Head Photographs Research Articles

Assessing the efficacy and quality of Life improvements of botulinum toxin type a with topical minoxidil versus topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia: a randomized controlled trial.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common type of hair loss in men and efficacy and safety of current medical treatment remain limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) combined with Minoxidil in patients with AGA. 60 male patients were included in this study and control group received topical 5% Minoxidil and the treatment group received BTA combined with topical 5% Minoxidil. BTA injections (60-70 U) were administered at 30-35 scalp sites. Head photographs were taken at baseline, 2nd, 4th, and 6th months. Clinical descriptions recorded scalp conditions, and patient satisfaction along with Dermatology Life Quality Index scores were documented. The treatment group (TG) showed significant hair growth differences compared to the control group (CG) at the 4th month (P < 0.001) and 6th month (P = 0.0046) post-treatment. TG had improved Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scores in the 4th month (P = 0.0001) and 6th month (P = 0.0259) compared to CG. Patient satisfaction in TG for hair growth and scalp improvement was higher than CG (all P < 0.05). TG exhibited substantial quality of life improvement at the 4-month (P = 0.0009) and 6-month (P = 0.0099). No adverse reactions were observed post-botulinum toxin injection. BTA combined with Minoxidil effectively promotes hair growth, enhances the quality of life, and alleviates scalp symptoms in male AGA patients at 4th and 6th months, with no adverse effects compared to Minoxidil alone.Trial registration number: Ethics Committee of Shanghai Tongji Hospital (ID: K-2018-026).

Abstract PO4-11-06: Survey of Questionnaires on the Efficacy and Cost of Scalp Cooling Devices in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract &amp;lt; Background &amp;gt; Scalp cooling devices have demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating chemotherapy-induced alopecia, with an approximate reported success rate of 50% in hair preservation. Nevertheless, their utilization may lead to adverse effects and financial burdens for patients. Our institution introduced the Paxman scalp cooling system in 2021 for breast cancer patients undergoing perioperative chemotherapy, with its application extending to over 120 cases. An out-of-pocket expense of 16,000 yen ($110) per chemotherapy session is required, separate from insurance-covered treatments. We conducted a retrospective evaluation using patient questionnaires and medical records to assess the efficacy and cost-related satisfaction concerning scalp cooling devices. &amp;lt; Methods &amp;gt; The subjects consisted of breast cancer patients who had undergone at least one session of chemotherapy with scalp cooling devices at our institution. Objective assessment of hair preservation was performed through head photographs taken during the usage of the cooling devices and recorded in the medical charts. The evaluation was carried out using CTCAE version 4, and statistical analysis of relationships was conducted utilizing Stata version 18 and the χ² test. &amp;lt; Results &amp;gt; Responses were collected from 91 patients (survey response rate: 96%). The median age of the patients was 51 years (range: 28-80). The regimens of chemotherapy included anthracycline-based (A) in 10 patients (11%), taxane-based (T) in 19 patients (21%), A-T combination in 57 patients (63%), and HER2-targeted therapy in 38 patients (42%). The results of questionnaire revealed, besides scalp cooling, patients incurred a median cost of 131,000 yen($922) for wigs and 10,000 yen($70) for hair care and other expenses. 61 individuals (67%) completed the scalp cooling treatment during the chemotherapy. The reasons for discontinuation of scalp cooling were mainly discomfort due to tightness (33%), followed by the time-consuming nature of the process (30%), hair loss (26%), and excessive cold sensation (26%) (Multiple answers allowed). Regarding the benefits and drawbacks of scalp cooling devices, 50 patients (56%) expressed satisfaction for scalp cooling, 26 patients (29%) had neutral feelings, 14 patients (16%) expressed unsatisfied, and one response was unknown. Regarding the device's cost, 14 patients (16%) were satisfied, 35 patients (40%) were neutral, 39 patients (44%) were unsatisfied, and three responses was unknown. Among the 52 patients who continued using the device until their final chemotherapy session and could assess the head photographs, the hair loss grades were as follows: grade 0 in 9 patients (17%), grade 1 in 22 patients (42%), and grade 2 in 21 patients (40%). A correlation was observed between the objective hair loss grade and satisfaction with the device's efficacy (p &amp;lt; 0.01), while no significant correlation was found between satisfaction and the cost (p = 0.21) (attached table). &amp;lt; Discussion &amp;gt; Although more than half of the patients who utilized scalp cooling devices expressed satisfaction with their efficacy, merely 16% expressed satisfaction with the associated costs. Addressing patient financial burdens, including expand to insurance coverage, becomes imperative for future considerations. Table. The relation between hair preservation and satisfaction for efficacy and cost. A correlation was observed between the objective hair loss grade and satisfaction with the device's efficacy (p &amp;lt; 0.01), while no significant correlation was found between satisfaction and the cost (p = 0.21) Citation Format: Haruru Kotani, Nari Kureyama, Maho Kusudo, Rie Komaki, Akira Nakakami, Yuka Endo, Ayumi Kataoka, Akiyo Yoshimura, Masaya Hattori, Masataka Sawaki, Hiroji Iwata. Survey of Questionnaires on the Efficacy and Cost of Scalp Cooling Devices in Breast Cancer Patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-11-06.

