bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the complement system on corneal wound healing
Authors: Brockmann Tobias 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDegenerative corneal disorders, which are associated to a severe loss of visual acuity very often are the result of misguided angiogenesis or wound healing/fibrogenesis; and thereby are the response to ischemic of inflammatory processes. Today, there are no causal therapeutic approaches for the treatment of fibrotic eye disorders. Hence, the aim of this project is to investigate the Influence of the complement system on the myofibroblast activation during corneal wound healing. Therefore, we analyzed molecular mechanisms of human specimens and performed cell culture and animal experiments to identify involved key processes. In human tissues we were able to identify a considerable complement activation in both, sterile and non‐sterile keratopathies. While the classical pathway was predominant in non‐sterile keratopathies, the alternative pathway was involved in sterile keratopathies. Based on our data from cell culture and animal experiments, we identified the central importance of complement factors C5 and C3 with their cleavage products during corneal wound healing and fibrogenesis. Thereby, our findings raised new insights and a better understanding of fundamental pathomechanisms in corneal wound healing that refer to new therapeutic concepts. In a first therapeutic approach, we were able to demonstrate anti‐fibrotic effects of complement anaphylatoxin (C3a/C4a/C5a)‐binding peptides in a model of corneal alkaline burns in mice. Thereby, less corneal fibrosis, using the clinical Cowell score; and distinctive gene‐ and proteomic‐expression profiles were revealed. In summary, complement anaphylatoxin (C3a/C4a/C5a) binders might pave the way for effective therapies of fibrotic eye disorders.
Agonistic beta2‐adrenergic autoantibodies in glaucoma
Authors: Hohberger Bettina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGlaucoma disease has a multifactorial pathogenesis with autoimmune components. Agonistic autoantibodies against β2‐adrenergic receptor autoantibodies (β2‐AAb) were observed in sera of patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension, yet not in normal subjects. As data of a clinical proof‐of‐principle study showed that intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased after elimination of β2‐AAb by immunapharesis, a potential link to IOP was proposed. A specific blockade of these β2‐AAb could potential result in a novel medical strategy of glaucoma therapy.
Immune modulation following keratoplasty‐current and future aspects
Authors: Pleyer Uwe 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPenetrating keratoplasty (pkp) has definitely its paradoxes. It has been the first successful transplantation in man and is with approx. 100 000 grafts/year easily the most frequent allograft in human medicine. At the same time, it is still the least understood form of transplantation in respect to its biology. It is both, the most successful as well as probably the most underestimated procedure regarding its risks in clinical transplantation. Indeed, the common assumption, that pkp is a safe procedure with favourable prognosis. This may have hindered more intensive efforts of research in this field. There are still limitations to corneal transplantation, and allograft rejection still poses the greatest challenge. In the last two decades, graft survival has greatly improved by the introduction of efficient immunosuppressive drugs. This lecture aims to highlight the most novel and successful strategies to achieve a better outcome of pkp, e.g. the use of mesenchymal stem cells and tolerance induction via regulatory T cells.
Radiation microangiopathy: new insights from clinical and imaging observations
Authors: Zografos Leonidas 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRadiation induced maculopathy is a complex disorder resulting from the disruption of the outer and inner blood retinal barriers, in association with a vaso‐occlusive micro‐angiopathy. The retinal edema is observed and analyzed with the combination of the b‐Mode OCT, OCT en face and fluorescein angiophraphy. The vaso‐occlusive micro‐angiopathy is evaluated and quantified with OCT angiography. The surface of the non‐flow area and the circumference of the superficial capillary plexus as well as the status of the deep capillary plexus are taken in account in therapeutic decision with anti‐VEGF drugs.
Optic nerve complications after irradiation
Authors: Matet Alexandre 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOptic neuropathy is a dramatic complication of ocular irradiation, usually leading to complete visual loss. This presentation will review the putative mechanisms, including direct neurotoxicity and indirect optic nerve head ischemic damage secondary to radiation microangiopathy; the spectrum of clinical manifestations; and available therapies for optic nerve complications after ocular irradiation.
Surgical management of neurotrophic keratopathy
Authors: Shortt Alex 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSurgical treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), is indicated in advanced disease (stages 2 and 3) refractory to medical management. The objective is to prevent stromal involvement and to prevent corneal perforation.The cornerstone of surgical therapy is tarsorrhaphy which narrows the palpebral fissure and decreases the area of exposed cornea. It can be temporary or permanent and partial or complete. An alternative to surgical tarsorrhaphy is botulium A toxin injection into the upper lid. Other surgical options are amniotic membrane transplantation to cover the epithelial defect (stage 2) or corneal ulcer (stage 3) and punctal occlusion to increase the amount of tears and improve lubrication. Corneal perforation, the ultimate sight threatening complication of NK, can be managed using cyanoacrylate glue or in larger defects a tectonic keratoplasty. Conjunctival flap may also be indicated in impending perforation. Outcomes of penetrating or lamellar corneal transplants in neurotrophic keratopathy are very poor. Direct neurotization of the cornea using branches of the contralateral ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve is difficult to perform but preserves cosmesis and can restore function.
