Reading performance in Portuguese children from second to tenth grade with the MNREAD reading acuity test

Purpose: To assess reading performance and report normative values for normal sighted Portuguese schoolchildren using the Portuguese version of the MNREAD reading acuity chart. Methods Children in the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th grade in Portugal were recruited for this study. One hundred and sixty-seven children from 7 to 16 years of age participated. The Portuguese version of the printed MNREAD reading acuity chart was used to measure reading performance in these children. The non-linear mixed effects model with negative exponential decay function was used to compute maximum reading speed (MRS) and critical print size (CPS) automatically. Reading acuity (RA) and reading accessibility index (ACC) were computed manually. Results The mean MRS in words-per-minute (wpm) for the 2nd grade was 55 wpm (SD = 11.2 wpm), 104 wpm (SD = 27.9) for the 4th grade, 149 wpm (SD = 22.5) for 6th grade, 172 wpm (SD = 24.6) for 8th grade and 180 wpm for the 10th grade (SD = 16.8). There was a significant difference in MRS between school grades (p < 0.001). Participants’ reading speed increased by 14.5 wpm (95% CL: 13.1–15.9) with each year of increase in age. We found a significant difference between RA and school grades, but not for CPS. Conclusions This study provides normative reading performance values for the Portuguese version of the MNREAD chart. The MRS increased with increasing age and school grade, while RA shows initial improvement from early school years and gradually stabilizes in the more mature children. Normative values for the MNREAD test can now be used to determine reading difficulties or slow reading speed in, for example, children with impaired vision. (AU)

Reading performance in Portuguese children from second to tenth grade with the MNREAD reading acuity test.

PURPOSE: To assess reading performance and report normative values for normal sighted Portuguese schoolchildren using the Portuguese version of the MNREAD reading acuity chart. METHODS: Children in the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th grade in Portugal were recruited for this study. One hundred and sixty-seven children from 7 to 16 years of age participated. The Portuguese version of the printed MNREAD reading acuity chart was used to measure reading performance in these children. The non-linear mixed effects model with negative exponential decay function was used to compute maximum reading speed (MRS) and critical print size (CPS) automatically. Reading acuity (RA) and reading accessibility index (ACC) were computed manually. RESULTS: The mean MRS in words-per-minute (wpm) for the 2nd grade was 55 wpm (SD = 11.2 wpm), 104 wpm (SD = 27.9) for the 4th grade, 149 wpm (SD = 22.5) for 6th grade, 172 wpm (SD = 24.6) for 8th grade and 180 wpm for the 10th grade (SD = 16.8). There was a significant difference in MRS between school grades (p < 0.001). Participants' reading speed increased by 14.5 wpm (95% CL: 13.1-15.9) with each year of increase in age. We found a significant difference between RA and school grades, but not for CPS. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normative reading performance values for the Portuguese version of the MNREAD chart. The MRS increased with increasing age and school grade, while RA shows initial improvement from early school years and gradually stabilizes in the more mature children. Normative values for the MNREAD test can now be used to determine reading difficulties or slow reading speed in, for example, children with impaired vision.

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in a Mexican patient with COVID-19: Case report.

BACKGROUND: A variety of bacterial and fungal co-infections may be attributed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly in people who already have a medical condition such diabetes mellitus or those who received large dosages of steroids. CASE REPORT: We described a 52-year-old diabetic man who was receiving high doses of dexamethasone and antibiotics while receiving ambulatory care for COVID-19 pneumonia. His anterior rhinoscopy revealed a necrotic scab, and a sample confirmed Mucor spp. He underwent surgery and was given amphotericin as a result of the severity of the condition, palpebral ptosis, and right ocular palsy he was experiencing. The patien ́s progression was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: pre-existing diabetes mellitus, previous steroid and antimicrobial use, as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection are some of the risk factors associated with Mucor spp. infection. Prompt detection of mucormycosis is important in the management of these affected patients.

