bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association between Placenta Previa in Pregnant Women with Previous Caesarian Section at Combined Military Hospital
Authors: Yasmin Col. Shamima , Akhter Lt. Col. Hasina
Published: January 2024

Background: Placenta praevia is defined as a placenta implanted partially or completely over the lower uterine segment. Placenta praevia is a major cause of massive obstetric bleeding that leads to significant maternal morbidity and mortality. In the present day, the hypothesis is that previous cesarean section is the risk of development of placenta praevia.

Objective: To assess the relationship between placenta praevia and previous cesarean section.

Material and Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, from July 2021 to July 2022. Total 35 patients with placenta praevia were included in this study. Informed verbal and written consent were taken from the study participants. A detailed history was taken, general physical and per abdominal examination and previous records were reviewed properly.  Placenta praevia was diagnosed by patient clinical presentation, ultrasonogram, and incidentally during cesarean section.

Results: The study shows the incidence of placenta praevia was 1.75% and incidence of placenta praevia in woman with previous caesarean section was 1% compared with 0.75% without previous caesarean section. The commonest age group was 26-30 years, which included 44%, and 32% belonged to 31-35 years age group. The mean age was 29.28± 10 years. Most of the patients were multigravida (62%). In maximum number of cases, (52%) were admitted at the gestational period between 35-38 weeks. Common clinical presentations were per vaginal bleeding 84% and 16% of patients were symptomatic. Regarding preoperative findings, 30(62.5%) patients had average preoperative bleeding. Postpartum hemorrhages corrected conservatively were 14(29.1%), and postpartum hemorrhage needed hysterectomy were 4(8.3%). In patients with no history of previous cesarean section 90% were delivered by cesarean section and 10% were delivered vaginally. Among patients with a history of the previous cesarean section all patients underwent cesarean section.

Conclusion: There is a strong association between having a previous caesarean delivery and the subsequent development of placenta praevia. The risk increases with the number of cesarean sections. So, pregnant women with a history of caesarean section must be regarded as high risk for placenta praevia and must be monitored carefully.
Intelligent Phishing Website Detection Model Powered by Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Chetachi Uzoaru, Godson , Henry Odikwa, Ndubuisi , Agbugba Obioma Aloysius
Published: January 2024

Phishing websites or URLs differ from software flaws as they exploit human vulnerabilities rather than technical weaknesses. Various methods exist to undermine the security of an internet user, but the most prevalent approach is phishing. This sort of assault aims to acquire or exploit a user's personal data, including passwords, credit card details, identity, and account information. Phishers gather user information by pretending to be authentic websites that are visually indistinguishable. Users' confidential data can be potentially retrieved, exposing them to the possibility of financial detriment or identity fraud. Consequently, there is a pressing requirement to develop a system that efficiently identifies phishing websites. This research presents three discrete deep learning methodologies for identifying phishing websites, which involve the use of long short-term memory (LSTM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) for comparison, and ultimately an LSTM-CNN-based methodology. The experimental results confirm the precision of the proposed methods, specifically 99.2%, 97.6%, and 96.8% for CNN, LSTM–CNN, and LSTM, respectively. The CNN-based technology displayed a superior phishing detection mechanism.
Effect of GA3 and Potassium on Growth and Yield in Red Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under Subtropical Conditions of Jammu
Authors: Ram Ganesh , Chopra Sandeep , Bhushan Anil , Samnotra R. K. , Ola Arjun Lal , Kantwa Ramesh Chand
Published: January 2024

An experiment was carried out at Vegetable Experimental Farm, Division of Vegetable Science, SKUAST Jammu during Rabi season of 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out under factorial RBD design with three replications comprising of sixteen treatments. The treatments consisted of four doses of Potassium i.e., 40, 50, 60 and 70 kg/ha and four concentrations viz. 0,100,200 and 300 ppm of GA3. The growth and yield parameters maximum viz. shoot length (34.15 cm), root length (18.73 cm), number of leaves/root (14.30), root weight (220.49 g), shoot weight (119.47 g), root- shoot ratio (2.04), fresh root shoot yield (112.42 q/ha) were recorded with 200 ppm GA3 application. Similarly, highest shoot length (29.06 cm), root length (17.53 cm), number of leaves/root (11.18), root weight (171.67 g), shoot weight (104.84 g), root-shoot ratio (1.87), fresh root shoot yield (92.31 q/ha), were recorded with 50kg/ha K2O application. However; highest root length (19.20 cm), number of leaves/root (14.87), root weight (226.14 g), shoot weight (123.54 g), root-shoot ratio (2.10), fresh root shoot yield (115.90 q/ha) were recorded with treatment combination G3K2 (200 ppm GA3 + 50 K2O/ha). Based on the investigation, it can be concluded that the application of 200 ppm GA3 at 30 days after sowing with 50 kg potassium/ha resulted in the highest growth parameters and yield.
Microscopic and Molecular Diagnosis of Intestinal Schistosomiasis among Patients in Primary Healthcare Centres in Keffi, Nigeria
Authors: Edward Rosemary , Ishaleku David , Ibrahim Ismaila , Mohammed H. Isa , Omenyi Bawonda Ene
Published: January 2024

Aims: This study was conducted to detect Schistosoma mansoni among patients in primary healthcare centres in Keffi, Nigeria using microscopic and molecular techniques.

