bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A6. Surgical, pharmacological and dermocosmoceutical strategies to restore a functionally and aesthetically altered nail
Authors: Haneke Eckart 
Published: March 2003

There are many procedures that claim to improve the quality and beauty of the nail, however, most of them have absolutely no scientific basis.The nail is a cellularly‐derived, plate‐like structure composed of keratin fibres embedded in a sulphur‐rich material. Both the fibrous and amorphic structures are genetically regulated. Excess amounts of sulphur‐rich proteins have therefore only a positive effect in the extremely rare case of true deficiency of sulphur‐containing essential amino‐acids. Another popular claim, particularly among women, is of a lack of so‐called essential nutrients, such vitamins, hormones, essential rare elements, iron, calcium, and so on. With the exception of very rare cases of metabolic diseases, such as alimentary or genetic zinc deficiency, such cases rarely occur in Europe; the excellent quality of nails among the poorest people of the third world suggests that dietary factors are not the cause of nail abnormalities. There is, therefore, no need to supplement ‘nail factors’ and attempts at improving the nail quality by a special dietary regimen are ineffective although they may be psychologically beneficial. Whether or not the ‘hair and nail vitamin’ biotin is active is still not proven.Brittle nails are a relatively common complaint, mainly among women. Repeated hyperhydration and desiccation are thought to decrease the nail's resistance. Formaldehyde‐containing preparations are able to harden the nail. Over‐treatment may, however, render the nail so inelastic that it breaks more easily. Other cosmetic measures such as nail wrapping, application of acrylic resin‐impregnated silk or other tissue both supports the free margin of the nail and is a good measure to repair breaks and splits of the free nail margin. Surface irregularities may be camouflaged with a nail varnish or a thin sculptured nail. Stick‐on plastic nails are usually not recommended because their occluding effect may impair the nail quality.Neither can the quality of the nail substance nor the nail shine be improved by surgical methods. To the contrary, nail avulsion is a serious trauma to the nail organ and often worsens abnormalities of the nail shape and form. Surgical measures are effective to improve the width‐to‐length ratio in brachyonychia and racket nail, to flatten the transverse overcurvature in pincer nails, to repair split nails, etc. Many surgical operations could be carried out with more attention paid to the cosmetic outcome.In general, there are few ways to improve the beauty and quality of nails and most claims remain unsubstantiated.
Distribution and nesting density of the Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi on Mindanao Island, Philippines: what do we know after 100 years?
Authors: Bueser Glen Lovell L. , Bueser Kharina G. , Afan Donald S. , Salvador Dennis I. , Grier James W. , Kennedy Robert S. , Miranda Hector C. 
Published: March 2003

The Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi, first discovered in 1896, is one of the world's most endangered eagles. It has been reported primarily from only four main islands of the Philippine archipelago. We have studied it extensively for the past three decades. Using data from 1991 to 1998 as best representing the current status of the species on the island of Mindanao, we estimated the mean nearest‐neighbour distances between breeding pairs, with remarkably little variation, to be 12.74 km (n = 13 nests plus six pairs without located nests, se = ±0.86 km, range = 8.3–17.5 km). Forest cover within circular plots based on nearest‐neighbour pairs, in conjunction with estimates of remaining suitable forest habitat (approximately 14 000 km2), yield estimates of the maximum number of breeding pairs on Mindanao ranging from 82 to 233, depending on how the forest cover is factored into the estimates.
Improving the description of the retinal vasculature and patient history taking for monitoring systemic hypertension
Authors: Wolffsohn James S. , Napper Genevieve A. , Ho Suit‐May , Jaworski Andrew , Pollard Tamara L. 
Published: March 2003

