Journal articles: 'Visual effects (VFX)'

1

Samaras, Evanthia. "Futureproofing Visual Effects." International Journal of Digital Curation 16, no. 1 (August 15, 2021): 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.2218/ijdc.v16i1.689.

Full text

Abstract:

Digital visual effects (VFX), including computer animation, have become a commonplace feature of contemporary episodic and film production projects. Using various commercial applications and bespoke tools, VFX artists craft digital objects (known as “assets”) to create visual elements such as characters and environments, which are composited together and output as shots. While the shots that make up the finished film or television (TV) episode are maintained and preserved within purpose-built digital asset management systems and repositories by the studios commissioning the projects; the wider VFX network currently has no consistent guidelines nor requirements around the digital curation of VFX digital assets and records. This includes a lack of guidance about how to effectively futureproof digital VFX and preserve it for the long-term. In this paper I provide a case study – a single shot from a 3D animation short film – to illustrate the complexities of digital VFX assets and records and the pipeline environments whence they are generated. I also draw from data collected from interviews with over 20 professional VFX practitioners from award-winning VFX companies, and I undertake socio-technical analysis of VFX using actor-network theory. I explain how high data volumes of digital information, rapid technology progression and dependencies on software pose significant preservation challenges. In addition, I outline that by conducting holistic appraisal, selection and disposal activities across their entire digital collections, and by continuing to develop and adopt open formats; the VFX industry has improved capability to preserve first-hand evidence of their work in years to come.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Ng, Lynn-Sze. "Role of Enhancing Visual Effects Education Delivery to Encounter Career Challenges in Malaysia." International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education 13, no. 1 (January 2017): 41–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijicte.2017010104.

Full text

Abstract:

Problem-based Learning (PBL) is one of the most effective methods of instruction that helps Visual Effects (VFX) students to be more adaptable at encountering career challenges in Malaysia. These challenges are; lack of several important requirements such as, the basic and fundamental knowledge of VFX concepts, the ability to understand real-world problems and to convert ideas into VFX solutions, the ability to attain and retain up-to-date knowledge of VFX concepts, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to come up with solutions to real-world problems. Its role in helping students; thus, encompasses improving the level of meaningfulness of their learning experience, and their skills in terms of comprehension, knowledge retention, problem-solving, self-directed learning, as well as interpersonal skills. The use of PBL helps VFX students to cope with the encounters of the career challenges in Malaysia that may be enhanced by focusing on a faculty-wide approach as compared to applying it on a course at a time. Moreover, such methods of enhancing VFX education delivery in Malaysia are to encourage reflective practices and PBL based dialogues on VFX, and to increase the level of VFX competence of instructors through improved training methods.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Kim, Hyung-Jae, and Soo-In Yoon. "A Study on the Change of Visual Effects Processing - Focus on Visual Effects Developer Group “Videocopilot” -." Journal of acting studies 19 (August 30, 2020): 79–100. http://dx.doi.org/10.26764/jaa.2020.19.6.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Samaras, Evanthia, and Andrew Johnston. "Off-Lining to Tape Is Not Archiving: Why We Need Real Archiving to Support Media Archaeology and Ensure Our Visual Effects Legacy Thrives." Leonardo 52, no. 4 (August 2019): 374–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/leon_a_01779.

Full text

Abstract:

This paper examines digital asset archiving and preservation practice in the visual effects (VFX) industry. The authors briefly summarize media archaeology theory and provide an overview of how VFX studios presently archive project assets and records, based on case study and interview research conducted with expert VFX practitioners from leading international studios. In addition, the authors propose that current practice could be improved by adopting archival science methods, including digital preservation practices. Doing so will support media archaeology studies of digital cultures over time and ensure that the legacy of VFX creative and technical production thrives for future generations.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Samaras, Evanthia, and Andrew Johnston. "Fleeting Film: Using Story to Seek Archival Permanence in the Transitory and Globalized Digital Visual Effects Industry." Preservation, Digital Technology & Culture 47, no. 1 (April 25, 2018): 12–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/pdtc-2018-0001.

Full text

Abstract:

AbstractArchiving is a long-standing vocation, founded on principles such as provenance, original order, truth, evidence, preservation and permanence. A far cry from the visual spectacle and movable feast of film visual effects (VFX)—a transitory and globalized industry of disposable firms, ever-advancing technologies and a roving workforce which craft digital animations and seamless effects for the big screen. In this paper we utilize the concept of “story” as a premise to bring together the seemingly different vocations of archival science and film VFX. Through an exploration of digital film production and archival practice under the context of storytelling, we aim to highlight the need for archivists to work with the VFX industry to ensure evidence of this culturally significant aspect of filmmaking and cinema discourse is preserved into the future. As well present the argument that archives are more than collections of historical evidence. Archives are story—and archivists are storytellers.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Bode, Lisa. "Deepfaking Keanu: YouTube deepfakes, platform visual effects, and the complexity of reception." Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies 27, no. 4 (July 21, 2021): 919–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13548565211030454.

Full text

Abstract:

On July 14, 2019, a 3-minute 36-second video titled “Keanu Reeves Stops A ROBBERY!” was released on YouTube visual effects (VFX) channel, Corridor. The video’s click-bait title ensured it was quickly shared by users across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. Comments on the video suggest that the vast majority of viewers categorised it as fiction. What seemed less universally recognised, though, was that the performer in the clip was not Keanu Reeves himself. It was voice actor and stuntman Reuben Langdon, and his face was digitally replaced with that of Reeves, through the use of an AI generated deepfake, an open access application, Faceswap, and compositing in Adobe After Effects. This article uses Corridor’s deepfake Keanu video (hereafter shorted to CDFK) as a case study which allows the fleshing out of an, as yet, under-researched area of deepfakes: the role of framing contexts in shaping how viewers evaluate, categorise, make sense of and discuss these images. This research draws on visual effects scholarship, celebrity studies, cognitive film studies, social media theory, digital rhetoric, and discourse analysis. It is intended to serve as a starting point of a larger study that will eventually map types of online manipulated media creation on a continuum from the professional to the vernacular, across different platforms, and attending to their aesthetic, ethical, cultural and reception dimensions. The focus on context (platform, creator channel, and comments) also reveals the emergence of an industrial and aesthetic category of visual effects, which I call here “platform VFX,” a key term that provides us with more nuanced frames for illuminating and analysing a range of manipulated media practices as VFX software becomes ever more accessible and lends itself to more vernacular uses, such as we see with various face swap apps.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Hasche, Eberhard, Oliver Karaschewski, and Reiner Creutzburg. "Using ACES Look Modification Transforms (LMTs) in VFX Environments – Part 2: Gamut Mapping." Electronic Imaging 2021, no. 3 (June 18, 2021): 108–1. http://dx.doi.org/10.2352/issn.2470-1173.2021.3.mobmu-108.

Full text

Abstract:

In modern moving image production pipelines, it is unavoidable to move the footage through different color spaces. Unfortunately, these color spaces exhibit color gamuts of various sizes. The most common problem is converting the cameras’ widegamut color spaces to the smaller gamuts of the display devices (cinema projector, broadcast monitor, computer display). So it is necessary to scale down the scene-referred footage to the gamut of the display using tone mapping functions [34].In a cinema production pipeline, ACES is widely used as the predominant color system. The all-color compassing ACES AP0 primaries are defined inside the system in a general way. However, when implementing visual effects and performing a color grade, the more usable ACES AP1 primaries are in use. When recording highly saturated bright colors, color values are often outside the target color space. This results in negative color values, which are hard to address inside a color pipeline. "Users of ACES are experiencing problems with clipping of colors and the resulting artifacts (loss of texture, intensification of color fringes). This clipping occurs at two stages in the pipeline: <list list-type="simple"> <list-item>- Conversion from camera raw RGB or from the manufacturer’s encoding space into ACES AP0</list-item> <list-item>- Conversion from ACES AP0 into the working color space ACES AP1" [1]</list-item> </list>The ACES community established a Gamut Mapping Virtual Working Group (VWG) to address these problems. The group’s scope is to propose a suitable gamut mapping/compression algorithm. This algorithm should perform well with wide-gamut, high dynamic range, scene-referred content. Furthermore, it should also be robust and invertible. This paper tests the behavior of the published GamutCompressor when applied to in- and out-ofgamut imagery and provides suggestions for application implementation. The tests are executed in The Foundry’s Nuke [2].

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Parker, Rachel, and Stephen Cox. "Power Relations and Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Strategies for Capturing Value in Global Production Networks: Visual Effects (VFX) Service Firms in the Hollywood Film Industry." Regional Studies 47, no. 7 (July 2013): 1095–110. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2011.600303.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Ali, M. R., and Taha Amir. "Effects of Fasting on Visual Flicker Fusion." Perceptual and Motor Skills 69, no. 2 (October 1989): 627–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/pms.1989.69.2.627.

