Development of Continuum of Care for McArdle disease: A practical tool for clinicians and patients.

McArdle disease (glycogen storage disease type V; GSDV) is a rare genetic disease caused by the inability to break down glycogen in skeletal muscle due to a deficiency in myophosphorylase. Glycolysis is only partially blocked in GSDV, as muscle fibres can take up circulating glucose and convert it to glucose-6-phosphate downstream of the metabolic block. Because skeletal muscle predominantly relies on anaerobic energy during the first few minutes of transition from rest to activity, and throughout more intense activities, individuals with GSDV experience muscle fatigue/pain, tachypnea, and tachycardia during these activities. If warning signs are not heeded, a muscle contracture may rapidly occur, and if significant, may lead to acute rhabdomyolysis. Without a cure or treatment, individuals with GSDV must be consistent in employing proper management techniques; however, this can be challenging due to the nuances inherent in this metabolic myopathy. The International Association for Muscle Glycogen Storage Disease collaborated with an international team of five expert clinicians to identify areas of learning to achieve an optimal state. A Continuum of Care model was developed that outlines five pivotal steps (diagnosis; understanding; acceptance; learning and exercise) to streamline assessments and more succinctly assist clinicians in determining patient-specific learning needs. This model serves as a translational tool to help optimize care for this patient population.

Rakshasutra movement: a women's campaign to save Uttarakhand forests.

PIP: Villagers, particularly the women, have once again come forward to launch another novel movement to save Uttarakhand forests and the environment. Established in July 1995, the Rakshasutra (Safety thread) movement struggled to stop the operations of Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation (UPFC). Through the help of the Himalayan Environmental Education Society volunteers, women consolidated and unite to protest against illegal felling and selling of trees in the region. Moreover, the National Commission for Women also voiced their concerns regarding this issue and supported women in this movement to save the forests. In Tehri, a group of environmentalists, social workers, and women activists initiated an action program to investigate the increasing tree felling activities of UPFC. Their campaign, and the strong public opinion it generated, forced UPFC to put an end to its illegal business.^ieng