The prevalence of visual disorders in the juvenile delinquency population

Background: Juvenile delinquent and learning disabled populations have many common characteristics. Similarities have been found in their visual systems. This study describes the visual system of a population of juvenile delinquents from Folsom, California. Methods: The records of complete analytical exams which were performed by one examiner were obtained and a data base was used to create descriptive statistics on the 477 subjects. Findings are compared to OEP Expected Values, Morgan\u27s Normative Values, case analysis, and current studies in the literature regarding the visual profile of juvenile delinquents and the learning disabled. Results: The study revealed that the Folsom, California juvenile delinquent population has significantly decreased accommodation and vergence skills at near when compared with OEP Expected Values and Morgan\u27s Normative Values. They are a highly symptomatic group complaining of blur, headaches, and losing place while reading. Visual perception and ocular motility problems also predominate. Conclusions: There appears to be a significant need for plus nearpoint lenses and vision training for visual perception and ocular motilities among the juvenile delinquent population

Case Report: Successful Management of Refractory Keratomycosis in an Alpaca Using Penetrating Keratoplasty and Combination Antifungal Therapy (Caspofungin 0.5% and Terbinafine 1%)

Fungal keratitis is a common disease in certain parts of the world and affects several species, including equids, camelids, and homo sapiens, leading to blindness or loss of the eye if the infection is not adequately controlled. Reports of clinical use of antifungals caspofungin and terbinafine are limited across both veterinary and human medical literature. The alpaca presented in this case demonstrates that deep keratomycosis can be caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Fusarium verticillioides, two previously unreported fungi to cause keratomycosis in camelids. This report demonstrates successful management with a combination of surgery and topical ophthalmic treatment with caspofungin 0.5% solution and terbinafine 1% dermatologic cream, after initially failing treatment with topical voriconazole 1% solution. Combination therapy appears more effective than monotherapy with some fungal organisms, and synergy between antifungal agents is thought to play a role in the success of combination therapy. Surgery to remove the bulk of the fungal infection is especially helpful in cases that fail initial medical therapy

Metastatic intraocular hemangiopericytoma in a dog

A 10-year-old Labrador Retriever who had been undergoing therapy for a recurrent hemangiopericytoma of the right flank presented to the Kansas State University Ophthalmology service for evaluation of a painful left eye. Examination revealed secondary glaucoma and irreversible blindness of the affected eye and multifocal chorioretinal lesions in the fellow eye. Therapeutic and diagnostic enucleation of the left eye was performed and histopathologic examination demonstrated the presence of a presumed metastatic spindle cell sarcoma. Further immunohistochemical staining confirmed the intraocular neoplasia to be metastatic spread from the previously removed flank mass. Rapid progression in size and number of chorioretinal lesions in the right eye was noted in the post-operative period until the patient was euthanized one month after surgery. This case report is the first to document intraocular metastasis of hemangiopericytoma in a veterinary patient

Management of bilateral lower eyelid entropion in a black Angus bull by temporary tacking and modified Hotz Celsus

The objective was to evaluate the progression and management of eyelid tacking sutures before permanent eyelid surgical correction. A 1-year-old Aberdeen black Angus bull presented with a 1-month history of bilateral corneal ulcers. Ophthalmic examination revealed an infected stromal corneal ulcer on the left eye and bilateral lower eyelid entropion. Lower eyelid tacking sutures were placed bilaterally to allow corneal healing, prevent recurrent corneal ulceration and allow resolution of concurrent moist dermatitis. Approximately 2 weeks after eyelid tacking, permanent entropion repair using a modified Hotz Celsus technique was performed on both lower eyelids. This report details the successful treatment of bilateral lower eyelid entropion in a bull using temporary tacking sutures to stabilise corneal and eyelid disease before permanent eyelid surgical correction.This article is published as Bedos, Leila, Anna Catherine Bowden, Jeff Olivarez, Melissa A. Kubai, and Rachel A. Allbaugh. "Management of bilateral lower eyelid entropion in a black Angus bull by temporary tacking and modified Hotz Celsus." Veterinary Record Case Reports (2024): e890. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.890. © 2024 TheAuthors. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes

Novel treatment of infectious keratitis in canine corneas using ultraviolet C (UV-C) light

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of 275 nm wavelength ultraviolet C (UV-C) light for treatment of bacterial keratitis in canine corneas using an affordable, broadly available modified handheld device. Methods: UV-C therapy (UVCT) was evaluated in two experiments: in vitro using triplicates of three bacterial genera (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas spp., and a mix of all species) where the UVCT was performed at a distance of 10, 15, and 20 mm with 1 or 2 doses (4 h apart) for 5, 15, or 30 s; ex vivo model where healthy canine corneal buttons were inoculated superficially and deep (330 μm) with the same bacterial isolates and treated at a 10 mm distance for 15 s with one dose of 22.5 mJ/cm2. Fluorescent marker (STYO9-PI) was used to label (green = live bacteria, red = dead bacteria), and confocal microscopy was used to image the bacteria. Results: In vitro results showed all plates treated with UVCT had 100% bactericidal effect for all isolates with single dose of 15 s at 10 mm distance or two doses, 4 h apart at 15 mm and was ineffective with single dose at 15–20 mm. The ex vivo results confirmed a significant decrease in bacterial load for all isolates on samples inoculated superficially but were inconclusive for intrastromal ones. Conclusions: UVCT confirmed the therapeutic potential for all tested isolates, for both in vitro and ex vivo experiments using a single exposure of 15 s. While safety studies are underway, clinical trials are warranted.This article is published as Turicea, Bactelius, Dipak K. Sahoo, Rachel A. Allbaugh, Chloe C. Stinman, and Melissa A. Kubai. "Novel treatment of infectious keratitis in canine corneas using ultraviolet C (UV‐C) light." Veterinary Ophthalmology (2024). doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.13265. © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made

