bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The changing sphingolipidome of retinal ganglion cells in response to stress
Authors: Trzeciecka A.M. , Piqueras M.C. , Bhattacharya S.K. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo capture dynamic sphingolipid profile of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) subjected to stress.MethodsRGCs from P0‐P8 C57BL/6 mice were purified using 2‐step immunopanning method: after initial anti‐macrophage depletion retinal suspension was enriched for Thy1.2 + cells. RGCs, cultured on poly‐D‐lysine and laminin substrate in defined serum‐free medium with addition of BDNF, CNTF and forskolin, were subjected to 2 psi (~100 mmHg) hydrostatic pressure by addition of carbon dioxide, resulting in additional stress components of acidosis and mild hypoxia. Samples were spiked with internal standards and lipids extracted using Bligh&Dyer method. Untargeted profiling analysis was carried out using reverse phase liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometer (Q Exactive). Subsequently, peak extraction, identification and alignment were performed in Lipid Search 4.1 software. Quantification is based on the ratio to respective internal standard and normalized to total DNA content.ResultsBased on MS/MS spectra we identified a total of 725/839 species at 4/24 h stress exposure, respectively, from 7 sphingolipid subclasses of which 76/174 (10.5%/20.7%): 31/81 ceramide, 14/35 hexosyl‐ceramide, 2/20 dihexosyl‐ceramide, 13/18 ceramide 1‐phosphate, 6/13 sphingomyelin, 10/6 sphingoid base, 0/1 sphingoid base 1‐phosphate species changed significantly when compared to time‐matched controls (t.test p < 0.05). We did not find changes in total levels of metabolites in any of the subclasses. 67% of the early (4 h) altered species displayed increase, while 71% of the late (24 h) ones ‐ decrease.ConclusionsLevels of particular RGC sphingolipid species change upon acute stress. It may suggest that individual sphingolipids have distinct roles in cell fate decisions. The great challenge now lies in understanding biological significance of these alterations.
Effects of trypan blue on corneal endothelial cell viability;Optimal time of Trypan Blue Dye Application to DMEK donor tissue
Authors: kim E.Y. , Kim S.Y. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the corneal endothelial cell toxicity of the trypan blue dye used in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty(DMEK) donor corneal tissue to enhance visibility before transplant.MethodsHuman cadaver eyes with healthy endothelial cells that were unsuitable for transplantation were obtained. The mean endothelial cell density was 2679±232.76(2273‐2994)cells/mm2 and the mean age was 61±13.37(35‐73)years. The tissue samples were divided into 3 subgroups based on the application time of trypan blue dye(control, 4,and 6 minutes). Trypan blue dye 0.06%(Vision Blue®) was applied to the endothelium for 30seconds(Control). Descemet membrane was then stripped from the posterior stroma so a sheet of DM with the endothelial monolayer(DMEK donor tissue) was obtained. From the endothelial side, a trephination was made with a 8.25mm corneal trephine. Each sample tissue was stained with 0.06%trypan blue for a duration of 4, 6 minutes. Live/Dead assays using calcein AM and ethidium homodimer was performed to assess endothelial cell viability of DMEK donor tissue using fluorescent microscope.ResultsEndothelial cell damage was expressed as the percent of dead cells/ (live + dead cells). The mean values(cell death rate) were 52.95±10.54%(control); 61.23±12.96%(4min.); 81.85±15.17%(6min.)ConclusionsEndothelial cell toxicity of staining of DMEK donor tissue with trypan blue(0.06%) up to 4 minutes was similar to that of the control group. However, the endothelial cell death rate was relatively higher in the group for 6 minutes staining than in the group for 4miniutes staining or control. As the staining time of trypan blue increased, the endothelial cell death rate tended to increase(Jonckheere‐terpstratest,p<0.05).
