First Steps on health for young people

This project will promote health awareness and encourage a more pro-active approach to looking after your health for12-16 year olds. Although focusing on young people, the approach being used hopes to cascade the information- the young people will take what their understanding into the home and the wider community. In order to reach their objectives they will carry out workshops with the youth in ways that will grab their attention and encourage a ‘change of lifestyles’ for example; painting murals relating to health issues etc. An information day was held as was an art project and several workshops, 1 of which allowed students to make a video on the role of the pharmacist. Results showed teenagers found it beneficial to get information on areas of health that they wanted to increase their awareness in. The project also identified a determination amongst staff to become more aware of the dangers of smoking and the project gave them a means of empowerment to help students who smoke to stop. All those involved in the project either through the information day, workshops or the art project felt it was tangible and was a sensitive wasy to deal with teenge health problems. The project created an understanding of why there is a need to take a communtiy response to such problems.

Disorders of pupillary structure and function.

Neurologists are frequently consulted because of a pupillary abnormality. An unequal size of the pupils, an unusual shape, white colored pupils, or a poorly reactive pupil are common reasons for referral. A directed history and careful observation of the iris and pupil movements can bear out ocular pathology such as congenital or structural anomalies as the cause of abnormal pupils. Thereafter, it is important to evaluate the neurologic causes of anisocoria and poor pupil function. The first part of this article emphasizes pupillary abnormalities frequently encountered in infants and children and discusses some of the more common acquired iris structural defects. The second part focuses on evaluation of lesions in the neural pathways that result in pupillary dysfunction, with particular attention to those conditions having neurologic, systemic, or visual implications.

The prediction of cardiovascular events is improved by combination of Framingham risk score and subclinical atherosclerosis imaging

Purpose: In primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is accepted that the intensity of risk factor treatment should be guided by the magnitude of absolute risk. Risk factors tools like Framingham risk score (FHS) or noninvasive atherosclerosis imaging tests are available to detect high risk subjects. However, these methods are imperfect and may misclassify a large number of individuals. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate whether the prediction of future cardiovascular events (CVE) can be improved when subclinical imaging atherosclerosis (SCATS) is combined with the FRS in asymptomatic subjects. Methods: Overall, 1038 asymptomatic subjects (413 women, 625 men, mean age 49.1±12.8 years) were assessed for their cardiovascular risk using the FRS. B-mode ultrasonography on carotid and femoral arteries was performed by two investigators to detect atherosclerotic plaques (focal thickening of intima-media > 1.2 mm) and to measure carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT). The severity of SCATS was expressed by an ATS-burden Score (ABS) reflecting the number of the arterial sites with >1 plaques (range 0-4). CVE were defined as fatal or non fatal acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or angioplasty for peripheral artery disease. Results: during a mean follow-up of 4.9±3.1 years, 61 CVE were recorded. Event rates the rate of CVE increased significantly from 2.7% to 39.1% according to the ABS (p<0.001) and from 4% to 24.6% according to the quartiles of C-IMT. Similarly, FRS predicted CVE (p<0.001). When computing the angiographic markers of SCATS in addition of FRS, we observed an improvement of net reclassification rate of 16.6% (p< 0.04) for ABS as compared to 5.5% (p = 0.26) for C-IMT. Conclusion: these results indicate that the detection of subjects requiring more attention to prevent CVE can be significantly improved when using both FRS and SCATS imaging.

Efficacy And Safety Of Baerveldt Aqueous Shunts In Glaucoma Secondary To Anterior Segment Irradiation, For Uveal Melanoma

Purpose: Elevated IOP is commonly associated with iris and ciliary body melanoma. Traditional management requires the majority of eyes to undergo enucleation. The authors describe the first series of Baerveldt aqueous shunts in eyes with uveal melanoma, treated by total anterior segment irradiation.Methods: 25 consecutive patients with unilateral iris melanoma were prospectively recruited after obtaining informed consent. All patients underwent anterior segment proton beam irradiation, corneal limbal autografts and Baerveldt tube implantation at Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne. Postoperative examinations were performed on day 1, weeks 1,3,6,9 and months 3,6,12 and annually thereafter. Success was defined as: IOP </=18mmHg (definition A); IOP </= 21mmHg and 20% reduction in IOP (definition B). All complications were recorded.Results: Mean age was 53; mean follow up, 10.3 months; mean interval to treatment following irradiation, 2.4 years; mean pre-op IOP was 29.9 mmHg; mean post-op IOP 14.1 mmHg; mean pre-op medications 3.0; post-op medications 1.3. Success rates were, definition A: 95%; definition B: 90%. Only11% had minor complications and there were no sight-threatening complications. Aggressive ocular hypertension was observed in the several eyes prior to shunt implantation. Two eyes were enucleated for non-glaucoma related sequelae.Conclusions: Baerveldt aqueous shunts are safe and efficacious following total anterior segment irradiation for uveal melanoma. The novel interdisciplinary approach improved ocular retention rates, offering a promising alternative to current management algorithms.

