bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of antibiotics by urban and rural residents in Heilongjiang Province, China: cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gu Jiarui , Zhao Jizi , Huang Ying , Yang Weidong , Ren Zheng , Li Wenjing , Fan Yuzhuo , Zhang Qiao , Zhang Fengmin , Fu Yingmei 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo identify and compare the factors affecting the knowledge of, attitude towards and use of antibiotics between urban and rural residents in China.MethodsA total of 3631 urban and rural residents in Heilongjiang Province, China, were selected using random sampling. Questionnaires recorded demographic characteristics and participant knowledge of, attitude towards and use of antibiotics. The responses of rural and urban residents were compared, and logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the factors that may contribute to the knowledge of, attitude towards and use of antibiotics.ResultsThe majority of the participants (>60%) were aware that antibiotics could be used to treat bacterial infections and that bacteria could be resistant to antibiotics. However, only roughly half (40–60%) of the participants were aware that bacterial resistance to antibiotics had become a problem in China. Urban participants reported a more adequate knowledge of, attitude towards and use of antibiotics than rural participants. Logistic regression analysis indicated that urban residency, female gender and level of education were associated with knowledge of, attitude towards and use of antibiotics.ConclusionsWithin our sample in Heilongjiang Province, the knowledge of, attitude towards and use of antibiotics were suboptimal in roughly half of all urban and rural residents, but better in urban than in rural residents. Targeted interventions to educate rural residents in particular may reduce the misuse of antibiotics.
Boom‐and‐bust Cycles, External Imbalances and the Real Exchange Rate
Authors: Müller‐Plantenberg Nikolas A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWhen the current account balance and net capital outflows do not exactly offset each other, international payment flows arise. Payment flows into a country push the real exchange rate up, payment outflows push it down. This article uses a model of optimal consumption and portfolio choice to determine the factors that drive international payment flows during boom‐and‐bust cycles. It shows that during such episodes, capital inflows first exceed the deficit on current account, strengthening the currency. Later on, when the return on domestic capital reverts to its normal level, the current account recovers, yet the overall decline of the net foreign asset position provokes a fall of the real exchange rate even below its initial level. Case studies of countries experiencing rapid economic expansions followed by economic and financial meltdowns confirm the article's theoretical predictions.
Expression of Concern: Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) expression associated with cell survival and death in cancer cell lines infected with canine distemper virus
Authors: Garcia J. A. , Ferreira H. L. , Vieira F. V. , Gameiro R. , Andrade A. L. , Eugênio F. R. , Flores E. F. , Cardoso T. C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractOncolytic virotherapy is a novel strategy for treatment of cancer in humans and companion animals as well. Canine distemper virus (CDV), a paramyxovirus, has proven to be oncolytic through induction of apoptosis in canine‐derived tumour cells, yet the mechanism behind this inhibitory action is poorly understood. In this study, three human mammary tumour cell lines and one canine‐derived adenofibrosarcoma cell line were tested regarding to their susceptibility to CDV infection, cell proliferation, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and expression of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8). CDV replication‐induced cytopathic effect, decrease of cell proliferation rates, and >45% of infected cells were considered death and/or under late apoptosis/necrosis. TNFAIP8 and CDVM gene expression were positively correlated in all cell lines. In addition, mitochondrial membrane depolarization was associated with increase in virus titres (p < 0.005). Thus, these results strongly suggest that both human and canine mammary tumour cells are potential candidates for studies concerning CDV‐induced cancer therapy.
