bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Some Biomotoric Properties and Anthropometric Measurements of Male Basketball and Football Players
Authors: Turna Bülent , Kılınç Fatih 
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine and compare some biomotoric properties and anthropometric measurements of Antalya Muratpaşa High School Boys’ Basketball Team and Football Team. Thirty volunteering players from Antalya Muratpaşa High School Boys’ Basketball and Football Teams participated in the study. Fifteen of the participants were from the Basketball Team and 15 were from Football Team. The mean age of the Football Team was 16,3 ±0,9 years; mean body weight was 65,6 ±9,4 kg, mean height was 170,3 ±6,7 cm; and the mean age of the Basketball Team was 15,5 ±0,74 years, mean body weight was 64,8 ±11,7 kg, mean height was 178,6 ±6,1 cm. As well as the height, weight, age values of the 15 Basketballer and 15 Footballer Boys’, the right and left grip force, back force, sprint tests, leg force, free vertical jump, subcutaneous fat measurements from 8 different points, and circumference measurements from 7 different points were taken. As a result of the comparison between some biomotoric properties, a significant difference was found between the vertical jump test values of the Basketball Team and Football Team (p<0, 05). When the Basketball and Football teams participating in the study were compared, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the calf area sub-cutaneous fat measurement values (p<0, 05). No statistically significant differences were found in the measurements of shoulder, chest inspiration, chest expiration, arm, forearm, thigh circumference, calf circumference, hip circumferences of the Boys’ Basketball and Football players who participated in our study (p<0,05). A statistically significant difference was found in the 10-m speed run tests of the Boys’ Basketball Team and Football Team Players (p<0,05). The data of the study were analyzed in Independent Samples T Test (p<0,05) according to statistical significance levels. Nobody should doubt that positive science is affecting all sports disciplines in the light of technological developments in our present age and it will continue even more in the future with more efficient and faster use to serve sports and sportsmen. In this context, it was aimed in the present study to determine how young sportsmen are suitable for their branches, and also to determine the missing and full aspects of their present biomotoric and physical statuses, supplement the missing aspects, and improve the full ones.
VqsA, a Novel LysR-Type Transcriptional Regulator, Coordinates Quorum Sensing (QS) and Is Controlled by QS To Regulate Virulence in the Pathogen Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Gao Xiating , Wang Xuetong , Mao Qiaoqiao , Xu Rongjing , Zhou Xiaohui , Ma Yue , Liu Qin , Zhang Yuanxing , Wang Qiyao 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

The quorum sensing (QS) system controls bacterial group behaviors in response to cell density. In vibrios, LuxR and AphA are two master QS regulators (MQSRs) controlling gene expression in response to high or low cell density. Other regulators involved in the regulation of these two MQSRs and QS pathways remain to be determined. Here, we performed bacterial one-hybrid (B1H)-assay-based screens of transcriptional factors (TFs) to identify TFs that can directly regulate the expression of
luxR
and
aphA
from a library of 285 TFs encoded by the fish pathogen
Vibrio alginolyticus
. A total of 7 TFs were identified to bind to the promoters of both
luxR
and
aphA
. Among these TFs, the novel LysR-type transcriptional regulator (LTTR) VqsA could activate LuxR and repress AphA transcription. Meanwhile, LuxR and AphA exerted feedback inhibition and activation of
vqsA
expression, respectively, indicating that VqsA coordinates QS and is also regulated by QS. In addition, VqsA inhibited its own expression by directly binding to its own promoter region. The VqsA-binding sites in the promoter regions of
luxR
and
aphA
as well as the binding sites of LuxR, AphA, and VqsA in the
vqsA
gene were uncovered by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and DNase I footprinting analysis. Finally, VqsA was verified to play essential roles in QS-regulated phenotypes, i.e., type VI secretion system 2 (T6SS2)-dependent interbacterial competition, biofilm formation, exotoxin production, and
in vivo
virulence of
V. alginolyticus
. Collectively, our data showed that VqsA is an important QS regulator in
V. alginolyticus
.

IMPORTANCE
Investigation of the mechanism of regulation of quorum sensing (QS) systems will facilitate an understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and the identification of effective QS interference (QSI) targets. Here, we systematically screened transcriptional factors (TFs) that modulate the expression of the master QS regulators (MQSRs) LuxR and AphA, and a novel LysR-type transcriptional regulator, VqsA, was identified. Our data illuminated the mechanisms mediating the interaction among LuxR, AphA, and VqsA as well as the effects of these regulators on the expression and output of QS. The impaired expression of virulence genes as a result of
vqsA
disruption demonstrated that VqsA is an important player in QS regulation and pathogenesis and may be the third MQSR involved in sensing environmental signals by vibrios to coordinate QS responses. This study will facilitate the development of strategies to interfere with QS and effectively control this pathogen that plagues the aquaculture industry.