SummarySystemic hypertension is an important public health concern. If optometrists are to perform a more active role in the detection and monitoring of high blood pressure (BP), there is a need to improve the consistency of describing the retinal vasculature and to assess patient's ability to correctly report the diagnosis of hypertension, its control and medication. One hundred and one patients aged>40 years were dilated and had fundus photography performed. BP was measured and a self‐reported history of general health and current medication was compared with the records of their general practitioner (GP). The status of the retinal vasculature was quantified using a numeric scale by five clinicians and this was compared to the same evaluation performed with the aid of a basic pictorial grading scale. Image analysis was used to objectively measure the artery‐to‐vein (A/V) ratio and arterial reflex. Arteriolar tortuosity and calibre changes were found to be the most sensitive retinal signs of high BP. Using the grading scale to describe the retinal vasculature significantly improved inter‐ and intra‐observer repeatability. Almost half the patients examined were on medication for high BP or cardiovascular disease. Patients’ ability to give their complete medical history was poor, as was their ability to recall what medication they had been prescribed. GPs indicated it was useful to receive details of their patient's BP when it was>140 /90  mmHg. The use of improved description of the retinal vasculature and stronger links between optometrists and GPs may enhance future patient care.
The multifocal electroretinogram in central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Huang Shizhou , Wu Dezheng , Jiang Futian , Wu Lezheng , Liang Jiongji , Luo Guangwei , Wen Feng , Ma Juanmei 
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To compare multifocal electroretinograms (ERGs) in control subjects and patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Method: Eighteen eyes of control subjects and 15 eyes affected by CSC were tested with a VERIS Sciences 4.0 system. The average response densities and latencies of six annular retinal regions in control subjects were compared with those with CSC. Results: The N1, P1 average response densities of the first and second annuli were decreased and the N1, P1 latencies of first to third rings were delayed in CSC. Conclusion: The multifocal ERG can be used to evaluate retinal dysfunction in CSC.
The effect of light scattering on multifocal electroretinography
Authors: Chan H. L. , Siu A. W. , Yap M. K. , Brown B. 
Published: March 2003

Purpose: Unclear ocular media is a very common condition of older eyes characterized by significant light scattering and image degradation. The multifocal electroretinography (MERG) is a useful objective technique to measure retinal activity but its validity in the presence of cloudy ocular media remains unclear. We tested the MERG under controlled light scattering conditions using a liquid crystal diffuser (LCD) that simulated different degrees of image degradation. Methods: The MERG were taken from 13 normal young subjects seated behind a LCD set under two conditions: scatter (visual acuity ∼6/18) and non‐scatter (visual acuity ∼6/6). The pupils had been dilated and the eyes were optically corrected for the working distance. The first‐order kernel MERG response was analysed. Three subjects underwent MERG measurement with two additional intermediate light scattering levels (i.e. visual acuity ∼6/9 and 6/12). Results: The macular MERG response density was reduced (p < 0.001), but the peripheral MERG response densities were increased (p < 0.001) under the scattering condition. A similar trend was also observed with intermediate degrees of light scattering. Comparing the MERG waveforms without light scattering, a new retinal response was identified with a characteristic latency of about 60 ms (P60), but it was diminished in size under the scattering conditions. Conclusions: The veiling luminance might have caused the reduction in the macular MERG response and an elevation in the peripheral retina with light scatter. The functional suppression of P60 observed under the influence of light scatter may be related to retinal adaptation. Unclear optical media will affect the interpretation of MERG results.
Intra‐observer and inter‐observer repeatability of Anterior Eye Segment analysis system (EAS‐1000) in anterior chamber configuration
Authors: Lam Andrew K. C. , Chan Rufina , Woo George C. , Pang Peter C. K. , Chiu Roger 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  Anterior chamber configuration can be assessed via optical or ultrasonic techniques. Scheimpflug photography is a non‐invasive method measuring the anterior segment. The Anterior Eye Segment analysis system, EAS‐1000, utilises the Scheimpflug principle and was found to have good repeatability. Previous repeatability studies, however, have had limitations in their design. The current study investigated the intra‐observer and interobserver repeatability of the EAS‐1000.Methods:  Twenty‐five healthy young subjects were recruited. The anterior chamber angles in different quadrants were measured by two examiners for interobserver analysis. The first examiner repeated the measurement at another session for intra‐observer analysis. The 95% limits of agreement and intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. The anterior chamber depth was also measured and compared with ultrasound biometry.Results:  The anterior chamber angle assessment demonstrated good intra‐observer (ICC ranging from 0.77 to 0.90 for different quadrants) and interobserver (ICC ranging from 0.68 to 0.81 for different quadrants) repeatability. The 95% intra‐observer limits of agreement were within ±5°. The 95% interobserver limits of agreement were within ±6°. There was no significant difference between male and female subjects or among angles at different quadrants. The anterior chamber depth was found to be repeatable (ICC > 0.90) with 95% limits of agreement ±0.1 mm. The anterior chamber depth was shallower than that obtained from ultrasound biometry.Conclusions:  The EAS‐100 is a non‐invasive instrument which is repeatable for measuring the anterior chamber angle and depth. It provides quick results and is good for screening purposes. There is an under‐estimation of anterior chamber depth, as previously reported.
Pulsatile ocular blood flow measurements in healthy Asian eyes: reference values for an Indian population
Authors: Gunvant P. , Joseph I. S. , Baskaran M. , Vijaya L. , Broadway D. C. , Watkins R. J. 
Published: March 2003

