bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vibrio vulnificus Biotype 3 Multifunctional Autoprocessing RTX Toxin Is an Adenylate Cyclase Toxin Essential for Virulence in Mice
Authors: Ziolo Kevin J. , Jeong Hee-Gon , Kwak Jayme S. , Yang Shuangni , Lavker Robert M. , Satchell Karla J. F. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Vibrio vulnificus
is an environmental organism that causes both food-borne and wound infections with high morbidity and mortality in humans. The annual incidence and global distribution of infections associated with this pathogen are increasing with climate change. In the late 1990s, an outbreak of tilapia-associated wound infections in Israel was linked to a previously unrecognized variant of
V. vulnificus
designated biotype 3. The sudden emergence and clonality of the outbreak suggest that this strain may be a true newly emergent pathogen with novel virulence properties compared to those of other
V. vulnificus
strains. In a subcutaneous infection model to mimic wound infection, the multifunctional autoprocessing RTX (MARTX) toxin of biotype 3 strains was shown to be an essential virulence factor contributing to highly inflammatory skin wounds with severe damage affecting every tissue layer. We conducted a sequencing-based analysis of the MARTX toxin and found that biotype 3 MARTX toxin has an effector domain structure distinct from that of either biotype 1 or biotype 2. Of the two new domains identified, a domain similar to
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
ExoY was shown to confer adenylate cyclase activity on the MARTX toxin. This is the first demonstration that the biotype 3 MARTX toxin is essential for virulence and that the ExoY-like MARTX effector domain is a catalytically active adenylate cyclase.
Toll-Like Receptor 2-Dependent Protection against Pneumococcal Carriage by Immunization with Lipidated Pneumococcal Proteins
Authors: Moffitt Kristin , Skoberne Mojca , Howard Angela , Gavrilescu L. Cristina , Gierahn Todd , Munzer Scott , Dixit Bharat , Giannasca Paul , Flechtner Jessica Baker , Malley Richard 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTInfections withStreptococcus pneumoniaecause substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in children in developing nations. Polysaccharide-conjugate vaccines provide protection against both invasive disease and colonization, but their use in developing countries is limited by restricted serotype coverage and expense of manufacture. Using proteomic screens, we recently identified several antigens that protected mice from pneumococcal colonization in a CD4+T cell- and interleukin-17A (IL-17A)-dependent manner. Since several of these proteins are lipidated, we hypothesized that their immunogenicity and impact on colonization are in part due to activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), a receptor for lipoproteins. Here we show that lipidated versions of the antigens elicited significantly higher activation of both human embryonic kidney cells engineered to express TLR2 (HEK-TLR2) and wild-type (WT) murine macrophages than nonlipidated mutant antigens. Lipoprotein-stimulated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines was ∼10× to ∼100× lower in murine TLR2-deficient macrophages than in WT macrophages. Subcutaneous immunization of C57BL/6 mice with protein subunit vaccines containing one or two of these lipoproteins or protein fusion constructs bearing N-terminal lipid adducts elicited a robust IL-17A response and a significant reduction in colonization compared with immunization with alum alone. In contrast, immunization ofTlr2−/−mice elicited no detectable IL-17A response and no protection against pneumococcal colonization. These experiments suggest that the lipid moieties enhance the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of pneumococcal TH17 antigens through activation of TLR2. Thus, triggering TLR2 with an antigen-specific protein subunit formulation is a possible strategy for the development of a serotype-independent pneumococcal vaccine that would reduce pneumococcal carriage.
