Vision impairment and blindness in individuals aged 60 years and older in Latin America and the Caribbean / Discapacidad visual y ceguera en personas mayores de 60 años en América Latina y el Caribe / Deficiência visual e cegueira em indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais na América Latina e no Caribe

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To determine the prevalence and causes of vision loss and calculate the effective cataract surgery coverage (eCSC) in adults aged 60 years and older in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020. Methods. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Vision Atlas and the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness databases were used as data source. The collected data were used to estimate the prevalence and causes of vision loss in people aged 60 years and older, and to determine the eCSC. Results. The overall prevalence of moderate to severe vision impairment (MSVI) and blindness in Latin America and the Caribbean were 14.14% and 2.94%, respectively. Tropical Latin America was the subregion with the highest prevalence of blindness (3.89%) while Southern Latin America had the lowest (0.96%). For both MSVI and blindness, cataract was the main cause of vision loss. The eCSC rates showed great variation, ranging from 4.0% in Guatemala to 75.2% in Suriname. Conclusions. The prevalence of vision loss in adults aged 60 years and older in Latin America and the Caribbean was higher than previous estimates on younger groups. Cataract was the main cause of blindness, and the eCSC indicates that the outcomes from cataract surgery should be improved. Specific actions associated with improving access, integrating eye assessment with primary care programs, expanding the use of telemedicine, and improving data quality should be taken by public health authorities aiming to address vision loss in this group.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia y las causas de la pérdida de visión y calcular la cobertura efectiva de la cirugía de las cataratas en personas mayores de 60 años en América Latina y el Caribe en el 2020. Métodos. Se utilizaron como fuentes la base de datos del Atlas de la Visión de la Agencia Internacional para la Prevención de la Ceguera y la de Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness [evaluación rápida de la ceguera evitable]. Los datos recopilados se utilizaron para estimar la prevalencia y las causas de la pérdida de visión en personas mayores de 60 años y para determinar la cobertura efectiva de la cirugía de las cataratas. Resultados. La prevalencia general de la discapacidad visual moderada a grave y de la ceguera en América Latina y el Caribe fue del 14,14% y el 2,94%, respectivamente. La subregión de América Latina tropical presentó la mayor prevalencia de ceguera (3,89%), mientras que la de América Latina austral registró la menor (0,96%). Tanto en el caso de la discapacidad visual moderada a grave como en el de la ceguera, la causa principal de pérdida de visión fueron las cataratas. Hubo grandes diferencias en la tasa de cobertura efectiva de la cirugía de las cataratas, con valores que iban del 4,0% en Guatemala al 75,2% en Suriname. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de la pérdida de visión en personas mayores de 60 años en América Latina y el Caribe fue superior a la indicada por las estimaciones anteriores en grupos de menor edad. Las cataratas fueron la principal causa de ceguera, y la cobertura efectiva de la cirugía de las cataratas indica la necesidad de mejorar los resultados de estas intervenciones. Las autoridades de salud pública que pretendan abordar la pérdida de visión en este grupo deben adoptar medidas específicas que se asocien a una mejora del acceso, la integración de las exploraciones oftalmológicas en los programas de atención primaria, la ampliación del uso de la telemedicina y la mejora de la calidad de los datos.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Determinar a prevalência e as causas da perda de visão e calcular a cobertura efetiva da cirurgia de catarata em adultos com 60 anos ou mais na América Latina e no Caribe em 2020. Métodos. Foram usadas as bases de dados do Atlas da Visão da Agência Internacional para a Prevenção da Cegueira e da Avaliação Rápida da Cegueira Evitável (RAAB, na sigla em inglês) como fonte de dados. Os dados coletados foram usados para estimar a prevalência e as causas da perda de visão em pessoas com 60 anos ou mais e para determinar a cobertura efetiva da cirurgia de catarata. Resultados. A prevalência global de deficiência visual moderada a grave e cegueira na América Latina e no Caribe foi de 14,14% e 2,94%, respectivamente. A América Latina Tropical foi a sub-região com a maior prevalência de cegueira (3,89%), ao passo que a América Latina Meridional teve a menor prevalência (0,96%). Tanto na deficiência visual moderada a grave quanto na cegueira, a catarata foi a principal causa da perda de visão. As taxas de cobertura efetiva da cirurgia de catarata variaram muito, desde 4,0% na Guatemala até 75,2% no Suriname. Conclusões. A prevalência da perda de visão em adultos com 60 anos ou mais na América Latina e no Caribe foi maior do que as estimativas anteriores em grupos de indivíduos mais jovens. A catarata foi a principal causa de cegueira, e a cobertura efetiva da cirurgia de catarata indica que os desfechos dessa cirurgia precisam ser melhorados. Medidas específicas associadas à melhoria do acesso, à integração da avaliação oftalmológica aos programas de atenção primária, à expansão do uso da telemedicina e à melhoria da qualidade dos dados devem ser adotadas pelas autoridades de saúde pública com o objetivo de enfrentar a perda de visão nesse grupo.

