Role of MC1R variants in uveal melanoma

Variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene have been linked to sun-sensitive skin types and hair colour, and may independently play a role in susceptibility to cutaneous melanoma. To assess the role of MC1R variants in uveal melanoma, we have analysed a cohort of 350 patients for the changes within the major region of the gene displaying sequence variation. Eight variants were detected – V60L, D84E, V92M, R151C, I155T, R160W, R163Q and D294H – 63% of these patients being hetero- or homozygous for at least one variant. Standard melanoma risk factor data were available on 119 of the patients. MC1R variants were significantly associated with hair colour (P¼0.03) but not skin or eye colour. The frequency of the variants detected in the 350 patients was comparable with those in the general population, and comparison of the cumulative tumour distribution by age at diagnosis in carriers and noncarriers provided no evidence that MC1R variants confer an increased risk of uveal melanoma. We interpret the data as indicating that MC1R variants do not appear to be major determinants of susceptibility to uveal melanoma. © 2003 Cancer Research U

Case Studies From Elite Youth Soccer: Reflections on Talent Development Practices

With early specialisation being commonplace within elite youth soccer, knowledge of the psychosocial implications associated with talent development practices would be of considerable use for the coaching practitioner. This paper uses case studies as a platform to discuss potential psychosocial implications of early specialisation, and further, it also offers practical suggestions for the elite youth soccer coach. Three case studies were chosen; each is an account of observations that took place within a British soccer academy. Themes of the case studies included adult-led structures in early specialisation, awareness of need thwarting coach behaviours, and the retention or release of players. The case studies were deliberately chosen to prompt discussion, reflection, and action. Following the presentation of each case study, a theoretically driven discussion is formulated. Practical suggestions are then provided to assist in the management of talent development practices within elite youth soccer and to further enrich the experiences of players. Concluding thoughts and areas for future research are briefly discussed

Transport: challenging disabling environments

This article brings together the concerns of environmental and disability movements through examining the role of transport. Both movements critique current transport policy and practice. The disability movement has analysed how it marginalises the needs of disabled people, while environmentalists argue current transport trends are unsustainable and marginalise alternatives. Although these critiques operate independently and even seem opposed to each other, a common agenda can be developed through extending the social model of disability. The social model can be used to understand how car-dominated transport systems can be understood as disabling populations larger than those conventionally recognised as “disabled�. The car offers the technological fix of enabling abilities, in particular speed and strength, but in practice disables in a number of ways. Urban sprawl and traffic increase barriers to participation and access for many both “able-bodied� and “disabled�, while car dominance damages social interaction and limits sensory perception. Furthermore, the car economy is a major cause of impairment through crashes and physical inactivity. Understanding these together requires integrating the social model of disability with an eco-social model of impairment. This can show how unequal forms of social organisation are embodied in people and environments to produce patterns of impairment, disability and disadvantage. Finally we suggest policies to move towards sustainable societies with increased opportunities for broader social participation. The article argues that the two movements can create and benefit from a shared vision of socially inclusive, low-energy, sustainable transport

Selective Losses of Brainstem Catecholamine Neurons After Hypoxia-Ischemia in the Immature Rat Pup.

Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury in the preterm neonate incurs numerous functional deficits, however little is known about the neurochemically-defined brain nuclei that may underpin them. Key candidates are the brainstem catecholamine neurons. Using an immature animal model, the postnatal day (P)-3 (P3) rat pup, we investigated the effects of HI on brainstem catecholamine neurons in the locus coeruleus, nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), and ventrolateral medulla (VLM). On P21, we found that prior P3 HI significantly reduced numbers of catecholaminergic neurons in the locus coeruleus, NTS, and VLM. Only locus coeruleus A6, NTS A2, and VLM A1 noradrenergic neurons, but not NTS C2 and VLM C1 adrenergic neurons, were lost. There was also an associated reduction in dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-positive immunolabeling in the forebrain. These findings suggest neonatal HI can affect specific neurochemically-defined neuronal populations in the brainstem and that noradrenergic neurons are particularly vulnerable to HI injury

Deficits of brainstem and spinal cord functions after neonatal hypoxia–ischemia in mice

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Mononuclear gold catalysts for the asymmetric intramolecular hydroamination of alkenes

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