JC Polyomavirus: Let's Please Respect Privacy
Authors: Imperiale Michael J. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
JC polyomavirus was discovered in 1971, and its name was derived from the initials of the individual from whose brain tissue it was isolated. While most scientists refer to the virus properly, i.e., calling it JCV or JCPyV, there is a small but palpable number of scientists who refer to the virus by the full name of the patient from whom it was isolated. This practice should stop.
Viral Characteristics Associated with the Clinical Nonprogressor Phenotype Are Inherited by Viruses from a Cluster of HIV-1 Elite Controllers
Authors: Casado Concepción , Marrero-Hernández Sara , Márquez-Arce Daniel , Pernas María , Marfil Sílvia , Borràs-Grañana Ferran , Olivares Isabel , Cabrera-Rodríguez Romina , Valera María-Soledad , de Armas-Rillo Laura , Lemey Philippe , Blanco Julià , Valenzuela-Fernández Agustín , Lopez-Galíndez Cecilio 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

A small group of HIV-1-infected individuals, called long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs), and in particular a subgroup of LTNPs, elite controllers (LTNP-ECs), display permanent control of viral replication and lack of clinical progression. This control is the result of a complex interaction of host, immune, and viral factors. We identified, by phylogenetic analysis, a cluster of LTNP-ECs infected with very similar low-replication HIV-1 viruses, suggesting the contribution of common viral features to the clinical LTNP-EC phenotype. HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein mediates signaling and promotes HIV-1 fusion, entry, and infection, being a key factor of viral fitness
in vitro
, cytopathicity, and infection progression
in vivo
. Therefore, we isolated full-length
env
genes from viruses of these patients and from chronically infected control individuals. Functional characterization of the initial events of the viral infection showed that Envs from the LTNP-ECs were ineffective in the binding to CD4 and in the key triggering of actin/tubulin-cytoskeleton modifications compared to Envs from chronic patients. The viral properties of the cluster viruses result in a defective viral fusion, entry, and infection, and these properties were inherited by every virus of the cluster. Therefore, inefficient HIV-1 Env functions and signaling defects may contribute to the low viral replication capacity and transmissibility of the cluster viruses, suggesting a direct role in the LTNP-EC phenotype of these individuals. These results highlight the important role of viral characteristics in the LTNP-EC clinical phenotype. These Env viral properties were common to all the cluster viruses and thus support the heritability of the viral characteristics.

IMPORTANCE
HIV-1 long-term nonprogressor elite controller patients, due to their permanent control of viral replication, have been the object of numerous studies to identify the factors responsible for this clinical phenotype. In this work, we analyzed the viral characteristics of the envelopes of viruses from a phylogenetic cluster of LTNP-EC patients. These envelopes showed ineffective binding to CD4 and the subsequent signaling activity to modify actin/tubulin cytoskeletons, which result in low fusion and deficient entry and infection capacities. These Env viral characteristics could explain the nonprogressor clinical phenotype of these patients. In addition, these inefficient
env
viral properties were present in all viruses of the cluster, supporting the heritability of the viral phenotype.
Association of antenatal steroid and risk of retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yim Cheuk-Ling , Tam Matthew , Chan Hiu-Lam , Tang Shu-Min , Au Sunny C L , Yip Wilson W K , Ko Simon T C , Rong Shi Song , Chen Li Jia , Ng Danny Siu-Chun , Yam Jason C S 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the leading causes of childhood blindness. Use of antenatal steroid can reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm births, but its effect on ROP remained controversial. We aim to determine the association between antenatal steroid and risk of ROP by a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsReported studies on the association between antenatal steroid and risk of ROP or severe ROP were identified from MEDLINE and Embase databases from their inception to November 2016. Outcome measures were ORs with 95% CIs. Extracted data were pooled using a random-effect model or fixed-effect model where appropriate. Heterogeneity was assessed, and sensitivity analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 434 relevant studies were identified, and 28 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis, involving 20 731 neonates with 4202 cases of ROP. Among the 28 studies included, 13 studies provided data evaluating the association between antenatal steroid use and severe ROP, involving 4999 neonates with 792 cases of severe ROP. Antenatal steroid administration was associated with a reduced risk of ROP development (ORunadjusted=0.82, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.98; ORadjusted=0.67, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.94) and progression to severe ROP (ORunadjusted=0.58, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.86).ConclusionAntenatal steroid administration is associated with a reduced risk of ROP development and progression to severe ROP. Our results strengthened the indications of antenatal steroid therapy to high-risk mothers giving preterm births, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where antenatal steroid are not yet widely used.
