bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The On/OFF system pathway of the retina
Authors: Castelo‐Branco M. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe ON/OFF pathways in the retina represent parallel systems with asymmetric properties. Here we discuss the basic anatomy and function of these pathways in health and disease, from the point of view of luminance, contrast and motion perception. We will also highlight how receptive field properties are shaped within each of these pathways and how they cross‐talk within other parallel streams in the retina. Finally, we will address experimental and disease models that dissect the function of each of these pathways.
Novel mouse phenotypes identified in the eye screen of the German Mouse Clinic
Authors: Amarie O.V. , Fuchs H. , Gailus‐Durner V. , Hrabě de Angelis M. , Graw J. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe German Mouse Clinic (GMC) is a large‐scale mouse phenotyping facility that provides systematic analysis of all organ systems using a standardized workflow. The tests for the eye phenotyping include Scheimpflug imaging, Optical coherence tomography, Laser interference biometry, Virtual drum, ERG, and histology. It allows the identification of novel genetic models for human eye diseases. One example is the Meis1 mutant line, which have retinal and eye size deficits, and impaired visual acuity. Importantly, our results reveal that a single mutant Meis1 allele in the mouse is sufficient to elicit multiple phenotypic abnormalities, consistent with a dominant mode of inheritance in human patients being characterized by microphthalmia (and leukemia). These data provide a starting point for further investigation of several organ systems to dissect the underlying pathogenic mechanisms and to identify reliable phenotypic endpoints for therapeutic testing. Another example is the Ap4e1 mice that show retinal deficits, revealing a new phenotype for a mutation of this gene. The eye screen along with the GMC identifies new (and frequently pleiotropic) traits that bring progress in understanding the molecular mechanism in human eye diseases.
Signs and symptoms of uveitis
Authors: Neri P. , Arapi I. , Pirani V. , Gresti G. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryInflammation of uveal tract can be divided into: anterior, intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis. Uveitis can be a sight‐threatening disease. The commonest ocular symptoms are: blurred vision, ocular pain, photophobia and floaters, depending on the type of uveitis. The onset of uveitis can be either acute or insidious, involving one or both eyes. Posterior uveitis is usually associated with vitritis. Anterior chamber cells and flare should be graded according to standardized uveitis nomenclature (SUN) working group. Binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO) score is used to grade vitreous involvement. Vitreous changes may comprehend: vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous strands, and vitreous traction. A further classification of posterior uveitis depends on the primary site of inflammation, which can identify: retinitis, choroiditis, retinochoroiditis, and chorioretinitis. Posterior pole uveal involvement can be: focal, multifocal, and placoid. Retinal vasculitis can be associated with several sub‐types of posterior uveitis. Uveitis can present several complications such as, anterior and posterior synechiae, which can lead to uveitic glaucoma, cystoid macular oedema, retinal and choroidal neovascularizations, and retinal ischemia.
Mechanisms of Stromal Fibrosis
Authors: Beuerman R. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThis study was designed to uncover new drug targets to deal with the problems of fibrosis of the corneal stroma which can occur following an injury or infection, preventing the normal recovery of vision. Although, TGF‐β is clearly involved the detailed intracellular mechanisms necessary for a practical drug target are not available. The cellular target is the transition of the sessile keratocyte to a myofibroblast.MethodsCorneas of 8 week old C57BL6 mice underwent either an anterior keratectomy (AK) wound or infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), and animals were sacrificed at 2 and 7 days, as well as 2 and 4 weeks after the procedures. The isolated stroma was used to monitor the expression and location of moesin, phospho‐moesin, TGF‐β1 and α‐SMA.ResultsTGF‐β1 and phospho‐moesin were not detected in normal corneal stromas. However, after either treatment, TGF‐β1 expression increased, along with phospho‐moesin and moesin in the wounded corneal stroma from day 2 to 7, and decreased after 2 weeks. No expression of TGF‐β1 and phospho‐moesin was found at PO week 4. Myofibroblasts positive for α‐SMA associated with either treatment were detected from day 2 to week 4 and peaked at week 2.ConclusionThese studies show that moesin interactions with actin fiber growth may be a focus drug development in fibrosis decreases; however, it remains to determine the exact details of that interaction.