Characteristics of head and neck alignment and function of deep cervical flexor muscles in patients with nonspecific neck pain

ObjectivesThe objectives were to compare forward head posture (FHP) in natural and corrected head postures between patients with nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) and controls and to clarify the relationship between natural and corrected head posture angle differences and deep cervical flexor function. This study aimed to provide useful evidence for postural assessment and treatment in patients with NSNP. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 19 patients with NSNP reporting a pain score of 3–7 for at least 3 months and 19 participants with no neck pain within the previous 12 months were recruited. To evaluate FHP, the cranial rotation and vertical angles were measured using lateral head and neck photographs. The craniocervical flexion test was used to evaluate deep cervical flexor activation and endurance. We evaluated the head and neck alignment in natural and corrected head postures and the relationship between the degree of change and deep cervical flexor function. ResultsFHP in the natural head posture did not differ between groups. In the corrected head posture, FHP was significantly smaller in the NSNP group than in the control group. In the NSNP group, the cranial rotation and vertical angles were significantly different between the natural and corrected head postures, and the angle difference correlated significantly with deep cervical flexor function. ConclusionsPatients with NSNP show hypercorrection in the corrected head posture, which may be correlated with deep cervical flexor dysfunction. Further investigation into the causal relationship between hypercorrection, deep neck flexor dysfunction, and neck pain is required.

Current roles of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology

Artificial intelligence (AI) studies are increasingly reporting successful results in the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of ophthalmological diseases as well as systemic disorders. The goal of this review is to detail how AI can be utilized in making diagnostic predictions to enhance the clinical setting. It is crucial to keep improving methods that emphasize clarity in AI models. This makes it possible to evaluate the information obtained from ocular imaging and easily incorporate it into therapeutic decision-making procedures. This will contribute to the wider acceptance and adoption of AI-based ocular imaging in healthcare settings combining advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques with new developments. Multiple studies were reviewed and evaluated, including AI-based algorithms, retinal images, fundus and optic nerve head (ONH) photographs, and extensive expert reviews. In these studies, carried out in various countries and laboratories of the world, it is seen those complex diagnoses, which can be detected systemic diseases from ophthalmological images, can be made much faster and with higher predictability, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, in addition to ophthalmological diseases, by comparing large numbers of images and teaching them to the computer. It is now clear that it can be taken advantage of AI to achieve diagnostic certainty. Collaboration between the fields of medicine and engineering foresees promising advances in improving the predictive accuracy and precision of future medical diagnoses achieved by training machines with this information. However, it is important to keep in mind that each new development requires new additions or updates to various social, psychological, ethical, and legal regulations.

A novel non-invasive efficient photography-based technique for length measuring and individual identification of seahorses

This study aimed to develop a non-invasive and efficient method for measuring and identifying individual seahorses (Hippocampus patagonicus) in their natural habitat. A total of 976 seahorses were captured and photographed on a measuring board to obtain standard length (Ls) measurements. Head photographs were also taken for individual recognition, and a set of 100 seahorses were tagged with visible implant elastomers (VIE) to verify the correspondence between photograph recognition and the applied tags. The analysis showed no significant difference between left and right Ls measurements. The unique pattern of white dots on the heads served as individual fingerprints, consistent with VIE tagging. The recapture rate was 12%, with 89 individuals observed multiple times. Two distinct growth patterns were identified: males exhibited higher growth rates and a negative correlation with Ls compared to females. Released seahorses exhibited significantly different behaviors that were related to their sizes (Ls). Smaller seahorses tended to swim slowly towards nearby holdfasts, while larger seahorses escaped further or remained rigid before grasping a holdfast. The proposed methodology allowed for estimating individual seahorse growth rates, and the measurements were objective and precise. The results were obtained through quick and minimally invasive manipulation of the observed individuals.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Frequency-Doubling Technology and the Moorfields Motion Displacement Test for Glaucoma

