bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optic nerve energy metabolism: the role of astrocyte glycogen
Authors: Ransom B.
Published: September 2016

Glycogen is a glucose storage molecule. We studied the physiology and functions of glycogen in CNS white matter using acutely isolated mouse optic nerve (MON), a typical CNS white matter tract. Glycogen is present in MON astrocytes. Aglycemia caused loss of the stimulus evoked compound action potential (CAP) after ~15 min. CAP decline coincided with exhaustion of usable tissue glycogen. Increasing glycogen content prolonged the latency to decline onset and, conversely, decreasing glycogen shortened this latency. Metabolic support provided by glycogen during aglycemia was abolished by an inhibitor of glycogen breakdown (DAB). The MON has a high resting level of extracellular lactate (~0.6 mM). The metabolic support provided by glycogen during aglycemia is abolished by an inhibitor of glycogen breakdown (DAB) in MON. Both tissues exhibit high levels of extracellular lactate ([Lactate−]o), up to 50% of which derives from glycogen. During aglycemia, glycogen in astrocytes is metabolized to lactate and ‘shuttled’ to axons (and possibly oligodendrocytes) to support oxidative energy metabolism. Glycogen breakdown and lactate transport to axons is also needed to sustain brief periods of intense axonal discharge.
Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) assisted positioning of toric lens implants
Authors: Wylegala E.
Published: September 2016

The effectiveness of the correction of astigmatism majorly depends on the accuracy of the positioning of the toric lens implant in the eye. Appropriate removal of viscoelastic, proper centration and axis alignment have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the astigmatic correction. For phakic toric lenses positioned in the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye or adapted to the iris, as well as for pseudophakic toric lenses postioned in the capsular bag, the intraoperative use of real time OCT scanner (e.g. RESCAN 700 Zeiss) allows for an evaluation of the lens positioning. iOCT plays also a role in the estimation of the axial position of the lens, e.g. for customization of the IOL constants for formula‐based IOL calculation or the circular contact force to the posterior capsule for prevention of secondary cataract formation. In this talk we would like to show the potential of iOCT use and tailor out the add‐on value of this exciting technology.
Investigating the effect of low dose ionising radiation on epithelial progenitor cell niches
Authors: Quinlan R. , Kalligeraki A. , Pal R. , Wu J.J. , Inagaki M. , Tanaka H.
Published: September 2016

Recent work has identified a nonlinear biological response to low dose radiation in support of the low dose hormesis model in the murine lens epithelium, with mice being irradiated with doses between 0.1 and 1 Gy, with the dose response peaking at 0.5 Gy (Markiewicz et al., 2015). An important question is whether other epithelia show similar low dose hormetic responses and whether there are any associated pathologies. These comparative studies will help us understand how low dose IR causes cataract. We have developed a conical gel mount system on glass microscopy slides for the mouse lens, which allows its placement and manipulation using a standard inverted confocal microscope. Each lens was subsequently imaged with the Leica SP5 confocal microscope through a set of sequential z stacks, and reconstructed in ImageJ to produce the 3D anaglyphs to measure cell density, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis events in the lens epithelium. By comparison, conventional histochemistry was sufficient to make similar measurements for the progenitor cell niches in the hair follicle and colonic crypts and therefore to determine whether there is a common or distinct hermetic response by the lens epithelium to low dose ionizing radiation.
Corneal neovascularization: clinical aspects and the role of the immune system
Authors: Bonini S.
Published: September 2016

Recent scientific evidences emphasized the role of corneal emo‐lymphangiogenesis and the active role of the immune system in corneal neovasculariziation (CN).Corneal neovasculariziation has an incidence rate of approx.. 1.4 million patients per year. CN is a natural defense of the cornea in the attempt to respond to invading agents, However, this process may cause permant damage to the corneal transparency and may be responsible of loss of visual function. A delicate balance regulates this ‘corneal angiogenic privilege’ between FGF and VEGF and several antiangiogenic factors (namely the role of intact epithelium, the limbus, and other antiangiogenic molecules) This paper will review the role of corneal inflammatory vascularization as well as the role of antiangiogenic factors and the involvement of the immune system in this process. New and emerging treatment to counteract the corneal neovessels will be highlighted.
Factors influencing intravitreal Bevacizumaband triamcinolone treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema
Authors: Lee M.Y.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To evaluate factors associated with the response of intravitrealbevacizumab (IVB) and intratreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) in diabetic macular edema (DME)

Methods

71 eyes of 55 patients with DME were incorporated in this retrospective study. Group 1 included eyes showed good response to IVB. Group 2 included eyes which did not respond to IVB but responded to IVTA. Group 3 included eye which did not respond to both. Clinical factors, HbA1c and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings including patterns of macular edema were compared among three groups

Results

44, 27, 20 eyes were included in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. HBA1c was higher in group 3 than other groups. Proportion of full (combination of all patterns) type edema were higher in group 3 than the other two groups. In group 1, proportion of sponge‐like diffuse retinal thickening type was higher and cystoid macular edema type was lower than the other groups.

Conclusions

The degree of diabetic control and morphologic subtypes with OCT should be considered to better predict the prognosis after treatment in DME.
The Anti‐angiogenic Effects of Gold Nanoparticles on Experimental Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice
Authors: Kang S. , Rho C.R. , Cho W.K. , Roh Y.J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the anti‐angiogenic effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice.

