bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy and nutrient intake and nutritional status of children with malignant disease during chemotherapy after the introduction of new mealtime routines
Authors: Skolin Inger , Hernell Olle , Wahlin Ylva Britt
Published: March 2003

A previous study at the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology unit at the University hospital of Northern Sweden, Uneå, showed that children with malignant disease had an average daily energy intake below that recommended, and negative weight development after start of chemotherapy. New mealtime routines were introduced. During 7 months in 1995–1996, 11 consecutive children, 2–15 yrs of age, participated in prospective dietary recording for21 consecutive days during their first induction therapy. Daily energy and macronutrient intakes were related to the recommended daily intakes (RDIs) according to the Swedish Nutrition Recommendations, (SNR). ANthropometric data were expressed as SD‐score and related to National Centre for Wealth Statistics (NCHS) growth curves. The average daily oral energy intake during days spent at the hospital was 63% of RDI and thus still lower than that recommended. Inclusion of enteral and parenteral nutrition support increased the average daily energy intake to 88% of RDI. After an initial weight loss, a catch‐up was seen at 6 months.
Professional carers' struggle to be confirmed. Narratives within the care of the elderly and disabled
Authors: Forsgärde Marianne , Westman Berith , Jansson Lilian
Published: March 2003

Professional carers' struggle to be confirmed. Narratives within the care of the elderly and disabled

Twenty‐seven members of staff working in special types of housing in Sweden narrated 95 narratives about their experience of being in problematic situations during the working day. The narratives were interpreted using a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach inspired by the philosophy of Ricoeur. The narratives mainly concerned interactions with colleagues and very few narratives concerned interactions with residents and relatives. On the relationship level of communication there is evidence that many interactions among the staff, residents and relatives were of a receptive and disconfirming nature. The results indicate that the staff feel lonely, and struggled to maintain self‐esteem and to be confirmed.
Colour perception among the very elderly related to visual and cognitive function
Authors: Wijk Helle , Berg Stig , Bergman Birgitta , Hanson Anne Börjesson , Sivik Lars , Steen Bertil
Published: March 2003

Colour perception among the very elderly related to visual and cognitive function

Colour perception was studied among a representative sample of 95‐year olds and compared with previously examined 80‐year olds and a group with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mean age of 80 years. The 95‐year olds' results were on a significantly lower level than the other two groups but showed a similar pattern as to colour ‐discrimination, ‐naming, ‐preferences and colour/form recognition. Visual function among 95‐year olds had only minor influence on their result in contrast to cognitive function which had a more profound impact. Most interestingly though, the subjects with Alzheimer's diagnosis, younger than the 95‐year olds but with a conclusive diagnosis of dementia, performed on an overall higher level than the 95‐year olds. This advantage for the Alzheimer group remained even when compared with a sub sample of the 95‐year olds with possible dementia diagnosis excluded. On the other hand, only including 95‐year olds with a Mini Mental Examination score of >26 in comparison with the Alzheimer group made the differences between the two groups disappear. It is suggested that colour perception as measured in this study is well preserved throughout life. The overall lower colour perception ability in 95‐year olds compared with both 80‐year olds and subjects with AD may be an expression of the complexity of very high age rather than any isolated concomitant factor.
Normal oral, rectal, tympanic and axillary body temperature in adult men and women: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sund‐Levander Märtha , Forsberg Christina , Wahren Lis Karin
Published: March 2003

Normal oral, rectal, tympanic and axillary body temperature in adult men and women: a systematic literature review

The purpose of this study was to investigate normal body temperature in adult men and women. A systematic review of data was performed. Searches were carried out in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and manually from identified articles reference lists. Studies from 1935 to 1999 were included. Articles were classified as (1) strong, (2) fairly strong and (3) weak evidence. When summarizing studies with strong or fairly strong evidence the range for oral temperature was 33.2–38.2 °C, rectal: 34.4–37.8 °C, tympanic: 35.4– 37.8 °C and axillary: 35.5–37.0 °C. The range in oral temperature for men and women, respectively, was 35.7–37.7 and 33.2–38.1 °C, in rectal 36.7–37.5 and 36.8–37.1 °C, and in tympanic 35.5–37.5 and 35.7–37.5 °C. The ranges of normal body temperature need to be adjusted, especially for the lower values. When assessing body temperature it is important to take place of measurement and gender into consideration. Studies with random samples are needed to confirm the range of normal body temperature with respect to gender and age.
Liver transplant recipients' ability to cope during the first 12 months after transplantation – a prospective study
Authors: Forsberg Anna , Bäckman Lars , Svensson Elisabeth
Published: March 2003

