Reimagining the machine learning life cycle to improve educational outcomes of students.

Machine learning (ML) techniques are increasingly prevalent in education, from their use in predicting student dropout to assisting in university admissions and facilitating the rise of massive open online courses (MOOCs). Given the rapid growth of these novel uses, there is a pressing need to investigate how ML techniques support long-standing education principles and goals. In this work, we shed light on this complex landscape drawing on qualitative insights from interviews with education experts. These interviews comprise in-depth evaluations of ML for education (ML4Ed) papers published in preeminent applied ML conferences over the past decade. Our central research goal is to critically examine how the stated or implied education and societal objectives of these papers are aligned with the ML problems they tackle. That is, to what extent does the technical problem formulation, objectives, approach, and interpretation of results align with the education problem at hand? We find that a cross-disciplinary gap exists and is particularly salient in two parts of the ML life cycle: the formulation of an ML problem from education goals and the translation of predictions to interventions. We use these insights to propose an extended ML life cycle, which may also apply to the use of ML in other domains. Our work joins a growing number of meta-analytical studies across education and ML research as well as critical analyses of the societal impact of ML. Specifically, it fills a gap between the prevailing technical understanding of machine learning and the perspective of education researchers working with students and in policy.

Complications, Visual Acuity, and Refractive Error Three Years After Secondary Intraocular Lens implantation for Pediatric Aphakia.

OBJECTIVE: To report the cumulative incidence of complications and describe refractive error and visual acuity (VA) outcomes in children undergoing secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation following previous surgery for non-traumatic cataract. DESIGN: Pediatric cataract registry. PARTICIPANTS: 80 children (108 eyes: 60 bilateral, 48 unilateral) undergoing lensectomy at <13 years of age, followed by secondary IOL implantation at median age (range) of 2.7 (0.6 to 5.0) years for bilateral and 2.1 (0.5 to 6.4) for unilateral cases. METHODS: Annual data collection from medical record review through 5 years following lensectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cumulative incidence of newly emergent complications following secondary IOL implantation; refractive error and VA by 5 years after lensectomy. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up following secondary IOL implantation was 2.5 years (0.8 to 3.3 years). A common complication following secondary IOL implantation was a glaucoma-related adverse event (GRAE: glaucoma or glaucoma suspect); the cumulative incidence was 17% (95% CI: 3%-29%) in bilateral and 12% (95% CI: 0%-23%) in unilateral cases. The cumulative incidence of surgery for visual axis opacification was 2% (95% CI: 0%-7%) for bilateral and 4% (95% CI: 0%-10%) for unilateral cases. Median prediction error (IQR) within 90 days of implantation was 0.88 D (-0.50 D to +3.00 D) less hyperopic than intended among 21 eyes for bilateral cases and 1.50 D (-0.25 D to +2.38 D) less among 19 unilateral cases. Median (IQR) spherical equivalent refractive error at 5 years (median 5.1 years of age) in eyes receiving a secondary IOL was +0.50 D (-2.38 D to +2.94 D) for 48 bilateral and +0.06 D (-2.25 D to +0.75 D) for 22 unilateral cases. Median (IQR) monocular VA at 5 years was 20/63 (20/50-20/100) for bilateral (n=42) and 20/400 (20/160-20/800) for unilateral (n=33) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with secondary IOL implantation have an ongoing risk of new glaucoma-related adverse events. Five years after lensectomy (approximately 2.5 years after secondary IOL implantation), average refractive error was less hyperopic than desired given the anticipated further myopic shift before refraction stabilizes.