Methods

CNV was induced by rupturing Bruch's membrane using laser photocoagulation in C57BL/6 mice. The following day, intravitreal AuNPs injections were administered. Two weeks after laser injury, CNV lesions were evaluated by examination of choroidal flat‐mounts using fluorescein‐labeled dextran and immunofluorescence staining with isolectin B4. The effects of AuNPs on endothelial cell tube formation, proliferation, and cytotoxicity were evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or human retinal pigment epithelial cells (PRE). The activity of ERK1/2, Akt, and FAK signaling pathways were also analyzed.

Results

AuNPs reduced the extent of CNV. Mice treated with intravitreal AuNPs injections exhibited a 67.9% reduction in the extent of CNV lesions compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The size of the isolectin B4‐labeled area was also significantly smaller in AuNP‐treated groups (p < 0.001). AuNPs decreased vascular endothelial growth factor‐induced HUVEC tube formation and proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner, but showed no cytotoxicity with the treatment doses administered. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and FAK were also suppressed by AuNPs.

Conclusions

AuNPs can inhibit laser‐induced CNV in mice and may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of CNV development secondary to neovascular AMD.
Nonlinear microscopy for quantification of riboflavin diffusion in the cornea
Authors: Heisterkamp A.
Published: September 2016

Imaging methods are a central part of diagnostics and therapeutic procedures at the anterior segment of the eye. Due to the good accessibility, even high resolution laser scanning technologies are applicable, delivering cellular resolution images of living cells and tissues of the cornea. Using different nonlinear imaging modalities, even diffusion processes at the cornea can be monitored.

Using a scanning laser microscope in combination with a tunable optical parametric oscillator, nonlinear images by two‐photon excitation and second‐harmonic generation can be acquired. Further contrast modalities, such as higher harmonics or four‐wave mixing are investigated.

Several tissue layers and cellular structures can be visualized in living tissue (mouse model) and ex vivo tissue (pig eyes). Cellular structures as epithelium, endothelium and keratocytes, as well as the lens capsule and cells were imaged, by using second‐harmonic generation and four‐wave mixing, collagen was imaged within the cornea and the transition from cornea to sclera could be studied.

Furthermore, diffusion of molecules through the cornea at different concentrations could be monitored as well, for applications such as corneal crosslinking.

Nonlinear laser microscopy is a well‐suited method for non‐invasive, staining free imaging of the anterior segment of the eye.
Assessment of choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness before and after G training using swept‐source optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kim D.Y. , Song J.H. , Kim J.H. , Hyung S. , Choi K. , Kim J.Y. , Chae J.B.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To evaluate changes in choroidal thickness before and after gravity resistance training (GRT) by using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT, Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) data with automated segmentation software.

Methods

The eyes of 14 healthy volunteers who planned to do gravity resistance training enrolled this study. A three‐dimensional wide scanning protocol with SS‐OCT examination was done at baseline, immediately after gravity resistance training and 15, 30 and 60 min after gravity resistance training. Refractive error and axial length measurement was also done.

Results

Mean choroidal thickness significantly and transiently decreased immediately (246.22 ± 64.98 μm, p < 0.001), 15 min (244.65 ± 62.88 μm, p = 0.001) and 30 min (243.08 ± 61.45, p = 0.001) after GRT, relative to baseline (251.18 ± 63.12 μm). However, decreased choroidal thickness was increased 1 h after GRT (256.51 ± 9.20 μm, p = 0.437). Choroidal volume was also transiently decreased after GRT. Mean retinal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were not changed after GRT.

Conclusions

Choroidal thickness significantly but transiently decreased after GRT, which meant choroidal perfusion was transiently decreased. Therefore, the effect of high gravity exposure to choroidal circulation over long period time must be further evaluated.
Analysis of choroidal folds in acute Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease using high‐ penetration optical coherence tomography
Authors: Nakai K. , Tsuboi K.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To characterize patients with Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada (VKH) disease with choroidal folds (CFs) and determine how the foveal choroidal thickness changes after initial treatment using high‐penetration optical coherence tomography (HP‐OCT).

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed 42 eyes of 21 patients with new‐onset VKH disease to determine the demographic and clinical differences between patients with and without CFs.

Results

Twenty‐four (57.1%) eyes of 13 patients with VKH disease had CFs. The mean age of patients with CFs was significantly (p = 0.0009) higher than that of those without CFs (49.1 vs. 39.4 years, respectively). The frequency of disc swelling was significantly (p = 0.0001) higher in eyes with CFs than in those without CFs (95.8 vs. 38.9%). The choroidal thickness at the first visit was significantly (p = 0.0011) greater in eyes with CFs than in those without CFs (794 ± 144 μm vs. 649 ± 113 μm). The choroid 6 months after the initial treatment was significantly (p = 0.0118) thinner in eyes with CFs than in those without CFs (270 ± 92 μm vs. 340 ± 80 μm). The frequency of sunset glow fundus at 6 months in eyes with CFs was significantly (p = 0.0334) higher than in those without CFs (62.5 vs. 27.8%).