Study Design: The study was a cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Keffi, Nasarawa State, between March 2021 and September 2021.

Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 200 (29 each from Gidan Zakara, Sabon Gida, Jigwada, Angwan Jaba and 28 each from Kowa, Kaibo Mada and Yarkadai PHCs) patients and information were obtained by structured questionnaires. The ova of S. mansoni were microscopically detected from the samples using the formol ether stool sedimentation technique. The S. mansoni DNA was extracted from the samples and detected by conventional PCR technique using type-specific primers. Data collected were analysed using Smith’s Statistical Package (version 2.8, California, USA) and P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 200 patients screened, 2(1.0%) and 11(5.5%) were positive for intestinal schistosomiasis using microscopy and PCR respectively. Although age, gender and occupation of the patients were not significantly associated with the parasitic infection (P>0.05), however, higher prevalence was recorded among males (12.8%) pupils/students (22.7%) aged ≤14 (20.0%). 

Conclusion: Our findings indicated a notable discrepancy between the two diagnostic methods, with PCR identifying a higher prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis suggesting it to be a more sensitive tool for detecting this infection. However, the choice between these methods should consider their respective strengths and limitations, as well as the practical implications for disease control and treatment.
Does Farmers Aware and Benefited with Price Policy: A Study in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Karthick V. , Kiruthika N. , Sangeetha R. , Anbarassan A.
Published: January 2024

Aim: The support prices announced by the government are moved with a purpose of providing price security to farmers. This study assess the level of awareness on price support policy, to study the relationship between, minimum support price and price realized by the farmers and to study the implementation of MSP Policy in Tamil Nadu.

Study Design: Multi stage random sampling techniques were adopted.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Tamil Nadu. Primary data were collected from 30 districts of the State. The data was collected during the period from August 2021-September 2021.

Methodology: A total of 600 farmers from 30 districts were surveyed. Both primary and secondary data was used for this study. The data are pertaining to the reference year 2020-21. The percentage and average analysis were done.

Results: This study found that 55 per cent of farm households are not aware of MSP of crops grown by them which is a cause of concern. The crops like paddy, maize, green gram, cotton and sugarcane price realized by the farmer was less than the announced MSP. Out of few who were aware of MSP, nearly 20 per cent of farmers reported not selling the produce to procurement agencies. The important advantages from the procurement agencies are immediate payment for the produce and genuineness in weighment.

Conclusion: To increase the awareness about MSP of crops and to take benefit of it, better network of procurement agencies should be developed. Decentralized procurement agencies with local presence coupled with increased drying facility, storage capacity and deficiency payments can extend the benefits of support prices to a larger segment of the farming community.
Ex-situ Conservation of Palms with Special Reference to Endemic and IUCN Red List Species in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, India
Authors: Barman R. D. , Saha Titir , Swamy J. , Singh Devendra
Published: January 2024

Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden (AJCBIBG) also known as Company Bagan, or Royal Botanic Garden and is one of the best landscaped gardens of the World. The garden serves as a hub for ex-situ conservation of plant species including native, endemic and threatened plants. The present paper deals with the holistic approach of palms diversity, endemism, conservation status, economic importance of different species of palms in AJCBIBG are discussed. AJCBIBG has 110 species of palms including 11 endemic and 46 IUCN Red listed species. Thus, it provides immense opportunities for research, education, also spread awareness about conservation, multiplication and utilization of palms to the society.
Learning Experiences of Social Studies Teachers in Blended Modality: A Phenomenology
Authors: Laingo Brendalyn D. , Miralles Tessie G.
Published: January 2024

The pandemic has indeed drastically changed the way education is delivered, and the ways in which teachers creatively hone student’s mind based on existing curricula. In particular, the online blended distance learning is a topic of interest, hence, this phenomenological study seeks to probe using in-depth interviews the struggles, coping mechanism, and educational insights of social studies teachers. A total of thirteen (13) participants were chosen using non-probability purposive sampling method and data was analyzed using Colaizzi’s thematic analysis. Only Araling-Panlipunan teachers from secondary basic education schools were chosen to participate in the semi-structured interviews. Based on the findings, it was revealed that the participants had faced struggles in the implementation of the online blended distance learning, which are encompassed by the following themes: (i) Struggles in terms of Connectivity and Technological Issues, (ii) Lack of Time in checking the outputs of the students, and (iii) Grappling Need for contextualized delivery of modified instructional materials with its two subthemes, (a) Design of educational resources (i.e., modules, videos, alternative activities) and (b) Delivery of instructions and assessment of performance. They also utilized coping mechanisms such a (i) flexibility and initiative, (a) effective time management, and (b) embracing change and adaptation in the new normal education. Lastly, when asked about their educational insights, the following themes emerged (i) Be Conversant about Contemporary Issues, (ii) Empower Oneself with Dynamic Learning Environment, and, (iii) Improving Competence in Technology and Internet Exploration.
Brief functional analysis and treatment of eye poking
Authors: MacDonald Jennifer E. , Wilder David A. , Dempsey Carrie
Published: November 2002

