bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging features in moebius syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Carta A. , Piccinini S. , Ormitti F. , Mora P. , Gandolfi S. , Ruoli F. , Simonelli M.B. , Incerti M. , Nicoletti P. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo investigate with unconventional neuroimaging (UNI) the alterations of the brain structures in patients affected by Moebius Syndrome (MBS).Methods7 MBS patients underwent MRI evaluation of the brain and the brainstem with 3.0T MRI through volumetric sequences (FLAIR 3D, BRAVO, CUBE T2); high resolution T2 imaging (FIESTA) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (75 directions, ST: 3 mm) were also performed to better evaluate all cranial nerves. Data analysis and full‐brain tractography were obtained using Functool software. We measured the dimensions of the brainstem in MBS patients and compared the obtained values with the AIRO's (Italian Association of Radiation Oncology) standard data.ResultsBrainstem resulted abnormal when compared to controls; in particular we found an hypoplasia of both the midbrain (6 cases) and the medulla (3 cases). In all the cases the VI and VII cranial nerves resulted hypo‐ or aplasic; fiber tracking and color coding in the DTI analysis showed a lack of uniformity in the brainstem and in the cerebellar peduncles. We also found a prevalence of abnormal transverse pontine fibers colonizing the cortical spinal tracts bilaterally (6 cases). We documented: thinner corpus callosum (4 cases), reduction of the internal auditory meatus and cisterna magna (1 case).ConclusionsOur data show new relevant alterations of the brainstem in MBS patients investigated with UNI; we suppose that this could be related to a misdirection of the axonal guidance paths during the embryogenesis secondary to the abnormal development of the VIthand VIIth cranial nerves nuclei. We also found anomalies in the supratentorial region which need further investigations. A correlation of the features herein observed with the ophthalmological pattern of MBS may provide further insight in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Slit lamp assessment of relative afferent pupillary defect
Authors: MEKKI M.B. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo demonstrate the accuracy of slit lamp assessment of relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) in patients with asymetric optic neuropathy.Methods40 eyes of 20 patients with asymetric optic neuropathy and no obvious RAPD in swinging flashlight test were evaluated on slit lamp. The asymetric optic neuropathy was confirmed by fundus examination, retinal nerve fiber layer thikness on OCT, visual field examination, visual potentials and/or brain and orbit MRI.The horizontal pupillary diameter in the affected (or more affeted) eye was measured and compared to the horizontal pupillary diameter of the fellow eye using the width of the slit lamp beam. Both diameters were measured in millimeters and compared.ResultsThere was a quantified anisocoria and RAPD each time when asymetric optic neuropathy was present. In other words, with the same slit lamp beam width (the same light intensity) the affected (or more affected eye) had a larger pupillary horizontal diameter.ConclusionsSlit lamp assessment of RAPD is simpler, quicker and more accurate than standard assessment using swinging flashlight test especially when anisocoria is not obvious.
Case of IgG4‐related eye disease accompanied by compressive optic neuropathy
Authors: Takeishi M. , Oshitari T. , Ota S. , Chiba A. , Yamamoto S. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeWe report a case of IgG4‐related eye disease accompanied by a compressive optic neuropathy.MethodsA 76‐year‐old woman had hypothyroidism with thyroid ophthalmopathy and was followed at the Kimitsu Central Hospital from July 2015. On October 2016, her right exophthalmos worsened, and a lago ophthalmic keratitis developed in the right eye on February 2017. MRI showed enlargements of the extraocular muscles, and blood tests showed high levels of serum IgG4 (446 mg/dl). On February 27, 2017, her visual acuity decreased to 0.01 OD, and she was referred to the Chiba University Hospital.ResultsAt the first visit, her visual acuity was counting finger OD, and Goldmann perimetry showed a lower right visual field defect. Ocular movements in the right upper field was severely limited because of a lesion that occupied the upper orbit. She was diagnosed with IgG4‐related eye disease accompanied by compressive optic neuropathy.She underwent two cycles of steroid pulse therapy with intravenous antibiotics. Two months later, her decimal visual acuity improved to 0.4 OD, and the ocular movements and the visual field defect were markedly improved. The logo ophthamic keratitis also improved, and the oral prednisolone was tapered to 20 mg. No side effects of the steroid therapy was observed.ConclusionsWhen thyroid ophthalmopathy is markedly exacerbated, ophthalmologists should consider IgG4‐related eye disease that can be masked by lesions associated with thyroid ophthalmopathy.
Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography of optic nerve after closed eye injury
Authors: Ioyleva E. , Zelentsov K. , Zelentsov S. , Duginov A. , Ankundinov A. 
Published: September 2017

PurposePurpose: to research optic nerve in the early period of closed eye injury by spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography.Methods32 patients with closed eye injury and transparent eye media were examined. The age of the patients was 41.5 + 2.7 years. The examination was performed 4.01 + 0.37 days after the injury. Visual acuity of the injured eye was 0.65 + 0.06. After examination by automated static perimetry 8 patients were diagnosed with paracentral scotoma, 4 – with scotomas in Bjerrum zone, 7 – with peripheral scotomas, 2 – with central scotomas. In 11 cases no scotomas were registered. Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) of both injured and healthy eyes was performed at the optical coherence tomograph RTVue‐100 OCT (Optovue, Fremont,USA). Optic nerve heads (ONH) and retinal nerve fiber layers (RNFL) were examined with estimated diameter of 3.45 mm around disc center.ResultsStatistical analysis of morphometric parameters of ONH and RNFL based on SD‐OCT data showed that in the early period in comparison with the healthy eye the injured eye has ONH edema resulting in ONH volume increase (0.43 + 0.02 and 0.29 + 0.02 mm3; p = 0.008), rim volume increase (0.21 + 0.01 and 0.17 + 0.01 mm3; p = 0.03), rim area increase (1.64 + 0.05 and 1.25 + 0.04 mm2; p = 0.03), ONH area increase (2.12 + 0.07 and 1.89 + 0.06 mm2; p = 0.01), cup volume decrease (0.08 + 0.01 and 0.13 + 0.02 mm3; p = 0.04) and cup area decrease (0.48 + 0.06 and 0.63 + 0.07 mm2; p = 0.03). In addition to this RNFL thickness increase (111.12 + 2.04 and 106.75 + 1.59; p = 0.007) was noted.ConclusionsWe detected a significant increase in the volume of the optic nerve head and an increase in the thickness of the nerve fiber layer of the retina on all 32 eyes in the early period after a closed eye injury.
The proportion of microsaccadic overshoot and the influence of accomodation on the quantitative measures of microsaccades in fourteen normal test persons
Authors: Visby E. , Møller F. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeIn normal test persons to (1) quantify the proportion of microsacadic overshoot, and (2) to investigate if accomodation have an influence on the quantitative measure of microsaccades.MethodsFourteen healthy adults (mean age 31.2 years, range 16–50 years) all with a visual acuity of 1.0 or better with no previous eye diseases were investigated. Mean ametropia was −1.0 diopter. Microsaccades were quantified binocularly using an infrared recording technique (Eye Link 1000) during fixation at a distance of 40 cm and 6 m. Accomodation was measured at 40 cm and 6 m using an open field autorefractor (Shin Nippon SRW‐5000).ResultsThe mean proportion of microsaccadic overshoot during fixation at 40 cm and 6 m was 75.8% and 146.1% larger than the normal “classic” microsaccadic amplitude, respectively. The relation between the “classic” microsaccadic amplitude (x) and the proportion of overshoot (f) could be fitted to a negative exponential curve. The best curve fit at 40 cm (R2 = 0.88) was f = 3.02*exp(−6.00*x) and at 6 m f = 3.10*exp(−6.21*x) (R2=0.98). The mean “classic” microsaccadic amplitude (±SD) at 40 cm was 0.334 ± 0.140 and 0.256 ± 0.073° at 6 m. The microsaccadic amplitude ± SD including overshoot at 40 cm and 6 m was 0.486 ± 0.209 and 0.411 ± 0.101°, respectively. Accomodation (in diopters) at 40 centimeters was positively correlated to the mean “classic” microsaccadic amplitude.ConclusionsThe proportion of microsaccadic overshoot is larger for smaller microsaccades when fixating at both near and far targets. Microsaccades seems to be influenced by accomodation.