Long-term reconstruction of foveal microstructure and visual acuity after idiopathic macular hole repair: three-year follow-up study
Authors: Kitao Masahiro , Wakabayashi Taku , Nishida Kentaro , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Nishida Kohji 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo evaluate long-term reconstructive changes in foveal microstructures and their associations with visual improvement in eyes with surgically closed macular holes (MHs).MethodsTwenty-eight eyes of 28 patients who underwent successful idiopathic MH repair were retrospectively studied. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images were examined preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively. Correlations between postoperative BCVA and parameters relating to the reconstruction of the foveal photoreceptor layer including the external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ) and cone interdigitation zone (CIZ) as well as changes in glial cells were evaluated.ResultsLogarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA improved continuously during 3-year follow-up (baseline 0.70±0.27, 1 month 0.36±0.34, 3 months 0.29±0.30, 6 months 0.22±0.24, 12 months 0.18±0.25, 24 months 0.14±0.22, 36 months 0.10±0.19) (p=0.015). Continuous reconstruction of the foveal microstructure was apparent throughout the 3-year follow-up. The reconstruction process was initiated by glial proliferation, followed by ELM bridging, glial elimination with EZ reconstruction and CIZ reconstruction. Better BCVA at the 3-year time-point was significantly associated with early ELM bridging, early glial disappearance and photoreceptor integrity defined as complete reconstruction of the ELM, EZ and CIZ.ConclusionsIntegrity of the photoreceptor layer was correlated with better long-term visual outcomes after MH repair. Reconstruction of the foveal ELM and disappearance of glial proliferation in the early postoperative period predicted better visual recovery.
Inter-relationship between ageing, body mass index, diabetes, systemic blood pressure and intraocular pressure in Asians: 6-year longitudinal study
Authors: Chua Jacqueline , Chee Miao Li , Chin Calvin Woon Loong , Tham Yih Chung , Tan Nicholas , Lim Sing Hui , Aung Tin , Cheng Ching-Yu , Wong Tien Yin , Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundTo investigate the biological effect of ageing on intraocular pressure (IOP) and risk factors in a population-based cohort study of Malay and Indian adults.MethodsParticipants aged 40–80 years were recruited for baseline and 6-year follow-up visits between 2004–2009 and 2010–2015, respectively. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with an automatic BP monitor and IOP were obtained by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Main outcome was change in IOP, defined as the difference between the 6-year IOP and the baseline IOP. Linear regression models were used to investigate the association of changes in IOP with risk factors.Results Participants without a history of glaucoma or cataract surgery at baseline were included (n = 3188; mean age: 54±9 years) . Their average IOP was reduced (−0.5±3.1 mm Hg), except for those who developed hypertension at follow-up (0.0±3.1 mm Hg). After adjusting for covariates, changes in IOP were negatively associated with age (β=−0.07, 95% CI −0.13 to −0.01) and positively associated with body mass index, diabetes, hypertension (normotensive as reference group; newly developed hypertensive (β=0.67, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.95) and chronic hypertensive (β=0.46, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.70)), baseline systolic BP (SBP) (β=0.20, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.26) and diastolic BP (DBP) (β=0.33, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.44), as well as with 6-year increases in SBP (β=0.27, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.33) and DBP (β=0.52, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.63).ConclusionsNormal ageing and reduced systemic BP are associated with reduced IOP in Malay and Indian adults. Given that high IOP is a risk factor for glaucoma, our finding highlights the importance of controlling hypertension in older adults, where hypertension and glaucoma incidences are on a rise.
