Purpose: To characterize the quality of life and mental health status of patients with uveitis and investigate predictors of psychological problems.Methods: A total of 245 patients and 105 controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Quality of life, psychological status, socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from questionnaires and medical records. Multivariate regression analyses and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) were applied to obtain the model predicting psychological problems of patients.Results: Of 245 patients, 16.7% and 26.5% (P< .0001) screened positive for anxiety and depression, respectively. The model predicting anxiety was comprised of low annual household income and poor self-reported visual function (P= .029,P< .0001, respectively), with an AUC of ROC of 0.744. The model predicting depression was comprised of poor self-reported visual function and ocular complications (P< .0001, P= .012, respectively), with an AUC of 0.78.Conclusions: Economic hardship, ocular complications, and poor self-reported visual function are predictors of mental problems in patients with uveitis.
To evaluate the visual acuity and subjective satisfaction of different aged monocular cataract patients who were implanted with ReSTOR multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL).Prospective comparative study: the objects are 24 cases of monocular cataract patients who consecutively received phacoemulsification and implantation of ReSTOR MIOL. The patients were divided into two groups by age: the presbyopic group has 17 cases with age ≥ 45 years, the non-presbyopic group has 7 cases with ages < 45 years. Research parameters: uncorrected and corrected distance (4 m), intermediate (80 cm, 60 cm), and near visual acuity; contrast sensitivity (CS); and questionnaire survey. All data were statistically analyzed with rank sum test.Among presbyopia patients, the near vision of the eyes implanted with ReSTOR MIOL is better than that of the contralateral eyes with clear lens (Z = 2.864, Z = 2.911;P = 0.004), whereas the distance and intermediate vision and the CS results show no significant differences compared to that of contralateral eyes with clear lens (Z = 0.183 - 1.417, P = 0.855 - 0.156); the subjective satisfactions are 7 to 10 points with 70.6% (12/17) patients scoring higher than 9 points; and the spectacle-independent rate among presbyopia patients is 58.8% (10/17). In non-presbyopic group, the near and intermediate visions of ReSTOR MIOL implanted eyes are lower than that of the contralateral eyes with clear lens (Z = 2.197 - 2.371;P = 0.028 - 0.018); CS results of MIOL implanted eyes are also generally lower than that of the contralateral eyes, and the difference between CSs of bilateral eyes under night glare mode (3 cd/m(2)+28 Lux) with low spatial frequency (1.5 c/d) is statistically significant (Z = 1.997, P = 0.046); the subjective satisfactions are 6 to 9 points with 14.3% (1/7) patients scoring higher than 9 points; the spectacle-independent rate of both eyes is 85.7% (6/7).The monocular cataract patients with presbyopia are suitable for implantation of ReSTOR MIOL, because their near visual acuity of ReSTOR MIOL implanted eyes is better than that of the contralateral clear lens eyes with higher subjective satisfaction and without decrease in distance and intermediate visions and CS. For non-presbyopic young patients with monocular cataracts, the near and intermediate visions of MIOL implanted eyes are lower than that of the contralateral clear lens eyes and with lower subjective satisfaction (compared to that of presbyopic patients), though the distance visions are similar. Therefore, although ReSTOR MIOL can be implanted in non-presbyopic group, a more detailed preoperative communication with these patients is needed.
Abstract The data directly comparing the spatial pattern of VF defects between primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), high-tension glaucoma (HTG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) is not available. We aim to compare the asymmetric patterns of VF defects in patients with PACG, NTG and HTG across different severity levels. A total of 162 eyes of 114 patients with PACG, 111 eyes of 74 patients with HTG and 148 eyes of 102 patients with NTG were included. VF examinations were performed with standard automated perimetry (HFA, SITA-standard strategy, 24-2), and defects were categorized into 3 stages (early, moderate, and advanced) and each hemifield was divided into 5 regions according to Glaucoma Hemifield Test (GHT). The mean total deviation (TD) of each GHT region was calculated. The relationship between the values of pattern standard deviation (PSD) and mean TD was assessed. In the early stage, nasal region of PACG, central region of HTG and all five regions of NTG in the superior hemifield had significantly worse mean TD than their counterparts in the inferior hemifield. In the moderate stage, three regions of NTG in the superior hemifield had significantly worse mean TD than their inferior counterparts. In the advanced stage, central region of PACG, and central and paracentral regions of HTG in the superior hemifield had significantly worse mean TD than their inferior counterparts. When participants were matched by age, sex and mean deviation, in PACG and HTG eyes, all 5 GHT regions in the superior hemifield had worse mean TD than that that of their inferior-hemifield counterparts; however, the differences were not statistically significant. In NTG eyes, the paracentral, nasal, arcuate 1 and arcuate 2 regions in the superior hemifield had significantly worse mean TDs than their inferior counterparts. The superior hemifield is affected more severely than the inferior hemifield in all 3 subtypes of primary glaucoma. This asymmetric tendency was more pronounced in NTG compared to PACG and HTG.
