High resolution luminescence chronology of coastal dune deposits near Chumphon, Western Gulf of Thailand

The development of coastal dunes is linked to environmental controls such as sea-level variability, climatic conditions, and coastal morphology. Understanding the spatial and temporal variations of dunes is crucial for predicting how coastal landscapes may react to future climate changes and sea-level rise. However, there are very few detailed studies on the longer time-scale evolution (centennial to millennial) of coastal dunes from subtropical and tropical regions. Here, we combine a high-resolution luminescence chronology with sedimentological analyses to study the depositional history of a transverse coastal dune located within the Bang Berd dune field, Western Gulf of Thailand. While luminescence dating of uniform aeolian deposits is normally straight forward, we observe strong variations in the natural dose rate which are likely explained by the enrichment of accessory minerals in some laminae. Deposition of the dune started at least around 3000 years ago and coincides with a regional sea level drop. Sedimentary structures indicate deposition occurring predominantly in relation to the northeasterly winter monsoon. As the sea-level rise and increased storm intensity in the future may lead to stronger erosion along the coast, this study is highlighting the importance of the Bang Berd dune system as natural protection against coastal inundation

Pattern of Occurrence of Leukemia at a Teaching Hospital in Eastern Region of Nepal - A Six Year Study

INTRODUCTION: Pattern of leukemia is known to vary widely throughout the world. The characterization of distribution patterns of different subtypes of leukemia in Nepal needs further study. We wanted to study the leukemia pattern in our institute. METHODS: A retrospective study of 196 cases of leukemia, diagnosed at BPKIHS, between January 1997 to December 2002 was done. We analyzed the pattern of leukemia at BPKIHS by morphological subtype, gender, age at diagnosis, time period of diagnosis (seasonality), and geographic distribution. RESULTS: Morphological sub typing showed that 121 cases were of acute leukemia and 75 of chronic leukemia. Chronic myeloid leukemia constituted the single largest group comprising 35.2 % of all cases, followed by acute myeloid leukemia (28.57 %) and acute lymphoid leukemia (19.9 %). Maximum numbers of cases were from the lowlands while least number of cases were from the mountain districts. Results were compared with literature from Nepal and other countries. This is the second series of leukemia from Nepal. CONCLUSIONS: The data published in this study reflects the leukemia pattern in the eastern region of Nepal. The pattern and distribution of AML, CML, ALL was similar to that in the developed western countries while the lesser frequency of CLL was similar to that in Southeast Asian region Key Words:leukemia, pattern, eastern Nepal, seasonality