Topical blood products modulate the effects of ophthalmic antibiotics against common bacterial pathogens in dogs with infectious keratitis

Bacterial keratitis is a common and serious condition that often leads to vision impairment and potential loss of the eye if not treated promptly and adequately. Topical blood products are often used concurrently with topical antibiotics, helping to mitigate corneal ‘melt’ from proteases released on the ocular surface. However, blood products are rich in albumin and could affect the efficacy of antibiotics due to drug-protein binding. In this study, serum and plasma samples were harvested from 10 healthy dogs and 10 healthy horses, obtaining fresh and frozen (1 month at −20°C) aliquots for in vitro experiments. Albumin levels were quantified using species-specific ELISA kits. Thirty bacteria (10 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, 10 Streptococcus canis, 10 Pseudomonas aeruginosa), isolated from canine patients with infectious keratitis, were each tested with blank plates as well as commercial susceptibility plates (Sensititre™ JOEYE2) to assess the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 17 different antibiotics in the absence (control) or presence of eight test groups: serum or plasma (fresh or frozen) from canines or equines. Albumin concentrations ranged from 13.8–14.6 mg/mL and 25.9–26.5 mg/mL in canine and equine blood products, respectively. A direct antimicrobial effect was observed mostly with equine vs. canine blood products (specifically serum and to a lesser degree plasma), and mostly for Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates. MICs generally increased in the presence of blood products (up to 10.8-fold), although MICs also decreased (down to 0.25-fold) for selected antibiotics and ocular pathogens. Median (range) fold changes in MICs were significantly greater (p = 0.004) with the canine blood products [2 (0.67–8.1)] than the equine blood products [2 (0.5–5)]. In practice, clinicians should consider equine over canine blood products (lesser impact on antimicrobial susceptibility), serum over plasma (greater antimicrobial effects), and administering the blood product ≥15 min following the last antibiotic eyedrop to minimize the amount of albumin-antibiotic binding in tear film.This article is published as Kubai, Melissa A., Mackenzie M. Roy, Chloe C. Stinman, Danielle E. Kenne, Rachel A. Allbaugh, and Lionel Sebbag. "Topical blood products modulate the effects of ophthalmic antibiotics against common bacterial pathogens in dogs with infectious keratitis." Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11: 1417842. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1417842. © 2024 Kubai, Roy, Stinman, Kenne, Allbaugh and Sebbag. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Vitamin D levels and perinatal depressive symptoms in women at risk: a secondary analysis of the mothers, omega-3, and mental health study

Abstract Background Vitamin D insufficiency may be associated with depressive symptoms in non-pregnant adults. We performed this study to evaluate whether low maternal vitamin D levels are associated with depressive symptoms in pregnancy. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of a randomized trial designed to assess whether prenatal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation would prevent depressive symptoms. Pregnant women from Michigan who were at risk for depression based on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Score or history of depression were enrolled. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview at 12–20 weeks, 26–28 weeks, 34–36 weeks, and 6–8 weeks postpartum. Vitamin D levels were measured at 12–20 weeks (N = 117) and 34–36 weeks (N = 112). Complete datasets were available on 105 subjects. Using regression analyses, we evaluated the relationship between vitamin D levels with BDI scores as well as with MINI diagnoses of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Our primary outcome measure was the association of maternal vitamin D levels with BDI scores during early and late pregnancy and postpartum. Results We found that vitamin D levels at 12–20 weeks were inversely associated with BDI scores both at 12—20 and at 34–36 weeks’ gestation (P < 0.05, both). For every one unit increase in vitamin D in early pregnancy, the average decrease in the mean BDI score was .14 units. Vitamin D levels were not associated with diagnoses of major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. Conclusions In women at risk for depression, early pregnancy low vitamin D levels are associated with higher depressive symptom scores in early and late pregnancy. Future investigations should study whether vitamin D supplementation in early pregnancy may prevent perinatal depressive symptoms. Trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Registration Number: NCT00711971http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134615/1/12884_2016_Article_988.pd