Injury and illness definitions and data collection procedures for use in epidemiological studies in Athletics (track and field): Consensus statement
Authors: Timpka Toomas , Alonso Juan-Manuel , Jacobsson Jenny , Junge Astrid , Branco Pedro , Clarsen Ben , Kowalski Jan , Mountjoy Margo , Nilsson Sverker , Pluim Babette , Renström Per , Rønsen Ola , Steffen Kathrin , Edouard Pascal 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundMovement towards sport safety in Athletics through the introduction of preventive strategies requires consensus on definitions and methods for reporting epidemiological data in the various populations of athletes.ObjectiveTo define health-related incidents (injuries and illnesses) that should be recorded in epidemiological studies in Athletics, and the criteria for recording their nature, cause and severity, as well as standards for data collection and analysis procedures.MethodsA 1-day meeting of 14 experts from eight countries representing a range of Athletics stakeholders and sport science researchers was facilitated. Definitions of injuries and illnesses, study design and data collection for epidemiological studies in Athletics were discussed during the meeting. Two members of the group produced a draft statement after this meeting, and distributed to the group members for their input. A revision was prepared, and the procedure was repeated to finalise the consensus statement.ResultsDefinitions of injuries and illnesses and categories for recording of their nature, cause and severity were provided. Essential baseline information was listed. Guidelines on the recording of exposure data during competition and training and the calculation of prevalence and incidences were given. Finally, methodological guidance for consistent recording and reporting on injury and illness in athletics was described.ConclusionsThis consensus statement provides definitions and methodological guidance for epidemiological studies in Athletics. Consistent use of the definitions and methodological guidance would lead to more reliable and comparable evidence.
THE INFLUENCE OF MUSCLE TIGHTNESS OF LOWER EXTREMITIES ON LOW BACK PAIN IN YOUNG FEMALE FIGURE SKATERS
Authors: Abe A , Sato K , Mitsueda S , Kimura M , Hirooka E , Tsuchiya A , Kanisawa I 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundIt has been reported that low back pain (LBP) is a major problem in figure skaters. However, the relationship between flexibility or muscle strength and LBP among figure skaters is unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of flexibility and muscle strength on the incidence of LBP in young figure skaters.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA study of an amateur figure skating team in Japan.Participants39 female figure skaters aged 9–16 years were included in this study. They were divided into an LBP group (14 members, 11.9±1.9 years) and a control group (25 members, 11.8±1.9 years) from our injury records of the previous 25 months.Main outcome measurementsFive physical examinations (Thomas test, Ober test, finger-floor distance, trunk rotation test, and abdominal muscle test) were performed on all subjects. The trunk rotation test was performed with the subjects in the prone position with shoulder abduction at 90°. Subjects attempted to rotate their toe toward their opposite middle finger. The abdominal muscle strength was scored 1–10. The positive rates of Thomas test and Ober test, finger-floor distance (cm), toe-finger distance (cm), abdominal muscle test score were compared in the 2 groups. The Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis (P<.05).ResultsThe positive rate of Ober test was significantly higher in the LBP group (78.6%) than in the control group (36.0%). There were no significant differences in other tests.ConclusionsOur research showed that figure skaters who experienced LBP had tightness of anterior and lateral hip muscles such as the Tensor fasciae latae muscle. These results suggest that reduction of hip muscle tightness might be effective in preventing LBP in young figure skaters.
EVALUATING INFLUENCES ON CLASSIFICATIONS OF SEVERITY FOR INJURIES IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
Authors: Hammond L , Lilley J , Pope G , Ribbans W 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundAccording to consensus definitions for football surveillance, injury severity is classified from ‘slight’ to ‘career ending’, based on number of days absence from participation.ObjectiveTo examine whether different definitions of return to participation (RTP), and playing in matches while injured, affect groupings of injury severity in professional football.DesignSecondary analysis of prospective injury data.SettingEnglish league football.ParticipantsMale professional footballers contracted to a Championship, League 1 and League 2 football team (n=78).Interventions1) RTP, defined as ‘return to full participation in training (RTT)’ and ‘return to match play (RTM)’ in 161 injuries. 2) Presence of pain or symptoms that directly preceded or followed time loss, in 45 episodes of playing while injured.Main outcome measurementsInjury severity, measured by the number of days from date of injury to RTP, expressed according to consensus statement severity groupings.ResultsMedian days absence from participation was significantly higher for RTM than RTT, although this did not affect average severity groupings (z=-8.824, P<.001; RTM: mean 15.7±2.3 days [moderate injury], median 6 days [mild injury]; RTT: mean 10.9±2.2 days [moderate injury], median 4 days [mild injury]). Differences were observed in the distribution of injuries grouped according to their severity with the two definitions of RTP. Two thirds of cases where athletes played in matches while injured were reclassified into higher severity groupings when the time spent playing in matches while injured, either directly preceding or following a period of absence, was counted.ConclusionsWhen measured in days, football injury severity is directly influenced by definitions of RTP, and may be affected by match scheduling. Pain or injury symptoms do not contribute towards current severity classifications, yet often precede or follow a period of absence. Therefore, expressions of injury severity in football should encompass more than just absence from participation.
POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS FOR HAMSTRING MUSCLE STRAIN INJURY DURING THE LATE SWING PHASE OF SPRINTING
Authors: Higashihara A , Nagano Y , Ono T , Fukubayashi T 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe hamstring muscles are susceptible to strain injury during sprinting, and the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) is reportedly the most frequently injured muscle. Therefore, elucidation of the risk factors is of particular concern for injury prevention.ObjectiveTo clarify the potential risk factors for the incidence of muscle strain injury in each hamstring muscle by comparing the time of occurrence of peak musculotendon length and electromyography (EMG) activation during the late swing phase of sprinting.DesignDescriptive laboratory study.SettingMale college track and field athletes.Participants13 male sprinters (age 20.2±0.6 years).InterventionFull-body kinematics and EMG of the BFlh and semitendinosus (ST) were recorded during overground sprinting at maximum effort. The hamstring musculotendon lengths were computed by using a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model.Main outcome measurementsThe time at the peak musculotendon length, in terms of percentage of the running gait cycle, was calculated and compared with that of the peak EMG activity.ResultsThe peak length of the BFlh and ST was observed during the late swing phase, at 86.7% [2.5%] and 81.1% [2.5%] gait cycle, respectively (mean [SD]). A significant difference was observed in the time of the peak musculotendon length (P<.001). Peak EMG activation time of the BFlh occurred significantly later (86.0% [7.9%] gait cycle, P<.01) than that of the ST (76.2% [7.8%] gait cycle). The peak musculotendon length was synchronous with the peak EMG activation in the BFlh, while a statistically significant difference was observed between these values in the ST (P<.05).ConclusionsThe results indicate that the BFlh is exposed to instantaneous high tensile force during the late swing phase of sprinting, suggesting a higher potential risk for strain injury among the hamstring muscles.
PRESSURES EXERTED BY COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE LOWER LIMB COMPRESSION GARMENTS
Authors: Hill J , Howatson G , van Someren K , Davidson S , Pedlar C 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundCommercially available compression garments (CGs) enhance recovery from exercise in some, but not all studies. It has been suggested that the minimum physiologically effective pressure is 17.3 mmHg at the lower leg decreasing to 15.1 mmHg at the thigh (Watanuki and Murata, 1994). CGs are usually fitted using a generalised sizing system based on height and mass, potentially causing variability in the pressure exerted by the garment.ObjectiveWe aimed to quantify the pressure, and the variability in pressure, exerted on the leg by CGs fitted according to the manufacturers instructions.Participants50 healthy, physically active individuals (n=26 male, n=24 female; age 18–65years) volunteered to participate.DesignParticipants were fitted with CGs according to manufacturers guidelines. The compressive force of the garments was measured in participants standing in the anatomical position including: the medial aspect of the calf at the site of maximal girth and at the midpoint of the femur measured between the inguinal crease and the superior aspect of the patella, of the lower limb. Data were compared to target pressure values.ResultsPressure fell short of target values by 3% and 20% at the calf and by 34% and 47% at the thigh for males and females respectively.Figure 1Box plots representing the mean, standard deviation, upper and lower quartiles for pressure exerted at the calf and thigh for males and females and compared to the target pressure suggested by Watanuki and Murata (1994).ConclusionMany individuals may not be experiencing an adequate pressure from CG (Figure 1); this might explain the inconsistency within the literature regarding CG and recovery. Future research should measure and control for actual pressure exerted by the garment.
