bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of screening tests for sight‐threatening eye disease in a UK population
Authors: Lawrenson John , Fidalgo Bruno , Dabasia Priya , Jindal Anish , Edgar David , Ctori Irene , Peto Tunde 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground/AimsTo determine the performance of combinations of structural and functional screening tests in detecting sight‐threatening eye disease in a cohort of elderly subjects recruited from primary careMethods505 subjects ≥ 60 years underwent: Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) perimetry; iVue OCT (iWellness® and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) scans); IOP with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA), all performed by an ophthalmic technician. The reference standard was a full ophthalmic examination by an experienced clinician who was masked to the index test results. Subjects were classified as presence or absence of sight‐threatening eye disease (clinically significant cataract, primary open angle glaucoma, intermediate or advanced AMD and significant diabetic retinopathy). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between abnormal screening test results and the presence of sight‐threatening eye disease.Results171 subjects (33.8%) had one or more sight‐threatening eye disease(s). The multivariate analysis found significant associations with any of the target conditions for visual acuity < 6/12, an abnormal FDT and peripapillary RNFL thickness outside the 99% normal limit. The sensitivity of this optimised screening panel was 61.3% (95% CI 53.5‐68.7); specificity 78.8% (CI 74.0‐83.1), positive predictive value 59.5% (CI 53.7‐65.2) and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 72.9% (CI 68.8‐76.8).ConclusionA subset of screening tests may provide an accurate and efficient means of population screening for significant eye disease in the elderly. This study provides useful preliminary data to inform the development of further larger, multicentre screening studies to validate this screening panel.
Efficacy of echinomycin in hypoxia‐inducible factor‐mediated ocular angiogenesis
Authors: Plastino Flavia , Santana Garrido Álvaro , Aronsson Monica , Barrero Alfonso Mate , Kvanta Anders , Cueto Carmen Maria Vázquez , André Helder 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeEchinomycin (EKN), an inhibitor of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1 DNA‐binding activity, has been implied as a possible therapeutic agent in ischemic diseases. We assessed EKN in hypoxia‐driven responses in vitro using human primary adult retinal pigment epithelium cells (aRPE), and in vivo using the laser‐induced mouse choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model.MethodsAdult retinal endothelial were kept at normoxia (20% O2) or exposed to hypoxia (1% O2), in the presence or absence of EKN. Epithelial wound‐healing was used to determine the dose of EKN. Effects of EKN on hypoxia‐mediated pathways were analyzed by western blot for HIF‐1a, qPCR of HIF‐target genes, and proteome array for soluble angiogenic factors. Inhibition of angiogenesis by EKN was determined in human primary adult retinal endothelial cells (aREC), exposed to EKN‐treated hypoxic conditioned aRPE medium by spheroid sprouting assay. 8‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice underwent laser‐induced CNV, as a model of HIF‐associated ocular neovascularization. Animals were treated with EKN and compared to a mouse VEGFR1‐Fc chimera protein (equivalent of aflibercept). CNV lesion area was determined by fluorescein angiography.ResultsAdult retinal endothelial treated with EKN demonstrated hypoxia‐dependent decreased cell proliferation in the wound‐healing assay. Lower HIF‐mediated transcripts were detected in hypoxic aRPE cells treated with EKN compared with non‐treated controls. These results were confirmed by proteome profiler for angiogenic factors, and subsequently reduced hREC sprouting. Laser‐induced mice treated with 1 mg of intravitreally injected EKN demonstrated a significant decrease in vascular lesion area when compared with 1 mg of VEGFR1 chimera or vehicle‐treated controls.ConclusionsOur data suggest EKN as a potent inhibitor of HIF‐mediated angiogenesis in retinal cells and in the mouse model of CNV, which could have future implications in the treatment of patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration.
