bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Counting retinal neurons in the adult rat retina
Authors: Vidal‐Sanz M. , Jiménez‐López M. , Nadal‐Nicolás F.M. , Ortín‐Martínez A. , Valiente‐Soriano F.J. , Rovere G. , Salinas‐Navarro M. , Avilés‐Trigueros M. , Agudo‐Barriuso M. , Villegas‐Pérez M.P. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryWe study in adult albino rats long‐term effects on the ganglion cell and photoreceptor layers of the retina after ocular hypertension (OHT) or introarbital optic nerve transection (IONT). OHT was induced by lasering limbar tissues while IONT was performed at 0.5 mm from the optic disc (OD). The ganglion cell layer (GCL) was investigated in wholemounts to identify, count and map RGCs (identified with Fluorogold labelling, or Brn3a or melanopsin (m) antibodies), cells in the GCL (DAPI‐staining to detect nuclei in this layer or calretintin antibodies to identify displaced amacrine cells). The distribution of S‐ and L‐cones was studied in wholemounts immunoreacted for S‐ and L‐opsin. Following OHT there were significant diminutions of orthotopic and displaced Brn3a+RGCs in pie‐shaped sectors. These sectors had large numbers of DAPI+nuclei, calretinin+cells and m+RGCs. The S‐ and L‐cone populations diminished to 65 and 80%, or to 20 and 35% at 1 or 6 months, respectively, indicating severe cone loss. IONT resulted at 15 days in massive loss of Brn3a+RGCs or m+RGCs throughout the retina and at 15 months the loss represented <1 or 35% of the original populations, respectively, indicating a greater survival for m+RGCs.
Vitrectomy in treatment naive diabetic macular edema
Authors: Michalewska Z. , Michalewski J. , Bednarski M. , Nawrocki J. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryPurposeTo evaluate the potential benefit of vitrectomy in treatment naïve diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsA retrospective, clinical study of 44 consecutive patients with treatment‐naïve DME. SD‐OCT was performed before and after vitrectomy with inner limiting membrane peeling. Main outcome measures were final visual acuity, final central retinal thickness, need for repeated therapy.ResultsThe follow up period ranged from 8 to 48 months. Overall, 31% of patients gained more than two lines and 84% of patients gained at least one Snellen line, and decreased by one Snellen line in one eye. Average central retinal thickness decreased from 595 to 266 μm at the end of follow up (p < 0.001). Final visual acuity was inversely associated with duration of diabetes (p = 0.01) and presence of epiretinal membrane (p = 0.02) and initial visual acuity (0.03). Reappearance of macular edema was noted in three cases (6%), one of which received anti‐VEGF treatment.ConclusionVitrectomy may result in long lasting, satisfactory anatomical and functional results in treatment‐naïve DME and may be more convenient than multiple intravitreal injections, especially for patients with transportation difficulties.
The pathogenic role of LRG1 in ocular neovascularisation: From discovery to targeted therapy
Authors: Greenwood J. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryWe have reported that the secreted glycoprotein, leucine‐rich alpha‐2‐glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), promotes neovascularisation in various models of ocular disease (Wang et al., Nature 2014; 499: 306–311). LRG1 is up‐regulated in many disease conditions and mediates its pro‐angiogenic effect by modifying the TGFß signalling network. Loss of LRG1, or blocking its biological activity, results in attenuation of neovascular complications in the rodent models of laser‐induced choroidal neovascularisation and oxygen‐induced retinopathy. Recently, we have observed that loss of LRG1 results in vessel normalisation, suggesting that in the pathological setting LRG1 corrupts the normal physiological angiogenic process. Early indications suggest that LRG1 interferes with vascular recruitment of pericytes resulting in failure of vessel maturation. These findings have important implications in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy where there is a need to promote a normal functioning vasculature. Consistent with the concept of LRG1 causing vascular dysfunction, we have additionally observed that loss of LRG1 reduces vascular permeability in ocular inflammation. Together these findings have led us to develop a humanised blocking antibody that will be taken into clinical trials for the treatment of wet age‐related macular degeneration. In this seminar I will present our work on LRG1 in ocular disease and describe the development of an anti‐LRG1 therapeutic for clinical use.