TWO DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF LANDING KINEMATICS IN MALE AND FEMALE EARLY ADOLESCENT SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETES
Authors: Holden S , Colin B , Wang D , Doherty C , Delahunt E 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe intensity and magnitude of secondary school sports participation is increasing annually. In this population there is a high incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury, particularly in females. Two dimensional (2D) lower limb biomechanical analysis may present an inexpensive and clinically applicable way to evaluate biomechanical risk factors for knee injury in this population.ObjectiveTo compare 2D landing biomechanics of early adolescent male and female athletes in their first year of secondary school.DesignCross-sectional.SettingSecondary school gymnasium.Participants42 male (age=13.06±2.5 years) and 50 female (age=13.09±2.3 years) early adolescent secondary school athletes. All participants were fully engaged in sports and free from injury at the time of testing.InterventionsEach participant performed 3 drop vertical jump (DVJ) trials. Frontal and sagittal plane knee angles were recorded by video cameras for the dominant and non-dominant limbs.Main Outcome MeasurementsThe categorical independent variables were gender (malevsfemale) and limb (dominantvsnon-dominant). Knee flexion angle and frontal plane knee angle (FPKA) measured at the video frame prior to initial contact (pre-IC) were used as dependant variables. Peak knee flexion and peak FPKA following IC were also used as dependant variables.ResultsThere was a significant main effect for gender. Females demonstrated greater FPKA pre-IC (P<.01; mean difference=2.32°±0.45°) and peak FPKA following IC (P<.01; mean difference=9.82°±1.26°). Females displayed significantly less knee flexion pre-IC (P<.01; mean difference=3.22°±0.95°), but no differences were observed for peak knee flexion following IC (P>.05).ConclusionsThe results of the current investigation show that early adolescent female athletes demonstrate less desirable jump landing biomechanical profiles than their male counterparts, which may have implications for knee injury. 2D analysis could be utilised in this population to identify those at an increased risk of injury.
OVERUSE AND TRAUMATIC MUSCULOSKELETAL EXTREMITY INJURIES IN SCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Jespersen E , Holst R , Franz C , Rexen C , Klakk H , Wedderkopp N 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundInjuries sustained in sports and leisure time has been established as a leading cause of the paediatric injury burden in western countries. Injuries reported are mostly traumatic, but there is a growing concern about overuse injuries in children.ObjectiveThe objectives of this prospective cohort study were to report the incidence, prevalence and duration of traumatic and overuse injuries during a period of 2.5 years and to estimate the injury incidence rates.DesignProspective cohort study.Setting10 public schools in the municipality of Svendborg, Denmark.ParticipantsA total of 1 259 school children aged 6–12 years participating in the Childhood Health, Activity, and Motor Performance School Study Denmark.Risk factor assessmentSchool children were surveyed each week during a period of 2.5 years. Injuries were reported by parents answering mobile phone text questions on a weekly basis (response rate 96.2%) and prospectively diagnosed by clinicians. Physical activity was measured from text messaging and accelerometer assessments.Main outcome measurementsOveruse and traumatic musculoskeletal extremity injuries.ResultsA total number of 1229 injuries were diagnosed with a weekly mean injury incidence and prevalence being 1.2% and 4.6% respectively. Twice as many overuse as traumatic extremity injuries were diagnosed with mean injury durations being 5.3 and 4.4 weeks respectively. Overuse injury incidence rate was 1.03 injuries per 1000 physical activity units (95% CI 0.95–1.10). Traumatic incidence rate was 0.56 injuries per 1000 physical activity units (95% CI 0.51–0.61).ConclusionsThis study has added a wider perspective to the area concerning musculoskeletal extremity injuries in school children by including overuse injuries. The understanding of injury epidemiology in children is fundamental to acknowledge and ensure the appropriate prevention and treatment in relation to the growing and physically active child.
