bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coptidis Rhizoma inhibits growth and proteases of oral bacteria
Authors: Hu JP , Takahashi N , Yamada T
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of Coptidis Rhizoma (CR), a traditional medicinal plant, on oral bacteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: CR extract was prepared by boiling CR in water for 2 h. Alkaloids contained in CR extract were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antibacterial activity of CR extract was estimated from the lowest concentration that did not permit bacterial growth (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC) and the concentrations that inhibited 50% of bacterial proteolytic activity (IC50). RESULTS: CR extract inhibited the growth of Actinomyces naeslundii, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans at MIC of 0.031‐0.25 mg ml‐1, whereas it had less inhibitory effect (MIC: 0.5‐2 mg ml‐1) on the growth of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus. The major active component of CR extract was berberine (Ber), an alkaloid, and its inhibiting specificity to bacterial growth was similar to that of CR extract. CR extract and Ber were bacteriostatic at the MICs against most of the bacteria, and bacteriocidal at the concentrations higher than the MICs. Ber inhibited the activities of collagenase from P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans.

CONCLUSION: CR extract and Ber had an inhibitory effect on periodontopathogenic bacteria. These results suggest the possibility of their clinical application for the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Periodontal Disease Mechanisms: Reactive oxygen species: a potential role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases
Authors: Waddington RJ , Moseley R , Embery G
Published: August 2010

The pathological events leading to the destruction of the periodontium during inflammatory periodontal diseases are likely to represent complex interactions involving an imbalance in enzymic and non‐enzymic degradative mechanisms. This paper aims to review the increasing body of evidence implicating reactive oxygen species (ROS), derived from many metabolic sources, in the pathogenesis of periodontal tissue destruction. ROS are generated predominantly by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) during an inflammatory response and are regarded as being highly destructive in nature. The detection of ROS oxidation products, the elevation of iron and copper ions, which catalyse the production of the most reactive radical species, and the identification of an imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant activity within periodontal pockets, suggests a significant role for ROS in periodontal tissue destruction.In vitrostudies have shown that ROS are capable of degrading a number of extracellular matrix components including proteoglycans, resulting in the modification of amino acid functional groups, leading to fragmentation of the core protein, whilst the constituent glycosaminoglycan chains undergo limited depolymerisation. The identification and characterisation of connective tissue metabolites in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) resulting from the degradation of periodontal tissues, notably alveolar bone, provides further evidence for a role for ROS in tissue destruction associated with inflammatory periodontal diseases.
Hepatitis C: a clinical review
Authors: Modi AA , Liang TJ
Published: August 2010

Hepatitis C is a major cause of chronic liver disease. It has been recognized as a global health problem because of the progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. Chronic hepatitis C is usually asymptomatic but can cause considerable liver damage before its recognition. This review discusses the natural history, clinical features, diagnosis, therapy, treatment responses and the side effects associated with the treatment of hepatitis C.
Structural features of proinsulin C‐peptide oligomeric and amyloid states
Authors: Lind Jesper , Lindahl Emma , Perálvarez‐Marín Alex , Holmlund Anna , Jörnvall Hans , Mäler Lena
Published: August 2010

The formation and structure of proinsulin C‐peptide oligomers has been investigated by PAGE, NMR spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The results obtained show that C‐peptide forms oligomers of different sizes, and that their formation and size distribution is altered by salt and divalent metal ions, which indicates that the aggregation process is mediated by electrostatic interactions. It is further demonstrated that the size distribution of the C‐peptide oligomers, in agreement with previous studies, is altered by insulin, which supports a physiologically relevant interaction between these two peptides. A small fraction of oligomers has previously been suggested to be in equilibrium with a dominant fraction of soluble monomers, and this pattern also is observed in the present study. The addition of modest amounts of sodium dodecyl sulphate at low pH increases the relative amount of oligomers, and this effect was used to investigate the details of both oligomer formation and structure by a combination of biophysical techniques. The structural properties of the SDS‐induced oligomers, as obtained by thioflavin T fluorescence, CD spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy, demonstrate that soluble aggregates are predominantly in β‐sheet conformation, and that the oligomerization process shows characteristic features of amyloid formation. The formation of large, insoluble, β‐sheet amyloid‐like structures will alter the equilibrium between monomeric C‐peptide and oligomers. This leads to the conclusion that the oligomerization of C‐peptide may be relevant also at low concentrations.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐7975828: c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) and c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence technology (MI:0051)

 MINT‐7975757: c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) and c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) bind (MI:0407) by nuclear magnetic resonance (MI:0077)

 MINT‐7975840: c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) and c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) bind (MI:0407) by circular dichroism (MI:0016)

 MINT‐7975708: c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) and c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) bind (MI:0407) by blue native page (MI:0276)

 MINT‐7975816: c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) and c‐peptide (uniprotkb:P01308) bind (MI:0407) by dynamic light scattering (MI:0038)
Five Years of Accession: Impacts on Agriculture in the NMS   Les cinq années suivant l’adhésion: incidences sur l’agriculture des pays non membres   Fünf Jahre Mitgliedschaft: Auswirkungen auf die Landwirtschaft in den neuen Mitgliedsstaaten
Authors: Csaki Csaba , Jambor Attila
Published: August 2010