Proteomics and personalized medicine in eye research and ophthalmology
Authors: Uusitalo Hannu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractProteomics is a novel option to detect biomarkers and drugable targets of various eye diseases. It can be used in experimental studies to study pathological processes as well as to detect clinically meaningful biomarkers and end point. It can be performed by using different specimens ranging from non‐invasively obtained tear samples and impression cytologic specimens to biopsies and various types of cell samples. Tear samples reflects not only the state of ocular surface but also that of other ocular structures or systemic state of the human body. Biopsies of ocular tissues are targeted way to detect various biological processes involved in eye diseases and processes involved in them like Inflammation, wound healing and angiogenesis. These are vital processes involved in the defense mechanisms of the human body and pathogenesis of many eye diseases, thus having potential to be in the development on novel therapies for eye diseases. These mechanisms are also important factors in ocular surgeries e.g. corneal, vitreoretinal and glaucoma surgery and thus a way to improve their success. In the future, proteomic biomarkers have a great potential to be tools of personalized medicine in choosing the best therapeutic options for each individual patient and to improve the cost‐effectiveness of the health care.
DALK or PKP? ‐ Surgical management of keratoconus
Authors: Seitz Berthold 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSince 2010, more than 1300 patients have been registered in our Homburg Keratoconus Center HKC. Major objectives include (1) aetiology, (2) earliest diagnosis and (3) stage‐related treatment options. Excimer laser assisted DALK is a good option for skilled microsurgeons in case of good endothelium and lack of predescemetal scars offering visual acuity results of 20/25 or 20/20 when Descemet membrane is indeed exposed. In case of nonexposure of Descemet membran and/or in case of perforation conversion to excimer laser assisted PKP can be performed readily without disadvantages for the typically young patient.Central round 8.0 or 8.5 mm excimer laser assisted PKP with double‐diagonal cross‐stitch suture is still state‐of‐the‐art in advanced keratoconus – especially after corneal hydrops. Nonmechanical excimer laser trephination results in (1) lower astigmatism, (2) higher regularity of topography and (3) better visual acuity. In contrast, femtosecond laser assisted PKP demanding applanation and deformation of the cone during suction, results in decentration and noncongruent shapes of donor and host intraoperatively as well as very high astigmatism after entire suture removal – thus to be considered the „excitement of yesterday“.
Aniridia‐ an example of multidisciplinary approach for research, collaboration and guidelines development
Authors: Bremond‐Gignac Dominique 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAniridia disease is a congenital rare eye disease involving both the anterior and posterior segment inducing low vision. As aniridia involves anomalies of different part of the eye all ophthalmic subspecialties are concerned. Aniridia related keratopathy, dry eye, glaucoma, anterior segment fibrosis are included for anterior segment specialists. Foveal hypoplasia, optic nerve hypoplasia, posterior segment fibrosis are included for posterior segment. In addition congenital aspects and nystagmus involves pediatric subspecialty and low vision. The diversity of ERN‐EYE Scientific meetings, collaboration with patients, registries and guidelines are being developed. Our French guidelines accredited by HAS (French Health Authority) are used with other guidelines from other two European countries to create a European consensus and guidelines physicians and for patients.
Impact of systemic hypertension on retinal and choroidal microvasculature using OCT Angiography
Authors: Chua Jacqueline 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this cross‐sectional study, we measured the retinal and choroidal microvasculature using the optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) in 77 adults (n = 153 eyes) with systemic hypertension (mean [SD] age, 58 [9] years; 49% women; 23% poorly controlled BP) who are without ocular diseases and determined correlations with systemic vascular risk factors. Data on 24‐hr ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, serum creatinine, and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (MCR) were collected. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on CKD‐EPI Creatinine Equation. OCTA imaging (6 × 6 mm macular scans; AngioVue) with quantitative retinal capillary densities (superficial and deep vascular plexuses; SVP and DVP) and choriocapillaris flow voids (area, size and number) were obtained. Linear regression was used to investigate the association of risk factors with microvascular analysis. Higher systolic BP was correlated with sparser retinal capillary density (β = −0.23, −0.44 to −0.02) and smaller areas of flow voids (β = −0.13, −0.24 to −0.02). Also, higher diastolic BP was correlated with flow voids that were smaller in individual size (β = −0.18, −0.34 to −0.02) but more numerous (β = 13.89, 0.61–27.17). Lower eGFR was correlated with sparser retinal capillary density (β = 6.42, 1.25–11.60) whereas renal parameters were not associated with flow voids. In patients with hypertension, higher BP appeared to cause retinal capillary dropout but increase blood flow in the choriocapillaris, which needs to be further investigated. Changes in the retinal microvasculature may reflect kidney function, which highlights the potential of using the OCTA to study early systemic microvascular changes.