The involvement of tetA and tetE tetracycline resistance genes in plasmid and chromosomal resistance of Aeromonas in Brazilian strains

This study analyzed the involvement of tetA and tetE genes in the tetracycline resistance of 16 strains of genus Aeromonas, isolated from clinical and food sources. Polymerase chain reactions revealed that 37.5% of the samples were positive for tetA, and also 37.5% were tetE positive. One isolate was positive for both genes. Only the isolate A. caviae 5.2 had its resistance associated to the presence of a plasmid, pSS2. The molecular characterization of pSS2 involved the construction of its restriction map and the determination of its size. The digestion of pSS2 with HindIII originated two fragments (A and B) that were cloned separately into the pUC18 vector. The tetA gene was shown to be located on the HindIII-A fragment by PCR. After transforming a tetracycline-sensitive strain with pSS2, the transformants expressed the resistance phenotype and harbored a plasmid whose size was identical to that of pSS2. The results confirmed the association between pSS2 and the tetracycline resistance phenotype, and suggest a feasible dissemination of tetA and tetE among strains of Aeromonas. This study suggests the spreading tetA and tetE genes in Aeromonas in Brazil and describes a resistance plasmid that probably contributes to the dissemination of the resistance.

Sulfur isotope analysis of cinnabar from Roman wall paintings by elemental analysis/isotope ratio mass spectrometry - tracking the origin of archaeological red pigments and their authenticity

The most valuable pigment of the Roman wall paintings was the red color obtained from powdered cinnabar (Minium Cinnabaris pigment), the red mercury sulfide (HgS), which was brought from mercury (Hg) deposits in the Roman Empire. To address the question of whether sulfur isotope signatures can serve as a rapid method to establish the provenance of the red pigment in Roman frescoes, we have measured the sulfur isotope composition (delta(34) S value in parts per thousand VCDT) in samples of wall painting from the Roman city Aventicum (Avenches, Vaud, Switzerland) and compared them with values from cinnabar from European mercury deposits (Almaden in Spain, Idria in Slovenia, Monte Amiata in Italy, Moschellandsberg in Germany, and Genepy in France). Our study shows that the delta(34) S values of cinnabar from the studied Roman wall paintings fall within or near to the composition of Almaden cinnabar; thus, the provenance of the raw material may be deduced. This approach may provide information on provenance and authenticity in archaeological, restoration and forensic studies of Roman and Greek frescoes. Copyright (c) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Benet Sanxes Galindo, pintor i poeta del segle XVI a Catalunya

Estudi de l’obra de Benet Sanxes Galindo, conegut en castellà com Benito Sánchez Galindo. Poeta i pintor del s. XVI, ha estat poc conegut i estudiat. L’autor aprofita per fer un repàs de les obres que l’han tractat. L’article s’emmarca en un número monogràfic amb el títol “Miscel•lània d’homenatge a Modest Prats”

Algunes observacions sobre pintures gironines d’època barroca de temàtica santnarcisiana

Descripció de les pintures que hi ha a la capella de Sant Narcís de l’església de Sant Feliu de Girona, què són d’època barroca. L’article s’escriu després d’una restauració de la capella, què dóna més lluminositat a les pintures. En el context de monogràfic dedicat a Sant Narcís

PAX6 aniridia and interhemispheric brain anomalies.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical and genetic study of patients with autosomal dominant aniridia. METHODS: We studied ten patients with aniridia from three families of Egyptian origin. All patients underwent full ophthalmologic, general and neurological examination, and blood drawing. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging was performed in the index case of each family. Genomic DNA was prepared from venous leukocytes, and direct sequencing of all the exons and intron-exon junctions of the Paired Box gene 6 (PAX6) was performed after PCR amplification. Phenotype description, including ophthalmic and cerebral anomalies, mutation detection in PAX6 and phenotype-genotype correlation was acquired. RESULTS: Common features observed in the three families included absence of iris tissue, corneal pannus with different degrees of severity, and foveal hypoplasia with severely reduced visual acuity. In Families 2 and 3, additional findings, such as lens dislocation, lens opacities or polar cataract, and glaucoma, were observed. We identified two novel (c.170-174delTGGGC [p.L57fs17] and c.475delC [p.R159fs47]) and one known (c.718C>T [p.R240X]) PAX6 mutations in the affected members of the three families. Systemic and neurological examination was normal in all ten affected patients. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed absence of the pineal gland in all three index patients. Severe hypoplasia of the brain anterior commissure was associated with the p.L57fs17 mutation, absence of the posterior commissure with p.R159fs47, and optic chiasma atrophy and almost complete agenesis of the corpus callosum with p.R240X. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two novel PAX6 mutations in families with severe aniridia. In addition to common phenotype of aniridia and despite normal neurological examination, absence of the pineal gland and interhemispheric brain anomalies were observed in all three index patients. The heterogeneity of PAX6 mutations and brain anomalies are highlighted. This report emphasizes the association between aniridia and brain anomalies with or without functional impact, such as neurodevelopment delay or auditory dysfunction.

