No abstract available.
Blood Platelets* ; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation* ; Platelet Activation*

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is one of the most challenging spinal disorders associated with broad range of clinical and radiological presentation. Correct selection of fusion levels in surgical planning for the management of adult spinal deformity is a complex task. Several classification systems and algorithms exist to assist surgeons in determining the appropriate levels to be instrumented. In this study, we describe our new simple decision making algorithm and selection of fusion level for ASD surgery in terms of adult idiopathic idiopathic scoliosis vs. degenerative scoliosis.
Adult* ; Classification ; Congenital Abnormalities* ; Decision Making* ; Humans ; Scoliosis ; Spinal Fusion ; Surgeons

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reproducibility of ImageJ software in analyzing the color of the optic disc. METHODS: One hundred twelve normal participants (56 males and 56 females) were enrolled in this study. The image of the optic disc was taken using Kowa digital disc photo-graphy, and the gray scales of the nasal rim (NR), brightest cupping center (BCC) and largest inferior retinal vein (IRV) were calculated using histogram in ImageJ. Three different observers calculated the gray scales three separate times. Reproducibility was assessed using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 50.6 years old (range, 11 to 82 years). The mean gray scales of the nasal rim were 91.81, 94.91, and 93.24; those of the brightest cupping center were 174.84, 179.94, and 177.76; and those of the largest inferior retinal vein were 61.85, 53.48, and 56.73 for observers 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Inter-observer reproducibility for NR, BCC and IRV was considered good based upon ICC values of 0.944, 0.860, and 0.789 for observers 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Significant age-related differences between the values of the brightest cupping center were noted, and the gray scale score was decreased in the older participants (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The gray scale of the brightest cupping center diminished with age. ImageJ can be a useful objective tool with high reproducibility in the analysis of optic disc color.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Color ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Optic Disk/*physiology ; Organ Size ; Photography ; Reference Values ; Reproducibility of Results ; Retinal Vein/anatomy & histology ; *Software ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the different features of such instruments and how they cause ocular fatigability. METHODS: Under the same settings and circumstances, 75 participants were asked to read the novel, "You without me?" in different formats including paper book, E-book (biscuit(R), Interpark Inc., LG INNOTECK LTD, Korea) and LCD reader (iPad(R), Apple Inc., United States). For every 10 minutes of reading, 10 minutes of rest was provided. After finishing the novel, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire, and the data obtained were statistically analyzed using univariate analysis. RESULTS: Compared to paper book readers (1.93), LCD readers (2.40) complained of insufficient lubrication in the eye (p = 0.038), and experience more letter-floating illusions (1.92) than did paper book readers (1.49) (p = 0.043). Moreover, compared to the other formats including the E-book (20%) and paper book (8%), LCD readers (72%) experienced more significant glare symptoms (n = 23) and could read at a faster rate than the other groups of readers (n = 26). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the I-Pad caused ocular fatigability more easily than the other formats examined. No statistical significance of ocular discomfort or fatigability was observed among the different format groups. Further investigation with a greater number of age-controlled participants should be conducted prior to designing a study to determine the best format for reading.
Dry Eye Syndromes ; Eye ; Glare ; Illusions ; Lubrication ; Multimedia ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current series of experiments were to assess the effect of GM-CSF, as a medium supplement, on the development of mouse embryos and the expression of LIF and IL-1beta mRNA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse 2-cell embryos were collected from the oviducts of 6 weeks old ICR mice at 48 hours after hCG injection. Embryos were cultured in P-1 medium supplemented with mouse GM-CSF(0,1,5,10 ng/ml). The embryo development to blastocysts and hatching blastocysts was assessed and the cell number in blastocyst was also examined. Using RT-PCR, the expressions of LIF and IL-1beta mRNA in blastocyst were evaluated in the GM-CSF supplemented group and control group. RESULTS: In mouse, the addition of GM-CSF increased the percentage of blastocysts(65.5%, 68.6%, 73.0% and 76.1% for control and 1, 5 and 10 ng/ml, respectively), and increased the proportion of hatching blastocysts(35.2%, 36.4%, 43.2% and 53.0% for control and 1, 5 and 10 ng/ml, respectively). The mean cell numbers in blastocyst were significantly increased in GM-CSF supplemented groups compared to control group. LIF and IL-1beta expression in blastocysts were significantly higher in GM-CSF supplemented group than in control group. CONCLUSION: The results of experiment by mouse embryos showed beneficial effects of GM-CSF as a medium supplement. Furthermore, the addition of GM-CSF significantly increased the expression of LIF and IL-1beta in mouse embryos. These results suggest that GM-CSF might be a important molecule in embryo implantation.
Animals ; Blastocyst ; Cell Count ; Embryo Implantation ; Embryonic Development* ; Embryonic Structures* ; Female ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor* ; Mice* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Oviducts ; Pregnancy ; RNA, Messenger