Conclusions

The development of CFs in patients with VKH disease was significantly correlated with age, disc swelling, and choroidal thickness. The eyes with CFs frequently developed a sunset glow fundus. The findings suggested that patients with CFs might have severe and longstanding inflammation of choroidal tissues.
Ocular drug delivery and pharmacokinetics: influence of drug properties and delivery systems
Authors: Kompella U.B.
Published: September 2016

Although the eye is readily accessible for drug dosing, drug delivery to the eye remains a major challenge due to multiple static and dynamic barriers. After topical administration, much <10% of the drug in the dosage form reaches intraocular tissues, primarily those in the anterior segment. No topical dosage form is currently approved for back of the eye drug therapy due to inadequate drug delivery. Topical dosing is currently viable only for small molecule drugs since macromolecules are not delivered adequately by this route of administration to be therapeutically effective. Intravitreal dosing through injections and surgical means, while allowing 100% dose delivery to the back of the eye, poses multiple challenges including rapid clearance of small molecules in solution, necessitating the use of slow release delivery systems. Macromolecules are cleared more slowly from the vitreous humor of the eye, allowing drug dosing once every month or two. Currently efforts are underway to reduce dosing frequencies for macromolecules as well. The purpose of this presentation is to describe mechanisms of topical and intravitreal drug delivery, with a key focus on drug and delivery system properties. Also, emerging routes of administration including suprachoroidal and transscleral routes will be discussed.
Incidence and risk factors of elevated intraocular pressure following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: Huang O. , Mehta J. , Htoon H. , Tan D. , Wong T.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To report the rates of elevated IOP following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).

Methods

A retrospective study investigating the 5‐year incidence of raised IOP following DALK cases performed from 2004 to 2008 in a tertiary centre. Patients with less than 6 months of follow‐up were excluded. Elevated IOP was defined as IOP > 21 mmHg.

Results

An episode of elevated IOP occurred in 36.1% (n = 44) of 122 cases, 11.4% (n = 5) occurring within the first week. The average duration of raised IOP was 48.9 (SD: 65.5) days. Causes included pupil block from air, swollen grafts, and corticosteroid response. Surgical intervention to lower IOP was required in 3 (6.8%) cases. In multivariate analyses, the use of patanol 0.1% or the use of ciclosporin eyedrops before DALK (OR = 14.51, 95%CI = 1.43–147.23) and the type of topical corticosteroid use post‐DALK (OR = 4.79, 95%CI = 0.73–31.52) were found to be associated with higher rates of elevated IOP post DALK. At 5 years post DALK, 3/71 cases (4.48%) developed de novo glaucomatous field defects, and 1 case with pre‐existing glaucoma had progression of glaucomatous field defect.

Conclusions

DALK was associated with a significant incidence of transiently elevated IOP post‐operatively, but had a low incidence of de novo glaucoma at 5 years in our study. Risk factors for elevated IOP post DALK included the prior use of patanol 0.1% or ciclosporin eyedrops and the type of topical corticosteroid used following DALK.
An analysis of IgG4‐related ocular disease among idiopathic orbital inflammations and mucosa‐ associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Sohn E.J. , Roh M.S. , Kwon Y.H. , Ahn H.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To determine the proportion of idiopathic orbital inflammation (IOI) and mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma accounted for by immunoglobulin (Ig) G4‐related orbital disease (ROD) using domprehensive criteria and To report the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with ocular MALT lymphoma with IgG4‐positive ells.

Methods

A retrospective histopathological review and clinical case series. 49 patients from January 2005 through August 2015 were included. 20 cases of biopsy‐confirmed IOI, 29 cases of biopsy‐confirmed MALT lymphoma. Immunohistochemistry with IgG and IgG4 immunostaing. MALT lymphoma with IgG4 positive plasma cells were included when the IgG4/IgG ratio was 40% and IgG4 count was over 10/HPF. Histopathologic features, demographic and clinical data, radiologic findings, treatment and follow‐up information for each patient were analysed.

Results

Possible IgG4‐ROD accounted for 50.0% of cases originally diagnosed as IOI and 41.38% of cases originally diagnosed as MALT lymphoma. IgG4 positive MALT lymphoma group has contralateral IgG4 positive chronic inflammation lesion (p = 0.007). Relapse rate is higher than IgG4‐ unrelated group (p = 0.05) but not significantly.

Conclusions

Of the MALT lymphoma cases, 12 cases were diagnosed as having possible IgG4‐ROD. Our result have demonstrated that ocular IgG4‐ROD can predispose to the development of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma. However, further longitudinal observations during the course of disease are needed to confirm whether B‐cell lymphoma originate from IgG4‐ROD.
Comparison of efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab and aflibercept in eyes with diabetic macular edema
Authors: Oshitari T. , Shimizu N. , Tatsumi T. , Takatsuna Y. , Arai M. , Sato E. , Yamamoto S.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To compare the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and intravitreal aflibercept injection (IVA) injections on diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods

The medical records of 49 eyes of 36 patients who were diagnosed with DME and had received IVR treatment from March to December 2014 and 46 eyes of 40 patients who had received IVA treatment from December 2014 to October 2015 were reviewed. The IVR and IVA were injected pro re nata. The central macular thickness and best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured at 1, 3, and 6 months after the IVR or IVA. The mean number of injections of IVR injections was 2.6 ± 1.1 and of IVA was 2.7 ± 1.4. None of the clinical data, e.g., sex, age, HbA1c, BCVA, and CMT before treatment were significantly different between the IVR and IVA groups.

