The properties and interaction of auxins and cytokinins influence rooting of shoot cultures of Eucalyptus

Success in Eucalyptus micropropagation varies with genotype. Although some protocols have proven suitable for suites of clones, many genotypes are recalcitrant to rooting. Their micropropagation is addressed empirically through the manipulation of auxins and cytokinins, which work antagonistically to produce roots and shoots, respectively. Rooting success of three genotypes with 0.1 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was initially recorded as 87, 45 and 41% for clones 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Further studies using the auxin signal transduction inhibitor ñ-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (PCIB) or the auxin conjugation inhibitor dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP) indicated that the poor rooting response of clone 2 was not due to deficient auxin signal perception or auxin conjugation. Omitting kinetin during elongation, followed by auxin-free rooting, significantly increased root production in clone 2 (from 45 to 80.3%), but had no effect on clone 1. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of auxins and kinetin of shoots, prior to rooting, revealed a strong relationship (R2 = 0.943) between rootability and the shoot kinetin:auxin. Replacing kinetin with the less stable trans-zeatin significantly increased rooting of clone 2 (from 19 to 45%) and clone 3 (31 to 52%). It is suggested that root induction in poor-rooters is dependent on exogenous cytokinin depletion from in vitro shoots.Key words: Eucalyptus, phytohormone interaction, root quality

The efficacy of individualised homeopathic treatment on constipation

Abstract:Background: Constipation is the term describing either infrequent bowel movements, difficult evacuation of stool, hard stool or a sensation of incomplete defecation (Longmore, 2012). The effects of constipation compound from impacting on the person’s physical health to effecting their moods and influencing their social life (Marks, 2012). Most conventional treatments strive to treat only local symptoms and do not address concomitant symptoms of constipation. Alternative treatment options such as homeopathy offer a more holistic approach and can be adopted; however, further research is needed to establish its effectiveness in treating constipation. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of individualised homeopathic treatment on chronic constipation in adults. Methodology: This was a case study research design conducted at the University of Johannesburg Homeopathy Health Training Centre. Thirteen adults between the ages of 18 to 50 years who met the Rome II criteria for constipation were selected for participation and ten participants completed the study. The study consisted of four consultations per participant over a six week period. At the initial meeting a comprehensive case history was taken and analysed according to the principles of classical homeopathic prescribing and the best suited homeopathic remedy was administered. Data collection was in the form of case studies, which were analysed and described. The Bowel Function Diary and Bristol Stool Form Scale were used to assess changes in defecation quality and frequency and the results of these were then represented in the form of graphs. Results: The results of the case studies were positive and holistic. They indicated an improvement in stool frequency for all ten participants, and an improvement in stool form and ease of evacuation for the majority of the participants. The participants also reported that they experienced a better state of general and emotional wellbeing during the course of the research study. These results support previous findings which suggest that when an individualised homeopathic approach is correctly applied in a clinical setting, it is an effective approach for the management of chronic constipation in adults

The effects of combined exposure of solvents and noise on auditory function - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND:  Chemical substances can negatively affect the auditory system. Chemical substances alone or combined with high-level noise have recently become a major concern as a cause of occupational hearing loss. OBJECTIVE:  To assess the combined effect of solvents and noise versus solvents only, or noise only, on the auditory function of workers. METHOD:  Published articles which included noise and/or solvent exposure or combined effects of solvents and noise, studies conducted on human beings only and the use of audiological tests on participants. RESULTS:  Thirteen papers were eligible for inclusion. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 68 years. Results revealed that 24.5% presented with hearing loss as a result of noise exposure only; 18% presented with hearing loss owing to solvent exposure only; and a total of 43.3% presented with hearing loss owing to combined noise and solvent exposure. Furthermore, the prevalence of hearing loss in the noise and solvent group was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the other groups in 10 out of the 13 studies analysed, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 2.754. Of the 178 participants (total of all participants exposed to solvents), a total of 32 participants presented with auditory pathology as a result of exposure to solvents only. There was a significantly higher pooled odds of hearing loss in noise and solvent-exposed group compared to solvent-only group (pooled OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.24-3.72, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION:  The findings revealed significantly higher odds of acquiring hearing loss when workers were exposed to a combination of solvents and noise as opposed to solvents only, motivating for its inclusion into hearing conservation programmes

