Visual-evoked potential evidence of chiasmal hypoplasia

PURPOSE: To show that chiasmal hypoplasia or aplasia need not be an isolated developmental anomaly and to examine the spectrum of associated clinical findings to explore the possibility that these patients may represent a phenotypic manifestation of a developmental gene anomaly. DESIGN: An observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Five infants, between several weeks and 7 months of age, in whom the electrophysiologic characteristic of chiasmal hypoplasia had been noted were included. METHODS: Flash electroretinography and flash and pattern visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) were elicited from all patients. Clinical ophthalmologic examinations, including funduscopy, were performed, and all patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The occipital distribution of monocular VEP response peaks was studied. The symmetry of lateral channel responses was compared for monocular stimulation. RESULTS: All five patients had a crossed asymmetry in the monocular VEP occipital distribution, which is consistent with a paucity of fibers crossing at the chiasm. The MRI findings supported this electrophysiologic observation, illustrating degrees of chiasmal hypoplasia and variable coincidence of other midline abnormalities of the brain. Optic disc appearances varied from normal to hypoplastic and colobomatous. CONCLUSIONS: The ophthalmologic and MRI findings of five patients who showed a crossed asymmetry in monocular flash VEPs are consistent with a paucity of axons crossing at the chiasm. The similarities between achiasmia in humans and mice due to a Pax2 gene anomaly are discussed.     

Epstein-Barr Virus–Related Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Transplant Recipients: A Case Series

Background

Solid organ transplantation is associated with a higher risk of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–related lymphoproliferative disease due to immunosuppressive regimen. Little evidence is currently available on post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) in the lung transplant (LuTx) setting, particularly in cystic fibrosis (CF) recipients.

Local Leaders' Perspectives on Women Veterans’ Health Care: What Would Ideal Look Like?

Background

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) faces challenges in providing comprehensive, gender-sensitive care for women. National policies have led to important advancements, but local leadership also plays a vital role in implementing changes and operationalizing national priorities. In this article, we explore the notions of ideal women veterans' health care articulated by women's health leaders at local VHA facilities and regional networks, with the goal of identifying elements that could inform practice and policy.

The National Institute of Nursing Research Graduate Partnerships Program (NINR-GPP): An opportunity for PhD students

The Institutional Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) offered by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) provides an exceptional opportunity for students who are enrolled in any PhD program in nursing across the nation to complete dissertation research on the premier research campus of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. The goal of this doctoral fellowship program, which is up to 3 years in length, is to train promising doctoral students in basic and clinical research. This knowledge and skill set is necessary for the next generation of nurse scientists to ultimately conduct translational research. In this article, the authors describe the program, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and selection criteria for NINR-supported GPP nursing students. Also provided are tips for interested students and outcomes of current and former NINR-supported GPP students (NINR-GPP).     

Frequency of Consumption of Whole Fruit,Not Fruit Juice,Is Associated with Reduced Prevalence of Obesity in Korean Adults

BackgroundFruit consumption is known to be beneficial to health. However, the health benefits of fruit juice are controversial due to its high sugar content.ObjectivesTo examine the associations of frequency of consumption of whole fruit and fruit juice with obesity and metabolic syndrome.DesignThis cross-sectional study used data from the 2012-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.ParticipantsA total of 10,460 adults (4,082 men and 6,378 women) aged 19 to 64 years were included in the study.Main outcome measuresFrequency of consumption of whole fruit and fruit juice was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary sugar intake was calculated using a 24-hour recall. Obesity and abdominal obesity were determined using body mass index and waist circumference, respectively. Metabolic syndrome was defined on the basis of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III.Statistical analyses performedMultiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between frequency of whole fruit or fruit juice consumption and obesity and metabolic syndrome abnormalities.ResultsThe percentage of participants who consumed whole fruit daily was 32.6%, whereas 52.3% consumed fruit juice rarely. The average intake of total sugars was 14.9% of total energy, which was within the recommend range (<20% of total energy) for Koreans. Consuming whole fruit ≥1 time/day was associated with reduced prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure compared with consuming whole fruit ≤1 time/wk. However, frequency of fruit juice consumption showed no association with obesity, abdominal obesity, and metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsFrequency of whole fruit consumption was associated with reduced prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome abnormalities among Korean adults with average total sugar intake within the recommended range.