ANTECEDENTES: A la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) se le han atribuido diversas coinfecciones bacterianas y fúngicas, especialmente en sujetos con enfermedades preexistentes (diabetes mellitus) o en quienes han recibido altas dosis de corticosteroides. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente masculino de 52 años, con antecedente de diabetes mellitus, quien recibió altas dosis de dexametasona y antibióticos mientras recibía atención ambulatoria por neumonía secundaria a COVID-19. La rinoscopia anterior reveló una costra necrótica, y una muestra de exudado confirmó la coexistencia de Mucor spp. Debido a la complicación del cuadro clínico, ptosis palpebral y parálisis ocular derecha, se le administró anfotericina B y fue intervenido quirúrgicamente. La evolución del paciente fue satisfactoria. CONCLUSIONES: La diabetes mellitus preexistente, el consumo de corticosteroides y antimicrobianos, además de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 son factores de riesgo asociados con la infección por Mucor spp. Es importante la detección oportuna de mucormicosis en el tratamiento de estos pacientes.

The Basic VRS-Effect Study: Clinical Trial Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Low Vision Rehabilitation in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to investigate the clinical impact of vision rehabilitation in patients with vision impairment and (2) to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a basic vision rehabilitation service in Portugal. METHODS: The trial recruited patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy (DR) and visual acuity in the range 0.4-1.0logMAR in the better-seeing eye. Participants were randomised to one of the study arms consisting of immediate intervention and delayed intervention. The intervention included: new refractive correction, optical reading aids, in-office training and advice about modifications at home. Visual ability, health-related quality of life and costs were measured. Economic analysis was performed to evaluate whether the intervention was cost-effective. The trial compared the outcomes 12 weeks after the start in both arms. RESULTS: Of the 46 participants, 34 (74%) were diagnosed with DR, 25 (54%) were female, and mean age was 70.08 years (SD = 8.74). In the immediate intervention arm visual ability increased a mean of 0.523 logits (SE = 0.11) (p < 0.001). Changes in the delayed intervention arm were not statistically significant (p = 0.95). Acuity in the better-seeing eye, near acuity and critical print size also improved during the study. The mean cost of the intervention was €118.79 (SD = 24.37). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio using the EQ-5D-5L was 30,421€/QALY and 1186€/QALY when using near acuity. CONCLUSION: The current study gives evidence of positive clinical impact of a basic vision rehabilitation intervention and shows that a basic vision rehabilitation service is cost-effective. These findings are important to clinical and rehabilitation practices and for planning vision rehabilitation services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered, 21/01/2019. ISRCTN10894889, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10894889.

There is limited research addressing the actual impact of vision rehabilitation. The current trial compares the effect of a basic vision rehabilitation intervention with usual care on patients' functioning. The intervention was clinically impactful and cost-effective.

Bronquio cardíaco diagnosticado por estudio endoscópico / Cardiac bronchus diagnosed by endoscopic study

Introducción: El bronquio cardíaco es una anomalía congénita poco frecuente, con una incidencia de aproximadamente 0,1 por ciento. Consiste en un bronquio supernumerario que nace de la pared medial del bronquio principal derecho o del bronquio intermediario, opuesto al origen del bronquio para el lóbulo superior derecho y proximal al bronquio del segmento apical del lóbulo inferior derecho. Objetivo: Presentar el caso de un bronquio cardíaco diagnosticado por estudio endoscópico. Presentación del caso: Se presenta el caso de un paciente que ingresa en el servicio de Neumología del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras por presentar tos, expectoración blanca, disnea a los grandes esfuerzos y una radiografía de tórax con una radiopacidad en el lóbulo superior izquierdo y que como hallazgo incidental durante la realización de la broncoscopia se detecta un bronquio cardíaco o supernumerario. Conclusiones: El bronquio cardíaco es una malformación congénita infrecuente que puede cursar de manera asintomática, cuyo diagnóstico definitivo es por broncoscopia(AU)

Introduction: The cardiac bronchus is a rare congenital anomaly, with an incidence of approximately 0.1 percent. It consists of a supernumerary bronchus that arises from the medial wall of the right main bronchus or the bronchus intermediary, opposite the origin of the bronchus for the right upper lobe and proximal to the bronchus of the apical segment of the right lower lobe. Objective: To report the case of a cardiac bronchus diagnosed by endoscopic study. Case report: We report the case of a patient who was admitted to the Pneumology service at Hermanos Ameijeiras Surgical Clinical Hospital due to cough, white expectoration, dyspnea on exertion and a chest X-ray with radiopacity in the upper lobe, and that as an incidental finding during the bronchoscopy, a cardiac or supernumerary bronchus was detected. Conclusions: Bronchus is an infrequent congenital malformation that can be asymptomatic, whose definitive diagnosis is by bronchoscopy(AU)

Anxiety levels moderate the association between visual acuity and health-related quality of life in chronic eye disease patients.

