bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing hematopoietic microchimerism is a reliable indicator of incipient AML relapse
Authors: HORKY O. , MAYER J. , KABLASKOVA L. , RAZGA F. , KREJCI M. , KISSOVA J. , BORSKY M. , JEZISKOVA I. , DVORAKOVA D.
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  The reoccurrence or increase in autologous hematopoiesis after allogeneic transplantation has been linked to incipient leukemia relapse. However, the importance of such an emergency regarding microchimerism (i.e. mixed chimerism below 1% of autologous cells) still remains controversial, as fluctuating microchimerism can be observed for a very long time after transplantation.

Methods:  Using real‐time PCR (RQ‐PCR), we compare peripheral blood samples obtained from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) before hematological relapse and those taken during complete remission (i.e. either complete cytogenetic remission or complete molecular remission where applicable). By comparison of these two groups, we describe microchimerism dynamics clearly connected with imminent AML relapse. Additionally, we compare applicability of RQ‐PCR and conventional PCR with fragment analysis.

Results:  Mere reappearance of autologous hematopoiesis within patients with complete donor chimerism is alarming, and another sample with further increase confirms ongoing relapse. In case of patients with continuous microchimerism, another two consecutive samples with increasing trend are required. RQ‐PCR predicted a significantly higher number of hematological relapses (87%vs. 39%) with a median anticipation period of 33 days, 26 days earlier than conventional PCR (P = 0.0002). Moreover, the outcome of microchimerism dynamics was in complete agreement with monitoring of minimal residual disease when analyzed from the same cell compartment.

Conclusion:  Within this paper, we emphasize the importance of microchimerism monitoring as a reliable indicator of incipient AML relapse, especially in patients where no other specific molecular marker is available.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RESEARCH IN COMMUNITY HEALTH
Authors: Mathews J.D.
Published: August 2010

All knowledge is necessarily provisional and grows by trial and by error elimination (Popper). Scientific theories are provisional and are not dogmatic; they provide explanations and predictions which are potentially falsifiable (by observation or experiment). Many other meaningful theories (linguistic, historical, political, sociological, psychoanalytic) are not scientific, as they do not give rise to predictions which are potentially falsifiable.

Scientific explanations are preferable for two reasons. Firstly, because they are testable (and not because they are necessarily correct); secondly, because they are relatively value free: given time, most rational men will come to similar conclusions on the same scientific evidence; if there is a conflict, this will usually lead to the collection of new data to decide which is the preferred explanation.

Scientific method should be used to help identify and solve community health problems. The results of such scientific studies will usually suggest a need for social action and the precise action to be taken will be influenced by political, economic and social values as well as by the scientific evidence.

Scientific method proceeds by defining a problem situation, and by posing one or more specific questions which, if answered, would help to resolve the problem situation. In some instances, questions can be posed and answered by observation and critical analysis of the problem situation; in the health context, a problem situation will often arise out of a conflict of opinion as to the comparative effectiveness of two “treatments” or health plans. To solve problems such as this, it will be necessary to carry out randomised controlled trials. The elements to be randomised can be patients, hospitals, wards, areas or districts, trainee health workers; the “treatments” could be medical, surgical, community health strategies health education policies, etc.

If there is no scientific evidence of the comparative effectiveness of different aspects of medicine, then health care planning will become more and more dominated by the political pressures to reduce health costs. On the other hand, if we can provide scientific evidence of comparative effectiveness, then for any planning (or treatment) decision we should be able to compare the medical consequences with the economic consequences and then (on socio‐political grounds), strike a rational balance between them.
ATTITUDINAL AND NORMATIVE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ADOLESCENT CIGARETTE SMOKING IN AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: A METHODOLOGY TO ASSIST HEALTH EDUCATION PLANNING
Authors: Newman Ian M. , Martin Gary L. , Irwin Robert P.
Published: August 2010

This paper describes an empirically based method for defining the role of attitudes in health education planning. An explicit assumption underlying this method is that the professional health educator is an agent for behavior change who works, primarily via other health professionals, to enhance the health of the target population.

To effect change, the health educator must be skilled in (a) problem definition, (b) program development or the treatment of the problem, (c) program implementation and (d) program evaluation. To illustrate this approach we present a model for measuring attitudes and social normative factors which seems useful in defining education need, illustrate its use in a cross‐culture comparison of a sample of adolescent cigarette smokers in Australia and United States of America and suggest some further steps to aid in planning and evaluating health education activities.

