text:
MetaFam: A unified classification of protein families. I. Overview and statistics
K. A.T. Silverstein, E. Shoop, J. E. Johnson, E. F. Retzel
Minnesota Supercomputing Institute
Motivation. Protein sequence classification is becoming an increasingly important means of organizing the voluminous data produced by large-scale genome sequencing projects. At present, there are several independent classification methods. To aid the general classification effort, we have created a unified protein family resource, MetaFam. MetaFam is a protein family classification built upon 10 publicly-accessible protein family databases (Blocks+, DOMO, Pfam, PIR-ALN, PRINTS, PROSITE, ProDom, PROTOMAP, SBASE, and SYSTERS). MetaFam's family 'supersets', as we call them, are created automatically using set-theory to compare families among the databases. Families of one database are matched to those in another when the intersection of their members exceeds all other possible family pairings between the two databases. Pairwise family matches are drawn together transitively to create a new list of protein family supersets. Results. MetaFam family supersets have several useful features: (1) each superset contains more members than the families from which it is composed, because each of the component family databases only works with a subset of our full non-redundant set of proteins; (2) conflicting assignments can be pinpointed quickly, since our analysis identifies individual members that are in conflict with the majority consensus; (3) family descriptions that are absent from automated databases can frequently be assigned; (4) statistics have been computed comparing domain boundaries, family size distributions, and overall quality of MetaFam supersets; (5) the supersets have been loaded into a relational database to allow for complex queries and visualization of the connections among families in a superset and the consensus of individual domain members; and (6) the quality of individual supersets has been assessed using numerous quantitative measures such as family consistency, connectedness, and size. We anticipate this new resource will be particularly useful to genomic database curators.
https://doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/17.3.249
The authors thank the reviewers of this manuscript for helpful suggestions, Ihab Awad for several stimulating discussions that led to improvements on our data schema, Tim Kunau for setting up the MetaFam web server, Margaret Mayer for some of the ORACLE table creation, and Alan Kilian for help with the figures. This work was supported by an SCA with the USDA-ARS. Additionally, the authors are grateful for funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Functional Genomics Program for Soybean #9872565 and Genomics of Wood Formation in Loblolly Pine #9975806; the Department of Energy (DOE) Pine Gene Discovery Project, #DE-FC07 97ID13550; the United Soybean Board and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Public EST Project for Soybean, #58-3625-8-117; and institutional support from the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center. Some hardware used in this work was supplied by an AEG from Sun Microsystems Inc.
10.1093/bioinformatics/17.3.249
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Protein Mathematics
Statistics Medicine & Life Sciences
Family Mathematics
Databases Medicine & Life Sciences
Consensus Medicine & Life Sciences
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Silverstein, K. A. T., Shoop, E., Johnson, J. E., & Retzel, E. F. (2001). MetaFam: A unified classification of protein families. I. Overview and statistics. Bioinformatics, 17(3), 249-261. https://doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/17.3.249
MetaFam : A unified classification of protein families. I. Overview and statistics. / Silverstein, K. A.T.; Shoop, E.; Johnson, J. E.; Retzel, E. F.
In: Bioinformatics, Vol. 17, No. 3, 2001, p. 249-261.
Silverstein, KAT, Shoop, E, Johnson, JE & Retzel, EF 2001, 'MetaFam: A unified classification of protein families. I. Overview and statistics', Bioinformatics, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 249-261. https://doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/17.3.249
Silverstein KAT, Shoop E, Johnson JE, Retzel EF. MetaFam: A unified classification of protein families. I. Overview and statistics. Bioinformatics. 2001;17(3):249-261. https://doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/17.3.249
Silverstein, K. A.T. ; Shoop, E. ; Johnson, J. E. ; Retzel, E. F. / MetaFam : A unified classification of protein families. I. Overview and statistics. In: Bioinformatics. 2001 ; Vol. 17, No. 3. pp. 249-261.