Results

The CMT was significantly thinner at 6 months after the IVR and the IVA (p < 0.05). The mean BCVA was significantly better only at 3 months after the IVR and at 1 and 6 months after the IVA (p < 0.05). The CMT of eyes with serous retinal detachment (SRD) was significantly thinner at 1 and 3 months after IVA, and at only at 6 months after IVR (p < 0.05). The BCVA of eyes with a SRD was significantly thinner at 6 months after the IVR, and at 1 and 6 months after the IVA (p < 0.05). In eyes with the previous IVR treatment, the CMT was significantly thinner during the observation period after the IVA but the BCVA was not significantly improved at any time after the IVA.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of IVA persists longer than that of IVR. The effectiveness of both IVR and IVA was not dependent on the presence of a SRD. We conclude that IVA may be effective in reducing the CMT in DM eyes refractory to IVR.
Itraconazole inhibits laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization in rats by suppressing VEGFR2 expression
Authors: Bae J.H. , Kim S.H. , Lee J.H. , Kim D.Y. , Kim H.T. , Lee S.C.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To demonstrate the anti‐angiogenic effect of itraconazole on laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rats.

Methods

Six laser burns were induced in the peripapillary area of each eye of male Brown Norway rats (200–250 g) to cause CNV. Right eyes were administered intravitreal injections of 1 μg/10 μl itraconazole; left eyes received 10 μl balanced salt solution (BSS) as controls. On day 14 after laser induction, fluorescein angiography (FA) was used to assess abnormal vascular leakage. Flattened retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)‐choroid tissue complex was stained with Alexa Fluor 488‐conjugated isolectin B4 to measure the CNV area with an image analysis program. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) mRNA and protein expression were determined by quantitative RT‐PCR or Western blot.

Results

Intravitreal itraconazole significantly reduced leakage from CNV as assessed by FA and CNV area on flat mounts of the RPE‐choroid complex when compared with intravitreal BSS on day 14 after laser induction (p = 0.002 for CNV leakage, p < 0.001 for CNV area). Quantitative RT‐PCR showed significantly lower expression of VEGFR2 mRNA in RPE‐choroid complexes from itraconazole‐injected eyes than from BSS‐injected eyes (p < 0.001). Western blots indicated that VEGFR2 was downregulated after 14 days of itraconazole treatment.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that intravitreal itraconazole significantly inhibited the development of laser‐induced CNV in rats. Itraconazole had anti‐angiogenic activity by reducing VEGFR2 expression. Itraconazole may prove beneficial for treating CNV as an alternative or adjunct to other therapies.
The Effect of Sports Participation on Quality of Life in Subjects with Low Vision
Authors: Ilhan B. , Idil A. , Ilhan İ. , Erkan Turan K.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sports on quality of life in subjects with low vision. It was also aimed to determine the effects of various sociodemographic variables on the quality of life in subjects with visual disability.

Methods

One hundred athletes with visual loss sampled from those who participated in national games for people with visual disability and 100 subjects who did not participate in sports matched to athletes according to age, gender and visual level were included in the study. All subjects had best corrected visual acuity less than 6/60 or visual field less than 10 degrees in the better eye. Sociodemographic variables were recorded and ophthalmic examinations were performed. The Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) was applied.

Results

Age, gender, marital status, working status, the age of visual loss and visual level were similar in groups. Athletes had a higher level of education (p = 0.049). Scores of all dimensions of the SF‐36 were higher among athletes compared to controls. The scores of vitality and mental health were higher among men (p = 0.017, p = 0.008). Subjects who had a job had higher vitality scores (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Sports participation improves scores of all dimensions of the SF‐36 in subjects with visual disability. Success of the rehabilitation and quality of life would improve if appropriate sports are included in the rehabilitation program. Increase of the educational level and having a job improves quality of life in these subjects. Scores of some dimensions of quality of life are lower in women with visual disability. This indicates that support and rehabilitation programs for women with visual disability should be developed specifically.
Silicone oil tamponade in the treatment of persistent macular holes
Authors: Grajewski L. , Carstens J. , Krause L.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Several studies have shown that a pars plana vitrectomy with ILM‐ Peeling and SF6‐gas tamponade can close most of the macular holes. Yet some persist so that it is necessary to perform a pars plana vitrectomy again.

Methods

A retrospective study of 36 eyes of 34 patients with a persistent full thickness macular hole after initial pars plana vitrectomy with ILM‐ Peeling and SF6‐gas tamponade who were retreated with silicone oil. Patients were followed for anatomical and functional outcomes.

Results

Mean age was 73 years. Twenty‐seven women and seven men were included. Anatomical closure of the macular hole was found in 86% after silicone oil tamponade. A significant improvement of the visual acuity was noticed comparing the visual acuity before and after silicone oil. The mean follow up time was 15 months.

