bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of two different prostaglandin preparations on human corneal epithelial cells (HCE‐2) in in vitro conditions
Authors: SMEDOWSKI A , SEPPäNEN A , KAARNIRANTA K , WYLEGALA E
Published: November 2013

Purpose To investigate impact of two antiglaucoma prostaglandin preparations on human corneal epithelial cells in in vitro conditions.

Methods Human corneal epithelial cells (HCE‐2), cultured in standard conditions, were treated with two commercially available preparations of prostaglandins: latanoprost and tafluprost. Treatment was applied in two time points – parallel with cells plating (day 0) or after 48 hours from plating (day 2). Medium containing drugs with % concentration of 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10 was changed every second day. As negative control standard medium was used, as positive – medium containing 3% methanol. After 48 hours of culture, living culture was stained with erythrosine to visualize dead cells. After fixation, immunostaining for Ki67 antigen and ubiquitin (proteasomal marker) was performed.

Results In latanoprost group “day 0”, concentrations <1% affected cells attaching and proliferation rate, >1% made cells totally unable to attach. In tafluprost group “day 0”, concentrations <3% have shown no visible effect on cells, for concentrations >3%, fluctuations in cell shape appeared. In group “day 2” latanoprost treatment caused massive cells detachment for concentrations >1%. For lower concentration induced decrease of cells proliferation. Tafluprost treatment in this group showed no visible changes comparing with negative control, except 10% concentration, where induced mild cells detachment. In both groups treatment decreased expression of Ki67 and increased cellular ubiquitin (much more expressed in latanoprost group).

Conclusion Latanoprost preparation revealed to be more harmful considering proliferation, proteolysis and toxicity for HCE‐2 cells in comparison to tafluprost.
Aquaporin expression in pterygium
Authors: VIEL A , MOTULSKY E , PERRET J , GREGOIRE F , CASPERS L , DE SAINT AUBAIN N , DELPORTE C , WILLERMAIN F
Published: November 2013

Purpose Pterygium is an ocular surface disease associated with epithelial and fibrovascular outgrowth from the conjonctiva onto the cornea. Aquaporins are transmembrane water channels proteins implicated in cell migration and proliferation. This works aimed at analyzing the expression of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 in pterygia samples, compared to normal conjunctiva tissue.

Methods Twenty five surgically removed pterygia were used for this study. Normal conjunctiva was obtained from7 human cadaveric donors. The expression of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 was measured by real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR). The cellular distribution of those AQPs was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results The expression of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 mRNAs was detected by qRT‐PCR in pterygia. In normal conjunctiva and pterygia, AQP1 was expressed on endothelial cells, myofibroblasts (but not on fibroblasts) and some inflammatory cells. AQP3 and AQP5 were expressed on epithelial cells and inflammatory cells. AQP5 was also expressed on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. In pterygia, the epithelial expression of AQP3 and AQP5 was decreased at the leading edge of the lesion as compared to normal conjunctiva. AQP1 was strongly expressed in myofibroblasts in fibrotic lesions of pterygia.

Conclusion AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 are expressed in pterygia. Variation of AQP3/AQP5 epithelial expression and the strong induction of AQP1 expression in myofibroblasts suggest that those AQPs might be implicated in the pathogenesis of pterygium.
Simulation of DSAEK in a new corneal bioreactor
Authors: TRONE MC , GAUTHIER AS , CAMPOLMI N , NAIGEON N , NANGOUM‐FOSSO T , PATAIA G , FOREST F , PEOC’H M , DUMOLLARD JM , ACQUART S , THURET G , GAIN P
Published: November 2013

Purpose Penetrating keratoplasty or endothelial graft remain the only available treatments for several advanced corneal diseases. However there is an important mismatch between global needs and offer. Tissue bioengineering is booming and emerging as a promising solution to the current shortage of organs. Our laboratory is working on a large project of corneal bioengineering and has developed and patented a corneal bioreactor (BR) that allows restoration of transcorneal pressure gradient and continuous fluid circulation while allowing right through observation of the cornea with the main instruments available in ophthalmology. This BR will be next available for experimental works and for eye banking. Aim: to establish the proof of concept of integration and bio‐functional evaluation of endothelial graft in the BR

Methods We performed a surgical simulation of DSAEK in our new corneal BR. Conventional Descemet stripping was performed and the denuded area covered with the endothelial lamella before placing the cornea into the BR. An air bubble was let in place for 2 hours and the pressure set at 30 mmHg and the returned to 20 mmHg. Slit lamp examination, OCT with pachymetry and a study of transparency were made every 2 hours

Results Initial pachymetry was 1530μm. After 24 hours, the corneal transparency improved and central corneal thickness dropped to 836μm. No liquid interface between the endothelial lamella and the cornea was visible in OCT

Conclusion By reproducing physiological conditions, the BR allows simulation of a DSAEK. It represents an interesting tool for corneal bioengineering. Grant: ABM 2012, EFS 2012, ANSM 2012
Outcome of phacoemulsification after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)
Authors: YEH R , MUSA F , CABRERIZO J , QUILENDRINO R , DAPENA I , HAM L , MELLES GJ
Published: November 2013

Purpose To evaluate the incidence of secondary cataract after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), and the feasibility and outcome of phacoemulsification cataract surgery after DMEK.

