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AIMS: Common polymorphisms in the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene are strongly associated with Type 2 diabetes. Many studies include a large proportion of cases enriched for family history or young age of diagnosis and may therefore provide an overestimation of the general population risk. We aimed to compare the impact of TCF7L2 in UK community-based Type 2 diabetic subjects with that in subjects ascertained for genetic studies. METHODS: We genotyped the TCF7L2 polymorphism rs7903146 in 1068 cases from two sources: 487 from 10 GP practices and 601 ascertained for genetic studies, and 2099 control subjects from two sources: 1099 parents from a birth cohort (population control subjects) and 300 subjects with normal fasting glucose aged > or = 45 years (community control subjects). RESULTS: When compared with Type 2 diabetes cases ascertained for genetic studies, the risk allele frequency in community-based cases was lower (40 vs. 36%, P = 0.04), but there was no difference in risk allele frequency between community-based control and population-based control subjects (31 vs. 30%, P = 0.61). The T allele of rs7903146 increased Type 2 diabetes risk with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.32 (95% CI: 1.13-1.52; P = 0.0002) in community-based cases, but this OR was lower than the OR of cases enriched for genetic studies [1.58 (95% CI: 1.38-1.80), P = 1.4 x 10(-11)] and the combined OR of meta-analysis of 10 studies to date on rs7903146 [1.48 (95% CI: 1.41-1.54), P < 10(-20)]. CONCLUSION: Common variation in the TCF7L2 gene contributes to Type 2 diabetes risk in UK patients recruited in general practice, but the risk allele frequency may be lower than that in subjects enriched for genetic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stratified, random sample of 344 White and Black adolescent females participated in a survey of ideal body size beliefs, which included responses to a questionnaire and a series of nine female and male body size drawings. Using SES and race as independent variables and BMI (kg/m2) as a covariate, Black females preferred a significantly heavier ideal female body size than Whites. They also perceived their parents and both male and female friends would select as ideal a significantly heavier female body size than White subjects. Black subjects' body size preferences were significantly more influenced by family members than were White subjects, who were significantly more influenced by their peer group. These findings suggest a greater social approval of increasing weight and body size for Black adolescent females, a desire for a smaller size by White adolescent females, and cultural differences in the influencing factors that help to communicate these body size preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mapping programme of all reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park area and compilation of a computer-based gazetteer containing locational and morphological data have permitted the first comprehensive spatial and morphometric analysis of the Great Barrier Reef. As previously suspected the analysis shows that a degree of organisation exists in the complexity of the Reef and clear regional and latitudinal patterns are recognised Reasons for this, particularly in relation to regional structure and the influence of the pre-Holocene foundations of the modem reef, are discussed The usefulness of a morphometric approach is suggested and an example related to Acanthaster planci outbreaks presented [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]