bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co‐delivery of neuroprotective agents from biodegradable microspheres
Authors: Rocio Herrero‐Vanrell 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGlaucoma is considered a group of chronic eye diseases with multifactorial etiology. In this neurodegenerative disease, blindness is associated with damage to the optic nerve and retina with non‐reversible degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Several glaucomatous patients undergo intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and hypotensive agents are useful to return the IOP to normal values. However, glaucoma may progress despite IOP‐lowering treatments and neurodegeneration is still present in the patients affected. Neuroprotective therapies can be defined as pharmacological treatments related to the preservation of neuronal integrity. Because of the multifactorial and chronic characteristics of glaucoma, the applicability of neuroprotective therapies involves the use of long term combined treatments. As neuroprotection of RGCs can be approached from different pathways, co‐delivery of neuroprotective active substances emerged as a therapeutic strategy thanks to the use of PLGA microparticulate drug delivery systems. Contrary to larger devices, PLGA microspheres can be injected in the vitreous as an aqueous suspension through standard needles (27‐34 G). As PLGA is a biodegradable polymer, particles gradually disappear from the site of injection and it is not necessary to surgically eliminate them from the vitreous once the active compounds have been released.
Retinal imaging – a window into brain mechanisms
Authors: Castelo Branco Miguel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe retina is increasingly being recognized as a window to brain neurodevelopment, ageing and degeneration. This non‐invasive window to vascular and neural function has shown promise to modify disease diagnosis, follow‐up and management. Here we review imaging evidence reflecting critical interactions between ageing, systemic disorders (diabetes) and neurodegenerative diseases. We will also address neural and vascular compartments and their critical interfaces, blood‐retinal and blood‐brain barriers. It remains to be clarified how brain neuroinflammation and amyloid deposition can be mirrored by surrogate markers at the level of the retina. We also address the intriguing link with diabetes as a systemic disease where all these factors are important in relation to barrier function and neurodegeneration associated with normal/pathological ageing. The association between abnormal retina and brain development will also be discussed, in relation to imaging approaches using the retina as a window into the brain.
Beyond our vision: Ultrastructural lesson from the analysis of PGC1‐α/Nrf‐2 compound null mutant mice retina
Authors: Felszeghy Szabolcs 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors are degenerated in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Although the mouse has no macula similar degenerative signs can be observed in mouse compared with human tissue. Thus, ultrastructural studies of mouse AMD models are important to understand more accurately the pathologic AMD events. Using our new dry AMD mouse model, we examined at ultrastructural level the influence of genetic deficiency of PGC1‐α/Nrf‐2 on the PINK1 (PTEN‐induced kinase 1) and PARKIN (E3 ubiquitin ligase) expression pattern by using confocal, electron and immunoelectronmicroscopy. Benefits and challenges in these techniques are discussed to provide important clues about AMD ultrastructural pathogenesis.
Recognising uveitis emergencies – how to avoid pitfalls
Authors: James Teifi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTrue emergencies are uncommon in uveitis patients. They can occur for several reasons; a dramatic presentation with a sight‐threatening or life‐threatening illness, late presentation where the patient has not sought medical advice in a timely fashion, under‐treatment or delay in treatment through failure to appreciate the seriousness of the situation and sometimes through patient non‐compliance or refusal to accept appropriate treatment. Teifi James will explain his approach to minimise risk in these patients and avoid poor outcomes wherever this is possible. It is important to appreciate that some patients still have a bad outcome even if the treatment has been entirely appropriate.
Things to think about before choosing and submitting to a scientific journal
Authors: Stefansson Einar 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWith PUBMED and other search engines scanning scientific literature, the chances of your publication being seen by interested potential readers is vastly improved. You should only consider journals that are listed on PUBMED and other major search engines. The prestige of the journal is usually judged from the Impact factor. The impact factor evaluates the number of citations per article over 2 years and gives an indication of the scientific impact of the journal. There are other measures of impact. but this is the most popular one. Generally you want to select a journal with high impact factor, where you can reasonably expect your paper to be considered.