Portable perimetric testing could be useful for community-based glaucoma screening programs. Frequency-doubling technology (FDT) and the Moorfields motion displacement test (MDT) are portable perimeters that have shown promise as potential screening tools for glaucoma. This study's goal was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FDT and MDT for visual field defects and glaucoma. Prospective, cross-sectional, diagnostic accuracy study. A consecutive series of patients aged ≥ 50 years who presented to a glaucoma clinic in South India and had never undergone Humphrey field analyzer (HFA) visual field testing in the past. Participants underwent 24-2 Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA)Standard HFA perimetry, FDT perimetry, MDT perimetry, and iPad perimetry using visualFields Easy in random order. Ophthalmologist grades of HFA and optic nerve head photographs were used as reference standards for glaucoma and field defect presence. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of various parameters for each test. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Overall, 292 eyes from 173 participants were included, with 112 eyes classified as moderate or worse glaucoma. For moderate or worse glaucoma detection, the best parameter on FDT was mean deviation (MD) (AUROC, 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.89) and the best parameter on MDT was global probability of true damage (GPTD) (AUROC, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82-0.91). When specificity was set to 90%, the sensitivity for detection of moderate or worse glaucoma was 55% (95% CI, 39%-68%) for FDT MD and 62% (95% CI 52%-71%) for MDT GPTD. Frequency-doubling technology and MDT perimetry had fair diagnostic accuracy for glaucoma detection when administered to naïve test takers in this South Indian population. Although not appropriate for use as a sole glaucoma screening test, these perimetric tests may be useful as ancillary tests. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Anthropometric Analysis of the Growth Proportions of the Head and Face in Koreans.

The present study is to identify primarily the morphological characteristics in the growth proportion of the head and face for young Korean (8-24 years) and compare the magnitude of growth changes to the sex-related differences. Total 1255 were divided into 3 age groups: childhood (8-10 years), adolescence (14-16 years), and young adult (20-24 years). The anthropometric assessments were performed with 11 landmarks on the head and facial dimensions. The standardized frontal and lateral head and face photographs were analyzed the craniofacial growth proportions and morphological features for the comparison of both sexes. The noteworthy differences of anthropometric measurements between sexes with growing were noted on the lower head height (22.6%, 17.8%), midface height (22.0%, 19.6%), lower face height (23.5%, 14.7%), and face length (21.1%, 14.9%), face breadth (14.8%, 11.3%) of males and females, respectively. Whereas the upper head height (7.9%, 6.0%) and upper face height (4.2%, 0%, respectively) were less growing features. The most remarkable changes are the dimension of midface height and lower face height in both sexes. The present study could demonstrate a fundamental example to elucidate the sex-related dimensional differences for the analysis of the growth proportion of both sexes in Koreans.

Do Additional Testing Locations Improve the Detection of Macular Perimetric Defects in Glaucoma?

To evaluate the ability of additional central testing locations to improve detection of macular visual field (VF) defects in glaucoma. Prospective cross-sectional study. Four hundred forty healthy people and 499 patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) were tested with a fundus tracked perimeter (CMP; CenterVue) using a 24-2 grid with 12 additional macular locations (24-2+). Glaucomatous optic neuropathy was identified based on expert evaluation of optic nerve head photographs and OCT scans, independently of the VF. We defined macular defects as locations with measurements outside the 5% and 2% normative limits on total deviation (TD) and pattern deviation (PD) maps within the VF central 10°. Classification was based on the total number of affected macular locations (overall detection) or the largest number of affected macular locations connected in a contiguous cluster (cluster detection). Criteria based on the number of locations and cluster size were used to obtain equivalent specificity between the 24-2 grid and the 24-2+ grids, calculated using false detections in the healthy cohort. Partial areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (pAUCs) were also compared at specificities of 95% or more. Matched specificity comparison of the ability to detect glaucomatous macular defects between the 24-2 and 24-2+ grids. At matched specificity, cluster detection identified more macular defects with the 24-2+ grid compared with the 24-2 grid. For example, the mean increase in percentage of detection was 8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-11%) and 10% (95% CI, 7%-13%) for 5% TD and PD maps, respectively, and 5% (95% CI, 2%-7%) and 6% (95% CI, 4%-8%) for the 2% TD and PD maps, respectively. Good agreement was found between the 2 grids. The improvement measured by pAUCs was also significant but generally small. The percentage of eyes with macular defects ranged from about 30% to 50%. Test time for the 24-2+ grid was longer (21% increase) for both cohorts. Between 74% and 98% of defects missed by the 24-2 grid had at least 1 location with sensitivity of < 20 dB. Visual field examinations with additional macular locations can improve the detection of macular defects in GON modestly without loss of specificity when appropriate criteria are selected.

