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Background Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the most common form of paediatric visual impairment in developed countries. CVI can arise from a host of genetic or acquired causes, but there has been limited research to date on CVI in the context of genetic disorders. Methods We carried out a retrospective analysis of genotypic and phenotypic data for participants with CVI within the DECIPHER database and 100 000 Genomes Project (100KGP). Results 158 individuals with CVI were identified across both cohorts. Within this group, pathogenic or likely pathogenic sequence variants in 173 genes were identified. 25 of these genes already have known associations with CVI, while the remaining 148 are candidate genes for this phenotype. Gene ontology analysis of the CVI gene sets from both DECIPHER and 100KGP suggests that CVI has a similar degree of genetic heterogeneity to other neurodevelopmental phenotypes, and a strong association with genetic variants converging on ion channels and receptor functions. Individuals with a monogenic disorder and CVI have a higher frequency of epilepsies and severe neurodisability than individuals with a monogenic disorder but not CVI. Conclusion This study supports the availability of genetic testing for individuals with CVI alongside other neurodevelopmental difficulties. It also supports the availability of ophthalmological screening for individuals with genetic diagnoses linked to CVI. Further studies could elaborate on the links between specific genetic disorders, visual maturation and broader neurodevelopmental characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of clinical protocol change via active minimisation on the number of general anaesthetic (GA)/sedation episodes for diagnostic ophthalmic purposes at Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street (CHI-TS), Dublin, Ireland, from 2016 to 2019, inclusive. Change was implemented following published cautionary principles in 2016 by the FDA regarding the potential neurotoxic risk from multiple GA exposure in children. Methods: Retrospective analysis of electronic operating theatre records was completed using procedure codes "Ophthalmological examination" and "Examination of fundi". Available records for patients undergoing multiple examination under anaesthesia (EUA) procedures were assessed for demographics, indication. Comparison was made regarding overall EUA numbers and breakdown for each year, before and after the new departmental approach. From 2018 onward, a patient-centred, departmental strategy of active minimisation of EUA was adopted, using strategies of "training, technology and patience". A literature review was conducted using online databases. Results: A total of 450 EUAs were performed over the 4 years investigated. In the former 2 years of the study period, prior to departmental policy change, EUAs represented 32% (304 of 948 total theatre episodes) of the ophthalmic theatre caseload. In the latter 2 years of this study period, this proportion fell to 19% (146 EUAs of 783 theatre episodes). Total theatre case numbers were comparable in both time periods. Eighteen children had multiple EUAs (ie, ≥ 2 EUAs, mean 6.5, SD 2.9) for life/sight threatening indications, totalling 116 EUAs (25.7%). Conclusion: A significant reduction in diagnostic EUA volume was accomplished resulting in reduced individual patient risk and increased capacity for surgical interventions. A detailed description of this methodology is included for the purposes of replication at comparable units. EUA will continue to play a crucial role in the management of life/sight threatening conditions but the application of a cautionary principle to reduce EUA, where possible, is appropriate to reduce potential for neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At birth, the patient was noted to have microphthalmia and optic atrophy in her left eye with no apparent cause. In early childhood, the vision in that eye began to deteriorate. A few years later, disc swelling was noted in the contralateral right eye. Neuroimaging was normal and a subsequent lumbar puncture found borderline high opening pressure. Vision and visual fields in the right eye remained stable until the patient was in early adolescence when she started to complain of blurred vision. Her pattern visual evoked potential showed a 75% reduction in P100 amplitude compared with the previous year. Repeat neuroimaging was suggestive of bilateral meningiomas and a biopsy was performed to confirm this. Subsequently, the patient was treated with proton beam therapy to salvage vision in her right eye. This is a novel case of meningioma presenting with enophthalmos due to contraction of the retrobulbar optic nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study used interviews with representatives of institutions and reviews of agro-meteorological information to corroborate the existence of an information network in Burkina Faso with the ability to distribute data on climate forecasts to the relevant associations, farmers and pastoralists.