Full text

Abstract:

Two experiments are reported which investigated the effects of fasting on visual flicker fusion (VFF). In Exp. 1 the VFF of 40 undergraduate students, 20 men and 20 women, whose mean age was 22.5 yr., was measured in nonfasting conditions 1 to 2 weeks before and in fasting conditions during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. In Exp. 2 the VFF of a comparable group of 15 men and 15 women, whose mean age was 23.2 yr., was measured in a different month in both fasting and nonfasting conditions. Subjects were assigned randomly to these two conditions. Analysis shows that fasting reduced VFF significantly in both experiments. This finding indicates that fasting is likely to reduce perceptual sensitivity. The results were explained in terms of fatigue and physical exhaustion effects produced by fasting.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Miura, Gen, Takayuki Baba, Tomoaki Tatsumi, Hirotaka Yokouchi, and Shuichi Yamamoto. "Effects of Cataract Surgery on Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa and the Predictive Factors of Quality of Life Improvement." BioMed Research International 2021 (September 13, 2021): 1–6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/3846867.

Full text

Abstract:

Purpose. To determine the effects of cataract surgery and preoperative factors on the vision-related quality of life (QOL) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Materials and Methods. This was a prospective, interventional study of 54 patients diagnosed with RP. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was used to determine the QOL before and after the cataract surgery. The correlations between the scores of the questionnaire and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), macular structure, and degree of improvement of the NEI VFQ-25 scores were also determined. Results. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the BCVA and all of the NEI VFQ-25 subscale scores except for color vision. The improvement of general vision was the largest. The postoperative BCVA of the better-seeing eye was more strongly and significantly correlated with the postoperative NEI VFQ-25 scores than that of the worse-seeing eye. All of the postoperative NEI VFQ-25 scores were significantly correlated with the length of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) of the photoreceptors. No significant correlation was found between the preoperative general vision, near vision, mental health scores, and EZ length. All of the preoperative NEI VFQ-25 scores except the social function and mental health scores were negatively and significantly correlated with the degree of improvement of the NEI VFQ-25 score. The EZ length was significantly correlated with the degree of improvement of the NEI VFQ-25 scores of the general vision, distance vision, mental health, dependency, and composite 9 scores. Conclusions. Cataract surgery can significantly improve the NEI VFQ-25 scores in RP patients. The EZ length can be used to predict the postoperative VFQ scores. We conclude that the NEI VFQ-25 is a useful method to evaluate the impact of cataract surgery on the BCVA in patients with RP.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Hossain, Parwez, Csaba Siffel, Corey Joseph, Juliette Meunier, Jessica T. Markowitz, and Reza Dana. "Patient-reported burden of dry eye disease in the UK: a cross-sectional web-based survey." BMJ Open 11, no. 3 (March 2021): e039209. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039209.

Full text

Abstract:

ObjectivesTo compare sociodemographics and vision-related quality of life (QoL) of individuals with or without dry eye disease (DED); and to explore the impact of DED symptom severity on visual function, activity limitations and work productivity.DesignCross-sectional web-based survey.SettingGeneral UK population.ParticipantsAdults ≥18 years with (N=1002) or without (N=1003) self-reported DED recruited through email and screened.Main outcome measuresAll participants completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25), with six additional questions (items A3–A8), and the EuroQol 5 dimensions 5 levels. DED participants also completed Impact of Dry Eye on Everyday Life questionnaire, 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire and the Standardised Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness questionnaire along with the Ocular Comfort Index, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment and the Eye Dryness Score (EDS), a Visual Analogue Scale.ResultsBaseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in participants with versus without DED (mean age, 55.2 vs 55.0 years; 61.8% vs 61.0% women, respectively) based on recruitment targets. Scores were derived from NEI VFQ-25 using the new 28-item revised VFQ (VFQ-28R) scoring. Mean (SD) VFQ-28R scores were lower in participants with versus without DED, indicating worse functioning (activity limitations, 73.3 (12.3) vs 84.4 (12.3); socioemotional functioning, 75.3 (21.5) vs 90.3 (16.2); total score, 71.6 (12.8) vs 83.6 (12.6)). Higher percentages of problems/inability to do activities were observed among those with versus without DED. The impact of DED on visual function was worse for participants with more severe DED symptoms, as assessed by EDS. In addition, a higher EDS was associated with worse symptoms on common DED scales and a worse impact on work productivity.ConclusionsDED symptoms were associated with negative effects on visual function, activities and work productivity, whereas worse DED symptoms had a greater impact on vision-related QoL and work productivity.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Chow, Kelvin, Emerson P. Grabke, Jae Lee, Jaeeun Yoo, Kristin E. Musselman, and Kei Masani. "Development of Visual Feedback Training Using Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Balance Rehabilitation." STEM Fellowship Journal 3, no. 2 (December 1, 2017): 1–2. http://dx.doi.org/10.17975/sfj-2017-016.

Full text

Abstract:

Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries (iSCI) often experience impairments in motor control of lower-limb muscles, causing a lack of balance when standing. These individuals are usually heavily dependent on others, reducing their self-sufficiency and quality of life. Our previous study has shown that visual feedback training (VFT) of tracking an individual’s center of pressure (COP) can improve balance stability of those with iSCI (1). Another of our previous studies demonstrated that functional electrical stimulation (FES) augments therapeutic effects in general (2-8). Thus, VFT in combination with FES is hypothesized to improve the standing balance ability of individuals with iSCI more effectively than a VFT or FES system. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel therapeutic system by combining VFT with FES. We developed this system by utilizing LabVIEW (17.0, National Instruments Corp., Austin, USA). The system hardware consisted of a force plate, an electrical stimulator, and a computer. The COP was calculated using the force plate signals, which was displayed in the monitor in front of the participant. We developed four COP-based games, each forcing the participant to shift their COP in various movement patterns. FES will provide electrical stimulation to participant plantarflexors and dorsiflexors to assist with movements, in which stimulus intensity will be modulated through a proportionalderivative (PD) feedback controller that mimics the physiological control system for standing (9,10). In this study, we tested the practicality of our VFT games with seven able-bodied participants (age 19-24 years). Each participant performed a balance assessment before playing the VFT games to determine their balance ability. Our focus was on developing effective VFT games and assessing each participant’s balance ability against their VFT game scores. Three out of four games showed a significant bivariate correlation between balance ability and VFT scores (r > 0.754 for n=7), indicating that the games were appropriately designed. The validity of the FES controller was demonstrated in another study to be effective. The parameters of the PD controller were optimized so that the stimulation intensity would match the natural muscle contraction of the plantarflexors and dorsiflexors, acquired through electromyography (EMG) signals. It is expected that rehabilitation combining VFT with FES will improve static and dynamic balance stability in a more effective way than isolated therapy techniques. Since this study has shown the validity of our VFT games, we would like to integrate the VFT and FES systems and run clinical trials on patients with iSCI, with the goal of improving their balance ability in the future. Through visual feedback training, the brain improves spatial awareness by visualizing their body displacement and orientation. Applying stimulation to the muscles re-trains the central nervous system and, over time, allows patients with iSCI to partially regain motor control. Thus, the proposed system will help individuals with iSCI improve their balance ability and increase their quality of life.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Rosso, Pamela, Elena Fico, Louise A. Mesentier-Louro, Viviana Triaca, Alessandro Lambiase, Paolo Rama, and Paola Tirassa. "NGF Eye Administration Recovers the TrkB and Glutamate/GABA Marker Deficit in the Adult Visual Cortex Following Optic Nerve Crush." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 18 (September 16, 2021): 10014. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms221810014.

Full text

Abstract:

Eye-drop recombinant human nerve growth factor (ed-rhNGF) has proved to recover the retina and optic nerve damage in animal models, including the unilateral optic nerve crush (ONC), and to improve visual acuity in humans. These data, associated with evidence that ed-rhNGF stimulates the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in retina and cortex, suggests that NGF might exert retino-fugal effects by affecting BDNF and its receptor TrkB. To address these questions, their expression and relationship with the GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission markers, GAD65 and GAD67, vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter (VGAT), and vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2 (VGLUT-1 and VGLUT-2) were investigated in adult ONC rats contralateral and ipsilateral visual cortex (VCx). Ed-rhNGF recovers the ONC-induced alteration of GABAergic and glutamatergic markers in contralateral VCx, induces an upregulation of TrkB, which is positively correlated with BDNF precursor (proBDNF) decrease in both VCx sides, and strongly enhances TrkB+ cell soma and neuronal endings surrounded by GAD65 immuno-reactive afferents. These findings contribute to enlarging the knowledge on the mechanism of actions and cellular targets of exogenously administrated NGF, and suggest that ed-rhNGF might act by potentiating the activity-dependent TrkB expression in GAD+ cells in VCx following retina damage and/or ONC.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Vando, Stefano, Stefano Longo, Luca Cavaggioni, Lucio Maurino, Alin Larion, Pietro Luigi Invernizzi, and Johnny Padulo. "The Effects of Short-Term Visual Feedback Training on the Stability of the Roundhouse Kicking Technique in Young Karatekas." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 4 (February 18, 2021): 1961. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041961.

