bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Images of women
Authors: Townsend Cyndy , Tutchell Eva
Published: September 2004

Contends that an obsession with food, weight and dieting dominates
the lives of many girls and that assertiveness exercises and better
awareness of the pressures exerted by media images of women can
encourage pupils to have more realistic expectations of themselves.
Suggests ways in which teachers can help young girls, particularly those
who might appear to have an eating disorder. Considers the possible
causes of eating disorders and the images of womanhood as portrayed by
the media. Feels that the slimming and catering industries have enormous
financial incentives to perpetuate myths about how women should look.
Supports the view that, although pupils may need help to improve their
eating patterns and diet, they also need help to like themselves and
replace their feelings of guilt with appreciation of self‐worth. They
can be helped to find ways to reduce their levels of stress and ensure
their expectations are realistic. Concludes by recommending that the
first suggestion, for building self‐esteem, be followed by assertiveness
training activities, and that, after the second exercise on Images,
participants should become aware that building their own self‐confidence
is a vital first step in analysing and controlling their own eating
patterns.
Passports to safety
Authors: Collins Margaret
Published: September 2004

Describes a visit to a “Safety and Me” event organized
in Chichester with a view to helping children become aware of the
dangers in the world. Discusses the various displays and exhibits, and
explains the system of incentives given to the visiting children. Gives
an account of the demonstrations and activities taking place at each
display and the lessons to be learnt: not to touch strange objects; to
evaluate toys for safety; what to do in the event of a gas leak; to
check the credentials of strangers and what not to do near rail lines.
Describes other displays concerning electricity, water and fire as well
as the possible hazards of everyday objects. Considers the whole day
immensely interesting and stimulating and beneficial to adults and
children alike.
The Welsh approach
Authors: Bowker Sue
Published: September 2004

Describes how the Curriculum Council for Wales and Health Promotion
Wales have joined forces to support health education in the country.
Discusses the implementation of a number of projects involving
examination of the opportunities for health education in primary schools
and for slightly older age groups, as well as its co‐ordination within
individual schools and its cross curricular implementation. Evaluates
the effects of these initiatives on the school communities. Asserts that
health education is an important part of the wider curriculum and hopes
that the partnership will be seen by teachers as providing valuable
support to their work in this field.
Sharing good practice on a visit to Russia
Authors: Denman Susan , Reeves Jane , McCafferty Ian
Published: September 2004

Reports on a trip to St Petersburg and Russian attitudes to health
education as well as some of the health problems in Russia. Outlines
educational practices in Russia – looks at lack of support with
regard to the development of health education policies and the growing
desire to press for change. Concludes that, in addition to environmental
and economic difficulties, there is a substantial threat from the
Western problems of alcohol, illegal drugs and HIV; some of the more
pressing concerns related to disease prevention and nutritional health
have delayed the resources allocated to health education in the
curriculum.
A few of my favourite things
Authors: Thornton Joan
Published: September 2004

Describes how inviting pupils to bring objects they value to show
the class can build pupils′ self‐confidence. Suggests an exercise,
useful with any age, to be used ideally when a new group has just been
formed, which should increase self‐esteem and enhance general sympathy
and understanding. Outlines the implementation of the exercise, noting
the importance of ground rules, and comments on some typical outcomes.
Highlights the positive aspects of the exercise and its value in group
building.
Small is beautiful
Authors: Townsend Cyndy
Published: September 2004

Shares the lesson learnt by the author after losing control of a
group of 35 students whilst taking a session on smoking education at a
youth club. Describes how the session began and the chaos which resulted
as a consequence of the approach used. Proposes ways in which the
session could have been improved, leading to better understanding and
the maintenance of order.
A PROFILE OF THE AUSTRALIAN CORPORATE ELITE
Authors: Stening Bruce W. , Stening Kalaya
Published: September 2004

Those who manage the largest corporations in free market economies
are among the most powerful élite groups in those societies,
influential in almost all areas of economic, political and social life.
Yet, while considerable research has been conducted on the corporate
élite of various countries, relatively little work has been
done in Australia. The article seeks to go some way to filling that void
by providing a profile of the chief executive officers of large
Australian corporations. Based on a questionnaire survey of Australia′s
largest 199 corporations, 76 CEOs provided detailed information on their
personal and professional background. The article profiles them in terms
of their occupational and educational origins, career paths and the
like.
DESIRE FOR CAREER UPWARD MOBILITY AND WORKPLACE ADAPTATION
Authors: Mael Fred A.
Published: September 2004