The effect of systemic blood pressure on optical coherence tomography angiography in glaucoma patients with optic disc hemorrhage
Authors: Won Bae Hyoung , Keum Park Chan , Yeop Lee Sang , Je Seong Gong , Yun Kim Chan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeThe association between retinal microvascular structure and glaucoma has been revealed in multiple studies using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Recently, the vessel density (VD) of the macular area has been studied for various applications such as diagnosis, assessment, and estimation of visual function in glaucoma. In this study, we tried to identity the factors that affected macular VD (mVD) in glaucomatous eyes.MethodsOptical coherence tomography and OCTA images were collected in a retrospective, cross‐sectional observational study. Glaucomatous eyes were further divided into two groups according to history of disc hemorrhage (DH). Association between mVD and demographic characteristics, ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness, visual field mean deviation (MD) and systemic blood pressure was analyzed in each group.ResultsNinety‐two eyes from 58 healthy subjects and 179 eyes from 103 patients with glaucoma were included. In both healthy and glaucomatous eyes, mVD was inversely associated with the age of the eyes (β = −0.035, p = 0.025; β = −0.039, p = 0.018). In the glaucomatous eyes, mVD was significantly decreased as the MD value was worse (β = 0.109, p = 0.002). In the glaucomatous eyes with DH, the mVD decreased as the blood pressure increased (β = −0.080, p = 0.002; β = −0.104, p = 0.007; β = −0.105, p = 0.003, for systolic BP, diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure, respectively) but the other factors were not significantly associated with mVD.ConclusionsReduced mVD is more common in older individuals in both healthy and glaucomatous eyes. mVD also correlates with the severity of MD value in glaucomatous eyes. In glaucomatous eyes with DH, high systemic BP is associated with a reduction in mVD. This may indicate that patients with glaucoma are more susceptible to vascular damage secondary to hypertension.
Evolution of AMD drusenoid deposits Lipid Type, “L” density, structure, volume, complications study
Authors: Gonzalez Corinne 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeTo study evolution of AMD drusenoid deposits “L”: density, structure, volume parameters with Morphology‐structural software, complications with OCT, Multimodal exam. 6 years follow‐up.Methods84 eyes of 74 patients with AMD drusenoid deposits“L”, Lipid Type (soft Drusen, Drusenoid PED “L”).Deposits were evaluated by Multimodal exam, OCT (Spectralis spectral domain HRA‐OCT) and Morphology‐Structural software (M‐S software). Multimodal exam, OCT let analyze deposit, evolution, itself and its environment. M‐S software let drusenoid deposit contents analyze, discrimination, differentiation, let grading (volume, contours analyze), let measurements:volume (in µm3),density(grey levels of deposits),structure(structural measures, texture parameters),so evaluation, characterization of those “L” deposits evolution. Evaluation, comparison for each eye, each patient, between all studied patients was done every 6 months, during 6 years.ResultsAMD Drusenoid Deposit “L” density, structure evolution was with less density, structure, 2 years cycle evolution with stepwise regression for density parameter, bell‐shaped curve for structure parameter; for volume evolution:decrease, 1 year ½ cycle with bell‐shaped curve. Evolution: 55% rather unchanged, (slightly more dense, heterogeneous), No Neovascular Complication, 45% to Atrophy (flattening deposit, abnormal facing Photoreceptor layer, Pigment Epithelium layer: granular, irregular, crumbled, less thick, thinner and thinner to disappear). M‐S Software reliable, relevant for characterization, evolution study of deposit; Density:good criteria to characterize drusenoid deposit and evolution, too for Structure to study contents, modifications, evolution; Volume: interesting criteria for lesion, eye, patient study but no or less according whole studied patients.ConclusionEvolution of AMD Drusenoid deposits Lipid Type, “L”, allow to and improve AMD knowledge,its complication understanding and gain AMD biomarker feature.
