Bdp1 interacts with SNAPc bound to a U6, but not U1, snRNA gene promoter element to establish a stable protein-DNA complex.

In metazoans, U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) gene promoters utilize a proximal sequence element (PSE) recognized by the small nuclear RNA-activating protein complex (SNAPc). SNAPc interacts with the transcription factor TFIIIB, which consists of the subunits TBP, Brf1 (Brf2 in vertebrates), and Bdp1. Here, we show that, in Drosophila melanogaster, DmSNAPc directly recruits Bdp1 to the U6 promoter, and we identify an 87-residue region of Bdp1 involved in this interaction. Importantly, Bdp1 recruitment requires that DmSNAPc be bound to a U6 PSE rather than a U1 PSE. This is consistent with the concept that DmSNAPc adopts different conformations on U6 and U1 PSEs, which lead to the subsequent recruitment of distinct general transcription factors and RNA polymerases for U6 and U1 gene transcription.

Examining the Environmental Effects of Athletic Training: Perceptions of Waste and the Use of Green Techniques.

CONTEXT: Environmental sustainability is a critical concern in health care. Similar to other professions, the practice of athletic training necessitates the use of a large quantity of natural and manufactured resources. OBJECTIVE: To examine the perceptions of the waste produced by the practice of athletic training and the green practices currently used by athletic trainers (ATs) to combat this waste. DESIGN: Mixed-methods study. SETTING: Field setting. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 442 ATs completed the study. Sixteen individuals participated in the qualitative portion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Data from sections 2 and 3 of the Athletic Training Environmental Impact Survey were analyzed. Focus groups and individual interviews were used to determine participants' views of waste and the efforts used to combat waste. Descriptive statistics were used to examine types of waste. Independent t tests, χ2 tests, and 1-way analyses of variance were calculated to identify any differences between the knowledge and use of green techniques. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively. RESULTS: Participants reported moderate knowledge of green techniques (3.18 ± 0.53 on a 5-point Likert scale). Fifty-eight percent (n = 260) of survey participants perceived that a substantial amount of waste was produced by the practice of athletic training. Ninety-two percent (n = 408) admitted they thought about the waste produced in their daily practice. The types of waste reported most frequently were plastics (n = 111, 29%), water (n = 88, 23%), and paper for administrative use (n = 81, 21%). Fifty-two percent (n = 234) agreed this waste directly affected the environment. The qualitative aspect of the study reinforced recognition of the large amount of waste produced by the practice of athletic training. Types of conservation practices used by ATs were also explored. CONCLUSIONS: Participants reported concern regarding the waste produced by athletic training. The amount of waste varies depending on practice size and setting. Future researchers should use direct measures to determine the amount of waste created by the practice of athletic training.

Athletic Trainers' Attitudes and Perceptions of Environmental Sustainability.

CONTEXT: Environmental sustainability efforts are becoming a critical concern in health care. However, little is known regarding how athletic trainers feel about the environment or what can be done to reduce the environmental impact of the practice of athletic training. OBJECTIVE: To examine athletic trainers' attitudes toward and perceptions of factors related to environmental sustainability. DESIGN: Sequential, mixed methods using a survey, focus groups, and personal interviews. SETTING: Field study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred forty-two individuals completed the survey. Sixteen participated in the qualitative portion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Quantitative results from the Athletic Training Environmental Impact Survey included data from a 5-point Likert scale (1 = lowest rating and 5 = highest rating). Descriptive statistics and 1-way analyses of variance were used to describe perceptions and determine differences in mean opinion, National Athletic Trainers' Association district, and use of green techniques. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively. RESULTS: The mean score for opinion of the environment was 3.30 ± 0.52. A difference was found between opinion and National Athletic Trainers' Association district ( F9, 429 = 2.43, P = .01). A Bonferroni post hoc analysis identified this difference ( P = .03) between members of District 2 (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania) and District 9 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee). An inductive analysis resulted in 3 emergent themes: (1) barriers to using green techniques, (2) motivators for using green techniques, and (3) solutions to overcoming the barriers. The information gleaned from participants in the qualitative portion of the study can be useful for clinicians wishing to implement basic conservation efforts in their practice settings and may guide future sustainability projects. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, participants reported a positive opinion of environmental sustainability topics related to athletic training. However, many barriers to practicing green techniques were identified.