Effect of Tai Chi for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in elderly adults: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mu Wei-qiang , Huang Xia-yu , Zhang Jiang , Liu Xiao-cong , Huang Mao-mao 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionOsteoporosis (OP) has been defined as a degenerative bone disease characterised by low bone mass and microstructural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to fragility and an increased risk of fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist. Exercise has been shown to benefit the maintenance of bone health and improvement of muscle strength, balance and coordination, thereby reducing the risk of falls and fractures. However, prior findings regarding the optimal types and regimens of exercise for treating low bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly people are not consistent. As an important component of traditional Chinese Qigong exercises, Tai Chi (TC) is an ancient art and science of healthcare derived from the martial arts. The objective of this study is to attempt to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing studies on TC exercise as an intervention for the prevention or treatment of OP in elderly adults and to draw more useful conclusions regarding the safety and the effectiveness of TC in preventing or treating OP.Methods and analysisEight electronic databases (Science Citation Index, PubMed Database, Embase (Ovid) Database, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Chinese databases, including Chinese BioMedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database and the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database) will be searched from the beginning of each database to 1 April 2018. Potential outcomes of interest will include rates of fractures or falls, BMD at the total hip and the total spine, bone formation biomarkers, bone resorption biomarkers, bone biomarkers, health-related quality of life and adverse events. Only randomised controlled trials comparing TC exercise against each other or non-intervention will be included. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool will be used for quality assessment.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required as the study will be a review of existing studies. This review may help to elucidate whether TC exercise is effective for the prevention or treatment of OP in elderly adults. The findings of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed publication and will be disseminated electronically or in print. We will share the findings in the fourth quarter of 2018.Trial registration numberCRD42018084950.
Protocol for development and validation of a context-appropriate tool for assessing organisational readiness for change in primary health clinics in South Africa
Authors: Brooke-Sumner Carrie , Sorsdahl Katherine , Lombard Carl , Petersen-Williams Petal , Myers Bronwyn 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionA large treatment gap for common mental disorders (such as depression) exists in South Africa. Comorbidity with other chronic diseases, including HIV and diseases of lifestyle, is an increasing public health concern globally. Currently, primary health facilities as points of care for those with chronic disease provide limited services for common mental disorders. Assessing organisational readiness for change (ORC) towards adopting health innovations (such as mental health services) using contextually appropriate measures is needed to facilitate implementation of these services. This study aims to investigate the validity of the Texas Christian University Organisational Readiness for Change (TCU-ORC) scale in the South African context. Subsequently, we will develop a shortened version of this scale. This study is nested within Project MIND, a multiyear randomised controlled trial that is testing two different approaches for integrating counselling for common mental disorders into chronic disease care. Although the modified, contextually appropriate ORC measure resulting from the proposed study will be developed in the context of integrating mental health into primary healthcare services, the potential for the tool to be generalised to further understanding barriers to any change being implemented in primary care settings is high.Methods and analysisWe will establish internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) and construct validity of the long-form TCU-ORC questionnaire. Survey data will be collected from 288 clinical, management and operational staff from 24 primary health facilities where the Project MIND trial is implemented. A modified Delphi approach will assess the content validity of the TCU-ORC items and identify areas for potential adaptation and item reduction.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the South African Medical Research Council (Protocol ID EC004-2-2015, amendment of 20 August 2017). Results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals relevant to implementation and health systems strengthening.
Path of least resistance: how computerised provider order entry can lead to (and reduce) wasteful practices
Authors: Choi Joseph , Atlin Cori Rebecca 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundComputerised provider order entry (CPOE) is rapidly becoming the mainstay in clinical care and has the potential to improve provider efficiency and accuracy. However, this hinges on careful planning and implementation. Poorly planned CPOE order sets can lead to undetected errors and waste. In our emergency department (ED), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was bundled into various blood work panels but had little clinical value.ObjectivesThis quality improvement initiative aimed to reduce unnecessary LDH testing in the ED.MethodsA group of ED physicians reviewed CPOE blood work panels and uncoupled LDH in conditions where it was deemed not to provide any clinically useful information. We measured the daily number of LDH tests performed before and after its removal. We tracked the frequency of other serum tests as controls. We also analysed the number of add-on LDH (ie, to add LDH to samples already sent to the lab) as a balancing measure, since this can disrupt work flow and delay care.ResultsThrough this intervention, we reduced the number of LDH tests performed by 69%, from an average of 75.1 tests per day to 23.2 (P<0.0005). The baseline controls did not differ after the intervention (eg, a complete blood count was performed 197.7 and 196.1 times per day preintervention and postintervention, respectively (P=0.7663)). There was less than one add-on LDH per day on average.ConclusionsCPOE care templates can be powerful in shaping behaviours and reducing variability. However, close oversight of these panels is necessary to prevent errors and waste.