Diabetes in Danish Bank Voles (M. glareolus): Survivorship, Influence on Weight, and Evaluation of Polydipsia as a Screening Tool for Hyperglycaemia

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have concluded that the development of polydipsia (PD, a daily water intake ≥ 21 ml) among captive Danish bank voles, is associated with the development of a type 1 diabetes (T1D), based on findings of hyperglycaemia, glucosuria, ketonuria/-emia, lipemia, destroyed beta cells, and presence of autoantibodies against GAD65, IA-2, and insulin. AIM AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from two separate colonies of Danish bank voles in order to 1) estimate survivorship after onset of PD, 2) evaluate whether the weight of PD voles differed from non-PD voles, and, 3), evaluate a state of PD as a practical and non-invasive tool to screen for voles with a high probability of hypeglycaemia. In addition, we discuss regional differences related to the development of diabetes in Scandinavian bank voles and the relevance of the Ljungan virus as proposed etiological agent. RESULTS: We found that median survival after onset of PD is at least 91 days (lower/upper quartiles = 57/134 days) with a maximum recording of at least 404 days survivorship. The development of PD did not influence the weight of Danish bank voles. The measures of accuracy when using PD as predictor of hyperglycaemia, i.e. sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, equalled 69%, 97%, 89%, and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The relatively long survival of Danish PD bank voles suggests potentials for this model in future studies of the long-term complications of diabetes, of which some observations are mentioned. Data also indicates that diabetes in Danish bank is not associated with a higher body weight. Finally, the method of using measurements of daily water intake to screen for voles with a high probability of hyperglycaemia constitutes a considerable refinement when compared to the usual, invasive, methods

Global energy governance : a review and research agenda

Over the past few years, global energy governance (GEG) has emerged as a major new field of enquiry in international studies. Scholars engaged in this field seek to understand how the energy sector is governed at the global level, by whom and with what consequences. By focusing on governance, they broaden and enrich the geopolitical and hard-nosed security perspectives that have long been, and still are, the dominant perspectives through which energy is analysed. Though still a nascent field, the literature on GEG is thriving and continues to attract the attention of a growing number of researchers. This article reviews the GEG literature as it has developed over the past 10 years. Our aim is to highlight both the progress and limitations of the field, and to identify some opportunities for future research. The article proceeds as follows. First, it traces the origins of the GEG literature (section “Origins and roots of GEG research”). The subsequent sections deal with the two topics that have received the most attention in the GEG literature: Why does energy need global governance (section “The goals and rationale of global energy governance”)? And, who governs energy (section “Mapping the global energy architecture”)? We then address a third question that has received far less attention: How well or poor is energy governed (section “Evaluating global energy governance”)? In our conclusions (section “Conclusions and outlook”), we reflect on the current state of GEG, review recent trends and innovations, and identify some questions that warrant future consideration by scholars. This article is published as part of a thematic collection on global governance

Renewable, ethical? Assessing the energy justice potential of renewable electricity

Energy justice is increasingly being used as a framework to conceptualize the impacts of energy decision making in more holistic ways and to consider the social implications in terms of existing ethical values. Similarly, renewable energy technologies are increasingly being promoted for their environmental and social benefits. However, little work has been done to systematically examine the extent to which, in what ways and in what contexts, renewable energy technologies can contribute to achieving energy justice. This paper assesses the potential of renewable electricity technologies to address energy justice in various global contexts via a systematic review of existing studies analyzed in terms of the principles and dimensions of energy justice. Based on publications including peer reviewed academic literature, books, and in some cases reports by government or international organizations, we assess renewable electricity technologies in both grid integrated and off-grid use contexts. We conduct our investigation through the rubric of the affirmative and prohibitive principles of energy justice and in terms of its temporal, geographic, socio-political, economic, and technological dimensions. Renewable electricity technology development has and continue to have different impacts in different social contexts, and by considering the different impacts explicitly across global contexts, including differences between rural and urban contexts, this paper contributes to identifying and understanding how, in what ways, and in what particular conditions and circumstances renewable electricity technologies may correspond with or work to promote energy justice

