bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AtMYBL2, a protein with a single MYB domain, acts as a negative regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Matsui Kyoko , Umemura Yoshimi , Ohme‐Takagi Masaru 
Published: June 2008

SummaryIn Arabidopsis, MYB transcription factors regulate flavonoid biosynthesis via the formation of protein complexes with a basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor and a WD40 repeat protein. Several R3‐type single‐MYB proteins (R3‐MYB), such as CPC and TRY, act as negative regulators of the development of epidermal cells. However, such regulators of flavonoid biosynthesis have not yet been reported, to our knowledge. We show here that an R3‐MYB protein, AtMYBL2, acts as a transcriptional repressor and negatively regulates the biosynthesis of anthocyanin in Arabidopsis. In an AtMYBL2 knockout line (mybl2), the expression of the DFR and TT8 genes was enhanced and resulted in the ectopic accumulation of anthocyanin, while ectopic expression of AtMYBL2 or of a chimeric repressor that is a dominant negative form of AtMYBL2 suppressed the expression of DFR and TT8, and the biosynthesis of anthocyanin. The expression of AtMYBL2 was detected in various tissues but not in those in which anthocyanin accumulated or TT8 was expressed. The minimal repression domain of AtMYBL2 was found to be the six amino acids (TLLLFR) at the carboxyl terminus, and TLLLFR appears to be a novel repression motif that is different from the ERF‐associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif. The defective phenotype of mybl2 mutants was complemented by 35S:AtMYBL2 but enhanced by a truncated form of AtMYBL2 from which the repression domain had been deleted. AtMYBL2 bound directly to TT8 protein and this complex suppressed the expression of DFR and TT8. The repression activity of AtMYBL2 appears to play a critical role in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Light induction of Arabidopsis SIG1 and SIG5 transcripts in mature leaves: differential roles of cryptochrome 1 and cryptochrome 2 and dual function of SIG5 in the recognition of plastid promoters
Authors: Onda Yayoi , Yagi Yusuke , Saito Yukiko , Takenaka Nobuhiro , Toyoshima Yoshinori 
Published: June 2008

SummaryIn higher plants, multiple nuclear‐encoded sigma factors activate select subsets of plastid gene promoters in a partially redundant manner. We analysed the light induction profiles of transcripts from six Arabidopsis sigma factor (AtSIG) genes in mature leaves, focusing on the effects of wavelength and intensity. Red‐light illumination (660 nm) of dark‐adapted plants strongly induced AtSIG1 transcripts, while blue‐light illumination (470 nm) caused strong and rapid induction of AtSIG1 and AtSIG5 transcripts. The fluence response differed in blue‐light‐responsive rapid induction in AtSIG1 and AtSIG5. AtSIG1 transcripts increased to plateau with a threshold of 2 μmol m−2 sec−1 under all fluences examined (1–50 μmol m−2 sec−1), and AtSIG5 transcripts were induced with a distinct two‐phase profile, with the lower‐fluence induction similar to that of AtSIG1 and further enhancement with increasing fluences greater than 10 μmol m−2 sec−1. Blue‐light‐receptor mutational analysis revealed that AtSIG5‐specific two‐phase induction is mediated through cryptochrome 1 and cryptochrome 2 at lower fluences and more significantly through cryptochrome 1 at higher fluences. In mature chloroplasts, the promoters of psbA and psbD are predominantly recognized by AtSIG5 among six sigma factors. Using a protoplast transient expression assay with AtSIG5–AtSIG1 chimeric genes, we present evidence that AtSIG5 contains determinants for activating the psbD blue‐light‐responsive promoter (BLRP) in region 4.2 rather than region 2.4. Amino acid scanning within AtSIG5 region 4.2 revealed that Asn484, but not Arg493, functions as a key residue for psbD BLRP activation. Arginine 493 may be involved in psbA promoter recognition.
An investigation on the anticandidal activity of some traditional medicinal plants in Turkey
Authors: Yiğit Demet , Yiğit Nimet , Özgen Ufuk 
Published: June 2008