Vitreoretinal complications of uveitis. The role of vitrectomy
Authors: Vakalis Athanasios 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe scope of vitreoretinal intervention in patients with uveitis has recently expanded. Therapeutic vitrectomy is performed to address complications such as visual loss from vitreous opacities, retinal detachment, development of epiretinal membranes, hypotony and also in certain cases to remove confined infective foci and assist in sustained drug delivery and diagnosis. While a plethora of studies report favorable outcomes of PPV in the management of uveitis, the quality of data remains poor, with a paucity of standardized reporting and limited prospective data. We will discuss our own experience and review the literature on each of the above surgical indications.
Effects of combined neuroprotective and regenerative agents on damaged retinal ganglion cells in vivo
Authors: Oshitari Toshiyuki , Kitamura Yuta , Guzel Bikbova , Baba Takayuki , Yamamoto Shuichi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeTo estimate the effectiveness of a single or combined topical neurotrophic factors on damaged retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in optic nerve crush (OCN) rat model.MethodsThe left ONC was used for achieving RGC degeneration in adult SD rats. Rats were divided into 7 groups with 6 animals in each group, depending on used therapeutic agents which had been administrated by instillations of 100 mm citicoline, 100 mm tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), 10 ng/ml neurotrophin‐4 (NT‐4), combined TUDCA/citicoline (Doublet‐1), combined TUDCA/NT‐4 (Doublet‐2), combined TUDCA/citicoline/NT‐4 (Triplet) and PBS. After 2 weeks, the number of remaining RGCs was determined by Brn3a mouse antibody immunostaining of whole‐mount retinas. To examine the regenerative effect, cryosections of optic nerve were made and immunostained for anti ‐200 kD neurofilament heavy and GAP‐43 antibodies.ResultsThe density of RGCs in the PBS group 2 weeks after ONC was significantly less than in the normal control. The density of RGCs in citicoline, TUDCA, Doublet‐1, Doublet‐2, and Triplet groups were significantly higher than that of RGCs in the PBS group. In the Triplet group, the density of RGCs was significantly higher than that in single drug treated eyes. Compared with the PBS group, the decrease in neurofilament immunopositive axon numbers were suppressed significantly in the combination eye drop treatment groups. In the Triplet group, the number of GAP‐43 immunopositive axons was greater than that in the PBS group. Neovascularization in cornea, iris, and retina were observed in 62% of eyes in the Doublet‐1 group.ConclusionsNeuroprotective and regenerative effects can be achieved with topical instillations of combinations of neurotrophic agents. Adverse effects such as neovascularizations had been observed in the Doublet‐1 group. Further studies to identify the mechanisms of neovascularization development is need to be performed.
Outcomes and risk factor for failure after Aqueous Shunt Implants – annual review of one service results and benchmark
Authors: Puertas Renata , Susanna Fernanda , Shah Ameet , Murta Fabiola , Sood Vaneeta , Khalili Ashkan , Barton Keith 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeReport annual benchmark exercise of aqueous shunt implants (tubes) outcomes and risk factors for failure over 4 years.MethodsRetrospective cases series: Annual reporting of outcomes of tube implants. A total of 332 eyes were included in this study. The main outcomes were intra‐ocular pressure (IOP), loss of visual acuity (VA), number of medications and failure/visually threatening complications at 1‐year follow‐up.ResultsSurgical success rate was 93% at a mean follow‐up of 13.3 months. Compared to preoperative IOP (25.8 ± 7.9 mmHg), the mean postoperative IOP was significantly lower (14.4 ± 5.5 mmHg, p < 0.00001) on significantly fewer ocular hypertensive medications (from 3 ± 1 to 1.4 ± 1.3, p < 0.00001). There were 2 (0.6%) cases of loss of light perception.ConclusionAnnual reporting of tube implant within a service provides an exceptional tool for monitoring outcomes in line with major literature. It allows to monitor safety as well as new trends in surgical technique.
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.