Case Report Uveal Hematocysts in a Golden Retriever Dog

Case Description. A 7-year-old neutered male golden retriever presented for examination 1 month following the observation of multifocal round brown structures in the anterior chamber of the left eye and similar, but blood-filled, structures in the right eye. Clinical Findings. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral iris hyperpigmentation, pigment deposition on the anterior lens capsule, and uveal cysts. The uveal cysts in the right eye were partially blood filled. Clinical findings were consistent with pigmentary uveitis of golden retrievers. Treatment and Outcome. The patient has been maintained on topical anti-inflammatories and no progression of the disease has occurred in eight months. Clinical Relevance. This paper emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique clinical signs of pigmentary uveitis and highlights uveal hematocysts, a rare manifestation of the disease. Case Description A 7-year-old neutered male golden retriever dog presented to the Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center for ophthalmic examination 1 month following identification of multifocal brown structures in the anterior chamber of the left eye and similar, but blood-filled, structures in the right eye. The primary care veterinarian discovered these structures during annual wellness examination. Ophthalmic examination revealed normal palpebral, dazzle, and pupillary light reflexes in both eyes. Vision was considered normal based on positive menace responses and appropriate navigation in the hospital environment. On careful inspection, both eyes had mild conjunctival hyperemia, diffuse iris hyperpigmentation, pigment deposition on the anterior lens capsule, and numerous uveal cysts in the anterior chamber. The uveal cysts in the right eye were blood filled Dilation of the left pupil occurred within 20 minutes of tropicamide 1% application; however, dilation of the right pupil was limited by the posterior synechia. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed no abnormalities of the fundus in either eye. Complete physical examination was unremarkable, with the exception of a body condition score of 6/9. Notably, cardiovascular parameters were normal and no petechiation, ecchymosis, or bruising was identified. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, and thyroid panel were within normal limits. The patient&apos;s clinical signs were considered consistent with pigmentary uveitis of golden retrievers, and prednisolone acetate 1% and tropicamide 1% were each prescribed for use in both eyes once daily. Reevaluation of the eyes 2 weeks later revealed resolution of the conjunctival hyperemia in both eyes and rupture of one blood-filled cyst in the right eye, resulting in a 2 mm corneal endothelial opacity. Intraocular pressures were 6 and 9 mmHg in the left and right eye, respectively. Ophthalmic examination was otherwise unchanged and no adjustments to the medication regimen were made. At the time of publication, treatment has successfully controlled clinical progression of the disease for the preceding eight months. Reevaluations are recommended every 3-6 months to monitor for progression of pigmentary uveitis and development of sequelae

Laser-induced mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension

PURPOSE. To develop an inducible mouse model of glaucoma. METHODS. An obstruction of aqueous humor outflow in adult C57BL6/J mice was induced by combined injection of indocyanine green (ICG) dye into the anterior chamber and diode laser treatment. To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP), tonometry was performed with a modified Goldmann tonometer. The function of the retina was evaluated with electroretinography (ERG). RESULTS. IOP was significantly elevated in surgical eyes compared with control eyes: before surgery, 15.2 Ϯ 0.6 mm Hg; 10 days after surgery, 33.6 Ϯ 1.5 mm Hg (P Ͻ 0.001); and 30 days after surgery, 27.4 Ϯ 1.2 mm Hg (P Ͻ 0.001). However, 60 days after surgery, IOP in the surgical eyes decreased to 19.5 Ϯ 0.9 mm Hg and was not significantly different compared with control eyes (control, 17.3 Ϯ 0.7 mm Hg; P ϭ 0.053). ERG amplitudes, expressed as a ratio (surgical/control), were decreased in surgical eyes. The amplitudes for b-wave were: before surgery, 107.6% Ϯ 4.6%; 28 days after surgery, 61% Ϯ 4% (P Ͻ 0.001); and 56 days after surgery, 62% Ϯ 5.6% (P Ͻ 0.001). Oscillatory potentials were the most dramatically affected: before surgery, 108.6% Ϯ 6.7%; 28 days after surgery, 57.5% Ϯ 5% (P Ͻ 0.01); and 56 days after surgery, 57% Ϯ 8.5% (P Ͻ 0.001). Amplitudes of the a-waves had relatively smaller but still significant deficits: before surgery, 105.8% Ϯ 6.9%; 28 days after surgery, 72.2% Ϯ 5.4% (P Ͻ 0.01); and 56 days after surgery, 79.8% Ϯ 11.0% (P Ͻ 0.01). Histologic analysis of the surgical eyes revealed development of anterior synechia, loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and thinning of all retinal layers. Electron microscopy of optic nerve cross sections revealed swelling and degeneration of the large diameter axons and gliosis. CONCLUSIONS. Diode laser treatment of ICG saturated episcleral veins causes a chronic elevation of IOP and sustained ERG deficits. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:4337-4346

Students' Models of Newton's Second Law in Mechanics and Electromagnetism

We investigated students' use of Newton's second law in mechanics and electromagnetism contexts by interviewing students in a two-semester calculus-based physics course. We observed that students' responses are consistent with three mental models. These models appeard in mechanics contexts and were transferred to electromagnetism contexts. We developed an inventory to help instructors identify these models and direct students towards the correct one.Comment: 15 pages, 3 figues and 4 table