Diagnosis and Grading Of Papilledema Using Optical Coherence Tomography Compared To Clinical Staging By Frise´n Scale.

Background:Papilledema, or optic disc swelling due to raised intracranial pressure, has been graded using the Frise´ n Scale. Objectives: In this study we aim to compare and contrast 2 methods of quantitating papilledema, namely, Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Modified Frise´n Scale (MFS). Materials and method:This study was performed at ophthalmology department, Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University from June 2019 to January 2020, thirty patients with papilledema were enrolled, assessment of OCT retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, OCT total retinal thickness, then compared by modified Frise´n scale from photographs. Results:Our study included 30 patients, 26 females with mean age 28.2±6.7 and 4 males with mean age 32±2, Among 30 patients with papilledema: 7(21) % had grade 1, 10(30) % had grade 2, 4(12) % had grade 3, 9(27) % had grade 4. When OCT RNFL thickness was compared with MFS grade from photographs (using majority rule), Spearman rank correlation was 0.727 (P<0.0005). When OCT total retinal thickness was compared with MFS grade from photographs, Spearman rank correlation was 0.789(P<0.0005). Conclusions: In grading papilledema, we found strong correlation between the modified Frise´n scale and OCT findings. For lower-grade optic disc edema, OCT compares better with clinical staging of optic nerve head photographs. With higher grades of edema, OCT RNFL thickness processing algorithms often fail or lack sensitivity, while OCT total retinal thickness performing more favorably

Diagnostic performance of modern imaging instruments in glaucoma screening

AimTo evaluate the applicability of imaging devices (spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Cirrus SD-OCT), scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph, HRT3)) for glaucoma screening in a...

Association of ABO blood group with crowding among patients with different malocclusions

Introduction: This study correlated ABO blood groups and crowding in the lower anterior region and also to find an interrelationship between ABO blood grouping system and sagittal relation of the jaws. Materials and Methods: The sample size consisted of 138 Maharashtrian patients (60 males and 78 females) age range from 12 to 30 years which were randomly selected. Each patient's records comprised: a lateral cephalometric head film, photographs, and dental casts as standard pretreatment records. Based on ANB angles, patients were divided into Group-1: ANB 1–3° (51 individuals with 27 males and 24 females), Group-2: ANB >3° (60 individuals with 24 males and 36 females), and Group-3: ANB Results: The mean ± standard deviation of age in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 was 16.53 ± 2.43 years, 17.60 ± 3.73 years, and 18.67 ± 3.28 years, respectively. The gender distribution of cases studied did not differ significantly across three study groups. The distribution of median ANB did not differ significantly across various blood groups in the study group. The blood group distribution of cases studied did not differ significantly across three study groups. The distribution of Little's index differs significantly across perfect alignment and minimal irregularity as well as between minimal irregularity and moderate irregularity. The distribution of Little's index did not differ significantly between perfect alignment and moderate irregularity. Conclusions: The occurrence of blood group B+ was more in Class I and II skeletal patterns whereas in Class III skeletal pattern individuals have more prevalence of blood group A+. ABO blood groups and Little's Irregularity Index for crowding is found to be correlated between perfect alignment and minimal irregularity individuals as well as between minimal and moderate irregularity subjects.

Both the Observer's Expertise and the Subject's Facial Symmetry Can Affect Anatomical Position of the Head