Goat Cheese Produced with Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seed Extract and a Native Culture of Limosilactobacillus mucosae: Characterization and Probiotic Survival.

The microbiological and biochemical properties of a goat cheese produced using Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed extract as a coagulant and the potentially probiotic autochthonous culture Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 were examined in comparison to a control cheese devoid of the autochthonous culture. Throughout a 60-day storage period at 6 ± 1 °C, lactobacilli maintained a count of above 8 log CFU/g. Additionally, its viability in cheeses subjected to the in vitro gastrointestinal conditions demonstrated improvement over this period. Specifically, the recovery of lactobacilli above 6 log CFU/g was observed in 16.66% of the samples in the first day, increasing to 66.66% at both 30 and 60 days. While total coliforms were detected in both cheese trials, this sanitary parameter exhibited a decline in L. mucosae cheeses during storage, falling below the method threshold (<3 MPN/g) at 60 days. This observation suggests a potential biopreservative effect exerted by this microorganism, likely attributed to the higher acidity of L. mucosae cheeses at that point (1.80 g/100 g), which was twice that of the control trial (0.97 g/100 g). Furthermore, distinct relative proportions of >30 kDa, 30-20 kDa, and <20 kDa proteins during storage was verified for L. mucosae and control cheeses. Consequently, either the H. annuus seed extract or the L. mucosae CNPC007 autochthonous culture influenced the biochemical properties of the cheese, particularly in terms of proteolysis. Moreover, L. mucosae CNPC007 acidification property resulted in a biopreservative effect throughout the storage period, indicating the potential as a promising source of probiotics for this product.

Influence of gender on clinical presentation, management practices and outcomes of ocular syphilis.

Ocular syphilis is a re-emerging inflammatory eye disease with a clear gender imbalance, disproportionately affecting men. We investigated the impact of gender on the presentation, management practices and clinical outcomes of this condition. Data generated from a study of patients consecutively diagnosed with ocular syphilis who attended a subspecialist uveitis service at one of four hospitals in Brazil over a 30-month period were disaggregated for analysis by gender. Two-hundred and fourteen eyes (161 men and 53 women) of 127 patients (96 men and 31 women) were included. Posterior uveitis was the most common presentation in both men and women (80.1% vs. 66.7%, p > 0.05), but men were significantly more likely to have vitritis as a feature of their disease (49.4% versus 28.8%, p = 0.019). Three eyes of women had nodular anterior scleritis (p = 0.015). Men were more likely to undergo a lumbar puncture to assess for neurosyphilis (71.9% vs. 51.6%, p = 0.048), but men and women undergoing a lumbar puncture were equally likely to have a cerebrospinal fluid abnormality (36.2% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.393). All patients were treated with aqueous penicillin G or ceftriaxone, and there was a trend towards more men receiving adjunctive systemic corticosteroid treatment as part of their management (65.2% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.071). There were no significant differences in the age of presentation, bilaterality of disease, anatomical classification of uveitis, initial or final visual acuity, and rates of ocular complications between men and women. Our findings indicate that ocular syphilis has comparable outcomes in men and women, but that there are differences in the type of ocular inflammation and management practices between the genders.