Increased susceptibility of skin from HERDA (Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia)‐affected horses to bacterial collagenase degradation: a potential contributing factor to the clinical signs of HERDA
Authors: Rashmir‐Raven Ann , Lavagnino Michael , Sedlak Aleksa , Gardner Keri , Arnoczky Steven 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundHereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) is a genetic disorder of collagen resulting in fragile, hyper‐extensible skin and ulcerative lesions. The predominance of skin lesions have been shown to occur on the dorsum of HERDA‐affected horses. While this has been postulated to be due to increased exposure to sunlight of these areas, the precise pathological mechanism which causes this to occur is unclear.Hypothesis/objectivesWe hypothesized that an increase in collagenase activity, that has been associated with the exposure of dermal fibroblasts to sunlight, will significantly degrade the material properties of skin from HERDA‐affected horses when compared to unaffected controls.AnimalsSix unaffected and seven HERDA‐affected horses, all euthanized for other reasons.MethodsFull‐thickness skin samples from similar locations on each horse were collected and cut into uniform strips and their material properties (tensile modulus) determined by mechanical testing before (n = 12 samples/horse) or after (n = 12 samples/horse) incubation in bacterial collagenase at 37°C for 6 h. The change in modulus following treatment was then compared between HERDA‐affected and unaffected horses using a Student's t‐test.ResultsThe modulus of skin from HERDA‐affected horses decreased significantly more than that from unaffected horses following collagenase treatment (54 ± 7% versus 30 ± 16%, P = 0.004).Conclusions and clinical importanceThe significant decrease in the modulus of skin from HERDA‐affected horses following collagenase exposure suggests that their altered collagen microarchitecture is more susceptible to enzymatic degradation and may explain the localization of skin lesions in HERDA‐affected horses to those areas of the body most exposed to sunlight. These findings appear to support the previously reported benefits of sunlight restriction in HERDA‐affected horses.
Influence of contractile force on the architecture and morphology of the quadriceps femoris
Authors: Massey Garry , Evangelidis Pavlos , Folland Jonathan 
Published: September 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Does contraction influence the fascicle length, pennation angle and effective physiological cross‐sectional area (effPCSA) of the quadriceps femoris muscle? Is there a stronger relationship between effPCSA and maximal strength if effPCSA is measured during maximal contraction rather than at rest?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Fascicle length decreased, pennation angle increased and effPCSA increased in a non‐linear manner with isometric torque. The effPCSA during maximal contraction and rest were correlated in a similar manner to maximal strength. The effPCSA at rest is sufficient to characterize the muscle size–strength relationship.

The primary purpose of this study was to document the influence of muscle contraction on quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle architecture [fascicle length (Lf) and pennation angle (θp)] and effective physiological cross‐sectional area (effPCSA). Secondarily, we aimed to determine whether effPCSA measured during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) had a stronger relationship to maximal strength than effPCSA at rest. Fifteen young men performed a series of voluntary knee‐extension isometric ramp contractions. Isometric maximal voluntary torque (MVT) was recorded during separate MVCs. Measurements of architecture and effPCSA of each constituent muscle of the QF and, subsequently, the whole QF were made at rest, during 20% increments of maximal voluntary torque and during an MVC. The QF muscle architecture and morphology changed in a curvilinear manner with relative torque (%MVT), with significant differences being observed between incremental torque levels for Lf, θp and effPCSA. Specifically, from rest to MVC, QF Lf decreased (–23.5 ± 3.3%), whereas θp increased (+39.7 ± 6.6%). The QF effPCSA was +26.5 ± 5.7% greater during MVC than at rest. Similar moderate correlations existed for MVT and effPCSA at rest (r = 0.519, P = 0.047) and for MVT and effPCSA during MVC (r = 0.530, P = 0.042). Substantial changes in QF architecture (Lf, θp) and effPCSA occur in a curvilinear manner with relative torque production. The effPCSA during MVC was no more strongly associated with MVT than effPCSA measured at rest, which implies that resting measurements of muscle size are suitable for characterizing the muscle size–strength relationship.
Mild dehydration modifies the cerebrovascular response to the cold pressor test
Authors: Perry Blake G. , Bear Tracey L. K. , Lucas Samuel J. E. , Mündel Toby 
Published: September 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
The cold pressor test (CPT) is commonly used to investigate cerebrovascular regulation. Despite blood viscosity per se being able to modulate cerebral blood flow, it is unknown whether hydration status alters this response, nor is it commonly reported. We investigated the effects of mild dehydration on the cerebrovascular response to the CPT.

