bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinoblastoma in Turkey: Results From a Tertiary Care Center in Ankara
Authors: Gündüz Kaan , Köse Kenan , Kurt Rengin Aslihan , Süren Elçin , Taçyildiz Nurdan , Dinçaslan Handan , Ünal Emel , Erden Esra , Heper Aylin Okçu
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the presentation patterns and results of management of retinoblastoma at a tertiary care center in Ankara, Turkey, with special emphasis on globe conservation rate in unilateral and bilateral intraocular retinoblastoma.

Methods:

Patients were grouped according to the International Classification of Retinoblastoma. For intraocular retinoblastoma, group E and some group D eyes underwent primary enucleation. Secondary enucleation was performed after failure of chemoreduction, focal treatments, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), and intra-arterial chemotherapy used in various combinations. For extraocular retinoblastoma cases, treatment consisted of enucleation/exenteration or orbital biopsy, high-dose chemotherapy, and EBRT to the orbit and metastatic sites.

Results:

During the study period from October 1998 to May 2010, 165 of 192 (85.9%) patients had intraocular disease and 27 (14.1%) patients had extraocular disease. In total, primary or secondary enucleation was performed in 70 of 94 eyes with unilateral retinoblastoma (74.5%) and in 34 of 142 eyes with bilateral retinoblastoma (23.9%). The overall globe conservation rate was 69.6%. Only one patient in the intraocular retinoblastoma group died of metastatic retinoblastoma to the central nervous system. Twenty of 27 patients (74.1%) with extraocular retinoblastoma were found to have metastasis to the central nervous system, bone, bone marrow, and/or lymph nodes. At a mean follow-up of 28.0 months (median: 12 months; range: 1 to 120 months), survival was 33.3% despite intensive treatment.

Conclusions:

The overall risk of enucleation was 75% in eyes with unilateral retinoblastoma and 24% in eyes with bilateral retinoblastoma. Extraocular retinoblastoma carries a 75% risk of systemic metastasis and 67% risk of death.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50(5):296–303.]
Surgical Results of Consecutive Exotropia
Authors: Rajavi Zhale , Feizi Mohadeseh , Mughadasifar Hoosein , Yaseri Mehdi , Haftabadi Narges , Sheibani Kourosh
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To determine the success rates of different surgical procedures and the risk factors of surgical failure among patients with consecutive exotropia.

Methods:

Forty patients with exotropia were observed at least 6 weeks after their esotropia surgery. Surgical planning was based on the medial rectus muscle function. Lateral rectus weakening in patients with normal medial rectus function, medial rectus strengthening for patients with limited medial rectus function (−1 to −3), and combined procedure occurred when the correction of each type of surgery was less than the amount of deviation. Postoperatively, patients were divided into success (8 prism diopters [PD] or less) or failure (8 PD or greater) groups. The follow-up period was at least 3 months.

Results:

The mean preoperative exotropia was 29 ± 13 PD, which was reduced to 7 ± 7 PD postoperatively (
P
< .001). Successful results were achieved in 31 patients (77.5%), 17 (81%) in lateral rectus weakening, 10 (83%) in medial rectus strengthening, and 4 (57%) in the combined procedure group. More preoperative exodeviation was observed in the failure group compared to the success group (
P
= .015).The mean dose response was 2.27 ± 0.92 PD/mm in the lateral rectus weakening, 4.25 ± 2.27 PD/mm in the medial rectus strengthening, and 2.31 ± 0.66 PD/mm in the combined procedure groups.

Conclusion:

If the choice of surgical planning is based on medial rectus function and the amount of exodeviation, satisfactory alignment would be achieved in the majority of patients with consecutive exotropia. The preoperative amount of exodeviation was the only risk factor of surgical failure in the study.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50(5):274–281.]
Corneal Topography and Corneal Thickness in Children
Authors: Reddy Shailaja P. , Bansal Rasheena , Vaddavalli Pravin K.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the corneal topography, thickness, and elevation (anterior and posterior corneal surface) in children.

Methods:

One hundred eyes of 100 patients with a mean ± standard deviation age of 10.6 ± 2.7 years (range: 5 to 15 years) were imaged. The corneal elevation maps were classified into regular ridge, irregular ridge, incomplete ridge, island, and unclassified patterns.

Results:

Mean simulated keratometry (Sim K) astigmatism was −0.69 ± 0.35 diopters (D) with mean maximum and minimum keratometry (K) of 44.26 ± 1.55 and 43.56 ± 1.57 D, respectively. Mean astigmatism and refractive power in the 3- and 5-mm zones was 0.64 ± 0.36, 43.85 ± 1.53 and 0.78 ± 0.5, 43.41 ± 1.48, respectively. The thinnest site on the cornea had an average thickness of 540 ± 34.03 μm. This site was most commonly located in the inferotemporal quadrant in 61% of eyes, followed by the superotemporal quadrant in 31%. Among the nine regions of the cornea evaluated, the central cornea had the lowest average thickness of 540 ± 34.03 μm and the superonasal cornea had the greatest average thickness of 628 ± 38.94 μm. The most common anterior corneal elevation pattern was the incomplete ridge (52%), followed by the island pattern. The incomplete ridge was most commonly observed on the posterior corneal elevation map (35%).

