bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach Utilizing Biofilm Time-Kill Curves To Assess the Bactericidal Activity of Ceftaroline Combinations against Biofilm-Producing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Barber Katie E. , Werth Brian J. , McRoberts John P. , Rybak Michael J. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Medical device infections frequently require combination therapy. Beta-lactams combined with glycopeptides/lipopeptides are bactericidal against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Novel macrowell kill-curve methods tested synergy between ceftaroline or cefazolin plus daptomycin, vancomycin, or rifampin against biofilm-producing MRSA. Ceftaroline combinations demonstrated the most pronounced bacterial reductions. Ceftaroline demonstrated greatest kill with daptomycin (4.02 ± 0.59 log
10
CFU/cm
2
), compared to combination with vancomycin (3.36 ± 0.35 log
10
CFU/cm
2
) or rifampin (2.68 ± 0.61 log
10
CFU/cm
2
). These data suggest that beta-lactam combinations are useful against MRSA biofilms.
Establishment of Three Francisella Infections in Zebrafish Embryos at Different Temperatures
Authors: Brudal Espen , Ulanova Lilia S. , O. Lampe Elisabeth , Rishovd Anne-Lise , Griffiths Gareth , Winther-Larsen Hanne C. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Francisella
spp. are facultative intracellular pathogens identified in increasingly diverse hosts, including mammals.
F. noatunensis
subsp.
orientalis
and
F. noatunensis
subsp.
noatunensis
infect fish inhabiting warm and cold waters, respectively, while
F. tularensis
subsp.
novicida
is highly infectious for mice and has been widely used as a model for the human pathogen
F. tularensis
. Here, we established zebrafish embryo infection models of fluorescently labeled
F. noatunensis
subsp.
noatunensis
,
F. noatunensis
subsp.
orientalis
, and
F. tularensis
subsp.
novicida
at 22, 28, and 32°C, respectively. All infections led to significant bacterial growth, as shown by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and to a robust proinflammatory immune response, dominated by increased transcription of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β).
F. noatunensis
subsp.
orientalis
was the most virulent,
F. noatunensis
subsp.
noatunensis
caused chronic infection, and
F. tularensis
subsp.
novicida
showed moderate virulence and led to formation of relatively small granuloma-like structures. The use of transgenic zebrafish strains with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-labeled immune cells revealed their detailed interactions with
Francisella
species. All three strains entered preferentially into macrophages, which eventually assembled into granuloma-like structures. Entry into neutrophils was also observed, though the efficiency of this event depended on the route of infection. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the zebrafish embryo model for studying infections caused by different
Francisella
species at a wide range of temperatures and highlight their interactions with immune cells.
Hydrophobic Determinants of α-Defensin Bactericidal Activity
Authors: Tai Kenneth P. , Le Valerie V. , Selsted Michael E. , Ouellette André J. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Mammalian α-defensins are approximately 4- to 5-kDa broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides and abundant granule constituents of neutrophils and small intestinal Paneth cells. The bactericidal activities of amphipathic α-defensins depend in part on electropositive charge and on hydrophobic amino acids that enable membrane disruption by interactions with phospholipid acyl chains. Alignment of α-defensin primary structures identified conserved hydrophobic residues in the loop formed by the Cys
III
-Cys
V
disulfide bond, and we have studied their role by testing the effects of mutagenesis on bactericidal activities. Mouse α-defensin 4 (Crp-4) and rhesus myeloid α-defensin 4 (RMAD-4) were selected for these studies, because they are highly bactericidal
in vitro
and have the same overall electropositive charge. Elimination of hydrophobicity by site-directed mutagenesis at those positions in Crp-4 attenuated bactericidal activity markedly. In contrast to native Crp-4, the (I23/F25/L26/G)-Crp-4 variant lacked bactericidal activity against
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium and did not permeabilize
Escherichia coli
ML35 cells as a result of removing aliphatic side chains by Gly substitutions. Ala replacements in (I23/F25/L26/A)-Crp-4 restored activity, evidence that hydrophobicity contributed by Ala methyl R-groups was sufficient for activity. In macaques, neutrophil α-defensin RMAD-6 is identical to RMAD-4, except for a F28S difference, and (F28S)-RMAD-4 mutagenesis attenuated RMAD-4 bactericidal activity and
E. coli
permeabilization. Interestingly, (R31/32D)-Crp-4 lacks activity in these assays despite the presence of the Ile23, Phe25, and Leu26 hydrophobic patch. We infer that electrostatic interactions between cationic α-defensin residues and negative charge on bacteria precede interactions between critical hydrophobic residue positions that mediate membrane disruption and bacterial cell killing.