This study investigated the outcome of elderly patients (≥65 years) with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) treated with esophagectomy and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) or definitive radiotherapy (DRT).One hundred and ninety patients (median age of 72 years) who received PORT (n = 68) or DRT (n = 122) for TESCC were analyzed. Majority of them showed locally advanced disease (T3/4: 70.5%, N+: 70.5%, Stage III: 51.6%). Compared to patients who received DRT, those who received PORT had lower Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (AACCI) scores (2.49 ± 0.61 vs. 3.73 ± 1.28, χ2 = 7.283; P = 0.000) and higher Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) (χ2 = 9.016; P = 0.003) and were of younger ages (68.90 ± 3.00 vs. 75.17 ± 5.71, χ2 = 9.925; P = 0.000).Overall survival (OS) was significantly higher in the PORT group (median, 61.2 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 46.04-76.36) than in the DRT group (median, 24.37 months; 95% CI, 15.43-33.31). Multivariate analysis showed that treatment method (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.38, 95% CI, 1.46-3.90; P = 0.001), clinical T stage (HR: 0.57, 95% CI, 0.34-0.95; P = 0.031), and lymph node metastasis (HR: 0.51, 95% CI, 0.31-0.84; P = 0.008) were independent prognostic factors. Regarding subgroup analysis, OS of patients receiving PORT was significantly higher than that of DRT in the T3-4 group (HR: 2.98, 95% CI, 1.80-4.92; P = 0.000) and the N+ group (HR: 2.20, 95% CI, 1.26-3.83; P = 0.006).The efficacy of PORT for the treatment of elderly TESCC patients was superior to DRT. With regard to AACCI, KPS, and age, DRT is still a treatment option for elderly TESCC patients, especially for those >75 years of age.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the characteristics of new-onset endotheliitis after cataract surgery and to identify contributing risk factors. Methods: In this single-center study, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of all patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2015 and December 2016. Postoperative endotheliitis cases were identified by screening of keywords and individually verified by a cornea specialist. Endotheliitis rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to investigate the association between endotheliitis and associated factors. Results: A total of 20,743 cataract surgeries were performed. Fifty-nine eyes developed endotheliitis after cataract surgery, with an incidence of 0.28%. The mean interval between surgery and first record of endotheliitis was 24.51 ± 9.50 days (range, 5 to 45 days); 45 (76.27%) cases of endotheliitis developed within 30 days. The multiadjusted hazard ratio (HR) associated with increased risk of endotheliitis was 16.1 (95% CI, 3.9 to 66.9; P < 0.001) for patients 76 years of age or older and 10.2 (95% CI, 2.4 to 43.2; P = 0.002) for those 66 to 75 years of age compared with those 65 years of age or younger. Endotheliitis was also associated with history of diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.2; P = 0.026). Conclusions: This study found the incidence of endotheliitis after cataract surgery to be 0.28%. Diabetes mellitus and old age are major risk factors for developing endotheliitis.