Regulatory consideration: the differences between medical product and drug development
Authors: Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn ophthalmology both medical devices and drugs are widely used. Although intuitively the difference between medical device and drug seems obvious, the classification is sometimes challenging. Development plans need to be tailored differently between medical devices and drugs regarding the primary intent and purpose. Accordingly, approval process varies significantly between the two ways of development. Essentially medical devices are defined as agents that do not achieve their primary intended purpose through chemical action in the body. However, exceptions may occur in certain indications such as dry eye disease. The talk will summarize the regulatory procedures, differences between European and US regulatory processes and provide some examples from ophthalmology.
The Franceschetti memorial library
Authors: Franceschetti Albert 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdolphe Franceschetti (1896‐1968) was not only a great Swiss ophthalmologist and geneticist, but also a punctilious specialist who would not quote a publication he had not seen. This led him to enrich the library of the Geneva Department of Ophthalmology with various series of journals he personally bought. When asked by professor Wessely's widow to help sell her late husband's library, he bought it himself, thus completing his own personal library. And upon retiring in 1966, he housed the library in a wing he had added to his house for the purpose. After his death in 1968, the library was continued by his son, also an ophthalmologist, and is now housed in the Chateau de Vétraz‐Monthoux, a manor in the surroundings of Geneva. The library contains most of the world's journals of ophthalmology and related specialties, practically all starting from their very first issue, and elegantly bound in over 16 000 volumes.To this must be added the full collection of Professor Franceschetti's reprints and those he received, plus a unique collection of all the 19th century reprints of dermatology, that had once belonged to professor Jadassohn's, a famous dermatologist form Bern, Switzerland, as well as the reprints of professor Jadassohn's works.. The newly updated catalogue is available on www.library-francescetti.com.The problem of such a library, as it is now the case, is its future, as it needs to find an institution that could assure its perenniality and the certainty that it will continue to be of use to scientists and students.
Retinal degeneration in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Cuenca NIcolás 
Published: December 2019

AbstractVisual dysfunctions that Parkinson disease (PD) patients suffer are some of the first signs of the pathology. The aim of this work is to characterize some of the cellular alterations that occur in PD retinas and could lead to the reported visual impairments and also to determine if the retina can be used as an early biomarker for Parkinson disease. Wholemount retinas from PD and controls were immunostained using antibodies against p‐α‐synuclein, tyrosine hydroxylase and calretinin. Dopaminergic cells morphology, density and number of synaptic contacts with AII amacrine cells was established. Cells in the ganglion cell layer were immunostained and cell density was calculated. Microglia activation and gliosis were analyzed in retina and optic nerves. Posphorylated‐α‐synuclein was found in the retina within ganglion cells, axons, dendrites and in structures resembling Lewy Bodies. P‐α‐synuclein and Lewy bodies density significantly correlated between retina and brain. Dopaminergic cells in PD and synaptic contacts with AII amacrines were diminished, indicating alterations in the dopaminergic circuitries. Optic nerve remodeling and gliosis were found in PD. PD affects different cells and circuitries of the retina in a way that may explain some of the visual alterations reported in patients. Ganglion cell degeneration and optic nerve remodeling events in PD may explain the OCT layers thinning described in PD patients. The significant p‐α‐synuclein correlation suggests that the synucleinopathy occurs in the retina in a way analogous to the brain and thus, the retina could be considered as an early biomarker in Parkinson disease. Support: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research; Generalitat Valenciana Prometeo/2016/158, MINECO‐FEDER‐BFU2015‐67139‐R; Instituto Carlos III (RD16/0008/0016); MECD FPU 14/03166.
Retinal function in photoreceptor degenerations
Authors: de la Villa Pedro , de la Villa Pedro 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPhotoreceptor degeneration takes place in a group of inherited retinal dystrophies. In most cases, retinal degeneration courses with the dysfunction and death of photoreceptors, leading to blindness. Currently there is not treatment for this disease. Our group has focused in the study of retinal function during photoreceptor degeneration, as a strategy for the development of neuroprotective approaches to extend the visual function independently of the inherited mutation. We have carried out a systematic study of retinal function and photoreceptor structural modifications along the neurodegenerative process. Single cell recordings and Electroretinogram responses have been recording on retinal tissue under degeneration. Correlation of cell function and retinal structure, as studied by immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy confirms the parallelism between visual function loss and photoreceptor degeneration.