Employee desires for promotions and upward mobility have been
threatened by recent changes in organisations and workplace
demographics, leading to a call for reassessment of career goals.
However, the Presthus (1978) typology of dispositionally based
orientations towards upward mobility proposes a relationship between
desire for career upward mobility (DCUM) and positive job/organisational
attitudes. Other theorists and researchers have reached the opposite
conclusion. The Presthus model was tested and received minimal support.
Also, contrary to Presthus, males were not higher in DCUM. Implications
for reframing of the research issues and the practice of career
development are discussed.
ACCOMPLISHING CAREER DEVELOPMENT TASKS: ARE THERE
GENDER‐RELATED DIFFERENCES?
Authors: Amos‐Wilson Pauline
Published: September 2004

Discusses issues associated with the achievement of career
development tasks by women. The career development tasks considered are
those derived from studies of adult developmental psychology, and are
therefore concerned with underlying processes, not specific activities
in organizations. Based on a study of the career development and
aspirations of 50 women, it considers whether the successful achievement
of such tasks is non‐gender specific, and whether models derived from
the study of the experience of men are relevant. Also considers the
relationship to motherhood of career commitment and ambitions as
important aspects of how women achieve career development. Concludes
that not only do biology and socialization play a part in women′s
approach to careers, but also that the quality of the vision or
“dream” about their future that women create for themselves
is important. Points out that much more research is required in this
field.
Maturity models
Authors: Duffy Jan
Published: September 2004

To maximize the potential for the change to produce positive results, business leaders must appreciate the transformational stages, key interdependencies and interrelationships, and the impact they could have independently or in combination on eventual outcomes. This requires a thorough understanding of all of the factors – human, technological, process, and organizational – that are involved in the change cycle. The author describes a series of maturity models that provide some logic and a framework to support this complex task of continuous adaptation. The models were based on the premise that a true partnership between IT and non‐IT executives is fundamental to success in the twenty‐first century organization. They recognize that information technology and business objectives are interdependent, and therefore, separation of “best‐known practice” into IT and non‐IT categories would generally be counterproductive.
Why Has Work Effort Become More Intense?
Authors: Green Francis
Published: September 2004

It is hypothesized that technological and organizational changes are an important source of work intensification, and supportive evidence is found using establishment data for Britain in the 1990s. Work intensification has also been stimulated by the use of high‐commitment human resources policies. A reduction in union power and a rise in the use of temporary agency workers and contractors were positively associated with work intensification; however, their impact during the 1990s was modest.
The Value of Employer‐Sponsored Child Care to Employees
Authors: Connelly Rachel , Degraff Deborah S. , Willis Rachel A.
Published: September 2004

This article uses the contingent valuation method for calculating the value of employer‐sponsored child care to employees. Like many environmental amenities, there may be a nonuse or existence value of working for a company that offers employer‐sponsored child care (ESCC), as well as a use value to parents who have children in the center. We test this hypothesis using data from three firms, two of which have on‐site child care. Our findings indicate that price is a determinant of willingness to pay for the continued existence or establishment of an on‐site center. We find evidence of the existence value, even for employees without young children, and a greater valuation among recent hires than among longer‐term employees.
Immigration, Race, and Labor: Unionization and Wages in the Canadian Labor Market
Authors: Reitz Jeffery G. , Verma Anil
Published: September 2004

In Canada, most racial minorities have lower rates of unionization than do members of the majority workforce. Data from the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (N= 32,634) show that racial minority immigrants assimilate into unionization over time. However, unionization reduces net minority wage disadvantages only slightly. Union race relations policies should place more emphasis on collective bargaining as well as on unionization.
Exchange or Covenant? The Nature of the Member‐Union Relationship
Authors: Snape Ed , Redman Tom
Published: September 2004

Drawing on a study of members of the U.K. National Union of Teachers, this article considers the extent to which economic exchange, social exchange, and covenantal considerations underpin union members’ willingness to continue membership and to participate actively in their union through union citizenship behaviors (UCB). Findings suggest that the more activist forms of UCB were motivated primarily by a perceived covenantal relationship with the union. In contrast, exchange, particularly social exchange, motivations played more of a role in motivating less demanding “rank and file” UCB and intent to quit the union. Union instrumentality appeared to be a necessary but insufficient condition for union viability, having an indirect effect on UCB and intent to quit the union and also moderating the effects of pro‐union attitudes. Implications for union strategy are considered.
Allee Effects and the Risk of Biological Invasion
Authors: Drake John M.
Published: September 2004

The Allee effect is a nonlinear phenomenon exhibited in the population dynamics of sparse populations in which the per capita population growth rate increases with increasing population density. In sufficiently sparse populations, the Allee effect may lead to extinction and is known to generate a threshold in the probability of establishment when presented as a function of introduced population size or density. As introduced populations are generally small, Allee effects are probably common in biological invasions and their consideration is necessary for accurately assessing the risk of invasion by many species, including all sexually reproducing species. Bythotrephes longimanus, an invasive, freshwater, cladoceran zooplankter from Europe, is one such species. Here, I review a previously published model of the Allee effect for continuously sexually reproducing species. Then, I develop a new model for seasonally parthenogenetic species such as Bythotrephes, and thereby demonstrate the potential consequences of Allee effects. This result underscores the importance of considering nonlinear phenomena, including thresholds, when conducting risk analysis for biological introductions.
Projecting Rates of Spread for Invasive Species
Authors: Neubert Michael G. , Parker Ingrid M.
Published: September 2004

