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ABSTRACT: 'Tooth worm' is a traditional belief about the pathogen of dental caries (tooth decay). Nevertheless, in our previous study, parental 'tooth worm' belief was linked to a reduced caries risk of their children.
This study aimed to further characterize the impact of parental 'tooth worm' belief on their children's caries experience and its psychobehavioural mechanisms.
analytic observational study.
Thirteen randomly selected kindergartens in Singapore. Participants: 1,782 preschoolers aged 3-6 years.
Each child received an oral examination and microbiological tests. Parents completed a self-administered questionnaire on their socio-demographic background, oral health knowledge/attitude and child's oral health habits.
Multivariate analysis confirmed a reduced chance of 'high caries rate' (number of affected teeth > 2) among children whose parents held the 'tooth worm' belief (Odds Ratio = 0.41; 95% Confidence Interval = 0.19-0.89). With such perception among parents, children brushed their teeth more frequently (p = 0.042). Since no difference in oral hygiene was observed, the health benefit of the "tooth worm" perception may be acquired through the delivery of fluoride (an agent with proven anti-caries effect) during frequent toothbrushing episodes.
This study revealed a 'tooth worm' phenomenon, indicating that parental 'tooth worm' belief is associated with early establishment of regular toothbrushing habit and reduction of dental caries in children. This phenomenon and its psychobehavioural mechanisms, enriching our understanding of oral health behaviours, have implications for effective health education.
Community dental health 03/2012; 29(1):55-61. · 0.75 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Policymakers' understanding of and ability to reduce health disparities are pivotal for health promotion worldwide. This study aimed to verify the behavioral pathways leading to oral health disparities. Oral examinations were conducted for 1782 randomly selected preschoolers (3-6 yrs), and 1576 (88.4%) participants were followed up after 12 months. Parents were surveyed on their knowledge (K), attitude (A), and practices (P) regarding their children's oral health homecare (infant feeding, diet, and oral hygiene) and dental attendance. Structural equation modeling substantiated the links between specific KAs and corresponding practices, while generic KA did not affect practices. KAP pathways partly explained the ethnic and socio-economic disparities in oral health. Deprivation had a direct effect (not mediated by KA) on dental attendance, but not on oral health homecare. Ethnicity directly influenced oral health homecare practices, but not dental attendance. These behavioral pathways, furthering our understanding of health disparity, may have practical implications for health promotion and policy-making.
Journal of dental research 09/2010; 89(9):985-90. · 3.46 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Despite the well-recognized importance of caries risk assessment, practical models remain to be established. This study was designed to develop biopsychosocial models for caries risk assessment in various settings. With a questionnaire, an oral examination, and biological (salivary, microbiological, and plaque pH) tests, a prospective study was conducted among 1782 children aged 3-6 years, with 1576 (88.4%) participants followed in 12 months. Multiple risk factors, indicators, and protective factors were identified. Various risk assessment models were constructed by the random selection of 50% of the cases and further validated in the remaining cases. For the prediction of a "one-year caries increment", screening models without biological tests achieved a sensitivity/specificity of 82%/73%; with biological tests, full-blown models achieved the sensitivity/specificity of 90%/90%. For identification of a quarter of the children with high caries burden (baseline dmft > 2), a community-screening model requiring only a questionnaire reached a sensitivity/specificity of 82%/81%. These models are promising tools for cost-effective caries control and evidence-based treatment planning. Abbreviations: decayed, missing, filled teeth in primary dentition (dmft); receiver operation characteristics (ROC); relative risk (RR); confidence interval (CI); National Institutes of Health (NIH); World Health Organization (WHO); US Department of Health and Human Services (US/DHHS); American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
Journal of dental research 06/2010; 89(6):637-43. · 3.46 Impact Factor
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Singapore medical journal 12/2009; 50(12):1200-6; quiz 1207. · 0.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Although vacuum cleaning is recommended to reduce allergen levels and improve asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms, some studies suggest it may increase allergen load in homes. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine if home floor vacuuming was associated with sensitization to dust-mites and cockroaches, and serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), a biomarker for atopy, in 102 physician-diagnosed spirometry-confirmed asthmatics. We collected data on floor type, floor cleaning method and frequency, asthma severity, allergy medications used, serum ECP and skin prick tests (SPT) to three dust-mites [Dermatophagoides pteronyssisinus (Der p), Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) and Blomia tropicalis (Blo t)] and two cockroaches [Periplanata americana (Per a) and Blatella germanica (Bla g)]. Those who vacuumed had increased sensitization to three dust-mites [adjusted ORs (95%CI) = Der p: 26.6 (1.8-405.2); Der f: 44.8 (3.2-620.9); Blo t: 14.1 (1.8-108.1)] but not to cockroaches, adjusted for cleaning frequency and other methods of floor cleaning. Subjects who vacuumed their floor had higher levels of serum ECP than those who did not [adjusted median difference (95%CI): 9.4 (1.1-17.7)], adjusted for use of nasal corticosteroids among those with allergic rhinitis. Vacuuming is associated with increased sensitization to dust-mite allergens and higher serum ECP. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: We found an association between floor vacuuming and increased sensitization to dust-mite allergens and higher levels of an atopy biomarker. Current recommendations to use vacuuming to control allergen exposure and allergic conditions may need to be reconsidered until further studies are performed.
