bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Possible Synergistic Expression of p53 and p185 as a Prognostic Tool for Stage I Non‐small‐cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cantero Ramón , Torres Antonio J. , Maestro Marisa , Fernández Cristina , Hernando Florentino , del Barco Victoria , Sanz Teresa , Balibrea Jose L.
Published: August 2002

The possible interaction between the quantified overexpression of the oncoproteins p53 and p185 was evaluated. These proteins have already been independently defined as prognostic factors in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). p53 and p185 levels were determined in stage I patients (n= 40) from a sample of 102 NSCLC sufferers who underwent surgery for precocious disease during the period October 1991 to June 1994. The resected tumors were histologically classified and included 15 adenocarcinomas (37.5%), 1 large‐cell carcinoma (2.5%), and 24 epidermoid (60%) carcinomas. The p53 concentration of tumor specimens was determined by luminescence immunoanalysis and was defined as positive if it was above the minimum value detectable by the method (0.01 ng/mg). The p185 protein was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunoassay, and the 80th percentile of the frequency distribution was used as the reference cutoff value (348.8 U/mg). Survival and disease‐free‐survival (DFS) rates were estimated at 24 months after intervention. There were no significant differences in survival or DFS of patients with adenocarcinoma‐type tumors for subjects with independent p185 values < 348.8 U/mg and those showing values ≥ 348.8 U/mg. Neither were there differences observed between patients with positive and negative p53 values. In patients with epidermoid‐type tumors the cumulative survival was significantly higher in p53‐negative than in p53‐positive patients (p= 0.03) and was also higher in patients with p185 levels < 348.8 U/mg than in those with values ≥ 348.8 U/mg (p= 0.00001). These patients showed no significant differences with respect to recurrence rate. The possible synergistic behavior of p53 and p185 levels as a prognostic factor was evaluated in patients with epidermoid‐type tumors. p53‐negative and p53‐positive patients were grouped according to a p185 level of less than or more than 348.8 U/mg. Significant differences were seen in both survival rates and DFS between groups. Individual analysis of relative risks showed an increased risk of death and greater recurrence rate in patients with p185 levels ≥ 348.8 U/mg and a greater recurrence rate in patients with p53‐positive values. Multivariate analysis established that the multiplicative, synergistic, prognostic effect of p53 and p185 was not significant. The existence of a significant, synergistic, prognostic effect of the p185 and p53 proteins in NSCLC could not be proven. However, a greater prognostic potential of the quantified overexpression of p185 with respect to that of p53 was established. An additive effect in the prognostic potential of both proteins was also observed (stratified analysis).
Pelvic Ultrasound in Women
Authors: Sivyer Paula
Published: August 2002

High‐resolution pelvic ultrasound (US) has much to offer the surgical assessment of female patients. Endovaginal and transperineal scanning as well as graded compression technique now supplement conventional transabdominal US. The application of duplex and color Doppler technology further enhances the information obtained, all contributing to improved diagnostic accuracy. The clinical indications for sonography as well as the salient features of common gynecologic, obstetric, and gastrointestinal disorders are discussed, as is the role of US guided intervention.
Surgery: Independent Prognostic Factor in Curable and Far Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Doglietto Giovanni Battista , Pacelli Fabio , Caprino Paola , Sgadari Antonio , Crucitti Francesco
Published: August 2002

The hospital records of 639 patients affected by primary gastric cancer who were consecutively admitted to our unit during the period 1981–1995 were reviewed. Overall 220 underwent total gastrectomy (38 palliative), 12 had resection of the gastric stump, 195 had distal subtotal gastrectomy (55 palliative), 78 had bypass procedures, 72 had explorative laparotomy, and 62 had no operation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate 5‐year survival with respect to the main clinical, pathologic, and treatment variables after both curative and palliative treatments. Overall the 5‐year survival after curative treatment (320 patients—operative mortality excluded) was 55.5%: 91.1% for stage IA, 71.5% IB, 62.4% II, 37.5% IIIA, 31.5% IIIB. Among patients who underwent palliative treatment 5‐year survival was 13.1% after gastric resection (total or distal subtotal), 4.9% after the bypass procedures, 0 after explorative laparotomy, and 0 after no operation. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses showed that variables independently associated with poor survival were advanced stage, upper location and D1 lymphadenectomy after curative treatment, tumor spread to distant sites, and nonresectional surgery after palliative treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that even though survival with gastric cancer depends on predetermined factors, the type of surgery can have a significant effect on prognosis after both curative and palliative treatment.
Carcinoma of the Gastric Cardia: Surgical Practices and Short‐term Operative Results in a Defined Swedish Population
Authors: Hansson Lars‐Erik , Ekström Anna‐Mia , Bergström Reinhold , Nyrén Olof
Published: August 2002

Adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia has one of the most rapidly increasing incidence rates of all tumors in Western countries. The aim of this population‐based investigation was to study surgical practices and postoperative morbidity and mortality during routine hospital care. The study comprised 176 patients given a new diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia from February 1, 1989 to the January 31, 1995 in five Swedish counties. The tumor was resectable in 100 (57%) patients (in 36% of the women and 64% of the men), but only 46% of all patients could be offered a potentially curative operation. A total gastrectomy was performed in 54 patients and a proximal gastric resection in 44. Postoperative complications occurred in 39%: in 20% of the patients under age 60 years and in 47% of those aged 60 and over (p= 0.006). Seventeen operated patients (13%) died before discharge. The hospital mortality increased from 3% among those < 60 years of age to 18% among those > 69 years (p= 0.041). Surgical treatment of carcinoma of the gastric cardia carries substantial morbidity and mortality. No important progress seems to have taken place since the 1960s.
Resection of Local Recurrence of Rectal Cancer: Results
Authors: Law Wai‐Lun , Chu Kin‐Wah
Published: August 2002

Locally recurrent rectal cancer is a difficult clinical problem, and surgical resection can be done only in selected patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate the results of resecting the local recurrence of rectal cancer and to analyze factors that might predict curative re‐resection and those that affect survival. Forty‐seven patients who underwent resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer formed the basis of the study. Twenty‐four were curative in nature, and the others were palliative. There was no operative mortality, and the complication rate was 38%. The median survival of the whole group was 16.5 months. The ability to perform curative resection was found to be the only independent factor associated with improved survival. Female gender is a significant factor associated with curative resection of local recurrence. In patients with curative reresection, local control is up to 87%. It was concluded that resection of local recurrent rectal cancer can achieve good local control and can improve survival in selected patients. The ability to perform curative resection is associated with survival benefit, and female gender is associated with the increased possibility of carrying out curative resection.
Protein Expression of bax, bcl‐2, and p53 in Patients with Non‐Hodgkin's Gastric Lymphoma: Prognostic Significance
Authors: Charalambous George K. , Gomatos Ilias P. , Konstadoulakis Manoussos M. , Messaris Evangelos G. , Manouras Andreas J. , Apostolou Anastasia E. , Leandros Emmanuel A. , Karayannis Maria K. , Androulakis George A.
Published: August 2002

The biologic significance of bcl‐2, bax, and p53 gene expression in patients with non‐Hodgkin's gastric lymphoma is unknown. We examined the prognostic value of these genes in 36 patients with gastric lymphoma treated in our clinic between 1990 and 1995. Paraffin‐embedded specimens from 36 patients who underwent primary resection of the stomach for gastric lymphoma were analyzed immunohistochemically for p53, bax, and bcl‐2 gene expression. Expression of bax was seen in 24 of 36 patients (66.7%), p53 expression was found in 8 of 36 tumors (22.2%), and bcl‐2 cytoplasmic staining was detected in 6 of 36 patients (16.7%). We performed a univariate analysis to examine the possible correlation between the expression of these genes and the survival of our patients. Expression of bax protein proved to be a statistically significant prognostic factor (p= 0.049). Protein expression of p53 and bcl‐2 did not statistically correlate with survival. In the bcl‐2‐negative (−) patient group (30 patients), those who were bax‐positive had a statistically significant better survival than those who were bax‐negative (63.3% vs. 36.7%, p= 0.03). There was also a statistically significant correlation between p53 expression and the grade of the tumor (p= 0.0014). P53 protein expression increased along with the grade. Expression of bax is a significant prognostic factor in patients with gastric lymphoma. Its prognostic value increases significantly when studied in bcl‐2‐negative patients; but expression of bax failed to be an independent prognostic factor. Expression of bcl‐2 and p53 has no prognostic significance. Expression of p53 seems to represent a marker for loss of differentiation.
Population viability analysis of a Japanese black bear population
Authors: Horino S. , Miura S.
Published: August 2002

A population viability analysis (PVA) was conducted for a Japanese black bear population in Shimokita Peninsula, northern Japan, using an individual‐based simulation model. Demographic stochasticity was incorporated in the model as well as the environmental stochasticity from the fluctuation of annual mast production. The extinction risk of the population was estimated with an emphasis on the effect of carrying capacity reduction and hunting pressure. The results suggest that the population has a high risk of extinction. Even if there is no further reduction of the carrying capacity and no hunting at all, the present size of the population cannot pass the test of the minimum viable population size (MVP) concept. Considering possible carrying capacity reduction in the future and actual hunting pressure, the population will fail to survive for 100 years at a very high probability. Because of deterioration of habitat and loss of the corridor between habitat areas, the population has become very sensitive to demographic impacts, including hunting pressure.
Oxygen Atom Transfer from μ-Oxo-bis[1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octakis(trifluoromethyl)phthalocyaninato]diiron(III): Evidence for an FeIV=O Intermediate
Authors: CHEN MICHAEL J. , FREMGEN DAVID E. , RATHKE JEROME W.
Published: August 2002

