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[Recent data on the demographic problem of Bangladesh].

With a 1980 population of 90.6 million, Bangladesh is "one of the most densely peopled states. 91% of the population live in rural areas and 80% of them are agriculturally employed. As a food deficit country, this amounts to overpopulation, which makes Bangladesh very vulnerable to natural disasters. Growing at 2.6% per annum there are few signs of demographic transition as birth rates remain higher than in India. Projections cannot but reflect a crisis point in the near future."

Asia↗

Critique of zero population growth theory.

This is a critique of widely held theories concerning the relationship between population growth and economic development. "The central purpose of this paper is to critically analyse the zero population growth movement. The hypotheses of Neo-Malthusian theory or Zero Population Growth and the concept of Population Bomb will be briefly stated in Section 1. Section 2 will discuss the theory of demographic transition. Section 3 will critically examine the validity of the Neo-Malthusian theory of population growth. Our conclusions and recommendations will be stated in Section 4." The author's main contention is that overconsumption in developed countries is the major cause of the deterioration of the environment rather than overpopulation in the developing countries.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗

Repackaging population control.

"While the abortion controversy captured the world's headlines, the real significance of the UN's [1994 International Conference on Population and Development] went largely unnoticed.... After decades of failure, the UN has finally pushed the issue of population control center stage by repackaging it in a blurry concern for the rights of women." The author argues that the conference's strategy was to target women as both the cause of overpopulation and the locus of the problem's solution.

Communication↗

NSSM 200 and the world population explosion.

This paper was published in the wake of Pope John Paul II's encyclical 'Evangelicum Vitae', which condemns abortion and contraception. The author describes how, in the mid-1970's, the Vatican blocked the implementation of President Nixon's 'National Security Study Memorandum 200', which was intended to combat global overpopulation. The author explains that excessive population growth is considered threatening to U.S. security interests, and concludes that "papal security-survival along with the influence of fundamentalist Protestant opposition to birth control is now pitted against the U.S. and world security-survival."

Americas↗

Community leaders' attitudes toward family planning.

Four separate samples of lawyers, businessmen, ministers, and physicians were requested to complete four separate non-overlapping attitude questionnaires in an effort to assess their attitudes toward sterilization, individual responsibility for contraception, family size, social responsibility, overpopulation, and contraception in the lower class. The data indicated that the four professional groups differed in their attitudes and those differences provided the impetus for suggestions focused on developing and maintaining a positive relationship between the influential members of the community and the family planning clinic.

Community Health Centers↗

Sexual dimorphism in schoolchildren of the Villa IAPI neighborhood (Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina).

Villa IAPI is a poor neighborhood of about 5,000 inhabitants in the overpopulated conurbano bonaerense at the outskirts of the city of Buenos Aires. Most of the adult male residents are construction workers; the rest are temporary workers, underemployed, or unemployed. The inhabitants of Villa IAPI suffer the effects of many adverse socio-economic conditions, including poor nutrition, deficient sanitation, and inadequate medical care. Seven anthropometric variables were measured on 765 children from 6 to 14 years old to test for the presence of an altered pattern of sexual dimorphism. It was found that there were practically no sex differences in standing height and upper-arm muscle circumference. In some age groups, there was a weak but significant sexual dimorphism in body weight and sitting height. The greatest and most persistent dimorphism was found in head circumference, and in triceps and subscapular skinfolds. In all except two age groups, head circumference in males was significantly greater than in females. The other dimorphic variables (body weight, sitting height, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds) showed the opposite relationship. Essentially, females showed increments in subcutaneous fat, while reduced growth in muscle and bone was evident in males. The hypothesis of "better female canalization" can explain the altered dimorphic pattern found in the malnourished Villa IAPI population.

Adolescent↗

NMR analysis of staphylococcal nuclease thermal quench refolding kinetics.

Thermally unfolded staphylococcal nuclease has been rapidly quenched to temperatures near 0 degree C and the refolding behavior examined using an NMR kinetic experiment. Unfolded protein, exhibiting random coil chemical shifts, persists following the quench and refolds in two distinct kinetic phases. A protein folding intermediate with a trans Lys 116-Pro 117 peptide bond is transiently overpopulated and relaxes to the predominantly cis native cis-trans equilibrium. The rate of trans-->cis isomerization in the native-like nuclease intermediate is approximately 100-fold faster than that observed in a Lys-Pro model peptide. The activation enthalpy of 20 kcal/mol observed for the nuclease Lys 116-Pro 117 peptide bond is comparable to that observed for other X-Pro isomerizations.

Cold Temperature↗

Emerging patterns in tumor systems: simulating the dynamics of multicellular clusters with an agent-based spatial agglomeration model.

