[Satisfaction of wheelchair users in the Baixada Santista Metropolitan Region]. / Satisfação dos usuários de cadeiras de rodas da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista.

This article seeks to identify user satisfaction in relation to wheelchairs and the provision of public and private health services in the Baixada Santista Metropolitan Region. It involved a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Brazilian version of the Quebec Assistive Technology User Satisfaction Assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics by means of Student's t test. Cohen's d effect sizes were also calculated. Participants (n = 42) were "more or less satisfied" with the wheelchairs and "quite satisfied" with the services provided. Rigid frame wheelchair users were significantly more satisfied with their wheelchairs compared to users of wheelchairs weighing over 198 lbs. (p = 0.010, d = 1.04). Users of private services showed significantly greater satisfaction with the provision of the service compared to public services users (p = 0.021, d = 0.75). Wheelchair users in the Baixada Santista Metropolitan Region are more satisfied with the rigid frame wheelchair and less satisfied with public services.

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar a satisfação dos usuários em relação às cadeiras de rodas e à prestação de serviços públicos e privados de saúde da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista. Estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa. Os participantes responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico e à versão brasileira do Quebec Assistive Technology User Satisfaction Assessment. Os dados foram analisados utilizando a estatística descritiva e comparativa por meio do teste t de Student. Os tamanhos de efeito d de Cohen foram calculados. Os participantes (n = 42) estavam "mais ou menos satisfeitos" com as cadeiras de rodas e "pouco satisfeitos" com a prestação de serviços. Os usuários de cadeiras de rodas monobloco apresentaram satisfação significativamente maior com suas cadeiras em comparação com usuários de cadeiras de rodas acima de 90kg (p = 0,010, d = 1,04). Os usuários de serviços privados apresentaram satisfação significativamente maior com a prestação de serviço em comparação aos usuários de serviços públicos (p = 0,021, d = 0,75). Os usuários de cadeiras de rodas da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista estão mais satisfeitos com as cadeiras de rodas monobloco e menos satisfeitos com os serviços públicos.

Levosulpiride for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema: a phase 2 randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The prokinetic levosulpiride elevates vasoinhibin levels in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) suggesting clinical benefits due to the anti-vasopermeability and anti-angiogenic properties of vasoinhibin. We investigated the biological activity of levosulpiride in centre-involving diabetic macular oedema (DME). PATIENTS/METHODS: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, dual-centre, phase 2 trial in patients with centre-involving DME orally treated with placebo (n = 17) or levosulpiride (n = 17) for 8 weeks or in patients with PDR undergoing elective pars plana vitrectomy and receiving placebo (n = 18) or levosulpiride (n = 18) orally for the 1 week before vitrectomy. RESULTS: Levosulpiride improved changes from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (p ≤ 0.037), central foveal thickness (CFT, p ≤ 0.013), and mean macular volume (MMV, p ≤ 0.002) at weeks 4, 6, and 8 compared to placebo. At 8 weeks, the proportion of eyes gaining ≥5 ETDRS letters at 4 m (41% vs. 28%), losing ≥21 µm in CFT (55% vs. 28%), and dropping ≥0.06 mm3 in MMV (65% vs. 29%) was higher after levosulpiride than placebo. The overall grading of visual and structural parameters improved with levosulpiride (p = 0.029). Levosulpiride reduced VEGF (p = 0.025) and PlGF (p = 0.008) levels in the vitreous of PDR patients. No significant adverse side-effects were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Oral levosulpiride for 8 weeks improved visual and structural outcomes in patients with centre-involving DME by mechanisms that may include intraocular upregulation of vasoinhibin and downregulation of VEGF and PlGF. Larger clinical trials evaluating long-term efficacy and safety are warranted.

Satisfação dos usuários de cadeiras de rodas da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista / Satisfaction of wheelchair users in the Baixada Santista Metropolitan Region

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar a satisfação dos usuários em relação às cadeiras de rodas e à prestação de serviços públicos e privados de saúde da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista. Estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa. Os participantes responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico e à versão brasileira do Quebec Assistive Technology User Satisfaction Assessment. Os dados foram analisados utilizando a estatística descritiva e comparativa por meio do teste t de Student. Os tamanhos de efeito d de Cohen foram calculados. Os participantes (n = 42) estavam "mais ou menos satisfeitos" com as cadeiras de rodas e "pouco satisfeitos" com a prestação de serviços. Os usuários de cadeiras de rodas monobloco apresentaram satisfação significativamente maior com suas cadeiras em comparação com usuários de cadeiras de rodas acima de 90kg (p = 0,010, d = 1,04). Os usuários de serviços privados apresentaram satisfação significativamente maior com a prestação de serviço em comparação aos usuários de serviços públicos (p = 0,021, d = 0,75). Os usuários de cadeiras de rodas da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista estão mais satisfeitos com as cadeiras de rodas monobloco e menos satisfeitos com os serviços públicos.