The dimeric [( FPc ) Fe ]2(μ- O ) (1) (FPc is the dianion of 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octakis(trifluoromethyl)phthalocyanine) has been shown to transfer its -oxo atom quantitatively to trimethylphosphine and triphenylphosphine. In the case of triphenylphosphine a base such as 1-methylimidazole (MeIm) or pyridine (py) is needed to induce the oxygen atom transfer. The reaction of 1 with MeIm at -40 °C and below gives [( MeIm )( FPc ) Fe ]2(μ- O ) (4), which disproportionates to give ( MeIm )2( FPc ) Fe (5) and ( FPc ) Fe = O (6) at higher temperatures. The oxo atom of 6 has been shown to transfer to triphenylphosphine. Similarly, 6 is generated by the disproportionation of 1 with py. It has also been generated by the oxidation of 1 with t-butyl hydroperoxide. [( FPc ) Fe ]2(μ- O ) catalyzes the oxidation of hydrocarbons by iodosylbenzene. With stilbenes, styrenes, cyclohexenes and butenes as substrates, both epoxidations and alkyl C-H bond oxidations have been observed. The epoxidation of cis-stilbene leads to a mixture of cis- and trans-stilbene oxides, indicating that epoxidation of cis-stilbene, and possibly other olefins as well, proceeds through a non-concerted mechanism.
Influence of Mn as a redox-active central metal on the electrical conduction behaviour of phthalocyanine thin films
Authors: SCHLETTWEIN D. , MEYER J.-P. , JAEGER N. I.
Published: August 2002

Thin films of phthalocyaninatomanganese ( PcMn ) in the thickness range of 100 nm have been prepared by vapour deposition on quartz glass substrates. The films were characterized in situ during film growth and following film deposition by measurements of the electrical conductivity under DC applied electric fields parallel to the substrate surface. The dependence of the conductivity on the average film thickness was determined and the mechanism of film growth is discussed. Without breaking the vacuum, a temperature gradient was established again parallel to the substrate surface and a thermopower was detected. Its dependence on the size of the temperature gradient gave a Seebeck coefficient of –780 μV K-1 at 460 K. From the negative sign it is evident that electrons are the majority carriers in PcMn in a freshly prepared thin film. The temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient gave the thermal activation of charge carrier generation as ΔE = 0.19 eV , which is discussed in terms of the position of the Fermi energy in the films. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity gave an activation energy EA = 0.38 eV considerably higher, indicating a thermal activation of charge carrier transport and hence supporting a hopping mechanism rather than delocalized transport. Under exposure to oxygen the conductivity showed a fast small increase followed by a slow large decrease, which is discussed considering surface as well as bulk interactions. Hole conduction was measured for the completely oxidized films by a positive Seebeck coefficient. Optical spectroscopy performed ex situ was used to allow further discussion of redox interactions of the films. Evidence was found for the presence of Pc (-2) Mn (+3) O 2(-1) as well as Pc (-2) Mn (+3) O (-2) Mn (+3) Pc (-2) and Pc (-2) Mn (+2) in freshly prepared films. Films exposed to air for as long as several months were completely oxidized to Pc (-2) Mn (+3) O 2(-1).
Aggression, depression, and bullying others
Authors: Roland Erling
Published: August 2002

A questionnaire survey of a representative sample of 2083 Norwegian pupils in Grade 8 revealed a positive and significant correlation between depressive symptoms and bullying others and a strong positive correlation between both power‐related (ProPow) and affiliation‐related (ProAff) proactive aggressiveness and bullying others among both boys and girls. We investigated whether the correlation between Depressive Symptoms and Bullying Others was spurious. For boys, a multiple‐regression analysis with Bullying Others as the dependent variable revealed that both ProPow and ProAff had strong separate effects on Bullying Others, whereas the separate effect from Depressive Symptoms was not significant. Interactions between Depressive Symptoms and ProPow and ProAff on Bullying Others were not present. It was concluded that the significant correlation between Depressive Symptoms and Bullying Others was spurious for boys. For girls, ProAff, and ProPow × Depressive Symptoms had significant and rather strong separate impacts on Bullying Others. Implications for intervention and further research were discussed. Aggr. Behav. 28:198–206, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Journal writing in adult ESL: Improving practice through reflective writing
Authors: Orem Richard A.
Published: August 2002

Uses of journal writing in adult English as a Second Language teacher education and classroom teaching are the focus of this chapter. Examples of journal writing discussed are teacher collaborative journals, Web‐based journals, and student‐teacher dialogue journals.
Living in the feudalism of adult basic and literacy education: Can we negotiate a literacy democracy?
Authors: Quigley B. Allan
Published: August 2002

Adult literacy and basic education are governed by political processes that are similar to feudalism. New trends point the way to a democratizing of knowledge in literacy.
The political landscape of adult education: From the personal to political and back again
Authors: Hansman Catherine A.
Published: August 2002

This chapter examines selected issues from previous chapters to create a picture of the political landscape of adult education. Strategies for negotiating the landscape of adult education are suggested and discussed.
Effects of voluntary immigration on the distribution of autobiographical memory over the lifespan
Authors: Schrauf Robert W. , Rubin David C.
Published: August 2002