Indoor Air 09/2009; 19(6):468-73. · 2.55 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To describe the prevalence, severity and distribution of dental caries among preschoolers in Singapore.
population-based, cross-sectional study.
13 randomly selected People's Action Party Community Foundation (PCF) Education Centers, the main provider of preschool education in Singapore.
1782 children aged 3-6 years.
The caries status was evaluated by using WHO examination procedures and diagnostic criteria.
About 40% children (26%, 37%, and 49% for 3-4, 4-5, and 5-6 year-olds, respectively) were affected by caries. The mean (SD) deft and defs were 1.54 (2.75) and 3.30 (7.49), respectively. About 90% of the affected teeth were decayed teeth. A significantly skewed distribution of caries lesions was revealed, indicating that 16% children with high caries activity (deft > or =4) were carrying 78% lesions. Rampant caries, defined as caries affecting the smooth surfaces of two or more maxillary incisors, was found in 16.5% of children. About 61% of affected surfaces were smooth surfaces. Malays and boys tended to have more rampant caries. Higher caries severity and treatment need were found among Malays and children in the low socio-economic group.
Caries is a severe oral health problem for Singaporean preschoolers, especially in the Malay community and among children with low economic status.
Community dental health 04/2009; 26(1):12-7. · 0.75 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This paper highlights the features of prevention of isocyanate-induced occupational asthma from various angles: the employer, the employee, as well as the occupational physician entrusted with the care of such occupationally-exposed group of workers. The difficulties posed by the variability of the presentation, not least because of the relatively long latency, as well as the sensitising nature of the hazard, are discussed.
Singapore medical journal 06/2008; 49(5):372-5. · 0.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aims to understand the physical and psychosocial work environment, expectations and the perceived levels of stress encountered of medical students in Singapore.
A cross-sectional study employing a self-administered work environment questionnaire was applied over a one-week period to the entire 2003/2004 medical school cohort (1,069 students, response rate 85 percent) from the first to fifth (final) years at the National University of Singapore.
3.3 percent had at least one needlestick injury within the academic year. The majority (especially the clinical students) also had musculoskeletal complaints (neck and back mainly) within the last three months. Using the General Health Questionnaire, it was found that 49.6 percent encountered significant stress and 64.6 percent reported that more than 60 percent of their total life stress was due to medical school. The most important psychosocial stressors were: too much work and difficulty in coping. The clinical students were particularly concerned about being good medical students and doctors. The reasons for choosing Medicine as a career and social health (health, study and sleep habits) were also studied.
The health risks of a medical student are primarily psychosocial in nature. The biggest challenges are work demands, maintaining a work-life balance and managing the psychosocial work environment.
Singapore medical journal 03/2007; 48(2):166-71. · 0.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: There were many lessons learnt in Singapore's fight against SARS, and they have proven to be all the more important in our preparations for an influenza pandemic. The following lessons are discussed in this paper including: the widespread ramifications among the various sectors in Singapore (individuals, organizations, community and economy), the first principles of outbreak response, need for enhanced infectious disease control measures, high demands on the healthcare system, the role of management policies implementation and dissemination, multidisciplinary involvement, importance of communication, and business continuity planning.
International maritime health 02/2006; 57(1-4):163-76.
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J Int Soc Respir Protect. 01/2006; 23(Fall/Winter):67-76.
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ABSTRACT: To assess the longitudinal changes in biometric parameters and associated factors in young myopic children aged 7--9 years followed prospectively in Singapore.
