a risk of acute traumatic injuries and acute medical complications during community mass participation cycling races, but this has not been well documented.

Objective

The objective of this study was to document the incidence of acute traumatic injuries and acute non-traumatic medical complications in a community mass participation cycling race.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

109 km cycling race.

Participants

All 34 033 race starters (males=26 835, females=7 198) to the 2014 Cape Town Cycle Tournament.

Assessment

Pre-race entry demographic data and race-day medical complications data (all incidents that required assessment by the medical team on race day) were collected.

Main Outcome Measurements

The incidence (per 1000 race starters) of all complications, acute traumatic injuries and non-traumatic medical complications and serious life threatening complications were determined for all cyclists, and male and female cyclists.

Results

The incidence (per 1000 starters) of all complications was 6.35, and this was significantly higher in females vs. males (male=5.78, female=8.47; p=0.014). The incidence of serious life-threatening complications was 0.5, and there was a trend toward a higher incidence in female cyclists (female=0.97, males=0.37; p=0.06). Female cyclists also had a significantly higher (p=0.027) incidence of acute traumatic injuries (females=6.53, males=4.47; p=0.027). The incidence of acute non-traumatic medical complications was 1.44 (males=1.30, females=1.94; p=0.203).

Conclusions

1/157 race starters (males: 1/173; females: 1/118) at a community based cycling event were injured or developed a medical complication during the race, and the risk is significantly higher in female cyclists. These data indicate the need to develop and implement prevention strategies to reduce the risk of medical complications, specifically traumatic injuries, in female cyclists.
INJURIES IN ELITE AUSTRALIAN FEMALE CRICKETERS
Authors: Perera Nirmala , Kountouris Alex , Kemp Joanne , Joseph Corey , Finch Caroline
Published: August 2017

Background

Cricket Australia has a well-established injury surveillance program for its elite male players and has published regular reports. Whilst injury data has been collected for the elite female players, it has not been published to date.

Objective

To establish injury profiles sustained by elite female players by utilising the data collected through the Cricket Australia's Athlete Management System.

Design

Cohort study, 2014–16 seasons.

Setting

International and national cricket.

Participants

Elite women.

Main Outcome Measurements

Incidence, nature and anatomical location and mechanism of injuries.

Results

The mean age of the 121 players was 24.2 years (SD ±4.5). 113 players sustained 600 injuries; 77.7% (n=94) sustained ≥1 injury. 477 injuries (79.5%) were acute and 73.2% (n=439) were new. Injury match incidence was 424.7 injuries/10,000 hours for all injuries, and 79.3 injuries/10,000 hours for time-loss. Thigh (n=84, 14.0%), wrist (n=77, 12.8%), knee (n=68, 11.3%), shoulder (n=66, 11.0%) and lumbar spine (n=63, 10.5%) were the most frequently injured regions. There were 31.8% (n=191) muscle injuries; 16.0% (n=96) joint sprains. Most injuries occurred via an insidious onset (28.7%, n=172), with running 15.3% (n=92) the most common mechanism. There were 121 (20.2%) time-loss injuries (94 new and 27 recurrent) resulting total of 3638 days (average 30 days, SD ±47.38) away from the sport. Wrist/hand (n=20, 19.80%) and lumbar spine (n=20, 16.5) were the most common time-loss injuries. Six players sustained lumbar-spine stress fractures that resulted in the most days missed due to injury (average 111 days/injury).

Conclusions

Similarities are evident between male and female cricket injury profiles with the thigh being the most injured location. This is the first study to demonstrate that elite female cricket players also develop lumbar spine stress fractures, similar to their male counterparts. More research is required to determine the mechanisms for injuries in female players.
THE EFFECT OF RUNNING NINE MARATHONS IN NINE DAYS ON PROPRIOCEPTION AND BALANCE
Authors: Relph Nicola , Small Katie , Smith Adam
Published: August 2017

Background

Multi-day running events are becoming increasingly popular with nonprofessional athletes. However, it is unknown how and when this type of event affects injury risk factors such as proprioception and balance.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of running one, five consecutive and nine consecutive marathons on joint position sense (JPS) and dynamic balance.