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title = "MetaFam: A unified classification of protein families. I. Overview and statistics",
abstract = "Motivation. Protein sequence classification is becoming an increasingly important means of organizing the voluminous data produced by large-scale genome sequencing projects. At present, there are several independent classification methods. To aid the general classification effort, we have created a unified protein family resource, MetaFam. MetaFam is a protein family classification built upon 10 publicly-accessible protein family databases (Blocks+, DOMO, Pfam, PIR-ALN, PRINTS, PROSITE, ProDom, PROTOMAP, SBASE, and SYSTERS). MetaFam's family 'supersets', as we call them, are created automatically using set-theory to compare families among the databases. Families of one database are matched to those in another when the intersection of their members exceeds all other possible family pairings between the two databases. Pairwise family matches are drawn together transitively to create a new list of protein family supersets. Results. MetaFam family supersets have several useful features: (1) each superset contains more members than the families from which it is composed, because each of the component family databases only works with a subset of our full non-redundant set of proteins; (2) conflicting assignments can be pinpointed quickly, since our analysis identifies individual members that are in conflict with the majority consensus; (3) family descriptions that are absent from automated databases can frequently be assigned; (4) statistics have been computed comparing domain boundaries, family size distributions, and overall quality of MetaFam supersets; (5) the supersets have been loaded into a relational database to allow for complex queries and visualization of the connections among families in a superset and the consensus of individual domain members; and (6) the quality of individual supersets has been assessed using numerous quantitative measures such as family consistency, connectedness, and size. We anticipate this new resource will be particularly useful to genomic database curators.",
author = "Silverstein, {K. A.T.} and E. Shoop and Johnson, {J. E.} and Retzel, {E. F.}",
note = "Funding Information: The authors thank the reviewers of this manuscript for helpful suggestions, Ihab Awad for several stimulating discussions that led to improvements on our data schema, Tim Kunau for setting up the MetaFam web server, Margaret Mayer for some of the ORACLE table creation, and Alan Kilian for help with the figures. This work was supported by an SCA with the USDA-ARS. Additionally, the authors are grateful for funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Functional Genomics Program for Soybean #9872565 and Genomics of Wood Formation in Loblolly Pine #9975806; the Department of Energy (DOE) Pine Gene Discovery Project, #DE-FC07 97ID13550; the United Soybean Board and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Public EST Project for Soybean, #58-3625-8-117; and institutional support from the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center. Some hardware used in this work was supplied by an AEG from Sun Microsystems Inc.",
doi = "10.1093/bioinformatics/17.3.249",
journal = "Bioinformatics",
T1 - MetaFam
T2 - A unified classification of protein families. I. Overview and statistics
AU - Silverstein, K. A.T.
AU - Shoop, E.
AU - Johnson, J. E.
AU - Retzel, E. F.
N1 - Funding Information: The authors thank the reviewers of this manuscript for helpful suggestions, Ihab Awad for several stimulating discussions that led to improvements on our data schema, Tim Kunau for setting up the MetaFam web server, Margaret Mayer for some of the ORACLE table creation, and Alan Kilian for help with the figures. This work was supported by an SCA with the USDA-ARS. Additionally, the authors are grateful for funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Functional Genomics Program for Soybean #9872565 and Genomics of Wood Formation in Loblolly Pine #9975806; the Department of Energy (DOE) Pine Gene Discovery Project, #DE-FC07 97ID13550; the United Soybean Board and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Public EST Project for Soybean, #58-3625-8-117; and institutional support from the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center. Some hardware used in this work was supplied by an AEG from Sun Microsystems Inc.
N2 - Motivation. Protein sequence classification is becoming an increasingly important means of organizing the voluminous data produced by large-scale genome sequencing projects. At present, there are several independent classification methods. To aid the general classification effort, we have created a unified protein family resource, MetaFam. MetaFam is a protein family classification built upon 10 publicly-accessible protein family databases (Blocks+, DOMO, Pfam, PIR-ALN, PRINTS, PROSITE, ProDom, PROTOMAP, SBASE, and SYSTERS). MetaFam's family 'supersets', as we call them, are created automatically using set-theory to compare families among the databases. Families of one database are matched to those in another when the intersection of their members exceeds all other possible family pairings between the two databases. Pairwise family matches are drawn together transitively to create a new list of protein family supersets. Results. MetaFam family supersets have several useful features: (1) each superset contains more members than the families from which it is composed, because each of the component family databases only works with a subset of our full non-redundant set of proteins; (2) conflicting assignments can be pinpointed quickly, since our analysis identifies individual members that are in conflict with the majority consensus; (3) family descriptions that are absent from automated databases can frequently be assigned; (4) statistics have been computed comparing domain boundaries, family size distributions, and overall quality of MetaFam supersets; (5) the supersets have been loaded into a relational database to allow for complex queries and visualization of the connections among families in a superset and the consensus of individual domain members; and (6) the quality of individual supersets has been assessed using numerous quantitative measures such as family consistency, connectedness, and size. We anticipate this new resource will be particularly useful to genomic database curators.