Conclusions:

These results provide normal standards for elevation and curvature topography and corneal thickness in children. These data may prove useful as a reference for future comparative studies of different corneal diseases in children.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2013;50(5):304–310.]
Stereoscopic Visual Acuity in Types of Ametropic Amblyopia in Children
Authors: Li Shanshan , Zou Haidong , Wei Can
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the presence of stereopsis in children with ametropic amblyopia, including hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism.

Methods:

A total of 205 children with the average age of 5.2 years were selected, including 65 cases of astigmatic amblyopia, 30 of myopic amblyopia, and 110 of hyperopic amblyopia. The near stereoacuity test (zero disparity stereoacuity, crossed disparity, and uncrossed disparity) and distance stereoacuity test by synoptophore with Yan’s random-dot test in The Examination Chart of Stereoscopic Acuity were performed. Visual acuity was examined with the standard Snellen chart. Distance fusion was determined with the synoptophore. Correlations between amblyopia and stereopsis were performed with logistic procedure.

Results:

Differences between zero disparity stereoacuity of hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism were statistically significant in children with mild and moderate amblyopia determined by the near stereoacuity test (
P
< .05). Individuals with hyperopia have better central stereopsis and macular stereopsis, whereas children with astigmatism have significantly decreased stereoacuity. No difference was identified between the three types in children with severe amblyopia (
P
> .05). Results of different degrees of amblyopia at distance and near were approximate. In amblyopic eyes, difference between hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism, determined with synoptophore, was not significant (
P
> .05). The types and degrees of amblyopia were closely related with stereopsis (
P
< .001).

Conclusions:

In mild and moderate amblyopic eyes, children with astigmatism had the worst stereoacuity. This group should pay more attention to visual stimulation training and stereopsis training.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(2):105–110.]
The Importance of Oxygen Control Reaffirmed: Experience of ROP Reduction at a Single Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Nobile Stefano , Gnocchini Francesco , Pantanetti Marco , Battistini Paola , Carnielli Virgilio P.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To report the impact of the adoption of a low oxygen saturation policy on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) incidence at a single tertiary care center.

Methods:

ROP incidence, procedures for ROP, and neonatal outcome among very low birth weight infants were compared before and after the adoption of a low saturation policy, which took place in 2004. The Mann–Whitney test was performed to look for differences.

Results:

The incidence of severe ROP significantly decreased from 5.3% of live very low birth weight infants between 1999 and 2004 to 1% of live very low birth weight infants between 2005 and 2012 (
P
= .003). The use of laser therapy for severe ROP between the same periods significantly decreased from 6.4% of live very low birth weight infants between 1999 and 2004 to 0.6% of live very low birth weight infants between 2005 and 2012 (
P
= .002). There was also a significant reduction of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia from 33.8% between 1999 and 2004 to 24.2% between 2005 and 2012 (
P
= .02).

Conclusions:

Trained personnel and low and tailored oxygen saturation intervals for very low birth weight infants could play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of severe ROP without increasing mortality.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(2):112–115.]
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment: Overview of and Student Satisfaction with an Undergraduate Addiction Training Program for Nurses
Authors: Mitchell Ann M. , Puskar Kathryn , Hagle Holly , Gotham Heather J. , Talcott Kimberly S. , Terhorst Lauren , Fioravanti Marie , Kane Irene , Hulsey Eric , Luongo Peter , Burns Helen K.
Published: August 2014

Preparing nursing students to apply an evidence-based screening and brief intervention approach with patients has the potential to reduce patients’ risky alcohol and drug use. Responding to Mollica, Hyman, and Mann’s article published in 2011, the current article describes implementation results of an Addiction Training for Nurses program of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) embedded within an undergraduate nursing curriculum. Results reveal that students in other schools of nursing would benefit from similar, significant training on substance use disorders and SBIRT. Training satisfaction surveys (
N
= 488) indicate students were satisfied with the quality of the training experience. More than 90% of students strongly agreed or agreed that the training was relevant to their nursing careers and would help their patients. Additional clinical practice and skill development may increase students’ reported effectiveness in working with the topic area of substance use and SBIRT. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 51
(10), 29–37.]
A “Glucose Eater” Drug as a Therapeutic Agent in Psychiatry
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: August 2014

Metformin, currently approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is an interesting drug that has various cellular and molecular mechanisms. These mechanisms have justified other off-label clinical and investigational uses for diabetes prevention in high-risk patients, for polycystic ovary syndrome, non-diabetic obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and for prevention or treatment of cancer. A large number of controlled and uncontrolled studies have generally found metformin to be effective, well tolerated, and safe for preventing or treating antipsychotic-related weight gain and for improving metabolic abnormalities in psychiatric patient populations. Metformin has the potential effect of inducing hippocampal neurogenesis, and additional studies of this drug are warranted in patients with mood or cognitive disorders. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 51
(9), 13–16.]
Trouble Brewing: Pregaming Among High School and Incoming College Students
Authors: Zamboanga Byron L. , Tomaso Cara C. , Haas Amie L. , Olthuis Janine V. , Borish Sarah , Borsari Brian
Published: August 2014