Dexamethasone rescues TGF-ß1-mediated ß2-adrenergic receptor dysfunction and attenuates phosphodiesterase 4D expression in human airway smooth muscle cells.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) and ß2-adrenergic receptor (ß2AR) agonists improve asthma outcomes in most patients. GCs also modulate gene expression in human airway smooth muscle (HASM), thereby attenuating airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness that define asthma. Our previous studies showed that the pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor- ß1 (TGF-ß1) increases phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) expression that attenuates agonist-induced levels of intracellular cAMP. Decreased cAMP levels then diminishes ß2 agonist-induced airway relaxation. In the current study, we investigated whether glucocorticoids reverse TGF-ß1-effects on ß2-agonist-induced bronchodilation and modulate pde4d gene expression in HASM. Dexamethasone (DEX) reversed TGF-ß1 effects on cAMP levels induced by isoproterenol (ISO). TGF-ß1 also attenuated G protein-dependent responses to cholera toxin (CTX), a Gαs stimulator downstream from the ß2AR receptor. Previously, we demonstrated that TGF-ß1 treatment increased ß2AR phosphorylation to induce hyporesponsiveness to a ß2 agonist. Our current data shows that expression of grk2/3, kinases associated with attenuation of ß2AR function, are not altered with TGF-ß1 stimulation. Interestingly, DEX also attenuated TGF-ß1-induced pde4d gene expression. These data suggest that steroids may be an effective therapy for treatment of asthma patients whose disease is primarily driven by elevated TGF-ß1 levels.

Optical coherence tomography guided carotid artery stent procedure: technique and potential applications.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) present a guide on how to perform optical coherence tomography (OCT) in carotid artery stenting (CAS), to (2) highlight several instructive cases illustrating OCT-guidance as an interventional strategy, and to (3) present the largest case-series of OCT-guided CAS performed in North America, demonstrating its feasibility as an imaging modality in this setting. BACKGROUND: OCT is an intravascular imaging method that captures images with an axial resolution 10 times higher than intravascular ultrasound. OCT has proven to be a useful modality in coronary angiography and may have similar applications in evaluating carotid atherosclerotic disease. METHODS: We compared our experience in CAS utilizing OCT (40 patients) versus that of CAS without OCT guidance (52 patients). RESULTS: No strokes or deaths occurred in either group postprocedurally or at 12 months. Fluoroscopy time was reduced in the OCT arm (14 ± 1 vs. 16 ± 1 min). Postprocedural creatinine levels were identical (1 ± 0 mg/dl, P = 0.96). Procedure time (96 ± 8 vs. 80 ± 3 min, P = 0.06) and contrast use (94 ± 4 vs. 83 ± 4 ml, P = 0.05) was slightly elevated in the OCT arm. CONCLUSIONS: We established a standardized protocol to consistently obtain OCT images that helped guide interventional decision-making during CAS. OCT imaging in the carotids requires a higher contrast load and prolongs procedure time. However, it can be performed without significant increases in fluoroscopy time or negatively affecting renal function. There were no negative safety signals in this pilot study.

Cataract Surgery in Children from Birth to Less than 13 Years of Age: Baseline Characteristics of the Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To describe baseline characteristics, initial postoperative refractive errors, operative complications, and magnitude of the intraocular lens (IOL) prediction error for refractive outcome in children undergoing lensectomy largely in North America. DESIGN: Prospective registry study of children from birth to <13 years of age who underwent lensectomy for any reason within 45 days preceding enrollment. PARTICIPANTS: Total of 1266 eyes of 994 children; 49% female and 59% white. METHODS: Measurement of refractive error, axial length, and complete ophthalmic examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Eye and systemic associated conditions, IOL style, refractive error, pseudophakic refraction prediction error, operative and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Mean age at first eligible lens surgery was 4.2 years; 337 (34%) were <1 year of age. Unilateral surgery was performed in 584 children (59%). Additional ocular abnormalities were noted in 301 eyes (24%). An IOL was placed in 35 of 460 eyes (8%) when surgery was performed before 1 year of age, in 70 of 90 eyes (78%) from 1 to <2 years of age, and in 645 of 716 eyes (90%) from 2 to <13 years of age. The odds of IOL implantation were greater in children ≥2 years of age than in those <2 years of age (odds ratio = 29.1; P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval: 19.6-43.3). Intraoperative complications were reported for 69 eyes (5%), with the most common being unplanned posterior capsule rupture in 14 eyes, 10 of which had an IOL placed. Prediction error of the implanted IOL was <1.00 diopter in 54% of eyes, but >2.00 diopters in 15% of eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Lensectomy surgery was performed throughout childhood, with about two-thirds of cases performed after 1 year of age. Initial surgery seemed safe, with a low complication rate. IOL placement was nearly universal in children 2 years of age and older. The immediate postoperative refraction was within 1 diopter of the target for about one-half of eyes.

