Population studies of arthropods on Melia azedarach in Seville (Spain), with special reference to Eutetranychus orientalis (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its natural enemies.

Eutetranychus orientalis has become an important pest of the ornamental tree Melia azedarach in the city of Seville (Spain). Trees suffer total defoliation at the end of summer. Studies were conducted in a regular plantation of this tree in the Miraflores Park in 2008 and 2009, to determine the arthropod faunal composition, with particular interest in the possible natural enemies of E. orientalis. Eutetranychus orientalis accounted for 98.3% of the arthropods found on the leaflets. Two species of phytoseiids were found, Euseius scutalis and Euseius stipulatus, but they only represented 0.2% of the arthropods. The most abundant insect was the predator thrips Scolothrips longicornis, which accounted for 0.9% of the arthropods found. The population of E. orientalis reached two peaks in 2008, with 325 individuals per leaflet in August, and 100 individuals per leaflet in November. Scolothrips longicornis densities closely followed E. orientalis, and predation was observed on various mite instars. Phytoseiids did not show such a response to the E. orientalis densities. Eutetranychus orientalis was more abundant in the exterior part of the plantation. No differences of arthropod densities were found between the various orientations in the plantation (north vs. south, east vs. west), although E. orientalis densities were different between rows. Distribution of E. orientalis population was highly aggregative, that of S. longicornis population was less aggregative, whereas the phytoseiid population showed a random distribution.

Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins on developmental and reproductive characteristics of the predator Orius albidipennis (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) under laboratory conditions.

The effects of Cry toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (Bt) on the anthocorid Orius albidipennis Reuter were studied under laboratory conditions. Tritrophic experiments were performed, in which Orius nymphs were fed Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) larvae reared on a diet with Cry1Ac, Cry1Ab, or Cry2Ab toxins at different concentrations (0, 1, and 10 microg/ml), when supplemented with Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs. In complementary experiments, the Bt Cry1Ac toxin was directly fed to Orius nymphs at a very high concentration (1 mg/ml). No effects on prey consumption, developmental time, nymph survival, fecundity, and egg hatching of O. albidipennis were found in either experiment. It can be concluded that the toxins tested do not seem to pose a risk for the anthocorid O. albidipennis, especially when it is exposed through the prey.

Toxicity of several delta-endotoxins of Bacillus thuringiensis against Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Spain.

Toxicity and larval growth inhibition of 11 insecticidal proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis were evaluated against neonate larvae of Helicoverpa armigera, a major pest of important crops in Spain and other countries, by a whole-diet contamination method. The most active toxins were Cry1Ac4 and Cry2Aa1, with LC50 values of 3.5 and 6.3 microg/ml, respectively. At the concentrations tested, Cry1Ac4, Cry2Aa1, Cry9Ca, Cry1Fa1, Cry1Ab3, Cry2Ab2, Cry1Da, and Cry1Ja1, produced a significant growth inhibition, whereas Cry1Aa3, Cry1Ca2, and Cry1Ea had no effect.

Epidemiology of CN IV Palsies.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the etiologies of CN IV palsies based on age and aid the clinician in more effective work-up and treatment. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 124 patients presenting to Houston Eye Associates between 1968 and January 1999 with superior oblique palsies. Patients were divided into the following age groups: birth to 10 years, 11-20 years, 21-40 years, 41-60 years and over 60 years. Etiologies and treatment were then examined within each age group. Etiologies were categorized as congenital, traumatic, vascular, neoplastic, and idiopathic. Treatment was classified as observation, prisms alone, surgical repair, and surgical repair combined with prisms. Bilateral, unilateral, and masked bilateral palsies were included. RESULTS: Nine of 13 bilateral palsies were due to trauma. The masked bilateral palsy was congenital. Between the ages of birth and 10 years 26 of 37 (70.1%) palsies were congenital. Between the ages of 21 and 40 years 17/35 (48.6%) were due to trauma. Within the remaining age groups 11-20 years, 41-60 years, and over 60 years, the most common etiology was idiopathic 7/13 (53.8%), 11/24 (45.8%), and 7/15 (46.7%) respectively. Surgery was the most common treatment option within all age groups with the exception of the over 60 group. In this age group, prisms alone was most common.

Cluster of diplopia cases after periocular anesthesia without hyaluronidase.

