bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Domestic water carrying and its implications for health: a review and mixed methods pilot study in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Geere Jo-Anne L , Hunter Paul R , Jagals Paul 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Lack of access to safe water remains a significant risk factor for poor health in developing countries. There has been little research into the health effects of frequently carrying containers of water. The aims of this study were to better understand how domestic water carrying is performed, identify potential health risk factors and gain insight into the possible health effects of the task.

Methods
Mixed methods of data collection from six were used to explore water carrying performed by people in six rural villages of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and through observation and measurement. Linear regression modelling were used to identify significant correlations between potential risk factors and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) or self reported pain. Independent t-tests were used to compare the mean values of potential risk factors and RPE between sub-groups reporting pain and those not reporting pain.

Results
Water carrying was mainly performed by women or children carrying containers on their head (mean container weight 19.5 kg) over a mean distance of 337 m. The prevalence of spinal (neck or back) pain was 69% and back pain was 38%. Of participants who carried water by head loading, the distance walked by those who reported spinal pain was significantly less than those who did not (173 m 95%CI 2-343; p = 0.048). For head loaders reporting head or neck pain compared to those who did not, the differences in weight of water carried (4.6 kg 95%CI -9.7-0.5; p = 0.069) and RPE (2.5 95%CI -5.1-0.1; p = 0.051) were borderline statistically significant. For head loaders, RPE was significantly correlated with container weight (r = 0.52; p = 0.011) and incline (r = 0.459; p = 0.018)

Conclusions
Typical water carrying methods impose physical loading with potential to produce musculoskeletal disorders and related disability. This exploratory study is limited by a small sample size and future research should aim to better understand the type and strength of association between water carrying and health, particularly musculoskeletal disorders. However, these preliminary findings suggest that efforts should be directed toward eliminating the need for water carrying, or where it must continue, identifying and reducing risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and physical injury.
Single locus affects embryonic segment polarity and multiple aspects of an adult evolutionary novelty
Authors: Saenko Suzanne V , Brakefield Paul M , Beldade Patrícia 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The characterization of the molecular changes that underlie the origin and diversification of morphological novelties is a key challenge in evolutionary developmental biology. The evolution of such traits is thought to rely largely on co-option of a toolkit of conserved developmental genes that typically perform multiple functions. Mutations that affect both a universal developmental process and the formation of a novelty might shed light onto the genetics of traits not represented in model systems. Here we describe three pleiotropic mutations with large effects on a novel trait, butterfly eyespots, and on a conserved stage of embryogenesis, segment polarity.

Results
We show that three mutations affecting eyespot size and/or colour composition in Bicyclus anynana butterflies occurred in the same locus, and that two of them are embryonic recessive lethal. Using surgical manipulations and analysis of gene expression patterns in developing wings, we demonstrate that the effects on eyespot morphology are due to changes in the epidermal response component of eyespot induction. Our analysis of morphology and of gene expression in mutant embryos shows that they have a typical segment polarity phenotype, consistent with the mutant locus encoding a negative regulator of Wingless signalling.

Conclusions
This study characterizes the segregation and developmental effects of alleles at a single locus that controls the morphology of a lineage-specific trait (butterfly eyespots) and a conserved process (embryonic segment polarity and, specifically, the regulation of Wingless signalling). Because no gene with such function was found in the orthologous, highly syntenic genomic regions of two other lepidopterans, we hypothesize that our locus is a yet undescribed, possibly lineage-specific, negative regulator of the conserved Wnt/Wg pathway. Moreover, the fact that this locus interferes with multiple aspects of eyespot morphology and maps to a genomic region containing key wing pattern loci in different other butterfly species suggests it might correspond to a 'hotspot' locus in the diversification of this novel trait.
Assessing motor deficits in compressive neuropathy using quantitative electromyography
Authors: Nashed Joseph , Hamilton-Wright Andrew , Stashuk Daniel W , Faris Matthew , McLean Linda 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Studying the changes that occur in motor unit potential trains (MUPTs) may provide insight into the extent of motor unit loss and neural re-organization resulting from nerve compression injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using decomposition-based quantitative electromyography (DQEMG) to study the pathophysiological changes associated with compression neuropathy.

Methods
The model used to examine compression neuropathy was carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to its high prevalence and ease of diagnosis. Surface and concentric needle electromyography data were acquired simultaneously from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle in six individuals with severe CTS, eight individuals with mild CTS and nine healthy control subjects. DQEMG was used to detect intramuscular MUPTs during constant-intensity contractions and to estimate parameters associated with the surface- and needle-detected motor unit potentials (SMUPs and MUPs, respectively). MUP morphology and stability, SMUP morphology and motor unit number estimates (MUNEs) were compared among the groups using Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results
The severe CTS group had larger amplitude and longer duration MUPs and smaller MUNEs than the mild CTS and control groups, suggesting that the individuals with severe CTS had motor unit loss with subsequent collateral reinnervation, and that DQEMG using a constant-intensity protocol was sensitive to these changes. SMUP morphology and MUP complexity and stability did not significantly differ among the groups.