Immigration may be considered a ‘traumatic’ event with acute phases followed by long latency effects. Ten older, Hispanic adults who immigrated to the USA at ages 20–22, 24–28, and 34–35 narrated their ‘life‐stories’ on two occasions, once in English and once in Spanish. Instead of the usual reminiscence bump they showed an increase in autobiographical recalls corresponding specifically to their ages at immigration. Each of the narrated life stories was independently coded for amount of detail, emotional valence, status as transitional event, and backward/forward search strategy. Memories for the time of immigration did not differ from other memories on any of these ratings. Increased recall for the period of immigration may be due to the encoding of novel events and the ‘effort after meaning’ required to integrate these events followed by a relatively stable period (settlement) marked by release from proactive interference and spaced rehearsal. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced spatial order model reference adaptive control of spatially varying distributed parameter systems of parabolic and hyperbolic types
Authors: Bentsman J. , Orlov Yu.
Published: August 2002

This paper presents control laws for distributed parameter systems of parabolic and hyperbolic types with unknown spatially varying parameters. These laws, based on the model reference adaptive control approach, guarantee asymptotic tracking of the output of the reference model by the output of the plant for arbitrary time invariant, but spatially varying reference input. The novel capabilities of the algorithms proposed are providing reduced sensitivity to measurement noise due to the reduced order of the spatial differentiation of the output data and permitting on‐line estimation of the spatially varying plant parameters, constructively enforceable through the reference input and/or boundary conditions. The parameter estimation is carried out by means of an auxiliary system with the time‐varying parameters that simultaneously converge inL2to plant parameters when appropriate input signals in the reference model are used. The orthogonal expansions of these time‐varying parameters, which can be computed by passing the auxiliary system parameters through the integrator block, converge to the plant parameters pointwise if the latter are sufficiently smooth. The parameter convergence is obtained by combining the adaptation laws with sufficiently rich input signals, referred to as generators of persistent excitation, which guarantee the existence of a unique steady state for the parameter errors. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymmetry in farm to retail price transmission: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Aguiar Danilo R. D. , Santana Josana A.
Published: August 2002

In this article, we describe the price transmission mechanism for three groups of agricultural products in Brazil to determine if they follow the pattern found in previous studies. These groups combine different dimensions of the two arguments normally used to explain price asymmetry: market concentration and product storability. Results from the study area in Brazil showed that neither product storability nor market concentration were required for intense price‐increase transmission. High and increasing Brazilian inflation rates found through 1994 led the population to expect continual price increases; the society may have been able to assimilate the most intense transmissions of price increments, independent of industry market power. Consequently, our results demonstrate that the findings from previous price transmission studies cannot be generalized to other industries or for other periods. New theoretical and empirical studies are needed to improve our understanding of asymmetrical price transmission. [EconLit Citations: L660, 810] © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Food expenditure patterns of the Hispanic population in the United States
Authors: Lanfranco Bruno A. , Ames Glenn C.W. , Huang Chung L.
Published: August 2002

Food expenditure patterns were analyzed for Hispanic households in the United States. Engel curves for three food categories—total food (TF), food eaten at home (FAH), and food eaten away from home (FAFH)—were estimated using a semilogarithmic functional form. The models for TF and FAH were estimated by OLS, using heteroscedasticity consistent estimators. The equation for FAFH was estimated using a two‐part model, with the level equation estimated by least squares with corrections for heteroscedasticity, using only the observations for which a positive amount of expenditures on FAFH was reported. The estimated income elasticity of demand for food for Hispanic households were 0.29 for TF, 0.21 for FAH, and 0.49 for FAFH. Household size elasticities were 0.32, 0.40, and 0.07, respectively. Our analysis indicates that Hispanic households devoted a higher proportion of their budget to FAH, 25.8%, than the average American household, while the proportion spent on FAFH was only 3.6%.[EconLit citations: L610.] © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effective hemostasis with rFVIIa treatment in two patients with severe thrombocytopenia and life‐threatening hemorrhage
Authors: Gerotziafas Grigoris T. , Zervas Costas , Gavrielidis George , Tokmaktsis Aggelos , Hatjiharissi Evdoxia , Papaioannou Mary , Lazaridou Anna , Constantinou Nikos , Samama Meyer Michel , Christakis John
Published: August 2002

