Neural consequences of symptomatic convergence insufficiency: A small sample study

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics · 2024 · 3 citations

• Medicine
• Psychology
• Anatomy

INTRODUCTION: Convergence insufficiency (CI) is an oculomotor abnormality characterised by exophoria and inadequate convergence when focusing on nearby objects. CI has been shown to cause symptoms when reading. However, the downstream consequences on brain structure have yet to be investigated. Here, we investigated the neural consequences of symptomatic CI, focusing on the left arcuate fasciculus, a bundle of white matter fibres which supports reading ability and has been associated with reading deficits. METHODS: We compared the arcuate fasciculus microstructure of participants with symptomatic CI versus normal binocular vision (NBV). Six CI participants and seven NBV controls were included in the analysis. All participants were scanned with 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and anatomical and diffusion-weighted images were acquired. Diffusion-weighted images were processed with TRACULA to identify the arcuate fasciculus in each participant and compute volume and radial diffusivity (RD). RESULTS: Compared with NBV controls, those with symptomatic CI had significantly smaller arcuate fasciculi bilaterally (left: t = -3.21, p = 0.008; right: t = -3.29, p = 0.007), and lower RD in the left (t = -2.66, p = 0.02), but not the right (t = -0.81, p = 0.44, false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected p > 0.05) arcuate fasciculus. Those with higher levels of reading symptoms had smaller arcuate fasciculi (r = -0.74, p = 0.004) with lower RD (r = -0.61, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that symptomatic CI may lead to microstructural changes in the arcuate fasciculus. Since it is highly unlikely that abnormalities in the arcuate fasciculus are the cause of the neuromuscular deficits in the eyes, we argue that these changes may be a potential neuroplastic consequence of disruptions in sustained reading.

The Prominent Antihelix and Helix—The Myth of the ‘Overcorrected’ Ear in Otoplasty

Annals of Plastic Surgery · 2015-03-18 · 7 citations

BACKGROUND: Classic teaching of ear anatomy in the context of otoplasty states that if the antihelical fold is more prominent than the helical fold after surgery then the ear is "overcorrected." We set out to explore the role of the antihelix in normal ear anatomy, its relevance to aesthetic perceptions of the ear, and a snapshot of its incidence in nonoperated ears. METHODS: To readily identify junior staff in our department, their color photographs, names, and contact details are posted on every ward. Using digital methods, we cropped the left ear out of the source images, making them unidentifiable. Clinical and nonclinical staff in our unit were asked to choose their favorite and their least favorite ears based on their aesthetic appeal. Responses were tabulated and the 2 most popular ears were compared. RESULTS: The preferred ear did not conform to the traditional dogma because it had a prominent antihelix and was statistically significant when compared to other choices. We also noted that a prominent antihelix is common among the general population and among colleagues within the department, and hence "normal." Also interesting was that the helix of the ear chosen as the most aesthetic was also the ear where the helix was almost touching the side of the head. CONCLUSIONS: We found that when judging the aesthetic nature of the "virgin" ear, antihelical fold prominence did not appear to be a negative attribute. Indeed, we noted that a prominent antihelix was a common attribute, and we conclude that this was a normal variant without undue negative aesthetic stigma. A surgically corrected ear should not necessarily be regarded as a poor outcome simply on the basis of antihelical prominence. Furthermore, we postulate that patients who have a prominent antihelix might be part of a spectrum of individuals who might have had the subtype of prominent ears featuring a deep conchal bowl. Finally, although not tested directly, it appears that we do not have an idea of our own ear shape, as none of the participants was able to recognize their own ear from the photographs.

Plant management in natural areas: balancing chemical, mechanical, and cultural control methods

2011-01-01

Manual, mechanical, and cultural control methds and tools

2011-01-01

There are many land management scenarios where chemicals are not the ideal choice for controlling invasive plants. More often than not, the best approach is the use of integrated pest management involving a variety of control methods. Maximizing the value of mechanical, manual, and cultural control methods with the added benefit of selective herbicides can offer the best results in many situations. It is important to choose durable and tested tools when utilizing manual and mechanical control as these labor intensive methods can be very time consuming. Down time due to use of inadequate tools can result in missed deadlines and often in poor mortality rates which require expensive retreatments. Land managers should also be aware of cultural methods of integrated pest management which are often overlooked. Mulching, soil solarization with plastic film, thermal weed control, water level manipulations, prescribed burning, and prescribed grazing are cultural methods that can play a key role in the reduction of invasive plant populations.

Chemical Control Methods and Tools

ACS symposium series · 2011-01-01 · 1 citations

After determining the best course of action for control of an invasive plant population, it is important to understand the variety of methods available to the integrated pest management professional. A variety of methods are now widely used in managing invasive plants in natural areas, including chemical, mechanical, and cultural control methods. Once the preferred method of control is identified and the appropriate personal protective equipment has been chosen, the next step is to determine the specific types of equipment that should be used to create the most selective, efficient and affect control of the target species. Chemical control is one of the most frequently utilized tools in this industry. Proper use of chemicals is important and the applicator must always remember that the label is the law. No application offers guaranteed success, but proper use of chemicals and associated tools will increase the effectiveness of the treatment. This involves an understanding of the benefits of adjuvants, proper mixing and application protocols, and finally the correct choice and proper use of low volume, high volume or selective spray equipment.

A Multicentre Comparison of Piroxicam and Indomethacin in Acute Soft Tissue Sports Injuries

Journal of International Medical Research · 1984-01-01 · 17 citations

One hundred and five patients suffering from sport-associated soft tissue injuries were included in a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and side-effects of piroxicam and indomethacin. Patients were treated for 7 days. Both groups showed a similar degree of improvement in joint tenderness, swelling and pain. Eighty-eight per cent of patients on piroxicam showed a marked or moderate improvement in their injury at the end of the trial and 79% of indomethacin-treated patients. Approximately 50% of patients in both groups resumed full activity within 7 days. One patient, in the indomethacin group, was withdrawn from treatment due to a side-effect.