SummaryMethanol and chloroform extracts obtained from eight plant species belonging to six families, which were selected depending on their use in Turkish folk medicine, including Mentha longifolia L. (Labiatae), Mentha piperita L. Hudson (Labiatae), Prongos ferulaceae (Umbelliferae), Galium verum L. (Rubiaceae), Salvia limbata C. A Meyer (Labiatae), Artemisia austriaca Jacq. (Artemiceae), Plantago lanceolata L. (Plantaginaceae) and Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) were evaluated for their in vitro anticandidal activity. The anticandidal activity of extracts against 99 human pathogenic clinical isolates belonging to 35 Candida albicans, 33 Candida tropicalis and 31 Candida glabrata and standard strains of Candida spp. (C. albicans ATCC 10231, C. glabrata ATCC 80030 and C. tropicalis ATCC 22019) were tested by disc diffusion method and the active extracts were assayed for the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Chloroform extracts of plants have no inhibitory effect against both clinical and standard strains of Candida spp., whereas methanol extracts exhibited good activity. Among the plants tested, M. piperita showed the highest anticandidal activity with 12.3 mm inhibition zone and 1.25 mg ml−1 MIC value against C. albicans, M. longifolia, P. lanceolata and A. austriaca also displayed activity against C. albicans and C. tropicalis.
Decreased oxidation susceptibility of plasma low density lipoproteins in patients with Gilbert's syndrome
Authors: Yesilova Zeki , Serdar Muhittin , Ercin C Nuri , Gunay Alp , Kilciler Guldem , Hasimi Adnan , Uygun Ahmet , Kurt İsmail , Erbil M Kemal , Dagalp Kemal 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The association of hyperbilirubinemia in Gilbert's syndrome (GS) with a decrease in prevalence of coronary artery disease is a well‐known phenomenon. In this study, the state of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation which has been postulated to be a significant determinant at the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerotic disorders was investigated among individuals with GS.Methods:  For this purpose, serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, apolipoprotein A and B, bilirubins, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, and the sensitivity of LDL oxidation levels, as well as serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotranserfase, gamma glutamil transferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities, were determined in 17 patients with Gilbert's syndrome and 15 healthy adults.Results:  There was no significant difference between the groups except the indirect bilirubin parameter (P < 0.001). In comparison with the healthy individuals, LDL oxidation levels between 75 and 120 min were significantly lower (P < 0.005) along with prolonged lag‐phase in GS patients, indicating a delay in oxidation susceptibility.Conclusion:  It is suggested that the chronic hyperbilirubinemia leading to a lag‐phase prolongation in LDL oxidation and a decrease in LDL oxidation may be reason for the low percentage of coronary artery disease.
Dimensions of On‐the‐Job Learning Styles
Authors: Berings Marjolein G.M.C. , Poell Rob F. , Simons P. Robert‐Jan 
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study is to identify dimensions of on‐the‐job learning styles that can create an awareness among employees and offer them opportunities for the improvement of their on‐the‐job learning. In order to be able to select relevant dimensions, we propose four criteria: dimensions should: (a) concern activities and behaviour; (b) be changeable by learners; (c) be applicable to the workplace context; and (d) be uni‐dimensional. After reviewing the literature in light of these criteria, we conclude that employees need to be aware of four core dimensions of on‐the‐job learning styles: (a) whether they are reproductive or developmental learners; (b) whether they tend to learn alone, from others, or with others; (c) whether they are holistic or analytical learners; and (d) how they engage in reflection (e.g. the depth of reflection).Le but de cette étude est d’identifier les dimensions composant des styles d’apprentissage sur le tas et plus particulièrement la création d’une conscience parmi les salariés et l’opportunité d’accroître les possibilités d’apprentissage sur le tas. Afin de sélectionner des dimensions appropriées, nous proposons 4 critères: les dimensions doivent a) concerner des activités et le comportement, b) être variables selon les apprenants, c) être applicable dans un contexte de travail et d) être uni‐dimensionnel. Une revue de la littérature à la lumière de ces critères montre que les salariés ont besoin d’être conscients de 4 dimensions fondamentales des styles d’apprentissage sur le tas: a) Sont‐ils des apprenants “passifs” ou “actifs” ? b) Tendent‐ils à apprendre seul, avec d’autres ou d’autres personnes ? c) Sont‐ils des apprenants holistiques ou analytiques ? et d) Quelle est la façon dont ils s’engagent dans une réflexion (e.g. la profondeur de la réflexion)?
Triage of ovarian masses
Authors: CHIA Yin Nin , MARSDEN Donald E. , ROBERTSON Greg , HACKER Neville F. 
Published: June 2008