Little is known about the coping style and coping strategies among liver transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in the sense of coherence and coping strategies among liver transplant recipients before and during the first year after liver transplantation. The aim was also to study whether or not there was any relationship between the sense of coherence and the coping strategies. Thirty‐five patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐six‐patients gave their verbal consent to participate in this longitudinal study and 21 patients (80%) completed the follow‐up study. The Sense of Coherence scale (SOC) was used for investigation of coping style. The Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS‐40) was used to assess general coping behaviour. The Ethics Committee gave approval to perform this study. The group was heterogeneous regarding the change in the sense of coherence with pronounced individual changes in meaningfulness during the first 3 months and in comprehensibility 6–12 months after liver transplantation. The group showed a homogeneous pattern of change in coping strategies. Confrontational coping strategy was commonly used during the period. A relationship was found between comprehensibility and palliative coping. This prospective study indicated that coping style, assessed by the SOC scale, changed primarily at an individual level during the first year after liver transplantation while changes in coping strategies, according to JSC‐40, were in common for the group. The usual coping strategy during the first posttransplant year was confrontational coping.
Validation of the Parents' Postoperative Pain Measure in Finnish children aged 1–6 years
Authors: Kokki Anu , Kankkunen Päivi , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: March 2003

The Canadian Parents' Postoperative Pain Measure (PPPM) is a behavioural pain measure for children. The purpose of this study was to test validity and reliability of this measure in 1–6‐year‐old Finnish children at home after minor day surgery. Children (n = 85) and their parents from four hospitals were included in the sample. The parents, mostly mothers (93%), filled in at home a questionnaire including PPPM during the day of operation, and the first and second postoperative days. Parents (n = 85) rated the presence or absence of behavioural changes from a checklist and also the child's worst pain during each day (using a Visual Analogue Scale, VAS). The response rate was 58. Principal component factor analysis, testing of correlation coefficient, cross‐tabulations and Cronbach's α were used to test the instrument. The findings showed that construct validity of the measure was satisfactory. The PPPM was successful in discriminating between children who had no/low pain and children who had a clinically significant pain measured by VAS (convergence validity). Scores on the PPPM decreased from days 0 to 1 and from days 1 to 2 (predictive validity). Internal consistency of the measure and correlations with the pain scores on VAS were high on all days following surgery (equivalence). Sensitivity was satisfactory only when specificity was weaker. The findings of this study can be utilized in the development of children's postoperative pain assessment at home. However, further studies are needed to test the instrument in larger samples.
Trinucleotide repeat microsatellite markers for black poplar (Populus nigra L.)
Authors: Smulders M. J. M. , Van Der Schoot J. , Arens P. , Vosman B.
Published: March 2003

Using an enrichment procedure, we have cloned microsatellite repeats from black poplar (Populus nigra L.) and developed primers for microsatellite marker analysis. Ten primer pairs, mostly for trinucleotide repeats, produced polymorphic fragments in P. nigra. Some of them also showed amplification in other poplar species. (P. deltoides, P. tricocarpa, P. tremula, P. tremuloides, P. candicans, P. lasiocarpa). The best six loci were tested on 23 P. nigra genotypes collected across Europe. The microsatellites produced up to 12 alleles per locus in this set, with observed heterozygosity between 0.32 and 0.91.
Microsatellite allele ladders in two species of Pacific salmon: preparation and field‐test results
Authors: LaHood Eric S. , Moran Paul , Olsen Jeffery , Grant W. Stewart , Park Linda K.
Published: March 2003

To support microsatellite data communication, we have developed a convenient method for creating locus‐specific microsatellite allele ladders used to align data from different laboratories. The ladders were constructed by pooling polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products to create a template for amplification. Four ladders were field‐tested in six different laboratories using different genotyping platforms. Despite substantial differences in absolute size estimates of DNA fragments, each laboratory correctly scored unknown sample genotypes according to the ladder designations. The results indicate that our simple preparation method provides reliable allele ladders in a time‐efficient manner for verifying microsatellite genotypes across platforms.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Socotran endemic herb Begonia socotrana
Authors: Hughes M. , Russell J. , Hollingsworth P. M.
Published: March 2003

Six polymorphic microsatellite markers have been developed to examine population structure and outcrossing rates in the narrow‐range endemic Begonia socotrana. Only two of the markers amplify products in its recently discovered sister species B. samhaensis. All of the loci amplify in winter‐flowering Begonia hybrids derived from B. socotrana, revealing little polymorphism and demonstrating the narrow genetic base of the material used in their production.
Characterization of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci in the fungus Botrytis cinerea (Ascomycota)
Authors: Fournier E. , Giraud T. , Loiseau A. , Vautrin D. , Estoup A. , Solignac M. , Cornuet J. M. , Brygoo Y.
Published: March 2003

Nine microsatellite markers were characterized in the fungus Botrytis cinerea. Genomic DNA sequences from the partial sequencing of 12 000 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, were screened by BLAST for various microsatellite motives, and primer pairs were designed. Cross‐amplification and polymorphism were assessed on 49 isolates from B. cinerea and two related species, collected from natural populations on several plants and locations.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in olive (Olea europaea L.) and their transferability to other genera in the Oleaceae
Authors: De La Rosa R. , James C. M. , Tobutt K. R.
Published: March 2003

