bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimodal imaging of combined harmatoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Bobat H. , Kaprinis K. , De Salvo G. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo describe the use of multimodal imaging in defining the anatomical features of combined harmatoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE) and assess its role in the diagnosis and management of CHRRPE.MethodsRetrospective case series of three patients with unilateral, juxta‐papillary CHRRPE, who underwent Spectralis Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI‐OCT), MultiColor (MC) and autofluorescence (AF) in addition to a complete ophthalmic examination.ResultsEDI‐OCT demonstrated thickening and disorganisation of retinal architecture, with intraretinal cysts disrupting the retinal layers and a loss of photoreceptors. An overlying epiretinal membrane was shown to be causing ‘mini‐peaks’ of the inner retinal surface in all cases and vitreoretinal traction in two cases. Details of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were revealed, including RPE thickening and sectoral atrophy. MC revealed areas of red‐shifting, demonstrating partial pigmentation. On green reflectance (GR) the degree of inner retinal distortion and extent of macular involvement could be visualised. Near infra‐red (NIRR) reflectance displayed the lesions as areas of hyporeflectance and allowed delineation of the tumour borders. On AF, the lesions were represented by areas of hypo‐autofluorescence that obscured the normal blood vessel hypo‐autofluorescence.ConclusionsIn this case series, multimodal imaging enabled the anatomical characteristics of CHRRPE to be defined in greater detail. NIRR enabled better visualisation of tumour boundaries and the extent of macular involvement, which may be useful in assessing the impact on visual function. GR better defined the degree of inner retinal distortion, which may be useful in surgical management decisions. We believe that multimodal imaging is a valuable adjunct in correctly diagnosing and managing CHRRPE.
Retinal diseases of patients without discomfort associated with retinal abnormalities
Authors: Lee S. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo identify the retinal diseases in patients who did not complain discomfort of retinal abnormalities.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 1516 eyes, 765 patients who visited for cataract operation, glaucoma evaluation, refractive surgery was performed. We evaluated fundus abnormalities by fundus examination using slit lamp and systemic risk factors.ResultsThe mean age of the 765 patients was 63.2 _ 14.6 years (18‐93 years), and 34.2% were men. Four hundred ninety seven eyes (32.8%) were diagnosed as retinal diseases. Peripheral retinal degeneration that does not need treatment in 119 eyes (include atypical retinitis pigmentosa in 2 eyes), peripheral retinal degeneration that does need barrier laser in 65 eyes, epiretinal membrane in 97 eyes, diabetic retinopathy in 57 eyes, vitreous hemorrhage in 4 eyes, retinal hemorrhage in 23 eyes, retinal vascular occlusion diseases in 16 eyes, degeneration at posterior pole (pp) in 36 eyes (include central serous chorioretinopathy in 1 eye), exudation at pp in 103 eyes, age related macular degeneration (AMD) in 47 eyes were identified. Treatment performed in 104 patients (13.6%), 146 eyes (9.6%) _ medication in 53 eyes, laser photocoagulation in 71 eyes, intravitreal injection in 7 eyes, vitrectomy in 15 eyes. Peripheral retinal degeneration showed significant positive correlations with higher degree myopia (p < 0.001).AMD, vascular occlusion disease, degeneration at pp, exudation at pp showed significant positive correlations with increased age (p < 0.001, = 0.008, < 0.001, < 0.001).ConclusionsThe retinal examination, including the peripheral retina, should be carried out in patients without discomfort of retinal abnormalities.
Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a novel strategy for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Amato R. , Dal Monte M. , Lulli M. , Cammalleri M. , Raffa V. , Casini G. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeNeuroprotection‐based strategies may be exploited to treat diabetic retinopathy (DR). Our aim is to establish a method for magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)‐mediated delivery of neuroprotectants to the retina, expecting a prolonged therapeutic action. In the first phase of this project, we assessed the bioavailability and bioactivity of the neuroprotectant octreotide (OCT), a somatostatin analog, delivered as OCT‐MNP.MethodsThe effects of OCT‐MNP and those of free OCT (fOCT) were evaluated in in vitro assays using human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs), in H2O2‐treated ex vivo retinal explants, and in vivo in untreated or in kainate‐injected mouse eyes. In the in vitro assays, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced HREC proliferation, migration and tube formation were assessed. In the ex vivo and in vivo models, qPCR, histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques were used.ResultsIn HRECs, 1 µM OCT‐MNP displayed the same efficacy of 1 µM fOCT in inhibiting VEGF‐induced changes. In H2O2‐treated explants, both 1 µM OCT‐MNP and 1 µM fOCT inhibited apoptosis. In particular, the efficacy of OCT‐MNP was detected at concentrations as low as 0.001 µM. After intraocular injection in mouse eyes, OCT‐MNP were localized to the retinal pigment epithelium and they did not induce any apoptotic sign in the retina. 1 µM OCT‐MNP or fOCT co‐delivered via intraocular injection with 100 µM kainate similarly protected the retina from apoptosis.ConclusionsOCT‐MNP maintain the functional properties of fOCT, in particular its neuroprotective capabilities. Intraocularly injected OCT‐MNP are not toxic. They penetrate the retina, where they may release OCT in a sustained manner. Although needing confirmatory observations, these preliminary data are encouraging for a possible use of MNP‐mediated drug delivery to treat DR.
The time course of contrast sensitivity recovery after a pigment bleaching is delayed in subjects with abdominal obesity
Authors: Puell M. , Jemni N. , Veselinova‐Nikolova A. , Fernández‐Balbuena A. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe abdominal obesity is an anthropometric marker associated with inflammation and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). We examined the association between mesopic contrast recovery dynamics and abdominal obesity in older adults with normal macular health.Methods29 eyes of 29 healthy subjects (47–70 years) divided in two groups: a group without abdominal obesity (waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) <0.5; n = 15) and a group with abdominal obesity (WtHR ≥ 0.5; n = 14) were examined. The recovery of contrast sensitivity for sine‐wave gratings of low spatial frequency (1 cycles per degree) and low mean luminance (0.1 cd.m−2) was measured within the central retina for 6 minutes in darkness after photo‐pigment bleaching. Sensitivity recovery functions were fitted to an exponential decay function. The time constant for recovery (tau, seconds), elevation and final contrast thresholds (CT) were calculated. The intersession repeatability of the method was determined by the Bland‐Altman coefficient of repeatability (COR). Visual acuity (VA), body mass index (BMI) and WtHR were obtained.ResultsThe mean tau was 42 s slower in the group with abdominal obesity (83.84 ± 35.78 s) than in the group without abdominal obesity (41.94 ± 13.70 s) (p < 0.001). The mean elevation and final CTs did not vary significantly between groups. Forward stepwise regression analysis revealed that tau was independently correlated with WtHR (r = 0.74; p < 0.0001), but not with BMI, CT, VA or age. There was no significant relationship between WtHR and CTs. Intersession repeatability of recovery measurements was high (tau, COR = ±16 s).ConclusionsThe time constant for contrast sensitivity recovery after a pigment bleaching increases with abdominal obesity in eyes of older adults with normal macular health. Testing for the combination of these factors would allow for early detection of AMD.
Effects of plasma kallikrein inhibitors in an in vitro RPE oxidative stress model
Authors: Alonso‐Alonso M.L. , Hampton S.L. , Williams J.L. , García‐Gutiérrez M.T. , Fernández‐Bueno I. , Srivastava G.K. , Pastor J.C. , Diebold Y. 
Published: September 2017

PurposePlasma Kallikrein (PK) Inhibitors (PKI) are a promising treatment for retinal diseases such as diabetic macular edema, where PK activity is implicated. Our aim was to set up an in vitro model of chronic oxidative stress in the retinal pigment epithelium cell line ARPE19 and use it to test the effect of 8 PKI on cell viability and proliferation.MethodsARPE19 cells were grown to a sub‐confluence stage, synchronized, and exposed to different dilutions of glucose oxidase (GOx) from Aspergillus niger, culture medium (− control) and benzalkonium chloride (+ control) for 24 hr. Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed (MTT assay and caspase‐3/7 detection, respectively). The oxidative stressed cells were exposed to 8 different PKI developed by KalVista (Salisbury, UK) at 100 nm and 1 μm. Also, ARPE19 cells were exposed to PKI previously and simultaneously to GOx and cell viability and proliferation were assessed (alamarBlue® assays).ResultsExposure of ARPE19 to GOx induced dose‐dependent decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis. A sub‐lethal GOx dose reducing viability by 30% and increasing apoptosis by 59% was chosen for PKI exposure experiments. Exposure of GOx stressed cells to PKI for 24 hr did not further reduce cell viability after 5 days. No effect on cell proliferation was observed when GOx stressed cells were either pre‐treated or simultaneously exposed to PKI.ConclusionsGOx oxidative sub‐lethal stress model in ARPE19 cells may be used for screening new drugs with therapeutic potential for retinal diseases. The PKI did not reduce GOx‐induced cytotoxic effects in RPE cells suggesting plasma kallikrein has no role in this stress mechanism. Support: FP7‐PEOPLE‐2013‐IAPP (612218/3D‐NET) and Regional Junta de Castilla y León Scholarship/European Social Fund Program (Va040‐13).