Orbital fibroblasts from thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy patients secret IL‐6 via up‐regulation of IGF‐1 by activating the NF‐kB pathway
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Kim Sung Eun , Yang Suk‐Woo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeInterleukin (IL)‐6 plays as a modulator for functions of lymphocytes. Significantly higher level of IL‐6 has been observed in primary orbital tissue cultures of thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients compared to those of non‐TAO patients. In the current study, we investigated the issue of whether of how orbital fibroblasts (OFs) from TAO patients significantly secret higher level of IL‐6.MethodsHuman OFs were obtained from orbital fat from decompression surgery in patients with TAO or from upper lid blepharoplasties in patients with no prior history of thyroid disease. The levels of IL‐6 and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 in culture media of OFs were determined by using an ELISA kit. The NF‐kB activity of OFs was determined by measuring the level of IkB degradation and IKKa/ IKKb/NF‐kBp65 phosphorylation.ResultsCultured OFs from TAO patients significantly secreted higher level of IL‐6 and IGF‐1, compared with those of control groups. In addition, treatment with IGF‐1 induced secretion of IL‐6 in OFs from TAO patients. The levels of IkB degradation and IKKa/IKKb/NF‐kBp65 phosphorylation were higher in non‐treated OFs of TAO patients than those of control groups. Furthermore, treatment with Bay 11‐7082, an inhibitor of NF‐kB pathway, reduced the secretion of IL‐6 and IGF‐1 in OFs from TAO patients.ConclusionsThese results suggest that IL‐6 secretion is dependent on NF‐kB/IGF‐1 pathway in OFs from TAO patients. These findings also show that NF‐kB/IGF‐1/IL‐6 pathway may be a reasonable target of therapeutic intervention in the case of TAO.
Bacterial nanocellulose compared to the amniotic membrane as a potential corneal bandage material
Authors: Anton‐Sales Irene , Christopher D’Antin Justin , Fernandez Jorge , Charoenrook Victor , Barraquer Rafael I. , Laromaine Anna , Roig Anna , Michael Ralph 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeTo compare bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) patches produced by K.xylinus, against the amniotic membrane (AM) as a bandage material for ocular surface disorders. Based on previous structural characterizations of our BNC patches, and detailed cytocompatibility tests of BNC with human dermal fibroblasts; we hypothesise that BNC is viable as a bandage material for corneal surface disorders.MethodsWe tested the mechanical resistance of BNC (n = 6) and AM (n = 5) samples by using progressively weighted sutures to tear the samples. In order to test material stability, 6 samples of each type were maintained in culture media at physiological conditions for 30 days. Then any change in the morphology, nanostructure and light absorbance were analysed. Finally, in order to study the effects of corneal tissue on the samples, we sutured 3 of each type to ex‐vivo porcine corneas and cultured them in physiological conditions for 2 weeks. After which, morphology, fibre nanostructure and transparency were evaluated.ResultsBNC resisted tearing at the suture point until an average weight of 41g while AM resisted <4.5 g. After 30 days in culture, both sample types lost some mass, BNC maintained transparency while AM became more opaque and had some crystal formations. After culture with a cornea; BNC presented no obvious nanostructure degradation, while AM did show some areas with more pores. Macroscopically, BNC samples remained more transparent than AM.ConclusionsBased on the results, BNC is more resistant mechanically to sutures, equally conformable to the dome shape of the eye, and more stable than AM. Overall these results support BNC as a promising new ocular bandage material.