Background/Aims Both eyes of one individual share the same environment and genes. We examined interocular differences in biometry to determine the potential role of other factors in refractive development. Methods 362 subjects (6-7 years) from the Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction study were studied. Cycloplegic autorefraction was measured with a Shin-Nippon open-field autorefractor. Axial length and corneal curvature were measured with a Zeiss IOLMaster. Results 257 subjects had an interocular difference of <0.50 D (ISO group) and 105 (29%) a difference of =0.50 D (ANISO group). Twenty-five subjects (6.9%) had anisometropia =1.00 D and 9 (2.5%) had anisometropia =1.50 D. The two groups, ISO and ANISO, showed different refractive distributions (p=0.001) with the ISO group showing a nearly Gaussian distribution and the ANISO group showing positive skew, a hyperopic shift and a bi-Gaussian distribution. A marker of emmetropisation is the poor correlation between refraction and corneal curvature seen in older children. There was no significant correlation between refraction and corneal curvature of each eye in the ISO group (r=0.09, p=0.19), but these parameters were significantly correlated in the ANISO group (r=0.28, p=0.004). Conclusion In young children, small degrees of anisometropia (=0.5 D) are associated with impaired emmetropisation. This suggests that anisometropia is a marker for poorly regulated eye growth, indicating that, in addition to environmental and genetic influences on eye growth, stochastic processes contribute to refractive outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macular pigment (MP), comprising the dietary carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, is believed to benefit eye health and vision. Numerous clinical and research devices and techniques are currently available to facilitate MP optical density (MPOD) measurement. One of those techniques, dual-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (AF) is being increasingly used for measurement of MP in the eye. There is substantial methodological variation across the published studies that have employed this technique, including in relation to the use of mydriasis, the possible influence of which does not appear to have been addressed in the literature. This prospective cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the effect of mydriasis on MP measurement quality and MPOD values obtained with dual-wavelength AF using the Heidelberg Spectralis HRA+OCT device. Twenty-one healthy participants were recruited to the study. The mean age of participants was 44.8 years (± 14.63). Pupil size and MPOD were measured in one eye for each participant, initially under natural pupil conditions and subsequently 30 minutes following instillation of one drop of 0.5% tropicamide. Despite providing MPOD measurements for the majority of undilated eyes (85.7% of eyes herein), pupillary dilation resulted in statistically significant changes in MPOD (p <.001 for central eccentricities). Our results indicate that the changes in MPOD were not uniform across the spatial profile. Marked improvements were also observed in image quality post-dilation (p <.002 for central eccentricities). This study clearly demonstrates that dual-wavelength AF measurements of MPOD in the same eye vary as a function of pupillary dilation status, with MPOD under-estimated across the entire spatial profile of MP for natural relative to dilated pupillary conditions. Mydriasis should, therefore, be used routinely for MPOD measurements using dual wavelength AF, pupil size should be reported and image quality optimized in order to ensure accurate MPOD quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims To report the protocol of a trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and mechanism of action of low-dose atropine (0.01%) eye-drops for reducing progression of myopia in UK children. Methods Multicentre, double-masked, superiority, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. We will enrol children aged 6-12 years with myopia of -0.50 dioptres or worse in both eyes. We will recruit 289 participants with an allocation ratio of 2:1 (193 atropine; 96 placebo) from five centres. Participants will instil one drop in each eye every day for 2 years and attend a research centre every 6 months. The vehicle and preservative will be the same in both study arms. The primary outcome is SER of both eyes measured by autorefractor under cycloplegia at 2 years (adjusted for baseline). Secondary outcomes include axial length, best corrected distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, reading speed, pupil diameter, accommodation, adverse event rates and allergic reactions, quality of life (EQ-5D-Y) and tolerability at 2 years. Mechanistic evaluations will include: peripheral axial length, peripheral retinal defocus, anterior chamber depth, iris colour, height and weight, activities questionnaire, ciliary body biometry and chorioretinal thickness. Endpoints from both eyes will be pooled in combined analysis using generalised estimating equations to allow for the correlation between