bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biotherapies and ocular surface
Authors: Doan Serge 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe pathophysiology of ocular surface diseases is better understood today. Several targets have been identified for their treatment, and currently available biotherapies are already used in clinical practice for selected cases.In severe allergic diseases:

Omalizumab (Xolair®) is a systemic anti‐IgE treatment that suppresses the allergic response. It has been successfully used in vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis
Dupilumab (Dupixent®) is an anti‐IL4/IL13 systemic therapy indicated for severe atopic dermatitis. It has been used in atopic keratoconjunctivitis patients. It also has frequent ocular side effects such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis
In severe dry eye:

Lifitegrast (Xiidra®) is a LFA1 receptor inhibitor eye drop that prevents inflammatory cells to bind to the adhesion molecule ICAM 1. It has been approved in the US for the treatment of dry eye. The effects on symptoms seem to be superior to those of topical cyclosporine.
In mucous membrane pemphigoid:

Rituximab (Mabthera®) is a systemic anti CD20 antibody that targets B and pre‐B lymphocytes. It has shown very interesting results in severe cases.
Maximizing the outcomes of Simulation Based Training
Authors: Filipe Helena 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWhilst offering multiple opportunities to practice procedural, cognitive and behavioral skills in a protected learning environment, simulation based training (SBT) is widely valued by surgeons at all levels, from medical students to the practicing specialist. Faculty should be expert in specific content as well as in specific simulation educational strategies. SBT effectiveness will not be maximized unless well planned, implemented and evaluated, trends being to build integrated simulation curricula. Simulation centers should work as rich multifaceted educational platforms involving a network of educators, experts in skills, learners and researchers. Translating educational theory into SBT practice will enable to measure the offset outcomes and thus self regulate the simulation center program. We will explore how to design, implement and evaluate a simulation session. We will specifically: (1) Define 6 steps to develop a curriculum; (2) Describe 3 segments of a simulation session; (3) Explain 3 types of assessment; (4) Identify 3 components of giving feedback; (5) List the 7 steps to evaluate an SBE program.
Adnexal complications after irradiation
Authors: Mouriaux Frederic 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOrbital and eyelids side effects have been reported after irradiation. There exists a spectrum of radiation tolerance among normal ocular tissues. For example, whereas orbital bones, muscle, and fat can tolerate relatively high doses, and contrary the eyelids and lacrimal system are more radiosensitive. Moreover, children can develop severe complication after irradiation even several years later. It is not possible to determine an exact dose‐response relationship for ophthalmic side effects. This is because multiple factors (e.g., patient age, the condition of tissues, concurrent ophthalmic and systemic disease, dose, dose rate, medications) can affect the incidence and severity of radiation side effects
EyeClin – Customized Clinical Patient Management System dedicated to Rare Eye Diseases
Authors: Leroux Dorothée 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe Clinical Patient Management System (CPMS) is a virtual clinic software provided by the European Commission aiming at improving the diagnostic process and treatment of patients with rare disorders within the ad‐hoc European Reference Network (ERN). Rare patient cases can be discussed online in respect to all the security requirements by a ‘virtual’ advisory board of medical specialists across different European member states using this secure IT platform. Thanks to this virtual clinic every patient across Europe could have access to the best recommendation of highly specialized experts wherever they are in European Union. Moreover, to fit the ERN‐EYE needs, the system has been customized by ERN‐EYE to enable entry of different ocular examinations and imaging and thus to ease the standardization of data entry and consequently ease the review by the experts. This talk will present EyeClin, its use and explain its specific features.
Approaches for quantification of OCT Angiography data
Authors: Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOptical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a functional extension of OCT that allows for the non‐invasive visualization of the ocular microvasculature. The technique is used for the visualization of neovascularization in the choroid, retina and cornea. In addition, several investigators have tried to quantify OCTA data. This is not an easy task because the decorrelation signal in OCTA does not linearly scale with blood velocity. In the retinal microvasculature the most frequently used parameter is vessel density. This requires post‐image processing methods including Modified Bayesian Residual Transform (MBRT) based filters, Hessian filters, Gabor filters and Gaussian filters. In the choroid the most frequently used approach is related to quantification of choriocapillaris flow voids. Again, a variety of different algorithms were proposed to quantify such flow voids providing different results and variable reproducibility. The present talk will summarize different techniques and also provide an outlook on quantification of widefield OCTA images.
