Need Of More Information Research Articles

Stable isotopes reveal intrapopulation heterogeneity of porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus)

Porbeagle (Lamna nasus) is an ubiquist, highly mobile and long-living shark species with spatial and temporal sex and size segregation observed in catches. Porbeagle sharks were targeted by commercial fisheries in the European waters until the closure of the fishery in 2010. Most of the French fleet catches were located in Bay of Biscay, Celtic Sea and the English Channel. The aim of the study was to find out occurrences of spatial segregation within the shark population in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean based on the stable isotope method. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) were measured in muscle of porbeagle sharks fished in the Bay of Biscay and the Celtic Sea between April and September 2008, and April and June 2009. Neither influence of sex nor ontogenic isotopic shift was detected in the sampled sharks, but muscle δ13C and δ15N values increased significantly from offshore towards coastal area, which reflected inter-areas variability. Realized isotopic niches were similar amongst offshore areas whilst in St Georges’ Channel muscle isotopic composition exhibited higher inter-individual variability. This underpins the lack of information on life history of porbeagle sharks and underlines the need of more information on the species movements to support population management in European waters.

Physiotherapists’ knowledge on the provision of physiotherapy to people with mental illness. A study from Paraguay

Introduction: Physiotherapy improves the quality of life in people with mental disorders through the optimization of their physical and mental health. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of physiotherapists about the provision of Physiotherapy services to people with mental disorders, about the role of Physiotherapy in the treatment of physical illnesses of mentally ill persons and in the treatment of the mental disorder itself. Methodology: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, and prospective study was conducted. 187 physiotherapists practicing in Paraguay, of both sexes, were surveyed. The data collection instrument was a Spanish version of the survey used by Andrew et al., which was adapted. Results: 46.52% of physiotherapists stated that Physiotherapy is useful to manage the physical symptoms of people with mental disorders. 55.61% reported that they needed more information and/or training on managing physical conditions affecting these people. 75.94% declared that they were aware that Physiotherapy can be used as treatment for some mental disorders, mainly as an adjuvant treatment to both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy (54.55%). Participants scored anxiety disorders (23.88%), major depression disorder (21.99%) and Alzheimer's disease (21.48%) as those conditions that could most benefit from a physiotherapeutic intervention. Also, 21.93% of the respondents reported the need of more information on how to interact and communicate with people with mental disorders. Conclusion: There are gaps in the knowledge of physiotherapists in Paraguay about the provision of Physiotherapy to people with mental disorders. An adequate training and education of physiotherapists on mental illness is encouraged.

Urban livestock-keeping and dengue in urban and peri-urban Hanoi, Vietnam.

Urban livestock provides an important source of food and income, but it may increase the risks for disease transmission. Vectors, such as mosquitoes, might increase and thereby cause an enhanced transmission of infectious diseases, such as dengue fever; considered the most important mosquito-borne viral disease globally. This cross-sectional study evaluated the awareness of dengue fever and investigated how the presence of dengue vectors is affected by the keeping of livestock in urban households in the city of Hanoi, Vietnam.From February to March 2018, during the season of lowest occurrence of dengue in Hanoi, 140 households were interviewed, of which 69 kept livestock. A general trend was observed; respondents living in the Dan Phuong district, a peri-urban district, had better knowledge and practice regarding dengue as compared to the urban Ha Dong district. In total, 3899 mosquitoes were collected and identified, of which 52 (1.33%) were Aedes species. A significant difference between the two districts was observed, with more households in Ha Dong having Aedes spp. mosquitoes (p = 0.02) and a higher incidence of dengue fever (p = 0.001). There was no significant association between livestock-rearing and the presence of Aedes spp. mosquitoes (p = 0.955), or between livestock-rearing and the incidence of dengue fever (p = 0.08).In conclusion, this study could not find any indication that households keeping livestock were at higher risk of dengue virus infections in Hanoi during the season of lowest occurrence of dengue, but clearly indicated the need of more information provided to urban inhabitants, particularly on personal protection.