We report two patients with severe thrombocytopenia and life‐threatening bleeding that were successfully managed with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa). The first was a 75‐year‐old male with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. During a therapeutic course with fludarabine, he developed severe autoimmune thrombocytopenia resistant to conventional treatment, followed by persistent uncontrollable nasal bleeding. Platelet transfusions failed to increase the platelet count and control the hemorrhage. When hemoglobin levels fell below 8.5 g/dL and the patient's clinical condition got much worse, a single dose of 4.8 mg rFVIIa (90 μg/kg) was given as an i.v. bolus. Ten minutes after the rFVIIa injection, nasal bleeding stopped, the patient's clinical condition progressively improved, and splenectomy could be carried out uneventfully 2 days later. The second patient, a 52‐year‐old female, was under treatment for pre‐B lymphoblastic leukemia. She developed severe thrombocytopenia, secondary to chemotherapy, complicated by massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite intensive treatment with platelet transfusions, hemorrhage continued and her condition deteriorated rapidly. She was then given an i.v. bolus injection of 4.8 mg rFVIIa, which resulted in cessation of hemorrhage and dramatic improvement of her clinical status. No adverse effects from the treatment with rFVIIa were observed. In conclusion, rFVIIa appears to be an attractive alternative for controlling hemorrhage in patients with severe thrombocytopenia, especially when platelet transfusions are unavailable or ineffective. Am. J. Hematol. 69:219–222, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A common mutation in the gene for coagulation factor XIII‐A (VAL34Leu): A risk factor for primary intracerebral hemorrhage is protective against atherothrombotic diseases
Authors: Gemmati Donato , Serino Maria L. , Ongaro Alessia , Tognazzo Silvia , Moratelli Stefano , Resca Riccardo , Moretti Mauro , Scapoli Gian L.
Published: August 2002

The role of a common polymorphism in the factor XIII A‐subunit gene (FXIII Val34Leu) has been recently investigated as a protective genetic factor against arterial and venous thrombosis. In addition, the less frequent Leu34 allele has been described as a risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage. We evaluated the prevalence of this polymorphism by PCR in three case‐control studies of patients diagnosed as having primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PCH, n = 130), coronary heart diseases (CHD, n = 240; myocardial infarction/no myocardial infarction, 120/120), and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD, n = 240; cerebral infarction/transient ischaemic attack, 120/120). The matched control groups consisted of patients admitted to the hospital without history of vascular disease. In addition, 200 healthy subjects were investigated. The frequency of the mutated allele (Leu34) was higher in patients with PCH than in controls (33.8% vs. 23.1%, P = 0.009) and lower in CHD and CVD patients compared to controls (18.1% vs. 25.2%, P = 0.010 and 17.3% vs. 24.2%, P = 0.011, respectively). Moreover, among the patients with CHD, the Leu34 allele was underrepresented in cases with myocardial infarction than without (12.9% vs. 23.3%, P = 0.004) and than in controls (12.9% vs. 25.2%, P < 0.001). Similar findings were obtained in patients with CVD comparing the cases with cerebral infarction versus cases with transient ischaemic attack (12.5% vs. 22.1%, P = 0.008) and versus controls (12.5% vs. 24.2%, P < 0.001). Finally, considering altogether the groups of ischaemic patients (CHD and CVD, n = 480), it was noted a trend towards a higher mean age of the clinical onset in homozygotes for the Leu allele than in the wild types (P = 0.078). This study indicates that in our population possession of the FXIII Val34Leu mutation predisposes to the occurrence of primary intracerebral hemorrhage and protects against cerebral and myocardial infarction. A wider modulatory role in the progression and onset of atherothrombotic diseases could be ascribed to FXIII Val34Leu. Am. J. Hematol. 67:183–188, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiquity of postreproductive life: Are there modern impacts on hunter‐gatherer postreproductive life spans?
Authors: Blurton Jones Nicholas G. , Hawkes Kristen , O'Connell James F.
Published: August 2002

Female postreproductive life is a striking feature of human life history and there have been several recent attempts to account for its evolution. But archaeologists estimate that in the past, few individuals lived many postreproductive years. Is postreproductive life a phenotypic outcome of modern conditions, needing no evolutionary account? This article assesses effects of the modern world on hunter‐gatherer adult mortality, with special reference to the Hadza. Evidence suggests that such effects are not sufficient to deny the existence of substantial life expectancy at the end of the childbearing career. Data from contemporary hunter‐gatherers (Ache, !Kung, Hadza) match longevity extrapolated from regressions of lifespan on body and brain weight. Twenty or so vigorous years between the end of reproduction and the onset of significant senescence does require an explanation. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 14:184–205, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anger expression, body fat, and blood pressure in adolescents: Project HeartBeat!
Authors: Mueller William H. , Grunbaum Jo Anne , Labarthe Darwin R.
Published: August 2002

This study explores the potential influence of growth, body/composition, and sexual maturity on the relation of anger expression and blood pressure in adolescents. Baseline data from Project HeartBeat! (82 boys and 85 girls, 14 years of age) examined the ability of anger expression (STAXI scale) to predict blood pressure, after controlling for the effects of ethnicity (African‐American/non‐African‐American), height, weight, percentage body fat, and sexual maturity. Blood pressures were unrelated to anger expression in models that included the above developmental variables. However, girls scoring high on healthy anger expression (“anger‐control”) had significantly lower levels of percentage body fat (P = 0.015) independent of the above factors. The literature suggests that body fat or body mass is often, though not unanimously, associated with unhealthy forms of anger expression in adolescents. Research is required into the biological, social, and behavioral origins of the association between body fat and anger expression. Height and sexual maturity, virtually ignored in this literature, should be included in future research. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:531–538, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compliance with required pesticide‐specific protective equipment use
Authors: Perry Melissa J. , Marbella Anne , Layde Peter M.
Published: August 2002

Background

This study measured compliance with pesticide‐specific protective gear use requirements practiced by farmers applying pesticides to field crops.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and twenty randomly selected dairy farmers were interviewed 1 week after pesticide application to determine use of personal protective equipment while applying at least 1 of 15 possible restricted use pesticides (response rate = 82.4%).