Methods From a series of 106 consecutive phakic eyes that underwent DMEK for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or bullous keratopathy, five (4.7%) required cataract surgery 9.2 (± 3.8) months (range 4 to 14 months) after the initial DMEK. Outcomes after phacoemulsification were retrospectively assessed by reviewing the change in visual acuity, refractive error, endothelial cell density, pachymetry and the incidence of complications.

Results All phacoemulsification surgeries were uneventful and no dislocations and/or detachments of the Descemet graft were observed. At 6 to 12 months after phacoemulsification, all eyes reached a BCVA of ≥20/30 (0.6) and were within 0.5D of the intraocular lens power calculations. Endothelial cell density decreased from on average 1535 (± 195) cells/mm2 before, to 1158 (± 250) cells/mm2. No significant changes in pachymetry values were observed up to 6 to 12 months postoperatively. All corneas remained clear throughout the study period.

Conclusion Phacoemulsification after DMEK can be performed with minimal risk of graft dislocation and may provide good refractive and visual outcomes with an acceptable decrease in endothelial cell density.
New Image Plugin for rapid and reproducible measurement of viable corneal endothelial cell density
Authors: BERNARD A , CAMPOLMI N , HE Z , PATAIA G , GAUTHIER AS , TRONE MC , NAGOUM‐FOSSO T , PISELLI S , ACQUART S , GAIN P , THURET G
Published: November 2013

Purpose We previously described a laboratory test based on a triple Hoescht‐Ethidium‐CalceineAM labeling coupled with image analysis in order to determine the viability and mortality of endothelial cells on whole corneas (HEC‐triple labeling, Pipparelli IOVS 2011). We then defined the new notion of viable endothelial cell density (vECD). Nevertheless the process comprised a manual linear thresholding liable to induce inter and intra‐observer variability. Aim: to present a new ImageJ Plugin with improved image thresholding allowing rapid and reproducible vECD determination

Methods The endothelium of 10 human corneas unsuitable for graft was stained with HEC and its whole area observed with either a fluorescent microscope (IX81, Olympus), with motorized stage or a fluorescent macroscope (MVX10, Olympus). TIFF images acquired for H, E and C were imported in image J. Our new homemade plugin comprised contrast improvement, regional selection of pixels with similar gray levels, simplified thresholding of areas facilitated by a user‐friendly dysplay of images, possibility of manual touch up to increase accuracy. Repeated measurements of vECD were done by 5 observers to determine inter and intra rater variability, and compared to basic image thresholding

Results Inter and intra rater agreement was high. Compared to the basic thresholding, standard deviation of measurements was reduced by 66% (P=0.002, non parametric Wilcoxon ranked test)

Conclusion We made this new rapid and reproducible free image analysis tool available for the community to help standardize research works needing robust EC viability measurements
Corneal graft imaging by anterior segment OCT during storage in eye banks
Authors: PATAIA G , GAUTHIER AS , CAMPOLMI N , TRONE MC , HE Z , PISELLI S , FOREST F , ACQUART S , LEPINE T , GAIN P , THURET G
Published: November 2013

Purpose Endothelial graft pre‐cutting by eye banks, rather than by surgeons in the operating room, is ongoing worldwide. A reliable and rapid thickness measurement before, during and after cut is an important parameter to guide the cut and assess the final result. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can perfectly provide these data but commercial anterior segment‐OCT are not fully adapted for the assessment of ex vivo corneas, especially organ‐cultured ones that are not usually stored in viewing chambers contrary to 4°C stored corneas. Aim: we developed a simple device to adapt AS‐OCT designed for patients to image corneas placed in petri dishes

Methods The device was developed for two AS‐OCT (Heidelberg AS‐slit lamp OCT and Tomey CASIA SS1000) and comprised only 3 pieces: 1/a mirror, held at 45 degrees, facing downwards, 2/the holder destined to receive the petri dish 3/the adaptor which was a plane that attaches the holder to the OCT head support. The petri dish containing the cornea was placed underneath the holder. The device was calibrated by comparing the measurements to those obtained holding the cornea vertical in front of the OCT in a ‘physiologic’ disposition

Results After calibration, thickness measurements using the device had a very good agreement (±10 µm) with measurements obtained without

Conclusion This device allows to easily adapt AS‐OCT designed for medical use to the routine of eye banks using organ‐cultured corneas that are not stored in specific containers. Grant: ANSM 2012, EFS 2011
Long‐term outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty in children
Authors: DOBROWOLSKI D , WYLEGALA E , WROBLEWSKA‐CZAJKA E , WOWRA B
Published: November 2013

Purpose Outcomes of pediatric penetrating keratoplasties (PK) performed for various corneal anomalies in children.

Methods Since 2000 56 PKs in children (6 months to 16 years) were performed. In infants group there were: 17 Peters Anomaly cases (24 eyes including 3 bilateral cases, 4 reoperations), 3 cases of sclerocornea. In older children surgeries were performed for 18 leucomas and 11 posttraumatic lesions. Follow up was at least 12 months. VA and graft transparency were analyzed.

Results 59,2% of infant’s eyes had transparent corneas, VA ranged from 0.01 to 0.2. 19.2% of transplanted corneas were cloudy with blured vision. Other grafts were failed including one phthisis. In older children success rate with transparent cornea was achieved in 82,7% of cases. Mean VA was 0.3±0.12. Main complications were: immune rejection (11 eyes), stromal vascularisation (5 cases).

