Introduction and spreading of Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848) (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Planorbidae) in Guadeloupe, French West Indies

The finding in 1985 of a well-established population of Biomphalaria straminea in a pond in Grande Terre of Guadeloupe constitutes a new species record for the freshwater molluscan fauna of that island. The following years a rapid extension of the species was documented on Grande Terre and Marie Galante. However, it was never found in the neighboring island of Basse Terre. The invasion of the whole hydrographic system of this island by Melanoides tuberculata during the last decade and the current presence of well-established and dense populations of this snail may explain the failure of the colonization by B. straminea.

Lymphocoele: a rare and little known complication of anterior lumbar surgery.

Lymphocoele is a rare and little known complication with only a handful of reports available. We report two cases of lymphocoele after anterior lumbar surgery that have occurred in two different centres and discuss diagnosis and management options. The first case is that of a 53-year-old male patient undergoing two level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) for disabling back pain due to disc degeneration in the context of an old spondylodiscitis. He developed a large fluid mass postoperatively. Fluid levels of creatinin were low and intravenous urography ruled out a urinoma suggesting the diagnosis of a lymphocoele. Following two unsuccessful drainage attempts he underwent a laparoscopic marsupialization. The second case was that of a 32-year-old female patient developing a large fluid mass following a L5 corpectomy for a burst fracture. She was treated successfully with insertion of a vacuum drain during 7 days. Lymphocoele is a rare complication but should be suspected if fluid collects postoperatively following anterior lumbar spine procedures. Chemical analysis of the fluid can help in diagnosis. Modern treatment consists of laparoscopic marsupialization. Lymph vessel anatomy should be borne in mind while exposing the anterior lumbar spine.

Evidence of growth and sector zoning in hydrothermal quartz from Alpine veins

Several quartz crystals from three different Alpine vein localities and of known petrologic setting and evolution have been examined for possible elemental sector zoning in order to help to constrain the mechanisms of such trace element incorporation. Using different in situ techniques (EMPA, LA-ICPMS, SIMS, FTIR-spectroscopy), it was established that Al and Li concentrations can exceed several hundreds of ppma for distinct growth zones within crystals formed at temperatures of about 300 degrees C or less and that also display patterns of cyclic growth when examined with cathodoluminescence. In contrast, crystals formed at temperatures closer to 400 degrees C and without visible cyclic growth have low concentrations of Al and Li as well as other trace elements. Al and Li contents are correlated along profiles measured within the crystals and in general their proportion does not change along the profiles. No relationships were found between Al, Na, and K, and germanium has a qualitative relationship with Al. FTIR spectra also show OH(-) absorption bands within the quartz, with higher amplitudes in zones rich in Al and Li. Sector zoning is present. It is most pronounced between prismatic and rhombohedral faces of the same growth zone, but also between the rhombohedral faces of r and z, which contain different amounts of trace elements. The sector zoning is also expressed by changes in the Li/Al ratio, with higher ratios in 17 compared to r faces. It is concluded that the incorporation of trace elements into hydrothermal quartz from Alpine veins is influenced by growth mechanisms and surface-structures of the growing quartz crystals, the influence of which may change as a function of temperature, pH, as well as the chemical composition of the fluid.

Diagnostic value of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and procalcitonin for sepsis diagnosis in forensic pathology.

The aims of this study were twofold. The first was to investigate the diagnostic performance of two biochemical markers, procalcitonin (PCT) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), considering each individually and then combined, for the postmortem diagnosis of sepsis. We also tested the usefulness of pericardial fluid for postmortem LBP determination. Two study groups were formed, a sepsis-related fatalities group of 12 cases and a control group of 30 cases. Postmortem native CT scans, autopsy, histology, neuropathology, and toxicology as well as other postmortem biochemical investigations were performed in all cases. Microbiological investigations were also carried out in the septic group. Postmortem serum PCT and LBP levels differed between the two groups. Both biomarkers, individually considered, allowed septic states to be diagnosed, whereas increases in both postmortem serum PCT and LBP levels were only observed in cases of sepsis. Similarly, normal PCT and LBP values in postmortem serum were identified only in non-septic cases. Pericardial fluid LBP levels do not correlate with the presence of underlying septic states. No relationship was observed between postmortem serum and pericardial fluid LBP levels in either septic or non-septic groups, or between pericardial fluid PCT and LBP levels.