Children aged 7--9 years from three Singapore schools were invited to participate in the SCORM (Singapore Cohort study Of the Risk factors for Myopia) study. Yearly eye examinations involving biometry measures were performed in the schools. Only myopic children (n=543) with 3 year follow up data were included in this analysis.
The 3 year increases in axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, and corneal curvature were 0.89 mm, -0.02 mm, -0.01 mm, 0.92 mm, and 0.01 mm, respectively. Children who were younger, female, and who had a parental history of myopia were more likely to have greater increases in axial length. After adjustment for school, age, sex, race, parental myopia and reading in books per week, the age (p<0.001), sex (p=0.012), and parental myopia (p=0.027) remained significantly associated with the 3 year change in axial length. Reading in books per week, however, was not associated with axial length change. Children with faster rates of progression of myopia had greater increases in axial length (Pearson correlation coefficient (r)=-0.69) and vitreous chamber depth (r=-0.83).
The 3 year change in axial length of Singapore children aged 7--9 years at baseline was high and greater in younger children, females, and children with a parental history of myopia. Myopia progression was driven largely by vitreous chamber depth increase.
British Journal of Ophthalmology 12/2005; 89(11):1489-94. · 2.90 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins is a well-recognized health problem among subjects using protective gloves and products made of NRL. There is currently no information on NRL allergen levels in gloves used in Singapore.
This study aims to quantify the amount of specific allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02) found in rubber gloves used in Singapore. It also aims to determine if these levels are above thresholds that may cause NRL allergy. It also compares the levels of these specific allergens in gloves used for different purposes, namely gloves used for examination purposes or for surgical procedures.
Forty-nine rubber gloves were obtained from major hospitals and healthcare departments in Singapore and were analysed for their NRL allergen levels. FITkit, based on the enzyme immunometric assay technique, was used to determine the specific allergen levels of Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02 in the gloves.
Examination gloves had higher NRL allergen content compared with surgical gloves, and powdered gloves had higher allergen content compared with nonpowdered gloves. Among the various allergens, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02 were present in larger quantities than Hev b 1 and Hev b 3. Only two of 19 (11%) surgical gloves had the sum of the four allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5, Hev b 6.02) in excess of 1 microg g(-1), which is believed to be a clinically relevant threshold. Among the examination gloves, 25 of 30 (83%) exceeded this level.
This study shows that NRL allergen levels are present in the majority of examination gloves used by healthcare workers in Singapore at levels high enough to cause NRL allergy among sensitized persons. The information can serve as evidence for a possible requirement for manufacturers to produce gloves with low NRL allergen levels and to state the allergen level in gloves in the product information.
British Journal of Dermatology 12/2005; 153(5):954-9. · 3.67 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background Allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins is a well-recognized health problem among subjects using protective gloves and products made of NRL. There is currently no information on NRL allergen levels in gloves used in Singapore.Objectives This study aims to quantify the amount of specific allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02) found in rubber gloves used in Singapore. It also aims to determine if these levels are above thresholds that may cause NRL allergy. It also compares the levels of these specific allergens in gloves used for different purposes, namely gloves used for examination purposes or for surgical procedures.Methods Forty-nine rubber gloves were obtained from major hospitals and healthcare departments in Singapore and were analysed for their NRL allergen levels. FITkitTM, based on the enzyme immunometric assay technique, was used to determine the specific allergen levels of Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02 in the gloves.Results Examination gloves had higher NRL allergen content compared with surgical gloves, and powdered gloves had higher allergen content compared with nonpowdered gloves. Among the various allergens, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02 were present in larger quantities than Hev b 1 and Hev b 3. Only two of 19 (11%) surgical gloves had the sum of the four allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5, Hev b 6.02) in excess of 1 µg g−1, which is believed to be a clinically relevant threshold. Among the examination gloves, 25 of 30 (83%) exceeded this level.Conclusions This study shows that NRL allergen levels are present in the majority of examination gloves used by healthcare workers in Singapore at levels high enough to cause NRL allergy among sensitized persons. The information can serve as evidence for a possible requirement for manufacturers to produce gloves with low NRL allergen levels and to state the allergen level in gloves in the product information.
British Journal of Dermatology 10/2005; 153(5):954 - 959. · 3.67 Impact Factor
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S E Chia, D Koh,
C Fones,
F Qian,
V Ng,
B H Tan,
K S Wong,
W M Chew,
H K Tang,
W Ng,
Z Muttakin,
S Emmanuel,
N P Fong,
G Koh,
M K Lim
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ABSTRACT: Singapore was affected by an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) from 25 February to 31 May 2003, with 238 probable cases and 33 deaths.