The potent integrin antagonist THR‐687 is a promising next‐generation drug candidate for the treatment of multifactorial retinal diseases
Authors: Hu Tjing‐Tjing , Van Bergen Tine , Etienne Isabelle , Feyen Jean H. M. , Vermassen Elke 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeIntegrins are implicated in eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and wet age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Targeting integrins can attenuate the main pathologic hallmarks like vascular leakage, inflammation, gliosis, angiogenesis and fibrosis. Previously, we showed that the integrin antagonist, THR‐687, has potent anti‐angiogenic properties in the cynomolgus choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model. The goal of this study was to further investigate the therapeutic effect of THR‐687 in the diabetic streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced rat model and the cynomolgus CNV model.MethodsIn STZ rats, 3 intravitreal (IVT) injections of THR‐687 (75 µg/eye) or vehicle were given with a weekly interval. Four weeks after diabetes onset vascular leakage, retinal inflammation and gliosis were analyzed by means of respectively FITC‐BSA perfusion, CD11b and vimentin staining. THR‐687 was investigated in the cynomolgus CNV model, by administering 3 IVT injections of THR‐687 (4.5 mg/eye, 2.25 mg/eye or 0.45 mg/eye) or vehicle with a weekly interval. Three weeks after laser induction the anti‐fibrotic and anti‐inflammatory potential of THR‐687 was studied by Sirius red and CD11b staining, respectively.ResultsIVT administration of THR‐687 in diabetic rats significantly decreased retinal permeability, inflammation and gliosis as compared to vehicle‐treated controls. In the cynomolgus CNV model, THR‐687 exhibited a dose‐dependent inhibition of collagen deposition in the laser spots, whereas only a trend towards decreased inflammation levels could be discerned with the highest dose level 3 weeks post‐laser.ConclusionTHR‐687 potently antagonizes integrins implicated in vascular leakage, inflammation, gliosis, angiogenesis and fibrosis as demonstrated in the diabetic STZ rat and cynomolgus CNV models. Given its multifaceted mode of action and broad therapeutic potential, THR‐687 is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of vision‐threatening retinal pathologies such as DR and wet AMD.
The distribution of Keratometry in a population based study
Authors: Yekta Abbas Ali , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Hashemi Hassan , Ostadimoghaddam Hadi , Heydarian Samira , Shandiz Javad Heravian 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeTo determine the distribution of keratometry values in a wide age range of 6–90 years.MethodsIn a Cross‐Sectional Study, samples were selected from two villages in Iran using multi‐stage random cluster sampling. After completing ophthalmic examinations for all cases, corneal imaging was done using Pentacam, and keratometry values were determined.ResultsOf the 3851 selected people, 3314 people participated in the study, and after applying the exclusion criteria, analyses were done on data from 2672 people. Mean age of the participants was 36.30 ± 18.51 years (from 6 to 90 years). Mean keratometry in flat and steep meridians was 42.98 (42.9–43.06) diopters (D) and 43.98 (43.91–44.07) D, respectively. Mean Mean‐K was 43.48 (43.41–43.56) D. Mean keratometry increased linearly up to the age of 70 years, and the cornea became slightly flat afterwards. Mean keratometry was significantly higher in females (P < 0.001). Myopic cases had the highest Mean‐K (P < 0.001). The correlation of mean keratometry with age, gender, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, pupil diameter, and spherical equivalent was investigated in a multiple regression model. Only older age and female gender showed a significant association with mean keratometry. Overall, 31.62% (29.14‐34.09) of the sample had at least 1.0D of corneal astigmatism in this study.ConclusionsThis is one of the few studies worldwide that demonstrates changes in keratometry in a wide age range from childhood to old age. Results indicated that age and gender are variables associated with keratometry.