Protective Immunity against Recurrent Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infection Requires Antibody and Interleukin-17A
Authors: Montgomery Christopher P. , Daniels Melvin , Zhao Fan , Alegre Maria-Luisa , Chong Anita S. , Daum Robert S. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Although many microbial infections elicit an adaptive immune response that can protect against reinfection, it is generally thought that
Staphylococcus aureus
infections fail to generate protective immunity despite detectable T and B cell responses. No vaccine is yet proven to prevent
S. aureus
infections in humans, and efforts to develop one have been hampered by a lack of animal models in which protective immunity occurs. Our results describe a novel mouse model of protective immunity against recurrent infection, in which
S. aureus
skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) strongly protected against secondary SSTI in BALB/c mice but much less so in C57BL/6 mice. This protection was dependent on antibody, because adoptive transfer of immune BALB/c serum or purified antibody into either BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice resulted in smaller skin lesions. We also identified an antibody-independent mechanism, because B cell-deficient mice were partially protected against secondary
S. aureus
SSTI and adoptive transfer of T cells from immune BALB/c mice resulted in smaller lesions upon primary infection. Furthermore, neutralization of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) abolished T cell-mediated protection in BALB/c mice, whereas neutralization of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enhanced protection in C57BL/6 mice. Therefore, protective immunity against recurrent
S. aureus
SSTI was advanced by antibody and the Th17/IL-17A pathway and prevented by the Th1/IFN-γ pathway, suggesting that targeting both cell-mediated and humoral immunity might optimally protect against secondary
S. aureus
SSTI. These findings also highlight the importance of the mouse genetic background in the development of protective immunity against
S. aureus
SSTI.
Interleukin-1 Receptor but Not Toll-Like Receptor 2 Is Essential for MyD88-Dependent Th17 Immunity to Coccidioides Infection
Authors: Hung Chiung-Yu , Jiménez-Alzate María del Pilar , Gonzalez Angel , Wüthrich Marcel , Klein Bruce S. , Cole Garry T. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A)-producing CD4
+
T helper (Th17) cells have been shown to be essential for defense against pulmonary infection with
Coccidioides
species. However, we have just begun to identify the required pattern recognition receptors and understand the signal pathways that lead to Th17 cell activation after fungal infection. We previously reported that
Card9
−/−
mice vaccinated with formalin-killed spherules failed to acquire resistance to
Coccidioides
infection. Here, we report that both
MyD88
−/−
and
Card9
−/−
mice immunized with a live, attenuated vaccine also fail to acquire protective immunity to this respiratory disease. Like
Card9
−/−
mice, vaccinated
MyD88
−/−
mice revealed a significant reduction in numbers of both Th17 and Th1 cells in their lungs after
Coccidioides
infection. Both Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1r1) upstream of MyD88 have been implicated in Th17 cell differentiation. Surprisingly, vaccinated
TLR2
−/−
and wild-type (WT) mice showed similar outcomes after pulmonary infection with
Coccidioides
, while vaccinated
IL-1r1
−/−
mice revealed a significant reduction in the number of Th17 cells in their infected lungs compared to WT mice. Thus, activation of both IL-1r1/MyD88- and Card9-mediated Th17 immunity is essential for protection against
Coccidioides
infection. Our data also reveal that the numbers of Th17 cells were reduced in
IL-1r1
−/−
mice to a lesser extent than in
MyD88
−/−
mice, raising the possibility that other TLRs are involved in MyD88-dependent Th17 immunity to coccidioidomycosis. An antimicrobial action of Th17 cells is to promote early recruitment of neutrophils to infection sites. Our data revealed that neutrophils are required for vaccine immunity to this respiratory disease.
