Mobile Air Quality Studies (MAQS) - an international project

Due to an increasing awareness of the potential hazardousness of air pollutants, new laws, rules and guidelines have recently been implemented globally. In this respect, numerous studies have addressed traffic-related exposure to particulate matter using stationary technology so far. By contrast, only few studies used the advanced technology of mobile exposure analysis. The Mobile Air Quality Study (MAQS) addresses the issue of air pollutant exposure by combining advanced high-granularity spatial-temporal analysis with vehicle-mounted, person-mounted and roadside sensors. The MAQS-platform will be used by international collaborators in order 1) to assess air pollutant exposure in relation to road structure, 2) to assess air pollutant exposure in relation to traffic density, 3) to assess air pollutant exposure in relation to weather conditions, 4) to compare exposure within vehicles between front and back seat (children) positions, and 5) to evaluate "traffic zone"- exposure in relation to non-"traffic zone"-exposure. Primarily, the MAQS-platform will focus on particulate matter. With the establishment of advanced mobile analysis tools, it is planed to extend the analysis to other pollutants including including NO2, SO2, nanoparticles, and ozone

The impact of childhood glaucoma on psychosocial functioning and quality of life: a review of the literature

We present a novel comprehensive literature review of studies of the psychosocial functioning (PF) and quality of life (QoL) of patients with childhood glaucoma and their caregivers. Our findings demonstrate variable study quality and approach, as well as inconsistent results relating to the association of glaucoma-specific factors and sociodemographic variables with measured PF and QoL. Future studies should focus on the development of culturally cognizant and standardized assessment tools, execution of multi-center longitudinal studies with global representation, evaluation of PF and QoL among siblings and childhood glaucoma providers, and implementation of interventions to improve patient and caregiver PF and QoL

Predictors of Long Term Visual Acuity and Intraocular Pressure Outcomes in Childhood Glaucoma: A Multicenter Study by the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network (CGRN).

PRECIS: This study identifies visual acuity and intraocular pressure at 3- and 5-year follow-ups, along with other variables such as media opacity and nystagmus, as key predictors of long-term outcomes in childhood glaucoma, aiding better management and prognostication. PURPOSE: This study aims to identify key predictive variables of visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes in childhood glaucoma. By understanding these factors, the study seeks to improve prognostication and management strategies for pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric glaucoma patients across multiple centers within the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network (CGRN). The study included patients with at least 5 years of follow-up. Variables such as sex, race, ethnicity, age of onset, laterality, and clinical measures including VA and IOP at various stages (initial visit, 3-year, 5-year, and final visits) were evaluated. Additional factors considered were anisometropia, media opacities, nystagmus, anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD), strabismus, and angle closure. RESULTS: The study included 396 eyes from 243 patients, with a mean age at presentation of 1.5 months. Several variables showed statistically and clinically significant correlations with final outcomes including IOP and VA at both 3-year and 5-year visits, as well as the presence of media opacities, unilateral glaucoma, nystagmus, and ASD. Based on multivariable prediction model analysis the two statistically significant predictors for visual acuity (n=31) were VA at 5-year visit and presence of angle closure. As for IOP outcomes (n=31), significant predictors included were IOP at 5-year visit and presence of nystagmus. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study highlights that VA and IOP measurements at 3 and 5 years post-diagnosis, along with the presence of specific ocular conditions such as media opacity and nystagmus, are crucial in predicting long-term outcomes in childhood glaucoma

Erratum to: Changes in patterns of uveitis at a tertiary referral center in Northern Italy: analysis of 990 consecutive cases

Erratum to: Changes in patterns of uveitis at a tertiary referral center in Northern Italy: analysis of 990 consecutive case