Conclusions

A retreatment with silicone oil in patients with persistent full thickness macular holes can lead to a high closure rate and improvement of visual acuity.
Comparison of several transport activities of lens epithelial cells from cataract and healthy dog
Authors: Ochiai H.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare the transport activities between normal and cataract lens epithelial cells.

Methods

The primary lens epithelial cells of healthy and cataract dog were transfected with the expression plasmid DNA of large T antigen from replication origin‐defective simian virus 40 (SV40), then cloned using a glass cylinder. The transport activities of glycine, cysteine, glutamate, arginine, leucine, carnitine, ascorbic acid and glutathione were investigated using two cell lines.

Results

There was no significant difference in transport activity between the two cells lines except for glutamate. Glutamate transport activity was 20% lower in cells from cataract than healthy one.

Conclusions

Reduced glutamate transport activity may contribute to the pathogenesis of canine cataract.
Comparison of autologous platelet‐rich plasma with autologous serum eye drop in corneal epithelial disorder
Authors: Shirzadeh S.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To compare Autologous Platelet‐Rich Plasma (PRP) with Autologous Serum Eye Drop(ASED)in corneal persistent epithelial defect.

Methods

35 eyes of 32 patients with persistent epithelial defect at the Khatam_AL_Anbia eye hospital of Mashhad medical science university between 2012 and 2014 enrolled in the study, randomly. Nineteen eyes treated by PRP and 16 eyes treated by ASED 20%. The treatment applied for patients with persistent epithelial defect that didn't respond to any other conventional therapy. Patients examined before, 1 week and 1 month after the treatment. Examination include BCVA, symptoms pain and photophobia), and slit lamp examination including defect size.

Results

In PRP‐treated group, 9 patients had complete healing, 6 eyes had partial healing and treatment failed in two patients (4 eyes). In ASED group, 6 patients healed completely, 10 patients partially healed and no patient was failed to treat. There was no significant difference in BCVA, pain, photophobia and slit lamp parameters between two groups before and after treatment. The healing rate was faster in PRP group.

Conclusions

ASED and PRP both are effective in corneal epithelial defect. This study showed no significant difference between these two medications.
Free living amoebae (FLA) keratitis
Authors: Pinna A. , Porcu T. , Boscia F. , Cano A. , Erre G. , Mattana A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To describe the clinical features and treatment results in 41 consecutive patients with microbiologically proven free‐living amoebae (FLA) keratitis.

Methods

Corneal scrapings from patients with suspected amoebic keratitis were plated on non‐nutrient agar. Amoebic isolates were identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All patients were treated with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) 0.02% eye‐drops.

Results

41 corneal scrapings from 41 patients were found to be culture‐positive for FLA; 39 (95%) were from contact lens (CL) wearers, 2 (5%) from non‐CL wearers. Microscopic examination identified 3 Acanthamoeba spp, 23 Hartmannella spp, 12 Vahlkampfiidae, and 3 mixed infections with Hartmannella/Vahlkampfiidae. Morphological results were confirmed by PCR. Patients with Acanthamoeba, Hartmannella and Vahlkamfiidae keratitis had indistinguishable clinical features. In 37 eyes with keratitis at an early stage, treatment with PHMB 0.02% eye‐drops was fully successful. In 4 patients with advanced keratitis, topical PHMB 0.02% controlled the infection, but all of them developed a central corneal scar with visual deterioration.

Conclusions

Acanthamoeba is not the only cause of amoebic keratitis, because this condition may also be caused by other FLA, such as Hartmannella and Vahlkampfiidae. This finding is epidemiologically interesting, suggesting a possible different geographical prevalence of the different FLA responsible for keratitis. Early diagnosis and proper anti‐amoebic treatment are crucial to yield a cure.
Transcorneal electrical stimulation prevents secondary retinal ganglion cell death after acute ocular hypertensive injury through modulation of microglia‐mediated local inflammatory response
Authors: Shih K.C. , Fu L. , Lo A.C.Y. , Lai J.S.M.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To investigate neuroprotective effect of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TcES) on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) after acute ocular hypertension related retinal injury in gerbils.

Methods

The right eye of each gerbil was used for experiments. Acue ocular hypertensive injury was induced via intracameral infusion of basic salt solution. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was adjusted by changing the bottle height position. For all gerbis, right eye IOP was elevated to 85 mmHg for 1 h. In the treatment group, TcES was applied to the surgical eye immediately and then twice weekly for a total of 1 month. In the control group, sham TcES was given to the surgical eye during the same time points. Retinal function was assessed and compared between groups using a full field flash electroretinogram and a light/dark transition box test. For histological analysis, the number of RGCs, astrocytes and microglial cells were counted by immunofluorescence staining after the gerbils were sacrificed on day 7 and day 28. Real time PCR and western blot analysis were conducted to compare expression of IL‐10, IL‐6, Cox‐2, TNF‐α and NFκB phorsphorylation between groups.

Results

TcES treated eyes had significantly higher RGC survival at 1 month compared to controls. This was associated with improved RGC function and vision‐related behaviour. Furthermore TcES treated eyes were shown to have increased IL‐10 expression, with a corresponding reduction in IL‐6 and COX‐2 expression as well as reduction in NF‐kB phosphorylation. This was associated with a suppression in microglial cell activation in TcES treated eyes.

Conclusions

Early treatment with TcES in gerbils protected the RGCs from damage and preserved retinal function in acute ocular hypertensive injury through modulation of the microglial‐cell activated local inflammatory response.
Age macular degeneration: clinical, biological, morphologic, structural biomarkers for atrophy complication
Authors: Gonzalez C.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To determine clinical, biological, morphologic, structural elements as biomarkers for AMD Atrophy complication

Methods

AMD:64 AMD patients with Atrophy complication, mostly atrophic areas. Ophthalmologic exam included ETDRS visual acuity, complete ophthalmic examination, Fundus examination, Multimodal imaging:autofluorescence imaging (FAF), (Region Finder Software),optical coherence tomography (Spectralis HRA‐OCT),OCTen face, Morphology‐Structural software (M‐S).Cognitive evaluation is done for all of them with MMSE:Mini Mental State Examination (Folstein, GRECO),score allow to determine various groups, subgroups. Lipidomic Study:Blood tests and analysis, all lipids qualitative, quantitative analysis, all the same for 10 of those 64 patients. Blood test is done during ophthalmologic exam. Plasma congelation ‘snap frost’ after total blood centrifugation, then liquid‐liquid extraction for lipids analysis:neutral lipid, fatty acid, phospholipids, as sphingolipids, Polyinsatured fatty acids too

Results

MMSE:77% MCI cases (most moderate MCI (30.6%)),quite equal repartition in each score value, MCI subgroup (mild, moderate, intense, severe),quite same impairment in each MCI subgroup. Lipidomics:low levels for each and most of lipids, higher for Sphingosins (highest level),sphingosine1‐Phosphate, total neutral lipids, phospholipids total and PC (lowest levels).Results are effective, statistically significative. Multimodal imaging, M‐S:more and predominant drusenoids deposits Lipid type, ‘L’, presents, individualized, underlined. So, those results, parameters become and are Biomarkers for AMD Atrophy complication, allow better AMD follow‐up and etiopathogeny understanding

Conclusions

Each clinical, biological, multimodal entity, all, together or not, are Biomarkers, allow AMD screening, follow‐up, particularly AMD Atrophy complication. They also lead to better etiopathogeny understanding and therapeutics prospects.
The digital slide scanner applied to the ocular anatomopathology
Authors: Kaspi M. , Grivet D. , Forest F. , Douchet C. , Dumollard J.M. , Peoc'h M. , Thuret G. , Gain P.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The photographed histological slides give a fixed picture of the histopathologic lesion. The slide cannot be generally photographed in its entirety, several contiguous photographs are often necessary to reconstitute the image, all the more in the strong magnification. The digitalization of slides allows the user to move virtually and to change amplification on the entire slide.

Methods

The digitalization is made by a scanner and the software reproduces the features of a microscope such as the movements in the horizontal plan and the various magnification. To better understand, we can make a parallelism with the applications often used in the common life. Google map © makes the mapping of the zone of interest; and Google Earth © allows the user to evolve virtually inside this map.

Results

The collaboration between the departments of ophthalmology and anatomopathology of SAINT ETIENNE HOSPITAL allowed to create a digital database illustrating the ophthalmologic pathologies documented by the clinical photographs and the corresponding anatomopathology.

Conclusions

The digital slide scanner performs in the time of telemedicine by offering the possibility to the pathologists and to the clinicians of the same medical facility or different facilities to share more easily. This equipment represents an innovative and didactic educational tool for the learning of the ocular anatomopathology. The problem of the storage of slides finds also an interesting issue there.
Spontaneous anatomical improvement on OCT findings in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration without anti‐VEGF treatment
Authors: Kim K.H. , Yang S.J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To present some patients with wet AMD can be improved spontaneously on OCT findings without anti‐VEGF treatment.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of wet AMD patients visiting Gangneung Asan Hospital from December 2013 to May 2015. There were group of patients who refused to receive anti‐VEGF treatment due to various reasons, even though there were remaining subretinal fluid and/or pigment epithelial detachment on OCT. Among those patients, we investigated spontaneous anatomical improvement cases without anti‐VEGF injection.

Results

There were nine cases showing spontaneous anatomical improvement on OCT findings. Average age was 70.0 ± 9.4, male was seven, and female was two. Number of anti‐VEGF injection was 4.4 ± 1.7, and injection‐free interval was 12 ± 5.7 months before showing spontaneous anatomical improvement on OCT. Seven cases showed resolution of subretinal fluid, and two cases showed decrease of pigment epithelial detachment size. Initial visual acuity was 0.64 ± 0.36 in LogMAR scale, and final visual acuity improved to 0.40 ± 0.28 in LogMAR scale. Six patients were treated with bevacizumab, two patients received aflibercept, and one patient was injected with ranibizumab. Total follow up periods was 21.0 ± 5.3 months. During the periods, three cases worsened and re‐treatment was performed with anti‐VEGF agents. Six patients have not shown recurrence for more than 6 months. Those nine patients showed relatively small number of anti‐VEGF injection and improvement of visual acuity.

Conclusions

These findings might imply that some patients showing small amount of remaining SRF and/or PED might not need frequent anti‐VEGF injection, especially in patients showing good response to anti‐VEGF therapy with relatively good initial visual acuity. And closed follow up will be essential and needed for those patients.
Integrated visual field and relative risk for quality of life loss
Authors: Munoz M. , Pujol O. , Mora C. , Pastor L. , Gudiña S. , Maull R. , Vega Z. , Morilla A. , Anton A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To assess cut‐point values of the integrated visual field (IVF), and their relative risk, associated with a higher risk for quality of life (QoL) loss.

Methods

489 subjects were included. 51healthy and 438 glaucoma patients. IVF was calculated from monocular visual field, best location method. IVF score (IVFS) was calculated (Crabb). IVF was divided into six zones. All subjects completed three different questionnaires. Global quality of life was evaluated with EuroQol‐5D (EQ‐5D). Vision related quality of life was assessed with Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ‐25) and with ocular surface disease Index (OSDI). ROC curves were built and cut‐point for best sensitivity and specificity values were calculated. Relative risk for suffering bad QoL was also assessed for each dimension with a ROC area >0.6.

Results

IVFS ≥ 3 was associated with a worse QoL related to general vision with a relative risk (RR) of 3.19. IVFS ≥ 5.5 was associated with a worse QoL related to color vision and mental health with a RR of 2.79 and 1.91, respectively. IVFS ≥ 6.5 was related to worse QoL related to dependency with a RR of 2.40. IVFS ≥ 9.5 was associated with a worse QoL related to ocular surface disease with a RR of 2.86. IVFS ≥ 10.5, 12.4 and 14.5 were associated with a worse QoL related to general vision, distance activities and peripheral vision, respectively, with a RR of 3.19, 3.30 and 2.86, respectively. All these RR had p < 0.05. IVF was divided into six zones, and OSDI and the same dimensions of VFQ‐25 presented the ROC areas > 0.6. Risk for loss in QoL was related to a mininum decrease in IVF in central zones and required greater loss in the peripheral zones.

Conclusions

Higher values of IVFS and small deficits in central IVF are associated to two or three folds risk of having loss of QoL in glaucoma patients.
Light‐induced oxidative stress production in the rod outer segments
Authors: Panfoli I. , Calzia D. , Heinig N. , Schumann U. , Degan P. , Traverso C.E. , Funk R.H.W. , Roehlecke C.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Oxidative stress is involved in retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age‐related macular degeneration and retinal damage by light, characterized by Reactive Oxygen Intermediates (ROI) production. Rod Outer Segments (OS), display a mitochondria‐like activity, producing ATP and consuming oxygen through the expression of the electron transfer chain (ETC) complexes I–IV and F1Fo‐ATP synthase. As the ETC is a major source of ROI generation, here we investigated the ultimate ROI source in the OS after blue light (BL) or ambient light irradiation.

Methods

Samples were: purified bovine OS and organotypic model of photoreceptors (from C57BL/6 mice) irradiated with BL (peak, 405 nm). Histochemical assays were conducted on unfixed eye culture sections. To test ROI, 5‐(and‐6)‐chloromethyl‐2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate was used both for cyofluorimentric assay in purified OS and for live staining of retinas explanted from eye cultures. Oxidative metabolism was investigated by ATP synthesis and oximetry in purified OS. Malondialdehyd (MDA) concentration in OS homogenates was evaluated.

Results

Under BL stress, ROI and MDA production increased while O2 consumption and ATP synthesis were impaired in OS after 6 h BL treatment. Impairment of respiratory Complexes I and II after BL exposure, both in the OS and IS was found. In ambient light, purifed OS, even in the absence of respiring substrates, produced a consistent amount of ROI, while in the dark, OS ATP synthesis is negligible.

Conclusions

Likely, severe malfunctioning of OS aerobic respiratory capacity after BL treatment is secondary to a self‐induced damage after initial over‐functioning of both phototransduction and respiratory chain, with ROI production. Correlation among ROI production and phototransduction activity as well as possible antioxidant supplementation are discussed.
Orbital cellulitis in a child with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Martinez M. , Pérez D. , Ramiro P. , Remón L. , Bartolomé I. , Berniolles J. , Ascaso J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Orbital cellulitis and preseptal cellulitis are the major infections of the ocular adnexal and orbital tissues. Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissues of the orbit, posterior to the orbital septum.The purpose of this text is to point out sickle‐cell disease as an important risk factor in a 2‐year‐old boy with sinusitis.

Methods

We evaluated a 2‐year‐old boy with sickle‐cell disease and sinusitis treated with oral amoxicillin (80 mg/kg/day). He presented a remarkable proptosis, intense ophthalmoplegia and conjunctival chemosis, with a temperature of 39°C and leukocytosis with left shift. We treated him with clindamycin 30 mg/kg, cefotaxime 200 mg/kg and prednisolone IV.

Results

Axial image CT scan demonstrated sinusitis of the left ethmoid sinus. Furthermore, there was a left sided subperiosteal abscess between the medial wall of the left orbit and the left medial rectus muscle. Due to the bad evolution and the CT scan image, the sinus was drainage in a surgical procedure under general anesthesia. Appropriate patient evolution was achieved without the need for additional therapy.

