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Purpose: Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) was originally defined as tremor, ataxia, cognitive decline and parkinsonism in individuals who carry between 55-200 CGG repeats in the promoter region of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. This paper describes a series of patients who meet the definition of FXTAS who presented for care between 2009-2014. Methods/Results: Retrospective chart review of patients seen in the FXTAS clinic at Rush University in Chicago. Conclusions: Patients with FXTAS may present with a progressive supranuclear palsy-like phenotype and eye movement abnormalities are common in these patients. Rapid worsening of gait abnormalities in FXTAS may be due to a secondary spinal issue and should be aggressively treated to regain function. Finally, the FXTAS Rating Scale score does not reliably inform the certainty of diagnosis or CGG repeat size in these patients.

Introduction: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most common conditions associated with functional disability, affecting patients' quality of life (QOL). Disability can be affected by cognitive factors, such as pain catastrophizing. Similarly, unfulfilled basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness) are associated with biases in pain perception and QOL. Using the fear-avoidance model and the self-determination theory, this study investigates: (1) the separate contribution of pain-related variables and basic psychological needs satisfaction in predicting QOL in patients proposed for LDH surgery; (2) pre- and post-surgical differences in pain catastrophizing and basic psychological needs satisfaction., Methods: First, we used hierarchical regression on 193 patients (M age  = 46.10, SD age  = 11.40) to identify predictors of QOL. Second, we performed paired t -tests on 55 patients to investigate pre- and post-surgical differences in pain catastrophizing and basic psychological needs satisfaction., Results: Hierarchical regression showed that the model predicts 27% of the variance in QOL; medium pain level, age, pain catastrophizing, and basic psychological needs satisfaction were significant predictors. Also, pain catastrophizing significantly decreased after surgery [t (54) = 6.07, p  < 0.001, Cohen's d  = 0.81], but basic psychological needs satisfaction did not modify significantly., Discussion: This research confirms the importance of pain perception and pain catastrophizing for LDH patients' QOL and broadens the applicability of the self-determination theory for spinal patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Ionescu, Iacob, Brehar and Avram.)

Background: Long-term care of a relative with a disability is associated with negative consequences on the caregiver's mental health. Therefore, investigating how some personality traits, such as resilience, protect caregivers with dysfunctional personality traits from caregiving stress is necessary. This study examines the moderating role of resilience in the relationship between caregiver's personality dysfunction and care stress., Methods: A total of 224 family caregivers of children and adults with developmental disabilities participated in this cross-sectional research. They completed self-report measures of resilience, personality dysfunction, and care stress., Results: The results show that medium and high levels of resilience protect familial caregivers from the adverse effects of personality dysfunction on stress. The relationship is maintained for three of the five dysfunctional personality traits (antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism)., Conclusions: From a theoretical point of view, the results show the contribution of the dimensional personality model to the study of caregiving stress. From a practical standpoint, the results can be used to optimise the resilience of familial caregivers, providing them with tools to take better care of their relatives., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors., (© The British Society of Developmental Disabilities 2022.)

Self-concept differentiation (SCD) has been of interest to researchers, mainly as a structural concept indicative of social specialization or self-concept fragmentation. Nevertheless, this aspect of self-representation has not been studied in regard to sexuality and the extent to which the sexual self may vary across different roles or situations. With the emergence of the Internet, people found new opportunities to explore and express aspects of their sexuality in multiple online scenes, thus increasing the complexity of human sexual experience and expanding the reach of sexual identity. The aim of this study is to investigate SCD in relation to the sexual self-concept, as experienced in the online and offline environments, and its effects on sexual identity, sexual satisfaction and online sexual behaviors. Data analysis pointed towards a fragmented self-view with high degrees of differentiation between the online and offline sexual self-instances being linked to a weaker sense of sexual identity, less sexual satisfaction in real life and less partnered online interactions. However, there were some indications that these relationships were influenced by how people perceive themselves sexually in one instance compared to the other. The results obtained in this study encourage further research on SCD as an important factor in understanding the real-world consequences of online sexual expression.