Abstract This article seeks to identify user satisfaction in relation to wheelchairs and the provision of public and private health services in the Baixada Santista Metropolitan Region. It involved a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Brazilian version of the Quebec Assistive Technology User Satisfaction Assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics by means of Student's t test. Cohen's d effect sizes were also calculated. Participants (n = 42) were "more or less satisfied" with the wheelchairs and "quite satisfied" with the services provided. Rigid frame wheelchair users were significantly more satisfied with their wheelchairs compared to users of wheelchairs weighing over 198 lbs. (p = 0.010, d = 1.04). Users of private services showed significantly greater satisfaction with the provision of the service compared to public services users (p = 0.021, d = 0.75). Wheelchair users in the Baixada Santista Metropolitan Region are more satisfied with the rigid frame wheelchair and less satisfied with public services.

Preventable risk factors for type 2 diabetes can be detected using noninvasive spontaneous electroretinogram signals.

Given the ever-increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity, the pressure on global healthcare is expected to be colossal, especially in terms of blindness. Electroretinogram (ERG) has long been perceived as a first-use technique for diagnosing eye diseases, and some studies suggested its use for preventable risk factors of type 2 diabetes and thereby diabetic retinopathy (DR). Here, we show that in a non-evoked mode, ERG signals contain spontaneous oscillations that predict disease cases in rodent models of obesity and in people with overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome but not yet diabetes, using one single random forest-based model. Classification performance was both internally and externally validated, and correlation analysis showed that the spontaneous oscillations of the non-evoked ERG are altered before oscillatory potentials, which are the current gold-standard for early DR. Principal component and discriminant analysis suggested that the slow frequency (0.4-0.7 Hz) components are the main discriminators for our predictive model. In addition, we established that the optimal conditions to record these informative signals, are 5-minute duration recordings under daylight conditions, using any ERG sensors, including ones working with portative, non-mydriatic devices. Our study provides an early warning system with promising applications for prevention, monitoring and even the development of new therapies against type 2 diabetes.

Advances in breast imaging: a review on where we are and where we are going

Breast radiology has undergone significant advances in recent years, and, naturally, several possibilities open up for attending physicians. Concomitantly, it increases the responsibility to keep up to date and provide the best care for each patient. Aware of the complex implications that the implementation of some of the technological advances may bring, such as increased costs, limited availability of equipment, and a potential increase in examination time, the objective of this study is to carry out a narrative review and provide a collection of advances that, in our opinion, are already gaining ground and should be consolidated in clinical practice. We will discuss new breast imaging methods that can be used both for screening and for the diagnostic investigation of breast lesions and we will summarize the most relevant aspects of each of them, addressing the technique, applicability, positive aspects, and limitations of each modality in a standardized way. (AU)

Lifestyle and breast cancer: review article

The aim of this study was to improve our knowledge about carcinogenesis and lifestyle, given their impact on the occurrence of breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes as a preventive factor in the development of the disease. We conducted a bibliographic review with the analysis of 31 articles in English and Portuguese. As a result, the articles selected for study showed that factors such as diet, alcohol intake, smoking, obesity, physical activity, occupational exposure, hormonal factors (hormone therapy, contraceptives) and reproductive factors (menarche, menopause, nulliparity, pregnancy, breastfeeding) have a protective or risk effect on breast cancer. We conclude that eating healthy, with fruits, vegetables and greens, practicing moderate physical activity, avoiding alcoholic beverages and breastfeeding exclusively reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 28%. Therefore, it is necessary to make the public aware of these modifiable risk factors

Progressive Massive Choroidal Neovascularization, an Aggressive Phenotype: Case Report.

We report 2 cases of an aggressive choroidal neovascularization phenotype. A 77-year-old hypertensive woman, with a 4-year history of visual loss in her left eye, due to vitreous hemorrhage associated with a dome-shaped mass lesion underwent pars plana vitrectomy. An extensive subretinal hemorrhage was found, associated with extensive subretinal fibrosis, which was treated with endophotocoagulation and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF. Best-corrected visual acuity after surgery was light perception. A 74-year-old woman with a 4-year history of treatment for choroidal neovascularization in both eyes presented with an extensive subretinal hemorrhage associated with exudation in the temporal peripheral retina. Lesions became larger despite monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (14 injections) and verteporfin photodynamic therapy in both eyes. Throughout the years, the choroidal neovascular lesion continued to enlarge until it developed a severe vitreous hemorrhage. The patient rejected treatment and ended up with no light perception at the end of the follow-up (8 years). A rare severe choroidal neovascularization phenotype is presented here and would be considered to be at the aggressive extreme of the spectrum of a neovascular age-related macular degeneration or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy that presents massive hemorrhage and exudation as much as in the posterior pole as in the peripheral retina.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Treadmill Training on Kinematics and Spatiotemporal Gait Variables in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study.

The present study assessed the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with treadmill training on spatiotemporal and kinematic variables in stroke survivors using gait speed as the primary outcome. A randomized, sham-controlled, triple-blind, study was conducted involving 28 patients with hemiparesis allocated to two groups. The experimental group was submitted to treadmill training combined with anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex (M1) of the damaged hemisphere. The control group was submitted to treadmill training combined with sham tDCS. Stimulation was administered (2 mA, 20 min) five times a week for two weeks during treadmill training. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in spatiotemporal variables were found in the intra-group and inter-group analyses. However, the experimental group demonstrated improvements in kinematic variables of the knee and ankle (p < 0.05) and these results were maintained one month after the end of the intervention. The inter-group analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) with regard to the pelvis, hip and knee. Anodal tDCS over M1 of the damaged hemisphere combined with treadmill training did not affect spatiotemporal variables, but promoted improvements in kinematic variables of the pelvis, hip, knee and ankle and results were maintained one month after treatment.

Compreensão das dificuldades e dos fatores contextuais nas atividades cotidianas de pessoas com esclerose múltipla: um estudo piloto / Understanding difficulties and contextual factors in the daily activities of people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Resumo Introdução A esclerose múltipla (EM) é caracterizada pela degeneração de estruturas do sistema nervoso. Essa condição de saúde pode causar dificuldades na realização das atividades de vida diária e impactar a qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Objetivo Compreender as dificuldades e os fatores contextuais (ambientais e pessoais) que atuam nas atividades cotidianas das pessoas com EM. Método Estudo piloto, transversal, descritivo, exploratório e de abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Utilizou-se o formulário WHODAS 2.0 de 36 itens e entrevista semiestruturada, a fim de compreender as dificuldades e os fatores contextuais que atuam nas atividades cotidianas das pessoas com EM. Resultados Os participantes apresentaram maiores dificuldades em relação à mobilidade e em atividades de vida, como caminhar por longas distâncias e à realização de tarefas domésticas. Os recursos de tecnologia assistiva mais utilizados são as cadeiras de rodas, bengalas e andadores. As instalações de barras de apoio, corrimãos e rampas foram descritas como modificações realizadas no ambiente. Conclusão Os achados desta pesquisa contribuíram para verificar a possibilidade de recrutamento de uma amostragem maior, explorar as causas das dificuldades, aprofundar as investigações acerca do uso de recursos de tecnologia assistiva, adaptações no ambiente e enfatizar eventual associação da intensidade das dificuldades com os recursos auxiliares de locomoção e adaptações ambientais.

Abstract Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by the degeneration of the nervous system structures. This health condition can cause difficulties in carrying out activities of daily living and impact the individual's quality of life. Objective To understand the difficulties and contextual factors (environmental and personal) that act in the daily activities of people with MS. Method Pilot, cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative and qualitative approach. The 36-item WHODAS 2.0 form and semi-structured interview were used in order to understand the difficulties and contextual factors that affect the daily activities of people with MS. Results Participants had greater difficulties in terms of mobility and life activities, such as walking long distances and performing household chores. The most used assistive technology resources are wheelchairs, canes and walkers. The installations of grab bars, handrails and ramps were described as modifications made to the environment. Conclusion The findings of this research contributed to verifying the possibility of recruiting a larger sample, exploring the causes of the difficulties, deepening the investigations about the use of assistive technology resources, adaptations in the environment and emphasizing the possible association of the intensity of the difficulties with the mobility aids and environmental adaptations.

Macular ganglion cell complex thickness after vitrectomy with the inverted flap technique for idiopathic macular holes.

PURPOSE: To analyze the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform and retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses after vitrectomy with the inverted flap technique for idiopathic macular holes. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 28 eyes treated with surgery for idiopathic macular holes. The inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique assisted with Brilliant Blue staining (0.05%) was performed. Ophthalmologic examinations and quantitative analysis of the macular ganglion cell complex thickness were performed at baseline,1 and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: The preoperative mean thicknesses of the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer + retinal nerve fiber layer were 88.9 and 124.8 µm, respectively. The mean ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thicknesses at 1 and 3 months after surgery were reduced to 72.8 and 65.2 µm, respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The mean postoperative ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer + retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was also reduced at 1 and 3 months (108.8 and 99.3 µm, respectively; p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). No significant difference was found between the preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities at 1 and 3 months (p<0.73 and p<0.14, respectively). CONCLUSION: The macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer + retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses were significantly reduced after vitrectomy with the inverted flap technique assisted with Brilliant Blue staining (0.05%) for idiopathic macular holes.