AB - Motivation. Protein sequence classification is becoming an increasingly important means of organizing the voluminous data produced by large-scale genome sequencing projects. At present, there are several independent classification methods. To aid the general classification effort, we have created a unified protein family resource, MetaFam. MetaFam is a protein family classification built upon 10 publicly-accessible protein family databases (Blocks+, DOMO, Pfam, PIR-ALN, PRINTS, PROSITE, ProDom, PROTOMAP, SBASE, and SYSTERS). MetaFam's family 'supersets', as we call them, are created automatically using set-theory to compare families among the databases. Families of one database are matched to those in another when the intersection of their members exceeds all other possible family pairings between the two databases. Pairwise family matches are drawn together transitively to create a new list of protein family supersets. Results. MetaFam family supersets have several useful features: (1) each superset contains more members than the families from which it is composed, because each of the component family databases only works with a subset of our full non-redundant set of proteins; (2) conflicting assignments can be pinpointed quickly, since our analysis identifies individual members that are in conflict with the majority consensus; (3) family descriptions that are absent from automated databases can frequently be assigned; (4) statistics have been computed comparing domain boundaries, family size distributions, and overall quality of MetaFam supersets; (5) the supersets have been loaded into a relational database to allow for complex queries and visualization of the connections among families in a superset and the consensus of individual domain members; and (6) the quality of individual supersets has been assessed using numerous quantitative measures such as family consistency, connectedness, and size. We anticipate this new resource will be particularly useful to genomic database curators.
U2 - 10.1093/bioinformatics/17.3.249
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JO - Bioinformatics
JF - Bioinformatics


Installation of a geothermal system, utilizing 88 700' deep wells, was just one of several unusual systems designed to reduce overall energy consumption.
Power coordinated design efforts of separate shell and core and interior architectural firms.
Contracts exceeded $10 million to MBE and WBEs.
Client: Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Designed to accommodate expansion and maintain its North American operations, this new 450,000-square foot corporate headquarters includes two mirrored seven-story structures, a connecting atrium, underground parking and a 3-level, 900-car parking garage. Power proactively participated in the eight-month design phase, prepared major systems cost studies, three major milestone estimates, value alternates totaling $1.4 million, and constructability reviews.
This collaborative workplace environment for 1,000+ employees features open workstations, executive offices, a 20,000-square foot meeting center, telepresence center, training classrooms, fitness center, and a full-service kitchen with multiple dining and serving spaces. Within the conference hub, a 22' high, multi-media "Heritage Wall" highlight's the firm's legacy, commitment to society, and long-term goals.
The enclosure features a high performance sloped curtainwall system comprised of several atypical shapes. Combined with strict cost control measures, Power helped ensure the final cost was within .5% of the GMP, exclusive of owner added scope.
The team designed the garage structure to accommodate two additional levels in the future.
Power managed a Contractor Controlled Insurance Program to reduce the owner's risk and improve site safety.
The project has received an Award of Merit from ENR Midwest Magazine and the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois, the Merit Award for New Construction-Suburbs from the Chicago Building Congress, and a Citation of Merit-Interior Architecture from AIA Chicago.
The hybrid geothermal field installed below the parking structure uses the earth as a heat source in the winter or heat sink in the summer, which reduces energy costs by more than 20 percent.
LEED Gold certification was supported by a variety of sustainable design features and construction methodologies.
The structural steel frame features trapezoidal projections and multi-story cantilevered wings.


text:
Richard Serra's art installation hard to miss in Qatar desert, once you get there
Depending on the direction you approach, you see only part of the art. As you get closer, the dark plates get bigger and bigger and you get to see all four.The Canadian Press
Art stands tall in the desert some 75 kilometres northwest of Doha.
You need a rugged vehicle and no small resolve to find it, given signage is almost non-existent. The last few kilometres take time as you cross the desert on a slightly flattened but irregular path well away from the closest blacktop. Proceed with caution.
But East-West/West-East by American sculptor Richard Serra is worth the effort.
Completed in 2014, the installation comprises four giant steel plates – the outer two stand 16.7 metres high and the inner two 14.7 metres – and span more than a kilometre. Slightly different in height, to compensate for the difference in ground level, they line up like enormous fence posts in the barren desert flanked by gypsum plateaus at some points.
If not the middle of nowhere, it's well on the way.
Possibly the last place on earth you'd expect to see "one of the most significant artists of his generation," as Serra is dubbed by the Gagosian Gallery which has showcased his work in both New York and France.
