bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between individual retinal layer thicknesses and diabetic peripheral neuropathy using retinal layer segmentation analysis
Authors: Kim J.H. , Kim J. , Kim H.K. , Lee J. , Kim M. , Kim S.S. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo evaluate clinical correlations between the thicknesses of individual retinal layers in the foveal area of diabetic patients and the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).MethodsThis retrospective, observational cross‐sectional study enrolled a total of 120 eyes from 120 patients. The eyes were divided into three groups: normal controls (n = 42 eyes), patients with diabetes mellitus (DM)(n = 42 eyes) but no DPN, and DM patients with DPN (n = 36 eyes). The primary outcome measures were the thickness of all retinal layers in the central 1 mm zone measured by using the segmentation analysis of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). Correlations between the thicknesses of the individual retinal layers and the presence of DPN were also analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine which change of layer thickness had the most significant association with the presence of DPN.ResultsThe mean thicknesses and the ratios of retinal nerve fiber layers (RNFLs) to total retina thicknesses in the DPN group were 10.77 ± 1.79 μm and 4.10 ± 0.55 percent (%), significantly lower than those in normal controls and the DM with no DPN group (p = 0.014 and p = 0.001, respectively). Logistic regression analyses also showed the decrease in thicknesses of the RNFLs and the INL are significant factors for predicting a higher risk for DPN development (odds ratio = 7.407 and 1.757; p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsA decrease in the RNFL and the INL thickness was significantly associated with presence of DPN. Using SD‐OCT segmentation method, these structural changes could be used as a potential biomarker for early detection of DPN.
Efficacy and safety of primary posterior capsulotomy in combined phaco‐vitrectomy in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Kim J.Y. , Shin Y.I. , Kang T.S. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of posterior capsulotomy by analyzing the visual outcomes in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), who underwent combined phaco‐vitrectomy.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal cohort analysis was performed by using data of RRD patients undergoing combined phaco‐vitrectomy. Patients were divided into two groups; Group A (69 patients) with capsulotomy, and Group B (39 patients) without capsulotomy. We reviewed the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), clinical features of RRD, and complications.ResultsThe BCVA measured by the LogMAR at initial diagnosis was 0.67 in Group A versus 0.78 in Group B (p = 0.246). The BCVA of Group A was only significantly higher at 12 months (0.21 versus 0.28 [p = 0.013]) after surgery, respectively. In subgroup with macula‐on RRD, Group A exhibited better visual outcomes compared to Group B at 6 (0.17 versus 0.40 [p = 0.037]) and at 12 months (0.17 versus 0.40 [p = 0.030]). The incidence of PCO in Group B was higher than A (28.2% versus 5.8% (p = 0.000)). There were no complications associated with capsulotomy.ConclusionsA primary posterior capsulotomy during combined phaco‐vitrectomy is the safe and effective procedure in patients with RRD for preventing postoperative PCO.
Microelectrode penetration of the wall of porcine retinal arterioles in vitro results in recordings from several cell types
Authors: Kudryavtseva O. , Aalkjaer C. , Bek T. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeA novel population of perivascular cells (PVC) is located immediately external to the vascular smooth muscle cells of retinal arterioles, express immunoreactivity to the pericyte marker NG2 and give rise to processes that extend into the retina. This suggests that PVCs could play a role in neurovascular coupling. However, the anatomical basis for the connection of PVC processes to the surrounding retina has not been characterized in detail. The aim of the present study was to establish a method for electrophysiological characterization of cells in the perivascular retina for the study of neurovascular coupling.MethodsFirst order porcine retinal arterioles with preserved perivascular retinal tissue were mounted in a wire myograph. A glass microelectrode (WPI, USA) with a tip resistance of 30 ‐ 100 MOhm filled with 3M KCl solution was inserted into cells in the perivascular retina using an electronic micromanipulator. The microelectrode was connected to an amplifier (Electrometer 773 Duo, WPI, USA) and the intracellular membrane potential was recorded at resting conditions and after addition of 40mM KCl or solvent.ResultsRecordings from thirty perivascular retinal cells from eight arterioles showed membrane potentials ranging from ‐100 to ‐40 mV (mean ‐68± 3 mV). The most frequent membrane potential was ‐80 mV (30% of the cells). 40mM KCl produced a significant depolarization of the cells of 13 ± 3 mV (p=0.03, n=10), whereas solvent induced no significant change in the membrane potential (p=0.6, n=10).ConclusionsCells in the retinal arteriolar wall can be penetrated with microelectrodes for measurement of the membrane potential. The recordings suggest the existence of multiple cell types with distinct membrane potentials. The anatomical basis for these different cell types should be characterized further by intracellular dye injection.