Interventions to increase hand hygiene compliance in a tertiary university hospital over a period of 5years: An iterative process of information, training and feedback.

To explore whether an iterative process of information and training paired with a feedback system to observed healthcare professionals and the respective management improves hand hygiene (HH) compliance. Healthcare-associated infections are a major risk for patient safety, and adherence to the "My five moments" (M5M) for HH varies significantly within organisations as well as within healthcare professional groups. Identified barriers in a baseline survey revealed the need of more information, training, repetitive compliance measurements and feedback to all healthcare professionals. A quality improvement project using the method of direct observation of healthcare professionals in nonsurgical and surgical wards. Between 2013 and 2017, 6,009 healthcare professionals were informed and trained, and HH compliance measurements were performed by hygiene experts. Compliance measurement results were documented in an online tool to give an immediate feedback to observed healthcare professionals. Additionally, a report was forwarded to the management of the respective department to raise awareness. Compliance rates per year were descriptively summarised. The research and reporting methodology followed SQUIRE 2.0. In total, 84 compliance measurements with 19,295 "M5M for HH" were observed in 49 wards. Overall, mean HH compliance increased from 81.9±5.2% in 2013 to 94.0±3.6% in 2017. Physicians' HH compliance rate improved from 69.0±16.6% to 89.3±6.6%, that of nurses from 86.0±6.9% to 96.4±3.1%, and that of others from 60.5±27.9% to 83.8±20.2%. All M5M for HH (#1-#5) increased over the study period (#1: +16.9%; #2: +20.5%; #3: +7.6%; #4: +5.9%; #5: +12.7%). Results demonstrated that an iterative process of information, training, observation and feedback over a period of 5years can be successful in increasing HH compliance. Positive trends were observed for HH compliance rates across all healthcare professional groups as well as for all M5M for HH.

Preferred Source and Perceived Need of More Information about Dental Implants by the Undergraduate Dental Students of Nepal: All Nepal Survey.

Objectives This study was conducted to know the preferred source and perceived need of more information about dental implants by the undergraduate students of Nepal and their association with academic levels and gender. Materials and Methods It was conducted in all the dental colleges of Nepal from June 2016 to June 2017 after taking ethical clearance and approval from the research committee of BPKIHS. It included all those who were present at the time of survey. Data collection was done through a cross-sectional questionnaire survey during the academic schedule of the colleges, supervised and monitored by the investigators themselves. The collected data were coded and entered in Microsoft excel 2013, and statistical analysis was done by SPSS 20 version. Result A majority of the respondents agreed that they were not provided with sufficient information about implant treatment procedures during their BDS program (65.3%), would like more to be provided in the curriculum (95.1%), and would like to get additional reliable information from dental consultants and specialists (40.7%) and training on it from fellowship programs conducted by universities (39.2%). Significant association was seen between the responses and academic levels. Conclusion Undergraduate dental students of Nepal want more information about dental implants through various means.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Voice Problems Among Soccer Coaches

The prevalence of voice problems has been investigated in various occupations, but research investigating sports coaches' voice problems seems to be limited even if coaches are an occupational group whose work requires heavy voice use. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of voice problems among soccer coaches and identify risk factors that can contribute to the problems. The data were collected with a web questionnaire that was sent to 500 soccer coaches. Overall, 109 male coaches, who practiced soccer coaching to various extents, responded to the questionnaire. The presence of six vocal symptoms was investigated, as well as environmental factors and health-related factors that may have an influence on the voice. The results showed that the prevalence of voice problems among soccer coaches was high. In total, 28.4% of the participants reported two or more frequently occurring vocal symptoms. The most common symptom was throat clearing or coughing followed by voice becomes low or hoarse. The coaches who had vocally demanding main occupations alongside their coaching tasks had an increased risk for voice problems. Moreover, a significant association was found between chronic rhinitis and frequently occurring vocal symptoms, as well as between stress and frequently occurring vocal symptoms. Given the extent of voice problems and the fact that soccer coaches have a vocally demanding occupation, it would be important to increase the awareness of voice use among this group. Soccer coaches are in immense need of more information about voice ergonomics during their coaching education.