Self‐perforation of eye in patients with mental disorders
Authors: Klosi Jonida , Andrushkova Olga , Hrizhymalsk Kateryna , Kaminska Lina , Natalya Didik Natalya 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the study was to inform ophthalmologists about the self‐perforation of the eye in patients with mental disorders based on a clinical case.MethodsAn overview, biomicroscopy of the ocular surface, ophthalmoscopy examination, ocular X‐ray examination, MRI, general‐clinical studies, consultation with psychiatrist and anesthesiologist.ResultsA schizophrenic young guy came with his mother in Ophthalmology department, the patient was catatonic and no cooperative, so no history could be obtained. Mother of the patient has noticed bloody discharge on pillow and in lower eyelid of the right eye.External examination O.D: no changes in the eyelid, in the conjunctiva of the lower arch in the internal third there was noticed a limited hemorrhage, trauma of conjunctiva, the mobility of the eyeballs was not disturbed, the bottom part of the face was unchanged .Antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory drops were prescribed (Signicef, Clodifen). On second day O.D: hematoma of the eyelid, chemosis of the conjunctiva, limitation of the eyeball movements, lack of the of the pupil reaction to the light, pallor optic disc, blindness. Under the skin in the projection of superior medial of orbit was palpated a foreign body with diameter 5 mm. O.S: hematoma of lower and upper eyelids and blindness. X‐RAY examination of the orbit: was noticed a foreign body measuring 4 by 2 mm which was localized in projection of the left orbit. MRI: was noticed the shadow of foreign body on the right orbit 4.5 by 0.5 mm which was localized near the inner wall of the orbit and reached its top, as a result damage 2/3rd of the right optic nerve. To the left of the orbit was determined the shadow of foreign body that intersects with the optic nerve. During the surgery half of the plastic pen was removed from the right orbit. On the left orbit was present the end of the pen ball (the other half of the pen) but was decided not to remove it. The psychiatrist found out that the patient had auditory hallucinations which ordered him to scratch his eyes, which he did by the pen. Total damage of the optic nerve of the right eye and damage of the rods on the left eye.ConclusionsPatients with mental disorders are able to self‐attack and resulting in loss of the vision. In the absence of the contact the collection of anamnesis and diagnosis the problem it is complicated. In patients suspected of injuries it is recommended to be used all the methods of examinations so not to lose time.
Conjunctival bulbar redness (CBR) analysis to quantify inflammation in dry eye patients
Authors: Versura Piera , Interdonato Alberto , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Pellegrini Marco , Bernabei Federico , Moscardelli Fabiana , Coslovi Chiara , Guaraldi Fabio 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeA red eye is common in the ophthalmic practice, and redness is one out of four cardinal signs of inflammation. The correlation between the conjunctival bulbar redness (CBR) and ocular surface parameters, including tear cytokine levels, was investigated, in patients suffering from Dry Eye (DE).MethodsThirty five patients diagnosed as suffering from DE and fifteen age and sex matched healthy volunteers and were analyzed with respect to: 1. subjective symptoms of discomfort with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI ranging 0‐100), and Visual Analogue Score (VAS, ranging 0‐100 mm) ; 2.Tear Film Break Up Time (TFBUT, seconds); 3. Corneal vital and conjunctival vital staining scored by the NEI system (score 0‐15, and 0‐18, respectively); 4. Tear levels of exudated serum albumin (ALBU, mg/ml), and of the following Interleukins (IL): IL1b. IL‐6. IL‐17A. and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)a (pg/ml), detected by the Luminex Technology Multiplex Assays; 5. the quantification of CBR analyzed on slit lamp digital images by using image processing of relative Red‐channel activity with the free Image J software (NIH). Parameters were statistically analyzed in the two groups of subjects by using t‐test and Mann‐Whitney U test for parametric and nonparametric variables respectively. Relationship between variables was investigated using Spearman r correlation tests (significance p < 0.05).ResultsCBR was higher in DE as compared to controls (49.6 ± 3.5 vs 41.1 ± 2.4. p < 0.001). Tear IL‐6 level was higher in DE patients vs controls (25.5 ± 15.5 vs 5.9 ± 3.1, p < 0.0001), whereas IL1b, IL‐17A, and TNFa were detected in only the DE patients (median 5.73, 5.74, and 13.88 respectively) A significant correlation was found between CBR and IL‐6 (r = 0.524), TNFa (0.571) TFBUT (‐0.561), VAS score (0.832), and ALBU (0.628), p always <0.001.ConclusionsData suggests that digitized CBR analysis may be a useful tool to quantify inflammation in the clinical setting.