eyes within participant. Three years after cessation of treatment, we will also evaluate refractive error and adverse events. Conclusions The Childhood Atropine for Myopia Progression in the UK study will be the first randomised trial reporting outcomes of low-dose atropine eye-drops for children with myopia in a UK population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance Atropine eyedrops are a promising treatment for slowing myopia progression in East Asian children. However, its effects on children in Australia, including those of non‐Asian background, have not been well‐studied. Background: The Western Australia Atropine for the Treatment of Myopia (WA‐ATOM) study aims to determine the efficacy and long‐term effects of low‐dose atropine eyedrops in myopia control. This paper describes the study rationale, methodology and participant baseline characteristics. Design Single‐centre, double‐masked, randomized controlled trial. Participants: Children (6‐16 years) with spherical equivalent ≤−1.50 D in each eye, astigmatism ≤1.50 D and myopia progression by ≥0.50 D/year. Methods: Enrolled children were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive 0.01% atropine or placebo eyedrops. Participants are examined every 6 months during first 3 years of the study (2‐year treatment phase followed by a 1‐year washout phase), and then at a 5‐year follow‐up (2 years after the end of the washout phase). Main Outcome Measures: Annual progression rate of myopia and axial length, tolerability to eyedrops and incidence and severity of unwanted effects. Results: Out of 311 children who were referred, 242 were suitable for study participation, and 153 were subsequently enrolled. The baseline characteristics of enrolled participants are presented. Conclusions and Relevance: Outcomes of the WA‐ATOM study will inform on the efficacy, tolerability, safety and long‐term effects of low‐dose atropine eyedrops in myopia control in Australian children. The impact of ocular sun exposure, iris colour and parental myopia on the efficacy of low‐dose atropine will also be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To systematically compare the efficacy, predictability, safety, postoperative haze, pain scores, and epithelial healing time of four corneal surface ablation procedures. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the U.S. trial registry were searched up to June 2018. Randomized controlled trials were selected. Efficacy (uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better), predictability (refractive spherical equivalent within ±0.50 diopters [D] of the target), and safety (loss of two or more lines of spectacle corrected distance visual acuity) were set as primary outcome measures. Haze, pain scores, and epithelial healing time were set as secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Eighteen studies involving 1,423 eyes were included. According to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, the quality of outcomes were moderate to high (70.6%). There were no differences in efficacy, predictability, safety, haze, day 1 pain, and epithelial healing time between treatments. Epithelial laser in situ keratomileusis (epi-LASIK) had statistically significantly higher pain scores on day 3 compared to photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) (weighted mean differences [WMD] = 2.2, 95% credible intervals [CrI] = 0.19 to 4.01) and transepithelial PRK (T-PRK) (WMD = 2.7, 95% CrI = 0.51 to 4.84). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve ranking results (best to worst) showed laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) ranked highest for efficacy, predictability, safety, and day 1 pain scores. Epi-LASIK ranked best for grade 1 haze scores. T-PRK ranked best for haze of 0.5 or higher, haze scores day 3 pain scores, and epithelial healing time. CONCLUSIONS: Surface laser refractive surgeries are comparable in terms of efficacy, predictability, safety, and postoperative haze except for day 3 pain scores, with epi-LASIK being more painful compared to PRK and T-PRK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: With the increasing prevalence in myopia there is growing interest in active myopia prevention. This study aims to increase our understanding of parental attitudes to myopia development and control, as a means to inform future health planning and policy. It evaluates, for the first time, the attitude of parents to myopia and its associated risks, as well as assessing the exposure of Irish children to environmental factors that may influence their risk profile for myopia development. Methods: Parents of 8–13 year old children in eight participating schools completed a questionnaire designed to assess their knowledge of and attitudes towards myopia and its risk factors. A structured diary was also used to capture daily activities of children in relation to myopia risk factors. Results: Of 329 parents, just 46% considered that myopia presented a health risk to their children, while an identical number (46%) regarded it as an optical inconvenience. Myopia was also, but less frequently, considered