Micropulse laser in patients with refractory and treatment-naïve center-involved diabetic macular edema: short terms visual and anatomic outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to describe visual and anatomic outcomes of 5774nm micropulse laser photocoagulation in eyes with either treatment-naïve or refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) at 3 months. METHODS: This was a prospective case series that recruited 23 consecutive patients (33 eyes) with center-involved DME that was either treatment-naïve or had not responded to prior treatment. Micropulse therapy was performed with the Easy Ret 577 (Quantel Medical, Cournon d'Auvergne, France) diode laser in a high-density manner in eyes with treatment-naïve or refractory DME. The primary outcome was the change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logMAR) at 1 and 3 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in the central macular thickness (CMT), thickness area, macular volume, and macular capillary leakage at 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in BCVA at 3 months, with mean ± standard deviation (SD) of -0.08 ± 0.01 (p = 0.228) and + 0.01 ± 0.01 (p = 0.969) for treatment-naïve and refractory groups, respectively. The change in CMT at 3 months was statistically but not clinically significant in the treatment-naïve group only (mean ± SD; -30 ± 130 µm; p = 0.011). The macular volume and area thickness change were not statistically significant (p = 0.173 and p = 0.148 for macular volume and area thickness, respectively) in the treatment-naïve group. There was no difference concerning the leakage area in both groups. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: We concluded that micropulse 577nm laser therapy maintained the visual acuity and macular thickness at 3 months in both treatment-naïve and refractory DME.

Association Between First- and Third-Month Responses to Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema.

Purpose: This work examines the relationship between first- and third-month anatomical and visual response with antivascular endothelial growth factor for diabetic macular edema. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 58 eyes with center-involved diabetic macular edema. Response was categorized upon the anatomical status after 3 monthly doses based on the reduction of central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline (≥20% or not). Correlation analysis between the anatomical response status, gained letters, optical coherence tomography morphological features, and other baseline characteristics were obtained. Results: Twenty-five eyes (43.1%) achieved an anatomical reduction of ≥20% at the third month. Those with a reduction of ≥20% of CMT had subretinal fluid (P < .01), lower hemoglobin A1c values (P < .01), lower proportion of intraretinal cysts (P < .01), a greater anatomical reduction, and visual improvement at the first month of treatment. Multiple logistic regression analysis, showed that the change of CMT after the first injection was an independent predictor for the anatomical reduction of ≥20% after the loading phase (P < .05). Best corrected visual acuity gain after the first dose showed a significant association with an improvement of ≥10 letters after the loading phase (P < .05), but not for macular thickness reduction. Conclusions: First month anatomical reduction was associated with the anatomical response at 3 months (P = .042) after monthly ranibizumab therapy. Visual improvement at the first month was predictive only for the visual outcome after the 3 monthly doses (P = .032).

Equipamentos de proteção individual utilizados por profissionais da saúde na pandemia da covid-19: revisão de escopo / Equipo de protección personal utilizado por profesionales de la salud en la pandemia covid-19: revisión del alcance / Personal protective equipment used by health professionals in the covid-19 pandemic: scope review

RESUMO Objetivo: mapear a utilização de equipamento de proteção individual (EPI) pelos profissionais da saúde no enfrentamento da COVID-19. Método: revisão de escopo pelo protocolo proposto pelo Instituto Joanna Briggs. A busca foi realizada em junho de 2020 utilizando as bases de dados PubMed, Cinahl, Lilacs. Critérios de inclusão: artigos na íntegra que seguiam o objetivo da pesquisa, em inglês, espanhol e português, artigos de revisão, metassíntese, metanálise, quantitativos, qualitativos e mistos. Critérios de exclusão: editoriais, correspondências e artigos sem reportação à COVID-19. As informações extraídas foram comparadas entre si, descrevendo evidências disponíveis que respondiam à questão norteadora. Resultados: foram identificados quatro artigos na Lilacs, 101 na Pubmed, 35 na Cinahl, sendo 19 incluídos na síntese, no idioma inglês. O acesso aos equipamentos foi escasso, incompleto ou de má qualidade. O uso inadequado e a reutilização aumentam o risco de contaminação, podendo diminuir com treinamento. O uso prolongado causou reações adversas. Discussão: como práticas de redução, reutilização e substituição foram criados protocolos nacionais e internacionais com orientações de reuso da máscara respiratória N95 ou equivalente, por período acima do previsto pelo fabricante. A seleção adequada do EPI deve ser compatível com a situação clínica do paciente. As principais limitações da pesquisa foram as poucas publicações de estudos e as constantes mudanças no cenário da pandemia. Conclusão: o mapeamento da utilização de EPI revelou que o foco deve estar na qualidade, na forma de utilização e no controle prévio do diagnóstico para planejamento do uso racional dos equipamentos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: mapear el uso de equipos de protección personal (EPP) por parte de los profesionales de la salud para hacer frente al COVID-19. Método: revisión del alcance mediante el protocolo propuesto por el Instituto Joanna Briggs. La búsqueda se realizó en junio de 2020 utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, Cinahl, Lilacs. Criterios de inclusión: artículos completos que siguieron el objetivo de la investigación, en inglés, español y portugués, artículos de revisión, meta-síntesis, metaanálisis, cuantitativo, cualitativo y mezclado. Criterios de exclusión: editoriales, correspondencia artículos sin reportar a COVID-19. La información extraída se comparó entre sí, describiendo la evidencia disponible que respondió a la pregunta guía. Resultados: se identificaron cuatro artículos en Lilacs, 101 en Pubmed, 35 en Cinahl, siendo 19 incluidos en la síntesis, en inglés. El acceso al equipo era escaso, incompleto o de mala calidad. El uso y la reutilización inadecuados aumentan el riesgo de contaminación, que puede reducirse con formación. El uso prolongado provocó reacciones adversas. Discusión: como prácticas de reducción, reutilización y sustitución, se crearon protocolos nacionales e internacionales con orientaciones para la reutilización de la máscara respiratoria N95 o equivalente, por un período mayor al esperado por el fabricante. La selección adecuada de EPI debe ser compatible con la situación clínica del paciente. Las principales limitaciones de la investigación fueron las pocas publicaciones de estudios y los constantes cambios en el escenario pandémico. Conclusión: el mapeo del uso de EPI reveló que el foco debe estar en la calidad, forma de uso y control previo del diagnóstico para planificar el uso racional de los equipos.

