Current evidence suggests that aniridia (absence of iris) is caused by loss of function of one copy of the PAX6 gene, which maps to 11p13. We present the further characterisation of two aniridia pedigrees in which the disease segregates with chromosomal rearrangements which involve 11p13 but do not disrupt the PAX6 gene. We have isolated three human YAC clones which encompass the PAX6 locus and we have used these to show that in both cases the chromosomal breakpoint is at least 85 kb distal of the 3' end of PAX6. In addition, the open reading frame of PAX6 is apparently free of mutations. We propose that the PAX6 gene on the rearranged chromosome 11 is in an inappropriate chromatin environment for normal expression and therefore that a 'position effect' is the underlying mechanism of disease in these families.

These results position as an underappreciated regulator of inflammation initiation and resolution, and suggest that endogenously synthesized arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are key determinates of inflammatory disease progression and liver X receptor signaling.

The risk perception attitude framework can serve as a theoretically sound audience segmentation technique that can be used to determine whether messages should augment perceptions of risk, beliefs about personal efficacy, or both.

The risk perception attitude (RPA) framework posits that efficacy beliefs moderate the relationship between risk perception and health outcomes. To extend the purview of the theory, this central hypothesis was tested in the context of HIV/AIDS-prevention behaviors. Data (N = 890) were collected from 8 districts in Malawi in southern Africa as part of a baseline research effort to obtain benchmark measures on key behavior-change indicators. Results pertaining to 2 behaviors, use of condoms and remaining monogamous, are reported in this study. Relationships between risk perception and behavioral intentions were not significant, but those between efficacy beliefs and behavioral intentions were. Furthermore, efficacy beliefs were found to moderate the relationship between risk perception and intentions to remain monogamous, but not between risk perceptions and intentions to use condoms. The model was able to explain approximately 40% of the variance in intentions to use condoms, and 19% of the variance in intentions to remain monogamous. Implications for health campaigns, particularly the need to strengthen efficacy beliefs and the need to be careful in enhancing risk perceptions without simultaneously strengthening efficacy beliefs, are also discussed.

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HIV-related stigma has been recognized as a significant public health issue, yet gaps remain in development and evaluation of mass media interventions to reduce stigma. The Malawi 'Radio Diaries' (RD) program features people with HIV telling stories about their everyday lives. This study evaluates the program's effects on stigma and the additional effects of group discussion. Thirty villages with 10 participants each were randomized to listen to RD only, to the program followed by group discussion or to a control program. Post-intervention surveys assessed four stigma outcomes: fear of casual contact, shame, blame and judgment and willingness to disclose HIV status. Regression analyses indicated that fear of casual contact was reduced by the intervention. Shame was reduced by the radio program, but only for those reporting prior exposure to the radio program and for those who did not have a close friend or relative with HIV. Shame was not reduced when the radio program was followed by discussion. The intervention reduced blame for men and not women and for younger participants but not older participants. Including people with HIV/AIDS in mass media interventions has potential to reduce stigma.

Endothelial-monocyte activating polypeptide (EMAP)-II is a novel molecule with cytokine-like pro-inflammatory properties, inducing procoagulant activity on the surface of endothelial cells and monocyte/macrophages in vitro, as well as up-regulating E-and Pselectin expression. EMAP-II is chemotactic for monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils, and stimulates myeloperoxidase release from neutrophils. Injection of EMAP-II into the mouse footpad induces an acute inflammatory response, although some regression occurs in response to direct injection of EMAP-II into murine tumors. Very little is known about the expression of EMAP-II in normal tissues of mice or humans, or about its function in vivo. We developed polyclonal antibodies against EMAP-II using recombinant protein produced in Escherichia coli, and used these antibodies to carry out an immunohistochemical study of the occurrence and distribution of EMAP-II in human tissues. The distribution of EMAP-II protein is relatively restricted, occurring primarily in endocrine organs, in cells of neuroendocrine origin, but also in tissues with high turnover. EMAP-II is strongly expressed in secretory epithelial cells of the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal and salivary glands, among others, as well as in neurons and subsets of monocytes/macrophages. It is also found in the epithelium of the small and large intestines. We conclude that EMAP-II expression is usually, but not always, associated with tissues that display high turnover and high levels of protein synthesis. EMAP-II is a novel molecule with pleiotropic activities toward endothelial cells, monocytes/macrophages, and neutrophils.

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