Pregaming (a.k.a., “prepartying,” “pre-funking,” or “predrinking”) consists of drinking before going to a social function or gathering where alcohol may or may not be served. Existing research suggests that pregaming in high school and pre-college (i.e., the period between high school graduation and the start of college) is widespread. Moreover, pregaming prevalence appears to rapidly increase after students graduate from high school and transition into college. Thus, the purpose of this brief review is threefold: (a) to summarize the existing (albeit limited) research on pregaming among high school students and incoming college freshmen, (b) to present an overview of the risk factors that have been identified for participation in pregaming, and (c) to discuss the implications for practice that may be particularly relevant for school-employed/affiliated nurses as well as health practitioners who work in college settings. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
, 51(10), 14–17.]
The Well-Being of Children from Military Families
Authors: McGuinness Teena M. , McGuinness John P.
Published: August 2014

Since 2001, the rapid pace of deployments of military personnel who are parents has created additional concern for the emotional and behavioral health of their children. Repeated deployments create prolonged periods of uncertainty and an increased sense of danger on the part of children and at-home spouses. Children of all ages have higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Academic problems for children of deployed parents also occur more frequently. The psychological stress of both at-home and deployed parents is associated with the child’s level of emotional distress. Awareness of the possibility of greater challenges facing military families today is warranted to identify distress and referral to treatment. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 52
(4), 27–30.]
Anterior Segment OCT Imaging After Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
Authors: Nagy Zoltan Z. , Filkorn Tamás , Takács Ágnes I. , Kránitz Kinga , Juhasz Tibor , Donnenfeld Eric , Knorz Michael C. , Alio Jorge L.
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE:

To report the anterior segment imaging characteristics after femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery.

METHODS:

Cataract surgery was performed with the LenSx femtosecond laser (Alcon-LenSx Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA) in 40 eyes of 40 patients. The laser was programmed to perform a 4.5-mm capsulorhexis, a cross-pattern fragmentation of the nucleus, a 2.8-mm main incision, and a 1.0-mm side-port incision. The anterior segment was then analyzed using the Visante OCT anterior segment program (Zeiss-Meditec AG, Jena, Germany).

RESULTS:

The preoperatively set treatment parameters correlated well with the achieved results. For the capsulorhexis, the femtosecond laser cut was programmed to start 350 μm behind the anterior lens capsule and OCT measured 377 ± 55.3 μm. Nucleus fragmentation was programmed to start 750 μm in front of the posterior capsule and end 550 μm behind the anterior capsule, and OCT measured 794 ± 111 and 568 ± 147 μm, respectively. The diameter of the capsulorhexis measured by OCT was 4.54 ± 0.2 mm, compared to the 4.5 mm programmed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Anterior segment OCT imaging was able to detect the tissue changes within the lens after femtosecond laser capsulorhexis and nucleus fragmentation. The measured values correlated well with the planned treatment parameters.
Removability of a Small Aperture Intracorneal Inlay for Presbyopia Correction
Authors: Alió Jorge L. , Abbouda Alessandro , Huseynli Samira , Knorz Michael C. , Homs Maria Emilia Mulet , Durrie Daniel S.
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the safety of the corneal inlay removal procedure and the reversibility of visual acuities, corneal topography, and corneal biomicroscopy changes in a series of cases.

METHODS:

Ten cases implanted with one of three versions of the AcuFocus Kamra Inlay (ACI 7000, 7000T, and 7000PDT; AcuFocus, Inc., Irvine, CA) were followed for a minimum of 6 months after corneal inlay removal.

RESULTS:

The reason for removal was related to subjective dissatisfaction with visual symptoms (8 of 10 patients) such as night glare, photophobia, starburst, blurry vision, and halos. One case of removal was related to inadvertent thin flap and the final case was related to insufficient near vision. Mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) was 0 ± 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 20/20) and 0.5 ± 0.2 logMAR (Snellen 20/40), respectively, preoperatively and 0.1 ± 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 20/25) and 0.5 ± 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 20/63), respectively, 6 months after corneal inlay removal. Mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and corrected near visual acuity (CNVA) was 0 ± 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 20/20) and 0 ± 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 20/20), respectively, preoperatively and 0 ± 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 20/20) and 0.1 ± 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 20/25), respectively, 6 months after corneal inlay removal. Mean root mean square (RMS) higher-order aberration (HOA) was 0.50 ± 0.12 (range: 0.30 to 0.70) preoperatively and 0.69 ± 0.14 (range: 0.48 to 0.95) 6 months after corneal inlay removal (
P
< .8). Weak positive correlation was found between Δt Implant-Removal (Δt I-R), RMS spherical, coma, and HOA at 6 months (Δt I-R vs RMS spherical was r = 0.2, r
2
= 0.5,
P
< .7; Δt I-R vs RMS coma was r = 0.8, r
2
= 0.6,
P
< .3; and Δt I-R vs HOA r = 0.8; r
2
= 0.6,
P
< .9).