Full text

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of using real-time visual feedback (VF) during a one-week balance training intervention on postural sway parameters in young karatekas. Twenty-six young male karatekas (age = 14.0 ± 2.3 years) were randomly divided into two groups: real-time VF training (VFT; n = 14) and control (CTRL; n = 12). Their center of pressure (COP) displacement (path length, COPpl; distance from origin, COPod) was assessed pre- and post-training on a Wii Balance Board platform in two positions (Flex: knee of the supporting leg slightly bent, maximum hip and leg flexion of the other leg; Kick: knee of the supporting leg slightly bent, mawashi-geri posture for the kicking leg). Both groups trained twice a day for seven days, performing a one-legged stance on the non-dominant limb in the Kick position. During the training, VFT received real-time VF of COP displacement, while CTRL looked at a fixed point. No interaction effect was found (p > 0.05). VFT exhibited greater changes pre- and post-training in Flex COPpl (−25.2%, g = 1.5), Kick COPpl (−24.1%, g = 1.3), and Kick COPod (−44.1%, g = 1.0) compared to CTRL (−0.9–−13.0%, g-range: 0.1–0.7). It is possible that superimposing real-time VF to a week-long balance training intervention could induce a greater sport-specific balance-training effect in young karatekas.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Wan, Yu, Yinhao Wang, Liming Zhao, Zhenyu Wang, Min Sun, Dongmei Chen, Yang Yang, et al. "The Association between Socioeconomic Factors and Visual Function among Patients with Age-Related Cataracts." Journal of Ophthalmology 2020 (November 30, 2020): 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/7236214.

Full text

Abstract:

Background. With the development of the economy, socioeconomic factors, such as inequalities in the status of regional economies and the subsequent effects on health systems, have influenced the status of health. We explored the association between age-related cataracts and socioeconomic indicators, including the regional economy, health systems, and energy industries. Methods. This was a prospective, multicenter, Chinese population-based, cross-sectional study. A total of 830 participants from seven centers were enrolled. Data on the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) score, Visual Function Index-14 (VF-14) score, total and subscale scores of the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25), per capita disposable income (PCDI), medical resource-related indicators, and investments in the energy industry were obtained. Associations among these parameters were analyzed. Results. The PCDI ranking was correlated with the VF-14 score (R = −0.426, P < 0.01 ), total score of NEI-VFQ-25 (r = −0.500, P < 0.01 ), and BCVA (r = 0.278, P < 0.01 ). The number of health agencies (r1 = 0.267, r2 = −0.303, r3 = −0.291,), practicing or assistant practicing doctors (r1 = -0.283, r2 = 0.427, r3 = 0.502,), registered nurses (r1 = −0.289, r2 = 0.409, r3 = 0.469, P < 0.01 ), and health technicians (r1 = −0.278, r2 = 0.426, r3 = 0.500, P < 0.01 ) per 10,000 of the population was each correlated with the BCVA, VF-14 score, and total score of NEI-VFQ-25, respectively. Health expenditure per capita was correlated with the VF-14 score (r = 0.287, P < 0.01 ) and total score of NEI-VFQ-25 (r = 0.459, P < 0.01 ). The LOCS III P score was correlated with investments in the energy industry (r = 0.485, P < 0.001 ). Conclusions. Patients in higher economic regions with greater medical resources show a greater demand to undergo cataract surgery at a better subjective and objective visual function. The energy industry has a significant effect on cataracts, especially the posterior subcapsular cataract, and thus more attention should be paid to people in regions with abundant energy industries.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Knecht, William. "The Effect of Financial Incentive on General Aviation Vfr-Into-Imc." Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting 49, no. 1 (September 2005): 128–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/154193120504900128.

Full text

Abstract:

Two flight simulator studies explored the effects of financial incentive on general aviation pilots' willingness to proceed under visual flight rules flight into adverse weather. Study 1 assessed 60 pilots' takeoff behavior into varying degrees of adverse weather seen immediately at taxiway level. Thirty pilots received straight salary, while 30 received salary plus a bonus contingent on takeoff. Trend emerged in regression analysis for effect of incentive. Study 2 examined 45 pilots' in-flight continuation into weather degrading to zero visibility. Fifteen pilots received straight salary, 15 received salary plus a partial bonus, 15 received salary plus a full bonus. Bonuses were contingent on reaching the assigned destination. Although all pilots diverted before reaching the destination, financial incentive was a powerful stimulant to continuation into IMC ( p = .001). The difference between studies involves an information contrast effect. That is, when conditions deteriorate slowly, a bad situation can develop unnoticed.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Fernández-Vega, Beatriz, Javier Nicieza, Ana Álvarez-Barrios, Lydia Álvarez, Montserrat García, Carlos Fernández-Vega, José A. Vega, and Héctor González-Iglesias. "The Use of Vitamins and Coenzyme Q10 for the Treatment of Vascular Occlusion Diseases Affecting the Retina." Nutrients 12, no. 3 (March 9, 2020): 723. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu12030723.

Full text

Abstract:

Nutritional supplementation with antioxidants and vitamins is widely recommended in the treatment of vascular disorders affecting the retina, although there is insufficient evidence on its effectiveness. The vitamin-like compound coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutritional supplement of current interest to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report a retrospective clinical case series study of 48 patients diagnosed with retinal vascular diseases, including non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), retinal artery occlusion (RAO), and homonymous hemianopia or quadrantanopia following stroke, treated with oral supplementation with CoQ10 (100 mg per day) and vitamins. Patient follow-up was performed using the Humphrey field analyzer and 30-2 testing algorithm to determine the visual field index (VFI) and progression rates. All treated patients showed positive VFI progression rates per year: +11.5 ± 15% for NAION patients (n = 18), +22 ± 17% for RAO patients (n = 7), +9.3 ± 10.5% for hemianopia/quadrantanopia patients (n = 10), and +11 ± 21% for patients with other conditions (n = 13). The interruption of CoQ10 supplementation in one patient resulted in a pronounced decrease of the VFI, which was partially recovered when treatment was restored. This study supports the role of CoQ10 as a nutritional therapeutic agent for vascular diseases affecting the retina. Owing to decreased VFI after interruption of CoQ10, its beneficial effects may be reversible.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Choi, Eun Young, Raymond C. S. Wong, Thuzar Thein, Louis R. Pasquale, Lucy Q. Shen, Mengyu Wang, Dian Li, et al. "The Effect of Ametropia on Glaucomatous Visual Field Loss." Journal of Clinical Medicine 10, no. 13 (June 25, 2021): 2796. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm10132796.

Full text

Abstract:

Myopia has been discussed as a risk factor for glaucoma. In this study, we characterized the relationship between ametropia and patterns of visual field (VF) loss in glaucoma. Reliable automated VFs (SITA Standard 24-2) of 120,019 eyes from 70,495 patients were selected from five academic institutions. The pattern deviation (PD) at each VF location was modeled by linear regression with ametropia (defined as spherical equivalent (SE) starting from extreme high myopia), mean deviation (MD), and their interaction (SE × MD) as regressors. Myopia was associated with decreased PD at the paracentral and temporal VF locations, whereas hyperopia was associated with decreased PD at the Bjerrum and nasal step locations. The severity of VF loss modulated the effect of ametropia: with decreasing MD and SE, paracentral/nasal step regions became more depressed and Bjerrum/temporal regions less depressed. Increasing degree of myopia was positively correlated with VF depression at four central points, and the correlation became stronger with increasing VF loss severity. With worsening VF loss, myopes have increased VF depressions at the paracentral and nasal step regions, while hyperopes have increased depressions at the Bjerrum and temporal locations. Clinicians should be aware of these effects of ametropia when interpreting VF loss.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Visser, Martijn S., Sankha Amarakoon, Tom Missotten, Reinier Timman, and Jan J. V. Busschbach. "Six and eight weeks injection frequencies of bevacizumab are non-inferior to the current four weeks injection frequency for quality of life in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a randomized controlled trial." Quality of Life Research 29, no. 12 (July 14, 2020): 3305–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11136-020-02580-9.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract Purpose Patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nARMD) will not deteriorate on visual acuity and retinal thickness when treated with bevacizumab injection frequencies of 6 or 8 weeks compared to 4 weeks. This study aimed to investigate this non-inferiority in quality of life (QoL). We hypothesized that less frequent bevacizumab injections are not inferior regarding patients reported QoL. Methods Patients were randomized to bevacizumab every 4 (n = 64), 6 (n = 63), and 8 weeks (n = 64). Patients were at least 65 years old, have a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 to 20/20, no previous ARMD treatment and active leakage. Vision-related QoL questionnaire NEI VFQ-39 was used to assess QoL at baseline and after 1 year. General QoL questionnaire SF-36 was included for secondary analysis. Multilevel analyses were performed, correcting for age, gender and baseline. Results The 6 (3.68; 95% CI − 0.63 to 8.00) and 8 (2.15; 95% CI − 2.26 to 6.56) weeks bevacizumab regimens resulted in non-inferior QoL differences compared to 4 weeks on the NEI VFQ-39. Also on the SF-36 the differences were well within the non-inferiority limits. Conclusion Non-inferiority of the 6 and 8 weeks frequencies was demonstrated compared to 4 weeks on vision-related and general QoL in patients with nARMD. These results are in line with previously published results of lower frequency injections regarding visual acuity and central retinal thickness. Lower injection frequency may reduce burden, side effects, and treatment costs. In consideration of these results, 8 weeks frequency injections of intravitreal bevacizumab could be considered in patients with nARMD.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Lois, Noemi, Evie Gardner, Margaret McFarland, David Armstrong, Christine McNally, Nuala Jane Lavery, Christina Campbell, et al. "A Phase 2 Clinical Trial on the Use of Cibinetide for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema." Journal of Clinical Medicine 9, no. 7 (July 14, 2020): 2225. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm9072225.

Full text

Abstract:

Purpose: Evaluating the effects of cibinetide in diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: Phase 2 trial. Naïve patients with >400 µm central retinal thickness (CRT) DME in one/both eyes were recruited (May 2016–April 2017) at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The study eye was that with best vision and lowest CRT. Patients self-administered cibinetide 4 mg/day subcutaneously for 12 weeks. Primary and secondary outcomes: mean change from baseline to week 12 in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CRT, central retinal sensitivity, tear production, patient-reported outcomes, adverse events and antibodies to cibinetide. Descriptive statistics were used; exploratory analyses focused on non-study eyes, diabetic control, serum cytokines and albuminuria. Results: Nine patients were recruited; eight completed the study. There was no improvement in mean change baseline-week 12 in BCVA (−2.9 + 5.0), CRT (10 + 94.6 microns), central retinal sensitivity (−0.53 + 1.9 dB) or tear production (−0.13 + 7.7 mm), but there was an improvement in National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) composite scores (2.7 + 3.1). Some participants experienced improvements in CRT, tear production, diabetic control and albuminuria. No serious adverse events/reactions or anti-cibinetide antibodies were seen. Conclusions: The cibinetide 12-week course was safe. Improvements in NEI VFQ-25 scores, CRT, tear production, diabetic control and albuminuria, observed in some participants, warrant further investigation. Trial Registration: EudraCT number: 2015-001940-12. ISRCTN16962255—registration date 25.06.15.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Sasegbon, Ayodele, Ulrike Hammerbeck, Emilia Michou, Ivy Cheng, Mengqing Zhang, Charlotte James, and Shaheen Hamdy. "A feasibility pilot study of the effects of neurostimulation on dysphagia recovery in Parkinson’s Disease." AMRC Open Research 3 (September 1, 2021): 19. http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/amrcopenres.13007.1.

Full text

Abstract:

Introduction: Dysphagia often occurs during Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can have severe consequences. Recently, neuromodulatory techniques have been used to treat neurogenic dysphagia. Here we aimed to compare the neurophysiological and swallowing effects of three different types of neurostimulation, 5 Hertz (Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), 1 Hz rTMS and pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES). Method: 12 PD patients with dysphagia were randomised to receive either 5 Hz rTMS, 1 Hz rTMS, or PES. In a cross-over design, patients were assigned to one intervention and received both real and sham stimulation. Patients received a baseline videofluoroscopic (VFS) assessment of their swallowing, enabling penetration aspiration scores (PAs) to be calculated for: thin fluids, paste, solids and cup drinking. Swallowing timing measurements were also performed on thin fluid swallows only. They then had baseline recordings of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from both pharyngeal and (as a control) abductor pollicis brevis (APB) cortical areas using single-pulse TMS. Subsequently, the intervention was administered and post interventional TMS recordings were taken at 0 and 30 minutes followed by a repeat VFS within 60 minutes of intervention. Results: All interventions were well tolerated. Due to lower than expected recruitment, statistical analysis of the data was not undertaken. However, with respect to PAs swallowing timings and MEP amplitudes, there was visual separation in a positive direction between active and sham groups for all interventions. Conclusion: PES, 5 Hz rTMS and 1 Hz rTMS are tolerable interventions in PD related dysphagia. Due to small patient numbers no definitive conclusions could be drawn from the data with respect to individual interventions improving swallowing function and comparative effectiveness between interventions. Larger future studies are needed to further explore the efficacy of these neuromodulatory treatments in Parkinson’s Disease associated dysphagia.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Squires, Hazel, Edith Poku, Inigo Bermejo, Katy Cooper, John Stevens, Jean Hamilton, Ruth Wong, Alastair Denniston, Ian Pearce, and Fahd Quhill. "A systematic review and economic evaluation of adalimumab and dexamethasone for treating non-infectious intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis or panuveitis in adults." Health Technology Assessment 21, no. 68 (November 2017): 1–170. http://dx.doi.org/10.3310/hta21680.

Full text

Abstract:

BackgroundNon-infectious intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis and panuveitis are a heterogeneous group of inflammatory eye disorders. Management includes local and systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biological drugs.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of subcutaneous adalimumab (Humira®; AbbVie Ltd, Maidenhead, UK) and a dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®; Allergan Ltd, Marlow, UK) in adults with non-infectious intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis or panuveitis.Data sourcesElectronic databases and clinical trials registries including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched to June 2016, with an update search carried out in October 2016.Review methodsReview methods followed published guidelines. A Markov model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of dexamethasone and adalimumab, each compared with current practice, from a NHS and Personal Social Services (PSS) perspective over a lifetime horizon, parameterised with published evidence. Costs and benefits were discounted at 3.5%. Substantial sensitivity analyses were undertaken.ResultsOf the 134 full-text articles screened, three studies (four articles) were included in the clinical effectiveness review. Two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) [VISUAL I (active uveitis) and VISUAL II (inactive uveitis)] compared adalimumab with placebo, with limited standard care also provided in both arms. Time to treatment failure (reduced visual acuity, intraocular inflammation, new vascular lesions) was longer in the adalimumab group than in the placebo group, with a hazard ratio of 0.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36 to 0.70;p < 0.001] in the VISUAL I trial and 0.57 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.84;p = 0.004) in the VISUAL II trial. The adalimumab group showed a significantly greater improvement than the placebo group in the 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) composite score in the VISUAL I trial (mean difference 4.20;p = 0.010) but not the VISUAL II trial (mean difference 2.12;p = 0.16). Some systemic adverse effects occurred more frequently with adalimumab than with placebo. One RCT [HURON (active uveitis)] compared a single 0.7-mg dexamethasone implant against a sham procedure, with limited standard care also provided in both arms. Dexamethasone provided significant benefits over the sham procedure at 8 and 26 weeks in the percentage of patients with a vitreous haze score of zero (p < 0.014), the mean best corrected visual acuity improvement (p ≤ 0.002) and the percentage of patients with a ≥ 5-point improvement in VFQ-25 score (p < 0.05). Raised intraocular pressure and cataracts occurred more frequently with dexamethasone than with the sham procedure. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for one dexamethasone implant in one eye for a combination of patients with unilateral and bilateral uveitis compared with limited current practice, as per the HURON trial, was estimated to be £19,509 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. The ICER of adalimumab for patients with mainly bilateral uveitis compared with limited current practice, as per the VISUAL trials, was estimated to be £94,523 and £317,547 per QALY gained in active and inactive uveitis respectively. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the rate of blindness has the biggest impact on the model results. The interventions may be more cost-effective in populations in which there is a greater risk of blindness.LimitationsThe clinical trials did not fully reflect clinical practice. Thirteen additional studies of clinically relevant comparator treatments were identified; however, network meta-analysis was not feasible. The model results are highly uncertain because of the limited evidence base.ConclusionsTwo RCTs of systemic adalimumab and one RCT of a unilateral, single dexamethasone implant showed significant benefits over placebo or a sham procedure. The ICERs for adalimumab were estimated to be above generally accepted thresholds for cost-effectiveness. The cost-effectiveness of dexamethasone was estimated to fall below standard thresholds. However, there is substantial uncertainty around the model assumptions. In future work, primary research should compare dexamethasone and adalimumab with current treatments over the long term and in important subgroups and consider how short-term improvements relate to long-term effects on vision.Study registrationThis study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016041799.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Diaz, Jose M., Dirk Philipp, Ken Coffey, Paul A. Beck, Christopher Hansen, Valens Niyigena, and Robert Rhein. "101 Effects of two sward heights on forage nutritive value, rumen digestion, and grazing behavior of steers grazing non-endophyte infected tall fescue pastures." Journal of Animal Science 97, Supplement_1 (July 2019): 36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz053.080.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of two different sward heights on diet composition, rumen fermentation, and behavior of steers grazing E- tall fescue pastures. Steers (n = 4; BW = 400kg) were randomly assigned for 5 d to long (LSR) or short (SSR) sward paddocks in a cross-over design with two periods. Sward heights were 12.7±1.45cm for LSR, 11.1±0.75cm for SSR period 1 and 11.6±0.60cm for LSR and 10.2±0.70cm for SSR period 2. Forage grab samples were obtained immediately prior to the start of grazing to estimate nutritive value. Animal diet selection was determined via rumen sampling following complete rumen evacuation on d 4 after animals grazed for 20 to 30 min. Rumen fluid was collected on d 3 every 2 h from 0700 to 1900h to estimate Ammonia, VFA, and pH. During d 1 and d 2 of each period, visual observations of grazing behavior were made every hour for 10 min for each animal to record grazing, idling, lying, and ruminating time. Forage nutritive value did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). No treatment differences were observed for diet selection (P > 0.05); masticate samples following evacuation resulted in 56% NDF, 23% ADF, and 26% CP. There was no treatment×time interaction (P > 0.05) and no treatment differences (P > 0.05) for ammonia (29.9 mM/L), VFA (49.8 mM/L), or pH (6.7) based on rumen fluid sampling on d 3. No differences (P > 0.05) in grazing behavior between treatments were observed. Average time spent grazing were 8.35 min/10 min of observation between 0700 and 0900h. Bite rates did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments (40 bites/min) during same time periods. Results suggested that variability of grazing behavior is high among animals and further research is needed to detect differences based on forage sward heights

