bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between generalized and focal retinal arteriolar narrowing in an older population
Authors: Tan AvaG , Wang JieJin , Rochtchina Elena , Klein Ronald , Wong Tien Y , Hubbard LarryD , Mitchell Paul 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the associations between generalized and focal retinal arteriolar narrowing in the Blue Mountains Eye Study population (n = 3654 personsaged 49+ years). Summarized estimates of the average retinal arteriolar diameter, the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and arteriole‐to‐venule ratio were obtained from right eye photographs of each participant using a computer‐assisted method. Focal retinal arteriolar narrowing was graded from retinal photographs of both eyes using a ‘light‐box’ method. The proportion of subjects with focal arteriolar narrowing increased as CRAE decreased from the widest (2.2%) to the narrowest (7.8%) quintile (P for trend = 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed using CRAE to detect focal arteriolar narrowing. With the diagnostic cut point set at the 4th decile of CRAE, the sensitivity and specificity in detecting focal arteriolar narrowing were 64% and 61%,respectively. These data suggest a moderate correlation between generalized (CRAE) and focal arteriolar narrowing. However, no significant association was found between arteriole‐to‐venule ratio and focal arteriolar narrowing.
Research contributions in ophthalmology: Australia's productivity
Authors: Davis Mari , Wilson Concepción S 
Published: July 2003

Abstract Background: In 2000, the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology (ANZJO) changed title to Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. At this time, a review of Australia's contributions to the literature over the previous 21 years appears timely. Bibliometric indicators are used extensively to assess research performance as they offer views of a field that might not otherwise be apparent. The aim of this study was to explore publication output data to construct a picture of ophthalmology that may be of benefit to researchers and ophthalmologists. Methods: Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index databases were used to collate data on ophthal­mology research literature from 1980 to 2000. Subsequent analysis particularly focused on Australia's contribution to this literature, including publication frequency vis‐à‐vis the world, collaboration, and the journals in which Australian researchers frequently publish. These data were also compared with other countries of similar scientific stature or language. Results: Since 1980, Australia has ranked in the top 10 nations contributing to world ophthalmology research. Its contribution was close to world average in the 1980s, but increasing numbers of researchers and papers show Australia exceeding the world average during the 1990s. Most ophthalmology research collaboration by Australians is within Australia. Although fewer in number, collaborative papers with overseas researchers include 28 other countries. Data on the journals in which Australians publish show that Australian researchers continue to exhibit a preference for publication in their own regional journals. Conclusions: This paper, one of a series on the literature of the vision sciences, provides some initial benchmarks on Australia's standing and contribution to the field of ophthalmology research.
Age‐dependent variations in the drusen fluorescence on indocyanine green angiography
Authors: Chang Andrew A , Guyer David R , Orlock Dennis R , Yannuzzi Lawrence A 
Published: July 2003

Abstract Purpose: To examine the fluorescence patterns of macular drusen using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography in human subjects of different ages. Methods: A total of 180 eyes in 100 consecutive patients aged 34−90 years with macula drusen were evaluated with ICG angiography using the Topcon 1024 ImageNet system. Eyes were divided into two groups depending on age. The older group (subjects over the age of 55 years) comprised 170 eyes. The younger group (subjects 55 years or younger) comprised 10 eyes. The fluorescence patterns of the drusen were graded as hyper­fluorescent (brighter than the background fluorescence), hypofluorescent (darker than the background fluorescence) or isofluorescent (unable to be distinguished from the background fluorescence). The ICG angiogram appearances were correlated with the clinical types of drusen in differing age groups. Results: An age‐dependent difference in the fluorescence pattern of drusen was observed. Drusen in the older group were hypofluorescent or isofluorescent (169/170 eyes). In contrast, drusen in the younger group (55 years or younger) were hyperfluorescent (10/10 eyes). Conclusions: This study defines the distinct age‐dependent differences in the ICG fluorescence pattern of drusen. This heterogeneity might be due to differential binding of extravasated ICG to the constituents and histological site of the drusen deposits. Furthermore, ICG angiography is able to differentiate drusen types not possible by clinical and fluorescein angiographic evaluation.