A Case Study on Acupuncture in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Authors: Bosch Peggy , Staudte Heike , van den Noort Maurits , Lim Sabina 
Published: March 2014

This report describes the use of acupuncture as an add on treatment for a patient with chronic schizophrenia. The 63-year-old woman suffered from persistent hallucinations and even physical pain as a result of the hallucination of a black bird that kept pecking her back. The patient received 12 weekly acupuncture treatments. A clinical diagnostic interview and psychological testing (on sleep quality, depression, and on positive and negative symptoms) were conducted before, immediately after and 3 months after the acupuncture treatment. The results of the diagnostic interview gave important insights into the treatment effects. The patient experienced improved daily functioning and noticed a change in hallucinations. Although the hallucinations still occurred, she felt less disturbed by them. Interestingly, pain decreased markedly. In addition, the results showed that the overall score of the positive and negative symptoms did not change immediately; however, a decrease in symptoms occurred 3 months after acupuncture treatment. Moreover, the patient described an immediate improvement in sleep; this was confirmed by a daytime sleepiness questionnaire. The patient was not able to complete a (longer) test on sleep quality beforehand but did so after the treatment period. Finally, a delayed improvement in the depression scale was found. Although larger clinical intervention studies on acupuncture and schizophrenia are needed, the results of this case study indicate that acupuncture may be beneficial as an add on treatment tool in patients with schizophrenia. Trial registration number 3132.
Injuries in 13 international Athletics championships between 2007–2012
Authors: Feddermann-Demont Nina , Junge Astrid , Edouard Pascal , Branco Pedro , Alonso Juan-Manuel 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe International Association of Athletics Federation has systematically surveyed all Athletics injuries in their competitions since 2007 in order to develop strategies for health protection of their athletes.AimsAnalysis of frequency and characteristics of injuries during 13 international Athletics championships from 2007 to 2012 regarding different types of championships and discipline categories.MethodsThe team physicians and the Local Organizing Committee reported daily all injuries on a standardised injury report form during each championship.ResultsA total of 1470 injuries were reported, equivalent to 81.1±4.2 injuries per 1000 registrations of which 36.7±2.9 were expected to result in absence from sports. The incidence of time-loss injuries was significantly higher in competition (29.0±2.6) than in training (5.8±1.9), and in outdoor (46.4±4.0) than in indoor (23.7±6.2) or youth/junior championships (13.2±4.0). While most in-competition time-loss injuries were reported during short distance events (32.5%), combined events had the highest incidence of in-competition time-loss injuries (106±26.5). The most frequent diagnosis was thigh strain (28.2%), followed by lower leg strain and ankle sprain. Injury location varied between different discipline categories: in long distances the lower leg, in Marathon the foot and in throws the upper extremity were mainly affected.ConclusionsThe incidence of injuries varied substantially between different types of Athletics championships and between discipline categories. Special attention should be paid to combined events, running disciplines and (thigh) strain to better understand the injury mechanisms and risk factors and develop related preventive measures.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 2D KNEE VALGUS ANGLE DURING SINGLE LEG SQUAT (SLS), SINGLE LEG LANDING (SLL), AND FORWARD RUNNING
Authors: Atkin K , Herrington L , Alenezi F , Jones P , Jones R 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundTwo-dimensional (2D) analysis of knee valgus during common athletic screening tasks such as SLS has been purported to identify individuals who may be at a high-risk of ACL injury. There is limited literature exploring the relationships between joint motion during SLS and other athletic tasks associated with knee joint injuries, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the SLS to identify athletes with hazardous knee motion in a range of athletic tasks.ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between the 2D knee valgus angle among three tasks (SLS, SLL, and Running).DesignA correlational study.SettingUndertaken in the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Salford.Participants15 recreational athletes, 7 males and 8 females, were recruited (age 25.2±5.1 years; height 1.6±7.38 m; and mass 67.6±10.93 kg).InterventionParticipants performed a series of SLS, SLL from a 31-cm step, and forward running at percieved maximum speed whilst being videotaped with a 2D digital camera.Main outcome measurementsMaximum right knee valgus angle was quantified by measuring the frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) using Quintic Biomechanics v21 software package.ResultsA moderate correlation was shown between FPPA during SLS and SLL when the whole participant group was analysed (r=0.35). When split by gender female statistics showed good correlations between the majority of tasks; SLS and SLL (r=0.87), SLS and Run (r=0.59) but weaker between SLL and Run (0.26).ConclusionsIn females the FPPA during SLS correlates with FPPA during SLL and running. This indicates that if a female patient has increased FPPA during SLS they are likely to have increased FPPA across all the tasks. This could potentially reduce the time and tasks required for screening, as only one task would need to be assessed. In males there is little correlation between tasks so the same would not apply in male subjects.