All else being equal, the faster an invading species spreads, the more dangerous its invasion. The projection of spread rate therefore ought to be a central part of the determination of invasion risk. Originally formulated in the 1970s to describe the spatial spread of advantageous alleles, integrodifference equation (IDE) models have since been co‐opted by population biologists to describe the spread of populations. More recently, they have been modified to include population structure and environmental variability. We review how IDE models are formulated, how they are parameterized, and how they can be analyzed to project spread rates and the sensitivity of those rates to changes in model parameters. For illustrative purposes, we apply these models toCytisus scoparius, a large shrub in the legume family that is considered a noxious invasive species in eastern and western North America, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand.
Ecological Risk Assessment Conceptual Model Formulation for Nonindigenous Species
Authors: Landis Wayne G.
Published: September 2004

This article addresses the application of ecological risk assessment at the regional scale to the prediction of impacts due to invasive or nonindigenous species (NIS). The first section describes risk assessment, the decision‐making process, and introduces regional risk assessment. A general conceptual model for the risk assessment of NIS is then presented based upon the regional risk assessment approach. Two diverse examples of the application of this approach are presented. The first example is based upon the dynamics of introduced plasmids into bacteria populations. The second example is the application risk assessment approach to the invasion of a coastal marine site of Cherry Point, Washington, USA by the European green crab. The lessons learned from the two examples demonstrate that assessment of the risks of invasion of NIS will have to incorporate not only the characteristics of the invasive species, but also the other stresses and impacts affecting the region of interest.
CAPPS II: The Foundation of Aviation Security?
Authors: Barnett Arnold
Published: September 2004

A new computer system is being developed to classify U.S. air travelers by the degree of terrorist threat they might pose. Reports indicate that the system—called CAPPS II—would use large amounts of information about each passenger, perhaps including such personal details as his or her magazine‐subscription behavior. We argue that what is publicly known about CAPPS II raises questions about how substantially the system would improve aviation security. We discuss conditions under which CAPPS II could yield safety benefits, but suggest that it might be more prudent to view the system as one component of future security arrangements rather than the centerpiece of these arrangements.
Expressing Economic Risk—Review and Presentation of a Unifying Approach
Authors: Aven Terje , Nilsen Espen Fyhn , Nilsen Thomas
Published: September 2004

Risk related to economic values is treated by many disciplines, including safety and production engineering, business, and project management. Within each of these and across these disciplines different nomenclature and principles are adopted for describing and communicating risk. The situation is rather confusing. In this article, we review various approaches and concepts that are used to express risk. We present and discuss a unifying approach for dealing with economic risk, with uncertainty being the key risk concept. The approach represents a rethinking on how to implement the Bayesian paradigm in practice to support decision making.
Quantification of Variability and Uncertainty for Censored Data Sets and Application to Air Toxic Emission Factors
Authors: Zhao Yuchao , Frey H. Christopher
Published: September 2004

Many environmental data sets, such as for air toxic emission factors, contain several values reported only as below detection limit. Such data sets are referred to as “censored.” Typical approaches to dealing with the censored data sets include replacing censored values with arbitrary values of zero, one‐half of the detection limit, or the detection limit. Here, an approach to quantification of the variability and uncertainty of censored data sets is demonstrated. Empirical bootstrap simulation is used to simulate censored bootstrap samples from the original data. Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is used to fit parametric probability distributions to each bootstrap sample, thereby specifying alternative estimates of the unknown population distribution of the censored data sets. Sampling distributions for uncertainty in statistics such as the mean, median, and percentile are calculated. The robustness of the method was tested by application to different degrees of censoring, sample sizes, coefficients of variation, and numbers of detection limits. Lognormal, gamma, and Weibull distributions were evaluated. The reliability of using this method to estimate the mean is evaluated by averaging the best estimated means of 20 cases for small sample size of 20. The confidence intervals for distribution percentiles estimated with bootstrap/MLE method compared favorably to results obtained with the nonparametric Kaplan–Meier method. The bootstrap/MLE method is illustrated via an application to an empirical air toxic emission factor data set.
Simple Bounds on Cumulative Intensity Functions of Renewal and G‐Renewal Processes with Increasing Failure Rate Underlying Distributions
Authors: Kaminskiy Mark P.
Published: September 2004

