bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulated expression of heparanase in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy originates from activated endothelial cells and leukocytes
Authors: Abu El Asrar A. , Nawaz M.I. , Mohammad G. , Van den Eynde K. , Siddiquei M.M. , Mousa A. , de Hertogh G. , Geboes K. , Opdenakker G. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo determine and interrelate the levels of heparanase, syndecan‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and to study the production of heparanase by human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) and its effect on HRMEC barrier function.MethodsVitreous samples from 33 PDR and 27 nondiabetic patients, epiretinal membranes from 16 patients with PDR and HRMEC were studied by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. The effect of heparanase on HRMEC barrier function was evaluated by transendothelial electrical resistance.ResultsWe showed a significant increase in the expression of heparanase, syndecan‐1 and VEGF in vitreous samples from PDR patients compared to nondiabetic controls. (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Significant positive correlations were found between the levels of heparanase and the levels of syndecan‐1 (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001) and VEGF (r = 0.91, p < 0.0001) and between the levels of syndecan‐1 and the levels of VEGF (r = 0.78, p < 0.0001). In epiretinal membranes, heparanase was expressed in vascular endothelial cells and CD45‐expressing leukocytes. High‐glucose, TNF‐α and the combination of TNF‐a and IL‐1b, but not cobalt chloride induced upregulation of heparanase in HRMEC. Heparanase reduced transendothelial electrical resistance of HRMEC.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a link between heparanase, syndecan‐1 and VEGF in the progression of PDR and that heparanase is a potential target for therapy of diabetic retinopathy.
EyeOP1 as a novel non‐invasive surgical treatment of glaucoma: an Italian multicenter study
Authors: Giannaccare G. , Bagnis A. , Gizzi C. , Vagge A. , Fresina M. , Del Noce C. , Sebastiani S. , Dormi A. , Traverso C.E. , Campos E. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo evaluate safety and efficacy of a new non‐invasive ultrasound device for the surgical treatment of glaucoma.MethodsThis is a multicenter prospective study conducted at the University of Bologna and Genoa including 30 eyes of 30 patients with uncontrolled glaucoma. Of these, 15 patients were affected by primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), 10 by angle closure glaucoma (ACG) and 5 by neovascular glaucoma (NVG). The procedure was performed by an ultrasound generator probe with 6 piezoeletric transducers activated for 4, 6 or 8 sec (EyeOP1, EyeTechCare, Rillieux‐la‐Pape, France). Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were performed before and 1 day, 1–2 weeks, 1–3–6 months after the procedure. Primary outcomes were mean IOP reduction, qualified success (IOP reduction ≥20% without hypotensive medication adjunction) and complete success (as above plus IOP < 21 mmHg). Secondary outcomes were the correlations with glaucoma subtypes and exposure treatment time.ResultsThe mean pre‐operative IOP was 30.1 mmHg (mean numbers of hypotensive drops and acetazolamide tablets were 2.7 and 0.8 respectively). Six months after treatment, mean IOP value was 20.2 mmHg (mean number of hypotensive drops and acetazolamide tablets were 2 and 0.3 respectively). IOP reduction was significant regardless glaucoma subtypes and exposure time (p < 0.001). In particular, higher IOP reductions were found in patients affected by ACG or treated with 8 sec exposure time (always p < 0.05). Qualified success was reached in 18 eyes, complete success in 6 eyes. Two patients had no IOP reduction with the need of subsequent surgery or increased number of drops. No major complications occurred.ConclusionsThis procedure appear to be safe and effective in reducing IOP in all glaucoma subtypes. In particular, IOP reduction was shown to be higher in ACG and 8 sec exposure groups.
