“Conceiving” the pill : the 45th birthday of the oral contraceptive pill in Europe

In 1961, the first combined oral contraceptive pill was introduced in Europe. This pill contained ethinylestradiol (0.05mg) and northisterone (4mg). Nowadays, monophasic pill preparations contain a low dose (20­35 g) of ethinylestradiol in combination with a progestogen. Progestogens include norethisterone and levonorgestrel (second generation); desogestrel and gestodene (third generation); and the newest progestogen, drospirenone (fourth generation). Risks of the combined oral contraceptive pill include venous thromboembolism and stroke. Benefits, such as protection from ovarian and endometrial cancer, apart from contraception, outweigh the risks if contraindications are observed, and low dose formulations used.peer-reviewe

Il-mard tat-tfal

Dan l-artiklu hu dwar mard komuni fit-tfal bħad-diptheria, il-bronchitis, il-mard tal-imsaren, fost oħrajn.N/

Skin ageing

Cutaneous ageing manifests itself as a progressive reduction in maximum function and reserve capacity of skin tissue. It is not a unique and uniform biological event. Skin comprises three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Collagen atrophy is a major factor in skin ageing. There is a strong correlation between skin collagen loss and estrogen deficiency due to the menopause. Skin ageing, especially in the face, is associated with a progressive increase in extensibility and a reduction in elasticity. With increasing age, the skin also becomes more fragile and susceptible to trauma, leading to more lacerations and bruising. Furthermore, wound healing is impaired in older women. Estrogen use after the menopause increases collagen content, dermal thickness and elasticity, and it decreases the likelihood of senile dry skin. Large-scale clinical trials are necessary to help make informed recommendations regarding postmenopausal estrogen use and its role in the prevention of skin ageing.peer-reviewe

A POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER REVIEW: THE PREVALENCE OF UNDERREPORTING AND THE ROLE OF STIGMA IN THE MILITARY

Exposure to traumatic events has been a part of human existence since the beginning of time; however modern lifestyles and developments mean that the majority of the population are spared the affliction of extreme trauma. The military, however, are one subgroup of individuals who are actively and repeatedly exposed to terrifying events on a regular basis, putting them at risk of developing "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" (PTSD). Despite this, the prevalence of PTSD reports in the UK military remains lower than its international allies, suggesting this value may be an underestimation of the true prevalence. Wider investigation of the potential causes of this has highlighted the stigmatization of mental illness in the military as the key barrier to the help-seeking behaviours. However, the effect of national de-stigmatization programs on PTSD help seeking is unclear. This review aims to determine the prevalence of PTSD within the UK military in the context of other international powers and examine how stigmatization of mental illness in military may contribute to this. The international value of de-stigmatization programs will be debated and future directions for research suggested

A POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER REVIEW: THE PREVALENCE OF UNDERREPORTING AND THE ROLE OF STIGMA IN THE MILITARY

Exposure to traumatic events has been a part of human existence since the beginning of time; however modern lifestyles and developments mean that the majority of the population are spared the affliction of extreme trauma. The military, however, are one subgroup of individuals who are actively and repeatedly exposed to terrifying events on a regular basis, putting them at risk of developing "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" (PTSD). Despite this, the prevalence of PTSD reports in the UK military remains lower than its international allies, suggesting this value may be an underestimation of the true prevalence. Wider investigation of the potential causes of this has highlighted the stigmatization of mental illness in the military as the key barrier to the help-seeking behaviours. However, the effect of national de-stigmatization programs on PTSD help seeking is unclear. This review aims to determine the prevalence of PTSD within the UK military in the context of other international powers and examine how stigmatization of mental illness in military may contribute to this. The international value of de-stigmatization programs will be debated and future directions for research suggested

An MPEG-7 scheme for semantic content modelling and filtering of digital video

Abstract Part 5 of the MPEG-7 standard specifies Multimedia Description Schemes (MDS); that is, the format multimedia content models should conform to in order to ensure interoperability across multiple platforms and applications. However, the standard does not specify how the content or the associated model may be filtered. This paper proposes an MPEG-7 scheme which can be deployed for digital video content modelling and filtering. The proposed scheme, COSMOS-7, produces rich and multi-faceted semantic content models and supports a content-based filtering approach that only analyses content relating directly to the preferred content requirements of the user. We present details of the scheme, front-end systems used for content modelling and filtering and experiences with a number of users

Does intimate partner violence impact on women's initiation and duration of breastfeeding?