an expense (31% of parents), a cosmetic inconvenience (14% of parents) and, by some, as a sign of intelligence (4% of parents) 76% of parents recognised the potential of digital technology to impact the eye, particularly as a cause of eyestrain and need for spectacles. Only 14% of parents expressed concern should their child be diagnosed with myopia. Compared to non myopic parents, myopic parents viewed myopia as more of an optical inconvenience (p < 0.001), an expense (p < 0.005) and a cosmetic inconvenience (p < 0.001). There was a trend for myopic parents to limit screen time use in their household more than non‐myopic parents (p = 0.05). Parents who considered myopia a health risk sought to limit screen time more than parents who did not regard myopia as a health risk to their child (p = 0.01). Children spent significantly longer performing indoor proximal tasks (255 min) compared to time spent outdoors (180 min; p < 0.0001) daily. Older (p = 0.001), urban (p = 0.0005) myopic (=0.04) children spent significantly more time at digital screens compared to younger non‐myopic children from a rural background. Conclusion: Parental attitudes to myopia were typically nonchalant in relation to health risk. This is of particular concern given the impact parents have on children's behaviour and choices with respect to such risk factors, demonstrating an acute need for societal sensitisation to the public health importance of myopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat is the primary mechanism by which aerobic composting inactivates zoonotic bacterial pathogens residing within animal manures, but at sublethal temperatures, the time necessary to hold the compost materials to ensure pathogen inactivation is uncertain. To determine the influence of the type of nitrogen amendment on inactivation of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in compost mixtures stored at sublethal temperatures, specific variables investigated in these studies included the animal source of the manure, the initial carbon/nitrogen (C:N) ratio of the compost mixture, and the age of the manure. Salmonella and L. monocytogenes were both inactivated more rapidly in chicken and swine compost mixtures stored at 20°C when formulated to an initial C:N ratio of 20:1 compared with 40:1, whereas a C:N ratio did not have an effect on inactivation of these pathogens in cow compost mixtures. Pathogen inactivation was related to the elevated pH of the samples that likely arises from ammonia produced by the indigenous microflora in the compost mixtures. Indigenous microbial activity was reduced when compost mixtures were stored at 30°C and drier conditions (<10% moisture level) were prevalent. Furthermore, under these drier conditions, Salmonella persisted to a greater extent than L. monocytogenes, and the desiccation resistance of Salmonella appeared to convey cross-protection to ammonia. Salmonella persisted longer in compost mixtures prepared with aged chicken litter compared with fresh chicken litter, whereas E. coli O157:H7 survived to similar extents in compost mixtures prepared with either fresh or aged cow manure. The different responses observed when different sources of manure were used in compost mixtures reveal that guidelines with times required for pathogen inactivation in compost mixtures stored at sublethal temperatures should be dependent on the source of nitrogen, i.e., type of animal manure, present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the early phases of aerobic composting of animal manures, pathogens are inactivated primarily from the accumulation of heat produced by indigenous microbial activity. When compost materials are not exposed to these lethal temperatures, the required holding time needed to obtain a pathogen-free product that may be applied to fields is unknown. Consequently, a series of studies examined whether the carbon amendment (wheat straw, peanut hulls, rice hulls, and pine needles) added to animal manures affected survival of either Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7 during storage of compost mixtures at sublethal temperatures (20 to 40°C). Pathogens consistently survived for longer periods of time in compost mixtures prepared with pine needles than compost mixtures prepared with either of the other three carbon amendments. Pathogen inactivation in wheat straw- or peanut hull-amended compost mixtures was dependent on the target pathogen, moisture level, and storage temperature. Moisture levels in wheat straw-amended compost mixtures stored at 40°C had no effect on inactivation of E. coli O157:H7. In contrast, wheat straw-amended mixtures stored at 30 to 35°C and equilibrated to suboptimal moisture contents (30 to 40%) were less effective for inactivating pathogens compared with drier (25% moisture) or moister (60% moisture) mixtures. In peanut hull-amended compost mixtures, inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 was affected minimally by moisture levels, whereas Salmonella survival increased as the moisture level was decreased. The different inactivation responses of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 