Design

Cross-sectional, observational study.

Setting

Sports-injury clinic.

Participants

21 athletes completing the event (age 44.8±8.09 yrs, mass 74.4±13.14 kg, years running 10.4±7.39 yrs, average weekly mileage 44.8±12.09 miles) entered the study. Ten athletes completed the JPS testing and five athletes completed the dynamic balance testing.

Assessment of Risk Factors

Risk factors were assessed the day before the event (day zero) and then following completion of one (day one), five (day five) and nine (day nine) consecutive marathons. The independent variable was time.

Main Outcome Measurements

JPS error into flexion and extension, star-excursion balance test (SEBT) and number of injuries per runner.

Results

Friedman's ANOVAs indicated no effects of time on JPS into extension (p=0.94), dominant-leg anterior (p=0.52) or posterior-lateral (p=0.65) SEBT reach. JPS flexion error significantly decreased by 1.3° from day one to five (p=0.032). Non-dominant leg anterior, posterior-medial and posterior-lateral SEBT reaches significantly decreased from day zero to nine by 0.09% (p=0.043), 0.13% (p=0.043) and 0.17% (p=0.043) of leg length respectively. Dominant leg posterior-medial SEBT reach also significantly decreased by 0.12% of leg length (p=0.043) from day zero to nine. There were 4.2 injuries per runner.

Conclusions

The results suggest multi-day running events can cause over four lower limb injuries per runner and reduce dynamic balance ability. Nonprofessional athletes completing these events should be aware of this high injury occurrence and prepare appropriately. Injury prevention programmes incorporating dynamic balance may be recommended. However future studies with additional risk factors and larger sample sizes are needed to substantiate these findings.
FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN AND LOWER LIMB STRENGTH ASYMMETRY IN PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS
Authors: Sannicandro Italo , Cofano Giacomo , Rosa Anna Rosa , Traficante Paolo , Piccinno Andrea
Published: August 2017

Background

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) protocol consists of 7 tests (Cook & Burton, 2014). At higher values mean higher quality of movement execution. Lower limb functional asymmetry (FA) is monitored to control the athlete's injury risk (Sannicandroet al., 2011).

Objective

To examine the correlation between the FMS score and strength asymmetry in professional soccer players (PSP).

Design

Descriptive study (correlation study investigating the relationship between variables).

Setting

Professional soccer.

Participants

n=30 professional soccer players (age: 22.2±4.6; weight: 74.3±10,1 kg; height: 176.1±8.7 cm), 4 players were excluded due to joint or muscle injury within the last 18 months.

Assessment of Risk Factors

The FMS protocol identifies athletes as being at risk of injury when the total score is ≤14. The Hop Test (HT), Side Hop (SH) and Hop Crossover (CH) test are considered to represent a valid assessment of the single lower limb FA. The counter movement jump (CMJ) test indirectly evaluates explosive strength capacity (jump height).

Main Outcome Measurements

The sample was evaluated using the 7 FMS test and CMJ, HT, SH and CH tests for strength capacity. FA was calculated between the two limbs as follows: (jump dominant limb–jump non-dominant limb)/jump dominant-limb*100 (Yamamoto, 1993).

Results

We observed a significant inverse correlation between FMS score and the SH asymmetry percentage (r=−0.678, p<0.01) and the CH asymmetry percentage (r=−0.572,p<0.01). We also observed a significant positive correlation between the FMS score and CMJ values (r=0.531, p<0.01). No significant correlation was found between FMS and the HT asymmetry percentage (r=−0.245).

Conclusions

The best quality movement in FMS test was correlated with high performance in CMJ and with low percentage of lower limb FA, respectively.
INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC INJURY RISK FACTORS OF ELITE WINTER SPORTS ATHLETE IN TRAINING
Authors: Wang Victor , Mayer Frank , Bonaventura Klaus , Wippert Maria
Published: August 2017

Background

Multi-factorial sport injury related models are well accepted for sport medicine scientists and experts. However, injury risk factors research involved with winter sport athletes seems not well documented due to its complicated, interactive intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Objective

To exam the significant difference and correlation relationships between injury outcomes and winter sport elite athletes' intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.