Opposing neurological responses to autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in two patients with POEMS syndrome
Authors: Ota Jin , Yokouchi Hirotaka , Baba Takayuki , Yamamoto Shuichi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeWe present our findings in two cases of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, one with and one without optic disc edema (ODE), after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.MethodBoth patients underwent an autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The peripapillary retinal thickness (pRT) was determined by spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) to assess the degree of optic disc edema. The SD‐OCT examinations consisted of a 3.45 mm diameter circular scan centered on the optic disc. The pRT thickness was measured at the baseline and at 12 months after beginning the treatment. The serum level of VEGF was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) at the baseline and at 12 months after beginning the treatment. Neurological examinations, e.g., grip strength and compound muscle action potentials (cMAPs) of the upper limb, were also measured at the baseline and 12 months after the transplantation.ResultThe pRT in the case without ODE was 310 μm at the baseline. At 12 months after the transplantation, the serum levels of VEGF decreased from 7050 to 511 pg/ml, the grip strength increased from 13 kg to 19 kg, and the cMAP amplitudes increased from 4.31 mV to 7.02 mV. On the other hand, the pRT in the case with severe ODE was 1167 μm at the baseline, and it did not change after the transplantation. The serum levels of VEGF decreased from 9060 pg/ml to 99 pg/ml after the transplantation, the grip strength decreased from 32 kg to 29 kg, and the amplitudes of the cMAP decreased from 2.16 mV to 0.32 mV at 12 months after the transplantation.ConclusionThese results suggest that the baseline degree of ODE before an autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation might be a predictive marker on the effectiveness of the transplantation on patients with the POEMS syndrome. However, further studies with a larger sample size are needed.Keywords: POEMS syndrome, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), peripapillary retinal thickness (pRT), autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, predictive marker
Improving endothelial cell migration by novel in vitro 3D culture of corneal grafts
Authors: Miron Alina , Spinozzi Daniele , Lie Jessica , Oellerich Silke , Melles Gerrit R.J. , Ní Dhubhghaill Sorcha 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeStudying in vitro cell migration of endothelial sheets is challenging since capacity for cell migration needs to be maintained while the tissue must remain fixed on a rigid substrate. Here, a 3D culture technique is designed to maintain cellular viability and reduce tissue handling in order to analyze in vitro endothelial cell migration from corneal grafts.MethodsTwelve Quarter‐Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (Q‐DMEK) grafts obtained from four corneas with intact and viable endothelial cells but ineligible for transplantation were included for explant culture. Graft quadrants were embedded in temperature‐reversible hydrogel and cultured over 2–3 weeks. Cell movement was assessed by light microscopy at fixed standardized time intervals. After gel removal, immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to characterize the phenotype of the migrating cells. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and Calcein‐AM.ResultsAll grafts embedded in the 3D hydrogel system maintained cell viability and displayed a capacity for cell migration. The migration pattern was asymmetric as endothelial cells moved as a sheet only from the radial cut graft edges, while no activity was seen in the peripheral graft area. Immunostaining performed on the samples after removing the gel showed the presence of proliferation and migration markers in the endothelial cell monolayers expanded from the radial graft edges. The endothelial cells maintained the expression patterns of phenotypical markers.ConclusionsTemperature‐reversible hydrogel proved to be a very useful matrix for studying in vitro endothelial cell migration from explant grafts and allowed for subsequent immunohistochemistry analysis after gel removal. Studying in vitro endothelial cell migration from customized endothelial grafts should result in a better understanding of cellular migration mechanisms which play an important role in achieving faster corneal clearance in patients after corneal transplantation.
Optic nerve glioma – a case study
Authors: Dutta Udbuddha 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate a 5 year old boy with painless progressive enlargement of the left eye since the past 1 year. He also complained of a loss of vision in the left eye.MethodsStudy Design: Case Study.Duration of Study: 1 year.The patient was evaluated over 1 year and investigations were carried out as deemed necessary.InvestigationsSlit lamp biomicroscopy with 90 D Volk lens was done for anterior and posterior segment examination. Gonioscopy, Applanation Tonometry, Automated Perimetry and Indirect Ophthalmoscopy were done. CT and MRI of the orbit was also carried out.ResultsPresenting visual acuity was absence of light perception in the left eye and the proptosis was measured of 25 mm which was in the downward and outward direction. A relative afferent pupillary defect was noticed in the left eye and extraocular movements were restricted superiorly and medially. Funduscopy of the left eye revealed a pale disc, blurring of the disc margins and presence of optociliary shunt vessels. CT scan of the left eye showed a fusiform optic nerve swelling. MRI showed a fairly large fusiform swelling in left optic nerve, pressure effect on ocular bulb with proptosis, no extension of the lesion in optic canal. This was consistent with the diagnosis of optic nerve glioma.ConclusionOptic nerve glioma is an important cause of unilateral proptosis in children. Early diagnosis is mandatory and management should involve an integrated approach of neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists and radiologists.