Effect of AVS Retina in a rodent model of retinal ischemia‐reperfusion
Authors: Santonocito M. , La Rosa L.R. , Zappulla C. , Viola S. , Mazzone M.G. , Giuliano F. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeAnti‐VEGF agents currently available for the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Wet Age‐Related Macular Degeneration do not possess a direct effect on inflammation. Our previous findings show that a nutritional supplement formula codenamed AVS is able to inhibit nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 accumulation by modulating important pro‐inflammatory genes in vitro. Here, we set out to test whether AVS may exert a protective effect in a model of retinal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) damage in rat.MethodsBrown Norway rats were subjected to retinal IR injury by rising intraocular pressure to 130 mmHg for 60 minutes. Animals were treated once daily by oral gavage with AVS or vehicle (VHC) starting five days before insult and until sacrifice 6 hours (T6 h) or 7 days (T7) after IR. Electroretinograms (ERG) were recorded in unconscious rats before IR (baseline), and then at T3 and T7. Total RNA was extracted from retinas at T6 h to assess the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) mRNA by Real‐time RT‐PCR.ResultsRetinal ischemia in VHC and AVS groups produced a significant reduction of a‐ and b‐wave amplitudes at T3 when compared with baseline. Notably, a‐ and b‐wave amplitudes reduction observed at T7 in the VHC group was significantly inhibited (p≤0.05) by treatment with AVS. Moreover, the a‐ and b‐wave amplitudes in the AVS group were found not to differ from baseline (p>0.05) while being markedly suppressed in the VHC‐treated rats (p≤0.05). The expression of TNFa was strongly upregulated in the VHC group as assessed in retinas sampled at T6 h. Most importantly, treatment with AVS significantly reduced TNFa expression compared to VHC (p≤0.05).ConclusionsAVS was found to reduce retinal damage caused by IR favoring its functional recovery possibly by a mechanism involving inhibition of early pro‐inflammatory mediators such as TNFa.
FluoroGold‐labeled organotypic retinal explant culture (FLOREC) for neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity screening studies
Authors: Ajeleti M.O. , Smedowski A. , Maniar R. , Pietrucha‐Dutczak M. , Matuszek I. , Lewin‐Kowalik J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo create a fast and reproducible system for retinal drugs toxicity screening.MethodsIn this study, we used retinal explants culture from 4 weeks old Wistar rats (n = 16). First, to determine the effect of FluoroGold (FG) on explants quality, we used 8 animals. FG was injected into midbrain of rats (n = 4) 5 days before euthanasia. Each retina after isolation was divided into 2 parts. In this way, we prepared 16 retinal explants with FG labeling and 16 explants without FG. Explants were cultured in supplemented Neurobasal A medium in Millicell culture inserts. After 7 days of culture, the explants were fixed, stained with ß3‐tubulin and processed for stereology. The culture medium was used to evaluate LDH release. The other group of 8 rats was processed in a similar way, but the culture medium was additionally supplemented with CNTF or toxic concentration of Gentamycin.ResultsWe did not observe differences between FG and no‐FG explants for ß3‐tubulin‐positive cell count and LDH release after 7 days of culture. The number of ß3‐tubulin‐positive cells was similar to FG‐labelled cells (57 ± 23; 58 ± 17 cells respectively, p > 0.5). Gentamycin treatment resulted in retinal cell damage expressed in rapid LDH release to culture medium. After 7 days of culture, the levels of LDH in medium increased up to 157 ± 57% and 144 ± 27% when compared to the corresponding LDH levels before Gentamycin exposure in no‐FG (p < 0.05) and FG (p < 0.05) explants respectively. CNTF supplementation minimized the cell damage and the release of LDH was 106 ± 36% and 104 ± 23% when compared to the corresponding LDH levels before Gentamycin exposure in no‐FG (p > 0.5) and FG (p > 0.05) explants respectively.ConclusionsThe FLOREC protocol could be considered as a fast, reproducible and sensitive method to detect neurotoxicity and neuroprotection in the screening studies of the retinal drugs.