Purpose:  To investigate pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) in a healthy Indian population and use the data derived as reference values.Methods:  Two hundred and fifty‐two healthy subjects (121 males, 131 females) underwent intraocular pressure and POBF measurement with the Ocular Blood Flow Analyzer (Paradigm Medical Industries, Salt Lake City, UT, USA and formerly the POBF Tonograph). Before POBF measurement, subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including refraction, slitlamp examination and biomicroscopic fundoscopy and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). Subjects with ocular pathology were excluded from the study. Median age was 29 years (male median 32 years, female median 27 years).Results:  Average POBF in males was found to be 1052 µL min−1 (95% CI: 988–1116 µL min−1) and in females to be 1293 µL min−1 (95% CI: 1222–1364 µL min−1). Median age was significantly different between males and females (Mann–Whitney U = 6685; p = 0.0311) but POBF was found to be independent of age in both sexes. As a group, mean refractive error influenced POBF (Kendall's τ = 0.24; p = 0.0017).Conclusions:  Pulsatile ocular blood flow values in Indians appear to be higher than reported in studies conducted on other racial groups. The reasons for this difference could be instrumental or anatomical (i.e axial length, ocular rigidity). Care should be taken in deriving normative data using the Ocular Blood Flow Analyzer in mixed race groups.
Perceived blur in amblyopia
Authors: Simmers A. J. , Bex P. J. , Hess R F. 
Published: March 2003

Purpose:  It is well documented that visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in amblyopia are attenuated at high spatial frequencies: this would predict that amblyopes should perceive objects as blurred because they lack high spatial frequency information necessary to adequately represent sharp edges. In a series of experiments, we explored the representation of blur in amblyopia with blur discrimination and blur matching tasks.Methods:  Monocular blur discrimination thresholds were measured in a spatial 2‐Alternative Force Choice procedure. The luminance profiles of the blurred edge were cumulative Gaussians with the standard deviation of the reference blurred edge being fixed at 1.88, 3.75, 7.5, 15, 30, or 60 min arc. Observers were required to discriminate which edge (right or left) appeared to be the less blurred. Observers also interocularly matched edges which were identical to those employed in the blur discrimination tasks, with the exception that they were viewed dichoptically at all times.Results:  Blur discriminination thresholds were elevated in both the amblyopic and fellow fixing eye but were within the normal range for interocular matching thresholds. Our results suggest that blur is veridically represented in the amblyopic visual system.Conclusions:  The surprising result here is that all amblyopes, even those with the most severe visual loss, veridically matched all blurred edges, including the sharpest ones. This implies that amblyopes are able to represent levels of blur that are defined by spatial structure beyond their resolution limit. These results also raise interesting questions about the mechanism by which blur is represented in the visual system.
Does accommodation inaccuracy matter in children with Down syndrome?
Authors: Stewart R. E. , Woodhouse J. M. , Cregg M. , Pakeman V. , Gunter H. , Trojanowska L. D. , Parker M. , Fraser W. I. 
Published: March 2003