The current study examines the potential moderating effect of depression and anxiety on the relationship between visual acuity and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic eye diseases. Of the 71 patients, 37 (52%) were female and 34 (48%) were male, age (mean ± SD) was 69 ± 12 years. A significant multivariate regression model was found for patients' health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L index) (R2 = 0.43, p < 0.001), in which visual acuity (logMAR) (p < 0.001), anxiety (HADS-A) (p = 0.007), and age of diagnosis (p = 0.04)  were independently associated with health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). The moderation model for anxiety (R2 = 0.47, F = 5.91, p < 0.001) revealed a significant interaction of visual acuity and levels of anxiety in relation to health-related quality of life. Conditional effects analysis suggested that higher logMAR values (which indicate more vision loss) were associated with lower EQ-5D-5L index (indicating worse health-related quality of life), this relationship being stronger (even more negative), when levels of anxiety are high. Clinical and rehabilitation services providing care for chronic eye disease patients should include regular checks for patients' levels of anxiety, even in patients who still have preserved visual acuity, to help preventing a synergistic source of long-term poor quality of life and disability.

Diagnóstico de divertículo traqueal por broncoscopia / Diagnosis of tracheal diverticulum by bronchoscopy

Introducción: Las anomalías congénitas de la tráquea son un grupo heterogéneo de alteraciones que se producen durante el desarrollo y crecimiento del sistema respiratorio y guarda relación con el período embrionario. En esta etapa del desarrollo, pueden presentarse malformaciones que son incompatibles con la vida. Objetivo: Presentar un caso de divertículo traqueal. Presentación del caso: Se presenta el caso de una paciente oncológica diagnosticada de un divertículo traqueal, también conocido como traqueocele. El diagnóstico se obtuvo de manera incidental, cuando a la paciente, en estudios de control por cáncer de mama, se le indicó una radiografía de tórax posteroanterior y se evidenció una lesión nodular en el vértice del pulmón derecho. Se le realizó broncoscopia y se diagnosticó divertículo traqueal. Conclusiones: El divertículo traqueal es una entidad infrecuente que puede cursar de manera asintomática. Su diagnóstico se puede realizar por tomografía axial computarizada o broncoscopia(AU)

Introduction: Congenital anomalies of the trachea are a heterogeneous group of alterations that occur during the development and growth of the respiratory system and they are related to the embryonic period. At this stage of development, malformations, which are incompatible with life, may occur. Objective: To report a case of tracheal diverticulum. Case report: The case of an oncological patient diagnosed with a tracheal diverticulum, also known as a tracheocele, is reported here. The diagnosis was made incidentally. When the patient, in control studies for breast cancer, received a postero-anterior chest X-ray and a nodular lesion was evidenced in the apex of her right lung. She underwent a bronchoscopy and a tracheal diverticulum was diagnosed. Conclusions: Tracheal diverticulum is a rare entity that can occur asymptomatically. Its diagnosis can be made by computerized axial tomography or bronchoscopy(AU)

Effects of using mobile augmented reality for simple interest computation in a financial mathematics course.

Understanding the concept of simple interest is essential in financial mathematics because it establishes the basis to comprehend complex conceptualizations. Nevertheless, students often have problems learning about simple interest. This paper aims to introduce a prototype called "simple interest computation with mobile augmented reality" (SICMAR) and evaluate its effects on students in a financial mathematics course. The research design comprises four stages: (i) planning; (ii) hypotheses development; (iii) software development; and (iv) design of data collection instruments. The planning stage explains the problems that students confront to learn about simple interest. In the second stage, we present the twelve hypotheses tested in the study. The stage of software development discusses the logic implemented for SICMAR functionality. In the last stage, we design two surveys and two practice tests to assess students. The pre-test survey uses the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) model to assess students' motivation in a traditional learning setting. The post-test survey assesses motivation, technology usage with the technology acceptance model (TAM), and prototype quality when students use SICMAR. Also, students solve practice exercises to assess their achievement. One hundred three undergraduates participated in both sessions of the study. The findings revealed the direct positive impact of SICMAR on students' achievement and motivation. Moreover, students expressed their interest in using the prototype because of its quality. In summary, students consider SICMAR as a valuable complementary tool to learn simple interest topics.