Design and Setting

A cross-section and retrospective risk of injury questionnaire (Risk-IQ) designed for elite athlete in training period was employed. Currently active and retired national delegation athletes of Olympic winter sports were recruited.

Participants

34 winter Olympic sport elite athletes (f/m 13/21 age=28.9+-7.7) were recruited from national sport training centres, sport federations and universities fron both Germany and Taiwan.

Assessment of Risk Factors

Potential risk for athletic accumulated injuries were assessed through 6 intrinsic (age, gender, experience, stress, cardiovascular problems and importance of risk screening) and 6 extrinsic (nation, sport type, training environment, periodic health examination(PHE)/preparticipation evaluation (PPE), physical complains, medical care support) factors. Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearmann correlation test were used.

Main Outcome Measurements

The total sport training related injury incidences were planned as outcome measurements. The adapted intrinsic and extrinsic injury related risk factors were tested for significance difference and correlations.

Results

Significant results were found in intrinsic factors: age (10 body-part p<0.01; back & chest p<0.01; shoulder & arm p<0.01, elbow & hand p<0.01; hip & thigh p<0.01; knee p<0.05), stress level (knee r=0.348 p<0.05, foot & toe r=0.404 p<0.05); in extrinsic factors: nation (p<0.01), sport type(Olympic), PHE screen(back p<0.05, physical complain on knee(r=0.355, p<0.05l leg & ankle r=0.487 p<0.01) and foot (elbow & hand r=0.386, p<0.05).

Conclusions

Some factors showed their significant results with body-part specificity (only some body-parts but not others) which deserved further detailed investigation with greater subject population.
OPTIMISING ORAL HEALTH AMONG DUTCH ELITE ATHLETES FOR RIO 2016
Authors: Wolvius Eppo , Kragt Lea , Hoogenband Cees-Rein van den , Moen Maarten
Published: August 2017

Background

Elite athletes are at high risk for poor oral health. A screening program to monitor oral health and create dental awareness can improve oral health among elite athletes.

Objective

Prior to RIO2016, a national dental screening program was conducted in elite athletes of the Nederlands Olympisch Committee*Nederlandse Sport Federatie (NOC*NSF).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

questionnairres via online surveys; intraoral screening at 5 dental offices througout the Netherlands by dentist trained specifically for this purpose.

Participants

800 Dutch athletes eligible for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro 2016 were invited to a costless an voluntary intraoral examination.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

Questionnaires and dental screening program.

Main Outcome Measurements

the decayed, missing and filled teeth-index (DMFT), the basic erosive wear examination (BEWE) and the Dutch Periodontal Screening-score (DPSI-score) were used to evaluate athletes oral health. Information on sociodemographic variables and sport performance were collected in questionnaires, which included also questions on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL).

Results

In total, 116 Dutch elite athletes were included in the study. The median (90%-range) dmft-score was 3.0 (0.0–16.0), the median BEWE-score was 2.0 (0.0–10.0) and the mean±SD DPSI-score was 2.0±0.73. Also OHRQOL was generally high, although only 28.2% of the athletes reported never having problems with their dentition or mouth. In 43% of the athletes clinical findings were reported which needed a direct referral to the general dentist.

Conclusions

Oral health in Dutch elite athletes seems not worse than in the general population. Still, almost half of them needed dental treatment. Regular screening of oral health incorporated into the general preventive health care of elite athletes is necessary to ensure athletes are fully healthy during competitions like the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
EFFECT OF PREVIOUS CONCUSSION ON SPORT-SPECIFIC SKILLS IN YOUTH ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS
Authors: Eliason Paul , McKay Carly , Meeuwisse Willem , Hagel Brent , Nadeau Luc , Emery Carolyn
Published: August 2017

Background

Hockey Canada developed the Hockey Canada Skills Test (HCST), which measures skill acquisition and development.