"Taking art to the people," is how Qatar Museums, the country's arts and culture arm, explains it.
Depending on the direction you approach, you see only part of the art. As you get closer, the dark plates get bigger and bigger and you get to see all four.
"After the perceptual bombardment of Doha, with its architecture dominated by idiosyncratic shapes and kitschy facades, the sensuous experience prompted by the rigorous abstraction of the (desert) sculpture is at once bracing and sensitizing," wrote Artforum magazine.
"Serra reminds the viewer, like 19th-century German Romantic artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, of man's frailty in the face of nature's omnipotence," added Numero magazine.
For non art-critics, imagine the monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey on steroids and times four in the desert. Stand next to one and you feel like an ant – a very hot ant under the blazing Qatari sun.
You'll also likely be alone, albeit under review from what seemed like security in a nearby pickup truck.
The 84-year-old Serra, who worked in steel mills during college, is known for his large-scale abstract steel sculptures.
There is another in Doha itself. A sculpture called 7 – the number seven has spiritual significance in Islamic culture – was commissioned by Qatar Museums.
Built out of seven steel plates, it faces the sea at MIA Park, adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Art.
Like a billionaire stocking his mansion with objets d'art, the government of Qatar has dug deep into its oil-filled coffers to decorate the country with world-class art.
There are big-ticket art works all over.
In 2013, Qatar Museums Authority head Sheikha al-Mayassa al-Thani, the daughter of the emir of Qatar, was listed atop ArtReview magazine's annual Power 100 list "on account of her organization's vast purchasing power and willingness to spend at a rate estimated to be US$1-billion a year – in order to get top works of art for its Doha museums," ArtReview said.
Le Pouce, a giant golden thumb by French artist Cesar Baldaccini, is front and centre in Doha's Souq Waqif market. French-American artist Louise Bourgeois' Maman, a giant spider that can also be found outside Ottawa's National Gallery of Canada, stands inside the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC), which doubles as the World Cup's main press centre.
Another edition of Maman, one of seven, was sold for US$32-million by Christie's in 2019.
"The Miraculous Journey" by English artist Damien Hirst is hard to miss outside Sidra Medicine centre just down the street from the QNCC. The 14 monumental bronze sculptures chronicle the gestation of a fetus inside a uterus, from conception to birth – ending with a statue of a 14-metre-tall anatomically correct baby boy.
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Football and art come together in the first NFT exhibition of its kind
Combine Art Fair Returns to Griffin Art Projects for Its Second Year
Great news: The future of Catholic art is alive and well – Aleteia
Amazing contemporary art is compiled into a gorgeous new volume … a wonderful thing for all fans of sacred art!
You can get Aleteia inspiration and news in your inbox. Our specially curated newsletter is sent each morning. The best part? It's free.
Take a walk through any art museum and you'll see the glorious heritage of Catholic art.
Catholic sacred art is central to the history of Western art. There are countless beautiful examples of art depicting Christ, the Bible, the saints and the angels in museums and churches all over the world.
But most of these works were made centuries ago, and we might wonder whether they will be followed by anything comparable in our present age. After all, much of modern art doesn't exactly inspire a sense of admiration for truth, beauty and goodness.
The good news is that the future of Catholic sacred art is alive and well. And there are plenty of examples to show you.
St. Charles Lwanga
Neilson Carlin | Courtesy of Ignatius Press
One of today's great artists, Marco Caratelli, lives and works in Siena, Italy. He specializes in the rare, ancient and beautiful egg-yolk tempera technique. His work draws comparisons to Fra Angelico and other all-time great artists.
Another is Christopher Alles, a sculptor of sacred art who works in Poughkeepsie, New York. He studied European sacred art in Italy, and today, his award-winning work is both inspired by and reminiscent of Michelangelo.
Even closer to home, there are a number of contemporary Catholic artists producing truly extraordinary works. Samples of their work are now compiled into a breathtaking new volume … a wonderful thing for all fans of sacred art!
Courtesy of Ignatius Press
This new art collection, The Catholic Home Gallery, makes it clear that Catholic art is not something of the past. The volume showcases 18 works of sacred art by contemporary artists, revealing the beautiful diversity of their impressive talents.
The nine artists represented in the volume are Matthew Alderman, Neilson Carlin, Bernadette Carstensen, Matthew Conner, Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs, James Janknegt, Timothy Jones, Michael D. O'Brien, and Elizabeth Zelasko. The collection is the perfect introduction to their work, and can be a jumping-off point for exploring it in greater depth.