Conclusion Keratoplasty is an effective procedure to safe vision in children.
Uveitis and lyme disease: About two case reports
Authors: NGUYEN KIM P , TOUITOU V , LEHOANG P , BODAGHI B
Published: November 2013

Purpose Lyme disease (LD) is a spirochete anthropozoonosis transmitted by tick bite. The ocular manifestations are diverse although rare. Uveitis is one of the most frequent.

Methods Two patients 46 and 52 years, referred for unlabeled and steroid dependent uveitis were studied. The first had two previous episodes of uveitis straight herpes diagnosed in early 2011. The second was treated with oral corticosteroids for chronic bilateral panuveitis evolving since February 2010, with a first anterior uveitis in 1989 (unavailable negative test). Laboratory tests with viral serology Quantiferon, IDR, syphilis serology and FAN have been made.

Results The first patient had a visual acuity preserved, bilateral vitritis and a right anterior uveitis with pigmented keratic precipitates. The fundus and OCT were normal, angiography showed a left papillary hyperfluorescence. The autoimmune hypothesis had been raised with centromere antibody positive before having a positive IgM ELISA Lyme serology confirmed by a Western Blot (WB). The second patient had bilateral visual loss, right ocular hypertension associated with diffuse bilateral anterior synechiae on a plot of uncontrolled glaucoma . There was a serous retinal detachment in right fundus. The B‐scan ultrasonography showed bilateral posterior scleritis. She was treated with solumedrol before the positive IgG ELISA and WB. No tick bite was mentioned, but walks in the forest were found.

Conclusion The diagnosis of Lyme disease must be suspected in the face of recurrent uveitis even without a tick bite. Specific serology may be positive if completed, allowing antimicrobial therapy.
Clinical characteristics of acute retinal pigment epitheliitis: Case series
Authors: HAN J , YANG J
Published: November 2013

Purpose To describe characteristics of acute retinal pigment epitheliitis by analyzing 16 cases.

Methods Retrospective chart review of patient diagnosed with acute retinal pigment epitheliitis was done. Medical records, fundus photo, optical coherence tomographic(OCT) findings and fluorescein angiographic(FAG) findings were reviewed.

Results The average age at diagnosis was 39.6 year‐old, with male to female ratio of 2:1. Acute metamorphopsia or central scotoma with slight decreased vision were chief complaints, and the symptoms resolved spontaneously after 60.1 days. Funduscopic finding revealed macular mottling with surrounding yellow hypopigmented areas, with subsensory retinal detachment in some cases. Disruption of the photoreceptors’ inner segment and outer segment interface with hyperreflection at retinal pigment epithelial(RPE) level were found in OCT. On FAG, window defect was seen. Retinal pigment epithelial changes remained after resolution of symptoms in all cases.

Conclusion Acute retinal pigment epithelitiis is an infrequent macular disorder in young adults with symptoms of metamophopsia or central scotoma and signs of RPE change with window defect on FAG. Differential diagnosis is important beause of the good prognosis without treatment.
Hyperreflective dots detected in the retina using spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: KUOLIENE K , STECH S , CIMBALAS A , ASOKLIS R
Published: November 2013

Purpose to investigate morphologic changes in posterior segment diseases using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). To discuss the role and characteristics of hyperreflective dots (HRD) in retinal inflammatory diseases and choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods 3 patients (3 eyes) with posterior segment diseases (Lyme disease, Cat scratch disease, and suspected Best vitelliform macular dystrophy with CNV) were retrospectively reviewed. Thorough ophthalmologic examination and SD‐OCT were performed during the first visit and follow‐up. HRD behavior was evaluated in the retina with SD‐OCT pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Results in all three eyes, various amounts of HRD were detected in the foveal or parafoveal area and, in one case, near the optic disc prior to the treatment. Hyperreflective dots accumulated densely, especially surrounding the area of fluid accumulation. During follow‐up, progressive resolution of the hyperreflective dots was observed with SD‐OCT. HRD reduction was observed mainly in cases of complete macular edema resolution and correlated greatly with visual acuity (VA) improvement.

Conclusion HRD seen with SD‐OCT in retinal inflammatory diseases behave similarly as in wet age‐related macular degeneration and diabetic maculopathy. The association between VA improvement and a decrease in the amounts of HRD could be used as a helpful treatment indicator in both inflammatory posterior segment diseases and choroidal neovascularization.
Cataractogenesis and surgical outcome in patients with uveitis
Authors: REMOND A , LE HOANG P , BODAGHI B
Published: November 2013

Purpose To compare the risk of cataract development, the surgical management and the prevalence of complications in 2 groups of patients with uveitis treated in 2000 and 2010.

Methods Retrospective study of patients with uveitis referred to an academic centre for the diagnosis and treatment of uveitis. An extensive work‐up based on clinical presentation was performed when necessary. Corticosteroids were the mainstay of therapy in 2000 but new immunosuppressive molecules and biologics were used in 2010. Two groups were analyzed based on the year of cataract surgery (group A:2000 and group B:2010). Demographic factors, delay between onset of uveitis and cataract surgery, improvement of visual acuity and major complications were studied. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were performed in all cases respecting a 3‐month quiescence of uveitis and an efficient perioperative anti‐inflammatory regimen.