Surface chemistry of the interactions of cationic nanoemulsions with human meibum films
Authors: Daull P. , Yokoi N. , Nencheva Y. , Georgiev G.A. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeIkervis® (IKV) cationic nanoemulsions (CNE) were demonstrated to enhance tear film stability in vivo possibly via effect on tear film lipid layer (TFLL). Therefore the interactions of IKV and of binary and ternary mixtures of its constituents were studied with human meibum (MGS) films. The binary mixtures consisted of 2% mid chain triglycerides (MCT) blended with 0.005% cetalkonium chloride (CKC) and 0.3% Tyloxapol (e.g. MCT/CKC and MCT/Tylo respectively). The ternary mixture contained MCT/CKC/Tylo (2%/0.005%/0.3%). The impact of 0.1 μM bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) on CNE/MGS interactions was also evaluated.MethodsMGS and CNE oils were spread at the air/water interface of a Langmuir surface balance in range of 2D ratios (20/1, 10/1, 5/1, 3/1, 2/1 and 1/1) at two measurement regimes: with (i) MGS or (ii) total lipid amount kept constant. The films capability to reorganize during dynamic area cycling was evaluated. The layers dilatational rheology was probed via the step/relaxation method. Films structure was monitored with Brewster Angle microscopy.ResultsThe binary mixtures showed limited spreading and miscibility with MGS resulting in poor mechanical properties. The ternary mixture and IKV spread and mixed well with MGS. At fixed MGS amount, the inclusion of CNEs enhanced the structure, properties and elasticity of the layers. At fixed total lipid, the films remained primarily elastic, but at high (≤3/1) CNE content the elasticity slightly decreased and heterogeneities in layers structure were observed. BSM enhanced the ternary mixture (IKV)/ MGS interactions.ConclusionsAt physiologically relevant MGS/CNE ratios MCT/CKC/Tylo and IKV interact favorably with MGS films. The positive effect of BSM suggests that polyanionic polysaccharides can enhance CNE/TFLL interactions in vivo.Support: Collaborative study grant by Santen SAS, Evry, France.
Novel tissue‐targeted localized gene therapy for corneal scarring and neovascularization
Authors: Mohan R. , Gupta S. , Sharma A. , Anumanthan G. , Sinha P. , Fink M. , Tripathi R. , Raikwar S. , Giuliano E. , Rieger F. , Hesemann N. , Sinha N. , Chaurasia S. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryCorneal scarring and neovascularization (NV) due to trauma, injury and/or infection are leading cause of global blindness. This presentation will provide an overview of corneal gene therapy and stipulate novel bench‐to‐bedside translational strategies for human application. The talk will include information about identified potent adeno‐associated virus (AAV) and nanoparticle vectors, simple and minimally invasive vector delivery techniques for delivering genes into desired corneal cells, and defined gene therapy approaches for introducing therapeutic genes selectively into corneal keratocytes or endothelium in vivo through single application of vector employing customized delivery techniques. Further, talk will discuss cornea‐specific mechanisms driving pathologic process, novel molecular targets for interrupting TGFβ1 signaling pathways, and therapeutic genes identified from basic‐science corneal wound healing investigations performed in my lab laboratory using established small and large animal and donor human corneas. Finally, it will show potential of single‐ and two‐gene combination therapy given locally in the cornea via optimized methods in inhibiting and eliminating corneal scarring and neovascularization in vivo in preclinical rabbit studies. The optimized gene therapy approaches could be easily applied in a clinical setting, if safety and toxicity are proven.
Why risking the satisfaction and the compliance of your newly diagnosed glaucoma patient? – The PASSY survey
Authors: Munoz‐Negrete F.J. , Erb C. , Stalmans I. , Lemij H. 
Published: September 2016

PurposePreserved latanoprost eyedrops efficacy have been demonstrated in intraocular pressure lowering. New marketed first formulation of a preservative‐free (PF) latanoprost (Monoprost®) was a further step to improve tolerance. Relatively little is known about newly diagnosed patient's tolerance to their first prostaglandin treatment. That's why naive patients were included in the PASSY survey (PAtient Satisfaction SurveY).MethodsPASSY is an epidemiological, retrospective survey carried out in 6 European countries (BE, DE, NL, PT, SP, CH). Newly diagnosed OHT/glaucoma patients (naïve) treated with a preservative‐free latanoprost (Monoprost®) for 3 months were included. The results of naive patients are reported here for the first time.Results23.8% of the total number patient (1,872) were naïve patients (435) with 59% female and 41% male. Their average age was 64.2 ± 12.96 years (SD). Based on automated visual field damage, 79.1% had mild glaucoma, 17.7% moderate and 3.2% advanced. As for tolerance, 97.3% of the naïve patients declared to be satisfied (50.1%) or very satisfied (47.2%) with PF latanoprost. Mean tolerance of evaluated with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0 mm: very bad tolerance – 100 mm: very good tolerance) was 86.7 ± 13.93 mm for PF latanoprost. Of those naive patients using PF latanoprost, only 1.5% developed an OSD (82.1% mild, 14.3% moderate and 1.6% severe).ConclusionsAfter 3 months of Monoprost® treatment, 97.3% of naïve patients were satisfied by their first PF formulation latanoprost treatment. Ocular surface disease occurred in as littel as 1.5% of naïve patients. Because glaucoma management is severely hindered by non‐compliance with medication and given that PF latanoprost is now available at a modest cost, this seems like a suitable first‐choice therapy for glaucoma.