MEASURING ECCENTRIC STRENGTH OF THE SHOULDER EXTERNAL ROTATORS USING A HAND-HELD DYNAMOMETER: RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
Authors: Johansson F , Cools A , Skillgate E 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundShoulder strength assessment plays an important role in the clinical examination of the shoulder region. Eccentric strength measurements are of special importance guiding the clinician in the injury prevention or return to play decisions after injury.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to examine the absolute and relative reliability and validity of a standardized eccentric strength measurement protocol for the glenohumeral external rotators.DesignReliability and Validity study.SettingTesting environment at the department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy of the Ghent University, Belgium.Participants25 healthy subjects (9 male and 16 female) without any history of shoulder pain were tested.Risk factor assessmentThe subjects were tested by two independent assessors using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD), and underwent an isokinetic testing procedure. A clinical protocol, using a HHD, a Dynaport accelerometer to measure acceleration and angular velocity and a Biodex to measure isokinetic testing was used.Main outcome measurementsThree (3) eccentric strength measurements: (1) tester one with the HHD, (2) tester two with the HHD, and (3) Biodex isokinetic strength measurement.ResultsThe intratester reliability was found to be excellent (0,879 and 0,858), whereas the intertester reliability was good with an ICC between testers of 0,714. Pearson correlation coefficients of 0,78 and 0,70 were found between the HHD and the isokinetic data, showing good validity of this new procedure.ConclusionsThis study shows that standardized eccentric rotator cuff strength can be measured and performed in the clinical setting with good to excellent reliability and validity using a HHD.
NEUROMUSCULAR KNEE JOINT CONTROL IN ADOLESCENTS WITH AND WITHOUT GENERALISED JOINT HYPERMOBILITY DURING LANDING IN THE SINGLE LEG HOP FOR DISTANCE TEST
Authors: Junge T , Juul-Kristensen B , Bloch Thorlund J , Søgaard J , Wedderkopp N 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundKnee injuries often occur due to biomechanical factors such as knee joint laxity. Individuals with Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH) frequently have knee joint hypermobility. Thus, GJH has been proposed as an intrinsic risk factor for knee injuries in adults and adolescents. To potentially compensate for reduced passive joint stability, adequate neuromuscular knee joint control is required before and during loading of the lower extremities.ObjectiveTo determine whether there is a difference in the neuromuscular pre and post activation landing patterns of the knee in adolescents with GJH and without GJH (NGJH) in the Single leg Hop for Distance test.DesignCase-control study with groups matched on age and sex.Participants54 adolescents (10–15 years), 25 with GJH and 29 with NGJH. GJH inclusion criteria were Beighton score ≥5/9 and hypermobility of at least one knee, and no current pain in the lower extremities.Main outcome measurementsEMG of Vastus Medialis (VM), Vastus Lateralis (VL), Biceps Femoris (BF), Semitendinosus (ST), Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM) and Lateralis (GL) of the most hypermobile knee for the GJH group was used to determine pre- and post impact activation levels in % MVE before and during landing of the Single leg Hop for Distance test.ResultsAge and sex-adjusted analysis showed that GJH pre-activated ST 30% less compared with NGJH (22.1 (±12.6) vs 31.4 (±16.6.), P=.02). Conversely, GJH had a 28% higher GM pre-activity level than NGJH (32.5 (±14.8) vs 23.2 (±15.6), P=.02). There was no difference in performance (P=.67).ConclusionsLower ST but higher GM pre-activation levels were found in adolescents with GJH and knee joint hypermobility compared with NGJH. This latter is likely a compensatory strategy to enhance joint stability. For adolescents with GJH and knee joint hypermobility, intensive knee injury preventive training could be important, focusing among others on the ST.