Results The study included 125 eyes of 107 patients. 59 eyes (48 patients: F/M: 1.29) were operated in 2000 (group A) and 66 (59 patients: F/M: 1.5) in 2010 (group B). An associated condition was determined in 81 cases (75.5 %): mainly herpetic uveitis (9), sarcoidosis (7), tuberculosis (10), birdshot chorioretinopathy (7), Behcet's disease (8), spondyloarthropathy (10), Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease (5), Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (8). Delay between onset of uveitis and surgery was 58.86 months in group A and 111.68 months in group B (p<0.01). Mean BCVA postoperatively improved from logMAR 0.927 and 0.731 to 0.439 and 0,242 in groups A and B, respectively.

Conclusion During a 10‐year period, management of uveitis has dramatically improved. Better management of ocular inflammation based on biologic agents may delay cataractogenesis in active patients.
The effects of actomyosin inhibitors on cytoskeletal distributions in the lens
Authors: WON G , CHOH V
Published: November 2013

Purpose Previous work indicates that inhibitors of actin, myosin, and myosin light chain kinase are associated with a softening of the lens. The softening of lenses did not affect the optical quality, despite the application of inhibitors that, based on Western blot analysis, affect the cytoskeleton of lens fibre cells. Inhibitors can impart their effects biochemically or structurally, therefore, in the present study, the cytoskeletal distribution of inhibitor‐treated lenses was examined using confocal microscopy.

Methods Lenses of 7‐day‐old White Leghorn chickens were treated (15 mins) with 10 µM of either a vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) or an inhibitor (1‐(5‐iodonaphthalene‐1‐sulfonyl)‐1H‐hexahydro‐1,4‐diazepine hydrochloride [ML‐7], a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor; 1‐phenyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐4‐hydroxypyrrolo[2.3‐b]‐7‐methylquinolin‐4‐one [blebbistatin], a myosin II inhibitor; latrunculin, an actin inhibitor). After treatment, lenses were incubated in antibodies against the appropriate cytoskeletal proteins, and mounted onto slides in toto for examination under confocal microscopy. Images taken from the confocal microscope were analyzed using nearest neighbour analysis for irregularity.

Results Myosin distributions were highly regular, with a nearest neighbour value (Rn) of 2.02. Blebbistatin treatment resulted in a less regular arrangement (Rn=1.65), approaching a random distribution. Actin distributions in the latrunculin‐treated lenses were disorganized, showing irregular spatial distributions between vertices (Rn=1.53) compared to those in vehicle treated lenses (Rn=1.91).

Conclusion Inhibitors were shown to affect the distributions of actin and myosin, which indicates that these inhibitors impart their effects by altering cytoskeletal ultrastructure.
Absence of beta‐amyloid in cortical cataracts of donors with and without Alzheimer's disease
Authors: ROSANDIC J , MONTENEGRO G , BARRQUER RI , VRENSEN G , MICHAEL R
Published: November 2013

Purpose Eye lenses from human donors with and without Alzheimer's disease (AD) were studied to evaluate the presence of amyloid in cortical cataract.

Methods We obtained 39 lenses from 21 postmortem donors with AD and 15 lenses from age‐matched controls. For 17 donors, AD was clinically diagnosed by general physicians and for 4 donors the AD diagnosis was neuropathologically confirmed. As controls, 7 donors with pronounced cortical opacities and 8 donors with almost transparent lenses were selected. All lenses were photographed in a dark field stereomicroscope. Histological sections were analyzed using a standard and a more sensitive Congo red protocol, thioflavin staining and beta‐amyloid immunohistochemistry.

Results Of the 21 donors with AD, 6 had pronounced bilateral cortical lens opacities and 15 only minor or no cortical opacities. Thioflavin, standard and modified Congo red staining were positive in the control brain tissues and in the dystrophic cornea. Beta‐amyloid immunohistochemistry was positive in the brain tissues but not in the cornea sample. Lenses from control and AD donors were, without exception, negative after Congo red, thioflavin, and beta‐amyloid immunohistochemical staining.

Conclusion The absence of staining in AD and control lenses with the techniques employed lead us to conclude that there is no beta‐amyloid in lenses from donors with AD or in control cortical cataracts.
Absence of amyloid beta in human lens opacities: A confocal Raman study
Authors: MICHAEL R , OTTO C , GELPI E , MONTENEGRO G , ROSANDIC J , BARRAQUER RI , VRENSEN G
Published: November 2013

Purpose Amyloid beta, the main protein component of Alzheimer (AD) plaques and tangles, is characterized by high levels of beta‐sheets. Raman microspectroscopy allows quantitative analysis of this specific molecular conformation. We compared the beta‐sheet levels in lens opacities and in plaques and tangles in the hippocampus of AD patients.

Methods We obtained 14 lenses from 7 post‐mortem donors , neuropathologically confirmed as having advanced or moderate AD. From 3 of these donors, we also obtained hippocampus tissue. Protein and lipid conformations were analysed in the 500‐1800 cm‐1 fingerprint region. The ratio of the beta‐sheet peak at 1668 cm‐1 and the protein peak at 1450 cm‐1 is a quantitative measure for the beta‐sheet content. Additionally, histological sections were stained using a standard Congo red protocol and amyloid beta immunohistochemistry.