Clinical outcomes following laser photocoagulation treatment for diabetic retinopathy at a large Australian ophthalmic hospital
Authors: Yi Qing , Bamroongsuk Parapun , McCarty Daniel J , Mukesh Bickol N , Harper C Alex 
Published: July 2003

Abstract Objective: To evaluate clinical outcomes of diabetic retinopathy laser treatment at a large Australian ophthalmic hospital. Methods: A retrospective medical record review of all patients who had initial laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital from January 1997 to December 1998. Results: The study included 322 eyes from 203 patients. The mean age was 65.8 years (range 18−89) and the mean follow up was 18 months (range 2−33). Focal photocoagulation treatment alone was performed in 238 eyes. Clinically significant macular oedema (CSME) resolved in 218 (91.6%) eyes. Vision was improved or maintained in 137 (57.6%) eyes. Moderate visual loss occurred in 49 (20.6%) eyes. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) was performed in 84 eyes, including 37 eyes with PRP alone and 47 eyes with PRP and focal together. Neovascularization regressed in 55 (65.5%) eyes. Vision was improved or maintained in 52 (61.9%) eyes. Moderate visual loss was observed in 20 (23.8%) eyes and severe visual loss was observed in 4 (4.8%) eyes. Conclusions: The clinical outcomes reported here are similar to those reported in other studies.
Visual loss in sarcoid‐related uveitis
Authors: Lobo Aires , Barton Keith , Minassian Darwin , Du Bois Roland M , Lightman Susan 
Published: July 2003

Abstract Purpose: To assess the visual acuity outcome after treatment, in patients with differing types of uveitis associated with sarcoidosis, and to determine the types of sight‐threatening complications. Methods: This was an retrospective, non‐comparative, interventional study of patients who had uveitis with a confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis and a minimum follow‐up duration of 6 months from presentation. The worst affected eye at presentation was selected for the study. Complications causing impaired vision were documented, changes in visual acuity after completion of treatment were measured, and the risk of ‘poor outcome’ (visual acuity 6/12 and less) was compared in the various types of uveitis, using ‘exact’ multiple logistic regression to control confounding by other prognostic factors. Results: Seventy‐five patients were studied. The spectrum of ocular inflammation in sarcoidosis is wide. Presentation may be acute and non‐granulomatous or chronic and granulomatous with posterior segment involvement being varied. Poor visual outcome was significantly more frequent in multifocal choroiditis (5/7, 71.4%), and in panuveitis without multifocal choroiditis (13/28, 46.4%), compared to only 3/24 (12.5%) patients with anterior uveitis. The excess risks remained significant after adjustment for confounding effects of other prognostic factors including age, sex and manifest systemic sarcoidosis. Causes of visual loss were cataract, glaucoma, macular oedema, vitreous haemorrhage and retinal detachment. Conclusion: Multifocal choroiditis is a less common manifestation of uveitis associated with sarcoidosis but appears to be associated with a worse visual prognosis despite immunosuppressive therapy.
Measurement of indirect costs for people with vision impairment
Authors: Chou Shiao‐Lan , Misajon RoseAnne , Gallo Jayne , Keeffe Jill E 
Published: July 2003

AbstractFrom a societal perspective, chronic eye diseases can affect not only the person who has vision impairment but also the economics of that society. To obtain comprehensive medical and non‐medical expenditures for people with impaired vision, direct and indirect costs should be collected. Indirect costs are usually not included in cost evaluation in health economics due to the difficulty of the data collection and analysis. Questionnaires and cost diaries have been developed in this study to estimate total resource use, expenses, and lost production from the participants or their caregivers due to the participants’ vision loss. Pilot testing was conducted to verify the format, clarity of instructions, relevance of content and completeness of the questionnaires and diary. Modifications were then made to the format from feedback from the participants. Diaries using large print, audio and Braille facilitate data collection for people with impaired vision.