ABSTRACT Objective: to map the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by health professionals in coping with COVID-19. Method: scope review by the protocol proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search was performed in June 2020 using PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS databases. Inclusion criteria: full articles that followed the research objective, in English, Spanish and Portuguese, review articles, meta-synthesis, meta-analysis, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed. Exclusion criteria: editorials, correspondence, and articles without reporting to COVID-19. The extracted information was compared to each other, describing available evidence that answered the guiding question. Results: four articles were identified in LILACS, 101 in Pubmed, 35 in CINAHL, being 19 included in the synthesis, in English. Access to equipment was scarce, incomplete or of poor quality. Improper use and reuse increases the risk of contamination, which can be reduced with training. Long-term use caused adverse reactions. Discussion: as reduction, reuse and replacement practices, national and international protocols were created with guidelines for the reuse of respiratory mask N95 or equivalent, for a period longer than that foreseen by the manufacturer. The proper selection of PPE must be compatible with the patient's clinical situation. The main limitations of the research were the few publications of studies and the constant changes in the pandemic scenario. Conclusion: the mapping of the use of PPE revealed that the focus should be on the quality, form of use and prior control of the diagnosis for planning the rational use of equipment.

Central Macular Thickness in a Healthy Mexican Population Using Huvitz Optical Coherence Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine normal macular thickness values in a healthy Mexican population and its variation by age and gender using Huvitz spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (HOCT-1F). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 211 consecutive eyes from clinically normal subjects (66 men, 145 women) between October 2018 and December 2018, with best-corrected visual acuities better than 20/30. One eye was selected for the macular scan using the Huvitz OCT (Huvitz OCT-1F, HOCT-1F, Huvitz Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea) with an automated segmentation algorithm. Three vertical and horizontal scans, centered on the fovea with an area of 9 mm, and a color 45° fundus photograph were obtained using Huvitz OCT-1F. Macular measurements were presented as means with standard deviations values for each of the nine regions defined by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). RESULTS: The mean age was 34.3±11.9 years. Using the ETDRS map, the mean central subfield thickness (CST) was 227.4±18.9 µm. Male gender was associated with greater CST (P<0.001) compared to females. There was no association between mean macular CST (r2=0.011; P=0.11) and age. Macular thickness was thicker in the inner ring than in the outer ring, and there were no significant differences in mean CST among age groups (P=0.70). CONCLUSION: Normal macular thickness values using the Huvitz OCT in a Mexican healthy population aged from 18-70 years were thinner in the foveal macular region than values reported in other populations. Female patients had a thinner CST, and age was not correlated with macular thickness.