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between hypertropia and excyclotorsion in acquired superior oblique palsy (SOP). METHODS: Thirty-one patients with acquired unilateral SOP were recruited for this study. The torsional angle of each patient was assessed via one objective method (fundus photography) and two subjective methods (double Maddox rod test and major amblyoscope). The patient population was divided into two groups (concordance group, n = 19 and discordance group, n = 12) according to the correspondence between the hypertropic eye (paralytic eye) and the more extorted eye (non-fixating eye), which was evaluated by fundus photography. RESULTS: The mean value of objective torsion was 5.09degrees +/- 3.84degrees. The subjective excyclotorsion degrees were 5.18degrees +/- 4.11degrees and 3.65degrees +/- 1.93degrees as measured by double Maddox rod test and major amblyoscope, respectively. Hypertropia and the excyclotorsional angle did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.257). Although no correlation was found in the discordance group, the concordance group showed a significant and positive correlation between hypertropia and excyclotorsion (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Torsional deviation was not related to hypertropia. However, in the concordance patients in whom the hypertropic eye showed excyclotorsion, a significant positive correlation was found between hypertropia and excyclotorsion.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological ; Eye Movements ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oculomotor Muscles/*physiopathology ; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures/*methods ; Ophthalmoplegia/*etiology/physiopathology/surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Strabismus/*etiology/physiopathology/surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Trochlear Nerve Diseases/*complications/physiopathology/surgery ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a cycloplegic regimen using 0.5% tropicamide and 0.5% phenylephrine (Tropherine, Hanmi Pharm), in addition to 1% cyclopentolate, in hyperopic children. METHODS: The medical records of hyperopic patients below the age of 14 years who had undergone cycloplegic retinoscopy were retrospectively reviewed. Cycloplegic refractions were performed using one of two cycloplegic regimens. Regimen 1 was a Tropherine-added regimen comprising the administration of one drop of 1% cyclopentolate followed by two to three drops of Tropherine added at 15-minute intervals. Regimen 2 was a cyclopentolate-only regimen comprising the administration of three to four drops of 1% cyclopentolate at 15-minute intervals. The mean difference between noncycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction was compared between the two regimens. RESULTS: A total of 308 eyes of 308 hyperopic children were included. The mean difference (±standard deviation) in the spherical equivalent (SE) between cycloplegic and noncycloplegic refraction was significantly larger in regimen 2 than in regimen 1, with values of +1.70 ± 1.03 diopters (D) and +1.25 ± 0.89 D, respectively (p=0.001). The SE change after cycloplegia was significantly different between the two regimens only in patients aged 5 years or younger (p=0.001), particularly in those with high hyperopia with an SE ≥5 D (p=0.005) or fully accommodative esotropia (p=0.009). There was no significant difference between the two regimens in patients older than 5 years, regardless of the presence of high hyperopia or fully accommodative esotropia. CONCLUSIONS: The Tropherine-added regimen exerted a weaker cycloplegic effect than the cyclopentolate-only regimen, particularly in children under the age of 5 years with high hyperopia or fully accommodative esotropia. However, the difference in refraction between the two regimens was small. A Tropherine-added regimen can be effective in hyperopic children, with less associated discomfort than the instillation of cyclopentolate.
Child* ; Cyclopentolate* ; Esotropia ; Humans ; Hyperopia ; Medical Records ; Phenylephrine* ; Retinoscopy ; Retrospective Studies ; Tropicamide*