A brief functional analysis suggested that eye poking exhibited by a 5‐year‐old boy diagnosed with cortical visual impairment was maintained by automatic reinforcement. Levels of eye poking in additional conditions suggested that the behavior might be maintained by visual stimulation. Response blocking through the use of safety goggles effectively reduced eye poking in the analog setting. Data from the natural environment suggest that, during intervention, eye poking was confined to times when response blocking was not in effect. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Literature on eating disorders during 40 Years: increasing number of papers, emergence of bulimia nervosa
Authors: Theander Sten S.
Published: November 2002

The growth of the literature on eating disorders during four decades is described, especially the development of literature on bulimia. The study is based on a database, ED40, that contains more than 14,000 references to articles on ED from 1960 to 1999. The references were imported from Medline® and PsycINFO®. A broad search method included articles on the physiology of hunger and satiety. The main data of the analysis are the total number of references per year, and the percentage of references per year that contain certain words or phrases. Over the 40 years an almost 27‐fold increase has occurred in the number of references in ED40, while the increase in Medline is about 4‐fold. A study of the relative increase shows a recent stagnation of the growth in the ED literature. The clinical emergence of bulimia nervosa and some epidemiological findings are discussed in relation to the increase of literature on bulimia. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
B‐Cell lymphoproliferative disorder not associated with Epstein‐Barr Virus in a child with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Lehrnbecher Thomas , Trusen Andreas , Deinlein Frank , Höcht Burkhard , Marx Alexander , Kühl Joachim
Published: November 2002

Lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) is described in only a few children receiving chemotherapy for cancer. In all of them, an association between LPD and EBV (Epstein‐Barr Virus) was found. We report on a patient who developed LPD not associated with EBV while receiving chemotherapy for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Despite discontinuation of chemotherapy, administration of intravenous immunoglobulins and surgery the patient died. Growing experience with this disorder may allow better treatment options in the future and will show whether LPD not associated with EBV requires different therapeutic strategies. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:13–17, © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local acid environment in poly(ethylene‐ran‐methacrylic acid) ionomers
Authors: Walters Russel M. , Sohn Karen E. , Winey Karen I. , Composto Russell J.
Published: November 2002

The local environment of unneutralized carboxylic acid groups in poly(ethylene‐ran‐methacrylic acid) (E/MAA) ionomers neutralized with monovalent (Li and Na) and divalent (Ca and Zn) ions has been investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These unneutralized acid groups interact with one another to form acid dimers, and they associate with existing neutralized complexes. At room temperature, no free acids can be detected for any system, not even for pure E/MAA. With the acid dimer peak (1700 cm−1) and a known unneutralized acid concentration, the concentration of acids associated with a neutralized complex can be determined. This concentration of associated acids increases with increasing neutralization, reaches a maximum below 50% neutralization, and then decreases toward zero near 80% neutralization. This behavior is perhaps due to the increased driving force for aggregation of the neutralization acids. Although Li, Na, and Ca contain similar concentrations of associated acids over the range of neutralizations, the Zn system contains far fewer associated acids (i.e., more acid dimers) at any particular neutralization level. These results are confirmed by an analysis of the absorbance in the neutralized region (1650–1500 cm−1). © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 2833–2841, 2002
Beyond generic models for information system quality: the use of interpretive structural modeling (ISM)
Authors: Kanungo Shivraj , Bhatnagar Vivek V.
Published: November 2002

This paper presents a framework that helps assess and synthesize information system (IS) quality using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). The emphasis of the approach presented in this paper is on an integrated framework to understand IS quality. Four standpoints are addressed in this paper while dealing with IS quality. They are multiplicity of perspectives, subjectivity, hierarchy, and completeness. A combination of deductive and emergent approaches was used in this study. IS quality constructs were generated using established theoretical precepts of IS quality. Following a broad‐based questionnaire survey, a smaller subset of respondents participated in an interactive ISM session. This allowed the formalization of how individuals (singly or in groups) produce their own relationships for constructs that are valid for their situations. The analysis of the models generated by such interactions preserves the four views of IS quality. In doing so, it has been shown that reflections of practice can be encapsulated by the method proposed. The paper ends with a discussion on implications for research as well as practice. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Violence against women and Brazilian health care policies: a proposal for integrated care in primary care services
Authors: Schraiber L.B , d'Oliveira A.F.P.L
Published: November 2002