RPE tissue engineering based on human pluripotent stem cells for cell therapy
Authors: Ben M'Barek Karim 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn developed countries, retinal degenerative diseases affecting the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), including Age‐related Macular Degeneration and inherited retinal diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), are the predominant causes of human blindness. Despite the scientific advances achieved in the last years, there is no cure for the majority of patients. In this context, cell therapy based on human pluripotent stem cells is an attractive therapeutic alternative to replace dead or defective RPE cells. Different formulations were proposed: either as a cell suspension or as an engineered tissue. We will discuss the preclinical data obtained with these two strategies. In particular, we will present the preclinical development of our own RPE tissue therapy. This cell therapy consists in RPE cells derived from clinical grade human embryonic stem cells disposed on a biocompatible substrate allowing the formation of a 3D functional sheet, suitable for transplantation. Functionality and safety were evaluated in rodents and the surgical approach in non‐human primates. This therapy is currently evaluated in a phase I/II clinical trial targeting RP patients with mutations in RPE genes.
Potential mechanisms to reverse BRVO related retinal ischemia
Authors: Pournaras Constantin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDuring the evolution of ischemic microangiopathies, impairment of structure and function of the retinal neural tissue and endothelium, affect the interaction of these metabolic pathways, leading to a disturbed blood flow regulation. The resulting ischemia, tissue hypoxia and alterations in the blood barrier trigger the formation of macular edema and neovascularization. Close interaction between nitric oxide (NO), lactate, arachidonic acid metabolites, released by the neuronal and glial cells during neural activity and energy‐generating reactions of the retina strive to optimize blood flow according to the metabolic needs of the tissue. Efficient control of the multiple pathways, such as retinal blood flow, tissue oxygenation and metabolic substrate support, aiming at restoring retinal cell metabolic interactions, may be effective in preventing damage occurring during the evolution of ischemic microangiopathies.
siRNA in neuroretinal disease: from dream to reality
Authors: Levin Leonard A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSmall interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) molecules are used for gene silencing by activating a degradation pathway for transcribed mRNA molecules after they are transcribed. By complementing a highly specific sequence of the mRNA, the siRNA prevent translation of the mRNA into the targeted protein. They have long been the subject of translational research as treatments for various diseases, but only recently has the expectation come closer to realization. This talk will discuss the development of improved siRNA therapies and review their use in the laboratory and some recent and currently active clinical trials.
Definitions: Machine learning, deep leerning and AI understanding
Authors: Pourjavan Sayeh 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAim: AI is the use of algorithms and software to mimic human cognitive function. AI is the ability for computer algorithms to approximate conclusions without direct human input. A brief description of big data and the 4V’s of big data and its use in healthcare will be given during this lecture. This lecture aims to explain the basic definition in artificial intelligence techniques which have been found useful in the medial applications. The three categories of AI devices, mainly the classical machine learning techniques, the deep learning techniques and the natural language processing (NLP) methods will be reviewed.
OCT and OCT‐A based management of vaso‐occlusive retinal disorders. Present indications for the use of fluorescent angiography
Authors: Pournaras Constantin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOCT angiography images, improved the detail observation regarding macular capillaries status and became a novel imaging technique for the diagnosis and treatment of the retinal ischemic microangiopathies. OCT angiography offer the ability to visualize the flow in various capillaries layers of the retina and the freedom and safety of not having to use an injected dye. The deeper capillaries layer selective involvement, in cases of ischemic microangiopathies, was precisely defined. Additional information concerning the health of vessels barrier assessing the vessels leakage and the wide field imaging view allowing the assessment of the peripheral retinal filling defects are obtained by the use of the fluorescein angiography.
Bridge research to industry: Thea Open Innovation
Authors: Muriaux Emmanuel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLaboratoires Théa has decided to create a new entity called Théa Open Innovation which aims to identify, assess and value start‐ups, University and research teams' best innovative solutions to help develop new treatments for eye diseases.By putting license agreements and/or participations in place, Théa Open Innovation brings:

its expertise in ophthalmology development and the necessary funding to these partners to achieve proof of concept in humans
and Laboratoires Théa's ability to drive the regulatory phases of product development and commercialization.
Small & medium sized companies, innovative start‐ups, researchers or academics can team up with Théa Open Innovation to deliver the solutions of tomorrow to patients and practitioners.Managed by Henri and Jean‐Frédéric Chibret, Laboratoires Théa is a major player in ophthalmology, with a presence in 70 countries around the world, more than 25 subsidiaries, and a turnover of over 500 M€.