in compost mixtures prepared with wheat straw or peanut hulls and equilibrated to different moisture levels suggest that there are different mechanisms for inactivation. Hence, developing reliable guidelines relying on time-temperature for holding of compost mixtures at sublethal temperatures will be challenging and, perhaps, not possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preharvest internalization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 into the roots of leafy greens is a food safety risk because the pathogen may be systemically transported to edible portions of the plant. In this study, both abiotic (degree of soil moisture) and biotic (E. coli O157:H7 exposure, presence of Shiga toxin genes, and type of leafy green) factors were examined to determine their potential effects on pathogen internalization into roots of leafy greens. Using field soil that should have an active indigenous microbial community, internalized populations in lettuce roots were 0.8 to 1.6 log CFU/g after exposure to soil containing E. coli O157:H7 at 5.6 to 6.1 log CFU/g. Internalization of E. coli O157:H7 into leafy green plant roots was higher when E. coli O157:H7 populations in soil were increased to 7 or 8 log CFU/g or when the soil was saturated with water. No differences were noted in the extent to which internalization of E. coli O157:H7 occurred in spinach, lettuce, or parsley roots; however, in saturated soil, maximum levels in parsley occurred later than did those in spinach or lettuce. Translocation of E. coli O157:H7 from roots to leaves was rare; therefore, decreases observed in root populations over time were likely the result of inactivation within the plant tissue. Shiga toxin-negative (nontoxigenic) E. coli O157:H7 isolates were more stable than were virulent isolates in soil, but the degree of internalization of E. coli O157:H7 into roots did not differ between isolate type. Therefore, these nontoxigenic isolates could be used as surrogates for virulent isolates in field trials involving internalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, leafy greens have been implicated in several outbreaks of foodborne illness, and research has focused on contamination during preharvest operations. Concerns have been raised that internalization of pathogens into the edible tissue occurs where postharvest chemical interventions would be ineffective. This study was initiated to measure the degree and fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 internalized in the phyllosphere tissue of leafy greens when spray conditions, inoculum level, and type of leafy green were varied. Two spraying treatments were applied: (i) spraying individual spinach or lettuce leaves on plants once with a high dose (7 to 8 log CFU/ml) of E. coli O157:H7 and (ii) spraying spinach, lettuce, or parsley plants repeatedly (once per minute) with a low dose (2.7 to 4.2 log CFU/ml) of E. coli O157:H7 over a 10- to 20-min period. With the high-dose spray protocol, no significant differences in the prevalence of internalization occurred between Shiga toxin-negative E. coli O157:H7 isolates and virulent isolates (P > 0.05), implying that the Shiga toxin virulence factors did not influence internalization or the subsequent fate of those populations under these test conditions. Significantly greater internalization of E. coli O157:H7 occurred in spinach leaves compared with lettuce leaves when leaves were sprayed once with the high-dose inoculum (P < 0.05), whereas internalization was not observed in lettuce leaves but continued to be observed in spinach and parsley leaves following repeated spraying of the low-dose inoculum. Based on these results, it is surmised that a moisture film was generated when spraying was repeated and this film assisted in the mobilization of pathogen cells to plant apertures, such as stomata. E. coli O157:H7 cells that were internalized into spinach tissue using a low-dose repeat-spray protocol were temporary residents because they were not detected 2 days later, suggesting that plant-microbe interactions may be responsible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both growth chamber and field studies were conducted to investigate the potential for Escherichia coli O157:H7 to be internalized into leafy green tissue when seeds were germinated in contaminated soil. Internalized E. coli O157:H7 was detected by enrichment in both spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings when seeds were germinated within the growth chamber in autoclaved and nonautoclaved soil, respectively, contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 at 2.0 and 3.8 log CFU/g, respectively. Internalized E. coli O157:H7 populations could be detected by enumeration within leafy green tissues either by increasing the pathogen levels in the soil or by autoclaving the soil. Attempts to maximize the exposure of seed to E. coli O157:H7 by increasing the mobility of the microbe either through soil with a higher moisture content or through directly soaking the seeds in an E. coli O157:H7 inoculum did not increase the degree of internalization. Based