bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiogenic potential of orbital adipose derived stromal cells
Authors: Afanasyeva D. , Gushchina M. , Borzenok S. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeOrbital fat contains adipose‐derived stromal cells (ADSC), many therapeutic effects of which have been showed during last years. One line of research is studying of their secretory potential and their role in orbital volume augmentation. It is known that ADSC from subcutaneous adipose tissue secrete some angiogenic and antiapoptotic factors. Nevertheless, there is no information on this, regarding the orbital ADSC. The purpose of this study was to define the secretion of angiogenic factors by orbital ADSC.MethodsSamples of orbital adipose tissue were resected during standard reconstructive and plastic surgery. We isolated orbital ADSC and then collected samples of culture medium on Day 2 and 5 for further quantification of VEGF‐A and TGF‐ß2 with ELISA.ResultsVEGF‐A was determined in most samples of culture medium on Day 2. In 4 samples primary negative for VEGF A, this factor was determined on Day 5. In other samples we noticed decrease of VEGF‐A concentrations up Day 5 (p = 0.025). In samples of culture medium of orbital ADSC from nasal fat pad on Day 2 we detected TGF‐ß2, in contrary to the samples from other orbital fat pads. In samples of culture medium primary negative for TGF‐ß2, on Day 5 we have noticed the secretion of this factor. There we no significant difference in VEGF‐A and TGF‐ß2 concentrations in culture medium of orbital ADSC isolated from patients of different age and orbital condition.ConclusionsIn vitro orbital ADSC secrete VEGF‐A and TGF‐ß2. It points out their potential to regulate angiogenesis in orbital tissues and may play positive role at fat transplantation into the orbit.
Taurine exerts antioxidant and osmoprotecting activity: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Bucolo C. , Fidilio A. , Platania C.B.M. , Geraci F. , Drago F. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of ophthalmic solutions based on sodium hyaluronate (SH) with or without taurine (TAU) in experimental dry eye disease models.MethodsRabbit corneal epithelial cells (SIRCs) were exposed to oxidative stress (1 mM H2O2) and treated with the following formulations: 0.2% SH, 0.4% SH, 0.4% SH + 0.5% TAU. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by commercial kit (ab113851). Dry eye was induced in albino rabbits by topical application (4 times per day) of 1% atropine eye drops. Fifteen minutes after atropine instillation we treated the eyes with test formulations (0.2% SH, 0.4% SH, 0.4% SH + 0.5% TAU). The following endpoints were evaluated: tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer's test, ferning test, tear osmolarity. Results were compared to negative (CTR‐; normal eye) and positive control groups (CTR+; atropine‐treated eye).ResultsTaurine significantly (p < 0.01) quenched ROS production in SIRC after oxidative stress. The effect of taurine, in terms of ROS quenching, was significantly (p < 0.01) higher compared to SH‐treated cells. Topical administration of atropine in the rabbit eye significantly (p < 0.01) reduced tear volume and TBUT. Ferning test and tear osmolarity were also significantly (p < 0.01) modified by atropine treatment. All the altered parameters were significantly (p < 0.01) reversed by 0.4% SH + 0.5% TAU treatment. Furthermore, treatment with SH‐TAU formulation was more effective compared to SH formulations.ConclusionsAll together these data demonstrated that taurine has a potent antioxidant activity preventing the negative effect elicited by atropine on tear stability. Therefore, our findings support the hypothesis that the formulation containing taurine may be more useful than SH formulations in clinical practice to manage ocular surface diseases related to dry eye.