Changes in retinal arteriolar oxygen saturation predict disease activity in patients treated with aflibercept for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Jakobsen D.B. , Torp T.L. , Stefánsson E. , Peto T. , Grauslund J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeIn order to individualize treatment, it is important to identify non‐invasive markers for disease activity in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD). In this prospective study we aimed to investigate changes in retinal oxygen saturation in patients with nAMD before and after initial aflibercept therapy.MethodsSixty‐six eyes diagnosed with nAMD were included. All patients received three monthly injections with 2.0 mg aflibercept and were then divided into responders and non‐responders according to post‐treatment disease activity. Non‐responders by definition had loss of ≥5 ETDRS letters or residual retinal edema (based on spectral domain‐OCT) or macular hemorrhage. Retinal oximetry (Oxymap T1, Oxymap, Reykjavik, Iceland) was performed at baseline and follow‐up, and images were graded by a trained grader.ResultsAt baseline, mean age was 80.0 years and 62.1% were women. Thirty‐six of 66 patients (54.5%) were non‐responders, and these were younger (77.8 vs. 82.8 years, p=0.01) and trended towards a higher increase in retinal arteriolar oxygen saturation from baseline to follow‐up (+1.0% vs. +0.1%, p=0.06). In a multiple logistic regression model, adjusted for sex, age, diabetes and smoking, each 1%‐point increment in retinal arteriolar oxygen saturation from baseline to follow‐up was independently associated with a lower chance of full treatment response (odds ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.62‐0.98, p=0.036). Retinal venular oxygen saturation did not associate with pre‐ or post‐treatment disease activity.ConclusionsRetinal oxygen saturation may be a promising marker for disease activity in nAMD. Increasing retinal arteriolar oxygen saturation in response to initial intravitreal aflibercept therapy associates with a 22% lower chance of full treatment response after initial aflibercept therapy.
Intraocular expression of microfibrillar‐associated protein 4 (MFAP4) in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD)
Authors: Abrahamsen Ravn L. , Leer Blindbæk S. , Schlosser A. , Koss M. , Dacheva I. , Lind M. , Holmskov U. , Sørensen G.L. , Grauslund J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposePharmacological inhibition of the constitutively expressed extracellular matrix integrin ligand MFAP4 is previously shown with efficacy in mouse model of choroidal neovascularization. To evaluate the intraocular expression of MFAP4 in the anterior chamber (CA) and vitreous body (VB) in patients with nAMD (cases) as compared to controls.MethodsAqueous humour from 29 patients and vitreous humour of 54 patients were collected during elective cataract surgery and pars plana vitrectomy, respectively. Samples from the CA consisted of three cases and 26 controls and from the VB of 42 cases and 12 controls. The 42 samples from the VB were further divided into four subgroups depending on the subtype of nAMD (CNV with retinal hemorrhage, CNV without retinal hemorrhage, fibrosis, PE‐detachment). Samples were analyzed by the AlphaLISA technique. Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and Kruskall‐Wallis test was used to test for differences between two and multiple groups, respectively.ResultsMedian MFAP4 was significantly lower in the anterior chamber as compared to the VB (7.9 Units/ml vs. 17.9 Units/ml, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in the median MFAP4 between cases and controls (CA: 8.1 Units/ml vs. 7.9 Units/ml, p = 0.33) (VB: 17.9 Units/ml vs. 17.8, p = 0.79). Neither were there any differences between nAMD‐subgroups in the VB (18.7 Units/ml vs. 24.4 Unit/ml vs 15.1 Units/ml vs. 17.5 Units/ml, p = 0.57).ConclusionsThese preliminary results demonstrated intraocular expression of MFAP4 in the human eye. Further, a higher expression of MFAP4 was demonstrated in the vitreous body as compared to the anterior chamber. Vitreal MFAP4 does not appear to be regulated with neovascular disease supporting that MFAP4 is constitutively expressed and permissive for integrin activation during neovascularization.
Does femtosecond laser assisted penetrating keratoplasty lead to less astigmatism in keratoconus patients, compared with conventional penetrating keratoplasy?
Authors: Sten L.G.B. , Råen M. , Brevik T.B. , Drolsum L. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeVisual impairing including high irregular astigmatism is a well‐known problem after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). The femtosecond (FS) laser technique allows completely new trephination methods such as the zig‐zag, top hat or the mushroom cutting profiles, which result in a more rapid and stable wound healing. In the present study we compare conventional PK and FS laser PK concerning astigmatism and visual outcome in keratoconus patients 2 years postoperativelyMethodsA total of 67 patients were operated with PK between September 2013 and June 2015 at Oslo University Hospital, Norway. All patients were examined 2 years after surgery. Ten keratoconus patients who were operated with FS laser‐assisted PK (FS group) were included, using Alcon Wavelight FS200 Femtosecond Laser, and compared with a control group who underwent conventional PK (n = 20). Controls were matched for diagnosis, age, gender and time of operation. Postoperative results regarding astigmatism and visual outcome were compared.ResultsAt the 2 years follow‐up, the mean logMAR BCVA was 0.17 ± 0.14 in the FS‐group and 0.16 ± 0.19 in the control group (p = 0.89). The mean spherical equivalent was ‐1.91 ± 4.58 in the FS‐group, and ‐3.08 ± 2.81 in the control group (p = 0.39). The mean subjective and corneal cylinder was ‐6.08 ± 2.50 and 7.71 ± 3.78 in the FS‐group, compared to ‐4.89 ± 2.57 (p = 0.24) and 5.73 ± 3.84 in the control group (p = 0.21), respectively. K‐mean was 44.00 D ± 3.99 in the FS‐group and 44.98 D ± 1.63 in the control group (p = 0.50). ECD was 1456 cells/mm²± 325 in the FS‐group, and 1679 cells/mm²± 475 in the control group (p = 0.22).ConclusionsEven though the study included relatively few eyes, the findings confirm previous studies. No significant difference in astigmatism or visual outcome was found between the two groups 2 years postoperatively.
Corneal confocal microscopy assessment in contact lens discomfort
Authors: Canadas Suarez P. , López‐de la Rosa A. , Arroyo‐del Arroyo C. , López‐Miguel A. , Enríquez‐de‐Salamanca A. , Gonzalez‐Garcia M.J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe aim of this study was to analyze whether symptoms of discomfort in CL wearers were associated to changes in the nerve morphology and/or the density of dendritic cells in the corneal sub‐basal nerve plexus.MethodsSixty subjects were included: 20 symptomatic CL wearers (SCLW), 20 asymptomatic CL wearers (ACLW), and 20 non wearers (NCLW). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), visual acuity, tear osmolarity, biomicroscopy findings, tear film break‐up time, corneal and conjunctival staining, Schirmer test, and confocal microscopy were performed. In the confocal images number and density of nerves, density of nerve branches, grade of nerve tortuosity, and density of dendritic cells were analyzed.ResultsOSDI and lid roughness was higher in the SCLW group (p=0.S009 and p=0.04, respectively), limbal hyperaemia was raised in the ACLW group (p=0.S009), and tear osmolarity was increased in both CL wearers groups (p=0.000), in comparison with the NCLW group. Subjects were divided into low and high density of dendritic cells using a 75 cells/mm2 cut‐off. This distribution was significantly different (p=0.04) between the CL wearers (21 and 19 subjects had low and high cell density, respectively) and the NCLW group (16 and 4, respectively). The CL type was significantly different (p=0.011) between CL wearers with low (4 and 17 subjects wear conventional and silicone hydrogel CLs, respectively) and high (11 and 8, respectively) cell density.ConclusionsSymptoms of discomfort in CL wearers seem not to be related to changes in the nerve morphology or density of dendritic cells in the corneal sub‐basal nerve plexus.