Vision impairment and blindness in individuals aged 60 years and older in Latin America and the Caribbean / Discapacidad visual y ceguera en personas mayores de 60 años en América Latina y el Caribe / Deficiência visual e cegueira em indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais na América Latina e no Caribe

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the prevalence and causes of vision loss and calculate the effective cataract surgery coverage (eCSC) in adults aged 60 years and older in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020. Methods. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Vision Atlas and the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness databases were used as data source. The collected data were used to estimate the prevalence and causes of vision loss in people aged 60 years and older, and to determine the eCSC. Results. The overall prevalence of moderate to severe vision impairment (MSVI) and blindness in Latin America and the Caribbean were 14.14% and 2.94%, respectively. Tropical Latin America was the subregion with the highest prevalence of blindness (3.89%) while Southern Latin America had the lowest (0.96%). For both MSVI and blindness, cataract was the main cause of vision loss. The eCSC rates showed great variation, ranging from 4.0% in Guatemala to 75.2% in Suriname. Conclusions. The prevalence of vision loss in adults aged 60 years and older in Latin America and the Caribbean was higher than previous estimates on younger groups. Cataract was the main cause of blindness, and the eCSC indicates that the outcomes from cataract surgery should be improved. Specific actions associated with improving access, integrating eye assessment with primary care programs, expanding the use of telemedicine, and improving data quality should be taken by public health authorities aiming to address vision loss in this group.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia y las causas de la pérdida de visión y calcular la cobertura efectiva de la cirugía de las cataratas en personas mayores de 60 años en América Latina y el Caribe en el 2020. Métodos. Se utilizaron como fuentes la base de datos del Atlas de la Visión de la Agencia Internacional para la Prevención de la Ceguera y la de Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness [evaluación rápida de la ceguera evitable]. Los datos recopilados se utilizaron para estimar la prevalencia y las causas de la pérdida de visión en personas mayores de 60 años y para determinar la cobertura efectiva de la cirugía de las cataratas. Resultados. La prevalencia general de la discapacidad visual moderada a grave y de la ceguera en América Latina y el Caribe fue del 14,14% y el 2,94%, respectivamente. La subregión de América Latina tropical presentó la mayor prevalencia de ceguera (3,89%), mientras que la de América Latina austral registró la menor (0,96%). Tanto en el caso de la discapacidad visual moderada a grave como en el de la ceguera, la causa principal de pérdida de visión fueron las cataratas. Hubo grandes diferencias en la tasa de cobertura efectiva de la cirugía de las cataratas, con valores que iban del 4,0% en Guatemala al 75,2% en Suriname. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de la pérdida de visión en personas mayores de 60 años en América Latina y el Caribe fue superior a la indicada por las estimaciones anteriores en grupos de menor edad. Las cataratas fueron la principal causa de ceguera, y la cobertura efectiva de la cirugía de las cataratas indica la necesidad de mejorar los resultados de estas intervenciones. Las autoridades de salud pública que pretendan abordar la pérdida de visión en este grupo deben adoptar medidas específicas que se asocien a una mejora del acceso, la integración de las exploraciones oftalmológicas en los programas de atención primaria, la ampliación del uso de la telemedicina y la mejora de la calidad de los datos.

RESUMO Objetivo. Determinar a prevalência e as causas da perda de visão e calcular a cobertura efetiva da cirurgia de catarata em adultos com 60 anos ou mais na América Latina e no Caribe em 2020. Métodos. Foram usadas as bases de dados do Atlas da Visão da Agência Internacional para a Prevenção da Cegueira e da Avaliação Rápida da Cegueira Evitável (RAAB, na sigla em inglês) como fonte de dados. Os dados coletados foram usados para estimar a prevalência e as causas da perda de visão em pessoas com 60 anos ou mais e para determinar a cobertura efetiva da cirurgia de catarata. Resultados. A prevalência global de deficiência visual moderada a grave e cegueira na América Latina e no Caribe foi de 14,14% e 2,94%, respectivamente. A América Latina Tropical foi a sub-região com a maior prevalência de cegueira (3,89%), ao passo que a América Latina Meridional teve a menor prevalência (0,96%). Tanto na deficiência visual moderada a grave quanto na cegueira, a catarata foi a principal causa da perda de visão. As taxas de cobertura efetiva da cirurgia de catarata variaram muito, desde 4,0% na Guatemala até 75,2% no Suriname. Conclusões. A prevalência da perda de visão em adultos com 60 anos ou mais na América Latina e no Caribe foi maior do que as estimativas anteriores em grupos de indivíduos mais jovens. A catarata foi a principal causa de cegueira, e a cobertura efetiva da cirurgia de catarata indica que os desfechos dessa cirurgia precisam ser melhorados. Medidas específicas associadas à melhoria do acesso, à integração da avaliação oftalmológica aos programas de atenção primária, à expansão do uso da telemedicina e à melhoria da qualidade dos dados devem ser adotadas pelas autoridades de saúde pública com o objetivo de enfrentar a perda de visão nesse grupo.