Describes a counseling and support intervention in primary health care which is being piloted in a health center in São Paulo, Brazil. This proposal integrates sexual and domestic violence assistance and hospital and primary care, providing comprehensive care and intersectorial response for women.
Integrating systematic screening for gender‐based violence into sexual and reproductive health services: results of a baseline study by the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Western Hemisphere Region
Authors: Guedes A , Bott S , Cuca Y
Published: November 2002

Three Latin American affiliates of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Western Hemisphere Region, Inc. (IPPF/WHR) have begun to integrate gender‐based violence screening and services into sexual and reproductive health programs. This paper presents results of a baseline study conducted in the affiliates. Although most staff support integration and many had already begun to address violence in their work, additional sensitization and training, as well as institution‐wide changes are needed to provide services effectively and to address needs of women experiencing violence.
Collecting evidence for sexual assault: the role of the sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE)
Authors: Taylor W.K.
Published: November 2002

The development of SANE programs stemmed from healthcare providers and others working with rape victims noting that there were inadequate services for rape victims. Often the standard of care was lower for rape victims than for other patients in the emergency department. In order to better meet the complex needs of rape victims healthcare professionals, advocates and others realized the need to establish a system that would provide complete, comprehensive, and appropriate care.
Collecting evidence for domestic and sexual assault: highlighting violence against women in health care system interventions
Authors: Acosta M.L
Published: November 2002

Understanding the social and cultural context in which violence against women (VAW) happens is essential to develop the social responses to tackle this problem and to understand how society can diminish the effects and incidence of these crimes. Medical intervention is but one part of the solution.
Maternal and perinatal outcome in varying degrees of anemia
Authors: Malhotra Monika , Sharma J.B. , Batra S. , Sharma S. , Murthy N.S. , Arora R.
Published: November 2002

Objectives: To analyze the maternal and perinatal outcome in varying degrees of anemia. Methods: A total of 447 pregnant women were divided into group I (Hb>11 g%, n=123 women), group II (Hb 9–10.9 g%, n=214 women), group III (Hb 7–8.9 g%, n=79 women) group IV (Hb<7 g%, n=31 women). Their maternal and perinatal outcome, mode of delivery, duration of labor and postpartum complications were noted and analyzed using multiple logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (95% CI) for duration of labor, mode of delivery and low birth babies. Chi square or Fisher's exact test was employed for difference in proportions and Student's t‐test for testing difference between means. Results: Mean age (27±4.25 years) and number of women with parity >3 were highest in group IV. The patients with Hb<8.9 g% had a 4–6‐fold higher risk of prolonged labor compared to Hb>11 g%. The odds ratios for abnormal delivery (cesarean and operative vaginal deliveries) showed a 4.8‐fold higher risk (95% CI 1.82, 12.7) in patients with Hb ≤7.5 g%. The mean birth weight was maximum in the 9.6–10.5 g% category that fell with both increasing and decreasing hemoglobin values, being lowest in Group IV. Women in Group II had lowest number of low birth weight and IUGR babies, no stillbirths and neonatal deaths, lowest induction and operative delivery rates. Conclusions: Mild anemia fared best in maternal and perinatal outcome. Severe anemia was associated with increased low birth weight babies, induction rates, operative deliveries and prolonged labor.
ECM regulates MT1-MMP localization with β1 or αvβ3 integrins at distinct cell compartments modulating its internalization and activity on human endothelial cells
Authors: Gálvez Beatriz G. , Matías-Román Salomón , Yáñez-Mó María , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Arroyo Alicia G.
Published: November 2002

Regulation of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) by different extracellular matrices (ECMs) on human endothelial cells (ECs) has been investigated. First, MT1-MMP is found at the intercellular contacts of confluent ECs grown on β1 integrin–dependent matrix such as type 1 collagen (COL I), fibronectin (FN), or fibrinogen (FG), but not on gelatin (GEL) or vitronectin (VN). The novel localization of MT1-MMP at cell–cell contacts is assessed by confocal videomicroscopy of MT1-MMP-GFP–transfected ECs. Moreover, MT1-MMP colocalizes with β1 integrins at the intercellular contacts, whereas it is preferentially found with αvβ3 integrin at motility-associated structures on migrating ECs. In addition, clustered integrins recruit MT1-MMP and neutralizing anti-β1 or anti-αv integrin mAb displace MT1-MMP from its specific sites, pointing to a biochemical association that is finally demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation assays. On the other hand, COL I, FN, or FG up-regulate cell surface MT1-MMP on confluent ECs by an impairment of its internalization, whereas expression and internalization are not modified on GEL or VN. In addition, MT1-MMP activity is diminished in confluent ECs on COL I, FN, or FG. Finally, MT1-MMP participates and cooperates with β1 and αvβ3 integrins in the migration of ECs on different ECM. These data show a novel mechanism by which ECM regulates MT1-MMP association with β1 or αvβ3 integrins at distinct cellular compartments, thus modulating its internalization, activity, and function on human ECs.
A novel role for p120 catenin in E-cadherin function
Authors: Ireton Reneé C. , Davis Michael A. , van Hengel Jolanda , Mariner Deborah J. , Barnes Kirk , Thoreson Molly A. , Anastasiadis Panos Z. , Matrisian Linsey , Bundy Linda M. , Sealy Linda , Gilbert Barbara , van Roy Frans , Reynolds Albert B.
Published: November 2002