Bodyweight and migration-related differences in motor abilities in preschool children "Ballabeina"

Introduction: Motor abilities in schoolchildren have been decreasing in the last two decades (Bös, 2003, Tomkinson et al., 2003). This may be related to the dramatic increase in overweight and adiposity during the same time period. Children of migrant background are especially affected (Lasserre et al., 2007). But little is known about the relationship between BMI and migration background and motor abilities in preschool children. Methods/Design We carried out a cross-sectional analysis with 665 children (age 5.1 ± 0.6 years; 49.8 % female) of 40 randomly selected kindergarten classes from German and French speaking regions in Switzerland with a high migrant background. We investigated BMI, cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run), static (displacement of center of pressure (COP)) and dynamic (balancing forward on a beam) postural control and overall fitness (obstacle course). Results: Of the children, 9.6 % were overweight, 10.5 % were obese (Swiss national percentiles) and 72.8 % were of migrant background (at least one parent born outside of Switzerland). Mean BMI from children of non-migrant background was 15.5 ± 1.1 kg/m2, while migrant children had a mean BMI of 15.8 ± 1.7 kg/m2 (p=0.08). Normal-weight children performed better in cardiorespiratory fitness (3.1 ± 1.4 vs. 2.6 ± 1.1 stages, p<0.001), overall fitness (18.9 ± 4.4 vs. 20.8 ± 4.6 sec, p<0.001) and in dynamic balance (4.9 ± 3.5 vs. 3.8 ± 2.5 steps, p<0.001) compared to overweight and obese children, while the latter had less postural sway (COP: 956 ± 302 vs. 1021 ± 212 mm, p=0.008). There was a clear inverse dose-response relationship between weight status and dynamic motor abilities. There were no significant differences in most tested motor abilities between non-migrant and migrant. The latter performed less well in only one motor test (overall fitness: 20.2 ± 5.2 vs. 18.3 ± 3.5 sec, p<0.001). These findings persisted after adjustment for BMI. Conclusion In preschool children, differences in motor abilities are already present between normal weight and overweight/obese children. However, migrant children demonstrate similar motor abilities compared to non-migrant children for almost all tests, despite their slightly higher BMI.

Authors' reply to Metcalf and Wilkin.

Réponse au commentaire de: Metcalf B, Wilkin T. Lifestyle intervention in preschool children has little effect on obesity. BMJ. 2012 Jan 31;344:e714. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e714. PMID: 22293374.

Cuestiones de pintura y miniatura en Cerdeña: modelos, intercambios y relaciones internacionales en la segunda mitad del siglo XV

Durante el siglo XV Cerdeña desempeña, gracias a su posicionamiento geográfico en el centro del Mediterráneo, un papel muy importante en la red de comercio internacional. Este movimiento económico-cultural fomenta una extensa producción artística que está caracterizada por depender fuertemente de la presencia en la isla de talleres y artistas catalanes. Al día de hoy se conoce muy poco la presencia y las características de la pintura del gótico tardío en la Cerdeña. Las dificultades encontradas por los investigadores en la reconstrucción de la historia del arte sarda de esta época son numerosas y difíciles de solucionar. El problema depende de la falta de fuentes documentales (directas e indirectas), de la gran dispersión de muchísimas obras, de la inaccesibilidad de unas de las obras más interesantes; del desplazamiento casi total de las obras de su sitio original, y del total anonimato de la mayoría de los artistas. En estas condiciones la única solución para alcanzar nuevos elementos científicos es: integrar los conocimientos procedente de las fuentes documentales; ampliar la practica metodológica (multidisciplinariedad), conectar el tejido sardo (pintura, miniatura, grabados) con el ámbito internacional. El objetivo final es introducir la pintura sarda en un contexto más amplio, para poder descubrir el sistema de modelos y de relaciones artísticas, que la conectan con el mundo artístico mediterráneo. El trabajo de este primer año ha sido particularmente intenso y complicado por las dificultades encontradas en ponerse en un tema tan vasto como lo de la pintura y los modelos figurativos de la segunda mitad del siglo XV. Principales objetivos: averiguar toda la bibliografía conocida sobre el tema e intentar ampliar los estudios cada vez que se encontraban indicios sobre posibles autores y obras sardas; empezar el trabajo de catalogación de las obras pictóricas (conocidas o recien descubiertas.)