Brain cancer cells invade early on surrounding parenchyma, which makes it impossible to surgically remove all tumor cells and thus significantly worsens the prognosis of the patient. Specific structural elements such as multicellular clusters have been seen in experimental settings to emerge within the invasive cell system and are believed to express the systems' guidance toward nutritive sites in a heterogeneous environment. Based on these observations, we developed a novel agent-based model of spatio-temporal search and agglomeration to investigate the dynamics of cell motility and aggregation with the assumption that tumors behave as complex dynamic self-organizing biosystems. In this model, virtual cells migrate because they are attracted by higher nutrient concentrations and to avoid overpopulated areas with high levels of toxic metabolites. A specific feature of our model is the capability of cells to search both globally and locally. This concept is applied to simulate cell-surface receptor-mediated information processing of tumor cells such that a cell searching for a more growth-permissive place "learns" the information content of a brain tissue region within a two-dimensional lattice in two stages, processing first the global and then the local input. In both stages, differences in microenvironment characteristics define distinctions in energy expenditure for a moving cell and thus influence cell migration, proliferation, agglomeration, and cell death. Numerical results of our model show a phase transition leading to the emergence of two distinct spatio-temporal patterns depending on the dominant search mechanism. If global search is dominant, the result is a small number of large clusters exhibiting rapid spatial expansion but shorter lifetime of the tumor system. By contrast, if local search is dominant, the trade-off is many small clusters with longer lifetime but much slower velocity of expansion. Furthermore, in the case of such dominant local search, the model reveals an expansive advantage for tumor cell populations with a lower nutrient-depletion rate. Important implications of these results for cancer research are discussed.

Algorithms↗

Special problems experienced with pesticide use in developing countries.

The developing countries comprise more than 75% of the total world population covering most of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and South Europe. Their warm climate favors cultivation of many strategic crops including cotton, rubber, rice, corn, spices, tea, coffee, cocoa beans, sugarcane, tobacco, legumes, tropical and subtropical fruits, and vegetables. They are bound to the industrialized countries for exporting their cash crops and importing all production equipment and materials including pesticides and fertilizers. They suffer from illiteracy, overpopulation, and low standards of living. Their deficient economy and infrastructure hinder their ability to regulate efficiently registration of pesticides. Their inhabitants are at high risk due to the acute and chronic adverse health effects induced by pesticide exposure under both occupational and epidemiological conditions. Their legislations, regulations, technical capabilities, and medical care need to be upgraded to a reliable standard. This is essential for the global welfare because any hazardous pesticides dumped or released in the environment in these countries will not be dissipated but can reappear as residues in imported raw foods or by destroying terrestrial and aquatic life, through their transportation within the atmosphere, or in liquid discharges to soil and water bodies. International assistance and support are badly needed by United Nations Agencies, mainly WHO, UNEP, FAO, ILO, IPCS, IRPTC, and other relevant international organizations.

Agriculture↗

Lead exposure and iron deficiency among Jammu and New Delhi children.

In order to examine the prevalence of lead exposure and iron deficiency in Jammu, blood lead (B-Pb) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP-ZnPP) levels were measured in a group of 125 children and compared with B-Pb and EP levels of 46 New Delhi children. The mean B-Pb level of Jammu children was 15 micrograms/dl and ZnPP level 46 micrograms/dl. The frequency distribution of B-Pb in Jammu children according to the 1997 CDC stratification showed that only 33% were below the 10 micrograms/dl "normal" threshold levels and 50.5% were between 10-19 micrograms/dl, an increasing level of concern. The remaining 16.5% were in the medical intervention lead poisoned level between 20-87 micrograms/dl with corresponding EP levels between 29-160 micrograms/dl. The mean B-Pb and ZnPP levels for New Delhi children were 14 micrograms/dl and 55 micrograms/dl respectively. This study on Jammu children shows a modest increase in mean B-Pb and EP levels from those in 1985; the percentage of children with higher levels of B-Pb > 10 micrograms/dl have significantly increased. Moreover, the continued underlying high prevalence of iron deficiency among these children predisposes them to increased lead absorption from various sources thus aggravating further, the detrimental effects of lead. Therefore, a more extensive screening of all children below 10 years of age and an ongoing B-Pb and EP monitoring and iron supplementation programme for Jammu and New Delhi is essential. An environmental assessment of the sources leading to serious lead intoxication problem in Jammu, a rapidly growing and overpopulated city of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is strongly recommended.

Child↗

Emerging prospects of Bacillus species in attaining the sustainable development goals.