Patient‐focused glaucoma care delivery, maintaing quality despite cost limitation
Authors: Pourjavan S. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryTo assess the degree of patient satisfaction in a Glaucoma Outpatient centre and its correlation with the subjective scoring of the Ophthalmologist for the quality of provided care using a short not‐validated questionnaire. The practice of medicine has evolved in the latest decade. Disruptive innovation in healthcare causes a shift away from traditional health care venues like hospitals into clinic settings and outpatient's facility. There is also transference of skills from highly trained sub‐specialist to more accessible specialist. The outpatient offices, especially in Belgium provide accessible and fast services in a convenient location. In order to remain competitive the outpatient offices have to provide high level of healthcare quality. In the published report Crossing the Quality Chasm, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) set forth six aims for a quality health care system: safe, equitable, evidence based, timely, efficient and patient centered. The latter three factors directly influence patient satisfaction. The patient satisfaction on the other hand has been commonly used as an indicator for measuring the quality of care given by the health professionals. In this lecture we explain patient's motivations for their satisfaction degree during an outpatient Glaucoma clinic.
There is still a place for Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)
Authors: Said D. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryWith new emerging lamellar keratoplasty techniques, the number of penetrating keratoplasty has reduced, yet it is still the most commonly performed technique for corneal grafting.For many indications penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is the best option such as keratoconus with previous hydrops and central scarring, therapeutic corneal graft and long standing bullous keratopathy with stromal scarring. Other situations such as presence of peripheral anterior synaechia, aphakia, shallow phakic eyes, DSEK and DMEK have greater risk and more loss of tissue through wastage.Advantages over other lamellar techniques are shorter learning curve, comparable or better visual outcome and in some centers better survival rate when performed for the same indication as lamellar grafts. Post‐operative astigmatism and weak graft host junction remain to be major disadvantages of this technique.Newer evolving cutting techniques of donor and recipient corneas using the femtosecond laser are being developed to address these issues, however, to date results do not justify the increase in cost.
Role of chemokines in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Struyf S. , Mohammad G. , Imtiaz Nawaz M. , Van Raemdonck K. , De Hertogh G. , Van Damme J. , Abu El Asrar A. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryWe have detected altered expression of chemokines in the vitreous fluid of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In the early phase of disease chemokines (CXCL8, CCL2) are involved in leukocyte attraction. Later, CXCL12 may attract progenitor cells (endothelial cell precursors and fibrocytes) involved in establishment of neovessels and in formation of fibrovascular membranes. The myofibroblasts producing ECM in the fibrovascular membranes of the diabetic patients can originate from endothelial (precursor) cells via endoMT, from fibrocytes or from leukocyte‐like precursors. During the active disease stage also angiostatic chemokines (CXCL4, CXCL4L1 and CXCL10) are upregulated, probably in an attempt to counteract the stimulatory effects (angiogenesis and increased vascular permeability) of VEGF. Finally, CCL2 and CXCL10 have been reported to induce fibrosis and might play a role in the later stages of the pathology. Recently, we have demonstrated that CXCL4L1, a most potent angiostatic chemokine can be applied therapeutically as VEGF‐inhibitor in diabetic rats. Indeed, intraocular injections of CXCL4L1 early after the onset of diabetes protected animals against diabetes‐induced blood‐retinal barrier breakdown.
Is it becoming or coming of age
Authors: Cordeiro M.F. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe realisation that lowering IOP is unable to prevent progressive vision loss in all glaucoma patients, has led to investigation of neuroprotection as an alternative or additional treatment option. Neuroprotection has gained renewed interest recently as a therapeutic approach to prevent neuronal degeneration and loss of function in glaucoma. Although confirmation of neuroprotective effects by randomized clinical trials is needed, there is now a demonstration of positive non‐IOP dependent effects in the LoGTS study. Furthermore, it has been proposed as a treatment strategy in other ocular diseases, such as AMD. Neuroprotection has been advocated for many years in neurodegeneration. Indeed, the therapies that have been suggested in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease are similar to those investigated in ophthalmology. This talk will review the evidence for neuroprotection that led to our assessment of its role in glaucoma now and its application as treatment strategy.
Update on lymphoma diagnostic
Authors: Coupland S. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryLymphomas are classified according to the current WHO classification, which emphasizes an approach whereby the clinical characteristics are correlated with distinct morphological, immunophenotypical, and genotypical features of each neoplasm. The classification of lymphoid malignancies recognizes three major categories: B‐cell neoplasms, T‐/NK‐cell neoplasms, and Hodgkin lymphomas. B‐ and T‐cell lymphomas are further classified into precursor‐ and mature neoplasms, the latter being subdivided again according to their clinical manifestation: i.e. into disseminated/leukemic, extranodal and nodal malignancies. Hodgkin's disease, now more appropriately termed Hodgkin lymphoma, comprises nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphomas of nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte‐depleted and lymphocyte‐rich subtype. This talk will provide a summary of the major lymphoid malignancies affecting the eye, and an overview of the techniques used to diagnose them.