While this paper emphasizes the role of attitude, attitudes are but one of a number of factors to be considered in health education program development. Anderson1 and Green2 suggest that attitudes and knowledge contribute to a predisposition to a particular behavior but that the ultimate behavior is also influenced by a set of factors best described as enabling the behavior and a set of factors which reinforce the behavior.
WHEELING, HEALING AND DEALING: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF HEALTH CARE IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Opit L.J.
Published: August 2010

Conservatism discards Prescription, shrinks from Principle, disavows Progress; having rejected all respect for antiquity, it offers no redress for the present, and makes no preparation for the future.
BREASTFEEDING: ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF AN AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY SAMPLE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Ellis Donelda J.
Published: August 2010

Although most women in Australia are breastfeeding their newborns on discharge from hospital, many discontinue before their infants are six months old 1–3 Since breastfeeding is socially learned,4 a survey of a convenience sample of 305 female and male secondary school students in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was carried out to ascertain knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding. Over 50 per cent thought breastfeeding was an instinct and 87 per cent believed it was the most healthful infant feeding. Most had noticed at least one infant being breastfed and 64 per cent believed themselves to have been breastfed. 80 per cent intended to breastfeed their own infants in the future. Although only 15.6 per cent felt embarrassed to see an infant breastfeeding, breastfeeding in the presence of non‐family males was unacceptable to about 80 per cent. The results have implications for political action and the inclusion of information about infant feeding into formal and informal education.
GOALS AND PRIORITIES IN PREVENTION: THE CHALLENGE OF CHRONIC DISEASE AND DISABILITY
Authors: Goldstein G.
Published: August 2010

It is possible that attempts to define health in a “positive” sense, that is, not merely the absence of disease, may be doomed to failure, and that the older “absence of disease” approach is more useful in health planning. Planning that aims to achieve progressive reductions in mortality and morbidity rates in all sections of the population offers a way of defining the tasks and programs needed to improve health. Disease priorities may be determined by calculation of lost years of life, lost years of productive activity, or economic costs of disease approaches. The economic costs of disease method may be the best available method because it takes account of the other methods, and because it facilitates cost‐benefit analysis.

The consequences of such an approach to health include the greater implementation of effective preventive interventions, explicit rather than implicit rationing of health services, and the formulation of an adequate minimum standard of personal health care.
SOCIAL WORK EFFECTIVENESS IN TWO‐YEAR STROKE SURVIVORS: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Christie David , Weigall Dorothy
Published: August 2010

The survivors to two years, of a population‐based stroke incidence study, were randomly allocated to treatment or control groups in a trial of the effectiveness of a client‐centred social work service.

After twelve months, no difference was discernible in the use of health or community resources by the 110 treated subjects or the 103 controls; no significant difference was present in activity‐independence scores. Of the 31 deaths that occurred, 11 were in treatment subjects and 20 in control. The mortality difference was most evident in those subjects not institutionalised at the beginning of the study; overall the difference was significant at the 7% level.

It is suggested that the social work service had little effectiveness in altering health resource usage but may have been a therapeutic agent in its own right.
RECENT MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY FOR PEPTIC ULCER IN QUEENSLAND
Authors: Doessel D.P. , Gammie G.J.
Published: August 2010

Mortality rates from 1922 to 1981 have been examined for various categories of peptic ulcer and various summations of disease categories. The analysis indicates that the differences in mortality rates between Queensland and the country as a whole are not great, thus there is some indirect evidence that analyses of Queensland data may also be applicable to Australia.

Mortality rates in Queensland from 1965 to 1981 were examined in detail. It was found that mortality from peptic ulcer in this period has fallen, a trend observed in other countries such as Great Britain and the United States in recent years. There are some differences, however, such as rising mortality rates for some categories of ulcer for females. It is shown that there is a sex differential in peptic ulcer mortality.

Trends in hospital separations for various categories of ulcer and peptic ulcer in general were examined. In the period 1969 to 1979 the rate of perforated peptic ulcer fell, indicating a falling incidence of peptic ulcer in Queensland. Data on the total separation rate for peptic ulcer show a decline through time.

There appears to have been no impact of fibre optic endoscopy on the pattern of diagnoses of the relevant gastrointestinal disorders.
PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE IN ABORIGINAL CHILDREN—A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL INVOLVING 60 CHILDREN
Authors: Douglas R.M. , Hansman D. , McDonald B. , Paton J. , Kirke K.
Published: August 2010

Sixty aboriginal children aged 6 months to 5 years in central Australia participated in a double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of a 14‐valent pneumococcal vaccine. The study was run in parallel with a similar trial involving 1273 Adelaide caucasian children. The aboriginal children, by comparison, had lower baseline levels of pneumococcal antibodies, a lesser antibody response to vaccination and more commonly carried potentially invasive pneumococci. Whereas the Adelaide children had derived no measurable benefit from use of the vaccine, the available data in the limited aboriginal study suggest that vaccine recipients experienced some reduction in carriage of vaccine type pneumococci and, during an 18‐month period of follow up, experienced less respiratory infections than those who had received placebo. Although the numbers were small and randomization problematic, the consistency of the clinical and bacteriological findings and the seriousness of the problem of respiratory infections in aboriginal children, justify further efforts to investigate a possible role for routine pneumococcal immunization in aboriginal children.
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOSPITAL AND GENERAL PRACTITIONER: A STUDY OF A RURAL NEW ZEALAND HOSPITAL BOARD
Authors: Finau Sitaleki A.
Published: August 2010