Immunosuppression with a subconjunctival implant releasing dexamethasone in a rabbit model of penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: Crouzet E. , He Z. , Perrache C. , Basset T. , Delavenne X. , Peoc'h M. , Gain P. , Thuret G. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeRejection occurs in 20–30% of cases after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Most often, its prevention relies only on steroid eyedrops but topical treatments expose to limited therapeutic adherence. Aim: to assess efficacy of continuous immunosuppression using a subconjunctival implant releasing dexamethasone (SCIRD) in a rabbit model of PK.Methods7.5 mm PK were performed in NZW rabbits. After randomisation they received either a SCIRD (Ozurdex, Allergan) (n = 8), dexamethasone eyedrops (1 mg/ml, Dexafree, Thea) 3 times a day (n = 6), or 0.9% NaCl (n = 6). The running suture was left in place to stimulate angiogenesis. Weekly follow‐up by digital slit lamp and anterior segment OCT. Images were analysed blind to the treatment for transparency, neovessels, and central corneal thickness (CCT). After 5 or 6 weeks, animals were killed and corneas were processed for standard histology.ResultsPlacebo group: constant early neovascularization growing to neovessels penetrating the graft on >270° after 5 weeks + rejection (opaque graft, 360° neovessels, CCT > 500 μm) in 50% of cases. Eye drops and implants groups: similar evolution, without rejection after 6 weeks and normal CCT. Moderate neovascularization occurred in 5/6 rabbits treated with eyedrops and 6/8 treated with the implant. Histology confirmed clinical diagnosis in all cases. The implants disappeared after 3–5 weeks. No adverse effect.ConclusionsDespite a severe rejection model, a SCIRD was not less efficient than eye drops to prevent rejection during the first 6 weeks. These findings highlight the potential benefit of subconjunctival implants of steroids after corneal graft.
Optical coherence tomography to distinguish Parkinson disease versus supranuclear progressive palsy
Authors: Rebolleda G. , Sanchez Sanchez C. , Martinez Castrillo J.C. , Gonzalez Lopez J.J. , Oblanca Llamazares N. , Muñoz‐Negrete F.J. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe aim of the study was to examine patterns of peripapillary andretinal layer damage as a potential marker of neurodegeneration in Parkinson'sdisease (PD) compared to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) with 2 SD‐ OCTdevices.MethodsPeripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular thickness (MT)and ganglion cell layer inner plexiform analysis (GCA) by Cirrus and pRNFL analysis and automaticsingle retinal layers macular segmentation by Spectralis were used to evaluate38 patients with PD and 15 patients with PSP.ResultsMean average and superior RNFL by Cirrus were thicker in PD compared to PSP (p = 0.001). The mean central, superior, supero‐temporal and infero‐temporal RNFL thicknesses by Spectralis were also significantly higher in PD compared to PSP (p < 0.05). Using Cirrus OCT, mean MT and all measurements by GCA were significantly higher in PD compared to PSP (p < 0.002). The AUC was larger for minimum GCIPL (0.912) than for average GCIPL thickness (0.850). A minimum GCIPL thickness cut‐off value of 69 μm, was able to differentiate PSP from PD (Sensitivity: 91.7%; Specificity: 72.7%). Minimum and average GCIPL thicknesses significantly correlated with Hoehn and Yahr score (p < 0.05), and with UPDRS (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale) (p < 0.005).ConclusionsThedifferential diagnosis of Parkinsonian disorders is clinical one and not alwayseasy, especially at the onset of disease. In thecurrent study, the minimum GCIPL thickness was the most sensitiveparameter to differentiate PD from PSP and it was significantly correlated withneurological score. These findings may facilitate the differential diagnosisand give insight into the degenerative processes of atypical parkinsonian syndromes.