Student Pedagogical Consultants: A Strategy for Increasing Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and a Sense of Belonging in Curricular Approaches in Physical Therapist Education.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diversity within the physical therapy profession lags in comparison to the United States population. As the profession strives to diversify, faculty must pay attention to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI-B) in curricular approaches, including classroom materials, instruction, and assessment. With critical application, students from equity-deserving groups (EDGs) can provide unique perspectives to faculty about curricular approaches. Case study purposes were to 1) enable students from EDGs to partner with faculty, as student pedagogical consultants (SPCs), in 2 courses in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program to provide feedback on DEI-B efforts related to curricular approaches and 2) describe the outcomes of SPCs experience. CASE DESCRIPTION: Eight female students from EDGs partnered with 3 White, female, faculty members in 2 courses: pediatrics and neurorehabilitation. Two SPCs teams observed the classrooms, met with faculty, and administered two-minute papers to classmates to gather feedback on DEI-B curricular approaches. Faculty and student SPCs wrote reflective papers, postproject, documenting their experiences. OUTCOMES: Themes informed a conceptual framework describing SPCs: 1) motivation for engaging in partnership; 2) creation of a pedagogical partnership space to promote dialogue and problem-solve barriers to DEI-B; 3) deeper understanding of teaching; 4) transfer of learning from the SPC experience to future work locations; and 5) faculty modification of teaching. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Students raised awareness regarding the pain of exclusion and provided suggestions for modifying curricular approaches to consider DEI-B. Curriculum redesign using innovative strategies can meet the contemporary needs of students from EDGs.

Digital Health Behavioural Interventions to Support Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Adults after Stroke: A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.

Background: As the global prevalence of stroke continues to rise, it becomes increasingly pressing to investigate digital health behaviour change interventions that promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour for stroke patients to support active lifestyles. Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of digital health interventions in promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour for stroke patients. The secondary aim is to investigate the intervention components that explain intervention effectiveness to further inform intervention development and policy making. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in four databases (Scopus, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and PsychINFO) to identify the most robust evidence in the form of randomised controlled trials of digital interventions for patients with stroke. A random-effects meta-analysis were utilized to quantify the intervention effects on behaviour change, and subgroup analyses to characterise intervention effective components. Results: In total, 16 RCTs were deemed eligible and included in the systematic review. Meta-analyses suggested significant improvements in physical activity (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI 0.17, 0.61, N = 326, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%), and reductions in time of sedentary behaviour (SMD= −0.45, 95% CI −0.76, -0.14, N = 167, p = 0.00, I2 = 0%) after stroke. The 10 m walk test for physical activity, and the timed up and go test for sedentary behaviour, were the objective outcome measures in the most effective behavioural change interventions. Subgroup analyses found that most effective interventions were underpinned by theories of self-regulation and utilised interactive functions to engage patients with the processes of behaviour change. Conclusions: Digital self-monitoring behavioural interventions are effective in promoting physical activity for stroke patients in adjunct to usual care clinical practice and rehabilitation programmes. Rigorous studies are required to provide evidence to disentangle the most effective intervention components for preventative practices and rehabilitation programs and to inform policymaking for stroke treatment.

Investigation of High Molecular Weight Size Variant Formation in Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Microbial Transglutaminase-Mediated Crosslinking.

Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) has become a powerful tool for manufacturing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). It enables site-specific conjugation by catalyzing formation of stable isopeptide bond between glutamine (Q) side chain and primary amine. However, the downstream impact of mTG-mediated conjugation on ADC product quality, especially on high molecular weight (HMW) size variant formation has not been studied in a systematic manner. This study investigates the mechanisms underlying the formation of HMW size variants in mTG-mediated ADCs using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Our findings revealed that the mTG-mediated glutamine and lysine (K) crosslinking is the primary source of the increased level of HMW size variants in the ADCs. In the study, two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with glutamine engineered for site-specific conjugation were used as model systems. Based on the LC-MS analysis, a single lysine (K56) in the heavy chain (HC) was identified as the major Q-K crosslinking site in one of the two mAbs. The HC C-terminal K was observed to crosslink to the target Q in both mAbs. Quantitative correlation was established between the percentage of HMW size variants determined by SEC and the percentage of crosslinked peptides quantified by MS peptide mapping. Importantly, it was demonstrated that the level of HMW size variants in the second ADC was substantially reduced by the complete removal of HC C-terminal K before conjugation. The current work demonstrates that crosslinking and other side reactions during mTG-mediated conjugation needs to be carefully monitored and controlled to ensure process consistency and high product quality of the final ADC drug product.

Dose-Response of Primary Bilateral Medial Rectus Resection in Infantile Exotropia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the dose-response relationship for primary bilateral medial rectus resection in children with exotropia, based on outcomes with this procedure. METHODS: Dose-response at both distance and near were calculated as prism diopters correction per millimeter (PD/mm) of rectus resection. All surgeries were performed under general anesthesia through a fornix incision, using doubled-armed 6-0 polyglactin sutures. The resection amount ranged from 5 to 8 mm in each eye, according to the surgical dosage based on the largest angle of preoperative deviation. RESULTS: The mean surgical dose-response for all procedures was 2.83 ± 1.03 PD/mm of resection at distance and near. The overall success rate was 53% at the final examination after a mean follow-up of 21.9 months. Patients with moderate angles (25 to 45 PD) had a higher success rate than those with 50 PD or greater deviation. CONCLUSIONS: Primary bilateral medial rectus resection should be considered as a surgical alternative in childhood exotropia, particularly for moderate and constant deviations. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(1):24-27.].

Sleep need-dependent changes in functional connectivity facilitate transmission of homeostatic sleep drive.

How the homeostatic drive for sleep accumulates over time and is released remains poorly understood. In Drosophila, we previously identified the R5 ellipsoid body (EB) neurons as putative sleep drive neurons1 and recently described a mechanism by which astrocytes signal to these cells to convey sleep need.2 Here, we examine the mechanisms acting downstream of the R5 neurons to promote sleep. EM connectome data demonstrate that R5 neurons project to EPG neurons.3 Broad thermogenetic activation of EPG neurons promotes sleep, whereas inhibiting these cells reduces homeostatic sleep rebound. Perforated patch-clamp recordings reveal that EPG neurons exhibit elevated spontaneous firing following sleep deprivation, which likely depends on an increase in extrinsic excitatory inputs. Our data suggest that cholinergic R5 neurons participate in the homeostatic regulation of sleep, and epistasis experiments indicate that the R5 neurons act upstream of EPG neurons to promote sleep. Finally, we show that the physical and functional connectivity between the R5 and EPG neurons increases with greater sleep need. Importantly, dual patch-clamp recordings demonstrate that activating R5 neurons induces cholinergic-dependent excitatory postsynaptic responses in EPG neurons. Moreover, sleep loss triggers an increase in the amplitude of these responses, as well as in the proportion of EPG neurons that respond. Together, our data support a model whereby sleep drive strengthens the functional connectivity between R5 and EPG neurons, triggering sleep when a sufficient number of EPG neurons are activated. This process could enable the proper timing of the accumulation and release of sleep drive.

Disability prevalence in midlife (aged 55-65 years): Cross-Country comparisons of gender differences and time trends.