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical manifestations and diagnoses of optic disc swelling. METHODS: The medical records of 49 patients who experienced optic disc swelling between March 2008 and June 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The characteristics of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) and optic neuritis (ON), which showed optic disc swelling most commonly, were compared. RESULTS: NA-AION was the most common disorder (34.7%) that presented with optic disc swelling. ON was identified in 15 patients (30.6%). Seven out of 49 patients (14.3%) had intracranially associated diseases, such as papilledema and compressive optic neuropathy. Pseudopapilledema was noted in four patients (8.2%). Other diseases (e.g., papillophlebitis, neuroretinitis, and diabetic papillopathy) were seen in six patients (12.2%). Ocular pain was observed more commonly in patients with ON (p = 0.001). Patients with ON expected a better visual prognosis than patients with NA-AION (0.12 +/- 0.32 vs. 0.49 +/- 0.35, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NA-AION and ON should be considered in the differential diagnosis when patients with optic disc swelling present to the neuro-ophthalmology clinic. Detailed history taking and supportive examinations, such as visual field, color-vision and imaging tests, should also be performed as indicated. Regular follow-up of such exams is necessary for the differential diagnosis of these diseases.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Optic Nerve Diseases/complications/etiology ; Optic Neuritis/complications/physiopathology ; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic/complications/physiopathology ; Papilledema/*etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Visual Fields

PURPOSE: To define the long-term results of accommodation insufficiency and to investigate the correlation between accommodation insufficiency and other factors including near point of convergence (NPC), age, and refractive errors. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2009, 11 patients with acute near vision disturbance and remote near point of accommodation (NPA) were evaluated. Full ophthalmologic examinations, including best corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction and prism cover tests were performed. Accommodation ability was measured by NPA using the push-up method. We compared accommodation insufficiency and factors including age, refractive errors and NPC. We also investigated the recovery from loss of accommodation in patients. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 20 years (range, 9 to 34 years). Five of the 11 patients were female. Mean refractive error was -0.6 diopters (range, -3.5 to +0.25 diopters) and 8 of 11 patients (73%) had emmetropia (+0.50 to -0.50 diopters). No abnormalities were found in brain imaging tests. Refractive errors were not correlated with NPA or NPC (rho = 0.148, p = 0.511; rho = 0.319, p = 0.339; respectively). The correlation between age and NPA was not significant (rho = -395, p = 0.069). However, the correlation between age and NPC was negative (rho = -0.508, p = 0.016). Three of 11 patients were lost to follow-up, and 6 of 8 patients had permanent insufficiency of accommodation. CONCLUSIONS: Accommodation insufficiency is most common in emmetropia, however, refractive errors and age are not correlated with accommodation insufficiency. Dysfunction of accommodation can be permanent in the isolated accommodation insufficiency.
*Accommodation, Ocular ; Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; *Convergence, Ocular ; Diplopia/*etiology/pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Ocular Motility Disorders/*complications/pathology ; Refractive Errors/*complications/pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: To define the long-term results of accommodation insufficiency and to investigate the correlation between accommodation insufficiency and other factors including near point of convergence (NPC), age, and refractive errors. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2009, 11 patients with acute near vision disturbance and remote near point of accommodation (NPA) were evaluated. Full ophthalmologic examinations, including best corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction and prism cover tests were performed. Accommodation ability was measured by NPA using the push-up method. We compared accommodation insufficiency and factors including age, refractive errors and NPC. We also investigated the recovery from loss of accommodation in patients. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 20 years (range, 9 to 34 years). Five of the 11 patients were female. Mean refractive error was -0.6 diopters (range, -3.5 to +0.25 diopters) and 8 of 11 patients (73%) had emmetropia (+0.50 to -0.50 diopters). No abnormalities were found in brain imaging tests. Refractive errors were not correlated with NPA or NPC (rho = 0.148, p = 0.511; rho = 0.319, p = 0.339; respectively). The correlation between age and NPA was not significant (rho = -395, p = 0.069). However, the correlation between age and NPC was negative (rho = -0.508, p = 0.016). Three of 11 patients were lost to follow-up, and 6 of 8 patients had permanent insufficiency of accommodation. CONCLUSIONS: Accommodation insufficiency is most common in emmetropia, however, refractive errors and age are not correlated with accommodation insufficiency. Dysfunction of accommodation can be permanent in the isolated accommodation insufficiency.
*Accommodation, Ocular ; Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; *Convergence, Ocular ; Diplopia/*etiology/pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Ocular Motility Disorders/*complications/pathology ; Refractive Errors/*complications/pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult