bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleuthing the difference a nucleotide can make
Authors: TOWNSEND JEFFREY P 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIdentifying the genetic basis of natural variation in genome‐wide gene expression is a daunting task, yet central to characterizing the potential evolutionary impact of gene expression polymorphism. In this issue, Brown et al. reveal the genetic variation that underlies a significant portion of the gene expression polymorphism that segregates in a natural isolate of the wine and bread yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. That polymorphism is shown to be associated with a single nucleotide insertion. Interestingly, the major expression polymorphism is not caused by an insertion in a cis‐regulatory region or in a transcription factor, but in a homonucleotide repeat within the coding sequence of SSY1, which encodes an amino acid sensor. The expression polymorphism, perhaps unsurprisingly, is also environment‐dependent and leads to differential fitness across environments. The result calls for a deeper consideration within molecular ecological genomics of the gene‐by‐environment interactions that lead to differential gene expression. The finding also calls for further data, clarifying the kinds of genetic variation that constitute gene expression polymorphism between individuals in natural populations.
Selection for decreased sensitivity to phosphite in Phytophthora cinnamomi with prolonged use of fungicide
Authors: Dobrowolski M. P. , Shearer B. L. , Colquhoun I. J. , O’Brien P. A. , Hardy G. E. StJ. 
Published: June 2008

To test the hypothesis that resistance in Phytophthora cinnamomi to control by the fungicide phosphite (phosphonate) would arise in sites with prolonged use of phosphite, 30 P. cinnamomi isolates were collected from a range of sites with different phosphite‐use histories, including phosphite‐treated and untreated avocado orchards, and phosphite‐treated and untreated native vegetation sites. The colonizing ability of these isolates was tested by different inoculation methods against a range of host tissues, treated and untreated with phosphite, including mycelial stem inoculation on clonally propagated Leucadendron sp., mycelial root inoculation of lupin seedlings and zoospore inoculation of Eucalyptus sieberi cotyledons. Isolates from avocado orchards with a long history of phosphite use were, on average, more extensive colonizers of the phosphite‐treated Leucadendron sp., lupin seedling roots and Eucalyptus sieberi cotyledons. These isolates did not colonize untreated plant tissue (Leucadendron sp.) more extensively than isolates from sites with no history of phosphite use and no isolates were resistant to control by phosphite. Analysis of all isolates with microsatellite markers revealed the majority were from a single clonal lineage. Selection for decreased sensitivity to phosphite in planta has taken place within asexual clonal lineages of P. cinnamomi in sites with prolonged use of phosphite.
Active c‐jun N‐terminal kinase induces caspase cleavage of tau and additional phosphorylation by GSK‐3β is required for tau aggregation
Authors: Sahara Naruhiko , Murayama Miyuki , Lee Boyoung , Park Jung‐Mi , Lagalwar Sarita , Binder Lester I. , Takashima Akihiko 
Published: June 2008

AbstractNeurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), comprising human intracellular microtubule‐associated protein tau, are one of the hallmarks of tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, a report that caspase‐cleaved tau is present in NFTs has led to the hypothesis that the mechanisms underlying NFT formation may involve the apoptosis cascade. Here, we show that adenoviral infection of tau into COS‐7 cells induces activation of c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), followed by excessive phosphorylation of tau and its cleavage by caspase. However, JNK activation alone was insufficient to induce sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐insoluble tau aggregation and additional phosphorylation by GSK‐3β was required. In SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, overexpression of active JNK and GSK‐3β increased caspase‐3 activation and cytotoxicity more than overexpression of tau alone. Taken together, these results indicate that, although JNK activation may be a primary inducing factor, further phosphorylation of tau is required for neuronal death and NFT formation in neurodegenerative diseases, including those characterized by tauopathy.
The Role of Individual Characteristics in Predicting the Stability of Party Identification: A Cross‐Cultural Study
Authors: Farc Maria‐Magdalena , Sagarin Brad J. 
Published: June 2008