It is easier to judge facial deformity when the patient's head is in anatomic position. The purposes of this study were to determine 1) whether a group of expert observers would agree more than a group of nonexperts on what is the correct anatomic position of the head, 2) whether there would be more variation in the alignment of an asymmetrical face compared with a symmetrical one, and 3) whether the alignments of experts would be more repeatable than those of nonexperts. Thirty-one orthodontists (experts) and 31 dental students (nonexperts) were recruited for this mixed-model study. They were shown randomly oriented 3-dimensional head photographs of an adult with a symmetrical face and an adolescent with an asymmetrical face. In viewing software, the observers oriented the images into anatomic position. They repeated the orientations 4weeks later. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear model and Bland-Altman plots. The primary predictor variables were experience and symmetry status. The outcome variable was the anatomic position of the head. The other variables of interest included time and orientation direction. There was a statistically significant difference between measurements completed by experts and nonexperts (F1,60=14.83; P<.01). The interaction between expertise and symmetrical status showed a statistically significant difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical faces in the expert and nonexpert groups (F1,60=9.93; P=.003). The interaction between expertise and time showed a statistically significant difference in measurement over time in the expert and nonexpert groups (F1,60=4.66; P=.03). The study shows that experts can set a head into anatomic position better than nonexperts. In addition, facial asymmetry has a profound effect on the ability of an observer toalign a head in the correct anatomic position. Moreover, observer-guided alignment is not reproducible.

Correlation of echographic and photographic assessment of optic nerve head cupping in children

To determine the diagnostic value of B-scan echography in optic nerve head (ONH) cupping estimation in children. The medical records of pediatric patients who had previously undergone examination under anesthesia and for whom both adequate B-scan echography images and optic nerve head (ONH) photographs and were available were reviewed retrospectively. The cup:disk ratio was estimated with a grading scale of 0-1.0 and rounded to the nearest tenth; degree of cupping was estimated from B-scan echography (small, medium, or large) by 5 masked graders (3 glaucoma specialists and 2 ophthalmic sonographers) on 2 separate occasions. Inter- and intraobserver agreement in echographic and photographic cupping assessment by the masked graders as well as correlation of echographic and photographic cup size estimation was evaluated. A total of 36 children were included. Glaucoma specialists reliably assessed cup:disk ratio with moderately good consistency across specialists (average intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] for intraobserver agreement, 0.86; average ICC for interobserver agreement, 0.71). Sonographers were extremely reliable in assessment of cup size when examining echographic images (ICC for both inter- and intrarater variability, 1.0). Echographic estimate of cup size correlated poorly with cup:disk ratio (ICC, 0.34). B-scan echography is a reliable and consistent diagnostic tool in estimating the degree of ONH cupping in children and can be very useful in patients in whom direct visualization is not feasible. Failure to account for disk size may have contributed to the poor correlation between echographic cup size and photographic cup:disk ratio.

There is variability in our perception of the standard head orientation

The purposes of this study were to determine: (1) whether an observer’s perception of the correct anatomical alignment of the head changes with time, and (2) whether different observers agree on the correct anatomical alignment. To determine whether the perception of the correct anatomical alignment changes with time (intra-observer comparison), a group of 30 observers were asked to orient, into anatomical alignment, the three-dimensional (3D) head photograph of a normal man, on two separate occasions. To determine whether different observers agree on the correct anatomical alignment (inter-observer comparison), the observed orientations were compared. The results of intra-observer comparisons showed substantial variability between the first and second anatomical alignments. Bland–Altman coefficients of repeatability for pitch, yaw, and roll, were 6.9°, 4.4°, and 2.4°, respectively. The results of inter-observer comparisons showed that the agreement for roll was good (sample variance 0.4, standard deviation (SD) 0.7°), the agreement for yaw was moderate (sample variance 2.0, SD 1.4°), and the agreement for pitch was poor (sample variance 15.5, SD 3.9°). In conclusion, the perception of correct anatomical alignment changes considerably with time. Different observers disagree on the correct anatomical alignment. Agreement among multiple observers was bad for pitch, moderate for yaw, and good for roll.

Prevalence of Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits in Older Persons with and without Age-Related Macular Degeneration, by Multimodal Imaging