Levosulpiride Increases the Levels of Prolactin and Antiangiogenic Vasoinhibin in the Vitreous of Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: High circulating levels of the hormone prolactin (PRL) protect against experimental diabetic retinopathy (DR) due to the retinal accumulation of vasoinhibin, a PRL fragment that inhibits blood vessel permeability and growth. A phase 2 clinical trial is investigating a new therapy for DR based on elevating serum PRL levels with levosulpiride, a prokinetic dopamine D2 receptor blocker. Here, we tested whether levosulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia elevates PRL and vasoinhibin in the vitreous of volunteer patients with proliferative DR (PDR) undergoing elective pars plana vitrectomy. Methods: Patients were randomized to receive placebo (lactose pill, orally TID; n = 19) or levosulpiride (25 mg orally TID; n = 18) for the 7 days before vitrectomy. Vitreous samples from untreated non-diabetic (n = 10) and PDR (n = 17) patients were also studied. Results: Levosulpiride elevated the systemic (101 ± 13 [SEM] vs. 9.2 ± 1.3 ng/mL, P < 0.0001) and vitreous (3.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.5 ± 0.2 ng/mL, P < 0.0001) levels of PRL, and both levels were directly correlated (r = 0.58, P < 0.0002). The vitreous from non-diabetic patients or from PDR patients treated with levosulpiride, but not from placebo-treated PDR patients, inhibited the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)- and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced proliferation of endothelial cells in culture. Vasoinhibin-neutralizing antibodies reduced the vitreous antiangiogenic effect. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) in the vitreous cleaved PRL to vasoinhibin, and their activity was higher in non-diabetic than in PDR patients. Conclusions: Levosulpiride increases the levels of PRL in the vitreous of PDR patients and promotes its MMP-mediated conversion to vasoinhibin, which can inhibit angiogenesis in DR. Translational Relevance: These findings support the potential therapeutic benefit of levosulpiride against vision loss in diabetes.

Submacular Cysticercosis Successfully Treated through Conservative Management: Case Report.

Appropriate medical management can be an alternative in those patients with submacular cysticercosis in whom achieving good visual outcome with vitreoretinal surgery is not possible. We report the case of a 25-year-old female who presented complaining of blurred vision in her left eye associated with photopsias and metamorphopsias of 3 months duration. Initial visual acuity in the right eye was 20/20 and 20/100 in the left eye. Upon indirect ophthalmoscopy in the left eye, a yellow-white, dome-shaped, elevated lesion with foveal involvement was observed. The rest of the ophthalmological examination proved normal. With clinical findings and images, submacular cysticercosis was diagnosed, and vitreoretinal surgery was suggested. Nevertheless, the patient did not accept the treatment; therefore, medical management was initiated. Central nervous system involvement was ruled out, and treatment with praziquantel and systemic prednisolone was initiated. Cysticercosis was resolved with significant improvement of her symptoms and visual acuity.

Educação inclusiva para além da educação especial: uma revisão parcial das produções nacionais / Inclusive education beyond the special education: A partial review of national productions

INTRODUÇÃO: Dada a importância dos debates educacionais inclusivos para além do público-alvo da educação especial, objetiva-se, a partir deste artigo, analisar os indicadores de discussão das proposições educacionais inclusivas na perspectiva da democratização de oportunidades escolares para alunos com necessidades educacionais especiais, não atreladas a deficiênciasMétodo: Utilizando-se de uma metodologia de "estado do conhecimento", foram encontrados 33 artigos, dos quais apenas nove enfocam a relação da educação inclusiva na perspectiva da democratização de oportunidades escolares. Com base nas análises temáticas e interpretativas, foi possível estruturar quatro indicadores de discussão: vinculações e proposições políticas e legislativas; novos paradigmas e novas concepções educacionais com enfoque na atuação profissional; falta de capacitação e de formação docente para a educação inclusiva; fracasso e evasão escolar.RESULTADOS: Com vistas às análises dos indicadores definidos, pode-se constatar que, se por um lado a promulgação de políticas públicas específicas para o público-alvo da Educação Especial favoreceu sobremaneira a garantia de acesso de alunos com deficiências ao ensino regular, por outro lado, privou o debate das políticas de formação inicial e continuada quanto aos postulados democráticos de oportunidades de alunos com necessidades educacionais especiais, não atreladas a deficiências, nos diferentes contextos escolares, para além das diferenciações ou especificidadesCONCLUSÃO: Pode-se concluir que um dos parâmetros para o acompanhamento do avanço das proposições inclusivas alinhadas ao entendimento assumido neste estudo, de que incluir é democratizar as condições de permanência dos alunos com necessidades educacionais especiais, não atreladas a deficiências, é a aproximação dos debates políticos, sociais, pedagógicos defendidos pelos diferentes documentos e promulgações à realidade escolar, a partir de formatos relacionais que objetivem a constituição de ações educacionais e escolares promotoras de desenvolvimento aos alunos

INTRODUCTION: Given the importance of inclusive educational debates beyond the target audience of special education, this article aims to analyze the indicators of discussion of inclusive educational proposals in the perspective of the democratization of school opportunities for students with special educational needs, unattached to deficienciesMETHODS: Based on a "state of the art" methodology, thirty-three articles were found, of which only nine focus on the relation of inclusive education to the perspective of democratization of school opportunities. Based on thematic and interpretative analyzes, it was possible to structure four discussion indicators: political and legislative linkages and propositions; new paradigms and new educational conceptions with a focus on professional performance; lack of training and teacher training for inclusive education; failure and school dropoutRESULTS: The analysis of the defined indicators show that the Enactment of public policies specifically aimed at the target audience of Special Education, greatly favored progress towards guaranteeing access for students with disabilities in regular education. On the other hand, it deprived the debate of initial and continuing training policies regarding the democratic postulates of opportunities for students with special educational needs, not linked to deficiencies, in the different school contexts, in addition to the differentiations or specificitiesCONCLUSION: An important parameter for monitoring the progress of inclusive propositions aligned with the understanding assumed in this study, which includes the democratization of the conditions of permanence in the school to all students, is the approximation of the political, social and pedagogical debates defended by the different documents and promulgations related to the school reality, from relational formats, which aim at the constitution of educational and school actions that promote development to the students

Different approaches in the management of macular hemorrhage: Case reports and a literature review. / Diferentes abordajes en el manejo de las hemorragias maculares: reporte de casos y revisión de literatura.