BACKGROUND: Prior literature on disability has centered on disability prevalence among older adults ages 65 and older, providing only limited insight to potential gender differences in disability prevalence in mid-life. Midlife is, however, a critical time to be examined, as it is typically the time in the life course when large inequalities in physical health first emerge. METHODS: Using the Harmonized data files provided by the Gateway to Global Aging Data, we estimate disability prevalence of nationally representative adults ages 55-65 from 23 countries (N = 79,465). We examine gender differences in two disability indicators, limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and activities of daily living (ADLs) in two time periods, 2004/05 and 2014/15. RESULTS: There are substantial cross-country variations in IADL and ADL disability prevalence in midlife. Within countries, we find that women have higher IADL prevalence than men in only one out of five countries. Similarly, for ADL prevalence, women have higher ADL prevalence than men in only one out of ten countries. Further, comparing disability prevalence in two time periods, we observe different country-specific time trends. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of mid and high-income countries, there is no significant gender difference in IADL and ADL prevalence, but there are few countries where women show higher prevalence of disability than men in mid-life. This finding calls for future research into what contributes to cross-country variations.

Trends in Anti-VEGF Injection Medicare Part B Claims among Male and Female Ophthalmologists from 2012-2016.

Background: Compared to male ophthalmologists, female ophthalmologists have significantly reduced salaries, fewer faculty roles and authored publications, garnered less federal research funding, and achieved less editorial advancement. We aimed to use the most recently available Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data to characterize trends and differences in anti-VEGF reimbursements coded for by male and female ophthalmologists.Methods: We used Medicare Fee-For Service Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Part B Provider public use files for 2012-2016 to quantify service and reimbursement patterns for anti-VEGF injections between male and female ophthalmologists. Five outcome variables were studied: number of providers, average Medicare payment amount, total payment, number of services, and number of Medicare beneficiaries.Results: Number of services performed per female provider was 71.2% that of a male ophthalmologist in 2012, and this percentage did not change from 2012 to 2016 (95%CI [0.63, 0.804], [0.984, 1.04], respectively). Female providers had 76.1% of beneficiaries as males in 2012, and this percentage stayed constant throughout the years (95%CI [0.69, 0.84] and [0.99, 1.03], respectively). The total payment difference between female and males was $102,175 per provider in 2012, and this gap widened by $18,292 yearly (95% CI [-162599.17, -41760.47], [-33060.35, -3524.38], respectively).Conclusion: While male and female providers saw considerable increases in aflibercept services and payments in the 5-year period, the gap between male and female reimbursements widened significantly. Moving forward, analysis of large-scale Medicare datasets provides a tangible report card on how effective our attitudes and policies are in cultivating equal opportunity.

A pilot randomized trial of contrast-rebalanced binocular treatment for deprivation amblyopia.

BACKGROUND: Binocular neural architecture may be preserved in children with deprivation amblyopia due to unilateral cataract. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a contrast-rebalanced binocular treatment, recently used with success to treat the interocular suppression and amblyopia in strabismic and anisometropic children, can contribute to rehabilitation of visual acuity in children with deprivation amblyopia secondary to monocular cataract. METHODS: In a pilot randomized trial, 15 children (4-13 years of age) were enrolled and randomized to continue with their current treatment only (n = 7) or to continue with their current treatment and add contrast-rebalanced binocular iPad game play 5 hours/week for 4 weeks (n = 8). The primary outcome was change in visual acuity at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Although 10 of 15 participants were patching, there was little change in visual acuity during the 3 months prior to enrollment. At the 4-week primary outcome visit, the mean improvement in visual acuity for the binocular game group was significantly greater than that for the current-treatment group (0.08 ± 0.10 logMAR vs -0.03 ± 0.05 logMAR [t10.2 = 2.53, P = 0.03]). None of the children who had dense congenital cataract achieved improved visual acuity with binocular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this study cohort, visual acuity improved over 8 weeks in children with unilateral deprivation amblyopia who played a binocular contrast-rebalanced binocular iPad game.

Colonoscopy withdrawal time and polyp/adenoma detection rate: a single-site retrospective study in regional Queensland.