Impact of minimum distance constraints on sheet metal waste for plasma cutting.

We approached the two-dimensional rectangular strip packing problem (2D-SPP), where the main goal is to pack a given number of rectangles without any overlap to minimize the height of the strip. Real-life constraints must be considered when developing 2D-SPP algorithms to deliver solutions that will improve the cutting processes. In the 2D-SPP literature, a gap related to studies approaching constraints in real-life scenarios was identified. Therefore, the impact of real-life constraints found in the plasma cutting process in sheet metal waste was analyzed. A mathematical model from the literature was modified to obtain packing arrangements with plasma cutting constraints. The combination of size and number of rectangles, as well as strip width, was the main factor that affected the packing arrangement, limiting the allocation of rectangles and generating empty spaces. In summary, considering the sheet metal waste context, instances with smaller widths should be avoided in practical operations for high minimum distance constraint values, returning the worst packing arrangements. For low minimum distance constraint values, smaller width instances can be used in practical operations, as the packing arrangement is acceptable. Finally, this article can reduce material waste and enhance the cutting process in the sheet metal industry, by showing packing characteristics which lead to higher amounts of raw material waste.

Vision-related quality of life in patients treated for ocular syphilis.

Multiple studies have showed negative impact of non-infectious uveitis on quality of life (QoL). Less is understood regarding life experiences in patients with infectious uveitis. We investigated vision-related QoL in individuals who had recovered from ocular syphilis. 32 adults treated for ocular syphilis at a uveitis service in Brazil completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25), and a comprehensive ophthalmic examination was performed. Medical records were reviewed to confirm resolution of ocular inflammation for 3 months pre-enrolment, and collect clinical data. The NEI VFQ-25 composite score was low overall (75.5 ± 19.8, mean ± standard deviation), and subscale scores varied from relative lows of 59.1 ± 39.6 (driving) and 60.9 ± 24.5 (mental health), to relative highs of 84.8 ± 21.8 (ocular) and 89.1 ± 21.0 (color vision). Adults aged over 40 years and those with a final visual acuity of 20/50 or worse had significantly lower mean composite and subscale scores. Other clinical characteristics-including gender, HIV co-infection, and type of uveitis-did not significantly influence scores. Our findings, taken in context with previous observations that prompt recognition achieves better vision outcomes, suggest early treatment may improve QoL after recovery from ocular syphilis.

Regional Disparities in Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment and Blindness, Cataract Surgical Coverage and Ocular Findings in Adults 50 Years and Older in Brazil: A Comparative Analysis between Two Population-Based Cross-Sectional Surveys Performed Within a 10-Year Interval.

PURPOSE: To investigate disparities in the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness, cataract surgical coverage, and ocular findings in older adults from two Brazilian geo-socio-demographic areas, São Paulo and Parintins cities. METHODS: Data from two population-based studies including participants 50 years and older from the cities of São Paulo (São Paulo Eye Study - SPES, 2004) and Parintins (Brazilian Amazon Region Eye Survey - BARES, 2014) were aggregated. RESULTS: A total of 5318 participants (3677 from SPES;1641 from BARES) were included. The prevalence of severe visual impairment (SVI) and blindness were, respectively, 0.74% (0.46-1.02) and 0.77% (0.48-1.05) in SPES and 1.72% (1.09-2.35) and 3.44% (2.55-4.33) in BARES. SVI and blindness were associated with BARES study [OR = 2.27 (1.30-3.95); p = .004 - SVI] [OR:4.07 (2.51-6.60); p < .001- blindness]; and older age [OR = 10.93 (4.20-28.45); p < .001 - SPES; OR = 17.96 (8.75-36.83); p < .001 - BARES] while higher education level was a protective factor [OR = 0.21 (0.05-0.95) - SPES; p = .042; OR = 0.21 (0.05-0.91); p = .037 - BARES]. Cataract was the main cause of bilateral severe visual impairment (25.93% in SPES and 64.29% in BARES) and bilateral blindness (21.43% in SPES and 35.71% in BARES). Cataract surgical coverage was significantly lower in BARES (36.32%) compared to SPES (57.75%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SVI and blindness was three times higher in older adults from the Brazilian Amazon compared to those living in São Paulo city, despite a 10-year interval between the two studies. These disparities should be mitigated by initiatives to promote access to eye care services targeting underprivileged and remote Brazilian areas.