What is the main finding and its importance?
The main finding from this study is that when compared with euhydration, mild dehydration reduced cerebral blood flow via a decrease in the partial pressure of end‐tidal CO2. This demonstrates that hydration status is an important modulator of the cerebrovascular response to the CPT and should be reported and controlled for.

The cold pressor test (CPT) is widely used in clinical practice and physiological research. It is characterized by a robust autonomic response, with associated increases in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and mean middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAvmean). Hydration status is not commonly reported when conducting this test, yet blood viscosity alone can modulate MCAvmean, potentially modifying the MCAvmean response to the CPT. We investigated the effect of mild dehydration on the physiological response to the CPT in 10 healthy men (mean ± SD: age 28 ± 5 years; body mass 83 ± 5 kg). All participants completed two CPTs, cold water (0°C) immersion of both feet for 90 s, with the order of the euhydration and dehydration trials counterbalanced. Beat‐to‐beat MCAv, MAP, HR and breath‐by‐breath partial pressure of end‐tidal CO2 () were measured continuously. Participants’ pain perception was measured 1 min into the CPT using a visual analog scale (no pain = 0; maximal pain = 10). Dehydration significantly elevated plasma osmolality and urine specific gravity and reduced body mass (all P < 0.01). The MAP and HR responses were not different between treatments (both P > 0.05). After 90 s of immersion, the change in MCAvmean from baseline was less in the dehydration compared with the euhydration trial (change 0 ± 5 versus 7 ± 7 cm s−1, P = 0.01), as was (change −3 ± 2 versus 0 ± 3 mmHg, P = 0.02). Dehydration was associated with greater relative pain sensation during the CPT (7.0 ± 1.3 vs 5.8 ± 1.8, P = 0.02). Our results demonstrate that mild dehydration can modify the cerebrovascular response to the CPT, with dehydration increasing perceived pain, lowering and, ultimately, blunting the MCAvmean response.
Induced magnetic moment in stainless steel components of orthodontic appliances in 1.5 T MRI scanners
Authors: Wang Zhiyue J. , Rollins Nancy K. , Liang Hui , Park Yong Jong 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:Most orthodontic appliances are made of stainless steel materials and induce severe magnetic susceptibility artifacts in brain MRI. In an effort for correcting these artifacts, it is important to know the value of induced magnetic moments in all parts of orthodontic appliances. In this study, the induced magnetic moment of stainless steel orthodontic brackets, molar bands, and arch‐wires from several vendors is measured.Methods:Individual stainless steel brackets, molar bands, and short segments of arch‐wire were positioned in the center of spherical flask filled with water through a thin plastic rod. The induced magnetic moment at 1.5 T was determined by fitting the B0 map to the z‐component of the magnetic dipole field using a computer routine.Results:The induced magnetic moment at 1.5 T was dominated by the longitudinal component mz, with a small contribution from the transverse components. The mz was insensitive to the orientation of the metal parts. The orthodontic brackets collectively dominated the magnetic dipole moment in orthodontic appliances. In brackets from six vendors, the total induced mz from 20 brackets for nonmolar teeth ranged from 0.108 to 0.158 (median 0.122) A ⋅ m2. The mz in eight molar bands with bracket attachment from two vendors ranged from 0.0004 to 0.0166 (median 0.0035) A ⋅ m2. Several full length arch wires had induced magnetic moment in the range of 0.006–0.025 (median 0.015) A ⋅ m2.Conclusions:Orthodontic brackets collectively contributed most to the total magnetic moment. Different types of brackets, molar bands, and arch wires all exhibit substantial variability in the induced magnetic moment.