Comparison of the Retinomax autorefractor with hand‐held retinoscopy in 1‐year‐old infants
Authors: Gole Glen A , Schluter Philip J , Hall Julie , Colville Deborah 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the accuracy (and usability) of the Retinomax, a hand‐held autorefractor, compared to measurements taken from hand‐held retinoscopy (HHR) in a sample of normal 1‐year‐old children. The study was a method comparison set at four Community Child Health Clinics. Infants (n = 2079) of approximately 1 year of age were identified from birth/immunization records and their caregivers were contacted by mail. A total of 327 infants ranging in age from 46 weeks to 81 weeks (mean 61 weeks) participated in the study. The children underwent a full ophthalmic examination. Under cycloplegia, refraction was measured in each eye by streak retinoscopy (HHR) and then re‐measured using the Retinomax autorefractor. Sphere, cylinder, axis of cylinder and spherical equivalent measurements were recorded for HHR and Retinomax instruments, and compared. Across the range of refractive errors measured, there was generally close agreement between the two examination methods, although the Retinomax consistently read around 0.3 D less hyperopic than HHR. Significantly more girls (72 infants, 47.7%), struggled during examination with the Retinomax than boys (52 infants, 29.5%) (P < 0.001). Agreement deteriorated between the two instruments if the patient struggled during the examination (P < 0.001). In general, the Retinomax would appear to be a useful screening instrument in early childhood. However, patient cooperation affects the accuracy of results and is an important con­sideration in determining whether this screening instrument should be adopted for measuring refractive errors in early infancy.
Effect of pupil size on multifocal pattern visual evoked potentials
Authors: Martins Alessandra , Balachandran Chandra , Klistorner Alexander I , Graham Stuart L , Billson Francis A 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of pupil diameter on the amplitude and latency of multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP). The multifocal objective perimeter (Accumap; Objectivision) was used to stimulate the visual field at 56 sites extending to 32° using a pseudo­random pattern stimulus. The mfVEP were recorded using bipolar occipital electrodes, 7 min/eye. Ten normal subjects were recruited from the community and one eye was randomly selected for testing. The mfVEP were recorded at four different pupil diameters (2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm), obtained by applying tropicamide (0.5%) or pilocarpine (2%) in different dilutions. Appropriate refractive correction was provided to overcome cycloplegia and achieve a visual acuity of 6/7.5 or better. Analysis revealed that at most pupil diameters the normalized full field amplitude did not show significant variation, except at the most miotic pupil diameter (2 mm), where the amplitude became reduced, based on 2‐way anova and Tukey's T method. There was, however, significant correlation between latency and pupil area (correlation coefficient: upper field −0.63, lower field −0.76). The results suggest that even in the presence of mydriatics or miotics, the mfVEP test can be used to assess diseases that affect amplitude, provided near correction is used. The interpretation of latency, however, must be made with caution, as a borderline conduction defect with a dilated pupil may appear normal.
Transendothelial electrical resistanceof bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells is influenced by cell growth patterns: an ultrastructural study
Authors: Tretiach Marina , Van Driel Diana , Gillies Mark C 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe the ultrastructural features of an in vitro capillary endothelial cell model of blood−retinal barrier permeability and to relate morphological features with transendothelial electrical resistance. The electrical resistance of endothelial cell monocultures on small and large pore size polycarbonate Transwell filters was measured and compared with cocultures of endothelial cells and Müller cells. There was a wide variation in electrical resistance measurements with many preparations not achieving a functional barrier. The ultrastructural features associated with barrier function in vitro were studied by comparing cultures that exhibited a ‘tight’ or ‘leaky’ barrier when measured immediately prior to processing for electron microscopy. Preparations with low transendothelial electrical resistance were associated with irregular cell growth when studied morphologically. It was concluded that parallel light and electron microscopic studies are important for validation of in vitro models of vascular endothelial permeability.
