Pediatric DXA: clinical applications

Normal bone mineral accrual requires adequate dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients; hepatic and renal activation of vitamin D; normal hormone levels (thyroid, parathyroid, reproductive and growth hormones); and neuromuscular functioning with sufficient stress upon the skeleton to induce bone deposition. The presence of genetic or acquired diseases and the therapies that are used to treat them can also impact bone health. Since the introduction of clinical DXA in pediatrics in the early 1990s, there has been considerable investigation into the causes of low bone mineral density (BMD) in children. Pediatricians have also become aware of the role adequate bone mass accrual in childhood has in preventing osteoporotic fractures in late adulthood. Additionally, the availability of medications to improve BMD has increased with the development of bisphosphonates. These factors have led to the increased utilization of DXA in pediatrics. This review summarizes much of the previous research regarding BMD in children and is meant to assist radiologists and clinicians with DXA utilization and interpretation

ICAR: endoscopic skull‐base surgery

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The eye of the Barbary sheep or aoudad (Ammotragus lervia): Reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests, morphologic and biometric observations

The purpose of this study was to describe the normal ocular anatomy and establish reference values for ophthalmic tests in the Barbary sheep or aoudad (Ammotragus lervia). Aoudad eyes are large and laterally positioned in the head with several specialized anatomic features attributed to evolutionary adaptations for grazing. Normal values for commonly used ophthalmic tests were established, Schirmer tear test (STT) - 27.22 ± 3.6 mm/min; Predominant ocular surface bacterial microbiota - Staphylococcus sp.; Corneal esthesiometry- 1.3 ± 0.4 cm; Intraocular pressure by rebound tonometry- 19.47 ± 3.9 mmHg; Corneal thickness- 630.07 ± 20.67 μm, B-mode ultrasonography of the globe- axial eye globe length 29.94 ± 0.96 mm, anterior chamber depth 5.03 ± 0.17 mm, lens thickness 9.4 ± 0.33 mm, vitreous chamber depth 14.1 ± 0.53 mm; Corneal diameter- horizontal corneal diameter 25.05 ± 2.18 mm, vertical corneal diameter 17.95 ± 1.68 mm; Horizontal palpebral fissure length- 34.8 ± 3.12 mm. Knowledge of these normal anatomic variations, biometric findings and normal parameters for ocular diagnostic tests may assist veterinary ophthalmologists in the diagnosis of ocular diseases in this and other similar species.Keywords: Barbary sheep, Biometry, Ocular parameters, Wild capri

A Needs Assessment for a Physical Activity Intervention for Caregivers

Background: Informal caregivers provide long-term care to people who cannot take care of themselves and are often not paid for their work. Caregiving is a stressful job and has negative impacts on the well-being of caregivers. Physical activity has been shown to benefit other populations, but caregivers have other stressors such as caregiver burden that can impact their overall health.\nObjective: We aim to determine if a physical activity intervention for informal caregivers is feasible and whether it will positively impact their mental and physical health.\nMethods: Caregivers (N=17) completed a questionnaire including questions about demographic information, care recipient information, and which aspects of physical activity interventions they are most interested in.\nResults: Caregivers mentioned their occupation having negative impacts on their mental, physical and emotional health. They reported having little time for exercise but were interested in a physical activity intervention.\nConclusions: A physical activity intervention would improve the quality of life of the caregivers as well as their care recipients. A virtual, group program consisting of aerobic classes, walking and strength training would be the most beneficial