Discomfort self‐perception in contact lens wearers
Authors: Pastor‐Zaplana J.A. , Morales‐Villellas M. , Gallar J. , Acosta M.C. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeChronic use of contact lenses (CLs) disturb ocular surface, leading to loss of corneal epithelium integrity and ocular discomfort. In many patients, there is no correlation between the severity of ocular surface disturbances and the perceived discomfort. In the present work, we analyzed the correlation between discomfort self‐perception and ocular surface disease index in contact lens wearers.MethodsForty contact lens wearers of both sexes, 18‐25 years old participated voluntarily in the study. An ad‐hoc questionnaire (Likert scale survey type) was used to score the frequency and intensity of ocular surface discomfort and dryness sensation. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) adapted for Spanish speakers was also administered. An equivalent group of age and sex‐matched volunteers with similar refractive errors that never wore CLs served as control.ResultsSignificant differences were found between CL and eyeglasses wearers in medium‐high intensity discomfort sensations (72.5% vs 32.5%, CL vs spectacle wearers, p=0.003), eye dryness sensation (87.5% vs 57.5%, p= 0.001), presence discomfort sensation during the day (92.5% vs 77.5%, p=0.011) and frequency of watering eye sensation (90% vs 27.5%, p=0.001). There were no significant differences in the frequency of headache nor in the need to use artificial tears. Surprisingly, no differences were found in OSDI questionnaire between CL and eyeglasses wearers.ConclusionsContact lens wearers most frequently perceive eye surface alterations than eyeglass wearers, although there are no significant differences in OSDI questionnaire.(Supported by SAF2014‐54518‐C3‐1‐R, MINECO, Spain, and ERDF, European Commission)
Corneal haze in juvenile and adult keratoconus patients after corneal cross‐linking
Authors: Alzahrani K. , Carley F. , Brahma A. , Mofty H. , Biswas S. , Lin Y. , Morley D. , Hillarby C. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeDensitometry software for the Oculus Pentacam was used to investigate the treatment outcomes of corneal cross linking (CXL) in adult and juvenile keratoconus patients.MethodsA retrospective comparative study was carried out at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Corneal densitometry measurements collected before and after CXL treatment for 32 eyes from KC patients, aged between 13 and 39, were divided to 2 groups 13‐18 years(juvenile group) and 19‐39 years (adult group) was compared to pre and post treatment at 3, 6 and 12 months for each group and between both groups.ResultsAnalysis of densitometry measurements found higher corneal densitometry after CXL which peaks at 3 months post treatment in both groups. There was significant diversity in corneal densitometry measurements at stromal zone 0‐2 and 2‐6 mm for all layer except the posterior layer for each group p<0.05). Significant differences were found between both groups at six months in the central (p=0.006), posterior (p=0.004) and full depth (p=0.02) layers for zone 0‐2 mm.The same layers differed significantly in the 2‐6 mm zone in all layers (p=0.01). One year post treatment significant differences were shown in corneal densitometry level between both groups in the 0‐2 mm zone of the central layer (p=0.007), posterior layer (p=0.01) and full depth (p=0.03).The central layer in zone 2‐6 mm was significantly different between both groups (p=0.04).ConclusionsHaze levels post CXL differing in severity in different corneal zones and between both groups.The 0‐2 mm and 2‐6 mm zones were found to be the most affected area post treatment.Haze reached its maximum level at three months post treatment then appears to differ significantly in improvement level between adult and juvenile group, with the later never returning to pre‐treatment clarity in the most anteriorly central zone in juvenile group
The use of corneal scrubbing associated with matrix therapy in the treatment of chronic ulcers
Authors: Lazreg S. , Christophe B. 
Published: September 2017

Purposeto treat refractory chronic ulcers with corneal scrubbing and matrix therapy; In dermatology practice, the same method is used in severe burns, the cutaneous scrubbing removes necrotic tissues and helps healthy tissues to progress fasterMethodsRetrospective study on chronic corneal ulcers evolving for several week refractory to conventional treatments; All the corneal ulcers were scrubbed with cotton buds, most of them received matrix therapy at the dose regimen of a drop every other day until corneal healing and preservative free lubricants 3 times a day, for the painful cases, we performed bandage contact lenses, and the remaining patients received the bandage contact lenses without matrix therapy; ocular examination was performed at D0, D3, D7, D15 and D30, with slit lamp examination, fluorescein coloration and measurement of the size of the ulcers,Results18 patients were included and divided on 3 groups Group 1: corneal scrubbing, matrix therapy, lubricant and contact lenses Group 2: corneal scrubbing, matrix therapy, lubricant without contact lenses Group 3: corneal scrubbing; lubricant and contact lenses All the ulcers healed at D30, in the group1 and 2, corneal healing was faster between 7 and 10 days. No complications were reported despite the occurrence of one case of descemetocele at D3, with a good outcome at D15ConclusionsCorneal scrubbing may accelerate corneal healing and therefore allows matrix therapy to be more efficient.