Background: Intimate Partner Violence (IPX') is prevalent among recent mothers and negatively impacts their physical and emotional health. Furthermore, the negative influence of IPV on parenting capacity and children's development is well described. However, it is unclear whether there is any relationship between IPV and method of infant feeding. Little is known about how women who are subjected to IPV make decisions about infant feeding or whether living in this context impacts on their experience of breastfeeding. With what is known about the importance of breastfeeding, particularly for vulnerable populations, research is essential to inform clinical practice and to develop appropriate community support strategies. Methods: This paper describes an analysis of data from a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial: Improving maternal and child health nurse care for vulnerable mothers (MOVE). The MOVE trial was conducted in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia from April 2010 - April 2011 and involved 80 maternal and child health centres, 160 nurses and 2621 women who completed a survey. Intimate partner violence was measured using the Composite Abuse Scale. Results: Ninety-six per cent (n=2111) of participating women initiated breastfeeding, with 80% (n=1776) and 74% (n=1537) indicating 'any' breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months respectively. Respondents tended to be older, well-educated with a household income >$70,000 per annum compared to the general population. The characteristics of women from the IPV and non-IPV groups were similar and together were comparable to all women who gave birth in north-west Melbourne. The reported prevalence of IPV in this survey was 6.3% (n-138), which maybe an underestimate. Breastfeeding rates did not significantly differ between IPV and non-IPV groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that women who experience IPV are just as likely to breastfeed as the broader population of women. While this analysis provides a snapshot of breastfeeding rates for this group of women, it does not capture women's experience of IPV as it relates to feeding a baby. In order to better identify infant feeding in the context of IPV, qualitative research is also necessary to investigate in a way that fully engages victims/survivors, giving them the opportunity to give voice to their experiences

Lil....

Ġabra ta’ poeżiji u proża li tinkludi: Biki ta’ Omm ta’ Dun Karm – Ras il-Pellegrin ta’ Manwel Agius – L-Aħħar Tislima ta’ Ġużè Galea – Lil Ibni Herman-Baruch ta’ Karmenu Vassallo – Flus ir-Regħba Ħajja Qasira ta’ P. P. Saydon – Frak ta’ R. M. B. – Id-Dolliegħa u l-Qargħa ta’ R. M. B. – Il-Barrakka ta’ Katrin ta’ P. Pawl Tabone – Ħniena! ta’ Fran. Camilleri – Lil.... ta’ M. Agius.N/

Brain symmetry index in healthy and stroke patients for assessment and prognosis

Quantitative neurophysiological signal parameters are of value in predicting motor recovery after stroke.Thenovel role of EEG-derived brain symmetry index formotor function prognostication in the subacute phase after stroke is explored. Ten male stroke patients and ten matched healthy controls were recruited. Motor function was first assessed clinically using the MRC score, its derivativeMotricity Index, and the Fugl–Meyer assessment score. EEG was subsequently recorded firstwith subjects at rest and then during hand graspingmotions, triggered by visual cues. Brain symmetry index (BSI) was used to identify the differences in EEG-quantified interhemispheric cortical power asymmetry observable in healthy versus cortical and subcortical stroke patients. Subsequently, any correlation between BSI and motor function was explored. BSI was found to be significantly higher in stroke subjects compared to healthy controls ( = 0.023). The difference in BSI was more pronounced in the cortical stroke subgroup ( = 0.016). BSI showed only a mild general decrease on repeated monthly recording. Notably, a statistically significant correlation was observed between early BSI and Fugl–Meyer score later in recovery ( < 0.050). Brain symmetry index is increased in the subacute poststroke phase and correlates with motor function 1-2 months after stroke.peer-reviewe

The control of developmental global gene expression

The complex interplay of a myriad of protein factors in embryonic development encapsulates the importance of accuracy in the control of gene expression, regulation and physical factors including cellenvironment contact. C. elegans has an extremely similar gene interplay and hence its study has paved way a greater understanding. This review will explore cell lineage specification, mutual regulation, the consequences of mutations, and how gene regulatory networks utilise spatio-temporal triggers.peer-reviewe