The online environment has had a profound sociocultural impact, and its implications pose new challenges to modern-day societies. The digital sexual and dating domains have dramatically affected sexual and romantic behavior and norms, and yet, no empirical studies have addressed the role of the sexual self-concept in driving sexual and romantic online behavior. The aim of this study is to identify reliable sexual self-configurations through a cluster analysis approach and determine whether these profiles are informative in relation to app use motives and sexual outcomes. For this purpose, a total of 244 subjects were recruited. Survey questions measured a set of demographic parameters, motives for app use, online sexual activities, attachment orientations, the sexual self-concept and sexual satisfaction. Five clusters were identified, including two with high levels of sexual drive ("Driven" and "Adventurous"), two with low levels of sexual drive ("Unassured" and "Naïve") and one with an intermediate level of sexual drive ("Competent"). The clusters differed on gender, attachment styles, app use patterns and sexual characteristics. These findings provide insight into how the sexual self-concept relates to the interaction between individuals and the online sexual and dating scenes.

We aimed to investigate the working memory (WM) and language separate contributions to verbal learning and memory in patients with unilateral drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (drTLE); additionally, we explored the mediating role of WM on the relationship between the number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and short-term verbal memory. We retrospectively enrolled 70 patients with left (LTLE; n = 44) and right (RTLE; n = 26) drTLE. About 40 similar (age and education) healthy controls were used to determine impairments of groups at WM, language (naming and verbal fluency), and verbal learning and memory (five trials list-learning, story memory-immediate recall). To disentangle the effect of learning from the short-term memory, we separately analyzed performances at the first trial, last trial, and delayed-recall list-learning measures, in addition to the total learning capacity (the sum of the five trials). Correlation and regression analyses were used to assess the contribution of potential predictors while controlling for main clinical and demographic variables, and ascertain the mediating role of WM. All patients were impaired at WM and story memory, whereas only LTLE showed language and verbal learning deficits. In RTLE, language was the unique predictor for the most verbal learning performances, whereas WM predicted the results at story memory. In LTLE, WM was the sole predictor for short-term verbal learning (list-learning capacity; trial 1) and mediated the interaction between AED number and the performance at these measures, whereas language predicted the delayed-recall. Finally, WM confounded the performance at short-term memory in both groups, although at different measures. WM is impaired in drTLE and contributes to verbal memory and learning deficits in addition to language, mediating the relationship between AED number and short-term verbal memory in LTLE. Clinicians should consider this overlap when interpreting poor performance at verbal learning and memory in drTLE., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Bolocan, Iacob and Avram.)

The European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) was founded in 1967 as a professional organisation for members working in genetics in clinical practice, research and education. The Society seeks the integration of scientific research and its implementation into clinical practice and the education of specialists and the public in all areas of medical and human genetics. The Society works to do this through many approaches, including educational sessions at the annual conference; training courses in general and specialist areas of genetics; an online resource of educational materials (EuroGEMS); and a mentorship scheme. The ESHG Education Committee is implementing new approaches to expand the reach of its educational activities and portfolio. With changes in technology, appreciation of the utility of genomics in healthcare and the public's and patients' increased awareness of the role of genomics, this review will summarise how the ESHG is adapting to deliver innovative educational activity., Competing Interests: PP was employed by company NIPD Genetics Limited, Cyprus and CC was employed by company CC-SYNLAB Suisse SA, Switzerland. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Tobias, Avram, Calapod, Cordier, den Dunnen, Ding, Dolzan, Houge, Lynch, O’Byrne, Patsalis, Prokopenko, Soares, Tobias and Newman.)