Conclusions

Patients with sickle‐cell anemia show anincreased risk of severe bacterial infections due to loss of functioning spleen tissue. Daily penicillin prophylaxis is the most commonly used treatment during childhood. Orbital cellulitis can result in orbital and intracranial complications. Blindness may occur secondary to elevated intraorbital pressure. This is the reason we must control the patient at least daily and evaluate the antibiogram. Finally, when medical treatment is not working and there is an elevated intraorbital pressure with involvement of the eyeball, the surgery cannot be postponed.
Macular ganglion cell layer abnormalities in Spectral Domain (SD)–OCT outside glaucomatous neuropathy
Authors: Mendes M. , El Chehab H. , Bouteleux V. , Agard E. , Russo A. , Dot C.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Macular ganglion cell layer (GCL) analysis in OCT spectralis is increasingly used in ophthalmology in the detection and monitoring of chronic glaucoma.

Methods

An analysis of GCL in SD‐OCT (Spectralis®) is reported in 7 patients with no chronic glaucoma: 3 patients with maculopathy and 4 patients with neurological pathology.

Maculopathies were as follows: atrophic age related macular degeneration, occluded central venous branch of the retina, epiretinal membrane surgery.

The neurological pathologies include: multiple sclerosis, stroke complicated hemianopsia lateral homonymous, macro‐ pituitary adenoma complicated bitemporal hemianopia and acute anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

A thickness map in microns correlated to a color scale is confronted with the multimodal imagery and visual field.

Results

All patients have localized or diffuse thinning GCL. Structural damage correlated to the functional damage in neurological pathologies. Maculopathies are also involved in GCL damage and should not be confused with an original glaucomatous damage.

Conclusions

GCL abnormalities are not specifics for chronic glaucoma, we can find them in maculopathies, central nervous system pathologies and optic neuropathies.
Long‐term visual acuity preservation after proton therapy for peri‐ and parapapillary melanoma patients treated at the Paul Scherrer Institute
Authors: Pica A. , Hrbacek J. , Zografos L. , Schalenbourg A. , Wagner H. , Vallat L. , Walser M. , Schneider R. , Weber D.C.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To assess long‐term visual acuity (VA) preservation in patients with peri‐ and parapillary melanoma after proton therapy (PT).

Methods

We evaluated 24 high‐risk for visual impairment patients with yet preserved long‐term VA treated from March 1987 through December 2004 at the Paul Scherrer Institute.

Results

Median follow‐up was 11 years (range: 5.2–22.3). Mean patient's age was 51.3 years. Median tumor height was 2.8 mm (range: 1.8–5.2) and largest basal diameter, 11.4 mm (range: 6–17.9). In 9 patients (37.5%) the tumors abutted the optic disk, while 15 patients (62.5%) presented with tumors at a median distance of 1 mm (range: 0.1–2.4) and 2 mm (range: 0.1–5.7) from the optic disk and macula, respectively. Median baseline VA was 1.0 (range: 0.4–1.5). Between the second and eight year after PT, slight variations of median VA were observed, which however remained stable at 0.9 (range: 0.5–1.25). Thereafter, VA decreased under 0.6 in 7 (29%) patients. Seven patients (29%) developed papillopathy (median at 3 years after PT), with one of them losing useful VA (0.01), 22 years following PT. Macular area receiving ≥ 30 CGE was an unfavorable prognostic factor for preserving long‐term useful VA.

Conclusions

Preservation of visual function in some of these cases could be consequential to reduced radiation exposure to the macula and optic nerve behind the disk. We speculate on a possible role of the posterior ciliary artery (PCA) and their capillary anastomoses, protecting the papillo‐macular area from ischemia.
New drainage construction in the surgical treatment of glaucoma
Authors: Suleiman E. , Kiseleva O. , Zhuravleva A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In the world by far the most effective way to prevent scarring ways outflow of intraocular fluid (IOF) is the use of drains in the area of surgery. The urgency of developing a stable drainage design, providing a stable outflow of IOF and allows them to be a prolongation of the hypotensive effect.

Methods

The operation was performed in 23 patients (23 eyes) with primary open angle advanced and far‐advanced glaucoma aged 50–70 years, having one or more of a history of glaucoma operations. As an implant material used polyglycolide thread (PGA, Russia, 8–0, thread length 45 cm, diameter – 0.2), which is a synthetic absorbable suture composed of filaments of glycolic acid. The total absorption occurs within 60–90 days. Surgical technique. Drainage was made in the operating room by without nodular weaving of the three strands. As a result, drainage acquired cylindrical honeycomb structure and a length of 4 mm and a diameter of 1.5–2 mm. During the operation, they formed the superficial and deep scleral flap.

Results

The duration of observation – from 3 to 9 months. When observed in the early postoperative period (2 months) to 100% (23 eyes) IOP is within 13–15 mmHg. Art., the achieved level of IOP after 7–9 months. It persisted in 91.3% cases (21 eyes). In two case, was an increase in IOP to 26–27 mmHg. st., which required connection instillation of antihypertensive drugs. The quality of the operation in the early postoperative period and later confirmed by ultrasound biomicroscopy; fixed function active cavity in the area of intervention without excessive proliferation.

Conclusions

A variant of the surgical treatment of glaucoma with drainage design their own modifications, provides a prolonged hypotensive effect in patients with glaucoma.