CONCLUSION:

This study suggests that after removal of the corneal inlay, corneal topography and corneal aberrometry are not permanently affected. In more than 60% of patients, CNVA, CDVA, UNVA, and UDVA were similar to the preoperative value.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(8):550–556.]
Microdistortions in Bowman’s Layer Following Femtosecond Laser Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Observed by Fourier-Domain OCT
Authors: Yao Peijun , Zhao Jing , Li Meiyan , Shen Yang , Dong Zixian , Zhou Xingtao
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE:

To study microdistortions in Bowman’s layer after femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to investigate possible sources and potential visual impacts.

METHODS:

A nonrandomized controlled prospective study enrolled 52 eyes of 29 consecutive patients undergoing SMILE, with spherical equivalent of −6.33 ± 1.88 diopters and 4.2 mm superior incision. The micro-distortions in Bowman’s layer were counted at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively and at long-term follow-up. Another 38 eyes of 20 patients undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK) were examined at 1 day and long-term postoperatively as the control group.

RESULTS:

Microdistortions in Bowman’s layer were observed by OCT, with no clinically significant corneal striae under slit-lamp microscopy, in 46 eyes (88.5%) on day 1 after SMILE and in 16 eyes (42.1%) after FS-LASIK, with more in SMILE eyes than in FS-LASIK eyes. The amount decreased at 1 week and then remained stable. There were more microdistortions in the center area than in the periphery in both groups. Microdistortions were more in the inferior than the superior quadrant on the first day after SMILE but there was no difference at long-term follow-up. Microdistortions after SMILE were associated with the refractive lenticule thickness and surgery order but had no significant impact on long-term visual outcomes or wavefront aberrations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Microdistortions in Bowman’s layer after SMILE were associated with the refractive lenticule thickness and surgery order. The microdistortions remained stable after 1 week and had no impact on long-term visual performance.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(10):668–674.]
Normal Values for the Size of a Halo Produced by a Glare Source
Authors: Puell María C. , Pérez-Carrasco María J. , Barrio Ana , Antona Beatriz , Palomo-Alvarez Catalina
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE:

To determine the size of a halo in the visual field induced by bright light in healthy eyes of all ages using the Vision Monitor (MonCv3; Metrovision, Pérenchies, France) and to assess the repeatability of the method.

METHODS:

Measurements were made in the right eyes of 147 healthy subjects (mean age: 48.2 ± 16.2 years) who were classified into six age groups. Using the Vision Monitor, optotypes of low luminance were presented at a distance of 2.5 m. The visual angle subtended by the radius of the halo was calculated in minutes of arc (arc min). The repeatability of the method was determined in a subset of 37 subjects older than 50 years by calculating the Bland–Altman coefficient of repeatability.

RESULTS:

The mean radius of the halo was 111.6 ± 39.8 arc min. Halo radius started to increase significantly from the age of 50 to 59 years. The relationship between halo radius and age (r = 0.65;
P
< .0001) was described by fitting a power function to the data. Halo size was independent of gender. The coefficient of repeatability of the method was ±44 arc min.

CONCLUSIONS:

Halo size increases with age following a power model. The normal halo size values provided could help clinicians distinguish between normal or abnormal glare problems. The intersession repeatability observed for halo size measurement indicates this method could be useful for assessing visual impairment caused by glare.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(9):618–622.]
Intraoperative, Real-Time Aberrometry During Refractive Cataract Surgery With a Sequentially Shifting Wavefront Device
Authors: Krueger Ronald R. , Shea William , Zhou Yan , Osher Robert , Slade Stephen G. , Chang David F.
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE:

To introduce a new sequential wavefront device with rapid sampling that can be used as an intraoperative, real-time aberrometer/refractometer for immediate diagnosis and management of refractive outcomes during cataract surgery.

METHODS:

A unique wavefront device uses a rotating prismatic mirror to rapidly shift the incident wavefront emanating from the eye through an aperture for analysis of a sequentially sampled wavefront segment. The sampled segment is then focused onto a quad detector that localizes its angular displacement of the sampled segment’s wavefront gradient. Although the device’s capability is higher for other applications, the wavefront is herein rapidly sampled at 200 Hz (frames/second), with a 2-mm aperture that moves along a 5-mm outer diameter annulus to capture a real-time analysis of refractive error for intraoperative application (ie, an intraoperative wavefront movie). The prototype wavefront device has been miniaturized into a narrow profile attachment that can be fixed to an operating microscope. In pilot analysis, several eyes undergoing cataract surgery were analyzed to determine both the qualitative and quantitative change in refraction with surgical intervention in an effort to document and improve outcomes intraoperatively.

RESULTS:

Clinical application of the device was easily implemented without changing or limiting the working distance, magnification, or illumination of the surgeon’s ergonomics intraoperatively. The real-time wavefront outcome was visualized overlaying a live eye image, presenting the refractive error both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative representation of spherical refractive error was seen as a circle, cylinder as a thin ellipse, and emmetropia as a dot. Localization of lower-order aberrations with a practical sample rate of 200 frames/ second enables a real-time visualization of qualitative refractive data coaxially aligned with the eye image and quantitatively as sphere, cylinder, and axis at the bottom of the screen. Practical evaluation of residual cylinder prior to and during limbal relaxing incision placement, rotational accuracy during toric intraocular lens alignment, and refractive effect of subtle surgical maneuvers were all achieved with this device.