Bilateral tacrolimus‐associated optic neuropathy after kidney transplant
Authors: Bartolomé I. , Lopez Sangrós I. , Marco Monzón S. , Martinez Velez M. , Esteban Floria O. , Sanchez Marin J.I. , Idoate Domench A. , Berniolles Alcalde J. , Mateo Gabas J. , Ibañez Alperte J. , Ascaso Puyuelo F.J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTacrolimus is an immunosuppressant drug which is often used after allogenic transplant to prevent organ rejection. It blocks T‐cell development and inhibits cytokine synthesis.We report the case of a patient who developed bilateral optic neuropathy as a suspected complication of tacrolimus therapy.MethodsA 75 year‐old man who underwent orthotopic kidney transplant in 2013 was treated with tacrolimus since that moment without toxic blood levels at any moment. He had a history of moderate hypertension but neither other atherosclerotic risk factors nor ophthalmological disease associated. He came to the Emergency department for the first time in 2015, when he noticed sudden blurred vision in his left. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in his left eye was 20/30. Dilated fundus examination revealed hyperemia, haemorrhages and swelling of the disc with distended veins. Visual field analyser showed a superior altitudinal defect in the left eye. Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation and C‐reactive protein were normal. He underwent oral treatment with prednisone 60 mg in descendent pattern. In the follow‐up the visual field worsened, with abolished visual field, BCVA was hand movement at one meter distance and a relative afferent pupillary defect in his right eye was demonstrated. Optic disc showed evidence of atrophy. The right eye examination was unremarkable.ResultsTwo years later in 2017 the patient came back to the Emergency department complaining of severe painless visual loss in his left eye. Fundoscopy revealed an optic disc edema with splinter haemorrhages which was confirmed with the OCT where we could see a diffuse edema of the fibre layer.ConclusionsWe should be aware of ophthalmological symptoms in patients who have been receiving therapy with tacrolimus, even in the absence of toxic blood levels of that drug.
Nebivolol acts as a beta3‐adrenergic receptor agonist in a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy
Authors: Dal Monte M. , Amato R. , Locri F. , Cammalleri M. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeNebivolol is a β1‐adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonist with vasodilatory properties. Nebivolol, but not the β1‐AR antagonist atenolol, has been found to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction. There is no clear evidence about the molecular target of the vasodilatory action of nebivolol, but several studies seem to indicate that the activation of β3‐ARs may mediate such vasodilation. In the present study, we evaluated the possible activity of nebivolol as β3‐AR agonist in a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) using β1/β2‐AR knockout (KO) mice. These mice are quite resistant to retinal hypoxia, with reduced neovascularization in respect to their wild type (WT) controls.MethodsThe OIR model was established in KO and WT. Nebivolol was subcutaneously administered at 0.1, 1 or 10 mg/kg once daily between PD12 and PD16, before animal sacrifice at PD17. The effects of nebivolol on retinal neovascularization, VEGF levels and nitric oxide (NO) production were assessed by CD31 immunohistochemistry, real time RT‐PCR and ELISA, and the Griess method, respectively.ResultsIn OIR, nebivolol minimally affected retinal neovascularization in WT while dose‐dependently induced pathologic angiogenesis in KO mice. In addition, nebivolol dose‐dependently increased VEGF levels in KO. The NO pathway was likely to be involved in the angiogenic effects of nebivolol.ConclusionsThe weak effects of nebivolol in the WT retina indicate that β1‐ and/or β2‐ARs play a pivotal role in retinal angiogenesis and that the angiogenic role of β3‐ARs may be unraveled only in the absence of the two other subtypes and when adequately stimulated. The present study indicates that nebivolol may stimulate β3‐ARs in the mouse retina suggesting this drug as a possible candidate as β3‐AR agonist.
