Older adults with intellectual disability in residential care centers in Israel: health status and service utilization

To determine their health status, we studied 2,282 Israeli adults with intellectual disability who were at least 40 years of age and lived in residential care. Results showed that age is a significant factor in health status. The frequency of different disease categories (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer, and sensory impairments) increased significantly with age for both genders. Cardiovascular disease in this population was less prevalent when compared to the general population, suggesting that underdiagnosis of some diseases or conditions may be prevalent in this population. The patterns of organ-system morbidity with increasing age were similar to those in other studies conducted in several countries, suggesting that health status and outcomes could be independent of cultural factors.     

The influence of accommodative insufficiency on reading

Background: It is not known how accommodative insufficiency influences reading performance. Methods: Reading eye movements were recorded before and after treatment for accommodative insufficiency in 12 school children (eight to 16 years). During the eight‐week treatment period all subjects wore a +1.00 D addition when reading. Results: Large variations in reading patterns were found. Despite successful accommodative treatment (p < 0.001), no correlation was found to suggest improved reading velocity. Discussion: Three case reports will be presented and the implications discussed.     

The effect of vertical gaze position on ocular tear film stability

Background: An enlarged exposed ocular surface area is known to degrade tear film stability. Little is known of how tear film stability alters with vertical gaze and the change of palpebral fissure height Methods: Tear film break‐up time (TBUT; fluorescent dye) and palpebral fissure height were measured in three vertical gaze positions (primary position and 20 degrees up and 20 degrees down) on 23 healthy volunteers. The effect of gaze direction on TBUT was analysed by ANOVA. Results: Gaze had a significant influence on tear film stability [F(2,44) = 27.6, p < 0.001]. In up‐gaze with an enlarged palpebral fissure height (11.1 ± 1.4 mm), TBUT was degraded (17.3 ± 12.7 seconds). In down‐gaze and decreased palpebral fissure height (6.7 ± 1.2 mm) TBUT was extended (43.5 ± 35.4 seconds). Conclusion: Ocular tear film stability alters with vertical gaze. Our hypothesis is that the change of the palpebral fissure height and the exposed ocular surface area alters the thickness of the lipid layer and with it tear film evaporation.     

A simple technique for decompression of distended gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, distended gallbladder can create exposure difficulties, that precludes adequate visualization, thus rendering laparoscopic dissection impossible and even unsafe. To overcome this problems, we devised a simple technique for the decompression of distended gallbladders.     

Trends in school violence

School violence has been a new research area since the 1980s, when Scandinavian and British researchers first focused on the subject. This violence has sometimes even resulted in murder. Since the late 1980s the World Health Organization (WHO) has conducted cross-national studies every fourth year on Health Behavior in School Aged Children (HBSC). Today 37 countries participate under the guidance of the WHO-European Office. The HBSC school-based survey is conducted with a nationally representative sample of 11, 13 and 15 year old school children in each country using a standard self-administrated questionnaire. The subject of bullying at school has been part of the questionnaire. Results from these surveys and studies in the United States and Israel are presented and it is hoped that the recent public debate and initiatives by the various government agencies will result in reduced school violence in the future.     

Ultrastructural changes in animal fat associated lipoid pneumonia: report of two cases

Traditional or cultural practices in different parts of the world where oils are used continue to produce lipoid pneumonia. We report the ultrastructural findings and observations in animal fat associated lipoid pneumonia from two children following a cultural practice of forced feeding with animal fat (ghee). Clinical findings showed an acute or chronic chest infection which failed to respond to anti-microbial therapy. X-ray and chest CT scan revealed collapse/consolidations of the right middle and left lower lobes. Histology and electron microscopy revealed thickening and destruction of the alveolar septa, filling of alveolar spaces with red blood cells and macrophage which contained both primary and secondary lysosomes. The alveolar walls contained mostly type II pneumocyte with most of them surrounded by thickened basement membranes with only a small portion of their surfaces exposed directly to the alveolar space where it showed numerous microvilli.     

Cellular Uterine Myoma Causing Vaginal Bleeding in a 15-year-old Girl

Summary: This report describes only the third case of vaginal bleeding due to uterine myoma in a patient younger than 16 years of age with unusual histological features mimicking endolymphatic stromal myosis.