Developing new treatments for inherited retinal degenerations
Authors: Maclaren R. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryRetinal diseases are currently the leading causes of untreatable blindness in Europe. Most commonly, incurable blindness occurs when photoreceptors are lost and therapeutic strategies therefore aim to prevent photoreceptor cell death by genetic correction of single gene disorders. Once photoreceptors have degenerated, alternative strategies are required to regenerate the retina using biological approaches and subretinal electronic devices have also shown great promise in demonstrating that blindness may be potentially reversible. This lecture will provide an update on the application of scientific discovery in clinical trials for retinal degeneration and provide insight into the fascinating age of discovery that lies ahead.
Cortical cataracts: the case for mechanical stress
Authors: Michael R. , Pinilla Cortés L. , Montenegro G.A. , D'Antin J.C. , Barraquer R.I. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryIn previous publications, we found that human cortical and cuneiform opacities are accompanied by changes in fiber structure and architecture mainly in the equatorial border zone between the lens nucleus and cortex. Because the lens cortex and nucleus have different viscoelastic properties in young and old lenses, we hypothesized that external forces during accommodation cause shear stress predominantly at this nucleus‐cortex interface. The location of the described changes suggested that these mechanical forces may cause fiber disorganization, small cortical opacities, and ultimately, cuneiform cataracts.Recently, we tested our hypothesis in a stretching device for anterior eye segments from human donor eyes. Lenses with cortical cataracts showed ruptures at the nucleus‐cortex interface adjacent to the cortical cataracts. These ex vivo experiments indicate that the nucleus‐cortex interface is vulnerable and it can be separated when external forces are applied. In vivo forces from the attempt to accommodate are smaller, but a continuous action during years may induce micro ruptures at this interface which may lead to cortical cataract.
Controversies in the use of mydriatics
Authors: Labetoulle M. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryTo obtain a good mydriasis is a key step for a safe and efficient cataract surgery. The most common protocols to dilate the pupil before surgery are based on the instillation of several mydriatic eyedrops, usually a mix of parasympatholytic (mostly tropicamide or cyclopentolate) and sympathomimetic (mostly phenylephrine) preparations. This usual regimen is efficient, but presents several disadvantages, including the side effects due to a systemic passage of the drugs, the topical toxicity on the ocular surface, and the time required by the staff to instillate the drops. One emerging alternative is the intracameral injection of the mydriatic drugs, combined with anaesthetics, just before proceeding to the surgery. We will present the results of a multicenter, randomized and controlled study about the use of a standardised intracameral combination of tropicamide 0.02%, phenylephrine 0.31% and lidocaine 1% before cataract surgery, compared to a standard eyedrops regimen. The intracameral mix was safe and non‐inferior to the comparator in terms of pupil dilation, with several potential advantages, including less discomfort during surgery and fewer time spent by the patient in the operating theater.
Anterior chamber lenses
Authors: Moschos M.M. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) is the ideal intraocular lens (IOL) both for implantation during intracapsular cataract extraction and for secondary implantation. It is also useful during extracapsular cataract surgery, being especially indicated if there is a total absence of capsular support.ACIOLs are preferred over sulcus‐sutured IOLs because they are technically easier to implant, are reasonably well‐tolerated, and have a low rate of postoperative IOL decentration or tilt. However ACIOLs have also become one of the causes of IOL exchange and explantation.Implant‐related problems such as discrepancies between anterior chamber biometry and IOL size may cause pseudophakodonesis in the aqueous, resulting in progressive endothelial cell loss. Because of endothelial complications, they must be reserved for elderly patients.Infrequently, ACIOL‐iris contact may lead to pigment dispersion with subsequent inflammation. Occasionally, secondary angle closure and glaucoma with corneal decompensation due to haptic displacement may develop. Due to these reasons, eyes with shallow anterior chambers or early corneal guttata have been treated as relative contraindications for ACIOLs.
Presentation skills for oral presentations
Authors: Jóhannesson G. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryAn important part of being a scientist is communicating findings and results to fellow colleagues and the public. This is often achieved through oral presentation in front of a group of people. How well the message is conveyed to the crowd depends largely on the presentation skills of the oral presenter. Yet many scientists do not get adequate education or training in presentation skills and techniques. Consequently many presenters are forced to learning by doing. This short talk will highlight a selection of tips and tricks to improve the presentation skills for oral presentations.
OCT‐A and FA in irradiation induced microangiopathy
Authors: Zografos L. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryIrradiation induced microangiopathy of the macular area is a severe complication of conservative management of uveal melanomas with with proton beam teletherapy or plaque brachytherapy. It occurs in 20–30% of the cases according the position of the posterior margin of the tumor and the selection criteria for the various therapeutic options.The aim of this study is to present the anatomic damage observed in fluoresceine angiography and OCT‐angiography as well as the modifications observed in B‐mode OCT and OCT en face. Following the evaluation of 80 cases of irradiation induced maculopathy, the most meaningfull anatomic damage, which correlates with visual function are the modifications of the outer perifoveal capillary plexus. According the results of this study, a therapeutic approach with anti‐VEGF's can be considered in all the cases presenting minimal or mild vascular damage.
Challenges in the clinical applications of cornea limbal stem cells
Authors: Ferrari S. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryAccording to regulation (EC) 1,394/2007 on Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), manipulation of corneal limbal stem cells for clinical applications aiming to treat limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) has to be carried out in certified Cell Factories according to the Good Manufacturing Practises (GMP). For hospitals and tissue banks wanting to provide ATMPs many challenges lie ahead, including (1) setting up GMP laboratories, (2) validating personnel, procedures and analytical methods continuously and (3) dealing with the costs associated with the maintenance of pharmaceutical grade environments. Results from clinical trials have been reported by different groups worldwide and data are so promising that the European Medicines Agency has recently issued the first marketing authorization for a corneal stem cell‐based ATMP. Despite this, the appropriate selection of the patients and follow‐up analyses remain crucial for successful treatments. In the meantime, R&D studies are looking further ahead with research focusing on cell therapy‐based strategies for the treatment of pathologies affecting the conjunctival epithelium and the corneal endothelium and on gene therapy approaches for rare disorders, such as the EEC syndrome.
Ocular pharmacokinetics assessed by in‐vivo microdialysis
Authors: Garhofer G. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryA key challenge in drug development is to obtain reliable concentration‐time profiles in potential target tissues. For the eye, data regarding drug concentration in the anterior chamber and the vitreous is crucial for optimizing the dosing for topically applied therapies. Given that in most cases, invasive serial probe sampling in humans is not possible for ethical reasons, data regarding drug penetration in the eye routinely relies on in‐vivo animal models. Classical pharmacokinetic models are based on obtaining single samples of the anterior chamber and the vitreous at consecutive timepoints in different animals. In contrast to that, in‐vivo microdialysis offers a new possibility to determine statistically robust pharmacokinetic profiles without including large numbers of animals. As described previously described for other tissues, microdialysis allows for the continuous in‐vivo sampling of analytes in a tissue by implantation of a probe with a semi‐permeable membrane in the target tissue. The current talk aims to give an overview about the microdialysis technique with special regards to the ocular tissues. In addition, advantages and potential disadvantages as well as the limitations of the technique will be discussed.
Tridimensional studies on the adult rat optic nerve head
Authors: Pazos M. , Yang H. , Gardiner S. , Cepurna W. , Elaine J. , Morrison J. , Burgoyne C. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryPurposeTo reconstruct rat optic nerve heads (ONHs) with unilateral experimental glaucoma (EG), so as to 3D characterize the normal and early EG ONH anatomy in the rat.MethodsHypertonic saline was unilaterally injected into the episcleral veins of 8 Brown rats that were sacrificed 4 weeks later. Orbital optic nerve (ON) sections were graded. ONH's were 3D reconstructed, delineated, and parameterized. Overall and individual EG versus control eye differences were studied by linear mixed effect models adjusted for multiple comparisons.ResultsThe rat ONH has 2 scleral openings (superior neurovascular and inferior arterial) separated by a sling. In the superior one, the nerve abuts a prominent extension of Bruch's Membrane (BM) superiorly and is surrounded by a plexus. ON and anterior scleral canal opening (ASCO) expansions were significant overall and in 7 EG eyes. In at least 5 EG eyes, significant expansions in BM Opening (BMO) (3–10%), ASCO and Posterior Scleral Canal Openings (PSCO) (8–21 and 8–41%, respectively) were found. ON expansion was correlated to ON damage.ConclusionsThe 3D complexity of the rat ONH has been undervalued in previous 2D studies. ON, BMO and neurovascular canal expand early in response to IOP elevation.