CONCLUSION:

Real-time, intraoperative refraction and visualization is possible with a new sequential wavefront device attached to the operating microscope. The precision and accuracy of intraoperative documentation and refinement of outcomes is likely to be enhanced, making this an important future tool for optimizing cataract surgery outcomes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(9):630–635.]
Repeatability of Ocular Response Analyzer Waveform Parameters in Normal Eyes and Eyes After Refractive Surgery
Authors: Landoulsi Hana , Saad Alain , Haddad NourMaya N. , Guilbert Emmanuel , Gatinel Damien
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE:

To study the repeatability of the biomechanical waveform parameters measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Depew, NY) device in normal eyes and eyes after refractive surgery.

METHODS:

This was a prospective, comparative non-interventional study of a case series. Two hundred eyes of 100 patients were divided into five groups: normal eyes of patients younger than 30 years, normal eyes of patients between 30 and 50 years old, normal eyes of patients older than 50 years, eyes of patients with a history of LASIK, and eyes of patients with a history of photorefractive keratectomy. The repeatability of the 37 waveform parameters in addition to corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), IOP measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometer (IOPg), and IOP evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (IOPcc) were examined.

RESULTS:

In addition to IOPg, IOPcc, CRF, and CH, five parameters had an ICC greater than 0.6 (substantial agreement): P1area, the area of peak 1 (ICC = 0.823); P2area, the area of peak 2 (ICC = 0.646); h1, the height of peak 1 (ICC= 0.702); P1area1, the area of peak 1 derived from the upper 50% of the applanation peak (ICC = 0.772); and h11, the height of peak1 derived from the upper 50% of the applanation peak 1 (ICC = 0.697).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study shows that not all parameters derived from the corneal deformation waveform signal have the same repeatability. Therefore, analysis of the waveform indices should rely on the more repeatable ones to derive consistent conclusions.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(10):709–714.]
Nonwavefront-Guided Presby Reversal Treatment Targeting a Monofocal Cornea After Bi-aspheric Ablation Profile in a Patient Intolerant to Multifocality
Authors: Luger Michiel H. A. , Ewering Tobias , Arba-Mosquera Samuel
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE:

To analyze distance and near vision after a nonwavefront-guided Presby reversal treatment targeting a monofocal cornea in a patient intolerant to multifocality in the dominant eye.

METHODS:

Case report.

RESULTS:

An originally myopic patient treated for correcting distance ametropia and simultaneously alleviating presbyopic symptoms resulted in intolerance to the induced multifocality. Twenty-one months after the bi-aspheric multifocal treatment, the patient was treated with PresbyMAX reversal (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions, Kleinostheim, Germany) to remove the previously induced multifocality. Original corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was −0.1 logMAR (20/16 Snellen) with +0.8 logMAR (J12) uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) and changed to CDVA +0.1 logMAR (20/25 Snellen) with +0.2 logMAR (J4) UNVA before the Presby reversal procedure (all monocularly). Three months after the reversal treatment, uncorrected distance visual acuity and CDVA were both −0.1 logMAR (20/16 Snellen), and the patient was emmetropic and had no further visual complaint for distance, but at the cost of losing the UNVA.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nonwavefront-guided Presby reversal treatments targeting a monofocal cornea after bi-aspheric ablation profile were successful.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(3):214–216.]
Intraocular Lens Fixated in the Anterior Capsulotomy Created in the Line of Sight by a Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Dick H. Burkhard , Schultz Tim
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE:

To describe a new surgical technique and a new generation of foldable, hydrophilic acrylate intraocular lenses available for femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy.

METHODS:

After femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy (diameter: 5.2 mm) and lens fragmentation, the new intraocular lens (90F; Morcher GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany) was implanted in the capsular bag. Three-dimensional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scanned the anterior and posterior capsules to create the position of the anterior capsulotomy. The anterior capsulotomy rim was positioned in the flank of the intraocular lens optic. Distance visual acuity, refractive outcome, and anterior chamber depth were measured at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively.

RESULTS:

No complications were observed at the 1-month follow-up in 6 eyes of 6 patients. No statistically significant changes in anterior chamber depth and refraction were observed at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Image-guided femtosecond lasers can perform a capsulotomy with a predictable size and position according to the line of sight. After implanting the 90F intraocular lens, the final effective lens position can be achieved sooner and may allow more predictable refractive outcomes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(3):198–201.]
Clinical Reasoning in the Use of Slings for Patients with Shoulder Subluxation after Stroke: A Glimpse of the Practice Phenomenon in California
Authors: Li Kitsum , Murai Naoko , Chi Simon
Published: August 2014