A study of communication to general practitioners from a rural hospital in New Zealand showed a need for the transmission of more social information about patients. The general practitioners stated that the information from the hospitals contributed to their continuing education as well as patient management. This study highlights the importance of social information in hospital patient management and indicates other areas for improvement of communication between secondary and primary medical services.
ASTHMA HOSPITALISATION IN RELATION TO SULPHUR DIOXIDE ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINATION IN THE KWINANA INDUSTRIAL AREA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Hunt T. B. , Holman C. D. J.
Published: August 2010

A case‐control study was conducted to examine the relationship between hospital admissions for asthma attacks in 1979–1984 and airborne sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution in an industrial and residential area on the outskirts of Penn, Western Australia. There were 255 cases and 903 controls, each assigned levels of SO2 exposure based on their place of residence and, for subjects of school age, their place of schooling. Compared with residents exposed to a mean SO2 level of less than 8 ug/m3, the estimated rate ratios were 1.1 (95% CI 0.8‐1.5) in those exposed to 8–14 ug/m3, 0.8 (0.5‐1.3) for exposures of 15.21 ug/m3 and 0.9 (0.5‐1.9) in the highest exposed group with 22–46 ug/m3. Analysis of the frequency of peak levels in SO2 pollution yielded similar results. The study showed no evidence of an increased rate of hospital admission for asthma in residents exposed to higher levels of SO2 compared with other persons in the district.
TRENDS IN THE UPTAKE OF SMOKING IN BUSSELTON, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Visalpattanasin Pranom , Wearne Kim L. , Armstrong Bruce K.
Published: August 2010

Tobacco smoking habits in adults in Busselton, Western Australia, including age at beginning smoking, are described from the triennial surveys conducted between 1966 and 1981. That the proportion of ex‐smokers apparently rose faster in Busselton than it did in the whole of Australia may have been due, in part, to the reporting of smoking habits to family doctors which occurred after each Busselton survey. Different patterns of smoking experience were observed in men (a rise in the proportion of never smokers) and women (a decline in the proportion of never smokers, and a fall in the average age at beginning smoking). Thus in those born most recently and represented in the surveys, the proportion of never smokers was a bout the same in women as in men. The recent convergence of prevalence of ever having smoked and age at uptake of smoking in men and women may mean that they will experience similar rates of smoking‐related disease in the future.
SMOKING HABITS AND BELIEFS, AND ATTITUDES TO CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS, AMONGST GRADE 6 CHILDREN
Authors: Davis Scott , McLean Stuart
Published: August 2010

The major finding of this study is that tobacco promotion is reaching and presumably influencing very young children, contrary to the tobacco industry's voluntary code of advertising.
RISK FACTORS FOR MORTALITY IN AUSTRALIAN VIETNAM‐ERA NATIONAL SERVICEMEN: A CASE‐CONTROL STUDY
Authors: O'Toole Brian I. , Adena Michael A. , Jones Michael P.
Published: August 2010

Risk factors for mortality from all causes in Australian former National Service conscripts of the Vietnam conflict era were determined by comparing decedents with a random sample of survivors using data available from service records. Three‐quarters of the deaths were due to external causes. A log‐linear regression model was used to evaluate variables in four classes: education and cognitive abilities, employment, conduct while in service, and physical and mental health. Risk of mortality was higher for men with lower scores on the army intelligence test. Age left school and highest class reached were not as important to survival as participation in post‐secondary education, which was associated with a lower risk of early death. Risk of death also increased with a conduct history of being Absent Without Leave or being charged for offences involving alcohol or motor vehicles. Employment instability between school and military service also was associated weakly with a higher risk of death, as was duration of hospitalisation during service. Given survival to the end of National Service, service in Vietnam per se did not figure in the regression model as an important determinant of subsequent mortality.
LEGISLATIVE AND HUMANITARIAN IMPETUS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG POLICY AT AN AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Blaze‐Temple Debra , Howat Peter , Barney Judy , Saunders Bill , Saxon Stan
Published: August 2010

The rationale for comprehensive alcohol and other drug policy at a tertiary institution is presented here as a health promotion strategy for educating University policy makers. Particular emphasis is placed on a discussion of humanitarian issues, that is, the right to a healthy environment, and the potential for legal liability in an environment where alcohol is readily available and other drugs are present. There is little attention paid to drug use related legal issues in the University, but at the same time drawing the attention of policy makers to the organisation's vulnerability to lawsuits has been reported to be a motivating force for adoption of drug use policy. Universities do experience problems related to alcohol and other drug use by staff and students. Problem reduction, and better management of problems, are the major goals of policy in this area. Local initiatives, for example at the organisational level, make important contributions to the overall drug prevention efforts of the nation. Well‐developed policy and procedures and effective implementation constitute an important structural health promotion strategy. Such policy would comply with the immediate requirements of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare legislation and provide some protection against wrongful dismissal claims and negligence lawsuits, as well as providing long‐term educative effects. Situations for which policies are needed, range widely due to the University's unique environment and complex roles.
LIFE EXPECTANCY FREE OF DISABILITY: A COMPOSITE MEASURE OF POPULATION HEALTH STATUS
Authors: Graham Patrick , Davis Peter
Published: August 2010

Access to disability data from a nationwide survey of New Zealanders provides the opportunity to estimate Life Expectancy Free of Disability (LEFD) for the non‐institutional adult population. This measure of population health status combines mortality and morbidity data into a single index.