Assessment of endothelial quality of pre‐stripped DMEK grafts prepared using the Muraine technique
Authors: He Z. , Thuret G. , Toubeau D. , Lefevre S. , Gain P. , Muraine M. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo determine feasibility of shipping of the DMEK grafts that are pre‐stripped in eye bank using the Muraine technique.MethodsTen pairs of human corneas were stored in organ culture (OC) for 24±3 days. The mean age of donors was 72±20 years old. For each pair, one cornea was randomized for DMEK preparation using the Muraine technique (Muraine Moria trephine followed by manual dissection on the inverted cornea), the other served as control without dissection. The DMEK grafts of 8 mm in diameter were left attached to the center of the cornea, immersed in the OC medium (without dextran) and shipped to a distant center at room temperature. After 48 hours, the viable endothelial cell density (vECD) was measured with the help of viable cell staining using Calcein‐AM and Hoechst 33342 on entire surface of endothelium. Immunostaining on flat mounted endothelium was used to assess the endothelial pump function (Na+/K+ ATPase, COXIV), the apical (ZO‐1) and basolateral (CD166, N‐CAM) structures of CECs, the roughness of the cleavage between Descemet membrane (DM) and stroma (Collagen I) and the thickness of DMEK grafts.ResultsBefore stripping, ECD (classical measurement using a transmitted light microscope) were 2430±175 and 2433±119 cells/mm2 (P=0.9647) in control and DMEK group. After stripping and shipping away, vECD were 2130± 350 and 2190±190 cells/mm2 (P=0.6355). Comparing to controls, no alteration in endothelial pump function, or in characteristic subcellular structures of CECs was noted in DMEK grafts. The thickness of DMEK grafts was 15±2 μm with a smooth cleavage plan.ConclusionsThe technique of Muraine is a good technique for the preparation of DMEK; DMEK grafts attached to the center of the cornea are suitable for long distance shipping.
Is corneal arcus an independent predictor of incident cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Wong M. , Man R. , Gupta P. , Lim S.H. , Lim B. , Sabanayagam C. , Cheng C.Y. , Wong T.Y. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo examine the longitudinal relationship between baseline corneal arcus (CA) and incident CVD in ethnic Indian and Malay adults in Singapore.MethodsThis was a population‐based cohort study of Malays and Indians aged 40–80 years, with baseline and 6‐year follow‐up visits conducted between 2004–09 and 2010–15, respectively (follow‐up response rate 73.9%). Baseline CA was assessed by ophthalmologists using slit‐lamp biomicroscopy. The main outcome was self‐reported incident CVD, defined as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or stroke. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed independent associations between baseline CA and incident CVD, adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors including age, gender, cholesterol (total, and HDL cholesterol), hypertension, diabetes and smoking status. We further conducted gender stratified analyses to identify possible effect modifications.ResultsOf the total 3637 participants (overall mean (SD) age; 56 years. (9), 46% male) with available follow‐up data and no baseline history of CVD, 208 (5.72%) incident CVD cases were reported. CA was found to be independently associated with incident CVD (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.52 [1.07–2.16]) in adjusted models. After gender stratification, associations between CA and incident CVD were found only in men (1.73 [1.12–2.67]) and not in women (1.05 [0.56–1.97]).ConclusionsCA is associated with incident CVD, independent of traditional CVD risk factors, in ethnic Malay and Indian men. Our finding suggests that male persons with CA should be targeted for CVD risk reduction programs.