The present study examined political partisanship stability in the context of transitional and consolidated democracies. We hypothesised that (a) in both democratic systems, personality differences as well as socialisation patterns and socioeconomic factors would be related to the stability of party identification directly, and that (b) the relationship between individual factors and party identification patterns would be moderated by democracy type and by socialisation strength. A total of 521 participants (293 American, 228 Romanian) completed surveys assessing partisanship stability, individual dispositions, socialisation strength, and socioeconomic status. In support of hypothesis (a), the stability of party identification was significantly predicted by socialisation, desire for control, and positive economic perceptions. In support of hypothesis (b), type of democracy moderated the relationship between economic perceptions and partisanship stability, and parental socialisation moderated the relationship between desire for control/self‐consciousness and the stability of party identification.La présente étude examine la stabilité de la préférence politique dans un contexte de démocraties en transition ou consolidées. Nous faisons l’hypothèse que (a) dans les deux systèmes démocratiques, les différences de personnalité, comme les modèles de socialisation et les facteurs économiques sont directement liés à la stabilité d’identification à un parti et que (b) la relation entre les facteurs individuels et les modèles d’identification à un parti est affaibli par le type de démocratie et la force de la socialisation. Un total de 521 participants (293 Américains et 228 Roumains) ont répondu à une enquête évaluant la stabilité de la préférence, les dispositions individuelles, la force de la socialisation et le statut socio‐économique. En accord avec l’hypothèse (a), la stabilité d’identification à un parti est significativement prédictible par la socialisation, le désir de contrôle et la perception positive de l’économie. En accord avec l’hypothèse (b), d’une part, le type de démocratie affaiblit la relation entre les perceptions de l’économie et la stabilité de la préférence, d’autre part, la socialisation parentale affaiblit le lien entre le contrôle/la conscience de soi et la stabilité de l’identification à un parti.
Clinical practice experience with testosterone treatment in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome
Authors: McLaren Drew , Siemens D. Robert , Izard Jason , Black Angela , Morales Alvaro 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVETo report on a clinical practice series of testosterone‐replacement therapy (TRT) in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS), examining clinical efficacy, biochemical parameters and effects on prostate health over a 2‐year period.PATIENTS AND METHODSA retrospective review of 85 patients with symptoms of TDS and at least a 3‐month trial of TRT was performed in this single‐centre, clinical practice setting. Three domains of symptomatology were evaluated: libido, erectile function and energy levels. Symptoms were assessed by a combination of patient reporting, physician’s assessment and validated symptom assessment scores. Total testosterone (TT), calculated bio‐available testosterone (BT) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels were continuously measured and effects on prostate health were examined.RESULTSOnly 38 (45%) patients in this cohort remained on TRT for >2 years. The most common reason for discontinuing treatment was lack of clinical response but those remaining on TRT had continued improvement in libido, erectile function and energy levels. During treatment, the average TT and calculated BT values significantly increased compared with the baseline values at most of the evaluated time points, with no significant change in average PSA values. In all, 15% of this cohort had some degree of progression of lower urinary tract symptoms. Seven patients had eight ‘for‐cause’ prostate biopsies either during supplementation or at any date after completion, with an only three positive for cancer.CONCLUSIONSOnly 45% of men on TRT remained on treatment for >2 years in this clinical practice experience of men with TDS. Those remaining showed persistent improvement in their symptoms. The average TT and BT values increased significantly with no significant change in PSA levels.
Deafened by silence or by the sound of footsteps? An investigation of the recruitment, induction and retention of special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) in England
Authors: Pearson Sue 
Published: June 2008

The requirement for schools to appoint a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) to coordinate provision for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) has existed since 1994. Since that time, the role has been subject to considerable research, debate and guidance. However, how the duty is being fulfilled in terms of the career pathways of the SENCOs is an under‐researched area.NASEN commissioned a postal questionnaire survey with a sample of 500 English SENCOs. Although the reliance on untriangulated data is a limitation, the study did highlight some of the issues from the perspectives of the post holders. There is evidence of a high turnover amongst SENCOs for a variety of reasons only partly explained by the demographics. This situation gives rise to particular concerns about the recruitment of SENCOs, and the extent, nature and value of the initial support offered to them. The role of the SENCO needs to be seen as attractive enough to ensure recruitment and an appropriate level of retention. It needs to be regarded as important enough to merit adequate, supportive induction. At present, in England, the situation is patchy with the respondents describing very different systems and sets of experiences. If all schools are to move beyond simply complying with the duty to ensuring the engagement of individuals willing or prepared to develop the necessary skills, then the views of current SENCOs should be taken into account.
Smoking pattern during pregnancy in Hong Kong Chinese
Authors: KONG Grace W. S. , TAM Wing Hung , SAHOTA Daljit S. , NELSON Edmund A. S. 
Published: June 2008

Background: While the prevalence of young female smokers is rising among the Hong Kong Chinese population, data on their smoking pattern during pregnancy are limited.Aims: To investigate the smoking habit of Hong Kong Chinese women and their partners during pregnancy.Methods: Postal questionnaires were sent to 479 couples to explore their smoking patterns during pregnancy at one to two years after the index delivery.Results: Questionnaires were completed by 247 subjects. Among 117 women who were ever‐smokers, 26% had stopped smoking before the index pregnancy, while 60% stopped and 14% reduced smoking during the pregnancy. Most women stopped smoking in the first trimester (93%) and prior to the first antenatal visit (79%). Those who used to smoke fewer cigarettes before pregnancy were more likely to stop smoking during pregnancy but women with a history of recreational drug use were more likely to continue smoking during pregnancy. The post‐partum smoking relapse rate was 59% in women who had stopped smoking before or during their pregnancy. Only 2.6% of the partners who were ever‐smokers stopped smoking before the pregnancy while smoking habits remained unchanged in 52%.Conclusions: Approximately one‐fifth of an unselected sample of Hong Kong mothers had a history of smoking prior to pregnancy. Pregnancy is an opportune time to implement smoking intervention programs for female smokers and their partners with an emphasis on the maintenance of post‐partum smoking abstinence.
Haemostasis after cold‐knife conisation: A randomised prospective trial comparing cerclage suture versus electro‐cauterisation
Authors: DANE Cem , DANE Banu , CETIN Ahmet , ERGINBAS Murat 
Published: June 2008

Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare two different techniques of obtaining haemostasis after cold‐knife conisation.Methods: Seventy‐eight women who required conisation for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were prospectively enrolled in a randomised clinical trial to receive either cerclage with cold‐knife conisation or cautery with cold‐knife conisation. Outcome measures evaluated include estimated blood loss, operative time, early late haemorrhage and dysmenorrhoea. The short‐ and long‐term morbidity was compared, and a six‐month follow up was completed.Results: The procedure‐related complication rate was 16.7% in the cautery group, compared with 7.0% in the suture group (P < 0.05). The cerclage group had significantly shorter operative time and intraoperative blood loss than the cautery group (P < 0.05). Postoperative bleeding and dysmenorrhoea were observed in eight (10.2%), and 14 cases (17.9%), in cerclage and cautery group, respectively. Three cases (3.8%) had postoperative infections and were cured with oral antibiotics.Conclusions: These results suggest that cerclage suturing technique provided excellent haemostasis and restoration of normal cervical anatomy. Cerclage suture of the cone bed is superior to only cauterisation as a method of achieving haemostasis, with significantly less blood loss and shorter operative time.
Factors affecting caesarean operative time and the effect of operative time on pregnancy outcomes
Authors: DOHERTY Dorota A. , MAGANN Everett F. , CHAUHAN Suneet P. , O’BOYLE Amy L. , BUSCH Jeanne M. , MORRISON John C. 
Published: June 2008