INTRODUCTION: Macular hemorrhages result in a sudden and profound loss of vision. The primary treatment modalities include observation, intravitreal injection of antiangiogenic drugs, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet hialoidotomy, intravitreal injection of gas with or without tissue plasminogen activator, as monotherapy or combined with surgery. In this paper, we report four cases of macular hemorrhages of different causes treated with different approaches, and we review the literature in this regard. CASE PRESENTATION: All four patients presented different causes of macular hemorrhage. The first case had a preretinal hemorrhage due to a Valsalva retinopathy and was treated with surgery. Case 2 had a multilevel macular hemorrhage due to a rupture of a retinal arteriolar macroaneurysm and was treated with pneumatic displacement, laser, and intravitreal ranibizumab. Case 3 presented an extensive subretinal hemorrhage due to a choroidal rupture after high-energy ocular trauma that was also successfully treated with surgery. The last case was a preretinal hemorrhage due to diabetic retinopathy managed with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser. Different treatment approaches were successfully performed in all cases with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: There is an extensive range of options available for the management of macular hemorrhages, and the best option depends on the characteristics of each particular case. Proper and timely management of these diseases can achieve an excellent visual outcome, especially if the location of the hemorrhage is preretinal.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las hemorragias maculares producen una pérdida de la visión súbita y profunda. Las principales modalidades de tratamiento incluyen observación, inyección intravítrea de fármacos antiangiogénicos, hialoidotomía con láser neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet, inyección intravítrea de gas y/o activador de plasminógeno tisular, en monoterapia o combinadas con cirugía. En el presente trabajo reportamos cuatro casos de hemorragias maculares de distintas causas, tratadas con diferentes abordajes, y realizamos una revisión de la literatura al respecto. PRESENTACIÓN DE CASOS: Los cuatro pacientes mostrados presentaron diferentes causas de hemorragias maculares. El primer caso tuvo una hemorragia prerretiniana debido a retinopatía de Valsalva y fue tratado con cirugía, el Caso 2 tuvo una hemorragia macular multinivel debido a una rotura de un macroaneurisma arteriolar retiniano y fue manejado con desplazamiento neumático, láser y ranibizumab intravítreo, el Caso 3 presentó una hemorragia subretiniana extensa debido a rotura coroidea posterior a un trauma ocular cerrado de alta energía y fue tratado exitosamente con cirugía. El último caso presentó una hemorragia prerretiniana debido a retinopatía diabética, manejada con láser neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet. Los diferentes tratamientos fueron realizados exitosamente con buenos resultados. CONCLUSIÓN: Existen amplias opciones disponibles para el manejo de las hemorragias maculares y la mejor opción depende de las características de cada caso en particular. El manejo apropiado y oportuno de éstas puede lograr un resultado visual bueno, especialmente si la localización de la hemorragia es prerretiniana.

The role of various imaging techniques in identifying and locating intraocular foreign bodies related to open-globe injury: three case reports and literature review. / Papel de distintas técnicas de imagen para identificar y localizar cuerpos extraños intraoculares relacionados con trauma ocular abierto: reporte de tres casos y revisión de la literatura.

BACKGROUND: Determining the precise location of intraocular foreign bodies is crucial for the management of patients with open-globe injury. Computed tomography is the most common method for detecting intraocular foreign bodies in the posterior segment. In this article, we describe three cases of open-globe injury with different types of intraocular foreign bodies in the posterior segment that were accurately located using computed tomography scans and B-scan ultrasonography. CASE PRESENTATION: Each of the three cases of open-globe injury described in this report had different types of ocular trauma, clinical symptoms, and intraocular foreign bodies. Computed tomography scans showed the exact location of the intraocular foreign bodies in the posterior segment in two of the three cases. A B-scan ultrasound was used to determine the location of a non-metallic intraocular foreign body in the third case. All three patients had intraocular foreign bodies, and one of them had an additional orbital foreign body. Case 1 had a perforating eye injury with the additional intraorbital foreign body; Cases 2 and Case 3 had different types of intraocular foreign bodies and prognoses. Various treatment approaches were used, ranging from observation to surgery, depending on the location of the intraocular foreign bodies, and all cases were successfully managed. These three cases show that proper use of various types of imaging tests is indispensable in the context of an intraocular foreign body related to open-globe injury. CONCLUSION: Imaging techniques are crucial for the detection of an intraocular foreign body, and computed tomography is one of the simplest and most useful, especially in cases of open-globe injury.