To study usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) among three groups of healthcare workers (HCWs: doctors, nurses, and administrative staff), to determine if the appropriate PPE were used by the different groups and to examine the factors that may determine inappropriate use.
A self-administered questionnaire survey of 14,554 HCWs in nine healthcare settings, which included tertiary care hospitals, community hospitals, and polyclinics, was carried out in May-July 2003. Only doctors, nurses, and clerical staff were selected for subsequent analysis.
A total of 10 236 valid questionnaires were returned (70.3% response); 873 doctors, 4404 nurses, and 921 clerical staff were studied. A total of 32.5% of doctors, 48.7% of nurses, and 77.1% of the administrative staff agreed that paper and/or surgical masks were "useful in protecting from contracting SARS". Among this group, 23.6% of doctors and 42.3% of nurses reported working with SARS patients. The view that a paper and/or surgical mask was adequate protection against SARS was held by 33.3% of doctors and 55.9% of nurses working at the A&E unit, 30.5% of doctors and 49.4% of nurses from medical wards, and 27.5% of doctors and 37.1% of nurses from intensive care units. Factors which predicted for agreement that paper and/or surgical masks were protective against SARS, included HCW's job title, reported contact with SARS patients, area of work, and Impact Events Scale scores.
A variety of factors determine appropriate use of personal protective equipment by HCWs in the face of a major SARS outbreak.
Occupational and environmental medicine 08/2005; 62(7):473-7. · 3.64 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: We describe how the curriculum of community, occupational and family medicine (COFM) has evolved in response to social and educational forces and local health needs. Challenges in the teaching of the curriculum are also discussed. CURRICULUM: The COFM Department aims to produce medical undergraduates and graduates with the skills to critically appraise evidence, prevent and manage diseases, and promote health in the community and primary healthcare setting. Its teaching programmes consist of the medical undergraduate programme and the Master of Medicine programmes in Occupational Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine. The undergraduate modules consist of evidence-based medicine, public health in the community, disease prevention and control, occupational medicine practice, health promotion and behaviour, and communication with patients. The university's first completely online module on SARS was jointly implemented by the Department and the Centre for Instructional Technology for the entire student population last year. The COFM curriculum has shifted from giving students factual information through lectures to developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through small group teaching, case studies and community health projects. Innovative assessment methods such as open-book examinations; objective structured communication stations with simulated patients; and evaluation of students' participation in group work are used to assess students' skills in problem-solving, communication and teamwork respectively. CONCLUSION: While the Department has made significant progress in developing a relevant and updated curriculum based on appropriate learning and assessment approaches, it will strive to do more to develop students' critical thinking skills by using newer approaches.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 08/2005; 34(6):102C-107C. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Epidemiological data on latex sensitisation among Asian healthcare workers is lacking. The aim of the study is to determine the rate of latex sensitisation in our healthcare workers.
We recruited 313 healthcare workers, of which 46.6% were operating theatre staff and 53.4% were non-operating theatre staff. Seventy-one administrative staff served as controls. All participants answered a self-administered questionnaire relating to latex exposure and glove-related symptoms. Latex sensitisation was determined by skin prick testing to latex and latex-specific IgE detection.
The prevalence of latex sensitisation among healthcare workers was 9.6%, with no difference between operating theatre and nonoperating theatre staff. Glove-related symptoms were reported in 13.7% of all healthcare workers, of which 22.9% were sensitised to latex. Only 26.7% of latex-sensitised healthcare workers had glove-related symptoms while the rest were asymptomatic. The most common symptoms were itch and hand eczema but the most important discriminating symptom was contact urticaria. Personal history of atopy was more common in sensitised healthcare workers (40.0%) compared to non-sensitised workers (31.8%). Only 1 out of 9 (11.2%) symptomatic latex-sensitised subjects had sought previous medical attention for the problem.
Latex sensitisation among healthcare workers in Singapore should be considered a significant occupational health risk, as it is in the West. Increased screening and awareness of this problem is essential to identify those at risk.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 07/2005; 34(5):376-82. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism has been examined for association with diabetic nephropathy over the past decade with conflicting results. To clarify this situation, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis encompassing all relevant studies that were published between 1994 and 2004 and investigated this potential genetic association.