The efficacy of heating devices to warm the lids
Authors: Almutairi R. , Hagan S. , Madden L.C. , Pearce E.I. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo investigate commercially available warming devices for their ability to effectively warm the lids by looking at heat distribution along the lid using thermography.MethodsDevices that warm the eyelids are a standard treatment for MGD and blepharitis patients. Four commercial devices were tested: Medibeads a microwave activated eye mask, hot flannel, Eyebag instant disposable air activated heating pads, and a faical sauna.Fifteen normal healthy subjects were recruited and acclimated for 15 min in a controlled environment chamber at 25°C and 65% RH. Each device was used for 10 min over four separate sessions. Lid surface temperature was observed for 3 min before and then after treatment using a FLIR ThermaCAM P620.ResultsThe mean lid temperature before applying devices was (35.77 ± 0.55°C). Immediately after treatment, there was a significant increase in lid temperature (p < 0.05) for all the devices. The Medibeads (38.54 ± 0.53°C) was significant warmer than the Eyebags (37.96 ± 0.46°C) (p < 0.03) and facial sauna (37.62 ± 0.60°C) (p = 0.008). The hot flannel (38.57 ± 0.79°C) was significantly warmer than the facial sauna (p = 0.007).The facial sauna and the hot flannel leave the skin wet. The wetness may cause evaporative cooling and thereby reduce the beneficial warming effect. The wet devices showed a larger spread. Furthermore, the temperature 1 min after sauna treatment had returned to the pre‐treatment value (p = 0.23).The dry devices showed less spread and a longer lasting effect. In addition, the temperature after Medibeads treatment was warmer than after the Eyebags (p = 0.01).ConclusionsThe dry warming devices were shown to be more consistent. The Medibeads showed the most effective heating. This suggests that the Medibeads offer the most consistent warming for the treatment of MGD and blepharitis patients.
Mushroom keratoplasty
Authors: Nahas S. , Silvana M. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo report the visual out comes and graft survival rate of mushroom keratoplasty using femto second laser for the treatment of full thickness cornea opacities and healthy endothelium.MethodsRetrospective chart view of 23 eyes (low risk of immunologic reactions n = 12; high risk n = 11) undergone femtosecond assisted mushroom keratoplasty. The mushroom shaped graft consisted of a large top hat (9 mm diameter + 250 microns in thickness) and small stalk (6–6.5 mm). The wavelight FS200 laser parameters used on this platform for the donor and recipient corneas are described. Outcome measures were BCVA best corrected visual acuity refraction, corneal topography, endothelial cell density, graft rejection and graft failure at 1, 3, 6 and 12.ResultsAverage follow up was 9 months (range 6–15) months. All grafts were clear at the last follow up visit. Excluding eyes with pre existing ocular co‐morbidities. The percentage of patients achieving BCVA of 20/40 or better at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months was 66.7%, 90.50%, 95.2% and 100%, respectively. At last follow up the refractive cylinder was 6 diopters (D) or less in all eyes, averaging 3.7 D. Two eyes (8.7%) had rejection that were easily reversed with topical steroids.ConclusionsFemtosecond‐assisted mushroom keratoplasty (FAMK) shows faster visual recovery, better visual acuity and limited postoperative astigmatism with no increase risk of rejection.
Complete corneal ring (MyoRing) implantation combined with corneal collagen crosslinking in keratoconus treatment
Authors: Emin U. , Mukharram B. , Gyulli K. , Guzel B. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo evaluate functional results of complete corneal ring (MyoRing) implantation with corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for progressive keratoconusMethodsMyoRing implantation with corneal CXL was performed in 39 eyes with progressive keratoconus of the II‐III disease degree according to the Amsler classification. Implantation of a MyoRing in the corneal pocket was performed using a PocketMaker microkeratome and corneal intrastromal implantation system. Saturation of the cornea was performed with a solution of 0.1% riboflavin injected into the corneal pocket through the incision tunnel within 10–15 minutes. Standard surface UV irradiation (370 nm, 3 mW/cm2) was carried out for 30 minutes. The follow‐up was 36 months.ResultsSignificant improvements in uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity were observed. Keratometry was reduced for 9.43 D, the spherical equivalent decreased from from 9.43 D to 6.25 D. The cylinder decreased to 3.31. Corneal thickness decreased from baseline (from 426.93 ± 46.58 μm to 401.24 ± 39.12 μm) 36 months postoperatively, which corresponds with pachymetry reduction after conventional CXL. Dynamic observation after 36 months showed stabilization of clinical and functional results.ConclusionsCombination of CXL and MyoRing implantation was effective for keratoconus treatment. Complete corneal ring implantation combined with corneal collagen crosslinking allows not only correct the keratoconus followed ametropia but also slow down the progression of the disease.