The article considers point processes most commonly used in reliability and risk analysis. Short‐term and long‐term behavior for the point processes used as models for repairable systems1 are introduced. As opposed to the long term, the term short term implies that a process is observed during an interval limited by a time close to the mean (or the median) of the respective underlying distribution. A new simple upper bound is proposed on the cumulative intensity function of the renewal process and G‐renewal process with an increasing failure rate underlying distribution. The new bound is compared with some known bounds for the renewal process. Finally, a formal definition of “a boundary point” between the short‐term repairable system behavior and long‐term behavior is introduced. This point can also be used as a lower time limit beyond which the “long‐term” Barlow and Proschan bound for the renewal process with NBUE underlying distribution could be effectively applied.
The Scope of Private Practice Nursingin an Australian Sample
Authors: Wilson Anne , Averis Andrea , Walsh Ken
Published: September 2004

Abstract  The changing Australian health care system is creating new opportunities for nurses who work directly with clients in private practice settings. This study examines the scope of practice of a cohort of nurses in private practice. In a questionnaire sent to 106 self‐employed nurse entrepreneurs, questions were asked pertaining to the participants' scope of practice, their clients, the types of services offered, and their fee structures. Questions about scope of practice were divided into domains of clinical practice, business consultancy, education, and research. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected for a final sample 54 eligible responses. Participants had been in private practice for an average of 7.6 years (range: 1–20) and reported a mean of 21 years of nursing experience (range: 4–42) before entering private practice. Over half held diplomas in speciality areas. Most participants reported clinical practice, consultancy, or education as the primary work domain; research was much less important as a work activity. Nurses reported difficulties with building client base and receiving adequate fees for service, particularly in clinical practice. Increasing awareness within the nursing profession and health sector about various aspects of private practice nursing could improve service quality for their clients.
Does Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing Practice Have a Future?
Authors: Robertson Julie Fisher
Published: September 2004

Abstract  Societal trends and predicted needs of the health care system indicate that there will be increasing demands for health care professionals who can effectively manage the health needs of populations and communities. Nurses who have master's degrees in community/public health nursing have the educational background to provide this expertise. Although the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators and many nursing leaders maintain that these nurses are advanced practice nurses, most leading nursing organizations and state nurse practice acts do not include population and community health management skills in their definitions of advanced practice nursing. These exclusions have produced a serious status problem for master's programs in community/public health nursing. This article examines issues affecting the current and future status of master's‐level community/public health nursing. Solutions are suggested for ensuring the viability of this specialty area.
A Pap Test Screening Clinic in a South Asian Community of Vancouver, British Columbia: Challenges to Maintaining Utilization
Authors: Grewal Sukhdev , Bottorff Joan L. , Balneaves Lynda G.
Published: September 2004

Abstract  The purpose of this article is to describe experiences and challenges in establishing a South Asian Pap Test Clinic. The specialized Pap test clinic for immigrant South Asian women was a community‐initiated response to high rates of cervical cancer within this population. Efforts were made to ensure that the clinic provided health services in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner. Although women were generally positive about their experiences at the South Asian Pap Test Clinic and often encouraged other women to attend the clinic for Pap testing, attendance patterns have not been maintained. The three most significant challenges to the clinic's ongoing success were: (1) maintaining the continued involvement of stakeholders in developing long‐term strategies to enhance community awareness about cervical cancer; (2) creating mechanisms to strengthen support from physicians in the community; and (3) meeting the needs of the underserved within a specialized health service for South Asian immigrant women. These challenges provide important lessons for others to increase the participation of immigrant women in screening practices. Nurses can play a key role in mobilizing and maintaining collaborations that are essential to the continuing success of community‐based programs.
Eating Patterns and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a Detroit Mexican American Population
Authors: Artinian Nancy T. , Schim Stephanie Myers , Vander Wal Jillon S. , Nies Mary A.
Published: September 2004

Abstract  The purpose of this study was to examine dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk factors in Hispanic adults living in Southwest Detroit. A descriptive design was used. Self‐report baseline data were collected using The Rate Your Plate and Personal Health Risk Assessment questionnaires. A nonrandom sample of 32 Mexican American adults was recruited from a large Roman Catholic Church in Southwest Detroit. Participants were selected if they were enrolled in the larger parent research study to test the effects of a lay health educator intervention and planned to participate in the nutrition education portion of the intervention. Unhealthy eating patterns outnumbered heart healthy eating practices. The majority used higher fat salad dressings; ate fried foods, sweets, and high fat snacks; consumed greater than the desired amounts of regular cheese; drank whole milk; and ate few fruits and vegetables. Lack of physical activity, being overweight, and exposure to second‐hand smoke were the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. The data suggest that effective community‐based heart disease prevention programs that emphasize risk factor screening and cardiovascular risk reduction through heart healthy eating are needed.
Population‐Based Public Health Interventions:  Practice‐Based and Evidence‐Supported.  Part I
Authors: Keller Linda Olson , Strohschein Susan , Lia‐Hoagberg Betty , Schaffer Marjorie A.
Published: September 2004

