Bone marrow suppression and severe anaemia associated with persistent Plasmodium falciparum infection in African children with microscopically undetectable parasitaemia

In sub-Saharan Africa the highest overlap between malaria and HIV infections occurs in female adolescents. Yet control activities for these infections are directed to different target groups, using disparate channels. This reflects the lack of priority given to adolescents and the absence of an accepted framework for delivering health and health-related interventions to this high-risk group. In this paper it is argued that female adolescents require a continuum of care for malaria and HIV – prior to conception, during and after pregnancy and that this should be provided through adolescent services. The evidence for this conclusion is presented. A number of African countries are commencing to formulate and implement adolescent-friendly policies and services and disease control programs for malaria and HIV will need to locate their interventions within such programs to ensure widespread coverage of this important target group. Failure to prioritize adolescent health in this way will seriously limit the success of disease control programs for malaria and HIV prevention.     

LOPHOSTEUS SUPERBUS PANDER, EIN TELEOSTOME AUS DEM SILUR OESELS

Numerous scales as well as fragments of spines and bones of Lophosteus superbus Pander 1856, a fish which has not been re-studied since 1893, were found in a rock specimen of Ohesaare Beds (marine Downtonian) from the Isle of Oesel (Estonia). The various remains have been studied morphologically and histologically. The structure of the remains demonstrates the close relationship of L. superbus with Andreolepis hedei Gross 1968. Both genera have been placed in the new family Lophosteidae and the new order Lophosteiformes. The position of this order within the Teleostomi will remain unclear until connected remains or intact fish specimens are found. The scales of both genera indicate a possible connection with the Actinopterygii. In addition, the morphology and histology of some bone fragments covered with small teeth and tubercles are described. These fragments may also belong to L. superbus.
Schuppen und Bruchstücke von Stacheln und Knochen des seit 1893 nicht mehr untersuchten Fisches Lophosteus superbus Pander 1856 wurden zahlreich in einem Handstück der Ohesaare Schichten (marines Downton) der Insel Oesel (Estland) gefunden. Die verschiedenen Reste wurden morphologisch und histologisch untersucht. Intakte Schuppen und der histologische Bau der Reste erwiesen die nahe Verwandschaft von L. superbus mit Andreolepis hedei Gross 1968. Beide Gattungen wurden in der neuen Familie der Lophosteidae und der neuen Ordnung Lophosteiformes vereinigt, deren Stellung innerhalb der Teleostomi (Osteichthyes) unklar bleibt, solange keine zusammenhängenden Fischreste oder intakte Fische gefunden werden. Die Schuppen beider Gattungen weisen auf mögliche Beziehungen zu den Actinopterygiern. – Angefügt wird die morphologische und histologische Beschreibung einiger Knochenreste, die mit zahlreichen konischen Zähnchen und Tuberkeln pflasterförmig besetzt sind. Vielleicht gehören auch diese Reste zu L. superbus.     

Strategies for farmers and policy makers to control nitro-gen losses whilst maintaining crop production

The nitrogen (N) cycle is essentially 'leaky'. The losses of small amounts of nitrate to waters and of ammonia and nitrous oxide to the atmosphere are a part of the global biogeo-chemical N cycle. However, intensive agricultural production, industry and vehicle use have more than doubled the amount of 'reactive' N in the environment, resulting in eutrophication, ecosystem change and health concerns. Research has identified agricultural practices that cause large losses of N and, in some cases, developed solutions. This paper discusses the problems of maintaining productivity while reducing N losses, compares conventional with low input (integrated) and organic farming systems, and discusses wider options. It also looks at the need to integrate studies on N with other environmental impacts, set in the context of the whole farm system, to provide truly sustainable agricultural systems.