Seven polymorphic microsatellites were developed in olive. Six of them came from a genomic library enriched for GA and CA repeat sequences. They showed single locus polymorphism in a set of 23 olive cultivars (from six to nine alleles per locus). Three different pairs of loci were sufficient to discriminate all cultivars. The other polymorphic primer pair was designed from a published sequence for olive lupeol sgutase and revealed just two alleles. The seven primer pairs were tested on two accessions of five other species of the Oleaceae and three, EMO2, EMO13 and EMO90, revealed polymorphism in two, four and three species, respectively.
Polymorphic microsatellites in a mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle L. (Rhizophoraceae)
Authors: Rosero‐Galindo C. , Gaitan‐Solis E. , Cárdenas‐Henao H. , Tohme J. , Toro‐Perea N.
Published: March 2003

Twenty‐six microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the mangrove species Rhizophora mangle using (GT)n and (CT)n repeats. Eighty‐four per cent of the clones contained microsatellite sequences; the most common dinucleotides were the (GA/CT) and (CA/GT) repeats. Ten primers were selected to investigate the polymorphism among individuals of R. mangle from two natural populations of the Colombian Pacific Coast. The observed heterozygosity per locus varied from 0.20 to 0.80, the power of discrimination was 0.32–0.84 and the power of exclusion was 0.03–0.75. This set of microsatellites offers an efficient tool for population genetics studies on this species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the Bang's leaf‐nosed bat Hipposideros turpis
Authors: Echenique‐Diaz Lazaro M. , Yokoyama Jun , Kawata Masakado , Abe Syuiti , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: March 2003

The Bang's leaf‐nose bat, Hipposideros turpis, is an endangered cave‐dwelling species inhabiting the southwesternmost islands of Japan. We isolated six dinucleotide microsatellite markers from the partial genomic library of the bat, and examined their allelic variation using a sample (N = 33) from the largest colony in Japan. All the loci showed a moderate allelic variation ranging from two to eight alleles, with the observed heterozygosities from 0.33 to 0.73, and conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations. The present microsatellite markers will be useful in assessing population genetic structure and gene flow among populations of this species.
aflpop: a computer program for simulated and real population allocation, based on AFLP data
Authors: Duchesne Pierre , Bernatchez Louis
Published: March 2003

aflpop
is a population allocation and simulator program based on amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. The allocation method is an adaptation of Paetkau's method for co‐dominant alleles. Besides population allocation of specimens of unknown origin, re‐allocation of sample genotypes, as well as allocation of artificial (Monte Carlo) specimens, may be run to estimate expected rates of correct allocations. Thanks to its embodied simulator,
aflpop
can provide information on the rates and types of incorrect allocations and on empirical distributions of likelihood statistics. A filtering procedure within
aflpop allows the selection of loci according to user‐defined criteria.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the net‐spinning caddisfly, Polycentropus flavomaculatus (Polycentropodidae)
Authors: Dawson Deborah A. , Wilcock Helen R.
Published: March 2003

We have isolated eight polymorphic loci for the caddisfly, Polycentropus flavomaculatus. The application of these markers will allow us to define the genetic population structure of this species and, with complementary ecological work, will enable quantification of its dispersal ability and colonization potential.
Development and characterization of novel microsatellite markers in the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)
Authors: Singh A. , Shailaja K. , Gaur A. , Singh L.
Published: March 2003

All cat species, except domestic cats, are either threatened or endangered. The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), a critically endangered species, is driven to a single habitat zone in Gir forests in India for its survival. The present status of this big cat compels us to acquire deeper knowledge of its genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships. Here we report the isolation of highly polymorphic microsatellite loci from a partial genomic library of the Asiatic lion. These loci were characterized and have shown high levels of variation ranging from six to 11 alleles per locus in the population studied.
Cross‐amplification tests of ungulate primers in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) to develop a multiplex panel of 12 microsatellite loci
Authors: Galan M. , Cosson J. F. , Aulagnier S. , Maillard J. C. , Thévenon S. , Hewison A. J. M.
Published: March 2003

Cross‐amplification permits transposition of microsatellite markers to closely related species. Multiplexing reduces time and cost further, exploiting simultaneous amplification of several primers. In cross‐amplification tests of 55 ungulate primers in roe deer, 39 gave specific amplification products and 20 were polymorphic. Twelve primers were retained to form a multiplex kit. In 30 roe deer, average allelic diversity was 5.67 (range: 2–15), expected heterozygosity was 0.664 and mean polymorphic information content (PIC) value was 0.605. Probability of identity was PID= 5 × 10−11 and probability of exclusion for parentage studies was PE1 = 0.98856 and PE2 = 0.99952.
Bulimia and anorexia nervosa: cutaneous manifestations
Authors: Strumia Renata
Published: March 2003

Summary Bulimia and anorexia nervosa (BN, AN) are considered psychiatric disorders that have physical complications. Several factors may play a role in the onset of AN and BN, including a familial predisposition to these disorders, as well as individual personality characteristics. Dissatisfaction with body shape and an overwhelming desire to be thin are considered as risk factors for the development of eating disorders.

Skin changes are characteristic and are cardinal diagnostic symptoms and pointers to the diagnosis of eating disorders. They are a consequence of starvation and/or malnutrition, self‐induced vomiting, drug consumption and concomitant psychiatric illness.