Îndirect evidence suggests that p120-catenin (p120) can both positively and negatively affect cadherin adhesiveness. Here we show that the p120 gene is mutated in SW48 cells, and that the cadherin adhesion system is impaired as a direct consequence of p120 insufficiency. Restoring normal levels of p120 caused a striking reversion from poorly differentiated to cobblestone-like epithelial morphology, indicating a crucial role for p120 in reactivation of E-cadherin function. The rescue efficiency was enhanced by increased levels of p120, and reduced by the presence of the phosphorylation domain, a region previously postulated to confer negative regulation. Surprisingly, the rescue was associated with substantially increased levels of E-cadherin. E-cadherin mRNA levels were unaffected by p120 expression, but E-cadherin half-life was more than doubled. Direct p120–E-cadherin interaction was crucial, as p120 deletion analysis revealed a perfect correlation between E-cadherin binding and rescue of epithelial morphology. Interestingly, the epithelial morphology could also be rescued by forced expression of either WT E-cadherin or a p120-uncoupled mutant. Thus, the effects of uncoupling p120 from E-cadherin can be at least partially overcome by artificially maintaining high levels of cadherin expression. These data reveal a cooperative interaction between p120 and E-cadherin and a novel role for p120 that is likely indispensable in normal cells.
Induction of Glutathione S-Transferases in Arabidopsis by Herbicide Safeners
Authors: DeRidder Ben P. , Dixon David P. , Beussman Douglas J. , Edwards Robert , Goldsbrough Peter B.
Published: November 2002

Herbicide safeners increase herbicide tolerance in cereals but not in dicotyledenous crops. The reason(s) for this difference in safening is unknown. However, safener-induced protection in cereals is associated with increased expression of herbicide detoxifying enzymes, including glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Treatment of Arabidopsis seedlings growing in liquid medium with various safeners similarly resulted in enhanced GST activities toward a range of xenobiotics with benoxacor, fenclorim, and fluxofenim being the most effective. Safeners also increased the tripeptide glutathione content of Arabidopsis seedlings. However, treatment of Arabidopsis plants with safeners had no effect on the tolerance of seedlings to chloroacetanilide herbicides. Each safener produced a distinct profile of enhanced GST activity toward different substrates suggesting a differential induction of distinct isoenzymes. This was confirmed by analysis of affinity-purified GST subunits by two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.AtGSTU19, a tau class GST, was identified as a dominant polypeptide in all samples. When AtGSTU19 was expressed inEscherichia coli, the recombinant enzyme was highly active toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, as well as chloroacetanilide herbicides. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that AtGSTU19 was induced in response to several safeners. Differential induction of tau GSTs, as well as members of the phi and theta classes by safeners, was demonstrated by RNA-blot analysis. These results indicate that, although Arabidopsis may not be protected from herbicide injury by safeners, at least one component of their detoxification systems is responsive to these compounds.
Molecular Characterization of Plant Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes Belonging to the UbcP4/E2-C/UBCx/UbcH10 Gene Family
Authors: Criqui Marie Claire , de Almeida Engler Janice , Camasses Alain , Capron Arnaud , Parmentier Yves , Inzé Dirk , Genschik Pascal
Published: November 2002

The anaphase promoting complex or cyclosome is the ubiquitin-ligase that targets destruction box-containing proteins for proteolysis during the cell cycle. Anaphase promoting complex or cyclosome and its activator (the fizzy and fizzy-related) proteins work together with ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (UBCs) (E2s). One class of E2s (called E2-C) seems specifically involved in cyclin B1 degradation. Although it has recently been shown that mammalian E2-C is regulated at the protein level during the cell cycle, not much is known concerning the expression of these genes. Arabidopsis encodes two genes belonging to the E2-C gene family (called UBC19 andUBC20). We found that UBC19 is able to complement fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe)UbcP4-140 mutant, indicating that the plant protein can functionally replace its yeast ortholog for protein degradation during mitosis. In situ hybridization experiments were performed to study the expression of the E2-C genes in various tissues of plants. Their transcripts were always, but not exclusively, found in tissues active for cell division. Thus, the UBC19/20 E2s may have a key function during cell cycle, but may also be involved in ubiquitylation reactions occurring during differentiation and/or in differentiated cells. Finally, we showed that a translational fusion protein between UBC19 and green fluorescent protein localized both in the cytosol and the nucleus in stable transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumcv Bright Yellow 2) cells.
Medical management of sexual difficulties in HIV-positive individuals
Authors: Hijazi Lina , Nandwani Rak , Kell Philip
Published: November 2002