Preliminary estimates and forecasts of the population prevalence of self reported of hypertension, of ischaemic heart disease and stroke in the Republic of Ireland from 2005 - 2015

Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory (INIsPHO) recently published estimates of the population prevalence of diabetes in 2005 and forecasts to 2010 and 2015 for the island of Ireland, at the national and sub-national levels. These estimates are based the PBS Model developed by York and Humber Public Health Observatory (YHPHO), Brent NHS Trust and the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR).The Department of Health and Children (DoHC) has requested additional estimates and forecasts for hypertension.This paper outlines the results from preliminary work from the initial steps towards a more systematic approach to monitoring the prevalence of other chronic diseases on the island.

IPH response to DSD consultation on proposed changes to the law regulating sale and supply of alcohol

This consultation was intended to test public opinion on proposed changes to the law regulating the sale of alcohol in Northern Ireland. The proposed changes relate to-    regulating the sale of alcohol in supermarkets and off-sales premises-    regulating the sale of alcohol in pubs and other on-sales premises-    regulating private member clubs-    codes of practice Key points from IPH response -    IPH welcomes the opportunity to submit our views on this review of regulations related to the sale and supply of alcohol in Northern Ireland. IPH notes that the reduction of alcohol-related harm is a stated aim of the review. -    International evidence clearly supports the role of regulation of the sale and supply of alcohol in reducing alcohol consumption and in reducing alcohol-related harm. -    The consultation document does not present any meaningful estimation of the scale or nature of potential positive or negative effects on alcohol-related harm arising from the proposed changes. On this basis, IPH recommends that a Health Impact Assessment should be conducted on the proposed regulations. -    IPH shares the concerns raised in respect of increases in the number of people drinking at home and the availability of large volumes of low cost alcohol in supermarkets. In this regard, we welcome the proposals to enhance the regulation of sale of alcohol in mixed trading premises by more stringent structural separation measures and restricted advertising. -    IPH wishes to emphasise the importance of the work underway to explore the introduction of minimum unit pricing of alcohol on the island of Ireland as this measure will be significant in enhancing the proposals on regulating sale of alcohol in mixed trading premises -    In light of evidence of increased alcohol consumption and harm associated with increased hours and days of sale of alcohol, IPH does not support the proposal to introduce additional late opening hours or extended drinking up time.

IPH response to Department of Health (UK) Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products

Enhanced tobacco control policies and programmes are an important component of any strategic approach to improving population health and tackling health inequalities. The consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products in the UK is particularly timely in view of the recent publication of the Ten Year Tobacco Strategy for Northern Ireland (DHSSPS, 2012). In this strategy the Department expressed its support for the introduction of further measures to reduce the influence of tobacco advertising and promotion upon children e.g. the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco.  IPH key points •    The extent of tobacco-related harm across the island of Ireland and across the UK is unacceptable. Increasingly comprehensive and effective tobacco-control interventions are required. •    IPH recommends the adoption of option 2: require standardised packaging of tobacco products. •    IPH acknowledges that as plain packaging has not yet been introduced in any country, it is not possible at this time to accurately forecast the extent and nature of this intervention on population level health outcomes in the UK context. •    The proposed approach appears comprehensive in addressing the direct and indirect ways in which elements of tobacco packaging can promote brand appeal and can portray impressions in respect of tobacco-related harm. Consideration should be given to include specific provisions relating to roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco packaging. Any approach needs to be regularly reviewed to take into account attempts to bypass restrictions and evaluate responses in respect of consumer choices. •    IPH considers that the introduction of plain packaging has the potential to support the achievement of the goals set out in the Ten Year Tobacco Control Strategy for Northern Ireland ( DHSSPS, 2012). •    Among children in Northern Ireland who reported trying their first cigarette, around one quarter were aged 11 or under and three quarters were 14 or under when they did so (DHSSPS, 2012).  The very young age of these children is concerning on many levels including their susceptibility to sophisticated branding and marketing techniques linked to tobacco packaging.

