bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pollen count compared with severity of symptoms and signs of dry eye disease in Norway
Authors: Eidet J.R. , Tashbayev B. , Chen X. , Ræder S. , Badian R. , Utheim Ø. , Fostad I.G. , Dartt D.A. , Utheim T.P. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo investigate whether pollen counts are associated with severity of symptoms and signs of dry eye disease (DED) in Oslo, Norway.MethodsThe mean daily number of birch or grass pollen grains per cubic meter of air (pollen count) in Oslo from 2012 to 2015 between March and September were provided by The Norwegian University of Science and Technology and The Norwegian Asthma‐ and Allergy Association. Four hundred and twelve DED patients that were examined for the first time on the same day as pollen data were available were included. Symptoms of DED were measured by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) self‐report questionnaire and signs of DED included measurements of tear osmolarity, tear film break‐up time, blink interval, ocular protection index, Schirmer I, staining, meibum expressibility and meibum quality from the right eye. Symptoms and signs, as well as the composite score for dry eye severity level (DESL), were compared with pollen count using Pearson's and Spearman's correlations, Chi square test and Mann‐Whitney U‐test.ResultsBirch pollen was generally only detectable during April and May, whereas grass pollen was normally detectable during June. Neither birch (rs = −0.13; p = 0.81) nor grass (rs = 0.06; p = 0.38) pollen were associated with symptoms of DED as measured by the OSDI. Except Schemer I test, which surprisingly was negatively related to grass pollen count (rs = −0.15; p = 0.02), neither pollen types correlated with DESL or any signs of DED. Only 5.6% of the patients reported the use of systemic prescription drugs against allergy, thus the weak association between pollen counts and severity of DED appear not to have been confounded by concomitant use of anti‐allergy medications.ConclusionsThe severity of symptoms and signs of DED in Oslo, Norway does not seem to be strongly associated with either birch or grass pollen count.
Novel molecular design of culture substrates with amino acids
Authors: Momtazi L. , Shahdadfar A. , Zell Thime H. , Noer A. , Nilsen O. , Eidet J.R. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeBiocompatible and bioactive substrates are important in tissue engineering. The nature of these substrates can directly influence cellular response, ultimately affecting the rate and quality of new tissue formation. A novel atomic layer deposition/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) technique was used to build cell culture substrates to do a preliminary assessment of this techniques’ potential within ocular surface tissue engineering.MethodsOrganic‐inorganic hybrid substrates were prepared with ALD/MLD, which enables deposition of single molecular layers of compounds in a very controlled manner. The substrates are based on amino acids, including lysine, arginine, glycine and aspartic acid, as organic building blocks and titanium as inorganic building blocks. Human corneal epithelial cells were cultured on the substrates for 7 days. The cells were then stained with Hoechst and imaged at 5× magnification with a fluorescence microscope. The number of cell nuclei per field of view was counted to compare cell density. In parallel, cells were also stained with trypan blue to assess the number of dead cells.ResultsConfluent cultures were obtained on all substrates and most of the cells were alive. Substrates with glycine and titanium oxide yielded the highest cell density (1,031 cells ± 65), whereas substrates with aspartic acid and titanium oxide (689 cells ± 48) gave rise to the least number of cells.ConclusionsHuman corneal epithelial cells can be successfully grown on organic‐inorganic hybrid substrates while retaining high viability. The novel ALD/MLD technique can be used to build biocompatible substrates using molecular design and further studies should be conducted to evaluate if this technique can be used to direct cell and tissue development.