AMD drusenoid deposits “L”, lipid type: morphology, volume, evolution analysis with morphology‐structural software
Authors: Gonzalez C. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo study AMD Drusenoid Deposits “L”, Lipid type, with morphology‐structural software and see all the input of this software on their morphology, volume, evolution knowledge and understandingMethods166 eyes of 83 patients, 30 men, 53 women, with AMD Drusenoid Deposits “L”, Lipid Type (soft Drusen, Drusenoid PED “L”). Deposits were evaluated by Autofluorescence, IR imaging, OCT (Spectralis HRA‐OCT, spectral domain OCT) and Morphology‐Structural software (M‐S software). ETDRS visual acuity (VA), complete ophthalmic examination with Fundus exam were added. M‐S software let: grading (semi‐automatized Drusenoid deposit volume and contours analyze, 3D deposit reconstruction); measurements (volume(in μm3), density (grey levels of deposits)(Statistic moments of pixel intensities: mean, median, minimum, maximum, average, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis), structure (structural measures, texture parameters),(Haralick texture measurements for distances of 1 to 10 pixels), composition (differential density calculation). Grading, measurements (volume, density) let analyze Drusenoid Deposit “L”, their evolution, 4 years follow‐upResultsM‐S software allows AMD Drusenoid Deposits “L”, Lipid Type (soft Drusen, Drusenoid PED) analyze, follow‐up: topography, volume, density, evolution, for each cut, layer, eye, patient, and patient to patient. Therefore M‐S software enable Drusenoid Deposits comparison, evolution for each patient and patient to patient. So M‐S let assay AMD progression, assess evolution Drusenoid deposits “L” to atrophy and its occurrence period and intensityConclusionsMorphology‐Structural Software contribute to and improve AMD Drusenoid deposits “L”, Lipid type, study and knowledge, therefore AMD understanding.
Unilateral retinal vasculopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bartolomé I. , Berniolles Alcalde J. , Idoate Domench A. , Sanchez Marin J.I. , Lopez Sangrós I. , Marco Monzón S. , Esteban Floria O. , Martinez Velez M. , Lara Medina F.J. , Ispa Callen C. , Ibañez Alperte J. , Ascaso Puyuelo F.J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organ systems frequently with a relapsing and remitting clinical course. It may have ocular manifestations at posterior pole, cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, uveal tract and optic nerve.SLE is a complex disease with dysregulation of the immune system with defects in the innate and adaptive immune systems.MethodsA 40‐year‐old Spanish woman was diagnosed with SLE 5 years before. At the time she underwent treatment with a tapering dose of oral prednisone (currently 10 mg/day) and hydroxychloroquine because of a relapse only with cutaneous involvement. She came to the emergency department because she noticed a nasal visual field defect and flashes in her right eye. Her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in both eyes and slit‐lamp anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Right fundus showed multiple cotton wool spots along the vessels, and some intraretinal haemorrhages in the inferior temporal branch retinal.Right fundus fluorescein angiography revealed an active vasculitis with abnormal vessel permeability and leakage of the dye together with a branch retinal artery occlusion along the inferotemporal arcade without ischemic areas. Her left eye was normal. She was treated with high‐dose steroid (intravenous methylprednisolone 500 mg/day during 3 days). Then, she completed 2 doses of intravenous cyclophosphamide 400 mg and oral prednisone (45 mg/day) and hydroxychloroquine 400 mg/day.ResultsThe following week the fundus examination demonstrated resolution of haemorrhages without neovascularization or cotton wool spots. BCVA remained 20/20 and visual field exam slightly improved.ConclusionsSLE may lead to severe unilateral vasculitis. However, an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment allow the resolution of the disease without many sequelae.
