A simple method for preparing prometaphase chromosomes from amniotic fluid cell cultures

A simple method for preparing prometaphase chromosomes from amniotic fluid cell cultures is described. The technique is based upon several key steps including: (1) reduced colcemid concentration, (2) reduced exposure to trypsin-EDTA, and (3) maintaining cells in single suspension by adjusting cell concentration appropriately. Chromosomes with banding resolution up ot 800 bands per haploid set can be routinely produced. The described methodology is particularly useful in defining and establishing the clinical significance of subtle structural aberrations.     

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Summary Geography in the '90s: Teaching and learning with the AAG/NCGEGuidelines for Geographic Education was the title of a session at the August, 1985, meeting of the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) in Breckenridge, Colorado. Participants worked with theGuidelines to establish criteria and concepts to prepare solutions to the problems of worthwhile and effective geographic education. Leaders structured the work of participants, using a tight, six-step, problem-solving, process model. This model was selected as the best way in a three-hour session to help education decision makers absorb theGuidelines and master its detail while analyzing and evaluating theGuidelines as a blueprint for transforming the way students and teachers learn and think about geography. Judging by sustained participant interest and interaction, the effort devoted to carefully drafting the details of how best to present the material did enhance learning and stimulate thinking seriously about geographic education. This paper describes the reason for the workshop (Part I), outlines major components of the workshop in Part II, and makes explicit some of the less readily discerned but critical contextual aspects of the session in Part III.Dr Dixie Ann Pemberton is Associate Professor in Geography at the Horn Point Environmental Laboratories of the University of Maryland. She has extensive experience in program development, administration, training and public information in the areas of education, geography and natural resources management.     

In their words: How Detroit residents perceive the effects of their physical environment

Abstract

This article examines results from in-depth interviews conducted with parents of children with asthma living in an urban environment. We examine themes from the in-depth interviews related to participants' perceptions of the influence of their physical environment on their mental and physical health, and the actions that they take in an effort to protect their health within this context. The findings from this study suggest several implications for understanding the interface between the physical environment of urban communities and residents' health, as well as for the policy and practice of risk assessment strategies.     

The theory of neighbourhood decline due to pariah land uses: Regaining control of the downward cycle

Abstract

Some neighbourhood environments have become dumping grounds for locally unwanted land uses (LULUs) that middle-class Americans do not want near their homes. LULUs may combine with other pariah land uses to collectively undermine the quality of the local environment, reduce investment, government services, the proportion of middle-income people and associated businesses. As important neighbourhood attributes are lost, illegal activities, derelict structures, trash-strewn lots and the concentration of poor and unhealthy people may increase. This paper describes the theory behind the impact of pariah land uses through examples of the downward spiral experienced by Camden, New Jersey and the south Bronx, New York. It then documents the experience of one community, Elizabethport, New Jersey, in reversing that downward spiral. Success in Elizabethport came from the synergistic activities of local, state and federal governments, community groups, and not-for-profit organizations as they struggled to regain control through local environmental management, rebuilding, and reducing crime. Social capital was also strengthened by using a local community health concern—that of childhood asthma. Efforts to reverse the downward spiral of urban decay from pariah land uses should be multi-faceted, spurred by local efforts that address local concerns.     

Understanding the role and influence of social norms: lessons for NRM

Much has been written about social norms in disciplines such as law and economics but they are less studied in the field of Natural Resource Management (NRM). Although norms are acknowledged to be an influence on decision–making, they are difficult to identify and measure in the field and their role is often implicit or not well understood or articulated. This paper addresses an important knowledge gap by combining social norms theory with the specifics of a particular case study. We examined the influence of social norms on landholder behaviour in a small rural community undergoing demographic change in Australia. Findings from interviews with landholders and government agency personnel indicate that established norms within the farming community are influencing incoming landholders; and that new norms and practices have also emerged as a result of government investment through the local Landcare group. We suggest that a better understanding of social norms in different contexts will give rise to strategies that make NRM interventions more effective.     

Biamnial elevated alpha-fetoprotein and positive acetylcholinesterase in twins,one with anencephaly

Anencephaly in twin B was accompanied by elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and a positive acetylcholinesterase (AChE) band on gel electrophoresis in both twin sacs, although twin A was normal. AChE results did not help distinguish the false positive AFP in this set of twins, implying that AChE may diffuse transamniotically as has been previously postulated for AFP. In light of the low concordance rate for neural tube defects in twins, patient counselling in this situation must include the information that AFP and AChE may be falsely elevated in normal twin when the other twin has a neural tube defect.