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Popat, Rakesh, Sagar Lonial, Peter M. Voorhees, Simona Degli Esposti, Ira Gupta, Joanna Opalinska, Sandhya Sapra, et al. "DREAMM-2: Single-Agent Belantamab Mafodotin (Belamaf) Effects on Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Measures in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)." Blood 136, Supplement 1 (November 5, 2020): 27–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1182/blood-2020-140013.

Full text

Abstract:

Introduction: Belamaf (GSK2857916), a B-cell maturation antigen-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), demonstrated deep and durable responses with a manageable safety profile as a single agent in patients with heavily pretreated RRMM in the pivotal DREAMM-2 study (NCT03525678; Lonial ASCO 2020 Poster 436). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated via the cancer-specific European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30; Popat EHA 2020 Poster EP1746), a PRO used extensively in oncology/MM studies to evaluate symptoms, functioning, and QoL. The EORTC-QLQ-MY20 module was used to assess MM symptoms. Corneal events are expected during belamaf treatment, as with other monomethyl auristatin F-containing ADCs, so two ophthalmic vision-related PRO questionnaires (National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 item [NEI-VFQ-25] and Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]) were used to characterize the impact of corneal events on patient symptoms and visual function. Meaningful within-patient changes in OSDI and NEI-VFQ-25 scores were estimated to better interpret outcomes in this population (Eliason ISPOR 2020). We report here the results of the PRO analyses in DREAMM-2 according to measures used in the trial. Methods: In DREAMM-2, patients who received single-agent belamaf (2.5 or 3.4 mg/kg, every 3 weeks [Q3W]) completed PRO questionnaires electronically at baseline and Q3W during treatment. Group-level, mean change from baseline over time was evaluated on EORTC domains. We also evaluated the percentage of patients with ≥10-point meaningful change threshold for improvement (Osoba J Clin Oncol 1998) on EORTC domains over time. Meaningful change thresholds in ocular PROs measuring treatment-related corneal events were estimated using recommended anchor and distribution-based methods, with 12.5-16.6 points estimated as meaningful in this population, depending on the domain (Eliason ISPOR EU 2020). We report results of the PRO data analysis for patients in the 2.5-mg/kg group selected for clinical development. Results: At Weeks 7 and 13, 46% (21/46) and 41% (12/29) of patients who completed PROs improved ≥10 points in the EORTC-QLQ-C30 Fatigue domain score, respectively; 30% (14/46) and 31% (9/29) improved their General Pain domain score. For EORTC-QLQ-C30, there were trends toward improvement in Fatigue at some time points on treatment; Global Health Status (GHS)/QoL, Role Functioning, and Physical Functioning domain scores remained relatively stable. The EORTC-QLQ-MY20 Disease Symptoms domain score (representing pain in different locations) showed a general trend toward improvement over time, with improvements of ≥10 points at Weeks 7 and 13 for 38% (17/45) and 29% (8/28) of participants. Ocular PRO data were available for 95% (92/97) of patients. Based on the OSDI vision-related functioning domain, a total of 49.5% of patients experienced a ≥12.5-point worsening from baseline (median time to worsening: 44 days). Meaningful improvement of these changes (based on defined 12.5-point thresholds) from worst severity post baseline was seen in 72% of patients (median time to improvement: 24 days). Importantly, even among patients with meaningful worsening in visual functioning, patient-reported QoL/GHS, Physical Functioning, and Role Functioning domains of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 remained stable while on treatment (Figure). Conclusions: Disease symptoms, functioning, and QoL did not worsen over time in these heavily pretreated patients receiving belamaf in DREAMM-2. Patients showed a general improvement in fatigue, which is often a difficult-to-manage symptom for patients with RRMM. Group-level, meaningful worsening in vision-related PRO domains was observed, which improved in the majority of patients. Despite ocular symptoms, even in patients with meaningful worsening, EORTC-QLQ-C30 data suggest that overall HRQoL and patient functioning remained stable while on treatment. These PRO results demonstrate a balance between overall QoL/functioning and vision-related impacts that, together with its clinical efficacy, supports the use of belamaf in the treatment of patients with RRMM. Funding: GSK (study 205678); drug linker technology licensed from Seattle Genetics; mAb produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. Figure 1 Disclosures Popat: GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel support, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria. Lonial:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Takeda: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Sanofi: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Abbvie: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; TG Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; JUNO Therapeutics: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria; Genentech: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding. Voorhees:Adaptive Biotechnologies: Other: Personal fees; Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health: Current Employment; TeneoBio: Other: Personal fees; Oncopeptides: Other: Personal fees; Novartis: Other: Personal fees; Janssen: Other: Personal fees; Celgene: Other: Personal fees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: Personal fees. Degli Esposti:Moorfields Eye Hospital: Current Employment; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria. Gupta:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Novartis: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Opalinska:GSK: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Sapra:GSK: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Gorsh:GSK: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. He:GSK: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Kleinman:Triphase Accelerator U.S Corporation: Consultancy; ONL Therapeutics, Inc: Consultancy; Revolution Medicines, Inc: Consultancy; Editas Medicine, Inc: Consultancy; Cleave Therapeutics, Inc: Consultancy; Coherus Biosciences, Inc: Consultancy; Synergy Research Inc: Consultancy; GSK: Consultancy; Eyeon Therapeutics, LLC.: Current equity holder in private company; Zenith Epigenetics Ltd: Consultancy. Schaumberg:Evidera, Inc: Current Employment; GSK: Consultancy; Novaliq: Consultancy; SilkTech: Consultancy; University of Utah School of Medicine: Current Employment. Loubert:Modus Outcomes: Current Employment. Meunier:Modus Outcomes: Current Employment. Regnault:Modus Outcomes: Current Employment. Eliason:GSK: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Popat, Rakesh, Aikaterini Kazantzi, Asim Farooq, Praneetha Thulasi, Sagar Lonial, Andrzej Jakubowiak, Ashraf Z. Badros, et al. "Ocular Health of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): Baseline Data from the DREAMM-2 Trial of Belantamab Mafodotin (Belamaf)." Blood 136, Supplement 1 (November 5, 2020): 43–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1182/blood-2020-139315.