PURPOSE: To describe a cluster of cases of iatrogenic diplopia after cataract surgery that occurred in 1998, when hyaluronidase was unavailable for use in periocular anesthetic regimens. SETTING: The clinical practices of the authors. METHODS: This study comprised a retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Twenty-five cases of transient or permanent diplopia were reported. Of these, 13 eyes had retrobulbar and 10 had peribulbar injections; in 2 cases the injection technique was unknown. The inferior rectus was affected in 19 eyes; of these, 1 had a temporary palsy and 18 had permanent restriction. Temporary paresis developed in the lateral rectus in 5 cases and the superior rectus in 2. Eleven cases were submitted by 4 anterior segment surgeons, who collectively had a zero incidence of iatrogenic postoperative diplopia in the preceding 4 to 11 years of practice (approximately 6900 cases). CONCLUSION: Hyaluronidase may be more important than previously suspected in preventing anesthetic-related damage to the extraocular muscles. The inferior rectus muscle is particularly vulnerable, presumably because of the injection technique.

Early-onset refractive accommodative esotropia.

INTRODUCTION: We studied the natural history of pure refractive accommodative esotropia after spectacle correction in patients with onset before 1 year old to determine whether their outcomes and characteristics were different from those of patients with more typical age at onset of refractive accommodative esotropia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 17 children with onset of refractive accommodative esotropia before 1 year old. Records of 26 children with onset after 2 years old were reviewed as controls. RESULTS: The mean ages at diagnosis were 9 months and 48 months for the study and control groups, respectively. All 17 study patients and all 26 control patients were initially well aligned with spectacles at distance and near. Follow-up averaged 34 months for study patients and 41 months for control patients. Three study patients (17.6%) and 1 control patient (3.8%) had eventual deterioration and required strabismus surgery (P = .28). None of the study patients developed amblyopia, whereas 42% of control patients did (P = .001). Seven of 15 (47%) of the study patients with known birth history were born prematurely, whereas only 3 of 24 (12%) control patients were born prematurely (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Refractive accommodative esotropia was diagnosed at as early as and age 4 months. Prematurity appeared to be a risk factor. Amblyopia was not detected in any patient with early-onset refractive accommodative esotropia. Treatment with full hyperopic spectacle correction led to long-term stable alignment, with relatively few patients requiring surgery.

Etiology and surgical management of horizontal pontine gaze palsy with ipsilateral esotropia.

INTRODUCTION: An esotropia ipsilateral to a horizontal pontine gaze palsy has been infrequently reported. We discuss the etiology and review the surgical management of this ocular motility defect. METHODS: Four patients with radiographically documented dorsal pontine lesions and persistent horizontal gaze palsy with esotropia ipsilateral to the gaze palsy were treated. In each patient, the esotropia was present in attempted primary gaze, producing symptomatic diplopia. An anomalous face turn was required to attain single binocular vision. RESULTS: All 4 patients underwent surgical correction to alleviate the anomalous head position and diplopia. Bilateral, asymmetric surgery was required to achieve a long-term successful result. Single binocular vision in the primary position with elimination or marked improvement of the compensatory head posture was initially achieved in all 4 patients. One patient, who had not undergone asymmetric strabismus surgery to reconcile incomitance produced by the esotropia, rapidly developed a residual esotropia. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmologists should recognize that concurrent esotropia may occur in patients with horizontal pontine gaze palsy. Single binocular vision in the primary position, an expanded binocular visual field, and alleviation of a compensatory head position are achievable with strabismus surgery.

The use of a metal detector to locate ingested metallic foreign bodies in children.

OBJECTIVE: A pilot study to assess whether modern metal detectors can reduce unnecessary radiation in searching for ingested metallic foreign bodies. METHODS: Over a one year period, 20 children presenting to an accident and emergency department with suspected metallic foreign body ingestion were studied. Using an Adams Electronics AD15 metal detector, the radiographer recorded the location of metallic foreign bodies on a pictorial representation of neck, chest, and abdomen. The child then had plain radiographs of abdomen, chest, and neck in sequential order until the foreign body was located. RESULTS: In seven cases neither metal detector nor radiography revealed a foreign body (true negatives). In the remaining 13 cases where metal detection was positive, subsequent radiography or faecal search was also positive (true positives). The 13 foreign bodies were coins (8), gold ring (1), ball bearing (1), screw (1), staple (1), and washer (1). All were in the stomach or proximal small bowel on radiography except for one coin in the right iliac fossa. CONCLUSIONS: The detector can demonstrate ingested metallic foreign bodies reliably in children, thereby reducing unnecessary irradiation.

The prevalence of dissociated vertical deviation in patients with sensory heterotropia.

PURPOSE: We reviewed 281 consecutive patients with sensory esotropia or exotropia to determine the prevalence of dissociated vertical deviation in patients with sensory strabismus. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of all patients who received a diagnosis of sensory heterotropia or dissociated vertical deviation and who were examined at the Pediatric Ophthalmology Service at the Texas Children's Hospital between 1973 and 1992. Statistical analyses of the prevalence of dissociated vertical deviation were determined after evaluating the direction of the accompanying horizontal strabismus and examining the temporal relationship of the unilateral vision loss. RESULTS: Dissociated vertical deviation was diagnosed in 35 patients (12.5%). It occurred more frequently in sensory esotropia (22 patients, 18.3%) than exotropia (13 patients, 8.1%) (P = .009). The age at which unilateral visual loss occurred did not influence the development of dissociated vertical deviation. CONCLUSION: Dissociated vertical deviation in patients with acquired loss of vision does not support the contention that dissociated vertical deviation is a genetically predetermined anomaly of binocular vision.