Objective

To investigate the effect of previous concussion on sport-specific skill performance in youth ice hockey players.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Ice hockey arenas in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Participants

596 participants [525 males and 71 females, ages 11–17, representing elite (upper 30% by division of play) and non-elite (lower 70%) levels] recruited from minor ice hockey teams over three seasons of play (2012–2015).

Assessment of Risk Factors

Players completed a baseline questionnaire including the number, date of occurrence, and length of recovery for any previous concussions.

Main Outcome Measurements

On-ice skill performance was based on the HCST battery (forward agility weave, forward/backward speed skate, forward-to-backward transition agility, 6-repeat endurance skate). Multiple linear regression (adjusted for relative age, level of play, position, elite/non-elite, and musculoskeletal injury in the previous year), accounting for clustering by team, was conducted to explore the effect of history of concussion, number of previous concussions, time since most recent concussion, and severity of most recent concussion on HCST performance.

Results

A history of concussion and time since most recent concussion were not associated with any HCST component. Players reporting two or more concussions were 7.32 seconds faster (95% CI:3.59–11.05) than those with no history performing forward agility weave with puck. For every additional day to return to play post-concussion, player times were faster by: 0.11 seconds (95% CI:0.05–0.16) on forward agility weave with puck and 0.08 seconds (95% CI:0.04–0.13) without puck, 0.01 seconds (95% CI:0.01–0.02) on transition agility without puck, and 0.06 seconds (95% CI:0.03–0.1) on backward speed with puck and 0.05 seconds (95% CI:0.03–0.07) without puck.

Conclusions

Players with and without a history of concussion have similar HCST scores. Greater time loss following concussion was associated with better performance. The mechanism for this finding requires further exploration.
HLA-DQ:gluten tetramer test in blood gives better detection of coeliac patients than biopsy after 14-day gluten challenge
Authors: Sarna Vikas K , Skodje Gry I , Reims Henrik M , Risnes Louise F , Dahal-Koirala Shiva , Sollid Ludvig M , Lundin Knut E A
Published: August 2017

Objective

Initiation of a gluten-free diet without proper diagnostic work-up of coeliac disease is a frequent and demanding problem. Recent diagnostic guidelines suggest a gluten challenge of at least 14 days followed by duodenal biopsy in such patients. The rate of false-negative outcome of this approach remains unclear. We studied responses to 14-day gluten challenge in subjects with treated coeliac disease.

Design

We challenged 20 subjects with biopsy-verified coeliac disease, all in confirmed mucosal remission, for 14 days with 5.7 grams per oral gluten daily. Duodenal biopsies were collected. Blood was analysed by multiplex assay for cytokine detection, and by flow cytometry using HLA-DQ:gluten tetramers.

Results

Nineteen participants completed the challenge. Villous blunting appeared at end of challenge in 5 of 19 subjects. Villous height to crypt depth ratio reduced with at least 0.4 concomitantly with an increase in intraepithelial lymphocyte count of at least 50% in 9 of 19 subjects. Interleukin-8 plasma concentration increased by more than 100% after 4 hours in 7 of 19 subjects. Frequency of blood CD4+effector-memory gut-homing HLA-DQ:gluten tetramer-binding T cells increased by more than 100% on day 6 in 12 of 15 evaluated participants.

Conclusion

A 14-day gluten challenge was not enough to establish significant mucosal architectural changes in majority of patients with coeliac disease (sensitivity ≈25%–50%). Increase in CD4+effector-memory gut-homing HLA-DQ:gluten tetramer-binding T cells in blood 6 days after gluten challenge is a more sensitive and less invasive biomarker that should be validated in a larger study.