Background: Triage of ovarian masses for appropriate management is important in ensuring the best outcome for patients. The Risk of Malignancy Indices (RMI) seem to represent a low cost and effective tool for triage and management of women with ovarian masses.Aim: To review patients with an ovarian mass referred to the Gynaecological Cancer Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women, and to assess the effectiveness of the RMI in differentiating benign from malignant tumours in this group of patients.Methods: A retrospective review of the case records of all patients with an ovarian mass referred to our centre from January 2003 to December 2005 was undertaken.Results: Two hundred and four patients were eligible for RMI calculation. An RMI of < 200 correctly identified 83 of 108 (77%) benign ovarian tumours. An RMI of > 200 correctly identified 11 of 19 (58%) borderline ovarian tumours and 70 of 77 (91%) invasive ovarian tumours. An RMI of > 200 had a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 77%, positive predictive value of 76% and negative predictive value of 85% in detecting both borderline and invasive ovarian tumours. The false negative rate for invasive tumours was 9%.Conclusions: This study showed that using RMI at a cut‐off of 200 for referral could have prevented 83 benign cases (41%) from being referred. We propose that the RMI could be utilised as a triage tool for referral of ovarian masses to gynaecological cancer centres.
Sexual function, delivery mode history, pelvic floor muscle exercises and incontinence: A cross‐sectional study six years post‐partum
Authors: DEAN Nicola , WILSON Don , HERBISON Peter , GLAZENER Cathryn , AUNG Thiri , MACARTHUR Christine 
Published: June 2008

Background: There is controversy over the effect of mode of delivery, pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME), incontinence and sexual function.Aim: To investigate the relationship of sexual function with delivery mode history, PFMEs and incontinence.Methods: This was a cross‐sectional postal survey of women, six years post‐partum, who had given birth in maternity units in Aberdeen, Birmingham and Dunedin and had answered a previous questionnaire. Each sexual function question was analysed separately by anova.Results: At six years post‐index delivery, 4214 women responded, of whom 2765 (65%) answered the optional ten sexual function questions. Although there was little association between delivery mode history and most sexual function questions, women who had delivered exclusively by caesarean section scored significantly better on the questions relating to their perception of vaginal tone for their own (P‐value < 0.0001) and partner's (P‐value 0.002) sexual satisfaction, especially when compared with women who had had vaginal and instrumental deliveries. Women who reported that they were currently performing PFME scored significantly better on seven questions. Women with urinary or faecal incontinence scored significantly poorer on all sexual function questions.Conclusions: Mode of delivery history appeared to have minimal effect on sexual function. Current PFME performance was positively associated with most aspects of sexual function, however, all aspects were negatively associated with urinary and faecal incontinence.
Expression of HIPK2 in cervical cancer: Correlation with clinicopathology and prognosis
Authors: AL‐BEITI Mariam A. M. , LU Xin 
Published: June 2008

Objective:  Homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) is a member of a recently identified nuclear protein kinase family that act as co‐repressors for homeodomain transcription factors. This study was carried out to investigate the expression of HIPK2, and its correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis in cervical carcinoma.Study design:  Forty‐three cases of cervical cancer and ten cases of normal cervical tissue were analysed retrospectively between January 2002 and December 2006 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University. The expression of HIPK2, p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlation of HIPK2 and clinicopathological factors as well as prognosis was statistically analysed.Results:  The nuclear positive rate of HIPK2 was significantly higher in the cervical cancer group than in the control group (76.7% vs 10.0%, P < 0.05). The expression of HIPK2 was significantly lower in stage I tumours than in stage II/III tumours (60.9% vs 95.0%, P < 0.05), indicating that HIPK2 expression is correlated with the development of cervical cancer. HIPK2 expression was higher in cervical adenocarcinoma than that in squamous cell carcinoma (90.0% vs 72.7%), but there was no significant difference. The positive rate of HIPK2 in well, moderately and poorly differentiated carcinoma was 83.3, 73.3, 100%, respectively, but the difference was not significant. There was no significant difference between the expression of HIPK2 protein and prognosis. HIPK2 expression was significantly higher than p53 in cervical cancer (P < 0.05), but there was no correlation between HIPK2 and p53.Conclusion:  The expression of HIPK2 may play an important role in cervical carcinogenesis.
Injuries in people with self‐reported epilepsy: A population‐based study
Authors: Téllez‐Zenteno José F. , Hunter Gary , Wiebe Samuel 
Published: June 2008