Atresia bronquial / Bronchial atresia

Introducción: La atresia bronquial es una patología poco frecuente, generalmente asintomática e incidental en las imágenes del tórax. La aproximación diagnóstica de esta entidad se puede hacer por radiografía y broncoscopia, donde se identifican algunos aspectos claves en el diagnóstico diferencial. De acuerdo las manifestaciones clínicas y posibles complicaciones el tratamiento puede ser desde conservador hasta quirúrgico con resección lobar o segmentaria. Objetivo: Presentar las características de un caso con atresia bronquial. Presentación de caso: Se presenta un caso de atresia bronquial en una paciente de 19 años de edad cuyo tratamiento definitivo fue bilobectomía media-inferior derecha. Conclusiones: La atresia bronquial es una entidad infrecuente que puede cursar de manera asintomática y ser detectada por un hallazgo radiológico en pacientes adultos de manera incidental. El diagnóstico se puede confirmar por broncoscopia y el tratamiento casi siempre es quirúrgico(AU)

Introduction: Bronchial atresia is a rare disease, generally asymptomatic and incidental in chest images. The diagnostic approach of this entity can be done by radiography and bronchoscopy, some key aspects are identified in the differential diagnosis. According to the clinical manifestations and possible complications, the treatment can range from conservative to surgical with lobar or segmental resection. Objective: To describe a case of bronchial atresia. Case report: A case of bronchial atresia is reported in a 19-year-old patient whose definitive treatment was a right-lower-middle bilobectomy. Conclusions: Bronchial atresia is a rare entity that can occur asymptomatically and be detected incidentally by a radiological finding in adult patients. The diagnosis can be confirmed by bronchoscopy, and treatment is almost always surgical(AU)

Is perceived social support more important than visual acuity for clinical depression and anxiety in patients with age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether visual acuity has the same importance as a factor of depression and anxiety comparing with other psychological variables, particularly perceived social support, in patients diagnosed with age-related eye diseases, with and without low vision. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. SETTING: Patients attending outpatient appointments at the department of ophthalmology of a general hospital in Portugal. SUBJECTS: Patients with age-related macular degeneration and patients with diabetic retinopathy attending routine hospital appointments were recruited for this study. MEASURES: Anxiety and depression were measured using the hospital anxiety and depression scale and perceived social support using the multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Visual acuity was measured with ETDRS charts. RESULTS: Of the 71 patients, 53 (75%) were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, 37 (52%) were female and age (mean ± SD) was 69 ± 12 years. Acuity in the better seeing eye was 0.41 ± 0.33 logMAR. The mean anxiety score was 4.38 ± 3.82 and depression 4.41 ± 3.39. Clinically significant levels of anxiety were found in 21% (n = 15) of the participants and depression in 18%(n = 13). The total social support score was 5.29 ± 0.61. Significant multivariate regression models were found for anxiety (R2 = 0.21, P = 0.016) and for depression (R2 = 0.32, P < 0.0001). Social support was independently associated with levels of anxiety and with levels of depression. Gender was independently associated with levels of anxiety. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients' perceived social support might be more important than visual acuity as a factor of clinical depression and anxiety in a sample of age-related eye disease patients.

Eficacia del ultrasonido endobronquial con aspiración por aguja fina en el diagnóstico de lesiones hiliares y mediastinales / Efficacy of endobronchial ultrasound with fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of hilar and mediastinal lesions