In the current era of effective antiretroviral therapy, sexual dysfunction is being increasingly recognized in HIV-positive individuals. This article reviews the literature about the causes, treatments available and any issues specific to the HIV-positive individual.
Drug use and HIV risk in Trinidad and Tobago: qualitative study
Authors: Djumalieva D , Imamshah W , Wagner U , Razum O
Published: November 2002

Crack use is an important risk factor for HIV infection because of its association with unsafe sexual practices. We investigated factors promoting the initiation of crack cocaine use; the sexual behaviour of crack users; and their rehabilitation care seeking behaviour in Trinidad and Tobago. We conducted 40 indepth interviews with drug users. Respondents frequently reported a history of parental desertion, alcohol abuse, and physical abuse within the family. They perceived peer pressure and drug use in the family as important factors promoting first drug use. Exchanging sex for drugs was common, and practising oral sex was considered safe. Female drug users rarely seek rehabilitative care because of stigmatization and lack of care for their children. In Trinidad, attitudes towards drugs in society and families need to be changed. Campaigns promoting safer sex should emphasize the risk of oral sex. Rehabilitation facilities caring for female drug users should offer child care.
A global overview of gender‐based violence
Authors: Heise L , Ellsberg M , Gottmoeller M
Published: November 2002

This paper provides an overview of the extent and nature of gender‐based violence and its health consequences, particularly on sexual and reproductive health.
Cesarean section as a cause of chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Almeida E.C.S , Nogueira A.A , Candido dos Reis F.J , Rosa e Silva J.C
Published: November 2002

Objective: To determine if the history of cesarean section was associated with chronic pelvic pain, independent of the presence of other conditions such as pelvic adhesions, endometriosis, sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease, leiomyoma and pelvic varices. Methods: Retrospective case–control study conducted on 199 patients consecutively admitted from January 1998 to January 2000, 116 of them submitted to laparoscopy for the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain and 83 asymptomatic patients submitted to tubal ligation by laparoscopy. A logistic regression analysis was used to verify the association between chronic pelvic pain and the history of previous cesarean section. Results: In women with chronic pelvic pain, a history of cesarean section was observed in 67.2% of cases, adhesions in 51.7%, endometriosis in 33.6%, sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease in 31.9%, leiomyoma in 6.9% and pelvic varices in 11.2%. In asymptomatic women, a history of cesarean section was observed in 38.5%, adhesions in 24.1%, endometriosis in 9.6%, sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease in 4.8%, leiomyoma in 7.2% and pelvic varices in 3.6%. In a logistic model, chronic pelvic pain was associated with a history of cesarean section (O.R.=3.7), as well as with endometriosis (O.R.=8.5), sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease (O.R.=10.5). Conclusions: In the present study cesarean section was associated with chronic pelvic pain. This fact may be the cause of a public health problem in the coming years, due to the raised rates of cesarean section in Brazilian women.
Bilateral calcifications secondary to synthetic soft tissue augmentation of the cheeks: report of a case.
Authors: Mupparapu M , Mozaffari E
Published: November 2002

Although esthetic soft tissue augmentation of the cheeks has been in practice for over a century, calcifications associated with the soft tissue substitutes were rarely reported. A case demonstrating bilateral concentric opacities in the soft tissues of the cheek secondary to cheek augmentation is presented. The opacities were detected accidentally during routine intraoral radiographic examination. This condition initially posed a challenge in radiographic diagnosis in the absence of adequate history and clinical information. In this report we have briefly reviewed different types of implant materials used for soft tissue augmentation. We believe that inflammation of the tissues adjacent to the implant material is possibly responsible for the development of calcifications associated with esthetic soft tissue augmentations.
Radiographic evaluation of the relationship between the projection of genial tubercles and the lingual foramen.
Authors: Baldissera E Z , Silveira H D
Published: November 2002

OBJECTIVE

Reports in specialized literature present divergent opinions about what corresponds to the radiopaque areas surrounding the lingual foramen. The purpose of this study is to radiographically evaluate whether these areas correspond to the genial tubercles.

METHODS

We selected 15 dry mandibles and obtained images of the lower incisors region by computed tomography (CT) and periapical radiography at vertical angles of -10 degrees, -20 degrees and -30 degrees. For periapical radiography, the genial tubercles and the lingual foramen were marked with stainless steel wire to demonstrate the relationship between them.

RESULTS

The images on periapical radiographs, as well as on CT scans of the region, showed that there is no relationship between radiopaque areas around the lingual foramen and the genial tubercles.