The Effect of Postexercise Milk Protein Intake on Rehydration of Children
Authors: Volterman Kimberly , Moore Daniel , Obeid Joyce , Offord Elizabeth A. , Timmons Brian W. 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:In adults, rehydration after exercise in the heat can be enhanced with a protein-containing beverage; however, whether this applies to children remains unknown. This study examined the effect of milk protein intake on postexercise rehydration in children.Method:Fifteen children (10–12 years) performed three exercise trials in the heat (34.4 ± 0.2 °C, 47.9 ± 1.1% relative humidity). In a randomized, counterbalanced crossover design, participants consumed iso-caloric and electrolyte-matched beverages containing 0 g (CONT), 0.76 g (Lo-PRO) or 1.5 g (Hi-PRO) of milk protein/100 mL in a volume equal to 150% of their body mass (BM) loss during exercise. BM was then assessed over 4 h of recovery.Results:Fluid balance demonstrated a significant condition × time interaction (p = .012) throughout recovery; Hi-PRO was less negative than CONT at 2 hr (p = .01) and tended to be less negative at 3 h (p = .07). Compared with CONT, beverage retention was enhanced by Hi-PRO at 2 h (p < .05).Conclusion:A postexercise beverage containing milk protein can favorably affect fluid retention in children. Further research is needed to determine the optimal volume and composition of a rehydration beverage for complete restoration of fluid balance.
Effect of Serotype on Pneumococcal Competition in a Mouse Colonization Model
Authors: Trzciński Krzysztof , Li Yuan , Weinberger Daniel M. , Thompson Claudette M. , Cordy Derrick , Bessolo Andrew , Malley Richard , Lipsitch Marc 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Competitive interactions between
Streptococcus pneumoniae
strains during host colonization could influence the serotype distribution in nasopharyngeal carriage and pneumococcal disease. We evaluated the competitive fitness of strains of serotypes 6B, 14, 19A, 19F, 23F, and 35B in a mouse model of multiserotype carriage. Isogenic variants were constructed using clinical strains as the capsule gene donors. Animals were intranasally inoculated with a mixture of up to six pneumococcal strains of different serotypes, with separate experiments involving either clinical isolates or isogenic capsule-switch variants of clinical strain TIGR4. Upper-respiratory-tract samples were repeatedly collected from animals in order to monitor changes in the serotype ratios using quantitative PCR. A reproducible hierarchy of capsular types developed in the airways of mice inoculated with multiple strains. Serotype ranks in this hierarchy were similar among pneumococcal strains of different genetic backgrounds in different strains of mice and were not altered when tested under a range of host conditions. This rank correlated with the measure of the metabolic cost of capsule synthesis and
in vitro
measure of pneumococcal cell surface charge, both parameters considered to be predictors of serotype-specific fitness in carriage. This study demonstrates the presence of a robust competitive hierarchy of pneumococcal serotypes
in vivo
that is driven mainly, but not exclusively, by the capsule itself.

IMPORTANCE
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(pneumococcus) is the leading cause of death due to respiratory bacterial infections but also a commensal frequently carried in upper airways. Available vaccines induce immune responses against polysaccharides coating pneumococcal cells, but with over 90 different capsular types (serotypes) identified, they can only target strains of the selected few serotypes most prevalent in disease. Vaccines not only protect vaccinated individuals against disease but also protect by reducing carriage of vaccine-targeted strains to induce herd effects across whole populations. Unfortunately, reduction in the circulation of vaccine-type strains is offset by increase in carriage and disease from nonvaccine strains, indicating the importance of competitive interactions between pneumococci in shaping the population structure of this pathogen. Here, we showed that the competitive ability of pneumococcal strains to colonize the host strongly depends on the type of capsular polysaccharide expressed by pneumococci and only to a lesser degree on strain or host genetic backgrounds or on variation in host immune responses.