Conclusions
These results provide evidence that MUP amplitude parameters and MUNEs obtained using DQEMG, may be a valuable tool to investigate pathophysiological changes in muscles affected by compressive motor neuropathy to augment information obtained from nerve conduction studies. Although there were trends in many of these measures, in this study, MUP complexity and stability and SMUP parameters were, of limited value.
Ethnoveterinary plant remedies used by Nu people in NW Yunnan of China
Authors: Shen Shicai , Qian Jie , Ren Jian 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundNu people are the least populous ethnic group in Yunnan Province of China and most are distributed in Gongshan County, NW Yunnan. Animal production plays an important role in Nu livelihoods and the Nu people have abundant traditional knowledge of animal management and ethnoveterinary practices. This study documents the animal diseases, ethnoveterinary plant remedies and related traditional knowledge in three Nu villages of Gongshan County.MethodsThis study was carried out in three Nu villages of Gongshan County between July 2009 and February 2010. Data was obtained through the use of semi-structured questionnaires, field observation and PRA tools. A total of 60 Nu respondents (34 men and 26 women) provided information on animal ailments and ethnoveterinary plant medicines used for Nu livestock production. Information on traditional ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge and choice of treatment providers was also obtained.ResultsThirty-five animal conditions were identified in the surveyed area. The major and most common animal diseases among livestock were skin conditions, diarrhea, heat, fevers, colds, and parasites. Most ailments occurred between June and August. The ethnoveterinary medicinal use of 45 plant species was documented. Most medicinal species (86.7%) were collected from the wild. The most frequently used plant parts were whole plants (35.6%), followed by roots (22.2%). The most important medicinal plant species wereSaussurea costus(Falc.) Lipech. (UV = 0.67),Senecio scandensBuch.-Ham.ex D.Don (UV = 0.67),Plantago depressaWilld. (UV = 0.63),Rubus corchorifoliusL. f. (UV = 0.62),Bupleurum yunnanenseFranch. (UV = 0.60), andPolygonum paleaceumWall. (UV = 0.60). Animal diseases treated with the highest number of ethnoveterinary plant remedies were diarrhea (16 plant species), heat, fever, colds (11 plant species), retained afterbirth (11 plant species), and skin conditions and sores (11 plant species). Many Nu villagers (52%) considered traditional remedies their first choice of animal disease treatment. Traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge was related to the local social-cultural characteristics of Nu people and communities.ConclusionAnimal production plays an important role in Nu culture and livelihoods, and the Nu ethnic group has abundant traditional knowledge about animal production and ethnoveterinary plant remedies. This traditional knowledge faces the risk of disappearing due to increasing modern veterinary medicine extension, livelihood changes and environment degradation. Animal diseases are a major constraint in livestock production in Nu villages. Thus, some strategies and measures should be adopted in the future, such as further researches on Nu culture and livelihoods, community-based validation of ethnoveterinary medicine and broad network building and knowledge sharing.
Circulating mediators of bone remodeling in psoriatic arthritis: implications for disordered osteoclastogenesis and bone erosion
Authors: Dalbeth Nicola , Pool Bregina , Smith Timothy , Callon Karen E , Lobo Maria , Taylor William J , Jones Peter B , Cornish Jillian , McQueen Fiona M 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Diverse bone pathologies are observed in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Uncoupling of bone remodeling with disordered osteoclastogenesis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PsA. The aim of this study was to examine the role of soluble mediators of bone remodeling within the circulation of patients with PsA.

Methods
Patients with PsA (n = 38), with psoriasis (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 12) were studied. Serum was obtained for testing of Dikkopf-1 (Dkk-1), macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) with ELISA. Patients with PsA also had bone densitometry, plain radiographs of the hands and feet, and assessment of peripheral blood osteoclast precursors. Radiographs were scored for erosion, joint-space narrowing, osteolysis, and new bone formation.

Results
Compared with those with psoriasis and healthy controls, patients with PsA had higher circulating concentrations of Dkk-1 and M-CSF. In patients with PsA, M-CSF and RANKL, but not Dkk-1, concentrations positively correlated with radiographic erosion, joint-space narrowing, and osteolysis scores. Mediators of bone remodeling did not correlate with the number of joints with new bone formation or with total hip-bone mineral density. Peripheral blood CD14+/CD11b+ cells, and the number of osteoclast-like cells and resorptive pits after culture with RANKL and M-CSF also correlated with radiographic damage scores. Circulating M-CSF concentrations correlated with the percentage of peripheral blood CD14+/CD11b+ cells.