A careful examination of the skin can suggest a diagnosis of eating disorder. Cosmetic dermatologists, whose patients are mostly women, have a unique opportunity to detect these signs. This is very important as an early diagnosis will influence prognosis.
A2. Cytotoxic effects of a mixture of isothiazolinones on normal human keratinocytes: in vitro induction of apoptosis vs. necrosis
Authors: Andreassi M , Ettorre A , Anselmi C , Stanghellini E , Tavarini S , Mariotti G , Andreassi L , Neri P , Di Stefano A
Published: March 2003

The most widely used preservative in cosmetic creams, lotions and detergents is a mixture of isothiazolinones: 5‐chloro‐2‐methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one (CMI) and 2‐methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one (MI) in an approximate ratio of 3 : 1. We have reported for the first time in a recent study that CMI & MI modulates the apoptotic machinery by caspase‐dependent mechanism in HL60, human leukaemia cells, commonly used as a cell model for the classical markers of apoptosis. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether this mixture of isothiazolinones can induce in vitro necrosis or apoptosis in normal human keratinocytes (NHK).

We tested CMI/MI at different concentrations (0.001–0.1%) and at different times (within 6 h), after brief application to NHK (10 min). Using the MTT test, we found that CMI & MI exerts toxic effects on NHK, although at a lesser degree than in HL60, suggesting that tumour cells may be more sensitive than normal cells. Moreover our results have shown that, as in HL60, the mode of cell death was dose‐ and time‐dependent: necrosis occurred at the highest concentration (0.1%) and apoptosis at lower concentrations (0.01–0.05%), as documented by cytofluorimetric analysis (annexin‐V binding, subdiploid DNA content, Rhodamine 123 uptake and change in the amount of Fas antigen expression). Finally we found an enhanced expression of Fas antigen on NHK surface, which suggests that the apoptosis triggered by CMI & MI seems to be mediated by Fas/FasL system.

Our results demonstrate that the evaluation of apoptotic mechanisms can be a suitable parameter to study potential toxic agents on normal cells such as NHK.
Facial lipoatrophy secondary to a new synthetic filler device (Profill) treated by lipofilling
Authors: André Pierre
Published: March 2003

Summary Background  Facial lipoatrophies are rare, disfiguring syndromes requiring correction. Lipofilling is an ‘ecological’ treatment that does not carry any risk of allergy.

Aim  To demonstrate efficacy of this technique in facial lipoatrophy.

Results  This technique was used in four patients suffering from lipoatrophy secondary to the injection of a new filler device (Profill). The technique and results are described. After three procedures, there was more than 70% improvement (with a mean follow‐up period of one year).

Conclusion  These particular lipoatrophies are improved by lipofilling. This technique is particularly relevant in treating patients who have shown signs of trauma following filling procedures using allogenic materials.
To get a better job or do the job better: motivations of registered general nurses to participate in post‐registration degrees
Authors: Davey Barbara , Murrells Trevor
Published: March 2003

The pre‐registration education of nurses in the UK changed in the early 1990s from a hospital‐based apprenticeship model to a more academic route through diplomas or degrees. The move towards degree‐level education for nurses is driven by the twin aims of raising the status of nursing and improving patient care. However, a substantial proportion of the workforce qualified through the traditional certificated route and there is little research into their response to the emphasis on degrees. This paper presents findings from the sixth questionnaire in a longitudinal study of traditionally trained nurses who qualified in 1990/91. It discusses the plans and motivations to take post‐registration degrees of 620 nurses 8 years after qualification. A quarter had post‐registration degrees and a further fifth planned to take their first degree in the future. Just under a fifth of those nurses who had completed or were completing post‐registration degrees chose a subject other than nursing. Reported motivations to take degrees were related to changing jobs, nursing career plans, wanting intellectual stimulation, improving self‐confidence and improving practice. Wanting intellectual stimulation was a very important motivation to take both nursing and non‐nursing degrees. Most nurses undertaking non‐nursing degrees were also motivated by a desire to leave nursing. Although nursing career plans were an important motivation for those taking nursing or healthcare‐related degrees, this was not as important as improving practice. Educators should build on nurses’ desire to learn and improve practice by ensuring that degree programmes are designed to deliver appropriate clinical skills.
Composition and foraging behaviour of mixed‐species flocks led by the Grey‐cheeked Fulvetta in Fushan Experimental Forest, Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chao‐chieh , Hsieh Fushing
Published: March 2003