Abstract  The Intervention Wheel is a population‐based practice model that encompasses three levels of practice (community, systems, and individual/family) and 17 public health interventions. Each intervention and practice level contributes to improving population health. The Intervention Wheel, previously known as the Public Health Intervention Model, was originally introduced in 1998 by the Minnesota Department of Health, Section of Public Health Nursing. The model has been widely disseminated and used throughout the United States since that time. The evidence supporting the Intervention Wheel was recently subjected to a rigorous critique by regional and national experts. This critical process, which involved hundreds of public health nurses, resulted in a more robust Intervention Wheel and established the validity of the model. The critique also produced basic steps and best practices for each of the 17 interventions. Part I describes the Intervention Wheel, defines population‐based practice, and details the recommended modifications and validation process. Part II provides examples of the innovative ways that the Intervention Wheel is being used in public health/public health nursing practice, education, and administration. The two articles provide a foundation and vision for population‐based public health nursing practice and direction for improving population health.
Fusarium incarnatum isolated from black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon Fabricius, with black gill disease cultured in Vietnam
Authors: Khoa L V , Hatai K , Aoki T
Published: September 2004

Fusarium incarnatum was isolated from gill lesions of cultured black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon, in every crop during 2000–2002 in Nghe An province, Vietnam. Infected shrimps showed typical signs of black gill disease and mortalities about a month prior to harvest. Detailed morphological examinations, as well as molecular phylogenic analyses based on partial nucleotide sequences of ribosomal DNA, were made on the isolates. An artificial infection of kuruma prawn, Penaeus japonicus, using two selected isolates was also conducted and their pathogenicity determined.
Effects of a sweet and a nonsweet lunch on short‐term appetite: differences in female high and low consumers of sweet/low‐energy beverages
Authors: Appleton K. M. , Rogers P. J. , Blundell J. E.
Published: September 2004

Introduction  Effects of sweet taste on short‐term appetite are still being actively researched. This study investigates the proposal that the effects of sweet tastes on appetite may differ as a result of differing habitual experiences of sweetness with or without energy.

Methods  Effects of sweet tastes on appetite were investigated in habitual high and low consumers of sweet/low‐energy beverages. Sweet taste was manipulated in a preload lunch and appetite was subsequently measured using test meal intake and subjective ratings of general and specific appetites.

Results  The effects of the sweet and nonsweet lunch on short‐term appetite differed significantly in high and low consumers of sweet/low‐energy beverages, in subjective ratings of appetite for something sweet [consumer × preload × time interaction F(12,126) = 2.68, P = 0.003] and appetite for something savoury [consumer × preload × time interaction F(12,126) = 3.17, P = 0.001]. Effects in low consumers of sweetness without energy demonstrate close association between taste and energy, whereas effects in high consumers suggest a dissociation between taste and energy in these consumers.

Discussion  These findings provide a further indication that the short‐term control of appetite varies according to the habitual pattern of dietary intake. The long‐term experience of sweetness without energy influences appetite for sweet and savoury tastes.
Inter‐brand differences in iron content of breakfast cereals and their impact on measurement of iron intake
Authors: O'Hara B. A. , Greenwood D. C. , Burley V. J. , Cade J. E.
Published: September 2004

Background/aims  Fortified breakfast cereals (FBCs) are an important source of iron in the UK diet. In order to quantify their contribution to iron nutrition, food composition data for these products must be accurate. The very large amount of products available, together with inter‐brand differences in iron content mean that discrepancies between the iron content of many FBCs and values in standard food composition databases (FCD) exist. The variation in reported iron contents of FBCs was examined and the impact of this variation on measurement of iron intake using standard food composition tables was investigated.

Method  Data on the reported iron content of 128 FBCs were collected. Completed food diaries from 291 participants of the UK Women's Cohort study were used in the analysis. Mean iron intake from a 4‐day food diary was calculated using UK food tables’ values for FBCs. This was repeated using values reported by the manufacturer for each brand of cereal. The two sets of results were then compared.

Results  There is wide variation in iron content of breakfast cereals available in the United Kingdom. Use of FCD values instead of brand‐specific values under‐ or overestimates an individual's iron intake by as much as 28 or 22% respectively. These results suggest that use of FCD values for breakfast cereals is potentially a source of substantial error in measurement of individuals’ iron intake.

