Balance performance in patients with heart failure

Background: It has been suggested that patients with heart failure (HF) have an increased fall rate. Although balance is one of the most important risk factors for fall, there is not sufficient information about balance in HF. Objective: To compare static, dynamic and functional balance between patients with HF and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with HF and 22 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The Unilateral Stance (US) and Limits of Stability (LOS) tests were used to measure static and dynamic balance, respectively. Functional balance was assessed with Berg Balance Scale. Results: There was no significant difference in age, gender and body mass index between the groups (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in US with open eyes between the groups (p < 0.05). Reaction time (backward and left), endpoint excursion (backward), maximum excursion (forward and backward) and directional control (forward and right) variables of LOS were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with HF have impaired static, dynamic and functional balance. Considering the balance impairment, a comprehensive balance assessment performed and balance training should be included in the management of HF as a part of the cardiac rehabilitation program. © 2020 Elsevier Inc

Comparison of visual outcomes of two trifocal IOLs

PURPOSE:To compare the visual outcomes of bilateral im-plantation of two commercially available trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) (AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL; Alcon Laboratories, Inc and AcrivaUD Trinova IOL; VSY Biotechnology). METHODS:This comparative, investigator-initiated, single-center randomized trial was conducted by the Department of Ophthal-mology of the Medipol Mega University Hospital in Istanbul, Tur-key. Adult patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio using a block randomization program to undergo cataract surgery and receive the implantation of either the PanOptix or Trinova IOL in both eyes. Outcome measures including binocular uncorrected and cor-rected visual acuities at distance, intermediate (66 cm), and near (40 cm), defocus curve, refractive outcomes, contrast sensitivity, glare and halos, and patient satisfaction were assessed at a mini-mum of 3 months following bilateral IOL implantation. RESULTS:A total of 71 patients (142 eyes) were included, with 35 patients (70 eyes) in the PanOptix IOL group and 36 patients (72 eyes) in the Trinova IOL group. At the 3-month follow-up examination, mean distance-corrected intermedi-ate visual acuity (primary endpoint) was significantly better for the PanOptix IOL group (0.0 & PLUSMN; 0.09 logMAR) compared with the Trinova IOL group (0.01 & PLUSMN; 0.10 logMAR) (P = .0304). Mean logMAR uncorrected intermediate acuity (UIVA) and near (UNVA) visual acuity were also significantly better for the PanOptix IOL group (UIVA = 0.1 & PLUSMN; 0.10 logMAR; UNVA= 0.0 & PLUSMN; 0.09 logMAR) compared with the Trinova IOL group (UIVA = 0.2 & PLUSMN; 0.10 logMAR; UNVA = 0.2 & PLUSMN; 0.11 logMAR) (both P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in all other outcomes between groups. No adverse events were reported in both groups. CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that the PanOptix IOL provides better intermediate and near visual outcomes com-pared to the Trinova IOL and represents a good choice for pa-tients seeking to achieve spectacle independence.Alcon Laboratories, In

Sterile excimer laser shaped allograft corneal inlay for hyperopia: One-year clinical results in 28 eyes