Thirty‐two species were recorded in mixed‐species bird flocks led by the Grey‐cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe morrisonia in Fushan Experimental Forest, Taiwan. Flocks averaged (± se) 5.8 ± 0.2 species and 51.4 ± 2.7 birds. Most participants were resident species (86.3%), some were elevational migrants (12.6%) and a few were latitudinal migrants (1.1%). Flock size was determined primarily by the abundance of Grey‐cheeked Fulvettas, the most abundant species (68.1%). Flocks moved at an average rate of 10.8 ± 0.7 m/min, with larger flocks moving faster than smaller flocks. In moving flocks, canopy species were usually near the front, while understorey species usually followed. Fulvettas gave higher‐intensity alarm calls and dived down more frequently in response to avian threats, especially raptors, than to non‐avian threats. The overall foraging niche‐breadth of the fulvetta was greater than that of any attendant species. Each species in a flock had a unique foraging niche. Most attendant species exhibited low foraging niche‐overlap with the Grey‐cheeked Fulvetta. Both the predator avoidance and the foraging efficiency hypotheses for mixed‐species flocking were supported. The Grey‐cheeked Fulvetta plays a critical role in the function of mixed‐species flocks. A large flock formed around the Grey‐cheeked Fulvetta provides attendant species with numerous opportunities for obtaining food and protection from predators.
Osmotic determinants of postlens tear film morphology and hydrogel lens movement
Authors: Little Simon A. , Bruce Adrian S.
Published: March 2003

The determinants of postlens tear film (PTF) composition in hydrogel lens wear are poorly understood, although this layer has important roles in lens movement and corneal integrity. We investigated the hypothesis that the PTF could be depleted by instillation of hypotonic saline, using a randomized, double masked, placebo controlled study design. Solutions of 0.90, 0.60 and 0.45% NaCl were instilled into the eyes of 12 subjects wearing ionic and non‐ionic high water content hydrogel lenses. Postlens tear film appearances in specular reflection were categorized as amorphous, faint coloured or coloured, where the coloured patterns represent a progressive thinning of the PTF. With instillation of the hypotonic solutions (0.60 and 0.45% NaCl), the appearance of the PTF in specular reflection changed to a faint coloured or coloured pattern in at least 67% of subjects for each lens type (Friedman ANOVA, P < 0.002). For the 0.45% NaCl solution, median lens movement decreased from 0.50 to 0.10mm (Friedman ANOVA, P = 0.02); however, there were no significant changes in measured lens parameters and no difference between lens types. Postlens tear film depletion due to a hypotonic shift in tear osmolality, as demonstrated here, may explain the clinically observed phenomenon of lens binding.
Reading‐related wavelength and spatial frequency effects in visual spatial location
Authors: Solman Robert T. , Dain Stephen J. , Lim Hae‐Sook , May James G.
Published: March 2003

Specific deficits in the processing of transient visual stimuli have been identified in reading‐disabled children, and it has been shown that the filtering out of some medium to high spatial frequencies and some visible wavelengths impacts on their performance in a number of visual tasks. To assess further how these light diffusing and colour filtering manipulations might mediate visual processing, this study compared the letter‐naming accuracy and visual spatial location judgements of eighteen poor readers with those made by eighteen good readers of the same age. Naming and spatial discrepancy measures were recorded for briefly displayed target letters at varying eccentricities, for each child, under a normal (NI) condition and wearing blue (Be), yellow (Yw), diffusion (Dn), blue with diffusion (BeDn), and yellow with diffusion (YwDn) optical framed lenses. A preliminary analysis of the data detected larger spatial discrepancies for the poor readers, and this finding was consistent with the presence of a deficit in transient (or magnocellular) activity in these children. Both the naming accuracy data and the spatial location data showed filter‐dependent differences in reading ability. The letter‐naming data showed that the addition of the blue filter to the diffusion lens significantly depressed performance only for the good readers, and that the addition of the yellow filter to the diffusion lens significantly improved performance only for the poor readers. Comparison of the spatial discrepancies showed that the rate at which location accuracy declined with increasing target eccentricity was smaller for the blue and yellow lenses than for normal viewing in the case of the good readers but not in the case of the poor readers. Some of these effects are consistent with the proposition that increased stimulation of the blue cones relative to the red and green cones reduces tonic inhibition in the magnocellular pathways and increases the level of transient activity, but others are more problematical. It is cautioned, therefore, that while the short‐wavelength lenses show some differentiation between good and poor readers, this should not be interpreted as supporting the efficacy of prescribed, coloured or diffusing optical filters as a remediation technique.
Dependence on angle and wavelength of light scattered by the ocular lens
Authors: Hemenger Richard P.
Published: March 2003

Asymptotic expansions of formal expressions for scattered light make explicit their dependence on scattering angle and wavelength. Such expansions are given for two cases of scatterer geometry. In one case the sources of scatter are assumed randomly positioned and randomly oriented. In the other case lens fibers, incorporated into a model of the crystalline lens fiber architecture, are the assumed sources of scatter. Calculated results based on scatter by lens fibers are in much better agreement with recent measurements on excised lenses (van den Berg, T. J. T. P. and IJspeert, J. K., Light scattering in donor lenses. Vision Res. 35, 169–177, 1995) than those based on randomly positioned and randomly oriented scatterers.
The crossed‐cylinder aberroscope: an alternative method of calculation of the aberrations
Authors: Smith G. , Applegate R. A. , Howland H. C.
Published: March 2003

The distorted retinal grid image in the cross‐cylinder aberroscope is conventionally analysed using a method based upon orthogonal polynomials. This method restricts the amount of data that can be extracted from the grid image and requires the real grid that is placed between the cross‐cylinders to be pre‐distorted, with the amount of pre‐distortion depending upon the vertex distance. We present an alternative method based upon the minimization of least squares that does not have these restrictions and show that it gives essentially the same results as the original orthogonal polynomial method. Furthermore, the minimization of least squares method also provides a measure of ‘goodness’ of fit (e.g. the minimum of the sum of the squares of the deviations).
Reading performance in unilateral age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Bowers Alex
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To compare reading performance as mediated by the healthy eye and the affected eye of individuals with recent onset, unilateral, exudative age‐related macular degeneration.