The analysis is restricted to the 15–64 age range and results on partial life expectancy free of disability are presented for the key socio‐demographic groups.

The results conform to the international evidence and highlight the potential impact of disability as a component in a composite measure of population health status: although women live longer than men, almost all this apparent advantage in longevity is spent in some state of disablement; Maori are disadvantaged in comparison with non‐Maori both in terms of longevity and in the proportion of the life span spent disability‐free; and, social class comparisons show a decline in LEFD with declining social class that is steeper than the corresponding mortality gradient.

Despite some technical difficulties and the strong requirements of the data, the LEFD measure has many potential applications in public health research and planning. In particular, it has the potential to direct research and policy towards the enhancement of the active years of life rather than just the postponement of mortality.
SOCIAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DECISION TO RELINQUISH A BABY FOR ADOPTION
Authors: Najman Jake M. , Morrison John , Keeping J. Douglas , Andersen Margaret J. , Williams Gail M.
Published: August 2010

Little is known about the characteristics, social circumstances and mental health of women who give a child up for adoption. This paper reports data from a longitudinal study of 8556 women interviewed initially at their first obstetrical visit. In total, 7668 proceeded to give birth to a live singleton baby, of which 64 then relinquished the baby for adoption.

Relinquishing mothers were predominantly 18 years of age or younger, in the lowest family income group, single, having an unplanned and/or unwanted baby and reported that they were not living with a partner. These women were somewhat more likely to manifest symptoms of anxiety and depression both prior, and subsequent to, the adoption, but the majority of relinquishing mothers were of ‘normal’ mental health. The decision to relinquish a baby appears to be a consequence of an unwanted pregnancy experienced by an economically deprived single mother rather than the result of emotional or psychological/psychiatric considerations. These findings document a particular dimension of the impact of poverty on health.
PESTICIDES IN BREAST MILK ‐ A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Monheit Benny M. , Luke Barry G.
Published: August 2010

Concern in the community about the risk of environmental hazards such as pesticides seems widespread. Pesticides have been widely used in agriculture to enhance food production and pesticide residues are now found in most human breast milk samples taken in industrialised countries.

A breast milk survey on 158 women in Victoria was carried out during 1985/86 among women attending infant welfare centres. The survey showed that the mean s̀DDT and HCB concentrations had fallen by 62 per cent and 74 per cent respectively since the previous Victorian study in 1978. However dieldrin levels had not decreased significantly and most pesticide levels, as well as those for PCB, were above the acceptable daily intake levels set by the World Health Organisation. The significance of these findings is still unclear.

The response of governments and the media to this type of controversy is discussed in the light of the Victorian Breast Milk Survey.
The Origin of Hsi Hu or the Western Lake of Hanchow
Authors: Chang H. T.
Published: August 2010

Summary

Hsi Hu, the Western Lake of Hanchow, has been famous as summer resort and playing ground since the Tang and Sung Dynasties. During the time of Han, however, it was called Ming Shen Hu while in the time of three Kingdom, it was called Chien Tang Hu , the latter name being derived from the river, Chien Tang Kiang. Since the Hanchow city was built in the Sui Dynasty which is several hundred years after Han, so the history of Hsi Hu should be reckoned as much older than the city itself. On the other hand, Hsi Hu has never been noticed in any writings before the time when Shiuchinchu was published.

The circumference of Hsi Hu is about 30 li or expressed more exactly about 4,987,879 sq. km. in area. The lake is closed by hills on all sides except toward the east. Those hills consist of the Carboniferous limestone, quartzose sandstone and liparite, the last one being of very young age. The sandstone formation could probably be correlated with the Nanking grit of Richthofen; but its contact with the Carboniferous limestone was not observed. On average, the depth of the lake measures about 5‐6 ft., the maximum being not more than 10 ft.

Two articles have appeared dealing with the origin of Hsi Hu. The first is by Mr. Sekü, in his “Report on the Geology of Hanchow, Chekiang”, published in Journal of the Geological Society of Tokyo, Vol. XVI, 1909. Mr. Sekü's opinion is briefly as follows:
A Study of the Silurian Section at Lo Jo Ping, I Chang District, W. Hupeh§
Authors: Hsieh C. Y. , Chao Y. T.
Published: August 2010

(Abstract) The specimen is collected from a small outcrop near the Lolo village of Mao Mao Kou, some 30 km. N.N.W. of Hui Li district in S. Szechuan, on the N. slope of Lung Tsao Shan, a prominant mountain some 8,000 feet above the sea, entirely covered by a basaltic lava of Permian age. The latter weathers into a residual red clay which covers the lower slopes. The contact of the syenite with the Lung Tsao Shan lava was not observed owing to the thick cover. East of the occurrence a series of steep dipping red shales appears. The exact relation of this series with the syenite is not clear, but it is probable that they are in actual contact. Further east the red shale series is thrown into contact with a coal series containing Rhætic plant fossils—probably by an overthrust as the whole coal series is highly folded.
Croton megalocarpoides sp. nov. An arborescent Euphorbiaceae from semi–evergreen vegetation in S Somalia and E Kenya
Authors: Friis Ib , Gilbert Michael G.
Published: August 2010