Macroscopic analysis of filtering bleb functionality after XEN Gel Stent implantation with Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Costa L. , Cardigos J. , Crisostomo S. , Anjos R. , Sa Cardoso M. , Gomes T. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe new approach of Micro invasive Glaucoma Surgery, XEN Gel Stent is made of soft collagen and it is introduced by a corneal incision, trough the anterior chamber angle and it stands under the conjunctiva space.To study the bleb macroscopic morphology with Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography and correlate it with the clinical evaluation.MethodsProspective case‐control study with 10 eyes of 8 patients with the range follow‐up to 6 months after XEN Gel Stent implantation. Two groups were characterized according to the clinical evaluation (Intraocular Pressure, topical treatment or additional procedures, as YAG‐LASER and Needling). Group 1 describes those patients with IOP under 21 mmHg without topical treatment even if it was necessary an additional YAG‐LASER or needling (n = 8). Group 2 was formed with IOP above 21 mmHg or under 21 mmHg with topical treatment (n = 2). The parameters analyzed were the bleb structure (diffuse or cystic), extension (height, width and length), chamber angle aperture and tube extension (anterior chamber and scleral).ResultsThe group 1 appears to be with indifferently diffuse or cystic higher extensions of filtering blebs than those in group 2. The structural analysis with OCT was concordant with the macroscopic morphology in slit lamp evaluation. The tube extension in anterior chamber and under conjunctiva and its chamber angle entrance was relatively variable over all patients.ConclusionsThe clinical assessment of the filtering bleb has proved a significant concordance with the filtering bleb macroscopic morphology in the AS‐OCT. Additional longitudinal studies about this topic will be necessary to improve the knowledge and the surgeon's management capabilities.
Symmetric tarsal show is crucial in creating upper eyelid symmetry
Authors: De Groot V. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo illustrate different causes of upper eyelid asymmetry and to stress that detection of any asymmetry is important in avoiding an unhappy patient.MethodsPatients want an ‘upper eyelid correction’ and do not know the real cause of the asymmetry, or even did not notice any asymmetry. Different kind of asymmetric appearances of the upper eyelids will be shown and analyzed.ResultsThe upper eyelid has several landmarks. Besides the palpebral aperture, the margin pupil distance and lid crease height, also the margin fold distance/tarsal show, the lid fullness and braw distance needs to be described. An asymmetric tarsal show is often perceived as ptosis. Also bony orbit, eye position, orbital fat and braw position are all important factors influencing the final upper eyelid shape. In some conditions a perfect upper eyelid symmetry is very difficult to achieve or sometimes impossible.ConclusionsGood preoperative assessment is crucial in eyelid surgery, both in primary surgery and in correcting postoperative asymmetry. Good patient counseling is important to create realistic expectations.
OCT spectralis for terrien marginal degeneration diagnosis
Authors: Berniolles J. , Bartolome I. , Idoate A. , sánchez J.I. , Ascaso J. , Esteban O. , Martinez M. , Del buey M.A. , Almenara C. , Pérez I. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTerrien marginal degeneration is a rare idiopathic form of corneal degeneration that affects peripheral cornea, it occurs at any age and 75% of patients are males. This condition is most commonly bilateral and asymmetric.Patients are often asymptomatic but they may also complain of irritation of the eye and progressive loss of visual acuity due to oblique astigmatism. Rarely the disease may lead to corneal perforation but may also occur spontaneously or secondary to trauma.The most important corneal modifications in Terrien marginal degeneration, frequently located superonasaly, are observed in the stroma showing yellow – white opacities composed of lipids with associated vascularization.Spectral Domain OCT because of its capacities to describe corneal anatomy might be useful in the diagnosis of the Terrien marginal degeneration.MethodsWe present a case of a 75 year old male who was examined and followed during several months in the department of ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa University Clinic Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain, with slit lamp, corneal topographic maps and spectral domain‐ OCT.ResultsSD‐OCT confirmed the peripheral corneal thinning seen with corneal topographic map and slit lamp. It showed intact epithelial and endothelial layers surrounding the stromal cavity formation, and a perforation of the endothelium underneath this cavity.ConclusionsWe point out the utility of spectral domain optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis and follow‐up of cavity formation in the peripheral cornea in Terrien marginal degeneration.
Retinal vessel parameters in obstuctive sleep apnea
Authors: Heitmar R. , Turnbull C. , Blann A. , Stradling J. 