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the one-year clinical results of an allograft corneal inlay (ACI) implantation in a case series of 28 hyperopic eyes of 16 patients. Methods: Patients with manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) between +1.00 and +6.00 D and having a cylindrical refraction of less than 1 D were included in this prospective study. The refractive powers of excimer laser-shaped ACIs were determined based on the refractive error of the individual subject's eyes. After the creation of a femtosecond flap, the inlays were centered on the pupillary axis. Visual acuities, refractive results, and other clinical findings were reported for the 6- and 12-month follow-up exams. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 36.2 +/- 12.4 years (range 22-65 years). The mean pre-operative MSRE of 3.6 +/- 1.51 D decreased to 0.21 +/- 0.56 D (P < .001). The uncorrected distance and near visual acuity increased from 0.33 +/- 0.22 and 0.17 +/- 0.13 to 0.75 +/- 0.22 (P < .001) and 0.72 +/- 0.19 (P < .001), respectively. The corrected distance visual acuity remained unchanged (pre-OP: 0.79 +/- 0.22; post-OP: 0.80 +/- 0.21; P = .916), and the corrected near visual acuity increased from 0.78 +/- 0.22 to 0.84 +/- 0.20 (P = .003). The mean K-value and central corneal thickness increased from 42.57 +/- 0.81 D and 557.5 +/- 43.0 mu m to 44.8 +/- 1.4 D (P < .001) and 597.1 +/- 58.1 mu m (P < .001), respectively. No significant postoperative complications such as diffuse lamellar keratitis, epithelial ingrowth, or decentralization were observed. Conclusion: Excimer laser-shaped ACI offers an alternative treatment modality for patients with hyperopia. Acceptable visual results and similar regression rates were observed with ACI implantation compared with other laser refractive procedures

The relationship between smoking history, functional exercise capacity and airway obstruction severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aim and objective The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between smoking history, functional exercise capacity and airway obstruction severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Thirty patients with stable COPD participated in this study. Demographic value and smoking history (pack-years) were recorded. Pulmonary function tests were performed. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated with six minute walking test (6MWT). The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to examine the correlation between the variables. Results The mean of age (years), smoking history (pack-years), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 %), 6MWT distance (m) were 74.60, 47.30, 55.03, 382.70 respectively. The smoking history had significant negative correlation with FEV1 % (r=-0.374, p=0.042) and 6MWT distance (r=-0.426, p=0.019). Conclusions The study showed that smoking history had significant negative correlation with functional exercise capacity and airway obstruction severity in patients with COPD. By reducing cigarette consumption, functional exercise capacity can be increased and the severity of airway obstruction can be decreased

Objective measurement of photopic illuminance rate in daily life of progressive myopic children

Conference: Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO) Location: Vancouver, CANADA Date: APR 28-MAY 02, 2019...The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmolog

Objective evaluation of daily near activities distance in progressive myopic children

Conference: Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO) Location: Vancouver, CANADA Date: APR 28-MAY 02, 2019...Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmolog

Determinants of respiratory muscle strength in adult bronchiectasis

AbstractBackground:&nbsp;Respiratory muscle strength is widely used as an outcome measure in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. It is known that bronchiectasis affects respiratory muscle strength which has a crucial role in the growth of symptoms and functional limitation. Therefore, it is important to identify the determinants of respiratory muscle strength in patients with non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis.Aim:&nbsp;To identify the determinants of respiratory muscle strength in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis.Methods:&nbsp;Forty-one patients with non-CF bronchiectasis were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and spirometric values were recorded. Maximal inspiratory pressure [MIP] and maximal expiratory pressure [MIP] were evaluated using an electronic mouth pressure device. Fat-free mass, exercise capacity, quadriceps strength, and physical activity were assessed.Results:&nbsp;The mean age of patients was 58.8 y. MIP and MEP were correlated with fat-free mass (MIP: r=0.507, p=0.001; MEP: r=0.669, p&lt;0.001), ISWT distance (MIP: r=0.374, p=0.01; MEP: r=0.396, p=0.01), quadriceps strength (MIP: r =0.511, p=0.001; MEP: r =0.508, p=0.001) and total energy expenditure (MIP: r=0.392, p=0.01; MEP: r=0.476, p=0.002). The multiple regression analysis revealed that fat-free mass and quadriceps strength were independent predictors of MIP, accounted for 32% of the variance. Fat-free mass was independent predictors of MEP, accounted for 45.9% of the variance.Conclusions:&nbsp;Fat-free mass and quadriceps strength were found as determinants of respiratory muscle strength in patients. Respiratory muscle strength may be increased by improving fat-free mass and quadriceps strength in adult non-CF bronchiectasis.</p