Iron and Transferrin
Authors: Picard Emilie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIron has a dual role. Essential for cellular functions, it enhances oxidative stress when it is in excess and under a labile form. Iron accumulation and iron balance dysregulation are observed in animal models of retinal degeneration. Recently, we observed iron overload in ocular fluids from retinal detachment patients and highly transferrin saturation. As therapeutic strategy, we used transferrin (TF), the physiological iron transporter and the second most abundant protein in the vitreous, to reduce iron overload and therefore preserve visual function. Ocular administration of TF was no toxic. By several delivery ways and in different animal models of retinal dystrophies, we demonstrated the beneficial effect of TF. Iron accumulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, edema and cell death were decreased and retinal histology and visual function were preserved. Control of iron impairment in retinal tissues may be a major therapeutic strategy. We highlight the therapeutic potential of Transferrin in retinal diseases preventing vision loss.
IC3D second edition: an update
Authors: Kivelä Tero 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe International Committee for Classification of Corneal Dystrophies (IC3D) was created by the Cornea Society in Chicago in 2005 to revise the corneal dystrophy nomenclature. The initial group consisted of 15 corneal specialists and 2 ophthalmic pathologists from North America, Europe and Asia, chaired by Dr. Jayne Weiss. The first IC3D edition was published in 2008. Already 6 years later, sufficient new data had become available to begin revision of the IC3D by 13 original and 2 new corneal specialists and 1 original ophthalmic pathologist. The second edition was published in 2015. Like the first one it presents each dystrophy as a template with key characteristics and typical clinical images, but is now supplemented with typical anterior segment OCT and histopathologic images as well. The category of ‘Bowman layer dystrophies’ was replaced by ‘Epithelial–stromal TGFBI dystrophies’ and ‘Descemet Membrane and Endothelial Dystrophies’ was simplified to ‘Endothelial Dystrophies’ because Bowman and Descemet are acellular and secondarily affected. Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy 1 (CHED1) was merged with posterior polymorphous dystrophy 1 (PPMD1). Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy (PACD) was found to be caused by a joint deletion of keratocan (KERA), lumican (LUM), decorin (DCN), and epiphycan (EPYC) genes. After publication of the second IC3D, epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy (ERED) has been linked with COL17A1 mutations across the world, and the so called ‘variant Thiel‐Behnke dystrophy’, that was dubious, was found to be identical with ERED. The corneal dystrophy field continues to develop, making a third edition likely in the future.
Corneal recurrent erosions dystrophy in citizens and migrants in Finland
Authors: Turunen Joni 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy (ERED) is a rare autosomal dominant corneal disease. Recently, mutations in collagen type XVII, alpha 1 (COL17A1) gene were identified as the cause of ERED. We have identified four Finnish families and one Armenian family with recurrent erosions and a dominant inheritance pattern. Affected patients reported recurrent corneal erosions beginning at the age of 4–12 years. The frequency of erosions decreased in adult age. Corneal scarring and anterior stromal opacities with varying degree were observed. The visual acuity of some patients slowly deteriorated. Next‐generation exome sequencing was performed in seven affected individuals from the five families focusing on the large COL17A1 gene. Sequencing analysis revealed that all seven patients carried a known synonymous splice‐altering variant c.3156C>T. Furthermore, five more family members were studied with Sanger sequencing. All twelve patients carried the same c.3156C>T variant. The variant was not present in gnomAD database including of 12,562 Finns. A genealogical analysis revealed that in one Finnish family the variant originated from Sweden. The variant c.3156C>T in COL17A1 is reported previously in English, American, Thai, New Zealand, and Tasmanian families with ERED. Our finding of the same variant in yet two other populations strengthens the evidence that this variant is the most frequent cause of ERED. The c.3156C>T codon seems to be a hot spot for recurrent mutations.
Can we avoid surgey? ‐ Crosslinking in the treatment of keratoconus
Authors: Zsolt Nagy Zoltán 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCrosslinking is one of the recent effective treatments for keratoconus. The aim is to strengthten the biomechanical stability of the keratoconic eye by increasing the crosslinks between the collagen lamellae. We have been performing corneal CXL for 10 years in the Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest. The progression of the ectasia was succesfully stopped in most of the cases. In advanced cases CXL was found to be useful also before corneal transplant procedures as well. Details will be presented during the course.
Detecting structural progression
Authors: Tatham Andrew 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDetecting and measuring rates of progression is central to glaucoma management with optical coherence tomography (OCT) playing an increasingly important role. The objective of this session is to summarise the latest evidence regarding the use of OCT for assessment of progression in glaucoma. Topics covered will include; the role of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), optic nerve head and macula imaging; trend and event‐based progression analysis; the effect of disease severity on progression analysis; and methods of combining information from OCT and visual fields. The importance of differentiating true change from age‐related changes will also be discussed, in addition to the limitations of current imaging technology. Although OCT is now widely used measure glaucoma progression, the clinical relevance of these changes depends on their relationship to visual function. The session will conclude by examining the relationship between structural changes on OCT and measures of visual function.