Results

Among the three most common pesticides used (dicamba, atrazine, and cyanazine), the proportions of farmers fully complying with gear use requirements were 8.8, 8.6, and 2.5%, respectively. For those same pesticides, the proportions (and 95% CI) using none of the required gear were 56.9% (47.3–66.5%), 38.6% (27.2–50.0%), and 47.5%(32.0–63.0%), respectively.

Conclusions

Both full and partial compliance with required personal protective equipment was low for each of the 15 chemicals applied by the applicators in this sample. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:70–73, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grouping participants for tailored work‐site weight loss programs: A signal detection approach
Authors: Hagihara Akihito , Tarumi Kimio , Nobutomo Koichi
Published: August 2002

Background

Although work‐site obesity prevention programs have been widely promoted, they have a high rate of attrition and participants find it very difficult to maintain the decreased weight. It is necessary to develop effective work‐site programs that match the type of intervention to the participants and offer the necessary support. To this end, higher‐order interaction of the causal factors of obesity needs to be analyzed.

Methods

The subjects were male, white‐collar workers (20–64 years of age), in Osaka, Japan. Since conventional methods, such as regression analysis or analysis of variance, cannot deal with the interaction of many variables, signal detection analysis by Kraemer was used to identify the higher‐order interaction of multiple predictors of obesity.

Results

Out of 15 independent variables, a higher‐order interaction consisting of 8 significant variables was identified. Consequently, the subjects were categorized into nine subgroups. It was revealed that the obesity of two groups of workers, 40 or more years old with a high degree of obesity, had different causes: one was related to working conditions, and one was related to smoking cessation. For the other terminal groups, further factors related to obesity were revealed.

Conclusion

Although the applicability of the findings is limited, the methodology using signal detection analysis might be applicable to other weight loss programs as a way of facilitating the matching of the type of intervention and the target group. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:269–278, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychosocial job factors and return‐to‐work after compensated low back injury: A disability phase‐specific analysis
Authors: Krause Niklas , Dasinger Lisa K. , Deegan Leo J. , Rudolph Linda , Brand Richard J.
Published: August 2002

Background

Job characteristics may constitute a barrier to return‐to‐work (RTW) after compensated disabling low back pain (LBP). This study examines the impact of psychosocial job factors on time to RTW separately during the acute and subacute/chronic disability phases.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 433 LBP workers' compensation claimants with 1–4 years of follow‐up. The association of psychosocial job factors with duration of work disability was estimated with Cox regression models, adjusting for injury history and severity, physical workload, and demographic and employment factors.

Results

High physical and psychological job demands and low supervisory support are each associated with about 20% lower RTW rates during all disability phases. High job control, especially control over work and rest periods, is associated with over 30% higher RTW rates, but only during the subacute/chronic disability phase starting 30 days after injury. Job satisfaction and coworker support are unrelated to time to RTW.

Conclusions

Duration of work disability is associated with psychosocial job factors independent of injury severity and physical workload. The impact of these risk factors changes significantly over the course of disability. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:374–392, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between the COMT locus and obsessive‐compulsive disorder in females but not males
Authors: Alsobrook John P. , Zohar Ada H. , Leboyer Marion , Chabane Nadia , Ebstein Richard P. , Pauls David L.
Published: August 2002

A polymorphism in the coding region of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase gene (COMT) was previously reported to be associated with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), particularly in male probands. We attempted to replicate the previous finding using a family‐based genetic design in haplotype relative risk (HRR) and transmission disequilibrium (TDT) analyses. Fifty‐six OCD probands and their parents were genotyped for the COMT locus using established methods. Analysis of allele and genotype frequencies between the proband genotypes and the control (parental nontransmitted) genotypes failed to replicate the previous finding of gender divergence, gave no evidence of overall association, nor was linkage detected by TDT. However, further analysis of the COMT allele frequencies by proband gender gave evidence of a mildly significant association with the low‐activity COMT allele in female probands (P = 0.049), but not in male probands. These findings indicate that COMT may be etiologically relevant to OCD in a gender‐specific manner opposite to that shown in previous studies. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic association mapping at the crossroads: Which test and why? Overview and practical guidelines
Authors: Schulze Thomas G. , McMahon Francis J.
Published: August 2002