RESUMEN Introducción: El ultrasonido endobronquial lineal con aspiración transbronquial por aguja fina es una técnica novedosa para el diagnóstico de tumores y ganglios mediastínicos e hiliares. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia diagnóstica de ultrasonido endobronquial lineal con aspiración transbronquial por aguja fina como método de estudio de lesiones hiliares y mediastinales. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con carácter prospectivo en 49 pacientes a los que se le realizó ultrasonido endobronquial lineal con aspiración transbronquial por aguja fina. Resultados: El diagnóstico se obtuvo mediante la histología y resultaron positivos 48 pacientes, de ellos 45 fueron positivos por el ultrasonido endobronquial lineal con aspiración transbronquial por aguja fina y 4 negativos por este estudio. El resultado global de la investigación mostró una sensibilidad de 93,8 %, especificidad 100 %, valor predictivo positivo de 100 % y predictivo negativo 25 %. De esta manera, el índice de validez de ultrasonido endobronquial lineal con aspiración transbronquial por aguja fina fue de 93,8 %. El número de complicaciones fue mínimo. Conclusiones: El ultrasonido endobronquial lineal con aspiración transbronquial por aguja fina constituye un método diagnóstico eficaz y seguro en el estudio de pacientes que presentan lesiones hiliares y mediastinales con alta sospecha de cáncer de pulmón y a su vez, una alternativa de acceder al mediastino de manera no cruenta para la estadificación ganglionar.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Linear endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial fine needle aspiration is a novel technique for the diagnosis of tumors and mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of linear endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial fine needle aspiration as a method of studying hila and mediastinal lesions. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was carried out in 49 patients who underwent linear endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial fine needle aspiration. Results: The diagnosis was obtained by histology and 48 patients were positive, 45 of them resulted positive by linear endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial fine needle aspiration and 4 resulted negative by this study. The overall result of the investigation showed a sensitivity of 93.8%, specificity 100%, a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 25%. Thus, the validity index of linear endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial fine needle aspiration was 93.8%. The number of complications was minimal. Conclusions: Linear endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial fine needle aspiration is an effective and safe diagnostic method in the study of patients with hilar and mediastinal lesions with high suspicion of lung cancer and, consecutively, it is an alternative to access the mediastinum in a non- invasive approach for lymph node staging.

Tuberculosis miliar / Miliary tuberculosis

Introducción: La tuberculosis es considerada como la enfermedad infecciosa más importante del mundo, a pesar de los esfuerzos que se han invertido para su control. Es producida por el complejo mycobacterium tuberculosis. El órgano más afectado es el pulmón, aunque puede tener repercusión extrapulmonar. Objetivo: Presentar el caso de un paciente diagnosticado de tuberculosis miliar a través del esputo posbroncoscopia. Caso clínico: Se expone el caso de un paciente diagnosticado de una tuberculosis miliar al cual se le realizó broncoscopia diagnóstica y lavado bronquial para bacilo ácido alcohol resistente (BAAR), el cual fue negativo. El diagnóstico se obtuvo por esputo BAAR posbroncoscopia. Conclusiones: El esputo posbroncoscopia es una opción con adecuada rentabilidad en el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad infecciosa(AU)

Introduction: Tuberculosis is considered the most important infectious disease in the world, despite the efforts that have been invested to control it. It is produced by the mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The most affected organs are the lungs, although it can have extrapulmonary repercussions. Objective: To report the case of a patient diagnosed with miliary tuberculosis through post-bronchoscopy sputum. Clinical case report: The case of a patient diagnosed with miliary tuberculosis is reported. This patient underwent diagnostic bronchoscopy and bronchial lavage for acid-alcohol-resistant bacillus (ABB), which was negative. The diagnosis was obtained by postbronchoscopy ARB sputum. Conclusions: Post-bronchoscopy sputum is an option, with adequate profitability in the diagnosis of this infectious disease(AU)

Linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar / Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Introducción: La linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar constituye un desafío, tanto en su manejo diagnóstico como en la atención de sus complicaciones. Es una enfermedad rara que se caracteriza por la proliferación del músculo liso alrededor de las estructuras bronco-vasculares, linfáticos y en el intersticio pulmonar, unido a la dilatación quística de los espacios aéreos terminales. Objetivo: Describir la evolución clínica y el tratamiento de un paciente con linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar. Presentación de caso: Se presenta un caso de linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar que desde el punto de vista clínico se manifestó por neumotórax a repetición. Se llegó a diagnóstico definitivo mediante la realización de una biopsia de pulmón. Desarrollo: La linfangioleiomiomatosis es una entidad rara que afecta fundamentalmente a mujeres en edad fértil y que se caracteriza por la presencia de un patrón quístico difuso. Su prevalencia e incidencia es desconocida. Conclusiones: Se puede concluir que la presencia de neumotórax espontáneo o recidivante en una mujer en edad fértil, o embarazada, debe sospecharse linfangioleiomiomatosis(AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis constitutes a challenge, both in its diagnostic management and in the care of complications. It is a rare disease characterized by the proliferation of smooth muscle around the bronchovascular and lymphatic structures and in the pulmonary interstitium, together with cystic dilation of the terminal air spaces. Objective: To describe a diagnosed case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Case report: A case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis is reported, which was clinically showed as recurrent pneumothorax. A definitive diagnosis was reached by performing a lung biopsy. Discussion: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare entity that mainly affects women of childbearing age and is characterized by the presence of a diffuse cystic pattern. Its prevalence and incidence is unknown. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the presence of spontaneous or recurrent pneumothorax in a woman of childbearing age, or pregnant, should be suspected lymphangioleiomyomatosis(AU)