Literature reports the frequent use of shoulder slings by occupational therapists for the management of shoulder subluxation after stroke despite the low evidence for its efficacy. To understand the clinical contexts that defy current research evidence, a survey was distributed among California occupational therapists. One hundred sixty-eight participants responded to the survey, answering questions regarding the occurrences and clinical reasoning in the use of the shoulder sling with patients after stroke. Use of the shoulder sling was reported by 81.5% of the respondents. However, the actual sling prescription was limited to 28.4% of their patients. Slings were primarily prescribed for upper extremity management during functional mobility and for pain reduction. The orthopedic sling was the most frequently used sling. Reasons to use the orthopedic sling were largely based on pragmatic reasoning such as convenience and cost factors. On the contrary, therapists with advanced training were found to be more likely to apply procedural reasoning when choosing the proper sling for their patients.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment in ABCA4-Associated Stargardt’s Disease
Authors: Cohen Joshua , Bhullar Shaminder , Kasuga Daniel , Boye Shannon , Elhalis Hussain , Kay Christine N.
Published: August 2014

The authors describe bilateral and sequential pigment epithelial detachment (PED) formation in a 16-year-old girl with ABCA4-associated Stargardt’s disease (STGD1). On routine examination, a new large PED was observed in the left eye with late leakage evident on fluorescein angiography suggestive of possible occult choroidal neovascularization. The lesion was therefore treated with bevacizumab, but with no involutional lesion response. Months later, a similar lesion appeared in the right eye. The authors believe this to be the first reported case of acute bilateral and sequential PED development in a patient with ABCA4-associated STGD1. Optical coherence tomography–guided morphological analysis of lesion development in ABCA4 disease with documentation of PED formation may suggest a plausible role for disruption at the level of Bruch’s membrane in the pathophysiology of STGD1.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2013;44:401–404.]
A New Paradigm for Incorporating the Joint Statement Screening Guidelines for Retinopathy of Prematurity into Clinical Practice: Outcomes from a Quaternary Referral Program
Authors: Henderson Michael T. , Wang Sean K. , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

This study examines patient experience at a quaternary referral pediatric clinic with a retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening program that monitors infants at least on a weekly basis for any stage of ROP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Admission records of 399 prematurely born patients treated at the Byers Eye Institute outpatient ROP clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized according to ROP status and whether they completed, canceled, or failed to show up for scheduled examinations. Demographic information was collected from medical records.

RESULTS:

Of 1,823 scheduled ROP-related visits, 327 (17.9%) resulted in cancellations and 90 (4.9%) in no-shows, with 238 missed visits due to caregiver-related and 149 due to caregiver-unrelated reasons. Of 399 total patients, 142 (35.6%) canceled or failed to show up for at least one appointment because of caregiver-related reasons.

CONCLUSION:

More than one-third of patients with ROP canceled or missed appointments. The true risk of delay is difficult to assess because all patients requiring treatment received it prior to discharge from the hospital. To achieve maximal compliance with joint statement guidelines on ROP screening, patients should be scheduled for examination earlier than recommended.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2013;44:442–447.]
Ocular Hypertension and Intraocular Pressure Asymmetry After Intravitreal Injection of Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents
Authors: Pershing Suzann , Bakri Sophie J. , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal injections of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors and contribute toward the recognition and understanding of its mechanisms, pattern, and treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective case series of VEGF-inhibitor injections at two academic centers (Stanford University and Mayo Clinic) over 4 years. Cases were evaluated for IOP elevation (≥ 24 mm Hg) or asymmetry (≥ 3 mm Hg IOP difference between eyes on three visits).

RESULTS:

Twenty-one eyes were identified with pathologically elevated IOP after treatment. Most had delayed-onset (average: 15 months after treatment, after 10 injections) elevation. IOP-lowering therapy was required in 81%. More consecutive visits with IOP asymmetry occurred in patients developing ocular hypertension (11.1% pre-diagnosis vs 66.7% post-diagnosis; OR = 9.00,
P
= .003).

CONCLUSION:

Elevated IOP may occur after ranibizumab or bevacizumab injections, often exhibiting a delayed and perhaps cumulative effect. The authors found significant bilateral IOP asymmetry in patients developing unilateral glaucoma after VEGF-inhibitor injections, a potential early indicator or proxy for pathologic IOP elevation.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2013;44:460–464.]
Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Group C Retinoblastoma With Adjacent High-flow Infantile Hemangioma
Authors: Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Orbach Darren B. , Trief Danielle , Shah Ankoor S. , VanderVeen Deborah K.
Published: August 2014

Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma is an emerging technique that is being adopted at various centers worldwide. The authors report the first case of an infantile hemangioma that shunted flow during intra-arterial chemotherapy in a 4-month-old girl who presented with macular group C retinoblastoma. Excellent tumor response was noted despite only a fraction of the dose entering the central retinal artery. Further studies to examine intra-arterial chemotherapy’s pharmacokinetics and dose-response relations are warranted in order to minimize the necessary exposure to chemotherapy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2013;44:490–492.]
Reversal of Paracentral Occlusive Retinopathy in a Case of Sickle Cell Disease Using Exchange Transfusion
Authors: Gustave Bradley W. , Oliver Scott C.N. , Mathias Marc , Velez-Montoya Raul , Quiroz-Mercado Hugo , Olson Jeffrey L. , Mandava Naresh , Bhandari Ramanath
Published: August 2014