ANTECEDENTES: La ubicación precisa de un cuerpo extraño intraocular es crucial para el manejo de pacientes con trauma ocular abierto. La tomografía computarizada se usa habitualmente para detectar su ubicación en el segmento posterior. Reportamos tres casos con diferentes cuerpos extraños intraoculares en el segmento posterior, que fueron localizados con precisión mediante la tomografía computarizada y ecografía modo B. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Presentamos tres casos con diferentes mecanismos de trauma, tipos de cuerpo extraño intraocular, síntomas clínicos y pronóstico visual. La tomografía computarizada determinó la ubicación exacta de todos los cuerpos extraños intraoculares en el segmento posterior. El ultrasonido modo B se realizó en un paciente con un cuerpo extraño intraocular no metálico. El primer caso tuvo una lesión ocular perforante con un cuerpo extraño intraorbitario; el caso dos y el caso tres presentaron diferentes tipos de cuerpos extraños intraoculares con pronóstico diferente. El manejo y el pronóstico fue distinto en todos los casos; todos se manejaron con éxito. La ubicación exacta de los cuerpos extraños intraoculares utilizando las diferentes modalidades de diagnóstico es importante en estos pacientes. Estos casos sirven como recordatorio de que el uso adecuado de las pruebas de imagen es indispensable en el contexto de un cuerpo extraño intraocular relacionado con trauma ocular abierto. CONCLUSIÓN: Las diferentes técnicas de imágenes son muy importantes para la detección de un cuerpo extraño intraocular. La tomografía computarizada es una de las modalidades de imagen más simple y efectiva para la localización de cuerpos extraños intraoculares relacionadas con trauma ocular abierto.

Diferentes abordajes en el manejo de las hemorragias maculares: reporte de casos y revisión de literatura / Different approaches in the management of macular hemorrhage: case reports and a literature review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las hemorragias maculares producen una pérdida de la visión súbita y profunda. Las principales modalidades de tratamiento incluyen observación, inyección intravítrea de fármacos antiangiogénicos, hialoidotomía con láser neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet, inyección intravítrea de gas y/o activador de plasminógeno tisular, en monoterapia o combinadas con cirugía. En el presente trabajo reportamos cuatro casos de hemorragias maculares de distintas causas, tratadas con diferentes abordajes, y realizamos una revisión de la literatura al respecto. PRESENTACIÓN DE CASOS: Los cuatro pacientes mostrados presentaron diferentes causas de hemorragias maculares. El primer caso tuvo una hemorragia prerretiniana debido a retinopatía de Valsalva y fue tratado con cirugía, el Caso 2 tuvo una hemorragia macular multinivel debido a una rotura de un macroaneurisma arteriolar retiniano y fue manejado con desplazamiento neumático, láser y ranibizumab intravítreo, el Caso 3 presentó una hemorragia subretiniana extensa debido a rotura coroidea posterior a un trauma ocular cerrado de alta energía y fue tratado exitosamente con cirugía. El último caso presentó una hemorragia prerretiniana debido a retinopatía diabética, manejada con láser neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet. Los diferentes tratamientos fueron realizados exitosamente con buenos resultados. CONCLUSIÓN: Existen amplias opciones disponibles para el manejo de las hemorragias maculares y la mejor opción depende de las características de cada caso en particular. El manejo apropiado y oportuno de éstas puede lograr un resultado visual bueno, especialmente si la localización de la hemorragia es prerretiniana.

INTRODUCTION: Macular hemorrhages result in a sudden and profound loss of vision. The primary treatment modalities include observation, intravitreal injection of antiangiogenic drugs, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet hialoidotomy, intravitreal injection of gas with or without tissue plasminogen activator, as monotherapy or combined with surgery. In this paper, we report four cases of macular hemorrhages of different causes treated with different approaches, and we review the literature in this regard. CASE PRESENTATION: All four patients presented different causes of macular hemorrhage. The first case had a preretinal hemorrhage due to a Valsalva retinopathy and was treated with surgery. Case 2 had a multilevel macular hemorrhage due to a rupture of a retinal arteriolar macroaneurysm and was treated with pneumatic displacement, laser, and intravitreal ranibizumab. Case 3 presented an extensive subretinal hemorrhage due to a choroidal rupture after high-energy ocular trauma that was also successfully treated with surgery. The last case was a preretinal hemorrhage due to diabetic retinopathy managed with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser. Different treatment approaches were successfully performed in all cases with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: There is an extensive range of options available for the management of macular hemorrhages, and the best option depends on the characteristics of each particular case. Proper and timely management of these diseases can achieve an excellent visual outcome, especially if the location of the hemorrhage is preretinal.