Short‐term in vivo morphologic changes of amniotic membrane after fibrin glue‐assisted pterygium surgery on anterior segment optical coherence tomography: a case series
Authors: Lim S. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe evaluations of morphologic changes of amniotic membrane (AM), even after successful AM transplantation surgery without complications, may be difficult. Moreover, there was no report regarding morphologic changes after fibrin glueassisted AM transplantation with pterygium excision. Here, we highlight and describe the use of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the evaluation of the morphologic features of amniotic membrane (AM) and of associated in vivo structural changes after fibrin glue‐assisted pterygium surgery.MethodsRetrospective Case Series.ResultsAll three patients underwent cryo‐preserved AM transplantation using the permanent inlay technique (epithelial side up) with fibrin glue. In vivo morphologic changes of AMs were evaluated using a spectral domain OCT equipped with an anterior segment imaging module (RTVue‐100, Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA, USA). Anterior segment OCT examinations demonstrated morphologic changes, that is, re‐absorption of fibrin glue or subconjunctival hemorrhage, migration of epithelium, and integration of AM into sclera, of AMs over first postoperative months.ConclusionsAnterior segment OCT might provide additional structural information, including quantitative and qualitative data, on AMs after pterygium surgery as compared with conventional slit‐lamp examination.
Computational fluid dynamics simulations of aqueous flow through the CyPass® Micro‐Stent
Authors: Vidal Aroca F. , Vera L.F. , Missel P. , Sarangapani R. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeIn normotensive eyes, aqueous humor is eliminated through Schlemm's canal and through the iris root in approximately equal fractions. But in glaucomatous eyes, the hydraulic resistance of the trabecular meshwork restricts outflow through the canal and causes the IOP to rise. The CyPass® supraciliary micro‐stent is a device implanted by minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) which is designed to reduce IOP by allowing an alternative pathway for aqueous humor outflow. The device, a fenestrated polyimide tube, is inserted between the sclera and the ciliary muscle creating an adjacent fluid space which communicates directly with the suprachoroidal outflow pathway.MethodsTo better understand and illustrate the mechanism of action for this device, computational fluid dynamics simulations of aqueous flow were conducted in human eye models with and without implanted devices. The configuration of the device and fluid space in the eye was obtained from a separate mechanical simulation of device implantation using an explicit solver. Hydraulic resistances of the vitreous and sclera were obtained from the literature.ResultsThe resistances of the trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle were adjusted to produce an IOP of 24.4 mmHg (the mean untreated IOP in the COMPASS trial) and a suprachoroidal elimination fraction of 80%. With the device implanted the hydraulic resistance of the fluid in the space adjacent to the device was reduced ~4 orders of magnitude to achieve the post‐surgical IOP of 16.8 mmHg observed in the COMPASS study. It was found that the device reduces IOP by decreasing the overall resistance of the eye to hydraulic flow by more than 30%.ConclusionsThe model confirms that substantial IOP lowering is achievable through aqueous egress via a supracilliary stent even when there is substantial trabecular resistance.