Given the negative consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on public health, his study aimed at investigating: (1) the differences between adults with and without chronic illness in buying behavior, vaccination intention, pandemic worry, and the health belief model (HBM) components; (2) the HBM components as mediators of the relationship between pandemic worry and vaccination intention. The sample consisted of 864 adults (66.6% females, M age = 47.61, SD = 9.23), of which 20.5% reported having a chronic illness. Associations between pandemic worry, vaccination intention, and HBM were ascertained using correlation and mediation analyses. Individuals with chronic illness reported a higher level of pandemic worry, higher levels of perceived threat, greater benefits from vaccination, had lower self-efficacy and bought more medicine and sanitary/hygienic products. No significant differences were observed regarding vaccination intention, barriers against vaccination, and changes in food buying behavior. We found that the relationship between pandemic worry and vaccination intention was partially mediated by the perceived threat of disease and the benefits of vaccination. Pandemic worry predicted vaccination intention directly but also through the contribution of the perceived threat of disease and the benefits of vaccination. These findings suggest that presenting evidence of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and the benefits of having the vaccine (especially for vulnerable groups, such as chronic illness patients) will encourage the population to follow vaccination recommendations., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Iacob, Ionescu, Avram and Cojocaru.)

Background: Resilience is described as a process where an individual mobilizes his personal and external resources to overcome stressors and trauma. As a consequence, researchers tried to identify the factors that contribute to resilience with the aim of developing valid psychological interventions that target resilience. Many authors have stated that personality traits represent an important category of predictors of resilience. The most important relationships were found between high levels of extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability and resilience., Participants and Procedure: We relied on a community sample ( N = 252, M age = 26.38, SD = 10.17, 62.5% women, 39.5% men) to test the hypothesized indirect relationship between the Big Five personality traits, self-determination, and resilience. The participants were voluntarily recruited from various social media platforms. The participants completed measures of Big Five personality factors, self-determination, and resilience., Results: We found that all the Big Five factors were positively related to resilience. Impersonal orientation (low self-determination) mediated the relationship between extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness on the one hand and resilience on the other hand., Conclusions: Relying on the low impersonal orientation components (e.g., sense of competence, determination, lack of anxiety, or depression) scientists and practitioners can enhance resilience by teaching their clients to be more self-determined. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed., (Copyright © Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk.)

Background: The Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS) was designed to measure stress in caregivers of people with dementia, but empirical studies have used this instrument to measure stress in caregivers of children and adults with disabilities, without investigating its psychometric properties., Aims: This study analysed the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the KCSS in Romanian caregivers of children and adults with disabilities., Methods and Procedures: A total of 276 familial caregivers of children and adults with various disabilities completed measures of caregiver stress and related concepts. After 3 months, 72 participants were retested., Outcomes and Results: A new bifactorial model with eight items was compared against the originally proposed trifactorial model and a previously proposed bifactorial model with 10 items. The bifactorial eight-item model had the best fit indices (χ2 = 41.4, df = 19, p = .002, CFI = .981, TLI = .971, RMSEA = .065 [90 % CI = .038, .092]), along with good test-retest reliability and convergent, divergent, and predictive validity of anxiety and depression., Conclusions and Implications: The KCSS is a reliable instrument for assessing caregiver stress among caregivers of children and adults with disabilities. Implications, limitations, and future research suggestions are discussed., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate factors associated with resilience in familial caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database, with the registration number CRD42018105180. Several electronic databases were searched for studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed on 26 selected studies that associated resilience to an array of other variables (i.e., psychological distress, social support, coping, perceived health, life satisfaction). Overall, the significant pooled effect sizes were small to medium, ranging from r = 0.291 for coping to r = 0.442 for social support. Although the literature on the topic has improved, there is a lot of study heterogeneity and the need for focusing on male caregivers becomes evident.

Introduction: For many years, amblyopia was regarded as a disorder of the visual system in which an organic cause could not be identified. Optical Coherence Tomography opens new horizons in understanding the etiopathology of amblyopia and seems to highlight morphologic anomalies in the retina of the amblyopic eye. Purpose: The objective of this paper is to analyze the macular thickness, optic nerve changes, and choroidal thickness found in patients diagnosed with amblyopia based on trials reported in the literature. Material and methods: This study analyzes 30 clinical trials regarding amblyopia evaluation with Optical Coherence Tomography. The research articles analyzed were published between 2006 - 2016 and were identified on PubMed database. Results: 19 research studies focused on macular and nerve optic changes, 7 on choroidal changes and 6 on retinal changes after occlusion. The results were discussed according to the type of amblyopia, alteration of macular thickness, optic nerve changes, ganglion cell layer changes, and alteration of choroidal thickness. Conclusions: The results are of great variability, and it seems that macula and choroid involvement is more frequently suggested compared with optic nerve involvement. Abbreviations: OCT = Optical Coherence Tomography, RNFL = Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, GCC = Ganglion Cell Complex, ACD = Anterior Chamber Depth, BCVA = Best Corrected Visual Acuity.