on responses obtained in growth chamber studies, internalization of E. coli O157:H7 surrogates (natural isolates of Shiga toxin-negative E. coli O157:H7 or recombinant [stx- and eae-negative] outbreak strains of E. coli O157:H7) occurred to a slightly lesser degree than did internalization of the virulent outbreak strains of E. coli O157:H7. The apparent lack of internalized E. coli O157:H7 when spinach and lettuce were germinated from seed in contaminated soil (ca. 3 to 5 log CFU/g) in the field and the limited occurrence of surface contamination on the seedlings suggest that competition from indigenous soil bacteria and environmental stresses were greater in the field than in the growth chamber. On the rare occasion that soil contamination with E. coli O157:H7 exceeded 5 log CFU/g in a commercial field, this pathogen probably would not be internalized into germinating leafy greens and/or would not still be present at the time of harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both spinach and lettuce were grown to harvest, cut, and then regrown after spraying the cut shoots with irrigation water contaminated with Escherichia coil O157:H7. Plant tissue was collected on the day of spraying and again 2 and 14 days later for analysis of total and internalized E. coil O157:H7 populations. Internalization of E. coli O157:H7 occurred on the day of spraying, and larger populations were internalized as the level in the spray increased. Tissue repair was slow and insufficient to prevent infiltration of E. coil O 157:H7; internalized E. coil O 157:H7 in shoots cut 5 days prior to exposure to E. coli O 157:H7-contaminated water were not significantly different from levels in shoots cut on the same day of spraying with contaminated water (P > 0.05). Two days after spraying plants with a high level of E. coli O 157:H7 (7.3 log CFU/ml), levels of internalized E. coli O157:H7 decreased by ca. 2.6 and 1.3 log CFU/g in Tyee and Bordeaux spinach, respectively, whereas populations of internalized E. coil O157:H7 decreased very little (ca. 0.4 log CFU/g) in lettuce plants that had been sprayed either on the same day as cutting or 1 day after cutting. When cut plants were sprayed with irrigation water at a lower contamination level (4.5 log CFU/ml), internalized E. coil O157:H7 was not detected in either spinach or lettuce plants 2 days later and therefore would not likely be of concern when the crop was harvested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The survival and distribution of enteric pathogens in soil and lettuce systems were investigated in response to several practices (soil amendment supplementation and reduced watering) that could be applied by home gardeners. RESULTS Leaf lettuce was grown in manure compost/top soil (0:5, 1:5 or 2:5 w/w) mixtures. Escherichia coli O157: H7 or Salmonella was applied at a low or high dose (103 or 106 colony-forming units ( CFU) mL−1) to the soil of seedlings and mid-age plants. Supplementation of top soil with compost did not affect pathogen survival in the soil or on root surfaces, suggesting that nutrients were not a limiting factor. Salmonella populations on root surfaces were 0.7-0.8 log CFU g−1 lower for mid-age plants compared with seedlings. E. coli O157: H7 populations on root surfaces were 0.8 log CFU g−1 lower for mid-age plants receiving 40 mL of water compared with plants receiving 75 mL of water on alternate days. Preharvest internalization of E. coli O157: H7 and Salmonella into lettuce roots was not observed at any time. CONCLUSION Based on the environmental conditions and high pathogen populations in soil used in this study, internalization of Salmonella or E. coli O157: H7 into lettuce roots did not occur under practices that could be encountered by inexperienced home gardeners. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pests may serve as reservoirs and vectors of zoonotic pathogens to leafy greens; however, it is unknown whether insect pests feeding on plant tissues could redistribute these pathogens present on the surface of leaves to internal sites. This study sought to differentiate the degree of tissue internalization of Escherichia colt O157:H7 when applied at different populations on the surface of lettuce and spinach leaves, and to ascertain whether lettuce-infesting insects or physical injury could influence the fate of either surface or internalized populations of this enteric pathogen. No internalization of E. colt O157:H7 occurred when lettuce leaves were inoculated with 4.4 log CFU per leaL but it did occur when inoculated with 6.4 log CFU per leaf. Internalization was statistically greater when spinach leaves were inoculated on the abaxial (underside) than when inoculated on the adaxial (topside) side, and when the enteric pathogen was spread after surface inoculation. Brief exposure (~ 18 h) of lettuce leaves to insects (5 cabbage loopers, 10 thrips, or 10 aphids) prior to inoculation with E. colt O157:H7 resulted in significantly reduced internalized populations of the pathogen within these leaves after approximately 2 weeks, as compared with leaves not exposed to