Corneal melting and perforation under topical moxifloxacin and tobramycin: case report
Authors: Caspers S. , Noël M. , Le A. , Janssens X. , Willermain F. , Caspers L. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo describe a case of corneal melting with perforation after treating a corneal abscess with topical moxifloxacin + tobramycin for 2 weeks.MethodsRetrospective case report.ResultsA 56 year old patient presented 5 weeks after a retinal surgery with a central corneal abscess. Topical tobramycin 0.3% + moxifloxacin 0.5% 1/h + desomedine 1% 8/days was initiated and tapered 3 days later to 1/h, 5/days and 5/days respectively. Four days later a large erosion (3.5 × 3.5 mm) appeared while the abscess had disappeared. Topical tobramycin 5/days and moxifloxacin 3/days were continued for 1 more week when the patient presented to our clinic with a large corneal melting (3 × 2 mm) in a clear cornea that perforated centrally (1 × 1 mm) the next day with Descemet folds, fibrin, anterior cells ++, and, dilated iris vessels and posterior synechiae. Both blood tests and medical history were otherwise unremarkable. Moxifloxacin and tobramycin were discontinued and replaced by preservative free ofloxacin 0.3%1/h tapered quickly, tropicamide 3/days, oral valaciclovir (3 g/day), oral levofloxacin 500 mg/days and therapeutic lens. All cultures for bacteria, virus, amoeba or fungi as well as PCR for HsV1, HsV2 and VZV from corneal smear remained negative. Systemic treatment was consequently stopped, cornea healed quickly and therapeutic lens could be removed after a 3 days. No recurrence has been observed for the next 2 months.ConclusionsThis case suggests that topical moxifloxacin (combined with tobramycin) may inhibit the healing of corneal ulcers and induce a corneal melting leading to perforation.
Analysis of changes in individual retinal layer thickness after cataract surgery using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: KWAK A.Y. , Park S.K. , Kim C.Y. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo evaluate whether there were significant changes in macular thickness and each retinal layer thickness after cataract surgery using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT)MethodsFrom February to August 2015, a prospective study of 24 eyes of 14 patients, who underwent cataract surgery was conducted. The thickness of each retinal layer was measured with OCT before and one month after surgery. The changes in OCT signal strength and retinal thickness before and after surgery were compared, and the layers more affected were confirmed. Also, correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between changes in signal strength, severity of cataract, and changes in refractive index and retinal thickness.ResultsThe mean macular thickness was significantly increased from 263.33 μm to 269.75 μm (p = 0.019). When examining the changes in each retinal layer thickness, there was a significant increase in the thickness of the inner plexiform layer (p = 0.034), outer nuclear layer (p = 0.015) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) (p = 0.012). The signal strength of OCT was significantly increased from 28.79 dB to 31.67 dB (p = 0.005), which was significantly correlated with postoperative macular thickness changes (p = 0.046). However, the severity of cataract (p = 0.219) or the change of refractive index (p = 0.098) was not significantly correlated with macular thickness changes.ConclusionsAfter cataract surgery, both improvement of signal strength and structural changes of the retina may increase macular thickness. In particular, the thickness of the inner plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, and retinal pigment epithelial layer increased. Therefore, the thickness of ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer after cataract surgery may increase, so it should be carefully considered in the assessment of glaucoma progression.
Clinical characteristics of drug induced secondary bilateral acute angle‐closure glaucoma
Authors: Kim J.M. , Lee K.B. , Han J.I. , Jung J.J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo describe clinical manifestations, ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM) findings and treatment outcome of drug induced secondary bilateral acute angle‐closure glaucoma.MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with drug induced secondary bilateral acute angle‐closure glaucoma from May 2012 to February 2015, was performed.ResultsSeven female patients (14 eyes) were included in the study. 6 patients were taking appetite suppressant to lose weight. 1 patient was taking a cold medicine. The mean age was 30.3 ± 6.6 years old. All the patients complained of decreased visual acuity, and 2 of them complained of ocular pain and a headache, either. UBM revealed supraciliary choroidal effusion causing forward displacement of the lens‐iris diaphragm, which resulted in myopia (‐6.07 ± 2.5 diopter), anterior chamber shallowing, and increased intraocular pressure (31.6 ± 7.0 mmHg on the right eye, 31.86 ± 8.1 mmHg on the left eye by Goldmann applanation tonometer) by angle‐closure. Discontinuation of causative drugs and administration of pressure‐lowering agents led to the resolution of the symptoms. Symptoms improved 7.0 ± 3.9 days after initiation of the treatment, and supracilliary choroidal effusion subsided, which was confirmed by UBM findings. No patients required invasive treatment such as laser iridotomy, or developed glaucomatous optic neuropathy.ConclusionsDrug induced secondary bilateral acute angle‐closure glaucoma is likely to respond very well to cessation of causative drugs and application of pressure lowering drugs. There were no patients who needed invasive treatment, or developed glaucomatous optic neuropathy.