Conclusion  Dietitians need to be aware of inter‐brand differences in iron content and formulate advice accordingly. Failure to collect brand‐specific data for the iron content of FBCs could lead to measurement error in measuring iron intake in dietary studies.
Genetic variation at the perilipin (PLIN) locus is associated with obesity‐related phenotypes in White women
Authors: Qi L , Corella D , Sorlí JV , Portolés O , Shen H , Coltell O , Godoy D , Greenberg AS , Ordovas JM
Published: September 2004

Perilipin coats intracellular lipid droplets and modulates adipocyte lipolysis. We have evaluated the association between several polymorphisms at the perilipin (PLIN) locus (PLIN1 : 6209T > C, PLIN4 : 11482G > A, PLIN5 : 13041A > G, and PLIN6 : 14995A > T) with obesity‐related phenotypes in 1589 White subjects randomly selected from a general Spanish population. In women (n = 801), the less common alleles of PLIN1 and PLIN4, in strong linkage disequilibrium (D′ : 0.96), were significantly associated with lower body mass index. Carriers of the allele 2 (6209C) at the PLIN1 locus weighed significantly less (−2.2 kg; p = 0.007) than women homozygotes for the wild‐type genotype. The same was true for 11482A carriers at PLIN4 (p = 0.01). Moreover, the PLIN4 variant was associated with significantly lower waist‐to‐hip ratio, plasma glucose, and triacylglycerol concentrations. No significant associations with these obesity‐related phenotypes were found in men. In agreement with these results, statistically significant gene–gender interactions were obtained when the risk of obesity was estimated (281 subjects were obese and 1308 non‐obese). Only in women, PLIN1 and PLIN4 variant alleles (6209C and 11482A) were associated with a lower obesity risk [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38–0.93 and OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.36–0.89, respectively]. In summary, our data suggest that common alleles at the PLIN locus modulate body weight and metabolic variables in humans.
The dynamics of X‐inactivation skewing as women age
Authors: Hatakeyama C , Anderson CL , Beever CL , Peñaherrera MS , Brown CJ , Robinson WP
Published: September 2004

Non‐random X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) has been associated with X‐linked diseases, neoplastic diseases, recurrent pregnancy loss, and trisomy risk. It also occurs more commonly in older female populations. To understand the etiology of non‐random XCI and utilize this assay appropriately in clinical research and practice, the age‐related alteration in XCI patterns in normal females needs to be clearly defined. In the present study, we evaluated the XCI status in 350 unselected women aged 0–88 years with unknown history of genetic disorders or abnormal pregnancies. DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood and analyzed by a methylation‐based assay at the androgen receptor locus. A weak but significant positive correlation was observed between age and degree of skewing in XCI over the whole age range (r = 0.23, p < 0.0001), and skewing values become non‐normally distributed at older ages. However, the increase in skewed XCI appears to be more pronounced after age 30 than at younger ages. This trend supports the model of increased skewing with age as a consequence of hematopoietic stem cell senescence. An alternative possibility is that there is allele‐specific loss of methylation with time that results in the appearance of increased XCI skewing using a methylation‐based assay.
Refined mapping of the autosomal recessive non‐syndromic deafness locus DFNB13 using eight novel microsatellite markers
Authors: Masmoudi S , Charfedine I , Rebeh IB , Rebai A , Tlili A , Ghorbel AM , Belguith H , Petit C , Drira M , Ayadi H
Published: September 2004

The locus for a type of an autosomal recessive non‐syndromic deafness (ARND), DFNB13, was previously mapped to a 17‐cm interval of chromosome 7q34–36. We identified two consanguineous Tunisian families with severe to profound ARND. Linkage analyses with microsatellites surrounding the previously identified loci detected linkage with markers corresponding to the DFNB13 locus in both families. Haplotype analyses assigned this locus to a 3.2‐Mb region between markers D7S2468 and D7S2473. In order to refine this interval, we identified nine dinucleotide repeats in the 7q34 region. To investigate the polymorphism of these repeats, a population study of 74 unrelated individuals from different regions of Tunisia was carried out. Our results demonstrated that eight of the nine repeats are polymorphic. The average number of alleles at these informative loci was 9.12 with a polymorphism information content of 0.71. Little evidence for linkage disequilibrium between some marker pairs was found. Haplotype analysis using these microsatellites refined the DFNB13 interval to an area of 2.2 Mb between the D7S5377 and D7S2473. In order to identify the DFNB13 gene, we sequenced and eliminated three candidate genes. Other known and predicted genes are being screened for deafness‐causing mutations.
Will the new cytogenetics replace the old cytogenetics?
Authors: Salman M , Jhanwar SC , Ostrer H
Published: September 2004