Aim:  To determine the factors that influence caesarean operative time and operative time effects on pregnancy outcomes.Methods:  Prospective observational study of women undergoing a caesarean delivery (CD). Multiple antepartum, intrapartum and neonatal outcomes were assessed for their influence on the time of the CD and the time effect of CD on pregnancy outcomes.Results:  There were 386 (23%) caesarean deliveries performed ≤ 30 min, 1070 (65%) between 31 and 60 min, and 200 deliveries ≥ 60 min. Women younger than 18 years (P= 0.004) and who had caesarean for fetal labor intolerance were associated with shorter operation time (P < 0.001). Factors associated with an increased operation time were age > 35 years (P= 0.049), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 (P < 0.001), pre‐existing hypertension (P= 0.001), prior low segment transverse scar (P < 0.001), uterus incision other than transverse (P < 0.001), first‐year resident as primary surgeon (P < 0.001) and accompanying sterilisation procedure (P < 0.001). Operation time was significantly related to blood loss (P < 0.001), likelihood of umbilical artery cord gas pH < 7.1 (P < 0.001) and Apgar scores at five minutes < 7 (P= 0.009).Conclusions:  Operative time is shortened by age < 18 and delivery for fetal labor intolerance, lengthened by age > 35, BMI > 30, prior caesarean, uterine incision, operating surgeon inexperience and accompanying sterilisation. Increased operative time was linked with an increased blood loss, low five‐minute Apgar scores and umbilical arterial pH < 7.1.
Increased libido during fluvoxamine treatment
Authors: SHOYAMA Masaru , YAMAMOTO Masahiro , IWATANI Jun , TSUJI Tomikimi , UKAI Satoshi , SHINOSAKI Kazuhiro 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe treated an 80‐year‐old man with vascular dementia who developed increased libido induced by fluvoxamine. Sexual stimulation associated with fluvoxamine administration has been rarely reported and the present findings suggest that organic brain dysfunction could be a risk factor for the development of the condition.
Demented elderly people living at home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Evaluation of expenditure on care
Authors: VERAS Renato P , CALDAS Célia P , DANTAS Sérgio B , SANCHO Leyla G , SICSÚ Bernardo , MOTTA Luciana B 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground:  The present study investigates family expenditure relating to caring for elderly people with dementia. The study was exploratory, descriptive, and cross‐sectional.Methods:  The expenditure of 41 families responsible for caring for elderly people with dementia was analyzed. The subjects of the study comprised the family unit of which the elderly demented patient was a part of. A questionnaire was applied to a group of 41 patients and their accompanying family members. These patients were being followed up at the Neurogeriatrics Outpatient Clinic of the Open University for the Third Age, State University of Rio de Janeiro.Results:  The findings of the study suggest that caring for for elderly people with dementia has a considerable impact, with an average commitment of 66% of family income. Expenditure may reach 75% of family income for patients in the early stages of the disease, 62% in the advanced stages and approximately 80% when other chronic diseases are associated with the dementia.Conclusions:  From a public health perspective, these findings reiterate the conclusions from previous studies indicating that the increased expenditure on care is a source of stress on the physical and mental health of caregivers. That is, the impact of the expenditure can be considered an indicator of the degree of stress and overload, particularly the emotional burden that so frequently accompanies caregivers' responsibilities.
ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE TO BRIEF INTERVENTION IN THE TRAUMA CARE SETTING
Authors: Field C. , Caetano R. , Harris T.R. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  There is sufficient evidence to suggest that brief interventions in the trauma care setting reduce drinking, subsequent injury and DUI arrest (Gentilello, 1999, Schermer, 2006). The current study evaluates the relative efficacy of brief intervention among Whites, Blacks and Hispanics.Methods:  A randomized controlled trial of brief intervention based on motivation interviewing in comparison to a semi‐structured assessment was conducted in an urban level I trauma center. The current study includes 1493 trauma patients including 668 Whites, 288 Blacks, and 537 Hispanics. hierarchical linear modeling was used to evaluate ethnic differences in drinking outcomes including volume per week, frequency of five or more per occasion, maximum amount consumed in one day, percent days abstinent and percent days heavy drinking at 6 and 12 month follow up. Analyses controlled for age, gender, employment status, marital status, prior alcohol treatment, type of injury and injury severity. Special emphasis was given to ethnicity and testing of a potential interaction effect between ethnicity and brief intervention efficacy.Results:  Across ethnic groups,patients in both intervention and control groups reduced their drinking. Across drinking outcomes, there were significant interactions between treatment and ethnicity (p<.05). Among Hispanics, brief intervention in comparison to control significantly reduced average volume per week at 12 month follow up (β=‐.56, SE=.23, p<.05), maximum amount consumed in one day at 6 and 12 month follow up (β=‐.32, SE=.12, p=.01; β=.42, SE=.13, p<.01, respectively), frequency of five or more per occasion at 12 month follow up (β=‐.49, SE=.25, p<.05) and percent days heavy drinking at 12 months (β=‐.16, SE.06, p=.01).Conclusions:  All three ethnic groups evidenced reductions in drinking at 6 and 12 month follow up independent of treatment. Among Hispanics, brief intervention significantly reduced drinking patterns typically associated with injury and other negative health consequences.
A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING OF ALCOHOL USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN THE U.S. MILITARY: COMPLEXITIES AMONG STRESS, DRINKING MOTIVES, IMPULSIVITIY, ALCOHOL USE AND JOB PERFORMANCE
Authors: Sohn Sunju 
Published: June 2008

Aims:  Young male adults in the U. S. military drink at much higher rates than civilians and females of the same age. Drinking has been shown to be associated with stress and individuals’ ability to effectively cope with stressors. Despite numerous studies conducted on young adults’ drinking behaviors such as college drinking, current literature is limited in fully understanding alcohol use patterns of the young military population. The aim of the present study was to develop and test the hypothesized Structural Equation Model (SEM) of alcohol use to determine if stress coping styles moderate the relationship between stress, drinking motives, impulsivity, alcohol consumption and job performance.Methods:  Structural equation models for multiple group comparisons were estimated based on a sample of 1,715 young (aged 18 to 25) male military personnel using the 2005 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors among Military Personnel. Coping style was used as the grouping factor in the multi‐group analysis and this variable was developed through numerous steps to reflect positive and negative behaviors of coping. The equivalences of the structural relations between the study variables were then compared across two groups at a time, controlling for installation region, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, and pay grade, resulting in two model comparisons with four coping groups. If the structural weight showed differences across groups, each parameter was constrained and tested one at a time to see where the models are different.Results:  The results showed that the hypothesized model applies across all groups. The structural weights revealed that a moderation effect exists between a group whose tendency is to mostly use positive coping strategies and a group whose tendency is to mostly use negative coping strategies (Δχ2(39)= 65.116, p<.05). More specifically, the models were different (with and without Bonferroni Type I error correction) in the paths between “motive and alcohol use” and “alcohol use and alcohol‐related consequences (job performance).”Conclusions:  It seems plausible that coping style significantly factors into moderating alcohol use among young male military personnel who reportedly drink more excessively than civilians of the same age. The results indicate that it may be particularly important for the military to assess different stress coping styles ofyoung male military personnel so as to limit excessive drinking as well as to promote individual wellness and improve job performance.