How to manage the failing tube
Authors: Ahmed Faisal , ahmed Faisal 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe use of traditional glaucoma drainage devices (GDD) plays a vital role in the management of patients with refractory glaucoma. In a recent US survey the number of GDD implants had increased from 7,788 in 2003 to 12,021 in 2012. However, GDD implantation can be difficult‐ due to either the disease pathology or scarring from previous surgery. This presentation will discuss options for when the GDD has not been able to sufficiently reduce the intra‐ocular pressure or completely failed. A management step ladder will be looked at to review, medical, surgical and laser options in high risk recalcitrant glaucoma patients.
Axon transport as a target for promoting RGC survival and optic nerve regeneration
Authors: Eva Richard 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdult CNS neurons have a weak intrinsic capacity for regeneration after injury, but the underlying cellular mechanisms preventing regeneration are not completely understood. Increasing intrinsic growth ability is a critical part of enabling injured optic nerve axons to regenerate. The work presented here is part of a large body of research into understanding the role of membrane protein trafficking and transport in the control of regenerative ability. We have found that as CNS neurons mature, there is a developmental decline in the axonal transport of integrins (cell surface adhesion and guidance molecules) and their endosomal transporters, Rab11 positive recycling endosomes. This is controlled by a molecular switch called ARF6. Switching off ARF6 in mature CNS axons leads to an increase in the anterograde axonal transport of integrins and Rab11 endosomes, leading to a restoration of the regenerative capacity that is lost as axons mature. We have been targeting these mechanisms to stimulate axon regeneration in the optic nerve, and neuroprotection of retinal ganglion neurons during raised IOP. Here we present novel data from two new lines of investigation into facilitating CNS axonal transport, neuroprotection and regeneration, focusing on signaling pathways and organelle motility. Firstly, by investigating signaling upstream of ARF6, we have identified an isoform of PI3 Kinase which we have used to stimulate axon transport, neuroprotection and regeneration; both after laser axotomy in vitro and after optic nerve crush. Secondly, we present exciting new data from studies into a trafficking molecule which resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and demonstrate that this can be targeted to enable robust optic nerve regeneration and neuroprotection in the retina. These findings confirm integrins and Rab11 as critical facilitators of optic nerve regeneration whilst establishing an important new role for the axonal ER in this process.
Fueling axonal regeneration: dendritic energy to the rescue?
Authors: Moons Lieve 
Published: December 2019

AbstractUp to now neuroregenerative research mainly focused on improving axonal regrowth, leaving the dendrites, which form an essential component of the neuronal circuit, largely unstudied. Nevertheless, subtle changes in the dendritic arbors of neurons are one of the first stages of various neurodegenerative diseases, leading to dysfunctional neuronal networks and ultimately cellular death. Maintaining dendrites is therefore considered an essential neuroprotective strategy. Here, we postulate the intriguing hypothesis, that dendritic shrinkage is an important stimulant to boost axonal regeneration, and thus that preserving dendrites might not be the ideal therapeutic method to regain a full functional network upon CNS damage. Indeed, our study in zebrafish, a versatile animal model with robust regenerative capacity, recently unraveled that dendritic retraction is evoked prior to axonal regrowth after optic nerve crush (ONC) injury, and that the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dendrites regenerate after axonal repair. This orderly sequence of neurite outgrowth is a recapitulation of development, where axogenesis also precedes dendritogenesis. Strikingly, inhibiting RGC dendritic pruning upon damage perturbed axonal regeneration in zebrafish. This constraining effect of dendrites on axonal regrowth has sporadically been proposed in literature. In line with this, we observed an increased loss of RGC dendrites and reduced dendritic arbor complexity in the mouse retina when axonal regeneration was induced by inflammatory stimulation. All together, these data point towards a conserved neuronal remodeling mechanism, where dendritic pruning upon neuronal injury supports axonal regeneration. We now hypothesize that a reprogramming and relocation of the neuronal energy production machinery towards the axon is needed for regeneration, a process in which the shrinking dendrites might play a key role. To test this idea, a combination of state‐of‐the‐art in vitro and in vivo research approaches are being pursued. We are characterizing, in the axonal versus dendritic cell compartment, the subcellular and molecular players modulating energy production and enabling axonal regrowth of injured CNS neurons. Overall, our findings could generate pivotal insights into how re‐directing intra‐neuronal energy channelling may promote neuronal repair in the mammalian CNS.