Until about a decade ago, genetic association testing essentially meant case control association analysis using genetic markers. Concerns about population stratification propelled family‐based tests of association into widespread use and challenged the classic case control design. The literature now contains a vast collection of different family‐based methods, most of which are based on the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT). Some methods extend the original TDT to accommodate multiallelic markers, variable pedigree constellations, multiple loci, etc. Other methods go beyond the original design of the TDT to detect genetic association via haplotype sharing. Most recently, we have witnessed a revival of case control methods that control for population stratification. The purpose of this review is to help orient readers to the rapidly developing methods of association testing and enhance their understanding of the basic principles of these approaches. We present an overview of the development of genetic association tests, with practical guidelines on which test might be the most suitable for a given study. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MTRR and MTHFR polymorphism: Link to Down syndrome?
Authors: O'Leary Valerie B. , Parle‐McDermott Anne , Molloy Anne M. , Kirke Peadar N. , Johnson Zachary , Conley Mary , Scott John M. , Mills James L.
Published: August 2002

Polymorphisms in genes encoding the folate metabolizing enzymes methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR A66G) have been linked to the etiology of Down syndrome. We examined the prevalence of these variant genotypes in mothers who had given birth to a child with Down syndrome (n = 48) and in control mothers (n = 192), and investigated the biochemical factors influenced by the presence of MTRR A66G and MTHFR C677T. The frequency of the MTRR variant genotypes (AG, GG) was significantly higher in mothers of children with Down syndrome compared to controls (P = 0.0028). MTHFR C677T genotype frequencies were not significantly altered in mothers of children with Down syndrome (P = 0.74). However, mothers who had a MTHFR CT or TT genotype and a MTRR GG genotype had a 2.98‐fold increased risk of having a child with Down syndrome (P = 0.02). The MTRR polymorphism did not increase plasma homocysteine. Higher homocysteine was found with the presence of the MTHFR T allele. In conclusion, MTRR A66G is significantly more common in mothers of children with Down syndrome but does not appear to increase the risk for Down syndrome by changing homocysteine metabolism. Women who have both the MTRR and MTHFR variant genotypes are also at increased risk of producing offspring with Down syndrome. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Idiopathic congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: Evaluation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor genomic DNA sequence variation
Authors: Weese‐Mayer Debra E. , Bolk Stacey , Silvestri Jean M. , Chakravarti Aravinda
Published: August 2002

Idiopathic congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is an unique disorder of respiratory control, occurring in association with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), tumors of neural crest origin, and symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction (ANSD). CCHS is thought to be genetic in origin based upon 1) affected sib pairs, 2) genetic analysis, and 3) identification of genetic mutations in both HSCR and CCHS patients. Because these mutations have been found in but a few cases of CCHS, exploration of other candidate genes has continued. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) represents a potential candidate gene to consider because of altered respiratory control in the BDNF knock‐out mouse model and localization to the enteric nervous system in human tissue. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of BDNF mutations among 19 children with CCHS (five with HSCR) compared to 40 unaffected unrelated controls. Using the known genomic DNA sequence for BDNF, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified genomic DNA was analyzed by standard sequencing methods. A discrete mutation was identified in one of 19 children with isolated CCHS and the unaffected father. Specifically, an isoleucine was substituted for a threonine or serine in the amino acid sequence. Absence of this mutation in 40 controls confirmed that this mutation was likely not a common polymorphism. These data further support a genetic basis for CCHS, though mutations of BDNF are not consistent in this disorder. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular birthmarks of infancy: Resolving nosologic confusion
Authors: Hand Jennifer L. , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: August 2002

The terminology describing congenital vascular birthmarks has been a source of confusion in the medical literature. Mulliken and Glowacki [1982: Plas Recons Surg 69:412–422] published a biologic classification system which has become the most widely accepted framework for classifying vascular birthmarks and is accepted as the official classification schema by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA). In this study, we evaluate the current nosology of vascular birthmarks used in standard medical genetics reference texts compared with the accepted Mulliken ISSVA framework. In five sources examined, a variety of terms were used to describe congenital vascular anomalies. The degree of agreement with accepted ISSVA classification varied both within and among texts, with agreement as low as 22% and as high as 75%. In all texts, hemangioma was the most commonly used term, appearing 79 times. Use of the term “hemangioma” had the lowest rate of agreement with the ISSVA classification criteria, with agreement in 23% of citations. The terms “vascular malformation” and “port‐wine stain” were used less frequently, but with a much higher degree of agreement with the ISSVA classification: 82% and 66%, respectively. These results establish that nosologic confusion is widespread even in standard genetic reference texts. In particular, the term “hemangioma” is used imprecisely. The ISSVA classification system provides an extremely useful framework for geneticists to classify vascular birthmarks in their evaluation of infants and children with vascular anomalies in order to provide more accurate evaluation, prognosis, and genetic counseling. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Five additional Costello syndrome patients with rhabdomyosarcoma: Proposal for a tumor screening protocol
Authors: Gripp Karen W. , Scott Charles I. , Nicholson Linda , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Ozeran J. Daniel , Jones Marilyn C. , Lin Angela E. , Zackai Elaine H.
Published: August 2002