Corneal imaging and densitometry measurements to monitor fuchs progression and treatments outcomes
Authors: Alzahrani K. , Carley F. , Brahma A. , Morley D. , Hillarby M.C. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeFuchs’ dystrophy is a degenerative disease of the corneal endothelium leading to corneal edema and eventually to loss of vision. There are several treatment options including corneal transplantation, which can be full (Penetrating Keratoplasty) or partial (Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty) thickness. Disease progression and treatment out comes are normally monitored by corneal thickness and visual acuity. In this study, we have used the new densitometry software for the Oculus Pentacam to compare the corneal clarity measurement between Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) in patients with Fuchs dystrophyMethodsA retrospective comparative study was carried out at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Data collection of one year after the corneal transplantation for 23 Fuchs dystrophy patients, including; best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal densitometry, central corneal thickness (CCT) was analysedResultsAnalysis of densitometry measurements found higher corneal densitometry after PK than DSAEK in the posterior layer between 2 and 6 mm from the centre but it was not significant. There were no significant correlation between CCT and corneal densitometry. Corneal densitometry was found to be significantly correlated with BCVA inthe central 0–2 mm zone. This correlation differed in corneal depth, in PK it was with the posterior layer but in DSAEK it was with the anterior stroma These difference were found to be significant between the two group (p˂005.).ConclusionsThere were different outcomes in the corneal densitometry measurement after different type of corneal transplantation. Oculus Pentacam provides an objective evaluation to monitor the cornea status. Further investigation with prospective design, a longer study period and larger sample size are now underway.
Molecular study of the MFRP gene in patients with posterior microphthalmia (MCOP) supports its role in autosomal recessive MCOP pathogenesis
Authors: Almoallem B. , Arno G. , De Zaeytijd J. , Hull S. , Suzani M. , de Ravel T.J.L. , Webster A. , Leroy B.P. , Moore T. , De Baere E. 
Published: September 2016

PurposePosterior microphthalmia (MCOP) is a rare developmental disease restricted to the posterior segment of the eye. To date, mutations in the MFRP gene, encoding a frizzled‐related protein, reported in autosomal recessive MCOP (arMCOP).Here, we aimed to identify the genetic cause of arMCOP in seven patients from different ethnicity.MethodsAll patients underwent detailed ophthalmological evaluations and Sanger sequencing of the of MFRP (NM_031433.2). Two patients originating from a consanguineous marriage underwent homozygosity mapping using SNP arrays.ResultsMFRP was found in a homozygous region of 10.2 and 6.2 Mb in two patients respectively. Overall, eight distinct MFRP mutations were found in the patients studied. Five patients were homozygous for:two missense variants with predicted pathogenic effect (c.1231T > C, novel;c.1549C > T, known) and three frameshift mutations (c.1090_1094del, novel; c.498del and c.498dup, known). Moreover, a sixth patient was compound heterozygous for a nonsense mutation (c.955C > T, novel) and novel deletion of 6.2 kb (c.16088_54+40delinsA),predicted to abolish the transcription initiation site. The seventh patient was heterozygous for a known frameshift mutation (c.491_492insT),no second mutation was found so far. All patients had short axial length (13–16.5 mm),reduced visual acuity (0.15–0.8 logMAR) and hyperopia (+13D to +17.25D).Crowded optic discs were noticed in 7/7 and macular folds in 3/7 patients. Optical coherence tomography showed intraretinal cysts in 5/7 patients. Peripheral pigmentary changes were observed in 5/7 patients.ConclusionsEight distinct MFRP mutations four of which novel and the first report of a genomic rearrangement. No clear genotype‐phenotype correlations could be observed. This identification might offer opportunities for potential gene‐based therapies suggested by Dinculescu et al (2012).