Paracentral occlusive retinopathy is an uncommon manifestation of sickle cell disease. If macular ischemia is not reversed, permanent vision loss can result. The authors report the successful use of exchange transfusion to treat unilateral paracentral occlusive retinopathy secondary to sickle cell disease in a 23-year-old man with hemoglobin SS disease. Initial presentation demonstrated arteriolar occlusion, perivenous hemorrhages, vessel tortuosity, and areas of retinal ischemia. Visual acuity was count fingers, and the patient noted a paracentral scotoma. Following transfusion, there was restoration of arteriolar flow as documented with fluorescein angiogram, and visual acuity returned to 20/20.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2013;44:505–507.]
Performance Characteristics of a Straight Versus Bent 25-Gauge Vitrector
Authors: Olson Jeffrey L. , Wei Leslie A. , Fortin Melanie J. , Oliver Scott C.N. , Quiroz-Mercado Hugo , Mandava Naresh , Korotkin Arthur
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

During vitrectomy in phakic patients, lens damage can occur while shaving the peripheral vitreous. Modifying the vitrector with a slight bend can diminish this risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

To assess whether the bent vitrector performs to standard, the cutting and aspiration functionality of a straight and bent cutter was tested on both the vitreous from an enucleated porcine eye and balanced salt solution. Data were analyzed using a paired two-tailed
t
-test for comparison of two small sample means.

RESULTS:

The average time for removal of vitreous was 19.32 seconds with the straight cutter and 19.26 seconds for the bent cutter. There was no statistically significant difference between the removal rates (
P
= .87). The average time for aspiration of balanced salt solution was 14.3 seconds with the straight tip and 14.16 seconds with the bent tip. There was no statistically significant difference between the aspiration rates (
P
= .55).

CONCLUSION:

Both unmodified and bent vitrectors demonstrate an equally efficient rate of removal of vitreous and balanced salt solution in vitro.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:153–155.]
Confrontation avec le contexte disciplinaire institutionnalisé : réflexion critique des approches écosystémiques de la santé sur la base des expériences des jeunes chercheurs au Canada, en Afrique occidentale et centrale et en Amérique centrale
Authors: Feagan Mathieu , Koné Brama , Brou Nicolas , Houenou Yveline A. , Kouassi Edouard , Spiegel Jerry
Published: August 2014

Les expériences des étudiants, jeunes chercheurs et professionnels formés en approches écosystémiques de la santé (AÉS) offrent des perspectives nouvelles sur le défi de changer le monde dans lequel nous évoluons. Guidées par les piliers que sont la transdisciplinarité, la participation, ainsi que l’équité de genre et sociale, les AÉS cherchent à répondre adéquatement aux problématiques complexes liant l'environnement et la santé. Cependant, la mise en œuvre de ces piliers sur le terrain pose des défis de taille qui ne peuvent pas être compris en dehors du contexte institutionnel qui encadre la relation entre chercheurs et communauté. En effet, ce qui peut paraître de menus détails – par exemple, l’arrivée sur le terrain, la prise de contact avec la communauté, la présentation et l’appropriation du projet de recherche, la collecte de données, etc. – reste intimement lié au mode de production des connaissances dominé par la structure disciplinaire et les conditions politico-économiques par lesquelles s’opère la rencontre entre les chercheurs et la communauté. À partir de 28 entretiens avec des étudiants gradués et de jeunes professionnels formés en AÉS en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre, en Amérique centrale et au Canada, ainsi que par des observations sur le terrain de projets en AÉS, cet article vise à tracer les défis de monter un projet en AÉS en tenant compte du contexte institutionnel dominant. Après un aperçu théorique et historique des AÉS, nous présentons quelques-uns des principaux défis qui ont émergé des efforts pour mettre les AÉS en pratique. Puis, en situant ces défis dans leur contexte institutionnel plus large, nous tirerons les conséquentes politiques clés pour offrir quelques pistes sur la façon dont les résultats de notre analyse pourraient être exploités par d’autres groupes qui travaillent sur des thématiques à l’interface de l'environnement et de la santé.
Technology-Intensive Suppliers as a Key Element for Structural Change in Latin America
Authors: Acosta Yonni Angel Cuero , Zapata Isabel Torres , Dornberger Utz
Published: August 2014

The current increase of commodity prices prompts the question regarding the extent to which the growth of primary industries is used as a basis of industrial development. Empirical evidence suggests the development of Technology-Intensive Suppliers (TIS) has played an important role in the industrialization process of the Nordic countries, Canada, and Australia. The development of local TIS may contribute to both reinforcing the industrial base and supporting structural change in developing countries. Therefore, it may provide a way to advance from natural resource dependence towards knowledge-based industrial activities. The TIS products are created under tailor-made concepts, giving solutions to their customers. TIS use knowledge and customer information to create innovation. These firms enhance value chains improving customer's competitive advantages (Dornberger & Torres, 2006). The relationship between the primary sector and its suppliers of technology can be seen as a backward linkage. Sectors with linkages of this kind use inputs from other industries (Hirschman, 1958). Hence, a fundamental goal of research in the context of developing countries is to understand the development of TIS and analysis of their improvement as a result of entrepreneurship intervention. This chapter covers the relevance of TIS firms in developing countries. TIS companies are frequently labeled as Micro-, Small-, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). In conclusion, the findings highlight the need to pay more attention to TIS organizations in developing economies. In Latin America, TIS firms contribute to the employment and diversification of the economic structure of the region through value-added products and services.
Brazil
Authors: Allevato Eugene , Marques Joan
Published: August 2014