Introduction: Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is one of the most common causes of epiphora in newborns and the main cause of this condition is the persistence of Hasner membrane. Several treatment options are available, like conservative treatment, probing, irrigation, or more complex techniques. Objective: The objective of this paper is to discuss the efficiency of different treatment options addressing congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction based on trials reported in literature. Methods: Clinical trials were identified on PubMed. The results were discussed regarding patient age, type of treatment and efficiency of the treatment. Results: 41 trials were reviewed. The rate of resolution according to different treatment options was the following: conservative treatment 14.2-96%, probing 78-100%, irrigation 33-100%, silicon tube intubation 62-100%, inferior turbinate fracture 54.7-97%, balloon dacryocystoplasty 77%, endoscopic intranasal surgery 92.72%, and dacryocystorhinostomy 88.2-93.33%. Conclusions: The first choice in uncomplicated cases should be a conservative treatment, which can be followed until the age of 1 year, while in complicated cases other solutions should be considered. Abbreviations: CNDO = Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, DCR = Dacryocystorhinostomy, MCI = Monocanalicular intubation, BCI = Bicanalicular intubation.

Frequently, in literature and curent practice, accessory iris membrane (AIM) and persistant pupillary membrane (PPM) are confused. Both AIM and PPM are congenital iris anomalies in which fine or thick iris strands arrise form the collarette and obscure the pupil. AIM, which is also called iris duplication, closely resembles the normal iris tissue in color and thickness and presents a virtual second pseudopupil aperture in the centre while PPM even in its extreme forms presents as a translucent or opaque membranous structure that extends across the pupil and has no pseudopupil. Mydriatiscs, laser treatment or surgery is used to clear the visual axis and optimize visual development. Surgical intervention is reserved for large, dense AIMs and PPMs. Our patient, a 29 year old male, has come with bilateral dense AIM, bilateral compound hyperopic astigmatism, BCVA OD = 0.6, BCVA OS = 0.4, IOP OU = 17 mmHg. To improve the visual acuity of the patient we decided to do a bilateral membranectomy, restoring in this way transparency of the visual axis. After surgery, the visual acuity improved to BCVA OD= 0.8, BCVA OS=0.8.

Introduction: Femtosecond Laser-assisted cataract surgery represents a modern technology that hopes to lower the risk of complications for patients suffering from Fuchs endothelial dystrophy by using a reduced level of energy that causes less damage to the endothelium, the main concern for patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. The femtosecond laser performs 3 important steps in cataract surgery: corneal incisions, capsulorhexis and nucleus fragmentation without intraocular instrument manipulation., Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the efficiency of Femtosecond Laser-assisted cataract surgery in Fuchs endothelial dystrophy., Material and Methods: 5 patients with 6 eyes underwent cataract surgery assisted by Femtosecond Laser LensX at Laser Optisan Clinic. Corneal changes before and after surgery and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) were analyzed., Results: Before surgery, our patients presented BCVA between 0.16-0.4, Pachymetry between 450-590 Lm, endothelial cells between 789-2008 mm2. The medium cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) used was 4.58 seconds. After surgery, BCVA improved in all patients and none of them developed corneal decompensation so far., Conclusions: Femtosecond Laser-assisted cataract surgery represents a safe alternative in patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and has a low risk of corneal decompensation.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between sleep disturbance, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and functional disability in a population exposed to a singular traumatic event., Method: The participants were a population of 2,453 predominantly male utility workers who were deployed to the World Trade Center site in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack. They underwent psychiatric screenings comprising measures of sleep disturbance, PTSD, and functional disability., Results: Analyses indicated that (a) rates of sleep disturbances were significantly higher among participants diagnosed with PTSD than those without, (b) PTSD severity was significantly associated with sleep disturbance, and (c) sleep disturbance moderated the relationship between PTSD and disability., Conclusion: Sleep disturbance is associated with occupational, social functioning, and PTSD severity, suggesting that ameliorating sleep may lead to increased occupational and social functioning, as well as better treatment responses in PTSD., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