A new arborescent species of Croton, C. megalocarpoides Friis & Gilbert, is described from the coastal semi–evergreen forest and bushland in S Somalia and E Kenya. Its taxonomic affinity with other African species is demonstrated, particularly the relationship to C. megalocarpus Hutch., a montane E African species with which it has long been confused, and to C. mayumbense J. Léonard, and C. mubango Mull. Arg., two species from lowland forest and forest–savannah mosaic in W Zaire and surrounding countries. The phytogeographical position of the new species is briefly discussed.
Cellular injuries in epiphytic lichens transplanted to air polluted areas
Authors: Holopainen Toini H.
Published: August 2010

The epiphytic lichens Hypogymnia physodes (L.) W. Wats, and Bryoria capillaris (Ach.) Brodo & D. Hawksw. growing on spruce branches were transplanted from a clean rural area to the environment of a fertilizer plant and a pulp mill in central Finland. The common major pollutants in these environments are SO2, NOx and ammonia but the fertilizer plant also emits fluorides. In the transmission electron microscope two main types of cellular injuries were observed both in algal and fungal cells in both species and in both environments. The first type, characterized by rapid degeneration of cell organelles, was an apparently acute injury leading to plasmolysis and rapid death of the cells. The second type was considered chronic injury and involved changes in chloroplast shape, swelling of mitochondria and increased density of cytoplasm in algal cells, and increased vacuolization and appearance of dark vacuolar accumulations in fungal cells. The cytoplasmic storage droplets decreased gradually in size both in algae and fungi. The acute injury was mainly seen in the lichens transplanted to sites with higher pollution levels near the sources, and was more usual in algal than in fungal cells. B. capillaris was more susceptible to acute injury than H. physodes. An additional injury type was detected in algal cells of both lichen species in the vicinity of the fertilizer plant. This type was characterized by severe swelling of thylakoids and their interspaces and granulation of thylakoid membranes, and was suspected to be related to the effects of fluorides. The injuries as seen in light microscope, and expressed as increased proportion of dead algae and visible bleaching of thallus, were usually observable simultaneously. The injuries as seen in the electron microscope always preceded other injuries; they were clearly observable already after one week of transplantation in the more polluted sites but developed more slowly in the less polluted ones. The time lack between these injuries and the visible ones was 2–3 weeks in the more polluted sites, but several months or even years in the less polluted ones.
Notes on the genus Sphinctacanthus (Acanthaceae)
Authors: Hansen Bertel
Published: August 2010

The six species up till now described in the genus Sphinctacanthus Benth. are reconsidered. Five of them, originating from Burma through Thailand to the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra are excluded and their true identity given. The type species, Sphinctacanthus grifithii (T. Anderson) Benth. is provided with an emended description. The generic affinity within the family is discussed with emphasis on pollen morphology and cystolith morphology.
Embryology and probable relationships of Eriospermum (Eriospermaceae)
Authors: Lu An‐ming
Published: August 2010

Three South African species of the African genus Eriospermum Jacq., which makes up Eriospermaceae Endl., have been studied in connection with the project “Families of Vascular Plants”, partly to establish the phylogenetic relationships of the family. The embryology is unusual in several features reflecting the advanced character of the genus in this respect. The following features are the most important: the tapetum is secretory; microsporogenesis is successive; the ovules are anatropous and crassinu‐cellate; the primary archesporial cell cuts off a parietal cell; the embryo sac formation is of the Polygonum type; endosperm formation is nuclear, but the endosperm is soon consumed, nucellus cells bordering on the sides of the chalazal half of the embryo sac divide to form a perispermal sheath around the embryo; embryo formation follows the Nicotiana variation of the Solanad type; the embryo of the mature seed is large and cylindrical‐obconical, reaches above the perisperm. The seed coat is formed by both the outer and the inner integuments, both 2‐layered; the epidermal cells of the test a grow out into long trichomes. The embryology and seed shape of Eriospermum is compared to those in Cyanastrum, Walleria, and genera of Tecophilaeaceae and some other families as far as details in these are known.
Cell differentiation in microsporangia of Pinus sylvestris. III. Late pachytene
Authors: Rowley John R. , Walles Björn
Published: August 2010

Cycles of hyperactivity were observed in tapetal and microspore mother cells of Pinus sylvestris L. during the pachytene stage of meiosis in microspore mother cells. Hyperactive periods were characterized by dilated rough ER, hypersecretory dictyosomes, autophagic vesicles having one to two sequestration envelopes, and maze‐like whor‐les of the endomembrane system. The extent and sequence of differentiation differed between the two cell types. During distinct phases of development there was either fi‐brillar flocculent or lipoidal material or both within dilations and at cell surfaces. Tapetal cell transfer of material involved endocytotic and exocytotic vesicles and channels opening directly to the cell surface. Dilations of the nuclear envelope of microspore mother cells in late pachytene intruded into the nucleus and, in conjunction with dilated ER, dominated cell profiles. Cellular morphogenesis in a microspo‐rangium was seldom synchronous except for intervals of dedifferentiation when plas‐modesma‐like connections were formed between tapetal cells. Cycles of differentiation and dedifferentiation were correlated each spring season for five years with the progressive change of pachytene chromosomes, suggesting control by a genetic program rather than annual variations in the environment.
Higher phytosociological syntaxa on Svalbard and their use in subdivision of the Arctic
Authors: Elvebakk Arve
Published: August 2010

