Fetoplacental discrepancy involving structural abnormalities of chromosome 8 detected by prenatal diagnosis

We describe the finding of three cell lines involving different structural abnormalities of chromosome 8 detected in a prenatal diagnosis. Chorionic villi sampling (CVS) was performed on a pregnant woman because of advanced maternal age. Semidirect cytogenetic analysis showed a mos46,XX,i(8q)/46,XX,del(8)(p11.2) karyotype, confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Amniocentesis was subsequently performed, and the karyotype obtained was 46,XX,dup(8)(p23p11.2). The pregnancy was terminated; pathologic findings included clubfeet, clenched left hand, subcutaneous edema and bilateral hydrocephalus. Molecular studies using chromosome 8 microsatellites performed on parents' blood and fetal tissues revealed a maternal meiotic origin of the inv dup(8p) with deletion of the distal p23 region and duplication of the remaining 8p. We propose a model to explain the cytogenetic findings, which includes a first maternal meiotic error giving rise to a large dicentric isochromosome 8 present in the ovum, a second error in one of the first zygote divisions with misdivision of the dicentric 8 giving rise to a cell line with del(8p) confined to the trophoblast and another cell line with inv dup(8p) confined to the fetal tissue and a third error in the trophoblast giving rise to a further cell line with isochromosome 8q. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Earthwatch— Global environmental assessment

Progress of the United Nations Environment Program, Earthwatch, since its inception in 1972 is critically reviewed. The conclusion is reached that, while UNEP has provided support for several important programs in cooperation with United Nations specialized agencies, the new global assessment perspective envisioned at the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment has not evolved. A framework is proposed calling for threshold criteria, statements of current conditions, predictions of trends to be watched, and alerts to warn of approaching environmental threats. A network of world, regional, and national assessment centers is recommended based on existing centers-of-excellence.Formerly a deputy associate administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He was supported, in part, for this work under Department of State contract number 1751-000300, with project title: Global Environmental Monitoring System, 1979.National Marine Pollution Program Office, NOAA.The opinions and recommendations presented in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Commerce, or the U.S. Government.     

柯达--安全第一

柯达公司1995年在上海投资电子设备厂,1998年开始与中国感光业合作,投资12亿美元成立了柯达(中国)股份有限公司,柯达无锡股份有限公司;2000年又投资建立了柯达(厦门)有限公司。目前有职工4000多名,生产传统和数码照相机,彩色胶卷和彩色相纸,黑白X光片,照相用冲印套药,以及符合环保再制造概念的一次性相机,涵盖化工,精细化学,机械制造和机电设备等多种行业,至今没有发生过一起“失工时事故”(即员工因工负伤,在24小时内不能返回工作岗位),安全生产达到4383万小时,实现中国柯达安全生产5000年,创造了制造业安全生产的奇迹。     

The contribution of computer‐based information systems to partnership between public agencies and voluntary environmental groups

This paper considers the contribution of computing to the implementation of a policy of partnership between public environmental agencies and local voluntary groups. The present policy commitment to partnerships of this kind is reviewed. Particular information needs arise when public agencies seek to give co‐ordinated support to the environmental action undertaken by local groups. These stem from the disaggregated nature of the structure and functions of the voluntary sector. Computer‐based information systems are identified as a bridge between the regional organisation of public agencies and the local activities of voluntary groups. A computer system devised to aid the forward planning of public support for voluntary action is described. It is considered that this technique has value as part of a wider strategy of interaction between the public and voluntary sectors.     

The environmental audit. I. Concepts

Extensive criticism of water quality monitoring programs has developed as costs are compared with the benefits produced by monitoring efforts. Collecting water quality data while developing understanding of the functional character of the environment will improve water quality monitoring data utility in environmental management. The environmental audit characterizes the attributes of the natural environment (that is, attribute type, intensity, and variability), providing a theoretical as well as practical foundation for data interpretation. In the view proposed here, traditional monitoring means the very narrow activity of collecting samples and perhaps analyzing them and storing the analyses. In the environmental audit, these activities are a mechanism to systematically improve environmental monitoring and assessment by improving the design and implementation of environmental programs. Major reasons why existing programs fail to meet the needs of legislators, regulators, and conservationists are identified.