Cost-effectiveness of basic vision rehabilitation (The basic VRS-effect study): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the cost-effectiveness of a basic vision rehabilitation service (basic-VRS) in Portugal. We designed a parallel group, randomised controlled trial whose aim is to compare the effects and costs of 'usual low vision care' with a 'basic-VRS intervention' on self-reported visual ability and other psychosocial and health-related quality-of-life outcomes. METHODS: The trial will recruit participants that meet the following inclusion criteria: (1) visual acuity between 0.4-1.0 logMAR in the better-seeing eye, (2) cause of vision loss is diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, (3) 18 years or older and iv) live in the community (not in nursing homes or other type of institution). Participants will be randomised to one of the study arms consisting of immediate intervention and delayed intervention. The delayed intervention group will receive 'usual care' or no intervention in the first 12 weeks. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and retinal structure will be assessed during the study. RESULTS: The primary outcome measure is visual ability, which will be evaluated with the Massof Activity Inventory, we expect that the intervention will raise the overall person measure or visual ability. Reading, health-related quality-of-life, anxiety and depression and social support will be also assessed. The analysis will be undertaken on an intention-to-treat basis. A cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed to provide information about the cost per unit of utility. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention we will adopt the perspective of the healthcare system. CONCLUSION: This study will provide additional evidence about the effects of basic-VRS on self-reported visual ability. Findings from this study should also contribute to better planning of low vision provision and, consequently, may contribute to reduce barriers to basic-VRS.

Scoring reading parameters: An inter-rater reliability study using the MNREAD chart.

PURPOSE: First, to evaluate inter-rater reliability when human raters estimate the reading performance of visually impaired individuals using the MNREAD acuity chart. Second, to evaluate the agreement between computer-based scoring algorithms and compare them with human rating. METHODS: Reading performance was measured for 101 individuals with low vision, using the Portuguese version of the MNREAD test. Seven raters estimated the maximum reading speed (MRS) and critical print size (CPS) of each individual MNREAD curve. MRS and CPS were also calculated automatically for each curve using two different algorithms: the original standard deviation method (SDev) and a non-linear mixed effects (NLME) modeling. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to estimate absolute agreement between raters and/or algorithms. RESULTS: Absolute agreement between raters was 'excellent' for MRS (ICC = 0.97; 95%CI [0.96, 0.98]) and 'moderate' to 'good' for CPS (ICC = 0.77; 95%CI [0.69, 0.83]). For CPS, inter-rater reliability was poorer among less experienced raters (ICC = 0.70; 95%CI [0.57, 0.80]) when compared to experienced ones (ICC = 0.82; 95%CI [0.76, 0.88]). Absolute agreement between the two algorithms was 'excellent' for MRS (ICC = 0.96; 95%CI [0.91, 0.98]). For CPS, the best possible agreement was found for CPS defined as the print size sustaining 80% of MRS (ICC = 0.77; 95%CI [0.68, 0.84]). Absolute agreement between raters and automated methods was 'excellent' for MRS (ICC = 0.96; 95% CI [0.88, 0.98] for SDev; ICC = 0.97; 95% CI [0.95, 0.98] for NLME). For CPS, absolute agreement between raters and SDev ranged from 'poor' to 'good' (ICC = 0.66; 95% CI [0.3, 0.80]), while agreement between raters and NLME was 'good' (ICC = 0.83; 95% CI [0.76, 0.88]). CONCLUSION: For MRS, inter-rater reliability is excellent, even considering the possibility of noisy and/or incomplete data collected in low-vision individuals. For CPS, inter-rater reliability is lower. This may be problematic, for instance in the context of multisite investigations or follow-up examinations. The NLME method showed better agreement with the raters than the SDev method for both reading parameters. Setting up consensual guidelines to deal with ambiguous curves may help improve reliability. While the exact definition of CPS should be chosen on a case-by-case basis depending on the clinician or researcher's motivations, evidence suggests that estimating CPS as the smallest print size sustaining about 80% of MRS would increase inter-rater reliability.