Idealized distributions of phytosociological syntaxa are arranged along topographical gradients on siliceous and carbonaceous substrates in the northern arctic tundra zone of Svalbard. Two alliances (Luzulion arcuatae all. prov. and Papaverion dahliani Hoffm. 68 all. prov. em.) and three associations (Gymnomitrio corallioidis ‐ Luzule‐tum arcuatae ass. prov., Cetrario nivalis ‐ Luzuletum arcuatae ass. prov. and Raco‐mitrio lanuginosi — Luzuletum arcuatae ass. prov.) are proposed. Luzulion arcticae (Nordh. 36) Gjaerev. 56 and Polytrichion norvegici Gjierev. 49 described from Scandinavia are supposed to be important syntaxa on Svalbard. A subdivision of the Arctic into four zones, arctic polar desert zone, and northern, middle, and southern arctic tundra zones, is proposed. These zones and the transitional hemiarctic zone are defined and mapped in Europe and adjacent areas according to phytosociological criteria. They are also compared with alpine belts of Fennoscandia. The following zonal syntaxa are proposed for Europe and Greenland: Phyllodoco — Vaccinion in the hemiarctic zone, Loiseleurio — Diapension in the southern arctic tundra zone, Kobre‐sio — Dryadion (Tetragono — Dryadetum) in the middle arctic tundra zone, Luzulion arcticae in the northern arctic tundra zone, and Papaverion dahliani in the arctic polar desert zone.
Mallomonadaceae (Chrysophyceae) from Malaysia and Australia
Authors: Dürrschmidt Monika , Croome Roger
Published: August 2010

The Mallomonadaceae (Chrysophyceae) of Malaysia and Australia are described by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Thirty taxa are reported from Malaysia, twenty eight for the first time. Eighteen taxa are reported from Australia, twelve for the first time. Twelve taxa are reported for the first time from the tropics. Four new taxa, Mallomonas ocellata sp. nov., M. tropica sp. nov., M. favosa f. gemina f. nov. and Chrysosphaerella astrea sp. nov. are described and the diagnosis of Mallomonas adamas Harris et Bradley is emended.
Notes on Somalian species of Ficus (Moraceae)
Authors: Friis Ib
Published: August 2010

The type specimens and other material of Somalian species of Ficus L. described or dealt with by R. Pampanini and E. Chiovenda have been studied. E scussellutii Pamp. is an earlier name for a widespread E African species hitherto known as E kirkii Hutch. F. somalensis (Pamp.) Chiov. is a synonym of another E African species, F. bussei Mildbr. & Burret, although the name has also been used erroneously by Chiovenda for material of F. platyphylla Del.
Pavonia melhanioides (Malvaceae), a new species from Ethiopia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: August 2010

Pavonia melhanioides Thulin is described from the Sidamo Region in S Ethiopia.
Contributions to the orchid flora of Thailand XI
Authors: Seidenfaden Gunnar
Published: August 2010

The present paper contains further additions and corrections to earlier papers on the orchid flora of Thailand. Five new species are proposed, three species are new records for Thailand, and three earlier established taxa are reduced to synonyms.
Itysa and Lethia, two new genera of neotropical Iridaceae
Authors: Ravenna Pierfelice
Published: August 2010

The new genera Itysa and Lethia, of the Iridaceae, are proposed; the former with two species, I. gardneri (Bak.) Rav., from northeastern Brazil, and I. venezolensis Rav., from Venezuela, the former based on Calydorea gardneri Baker, the latter described as new. Lethia is based on Herbertia umbellata Klatt.
Reseating of ecological gradients. II. The effect of scale on symmetry of species response curves
Authors: Økland Rune Halvorsen
Published: August 2010

Response curves are presented for 15 species of vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens relative to the water‐table gradient in a boreal Norwegian mire. The gradient is scaled in two ways; position of median water‐table in cm below the surface of the bottom layer, and in units of compositional turnover (rescaled by DCA). The two scalings produce quite different curves above the maximum water‐level, which corresponds to median water‐level 10–14 cm below the surface of the bottom layer. The significant drop in compositional turnover above this level can be ascribed to vertical differences in water‐table having a lesser effect on plants in aerated hummocks than on plants in temporarily water‐logged hollows. Skewness of response curves was reduced by gradient rescaling, most strongly after removal of influence of other gradients. It is argued that response curves will generally be Gaussian if: (1) the response is with respect to a dominant ecological factor, (2) the range of variation along the gradient is sufficient, (3) the distribution of samples is adequate, and (4), the gradient is scaled in units of compositional turnover.
Fruit body production of macrofungi in some North Norwegian forest types
Authors: Mehus Harald
Published: August 2010