Limbal stem cell niche – New insights into structural and molecular composition
Authors: Schlotzer‐Schrehardt U. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryMaintenance and regeneration of the corneal epithelium relies on unipotent progenitor cells at the corneoscleral limbus, which are regulated by extrinsic factors from their local microenvironment, the stem cell niche. The postulated limbal niche is an anatomically protected site of intimate epithelial‐mesenchymal interaction and is highly vascularised, innervated, pigmented due to intraepithelial melanocytes, infiltrated with immune cells, and supported by a specialized extracellular matrix as well as subepithelial mesenchymal cells emitting soluble signals. For ex vivo expansion and transplantation, limbal stem cells are unfavourably removed from their niche. This lecture outlines our current understanding and novel findings regarding the structural and molecular composition of the limbal niche including specific matrix components, cell‐matrix‐ and cell‐cell adhesion molecules, and niche cell populations, which are involved in stem cell regulation through multiple signalling pathways including the Hedgehog pathway. This lecture also provides an overview of current tissue‐engineering approaches for corneal surface regeneration that aim at incorporating specific niche components, such as matrix proteins, growth and signalling factors, or putative niche cells, into the culture systems in order to support maintenance of stemness and to improve the therapeutic use of limbal stem cell transplantation.
Inflammatory choroiditis
Authors: Herbort C.P. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryWhite dot syndromes (WDS) is a term introduced around 1995 to describe posterior uveitis syndromes that were poorly understood such as MEWDS, APMPPE, multifocal choroiditis (MFC), serpiginous choroiditis (SC), birdshot retinochoroiditis (BRC) and many others depending on the extension with which the term is used. Unfortunatelly the term is of no utility as it is purely based on the the white dots most posterior uveitis exhibit and as it emcompasses entities that look alike but have nothing in common as far as mechanism is concerned. Thanks to indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) it became possible to get away from this pot‐pourri terminology and allowed to sort out choroiditis entities according to the pathophysiological mechanism subdividing choroiditis into diseases of the choriocapillaris (primary choriocapillaritis) including MEWDS, APMPPE, MFC, SC and atypical and overlapping entities on one side and stromal choroiditis on the other side including Vogt‐Koxanangi‐Harada disease (VKH), BRC, sarcoid and tubercular choroiditis. The appraisal of these diseases and the rationale of their new classification will be explained and examples will be given to illustrate this new comprehensive approach that should make WDS obsolete.
The Role of Antigen Presenting Cells in the Pathophysiology of Dry Eye
Authors: Stern M.E. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeDry eye (DE) disease is perpetuated by self‐antigen driven autoimmune‐based inflammation. During the initiation of desiccating stress (DS)‐induced DE acute cytokine production and dendritic cell activation precedes autoreactive CD4 + T cell activation, and CD4 + T cells isolated from these DE mice are sufficient to mediate disease following adoptive transfer to T cell‐deficient nude recipient mice.MethodsFlow cytometry, IHC, ELISA and ocular surface antigen presenting cell (APC)‐depletion were used to phenotype expression and function of dendritic cells and cytokines during DS‐DE (induced in C57BL/6 female mice exposed to sc scopolamine (0.5 mg/0.2 ml) TID, humidity <40%, and sustained airflow).ResultsIn response to DS‐induced DE there is a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the expression of CD11cloPDCA+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and secretion of type I interferons (IFNa/b) in draining cervical lymph nodes (CLN) and ocular surface tissues compared to naïve controls. The higher frequency of pDCs within the CLN correlated with enhanced IFNa levels in both CLN and ocular surface tears (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, CD4 + T cells isolated from APC‐depleted mice exposed to DS are not pathogenic; CD4 + T cell infiltration was markedly (p < 0.05) reduced relative to controls, which was associated with an attenuated proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine response.ConclusionsCollectively, these data further support the concept that DE is a localized self‐antigen‐driven autoimmune disease.