To explore the pathological features and clinical significance of three types of neovascularization elsewhere (NVE) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.Neovascularization elsewhere was classified based on the origins and morphologic features using fluorescein angiography and angiographic and structural optical coherence tomography. The topographical distribution, vitreoretinal interface, and responsiveness to panretinal photocoagulation were compared among three types of NVE.One hundred and twenty-seven NVEs were classified into three types. Type 1 NVE was concentrated along or adjacent to vascular arcades; Type 2 was distributed more peripherally than were Types 1 and 3 NVE. The arch bridge-like vitreoretinal interface accounted for 79% of Type 1 NVE. The flat and flat-forward vitreoretinal interface accounted for 95% and 100% in Type 2 and Type 3 NVE, respectively. At 3 months after panretinal photocoagulation, the regression rates for Types 1, 2, and 3 NVE were 82%, 100%, and 80%, respectively. Type 2 NVE showed best regression rate after panretinal photocoagulation (both P < 0.01).Three types of NVE determine the distinctly topographical distributions, vitreoretinal interface features, and differential responsiveness to panretinal photocoagulation treatment. This new concept may have important clinical implications in assessing the treatment and prognosis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
China is undergoing a massive transition toward an urban and industrial economy. These changes will restructure the demographics and economy which will eventually influence the future patterns of disease. The risk factors of vision-impairing eye diseases remain ambiguous and poorly understood. Metabolomics is an ideal tool to understand and shed light on the ocular disease mechanisms for earlier treatment. This article aims to describe the design, methodology and baseline data of the Yueqing Ocular Diseases Investigation (YODI), a developed county population-based study to determine the prevalence and primary causes of visual impairment; also with metabonomics analysis we aimed to identify, predict and suggest some preventive biomarkers that cause blindness.A population-based, cross-sectional study. Randomized clustering sampling was used to identify adults aged 50 years and older in Xiangyang Town, Yueqing county-level City. The interviews covered demographic, behavioral, ocular risk factors and mental health state. The ocular examination included visual acuity, autorefraction, intraocular pressure, anterior and posterior segment examinations, fundus photography, retinal tomography and angiography, and visual field testing. Anthropometric measurements included height and weight, waist and hip circumference, blood pressure, pulse rate, electrocardiogram, and abdominal ultrasound scan. A venous blood sample was collected for laboratory tests and metabonomics studies.Of the 5319 individuals recruited for the YODI, 4769 (89.7%) subjects were enrolled for analyses. The median age was 62.0 years, and 45.6% were male. The educational level of illiteracy or semi-illiteracy, primary, middle and high school or above was 29.8%, 45.5%, 20.1%, and 3.3%, respectively. Majority of the participants were female, younger, and less educated when compared with nonparticipants. The average body mass index and waist-hip ratios were 24.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2 and 0.9 ± 0.1 respectively. Blood sample collection reached a sample size of 1909 (479 from subjects with self-reported diabetes and 1430 from one-third of the 4290 subjects without self-reported diabetes).The YODI provides population-based data with a high response rate (89.7%) on the prevalence and primary causes of major vision-impairing eye diseases in developed county areas in eastern China. Metabonomics analysis from YODI will provide further association of metabolic characteristics with the visual impairment eye diseases. The risk prediction model could be created and has the potential to be generalized to developed eastern areas in China for prevention.
Hydraulic fracturing is used widely to stimulate coalbed methane production in coal mines. However, some factors associated with conventional hydraulic fracturing, such as the simple morphology of the fractures it generates and inhomogeneous stress relief, limit its scope of application in coal mines. These problems mean that gas extraction efficiency is low. Conventional fracturing may leave hidden pockets of gas, which will be safety hazards for subsequent coal mining operations. Based on a new drilling technique applicable to drilling boreholes in coal seams, this paper proposes a tree-type fracturing technique for stimulating reservoir volumes. Tree-type fracturing simulation experiments using a large-scale triaxial testing apparatus were conducted in the laboratory. In contrast to the single hole drilled for conventional hydraulic fracturing, the tree-type sub-boreholes induce radial and tangential fractures that form complex fracture networks. These fracture networks can eliminate the “blank area” that may host dangerous gas pockets. Gas seepage in tree-type fractures was analyzed, and gas seepage tests after tree-type fracturing showed that permeability was greatly enhanced. The equipment developed for tree-type fracturing was tested in the Fengchun underground coal mine in China. After implementing tree-type fracturing, the gas extraction rate was around 2.3 times greater than that for traditional fracturing, and the extraction rate remained high for a long time during a 30-day test. This shortened the gas drainage time and improved gas extraction efficiency.
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