Conclusions
Systemic expression of soluble factors that promote osteoclastogenesis is disordered in patients with PsA and may contribute to periarticular bone loss in this disease.
Strand-specific RNA sequencing reveals extensive regulated long antisense transcripts that are conserved across yeast species
Authors: Yassour Moran , Pfiffner Jenna , Levin Joshua Z , Adiconis Xian , Gnirke Andreas , Nusbaum Chad , Thompson Dawn-Anne , Friedman Nir , Regev Aviv 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Background
Recent studies in budding yeast have shown that antisense transcription occurs at many loci. However, the functional role of antisense transcripts has been demonstrated only in a few cases and it has been suggested that most antisense transcripts may result from promiscuous bi-directional transcription in a dense genome.

Results
Here, we use strand-specific RNA sequencing to study anti-sense transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We detect 1,103 putative antisense transcripts expressed in mid-log phase growth, ranging from 39 short transcripts covering only the 3' UTR of sense genes to 145 long transcripts covering the entire sense open reading frame. Many of these antisense transcripts overlap sense genes that are repressed in mid-log phase and are important in stationary phase, stress response, or meiosis. We validate the differential regulation of 67 antisense transcripts and their sense targets in relevant conditions, including nutrient limitation and environmental stresses. Moreover, we show that several antisense transcripts and, in some cases, their differential expression have been conserved across five species of yeast spanning 150 million years of evolution. Divergence in the regulation of antisense transcripts to two respiratory genes coincides with the evolution of respiro-fermentation.

Conclusions
Our work provides support for a global and conserved role for antisense transcription in yeast gene regulation.
A standard variation file format for human genome sequences
Authors: Reese Martin G , Moore Barry , Batchelor Colin , Salas Fidel , Cunningham Fiona , Marth Gabor T , Stein Lincoln , Flicek Paul , Yandell Mark , Eilbeck Karen 
Published: August 2010

AbstractHere we describe the Genome Variation Format (GVF) and the 10Gen dataset. GVF, an extension of Generic Feature Format version 3 (GFF3), is a simple tab-delimited format for DNA variant files, which uses Sequence Ontology to describe genome variation data. The 10Gen dataset, ten human genomes in GVF format, is freely available for community analysis from the Sequence Ontology website and from an Amazon elastic block storage (EBS) snapshot for use in Amazon's EC2 cloud computing environment.
PD-L1hi retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells elicited by inflammatory cytokines induce regulatory activity in uveitogenic T cells
Authors: Ke Yan , Sun Deming , Jiang Guomin , Kaplan Henry J , Shao Hui 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Inflammatory cytokine triggered up-regulation of PD-L1 on RPE may accelerate local resolution of uveitis by inducing regulatory activity in uveitogenic T cells.
We previously reported that after exposure to inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17 and IFN-γ, RPE cells express increased amounts of suppressor of cytokine signaling, leading to general suppression of the inflammatory response. Here, we demonstrate that RPE cells expressed increased levels of PD-L1 in response to IL-17, IFN-γ, or Poly I:C. These PD-L1hi RPE cells inhibited the pathogenic activities of IRBP-specific T cells, which usually induced uveitis when injected into naïve mice (EAU). The suppressed pathogenicity of these uveitogenic T cells after exposure to PD-L1hi RPE cells could be partially reversed by anti-PD-L1 antibodies. Nevertheless, IRBP-specific T cells pre-exposed to PD-L1hi RPE cells displayed substantial suppressor activity, which strongly inhibited the activation of fresh IRBP-Teffs in response to subsequent antigenic challenge and when transferred into naïve mice, inhibited the induction of EAU by IRBP-Teff transfer. These findings suggest that inflammatory cytokine-triggered up-regulation of PD-L1 on RPE constitutes a critical factor for inducing infiltrated uveitogenic T cells with regulatory activities, which may accelerate the natural resolution of T cell-mediated intraocular inflammation.
Shapes of History and the Enigmatic Hero in Dostoevsky: The Case ofCrime and Punishment
Authors: KLIGER ILYA 
Published: August 2010