Cytoprotective alpha crystallins in the regulation of RPE cell proteostasis
Authors: Kannan R. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryAlphaB‐Crystallin (αBC) is an ubiquitous protein with dual function as a molecular chaperone to preserve proteostasis and as an anti‐apoptotic agent. We studied the regulatory role of αBC in murine models of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR), laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and subretinal fibrosis (SF). αBC KO attenuated retinal NV in OIR as compared to WT. In the laser model, CNV lesion size was significantly reduced in αBC KO vs. WT mice. VEGF increased 8 fold in WT vs. αBC KO on day 3 and 7 post‐laser and VEGF secretion was lower in αBC KO vs. WT. Increased mono (tetra)‐ubiquitination of VEGF was observed in αBC siRNA RPE. Further, αBC regulated SF in mice. Attenuation of SF after regression of laser‐induced CNV of αBC KO and a decrease in mesenchymal RPE cells as compared to WT was found. αBC was prominently expressed in SF lesions. TGF‐β induced EMT was further enhanced by αBC overexpression but was inhibited by suppression of αBC. Silencing of αBC inhibited RPE cell proliferation, migration, and fibronectin production. αBC overexpression enhanced nuclear translocation and accumulation of SMAD4 and SMAD5. Thus, αBC is an attractive therapeutic target for AMD with an advantage in controlling both CNV and SF.
Innovative pathology techniques for small tissue samples or cytology of vitreous biopsies
Authors: Van Ginderdeuren R. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryVitreal samples contain only very few cells in comparison with cytology specimens from other medical specialists and oncology samples. The gelatinous structure of fine fibrils in the vitreal gel interferes with normal cytology protocols. The former treatment of steroids induces apoptosis of fragile lymphoma cells. The rarity of these masquerade syndromes give less experience and causes delay in referring and diagnosis. For all these reasons a routine and standardized protocol in an experienced referral center is necessary. Concentration or centrifugation of the cells in solution is mandatory. The Cellient® from Hologic is an automated embedding system from a cytology specimen to a paraffin block. Very small fragments and cells or cell clusters can be automatically handled without loss of material. All routine histochemical and immunologic stainings can be performed on a small representative portion of the sample. Genetic analysis are possible with the used fixatives of PreservCyt® and Cytolyt®. Flow cytometry is an alternative way to discriminate the cells, but without histology.
29G chandelier‐assisted scleral buckling with new instruments
Authors: Lytvynchuk L. , Binder S. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryPurposeTo modify a scleral buckling technique for retinal detachment (RD) treatment using 29‐gauge twin‐light chandelier, non‐contact viewing system and a new illuminated indenter‐marker.MethodsEight consecutive patients (8 eyes) were enrolled to this prospective observational study. During every surgery a new illuminated indenter‐marker was used. Standard ophthalmologic examinations were performed before and after the surgery. The evaluation of the surgery duration was performed in every case.ResultsThe mean initial best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/200, and after the surgery – 20/80. The retina reattached in all cases. The mean time of the surgical procedure was 35.12 min ± 9.05 min. In all cases minimal segmental buckle were used. In two cases an additional suturing of the sclerotomy after endolight withdrawal was necessary.ConclusionEndoillumination‐assisted scleral buckling is a novel approach for RD treatment, which can be performed using microscope and non‐contact viewing system. The new illuminated indenter‐marker facilitates easier, and more controlled localisation of the retinal breaks with simultaneous marking of the desired area.