Retinal neurodegeneration in systemic lupus erythematosus: layer by layer retinal study using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Dias‐Santos Arnaldo , Ferreira Joana , Pinheiro Sofia , Cunha João Paulo , Alves Marta , Papoila Ana Luísa , Moraes‐Fontes Maria Francisca , Proença Rui 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeTo find early signs of retinal neurodegeneration by comparing the thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and of all macular layers between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without ophthalmologic manifestations and healthy controls. The effect of disease duration and systemic comorbidities was also studied.MethodsCross‐sectional study, in which retinal segmentation analysis with spectral domain‐optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) was performed. For pRNFL thickness, the global and six peripapillary sectors were determined. Each retinal layer thickness was calculated in the nine early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) subfields. Multiple regression analysis was performed.ResultsSixty‐eight eyes of 68 SLE patients and 50 eyes of 50 healthy controls were considered. pRNFL was significantly thinner in the SLE group globally (p = 0.026), in temporal superior (p = 0.007) and temporal (p = 0.037) sectors. Multivariable analysis in the SLE group revealed that chronic medication with antihypertensives, statins and anticoagulants were associated with a thinner pRNFL in some sectors (p < 0.05). SLE patients presented a significant thinning in the photoreceptor (PR) layer in five ETDRS areas (p < 0.05). Shorter disease duration was associated with greater photoreceptor thinning in all ETDRS subfields. Neuropsychiatric SLE, higher disease activity index and cardiovascular risk factors were associated with a thinner PR layer. No differences were observed in the remaining macular layers.ConclusionThis was the first study to perform OCT segmentation analysis of all retinal layers in SLE patients. These patients present a significant reduction in pRNFL and macular PR layer thickness. These differences were more pronounced in patients with poor systemic disease control, neuropsychiatric SLE and higher cardiovascular risk burden. Thus, there is evidence for the presence of early signs of retinal neurodegeneration in SLE.
Kimura disease: familial and ocular occurrence
Authors: Georgelin Denis , Robert Matthieu , Putterman Marc , Gignac Dominique , Bremond‐Gignac Dominique 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeKimura disease is a sporadic disease of unknown etiology, that mostly affects young Asian males. Major signs are subcutaneous nodules and parotitis, but cases can be revealed by lid or caruncle swelling. We report the case of a child with a caruncle lesion that results from Kimura disease.MethodsA 12‐year‐old boy born to a Caucasian father and a Vietnamese mother was referred for a bilateral caruncle swelling developing over 18 months. Family history revealed a Kimura disease in father’s history. The ophthalmological examination showed a painless bilateral salmon‐colored swelling of the caruncles. The pediatric examination found an ongoing parotitis, and no dermatological lesion. Orbital MRI was normal and biology showed an increased level of total blood IgE. A surgical removal of the lesions was performed. Anatomopathological analysis was consistent with a Kimura disease: a follicular lymphoid hyperplasia with germinal centers and fibrosis. A few months later, the child developed a nephrotic syndrome.ResultsBesides the problem of the complex diagnosis raised by this case, the other issue is the pathophysiology of this condition, so far known as sporadic. Indeed, the present two cases in a father and his child may suggest a genetic predisposition. Few studies head in that direction showing clonal rearrangements on the T‐cell receptor genes in Kimura disease.ConclusionsMajor signs of Kimura disease are dermatological, but uncommon sites can be seen, such as the caruncle. An accurate diagnosis is essential due to its possible association with nephrotic syndrome, but is difficult and supported by the anatomopathological analysis. The familial cases we report challenge the formerly postulated hypothesis of a sporadic condition.