Retrospective review of pressure reducing effect of iStent and Trabectome procedures combined with cataract surgery
Authors: Toth M. , Bazeer S. , Gazzard G. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) reducing effect of cataract operation combined with either trabecular bypass microstent (iStent) implantation or internal trabeculectomy (Trabectome).MethodsA retrospective interventional case series involving 61 eyes who underwent cataract surgery combined with either iStent implantation or Trabectome. Outcomes included short term (1–3 months) and long term (6–12 months) changes of intraocular pressures and number of glaucoma medications.ResultsFor all cases, mean preoperative IOP of 19.9 ± 5.2 mmHg decreased by 17% to 15.8 ± 4.9 mmHg short term and by 12% to 16.4 ± 3.73 mmHg long term. For iStent cases, short term and long term IOP reduction was 21.7 and 17.7%, respectively (from 20.6 ± 6.3 mmHg to 15.2 ± 3.3 and to16.5 ± 3.8 mmHg). For Trabectome cases, short term and long term IOP reduction was 14.6 and 10.5%, respectively (from 19.5 ± 4.5 mmHg to 16.2 ± 5.7 and to 16.4 ± 3.8 mmHg). Long‐term IOP changes were significant in both subgroups (p < 0.005). There was no significant change in the number of glaucoma medications in either groups (2.0 ± 1.1 preoperative, and 1.7 ± 1.3 long term postoperative for all cases, p = 0.09.)ConclusionsCataract surgery combined with iStent or Trabectome provided a significant but only modest reduction in intraocular pressure.
In vivo measurement of increased vascular permeability after STZ induction of diabetes in rats by fluorescence angiography using the Micron IV
Authors: Allen C. , Bates D. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. Chemically induced diabetic rodent models mimic some phenotypic changes in DR, but quantitative assessment of increased vascular permeability seen in diabetes usually requires invasive and terminal experiments. The Micron IV provides enhanced sensitivity, resolution, real‐time capture and a non‐invasive platform compared to comparable systems. This study tests the hypothesis that retinal vascular leakage can be assessed in vivo over time, using the Micron IV.MethodsFA was carried out in non and diabetic rats on day 0 and 7 using the Micron IV. Animals received a single dose of PBS (n = 6) or streptozotocin i.p., 50 mg/kg (n = 6) on day 1 and blood glucose levels were measured on day 4. Angiograms were converted to 8‐bit images in ImageJ and the intensity of sodium fluorescein in an area of the vascular interstitium and the retinal vessel were measured over time. The ratio of interstitial to vascular fluorescence intensities were plotted against time to give rate of increase in intensity per unit time.ResultsRetinal vascular leak was measured in the same focal position of the retina on day 0 and 7 using the Micron IV. Retinal leak was shown to significantly increase (p < 0.05) in the STZ induced diabetic group (13.3 ± 3.30 × 10−4 s−1) compared to non‐diabetic controls (7.5 ± 3.7 × 10−4 s−1), on day 7. This was supported by fundus images showing increased capillary leakage and the formation of multiple micro‐aneurysms in the retina.ConclusionsThe Micron IV system provides a standardised, real‐time and non‐invasive platform to measure retinal permeability in a rat model of diabetes. Advanced quantitative assessments such as this could substantially contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of DR and identify potential drugs for treatment.
Development of novel electrospun scaffolds for corneal tissue engineering
Authors: Kador K. , Ahearne M. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeBlindness due to corneal disease or injury is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Tissue engineering techniques are currently developed to create whole corneal replacement including corneal substitutes constructed from compressed collagen, electrospun fibres and decellularized corneal extracellular matrix (ECM). Here we combine these methods to develop electrospun scaffolds with different fibre alignments while incorporating ECM into the scaffolds to enhance the cell's environment and maintain the native cell phenotype.MethodsPorcine corneas were dissected, decellularized and milled to a fine powder. Gelatin or Polycaprolactone (PCL) were dissolved with or without ECM and electrospun in different alignments. Scaffolds were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle, fibre diameter, light absorbance and transparency. Human stromal cells were cultured for seven days and then analysed for survival, morphology and biochemical markers through immunohistochemistry and PCR.ResultsNew peaks corresponding to polypeptide bonds were observed in FTIR scans from PCL/ECM when compared to PCL along with a decrease in the water contact angle. No change was observed with the incorporation of ECM to gelatin fibers. Aligned fibre scaffolds from all samples absorbed less light and were more translucent. Random fibres resulted in a greater distortion of test images while PCL and PCL/ECM random samples were completely opaque. No change in survival was observed but fibre orientation and ECM did affect the cell morphology while orientation affected ALDH3a1 expression.ConclusionsIncorporating corneal ECM into aligned electrospun fibres mimics the cornea's native structure and environment while helping to maintain the keratocyte morphology and protein markers.