In 19 forest stands, representing common forest types in N Norway, fixed plots of equal areas have been studied with regard to fruit body production of macrofungi. The fruit bodies were harvested, counted and weighted every second week during the mushroom seasons (late summer and autumn) of 1980, 81, and 82. A number of additional localities have been more superficially investigated with regard to the commercially most interesting species. The production in different forest types is discussed, with special emphasis on mushroom picking for commercial purposes. Phenology of some species is briefly discussed. The different production patterns are discussed, both in relation to climate and to more general conditions for fruit body production. The relationships between forest types and mushroom flora are also discussed. Dominating tree species seems to be of higher importance in terms of similarity in macrofungus species content, than the overall vegetational relationship. Different patterns of fruit body occurrence have led to the establishment of some tentative hypotheses: 1: An unproductive season in terms of mass or fresh weight, is also poor in terms of species number. 2: A locality with a high number of species in a good season, have a relative high number of species also in poor seasons. 3: In good seasons, there is a higher similarity in species content between different localities than in poor seasons. The ecology of some commonly found species are commented upon. There seems to be a tendency that some species which at low altitidues in S Scandinavia are regarded as confined to coniferous forests, are occurring in birch forests in N Norway.
Studies in the genus Nervilia (Orchidaceae) in Africa
Authors: Pettersson Börge
Published: August 2010

Taxonomy and nomenclature of sixNerviliaspecies occurring in the Flora Zambesiaca area are revised. Lectotypes or neotypes are selected for all relevant taxa from Africa. The new speciesN. gassneriis described and the new combinationN. kotschyivar.purpuratais made. One widespread African species previously mostly known under the namesN. humilisandN. reniformisis shown to be conspecific with the widespread Asian and Australien speciesN. crociformis.
Race Matters, Even in Marriage: Identifying Factors Linked to Marital Outcomes for African Americans
Authors: Bryant Chalandra M. , Wickrama K. A. S. , Bolland John , Bryant Barlynda M. , Cutrona Carolyn E. , Stanik Christine E.
Published: August 2010

Although many African Americans share a sociohistorical background, empirical research on family and marital processes has often overlooked a great deal of heterogeneity within the group. In addition, African Americans face different stressors and life circumstances from the general population. Given that a high proportion of African American marriages end in divorce and that African Americans report relatively low levels of marital quality, it is important to consider factors that may not be addressed in models of marriage that were developed using the majority population. We introduce a model that includes components relevant to understanding marriage among African Americans, including financial strain, racial discrimination, and minority status. Using the model, we review the literature and highlight gaps in existing research.
Adverse drug reactions of Shenmai injection: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Li , Hu Jing , Xiao Lu , Zhang Yongling , Zhao Wei , Zheng Wenke , Shang Hongcai
Published: August 2010

Objective To analyze adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with Shenmai injection and possible contributing factors.

Methods We searched all clinical studies and ADR reports of Shenmai injection from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, the Data Bank of Chinese Scientific Journals (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical (CBM) database. We collected relevant information such as gender, age, allergic history, and diseases treated in ADR cases; types, occurrence times, and severity of ADRs; and menstruum and compatibility of Shenmai injection.

Results Of the 1828 clinical studies of Shenmai injection, 146 (7.99%) mentioned 576 ADR cases; 181 ADR reports mentioned 246 ADR cases. The most commonly affected age group was 40 to 69 (57.32%). In 36 (14.63%) cases, patients were described as having an allergic history. The diseases treated in ADR cases were principally heart failure and coronary artery heart disease. Thirty‐eight (15.45%) of the 246 ADR cases in ADR reports described anaphylactic shock, while the most common ADR reported in clinical studies was headache/dizziness. Of the 822 total reported ADR cases, 99 (12.04%) were class III, and 637 (77.50%) were class IV, and there were no fatalities. The menstruum of most Shenmai injections was 5% glucose. Incompatible drugs were given in 68 ADR cases. In ADR cases, the most common dosage of Shenmai injection was 40 to 60 ml; 215 (80.90%) ADR cases occurred in first time medication, mainly in the first 30 minutes after injection.

Conclusions Current evidence shows that Shenmai injection had lower ADR occurrence, but some potential factors such as irrational compatibility, dosages may lead to a high risk of ADR. In future, clinicians should follow indications or functions to promote rational use of Chinese Medicine Injections .
Severing the Links between Education and Careers: the Sobering Experience of China's Urban Schools, 1968‐76
Authors: Unger Jonathan
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY China's attempt to free the school from having to sort and select people for the ‘better’ jobs in society, and its attempt to base that selection on other than academic criteria, did not have the results hoped for. Within the city schools, the students lost their motivation to learn and turned to rowdyism. In the operation of selecting people for further study and coveted jobs, there was much suspicion of nepotism and favouritism. However, in vocational schools prior to the Cultural Revolution, learning was linked directly with job placement and cut off from eligibility for university education. Even so, competition for admission was strong and the learning outcomes good.