Results The 1668cm‐1/1450cm‐1 ratio, quantitatively reflecting the beta‐sheet content, is 1.28 for clear and cataractous regions in the lens.For the plaques and tangles in the hippocampus the ratio is 1.62 and 1.23 for non‐affected regions. When corrected for the presence of lipids in plaques and tangles this ratio is 2.64. Congo red and amyloid beta immunohistochemistry is positive for AD plaques and tangles but is negative for all lenses studied.

Conclusion In contrast with a previous study (Goldstein et al. 2003) we conclude that proteins in opaque regions of lenses and in hippocampal plaques and tangles are fully different species. Moreover opacification is not accompanied by changes in the beta‐sheet configuration of lens proteins. This means that cortical cataract cannot be considered as an indicator and predictor of AD.
Retinal straylight and the yellow Bag in the Lens IOL
Authors: JONGENELEN S , ROZEMA JJ , TASSIGNON MJ
Published: November 2013

Purpose To evaluate the influence of blue‐blocking Bag in the Lens (BIL) intraocular lens (IOL) on retinal straylight.

Methods Twenty‐one patients scheduled for bilateral senile cataract surgery with a BIL intraocular implant (Morcher GmbH, Germany) randomly received implantation of either a UV light‐filtering and blue‐light filtering IOL (Morcher 89A yellow BIL) or a UV‐light filtering lOL (Morcher 89A, clear BIL) in both eyes. Only the left eyes were included in this study. Best corrected visual acuity and retinal straylight level were evaluated 3 months postoperatively with decimal charts at 4m and with C‐Quant (Oculus Optigeräte, Wetzlar, Germany) respectively.

Results There were 11 eyes in the yellow BIL group and 10 eyes in the clear BIL group. Preoperative measurements (K1, K2, anterior chamber depth, axial length, IOL power) showed no significant differences between the yellow and the clear BIL group. No significant difference in visual acuity was found between both groups (p = 0.512). Mean retinal straylight did not differ significantly (p = 0.809) between yellow BIL (1.24 ± 0.26) and clear BIL (1.19 ± 0.21), even after correction for age and axial length with the pseudophakic model (p =0.557).

Conclusion The UV and blue‐blocking bag‐in‐the‐lens had no influence on visual acuity and retinal straylight measured 3 months postoperatively, in comparison with a UV filtering bag‐in‐the‐lens.
Do multifocal intraocular lens implants allow spectacle independence?
Authors: O'GALLAGHER MK , CHAKRABARTI M , FRAZER DG
Published: November 2013

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of multifocal and toric multifocal intraocular lens implants in achieving spectacle independence when used in cataract surgery and clear lens extractions.

Methods Case records were examined retrospectively for 218 eyes of 109 consecutive patients (38 male) who underwent lens extraction with multifocal intraocular lens implant by a single surgeon. If corneal astigmatism was present appropriate corrective procedures were undertaken: this included 38 eyes which received a toric multifocal lens. Data collected included: demographics, pre‐operative corrected visual acuity (with habitual correction), post‐operative unaided visual acuity for near and distance, degree of spectacle independence, and complications of surgery.

Results Over 90% of patients reported spectacle independence for daily activities. Complication rates were low, with tolerable glare and haloes being the most common problem. Approximately half required laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification.

Conclusion In conclusion, multifocal intraocular lens implants can allow carefully selected patients to achieve spectacle independence. These results compare favourably with published data.
Photodynamic therapy for juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma: A case report
Authors: CHATZIRALLI I , PARIKAKIS E , PEPONIS V , TSIOTRA V , MITROPOULOS P
Published: November 2013

Purpose Various treatment modalities have been described for retinal capillary hemangioma therapy, including observation, laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, radiotheraphy and vitreoretinal surgery. Our purpose is to present a case of juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma treated with photodynamic therapy(PDT.

Methods A 69‐year‐old woman with no previous ocular history presented with blurred vision and photopsias in the right eye since three months. The patient underwent a thorough ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity measurement by means of Snellen charts, slit‐lamp examination, intraocular pressure(IOP) measurement and dilated fundoscopy.

Results At presentation, her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/9 in the right eye and 6/6 in the left eye. The anterior segment was totally normal and IOP was normal in both eyes as well. Dilated fundoscopy revealed a yellowish, elevated area with blood vessels, on the inferior margin of the right optic disc, as optic disc edema. Fluorescein angiography and angiogram with indocyanin green confirmed the diagnosis of juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma. The patient was treated with PDT with verteporfin and three months later her visual acuity was 6/7.5 in the right eye and the lesion was slightly smaller.

Conclusion Retinal capillary hemangioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of optic disc edema. PDT offers promising results as far as anatomical and functional results, providing visual acuity improvement or even stabilization and restriction of enlargement of the lesion.
Bafilomycin A1 enhances the production of IL‐1b induced by the proteasome inhibitor MG‐132 but not that of IL‐8
Authors: PIIPPO N , HYTTI M , KINNUNEN K , SALMINEN A , KAARNIRANTA K , KAUPPINEN A
Published: November 2013

Purpose Autophagy and proteasomal degradation, two central clearance systems of the cell, decline during aging. Increased amount of protein aggregates and other waste material compromise normal cellular functions. Inflammasomes are intracellular protein complexes which can become activated by diverse danger signals. It has recently been shown that a decline in cellular clearance systems can offer a sufficient signal for the inflammasome activation. In the present study, we have studied the effects of impaired proteasomal degradation and autophagy on inflammation in ARPE‐19 cells.