Timothy Jones | Courtesy of Ignatius Press
The editor of the collection is John Herreid, a graphic designer and illustrator for Ignatius Press. He brought a discerning and experienced eye to choosing the artwork for the collection.
Herreid explained some of the inspiration behind the collection, saying, "Most people are familiar with great Catholic art from ages past. But what many don't realize is that we have many, many great Catholic visual artists working today. My hope for The Catholic Home Gallery is that it will introduce people to a few of these artists, as well as lead them to seek out, discover, and support others!"
James B. Janknegt | Courtesy of Ignatius Press
He has been moved to see the positive response to the volume, saying:
It's been extremely heartening to see the response The Catholic Home Gallery has generated thus far. It shows that, far from being a static heirloom from the past, Catholic sacred art is an ongoing, dynamic force that can't help but move those who encounter it.
Best of all, each work in the collection is printed on an 8" x 10" detachable page, so you can easily remove it from the book and frame it in your home. What a perfect way to build your own collection of sacred art!
France buys new masterpiece for Orsay museum with LVMH gift – CP24
Published Monday, January 30, 2023 8:14AM EST
Last Updated Monday, January 30, 2023 8:14AM EST
PARIS (AP) — France has acquired a stunning Impressionist masterpiece for its national collection of art treasures, with a donation from luxury goods giant LVMH paying the 43 million euros (nearly $47 million) for "A Boating Party" by 19th-century French artist Gustave Caillebotte.
The oil on canvas shows an oarsman in a top hat rowing his skiff on languid waters. The work, remarkable in its realism, delicate colors and almost cinematic perspective, as though the artist was in the boat with the rower, went on display Monday in the Musée d'Orsay. It is the latest addition to the Paris museum's already impressive collection of Impressionist art.
The painting was sold by Caillebotte's descendants. It had been one of the last Impressionist masterpieces still in private hands, said Jean-Paul Claverie, an adviser to LVMH boss Bernard Arnault.
Builder's clothing drive, tiny art show in Cowichan – Victoria Times Colonist – Times Colonist
Builder's clothing drive to boost families in need
Donations of gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages and sizes are being sought for a clothing drive hosted by LIDA Homes, now until Jan. 31.
All donated items will be given to Our Place Society to be distributed to families in need in the community.
"As a community-focused business, we feel it is our responsibility to give back to the families and individuals who have supported us throughout the years," said Dave Stephens, president of LIDA Homes. "We hope that this clothing drive will make a meaningful impact on those in need and encourage others to do their part as well."
Stephens has also issued a challenge to other builders to see who can collect the most clothing and have bragging rights.
The hashtag #LIDAclothingdrive has been created to encourage everyone to use it in their social media posts.
Donations will be accepted at LIDA Homes, 6015 Patricia Bay Hwy.
Tiny art show in Cowichan
More than 100 original artworks will be up for auction at the Six by Six Art Show and Auction, a special one-week fundraiser for the Cowichan Valley Arts Council, Feb. 3 to 11.
The name for the show stems from the fact that each of the locally produced original artworks is limited to six by six inches in size. In addition to paintings, the show includes some sculptures.
Janet Magdanz, president of the group, says working at that scale can be a real challenge for artists used to creating larger pieces.
"Yet our talented local artists have produced some outstanding work, creating landscapes, abstracts and pieces both whimsical and thoughtful," she said. "For buyers, the auction is a chance to pick up a small piece of work by a professional artist at a great price."
The art will be available to view and bid on both online and in person, with bids starting at $30.
Proceeds from the auction will support and expand the art council's youth programs and bringing regional shows to the gallery.
The finale of the week-long event will be a gala reception featuring live jazz, gourmet food and a cash bar, at the gallery Saturday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $25 and are available by calling the office at 250-746-1633 or at cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca.
In your neighbourhood
Victoria council has voted to increase the maximum amount available for its My Great Neighbourhood Grants to $7,500 for placemaking and resiliency projects and up to $1,500 for activities in 2023.
The money is expected to support up to 36 community projects.
"The My Great Neighbourhood Grant program is incredibly important during these times when community is coming together again," said Mayor Marianne Alto. "It is exciting to see residents start to reconnect with the goal of adding vibrancy and resiliency to their neighbourhoods."
The funds are contingent upon matching equivalent contributions from applicants, including volunteer time and in-kind donations.
