Search

Introduction: The inability to read quickly can be a disadvantage throughout life. This study focused on the associations of braille reading fluency and individual factors, such as the age at onset of blindness and number of years reading braille, and the tactile sensitivity of people with early and late blindness. The relationship between reading speed and these other factors was examined to identify factors that influence reading speed. Methods: Nine people with early blindness and 10 people with late blindness participated in this study, which included the measurement of accuracy of word recognition, braille reading speed, and tactile sensitivity. Results: We found a significant partial correlation between reading speed and the age at onset of blindness, controlling for number of years reading braille (r=-0.68, p < .005), and no significant partial correlation between tactile sensitivity and reading speed after controlling for the age at onset of blindness (r = -0.08, ns). Discussion: A direct relationship between reading speed and tactile sensitivity was not confirmed, and the age at onset of blindness appears not only to mediate the relationship between reading speed and tactile sensitivity but also may be a crucial factor influencing braille reading fluency. Implications for practitioners: Our results suggested that a crucial factor that influences braille reading fluency was the age at onset of blindness, and that individuals should begin learning braille as early as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The inability to read quickly can be a disadvantage throughout life. This study focused on the associations of braille reading fluency and individual factors, such as the age at onset of blindness and number of years reading braille, and the tactile sensitivity of people with early and late blindness. The relationship between reading speed and these other factors was examined to identify factors that influence reading speed. Methods: Nine people with early blindness and 10 people with late blindness participated in this study, which included the measurement of accuracy of word recognition, braille reading speed, and tactile sensitivity. Results: We found a significant partial correlation between reading speed and the age at onset of blindness, controlling for number of years reading braille (r=-0.68, p < .005), and no significant partial correlation between tactile sensitivity and reading speed after controlling for the age at onset of blindness (r = -0.08, ns). Discussion: A direct relationship between reading speed and tactile sensitivity was not confirmed, and the age at onset of blindness appears not only to mediate the relationship between reading speed and tactile sensitivity but also may be a crucial factor influencing braille reading fluency. Implications for practitioners: Our results suggested that a crucial factor that influences braille reading fluency was the age at onset of blindness, and that individuals should begin learning braille as early as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the optical properties of a near-infrared (NIR) fluorochrome, di-β-cyclodextrin-binding indocyanine derivative (TK-1), and its pharmacokinetic differences with indocyanine green (ICG). TK-1 was designed to have hydrophilic cyclodextrin molecules and, thus, for higher water solubility and smaller particle sizes than the plasma protein-bound ICG. We compared optical properties such as the absorption and fluorescence spectra, quantum yield, and photostability between both dyes in vitro. In addition, we subcutaneously injected a 1 mM solution of TK-1 or ICG into the hind footpad of rats and observed real-time NIR fluorescence intensities in their femoral veins and accompanying lymphatics at the exposed groin site to analyze the dye pharmacokinetics. These optical experiments demonstrated that TK-1 has high water solubility, a low self-aggregation tendency, and high optical and chemical stabilities. Our in vivo imaging showed that TK-1 was transported via peripheral venous flow and lymphatic flow, whereas ICG was drained only through lymphatics. The results of this study showed that lymphatic and venous transport can be differentially regulated and is most likely influenced primarily by particle size, and that TK-1 can enable real-time NIR fluorescence imaging of whole fluids and solute movement via both microvessels and lymphatics, which conventional ICG cannot achieve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Shin'iseihaito (Xin yi qing fei tang in Chinese, SSHT), a formula in traditional Japanese Kampo medicine and Chinese medicine comprising nine crude drugs, Gypsum, Ophiopogon Tuber, Scutellaria Root (SR, root of Scutellaria baicalensis), Gardenia Fruit, Anemarrhena Rhizome, Lilium Bulb, Magnolia Flower, Loquat Leaf, and Cimicifuga Rhizome, is commonly used to treat sinusitis associated with purulent nasal discharge and reddish nasal mucosa. We evaluated anti-bacterial activity of SSHT extract on Streptococcus pneumoniae, the major cause of bacterial sinusitis. Materials and Methods: Sterile paper disks impregnated with SSHT extract or each extract of its component were placed on sheep blood agar plates inoculated with Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 49619). The diameter of inhibitory zone was measured after 20--24 h incubation. Results: SSHT extract and each water extract of Ophiopogon Tuber, SR, Gardenia Fruit, Anemarrhena Rhizome, Lilium Bulb, Magnolia Flower, and Cimicifuga Rhizome showed significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, and SR extract exhibited the largest inhibitory zone. SR extract was partitioned into AcOEt, BuOH, and water layer, and water layer was further separated into 80% EtOH soluble and insoluble fraction. Among them, only 80% EtOH soluble fraction was exhibited antibacterial activity. In this fraction, we found baicalin as the major compounds, and baicalin exhibited antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae in concentrationdependent manner. Conclusion: SSHT has antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, and SR and its major constituent baicalin contribute to the antibacterial activity of SSHT against Streptococcus pneumoniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]