Methods In order to inhibit the proteasomal degradation and autophagy, ARPE‐19 cells were treated with MG‐132 and Bafilomycin A1, respectively. Productions of IL‐1b and IL‐8 were measured using ELISA method.

Results Our data shows that MG‐132 increases the productions of IL‐1b and IL‐8. The addition of Bafilomycin A1 further increases the amount of IL‐1b but not that of IL‐8.

Conclusion Our data suggests that intracellular protein aggregates are capable of inducing inflammation through several pathways. Production of IL‐1b indicates the activation of inflammasome signaling. Interestingly, the inflammasome signaling seems to become further enhanced when autophagy is blocked in addition to proteasomes. Meanwhile, the production of IL‐8 remains at the same level.
AICAR promotes cleansing of MG‐132‐induced protein aggregates in ARPE‐19 cells
Authors: MARCHESI N , VIIRI J , PASCALE A , AMADIO M , KAARNIRANTA K
Published: November 2013

Purpose Age‐related macular degeneration pathogenesis involves impaired protein degradation in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The ubiquitin‐proteasome system and the autophagy pathway are major proteolytic processes in eukaryotic cells. SQSTM1/p62 has been shown as a key player linking the proteasomal and lysosomal clearance systems. The present study investigated the effects of AICAR (AICA ribonucleotide, 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside) with/without MG‐132 (proteasome inhibitor) on autophagy regulation in RPE cells.

Methods ARPE‐19 cells were treated with MG‐132 (5µM) and/or AICAR (2mM). p62 and MAP1LC3A/LC3 (LC3II) were analyzed by Western blotting. LC3 lipidation was used to study autophagic flux. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect protein aggregates and autophagosomes. pDendra2‐hLC3 construct was used to detect macroautophagy in confocal microscopy analysis.

Results AICAR+MG‐132 co‐treatment induces autophagy clearance of p62 and increased LC3 lipidation. AICAR is able to completely abolish the MG‐132‐induced protein aggregation after 24 h treatment; at the same time, the co‐treatment increases the number of autophagic vesicles. Cells treated with MG‐132+AICAR exhibit a strong reduction of the perinuclear aggregates containing both LC3II and p62 proteins.

Conclusion Autophagy is emerging as a novel target of therapies aimed to counteract protein aggregation and improve cell viability. In this way, our findings indicate that AICAR could be useful in the acceleration of protein clearance in RPE cells.
Characterisation of diabetic retinal neuropathy in Ins2Akita mice
Authors: ROMERO J , CHEN M , XU H
Published: November 2013

Purpose To characterize diabetic retinal neuropathy in the Ins2Akita mouse.

Methods Male heterozygous Ins2Akita mice (2‐8 months of hyperglycemia) and C57BL/6J age‐matched siblings were used in this study. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography (ERG) and thickness measured by optical coherence tomography. Eyes were then processed for immunostaining of different neuronal cells, including photoreceptors, bipolar, horizontal, amacrine and ganglion cells.

Results Ins2Akita mice exhibited altered scotopic ERG after 6‐8 months of hyperglycemia. The reduction of outer and inner retinal thickness was observed after 2 months of diabetes. Despite no striking abnormalities were found in photoreceptors, a 40% reduction of photoreceptor synaptic ribbons was observed in Ins2Akita mice compared to age‐matched controls. This was accompanied by a total depletion of horizontal cell dendritic plexus and disarrangement of rod and cone bipolar cell processes at the outer plexiform layer. In the inner retina, the number of rod and cone bipolar cells remained similar to controls, but abnormal GABAergic amacrine cell stratification and 25% reduction of rod bipolar cell axon terminals were observed. Brn3a staining revealed a 20% loss of retinal ganglion cells, which exhibited abnormal aggregates of light neurofilament. In addition, a significant retinal vascular degeneration evidenced by around 50% reductions of vascular plexus was observed in 8 month hyperglycemic Ins2Akita mice. No evidence of retinal neovascularisation was detected.

Conclusion Ins2Akita mice present a variety of retinal neuropathies including the reduction in different types of neuronal cells and disruption of synaptic structures. The mice also develop severe retinal vascular degeneration but no neovascularisation.
Evaluation of central retinal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness in normal eyes
Authors: LEE DW , KIM J , KIM CG , LEE TG
Published: November 2013

Purpose To determine central retinal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to evaluate association between both thickness and age, gender and axial length.

Methods Spectral domain OCT images (Bioptigen, Bioptigen, inc., Durham, NC) were obtained in 151 eyes of 151 healthy volunteers without retinal diseases. The IOL master (Carl Zeiss Meditech) was used to measure the eye length to compensate axial scale factor of the SD‐OCT images. The choroidal thickness at the fovea and central retinal thickness was measured. Statistical analysis using paired t‐test and Pearson correlation were performed to evaluate the correlation between both thickness and age, axial length, and gender.