RESUMEN La interrupción de los vínculos entre la educación y las carreras: la aleccionadora experiencia de las escuelas urbanas de China de 1968 a 1976

La tentativa de China de librar a la escuelas de tener que clasificar y seleccionar a las personas para los ‘mejores’ puestos en la sociedad, y su tentativa de basar dicha selección en otros criterios aparte de los académicos, no han tenido los resultados que se esperaban. En las escuelas urbanas, los estudiantes perdieron sus motivos para aprender y se orientaron hacia la rebeldía. En la aplicación del sistema de selección de individuos para ampliación de estudos y ocupar los puestos más codiciados provocaron grandes sospechas de nepotismo y favoritismo. Sin embargo, en las escuelas de formación profesional antes de la Revolución Cultural, la enseñanza estaba directamente relacionada con el lugar de empleo y separada de la elegibilidad para la educación universitaria. Aún así, las oposiciones para conseguir admisión eran fuertes y los resultados de la enseñanza satisfactorios.

RESUME Couper les liens entre l'enseignement et les carrières: l'expérience modératrice des écoles urbaines en Chine, 1968–76

Les tentatives de la Chine pour libérer l'école du processus de sélection des élèves en vue des ‘meilleurs’ emplois dans la société et ses tentatives pour baser cette sélection sur des critères autres qu'académiques n'ont pas eu les résultats espérés. Dans les écoles urbaines, les élèves perdirent toute motivation à apprendre et se tournèrent vers le chahut. Dans l'opération consistant à sélectionner les étudiants pour l'enseignement supérieur et les emplois de choix, l'on pouvait craindre le népotisme et le favoritisme. Pourtant, dans les écoles professionnelles avant la Révolution culturelle, l'enseignement était directement lié à l'obtention d'un emploi et totalement coupé de la préparation aux études universitaires. Mais même ainsi, la course en vue de l'admission était serrée et les résultats des études bons.
Research Methodology and Rural Economy in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Longhurst Richard
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY The principles of methodology of a research project in Northern Nigeria involving the collection of both farm management and nutrition data are described. This was a study of breadth rather than depth and so clear decisions were made about what was to be collected on the basis of time costs. The use of ‘registered‐non registered’, ‘continuous—one point’ and ‘data cores’ are described and discussed. From these follow the means of sample stratification using these principles. Some ideas for improving RRA are suggested.

RESUMEN La metodología de investigación y la economía rural del norte de Nigeria

Se describen los principios en que se basa la metodología de un proyecto de investigación en el norte de Nigeria, en el que se reunieron datos de información acerca de la administración de propiedades rurales y de las características de nutrición. Este estudio fue más extensivo que intensivo y, por esta razón, se pudieron tomar decisiones claras acerca de los datos a tomar en relación con el coste correspondiente al tiempo invertido. Se describe y analiza el empleo de las modalidades de ‘registrado/no registrado’, ‘continuo/un solo punto’ y ‘núcleos de datos’. De aquí se obtienen las medias correspondientes a la estratificación de muestras relativas a dichos principios. Se hacen algunas sugerencias para mejorar la Rápida Evaluación Rural.

RESUME Méthodologie de la recherche et économie rurale au Nigéria du Nord

Expose les principes de la méthodologie d'un projet de recherche au Nigeria du Nord comportant le recueil de données agricoles et alimentaires. Etude générale plutôt qu'en profondeur: des décisions ont dû être prises pour savoir quelles données réunir sur la base du coût. Description et discussion des données ‘enregistrées ou non enregistrées’, ‘continues ou ponctuelles’ et des nucléus de données’. D'oú d'écoulent les moyens de stratification des exemples recourant à ces principes. Quelques idées sont avancées pour l'amélioration de l'évaluation rurale rapide.
The Fate of Primary Health Care in Brazil
Authors: Macêdo Carlyle G. de , Vieira Cesar A. de B.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY Primary health care programmes have only partially succeeded in redressing the health and health care inequalities suffered by the Brazilian population over the last few decades. In discussing a recent unsuccessful attempt to institute a national programme, the article suggests that vested interests in health care, technocratic disputes, and the lack of popular participation, have maintained the inequitable situation.

RESUMEN El destino de la atención primaria de salud en Brasil

Los programas de atención primaria de salud sólo han tenido un éxito parcial en remediar las desigualdades en la salud y la atención primaria de salud, sufridas por la población brasileña durante las últimas décadas. Después de analizar un reciente intento frustrado de instaurar un programa nacional, el artículo sugiere que esta situación se ha mantenido por la existencia de intereses creados en la atención primaria de salud, disputas tecnocráticas y ausencia de participación popular.

RESUMES Le sort de l'assistance médicale primaire au Brésil

Les programmes d'assistance médicale primaire n'ont réussi que partiellement à redresser les inégalités qu'a subies la population brésilienne durant les dernières décennies sur le plan de la santé et des soins médicaux. En évoquant un récent échec pour instituer un programme national l'article laisse entendre que des intérêts acquis dans l'assistance médicale, des disputes technocratiques et l'absence de participation publique ont maintenu une situation inéquitable.