Topical chemotherapy for pigmented and epithelial tumors of the conjunctiva
Authors: Desjardins L. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryTopical chemotherapy drops are very useful in the treatment of conjunctival malignancies. Mitomycine drops can be used for in situ squamous cells carcinomas. We use the 0.02% as an adjuvant therapy when the carcinoma has been surgically removed and (15 days treatment, stop 15 days and again 15 days of treatment) 0.04% drops if there is incomplete removal of the tumor. In some rare instances, mitomycine drops can be used to reduce the tumor volume for invasive squamous cells carcinoma before surgery. Mitomycine 0.04% is also very useful in the treatment of primary acquired melanosis. (cycles of 8 days or 15 days according to local tolerance) We limit the use of such a treatment to patients who have atypical cells or have already developed a previous malignant melanoma. Toxicity of mitomycin drops on the cornea is higher with the 0.04% drops and careful follow up is warranted. Drops of interferon alpha can also be used. They are less toxic but the treatment needs to be applied several months and the cost is higher.
Diabetic maculopathy: Confrontation of FA and OCT‐A findings
Authors: Coscas G. , Lupidi M. , Fiore T. , Cagini C. , Coscas F. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryPurpose: To perform a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the foveal microvasculature in diabetic maculopathy using OCT‐A. Methods: Retrospective case series of 50 eyes with DM and 30 eyes of age‐matched controls, evaluated by conventional multimodal imaging and Spectralis OCT‐A Clinical features of DM were qualitatively analyzed and recorded on OCT‐A images. Moreover a fully automated micro‐structural analysis of the FAZ (area, perimeter, major axis, orientation), foveal vessel's density and non‐perfused areas was performed. Quantitative values were then compared with those of healthy subjects. Results: In the superficial capillary plexus, non‐perfused areas were present in all DM eyes. Conversely, in the deep capillary plexus, non‐perfused areas were detected in a lower number of cases. No significant differences were found in number of microaneurysms. Capillary density values were significantly lower in nearly all layers of DM patients. There was high (p < 0.05) inter‐observer agreement. Conclusion: OCT‐A is a useful technology for detecting DM abnormalities .The fully automated quantitative retinal vascular analysis may offer an objective method for monitoring disease progression and response to treatment.
Primary vitreo‐retinal lymphoma, an increasing pseudo‐uveitis to be taken into account
Authors: Neri P. , Cesare M. , Baruffa D. , Pirani V. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe clinical assessment of most of vitreo‐retinal (VR) inflammations is often challenging: the clinical picture of such diseases can be overlapping and, despite the advances in medical technologies, the routine diagnostic tools might not provide conclusive data. The term ‘Masquerade Syndrome’ was first used in 1967 to describe a case of conjunctival carcinoma that mimicked a chronic conjunctivitis. Masquerade syndromes are disorders that occur with intraocular inflammation and are often misdiagnosed as a chronic resistant, non‐infectious uveitis. Very often mesquerade syndrome is a synonymous of intraocular lymphoma which can present insidious clinical pictures, which are very often confused. At this point, the possibility to take a vitreous tap via pars plana can help the ocular immunologist to differentiate between different sub‐sets of infectious diseases and masquerade syndrome. The possibility to test the interleukines’ (IL) ratio and to analyze the cytology represents a great scientific advance. Once there is the evidence of a masquarade syndrome, the urgent referral to the hematologist is mandatory, in order to start an appropriate and prompt chemotherapy, both local and systemic.
Retinal vasculature structure and function
Authors: Schmetterer L. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe human retina has a complex vascular supply. The inner retina including the retinal ganglion cells is supplied by the retinal circulation, the outer retina including the photoreceptors is supplied by the choroidal circulation. Whereas the retinal circulation is characterized by high vascular resistance, low blood flow rate and high arterio‐venous oxygen difference the choroidal circulation is characterized by low vascular resistance, high blood flow rate and low arterio‐venous oxygen difference. The choroidal vessels are richly innervated and as such blood flow is under neural control. The retinal vessels distal to the central retinal artery are not innervated. The optic nerve head has a particular vascular supply: the anterior vessels receive their input via the central retinal artery, the posterior vessels receive their input via the posterior ciliary arteries. An overview of the anatomy and physiology of the ocular vasculature is provided.