Reliability of standardized assessment for adults who are deafblind.

This study assessed the reliability of the interRAI Community Health Assessment (interRAI CHA) and Deafblind Supplement (DbS). The interRAI CHA and DbS represents a multidimensional, standardized assessment instrument for use with adults (18 and older) who are deafblind. The interrater reliability of the instrument was tested through the completion of dual assessments with 44 individuals who were deafblind in the province of Ontario, Canada.

"Eye-T": information technology adoption and use in Canada's optometry practices.

Background: While information technology (IT) is playing an increasing role in the delivery of optometric services, little specific information is available about how IT is changing the practice of optometry in Canada or whether optometry schools are adequately preparing their students to use this technology when they graduate.

Methods: Quantitative data on how IT is being used, as well as related barriers and potential benefits, were obtained in a survey of Canadian optometrists (N = 474). Three site visits were made to geographically dispersed Canadian optometry practices identified as exemplars of IT adoption.

Age-related macular degeneration and low-vision rehabilitation: a systematic review.

Background: Because of the prevalence and devastating consequences of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a systematic review devoted to low-vision rehabilitation and AMD seems timely and appropriate.

Methods: Several electronic databases were searched for studies from 1980 to 2006 involving individuals with low vision or visual impairment and rehabilitation interventions. Studies were assessed for quality and level of evidence.

The predictability of retention and discontinuation of contact lenses.

Background: The objective of this research was to investigate the possibility of predicting the retention or discontinuation of contact lenses on the basis of their effect on the quality of life of the wearer. While most studies of discontinuation of assistive technology devices have focused on other than psychosocial causes of discontinuation, there is reason to believe that a major cause is the psychosocial effect of the device on the user.

Methods: Participants were 418 adult volunteers who had been fitted with contact lenses.

Differential accumulation of nutrient elements in some New Zealand mistletoes and their hosts.

It has been generally assumed that differential accumulation of mineral nutrients, leading to greater accumulation of elements in mistletoe tissues, is associated with greater transpiration in the mistletoe than in the host. Only a few investigations have measured both tissue element concentrations and transpiration, or transpiration-related parameters such as carbon isotope ratios (δC). Seasonal means for foliar concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, N, transpiration and δC were obtained from ten mistletoe-host pairs, nine involving the mistletoe Ileostylus micranthus and one with Tupeia antarctica.

Water relations of temperate mistletoes on various hosts.

The daily field water relations and gas exchange of the temperate mistletoes Ileostylus micranthus (Hook.f.) Tiegh.

Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios, nitrogen content and heterotrophy in New Zealand mistletoes.

The carbon isotope ratio (δC) of New Zealand mistletoes (-29.51±0.10‰) and their hosts (-28.