A descriptive phenomenological study of Muslim clients’ experiences of religion during psychotherapy with Muslim therapists

Abstract: The field of Islamic psychology is a rapidly expanding one. Previous research has covered a broad spectrum including adapting existing therapeutic processes to work with Muslim clients, formulating Islamically oriented theoretical models, validating the efficacy of Islamic based interventions, and standardising assessments for use with Muslim populations. However, there is a scarcity of research derived from the Muslim clients’ perspective. This study attempted to provide practical insight into the experience of Islam in the therapy process between Muslim clients and Muslim therapists through a process of phenomenological enquiry. Three female Muslims who had been in therapy processes with Muslim therapists were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analysed to identify shared themes between the narratives. These themes served to reveal the essence of the experience of Islam for Muslim clients in psychotherapy with Muslim therapists. Based on the descriptions from the interviews it is evident that Islam played an integral part in the therapy process for all three participants. The participants’ experience of the therapy process broadly reflected a journey of religious identity formation. The decision to engage in therapy appeared related to confronting a personal religious identity crisis. In order to heal, the participants recount learning about and re-engaging with their religion. As they developed and committed to a new religious identity, the participants described a corresponding decrease in distress and improved psychological well-being. The participants’ Muslim therapists also appeared to play an important role in the experience. By providing a shared religious context they enabled the participants to explore their subjective beliefs and reforge their religious identity without feeling judged or pressured. Additionally, their therapists served as spiritual guides and role models that enabled the participants to incorporate the values and beliefs they desired into their own lives. These findings provide valuable information in understanding how distress arises for some Muslim clients. Furthermore, it suggests areas to explore that could provide practical guidance and techniques to use when working with Muslim clients. Lastly, the richness of the information gained in this study encourages further qualitative research in the field of Islamic psychology.M.A. (Counselling Psychology

Adventitious root formation in Eucalyptus: the role of phytohormones

Successful adventitious root induction from macro-, mini- and micro-cuttings is critical for Eucalyptus forestry establishments. As for all the aspects of plant development, adventitious rooting is controlled by plant growth regulators (PGRs), primarily the auxins and their interaction with the cytokinins. Nevertheless, the approach to eucalyptus root induction from vegetative tissues remains empirical, with protocols that are often only clone-specific. Recent advancements have allowed for a more guided approach with respect to exogenous PGR supply for root induction. This review explores the genetic and phytohormone control of root development as it relates to woody plants and commercially-important Eucalyptus clones, and offers some suggestions with respect to the selection of PGRs for enhanced root induction and subsequent development

Clonal and Micropropagation

In vitro asexual propagation of plants has formed the basis for the establishment of several commercial plant tissue culture companies worldwide. This approach can provide plant material year-round to consumers. Plant propagation by tissue culture is achieved using various types of explants, such as whole plant organs, cell suspension cultures, and somatic embryos. Moreover, there are numerous research and commercial applications of in vitro culture, including conservation of valuable elite genetic resources, multiplication and propagation of recalcitrant plants, and large-scale production of phytochemicals. Among plant tissue culture techniques, micropropagation of plants via organogenesis has benefited substantially in the horticultural, agricultural, and forestry industries. In this article, the various conditions are considered, including the temporary immersion bioreactor (RITA), different stages of plant regeneration, and plant growth regulators used in the in vitro clonal propagation of plants. Molecular marker-based genetic fidelity determination of in vitro regenerated plants that make in vitro propagation a reliable technology for true-to-type plant production is also discussed