insects. Surface-contaminated leaves physically injured through file abrasions also had significantly reduced populations of both total and internalized E. colt O157:H7 as compared with nonabraded leaves 2 weeks after pathogen exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy eye phenomenon can be cosmetically unaccepted due to significant pseudoproptosis and hypotropia. We highlight the salient features of this condition, and report successful cosmetic outcome following a staged procedure comprising orbital decompression and horizontal recti surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) together with other climate change factors could greatly affect agricultural productivity. Understanding the impact of the change in atmospheric [CO2] in conjunction with the ongoing global change is crucial to prepare for mitigation and any adaptation for future agricultural production. The main goal of this project was to study the time-course pattern of cotton plant growth in response to [CO2] and temperature to investigate the hypothesis that whether response to elevated [CO2] would change at different temperatures. An experiment was conducted in the controlled-environment chambers of the Georgia Envirotron with two different day/night temperatures levels, e.g., 25/15°C and 35/25°C, and three CO2 concentrations, e.g., 400, 600 and 800μmoll−1. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replicates (plastic containers) per treatment. Growth analysis was conducted at bi-weekly intervals during the growing season. In addition, leaf area, leaf dry mass, root dry mass, square dry mass, boll dry mass and total above dry mass per plant were also measured at each sampling. Plant traits, including plant height, number of leaves, number of squares and number of bolls were recorded weekly. The number of days to emergence, squaring, flowering and maturity were also observed. The results showed that by increasing [CO2] to 600μmoll−1 total biomass increased at both temperature levels, but a further increase of [CO2] up to 800μmoll−1 increased total biomass only at the temperature of 35/25°C. Throughout the growing season, there was no significant effect of [CO2] levels on LAI. Increasing temperature from 25/15°C to 35/25°C had a positive impact on LAI across all CO2 levels (P <0.05). Increasing CO2 from 400 to 600μmoll−1 significantly increased the number of squares by 31.4%, but a further increase to 800μmoll−1 caused a 6.6% decrease (non-significant) in the number of squares. The interactive effects of [CO2] and temperature indicated that at a higher temperature, CO2 would be more beneficial as we proceed towards the end of the growing season. However, further studies are needed to really understand the interaction between higher [CO2] and temperature levels and cultivar characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose To determine the effectiveness of different interventions to slow down the progression of myopia in children. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to August 2014. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving interventions for controlling the progression of myopia in children with a treatment duration of at least 1 year for analysis. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcomes were mean annual change in refraction (diopters/year) and mean annual change in axial length (millimeters/year). Results Thirty RCTs (involving 5422 eyes) were identified. Network meta-analysis showed that in comparison with placebo or single vision spectacle lenses, high-dose atropine (refraction change: 0.68 [0.52–0.84]; axial length change: −0.21 [−0.28 to −0.16]), moderate-dose atropine (refraction change: 0.53 [0.28–0.77]; axial length change: −0.21 [−0.32 to −0.12]), and low-dose atropine (refraction change: 0.53 [0.21–0.85]; axial length change: −0.15 [−0.25 to −0.05]) markedly slowed myopia progression. Pirenzepine (refraction change: 0.29 [0.05–0.52]; axial length change: −0.09 [−0.17 to −0.01]), orthokeratology (axial length change: −0.15 [−0.22 to −0.08]), and peripheral defocus modifying contact lenses (axial length change: −0.11 [−0.20 to −0.03]) showed moderate effects. Progressive addition spectacle lenses (refraction change: 0.14 [0.02–0.26]; axial length change: −0.04 [−0.09 to −0.01]) showed slight effects. Conclusions This network analysis indicates that a range of interventions can significantly reduce myopia progression when compared with single vision spectacle lenses or placebo. In terms of refraction, atropine, pirenzepine, and progressive addition spectacle lenses were effective. In terms of axial length, atropine, orthokeratology, peripheral defocus modifying contact lenses, pirenzepine, and progressive addition spectacle lenses were effective. The most effective interventions were pharmacologic, that is, muscarinic antagonists such as atropine and pirenzepine. Certain specially designed contact lenses, including orthokeratology and peripheral defocus modifying contact lenses, had moderate effects, whereas specially designed spectacle lenses showed minimal effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]