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AimsTo evaluate the relative efficiencies of five Internet-based digital and three paper-based scientific surveys and to estimate the costs for different-sized cohorts.MethodsInvitations to participate in a survey were distributed via e-mail to employees of two university hospitals (E1 and E2) and to members of a medical association (E3), as a link placed in a special text on the municipal homepage regularly read by the administrative employees of two cities (H1 and H2), and paper-based to workers at an automobile enterprise (P1) and college (P2) and senior (P3) students. The main parameters analyzed included the numbers of invited and actual participants, and the time and cost to complete the survey. Statistical analysis was descriptive, except for the Kruskal-Wallis-H-test, which was used to compare the three recruitment methods. Cost efficiencies were compared and extrapolated to different-sized cohorts.ResultsThe ratios of completely answered questionnaires to distributed questionnaires were between 81.5% (E1) and 97.4% (P2). Between 6.4% (P1) and 57.0% (P2) of the invited participants completely answered the questionnaires. The costs per completely answered questionnaire were $0.57–$1.41 (E1–3), $1.70 and $0.80 for H1 and H2, respectively, and $3.36–$4.21 (P1–3). Based on our results, electronic surveys with 10, 20, 30, or 42 questions would be estimated to be most cost (and time) efficient if more than 101.6–225.9 (128.2–391.7), 139.8–229.2 (93.8–193.6), 165.8–230.6 (68.7–115.7), or 188.2–231.5 (44.4–72.7) participants were required, respectively.ConclusionsThe study efficiency depended on the technical modalities of the survey methods and engagement of the participants. Depending on our study design, our results suggest that in similar projects that will certainly have more than two to three hundred required participants, the most efficient way of conducting a questionnaire-based survey is likely via the Internet with a digital questionnaire, specifically via a centralized e-mail.

Topical imiquimod applied in the form of a 5% cream proved to be a safe, efficacious and sustainable treatment option for nodular BCC of the eyelid in our selected cases.

PTK with the 193-nm excimer laser is a safe and effective treatment for many superficial diseases of the cornea.

The findings imply that the lacrimal part of the orbicularis muscle contracts during blinking, with the medial canthal tendon compressing the LS in a cranial direction. Completion of lid closure then compresses both canaliculi and LS, forcing the intrasacral fluid through the drainage system. The expansion of the LS during the opening phase of the blink causes suction, and after opening of the punctal areas the canaliculi and LS vacuum breaks to reload with tear fluid. These findings demonstrate the importance of the orbicularis muscle and the medial canthal tendon for the lacrimal pump mechanism during blinking.