An epidemiological and molecular study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus isolates from adult sheep and cattle in Romania. Overall, 642 sheep (aged over 3 years) and 1878 cattle (aged over 5 years) from 16 counties were examined for hydatid cysts. Of them, 421 (65.6%) sheep and 754 (40.1%) cattle were found infected by cystic echinococcosis (CE). Germinal layers were collected from 98 individual cysts (one cyst per animal; 31 from sheep and 67 from cattle), DNA was extracted and two different mitochondrial DNA genes, namely cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1 (CO1) and 12S ribosomal DNA (12S rDNA) were used as genetic markers. The assessment of the genetic diversity of the Echinococcus strains showed the presence of the E. granulosus sensu stricto complex and disclosed an apparent dominance of the G1 genotype within the G1–G3 complex. Furthermore, several mitochondrial variants were identified for the G1 and G2 genotypes of E. granulosus s.s. complex. Overall, the findings were of epidemiological relevance and highlighted a high potential risk of zoonotic infection., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Globally, the number of new cases of childhood cancer continues to rise, with a widening gulf in outcomes across countries, despite the availability of effective cure options for many pediatric cancers. Economic forces and health system realities are deeply embedded in the foundation of disparities in global childhood cancer outcomes. A truly global effort to close the childhood cancer divide therefore requires systemic solutions. Analysis of the economic and health system dimensions of childhood cancer outcomes is essential to progress in childhood cancer survival around the globe. The conceptual power of this approach is significant. It provides insight into how and where pediatric oncology entwines with broader political and economic conditions, and highlights the mutual benefit derived from systems-oriented solutions., (© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Amblyopia is a disorder of the visual system that represents unilateral or bi-lateral reduction of visual acuity in which an organic cause cannot be detected. The illness represents a syndrome of visual deficits, not only a deterioration of visual acuity. This syndrome includes: presence of crowding phenomena, contrast sensitivity deterioration, deficits in accommodation, deterioration of spatial orientation and ocular motility dysfunction. Depending on its etiology, amblyopia is classified into four main types: strabismic amblyopia, anisometropic amblyopia, isoametropic amblyopia and stimulus deprivation amblyopia. To successfully treat the "lazy eye" it is essential to remove the amblyopic factor with techniques addressing each disturbing factor. Techniques used for treating amblyopia include: occlusion, optical penalty or pharmacological, therapy with Levodopa and computer vision therapy. Amblyopia treatment is lengthy and it is very important to counsel not only the child but the whole family and to establish a relationship of trust between doctor and patient in order to get high treatment compliance and high child motivation.

Amblyopia or "lazy eye" represents a disorder of the visual system characterized by poor vision in an eye that is otherwise physically normal. Anisometropia, the condition in which the two eyes have an unequal refractive error, is considered the second most common cause of amblyopia. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficiency of HTS Amblyopia iNet Software by studying the progress of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and stereopsis vision in anisometropic amblyopic children. 5 patients (age: 5-13 years), treated with HTS Amblyopia iNet Software at OftaTotal Clinic from Sibiu, between 2010-2013, participated in this clinical trial. Initially, visual acuity ranged from 0.25 to 0.8, contrast sensitivity from 1.35 to 1.65 Log. Unit. and 1 patient presented stereoscopic vision. After treatment, visual acuity ranged from 0.8 to 1, contrast sensitivity from 1.35 to 1.95 Log. Unit., also all patients presented stereoscopic vision. HTS Amblyopia iNet Software represents an effective modern approach in the treatment of anisometropic amblyopia.