Published: September 2016

PurposePilot study to explore retinal vessel parameters, calibres as well as vessel reactivity to flicker light provocation in a group of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.MethodsAll patients [n = 7] underwent a full eye examination including intraocular pressure measurement, visual field assessment (HFA 30‐2 incl. fovea threshold), ocular coherence tomography (Cirrus 3D, Zeiss: optic nerve head and macula centred), retinal photography, dynamic retinal vessel assessment using flicker light provocation (RVA, IMEDOS) and measurement of systemic blood pressure and oxygenation. Central retinal arterial and venous equivalents (CRAE and CRVE) were calculated using optic nerve head centred retinal photographs according to a standardised method, vessel reactivity to flicker light provocation was quantified by calculating the maximum, minimum and peak arterial and venous diameters following flicker light provocation. All data were compared to a group of age and gender matched patients suffering Diabetes Mellitus (DM).ResultsOSA patients (mean age: 65 +/− 7 years) showed significantly better retinal arterial (2.3%) and venous dilation (3.9%) to flicker light provocation compared to those suffering from DM (0.90% and 3.25% respectively). However, CRAE (156 +/− 19 au) but not CRVE (218 +/− 15 au) of OSA patients was significantly reduced compared to their diabetic counterparts (CRAE: 178 +/− 21 au; CRVE: 213 +/− 19 au).ConclusionsWhile OSA patients suffer from endothelial dysfunction, our small sample is a well controlled and motivated group of patients which might in part explain their better dilation capacity. Another explanation might be offered by through vessel calibers: diabetic patients showed markedly larger diameters which could reflect predicated vessels at rest and therefore contribute to a diminished dilatory capacity following flicker light provocation.
The oxygen saturation in retinal arterioles is predictive for the effect of intravitreal anti‐VEGF treatment on diabetic macular edema
Authors: Bek T. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryIt has been shown that the oxygen saturation in retinal vessels is increased in patients with diabetic maculopathy, but the role of this parameter for the effect of anti‐VEGF treatment of the disease is unknown. Therefore, the predictive value of oxygen saturation in larger retinal vessels for the effect of anti‐VEGF treatment of diabetic maculopathy was studied. In 73 eyes from 53 patients with center involving diabetic macular edema the predictive value of oxygen saturation in larger retinal vessels and other risk factors for retinopathy progression as explanatory variables was studied for visual acuity (VA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) after anti‐VEGF treatment as effect variables. Anti‐VEGF treatment induced a significant increase in VA and a signficant decrease in CRT, but no significant changes in the overall oxygen saturation of larger retinal vessels. In a multiple regression model VA and CRT obtained before treatment contributed significantly to predicting the effect of treatment on the same variable. Mean arterial blood pressure and the oxygen saturation in retinal arterioles before treatment contributed signficantly to predicting both VA and CRT after treatment. The oxygen saturation in retinal arterioles is a new parameter that might potentially be included in risk models predicting the effect of anti‐VEGF treatment on diabetic maculopathy.
Late intraocular relapses in retinoblastoma
Authors: Hadjistilianou D. , Borri M. , Defrancesco S. , Munier F. , Galluzzi P. , Bracco S. , Galimberti D. , Menicacci F. , Coriolani G. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo report very late intraocular relapses in 6 patients treated for bilateral retinoblastoma.Methodswe rewied the charts of 6 children who presented late intraocular recurrences of retinoblastoma. Three were familial and three sporadic cases. The patients achieved first remission after treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, external radiotherapy and focal therapy. Relapses ocurred after 6–17 years after first remission .ResultsThree out of six patients are currently in second complete remission after receiving futher treatments. Two cases were enucleated and one is still under treatment. Therapeutic approach is reported and discussed for each case.ConclusionsRetinoblastoma usually recurs within the first few years after treatment completion. Late and very late intraocular relapses are very rare but do ocur. A long‐term and close follow‐up is needed for early detection of late recurrences.
Graft functionality after DSAEK surgeries in Denmark from 2006 to 2009
Authors: Correll M. , Stormly Hansen M. , Hovlykke M. , Hjortdal J. , Olsen Julian H. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo report graft functionality after the first DSAEK procedures performed in Denmark.MethodsAll primary DSAEK operated eyes in Denmark between 2006 and 2009 were analysed. Patients from three different surgical centers were included, covering all centers performing DSAEK in Denmark during the study period. Events of graft rejection, graft failure and rejection‐related graft failure were recorded, and Kaplan‐Meyer survival curves were used to determine duration of event‐free survival of the grafts.ResultsData collection is ongoing until august 2016.ConclusionsXxxxxxx.