IPH response to the DSD consultation on regulations to prohibit or restrict irresponsible promotions of alcohol in Northern Ireland

IPH responded to the Department for Social Development consultation on the banning of certain promotions that may encourage irresponsible and excessive drinking. The consultation relates to regulations Article 57A(2)(d) of the 1996 Licensing Order “involving the supply of unlimited amounts of intoxicating liquor for a fixed charge (including any charge for entry to the premises)” and Article 31A(2)(d) of the Registration of Clubs Order “restricting the price at which the holder of a licence or the licence holder’s servant or agent may sell on licensed premises a package containing two or more intoxicating liquor products”. IPH welcomes this consultation and supports the Department’s proposals to restrict promotions that involve the supply of unlimited amounts of intoxicating liquor for a fixed charge. IPH welcomes this tangible action linked to the renewed commitment to tackling alcohol-related harms on the island of Ireland set out in the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Strategy (Dept of Health, 2012) and in the New Strategic Direction on Alcohol and Drugs (DHSSPS, 2011). IPH considers that irresponsible alcohol promotions can contribute to this burden of physical and mental ill-health, accidental and non-accidental injury and other harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption in Northern Ireland. As previously stated in the IPH submissions on the introduction of powers to prohibit or restrict irresponsible alcohol promotions (Dec, 2010), IPH considers that the issues of promotion and price are inter-related. The effectiveness of the proposed restrictions could be reinforced by the expeditious introduction of minimum unit pricing of alcohol on an all-island basis.

IPH response to Department of Environment (NI) Planning Policy Statement 7

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) aims to improve health on the island of Ireland by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policies in favour of health.  The Institute promotes cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in public health research, training and policy advice. IPH acknowledge that health is influenced by a wide range of social determinants, including economic, environmental, social and biological factors.  Housing and residential areas are identified as key determinants of health and IPH welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Department of the Environment (DoE), Draft Addendum to Planning Policy Statement 7.

Submission to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government: Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland is an all-island body which aims to improve health in Ireland by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policies in favour of health. The Institute promotes co-operation in research, training, information and policy in order to contribute to policies which tackle inequalities in health.   Over the past ten years the Institute has worked closely with the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland to build capacity for public health across the island of Ireland.   The Institute takes the view that health is determined by policies, plans and programmes in many sectors outside the health sector as well as being dependent on access to and availability of first class health services. The importance of other sectors is encapsulated in a social determinants of health perspective which recognises that health is largely shaped and influenced by the physical, social, economic and cultural environments in which people live, work and play. Figure 1 illustrates these multi-dimensional impacts on health and also serves to highlight the clear and inextricable links between health and sustainable development. Factors that impact on long-term sustainability will thus also impact on health.

Comparison of IPH prevalence estimates with other survey-based estimates

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland publishes estimates and forecasts of the prevalence of chronic health conditions for national and subnational areas on the island of Ireland. The estimates and forecasts are based on statistical models of nationally representative health survey data that estimate the risk of having the condition. The risks of having the condition are then applied to population estimates and projections. The purpose of this document is to: 1. Compare IPH prevalence estimates with prevalence estimates from other health surveys on the island. 2. Highlight the methodological issues in comparing prevalence estimates from different surveys.