OCT‐ Angiography in pediatric diseases: New insights
Authors: Atilla Huban 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWith the advances in technology, new devices and instruments provide detailed information about the morphology and histology of the eye especially retina and retinal vessels. In children with hereditary or congenital retinal and optic nerve pathologies, the new advances help us to diagnose, treat and follow patients. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA), a new diagnostic modality without need of dye injection and complications of contrast agent will provide information about vascular system of retina and choroid. OCTA provide information about capillaries around the optic disc and and macular area noninvasively. Optic nerve and retinal vessels can be evaluated structurally and functionally with the blood flow and also retinal microvasculature can be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively with measurement of flow index and vessel density. Nerve fiber and ganglion cells changes that can be detected with OCT, can be further evaluated with OCTA for associated vascular drop out or reduced retinal perfusion areas.
Optic disc pit maculopathy
Authors: Petrou Petros 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSince Wiethe first described the clinical presentation of two optic disc depressions in a 62‐year‐old woman in 1882, there have been many studies addressing what later become known as the “optic disc pit.” The main complication of this condition, termed optic disc pit maculopathy, is associated with visual deterioration. Treatment of optic disc pit maculopathy remains challenging. Optic disc pits are a very rare clinical entity, affecting approximately one in 11 000 people. Patients with congenital optic disc pit sometimes remain asymptomatic, but 25% to 75% present with visual deterioration in their 30s or 40s after developing macular schisis and detachment. The most widely accepted treatment for such patients is a surgical approach involving pars plana vitrectomy with or without internal limiting membrane peeling, with or without endolaser photocoagulation and C3F8 endotamponade.
Beyond anti‐TNF‐alpha therapy. New perspectives and preliminary clinical experience
Authors: Carreño Ester 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWhat are the options when anti‐TNK‐alpha therapy fails? What it is the evidence for these alternatives. The presentation will cover current evidence in non‐anti‐TNF‐alpha biologic therapy and new molecules with a potential role in the treatment of non‐infectious uveitis.
Effects of technical and biological factors on the dynamic vessel analysis
Authors: Klee Sascha 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRetinal arterioles and venules dilate when stimulated with flickering light. This phenomenon is described as functional hyperemia and closely associated with neurovascular coupling. The flicker causes a short period of heightened cellular metabolism which increases the need for blood. As a result the retinal vessels dilate and the blood flow increases. The dynamic vessel analysis (DVA) is a non‐invasive method to measure these processes. The DVA is often conducted under reduced ambient lighting conditions and biased by different adaptation levels, is used in repetitive tests with varying resting periods or is influence by different flicker contrasts. However the question of the impact of this technical and biological factors on the DVA is still not sufficiently clarified. This presentation will provide a brief introduction to the method of different experiment designs that can help to clarify these question. Finally, it will present current studies quantifying the influence of the factors.
Dynamic retinal vessel analysis in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kotliar Konstantin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractVascular risk factors contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Retinal vessels are similar to cerebral vessels in their structure and function. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis is usually defined as non‐invasive clinical observation of the reaction of retinal vessels to a physiological stimulus. The data which is thus generated may be further analysed with respect to dynamic time‐dependent and spatial vessel behaviour. We apply this principle of integrated analysis of pathologic dynamic retinal vessel behaviour in order to reveal microvascular alterations in the retina in Alzheimer's disease dementia. Four different aspects of dynamic retinal vessel behaviour were evaluated: together with the assessment of retinal vessel reaction to flickering light unstimulated vessel wall behaviour and pulse wave propagation were assessed using mathematical signal analysis. Additionally differences in amplitude and frequency of spatial vessel diameter changes along the measured vessel segments were analysed to assess the microstructure of retinal vascular blood columns. Significant differences in several structural and functional parameters of retinal vessels in Alzheimer's disease dementia were found. The results might indicate alterations in neuro‐vascular coupling, vascular endothelial function, smooth musculature and retinal vessel wall rigidity in this disease, leading to altered perfusion and vascular regulation following metabolic demand in the central microcirculation.
Corneal graft ou corneal regeneration?
Authors: Bourges Jean‐Louis 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA corneal opacity can severely impair vision. It consists either of surface conjunctivalisation mainly due to limbal stem cell deficiency, stromal matrix deposits and scar from corneal dystrophy and degeneration or corneal edema secondary to various degree of endothelial failure. Penetrationg keratoplasty (PK) as a unique option to replace opacities by transparent tissue has switched into a wide range of lamellar techniques. Each of them should be selected optimally as it could generate some surgical hazard as well as concerning post‐operative issues. Besides, regenerative therapy progresses tremendously. Grafting limbal stem cell expansions or stromal matrix progenitor cells has become a reality. Stromal matrix regenerative drugs are commercially available. Researchers are printing artificial biological buttons. The human trial step has been taken for clinical research on endothelial cell regeneration. Taken all together, a new question arises: is the choice between keratoplasty or keratoregeneration the next option to address corneal opacity?