Filtering blebs after XEN implantation and trabeculectomy: a clinical and in vivo confocal microscopy study
Authors: Cardigos J. , Crisostomo S. , Costa L. , Anjos R. , Vieira L. , Cardoso M. , Reina M. , Gomes T. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare macroscopic and microscopic morphological features of functioning filtering blebs after XEN Gel Stent (XEN) implantation and trabeculectomy.MethodsProspective, observational case‐control study of 10 eyes submitted to XEN implantation, 10 eyes submitted to trabeculectomy and 11 control eyes treated medically. A complete ophthalmological examination was performed, including Goldmann applanation tonometry, slit‐lamp examination, anterior segment photography and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM – Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Cornea Module). Photographs were analyzed with Moorfields bleb grading system classification. The IVCM images were analyzed for the density of intraepithelial microcysts, the density of subepithelial connective tissue, the number, diameter and tortuousity of blood vessels and the presence of inflammatory cells. The examinations were performed from 6 to 16 months postoperatively and only blebs resulting from a surgery with total success were included (Intraocular pressure <21 mmHg without therapy).ResultsThe analyze of anterior segment photographs didn't showed diferences between blebs's features after XEN implantation and trabeculectomy. The IVCM showed an increase in the density of intraepithelial microcysts and subepithelial connective tissue in XEN and trabeculectomy blebs comparing with the controls (p < 0.05). All morphological findings were similar when comparing the group of XEN and trabeculectomy blebs.ConclusionsFunctioning blebs after XEN implantation showed similar features comparing with functioning blebs after trabeculectomy. Further longitudinal studies are needed to increase the postsurgery understanding and management of filtering blebs.
Outcomes after surgical resection of lower eyelid tumors and reconstruction using a septal chondromucosal graft and an upper eyelid skin flap
Authors: Lemaitre S. , Levy‐Gabriel C. , Couturaud B. , Gardrat S. , Cassoux N. , Desjardins L. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeSurgical excision of large malignant lower eyelid tumors may cause important full‐thickness eyelid defects. The reconstruction of such defects must reestablish an acceptable aesthetic result and also restore the physiologic function of the eyelid.MethodsWe report the outcomes of full‐thickness excision of tumors extending over half of the horizontal lid length, followed by reconstruction using a septal chondromucosal graft (coming from the ipsilateral nasal cavity) and an upper eyelid skin flap. Histological analysis of the specimen identified the tumor type and surgical margins for each patient.Results25 patients were operated with this technique between March 2009 and June 2015: 17 basal cell carcinomas, 3 spindle cell carcinomas and 5 conjunctival melanomas (out of which 2 were associated with lentigo malignant melanoma). Mean duration of follow‐up after surgery was respectively 36, 41 and 17 months for each of these 3 tumor types. We found a single local tumor recurrence and it was a basal cell carcinoma in a xeroderma pigmentosum patient. We describe some of the possible surgical complications and functional sequelae.ConclusionsIn the case of eyelid tumors, the need to perform complete oncologic excision with margins adapted to tumor type may result in the removal of an important part of the eyelid. Several surgical techniques are available for lower eyelid reconstruction; the choice of the technique and its results depend mainly on the surgeon's experience.In malignant tumors, complete surgical excision with margins adapted to tumor type prevents local recurrence in most cases. Our repair strategy gives good aesthetic and functional results.