Insights into Substrate Specificity of NlpC/P60 Cell Wall Hydrolases Containing Bacterial SH3 Domains
Authors: Xu Qingping , Mengin-Lecreulx Dominique , Liu Xueqian W. , Patin Delphine , Farr Carol L. , Grant Joanna C. , Chiu Hsiu-Ju , Jaroszewski Lukasz , Knuth Mark W. , Godzik Adam , Lesley Scott A. , Elsliger Marc-André , Deacon Ashley M. , Wilson Ian A. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Bacterial SH3 (SH3b) domains are commonly fused with papain-like Nlp/P60 cell wall hydrolase domains. To understand how the modular architecture of SH3b and NlpC/P60 affects the activity of the catalytic domain, three putative NlpC/P60 cell wall hydrolases were biochemically and structurally characterized. These enzymes all have γ-
d
-Glu-A
2
pm (A
2
pm is diaminopimelic acid) cysteine amidase (or
dl
-endopeptidase) activities but with different substrate specificities. One enzyme is a cell wall lysin that cleaves peptidoglycan (PG), while the other two are cell wall recycling enzymes that only cleave stem peptides with an N-terminal
l
-Ala. Their crystal structures revealed a highly conserved structure consisting of two SH3b domains and a C-terminal NlpC/P60 catalytic domain, despite very low sequence identity. Interestingly, loops from the first SH3b domain dock into the ends of the active site groove of the catalytic domain, remodel the substrate binding site, and modulate substrate specificity. Two amino acid differences at the domain interface alter the substrate binding specificity in favor of stem peptides in recycling enzymes, whereas the SH3b domain may extend the peptidoglycan binding surface in the cell wall lysins. Remarkably, the cell wall lysin can be converted into a recycling enzyme with a single mutation.

IMPORTANCE
Peptidoglycan is a meshlike polymer that envelops the bacterial plasma membrane and bestows structural integrity. Cell wall lysins and recycling enzymes are part of a set of lytic enzymes that target covalent bonds connecting the amino acid and amino sugar building blocks of the PG network. These hydrolases are involved in processes such as cell growth and division, autolysis, invasion, and PG turnover and recycling. To avoid cleavage of unintended substrates, these enzymes have very selective substrate specificities. Our biochemical and structural analysis of three modular NlpC/P60 hydrolases, one lysin, and two recycling enzymes, show that they may have evolved from a common molecular architecture, where the substrate preference is modulated by local changes. These results also suggest that new pathways for recycling PG turnover products, such as tracheal cytotoxin, may have evolved in bacteria in the human gut microbiome that involve NlpC/P60 cell wall hydrolases.
Sick and still at school: an empirical study of sickness presence among students in Norwegian secondary school
Authors: Johansen Vegard 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesThis paper investigates sickness presence (SP) among students. The research questions asked are: What is the distribution of SP among students in Norwegian secondary school? What characterises students with high SP in Norwegian secondary schools?DesignA cross-sectional survey conducted in 10th grade in lower secondary school (LSS) and level 2 in upper secondary school (USS). The study was conducted using multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis.ParticipantsThe survey was administered to 66 schools, and 2 or 3 classes participated at each school. The response rate was 84% in LSS (n=1880) and 81% in USS (n=1160).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe paper provides information about the distribution of SP in secondary schools. The paper also examines which factors influence high SP.Results75% of students in LSS and 80% of students in USS reported SP in the previous school year. 24% of students in LSS and 33% of students in USS reported high SP (4 episodes or more). Students with high absence from school were more likely to report high SP (ORLSS=1.7, ORUSS=2.0) than those with low/no absence. Girls were more likely to report high SP (ORLSS=1.5, ORUSS=1.5) than boys. In LSS, students with high school motivation reported high SP more often than students with low/medium motivation. In USS, students in vocational studies programmes reported high SP more often than students in general/academic studies programmes.ConclusionsSome SP during a school year may be more common than no SP. Gender, absence, motivation and education programme were important factors for high SP in secondary school.