Results The mean and median age of the 151 subjects were 33.3 and 29 years old, respectively (range, 7 to 80 years). There were 57 males and 94 females. The mean and median axial lengths of the eye were 24.54±0.98 mm and 24.37 mm respectively. The mean central retinal thickness were 213.89±14.64μm. Increasing age and axial length were not correlated with central retinal thickness. The mean choroidal thickness in these normal eyes was 214.43±13.63μm. Increasing age (Pearsun correlation ‐ 0.193, R2=‐0.0372, p=0.018) and increasing axial length (Pearsun correlation ‐ 0.189, R2=‐0.0359, p=0.020) were correlated with decreasing choroidal thickness. Central retinal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness have no relationship between them in our study (Pearsun correlation ‐ 0.139, R2=0.0192, p=0.090 ).

Conclusion Only the choroidal thickness at the fovea in normal eyes showed an inverse correlation with age and axial length. And there is no significant relationship between central retinal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness.
Analysis of retinal and cortical response to electrical stimulation by subretinal implant in rodent
Authors: MATONTI F , ROUX S , MARRE O , PICAUD S , CHAVANE F
Published: November 2013

Purpose This aims to develop and improve the use of retinal prosthesis in animal model For that purpose we measured retinal and cortical response to direct subretinal electrical stimulation to understand how the patterns of stimuli can be adapted to improve stimulation to get closer to the response evoked by natural visual stimuli

Methods In a rat model, a comparative analysis of the functional impact of similar stimulation of a subretinal implant is done at two levels (1)in the retina in vitro by multi electrodes array (2)in vivo in the primary visual cortex by optical imaging recordings Optical imaging permits a functional mapping of the cortex, using light reflection and absorption changes depending on the rate of blood oxygenation Diverse parameters were investigated: stimulus shape and polarity,intensity,size and location

Results At the cortical level we have quantified the size, position and intensity of the point‐spread function in response to the various electrical stimulations and compared them to those generated by calibrated light stimuli. The point‐spread function was much larger for electrical stimulations compared to visual stimulation We have performed retinal recordings of ganglion cells, while the prosthesis is on the photoreceptor side The cortical response and the recruitment of ganglion cells respond according to a logarithmic equation The ability to evaluate in vitro within the retina and in vivo the cortical responses induced by the prosthesis allowed us refining the patterns of electrical stimulation to get closer to a natural activation

Conclusion These results offer interesting prospect for improving the design of prostheses as well as their patterns of stimulation for a medical application
The prediction error of the visual field sensitivity is large at the steep ‘border’ of glaucomatous scotoma
Authors: AOYAMA Y , MURATA H , TAHARA M , YANAGISAWA M , HIRASAWA K , MAYAMA C , ASAOKA R
Published: November 2013

Purpose To create a method to identify the edge of visual field (VF) scotoma and to investigate the relationship between the steepness of the ‘border’ of scotoma and the prediction error of VF sensitivity.

Methods Twenty‐two glaucomatous patients with reliable VFs were recruited. Then, using the latest VFs (Humphrey 24‐2) of these patients, the gradient of the plane on the hill of vision is calculated from the sensitivity of adjacent four/three points, so that the ‘border’ of VF damage is identified. Next, VF measurement was carried out, adding ten test points at the centre of adjacent four/three points where the gradient of the plane is largest (Full threshold, Custom mode). The VF measurements were performed using two approaches; random target presentation of 62 test points together and showing ten added points following or prior (randomly selected) to 52 (24‐2) points. Each measurement with each approach was repeated twice in a same visit. Then, the absolute value of the difference between the measured sensitivity of the added ten test points and the average of the sensitivities of surrounding three/four test points were calculated. Finally, the relationship between the gradient of sensitivity plane and the absolute difference was investigated using the multilevel modeling (MLM).

Results MLM revealed significant positive relationship between the absolute difference and the gradient of plane with all of the four measurements (p<0.01).

Conclusion It may be advantageous to increase the spatial information by carrying out additional measurement at the gap where the border of scotoma is steep.
Pituitary macroadenoma misdiagnosed as advanced normal tension glaucoma
Authors: POPA CHERECHEANU A , COMAN CI , IANCU R , PARVULESCU RA , STANA D , DASCALU AM
Published: November 2013

Purpose To present the clinical case of a patient with a giant pituitary adenoma that was misdiagnosed for several years and treated as a progressive NTG (Normal Tension Glaucoma).

Methods A 57 years old male had his first ocular examination in December 2008 and was diagnosed with NTG and started on topical treatment. The patient was declared unable to perform automated perimetry, so he was referred for Goldmann perimetry. He had several ocular exams over a period of four years, during which the treatment was gradually increased to maximal topical therapy, but the patient still developed a progressive impairment of the visual acuity, visual field and fundus aspect.

Results The patient was referred to our clinic in August 2012 for surgical management of his bilateral severe progressive glaucoma. During the hospital admittance, we performed automated perimetry that showed hemianopsia; he was referred afterwards for cerebral MRI and diagnosed with giant extensive pituitary adenoma. The patient had surgery, but he continued to lose visual acuity and optic atrophy installed at both eyes.

Conclusion NTG should remain an exclusion diagnosis (after excluding a chiasm compression as well).
Ultrasonic circular cyclo coagulation in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma: A multicenter clinical trial
Authors: APTEL F , DENIS P , ROULAND JF , NORDMANN JP , LACHKAR Y , RENARD JP , SELLEM E , BAUDOUIN C , BRON A
Published: November 2013

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Ultrasonic Circular Cyclo Coagulation (UC3) procedure in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods Prospective multicenter clinical trial. 42 eyes of 42 patients with POAG, intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg, an average of 1.65 failed previous surgeries and an average of 3.2 hypotensive medications were insonified with a probe comprising 6 piezoelectric transducers. 18 patients (group 1) were treated with a 4 seconds exposure time for each shot and 24 patients (group 2) with a 6 seconds exposure time. Follow‐up visits were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after.