Reduced post‐illumination pupil response in patients with mild‐moderate cataracts is associated with impaired sleep quality
Authors: Roemer S. , Munch M. , Ladaique M. , Hashemi K. , Kawasaki A. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeCataracts absorb light, especially in the blue‐range of the visible light spectrum, and reduce retinal illumination. Recent studies showed improved sleep and faster reaction times following cataract extraction. These non‐visual benefits are perhaps due to increased blue light transmission and melanopsin‐dependent photoreception. We compared visual function, pupil responses, sleep quality and sleep‐wake cycle in patients with cataracts and controls.Methods30 patients with cataracts and 22 age‐matched pseudophakic controls were tested during the winter season. Ophthalmologic examination with automated perimetry and optical coherence tomography was performed. Pupil responses were recorded to a 1s red or blue light having pre‐selected intensities. All participants completed a questionnaire for subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; PSQI). They were asked to maintain a regular sleep‐wake rhythm with approximately 8 h of sleep. Rest‐activity cycles were recorded for one week by wrist worn activity watches.ResultsMean acuity was 1.0 ± 0.1 for both groups. The pupil contraction amplitude to dim blue light and the post‐illumination pupil response to bright blue light were significantly reduced in patients with cataracts (p < 0.05). This was associated with a significantly higher PSQI score relative to controls (p = 0.02), indicating impaired sleep, and a lower post‐illumination response to bright blue light (R = 0.43; p < 0.05). Sleep analysis from the activity watches revealed a significantly lower sleep efficiency in cataract patients than in controls (78.6 ± 8.3 vs. 83.2 ± 4.5; %; mean ± SD; p = 0.02).ConclusionsPatients with cataracts, not visually impaired, demonstrate reduced melanopsin activity, as assessed by the pupil response. This latter is correlated with impaired subjective sleep quality and greater sleep fragmentation.
Use of glaucoma medications in Portugal: a cross‐sectional nationwide study
Authors: Cordeiro Sousa D. , Leal I. , Nascimento N. , Abegão Pinto L. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThere is scarce data about antiglaucomatous prescribing patterns in Portugal. We aim to describe and analyze the nationwide prescription of glaucoma medications in Portugal in the year of 2015. Ultimately, our goal is to identify improvement opportunities for the system and the patient, in particular.MethodsCross‐sectional study. A common electronic drug prescription system is used by all hospitals and clinics in Portugal. We used this national database and included all hypotensive drug prescriptions in 2015. Demographic data, medications prescribed (in isolation and fixed combination) and healthcare related costs were provided in an encrypted form and anonymously extracted. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 13.0.ResultsA total of 236.234 subjects (56.8% women) were prescribed one or more drugs. Mean age was 71.6 ± 13.3 [range 0; 108] years. Of the ~800.000 prescriptions, 52.3% were from general practitioners and 38.7% from ophthalmologists. The most prescribed drugs were latanoprost (20.0%), timolol/dorzolamide (13.7%), brimonidine (9.0%) and timolol (8.8%). Single‐dosed preparations were prescribed in significantly younger patients (mean age = 68.7 ± 0.07) than other formulations (mean age = 71.8 ± 0.01), p < 0.001. Single‐agent and combination therapies accounted for 14.5€ M and 8.5€ M in costs for the healthcare system, respectively.ConclusionsThis nationwide study revealed prescription's trends and disclosed the burden of the disease in terms of its medical management. A cost‐effective approach in glaucoma is essential for the whole system sustainability and should be promoted by every healthcare stakeholder.
In vitro activity of Cacicol® on herpes simplex virus type 1: a promising adjunct therapy of herpetic corneal infections?