Trial registration number

NCT02464150
Determinants of occupational injury for US home health aides reporting one or more work-related injuries
Authors: Hamadi Hanadi , Probst Janice C , Khan Mahmud M , Bellinger Jessica , Porter Candace
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Home health aides (HHAs) work in a high-risk industry and experience high rates of work-related injury that have been significantly associated with reduction in workers and organisational productivity, quality and performance. The main objective of the study was to examine how worker environment and ergonomic factors affect HHA risk for reporting occupational injuries.

Method

We used cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2007 National Home Health and Hospice Aide Survey (NHHAS). The study sample consisted of a nationally represented sample of home health aides (n=3.377) with a 76.6% response rate. We used two scales1: a Work Environment Scale and2an Ergonomic Scale. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to describe HHA work-related injury across individual, job and organisational factors. To measure scale reliability, Cronbach’s alphas were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of reported occupational injury.

Results

In terms of Work Environment Scale, the injury risk was decreased in HHAs who did not consistently care for the same patients (OR=0.96, 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.73). In terms of Ergonomic Scale, the injury risk was decreased only in HHAs who reported not needing any other devices for job safety (OR=0.30, 95% (CI): 0.15 to 0.61). No other Work Environment or Ergonomic Scale factors were associated with HHAs’ risk of injury.

Conclusion

This study has great implications on a subcategory of the workforce that has a limited amount of published work and studies, as of today, as well as an anticipated large demand for them.
Lung cancer in lung transplantation: incidence and outcome
Authors: Pérez-Callejo David , Torrente María , Parejo Consuelo , Laporta Rosalia , Ussetti Piedad , Provencio Mariano
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Malignancies are one of the causes of mortality after lung transplantation. However, little is known about lung cancer outcome after lung transplantation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective search of the lung transplantation database at our institution to identify patients diagnosed with lung cancer after lung transplantation.

Results

Out of 633 lung transplant patients, lung cancer was detected in 23 of them (3.63%). The most common causes for transplantation were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (47.8%) and emphysema (43.4%). A total of 18 patients were diagnosed during follow-up, 12 cases in the native lung (52.2%) and 6 cases in the donor lung (26.1%). The diagnosis was evidenced in the explanted lung in five patients (21.7%). The median of time from transplantation to cancer diagnosis was 39.7 months (24.356.6). Lung cancer was the cause of death in 16 patients. Survival rate at1year from diagnosis of lung cancer was 45.64% (95% CI 0.2431 to 0.6473).

Conclusions

Lung transplant recipients constitute a high-risk group for developing lung cancer. Among our patients, lung cancer was predominantly diagnosed in the native lung and at an advanced stage. The primary tumour was the main cause of death in most of these patients.
Places and people: the perceptions of men who have sex with men concerning STI testing: a qualitative study
Authors: Datta Jessica , Reid David , Hughes Gwenda , Mercer Catherine H , Wayal Sonali , Weatherburn Peter
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To explore the experiences and views of men who have sex with men (MSM) on attending clinical sexual health services and their preferences regarding service characteristics in the context of the disproportionate burden of STIs experienced by this group. The wider study aim was to develop a risk assessment tool for use in sexual health clinics.

Methods

Qualitative study comprising eight focus group discussions with 61 MSM in four English cities. Topics included: experience of attending sexual health services, perceptions of norms of attendance among MSM, knowledge of, and attitudes towards, STIs and views on ‘being researched.’ Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed and a thematic data analysis conducted.

Results

Attending sexual health services for STI testing was described as embarrassing by some and some clinic procedures were thought to compromise confidentiality. Young men seeking STI testing were particularly sensitive to feelings of awkwardness and self-consciousness. Black and ethnic minority men were concerned about being exposed in their communities. The personal qualities of staff were seen as key features of sexual health services. Participants wanted staff to be friendly, professional, discreet, knowledgeable and non-judgemental.