BACKGROUNDS: Bowel cancer is the second most common non-cutaneous cancer diagnosed in Australia among both genders. Colonoscopy withdrawal time of at least 6 min has been accepted as the standard to achieve the target polyp detection rate (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR). A retrospective review was conducted in Bundaberg Hospital to evaluate the relationship between colonoscopy withdrawal time against polyp, adenoma and cancer detection rates. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in Bundaberg Hospital on patients who had colonoscopies performed between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2017 by the general surgical team. Data collection was conducted by reviewing patient charts, general practitioner referral letters and endoscopy reports. Statistical analysis was performed with chi-squared test using Prism 8.2.1. RESULTS: A total of 1579 colonoscopies were analysed. The median age of patients undergoing a colonoscopy was 64 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 60.55-61.93). Median total duration of colonoscopy was 19 min (95% CI 20.9-22.0), with median withdrawal time of 9 min (95% CI 10.06-10.95). PDR, ADR and sessile serrated adenoma (SSA) detection rates were 43.3%, 33.1% and 5.4%, respectively. Cancer detection rate was 2.8%. Longer withdrawal times were associated with higher PDR, ADR and SSA detection rates (P < 0.0001) and higher mean number of polyp/adenoma/SSA detected. CONCLUSION: Colonoscopies with withdrawal times of less than 6 min did not achieve the target detection rates. It is clear that achieving the advocated withdrawal time for screening colonoscopy improves detection rates.

Binocular reading in children following extraction of a dense congenital or infantile unilateral cataract.

BACKGROUND: Reading relies on ocular motor function, requiring sequential eye movements (forward and regressive saccades). Binocularly discordant input from a dense congenital or infantile cataract is associated with ocular motor dysfunction and may affect the development of reading ability. The purpose of this study was to assess silent, binocular reading in children treated for unilateral congenital or infantile cataract. METHODS: Twenty school-age children (age range, 7-13 years) treated for unilateral congenital (n = 9) or infantile (n = 11) cataract and 49 age-similar control children silently read a grade-appropriate paragraph during binocular viewing. Reading rate (words/min) and the number of forward and regressive saccades (per 100 words) were recorded using the ReadAlyzer. RESULTS: Reading rate in children treated for a unilateral cataract did not differ significantly from controls (174 ± 59 words/min vs 195 ± 54 words/min; P = 0.1). However, they did have significantly more forward saccades (101 ± 33 saccades/100 words vs 87 ± 21 saccades/100 words; P = 0.03) but not regressive saccades (21 ± 14 saccades/100 words vs 16 ± 8 saccades/100 words; P = 0.1) compared with controls. Reading rate was not related to cataract type (congenital vs infantile), visual acuity outcome (poor vs good), or sensory fusion (fail vs pass; all P ≥ 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Reading rate of children treated for a dense unilateral cataract did not differ from that of controls. Increased forward saccades during reading may be due to fixation instability associated with fusion maldevelopment nystagmus prevalent in children following cataract extraction.

Self-perception in Preschool Children With Deprivation Amblyopia and Its Association With Deficits in Vision and Fine Motor Skills.