Brazil is globally known for many reasons, varying from its sizzling Copacabana beach to its immense Maracana stadium. It is revered as the birthplace of world-famous soccer players such as Pele, Garrincha, Tostao, Socrates, and Ronaldo, and envied for its eye-popping carnival suits and mesmerizing samba dancers, but there is much more to this country. When considered from a business perspective, Brazil surfaces as one of the four most promising global economies, along with the other BRIC nations of Russia, India, and China, but how much of this vibrant economic picture is true? Having gained independence in the 19th century, there is much to be said about Brazil's current internal economic climate and social system. This chapter takes a less-traveled road in its review of Brazil. By examining this nation from the inside out, a less frequently presented, vulnerable image of this gigantic country is presented. Brazil's relationships with multinationals and with trading partners are reviewed against the backdrop of its lacking growth in national standard of living and its poor primary education system. Brazil is reviewed as the home of impressive industries, its ongoing technological dependency on other nations, and its performance as a supplier of natural resources to many industrial powers.
The Internationalization Process of Multilatinas from Chile
Authors: Albeck Wolfgang , Huth Steffen
Published: August 2014

Due to the strong economic position of Chile within Latin America and the existing deficit of research, this chapter focuses on Emerging Market Multinational Enterprises (EMNEs) from Chile. It draws upon institutional theory to analyze case studies on the internationalization process of 19 Chilean firms with outward Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). The authors find that market-seeking FDI is the major motivation for investing abroad. With respect to the geographical scope of outward FDI, the authors investigate that Latin America is the dominating destination for outward FDI by Chilean firms. Moreover, the results show that acquisitions and joint ventures are popular when investing in developed economies, whereas both greenfield investments and acquisitions are chosen most often when entering other emerging economies. Finally, the authors observe that Chilean firms internationalize rather late in their life cycle (i.e., they need a long time span between foundation and the first outward FDI). However, the authors do not find support for the proposition that Chilean firms enter a second or third foreign market faster when the cultural distance of the market is low.
Impact of CAFTA-DR's Environmental Provisions on Member Countries and Firm-Level Environmental Voluntary Mechanisms
Authors: Frutos-Bencze Dina
Published: August 2014

The specific aim of this chapter is to examine and describe the impact of CAFTA-DR's environmental provisions on strategy formulation and development decisions of domestic and multinational firms in member countries. This chapter also provides an overview of CAFTA-DR's member countries and the theoretical framework by which the impact of the treaty's environmental provisions are assessed. Finally, the chapter examines how voluntary mechanisms of environmental self-regulation such as ISO 14001 have impacted the strategy of domestic and international firms. The latest trends in the region are presented in charts and tables.
A Structurationist Analysis of Differing Policies Oriented to the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Yaşgül Yaşar Serhat
Published: August 2014

This chapter has two purposes closely related to each other. The first one is to analyze why countries that have similar characteristics and benefits to each other develop different strategies in terms of rules that regulate the intellectual property rights in the pharmaceutical industry. The second one is to analyze the factors that determine active participation in global governance processes with regards to the intellectual property rights of countries that are developing, specifically in the pharmaceutical industry. The study used the structurationist approach developed by John M. Hobson, and findings were tested by comparing the examples of two countries: Turkey and Brazil.
The Central American Clothing Assembly Industry and the Asian Competition
Authors: Mathews Dale , Castro Segundo
Published: August 2014

This chapter examines the export performance of clothing assembly industries in the countries of Central America to the US market. It commences with a brief summary of the history of the growth and limited evolution of the Central American and Caribbean Basin garment export industry in the face of evolving trade liberalization. It then examines how China and other Asian countries have eclipsed the region's clothing exports to the USA as they made inroads into the latter's market. It is argued that China's membership in the World Trade Organization commencing in 2001 and the phasing out of quotas under the Multi-Fiber Agreement in 2005 combined to thwart any expansion that Central American clothing exporters could have achieved in the US market. While US Harmonized Tariff System data for both knitted (HTS 61) and non-knitted (HTS 62) apparel and clothing accessory imports were examined, only the former were presented, as they represent a much more significant share of Central America's overall garment exports to the USA. US imports from Central America under HTS 61 are shown to have either declined or remained stagnant in value terms and in value market share throughout the period examined. In order to zero in on specific categories that are important within the context of the Central American garment export industry, a selection, disaggregated into four digit HTS subcategories, was made of knitted or crocheted apparel and accessories from the region to ascertain its performance over the first decade of the new century. These data are reviewed in comparison with similar data corresponding to imports from China in order to ascertain the performance of Central American exporters. Finally, the work is also placed within the context of the Free Trade Area of Central America and Dominican Republic (CAFTA-DR) in an attempt to discern its possible medium- to long-term impact, since specific provisions of the trade agreement aim precisely at boosting the region's garment assembly sector.