Purpose:  Almost 57% of children with Down syndrome have significant refractive error (hypermetropia ≥+3.00 D, myopia ≥−1.00 D) (Woodhouse et al., 1997); they are 17 times more likely to have significant long or short sight than their typically developing peers. Also, for the age range 4.5 months to 11.1 years, 34% of children with Down syndrome have strabismus, compared with 4–7.5% of control children (British College of Optometrists, 1991–94). In addition, 82% of our cohort of children with Down syndrome (n = 100) have reduced accommodation at near. In order to investigate the influence of accommodation accuracy on refractive error and strabismus, this study compared the above parameters in children with Down syndrome who accommodated accurately with those who did not.Methods:  Accommodation was measured using dynamic retinoscopy technique at testing distances of 25, 16.6 and 10 cm. An accommodative lag of plano to 0.75 D is normal for typically developing children (Rouse et al., 1984). Accurate accommodation for our cohort was therefore defined as ≤0.75 D lag of accommodation (at a minimum of two of three testing distances). Children with Down syndrome who accommodated accurately were age matched with a child with inaccurate accommodation, based on their most recent visit for which a full data set was available.Results:  Chi‐square analysis of the data for the two groups revealed that there was a greater number of children with significant hypermetropia (p = 0.003) and strabismus (p = 0.003, Fisher's exact test) in the under‐accommodating group.Conclusion:  Children with Down syndrome who under‐accommodate are more likely to be strabismic and have significant hypermetropia.
The effect of ageing on the range of ocular movements
Authors: Davidson J. H. , Knox P. C. 
Published: March 2003

Purpose:  Although it is generally believed that defective conjugate upward gaze is common in the elderly, there is little evidence in the literature to support this. We investigated the range of ocular movements in both an elderly and a young group of subjects, under both binocular and monocular conditions.Methods:  Ten old (mean age 71.38 ± 5.2 years) and six young subjects (20.17 ± 1.7 years) with good and equal visual acuity, normal binocular single vision and normal ocular movements participated. Heterophoria in nine positions of gaze was measured on the synoptophore. The range of eye movement was assessed binocularly and monocularly using Snellen fusion slides and the extent of elevation, depression, right gaze and left gaze recorded.Results:  Under binocular and monocular conditions, the range of movement decreased for all positions in the older group. The difference was only statistically significant in elevation (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant asymmetry between the eyes for any position for either group. Under monocular conditions there was a statistically significant symmetrical reduction in the extent of abduction in the older group in both right (p < 0.01) and left eyes (p < 0.05) compared with the younger group. In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference for either eye on adduction.Conclusion:  These results confirm a decrease in elevation in healthy older individuals with slight restrictions in all other positions. There was a statistically significant and previously unreported decrease of abduction under monocular conditions in the elderly group. Thus asymmetry between the eyes remains the best tool when diagnosing a pathological weakness in eye movement, but more research is needed to confirm the extent of these age‐related restrictions.
Oblique saccades in visually normal human observers
Authors: Kavasakali M. , Bloj M. , Winn B. 
Published: March 2003