Randomized clinical study of the citicoline effect in glaucoma and glaucoma phacoemulsified patients
Authors: Μirachtsis Theodoros , Theofilou Georgia , Sorkou Konstantina , Lalias Theodoros , Marinopoulos Konstantinos , Sioulis Christos 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeTo examine the neuroprotective action of citicoline in the treatment of glaucoma and glaucoma phacoemulsified patients.MethodsFifty‐nine patients (118 eyes) with glaucoma were included in the study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) level <25 mmHg with or without treatment was the inclusion criterion. Thirty‐three patients received citicoline eye drops three times per day for 3 months and 26 received hyaluronic Na eyedrops, respectively. During the 3 months study all the patients underwent pachymetry and repeatedly IOP measurements, Visual Field Tests (VFT), Schirmer’s tests and OCT examination. Statistical analyses performed between the two groups, including further parameters, such as the severity of IOP, the visual field defects (MD value) and the presence of IOL.ResultsIn patients with IOP < 15 mmHg, the citicoline group (n = 14) showed improved PSD value compared to hyaluronic Na group (n = 12; p = 0.003). In the 15–20 mmHg IOP patients, no changes noticed. In patients with 20 mmHg< IOP < 25 mmHg, the citicoline group (n = 10) showed higher RNFL (94.3 ± 11.2 μm) compared to hyaluronic Na group (n = 11, RNFL = 83.2 ± 11.7 μm; p = 0.029). In 16 eyes of the citicoline group, the RNFL appeared improved in the IOL eyes (p = 0.026).There were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding the severity of glaucoma, using the MD index in VFT.ConclusionCiticoline seems to act advantageously towards the RNFL index in the IOP > 20 mmHg and phacoemulsified patients, as well as the PSD index in patients with IOP < 15 mmHg.
The investigation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation in retinopathy
Authors: Ninchoji Takeshi , Love Dominic , Smith Ross , Claesson‐Welsh Lena 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeTo elucidate the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation in the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced permeability, the underlying mechanism and the contribution to exaggerated vascular leakage in eye disease.MethodsRetinal neovascularization and pathological edema in the superficial and deep retinal vascular plexa were investigated using the oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model. eNOS activity was blocked either chemically by using the NO inhibitor or genetically by using mutant mice (Mut) in which serine 1176 in eNOS is replaced by alanine (Nos3S1176A/S1176A,therefore is unable to induce eNOS activity). Retina avascular area and proliferative vessel tuft formation were assessed at postnatal (P) day 17. Leakage was determined by injecting 25 nm fluorescent microspheres in the circulation followed by microscopy. Isolectin B4, eNOS, vascular endothelial cadherin (VEC), and phosphoY685‐VEC immunostaining was assessed by confocal imaging followed by image analysis using ImageJ. Students t‐test was used for statistical evaluation. p < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.ResultsAdministration of the NO inhibitor during P12‐P17 reduced overall pathological tuft area (p < 0.05), and decreased the area of individual tufts (p < 0.01) compared to control. Mut displayed reduced neovascular tuft formation (p < 0.01) and decreased tuft size compared to wildtype mice (WT) (p < 0.05). Mice unable to activate eNOS displayed a junctional phenotype. Firstly, phosphoY685‐VEC in tufts was decreased in Mut compared to WT (p < 0.05). Secondly, immunostaining for eNOS colocalized with VEC in vessels of WT but not in Mut (p < 0.05). Thirdly, vascular leakage was reduced in OIR‐challanged Mut (p < 0.01).ConclusionOur data establish that eNOS is critical for VEC‐regulated endothelial junction stability and vascular leakage. Thus, eNOS is an important target for the development of therapeutic agents to treat eye disease.