Impact of pterygium on central corneal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography in older adults.

PURPOSE: To measure the central corneal thickness (CCT) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in older adults with and without pterygium from the Brazilian Amazon Region Eye Survey (BARES). METHODS: BARES is a population-based epidemiological cross-sectional study conducted in Parintins city. Participants were residents ≥45 years of age identified through a door-to-door interview. Eligible participants were invited for a comprehensive eye exam. Pterygium occurrence and severity were assessed by ophthalmologists through slit-lamp examination considering its location (nasal or/and temporal) and severity (lesion with extension <3 mm, ≥3 mm not reaching the pupillary margin or ≥3 mm reaching the pupillary margin). CCTs were obtained and measurements from the more severely affected eye were included. Images were analyzed offline by masked observers. RESULTS: A total of 671 subjects, 533 (79.4%) with pterygium in at least one eye and 138 (20.6%) without pterygium in either eye, were examined. The mean CCT evaluated by multiple linear regression and adjusted for demographic variables and pterygium severity was 521 ± 34 µm (median = 521; range = 304-665). Decreased CCT was significantly associated with age and pterygium severity. Individuals aged 65-74 years had CCT 7 µm thinner than those aged 45-54 years (p = 0.044), individuals aged 75 years and older had CCT 15 µm thinner than those aged 45-54 years (p = 0.001), and eyes with severe pterygium had CCT 33 µm thinner than eyes without pterygium (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CCT analysis in this population-based sample shows that a thinner cornea is associated with pterygium severity and older age.

Congenital ocular toxoplasmosis in consecutive siblings / Toxoplasmose ocular congênita em irmãos consecutivos

ABSTRACT Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause ocular manifestations after acquired and congenital disease. We report two cases of symptomatic congenital toxoplasmosis with ocular involvement in non-twin siblings, with a 2-year interval between pregnancies. Vertical transmission of toxoplasmosis in successive pregnancies, which was once considered impossible, is now found to be plausible even in immunocompetent subjects.

RESUMO A infecção pelo Toxoplasma gondii pode causar manifestações oculares tanto após a sua forma congênita quanto a sua forma adquirida. Reportamos aqui dois casos de toxoplasmose congênita sintomática com envolvimento ocular em irmãos não gêmeos, com intervalo de 2 anos entre gestações. A transmissão vertical da toxoplasmose em gestações sucessivas, outrora considerada impossível, é um evento plausível mesmo em indivíduos imunocompetentes.

Causes of functional low vision in a Brazilian rehabilitation service.

There is limited information on functional low vision (FLV) in Latin America, especially in individuals under 50 years of age. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 1393 consecutive subjects seen at a Brazilian tertiary rehabilitation service, from February 2009 to June 2016. We collected sociodemographic, clinical data, and information on optical aids and spectacle prescription. Subjects were divided into three age groups: 0 to 14 years old (children), 15 to 49 years old (young adults), and 50 years or older (older adults). The main etiologies leading to FLV in children were cerebral visual impairment (27.9%), ocular toxoplasmosis (8.2%), and retinopathy of prematurity (7.8%). In young adults, retinitis pigmentosa (7.4%) and cone/rod dystrophy (6.5%) were the most frequent, while in older adults, age-related macular degeneration (25.3%) and diabetic retinopathy (18.0%) were the leading causes. Our results indicate that preventable diseases are important causes of FLV in children in the area, and proper prenatal care could reduce their burden. The increasing life expectancy in Latin America and the diabetes epidemic are likely to increase the demand for affordable, people-centered rehabilitation centers, and their integration into health services should be planned accordingly.

Congenital ocular toxoplasmosis in consecutive siblings.

Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause ocular manifestations after acquired and congenital disease. We report two cases of symptomatic congenital toxoplasmosis with ocular involvement in non-twin siblings, with a 2-year interval between pregnancies. Vertical transmission of toxoplasmosis in successive pregnancies, which was once considered impossible, is now found to be plausible even in immunocompetent subjects.

Primary glaucomas in adults: Epidemiology and public health-A review.

Glaucoma is a mixed group of optic neuropathies that lead to irreversible visual field loss and blindness if left untreated. It is estimated that 3.5% of the global population aged 40 to 80 years have any glaucoma, being the primary open-angle and the primary angle-closure glaucoma the most prevalent forms. Although the age-standardised prevalence of blindness caused by glaucoma has decreased substantially over the last decades, population growth and ageing impose many challenges in preventing glaucoma-related morbidities on a global level. In addition, difficulties in diagnoses and treatment, along with its chronic and irreversible nature, urge the development and implementation of innovative approaches in confronting the disease. This manuscript reviews recent literature related to the epidemiology of primary glaucomas in adults, the risk factors attributed to the development of the disease, and discuss challenges and potential solutions from a public health perspective.

Ocular Adverse Events following Yellow Fever Vaccination: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe four cases of ocular adverse events resembling intraocular inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions following yellow fever vaccination (YFV) during a recent yellow fever (YF) outbreak in Brazil. METHODS: Charts of patients diagnosed with ocular adverse events after YFV between January 2017 and January 2019 at two tertiary referral centers in Brazil. RESULTS: Four patients (two adults and two children) are reported. Case 1 presented with typical findings of central serous chorioretinopathy which resolved spontaneously; case 2 was diagnosed with acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease; cases 3 and 4 had bilateral diffuse retinal vasculitis. In the absence of infectious and noninfectious disorders, the temporal association between stand-alone YFV and onset of ocular symptoms within 15 days was interpreted as evidence of causation. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of the wide spectrum of possible ocular adverse reactions to stand-alone YFV.

Prevalence of ocular findings regardless of visual acuity status in older adults from the Brazilian Amazon Region.

Recently, it has been recommended that population-based studies report not only frequencies of vision impairment and blindness but also any ocular abnormalities that might lead an individual to seek for eyecare services. The current study aimed to determine prevalence of ocular findings regardless of visual acuity (VA) status in older adults from the Brazilian Amazon Region. Disturbances were grouped into: Eyelids; Anterior Segment; Posterior Segment; Increased intraocular pressure; and Overall Globe. The presence of an ocular finding was considered positive when any abnormality was noted, regardless of VA. Refractive errors were not considered. A total 2384 eligible persons were enumerated and 2041 (85.6%) examined. The prevalence of ocular disturbances in either eye was 87.0% and was associated with male gender, older age, lower education, and rural residence. Overall, main findings were pterygium, cataract, and pinguecula, occurring in 58.8%, 45.4% and 17.4%, respectively. Among individuals with 20/20 VA in both eyes, the most frequent findings were pterygium, pinguecula, and glaucoma cupping, occurring in 47.4%, 31.2% and 6.5%, respectively. The high prevalence of ocular findings observed in this population reinforces that different conditions might not immediately decrease VA but can indicate risk and/or discomfort symptoms and should be considered when planning public health ophthalmic services.

Treatment of noninfectious uveitis / Tratamento das uveítes não-infecciosas

ABSTRACT Uveitis is a broad term that refers to a large group of eye disorders categorized by intraocular inflammation, a leading cause of visual impairment. Historically, treatment of noninfectious uveitis has depended on corticosteroid drugs. Owing to the myriad of side effects caused by corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapy has become the preferred treatment for chronic noninfectious intraocular inflammation. Recently, biological response modifiers have established a new era in uveitis therapy, with the range of targets continuing to expand. In this review, we aimed to convey up-to-date information on the treatment of noninfectious uveitis to the general ophthalmologist.

RESUMO Uveíte é um termo amplo utilizado para denominar várias desordens categorizadas como inflamação intraocular, uma causa importante de deficiência visual. Historicamente, o tratamento das uveítes não infecciosas baseou-se no uso de corticosteróides. Devido aos diversos efeitos colaterais do uso de corticosteróides a longo prazo, a terapia imunomoduladora é indicada no tratamento das uveítes não infecciosas crônicas. A introdução dos medicamentos biológicos estabeleceu uma nova era no tratamento das uveítes, com constante desenvolvimento de novas drogas. O objetivo desta revisão é trazer informações atuais sobre tratamento das uveítes não infecciosas para a prática clínica do oftalmologista geral.

Data mining and knowledge discovery in databases for urban solid waste management: A scientific literature review.