Conclusions

A range of opinion on the type of STI service men preferred was expressed with some favouring generic sexual and reproductive health clinics and others favouring specialist community-based services. There was consensus on the qualities they would like to see in healthcare staff. The knowledge, conduct and demeanour of staff could exacerbate or ameliorate unease associated with attending for STI testing.
Tobacco policy reform and population-wide antismoking activities in Australia: the impact on smoking during pregnancy
Authors: Havard Alys , Tran Duong T , Kemp-Casey Anna , Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Preen David B , Jorm Louisa R
Published: August 2017

Introduction

This study examined the impact of antismoking activities targeting the general population and an advertising campaign targeting smoking during pregnancy on the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

Monthly prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was calculated using linked health records for all pregnancies resulting in a birth (800 619) in NSW from 2003 to 2011. Segmented regression of interrupted time series data assessed the effects of the extension of the ban on smoking in enclosed public places to include licensed premises (evaluated in combination with the mandating of graphic warnings on cigarette packs), television advertisements targeting smoking in the general population, print and online magazine advertisements targeting smoking during pregnancy and increased tobacco tax. Analyses were conducted for all pregnancies, and for the population stratified by maternal age, parity and socioeconomic status. Further analyses adjusted for the effect of the Baby Bonus maternity payment.

Results

Prevalence of smoking during pregnancy decreased from 2003 to 2011 overall (0.39% per month), and for all strata examined. For pregnancies overall, none of the evaluated initiatives was associated with a change in the trend of smoking during pregnancy. Significant changes associated with increased tobacco tax and the extension of the smoking ban (in combination with graphic warnings) were found in some strata.

Conclusions

The declining prevalence of smoking during pregnancy between 2003 and 2011, while encouraging, does not appear to be directly related to general population antismoking activities or a pregnancy-specific campaign undertaken in this period.
A Three-Node Triangular Element with Continuous Nodal Stress (Trig3-CNS) for Geometry Nonlinear Solid Mechanics Problems
Authors: Sun Guanhua , Yang Yongtao , Zheng Hong
Published: August 2017

This paper investigates the performance of the three-node triangular element with continuous nodal stress (Trig3-CNS) for geometry nonlinear solid mechanic problems. This Trig3-CNS element was recently proposed to improve accuracy of the finite element method (FEM). By synergizing the individual strengths of meshfree method and FEM, the Trig3-CNS element achieves higher accuracy and convergence rate. Furthermore, Trig3-CNS presents high tolerance to mesh distortion. Therefore, it is potentially useful for geometry nonlinear solid mechanics problems in which mesh distortion takes place. Compared with the traditional hybrid “FE-Meshfree” elements, Trig3-CNS naturally processes CNS without requiring any extra operation in post-processing. Numerical tests in the present work show that for geometry nonlinear analysis, the results of the Trig3-CNS element are better than the 3-node triangular element (Trig3) and 4-node isoparametric quadrilateral element (Quad4). In addition, the performance of Trig3-CNS is comparable to that of traditional hybrid “FE-Meshfree” elements.
The Role of Locking Plate Stiffness in Bone Fracture Healing Stabilized by Far Cortical Locking Technique
Authors: Miramini Saeed , Zhang Lihai , Richardson Martin , Mendis Priyan
Published: August 2017

The locking plate fixations have been developed to enhance bone healing by wide bridging of the fracture and allowing some level of interfragmentary movement (IFM) at the fracture site. However, the IFM induced by conventional locking plate constructs is not uniform at the fracture site and so result in asymmetric callus formation, and ultimately delayed healing. The far cortical locking technique has been recently innovated to address this issue by inducing a uniform IFM. However, the far cortical locking technique is still in its infancy and more research efforts are required before its practical clinical application. Using the theory of porous media and computational methods, this study investigated the effectiveness of far cortical locking technique in presence of different mechanical stiffness of locking plate. The research outcomes indicate that the application of far cortical looking technique enhances IFM at near cortex, and so reduce the difference of IFM between near and far cortex. Further, it shows that, under far cortical locking technique, the bending stiffness of a locking plate plays an important role in bone healing. The use of a stiffer locking plate together with far cortical locking screws encourages more uniform tissue development across the fracture gap. The current research underlines the importance of the optimal selection of plate stiffness for application of far cortical locking technique.