Use of homeopathy in patients with organ transplant in Switzerland: first results and further steps

S POSTER PRESENTATIONS Use of homeopathy in patients with organ transplant in Switzerland: first results and further steps Martin Frei-Erb*, Klaus von Ammon and Loredana Torchetti Institute of Complementary Medicine IKOM, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Correspondence: Dr Martin Frei-Erb, Institute of Complementary Medicine IKOM, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. E-mail: martin.frei@ikom.unibe.ch (M. Frei-Erb) Objective: To investigate retrospectively use of Complementary and Alternativemedicine (CAM), in particular homeopathy, in the treatment of patients with organ transplantation in Switzerland and to present a roadmap to follow-up. Methods: Members of the Swiss transplant association were asked to complete a questionnaire about CAM use retrospectively. Results: Of the 267 patients contacted, 124 (46%) completed the questionnaire, and data of 118 (44%) participants could be analyzed: 55 were women (47%), mean age was 56 years, and 64 (54%) indicated CAM use. Different CAM methods were most common, with classical homeopathy being the most popular during the underlying disease leading to transplant (15% of all participants), but loosing importance before, during and after the transplantation itself. About 25% CAM users had informed their treating physicians about CAM use. Family doctors were mostly supportive, while specialists were more cautious about CAM use. Among the 54 non-CAM users, the most frequent reasons for not choosing CAM were insecurity about interactions with conventional treatment (46%), and lack of information about this option (28%). Conclusion: The results point to the need of more information on possibilities and limits of CAM as add-on in the treatment of patients with transplantations for both, treating doctors and concerned patients. This could be achieved with mixed methods research: qualitative studies to gain knowledge about the attitude and needs of patients and physicians; clinical studies on the effectiveness and safety of CAM for transplant patients based on the present results. The effect of disclosing information about prescribed homeopathic medicine to patients on their clinical outcomes: a comparative study Mahsa Asasi* and Nazila Assasi Classical Homeopath Clinic, Ontario, Canada Correspondence: Mahsa Asasi, Pharm.D., DHMHS, Canada. E-mail: Info@classicalhomeopath.ca (M. Asasi) Background: Dispensing homeopathic medicines in a homeopathic office setting is very common among homeopaths. However, some homoeopaths feel uncertain about how and what to disclose to patients about the prescription. Based on findings of our previous study most of the homeopaths do not openly communicate the prescription details because they are concerned about possible negative impact of patient’s knowledge of homeopathic medicine on the treatment outcomes. Objectives: Our study aims at finding evidence about negative or positive effects of the current dispensing methods among homeopaths in Canada. Methods: A comparative study was performed. The study groups consisted of the patients who had received basic information about their medicines and those who had not. Information on actual practice of prescription, dispensing methods and related patient’s reactions, and the treatment outcomes was recorded during the course of treatment, and compared between the two study groups. Results: Based on the results of our study, there was no statistically significant difference between the patients who received a labeled homeopathic medicine and those who did not in terms of expected treatment effects. Our findings showed that a high proportion of patients receiving a nonlabeled remedy who asked about their medicine’s name became more anxious and concerned about taking the prescribed medicine when the homeopath refused to provide the requested information. Conclusion: In our study the negative effects of not labeling homeopathic medicines on treatment outcomes dominated its positive effects. It seems to be essential to develop regulations and standards for prescriptions or office-based dispensing of homeopathic medicines, and to include these standards in training of homeopaths.

The effect of disclosing information about prescribed homeopathic medicine to patients on their clinical outcomes: a comparative study

S POSTER PRESENTATIONS Use of homeopathy in patients with organ transplant in Switzerland: first results and further steps Martin Frei-Erb*, Klaus von Ammon and Loredana Torchetti Institute of Complementary Medicine IKOM, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Correspondence: Dr Martin Frei-Erb, Institute of Complementary Medicine IKOM, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. E-mail: martin.frei@ikom.unibe.ch (M. Frei-Erb) Objective: To investigate retrospectively use of Complementary and Alternativemedicine (CAM), in particular homeopathy, in the treatment of patients with organ transplantation in Switzerland and to present a roadmap to follow-up. Methods: Members of the Swiss transplant association were asked to complete a questionnaire about CAM use retrospectively. Results: Of the 267 patients contacted, 124 (46%) completed the questionnaire, and data of 118 (44%) participants could be analyzed: 55 were women (47%), mean age was 56 years, and 64 (54%) indicated CAM use. Different CAM methods were most common, with classical homeopathy being the most popular during the underlying disease leading to transplant (15% of all participants), but loosing importance before, during and after the transplantation itself. About 25% CAM users had informed their treating physicians about CAM use. Family doctors were mostly supportive, while specialists were more cautious about CAM use. Among the 54 non-CAM users, the most frequent reasons for not choosing CAM were insecurity about interactions with conventional treatment (46%), and lack of information about this option (28%). Conclusion: The results point to the need of more information on possibilities and limits of CAM as add-on in the treatment of patients with transplantations for both, treating doctors and concerned patients. This could be achieved with mixed methods research: qualitative studies to gain knowledge about the attitude and needs of patients and physicians; clinical studies on the effectiveness and safety of CAM for transplant patients based on the present results. The effect of disclosing information about prescribed homeopathic medicine to patients on their clinical outcomes: a comparative study Mahsa Asasi* and Nazila Assasi Classical Homeopath Clinic, Ontario, Canada Correspondence: Mahsa Asasi, Pharm.D., DHMHS, Canada. E-mail: Info@classicalhomeopath.ca (M. Asasi) Background: Dispensing homeopathic medicines in a homeopathic office setting is very common among homeopaths. However, some homoeopaths feel uncertain about how and what to disclose to patients about the prescription. Based on findings of our previous study most of the homeopaths do not openly communicate the prescription details because they are concerned about possible negative impact of patient’s knowledge of homeopathic medicine on the treatment outcomes. Objectives: Our study aims at finding evidence about negative or positive effects of the current dispensing methods among homeopaths in Canada. Methods: A comparative study was performed. The study groups consisted of the patients who had received basic information about their medicines and those who had not. Information on actual practice of prescription, dispensing methods and related patient’s reactions, and the treatment outcomes was recorded during the course of treatment, and compared between the two study groups. Results: Based on the results of our study, there was no statistically significant difference between the patients who received a labeled homeopathic medicine and those who did not in terms of expected treatment effects. Our findings showed that a high proportion of patients receiving a nonlabeled remedy who asked about their medicine’s name became more anxious and concerned about taking the prescribed medicine when the homeopath refused to provide the requested information. Conclusion: In our study the negative effects of not labeling homeopathic medicines on treatment outcomes dominated its positive effects. It seems to be essential to develop regulations and standards for prescriptions or office-based dispensing of homeopathic medicines, and to include these standards in training of homeopaths.

Psychological needs and mental health in women aged ≥ 65 years after cardiac surgery: an exploratory study

Recent developments in cardiac care have led to an increase survival even among elderly cardiac patients. Previous studies showed that women have worse health related outcomes compared with men. The main aims of this study are to assess psychological needs and factors promoting mental health among women aged > or = 65 years following heart surgery. 74 consecutive women aged > or = 65 years and referred to a cardiac rehabilitation unit in Northern Italy after heart surgery were enrolled in this exploratory study. Psychological questionnaires exploring cognitive functioning, psychological needs, anxiety, depression, physical and mental health status, self-esteem were administered by a psychologist to each patient using a face-to-face interview. The main areas of psychological needs reported by patients were relational and emotional support, assistance and treatment, information about diagnosis and future conditions and information concerning economic-insurance issues. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that factors significantly associated with patients' mental health were anxiety (p = 0.01) and locus of control (p = 0.01). In order to improve older cardiac women's mental health after cardiac surgery is important to offer tailored rehabilitative interventions able to meet their specific needs such as the management of anxiety symptoms and loss of control, the need to regain the family role, the need of more information concerning the diagnosis and prognosis and emotional support.

220 EXAMINING PREDICTORS OF FEAR OF CANCER RECURRENCE AMONG MEN TREATED FOR LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER: THE ROLE OF DECISIONAL CONFLICT, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, AND SEXUAL AND URINARY DYSFUNCTION

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Basic Research I1 Apr 2012220 EXAMINING PREDICTORS OF FEAR OF CANCER RECURRENCE AMONG MEN TREATED FOR LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER: THE ROLE OF DECISIONAL CONFLICT, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, AND SEXUAL AND URINARY DYSFUNCTION Nihal E. Mohamed, Michael A. Diefenbach, and Simon J. Hall Nihal E. MohamedNihal E. Mohamed NY, NY More articles by this author , Michael A. DiefenbachMichael A. Diefenbach NY, NY More articles by this author , and Simon J. HallSimon J. Hall NY, NY More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.274AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Commonly available prostate cancer treatments have resulted in men living longer but with the fear of cancer recurrence (FoCR). Previous research examined associations between FoCR and health-related outcomes, however, little is known about predictors of FoCR in men with prostate cancer. The main objective of the study is to examine whether pre-treatment decisional conflict (e.g., decision-related difficulty and uncertainty), sexual and urinary function predict FoCR 6-month following treatment controlling for potential demographic and clinical covariates in a large sample of prostate cancer patients treated with prostatectomy (RP), radiation (XRT) or brachytherapy (BT). Results from cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses are presented. METHODS A total of 869 patients completed baseline (i.e., after diagnosis) and 6-month questionnaires following treatment (146 RP, 483 XRT, 240 BT). Demographic (e.g., age, marital status), Clinical (e.g., Gleason score, PSA level), emotional (e.g., depressive symptoms, intrusion, avoidance) and cognitive factors (e.g., difficulty of treatment decision) and urinary and sexual dysfunction were assessed at baseline. FoCR was assessed with a 2-item scale at 6-month. A series of multivariate linear regression was performed to determine significant predictors of FoCR from baseline demographic, clinical, cognitive, affective, and symptom-related factors. RESULTS Overall FoCR at 6-month was more severe among patients with higher Gleason scores, lower education level, or patients treated with XRT compared to patients treated with RP or BT. Among the baseline decisional conflict-related factors, difficulty making a treatment decision, decision-related uncertainty, need of more information, and worries about treatment decision significantly predicted FoCR. Among the symptom-related factors, higher levels of baseline sexual dysfunction were significantly associated with more severe FoCR. Baseline depressive symptoms (i.e., emotional factor) were significantly associated with more severe FoCR. CONCLUSIONS Fear of cancer recurrence (FoCR) imposes a substantial burden in patients especially after treatment. Understanding the impact of prostate cancer-related decisional conflict and FoCR can help physicians counsel patients on Pr Ca recurrence issues and enhance their adjustment to disease and treatment. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e91 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Nihal E. Mohamed NY, NY More articles by this author Michael A. Diefenbach NY, NY More articles by this author Simon J. Hall NY, NY More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Impact of HIV and AIDS on the eldery: A case study of Chiladzulu district

HIV may affect the elderly in a number of ways. They may become infected themselves; their children may suffer prolonged illness and incapacity, and need the elderly to look after them; the same children may then die from the illness, leaving the elderly without the support of the next generation; this bereavement also leaves the older people to meet funeral costs and then to take care of orphans left behind. HIV has impacts on old people in ways that are social, economic, psychological and physical in nature. We wanted to understand the socio-economic impacts of HIV/ AIDS on lives of older people following the death of their productive children, and to examine how the elderly struggle to take care of HIV/AIDS orphans. While it is generally appreciated that older people undergo such hardships, little research has been done in Malawi to unravel the magnitude of thes problems. We hope that our findings will increase awareness and lead to more being done to alleviate the problems faced by older people as a result of HIV/AIDS. The results reveal that older people have no alternative but to provide care and support to their ill children, and following the death of their children to become parents again in taking care of the orphaned grandchildren. This is a particularly big challenge in a country like Malawi, dependent on hand-hoeing for subsistence agriculture, where food production requires people who are physically strong. 79% of older people taking care of HIV/AIDS patients or orphans were found to have limited or no information about HIV/AIDS. 31% were dependent on relatives for support, while 69% sustained themselves through piece work, small business or farming. Elderly people need more resources and assistance to enable them to fulfil their vital role in caring for HIV-AIDS orphans. They are also in critical need of more information about HIV-AIDS, as many are sexually active with multiple partners, and preventive information is currently not reaching this important section of the community.

A qualitative study on the adverse reactions of mass treatment for lymphatic filariasis in Orissa, India

Objective To describe the perceptions of community members and programme partners regarding severity, management and impact of adverse reactions on mass drug administration (MDA) compliance. Methods Based on various qualitative data collected from five districts of Orissa, India, where MDA had been implemented during 2002 and 2004. The qualitative surveys included focus group discussions with community members and health workers, and semi-structured interviews with key informants in the community, medical officers at primary health centres, district level health officers and private practitioners. Results It showed that many people suffered from adverse reactions, though the reactions were not serious. The paper reported different ways of management of adverse reactions at the community level. The impact of adverse reactions on MDA compliance was serious, as many people did not consume the drug due to fear of adverse reactions. The rumours of adverse reactions and news in media deterred people from consuming the tablets. Conclusion All categories of respondents indicates the need of more information to address the problem of adverse reactions during MDA. The present paper warrants incorporating the messages on adverse reactions during health communication and social mobilization campaigns of MDA.

Levels of Total Mercury in Marine Organisms from Adriatic Sea, Italy

The presence of total mercury in fish, crustacean and cephalopod from Adriatic Sea, was investigated. The highest concentrations were observed in decreasing order in: Norway lobster (0.97 +/- 0.24 mg/kg; mean +/- SE), European hake (0.59 +/- 0.14 mg/kg), red mullet (0.48 +/- 0.09 mg/kg), blue whiting (0.38 +/- 0.09 mg/kg), Atlantic mackerel (0.36 +/- 0.08 mg/kg) and European flying squid (0.25 +/- 0.03 mg/kg). A significant difference (p < 0.01) was found between the levels of total mercury in Norway lobster and those detected in all other species. The 25% of all samples exceeded the maximum limit fixed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. The results show that fish and fishery products can exceed the maximum levels and stress the need of more information for consumers in particular for people that eat large amount of fish.

Hearing: a pediatrician's approach

SummaryHearing plays a fundamental role in a child's global development; however, some professionals do not realize how much they may contribute to mitigate the sequelae caused by hearing impairment.Aimto collect data on pediatricians’ approaches in a city in the country side of Santa Catarina State, regarding the early detection of hearing impairment and identify the methodology utilized for its diagnosis.Study DesignHistorical Cohort with Cross-Sectional Cohort.Materials and MethodsAnalysis of questionnaires with nine multiple choice questions and ten open questions.Results62% reported that their training in hearing disorders happened during their medical course; high risk patients are referred to the otorhinolaryngologist (92%); 83% said they are aware of the evaluation techniques; 55% stated they were not aware of the different types of hearing loss; only 25% reported they knew about the levels of hearing loss and 42% of the interviewees believe a child may have fruitful use of a hearing aid before six months of age.ConclusionThere is the need of more information about the importance of early diagnosis, as well as the methods used for this end.

| ΔS| = 1 non-leptonic amplitudes and the 1/ Nc expansion

The application of the 1/ N c expansion to the estimate of weak non-leptonic amplitudes is studied. The formulation is renormalization-group invariant and consistent with chiral symmetry. The problem of matching the short- and long-distance descriptions is properly displayed and evidence is shown for the need of more information beyond that known in these regimes. The matching problem first appears at O(1/ N c), but is important because in the 1/ N c approach the relevant octet enhancement (Δ1 = 1 2 rule) requires large contributions from these O(1/ N c) terms.

Background yield of phosphorus from drainage area and atmosphere: An empirical approach

The role of phosphorus in the eutrophication of lakes and marine coastal areas has created a need of more information on the size of a virgin background supply of phosphorus. The general pollution of the atmosphere has resulted in an increased amount of anthropogenic phosphorus in air masses over remote ocean areas in the Northern Hemisphere. As a consequence this applies also to remote land areas, where the phosphorus deposition of about 5 kg P km-2 a-1 may seem to be 2–3 times the virgin phosphorus deposition. The present background drainage basin yield of phosphorus is also elevated due to a general eutrophication of the terrestrial ecosystem. The background supply varies due to several factors of which drainage basin size, geology and vegetation are discussed. Background yields apparently have a range from 3–10 kg P km-2 a-1.

Marriage Counseling in Medical Practice: A Symposium

The steadily increasing rate of divorce in our society indicates the desirability and need of more information and education in the field of marriage relationship. This book, recording symposia held in 1961 and 1962 under the sponsorship of the three North Carolina medical schools and two other organizations, admirably fulfills some of that need. There are four parts: marriage counseling by the physician, premarital medical counseling, concepts of marital diagnosis and therapy, and marriage counseling instruction in the medical school curriculum. In the lineup of contributors, Rex Speers proves an admirable lead-off man, with an excellent chapter on marriage counseling and the general practitioner. The language of Lansing's following chapter on sexual symptoms as presenting complaints is a welcome relief from the frequently encountered psychiatric jargon. It is lucid, down-to-earth, and entertaining. Eleanor Easley, a gynecologist and practical psychiatrist, deserves equal praise for her contribution on marriage problems and gynecologic

Population of the Soviet Union

KNOWLEDGE concerning the U.S.S.R., apart from political opinions of various colours, has been hard to get. We have had invaluable essays, notably by Sir John Maynard and Sir Bernard Pares, but there has long been a serious need of more information than such reference books as the “Statesman's Year-Book” could find space for. This gives a special value to the publication under review. Dr. Lorimer studies and provides not only the available facts of population and employment, but also, by detailed comparison of data for 1926 and 1939, reviews the dynamics of population changes and movements during this period of vital change. The Population of the Soviet Union History and Prospects. By Frank Lorimer. (League of Nations Publications. II. Economic and Financial. 1946. II. A.3.) Pp. xiv + 289. (Geneva: League of Nations; London: George Allen and Unwin, Ltd., 1946.) 15s. net.

Procedure at the magnetic observatories of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey

In Nature for March 20, 1919, Dr. Charles Chree, under the title of “New Procedure at American Magnetic Observatories,” reviewed the publications of the results of observations made at the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey magnetic observatories at Sitka and Honolulu for 1915 and 1916 and called attention to some changes in procedure and to the need of more information regarding certain details of the methods employed. As the questions raised must be settled before there can be that uniformity in the methods of reduction and publication which is essential to the most advantageous, use of magnetic observatory results, it is well to give in some detail the considerations which led the Coast and Geodetic Survey to adopt at its five observatories the practices now in use.Up to the end of 1914 each hourly value of declination (D), horizontal intensity (H), and vertical intensity (Z) in the monthly tabulations represented the momentary value of the quantity for the specified hour, local mean time. This was in accordance with the general practice at the time the observatories were established, a practice adopted before continuous photographic registration came into use, when eye readings were made once an hour, and when attention was paid mainly to the local features of the variations of the Earth's magnetism. This method has the disadvantages that only a very small portion of the observational data is utilized, undue weight is given to the portion which happens to occur at the arbitrarily selected time, and the results at one station cannot be compared in detail with those at another, particularly at the time of a disturbance, because the use of local mean time renders the tabulated values non‐simultaneous.