Flash adaptometry in congenital stationary night blindness
Authors: Krastel H. , Zyganow M. , Mai M. , Schlichtenbrede F. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo demonstrate that flash adaptometry, in x‐linked congenital stationary night blindness with myopia, besides quantification of reduced light sensitivity, renders a proof of deviating temporal resolution.MethodsThe flash adaptometer realizes light stimuli of various intensities by variation of exposure times. Stimuli of low luminance can be created by ultrashort flashes down to 0.002 mcds/m2. Following a 5 min pre‐adaptation (320 cd/m2), slow flicker stimuli are presented in darkness at a repetition rate of 6.7 Hz. The flashes illuminate a Ganzfeld sphere and a Gabor sine wave grating. Thresholds are determined for (i) detection of the Ganzfeld flashes, and (ii) recognition of the directional orientation of the grating.ResultsAfter 20 min of dark adaptation, the detection threshold for Ganzfeld flashes of young (22–24 year) normal subjects amounts to 0.004 mcds/m2, the recognition threshold for grating orientation to 0.008 mcds/m2. Four more decades of age reduce light and grating sensitivity in normal observers by 0.6–0.9 log units. The CSNB observer (66 year) featured a reduced ganzfeld detection threshold of 1.0 mcds/m2. He experienced, however, the train of flashes of 1.0 and 2.0 mcds/m2 as continuous illumination. At 4 mcds/m2, he was able to recognize temporal contrast i.e. flicker, and spatial contrast i.e. grating orientation.ConclusionsWith flash adaptometry, in x‐linked CSNB, besides reduced light sensitivity, an anomaly of temporal resolution was found. Understanding the mechanism of this particular behavior deserves further consideration.
Chromosomal aberration predict uveal melanoma mutation status
Authors: Kilic E. , Yavuzyigitoglu S. , Drabarek W. , Obulkasim A. , Brands T. , Eussen B. , de Klein A. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeRationale: In uveal melanoma (UM) non‐random chromosomal aberrations occur and correspond to patients’ prognosis. Mutations in UM specific genes, such as BAP1, SF3B1 and EIF1AX are also used to predict survival. Aim of this study is to identify these mutations corresponding to a specific chromosomal signature in UM.MethodsFor 277 UM patients SNP array data (n = 214) and/or conventional karyotyping (n = 119) of the tumor was available. The mutational status was known in 189 patients. Based on the mutational status, SNP array and conventional karyotyping data was analyzed for recurring copy number variations (CNVs) and structural variants (SVs). Hierarchal clustering of the SNP array data was performed to construct clusters. These clusters were correlated to the mutational status.ResultsBAP1, SF3B1 and EIF1AX‐mutated UMs display specific chromosomal patters with recurring CNVs. Both BAP1‐mutated and SF3B1‐mutated UMs are characterized by specific chromosome anomalies and SF3B1 mutated tumors were characterized by multiple (>3) SVs of the genome. EIF1AX‐mutated UM were characterized by only chromosome 6p gain without additional CNVs. Hierarchal clustering of the SNP array data revealed five clusters of which two clusters predicted BAP1 mutations, one cluster SF3B1 mutations, one cluster EIF1AX mutations or wildtype UM and one cluster predicted SF3B1 mutations, EIF1AX mutations or wildtype.ConclusionUMs with either BAP1, SF3B1 or EIF1AX mutations display a mutation‐specific chromosomal pattern. Based on the chromosomal patterns the genetic mutation in UM can be predicted.
Ultrasound evaluation of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve: IOP versus tube patency
Authors: Bono V. , Zeppa L. , Costagliola C. , Zeppa L. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeRefractory glaucoma remains a challenge to be treated with surgical techniques. This study evaluated long‐term results of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in treating refractory Glaucoma using intraocular pressure (IOP) and B‐scan ultrasound assessment.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted on patients with refractory glaucoma treated with AGV implant. 60 eyes of 60 patients with a follow up of 36.3 (SD 9.6) months were analyzed. Outcome measures included: IOP, patency of the tube assessed by ultrasound, number of glaucoma medications, and postoperative complications. Success was defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with at least 25% reduction in IOP compared to preoperative values, and tube patency +/− glaucoma medications.ResultsMean IOP was reduced from 33.1 (SD 11.8) to 16.2 (SD 5.4) mmHg, (p < 0.0001), with a mean reduction of 49.36%. 12 eyes of 60 (20%) showed tube partially non patent with 9 eyes presenting IOP > 21 mmHg. The percentage of success was 76.6% with 17 patients (28.3%) showing postoperative complications, as hyphema and shallowing of the anterior chamber. The mean number of preoperative anti‐glaucoma medications (3; SD 1) was reduced compared to the mean number of postoperative medications (2; SD 1.), (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe Ahmed glaucoma valve implant was highly effective in the long term for treating refractory glaucoma. B‐scan ultrasound evaluation showed to be a useful technique for evaluating tube patency/function in eyes with refractory glaucoma.
Accuracy of retinal layers optical coherence tomography automated segmentation before and after epiretinal peeling
Authors: Medeiros Pinto J. , Caiado F. , Marques‐Neves C. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo access the accuracy of Spectral Domain – Optical Coherence Tomography (SD‐OCT) retinal layers automated segmentation before and after idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling.MethodsRetrospective observational study that included 37 eyes of 37 patients with ERM. OCT scans before and after peeling were obtained with Spectralis Heidelberg Engineering©. Two independent observers determined the accuracy of the automated retinal layer segmentation in the 3 mm central area. Manual correction of the automated segmentation was made as needed by the two observers and the new measured individual layers central thickness (CT) was compared to the one given by automated segmentation.ResultsAgreement between observers was perfect for the exams that needed manual segmentation correction. The agreement was moderate (κ = 0.51) for outer plexiform layer (OPL) before surgery and good to perfect (κ > 0.62) for the other layers before and after surgery. Preoperatively, 81.8% of the exams needed manual correction. The obtained CT was different (p < 0.05) before and after manual correction for central macular thickness, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer, inner nuclear layer (INL), OPL and outer nuclear layer; no difference was noted in the inner plexiform layer and outer retinal layers (between external limiting and Bruch membranes). Postoperatively, 29.7% of the exams needed manual correction. There was a significant difference in the CT obtained with automated segmentation versus manual correction only in RNFL and INL.ConclusionsOCT automated segmentation is not accurate in the internal retinal layers of patients with ERM before surgery, probably due to the much altered structure of these layers. After the surgery its accuracy is better. We recommend the verification of the automated segmentation in patients with ERM before surgery.
Ophthalmic findings before carotid endarterectomy in the ipsilateral and contralateral eye
Authors: Ala‐Kauhaluoma M. , Vikatmaa P. , Vikatmaa L. , Ijäs P. , Nuotio K. , Koskinen S. , Silvennoinen H. , Lindsberg P. , Soinne L. , Summanen P. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo assess ophthalmic findings of ipsilateral (IL) and contralateral (CL) eyes of 30 first patients undergoing endarterectomy for carotid artery disease in Helsinki Carotid Endarterectomy Study 2‐ Substudy (HeCES‐BEST) (inclusion criteria ≥70% occlusion, exclusion criteria unable to undergo neuropsychological tests or MRI)MethodsBest corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with ETDRS chart at 4 meters, anterior and posterior segment biomicroscopy, and 30°/50°/200° fundus photography. Differences in proportions of quantitative variables assessed with Fisher's test.ResultsOf 30 patients (one female) with median age 68 years (range 53–91), eleven had experienced ocular ischemic attack, and one sudden visual loss and pain (40%). Three patients had had surgery of the CI side. All but two IL eyes had full BCVA, one with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) 0.16 and one with unrelated scar 0.63; all CL eyes had full BCVA. No corneal changes related to ischemia were found. Conjunctival and/or episcleral vessels were dilated in nine IL and two CL eyes (p = 0.042), including varicose‐like vessels. Iris transillumination in pupillary border was found in 17 IL and 12 CL eyes (p = NS). Rubeosis iridis occurred in two IL eyes (p = NS). Arteriolosclerotic changes (nickings) were found in all. Retinopathy: microaneyrysms, microinfarctations and hemorrhages were found in nine IL and one CL eye (p = 0.012), midperipheral hemorrhages in four IL eyes and Hollenhorst's plaque in one CL eye. Venous pulsation was undetectable and uninducible in nine IL and five CL eyes (p = NS), and arterial pulsation induceable in 5 IL and two CL eyes (p = NS); no spontaneous arterial pulsation detected. NVG occurred in one IL eyeConclusionsVision disturbance and signs of ischemia are not uncommon underlining the role of ophthalmologists in suspicion of carotid artery disease.