Survival of individuals with spinal muscular atrophy on ventilatory support.

Six ventilator-assisted individuals (VAIs) with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are described. All six survived by using intermittent positive pressure ventilation via an indwelling tracheostomy for a mean of 11.7 +/- 17.7 yr despite frequent episodes of mucus plugging and pneumonia. Four of the VAIs also received all nutrition via indwelling gastrostomy tubes because of severe bulbar muscle weakness. Four VAIs used tracheostomy intermittent positive pressure ventilation with their tracheostomy cuffs deflated and could communicate verbally. Five of the six VAIs remained institutionalized from the onset of ventilatory use. Two SMA VAIs survived for 15 and 4 yr, respectively, despite need for ventilatory support since early infancy. All four SMA VAIs who could communicate remained socially active and one, gainfully employed. We conclude that for patients with advanced SMA markedly prolonged survival is possible with ventilatory assistance despite severe respiratory and bulbar muscle dysfunction.

Refractive accommodative esotropia: a surgical problem?

Among the reasons given for surgery in refractive accommodative esotropia (RAET) are (1) frequent functional deterioration and (2) high prevalence of cyclovertical strabismus and oblique muscle dysfunctions. Of 30 patients with RAET, corrected with glasses and followed for an average of seven years only one deteriorated. We tested a second group of 53 patients with RAET for A- and V-patterns and dysfunction of the oblique muscles. Pseudo-A- and V-patterns occurred without glasses but were absent when glasses were worn during the measurement. Dysfunctions of the oblique muscles were observed without glasses but were clinically insignificant. Our data do not support the reasons cited above for performing surgery in RAET.

Changes in esotropia after occlusion therapy in patients with strabismic amblyopia.

Changes in esotropia were studied in 50 patients who had undergone full-time occlusion therapy for strabismic amblyopia to investigate the possibility that occlusion may have an influence on the amount of a preexisting esodeviation. Angle measurements of 21 esotropic patients with an alternating fixation behavior who had not been treated by occlusion served as comparative data. Under occlusion, either an increase or a decrease of five or more prism diopters in the strabismic angles occurred in 58% (29/50) at near fixation and in 62% (28/45) at distance fixation. The amounts of change in the deviations were noted to be significantly higher in the children under 42 months of age. In the group of alternating esotropes, 57% (12/21) showed either an increase or decrease of five or more prism diopters at near fixation, and 65% (13/20) at distance fixation. Since there was no significant difference between the means of these changes in both groups of patients, it is unlikely that occlusion, per se, caused the variations in ocular alignment observed in the patients with strabismic amblyopia.

Accommodative convergence in hypermetropia.

We compared the clinical characteristics of esotropic, hypermetropic children whose strabismus was fully corrected with spectacles (refractive accommodative esotropia) with those who remained orthotropic (that is, had no manifest strabismus on the cover test) in the presence of uncorrected hypermetropia. In addition to a standard ophthalmologic and orthoptic examination, we determined the stimulus accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) ratio by using the gradient method over a range of 6 diopters, the near point of accommodation, and random dot stereopsis. Hypermetropic patients without esotropia or significant esophoria were found to have a low AC/A ratio in contrast to those patients with refractive accommodative esotropia. This finding explains why esodeviations may be absent in some hypermetropic patients with uncorrected vision. We found a high prevalence of abnormally low near points of accommodation and defective or absent stereopsis in both groups of patients.

Latent nystagmus and strabismic amblyopia.

Conventional occlusion of the sound eye improved visual acuity in 11 of 12 patients with latent nystagmus and strabismic amblyopia. The successful results reported in this study are in contradiction to current views that occlusion therapy is futile or even contraindicated in patients with amblyopia and latent nystagmus.

Nonaccommodative convergence excess.

Nonaccommodative convergence excess is a condition in which a patient has orthotropia or a small-angle esophoria or esotropia at distance and a large-angle esotropia at near, not significantly reduced by the addition of spherical plus lenses. The AC/A ratio, determined with the gradient method, is normal or subnormal. Tonic convergence is suspected of causing the convergence excess in these patients. Nonaccommodative convergence excess must be distinguished from esotropia with a high AC/A ratio and from hypoaccommodative esotropia. In 24 patients treated with recession of both medial recti muscles with and without posterior fixation or by posterior fixation alone, the mean correction of esotropia was 7.4 prism diopters at distance and 17 prism diopters at near.