Grants are available to residents and community groups in the city. Not-for-profit organizations, schools or groups of residents can apply, although a sponsor is required for those without not-for-profit status.
In 2022, the city funded 13 community activities, 12 placemaking projects and 11 community resiliency projects.
Intake for the 2023 program will open in April, with city staff available to help residents through the application process.
Opera's the ticket
Pacific Opera Victoria is making a night at the opera more attainable by distributing more than 1,000 free tickets to more than 40 community organizations for a second year.
The organizations hand out the tickets to members of the community who may be experiencing barriers, giving them the opportunity to attend one of three Pacific Opera's 2022/23 mainstage live performances at the Royal Theatre.
"The North Park Neighbourhood Association was thrilled to participate in Pacific Opera's Ticket Access Program," said Sarah Murray, executive director of the association. "This program eliminates financial barriers to access, making Victoria's thriving arts and culture scene a more equitable and inclusive space."
Community organizations interested in taking part in the program should contact Pacific Opera. More information about the program is available at pacificopera.ca/ticket-access-program.
Art for Prospect Lake
The Prospect Lake District Community Association is looking for donations of artwork for its upcoming Art at the Lake fundraising online auction.
Proceeds from the event will be used for the maintenance of the heritage Prospect Lake Hall on the Saanich Peninsula, one of the last community-owned and maintained halls in British Columbia.
"Downsizing or just tired of looking at certain pieces? Give your old art pieces new life by donating them to Art at the Lake," said Barbara Newton, a volunteer organizing the sale.
The association is looking for donations of any type of art — prints, watercolours, pastels, oils, posters, collectibles, statuary, vases or objects d'art.
• To donate, email jackie.wrinch@shaw.ca or telephone Mavis at 250-361-3236 by March 19.
$400M recovery fund
Community service organizations, non-profit organizations, Indigenous governing bodies and charities on Southern Vancouver Island and the Cowichan Valley can apply for funding through the federal government's $400-million Community Services Recovery Fund, now until Feb. 21.
The money will help fund one-time projects focused on people, systems and program innovation. Organizations can apply for one of two tiers. Tier one includes funding ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, while tier two covers $100,001 to $200,000 for applicants that meet specific criteria.
United Way Southern Vancouver Island, the Canadian Red Cross and the Victoria Foundation will accept applications locally.
All unincorporated non-profits should apply to the Canadian Red Cross for funding for one-time projects that focus on how organizations recruit, retain, engage and support their personnel, including staff, volunteers and boards of directors.
Apply to the Victoria Foundation with projects that invest in systems and processes involved in creating the internal workings of an organization's overall structure.
The United Way Southern Vancouver Island will accept applications for funding to support projects primarily focused on program and service innovation and redesign using information gained during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"United, we champion initiatives, programs, and projects that integrate and make a significant, positive change in people's lives," said Danella Parks, director of community impact with United Way Southern Vancouver Island. "As society recovers and rebuilds, United Way is honoured to support this investment by the Government of Canada with a focus on program and service innovation and redesign in the nonprofit sector."
• For more information, go to communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca.
parrais@timescolonist.com
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Are cataracts slowing you down and preventing you from enjoying your life to the fullest? There is no reason you cannot maintain your active lifestyle and independence. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss, but they are reversible through surgery. Younger people are choosing to have their cataracts removed earlier so they don't skip a beat when it comes to quality of life.
Cataracts form when proteins in the lens of your eyes form abnormal clumps. As the clumps enlarge, they distort or block the passage of light through your lens. Although cataracts can be caused by eye trauma, chronic diabetes, medications, radiation, or could have been present at birth, the majority of cataracts are age-related.
When will I develop a cataract?
On average, you can expect cataracts to develop sometime in your 50s, but your vision may not be affected until after age 60. This is merely a guideline, as the development of age-related cataracts can be affected by genetics and other risk factors such as UV radiation and free radical damage.
How will I know when to get surgery?
There is no reason to have your cataracts treated until you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, double vision, difficulty seeing or driving at night, or the muting or fading of colors. However, there is no reason to delay surgery once you begin to experience symptoms. Make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. You and your doctor can decide whether traditional or laser-assisted cataract surgery is best for you, and you can select a customized IOL that suits your activity levels and hobbies (Source: Johns Hopkins).
The average age for cataract surgery is decreasing, so get ready to enjoy all the benefits of clear vision. If you would like to find a licensed eye care professional in your area, please use our Physician Locator Tool for immediate assistance.