Introduction:  Recent evidence suggests that oblique eye movements are differentially affected by some systemic diseases (for example Graves' disease). Previous studies of eye movements have tended to concentrate on horizontal or vertical eye movements. The aim of this study is to establish baseline data (latency, duration and peak velocity) for oblique eye movement in normal human observers.Methods:  Eye movements were measured using an IRIS 6500 infrared limbal eye tracker (Skalar Medical, Delft, The Netherlands) customized for the direct recording of oblique eye movements. Data were collected at a sampling rate of 205 Hz and a resolution of 0.05° using a Gould 1604 digital storage oscilloscope. Data were subsequently transferred via an IEEE488 interface bus to a PC for analysis. Ten visually normal observers recruited from the student and patient population of the University of Bradford's Eye Clinic participated in the study. Subjects made saccadic eye movements in 5° to 15° steps in horizontal, vertical and oblique orientations. Stimuli were presented in random order to ensure there was no predictable component to the response.Results:  Saccadic responses to vertical and horizontal step stimuli were consistent with previous published work. The modification to the eye tracker allowed direct measurement of oblique saccades. The duration of the saccade increased as a function of stimulus amplitude and conformed to the relationship: D = D0 + dA (where D is the duration of saccadic eye movement; A is the amplitude of saccadic eye movement; d is the rate of duration increase per degree of amplitude and D0 is the y‐axis intercept of the duration vs amplitude line). Calculation of latency (∼200 ms), duration (∼80–100 ms) and peak velocity (∼300 ms−1) for oblique saccades gave responses which were similar to those reported using indirect measurement.Conclusion:  A veridical measure of oblique saccadic eye movements was obtained using the modified eye tracker. Oblique responses were generally slower than for horizontal measures of saccadic eye movements. These baseline data will allow a comparison in age‐matched subjects with early onset ocular motor anomalies.
On‐eye spherical aberration of soft contact lenses and effective lens power
Authors: Dietze H. H. , Cox M. C. 
Published: March 2003

Purpose:  Soft contact lenses (SCL) produce a significant level of spherical aberration (SA). A simple model assuming that a thin SCL aligns to the cornea predicts that these effects are similar on‐eye and off‐eye. We investigate the effect SA has on the power of an SCL on‐eye.Methods:  The wavefront aberration for 17 eyes and 33 SCL on‐eye was measured with a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor. The Zernike coefficients describing the on‐eye SA of the SCL were compared with off‐eye ray tracing results. Paraxial and effective lens power changes resulting from the SCL‐induced SA were determined.Results:  The model predicts the on‐eye SA of SCL closely. The SA induced by spherical SCL partly cancelled the ocular SA for 11 of the subjects. The power change resulting from SCL‐induced SA is ±0.5 D for a ±7.00 D spherical SCL on a 6‐mm pupil. Power change is negligible for SCL corrected for off‐eye SA.Conclusions:  For thin SCL the level of SA is similar on‐eye and off‐eye. SCL corrected for off‐eye SA are aberration free on‐eye but the benefit depends on the individual level of ocular aberrations and the viewing condition. The effective power change of spherical SCL depends on pupil size and can be significant for large pupils even for moderate refractive errors. For SCL without aberration correction, for higher levels of ametropia and large pupils, the SCL power should be determined with trial SCL with their power and p‐value similar to the prescribed lens.
A comparison of cup‐to‐disc ratio evaluation in normal subjects using stereo biomicroscopy and digital imaging of the optic nerve head
Authors: Hrynchak Patricia , Hutchings Natalie , Jones Deborah , Simpson Trefford 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe cup‐to‐disc (CD) ratio evaluated using stereoscopic biomicroscopy was compared with that evaluated by viewing a non‐stereo digital image of the optic nerve head. Twenty normal subjects (mean age 26 ± 4 years) were evaluated by two observers. The average CD ratio was 0.29 with a range of 0–0.80. The intra‐class correlations between the observers ranged from 0.82 to 0.96, when comparing horizontal and vertical CD ratios for both evaluation techniques. The mean CD ratio was significantly smaller when viewing the digital image (0.25 ± 0.01) compared with stereoscopic observation (0.33 ± 0.03, p < 0.0001). Although the mean differences between the two techniques were small, the percentage of CD ratios that differed by ≥0.2 were between 5 and 25% of evaluations. Caution should be exercised when using stereoscopic and non‐stereo digital evaluations of CD ratio interchangeably to assess longitudinal progression in a multi‐clinician setting.