To assess the prevalence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) in older adults with healthy maculas and early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using multimodal imaging. Cross-sectional study. A total of 651 subjects aged ≥60 years enrolled in the Alabama Study of Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration from primary care ophthalmology clinics. Subjects were imaged using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) of the macula and optic nerve head (ONH), infrared reflectance, fundus autofluorescence, and color fundus photographs (CFP). Eyes were assessed for AMD presence and severity using the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) 9-step scale. Criteria for SDD presence were identification on ≥1 en face modality plus SD OCT or on ≥2 en face modalities if absent on SD OCT. Subretinal drusenoid deposits were considered present at the person level if present in 1 or both eyes. Prevalence of SDD in participants with and without AMD. Overall prevalence of SDD was 32% (197/611), with 62% (122/197) affected in both eyes. Persons with SDD were older than those without SDD (70.6 vs. 68.7 years, P= 0.0002). Prevalence of SDD was 23% in subjects without AMD and 52% in subjects with AMD (P < 0.0001). Among those with early and intermediate AMD, SDD prevalence was 49% and 79%, respectively. After age adjustment, those with SDD were 3.4 times more likely to have AMD than those without SDD (95% confidence interval, 2.3-4.9). By using CFP only for SDD detection per the AREDS protocol, prevalence of SDD was 2% (12/610). Of persons with SDD detected by SD OCT and confirmed by at least 1 en face modality, 47% (89/190) were detected exclusively on the ONH SD OCT volume. Subretinal drusenoid deposits are present in approximately one quarter of older adults with healthy maculae and in more than half of persons with early to intermediate AMD, even by stringent criteria. The prevalence of SDD is strongly associated with AMD presence and severity and increases with age, and its retinal topography including peripapillary involvement resembles that of rod photoreceptors. Consensus on SDD detection methods is recommended to advance our knowledge of this lesion and its clinical and biologic significance.

A review of the genus Discomyza (Diptera: Ephydridae) from Afrotropical, Australasian/Oceanian and Oriental Regions.

Tropical Old World species of the genus Discomyza are redescribed, including male terminalia, photographs of heads and wings. One new species Discomyza fagomoga sp. nov. is described from D. R. Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Two new synonyms are proposed: Discomyza obscuricornis Canzoneri and Rampini, 1996 = D. dolichocerus Cresson, 1944 and D. intermedia Canzoneri and Meneghini, 1969 = D. eritrea Cresson, 1939. A key to all species is provided. Relationships among species of Discomyza are suggested.

Recognition of juvenile hawksbills Eretmochelys imbricata through face scale digitization and automated searching

Advancements in digital photography have facilitated the use of photo-ID to track individual animals, making this technique of great value for conservation biology. However, the time required to manually match new photographs to those stored in a database is proportional to the size of the database. Therefore, there is need for investigating the potential to automate the searching processes through computerized means. We encountered hawksbill turtles Eretmo che - lys imbricata (n = 2) that were members of an ongoing study but had lost flipper tags and shell etchings. To identify individuals, we first manually searched photographs of turtles previously captured and released. Manual visual matching of the 2 turtles encountered was successful for 100% of tested photographs. To investigate automated recognition of turtles in a database, we used the spot recognition program, I 3 S, to digitize scutes on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the head and to compare spot patterns through the automated system. I 3 S successfully identified the 2 return turtles as the same turtles identified by the manual visual matching method. To assess the ability of I 3 S to identify turtles both present in and absent from the database, we blind-tested a series of photographs of turtle heads and faces using both manual visual methods and I 3 S. With I 3 S, 84.6% of the computerized photos were successfully matched with photos in the database, with scores produced ranging from 0.069 to 0.435. This study showed the potential for using a photo-database for long-term identification of individual turtles, but that the usefulness of a photo- database depends on the quality of the photos and the flexibility of the computer program used.

Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis outcomes in ocular burns

To report the outcomes of Boston type I keratoprosthesis (BKPro) in the management of ocular burn injuries. This was a prospective study including all cases of BKPro implantation for ocular burns at the External Diseases and Cornea Service of the Federal University of São Paulo, between February 2008 and February 2010. Ten patients (10 eyes) were enrolled. Procedures performed to manage ocular injury were identified, and data were collected regarding patients' ocular history, surgical procedure(s) performed, and postoperative outcomes, including visual acuity, retention, complications and required surgical procedures. A total of 11 Type 1 BKPro were implanted in 10 eyes of 10 patients. The mean follow-up period was 25.7 ± 10.8 months. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from count fingers to light perception. Postoperative BCVA was better than 20/200 in 90% of the patients and better than 20/60 in 60% of the patients. The overall BKPro retention rate was 90%. The most common complications were retroprosthetic membrane formation (50%) and persistent corneal epithelial defect evolving to corneal melting (40%). Patients who underwent ocular surface procedures such as limbal transplantation prior to BKPRo implantation had a lower incidence of corneal melting/thinning (p = 0.07), although this was not statistically significant. The anatomical and functional results identified in this study support the use of BKPro in managing bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to ocular burns.

Commentary: Laser Assisted Patient Positioning: A Straightforward Method to Ensure Consistent Head and Neck Aesthetic Photographs

Commentary: Laser Assisted Patient Positioning: A Straightforward Method to Ensure Consistent Head and Neck Aesthetic Photographs

Glaucoma diagnostics

Glaucoma diagnostics