This essay studies a crucial feature of Dostoevsky's novelistic poetics, and the poetics of Crime and Punishment (1866) in particular, in light of contemporaneous debates regarding the historical fate of Russia. The novel, I argue, is a thought experiment exploring the emerging condition of multi-historicity—that is, a simultaneity of multiple emplotment possibilities for the Russian state. In order to bring these possibilities to light, I read the novel with an eye on Dostoevsky's journalism from the early- to mid-sixties, a period characterized by an urgent recognition of the openness of Russia's historical future.Mediating between the novel and its contemporary journalistic discourse with the help of the formal (narratological) categories of character and emplotment, I argue that the novelistic search for the proper emplotment of its enigmatic hero corresponds to the search in contemporary journalism for the proper trajectory of the Russian nation, which, with the emancipation of the serfs in 1861, is perceived as pregnant with multiple historical possibilities. As an enigma soliciting narrative solutions, Dostoevsky's socially underdetermined (raznochinets) hero is best understood as a formal condition of the possibility of exploring Russia's position at the intersection point of multiple historical vectors. As such, the hero enables a series of temporal shapes, laden with historiographic significance, to be considered and then either chosen or dismissed. A re-inscription of Crime and Punishment into the context of journalistic debates from the period of Great Reforms thus allows us to read the novel as a political allegory that stages and imaginatively resolves the socio-temporal contradictions structuring a world torn between conflicting demands for continuity and radical change.
Construction of Cooperative and Responsive Supramolecular Systems for Molecular Functional Modulation
Authors: Nabeshima Tatsuya 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The transfer and modulation of the molecular information are necessary processes for cooperative and responsive molecular functions. When functional molecules are responsive to external (intermolecular) as well as internal (intramolecular) stimuli, the molecules exhibit cooperative functions in principle. We have developed a variety of cooperative and responsive supramolecular systems created on the basis of new concepts for the molecular design of sophisticated functional systems. The first uses pseudomacrocycles including pseudocrown ether, pseudocryptands, and pseudocyclophanes as novel frameworks for response functions by utilizing a metal ion as an effector. The second utilizes a molecular gate responding to an external signal. The gate is opened and closed by a signal achieving perfect on–off switching for guest recognition. The next exploits metal-accumulated molecular systems bearing oligo C=N moieties as a binding site for metal ions. This strategy is remarkably useful for producing new binding sites by structural fixation of multi-metal complexes and to modulate properties of metal ions. Other cooperative molecular assembling systems for host generation are also demonstrated in this account. Metallo-frameworks and self-assembled metallo-systems recently developed in our laboratories, which have high potential for synergistic molecular functions, are discussed. Future cooperative functional systems will be widely applicable as multi-responsive multi-functional supramolecules, molecular functional cascades for successive molecular functions and function amplification. Study of cooperative and responsive molecular systems may lead to more general fields such as complex systems science, which is at the interface of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics.
Operative treatment of Linburg-Comstock syndrome
Authors: Badhe S. , Lynch J. , Thorpe S. K. S. , Bainbridge L. C. 
Published: August 2010

Linburg-Comstock syndrome is characterised by an anomalous tendon slip from the flexor pollicis longus to the flexor digitorum profundus, usually of the index finger. An incidence as high as 60% to 70% has been reported. Post-traumatic inflammation of inter-tendinous connections between the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus, usually of the index finger, may cause unexplained chronic pain in the distal forearm. A total of 11 patients (eight females, three males), mean age 29.1 years (14 to 47) with a clinical diagnosis of Linburg-Comstock syndrome underwent surgical release of the inter-tendinous connection. The mean follow-up was for 27 months (2 to 48). Ten patients reported excellent relief of pain in the forearm, with independent flexion of flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger. Surgical release was an effective treatment for the Linburg-Comstock syndrome in this series.
Translation of science to surgery
Authors: Moran C. J. , Shannon F. J. , Barry F. P. , O’Byrne J. M. , O’Brien T. , Curtin W. 
Published: August 2010

Orthopaedic surgery is in an exciting transitional period as modern surgical interventions, implants and scientific developments are providing new therapeutic options. As advances in basic science and technology improve our understanding of the pathology and repair of musculoskeletal tissue, traditional operations may be replaced by newer, less invasive procedures which are more appropriately targeted at the underlying pathophysiology. However, evidence-based practice will remain a basic requirement of care. Orthopaedic surgeons can and should remain at the forefront of the development of novel therapeutic interventions and their application. Progression of the potential of bench research into an improved array of orthopaedic treatments in an effective yet safe manner will require the development of a subgroup of specialists with extended training in research to play an important role in bridging the gap between laboratory science and clinical practice. International regulations regarding the introduction of new biological treatments will place an additional burden on the mechanisms of this translational process, and orthopaedic surgeons who are trained in science, surgery and the regulatory environment will be essential. Training and supporting individuals with these skills requires special consideration and discussion by the orthopaedic community.In this paper we review some traditional approaches to the integration of orthopaedic science and surgery, the therapeutic potential of current regenerative biomedical science for cartilage repair and ways in which we may develop surgeons with the skills required to translate scientific discovery into effective and properly assessed orthopaedic treatments.