Authors: Labetoulle M. , Rousseau A. , Breckler M. , Molet L. , Boutolleau D. , Burrel S. , Deback C. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeHerpes simplex keratitis (HSK) remains the leading cause of infectious blindness in developed countries. Cacicol®, a topical eye biopolymer containing a poly‐carboxymethyl sulfate solution is a recent licensed regenerating agent used for matrix repair therapy, intended for wound healing of corneal epithelial defects. According to its chemical composition, we hypothesized that Cacicol® could compete with natural heparan sulfate which initiates cell surface attachment of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and that Cacicol® could have unexplored antiherpetic activities.MethodsCacicol® was tested in vitro against both cell free HSV‐1 SC16 strain and HSV‐1 PSL‐R, a clinical isolate resistant to both acyclovir and foscarnet due to mutations in both thymidine kinase and DNA polymerase, and compared to the activity of vehicle, equivalent to active drug minus the active component. The reduction of the initial viral inoculum by Cacicol® or vehicle, during 1 h adsorption was determined by plaque reduction assays on Vero cells.ResultsA dose dependent effect was demonstrated when both SC16 and PSL‐R were pre‐treated with Cacicol® during adsorption. Initial inoculums of 1,104 PFU were significantly decreased to 160 PFU (±26.6) and 117 PFU (±22.3) for SC16 and PSL‐R respectively, while vehicle has no effect on viral replication.ConclusionsCacicol® has a significant in vitro antiherpetic activity and seems particularly interesting for the management of HSV‐1 resistant to acyclovir or foscarnet, especially in tissues that can receive Cacicol® by topical application (such as the cornea). Clinical studies are necessary to determine its in vivo activity and its usefulness as a promising adjunct or alternative therapy of recurrent HSK.
Modern diagnostic methods used in macular telangiectasia
Authors: Romanowska Dixon B. , Karska Basta I. , Lesniak A. 
Published: September 2016

PurposePresenting an assessment of new, various diagnostic methods used in patients with macular telangiectasia – an idiopathic, uncommon disorder characterized bytelangiectatic vessels in the juxtafoveolar region.MethodsThe study included 5 patients with macular telangiectasia treated in theDepartment of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Jagiellonian University, CollegiumMedicum in Cracow. The patients were enrolled in an observational study and evaluatedusing various diagnostic and treatment methods. The examination included BCVA, funduscolor photo, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, DRI OCT‐1 AtlantisTOPCON and OCT‐angiography (AngioVue). Retinal layers, the region bounded by the outer retina, Bruch's membrane, choriocapillaris, and the remaining choroidal vasculature were assessed.ResultsIn all 5 patients with macular telangiectasia, the telangiectatic vessels wereidentified in fluorescein angiography, showing leakage in late phase. DRI OCT‐1 allows to abetter assessment of the neurosensory retina and demonstrate small foveal cystoid cavitieswith destruction of inner and outer layers, which is typical of this disease. This isvery useful in differentation with choroidal neovascularization in the wet type of AMD orcystoid macular oedema and helps to determin the severity of the disease. In all the patients OCT‐angiography (AngioVue) enabled a visualization of very small retina vessels, but not a diagnosis of the neovascularization and leakage.ConclusionsThe results of our observation indicate that fluorescein angiography and DRIOCT‐1 seem to be the most useful diagnostic methods in macular telangiectasia, but OCT‐angiography can provide an alternative assessment method especially in patients with contraindications for fluorescein angiography. Further studies comprising a wider group of patients are necessary.
5‐year Incidence of Lubricant Dependence in Medically and Surgically Treated Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Iyer J. , Lim F. , Yang Z. , Tong L. , Wong T. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeChronic use of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering medications is associated with ocular surface disease. Glaucoma surgery has also been associated with ocular surface disturbances. In this study we assess the incidence of topical lubricant use in glaucoma patients who are medically controlled or who have had glaucoma surgery over 5 years of followup.MethodsRetrospective chart review was performed for patients on medications for primary open angle glaucoma. Some of these patients required subsequent glaucoma surgery. Primary outcome measure was the incidence and onset of topical lubricant use in these patients.Results505 cases patients with POAG were reviewed. Mean age was 63.9 years (SD: 11.1) and 42.8% were women. 122 of these patients required a MMC‐augmented phacotrabeculectomy (n = 97) or trabeculectomy (n = 25) over the course of followup. 5‐year incidence of lubricant use was 39% in glaucoma subjects. Females were more likely to use topical lubricants (p < 0.01). Incidence of lubricant use increased from 21.3% preoperatively to 71.3% postoperatively in subjects who subsequently underwent trabeculectomy or phacotrabeculectomy.ConclusionsGlaucoma medications, surgery and female gender are predisposing factors for ocular lubricant use. Notably MMC‐augmented trabeculectomy and phaco‐trabeculectomy increased the need for topical lubricants by more than threefold.