Repeatability of ARK-30 in a pediatric population.

Purpose: To determine repeatability and agreement of the ARK-30 handheld autorefractor with retinoscopy under cycloplegic and noncycloplegic conditions in children. Methods: Three consecutive autorefractor measurements (with and without cycloplegia) and retinoscopy were performed and compared in 30 randomized eyes of 30 children (mean age of 6.7 ± 2.7 years with spherical equivalent [SE] refraction from ‒4.01 to +7.38 D) in a cross-section and masked study. Bland-Altman analysis of autorefractor measurements (with and without cycloplegia) and agreement with retinoscopy were calculated with conventional notation (sphere [Sph] and cylinder [Cyl]) and vector notation (SE, J0, and J45coefficients). Results: ARK-30 measurements without cycloplegia were lower than under cycloplegic conditions (Sph: ‒0.52 ± 2.37 D vs + 0.86 ± 2.60 D, P < 0.01; Cyl: ‒0.83 ± 0.80 D versus ‒0.78 ± 0.77 D, P = 0.37; and SE: ‒0.94 ± 2.19 D vs + 0.47 ± 2.44 D, P < 0.01, respectively) and statistically different (P < 0.03) from retinoscopy (Shp: +0.83 ± 2.66 D; Cyl: ‒0.71 ± 0.87 D; SE: +0.51 ± 2.49 D). Without statistical differences were in J0and J45coefficients. Cyloplegic autorefraction measures were not found to be statistically significantly different to retinoscopy measures. ARK-30 under cycloplegia shows better repeatability with lower limits of agreement (LoA) in Sph (LoA: ‒0.66 to +0.69 D), and SE (LoA: ‒0.66 to +0.65 D) than without cycloplegia (LoA: ‒1.45 to +1.77 D, and ‒1.38 to +1.74 D, respectively). Conclusion: Under noncycloplegic conditions, ARK-30 autorefractor has low repeatability and a tendency toward minus over correction in children. However, repeatability and agreement with retinoscopy under cycloplegic conditions allow use of ARK-30 in children to estimate refraction but not to substitute gold standard retinoscopic refraction.

Absent Foveal Pit, Also Known as Fovea Plana, in a Child without Associated Ocular or Systemic Findings.

The purpose of this report is to describe a case of bilateral foveal hypoplasia in the absence of other ophthalmological or systemic manifestations. We characterize the case of a 9-year-old Caucasian male who underwent full ophthalmologic examination, including functional measures of vision and structural measurements of the eye. Best corrected visual acuity was 0.50 logMAR in the right eye and 0.40 logMAR in the left eye. Ophthalmoscopy revealed a lack of foveal reflex that was further investigated. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed the absence of foveal depression (pit). OCT images demonstrated the abnormal structure of retina in a region in which we expected a fovea; these findings were decisive to determine the cause of reduced acuity in the child.

The use of informal care by people with vision impairment.

PURPOSE: To estimate and characterize the use of informal care by people with vision impairment in Portugal. METHODS: A total of 546 visually impaired individuals were recruited from Portuguese hospitals. Clinical information was obtained from medical records, socio-demographic details and informal care use were collected during face-to-face interviews. In addition, participants responded to a functional vision questionnaire (activity inventory) to assess their visual ability. Logistic regression was used to determine independent factors associated with informal care use and linear regression was used to determine independent predictors of intensity of informal care use. RESULTS: Informal care was reported by 39.6% of the participants. The probability of reporting informal care was higher in non-married, those with comorbidities, with lower visual ability and worse visual acuity. The median number of caregivers' hours per year was 390 (mean = 470; 95%CI = 488-407), which represent a median opportunity cost of €2,586. Visual ability was the only independent predictor of number of hours of informal care received. CONCLUSIONS: Informal care was frequently used by individuals with impaired vision. Improving visual ability of people with impaired vision when performing valued activities may reduce the burden of visual loss at personal and societal level. This could be achieved with person-centred visual rehabilitation.