The processes related to solid waste management (SWM) are being revised as new technologies emerge and are applied in the area to achieve greater environmental, social and economic sustainability for society. To achieve our goal, two robust review protocols (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Context (PICOC) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)) were used to systematically analyze 62 documents extracted from the Web of Science database to identify the main techniques and tools for Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) and Data Mining (DM) as applied to SWM and explore the technological potential to optimize the stages of collecting and transporting waste. Moreover, it was possible to analyze the main challenges and opportunities of KDD and DM for SWM. The results show that the most used tools for SWM are MATLAB (29.7%) and GIS (13.5%), whereas the most used techniques are Artificial Neural Networks (35.8%), Linear Regression (16.0%) and Support Vector Machine (12.3%). In addition, 15.3% of the studies were conducted with data from China, 11.1% from India and 9.7% of the studies analyzed and compared data from several other countries. Furthermore, the research showed that the main challenges in the field of study are related to the collection and treatment of data, whereas the opportunities appear to be linked mainly to the impact on the pillars of sustainable development. Thus, this study portrays important issues associated with the use of KDD and DM for optimal SWM and has the potential to assist and direct researchers and field professionals in future studies.

Treatment of noninfectious uveitis.

Uveitis is a broad term that refers to a large group of eye disorders categorized by intraocular inflammation, a leading cause of visual impairment. Historically, treatment of noninfectious uveitis has depended on corticosteroid drugs. Owing to the myriad of side effects caused by corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapy has become the preferred treatment for chronic noninfectious intraocular inflammation. Recently, biological response modifiers have established a new era in uveitis therapy, with the range of targets continuing to expand. In this review, we aimed to convey up-to-date information on the treatment of noninfectious uveitis to the general ophthalmologist.

Microperimetry differences in macular sensitivity threshold between first and second tested eyes / Diferenças no limiar de sensibilidade macular na microperimetria entre o primeiro e o segundo olhos testados

ABSTRACT Purpose: To comparatively assess the macular sensitivity threshold of microperimetry and the fixation stability between the first (right) and second (left) tested eye of normal participants. Methods: Thirty healthy patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The participants underwent microperimetry in the fast mode and expert mode in groups I and II, respectively. Each participant underwent a single test and the right eye was tested first. Results: The mean macular sensitivity threshold (± standard deviation [SD]) was 24.5 ± 2.3 dB and 25.7 ± 1.1 dB in the first (right) and second (left) eyes of group I, respectively (p=0.0415) and 26.7 ± 4.5 dB and 27.3 ± 4.0 dB in the first (right) and second (left) eyes of group II, respectively (p=0.58). There was no statistically significant difference between eyes in either group (p=0.1512). Regarding fixation stability (evaluated in the microperimetry expert mode group), the mean ± SD percentage of fixation points within the 1-degree central macula (P1) was 87.9 ± 11.5% in the right eye and 93.8 ± 6.6% in the left eye. The paired t-test did not show a statistically significant difference between eyes (p=0.140). Mean ± SD P2 value was 95.5 ± 4.9% in the right eye and 98.5 ± 2.1% in the left eye. The analysis demonstrated an increase in the percentage of fixation points in the second tested eye compared with the first one (paired t-test= 2.364; p=0.034). There was a negative correlation between the macular sensitivity threshold of the right eye and the duration of the examination for both groups (microperimetry expert mode: r=-0.717; p=0.0026; microperimetry in the fast mode: r=-0.843; p<0.0001). Conclusion: Mean macular sensitivity threshold was higher in the second tested eye in the microperimetry in the fast mode group and was similar in both eyes in the expert mode. Our data suggest that comprehension of the examination by the individual may impact the results of the microperimetry test.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar comparativamente o limiar de sensibilidade macular da microperimetria e a estabilidade de fixação entre o primeiro (direito) e o segundo (esquerdo) olhos testados de indivíduos normais. Métodos: Trinta pacientes saudáveis foram divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos. Os participantes foram submetidos à microperimetria no "fast mode" e no "expert mode" no grupo I e II, respectivamente. Cada participante foi submetido a um único teste e o olho direito foi testado primeiro. Resultados: No grupo I, o limiar médio de sensibilidade macular (± DP) foi de 24,5 ± 2,3 dB e 25,7 ± 1,1 dB nos olhos direito e esquerdo, respectivamente (p=0,0415). No grupo II foi de 26,7 ± 4,5 dB e 27,3 ± 4,0 dB nos olhos direito e esquerdo, respectivamente (p=0,58). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os olhos dos dois grupos (p=0,1512). Em relação à estabilidade de fixação (avaliada no grupo microperimetria no "expert mode"), a média das porcentagens dos pontos de fixação dentro do 1 grau central da mácula (P1) ± DP foi de 87,9 ± 11,5% no olho direito e de 93,8 ± 6,6% no olho esquerdo. O teste t pareado não mostrou diferença estatística entre os olhos (p=0,140). O valor médio de P2 ± DP foi de 95,5 ± 4,9% no olho direito e 98,5 ± 2,1% no olho esquerdo. Foi demonstrado um aumento na porcentagem de pontos de fixação no segundo olho testado quando comparado ao primeiro (teste t pareado= 2,364; p=0,034). Houve correlação negativa entre o limiar de sensibilidade macular do olho direito e a duração do exame nos dois grupos (microperimetria no "expert mode": r=-0,717; p=0,0026; microperimetria no "fast mode": r=-0,843; p <0,0001). Conclusão: O limiar médio de sensibilidade macular foi maior no segundo olho testado no grupo microperimetria no "fast mode" e foi semelhante nos dois olhos no "expert mode". Nossos dados sugerem que a compreensão do exame pelo indivíduo pode impactar nos resultados da microperimetria.(AU)