Importance: Although the development of self-perception and self-esteem has been investigated in children with strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia, we know little about how self-perception is affected in deprivation amblyopia. Deprivation amblyopia from a dense, unilateral cataract is the least common and typically most severe form of amblyopia. After cataract extraction, optical correction, and patching treatment for amblyopia, visual acuity almost always remains abnormal, and except in rare cases, stereoacuity is nearly always nil. Objective: To determine whether deprivation amblyopia is associated with altered self-perception in preschool children and to determine whether any differences in self-perception are associated with vision or motor skill deficits. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cross-sectional study conducted from 2016 to 2019 at a pediatric vision research laboratory. Children aged 3 to 6 years were enrolled, including 15 children with deprivation amblyopia and 20 control children. Main Outcomes and Measures: Self-perception was assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Competence and Acceptance for Young Children, which includes 4 specific domains: cognitive competence, peer acceptance, physical competence, and maternal acceptance. Fine motor skills were evaluated with the Manual Dexterity and Aiming & Catching Scales of the Movement ABC-2 test. Visual acuity and stereoacuity also were assessed. Results: Of the 35 children included, 13 of 35 were girls (37%) and 28 of 35 were non-Hispanic White (80%). Children with deprivation amblyopia had significantly lower peer acceptance and physical competence scores compared with control children (mean [SD], 2.80 [0.44] vs 3.25 [0.33]; mean difference, 0.45; 95% CI for difference, 0.19-0.71; P = .002 and 2.94 [0.45] vs 3.41 [0.37]; mean difference, 0.47; 95% CI for difference, 0.19-0.75; P = .002, respectively). Among children with amblyopia, moderate associations were found between self-perception domain scores and motor skills, including peer acceptance and manual dexterity (r = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.26-0.89; P = .005), peer acceptance and aiming (r = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.03-0.82; P = .03), and physical competence and aiming (r = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.06-0.83; P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance: Lower self-perception of peer acceptance and physical competence were associated with early visual deprivation in children in their everyday life.

Phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildew on Viburnum species.

The phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildew on Viburnum species is evaluated and discussed. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses revealed two new species and demonstrated that Erysiphe hedwigii and E. viburni should be reduced to synonymy and are referred to herein as E. viburni. The two new species, E. viburniphila and E. pseudoviburni, previously hidden under E. viburni (including E. hedwigii), is described on the basis of European, North American, and East Asian powdery mildew collections on Viburnum edule, V. tinus, V. odoratissimum var. awabuki, and V. sieboldii. The sexual morph of E. viburniphila is similar to that of E. viburni; however, morphological differences exist in their asexual morphs. Analyses of sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S genomic regions of Erysiphe species obtained on Viburnum species (and other closely allied Eryisphe species) throughout the world reveled that E. viburniphila and E. pseudoviburni are in two different monophyletic groups that are separate from all other Erysiphe species. Erysiphe hedwigii and E. viburni on Viburnum species have often been recognized as separate species based on morphological differences in the size of their chasmothecia and the number of chasmothecial appendages. Taxonomic conclusions based on these morphological distinctions within these species are unreliable (these characters are rather variable and often have overlapping ranges). The present phylogenetic analyses suggest that E. hedwigii has to be reduced to synonymy with E. viburni. To fix the application of the species names E. hedwigii and E. viburni, epitypes have been designated for these taxa with ex-epitype sequences. Additionally, the Asian species E. miranda is phylogenetically confirmed as a species of its own, described in detail and discussed.

Impaired fine motor skills in children following extraction of a dense congenital or infantile unilateral cataract.

PURPOSE: To evaluate fine motor ability in children treated for unilateral congenital or infantile cataract. METHODS: Twenty-three children 3-13 years of age who were treated for unilateral congenital or infantile cataract and 38 age-similar control children were enrolled. Children completed five fine motor skills tasks (unimanual dexterity, bimanual dexterity, drawing trail, aiming, catching) from the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Raw scores were converted into standardized scores, with higher scores indicating better performance. RESULTS: Compared with controls, children treated for unilateral cataract scored lower on drawing trail (P = 0.009), aiming (P = 0.009), and catching (P < 0.001) but not on unimanual (P = 0.77) or bimanual dexterity (P = 0.31). Poorer affected eye visual acuity was moderately related to poorer performance for unimanual dexterity (r = -0.47; P = 0.025), bimanual dexterity (r = -0.50; P = 0.014), and catching (r = -0.41; P = 0.051). Those with a poor visual outcome (>0.6 logMAR) had worse performance than those with a good visual outcome (≤0.6 logMAR) for all tasks (all P values, 0.008-0.09) except aiming. Cataract type (congenital, 9; infantile, 14) and sensory fusion by Worth 4-Dot testing at 33 cm (pass, 10; fail, 13) had no effect on fine motor performance (all P values, 0.12-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, fine motor deficits were found in children treated for congenital or infantile unilateral cataract.