Visual and health outcomes, measured with the activity inventory and the EQ-5D, in visual impairment.

PURPOSE: Generic instruments to assess health utilities can be used to express the burden of health problems in widely used indexes. That is in contrast with what can be obtained with condition-specific instruments, outcomes are very specific and difficult to compare across conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess health and visual outcomes and its determinants in patients with visual impairment (VI) using the EQ-5D-3L and the Activity Inventory (AI). METHODS: Participants were recruited in different hospitals during the PCVIP-study. A total of 134 patients with acuity 0.30 logMAR or less in the better eye were interviewed. The AI includes 46 goals split between three objectives: social functioning, recreation and daily living, and was used to measure visual ability. The EQ-5D consists of five questions covering one domain each and was used to provide a measure of health states. Responses to each domain were combined to produce a single individual index. RESULTS: The AI and the EQ-5D-3L showed enough discriminatory power between VI levels (p < 0.001), and their results were strongly correlated r(134) = 0.825, (p < 0.001). Explanatory factors for visual ability were level of VI in better eye, age and gender, R2  = 0.43, (p < 0.001). Explanatory factors for the EQ-5D-3L were level of VI in the better eye, comorbidities and gender, R2  = 0.36, (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the EQ-5D-3L is useful when characterizing the burden of VI and to compute, when necessary, quality-adjusted-life-years (QALY) changes due to VI. However, it is important to consider that the EQ-5D-3L uses a coarse response scale, assesses a limited spectrum of domains and is influenced by comorbidities. This might limit its responsiveness to small changes in visual ability.

Influencia de la educación para el control del fósforo sérico realizada por enfermería a pacientes y a sus cuidadores principales / Influence of education provided by nurses to patients and their primary caregivers in monitoring serum phosphorus

Debido a la avanzada edad de la población, esta necesita, cada vez más, la figura de un cuidador principal que controle y se responsabilice de sus cuidados. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la efectividad de la educación sanitaria a los pacientes y sus cuidadores principales en la disminución de fósforo sérico. Se realiza un estudio de 20 meses de duración con una muestra de 70 pacientes divididos en dos grupos; un grupo control que no recibe educación adicional y un grupo estudio que recibe la educación específica para el control del fósforo y su dieta; en este grupo se identifican los pacientes dependientes que requerirán de un cuidador principal, quien también recibirá educación. Para la identificación del grado de dependencia del paciente se utiliza el Test Delta. El 52.9% de nuestros pacientes son independientes; el 48.2%, presentan dependencia leve, y el 4.3%, una dependencia moderada. El análisis de los resultados pone de manifiesto una disminución significativa del nivel de fósforo sérico en el grupo estudio, consiguiendo que, el 21% de estos pacientes cuyo nivel de fósforo se encontraba por encima de 5.5 mg/dl, lo redujera hasta los niveles normales recomendados (3 - 5.5 mg/dl). Concluimos que la implicación del personal de enfermería tanto en la educación continua del paciente y de sus cuidadores es necesaria y fundamental para conseguir unos resultados clínicos adecuados (AU)

Due to the advanced age of the population, the figure of the primary caregiver to monitor and take responsibility for their care is most needed. The aim of study is to evaluate the effectiveness of health education to patients and their primary caregivers in decreasing serum phosphorus. A study of 20 months duration was carried out with a sample of 70 patients divided into two groups; a control group which received no additional education and a study group which receives specific education for phosphorus control and diet; in the latter group, dependent patients who required a primary caregiver were identified. These primary caregivers also received health education. Delta Test was used to identify the degree of dependency. Our study found that 52.9% of our patients were independent; 48.2% had mild dependence, and 4.3%, moderate dependence. The analysis of the results revealed a significant decrease in serum phosphorus level in the study group; obtaining that 21% of these patients whose phosphorus levels were above 5.5 mg / dl were reduced to the recommended normal levels (3 - 5.5 mg / dl). We can conclude that the involvement of nurses in patient education and their primary caregivers is necessary and fundamental to achieve adequate clinical outcomes (AU)