With the advent of array‐based comparative genomic hybridization technology, the analog cytogenetic analysis that has been used for the past 100 years could be replaced by the quantitative, microarray‐based molecular analysis. Major advantages of the new array‐based cytogenetic technologies are the high resolution and the high throughput. This technology is the first to offer an autonomous whole‐chromosome analysis in one hybridization reaction for the detection of submicroscopic gains/losses. However, as with any new technology, it needs to be validated with regard to its performance in various applications (e.g. clinical genetic testing and cancer applications), comparative cost, and the data interpretation.
Pediatric cardiothoracic domino transplantation: The psychological costs and benefits
Authors: Wray Jo , Whitmore Pauline , Radley‐Smith Rosemary
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  The first domino transplants were carried out in the UK in 1987, since which time 52 such procedures have been carried out involving patients within the paediatric cardiothoracic transplant programmes of Harefield and Great Ormond Street Hospitals. Although there are medical advantages in using domino organs – such as the ability for preoperative cross‐matching, the heart not being subjected to the biochemical changes of brain death and less post‐transplant coronary artery disease in the recipients of domino hearts compared with the recipients of hearts from cadaveric donors – the psychological sequelae for both donor and recipient have not been previously studied. The objective of this study was to identify the main psychological themes for patients involved in the domino programmes at the two hospitals, focusing on those situations where both patients were cared for in the same tertiary centre. Patients and their families were interviewed during routine outpatient clinic visits. Negative themes identified by patients included anxiety, guilt, resentment and anger if either patient had a poor outcome or suffered significant complications, disappointment and low self‐esteem for potential donors whose heart was not used and recipient awareness of donor characteristics. Positive themes included gratefulness, comfort for the recipient that someone had not had to die for them directly and the benefit to the donor of giving their heart to another patient. In conclusion, domino transplantation has many medical advantages but there are significant negative psychological concomitants which need to be addressed within the multi‐disciplinary management of these patients.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a child after renal transplantation
Authors: Kalman Süleyman , Emin Kürekçi A. , Gök Faysal , Özcan Okan , Gökçay Erdal
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  Although Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are common among school children and young adults, they have been rarely reported in renal transplant recipients. Herein, we report an 8‐yr‐old boy who had M. pneumoniae infection 1 yr after transplantation and showed liver dysfunction during the course of the disease. In children who underwent renal transplantation and receive immunosuppressive treatment, we suggest that symptoms of a simple upper respiratory tract infection may precede M. pneumoniae disease with potentially serious extrapulmonary complications.
What is the calcineurin inhibitor of choice for pediatric renal transplantation?
Authors: Kari Jameela A. , Trompeter Richard S.
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  Cyclosporine microemulsion (CyA) and tacrolimus (Tac) are the principal immunosuppressants prescribed for adult and pediatric renal transplantation. In the majority of patients, these calcineurin inhibitors have been used in combination with other immunosuppressive drugs, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). In this review we will address the question of what calcineurin inhibitor we should use in an individual pediatric renal transplant patient. Well‐designed randomized studies in children showed no difference in short‐term patient and graft survival with cyclosporine microemulsion and tacrolimus. However Tac is significantly more effective than CyA microemulsion in preventing acute rejection after renal transplantation in a pediatric population when used in conjunction with azathioprine and corticosteroids. This difference disappears when calcineurin inhibitors are used in combination with MMF as both Tac and CyA produce similar rejection rates and graft survival. However, Tac is associated with improved graft function at 1 and 2 yr post‐transplant. Adverse events of hypomagnesaemia and diarrhea seem to be higher in Tac group whereas hypertrichosis, flu syndrome and gum hyperplasia occurs more frequently in the CyA group. The incidence of post‐transplant diabetes mellitus was almost identical between Tac and CyA treated patients. The recommendation drawn from the available data is that both CyA and Tac can be used safely and effectively in children. However Tac may be preferable to CyA because of steroid sparing effect and less hirsutism. We recommend that cyclosporine should be chosen when patients experience Tac‐related adverse events. Nevertheless, the best calcineurin inhibitor should be decided on individual patients according to variable risk factors, such as risk of rejection in sensitized patient or delayed graft function. The possibility of adverse events should also be considered.
Polyomavirus infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients: Evaluation using a quantitative real‐time PCR technique
Authors: Herman Jean , Van Ranst Marc , Snoeck Robert , Beuselinck Kurt , Lerut Evelyne , Van Damme‐Lombaerts Rita
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  Polyomavirus infection and related nephropathy is being increasingly recognized as an important cause of allograft dysfunction in adult renal transplant recipients. We prospectively monitored pediatric renal transplant recipients for the presence of BK and JC polyomavirus in urine and blood using a quantitative PCR assay to evaluate the prevalence and clinical relevance of polyomavirus infection in the pediatric renal transplant population. Of 46 pediatric renal recipients who were evaluated, nine (20%) demonstrated isolated BKV viruria, while five (11%) had concomitant BKV viremia and viruria. JCV viruria was found in eight (17%) patients. BKV viremia was associated with a significantly higher urinary BKV viral load: median urinary viral load 1.9 × 109 copies/mL (range 6.7 × 102–1.8 × 1011) for the group with concomitant viremia and viruria vs. 1.8 × 103 copies/mL (range 2.5 × 102–4.5 × 106) for the group with isolated viruria (p < 0.0001). In children that were followed prospectively since their transplantation, the BKV urinary viral load increased markedly before viremia became detectable a few weeks later. None of the patients with JCV viruria or isolated BKV viruria had renal dysfunction. Among the five patients with BKV in both urine and blood, two developed biopsy‐proven BKV nephropathy associated with deterioration of the renal function. Management of the BKV nephropathy consisted of reduction of immunosuppression alone or in combination with antiviral treatment with cidofovir. This study shows that polyomavirus infection and related interstitial nephritis is a relevant clinical issue in the pediatric renal transplant population. Monitoring the polyomaviral load in the urine and the blood of the patients using a quantitative PCR technique is a useful tool in the diagnosis and subsequent management of this infection. Even before viremia is present, an important rise in the urinary viral load should draw the attention of the transplant clinician and raise the issue of adapting the immunosuppression.
Is ABPM clinically useful after pediatric solid organ transplantation?
Authors: Soergel Marianne
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  When ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is performed in populations with a high risk for secondary hypertension, such as solid organ transplant recipients, hypertension or abnormalities in circadian blood pressure variability are often discovered even in patients with normal office blood pressure (BP). To discuss whether ABPM should be routinely assessed in pediatric solid organ recipients, the available information on pathological findings, association of ABPM abnormalities with outcome parameters, and treatment options is reviewed. ABPM is a useful tool to optimize therapy in the large proportion of transplant recipients with confirmed hypertension. Whether the use of ABPM on a routine basis should be recommended for pediatric transplantation patients without office hypertension remains to be determined.
Organization of the Human N‐Acetylglucosaminyltransferase V Gene
Authors: Saito Hiroyuki , Gu Jianguo , Nishikawa Atsushi , Ihara Yoshito , Fujii Junichi , Kohgo Yutaka , Taniguchi Naoyuki
Published: September 2004

UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine: α‐6‐d‐mannoside β‐1,6‐N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GlcNAc transferase V), which catalyzes the transfer of N‐acetylglucosamine from UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine to α‐6‐d‐mannoside, is an important enzyme regulating the branch formation in complex‐type, N‐linked oligosaccharides. It has been reported that the enzymic activity of GlcNAc transferase V increases after viral transformation and the enzymic product is closely related to the metastasis of tumors. We previously reported the purification, cDNA cloning and chromosomal mapping of human GlcNAc transferase V. In this study, we describe the isolation of genomic clones encoding human GlcNAc transferase V and the structure of the gene. The human GlcNAc transferase V gene is divided into 17 exons, and the open reading frame is encoded by exons 2–17, spanning 155 kb. Analysis of the 5′‐untranslated regions of mRNAs from various cells showed multiple sequences depending on the cell types. The promoter region of the GlcNAc transferase V gene was characterized by searching for any consensus sequences matching those for transcription‐factor binding. The consensus sequences for a TATA box, AP‐1, AP‐2, and some other transcription factors were found in the 5′‐upstream region of exon 1, and consensus sequences for LF‐A1, HNF1‐HP1, liver‐restricted transcription factors and other factors were also found in intron 1. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase fusion plasmids with either the 5′‐upstream region of exon 1 or intron 1 were constructed and transfected into COS‐1 cells. Promoter activities of both DNA fragments were detected, indicating that transcription starts within this region. These data suggest that the human GlcNAc transferase V gene employs a multiple promoter system for its transcription, and gene expression may therefore be regulated in tissue‐specific and cell‐type‐specific manners.
Binding of Human Prothymosin α to the Leucine‐Motif/activation Domains of HTLV‐I Rex and HIV‐1 Rev
Authors: Kubota Satoshi , Adachi Yoshifumi , Copeland Terry D. , Oroszlan Stephen
Published: September 2004

Rex of human T‐cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I) and Rev of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) are post‐transcriptional regulators of viral gene expression. By means of affinity chromatography, we purified an 18‐kDa cellular protein that bound to the conserved leucine‐motif/activation domain of HTLV‐I Rex or HIV‐1 Rev. The protein that was purified through a Rev‐affinity column was found to bind to Rex immunoprecipitated with anti‐Rex IgG from an HTLV‐I‐producing cell line. We analyzed the purified ≈ 18‐kDa protein biochemically and identified it as prothymosin α. The binding activity of prothymosin α to Rev or Rex was completely abolished when the ɛ‐amino groups of its lysine residues were chemically modified by N‐succinimidyl‐3‐(4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐diodo‐phenyl)propionate. The functional relationship between the nuclear protein prothymosin α and Rex‐Rev is discussed.