We report five new cases of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in Costello syndrome. These cases, combined with those previously reported, increase the number of solid tumors to 17 (10 RMSs, 3 neuroblastomas, 2 bladder carcinomas, 1 vestibular schwannoma, 1 epithelioma), in at least 100 known Costello syndrome patients. Despite possible ascertainment bias, and the incomplete identification of all Costello syndrome patients, the tumor frequency could be as high as 17%. This is comparable to the 7–21% frequency of solid tumors in Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), and may justify tumor screening. Based on the recommendations for screening BWS patients, we propose a screening protocol consisting of ultrasound examination of the abdomen and pelvis every 3–6 months until age 8–10 years for RMS and abdominal neuroblastoma; urine catecholamine metabolite analysis every 6–12 months until age 5 years for neuroblastoma; and urinalysis for hematuria annually for bladder carcinoma after age 10 years. These recommendations may need to be modified, as new information becomes available. Potential criticism of the tumor screening protocol concerns the lack of evidence for improved outcome, and possible overestimation of the tumor risk. The ability of RMSs to occur at various sites complicates tumor screening, but 8 of the 10 RMSs in Costello syndrome patients originated from the abdomen, pelvis and urogenital area. Prior diagnosis of Costello syndrome is a prerequisite for the implementation of any screening protocol. The diagnosis of Costello syndrome should also be considered in individuals with RMS and physical findings suggestive of Costello syndrome. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scalp defects, polythelia, microcephaly, and developmental delay: A New syndrome with apparent autosomal dominant inheritance
Authors: Marble Michael , Pridjian Gabriella
Published: August 2002

We report a family with apparent autosomal dominant inheritance of scalp defects, polythelia, microcephaly, and developmental delay. A review of the literature revealed no previous report of this combination of anomalies. We conclude that these patients have a new autosomal dominant syndrome. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of association of dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphisms with ADHD subtypes in a population sample of twins
Authors: Todd Richard D. , Neuman Rosalind J. , Lobos Elizabeth A. , Jong Yuh‐Jiin I. , Reich Wendy , Heath Andrew C.
Published: August 2002

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, highly heritable syndrome of childhood characterized by problems with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. A variety of case control and family‐based transmission distortion genetic studies of ADHD have focused on the possible involvement of polymorphisms of the DRD4 receptor gene. The majority of studies have examined the association of variously defined ADHD with an exon 3 polymorphism containing a variable number of imperfect 48 base pair repeats. Recently, McCracken et al. [2000: Mol Psych 5:531–536] reported an association of the DSM‐IV primarily inattentive ADHD subtype with a 5′ 120 base pair repeat polymorphism in the DRD4 gene. In this report, we test for the possible association of these two polymorphisms with population‐derived samples of DSM‐IV ADHD subtypes. Furthermore, we extend previous studies by testing for associations with ADHD subtypes derived from latent‐class analysis of interview responses. In contrast to most, but not all, previous studies, we failed to demonstrate any significant association of the exon 3 7‐repeat allele with ADHD. Nor did we replicate the association of the 5′120 base pair repeat polymorphism. We do find a significant association of the exon 3 3‐repeat allele with a novel talkative/impulsive latent‐class–defined subtype of ADHD. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of association of the (AAAT)6 allele of the GXAlu tetranucleotide repeat in intron 27b of the NF1 gene with autism
Authors: Plank Sara M. , Copeland‐Yates Susan A. , Sossey‐Alaoui Khalid , Bell Jennifer M. , Schroer Richard J. , Skinner Cindy , Michaelis Ron C.
Published: August 2002

A novel allele of the GXAlu tetranucleotide repeat in intron 27b of the neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) gene has recently been reported to be present in 4.7% of autistic patients but not in controls. We have found the novel GXAlu allele absent in 204 patients from the South Carolina Autism Project and 200 controls. The autism population studied includes a significant number of patients with hypotonia, stereotyped behaviors, or postural, gait, and motor abnormalities similar to those seen in the patients previously reported to possess the novel GXAlu allele. This suggests that the novel (AAAT)6 GXAlu allele is not associated with autism. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolution of two human skeletal markers of the squatting position: A diachronic study from antiquity to the modern age
Authors: Boulle Eve‐Line
Published: August 2002

Some human skeletal features that were produced through the actions of their bearers during life allow the reconstruction of postures. These can be typical of population groups. For example, tibial retroversion and lateral squatting facets are two skeletal markers closely related to the habit of squatting. The facets and the retroversion are induced by pressure and traction as a consequence of the hyperdorsiflexion of the knees and ankles. The examination of 543 tibiae and tali from French and American archaeological series, and dating between the 1st–20th century AD, reveals changes in squatting posture over time. This study shows that tibial retroversion tends to be a “precocity indicator” of the adoption of this posture, while the lateral squatting facet shows the intensity or regularity of the use of this posture. The results indicate that squatting was a regular behavior used until the end of the Middle Ages, and after this period a progressive decrease occurs. This tendency may be explained by different lifestyles in different time periods. Am J Phys Anthropol 115:50–56, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.