Five Years of Accession: Impacts on Agriculture in the NMS

Five years have passed since the accession of Central and Eastern European countries to the EU. This article takes stock of the impacts of accession. On balance it has had an overall positive impact on the NMS, although there have clearly been significant differences in outcomes due to differing initial conditions and endowments, the effectiveness of implementing pre‐ and post‐accession policies and institutions, and the overall macro‐economic situation in each country. Poland, Latvia and Lithuania seem to have been the leading countries in adjusting to EU conditions. EU membership has led to a significant increase in subsidies received by the farmers and thereby to enhanced farmers’ income. The support, however, is not evenly distributed and small farmers remain handicapped in many ways. EU membership has integrated the NMS into a large, rather competitive market offering both opportunities and threats to domestic producers. Trade figures indicate a rather limited ability so far to withstand these competitive pressures. The current CAP is designed and based on the conditions of EU‐15 countries. The experiences of the first five years in the NMS indicate that, even with possible modifications, this system does not fully fit the conditions of these countries, especially their poorest segments.
Clinical update: Treatment Strategy For Root Fractures In The Permanent Dentition
Authors: Andreasen FM. , Andreasen J.O.
Published: August 2010

Based on clinical and consultative experience, fractures of the roots of permanent incisors would appear to be one of the most over‐treated trauma entities. This is often due to lack of understanding of the biology behind healing of the hard dental tissues and periodontium. This paper presents an update of treatment based on recently published clinical and radiographic findings.
Role Of Substance P In Inflammation In Dental Pulp
Authors: Thomas G.J. , Walsh L.J.
Published: August 2010

Substance P is a tachykinin peptide thought to be a key mediator of inflammatory processes in the dental pulp. A major pathway for substance P‐mediated inflammatory responses in many organs and tissues is degranulation of mast cells, which results in the release of vasoactive mediators and induction of the expression of leukocyte‐endothelial adhesion molecules, particularly CD62E (ELAM‐1), an adhesion site for neutrophils, monocytes and T lymphocytes. The actions of tachykinins are mediated via at least three receptor types: NK‐1, NK‐2 and NK‐3. This study examined the receptor pathway for substance P‐induced endothelial CD62E expression in dental pulp. Specimens of non‐inflamed human dental pulp were obtained from extracted third molars, and the tissues maintained in organ culture for 24 hours in either medium alone or medium containing substance P or substance P agonists. The agonists were (a) septide ([pGlu6, Pro9]‐substance P(6–11), an NK‐1 selective agonist) and (b) senktide (succinyl‐[Asp6, N‐Me‐Phe8]‐substance P (6–11), an NK‐3 selective agonist). The cultured pulp tissues were then sectioned and endothelial CD62E expression visualised by immunohistochemistry using an anti‐CD62E monoclonal antibody. Levels of expression were quantified by computer‐assisted microdensitometry. Endothelial CD62E expression was found to be increased in pulp tissue following treatment with either substance P or septide. In senktide‐treated pulp tissue, expression was similar to that of the control pulp tissue maintained in medium alone. This study suggests that in substance P‐mediated inflammation and endothelial CD62E expression in dental pulp, substance P operates via the NK‐1 receptor pathway, but not via the NK‐3 pathway.
Effect of Storage Temperature and Duration on the Behavior of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Packaged Fresh‐Cut Salad Containing Romaine and Iceberg Lettuce
Authors: Luo Yaguang , He Qiang , McEvoy James L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  This study investigated the impact of storage temperature and duration on the fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on commercially packaged lettuce salads, and on product quality. Fresh‐cut Romaine and Iceberg lettuce salads of different commercial brands were obtained from both retail and wholesale stores. The packages were cut open at one end, the lettuce salad inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 via a fine mist spray, and resealed with or without an initial N2 flush to match the original package atmospheric levels. The products were stored at 5 and 12 °C until their labeled “Best If Used By” dates, and the microbial counts and product quality were monitored periodically. The results indicate that storage at 5 °C allowed E. coli O157:H7 to survive, but limited its growth, whereas storage at 12 °C facilitated the proliferation of E. coli O157:H7. There was more than 2.0 log CFU/g increase in E. coli O157:H7 populations on lettuce when held at 12 °C for 3 d, followed by additional growth during the remainder of the storage period. Although there was eventually a significant decline in visual quality of lettuce held at 12 °C, the quality of this lettuce was still fully acceptable when E. coli O157:H7 growth reached a statistically significant level. Therefore, maintaining fresh‐cut products at 5 °C or below is critical for reducing the food safety risks as E. coli O157:H7 grows at a rapid, temperature‐dependent rate prior to significant quality deterioration.