Post‐marketing surveillance study of the safety of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) or noninfectious posterior segment uveitis (NIPSU)
Authors: Gajate N.M. , Tufail A. , Lightman S. , Kamal A. , Pleyer U. , Dot C. , Li X.Y. , Jiao J. , Lou J. , Hashad Y. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo evaluate the long‐term safety of DEX in patients treated for RVO‐related macular edema (ME) or NIPSU in clinical practice.MethodsMulticenter (102 sites in France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom), prospective, observational, post‐authorization safety study in adult patients treated with DEX. Treatment and follow‐up were at physicians’ discretion. Data collected up to 2 years after enrollment included serious adverse events (SAEs) and adverse events of special interest (AESIs; adverse drug reactions with DEX as listed in the Summary of Product Characteristics).ResultsOverall, 753 patients (610 RVO, 143 NIPSU) received on‐study DEX treatment and 73.0% completed 24 months follow‐up; 74.0% had not used DEX previously. Median number of on‐study injections per treated eye was 2 (range, 1–7) with median re‐injection interval of 27 weeks; 36.4% of patients received >2 injections. Non‐ocular SAEs affected 8.9% of patients; none were considered related to DEX. Ocular SAEs (most common: cataract progression) were reported in 3.4% of treated eyes. Non‐ocular and ocular SAEs were similar in eyes stratified by previous DEX use and number of on‐study DEX injections (≤2 or >2), regardless of indication (RVO or NIPSU). The most common AESIs reported were increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in 19.3% of treated eyes, cataract progression and cataract formation in 19.5% and 19.3% of treated phakic eyes (n=528), and vitreous hemorrhage in 3.2% of treated eyes. Cataract progression and vitreous hemorrhage were more frequent in eyes that received >2 DEX injections. Among eyes with RVO, cataract progression was more frequent in eyes previously treated with DEX.ConclusionsThe long‐term safety profile of DEX was acceptable. The 2‐year incidence of cataract and increased IOP was lower than previously reported (LOUVRE study). No new safety concerns were identified.
Intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis in children
Authors: Sánchez Marín J.I. , Idoate Domench A. , Pérez Navarro I. , Berniolles Alcalde J. , Bartolomé Sesé S. , López Sangrós I. , Marco Monzón S. , Ibáñez Alperte J. , Ascaso Puyuelo F.J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeChoroidal neovascularization associated to ocular toxoplasmosis is a known complication of the disease. The important role that the intravitreal anti‐VEGF therapy plays on the CNV has been well‐established. Also, the efficacy of the treatment in CNV secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis in adult patients it has been long described, however there are not cases reported in young patients. The purpose is to describe the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab in CNV secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis in children.MethodsWe present the case of an 8‐year‐old patient with history of ocular toxoplasmosis comes to the hospital with a sudden loss of visual acuity in the right eye (BCVA: 20/200). The fundoscopy shows an old toxoplasmosis scar associated with new perilesional hemorrhages and macular edema. We confirmed these lesions with a SS‐OCT which demonstrated the subretinal fluid associated with a RPE disruption and foveal fibrosis. CNV presence was suggested due to these retinal changes and we decided to treat with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab and anti‐parasitic treatment.ResultsAfter three injections of ranibizumab and 6 months of follow up, all the CNV signs have disapeared and the patient has a good recovery of the visual acuity (BCVA: 20/25).ConclusionsIntravitreal ranibizumab may be an effective treatment in CNV secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis also in children. In our case, three injections of ranibizumab controlled the secondary CNV, however it is necessary long‐term studies to determinate the effectivity and frequency of the treatment in these patients.
Macular study on SD‐OCT in sarcoidosis uveitis at active and sequelae phases
Authors: Bouladi M. , Nafaa F. , Bouraoui R. , Limaiem R. , Chaker N. , Mghaieth F. , El Matri L. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo study macular involvement on SD‐OCT in sarcoidosis uveitis at active and sequelae phases.MethodsTwenty‐nine eyes of 16 patients with sarcoidosis uveitis were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination completed with fluorescein angiography and SD‐OCT to assess macular involvement at active and sequelae phases of the disease.ResultsThe mean age was 44,6 ± 12,4 years. There were 8 men and 8 women. 19 eyes were assessed by SD‐OCT at the active phase and 10 eyes at the sequelae phase. At the active phase, SD‐OCT showed macular involvement in 9 (47,3%) eyes which consisted in cystoid macular edema in 5 eyes with serous retinal detachement in 3 eyes, epiretinal memebrane in 2 eyes and macular thinning in 2 eyes. At the sequelae phase, macular involvement was observed in 5 (50%) eyes which consisted in cystoid macular edema in 2 eyes, epiretinal membrane in 2 eyes and macular thinning in one eye.ConclusionsMacular involvement in sarcoidosis uveitis is common. Cystoid macular edema was the most frequent macular complication. Epiretinal membrane can be seen either in the initial presentation or during follow‐up as a sequelae of the disease. Macular atrophy may be a complication of sarcoidosis uveitis at the active and squelae phases. Macular thinning and, more importantly, photoreceptor degeneration are serious sequelae of this process. OCT can help identify abnormality of the ellipsoid zone.