Methods: The reading performance of eight subjects (76.3 ± 5.3 years) was assessed under monocular viewing conditions with the affected and the healthy eye. Eye movements were recorded using a spectacle‐mounted, infrared limbal reflection system whilst the subjects read short stories (65 words) printed in 16 point Times Roman font at a working distance of 25 cm. Comprehension was assessed by ‘free’ recall at the end of each story.

Results: Acuity in the affected eyes ranged from 0.40 to 0.80 (log MAR) and in the healthy eyes from 0.00 to 0.20. When using the affected eye, reading speed was reduced by 50%, compared to reading with the healthy eye, though comprehension scores were similar. There was also a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the durations of fixation pauses, the time between the initiation of the return sweep and the first forward saccade on the subsequent line and the numbers of regressive saccades, with each forward saccade covering fewer letters. Fixation durations were positively correlated with the mean depth of the field defect.

Conclusions: The results seem to indicate that although the motor aspects of reading are affected in the initial stages of the visual loss, comprehension is relatively unaffected for short, simple passages of text.
Shipley Ophthalmological Assessment Project (SOAP)
Authors: Bueno Guillermo , Hurst Mark
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To assess whether the establishment of a community‐based ophthalmic assessment clinic could reduce the number of unnecessary referrals to outpatient departments and decrease the waiting time for cases requiring urgent treatment.

Methods: An ophthalmic assessment clinic, staffed by an optometrist, was established at Windhill Green Medical Centre, Bradford. Referrals, of any ophthalmic nature, were made to the clinic by GPs in the area. The optometrist worked to a protocol, designed jointly by the ophthalmologists at the Eye Unit of Bradford Royal Infirmary and the Optometry Department at the University of Bradford.

Results: Over a period of one year, 206 referrals from local GPs were examined at the assessment clinic; 81 (39%) of the patients were subsequently advised to seek an ophthalmological opinion as matters of varying urgency, whilst 125 (61%) were placed under the routine care of their optometrist. Of those patients originally referred to the assessment clinic with raised intraocular pressure and floaters and flashers, only a small proportion (23% and 5%, respectively) were subsequently referred to ophthalmological opinion. As far as optometrists' referrals were concerned, no provisional diagnosis was made in 35% of cases (52 from the 146 referrals initiated by the patient's optometrist).

Conclusions: The assessment clinic has proven to be efficient and cost‐effective in screening out cases which did not require further ophthalmological investigation. Analysis of the data from the scheme highlights a problem of communication between optometrists and GPs.
The leaching of nickel from new and used metal spectacle frames
Authors: Walsh Glyn , Mitchell John W. C.
Published: March 2003

Fifty “used” and 373 new spectacle frames were tested for evidence of nickel release using dimethylglyoxime and ammonia. Nearly all the “used” frames (96%) tested positive. A lower proportion (24.5%) of new frames showed evidence of nickel leaching. It is suggested that this is evidence of non‐conformance with the current British Standard (British Standard 6625, 1985) although all our suppliers believed that their frames conformed with BS 6625 (1985).
A generalization of Prentice's law for lenses with arbitrary refracting surfaces
Authors: Gómez‐Pedrero J. A. , Alonso J. , Canabal H. , Bernabeu E.
Published: March 2003

A generalization of the Prentice's law is presented in this paper. The idea consists of removing some (but not all) of the approximations that comprise the paraxial approach. In that way, we obtain a new formulation that permits us to compute the prismatic power of a lens made up of arbitrary refracting surfaces, and to improve the precision obtained by Prentice's law when applied to monofocal lenses. The resulting formalism is simple and manageable and its derivation leads us to a precise definition of the local dioptric power matrix, introduced in a previous paper, as well as a better understanding of the same.
A preliminary study on the Ocular Blood Flow (OBF) of Hong Kong Chinese
Authors: Lam Andrew K. C. , Chan Henry , Fan Wallace , To Chi‐Ho
Published: March 2003

The Ocular Blood Flow (OBF) Tonometer is an objective instrument to measure the Pulsatile Ocular Blood Flow (POBF), Pulse Amplitude (PA) and Pulse Rate (PR). It also provides the minimum intraocular pressure (IOPmin) simultaneously. This preliminary study applied the OBF Tonometer on 74 Hong Kong Chinese. They had their POBF measured followed by the Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT). The OBF tonometer overestimates the IOP slightly. The average POBF result was smaller (661.2 μl/min) than the previous studies. The effect of myopia of our sample (mean spherical equivalent −4.27 D) could be one of the contributing factors. Other factors include age and racial difference. Twenty‐two subjects had their POBF measured again by the same practitioner and different practitioner for the reproducibility variation assessments. The POBF, PA and IOPmin were found to be repeatable between sessions. The POBF “norm” in Hong Kong Chinese needs to be established from a larger sample size and from a comparison on an age and refraction matched Caucasian group.
A 6‐year longitudinal optometric study of the refractive trend in school‐aged children
Authors: Pointer Jonathan S.
Published: March 2003