Longstanding health conditions among three-year-old children in the Republic of Ireland in 2011

Access audio, video and slides from the launch of the report The Institute of Public health in Ireland (IPH) produces population prevalence estimates and forecasts for a number of chronic conditions among adults. IPH has now applied the methodology to longstanding health conditions among young children across the island of Ireland. This report, based on a systematic analysis of data from the Growing Up in Ireland National Longitudinal Study of Children in the Republic of Ireland, is the first comprehensive look at longstanding health conditions among young children in Ireland. Estimated prevalence (per cent and number of cases) of longstanding health conditions among three-year-olds in the Republic of Ireland in 2011 by administrative counties/cities. The conditions are carer-reported: - "Longstanding illness, condition or disability” (where longstanding was defined as “anything that has troubled him/her over a period of time or that is likely to affect him/her over a period of time”) - Diagnosed asthma or asthma symptoms - Diagnosed eczema/any kind of skin allergy - Sight problem that required correction - Hearing problem that required correction - The estimates are based on data from the Growing Up in Ireland National Longitudinal Study of Children (www.growingup.ie) and population data. See the Chronic Conditions Hub for more details.  

Longstanding health conditions among three-year-old children in the Republic of Ireland in 2011: Executive Summary

Access audio, video and slides from the launch of the report The Institute of Public health in Ireland (IPH) produces population prevalence estimates and forecasts for a number of chronic conditions among adults. IPH has now applied the methodology to longstanding health conditions among young children across the island of Ireland. This report, based on a systematic analysis of data from the Growing Up in Ireland National Longitudinal Study of Children in the Republic of Ireland, is the first comprehensive look at longstanding health conditions among young children in Ireland. Estimated prevalence (per cent and number of cases) of longstanding health conditions among three-year-olds in the Republic of Ireland in 2011 by administrative counties/cities. The conditions are carer-reported: - "Longstanding illness, condition or disability” (where longstanding was defined as “anything that has troubled him/her over a period of time or that is likely to affect him/her over a period of time”) - Diagnosed asthma or asthma symptoms - Diagnosed eczema/any kind of skin allergy - Sight problem that required correction - Hearing problem that required correction - The estimates are based on data from the Growing Up in Ireland National Longitudinal Study of Children (www.growingup.ie) and population data. See the Chronic Conditions Hub for more details.    

Longstanding health conditions among three-year-old children in the Republic of Ireland in 2011: Factsheet

Access audio, video and slides from the launch of the report The Institute of Public health in Ireland (IPH) produces population prevalence estimates and forecasts for a number of chronic conditions among adults. IPH has now applied the methodology to longstanding health conditions among young children across the island of Ireland. This report, based on a systematic analysis of data from the Growing Up in Ireland National Longitudinal Study of Children in the Republic of Ireland, is the first comprehensive look at longstanding health conditions among young children in Ireland. Estimated prevalence (per cent and number of cases) of longstanding health conditions among three-year-olds in the Republic of Ireland in 2011 by administrative counties/cities. The conditions are carer-reported: - "Longstanding illness, condition or disability” (where longstanding was defined as “anything that has troubled him/her over a period of time or that is likely to affect him/her over a period of time”) - Diagnosed asthma or asthma symptoms - Diagnosed eczema/any kind of skin allergy - Sight problem that required correction - Hearing problem that required correction - The estimates are based on data from the Growing Up in Ireland National Longitudinal Study of Children (www.growingup.ie) and population data. See the Chronic Conditions Hub for more details.    

Fortificaciones fenicio-púnicas de la isla de Cerdeña

Investigación producida a partir de una estancia en la Università degli studi di Sassari entre julio y diciembre de 2007. Se han investigado las fortificaciones fenicio-púnicas de la isla de Cerdeña. También se ha realizado labor de investigación a nivel bibliográfico en diferentes bibliotecas de Cerdeña. Los resultados obtenidos han mostrado una imagen totalmente diferente sobre las fortificaciones fenicio-púnicas de Cerdeña. La gran mayoría de los vestigios estudiados han resultado ser de época romana o pertenecer a estructuras arquitectónicas que no tiene una función defensiva. Estos resultados hacen que cambie totalmente la visión sobre la presencia militar cartaginesas en la isla, en especial sobre la conquista y el control de la misma.