The impact of daily disposable soft contact lens wear on tear film surface quality over a three month period
Authors: Mousavi M. , Garaszczuk I.K. , Jesus D.A. , Szczesna‐Iskander D. , Iskander D.R. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo study the changes in Tear Film Surface Quality (TFSQ) on a Silicon Hydrogel (SiHy) and a Hydrogel (Hy) daily contact lens (CL), during a follow‐up period of three months.MethodsForty‐six subjects aged 25.5 ± 4.3 (mean ± standard deviation) years with a refractive error limited to ±4.50 spherical and ±0.75 cylindrical dioptres were recruited. Based on a pre‐clinical analysis which took into account visual acuity (VA), comfort, and fitting, 31 subjects were fitted with SiHy and 13 with Hy lenses. TFSQ was studied based on measurements of the first and the mean non‐invasive keratography tear break up time (F/M–NIKBUT). All measurements were acquired at baseline, post four hours (4 h) and three months (3 m) of CL lens wear. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was also completed.ResultsThe results of the OSDI questionnaire showed an average improvement of 3.09 and 4.16 units for 3 m visit for SiHy and Hy lens, respectively. Nevertheless, this improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.144 and p = 0.215). For F‐NIKBUT, there was no significant difference between 4h and 3m measurements (p=0.490 and p = 0.588 for SiHy and Hy lens, respectively). For M‐NIKBUT, there was no significant difference for SiHy and Hy groups between baseline and 4 h (p = 0.052 and p = 0.110, respectively). However, there was a significant difference between baseline and 3 m for SiHy group (p = 0.009) but not for the Hy group (p = 0.376). Lastly, no significant differences were observed between 4 h and 3 m M‐NIKBUT measurements for both lenses (p = 0.746 and p = 0.273 for SiHy and Hy lens, respectively).ConclusionsThe results indicate that estimates of 4 h of lens wear NIKBUT can be used to predict those at a 3 m visit. Also, Hy lens appeared to have less impact on TFSQ than the SiHy lens.
Comparative study of retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness between Korean patients with unilateral exfoliation syndrome and normal control
Authors: Lim S. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo compare retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness by using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in unilateral exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and age matched control.MethodsThis prospective case control study include total of 54 eyes of 27 unilateral XFS patients and 27 age matched control subjects. The retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex measurements were performed using spectral domain OCT (RT‐Vue 100, Optovue) after pupillary dilation. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows software version 18.0. Independent t test and chi‐square tests were used to compare baseline characteristics of unilateral XFS and Control.ResultsMean age of XFS was 73.3 years and Age‐matched control was 74.3 years. Both group demonstrated male preponderance; however, there was no statistical difference. Average circumpapilary RNFL and inferior RNFL were significantly thinner in XFS than healthy age matched control. Moreover, average GCC and inferior GCC were thinner in XFS than control.ConclusionsPatients with XFS without visual field defect showed thinner RNFL thickness and GCC thickness. This findings implicit XFS itself might be an risk factor for development of glaucomatous optic disk and retinal nerve fiber layer damage.
Effects of short oxidative stress exposure on lens epithelial cells
Authors: D'antin J.C. , Barraquer R.I. , Michael R. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo observe the reactions of lens epithelial cells (LECs) to a short exposure of an elevated oxidative stress. To help find future treatments for the prevention of posterior capsule opacification. Using cultured human lens capsules as an experimental model and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the stress inducer.MethodsLens capsule‐ciliary body complexes were extracted from human donor eyes. Samples were exposed to 30 mM H2O2 for 5 min (n = 8) or used as untreated controls (n = 9). H2O2 was applied after lens extraction through intercapsular irrigation using a silicone irrigation ring. Samples were cultured on average for 30 days, during which dark field and lateral illumination photos were taken every 2–3 days. These photos were used to observe and quantify, time until cellular growth and subsequent confluence on the posterior capsule. Three of the controls were not cultured, in order to observe starting conditions.ResultsAll control samples showed signs of normal cellular growth on the posterior capsule on average by day 6. LEC proliferation and migration was not observed on H2O2 samples until day 22. Four H2O2 samples showed signs of growth. The overall delay of cell growth compared to control was significant (H2O2 p < 0.001). Until day 29 none of the exposed samples that had shown growth reached confluence. Half of controls were confluent on day 10, 83% on day 20 and all by day 26. The average cellular migration speed of controls and H2O2 samples were very similar, being 3.2 and 3.0 (mm2/day) respectively.ConclusionsExposure of lens epithelial cells to an elevated concentration of H2O2 for a short period of time does not seem to lead to immediate cell death as expected, but rather arrests the cell cycle. Surprisingly, after cells have recovered from the oxidative stress, they grow at a normal rate.