CONCLUSION

The radiopaque area surrounding the lingual foramen corresponds to the walls of a nutrient canal and not to the genial tubercles. Therefore, we recommend that the information about this anatomical landmark be reviewed in specialized literature.
Gag proteins of the two Drosophila telomeric retrotransposons are targeted to chromosome ends
Authors: Rashkova Svetlana , Karam Sarah E. , Kellum Rebecca , Pardue Mary-Lou
Published: November 2002

Drosophila telomeres are formed by two non-LTR retrotransposons, HeT-A and TART, which transpose only to chromosome ends. Successive transpositions of these telomeric elements yield arrays that are functionally equivalent to the arrays generated by telomerase in other organisms. In contrast, other Drosophila non-LTR retrotransposons transpose widely through gene-rich regions, but not to ends. The two telomeric elements encode very similar Gag proteins, suggesting that Gag may be involved in their unique targeting to chromosome ends. To test the intrinsic potential of these Gag proteins for targeting, we tagged the coding sequences with sequence of GFP and expressed the constructs in transiently transfected Drosophila-cultured cells. Gag proteins from both elements are efficiently transported into the nucleus where the protein from one element, HeT-A, forms structures associated with chromosome ends in interphase nuclei. Gag from the second element, TART, moves into telomere-associated structures only when coexpressed with HeT-A Gag. The results suggest that these Gag proteins are capable of delivering the retrotransposons to telomeres, although TART requires assistance from HeT-A. They also imply a symbiotic relationship between the two elements, with HeT-A Gag directing the telomere-specific targeting of the elements, whereas TART provides reverse transcriptase for transposition.
Mechanical tension can specify axonal fate in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Lamoureux Phillip , Ruthel Gordon , Buxbaum Robert E. , Heidemann Steven R.
Published: November 2002

Here we asked whether applied mechanical tension would stimulate undifferentiated minor processes of cultured hippocampal neurons to become axons and whether tension could induce a second axon in an already polarized neuron. Experimental tension applied to minor processes produced extensions that demonstrated axonal character, regardless of the presence of an existing axon. Towed neurites showed a high rate of spontaneous growth cone advance and could continue to grow out for 1–3 d after towing. The developmental course of experimental neurites was found to be similar to that of unmanipulated spontaneous axons. Furthermore, the experimentally elongated neurites showed compartmentation of the axonal markers dephospho-tau and L-1 in towed outgrowth after 24 h. Extension of a second axon from an already polarized neuron does not lead to the loss of the spontaneous axon either immediately or after longer term growth. In addition, we were able to initiate neurites de novo that subsequently acquired axonal character even though spontaneous growth cone advance began while the towed neurite was still no longer than its sibling processes. This suggests that tension rather than the achievement of a critical neurite length determined axonal specification.
The Combined Effect of Drought Stress and Heat Shock on Gene Expression in Tobacco
Authors: Rizhsky Ludmila , Liang Hongjian , Mittler Ron
Published: November 2002

In nature, plants encounter a combination of environmental conditions that may include stresses such as drought or heat shock. Although drought and heat shock have been extensively studied, little is known about how their combination affect plants. We used cDNA arrays, coupled with physiological measurements, to study the effect of drought and heat shock on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. A combination of drought and heat shock resulted in the closure of stomata, suppression of photosynthesis, enhancement of respiration, and increased leaf temperature. Some transcripts induced during drought, e.g. those encoding dehydrin, catalase, and glycolate oxidase, and some transcripts induced during heat shock, e.g. thioredoxin peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase, were suppressed during a combination of drought and heat shock. In contrast, the expression of other transcripts, including alternative oxidase, glutathione peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, pathogenesis-related proteins, a WRKY transcription factor, and an ethylene response transcriptional co-activator, was specifically induced during a combination of drought and heat shock. Photosynthetic genes were suppressed, whereas transcripts encoding some glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway enzymes were induced, suggesting the utilization of sugars through these pathways during stress. Our results demonstrate that the response of plants to a combination of drought and heat shock, similar to the conditions in many natural environments, is different from the response of plants to each of these stresses applied individually, as typically tested in the laboratory. This response was also different from the response of plants to other stresses such as cold, salt, or pathogen attack. Therefore, improving stress tolerance of plants and crops may require a reevaluation, taking into account the effect of multiple stresses on plant metabolism and defense.
Alternate Energy-Dependent Pathways for the Vacuolar Uptake of Glucose and Glutathione Conjugates
Authors: Bartholomew Dolores M. , Van Dyk Drew E. , Lau Sze-Mei Cindy , O'Keefe Daniel P. , Rea Philip A. , Viitanen Paul V.
Published: November 2002