Stigmatic exudate in the Annonaceae: Pollinator reward, pollen germination medium or extragynoecial compitum?
Authors: Lau Jenny Y. Y. , Pang Chun‐Chiu , Ramsden Lawrence , Saunders Richard M. K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAlthough “dry‐type” stigmas are widely regarded as ancestral in angiosperms, the early‐divergent family Annonaceae has copious stigmatic exudate. We evaluate three putative functions for this exudate: as a nutritive reward for pollinators; as a pollen germination medium; and as an extragynoecial compitum that enables pollen tube growth between carpels. Stigmatic exudate is fructose dominated (72.2%), but with high levels of glucose and sucrose; the dominance of hexose sugars and the diversity of amino acids observed, including many that are essential for insects, support a nutritive role for pollinators. Sugar concentration in pre‐receptive flowers is high (28.2%), falling during the peak period of stigmatic receptivity (17.4%), and then rising again toward the end of the pistillate phase (32.9%). Pollen germination was highest in sugar concentrations <20%. Sugar concentrations during the peak pistillate phase therefore provide optimal osmolarity for pollen hydration and germination; subsequent changes in sugar concentration during anthesis reinforce protogyny (in which carpels mature before stamens), enabling the retention of concentrated exudate into the staminate phase as a pollinator food reward without the possibility of pollen germination. Intercarpellary growth of pollen tubes was confirmed: the exudate therefore also functions as a suprastylar extragynoecial compitum, overcoming the limitations of apocarpy.
Antioxidant activity of oleuropein and semisynthetic acetyl-derivatives determined by measuring malondialdehyde in rat brain
Authors: Rizzo Milena , Ventrice Domenica , Giannetto Francesca , Cirinnà Salvatore , Santagati Natale Alfredo , Procopio Antonio , Mollace Vincenzo , Muscoli Carolina 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of natural and semisynthetic polyphenol derivatives from Olea europea L., by assessing malondialdehyde (MDA), an important marker of oxidative stress.

Methods
Polyphenol as hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, oleuropein aglycone as mix of four tautomeric forms and their respective acetyl-derivatives were obtained from olive leaves using semisynthetic protocols. These compounds were administered intraperitoneally to Wistar rats treated with paraquat, an herbicide which is able to cause oxidative stress after central administration.
Malondialdehyde was derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to produce hydrazone that was purified by solid-phase extraction. Using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array, free and total MDA was measured on homogenate rat brain as marker of lipid peroxidation. The analytical method was fully validated and showed linearity in the tested concentration range, with detection limit of 5 ng/ml. Recovery ranged from 94.1 to 105.8%.

Key findings
Both natural and semisynthetic polyphenol derivatives from a natural source as olive leaves were able to reduce MDA detection. The more lipophilic acetyl-derivatives showed an antioxidant activity greater than parent compounds. This potency seems to put in evidence a strict correlation between lipophilicity and bioavailability.
Rémi Brague and this Extraordinary Use of ‘Believe’
Authors: Lomas Andrew 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRémi Brague in On the God of the Christians gives a defence of the validity of faith against modern presumption that science supplies the model for all knowledge. Brague argues that since God is superpersonal, faith must know God in the way we know persons. Personal knowledge requires the connaturality of a loving will: hence faith in God requires love, utterly unlike any scientific knowledge. In criticism, it is suggested that love is essentially motivated by its object's value, and so presupposes knowledge of the object. What is crucial in faith is not the love the subject brings but the demands of a supremely valuable reality. Since faith is, in the broadest sense, experiential, it has points of contact with scientific rationality.