Results IOP was significantly reduced in both groups (p<0.05), from a mean preoperative value of 28.6 ± 4.7 mmHg in group 1 and 28.1 ± 8.6 mmHg in group 2 to a mean value of 16.1 ± 2.8 mmHg in group 1 and 16.7 ± 4.4 mmHg in group 2 at last follow‐up. Success (IOP reduction >20%) was achieved in 12 of 18 (67%) eyes of the group 1 and in 17 of 24 (71%) eyes of the group 2. Four patients were re‐treated. No major intra‐ or post‐operative complications occurred.

Conclusion UC3 seems to be an effective and well‐tolerated method to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with POAG.

Commercial interest
Imaging of the optic nerve (oct rnfl and ganglion cells analysis) in monitoring the child's congenital glaucoma
Authors: BOUAKAZ S , RUPIN A , LABALETTE P , ROULAND JF
Published: November 2013

Purpose Apply monitoring child's congenital glaucoma, imaging of the optic nerve of adult glaucoma tests: RNFL and analysis of ganglion cells in Optical coherence tomography.

Methods We studied 30 childrens with congenital glaucoma balanced aged 6 to 18 years whose usual monitoring focuses on visual acuity, intraocular pressure and visual field. Using Zeiss Cirrus HD OCT Spectral Domain, we studied the structure of the optic nerve of these patients (RNFL and ganglion complex) and was compared to that of adults.

Results The values obtained for young patients with normal visual field are identical to those of an adult an average of 99μm for the RNFL and 85 μm for ganglion cells analysis. For other patients anomalies are consistent with campimétriques deficits observed. Imaging of the optic nerve found the same abnormalities of function and structure of the optic nerve in adults. Thanks to the rapid acquisition of OCT images, this review is implementation easier and earlier than the visual field study in children. OCT allows monitoring of glaucoma patients for several years. However, in children, this monitoring is not carried out in practice common and could serve as an additional tool.

Conclusion Child's congenital glaucoma requires regular monitoring based on intraocular pressure and when age permits the study of the visual field. the monitoring of these patients can be started earlier with the study of the optic nerve in Oct (RNFL and ganglion cells analysis) to the consistency of results between adults and children. The completion of the visual field is difficult before the age of 8, the feasible before OCT this age allows earlier monitoring of this disease.
Photoreceptor integrity and visual acuity in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: EL MATRI L , CHEBIL A , LARGUECHE L , CHAKER N , CHARFI H
Published: November 2013

Purpose To assess the correlation between the status of the inner segment/outer segment junction (IS/OS) and visual acuity in retinitis pigmentosa.

Methods One hundred and ninety‐six eyes of 100 patients with RP were examined with the spectral optical coherence tomography (3D‐OCT‐2000). The status of the inner segment/outer segment junction (IS/OS) (Grade 1: absent, Grade 2: blurred discontinuous, or Grade 3: distinct) was evaluated. Correlation between visual acuity and each of the measurements were examined.

Results Of the 196 eyes, IS/OS was absent in 61 eyes (30.9%), blurred in 71 eyes (36.36%) and distinct in 64 eyes (32.74%).Total retinal thickness was not correlated with visual acuity. The mean logMAR visual acuity (VA) in the IS/OS absent group (0.65±0.12) was worse than the one seen in the IS/OS blurred (0.23±0.41) or IS/OS distinct groups (0.08±0.44) (P<0.001). But eighteen per cent of the eyes with a normal foveal IS/OS line, normal COST line and normal perifoveal layers have a bad visual acuity. While seven per cent of eyes with absent foveal IS/OS line have surprisingly a good visual acuity.

Conclusion The status of photoreceptor IS/OS line is an important parameter that needs to be examined in RP patients, while perifoveal retinal layers need not be examined. The presence of the foveal photoreceptor IS/OS line is associated with better visual acuity and thicker fovea in RP patients. But, in a few cases, the foveal photoreceptor IS/OS line can be absent with a good visual acuity.
Role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma gene polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of West Bengal, India
Authors: Pattanayak Arup Kumar , Bankura Biswabandhu , Balmiki Nisha , Das Tapas Kumar , Chowdhury Subhankar , Das Madhusudan
Published: November 2013

Aims/Introduction

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARG) is a nuclear hormone receptor of the ligand‐dependent transcription factor involved in adipogenesis, and a molecular target of the insulin sensitizer, thiazolidinediones. The present study aimed to investigate whether the PPARG gene is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its related traits within the population of West Bengal, India.

Materials and Methods

The study participants (200 type 2 diabetes mellitus and 200 normal individuals) were chosen randomly, and the variants were screened by direct sequencing.

Results

The results showed that rs1801282 (odds ratio 0.66; 95% confidence interval 0.15–2.96; P = 0.57) and rs3856806 (odds ratio 1.23; 95% confidence interval 0.73–2.06; P = 0.44) variants of the PPARG gene were not associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

The results showed that the PPARG gene was not associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in our study population. As the lack of association might come from the small sample size, further studies with larger sample size are required to verify the present observation.