Evidence suggests that our brains are shaped profoundly by experiences in early life, with long-lasting implications for development. This science has yet to make the leap to policy on early childhood development in Canada--a shortcoming that has left this country well behind other developed nations. The Pascal Report, released in June 2009, marks an historic opportunity to enact comprehensive early childhood education and care policy in Ontario. Properly implemented, it could serve as a model for such policy across the country. Its successful adoption will require sustained advocacy and ongoing research by the Canadian medical community.

Background: Although combination pharmacotherapy after myocardial infarction dramatically reduces morbidity and mortality, the full benefits of secondary prevention medications remain unrealized owing to medication non-adherence. Because financial barriers are a major determinant of non-adherence, we examined the costs and benefits of providing free medications to myocardial infarction patients who do not have private insurance and are ineligible for substantial public coverage., Methods: An economic evaluation combining decision analysis and Markov modelling was conducted to compare full public coverage of secondary prevention medications with the status quo. Costs and benefits were estimated using Canadian data wherever possible. The main outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio measured in cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained., Results: From the perspective of the publicly funded healthcare system, full coverage resulted in greater quality-adjusted survival than the status quo (7.02 vs. 6.13 QALYs) but at increased cost ($20,423 vs. $17,173). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for full coverage compared to the status quo was $3,663/QALY. This result was robust to a wide range of sensitivity analyses. In a secondary analysis from the perspective of government, the ICER for full coverage compared to the status quo was $12,350/QALY. In this analysis, the ICER was sensitive to changes in price elasticity, but remained below $50,000/QALY as long as the elasticity remained below -0.035., Interpretation: Public payers in Canada should consider providing secondary prevention medications to myocardial infarction patients without private insurance free of charge. Full public coverage is cost-effective compared to the status quo.

The paper presents a study concerning the capacity of albumin coupling by conventional method and through a procedure in the magnetic field presence onto pre-formed vinylic matrices in order to obtain biocompatible structure. The increase of the coupling yield of the protein structure onto functionalized polymeric matrix via acetylation with acidic halogenic chlorides was evidenced, too.

A new sensitive spectrophotometric method has recently been developed for the trace determination of cyanide with ninhydrin. Cyanide ion was supposed to act as a specific base catalyst. Nevertheless, this paper demonstrates that the reported assay is based on a novel reaction of cyanide with 2,2-dihydroxy-1,3-indanedione, which affords purple or blue colored salts of 2-cyano-1,2,3-trihydroxy-2H indene. Hydrindantin is merely an intermediary of the reaction. The formation of a stable and isolable ninhydrin-cyanide compound has been confirmed by its preparation in crystalline form. Also, it is thoroughly characterized by elemental as well as MS, IR, UV/VIS and 1H NMR analyses. The Ruhemann's sequence of reactions of cyanide with ninhydrin has been reconsidered and an adequate mechanism of the reaction is proposed. As a consequence, the interference of oxidizers as well as copper, silver and mercury ions with the cyanide determination has been elucidated.

The observation of a 17-year-old teenager with progeria, ventricular septal shortcoming with wide anterolateral [correction of arteriolateral] myocardial ischemia. From an ocular point of view, he shows senescence with senile ectropion, evolutive cataract, retinal angiosclerosis. The role of the manifestation of ocular senescence in Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome is emphasized.

A group of 3,317 Jewish Israeli women were studied to evaluate a possible correlation between previous and recent oral contraceptive usage and cervical cytopathologic findings in Papanicolaou smears. A positive correlation was established between oral contraceptive usage and the occurrence of inflammatory findings: the rate of inflammatory changes depended on the length of usage, with a time lapse of at least one year preceding the appearance of such inflammatory changes. The cessation of oral contraceptive usage was associated with a decrease in the rate of inflammatory findings. No cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or malignancy were found.

Four cases of Enterobius vermicularis infection and one case of Strongyloides stercoralis infection were found during the examination of 22,700 routine Papanicolaou-stained cervicovaginal smears and 434 urinary sediments. Ova of E. vermicularis were observed in the urocytograms from three girls and in the vaginal smear of a young woman. In a second woman, a S. stercoralis larva was detected in the routine vaginal smear. A clear background or a mild inflammatory pattern was noted in the smears in these cases.