VICTORIAN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DATA FOR INJURY SURVEILLANCE: HOW USEFUL IS IT?
Authors: Gray S , Finch C 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset is a database used by the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit that includes injury presentations to all public Victorian emergency departments with a 24-hour service. Triage staff are required to input information on patients who have sustained an injury which includes activity, place, cause, nature of injury and affected body region, as well as a 250-character narrative outlining the circumstances of the injury. Data is collected in an often busy emergency department, thereby affecting the quality and detail of the data collected.ObjectiveTo determine the degree to which data collected by emergency department staff provides complete profiles of injury circumstances.DesignAnalysis of emergency department injury variables and case narratives, using injuries sustained in fitness facilities as a case study.Participants1 979 de-identified injured persons who have presented to included Victorian emergency departments.Main outcome measurementTo compare the narrative text descriptions of the injury events with the required coded injury variables to determine the level of agreement and the completeness of the injury surveillance data.ResultsThe pre-specified variables were least complete for cause of injury and were coded as unspecified 51.9% of the time. Activity at time of injury was unspecified/miscoded (based on assessment of narrative) 24.2% of the time, whilst the location of the injury was unspecified or miscoded in 33.0% of cases. Nature of injury and body region had comparatively small proportions of unspecified variables (8.4% and 5.6% respectively). Inadequate information about the specific fitness activity associated with injury occurred in 18.6% of the narratives (e.g. providing no further information than “injured at gym”) or they omitted activity, place, cause, injury type or body region details.ConclusionFor a full perspective on injury surveillance, neither the narrative nor the injury variables can be solely relied upon to provide details of the entire circumstances surrounding an injury.
EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS IN FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH SPORTS LEVEL – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Grygorowicz M , Piontek T , Dudzinski W 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundLittle is known about the impact of functional muscle restrictions on the level of functional performance among female soccer players.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze: a) abnormalities in the length of lower limb muscles, b) the correctness of movement patterns, and c) the impact of functional limitations of muscles on the correctness of fundamental movement patterns in a group of female soccer players, in relation to their skill level.DesignCross Sectional Study.SettingElite and sub-elite division.Participants21 female soccer players from Polish Ekstraklasa (PE) and 22 players from the 1st Division (1D).InterventionsAll participants were tested for lower limb muscle length restrictions and level of fundamental movement skills (with the Fundamental Movement ScreenTMtest). Chi-square test was used for categorical unrelated variables. Differences between groups in absolute point values were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at P<.05.Main outcome measurementsLower leg muscle length, FMSTMscore.ResultsSignificantly higher number of abnormal rectus femoris length in the 1D (P=.0433) and abnormal hamstring results (P=.0006) in the PE was observed. PE scored higher in the trunk rotational stability test (P=.0008), the 1D players scored higher in the deep squat (P=.0220), in-line lunge (P=.0042) and active straight leg raise (P=.0125) tests. The results suggest that there are different functional reasons affecting point values obtained in the FMSTMtests in both groups.ConclusionsThe differences in the rectus femoris and hamstring muscle flexibility observed between female soccer players with different levels of training may result from a long-term impact of soccer training on the muscle-tendon system and articular structures. Different causes of abnormalities in fundamental movement patterns in both groups suggest the need for tailoring prevention programs to the level of sport skills represented by the players.
A PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR LOW BACK PAIN IN JAPANESE ELITE SWIMMERS
Authors: Hangai M , Koizumi K , Noriyuki T , Okuwaki T , Kaneoka K 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundIt is known that lumbar disc degeneration (DD) might be associated with low back pain (LBP). Moreover, the DD rate is higher in swimmers than in other sports athletes.We have experienced several Japanese Olympic swimmers who could not show their best performance due to LBP.ObjectiveTo investigate if the intervention by a LBP prevention program is effective for Japanese elite swimmer's performance.DesignProspective longitudinal study.SettingJapanese swimmers for the Beijing and London Olympics and elite national swimmers from 2009 to 2011.Participants57 swimmers (29 males and 28 females).Risk factor assessmentT2-weighted sagittal MR images of lumber spine were taken once a year. The degree of DD was categorized into 5 grades using the Pfirrmann's classification. Change in the grade by MR images was evaluated. The prevention program consists of 2 components. One is control of axial load training for the lumbar spine depending on their grade. The other is the implement of stability training for the lumbar spine by physical trainers to all swimmers at competitions and training camps.Main outcome measurementsSevere LBP affected the swimmer's performance in the competition during follow-up periods.ResultsThe DD rate of the all swimmers was 54.4%. The DD rates of Beijing and London Olympians were 51.6% and 59.3%, respectively. Severe LBP was found in 3 of 5 swimmers with aggravation of the DD grades. However, there was no swimmer who did not withdraw from the London Olympics due to LBP after the implementation of 4 years prevention program.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the swimmer's aggravation of DD grade was associated with LBP. However, although the DD rate of London Olympians was higher than that of Beijing Olympians, there was no London Olympian who could not perform due to LBP. Our study shows that the LBP prevention program may be effective in elite swimmers in terms of performance.
LOW BACK PAIN IN CYCLING: DOES IT MATTER HOW YOU SIT?
Authors: van Hoof W , Volkaerts K , O'Sullivan K , Malfait B , Verschueren S , Dankaerts W 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundLow Back Pain (LBP) is a common problem among cyclists, although studies investigating LBP during cycling are scarce. Most studies have focused on LBP and geometric bike-related variables. Until now no cycling field studies have investigated the relationship between maladaptive lumbar kinematics and LBP during cycling.ObjectiveTo examine lower lumbar kinematics in cyclists with and without non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).DesignCross-sectional cycling field study.SettingRecreational and competitive cyclists.Patients8 cyclists with NSCLBP classified as having a ‘Flexion Pattern’ (FP) disorder and nine asymptomatic age-and gender-matched cyclists were tested. Subjects performed a two hour outdoor cycling task on their personal race bike.Main outcome measurementsLower lumbar kinematics were measured with a wireless monitoring system (BodyGuardTM). Pain intensity during and after cycling was measured using a numerical pain rating scale.ResultsThe NSCLBP (FP) subjects were significantly more flexed (P=.018) at the lower lumbar spine during cycling compared to healthy controls and reported a significant increase in pain (P<.001) over the two hours of cycling. One-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect for group (P=.035) which remained significant when adding saddle angle as a covariate (P=.05). The difference in posture between groups did not change over time.ConclusionsThe findings of this first field study suggest that a well selected subgroup of cyclists with NSCLBP (FP) adopted and sustained increased lower lumbar flexion during cycling. This appears to reflect an inherent maladaptive motor control pattern at the lower lumbar spine during cycling. This posture is maintained and associated with a significant increase of LBP. These findings suggest that in this subgroup LBP during cycling is related to maladaptive lower lumbar kinematics. Investigating rehabilitation/prevention strategies that address the control over the lower lumbar region during cycling seems the logic next step.