A total of 14,727 subjects from 47 studies was included in this meta-analysis. Cases (n=8,663) were type 1 or 2 diabetic subjects with incipient (microalbuminuria) or advanced diabetic nephropathy (proteinuria, chronic renal failure, end-stage renal disease). Control subjects (n=6,064) were predominantly normoalbuminuric.
No obvious publication bias was detected. Using a minimal-case definition based on incipient diabetic nephropathy, subjects with the II genotype had a 22% lower risk of diabetic nephropathy than carriers of the D allele (pooled odds ratio [OR]=0.78, 95% CI=0.69-0.88). While there was a reduced risk of diabetic nephropathy associated with the II genotype among Caucasians with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the association was most marked among type 2 diabetic Asians (Chinese, Japanese, Koreans) (OR=0.65, 95% CI=0. 51-0.83). This OR is significantly different from the OR of 0.90 (95% CI= 0.78-1.04) that was obtained for type 2 diabetic Caucasians (p=0.019). Using a stricter case definition based on advanced diabetic nephropathy, a comparable risk reduction of 24-32% was observed among the three subgroups, although statistical significance was reached only among Asians.
The results of our meta-analysis support a genetic association of the ACE Ins/Del polymorphism with diabetic nephropathy. These findings may have implications for the management of diabetic nephropathy using ACE inhibitors especially among type 2 diabetic Asians.
Diabetologia 06/2005; 48(5):1008-16. · 6.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We compared the salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) and lysozyme concentration and secretion rates among mild and severe psoriasis patients and controls in Singapore.
Fifty-one psoriasis patients and 24 controls participated in the study. None of the patients were on immunosuppressive therapy. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was used to assess the severity of psoriasis. Patients were divided into mild and severe groups by the median PASI score. Each subject contributed a 5-minute unstimulated salivary sample. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to determine the salivary IgA and lysozyme levels.
Psoriasis patients had lower concentration and secretion rate of IgA (geometric mean [GM], 97.5 micro g/mL and 32.3 micro g/min) and lysozyme (GM, 127.6 micro g/mL and 42.1 micro g/min) than controls (IgA GM 256.3 micro g/mL, 79.1 micro g/min; lysozyme GM 180.9 micro g/mL, 55.8 micro g/min) [P = 0.000 (IgA concentration), P = 0.000 (IgA secretion rate), P = 0.015 (lysozyme concentration) and P = 0.150 (lysozyme secretion rate)]. However, no significant differences were observed between mild and severe patients for both IgA and lysozyme concentrations and secretion rates. PASI score showed negative, but non-significant, correlations with either log salivary IgA (r = -0.22, P = 0.13) or log lysozyme (r = -0.09, P = 0.53) secretion rates.
Psoriasis patients had lower concentrations and secretion rates of salivary IgA and lysozyme compared to controls. However, among patients, the salivary IgA and lysozyme levels are variable and not related to severity of psoriasis.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 06/2004; 33(3):307-10. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Aim: To examine the association of birth parameters with biometry and refraction in Singapore Chinese schoolchildren.
Chinese children aged 7-9 years (n = 1413) from three schools in Singapore were recruited. Birth parameter information on birth weight, head circumference, length at birth, and gestational age were obtained from standard hospital records. Cycloplegic autorefraction, keratometry and biometry measures (axial length, vitreous chamber depth, lens thickness, and anterior chamber depth) were obtained.
Across the normal birthweight range (2.0-4.9 kg), children with birth weights > or =4.0 kg had longer axial lengths (adjusted mean 23.65 mm versus 23.16 mm), compared with children with birth weights <2.5 kg, after controlling for age, sex, school, height, parental myopia, and gestational age. For every 1 cm increment in head circumference at birth, the axial length was longer by 0.05 mm. For every 1 cm increment in birth length, the axial length was longer by 0.02 mm in multivariate analysis. Additional week increases in gestational age till 46 weeks resulted in axial lengths that were longer by 0.04 mm, controlling for age, sex, school, parental myopia, and height. Children with larger birth weights, head circumferences, birth lengths, or gestational ages had deeper vitreous chambers and larger corneal curvature radii; however, there were no significant associations with refraction.
Children who were born heavier, had larger head sizes or lengths at birth, or who were born more mature had longer axial lengths, and deeper vitreous chambers; but there were no differences in refraction at ages 7-9 years, possibly because of the observed compensatory flattening of the cornea.
British Journal of Ophthalmology 04/2004; 88(4):538-42. · 2.90 Impact Factor
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Occupational and environmental medicine 03/2004; 61(2):180-3. · 3.64 Impact Factor