Assessing binocular cooperation with patchwork stimuli
Authors: Freeman Alan W , Wong Elaine MY 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis study investigated binocular cooperation with patchwork stimuli,which were constructed by cutting a picture into patches, presenting some patches to one eye and presenting the remaining patches to the fellow eye. Reconstruction of the original picture requires subjects to combine information from the two eyes, and therefore tests the quality of their binocular cooperation. The strength of cooperation was measured by presenting closed contours in patchwork form, and asking adult human subjects to discriminate between distorted and undistorted contours. Both normal and strabismic subjects were tested. The strabismic subjects required a distortion amplitude fivefold that of the normal subjects to achieve the same level of discrimination. Further, the binocular performance of the strabismic subjects was largely determined by their performance when using only the non‐strabismic eye. These results suggest that patchwork stimuli may be useful in clinical tests for binocular cooperation.
Attitudes to research and research training among ophthalmologists and ophthalmology trainees in New Zealand
Authors: Jayasundera Thiran , Fisk Michael , McGhee Charles NJ 
Published: July 2003

Abstract Purpose: To determine the attitudes to research and research training among ophthalmologists and ophthalmology trainees in New Zealand. Methods: A structured, self‐administered questionnaire was devised and after preliminary validation a postal survey was sent to all ophthalmologists and ophthalmology registrars and fellows in New Zealand. Results: A total of 82 replies were received from 115 questionnaires sent out; a response rate of 71.3%. An overwhelming majority found research to have benefited their education, clinical practice and career; 67.1% of the respondents intended to do research in the future. Although a majority (56.4%) felt research to be beneficial to ophthalmology training, 42.3% felt research would be of limited or no benefit when selecting candidates for vocational training. However, 97.5% of respondents felt that ophthalmology trainees should undertake some form of research during training, with most supporting small studies or case reports (44.4%) or a short structured training course in research (42.0%). Interestingly, 86.6% felt that research methodology and data analysis should be taught in a structured fashion with most supporting courses or seminars of a few weeks duration during the vocational training period. Many ophthalmologists felt inadequately equipped or trained to mentor and supervise trainees undertaking research and 41.5% of consultant ophthalmologists felt further training to fulfil this role would be beneficial. Conclusions: This survey suggests that New Zealand ophthalmologists generally approve of and support a place for research, possibly of a more structured design, during ophthalmology training.
Habitat and sex specific differences in the dioecious weed Acetosella vulgaris (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Pickering Catherine Marina , Kirkwood Andrew , Arthur J. Michael 
Published: July 2003

Abstract  Patterns of resource allocation, numbers of reproductive structures and sex ratios of flowering populations of the dioecious weed Acetosella vulgaris (Fourr.) were examined in the Kosciuszko alpine region of Australia. Specifically, the sex‐specific response of ramets was compared between a disturbed alpine habitat, in which weeds such as A. vulgaris are common (disturbed roadside/path‐edge), and a native alpine habitat in which weeds appear to have a limited capacity to germinate, grow and reproduce (undisturbed tall alpine herbfield). The disturbed habitat was generally more favourable for growth of A. vulgaris. Ramets of both sexes had greater total and vegetative biomass than ramets in native habitats. Although reproductive biomass was also greater in disturbed habitats, females had less reproductive biomass than males, which was not as predicted. Reproductive effort was not affected by habitat or gender. The disturbed habitat also favoured increased numbers of inflorescences per ramet and flowers per ramet, as expected. Whereas the gender of the ramet also influenced numbers of reproductive structures, again, this was not as predicted. Females had more flowers per ramet and more flowers per inflorescence than males. This may be because of factors associated with wind pollination. Females were taller in native habitats but there was no difference between the sexes in disturbed habitats. Sex ratios varied from all male populations to nearly all female populations among the 25 sites sampled irrespective of habitat. Factors such as time since last disturbance may have contributed to variation in the sex ratios of alpine populations of A. vulgaris in Australia.