Use of a slow-release intravitreal clindamycin implant for the management of ocular toxoplasmosis.

PURPOSE: To report the first patient with ocular toxoplasmosis treated with a slow-release biodegradable intravitreal clindamycin implant. OBSERVATIONS: A 39-year-old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive woman with recurrent toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and vitritis for whom oral medication was medically contraindicated was treated with an intravitreal slow-release clindamycin implant and three monthly intravitreal injections of clindamycin and dexamethasone. Serial ophthalmologic examinations demonstrated gradual, complete resolution of posterior uveitis and healing of the retinochoroidal lesion with cicatricial changes, as well as gradual improvement of cells in the anterior chamber. There was no significant change in electroretinography waves after treatment with the implant. The presence of the implant, or part of it, was detectable in the vitreous cavity for 4 months. To date, the patient has been monitored for 30 months, and there has been no reactivation of ocular toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSION: The slow-release clindamycin implant was safe for intravitreal use in this patient and may have contributed to the long-term control of toxoplasmosis chorioretinitis.

Microperimetry differences in macular sensitivity threshold between first and second tested eyes.

PURPOSE: To comparatively assess the macular sensitivity threshold of microperimetry and the fixation stability between the first (right) and second (left) tested eye of normal participants. METHODS: Thirty healthy patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The participants underwent microperimetry in the fast mode and expert mode in groups I and II, respectively. Each participant underwent a single test and the right eye was tested first. RESULTS: The mean macular sensitivity threshold (± standard deviation [SD]) was 24.5 ± 2.3 dB and 25.7 ± 1.1 dB in the first (right) and second (left) eyes of group I, respectively (p=0.0415) and 26.7 ± 4.5 dB and 27.3 ± 4.0 dB in the first (right) and second (left) eyes of group II, respectively (p=0.58). There was no statistically significant difference between eyes in either group (p=0.1512). Regarding fixation stability (evaluated in the microperimetry expert mode group), the mean ± SD percentage of fixation points within the 1-degree central macula (P1) was 87.9 ± 11.5% in the right eye and 93.8 ± 6.6% in the left eye. The paired t-test did not show a statistically significant difference between eyes (p=0.140). Mean ± SD P2 value was 95.5 ± 4.9% in the right eye and 98.5 ± 2.1% in the left eye. The analysis demonstrated an increase in the percentage of fixation points in the second tested eye compared with the first one (paired t-test= 2.364; p=0.034). There was a negative correlation between the macular sensitivity threshold of the right eye and the duration of the examination for both groups (microperimetry expert mode: r=-0.717; p=0.0026; microperimetry in the fast mode: r=-0.843; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Mean macular sensitivity threshold was higher in the second tested eye in the microperimetry in the fast mode group and was similar in both eyes in the expert mode. Our data suggest that comprehension of the examination by the individual may impact the results of the microperimetry test.