Wait before extrapolating rather than wait between two eyedrops! … The 1974 Chrai et al.'s study on the albino rabbit may not apply to humans
Authors: Bailleul H. , Beraud G. , Denion E. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe recommendation of having patients waiting 5 minutes between two eyedrops instillation is based on an experimental work conducted by Chrai et al. in 1974 on the albino rabbit. In this work, instillation of pilocarpine eyedrops was followed by instillation of saline eyedrops after 30 seconds and 2 minutes with as few as 4 rabbits and permitted a decreasing of the maximum difference in pupillary diameter respectively by 44% and 17.5%. The present study was undertaken to assess the validity of these findings in humans.MethodsTwenty‐four healthy volunteers were enrolled from March 2016 to April 2017. Eyeballs were photographed in a completely dark room with an infrared camera at baseline, 40 minutes after instillation of 1% pilocarpine and 40 minutes after instillation of 1% pilocarpine eyedrops followed by the instillation of saline eyedrops immediately afterwards or 5 minutes later. Pupil to iris surface ratios were calculated and differences of ratios between baseline and 40 minutes (i.e. myosis gain) were compared with Wilcoxon test.ResultsThe mean (SD) myosis gain was 0.176 (0.089) with 1% pilocarpine alone; 0.165 (0.086) with 1% pilocarpine immediately followed by saline eyedrops (p = 0.652) and 0.167 (0.087) with pilocarpine followed 5 minutes later by saline eyedrops (p = 0.731). Only some eye colours significantly influenced the myosis gain in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsDespite using pupil/iris surface ratios (more sensitive than diameter measurements), and more subjects (24 versus 4) our study fails to confirm the results found by Chrai et al.'s in the albino rabbits. While awaiting for the issue of the time interval between eyedrops in humans to be further investigated, one should be cautious with extrapolation of Chrai et al.'s conclusions in the albino rabbits to humans.
Missed opportunities of optimizing glaucoma medical therapy – A nationwide cross‐sectional analysis of glaucoma topical therapy in Portugal (PEM Study)
Authors: Pimenta G. , Sousa D.C. , Leal I. , Barata A. , Marques‐Neves C. , Abegão Pinto L. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeApproximately 2.2% of the Portuguese population are under intraocular pressure(IOP)‐lowering medication. However, an analysis based on the number of drugs may neglect how fixed combinations can minimize the burden of topical therapy and adherence to treatment. We aimed to analyse the prescription pattern of these drugs in Portugal and to identify improvement opportunities on the daily topical antiglaucomatous therapy.MethodsCross‐sectional nationwide study, resorting to the PEM database from 2015 – which retrieved prescription data from all hospitals and clinics in the country. All data was provided in an encrypted form and anonymously extracted. Statistical analyses were performed for only one‐month data (January) to guarantee a cross‐sectional view and reduce the likelihood of misinterpreting changes in medication during the year. STATA was used as statistical package.ResultsIn January 2015, a total of 53.053 people were prescribed IOP‐lowering drugs in Portugal, with only 4,5% of these being preservative‐free formulations. The vast majority of the patients instilled up to two drops a day (72%), either using monotherapy (63%) or fixed‐combination (9%). Among the remaining 28%, half could have reduced at least two daily drops by using more fixed combinations.ConclusionsAlthough most patients were under either monotherapy or one fixed combination, instilling up to 2 drops a day, the use of preservative‐free drugs is far from the ideal scenario. Our results also suggested the number of daily drops may be significantly reduced in as many as 14% of the patients, thus potentially reducing ocular surface side effects and improving adherence.
Calcium signaling in human lens epithelial cells after mechanical stimulation
Authors: Andjelic S. , Gosak M. , Gojic D. , Hawlina M. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore and identify intra‐ and inter‐cellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling in human lens epithelial cells (LECs) upon local mechanical stimulation, to understand better the role of Ca2+ in intercellular communication related to cataract formation, lens regeneration and posterior capsular opacification (PCO).MethodsThe anterior lens capsule (aLC: basement membrane and associated LECs) were obtained from cataract surgery. Primary human LEC cultures were established by placing adherently the intact human aLC onto Petri dishes. LECs were stained with Fura‐2 dye, the fluorescence of which was imaged to monitor spatio‐temporal changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations in response to localized, micropipette induced mechanical stimulation.ResultsAnalysis of the intra‐ and inter‐cellular Ca2+ signaling from postoperative aLCs and cultures showed that the Ca2+ signal spreads radially and its propagation speed increases with the degree of cataract. While in aLC Ca2+ signals travels between the first few neighbor LECs in the order of seconds, in confluent culture the propagation is slower and it covers smaller distances. LECs from aLC with less developed cataracts exhibit faster and bigger changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Moreover, in aLC and in LEC cultures, the duration of Ca2+ transients prolongs with increasing distance from stimulation site, whereas their amplitude decreases.ConclusionsThe modifications of Ca2+ homeostasis in LECs, which are associated with different degrees of cataract, affect Ca2+ signaling upon the local mechanical stimulation. Impairment of Ca2+ signaling might be the basis of cataract formation. LEC's cultures have less developed Ca2+ signaling capabilities, what might be reflected on lens regeneration and PCO.