This report describes the analysis of the refractive data of optometric patients examined annually between the ages of 7 and 13 years. The results indicate a declining hypermetropic/increasing myopic refractive trend in 73% of the 41 individuals who attended over the entire 6 years of the investigation: overall, there was a mean rate of change of −0.09 D pa. Annual myopic incidence values of between 3.5 and 12% were found, resulting in a rise in myopic prevalence in this clinical population from 5 to nearly 40% over the course of the study. For the refractive classification adopted here, the juvenile myopic patients emerged from a pool of previously emmetropic subjects: the proportion of hypermetropic patients remained approximately stable over the 6 years reviewed.

The age‐related annual rates of myopic prevalence are approximately a factor of two greater in this self‐selected clinical population compared to those reported for investigations in a general population. The inference is that children who were classed as emmetropic at age 7 should continue to be reviewed annually by the optometrist who should be alert to the possibility of clinically significant degrees of myopia emerging later.
Randomised controlled trial of the effect of coloured overlays on the rate of reading of people with specific learning difficulties
Authors: Bouldoukian Joelle , Wilkins Arnold J. , Evans Bruce J. W.
Published: March 2003

A randomised controlled trial has demonstrated that, for selected children with reading difficulties, individually prescribed coloured filters reduce symptoms of asthenopia. In the present study, we investigate the effect of individually prescribed coloured overlays on the rate of reading. Subjects were 33 children and adults who: had consulted a specific learning difficulties clinic; had received treatment to normalise any conventional optometric and orthoptic anomalies; and subsequently reported symptomatic relief from coloured filters. These subjects carried out the Wilkins Rate of Reading Test (which assesses visual rather than linguistic factors) under two conditions: with their chosen coloured overlay and with a control filter. Steps were taken to ensure that a strong placebo effect was associated with the control overlay and, when asked which they preferred, subjects were not significantly more likely to prefer their coloured overlay than the control filter (p=0.11). Nonetheless, the rate of reading was significantly faster with the coloured overlay than with the control (p=0.0019). Further analyses support the conclusion that individually prescribed coloured filters can improve reading performance for reasons that cannot be solely attributed to conventional optometric factors or to placebo effects.
Continuous measurement of accommodation in human factor applications
Authors: Wolffsohn J. S. , Hunt O. A. , Gilmartin B.
Published: March 2003

It has long been sought to measure ocular accommodation continuously in human factor applications such as driving or flying. Open‐field autorefractors such as the Canon R‐1 could be converted to allow continuous, objective recording, but steady eye fixation and head immobilisation were essential for the measurements to be valid. Image analysis techniques utilised by newer open‐view autorefractors such as the Shin‐Nippon SRW‐5000 are more tolerant to head and eye movements, but perhaps the technique with the greatest potential for the measurement of accommodation in human factor applications is photoretinoscopy. This paper examines the development of techniques for high temporal measurements of accommodation and reports on the tolerance of one such recent commercial instrument, the PowerRefractor (PlusOptiX). The instrument was found to be tolerant to eye movements from the optical axis of the instrument (∼0.50 DS change in apparent accommodation with gaze 25° eccentric to the optical axis), longitudinal head movement (<0.25 DS from 8 cm towards and 20 cm away from the correct photorefractor to eye distance) and changes in background illuminance (<0.25 DS from 0.5 to 20 cd m–2 target luminance). The PowerRefractor also quantifies the direction of gaze and pupil size, but is unable to take measurements with small pupils <3.7 ± 1.0 mm.
Assessment of information included on the GOS 18 referral form used by optometrists
Authors: Lash S. C.
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To audit the information included on GOS 18 forms used by UK optometrists when referring patients to an ophthalmologist.

Methods: All GOS 18 forms received in a hospital ophthalmology department over a 10‐week period were photocopied and the categories of information presented were recorded.

Results: A total of 444 forms were analysed. The two most common referral categories were cataract 36.7% (n = 163) and glaucoma 18.4% (n = 82). Only 7% (n = 11) of cataract referrals included details regarding effect on patient's lifestyle and willingness for surgery. Forty‐seven per cent (n = 77) of referrals for cataract resulted in patients being listed for surgery. Eighty‐two per cent (n = 67) of referrals for glaucoma included disc assessment, intraocular pressure and visual fields. Five per cent (n = 22) of optometrists gained the patients' consent for release of clinical information. Thirty‐one per cent (n = 137) of forms had no practitioner name and 6% (n = 27) gave no practice address.