Full text

Abstract:

Introduction: The treatment paradigm for RRMM is characterized by continuous treatment to suppress the malignant plasma cell clone. Some treatments may affect the eye, leading to a broad spectrum of ocular disorders, from dry eye to glaucoma, causing impaired quality of life. Therefore, we examined the baseline eye health of patients with RRMM receiving single-agent belamaf in the DREAMM-2 study (NCT03525678) and compared the findings to those of age-matched individuals in the general population. A better understanding of baseline ocular status is important as patients may have existing, undiagnosed eye conditions that may affect future treatment options. Methods: DREAMM-2 investigated belamaf, a B-cell maturation antigen-targeted antibody-drug conjugate in patients with RRMM. Eligible patients had received ≥3 prior therapies and were refractory to an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and refractory and/or intolerant to an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Prior to receiving belamaf, patients underwent systematic ocular history collection and eye examination and completed the eye-specific National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ-25). We report pretreatment eye-related findings to describe the baseline ocular status of patients with RRMM in DREAMM-2. Results: Of 221 patients enrolled, 100 (45%) were female and 121 (55%) were male, with a median age (range) of 66 years (34-89), median time from diagnosis of 5.4 years (1.1-12.1), and median 6 (3-21) prior lines of therapy; 98% patients had received bortezomib. Previous ocular history reported by patients were cataract (60%), intraocular surgery and/or laser treatment (35%), dry eye (20%), and glaucoma (6%), and history of ocular disease requiring medical treatment (12%). On examination, the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) Snellen score was worse than 20/50 in one or both eyes in 20 and 4 of 218 patients with data, respectively. Blepharitis (anterior) was evident in approximately 20% and the corneal epithelium was abnormal (mainly mild-grade keratopathy) in 43% of patients. Impaired tear film production was reported with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in 33% of patients, and evidence of dry eye (Schirmer's test, median 8.2 mm [normal ≥15 mm] in the worse eye. Median worse-eye tear break up time was 8.6 sec [normal >10 sec]). Slit-lamp examination revealed a cataract in approximately 50% of patients. Ten (8%) patients had evidence of prior cataract surgery with an implanted lens (pseudophakia). Dilated fundoscopy identified an abnormal optic nerve in 10% of patients in either eye; of these, glaucomatous cupping was noted in 43% (right eye) to 50% (left eye) of patients. Median (range) overall composite vision score by NEI-VFQ-25 was 95.3 (28-100). Conclusions: There was a 60% prevalence of cataract in the study cohort and an increased prevalence of glaucoma (6% vs expected 3% in patients >65 years old; Kreft et.al. BMC Public Health 2019) in RRMM patients treated in the DREAMM-2 study. Both conditions can be associated with corticosteroids, often used in MM treatments, although cataract is also an age-related phenomenon. We noted a significant number of patients with blepharitis (anterior), dry eye, and MGD, which may be associated with prior bortezomib treatment. Forty-three percent of patients had an abnormal corneal epithelium at baseline, which may be related to dry eye. This is relevant as belamaf is associated with keratopathy (microcyst-like epithelial changes visible on slit-lamp examination, with or without symptoms). Overall NEI-VFQ-25 scores were comparable to those reported in patients >65 years old (Nickels et al. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2017). Patients with RRMM may have a number of baseline ocular abnormalities suggesting a need for regular ophthalmic examinations in this vulnerable population to identify and manage underlying conditions and treatment-related complications. Specifically, attention should be paid to patients who may have ocular conditions associated with prior treatment with corticosteroids or bortezomib. The optimization of ocular heath in this population is particularly relevant given that emerging RRMM therapies such as belamaf are associated with significant ocular side effects. Funding: GSK (Study 205678); drug linker technology licensed from Seattle Genetics; monoclonal antibody produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. Disclosures Popat: GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel support, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria. Farooq:University of Chicago: Current Employment; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy. Thulasi:Emory University: Current Employment. Lonial:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Abbvie: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Takeda: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Sanofi: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; TG Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; JUNO Therapeutics: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria. Jakubowiak:AbbVie, Amgen, BMS/Celgene, GSK, Janssen, Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive, Juno: Consultancy, Honoraria. Badros:Amgen: Consultancy; University of Maryland: Current Employment. Jeng:University of Maryland: Current Employment; EyeGate: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Kedrion, Merck, GSK: Consultancy. Opalinska:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Baron:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Piontek:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Byrne:Adaptimmune, Novartis: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Womersley:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Gupta:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Novartis: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Degli Esposti:Moorfields Eye Hospital: Current Employment; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Zhi, Jin. "Understanding the Big Picture: The VFX HE Online Mentoring Programme." Compass: Journal of Learning and Teaching 11, no. 1 (April 24, 2018). http://dx.doi.org/10.21100/compass.v11i1.693.

Full text

Abstract:

VFX HE Online Mentoring Programme 2017 is funded by BFI & UK Creative Skillset. The project is led by the University of Greenwich and supported by three BAFTA Oscar award-winning VFX facilities: The Moving Picture Company (MPC), Framestore Visual Effects, (Oriental) DreamWorks. The idea behind this year’s programme is to give an in-depth understanding of VFX productions especially internal VFX pipelines, the internal collaboration between departments of world-leading VFX facilities, professional advice, VFX recruitment, etc. including hard skills as well as soft skills. We believe that VFX HE Online Mentoring Programme 2017 has provided a systematic chain of understanding and learning VFX, and a direct professional voice from the VFX industry to the UK VFX learners in higher education.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Kumar, Dharmendra, and Aman Vats. "Game Changing Role of Animation and VFX in Indian Cinema." IMS Manthan (The Journal of Innovations) 12, no. 01 (July 1, 2017). http://dx.doi.org/10.18701/imsmanthan.v12i01.10345.

Full text

Abstract:

Indian cinema has come a long way from silent era to sound, colour, masala movies and animated movies. In 1896, Lumiere Brothers screened their short films at Watson Hotel of Bombay. It was the first time when Indian audience watched the movie. Since then Indian cinema has gone through several changes and adopted latest technology.This holds more true for the last century were huge technological advancement has taken place. Today, production process of a film is completely changed. Films are produced at rapid speed with the use of latest film making technology. Indian films producedwith low budget and older technology are competing with their expensive and technologically advanced foreign counterparts. Indian cinema has continuously evolved in over last 100 years and reinvented itself to meet the latest challenges. This has given hope to the budding film makers. The study focuses on adaptation of animation and visual effects contributing to Indian Cinema narrative combininglive motion picture with computer generated imagery.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

Roque, Alicia Buffoni, Géssica Fernandes da Silva Borges, Ricardo Yuji Abe, Osias Francisco de Souza, Maria Cecília Machado, Tamara Ferreira, Newton Kara José, and José Paulo Cabral de Vasconcellos. "The effects of age-related macular degeneration on quality of life in a Brazilian population." International Journal of Retina and Vitreous 7, no. 1 (March 16, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40942-021-00290-z.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract Background To evaluate the impact of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the quality of life (QoL) in a Brazilian population using The National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25). Methods This observational study included 462 participants from the Departments of Ophthalmology of the University of Campinas and Conderg-Divinolândia. The NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire and Rasch analysis were used to assess the vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). Patients with macular neovascularization were interviewed at enrollment and after three loading doses of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. Results One hundred thirty-three patients were excluded because they had another ophthalmic disease, for a total of 349 patients included in the study (177 in the AMD group, 172 in the control group; 56.4% were women; mean ± standard deviation age, 70.6 ± 9.5 years). Most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores were significantly lower in the AMD group compared with the control group. The Rasch-calibrated NEI-VFQ-25 median score in the visual-functioning component was 56.41 for the AMD group and 61.53 for the control group, a difference of ± 4.00 (P = 0.0001). Separate analyses of the sociodemographic and ocular characteristics showed that the NEI-VFQ-25 scores were affected mostly by family income, educational level, descent, diet (vegetables/fruits), physical activity, and visual acuity (VA). The longitudinal component assessed a different group of 48 patients with exudative disease treated with anti-VEGF drugs. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution change in VA in treated eyes was a 0.16 decrease (P = 0.01). The mean change in the optical coherence tomography macular thickness was a 36.74-μm decrease (P = 0.012) from baseline to 4 months. The mean NEI-VFQ-25 scores improved significantly from baseline to follow-up at 4 months in almost all subscales. Conclusions In a Brazilian community, patients with AMD had a worse VRQoL than controls. The AMD severity and bilaterality were associated with decreased NEI-VFQ-25 scores. Higher family income, educational level, descent, and lifestyle significantly improved several subscales of the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire. Treated patients with exudative AMD had improvements in the VA, macular thickness, and most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Zohdi, Hamoon, Rahel Egli, Daniel Guthruf, Felix Scholkmann, and Ursula Wolf. "Color-dependent changes in humans during a verbal fluency task under colored light exposure assessed by SPA-fNIRS." Scientific Reports 11, no. 1 (May 6, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88059-0.

Full text

Abstract:

AbstractLight evokes robust visual and nonvisual physiological and psychological effects in humans, such as emotional and behavioral responses, as well as changes in cognitive brain activity and performance. The aim of this study was to investigate how colored light exposure (CLE) and a verbal fluency task (VFT) interact and affect cerebral hemodynamics, oxygenation, and systemic physiology as determined by systemic physiology augmented functional near-infrared spectroscopy (SPA-fNIRS). 32 healthy adults (17 female, 15 male, age: 25.5 ± 4.3 years) were exposed to blue and red light for 9 min while performing a VFT. Before and after the CLE, subjects were in darkness. We found that this long-term CLE-VFT paradigm elicited distinct changes in the prefrontal cortex and in most systemic physiological parameters. The subjects’ performance depended significantly on the type of VFT and the sex of the subject. Compared to red light, blue evoked stronger responses in cerebral hemodynamics and oxygenation in the visual cortex. Color-dependent changes were evident in the recovery phase of several systemic physiological parameters. This study showed that the CLE has effects that endure at least 15 min after cessation of the CLE. This underlines the importance of considering the persistent influence of colored light on brain function, cognition, and systemic physiology in everyday life.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Asano, Shotaro, Hiroshi Murata, Yuri Fujino, Takehiro Yamashita, Atsuya Miki, Yoko Ikeda, Kazuhiko Mori, Masaki Tanito, and Ryo Asaoka. "Investigating the clinical usefulness of definitions of progression with 10-2 visual field." British Journal of Ophthalmology, March 5, 2021, bjophthalmol—2020–318188. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-318188.

Full text

Abstract:

Background/AimTo investigate the clinical validity of the Guided Progression Analysis definition (GPAD) and cluster-based definition (CBD) with the Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 test in diagnosing glaucomatous visual field (VF) progression, and to introduce a novel definition with optimised specificity by combining the ‘any-location’ and ‘cluster-based’ approaches (hybrid definition).Methods64 400 stable glaucomatous VFs were simulated from 664 pairs of 10-2 tests (10 sets × 10 VF series × 664 eyes; data set 1). Using these simulated VFs, the specificity to detect progression and the effects of changing the parameters (number of test locations or consecutive VF tests, and percentile cut-off values) were investigated. The hybrid definition was designed as the combination where the specificity was closest to 95.0%. Subsequently, another 5000 actual glaucomatous 10-2 tests from 500 eyes (10 VFs each) were collected (data set 2), and their accuracy (sensitivity, specificity and false positive rate) and the time needed to detect VF progression were evaluated.ResultsThe specificity values calculated using data set 1 with GPAD and CBD were 99.6% and 99.8%. Using data set 2, the hybrid definition had a higher sensitivity than GPAD and CBD, without detriment to the specificity or false positive rate. The hybrid definition also detected progression significantly earlier than GPAD and CBD (at 3.1 years vs 4.2 years and 4.1 years, respectively).ConclusionsGPAD and CBD had specificities of 99.6% and 99.8%, respectively. A novel hybrid definition (with a specificity of 95.5%) had higher sensitivity and enabled earlier detection of progression.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Hermsen, Sander, Monica Mars, Suzanne Higgs, Jeana H. Frost, and Roel C. J. Hermans. "Effects of eating with an augmented fork with vibrotactile feedback on eating rate and body weight: a randomized controlled trial." International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 16, no. 1 (October 22, 2019). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12966-019-0857-7.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract Background Eating rate is a basic determinant of appetite regulation: people who eat more slowly feel sated earlier and eat less. A high eating rate contributes to overeating and potentially to weight gain. Previous studies showed that an augmented fork that delivers real-time feedback on eating rate is a potentially effective intervention to decrease eating rate in naturalistic settings. This study assessed the impact of using the augmented fork during a 15-week period on eating rate and body weight. Methods In a parallel randomized controlled trial, 141 participants with overweight (age: 49.2 ± 12.3 y; BMI: 31.5 ± 4.48 kg/m2) were randomized to intervention groups (VFC, n = 51 or VFC+, n = 44) or control group (NFC, n = 46). First, we measured bite rate and success ratio on five consecutive days with the augmented fork without feedback (T1). The intervention groups (VFC, VFC+) then used the same fork, but now received vibrotactile feedback when they ate more than one bite per 10 s. Participants in VFC+ had additional access to a web portal with visual feedback. In the control group (NFC), participants ate with the fork without either feedback. The intervention period lasted four weeks, followed by a week of measurements only (T2) and another measurement week after eight weeks (T3). Body weight was assessed at T1, T2, and T3. Results Participants in VFC and VFC+ had a lower bite rate (p < .01) and higher success ratio (p < .0001) than those in NFC at T2. This effect persisted at T3. In both intervention groups participants lost more weight than those in the control group at T2 (p < .02), with no rebound at T3. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that an augmented fork with vibrotactile feedback is a viable tool to reduce eating rate in naturalistic settings. Further investigation may confirm that the augmented fork could support long-term weight loss strategies. Trial registration The research reported in this manuscript was registered on 4 November 2015 in the Netherlands Trial Register with number NL5432 (https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/5432).

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Moon, Jayoon, Sang-Mok Lee, Joon Young Hyon, Mee Kum Kim, Joo Youn Oh, and Hyuk Jin Choi. "Large diameter scleral lens benefits for Asians with intractable ocular surface diseases: a prospective, single-arm clinical trial." Scientific Reports 11, no. 1 (January 27, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82010-z.

Full text

Abstract:

AbstractTo report the efficacy and safety of large diameter scleral lenses and determine their suitability in Asian subjects with intractable ocular surface diseases. This prospective study enrolled intractable ocular surface diseases subjects with uncorrected visual acuity > counting finger but ≥ 0.3 logMAR and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 0.3 logMAR, to fit large diameter scleral lenses for 12 weeks. 21 eyes (13 subjects) consisting ten eyes (47.6%) with persistent epithelial defects, 6 (28.6%) with graft-versus-host disease, 4 (19.0%) with Stevens–Johnson syndrome and one (4.8%) with severe dry eye were ultimately enrolled. Primary outcome measures were the visual acuity, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). At week 12 with large diameter scleral lenses, BCVA improved from 0.77 logMAR to 0.27 logMAR (P < 0.001). High-grade corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining proportion decreased from 61.90 to 14.29% and 52.38 to 9.52%, respectively (P = 0.0036 and 0.0063, respectively). OSDI and NEI-VFQ-25 improved from 67.89 to 34.69 and 51.40 to 64.48, respectively (P < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed. In Asians with intractable ocular surface diseases, large diameter scleral lens improves visual acuity and alleviates signs and symptoms of ocular surface diseases without any significant complications.Trial registration Korean Health Technology R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (Project No. HI12C0015 (A120018)). Clinical Trials.gov, NCT04535388. Registered 18 August 2020—Retrospectively registered, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04535388.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Maes, Michael, and Buranee Kanchanatawan. "In (deficit) schizophrenia, a general cognitive decline partly mediates the effects of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative toxicity on the symptomatome and quality of life." CNS Spectrums, April 12, 2021, 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1092852921000419.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract Background Schizophrenia and deficit schizophrenia are accompanied by neurocognitive impairments. The aim of this study was to examine whether a general factor underpins impairments in key Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) probes, verbal fluency test (VFT), world list memory (WLM), True Recall, and mini mental state examination (MMSE). Methods We recruited 80 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy controls. All patients were assessed using CANTAB tests, namely paired-association learning, rapid visual information processing, spatial working memory, one touch stockings of Cambridge, intra/extradimensional set-shifting (IED), and emotional recognition test. Results We found that a general factor, which is essentially unidimensional, underlies those CANTAB, VFT, WLM, True Recall, and MMSE scores. This common factor shows excellent psychometric properties and fits a reflective model and, therefore, reflects a general cognitive decline (G-CoDe) comprising deficits in semantic and episodic memory, recall, executive functions, strategy use, rule acquisition, visual sustained attention, attentional set-shifting, and emotional recognition. Partial least squares analysis showed that 40.5% of the variance in G-CoDe is explained by C-C motif ligand 11, IgA to tryptophan catabolites, and increased oxidative toxicity, and that G-CoDe explains 44.8% of the variance in a general factor extracted from psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism, negative symptoms, formal thought disorders, and psychomotor retardation, and 40.9% in quality-of-life scores. The G-CoDe is significantly greater in deficit than in nondeficit schizophrenia. Conclusions A common core shared by a multitude of neurocognitive impairments (G-CoDe) mediates the effects of neurotoxic pathways on the phenome of (deficit) schizophrenia.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

King, Anthony J., Jemma Hudson, Gordon Fernie, Ashleigh Kernohan, Augusto Azuara-Blanco, Jennifer Burr, Tara Homer, et al. "Primary trabeculectomy for advanced glaucoma: pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial (TAGS)." BMJ, May 12, 2021, n1014. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1014.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract Objective To determine whether primary trabeculectomy or primary medical treatment produces better outcomes in term of quality of life, clinical effectiveness, and safety in patients presenting with advanced glaucoma. Design Pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial. Setting 27 secondary care glaucoma departments in the UK. Participants 453 adults presenting with newly diagnosed advanced open angle glaucoma in at least one eye (Hodapp classification) between 3 June 2014 and 31 May 2017. Interventions Mitomycin C augmented trabeculectomy (n=227) and escalating medical management with intraocular pressure reducing drops (n=226) Main outcome measures Primary outcome: vision specific quality of life measured with Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) at 24 months. Secondary outcomes: general health status, glaucoma related quality of life, clinical effectiveness (intraocular pressure, visual field, visual acuity), and safety. Results At 24 months, the mean VFQ-25 scores in the trabeculectomy and medical arms were 85.4 (SD 13.8) and 84.5 (16.3), respectively (mean difference 1.06, 95% confidence interval −1.32 to 3.43; P=0.38). Mean intraocular pressure was 12.4 (SD 4.7) mm Hg for trabeculectomy and 15.1 (4.8) mm Hg for medical management (mean difference −2.8 (−3.8 to −1.7) mm Hg; P<0.001). Adverse events occurred in 88 (39%) patients in the trabeculectomy arm and 100 (44%) in the medical management arm (relative risk 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 1.17; P=0.37). Serious side effects were rare. Conclusion Primary trabeculectomy had similar quality of life and safety outcomes and achieved a lower intraocular pressure compared with primary medication. Trial registration Health Technology Assessment (NIHR-HTA) Programme (project number: 12/35/38). ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN56878850 .

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Ayabe, Tatsuhiro, Masahiro Kita, Kuniaki Obara, Sumio Kondo, Satoshi Umeda, and Yasuhisa Ano. "Effect of Supplementation of a Whey Peptide Rich in β-Lactolin on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study." Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 79, OCE2 (2020). http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0029665120002761.

Full text

Abstract:

IntroductionWith rapid increase of aging worldwide, the number of people suffering from cognitive decline and dementia has been rapidly increasing. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that consumption of dairy products have beneficial effects on cognitive decline and dementia in elderly. Our previous demonstration using pharmacologically-induced amnesia model mice identified tryptophan-tyrosine-related peptides, especially glycine-threonine-tryptophan-tyrosine (GTWY) of lactotetrapeptide, b-lactolin, as responsible agents improving cognitive decline in whey digestions, and we have originally developed GTWY-rich whey peptide by a specific enzymatic digestion. However, the effect of GTWY-rich whey peptide on cognitive functions in human has not been investigated. The present study is the first clinical trial evaluating the effects of GTWY-rich whey peptide on cognitive functions in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design.MethodsHealthy middle to older adults, aged from 45 to 64 years, with a self-awareness of cognitive decline were recruited. 101 eligible subjects received either whey peptide tablets containing 1 g of the GTWY-rich whey peptide per day, which included 1.6 mg of GTWY, (N = 50) or placebo containing the same amount of maltodextrin (N = 51) for 12 weeks. Changes of cognitive functions from 0 week of the intervention were assessed using neuropsychological tests assessing memory functions (word recall, story recall and verbal fluency test) and attention and executive functions (stroop test, digit span, and paced auditory serial addition test) at 6 and 12 weeks.ResultsThe change of verbal fluency test (VFT) score evaluating long-term memory retrieval at 12 weeks in whey peptide group tended to be higher than that in placebo group. Subgroup analysis showed that in the subjects with high-level of subjective fatigue measured by visual-analog scale, the changes of VFT, stroop test evaluating inhibition of executive functions and subjective memory function test at 6 weeks in whey peptide group were significantly higher than those in placebo group. The change of VFT score was also significantly higher in subjects with high fatigue measured by profile of mood status.Discussion and ConclusionsThe present study suggests that consumption of GTWY-rich whey peptide improve cognitive functions, especially memory retrieval and executive function, in healthy middle to older adults, with high subjective fatigue. It is also suggested that prefrontal cortex functions, especially dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is associated with the effects of the whey peptide. Consumptions of 1 g GTWY-rich whey peptide in daily life are safe and easy, which might be a practical approach to support cognitive function.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

Mercer, Judith S., Debra A. Erickson-Owens, Sean C. L. Deoni, Douglas C. Dean III, Richard Tucker, Ashley B. Parker, Sarah Joelson, Emily N. Mercer, Jennifer Collins, and James F. Padbury. "The Effects of Delayed Cord Clamping on 12-Month Brain Myelin Content and Neurodevelopment: A Randomized Controlled Trial." American Journal of Perinatology, July 21, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714258.

Full text

Abstract:

Objective This study aimed to determine if delayed cord clamping (DCC) affected brain myelin water volume fraction (VFm) and neurodevelopment in term infants. Study Design This was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial of healthy pregnant women with term singleton fetuses randomized at birth to either immediate cord clamping (ICC) (≤ 20 seconds) or DCC (≥ 5 minutes). Follow-up at 12 months of age consisted of blood work for serum iron indices and lead levels, a nonsedated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), followed within the week by neurodevelopmental testing. Results At birth, 73 women were randomized into one of two groups: ICC (the usual practice) or DCC (the intervention). At 12 months, among 58 active participants, 41 (80%) had usable MRIs. There were no differences between the two groups on maternal or infant demographic variables. At 12 months, infants who had DCC had increased white matter brain growth in regions localized within the right and left internal capsules, the right parietal, occipital, and prefrontal cortex. Gender exerted no difference on any variables. Developmental testing (Mullen Scales of Early Learning, nonverbal, and verbal composite scores) was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion At 12 months of age, infants who received DCC had greater myelin content in important brain regions involved in motor function, visual/spatial, and sensory processing. A placental transfusion at birth appeared to increase myelin content in the early developing brain. Key Points

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Gbessemehlan, Antoine, Arlette Edjolo, Catherine Helmer, Cécile Delcourt, Pascal Mbelesso, Bébène Ndamba-Bandzouzi, Harielle Samba, et al. "Vision Impairment and Adverse Health Conditions in Congolese Older People: A Population-Based Study." Gerontology, July 27, 2021, 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000517044.

Full text

Abstract:

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, many older people experience vision impairment (VI) and its adverse health outcomes. In this study, we examined separately the association between VI and each adverse health conditions (cognitive disorders, vision-related quality of life [VRQoL], and daily functioning interference [DFI]) among Congolese older people. We also explored whether VI had a significant effect on VRQoL components in our population. Method: We performed cross-sectional analyses on data from 660 Congolese people aged ≥65 years who participated in the 2013 survey of the EPIDEMCA population-based cohort study. VI was defined as having a near visual acuity <20/40 (assessed at 30 cm using a Parinaud chart). Cognitive disorders were assessed using neuropsychological tests and neurological examinations. VRQoL was assessed using a reduced version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-22) and DFI using 11 items of participation restrictions and activity limitations. Regarding our main objective, each association was explored separately using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. Additionally, the effects of VI on each VRQoL components were explored using univariable linear regression models. Results: VI was not associated with cognitive disorders after adjustment for residence area (adjusted odds ratio = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6; 4.7), but it was associated with a low VRQoL score (adjusted β = −12.4; 95% CI: −17.5; −7.3) even after controlling for several covariates. An interaction between VI and age (p = 0.007) was identified, and VI was associated with DFI only among people aged >73 years (adjusted β = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2; 0.8). Our exploratory analysis showed that all components of VRQoL decreased with a decrease in visual acuity (corrected p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: VI was associated with poor VRQoL and high DFI. Residence area seems to play a confounding role in the association between VI and cognitive disorders. Our findings suggest that targeting interventions on vision could reduce DFI among older people and improve their well-being.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Journal articles on the topic 'Visual effects (VFX)'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles