Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness最新文献

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with having proficient braille skill, with a specific interest in employment status.

Method: Survey data were collected in 2021 and 2022 from 449 employed and unemployed people with low vision and people who were blind, all of whom were legally blind. Proficient braille skill was the dependent variable in two logistic regression models (full sample model and totally blind only model) that included age category, age of blindness onset, sex, education level, non-visual disability, level of vision loss, assistive technology (AT) skill level, and employment status as independent variables.

Results: We found that people who (a) experienced visual impairment at a younger age, (b) were blind or had less functional vision, (c) were younger, (d) were female, (e) had higher self-reported AT skill, and (f) were employed were more likely to have proficient braille skills.

Discussion: Multiple variables were related to proficient braille skill, some anticipated based on previous research (younger age of blindness onset, less functional vision, employment) and some unexpected (younger age, being female, greater AT skill). Although employment had a small association with proficient braille skill for the entire sample, it had a stronger association for people who were totally blind. Higher rates of proficient braille skills among people between the ages of 21-30 may be a consequence of laws passed in the 1990s.

Implications: With easy access to braille in the form of refreshable braille technology, it is more important than ever that people with visual impairments of all ages have the opportunity to learn braille. Additional resources for learning braille as well as support and encouragement are needed, particularly for youth and adults who acquire vision loss.

Introduction: This study, conducted in the United States, investigated the challenges faced by drivers with homonymous visual field loss and their coping strategies, including the use of in-vehicle Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Methods: Four current drivers with either homonymous quadrantanopia or homonymous scotoma caused by a stroke completed an in-depth semi-structured telephone interview. Using mostly open-ended questions, the interview addressed the difficulties encountered while driving, strategies used to cope with the difficulties, and the use of ADAS.

Results: The main difficulties related to seeing objects on side of the field loss especially at intersections and when merging or changing lanes. Cases with left-sided field loss reported problems with left turns and seeing oncoming cars at intersections. Cases with homonymous scotomas described how cars disappeared in and out of the scotoma. Two cases reported many driving difficulties at first, but fewer difficulties as they became used to driving with the field loss. The most common coping strategies included scanning to the side of the field loss (including large scans with head movements), use of rearview/side mirrors, adding mirrors to the car, leaving more space on the side of the field loss, avoiding difficult driving situations and the use of ADAS (blind spot warning, GPS navigation and rearview camera).

Discussion: All cases reported some difficulties consistent with those found in on-road and driving simulator studies of individuals with homonymous visual field loss. Over time they each reported developing a set of strategies, including use of ADAS, for coping with the field loss that enabled them to be active drivers with relatively few self-imposed restrictions.

Implications for practitioners: Advising drivers with stroke-related field loss about potential difficulties and compensatory strategies is an important part of preparation for return to driving. The paper provides examples of problem situations, coping strategies and ADAS use which can be used to guide discussion.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory gastrointestinal process that afflicts approximately 10% of preterm infants born in the United States each year, with a mortality rate of 30%. NEC severity is graded using Bell's classification system, from stage I mild NEC to stage III severe NEC. Over half of NEC survivors present with neurodevelopmental impairment during adolescence, a long-term complication that is poorly understood but can occur even after mild NEC. Although multiple animal models exist, none allow the experimenter to control nor represent the gradient of symptom severities seen in NEC patients. We bridge this knowledge gap by developing a graded murine model of NEC and studying its relationship with neuroinflammation across a range of NEC severities.

Methods: Postnatal day 3 (P3) C57BL/6 mice were fed a formula containing different concentrations (0% control, 0.25%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). P3 mice were fed every 3 hours for 72-hours. We collected data on weight gain and behavior (activity, response, body color) during feeding. At the end of the experiment, we collected tissues (intestine, liver, plasma, brain) for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and cytokine and chemokine analysis.

Results: Throughout NEC induction, mice fed higher concentrations of DSS died sooner, lost weight faster, and became sick or lethargic earlier. Intestinal characteristics (dilation, color, friability) were worse in mice fed with higher DSS concentrations. Histology revealed small intestinal disarray among mice fed all DSS concentrations, while higher DSS concentrations resulted in reduced small intestinal cellular proliferation and increased hepatic and systemic inflammation. In the brain, IL-2, G-CSF, and CXCL1 concentrations increased with higher DSS concentrations. Although the number of neurons and microglia in the CA1 hippocampal region did not differ, microglial branching was significantly reduced in DSS-fed mice.

Conclusion: We characterize a novel graded model of NEC that recapitulates the full range of NEC severities. We show that mild NEC is sufficient to initiate neuroinflammation and microglia activation. This model will facilitate studies on the neurodevelopmental effects of NEC.

Introduction: Research supports the benefits of job search interventions in improving employment outcomes for various populations, but previous studies involved face-to-face implementation and did not include adults with visual impairments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a job search intervention designed for synchronous distance implementation with adults with visual impairments.

Methods: Two trainers implemented a 5-day job search skills training program with 12 job seekers with visual impairments, ages 22 to 63 years, via Zoom videoconferencing software. Researchers documented participant attendance and intervention fidelity during the program. Participants completed electronic surveys that included quantitative measures of cognitive load and acceptability, plus open-ended questions about their overall perceptions of the program.

Results: Attendance, intervention fidelity, and germane cognitive load were high, whereas intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load were low. Most implementation issues resulted from participants' technical difficulties, which were most prevalent on the first day. Acceptability ratings indicated high levels of engagement; relevance; interactivity; and satisfaction with the trainers, group processes, and virtual format. Participants commented on many positive aspects of the program, and some acknowledged the technical issues that occurred.

Discussion: The results support the acceptability and feasibility of the job search intervention. The trainers successfully implemented the program via videoconferencing with adults with visual impairments and developed a positive group atmosphere with high social support.

Implications for practitioners: Our findings have implications for facilitating group interventions through videoconferencing, including strategies for building group cohesion and social support.