The world is witnessing a serious challenge of poverty which is reflected as hidden hunger and simultaneously overpopulation puts a grave burden on our ecosystem. In order to overcome these serious issues, the sustainable development goals (SDGs) serve a very significant role. Concurrently, the contribution of microorganisms in achieving the SDGs cannot be overlooked. Bacillus species as a probiotic has led to the development of various commercial fermented products that are available in the market. Additionally, the formulated products have been clinically validated for their health benefits. Bacillus species have also been reported to serve as bio-preservatives and biocontrol agents because they aid in preserving and maintaining the final food product as well as post-harvest goods. The utilization of Bacillus spp. as probiotics has significantly contributed to the overall well-being of animals. Moreover, many different species of Bacillus have been reported to be utilized as bio-cementing agents. All the aforementioned roles of Bacillus species contribute to addressing zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), and industry, infrastructure, and innovation (SDG 9). KEY POINTS: • Role of Bacillus spp. as probiotic have been successfully proven by clinical studies. • Prescence of antimicrobial genes in the Bacillus spp. genome play important role in bio-preservation and biocontrol. • In animal feeds Bacillus spp. are a good alternate of antibiotics and use of Bacillus spp. in cement industry is innovative approach.

Bacillus↗

Psychosomatic education in West Germany.

Psychosomatic medicine (PsM) is taught to nearly all of the 12,000 West German medical students. It has become part of the curriculum by legal act (1972) and now forms part of the national syllabus. There are independent university departments in PsM at approximately three-quarters of the 27 medical schools in West Germany. In approximately two-thirds of the medical schools PsM is taught by members of departments lacking close working links with departments of non-psychiatric health services. The topic of liaison psychiatry is virtually excluded from the national syllabus. In teaching sessions, patients with psychogenic disorders predominate, which may bias the attitudes of students. The overall reception of PsM by students is fair to good although their expectations must be dealt with carefully. Many complain that the teaching in this subject is too short. Some of them (20-30%) can be motivated to join electives in PsM. These electives are related to patient care and involve team working and may be exemplified by the so called "Peer Groups on History Taking". Members of these groups practice guided self-help and this in part overcomes the dissatisfaction amongst students caused by overpopulation of the medical school. In conclusion it is suggested that in West Germany, students should be exposed more often to places of primary care, and their lecturers should act as experts in group techniques applied to problem situations in primary care. Psychosomatic lecturers should concentrate on issues of primary care and act as supervisors of group work. They should also support student electives in PsM in order to promote interest in this subject.

Curriculum↗

A morbillivirus causing mass mortality in seals.

During an outbreak of a serious apparently infectious disease among harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), which started in the Kattegat area in April 1988 and rapidly spread to the North sea, the Wadden sea and the Baltic sea, greater than 17,000 animals died within a period of eight months. In August 1988 it was realized that the clinical symptoms and pathological lesions were similar to those found in canine distemper: apart from general depression and fever, the animals suffered from severe respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous disease and a variety of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections were frequently encountered, suggesting a severe malfunctioning of the immune system. At different expert meetings, held in several of the countries involved, possible explanations for the deaths were not only attributed to an infectious agent, but also to effects of overpopulation and environmental pollution. Seroepizootiological studies and the failure of vaccination experiments suggested that a herpesvirus and a picornavirus, which had been isolated from dead seals at the beginning of the outbreak, were opportunistic infections occurring in animals suffering from another infection rather than being the primary cause of the outbreaks. Serological studies were then extended to other viruses of carnivores, known to cause similar symptoms. Screening of a large panel of seal sera from the Netherlands, Denmark, FRG, Sweden and the UK, collected before and during the outbreak, in a virus neutralization test for the presence of canine distemper virus (CDV) neutralizing antibodies, indicated that CDV or a closely related morbillivirus was the primary cause of the disease outbreak.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Behavior change strategies for family planning.

The technology of behavior modification is central to most family planning and population control strategies. Positive, differential and negative reinforcement, usually cast in terms of 'incentives' and 'disincentives', have been applied to promoting child spacing and contraceptive use throughout the developing world. A wide variety of options are available to program planners interested in decreased birth rates, increased contraceptive use and/or birth spacing, and general promotion of family planning behavior. Given the tremendous problems with overpopulation and maternal/child health in developing nations today, behavior modification techniques are proposed specifically as the most effective way to motivate behavior change in the area of birth planning. These techniques also provide a useful framework with which to classify current family planning strategies and maximize their overall effectiveness. Given the powerful potential of this technology, understanding relevant ethical considerations and limitations is of paramount importance.

Behavior Therapy↗

Contraception in The Netherlands: the low abortion rate explained.

This article gives a review of the main factors that are related to the low abortion rate in the Netherlands. Attention is payed to figures on abortion and the use of contraceptive methods since the beginning of the 1960s up to the end of the 1980s. The strong acceptance of family planning was influenced by changing values regarding sexuality and the family, the transition from an agricultural to a modern industrial society, rapid economic growth, declining influence of the churches on daily life, introduction of modern mass media and the increased general educational level. The introduction of modern contraceptives (mainly the pill and contraceptive sterilization) was stimulated by a strong voluntary family planning movement, fear for overpopulation, a positive role of GPs, and the public health insurance system. A reduction of unwanted pregnancies has been accomplished through successful strategies for the prevention of teenage pregnancy (including sex education, open discussions on sexuality in mass media, educational campaigns and low barrier services) as well as through wide acceptance of sterilization. The Dutch experience with family planning shows the following characteristics: a strong wish to reduce reliance on abortion, ongoing sexual and contraceptive education related to the actual experiences of the target groups, and low barrier family planning services.

Abortion, Induced↗

Status and future direction of male contraceptive development.

Control of fertility constitutes a global health issue, as overpopulation and unintended pregnancy have both major personal and societal impact. Although the contraceptive revolution in the 1960s following the development of hormonal-based oral contraceptives for women has had a major impact on societal dynamics in several cultures, little product innovation has occurred since then. One solution to this global health issue lies in the development of new and innovative contraceptives for both women and men, the goal of which is to provide a range of options for people at all stages and walks of life. Currently, three options for male-based contraception exist (i.e. withdrawal, condoms and vasectomy), and these are acknowledged as woefully inadequate. Introduction of new forms of male contraception based on both hormonal and non-hormonal paradigms are wanted and needed; this need is now becoming recognized by both the public and private sectors. New and innovative products will come from our knowledge of the unique physiology and genetics of reproduction, as well as by exploiting existing and future genomics, proteomics and protein network platforms.

Contraceptive Agents, Male↗

Population characteristics of feral cats admitted to seven trap-neuter-return programs in the United States.

Internationally, large populations of feral cats constitute an important and controversial issue due to their impact on cat overpopulation, animal welfare, public health, and the environment, and to disagreement about what are the best methods for their control. Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs are an increasingly popular alternative to mass euthanasia. The objective of this study was to determine the population characteristics of feral cats admitted to large-scale TNR programs from geographically diverse locations in the United States. Data from 103,643 feral cats admitted to TNR programs from 1993 to 2004 were evaluated. All groups reported more intact females (53.4%) than intact males (44.3%); only 2.3% of the cats were found to be previously sterilized. Overall, 15.9% of female cats were pregnant at the time of surgery. Pregnancy was highly seasonal and peaked between March and April for all of the groups. The average prenatal litter size was 4.1+/-0.1 fetuses per litter. Cryptorchidism was observed in 1.3% of male cats admitted for sterilization. A total of 0.4% of cats was euthanased because of the presence of debilitating conditions, and 0.4% died during the TNR clinics. Remarkably similar populations of cats with comparable seasonal variability were seen at each program, despite their wide geographical distribution. These results suggest that it is feasible to safely sterilize large numbers of feral cats and that the experiences of existing programs are a consistent source of information upon which to model new TNR programs.

Animals↗

The relationship between oral malodor and volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria.

Halitosis can be a crippling social problem, and standard dental treatments and mouthwashes often provide only temporary relief. The mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species that produce several fetid substances as a result of protein degradation. Volatile sulfur compound (VSC)-producing bacteria colonizing the lingual dorsum have recently been implicated in the generation of halitosis. Detection of VSCs, such as methylmercaptan and hydrogen sulfite, via organoleptic and objective methods, can aid in the identification of their source. Following comprehensive evaluation for possible causes, most halitosis in patients seen in an ENT practice can be localized to the tongue. We review methods of diagnosis and treatment of oral malodor from the overgrowth of proteolytic, anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria on the crevices of the lingual dorsum. Bacteriologic analysis of biofilm and scraped specimens obtained from the lingual dorsum and other oral sites, primarily gingival pockets and tonsillar crypts, can identify VSC-producing bacteria. Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Actinobacillus, and Fusobacterium species are the most common organisms identified. Halitosis is an oral phenomenon, with almost no cases originating distal to the tonsils. Halitosis arising from the lingual dorsum secondary to overpopulated VSC-producing bacteria can be successfully managed with a combination of mechanical cleansing using tongue brushes or scrapes and chemical solutions containing essential oils, zinc chloride, and cetylpyridinium chloride.

Halitosis↗