Trabeculectomy: long term visual field stability
Authors: Bobat H. , Lockwood A. , Kirwan J.F. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeEvaluation of 10 year visual field (VF) stability following trabeculectomy for open angle glaucoma (OAG).MethodsConsecutive visual fields (VFs) of patients who had undergone primary trabeculectomy for OAG were reviewed for evidence of glaucomatous progression. Progression rate was determined by the difference between the better of the last two Mean Deviations (MDs) and the better of the first two MDs (or first and last MD if <4 VFs were available), divided by time. <0.3 dB/year was classified as stable, ≥0.3 dB/year as borderline progression and ≥0.5 dB/year as definite progression. Eyes with <3 reliable VFs over <2 years were excluded.Results143 eyes (120 patients) underwent trabeculectomy; 84 (66 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Mean follow‐up was 11.2 ± 1.71 years; IOP (mean ± SD) at final review was 11.5 ± 4.2 mmHg. Mean progression rate was 0.14 dB/year; 66.7% (56/84) eyes were stable, 15.5% (13/84) showed evidence of borderline progression and 19% (16/84) definite progression.Of those with definite progression, 62.5% (10/16) failed to achieve good IOP control post‐operatively (final IOP was >13 mmHg) or had VF loss attributable to causes other than glaucoma. Only 6 (7.1%) eyes progressed despite good IOP control.ConclusionsIn the majority of cases, current trabeculectomy surgery can achieve VF stability or markedly curtailed progression for at least 10 years.
Augmentation of corneal graft tissue with UV‐riboflavin crosslinking: a pilot study in glaucoma drainage device patients
Authors: Stone D. , Ahmad S. , Craven R. , Owaidhah O. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeGlaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery has gained popularity, with outcomes equivalent to trabeculectomy in some studies. However, erosion of the tube through the overlying conjunctiva may occur in 5–10% of patients. Donor cornea tissue has been utilized as a patch graft for GDD surgery, with positive short‐term results. We report interim results of an ongoing pilot study to determine the feasibility and safety of utilizing the anterior lenticule from Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) corneas, with augmentation by corneal crosslinking.MethodsProspective study of 10 patients undergoing GDD surgery. The anterior corneal lenticule (300–350 μm) from a DSAEK donor tissue was placed epithelial side down in a well, and allowed to soak in riboflavin solution (Vibe‐X, Avedro) for 15 min. Then 8 mW/cm2 ultraviolet irradiation was applied for 15 min, for a total energy of 7.2 J/cm2. The tissue was then bisected and placed in Optisol GS media at 4°C. When ready to be implanted, the tissue was sutured over the glaucoma device, then covered with recipient conjunctiva as per the usual technique. Representative sections were examined with H&E and Masson Trichrome histological stains. Intraoperative and postoperative findings and complications were documented, with all subjects reaching the 3 month visit of an anticipated 36 month study.ResultsAfter 15 min the grafts demonstrated complete saturation with riboflavin. Histology revealed no apparent demarcation line, supporting a full‐thickness treatment effect. There were no intraoperative complications, no postoperative infections, and no unexpected surgical difficulties.ConclusionsUV‐riboflavin crosslinking of corneal tissue appears to be a safe modification of GDD surgery, and warrants ongoing study.
Genetic and phenotypic traits of staphylococcus epidermidis strains causing post‐cataract endophthalmitis compared to commensal conjunctival flora
Authors: Chiquet C. , Aptel F. , Musson C. , Boisset S. , Maurin M. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the virulence and antibiotic resistance traits of S. epidermidis strains causing post‐cataract endophthalmitis compared to those of the normal conjunctival flora in non‐infected control patients.MethodsThis prospective study included 22 patients (22 eyes) with acute post‐cataract endophthalmitis and 72 uninfected control patients (72 eyes). Antibiotic susceptibilities were evaluated using the Vitek II® automated system. These strains were then tested for the presence of eight virulence genes (icaA, icaB, icaC, icaD, atlE, aap, and capA), the insertion sequence IS256, and the mecA gene coding for methicillin‐resistance.ResultsCulture of 72 conjunctival samples collected from 41 patients allowed isolation of 43 S. epidermidis strains. The strains from the endophthalmitis group patients displayed higher prevalence rates for aap, atlE and mecA genes carriage compared to those of the control group (77% vs. 42%, p = 0.007; 100% vs. 79%, p = 0.02; and 54% vs. 11%, p < 0.001, respectively) and more frequently harbored simultaneously the mecA and icaA genes (13%) compared to the control group (2.3%, p = 0.01). They were also significantly more resistant than control strains to methicillin, fluoroquinolones, and the aminoglycosides.ConclusionsA higher capacity of adhesion to intraocular lens and formation of biofilms, and a higher resistance to antibiotics were found in S. epidermidis strains causing post‐cataract endophthalmitis compared to those of the normal conjunctival flora. The selection of such strains in endophthalmitis patients could be related to their specific virulence traits and/or their resistance to antibiotics used for prophylaxis of endophthalmitis.