Face blindness

Facial recognition is a complex task, often done immediately and readily, involving discrimination of subtle differences in facial structures with differences in facial expressions, ageing, perspectives and lighting. Facial recognition requires fast identification of stimuli which are then correlated against reservoirs of faces which are accumulated throughout life (Barton and Corrow, 2016). The facial recognition system is extremely complex, and if impaired, cannot be fully remedied by other areas of the brain. When such injury occurs early on in life, juvenile brain plasticity has been shown to be potentially inadequate to restore facial recognition functions, thereby suggesting that such an impairment can have severe, permanent implications, even at an early age (Barton et al., 2003) Damage to any part of the facial recognition mechanism may result in the development of face blindness. Such dysfunction results in the development of selective face-recognition and visual learning deficits, a condition called prosopagnosia. Prosopagnosia can be either acquired or congenital. The acquired form of prosopagnosia is considered to be a rare consequence of occipital or temporal lobe damage, possibly due to stroke or lesions occurring in adulthood. Congenital prosopagnosia, on the other hand, is usually not found associated with any gross abnormalities, and no clear underlying causative agent is found to be associated with the development of the disease (Grüter et al., 2008). Nevertheless, face blindness in children may also be associated with inherited or acquired brain lesions, and may not be exclusively of a congenital/hereditary aetiology. Moreover, prosopagnosia can also occur in association with other disorders, which may be psychiatric, developmental or associated with multiple types of visual impairment (Watson et al., 2016).peer-reviewe

Management of erectile dysfunction with a novel orodispersible formulation of the PDE-5 inhibitor vardenafil

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition which can affect men of all ages. As men live longer and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes continue to increase, the problem of ED will become more prominent. The condition affects men both physically and emotionally. The profound psychological effect that this condition has on men should not be underestimated. A man with the problem of ED may feel robbed of his identity, may develop feelings of dissatisfaction with life in addition to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and a decrease in quality of lifepeer-reviewe

The treatment of asthma with leukotriene receptor antagonists

Over the past three decades the pharmacotherapy of asthma has been based on glucocorticoids, ß2 agonists and theophyllines. Research conducted over the past 10 years has led to greater understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of asthma, particularly the role of the underlying inflammatory process.peer-reviewe

ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: SOME RESULTS FROM A NEO-CLASSICAL GROWTH MODELLING APPROACH

This paper incorporates economic vulnerability, defined as the increased proneness of certain economies to downside risks, within a neo-classical economic growth model to seek an explanation to the observation that a number of vulnerable economies enjoy high per capita output levels. Steady state results indicate that the more vulnerable economy would tend to have a higher per capita capital stock and output but a lower per capita consumption level, as resources are allocated to counteract vulnerability. Dynamic modelling results indicate that vulnerability reduces the speed of convergence between economies at different states of development.Economic Vulnerability, Economic Growth, Economic Convergence, Small Economies

Pharmacological cardioversion for atrial fibrillation and flutter*

Atrial fibrillation is the commonest cardiac dysrhythmia. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There are two approaches to the management of atrial fibrillation: controlling the ventricular rate or converting to sinus rhythm in the expectation that this would abolish its adverse effects. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in adults on the annual risk of stroke, peripheral embolism, and mortality. We made a thorough search for existing evidence in the following databases: the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 3, 2002), MEDLINE (2000 to 2002), EMBASE (1998 to 2002), CINAHL (1982 to 2002), Web of Science (1981 to 2002). We also handsearched the following journals: Circulation (1997 to 2002), Heart (1997 to 2002), European Heart Journal (1997-2002), Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1997-2002) and selected abstracts published on the web site of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (2001, 2002). We selected trials based on the following criteria: randomised controlled trials or controlled clinical trials of pharmacological cardioversion versus rate control in adults (>18 years) with acute, paroxysmal or sustained atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, of any duration and of any aetiology. We identified two completed studies AFFIRM (n=4060) and PIAF (n=252). We found no difference in mortality between rhythm control and rate control - relative risk 1.14 (95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.31). Both studies show significantly higher rates of hospitalisation and adverse events in the rhythm control group and no difference in quality of life between the two treatment groups. In AFFIRM there was a similar incidence of ischaemic stroke, bleeding and systemic embolism in the two groups. Certain malignant dysrhythmias were significantly more likely to occur in the rhythm control group. There were similar scores of cognitive assessment in both groups. In PIAF, cardioverted patients enjoyed an improved exercise tolerance but there was no overall benefit in terms of symptom control or quality of life. There is no evidence that pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm is superior to rate control. Rhythm control is associated with more adverse effects and increased hospitalisation. It does not reduce the risk of stroke. These conclusions cannot be generalised to all people with atrial fibrillation as most of the patients included in these studies were relatively older (>60 years) with significant cardiovascular risk factors

A quantitative study of Maltese primary school teachers and their perceptions towards education for sustainable development

The study aims to explore Maltese primary school teachers’ perceptions towards Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The research focused on 3-6 years old Maltese educators’ level of ESD awareness and knowledge, their attitudes towards ESD, and their willingness to adopt ESD within the classroom setting. Primary teachers’ ESD methodological skills were investigated as were issues that hinder ESD adoption as a regular teaching tool. The quantitative research involved the collection and analysis of 271 questionnaires. This data was plotted on graphs and analysed through Statistic Package for Social Science (SPSS) statistical tests. The findings show that in general, junior years’ primary school teachers show interest in implementing ESD and exhibit a positive attitude towards the area. However, it was noted that the participants’ level of awareness and knowledge of the various ESD concepts are rather low or unclear. Notwithstanding, many educators integrate ESD values and skills in their teaching methodology unconsciously. Several obstacles are shown to impede educators in their attempt to integrate ESD to its full potential. The main findings from the research were used to construct a model that visually illustrates the relationships between the variables and drafts a list of recommendations.peer-reviewe

Skin thickness as a predictor of bone mineral density

Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been correlated with increased risk of fracture, which in turn causes significant morbidity, mortality, and health and social care costs. Currently, bone mineral density (BMD) is measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning, an expensive and time consuming technique that is not universally available. An alternative method of predicting BMD is therefore required, that can be used for wider screening purposes. As the connective tissue of both skin and bone contain > 70% collagen type I, skin thickness (ST) has previously been proposed to correlate with BMD. Objective: To assess the correlation between BMD and ST; and develop a model for the prediction of BMD that includes other factors, such as age, weight, height and menopausal status, which may influence this relationship. Methods: We analysed data collected from 1406 women (mean age of 55.2 years) at the Bone Density Clinic at St. Luke's Hospital. Their BMD was measured by DXA scanning at six sites: L2, L3, and L4 vertebrae; Ward's triangle, femoral neck and trochanter at the hip. Skin thickness (ST) was measured at the T1 dermatome using ultrasonography. Medical history (including drug and bone history) was also elicited. Statistical tests, in particular multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), were used to select significant predictors of bone mineral density. Results: Age, weight, and skin thickness were all shown to have a significant relationship with BMD in postmenopausal women (MANOVA p= 0.001 for weight, age and p< 0.05 for skin thickness). We show a significant relationship between height and BMD at the lumbar spine (MANOVA p< 0.03) but not at the hip. Age and weight variables are of particular importance in predicting BMD in this model, while ST is more important than height. Used in conjunction, weight, age, height and skin thickness result in the model having an R2 value of 0.3 at the femoral neck, and 0.25 at L3. In non-menopausal women, we show that only weight has a significant relationship with BMD (MANOVA P< 0.007), while age, height and skin thickness do not. Conclusions: In the postmenopausal woman, a combination of weight, height, age and skin thickness allows the prediction of 30% of the BMD at the femoral neck and 25% of the BMD at L3. Measuring these variables is simple and inexpensive, and would allow large scale screening programmes for people at risk, thus reducing morbidity, mortality and costs arising from fracture.peer-reviewe

Controlling asthma and improving quality of life

Asthma is a common chronic condition which usually presents with the symptoms of wheeze, cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness due to the underlying inflammation and bronchoconstriction present in the lungs. This condition causes considerable distress to the patient and negatively affects other members of the family. To date we cannot cure asthma, but we can aim to achieve optimum control as recommended by international guidelines.peer-reviewe

Labelling and testing of foods designated as suitable for diabetic and low calorie diets

The aim of this project was to assess whether consumers, especially those following a diabetic or low calorie diet, would benefit from newly designed food labels denoting glycaemic load and whether these labels would help them make a faster food selection.peer-reviewe

Legitimacy : a growing necessity for the future of Europe

The European Union's political legitimacy is often discussed with respect to its democratic deficit with particular emphasis placed on the gap that exists between the democratic nature of national authorities and that of the European Institutions. In an attempt to improve the effectiveness and transparency of the Union and develop strategies to improve its communication and engagement with the citizens, the European Commission has issued a White Paper on European Governance in 2001. Its aim is to achieve a more efficient, democratic form of partnership between different levels of governance in Europe whilst increasing the legitimacy of the Union’s Institutions. A number of proposals have been made that draw on the principles of openness, participation, accountability, effectiveness and coherence, essential to any democratic system. A process of involvement whereby citizens become active subjects rather than the passive objects of the integration process has thus started.peer-reviewe