Conclusion: Information included on GOS 18 forms could be improved with regard to cataract referrals. Feedback from ophthalmologists would be facilitated by inclusion of practitioner/practice details, and by completion of the consent section on the GOS 18.
Nutritional Issues in the Management of Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: Jurewitsch Brian , Kim Young‐In
Published: March 2003

Patients with advanced liver disease require aggressive management of the protein‐calorie malnutrition associated with the diagnosis. However, toxicity and tolerance thresholds for nutritional intervention are very low. These thresholds are defined largely by the failing liver's metabolic derangements. Attention needs to be given to ensuring optimal amino acid nutriture without precipitating hepatic encephalopathy. Adequate calorie provision is necessary for maximal use of the administered protein. Micronutrient disposition in the chronic liver disease patient is compromised for metals, necessitating monitoring of iron status and possibly that of copper. Vitamin A status also may need to be determined, especially in light of its implicated hepatotoxin status with large cumulative doses. The iatrogenic liver disease induced by long‐term total parenteral nutrition is relatively rare but frequently amenable to refinement of the regimen, in addition to intervention with carnitine supplementation in select cases. The above insights are important in tailoring the nutritional plan and will lead to better patient outcomes in concert with medical intervention.
Effects of chronic wound fluid on the bioactivity of platelet‐derived growth factor in serum‐free medium and its direct effect on fibroblast growth
Authors: He Chufa , Hughes Margaret A , Cherry George W , Arnold Frank
Published: March 2003

The fate of biologically active proteins applied to chronic wounds is almost totally unknown. Growth factors may be degraded by proteases, which are produced by both inflammatory and skin cells and by resident bacteria. However, there has been little work on the effect of chronic wound fluid on the activity of growth factors. A bioassay method has been chosen to examine the effect of incubation of platelet‐derived growth factor with chronic wound fluid from leg ulcers on the in vitro growth of human dermal fibroblasts. Human dermal fibroblasts were cultured in serum‐free medium, and a dose–response curve for proliferation in response to platelet‐derived growth factor was obtained. Wound fluid was collected under occlusive dressings from five patients with chronic leg ulcers. Platelet‐derived growth factor was incubated with chronic wound fluid at 37 °C for 4 hours, and the reactions arrested by snap freezing. The resultant solutions were tested for their ability to promote fibroblast proliferation. A colorimetric assay was used to monitor changes in the platelet‐derived growth factor mitogenicity. The results showed that, in our standard culture conditions, chronic wound fluid always stimulated fibroblast proliferation, and, in most cases, incubation of platelet‐derived growth factor with chronic wound fluid increased the stimulation compared with that produced by platelet‐derived growth factor or chronic wound fluid alone.
Role of αv integrins and angiogenesis during wound repair
Authors: Jang Young‐Chul , Arumugam Subbu , Gibran Nicole S , Isik F. Frank
Published: March 2003

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre‐existing blood vessels, is thought to be critical for wound repair. Yet few studies have critically examined dermal wound repair in a system in which angiogenesis was impaired. Since αv‐containing integrins are critical for angiogenesis, we administered either an αv integrin blocking antibody or cyclic arg‐gly‐asp peptide into a murine excisional wound model to restrict wound angiogenesis. Although both methods markedly decreased wound angiogenesis, decreased angiogenesis had no significant effect on wound epithelization, contraction, or ultimate wound closure. These results suggest that if other cellular components of wound healing are intact, moderate impairment of angiogenesis alone does not necessarily retard normal wound healing.
Chitosan and chitosan sulfate have opposing effects on collagen–fibroblast interactions
Authors: Mariappan Muthumarthanda R , Alas Eduardo A , Williams John G , Prager Morton D
Published: March 2003

Soon after injury, hyaluronan is prominent in granulation tissue. As hyaluronan wanes, sulfated glycosaminoglycans predominate. The temporal relationship between the transition from unsulfated to sulfated glycosaminoglycans and the phenotypic changes in fibroblasts in the wound bed suggest that these two events are interrelated. This possibility was investigated using chitosan and its sulfated product as model compounds. The ability of cultured human foreskin fibroblasts to bind and to contract lattices of collagen, collagen–chitosan, and collagen–chitosan sulfate was determined. Fibroblast adherence to substrates after 24 hours was determined by the MTT assay at A570. Adherence to the collagen–chitosan substrate was markedly reduced (mean A570± SD; 0.16 ± 0.05, n = 6) (p < 0.01) compared to collagen alone (0.92 ± 0.04) or to collagen–chitosan sulfate (0.84 ± 0.05). Kinetics of contraction of lattices by enmeshed fibroblasts was determined by planimetric measurements, 0–48 hours after loosening the lattices. Contraction of the collagen–chitosan lattices (n = 5) was less at all time points than for the other two lattices. After 48 hours, the collagen– chitosan lattices contracted significantly (p < 0.01) less (30.0%± 4.4) compared to collagen alone (66.9%± 4.7) and collagen–chitosan sulfate (71.6%± 7.7). Scanning electron microscopy of the acellular lattices showed fibers of the collagen–chitosan mixture to be the thickest and with altered organization. These results show that chitosan sulfation markedly enhances fibroblast adhesion and promotes contraction of a collagen lattice compared to the unsulfated material. By analogy to the in vivo sequence of hyaluronan followed by sulfated glycosaminoglycans in wounds, the results suggest that glycosaminoglycan sulfation may be a contributing signal for phenotypic transformation during wound healing.