Practical Application:  Specific information regarding the effect of temperature on pathogen growth on leafy greens is needed to develop science‐based food safety guidelines and practices by the regulatory agencies and produce industry. Temperature control is commonly thought to promote quality of leafy greens, not safety, based at least partially on a theory that product quality deterioration precedes pathogen growth at elevated temperatures. This prevalent attitude results in temperature abuse incidents being frequently overlooked in the supply chain. This study demonstrates that human pathogens, such as E. coli O157:H7, can grow significantly on commercially packaged lettuce salads while the product's visual quality is fully acceptable. Packaged fresh‐cut salads are marketed as “ready‐to‐eat” while lacking an effective pathogen kill step during their preparation. Thus, maintaining storage temperature at 5 °C or below is critical to prevent pathogen proliferation and mitigate food safety risks should pathogen contamination inadvertently occur during crop growth or postharvest fresh‐cut processing.
CD95 is not functional in human erythrocytes
Authors: SAGAN D. , JERMNIM N. , TANGVARASITTICHAI O.
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  The CD95 pathway is a potent inducer of apoptosis in nucleated cells and this death receptor is important for proper blood cell development. Although it is expressed in red blood cells, its functional role in erythrocytes is not well documented. These anucleated cells can undergo cell death via eryptosis, a process showing similarities to apoptosis of nucleated cells. This mode of cell death is mainly triggered by oxidative stress or energy depletion.

Methods:  CH11 was added to the purified human erythrocytes for induction of phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure. AnnexinV‐FITC was used as a probe for PS detection.

Results:  No significantly enhanced PS‐positive cell fraction could be observed after erythrocytes were treated with CH11.

Conclusion:  Based on some key features for an activated CD95 system, this death receptor has been considered to induce PS exposure. However, we give evidence, that CD95 is not functional in red blood cells and that activation of this death receptor does not lead to the exposure of phosphatidylserine.
BEHAVIOURAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MEN AND WOMEN AGED 20–69
Authors: Sedgwick Antony W. , H‐Davidson Ann , Taplin Roger E.
Published: August 2010

Data are presented on the physiques, physical fitness, serum lipids, blood pressures and smoking habits of 1,500 men and 700 women, and on the physical activity and dietary habits of small sub‐samples. The subjects were residents of Adelaide (pop. 900,000) volunteering for fitness courses, and were mainly from middle and upper‐middle income groups. Fifty per cent of the men and 37% of women were more than 10% above ideal body‐weight, 36% and 28% respectively had elevated serum cholesterol (≥ 6.4 mmol/1), 29% and 9% had elevated triglycerides (≥ 2.0 mmol/1), and 21% and 17% had elevated diastolic blood pressures (≥ 95 mmHg). By overseas standards physical fitness was quite low in the men, and moderate in the women. Cigarette smoking was 10% less prevalent in both sexes than in the general Australian population. Average total daily energy intake was 10,290 kilojoules (2,450 cals.) for men, and 7,375 kilojoules (1,756 cals.) for women, with 11.4% of energy provided by alcohol in male drinkers, and 4.5% in female drinkers. Diet was relatively rich in “empty kilojoules” and cholesterol. Both sexes took little vigorous exercise but the women were less sedentary than the men. It is suggested that the biological profile of this sample is unsatisfactory, probably reflects the status of the urban population in general, and indicates the need for systematic health promotion. The value of the kind of information presented here, in relation to health programmes, is discussed.
THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Goldstein Greg
Published: August 2010

The rapid international transfer of medical technologies to the developing countries is in progress, promoting a “high technology” model of medicine mat is reflected in the structure of hospitals and university faculties, and medical education and practice. The resulting growth of specialties and sub‐specialties in hospitals may inhibit the development of appropriate, village‐based primary care services. Postgraduate medical education programs donated by the United States, Australia or Europe may disregard the vital issues of provision of universal primary care and local control of health services, and train doctors to devote resources to high technology urban models of care. Medical graduates emigrate to industrial countries because they find no “market” for their services in villages, where needs are the greatest. Bilateral foreign aid programs, WHO sponsored projects, multinational corporate transactions and medical missions and education have been important sources of technology transfer. While a national pharmacopoeia requires only 200 drugs, with 17 basic drugs in village clinics, most patients are denied suitable drug therapy because of inadequate primary care and the inappropriate transfer and promotion of over 4000 drugs that are expensive, incompletely tested in local conditions, or toxic. The deficiency in basic health services means only about 4 million of the 80 million children born each year in Africa, most of Latin America and South East Asia are effectively immunised with available vaccines.

There are some apparently successful examples of appropriate health systems, based on the principles of universal access to primary care by health workers, and a national referral system to secondary and tertiary care. Effective monitoring of technology transfer and the development of appropriate health services involves important roles for the WHO and greater international co‐operation among community health workers.
MONITORING CASE SURVIVAL BY HISTOLOGICAL TYPE FOR LUNG CANCER, BREAST CANCER AND NON‐HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMAS — ONE FUNCTION OF A POPULATION‐BASED REGISTRY
Authors: Bonett Anton , Roder David , Esterman Adrian
Published: August 2010

Population‐based registries are a means of monitoring cancer case survival, treatment outcomes, and time trends at the community level and for individual clinicians. Such registries are less likely to face the selection bias, small numbers of cases, and loss to follow‐up that commonly apply in hospital records.

Two‐year survival rates have been calculated by histological type for lung cancers, female breast cancers, and non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas.

For lung cancers, squamous cell tumours and adenocarcinomas presented better survival rates than undifferentiated large cell and small cell tumours. Nodular non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas had more favourable rates than the diffuse variety and, among the diffuse tumours, lymphocytic cases had a better prognosis than the histiocytic types. Breast cancer survival was not clearly influenced by histological type.
INTRODUCING A HEALTH CENTRE: EFFECTS ON GENERAL HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS
Authors: Maynard E.J.
Published: August 2010

The effects on general hospital use of introducing a health centre were examined by comparing admission rates of the recipient community with those of another population served largely by solo general practitioners. Both study groups used a common group of hospitals. A period of one year prior to the health centre and the following three years was included in the comparison. The expected reduction in hospital use by the health centre population occurred only amongst elderly males. In view of the high level of services received by the elderly from the primary care team, the assistance available at home from a spouse and the large contribution by re‐admissions, it seems likely that this specific reduction in hospital admissions was an effect of the health centre.
DO HEALTH BOOKLETS ADD ANYTHING TO PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE? AN EVALUATION STUDY
Authors: Cullen James S.
Published: August 2010

An outcome evaluation was undertaken of a booklet used as a supplement to nurses' guidance to mothers on the introduction of solids to infants. The study was based on a classical before and after design, including a control group. Measures were taken of knowledge, practice and preferred learning mode. Gains in knowledge and practice were significantly greater for the experimental group. Reductions in knowledge scores, where they were expected to increase, are discussed and a set of conditions thought to govern the effectiveness of health messages is offered.

Despite prolonged use of pamphlets, posters, leaflets and booklets in public education few outcome evaluations of such educational aids have been published. The face validity of these aids is a powerful incentive for their continued use; furthermore, outcome evaluations are usually complex and expensive. In this study a booklet called A Solid Start (dealing with the introduction of solid foods to imports) was chosen because —

the booklet was typical in style of many publications;

the topic of infant feeding ensured a ready supply of experimental subjects;

it was prepared in response to expressed needs (16 experienced nurses were asked what booklets mothers requested).

it was well developed, competently written and subjected to process evaluations before reaching its final stage;

it was a new booklet, not distributed previously;

it dealt with a brief time period in child development.
ENAMEL DEFECTS IN FLUORIDATED AND NON‐FLUORIDATED AREAS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: Dooland Martin Bryn , Carr Susan Marion
Published: August 2010

The optimum level of fluoride in the water supply represents a balance between the maximum prevention of dental caries and the maintenance of an “acceptable” level of dental fluorosis. For temperate climates it has been accepted generally that a concentration of one part per million of fluoride is associated with a near maximum reduction in dental caries with only a small proportion experiencing the mildest level of dental fluorosis.

In 1982,577 South Australian primary school children with near lifelong exposure to artificially fluoridated water and 277 primary school children, who had never resided in an area with a significant level of fluoride in its water, were examined by a single examiner to assess the prevalence and severity of the enamel defects.

While alternative explanations are possible, the results suggest that South Australian children with life‐long or near life‐long exposure to water borne fluoride at a level of 1ppm show increased levels of enamel defects.
PRESENT AND DESIRED BODY WEIGHTS OF AUSTRALIAN ADULTS: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN?
Authors: Crawford David , Worsley Anthony
Published: August 2010

Two postal surveys were conducted each on randomly selected samples of 1,000 adults drawn from the Adelaide and Melbourne metropolitan areas. Subjects were asked to provide information on their weight, height and desired weight. These variables were used to calculate present body mass index and desired body mass index. The results indicate that 35 per cent of overweight men and 20 per cent of overweight women do not wish to reduce their weight to an ‘acceptable’ level. There is also evidence that 12 to 16 per cent of young adult women wish to achieve or maintain underweight status. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to weight control policies.
SELF‐REPORTED HEARING LOSS AMONG WORKERS EXPOSED TO INDUSTRIAL NOISE. ANALYSIS OF U.S. SURVEILLANCE DATA WITH REFERENCE TO THE AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Gun R.T.
Published: August 2010

Aging and noise are the two main causes of hearing loss. To estimate the extent to which hearing loss is due to noise and is therefore preventable, an analysis was undertaken, using U.S. surveillance data, of the prevalence of hearing loss in workers in industries categorised according to the percentages of the workforce exposed to noise levels of 85 dBA or more. It was estimated that 13 per cent of the U.S. workforce was exposed to these noise levels, and that occupational noise exposure accounted for 20 per cent of self‐reported hearing loss in the male workforce. Applying the industry‐specific exposures to Australia, it is estimated that some 657,000 workers are exposed to noise levels of 85 dBA or more in this country. Australian Bureau of Statistics data indicate that constant noise accounts for 38 per cent of self‐reported hearing loss in Australian adult males (although this figure would include hearing loss due to non‐occupational noise). Data from both countries indicate that the prevalence of noise‐induced hearing loss in females is negligible.
MAINTENANCE VS REHABILITATION IN HOME CARE OF THE AGED AND DISABLED — THE ROLE OF THE PARAMEDICAL AIDE
Authors: Abbott David , Hobbin Elizabeth
Published: August 2010

This paper reviews an attempt to change the focus of work of Paramedical Aides (PMAs) in a South Australian domiciliary care and rehabilitation service. Faced with a rapid rise in the number of clients, and a demand for maintenance care at the expense of rehabilitation, the service put four supernumerary PMAs to work as ‘dedicated’ rehabilitative aides under the direct supervision of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy professional staff.

Evaluation of the scheme showed an increased rate of case closures, an increase in the time spent by health professionals in assessment and treatment, and increased job satisfaction, during the project period. Dedication of a nucleus of PMAs to a rehabilitation role was also seen as the most efficient arrangement in a context of high referral rates and caseloads.
ESTIMATES OF THE NUMBER OF REGULAR ILLEGAL OPIATE USERS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA: AN UPDATE AND EVALUATION
Authors: Marlowe Rhett , Cooke Richard , Farmer Ann
Published: August 2010

A revised capture‐recapture formula is used to provide estimates of the number of regular illegal opiate users in South Australia in the early 1980s and to compare these with those of the mid 1970s. Using sample size and variance as reliability criteria, no conclusion could be reached regarding any change in the prevalence of opiate users. The assumptions of the capture‐recapture method were also examined, especially the possible effect of assumption violations on estimate reliability and validity. The major threat to reliability is the probable violation of the assumption that all population members have the same chance of being sampled. The utility of the capture‐recapture method is not in providing precise estimates, but rather in identifying trends in the prevalence of illegal opiate use.
RELATIONSHIP OF COMBINATIONS OF AIDS COUNSELLING AND TESTING TO SAFER SEX AND CONDOM USE IN HOMOSEXUAL MEN
Authors: Ross Michael W.
Published: August 2010

In a cross‐sectional survey of 172 homosexual men in a city of one million inhabitants, questions were asked on testing for AIDS and counselling history, sexual practices, prophylactic behaviours, condom use and associations with the gay subculture along with other background variables. Respondents were divided into four groups: those who had had both HIV testing and safer sex counselling, those who had only had testing, those who had only had counselling, and those who had had neither. All but 4 per cent of respondents had heard of safer sex. Results showed that increase in comdom use for both oral and anal sex, and stopping prior to ejaculation were associated with the combined testing and counselling group, and occurred significantly more often than the counselling only and no intervention groups. The testing only group fell midway between the counselling plus testing and the counselling only, and no intervention groups. A scale constructed by summing the four measures of safer sex showed that testing only, and counselling and testing combined were significantly superior in terms of safer sex practices than the counselling and no intervention groups. Correlates of being given a condom at point of testing included increased insertive anal intercourse and stopping before ejaculation as well as increased condom use during anal intercourse. These findings suggest that provision of free condoms in a context of professional and peer support may enhance condom usage during behaviours known to transmit HIV. While these data may be interpreted with caution with regard to causality, they do imply (in the absence of evidence that such behaviours characterise individuals who present for HIV‐related interventions) that some interventions or combinations of interventions are significantly more effective than others.
AUCKLAND HOMOSEXUAL MALES AND AIDS PREVENTION: A BEHAVIOURAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION
Authors: Rosser B.R. Simon
Published: August 2010

This, the first major study of male homosexual behaviour in New Zealand to be published, reports demographic and behavioural characteristics of 159 homosexual and bisexual males in Auckland. While more respondents were in relationships than in comparable North American studies, fewer were in relationships of greater than one year's duration. Older respondents tended to be disproportionately European. Condom usage, intravenous drug behaviour, AIDS education and AIDS proximity were all investigated. Homosexual behaviour is described using four categories of risk of HIV transmission: low risk, uncertain risk, risk due to co‐factors, and high‐risk activity. The implications of these results for AIDS prevention education and the spread of AIDS in New Zealand are discussed.
REHABILITATION PROGRAMS FOR DRINK DRIVERS: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL
Authors: Redman Selina , Sanson‐Fisher Robert , Cockburn Jill
Published: August 2010

Rehabilitation programs for drink drivers have been implemented throughout Australia in an attempt to reduce alcohol related road traffic accidents. Using a rationale proposed by Tugwell et al., the success of rehabilitation programs as a public health measure was assessed. The evaluative literature was reviewed and a survey of ongoing rehabilitation programs in Australia and New Zealand was undertaken. It was concluded that rehabilitation programs for drink drivers should currently be implemented only with caution, since there is a lack of appropriate data about their operation and effectiveness within Australia. Future research needs are discussed.
DRUG USE AMONG SYDNEY TEENAGERS IN 1985 AND 1986
Authors: Levy Susan J. , Pierce John P.
Published: August 2010

To investigate adolescent drug use behaviour, a random community sample of Sydney teenagers aged 14 to 19 years was interviewed at home in 1985 (N=996) and again in 1986 (N=756). Respondents were asked about current use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, other illicit drugs, medications and inhalants. Drug use was common: 16 per cent of respondents were heavy drinkers, 28 per cent smoked tobacco, 10 per cent used marijuana and 4 per cent used drugs other than alcohol, tobacco or marijuana. Seventeen per cent were multiple drug users. Drug use was more common among boys than girls, except for tobacco smoking, and increased with age: older males had particularly high prevalences of heavy drinking, tobacco and marijuana use. The prevalence of heavy drinking, tobacco and marijuana use increased by 2–3 percent over the one year follow‐up period. About half of the heavy drinkers and marijuana users, and 80 per cent of tobacco smokers had not changed one year later, which indicates the stability of these behaviours. One‐third of eligible teenagers contacted at the first interview declined to participate: it is likely that this study underestimates the prevalence of drug use in the community. Heavy drinking, tobacco smoking and marijuana use remain important target behaviours for adolescent drug use prevention programs.
FROM MEDIBANK TO MEDICARE: TRENDS IN AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL CARE COSTS AND USE FROM 1976 TO 1986
Authors: Barer Morris , Nicoll Mary , Diesendorf Mark , Harvey Roy
Published: August 2010

Private medical care costs and service use in Australia from 1976 to 1986 are compared. In each of these years Australia had a compulsory, universal, fee‐for‐service, national health insurance scheme ‐ Medibank in 1976 and Medicare in 1986.

Over the period of 1976 to 1986, the number of private medical services per capita, in the 6 month period 1 April to 30 September, increased from 2.79 to 3.95, an increase of 3.54 per cent per year. The cost of services per capita, adjusted for increases in schedule fees for each item‐group of services (the ‘fee‐adjusted cost’), grew at a rate of 3.91 per cent per year.

The results are reported by subsets of age, sex and item‐group of service. It is found that very little of the large increases in use and cost of services can be attributed to demographic changes or population growth. Rather, they represent rapid increases in age and sex‐specific rates of use, primarily among the very young, the very old and, for some types of service, women of child‐bearing age. The most dramatic increases in service use are found in pathology, radiotherapy and miscellaneous procedures.
INCINERATION: WHY THIS MAY BE THE MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND METHOD OF RENAL HEALTHCARE WASTE DISPOSAL
Authors: James Ray
Published: August 2010

The environment and ‘green’ issues are currently being promoted in the healthcare sector through recently launched initiatives. This paper considers aspects of healthcare waste management, with particular reference to waste generated in dialysis units. With dialysis being dependent upon large amounts of disposables, it generates considerable volumes of waste. This paper focuses upon a typical haemodialysis unit, evaluating and quantifying the volumes and categories of waste generated. Each haemodialysis patient on thrice weekly dialysis generates some 323 kg per year of waste, of which 271 kg is classified as clinical. This equates to 1626 kg of (solid) clinical waste per dialysis bed, which is around three times the volume of clinical waste generated per general hospital bed.

Waste disposal routes are considered and this suggests that present healthcare waste paradigms are outmoded. They do not allow for flexible approaches to solving what is a dynamic problem, and there is a need for new thinking models in terms of managing the unsustainable situation of disposal in constantly growing landfills.

Healthcare waste management must be considered not only in terms of the environmental impact and potential long‐term health effects, but also in terms of society's future energy requirements.
RIDING THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER: RENAL TRANSPLANT FROM A DOCTOR'S PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Thomas Duncan
Published: August 2010

This account is of the pathway to a renal transplant. It is my feelings and conception of the journey acknowledging the psychological impact along the way. The workload before transplantation and my unappreciated desire to delay the operation are discussed. The search for the donor was difficult as I had to come to terms with being the person responsible for giving my mother pain and suffering. The outcome is good and my desire to thank my mother is overwhelming.
The Sinanthropus Population of Choukoutien (Locality 1) with a Preliminary Report on New Discoveries
Authors: Weidenreich Franz
Published: August 2010

1) The newly found specimens confirm the fact that Sinanthropus

represents an independent hominid type distinctly inferior to Neanderthal man and showing definite anthropoid peculiarities in many features.

2) The teeth of Sinanthropus exceed in size those of recent and

Neanderthal man. Premolars and molars are very complicated in their pattern, especially in regard to the abundance of wrinkles and they are hardly inferior to those of chimpanzee, but they exceed them in coarseness.

The upper canine of Sinanthropus is long and wide and projects remarkably like a tusk beyond the level of P1. The upper milk canine is isolated

from both its neighbors by gaps, in the dentition of milk teeth. The teeth of recent man, in crowns as well as in roots, are simplified and reduced in comparison to those of Sinanthropus; this primitiveness is not basic but a secondary acquisition.

3) The teeth (milk and permanent) of Sinanthropus are more variable in size than those of a corresponding population of recent man. Therefore, a sexual difference must be recognized like that of the Simiidæ.

4) In two (three) of the four adult jaws there are hyperostoses— “Torus mandibularis”—on the inner side of the alveolar part, the largest of which is situated just linguad of the alveolar septum between P1and P2The same peculiarity may be found in prehistoric and in recent Chinese jaws and, according to Fürst, is very characteristic of the Mongolian racial group of mankind, especially the Eskimo.

5) In Sinanthropus all upper incisors are very much shovel‐shaped. This peculiarity too is found in the corresponding teeth of the recent Mongolian race in sometimes nearly 100% of the population.

6) The facts mentioned under 4) and 5) seem to prove that Sinanthropus takes his place in the direct line leading to recent man and that among present‐day mankind the Mongolian group has the closest relation to Peking man.

7) An inventory of all specimens of Locality 1 leads to the conclusion that the population of Choukoutien must have been composed of at least 10 children, 2 adolescents and 12 adults; perhaps one half of these were male and the other half female.

8) Most of these individuals are represented by teeth or jaws only, some by skull fragments and two or three by specimens of body bones. The missing bones cannot have been lost during the filling up of the cave or the fossilization process or during the subsequent excavations, but must have been absent already when the bones were imbedded in the rocks.

9) The Sinanthropus remains must have been brought into the cave as parts already severed from the body; perhaps they represent trophies or, more probably, the hunting spoil of head hunters.

10) There is not the least indication that this hunter was another and more advanced hominid type than Sinanthropus himself. Sinanthropus was the bearer of the cave culture of Choukoutien, the fire‐maker and the manufacture of the implements, perhaps also both the hunter and the cannibal who preyed on people of his own kind.
Hybridization in the genera Vulpia and Festuca (Poaceae): the characteristics of artificial hybrids
Authors: Barker C. M. , Stace C. A.
Published: August 2010

The chromosome numbers and morphological characteristics, including life–form, vegetative and floral measurements and pollen fertility, of 70 artificial interspecific Vulpia hybrid plants and 49 artificial intergeneric Festuca rubra agg. x Vulpia hybrid plants are presented, together with comparable data from 60 artificial Festuca rubra agg. x Vulpia fasciculata plants produced by R. Cotton. The inheritance of various characters is summarized. It is concluded that most characters of the tetraploid Vulpia fasciculata are dominant over those of diploid species of Vulpia, but that most characters of the hexaploid Festuca rubra agg. are dominant over those of diploid and tetraploid species of Vulpia. In diploid x diploid Vulpia crosses the pubescent ovary tip is dominant to the glabrous state, but the inheritance of lemma pubescence is more complicated. The keeled lemmas of V. fasciculata and V. pyramidata are dominant to the rounded ones of other Vulpia species, but recessive to the rounded ones of F rubra agg. Bearing in mind such generalizations as these, the parentage of wild hybrids should be capable of correct interpretation. The significance of the results in our understanding of the origin of V. fasciculata is discussed.
The taxonomic position and derivation of Cerastium adnivale Chiov. (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Hedberg O. , Karlsson U. , Kelbessa E. , Makunga O. , Petterson G. , Tadesse M. , Västilä R. , Wennberg O.
Published: August 2010

Detailed studies of comprehensive herbarium material confirmed that the afroalpine Cerastium adnivale Chiov. is too indistinctly delimited from the earlier described C. octandrum Hochst. ex A. Rich, to be given more than varietal rank. The restricted distribution of var. adnivale on only some of the high mountains harbouring C. octandrum s. lat. as well as results of experimental cultivation show that the reduced pubescence of the former cannot be due to environmental influence alone but must result from genetic differences. The derivation of var. adnivale from C. octandrum s. lat. is discussed.
Cell differentiation in microsporangia of Pinus sylvestris. II. Early pachytene
Authors: Rowley John R. , Walles Björn
Published: August 2010

Tapetal cells of Pinus sylvesiris L. underwent one hypersecretory cycle during early pachytene and entered a second cycle by the time of mid pachytene in microspore mother cells. Initially in each cycle tapetal cells became papillaform then dome‐shaped and thereafter, in conjunction with radial narrowing of the cells, dilation of the ER system was intensive throughout the cytoplasm. Recovery from hyperactivity culminated with the presence of plasmodesma‐like connections between tapetal cells and a period of mitosis in tapetal cells. The differentiation of tapetal cells occurred asynchronously within a microsporangium and their dedifferentiation began nonuni‐formly, becoming synchronous coincidental with the presence of “plasmodesmata”. Microsporangia increased in size and tapetal cells were laterally wide before “plasmodesmata” receded and tapetal cells again differentiated asynchronously.
The genus Asteriscus (Asteraceae‐Inuleae)
Authors: Wiklund Annette
Published: August 2010

Asteriscus Mill. is a genus belonging to the Inula‐group of the Asteraceae‐Inuleae. It is here delimited to contain three species, A. maritimus (L.) Less., A. hierochunticus (Michon) Wikl. (generally known as A. pygmaeus (DC.) Coss & Dur.) and A. spinosus (L.) Sch. Bip. (generally known as Pallenis spinosa (L.) Cass.), growing largely in the Mediterranean and N African regions. The morphology, phytogeography, phylogeny and systematic position of all three species are discussed and a cladogram of the genus is presented.
Leaf volatiles from some wild tomato species
Authors: Lundgren Lennart , Norelius Costa , Stenhagen Gunnar
Published: August 2010