Two stage growth of microdiamond in UHP dolomite marble from Kokchetav Massif, Kazakhstan
Authors: Ishida H. , Ogasawara Y. , Ohsumi K. , Saito A. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe abundance and morphology of microdiamond in dolomite marble from Kumdy‐kol in the Kokchetav Massif, are unusual; a previous study estimated the maximum content of diamonds in dolomite marble to be about 2700 carat ton−1. Microdiamond is included primarily in garnet, and occasionally in diopside and phlogopite pseudomorphs after garnet. They are classified into three types on the basis of their morphology: (1) S‐type: star‐shaped diamond consisting of translucent cores and transparent subhedral to euhedral very fine‐grained outer parts; (2) R‐type: translucent crystals with rugged surfaces; and (3) T‐type: transparent, very fine‐grained crystals. The S‐type is the most abundant.Micro‐Laue diffraction using a 1.6‐µm X‐ray beam‐size demonstrated that the cores of the star‐shaped microdiamond represent single crystals. In contrast, the most fine‐grained outer parts usually have different orientations compared to the core. Laser–Raman studies indicate that the FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) of the Raman band of the core of the S‐type diamond is slightly larger than that for the outer parts. Differences in morphology, crystal orientations, and in the FWHM of the Raman band between the core and the fine‐grained outer‐parts of S‐type microdiamond suggest that the star‐shaped microdiamond was formed discontinuously in two distinct stages.
‘Forbidden zone’ subduction of sediments to 150 km depth— the reaction of dolomite to magnesite + aragonite in the UHPM metapelites from western Tianshan, China
Authors: Zhang L. , Ellis D. J. , Arculus R. J. , Jiang W. , Wei C. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe solid‐state reaction magnesite (MgCO3) + calcite (aragonite) (CaCO3) = dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) has been identified in metapelites from western Tianshan, China. Petrological studies show that two metamorphic stages are recorded in the metapelites: (1) the peak mineral assemblage of magnesite and calcite pseudomorphs after aragonite which is only preserved as inclusions within dolomite; and (2) the retrograde glaucophane‐chloritoid facies mineral assemblage of glaucophane, chloritoid, dolomite, garnet, paragonite, chlorite and quartz. The peak metamorphic temperatures and pressures are calculated to be 560–600 °C, 4.95–5.07 GPa based on the calcite–dolomite geothermometer and the equilibrium calculation of the reaction dolomite = magnesite + aragonite, respectively. These give direct evidence in UHP metamorphic rocks from Tianshan, China, that carbonate sediments were subducted to greater than 150 km depth. This UHP metamorphism represents a geotherm lower than any previously estimated for subduction metamorphism (< 3.7 °C km−1) and is within what was previously considered a ‘forbidden’ condition within Earth. In terms of the carbon cycle, this demonstrates that carbonate sediments can be subducted to at least 150 km depth without releasing significant CO2 to the overlying mantle wedge.
Basement‐Cover Sequences within the UHP unit of the Dabie Shan
Authors: Schmid R. , Romer R. L. , Franz L. , Oberhänsli R. , Martinotti G. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractField data define two lithologically distinct basement‐cover sequences within the ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic (UHPM) unit of the Dabie Shan, eastern China. One of the cover units, the Changpu unit, comprises calc‐arenitic metasediments in stratigraphic contact with a basement consisting of gneisses of the Yangtze craton. The second cover unit, the Ganghe unit, consists of felsic‐intermediate metavolcanics and clastic metasediments. Basement exposure of the Ganghe unit is not known. Fold axes in the Ganghe unit are oblique to those of the Changpu unit, which are parallel to those of the Yangtze gneisses. Preservation of primary textures in some volcanic rocks, and tectonic separation from the Yangtze gneisses by a greenschist facies mylonite, support an interpretation of the Ganghe unit as a low‐strain domain. Protolith associations in the Ganghe and Changpu units are compatible with deposition in a rift setting and along a passive continental margin, respectively. A U–Pb single zircon age of 761 ± 33 Ma for volcanoclastic rocks of the Ganghe unit demonstrates a Neoproterozoic deposition age, concordant with inferred rifting at that time. Eclogite facies parageneses in the gneisses and both cover units, along with P–T data demonstrate regional UHPM in the Dabie Shan.