Summary
Purpose: To identify the prevalence of injuries in people with epilepsy (PWE) in the general population.
Method: We examined the prevalence of injuries obtained through the previously validated, door‐to‐door Canadian Community Health Survey (CHS) (n = 130,882). The 12‐month weighted prevalence of injuries serious enough to limit normal activities was calculated for people with epilepsy and for the general population. Among those reporting injuries, variables of interest were compared in PWE and in the general population using risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI95).
Results: The 12‐month weighted prevalence of injuries was not different in PWE (14.9%) and in the general population (13.3%) (RR: 1.1, CI95: 0.90–1.3). Among individuals reporting injuries, the only significant differences were a lower frequency of sports‐related injuries in PWE (RR: 0.7, CI95: 0.4–0.9), and a three‐times higher frequency of hospitalization following injuries in PWE (RR: 3.0, CI95: 1.3–4.7). Orthopedic injuries were the most frequent type of injury in both groups, but the differences were not significant. Although there were some trends, no significant differences between PWE and the general population were seen with regard to place where injury occurred, mechanism of injury, and number of injuries.
Conclusions: The overall rate of injuries limiting activities did not differ between PWE and the general population. There was a higher rate of injury‐related hospital admission in PWE, which could reflect that hospitalization is related to seizures and to comorbidities, and not injuries alone, or a more cautious attitude of clinicians towards injuries in PWE.
ALCOHOL/DRUG DEPENDENCY IN HOMELESS YOUTH
Authors: Barczyk Amanda , Thompson Sanna 
Published: June 2008

Purpose:  By age 16, half of all adolescents use alcohol and about one‐quarter use marijuana. The pervasiveness of substance abuse is remarkably higher among homeless youth as compared to the general youth population. A significant need exists to develop appropriate drug and alcohol treatment that takes into account the unique perspectives of drug use in the culture of homelessness. While predictors, such as criminal involvement, academic failure, victimization, and “street” involvement are useful in understanding substance use among homeless youth, further research on alcohol/drug dependency is needed to develop effective interventions for this population.Methods:  A convenience sample of 153 homeless youth accessing services at a street outreach center participated. Those 18‐23 years of age, whose case managers had identified them as drug or alcohol users, were recruited. Following informed consent, youth completed a quantitative questionnaire.Results:  The sample averaged 21 years of age, were predominantly white (67.3%) and male (65.4%). Results indicated that 98.7% of these youth reported drinking alcohol, using amphetamines (39.2%), heroin (46.4%), and/or marijuana (91.5%); 57.8% of youth interviewed were identified as dependent on substances and 61.0% were dependent on alcohol. Logistic regression analyses indicated that participants who received support from substance‐using street friends (OR=2.1) and were dependent on substances (OR=4.9) increased the likelihood of alcohol dependency, while the more positive youth felt about drug use (OR=.88), the more confident they were in their ability to decrease their drug use (OR=.65), or earned money by selling blood/plasma (OR=.06) decreased the likelihood of alcohol dependence (model χ2 = 63.8, p<.001). Similar analyses of drug dependence showed that those who felt changing drug use behavior was important (OR=1.3), carried a weapon (OR=3.1), or were alcohol dependent (OR=2.7) were more likely to be drug dependent (model chi‐square = 49.1, p<.001).Conclusions:  This study confirms the magnitude of alcohol/drug dependence among homeless youth and demonstrates the varying predictors for alcohol and drug dependency. While school‐based substance use prevention programs are available for adolescents, effective programs for homeless youth are nearly non‐existent and needed. This study highlights the need for service agencies proving care for these youth to assess their alcohol and drug use. Although typical drug treatment is not feasible for these agencies, developing assessment and referral mechanisms and brief interventions that target alcohol/drug issues are needed.
THE IMPACT OF PERPETRATORS' ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE DURING AND AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT
Authors: Busch‐Armendariz Noël Bridget , DiNitto Diana , Bohman Thomas , Woo Hyeyoung 
Published: June 2008

Purpose:  This study examines the impact of perpetrators' drug and alcohol use during and after sexual assault.Methods: The study relies on data provided by a representative sample of women in Texas who responded to a random digit dial survey and reported that they were sexually assaulted at some time in their lives. Questions about sexual assault victimization were drawn largely from the National Violence Against Women Survey. A series of binary logistic regressions was conducted to determine the impact of perpetrator's alcohol and drug use on violence during and after the assault.Results:  Perpetrators' alcohol or drug use at the time of the sexual assault resulted in a greater likelihood of concurrent violence, including, hitting, slapping, kicking, use of a weapon, threats to harm or kill, and physical injury during the assault, and victims who experienced an alcohol– or drug‐related sexual assault lost more time from work, school, home duties, and recreation. These impacts occurred regardless of the relationship of the perpetrator to the victim, location of the sexual assault, or ethnicity of the victim.Conclusions:  This information can assist educators, advocates, and policy makers in directing efforts to limit alcohol and drug use and preventing situations where sexual violence is likely to emerge.
SUBSTANCE USE AMONGST FEMALE SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS RESIDING AT SHELTERS
Authors: Fowler Dawnovise , Faulkner Monica 
Published: June 2008

Purpose:  This study examined substance use problems among women residing at a domestic violence shelter in Austin, TX. Prior studies have examined substance abuse among survivors of intimate partner abuse who were in substance abuse treatment programs. There is a shortage of studies on substance abusing women in domestic violence shelters.Methods:  Data were collected during structured interviews with eligible women residing at a domestic violence shelter in Austin, Texas. A total of 101 women were interviewed and included in this analysis. Convenience sampling was used to identify women willing to participate in the study. Participants were recruited through their caseworkers at the shelter as well as flyers and posters describing the study. Each participant received a $20 grocery store gift card as compensation for their time. Women were eligible to participate if they were over 18 years of age, understood and spoke English and reported substance use based on their responses to the CAGE‐AID. One positive response to a CAGE‐AID question qualified the woman to participate in this study.Findings:  Preliminary results show high rates of substance abuse and dependence. Nearly 60% of the women interviewed were alcohol dependent and 55% were drug dependent. Marital status, race and age were found to be predictors of alcohol and drug use. Additional analysis showed that the victims’ substance use was not related to the severity or extent of physical and non‐physical violence.Conclusions:  These results reveal a strong need for substance abuse intervention for women who enter domestic violence shelters.
RESEARCH TO PRACTICE: THE VALUE OF ENGAGING YOUTH IN ADAPTING SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Holleran Steiker Lori K. , Goldbach Jeremy T. 
Published: June 2008

Youth who have already started using drugs and/or alcohol, are often “too late” for Universal and Selective prevention and “too soon” for intensive treatment (Eggert, 1996). Studies have long supported the belief that youth who are not motivated for change will typically not respond favorably to interventions, and it is recommended that stage‐based, tailored interventions be utilized with at risk and drug‐initiated youth (Werch, 2001). Important cultural differences exist in each agency, which clearly show a need for research on how adaptation can create attitudinal and behavioral shifts in youth.This presentation will summarize Holleran Steiker's K01 which found that by involving youth as drug and alcohol experts in the context of their culture, a prevention curriculum can be systematically tailored to include true‐to‐life experiences of the youth, making it culturally relevant and more effective for their peers (Holleran Steiker, 2008). Holleran Steiker found not only that the youth who adapt are easily engaged; animatedly discussing the payoffs and downsides of drugs and alcohol, but also that the groups that received the culturally adapted versions had better outcomes than those that received the original curricula or no intervention (Holleran Steiker, 2008). Serendipitous qualitative findings showed that the youth engaged in adaptation reported changes in attitudes towards drugs and alcohol and changes in substance use. Discussion of the implications of this study will show the audience the need for further research in the area of cultural adaptation in prevention practice.