Through the development and application of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based procedure for measuring the transport of complex organic molecules by vacuolar membrane vesicles in vitro, it is shown that the mechanism of uptake of sulfonylurea herbicides is determined by the ligand, glucose, or glutathione, to which the herbicide is conjugated. ATP-dependent accumulation of glucosylated chlorsulfuron by vacuolar membrane vesicles purified from red beet (Beta vulgaris) storage root approximates Michaelis-Menten kinetics and is strongly inhibited by agents that collapse or prevent the formation of a transmembrane H+gradient, but is completely insensitive to the phosphoryl transition state analog, vanadate. In contrast, ATP-dependent accumulation of the glutathione conjugate of a chlorsulfuron analog, chlorimuron-ethyl, is incompletely inhibited by agents that dissipate the transmembrane H+ gradient but completely abolished by vanadate. In both cases, however, conjugation is essential for net uptake because neither of the unconjugated parent compounds are accumulated under energized or nonenergized conditions. That the attachment of glucose to two naturally occurring phenylpropanoids, p-hydroxycinnamic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid via aromatic hydroxyl groups, targets these compounds to the functional equivalent of the transporter responsible for chlorsulfuron-glucoside transport, confirms the general applicability of the H+ gradient dependence of glucoside uptake. It is concluded that H+gradient-dependent, vanadate-insensitive glucoside uptake is mediated by an H+ antiporter, whereas vanadate-sensitive glutathione conjugate uptake is mediated by an ATP-binding cassette transporter. In so doing, it is established that liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry affords a versatile high-sensitivity, high-fidelity technique for studies of the transport of complex organic molecules whose synthesis as radiolabeled derivatives is laborious and/or prohibitively expensive.
Interactions of Nitrate and CO2 Enrichment on Growth, Carbohydrates, and Rubisco in Arabidopsis Starch Mutants. Significance of Starch and Hexose
Authors: Sun Jindong , Gibson Kelly M. , Kiirats Olavi , Okita Thomas W. , Edwards Gerald E.
Published: November 2002

Wild-type (wt) Arabidopsis plants, the starch-deficient mutant TL46, and the near-starchless mutant TL25 were grown in hydroponics under two levels of nitrate, 0.2 versus 6 mm, and two levels of CO2, 35 versus 100 Pa. Growth (fresh weight and leaf area basis) was highest in wt plants, lower in TL46, and much lower in TL25 plants under a given treatment. It is surprising that the inability to synthesize starch restricted leaf area development under both low N (NL) and high N (NH). For each genotype, the order of greatest growth among the four treatments was high CO2/NH > low CO2/NH, > high CO2/NL, which was similar to low CO2/NL. Under high CO2/NL, wt and TL46 plants retained considerable starch in leaves at the end of the night period, and TL25 accumulated large amounts of soluble sugars, indicative of N-limited restraints on utilization of photosynthates. The lowest ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase per leaf area was in plants grown under high CO2/NL. When N supply is limited, the increase in soluble sugars, particularly in the starch mutants, apparently accentuates the feedback and down-regulation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, resulting in greater reduction of growth. With an adequate supply of N, growth is limited in the starch mutants due to insufficient carbohydrate reserves during the dark period. A combination of limited N and a limited capacity to synthesize starch, which restrict the capacity to use photosynthate, and high CO2, which increases the potential to produce photosynthate, provides conditions for strong down-regulation of photosynthesis.
Two Putative BIN2 Substrates Are Nuclear Components of Brassinosteroid Signaling
Authors: Zhao Jun , Peng Peng , Schmitz Robert J. , Decker Adria D. , Tax Frans E. , Li Jianming
Published: November 2002

GSK3 is a highly conserved kinase that negatively regulates many cellular processes by phosphorylating a variety of protein substrates. BIN2 is a GSK3-like kinase in Arabidopsis that functions as a negative regulator of brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. It was proposed that BR signals, perceived by a membrane BR receptor complex that contains the leucine (Leu)-rich repeat receptor-like kinase BRI1, inactivate BIN2 to relieve its inhibitory effect on unknown downstream BR-signaling components. Using a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) two-hybrid approach, we discovered a potential BIN2 substrate that is identical to a recently identified BR-signaling protein, BES1. BES1 and its closest homolog, BZR1, which was also uncovered as a potential BR-signaling protein, display specific interactions with BIN2 in yeast. Both BES1 and BZR1 contain many copies of a conserved GSK3 phosphorylation site and can be phosphorylated by BIN2 in vitro via a novel GSK3 phosphorylation mechanism that is independent of a priming phosphorylation or a scaffold protein. Five independentbes1 alleles containing the same proline-233-Leu mutation were identified as semidominant suppressors of two differentbri1 mutations. Over-expression of the wild-typeBZR1 gene partially complementedbin2/+ mutants and resulted in aBRI1 overexpression phenotype in aBIN2  + background, whereas overexpression of a mutated BZR1 gene containing the corresponding proline-234-Leu mutation rescued a weakbri1 mutation and led to a bes1-like phenotype. Confocal microscopic analysis indicated that both BES1 and BZR1 proteins were mainly localized in the nucleus. We propose that BES1/BZR1 are two nuclear components of BR signaling that are negatively regulated by BIN2 through a phosphorylation-initiated process.