The investigated species are Lycopersicon cheesmanii s.str., L. cheesmanii var. minor, L. chilense, L. hirsutum s. str., L. hirsuturn f. glabratum, L. “parviflorum”, L. chmielewskii, L. peruvianum s. str., L. peruvianum var. humifusum, L. pimpinellifolium and Solanum penellii. Wound‐emitted leaf volatiles isolated and concentrated by adsorption on Tenax GC were separated by capillary gas chromatography. The different species produce different and rather broad patterns of volatiles especially compared to a modem tomato cultivar. There is also a considerable difference between varieties of the same species. When more than one accession was investigated, the results indicated a chemotype differentiation. The chemotypes are in some cases specialized with one or a few quantitatively dominating main components. L. hirsutum emits the greatest number of components. Three accessions had α‐zingeberene, α‐santalene, and limonene as main component, respectively. The investigated accession of L. hirsutum f. glabratum has 2‐undecanone as main component, instead of 2‐tride‐canone previously identified as main component in another accession. Both compounds are natural insecticides. The results illustrate the need for basic knowledge of the chemical characters in the ancestors of cultivated plants.
Distribution of induced traps in cultures of nematode trapping soil fungi
Authors: Czesny C. , Lysek G.
Published: August 2010

20 strains of predaceous hyphomycetes were isolated. They were tested for the distribution of capture organs (sticky networks) on solid media after induction by nematodes. Heavy production is found near inoculum and behind the mycelial front. Areas of weaker inducibility occurring periodically are distributed all over the colonies. The implication of these results on the behaviour of predacious mycelia inside the soil are discussed.
Characteristics and distribution of intermediates between Platanthera bifolia and P. chlorantha (Orchidaceae) in the Nordic countries
Authors: Nilsson L. Anders
Published: August 2010

In areas of sympatryPlantanthera bifolia(L.) L. C. Rich. andP. chlorantha(Cust.) Rchb. occasionally produce hybrids. These plants exhibit intermediate floral morphology. The present study presents the distribution, floral morphology, and general characteristics of these intermediates in the Nordic area. The most useful and reliable diagnostic characters for hybrid plants were (1) the distance between viscidia (normally about 1.4 mm), (2) the length of the caudicle of pollinia (about 0.7 mm), and (3) the presence of a distinct pedicel at the connection between caudicle and viscidium. Comparative chemical analyses of the floral fragrances are reported. Material in the principal Nordic herbaria indicated a generally low production of hybrids (0.46%) and that the main area of occurrence is SE Sweden and Alandia, Finland. Intermediates seem more frequent in provinces whereP. bifoliais relatively long‐spurred. Very few were recorded from Denmark and Norway (hybrids in the latter country here reported for the first time). Aggregations of intermediates displaying patterns of introgressive hybridization were found only on Öland and Gotland. Occurrence of hybrids outside the Nordic area is also discussed and remarks are made on the morphologically similarP. metabifoliaMaek. in E Asia. All known Nordic intermediates are listed.
A taxonomic revision of the Asian genus Leptostachya (Acanthaceae)
Authors: Hansen Bertel
Published: August 2010

The members of the Asian genus Leptostachya Nees, partly assembled from the genera Codonacanthus Nees, Dianthera L., Ophiorrhiziphyllon Kurz and Ptyssiglottis T. Anderson are here reconsidered. A number of morphological characters and their correlation with the geographical distribution are treated in detail. It is concluded that the genus is monotypic with the one variable species, Leptostachya wallichii Nees. A full synonymy, generic as well as specific, is given, and an amended description is drawn.
Is Cortinarius orellanoides an earlier name for C. speciosissimus?
Authors: Høiland Klaus
Published: August 2010

A biometrical study of the type specimens of Cortinarius orellanoides Henry and C. speciosissimus Kühn. & Romagn. (Agaricales), together with some additional material, was carried out. The results indicate that the spores of the two taxa are identical. Since the taxa also macroscopically are indistinguishable, they are proposed as con‐specific. Consequently, the name C. orellanoides will take priority over C. speciosissimus.
Plantago sect. Carpophorae, a taxonomic study
Authors: Rahn Knud
Published: August 2010

A new section of Plantago belonging to subgen. Plantago is proposed. It includes two species, P. rigida H.B.K. and P. tubulosa Decne., both small plants from moist habitats in the highest parts of the Central and Northern Andes, the last also from a single place in Mexico and Guatemala. Geographic variation within both species is studied. This is the final paper in a series of revisions of Plantago in South and Central America.
The genus Iphiona (Compositae‐Inuleae)
Authors: Anderberg Arne
Published: August 2010

The genus Iphiona Cass. emend. A. Anderb. (Compositae‐Inuleae‐Inulinae) is revised and considerably amended. The former genera Grantia Boiss. (=Perralde‐riopsis Rauschert) and Hirschia Baker are included as well as the major part of Iphiona Cass. s.str. and the species Inula grantioides Boiss., and Pulicaria phillipsiae S. Moore. Five new combinations are made: I. anthemidifolia (Baker) A. Anderb., I. arachnoidea (Boiss.) A. Anderb., I. grantioides (Boiss.) A. Anderb., I. phillipsiae (S. Moore) A. Anderb., and I. senecionoides (Baker) A. Anderb. The new species I. teretifolia A. Anderb. is described. A discussion of the phylogeny of the group and a cladogram, involving reticulation, of the Iphiona species are presented. The 11 species are distributed in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Peoples Democratic Republic Yemen, Oman, Iran and Pakistan.