Genetic landscape of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy: reflection on pathogenic mechanisms
Authors: Carelli V. , La Morgia C. , Caporali L. , Maresca A. , Giordano L. , Valentino M.L. , Barboni P.S.A.A. , Cantatore P. , d'Adamo P. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryLeber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial disease due to homoplasmic mtDNA point mutations in complex I, affecting prevalently young males with incomplete penetrance. We recently documented that increase of mitochondrial biogenesis drives incomplete penetrance in LHON, further enhanced by estrogen protection in females. To shed light on nuclear genetic modifiers of LHON penetrance, we combined linkage analysis and association studies with tag and functional SNPs, MitoExome and microarray expression analysis. After computation of relevant co‐variates (age, sex, smoke and mtDNA copy number) we obtained a list of candidate genes, the most interesting being implicated in ROS detoxification, mitochondrial biogenesis and cell quality control. A prevalent role of tobacco smoking in penetrance also emerged from our studies, showing that tobacco toxicity triggers LHON by depressing mtDNA copy number and oxidative phosphorylation. Overall, our results indicate that penetrance in LHON is modulated by variants in different genes rather than by a single mutation, and that a complex interaction with environmental factors such as tobacco smoking plays also a major role, representing a confounder for genetic studies. Supported by Telethon‐Italy, grant #GGP11182 to VC.
The inhibitory effect of Itraconazole on Corneal neovascularization in Rabbits
Authors: Yang S. , Won J.Y. , Lee H.S. , Joo C.K. , Chung S.K. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the inhibitory effect of itraconazole on corneal neovascularization in rabbits.MethodsCorneal neovascularization was induced in 36 eyes of 18 rabbits by suture placement in the corneal stroma. Seven days after suture placement, all rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups and were treated four times daily with balanced salt solution (Group 1, 4 rabbits), topical 0.5% itraconazole (5 mg/mL , Group 2, 4 rabbits), topical 1% itraconazole (10 smg/mL , Group 3, 6 rabbits), and topical 2% itraconazole (20 mg/mL , Group 4, 4 rabbits). After one week, the surface area of corneal neovascularization was assessed on the digital photographs. In the corneal specimens, the concentration of VEGF A (vascular endothelial growth factor), VEGF R2, and PLGF (placental growth factor) mRNAs was measured by RT‐PCR, and the concentration of ERK, p‐ERK, Flk, and p‐Flk was measured by Western Blotting.ResultsThe surface area of induced corneal neovascularization was significantly smaller in Groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to the control group on day 14 (p < 0.05). RT‐PCR analysis showed that the mean concentration of VEGF and PLGF in Groups 2, 3, and 4 was significantly lower than that in the control group after 7 days of treatment. Western Blotting analysis showed that the mean concentration of p‐ERK, Flk, and p‐Flk in Group 3 was significantly lower than that in the control group after 7 days of treatment.ConclusionsTopical itraconazole application was useful for effective inhibition of experimental corneal neovascularization.
Indications and interpretations of various imaging techniques
Authors: Zografos L. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryA large variety of imaging techniques are presently used in ocular oncology in order to document intraocular, epibulbar and iris tumors. The imaging of choroidal and retinal tumors is obtained either by digital or by scanning laser fundus cameras. Panoramic fundus pictures are obtained both with transpupillary and transscleral illumination. Imaging of epibulbar and iris tumors is obtained with split lamp photographies and gonio photographies. Standard fluoresceine angiography and ICG as well as panoramic angiography (102° – 150°) in ocular oncology are used according to the location and the extend of the tumors and the serous retinal detachment. Retinal thickness, retinal structure and the interface between retina and pigmented epithelium are studied by OCT. More recently, OCT en Face and Angio‐OCT provide useful informations on the extend of the retinal detachment and the retinal vascular changes of the macular area. The more appropriate technique has to be always used in order to obtain the best quality of imaging and avoid diagnostic errors.
How to keep your research published
Authors: Kivelä T. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryA key criterion for publishing a paper is novelty. This extends from original data to the introduction and discussion of the results. No part of the manuscript can be cut and pasted, or cursorily adjusted, from published literature – not even from the author's previously published papers. Violation of this rule, if detected after publication, often results in retraction of the paper, something which can now happen even years after its publication. One must also be certain to submit only unaltered images and data. The advent of post‐publication peer review almost ensures that if images have been tampered with, this will be detected, again resulting in retraction. A third way of having one's paper retracted is to include authors who did not know about or did not approve the submission. These and certain other ways of getting a paper pulled out of the medical literature will be highlighted by recent examples, and the audience will be introduced to useful tools and web sites related to post‐publication review. It is best to know about them before they strike you.
DALK Techniques from manual to femtolaser
Authors: Nubile M. , Salgari N. , De Nicola C. , Mastropasqua L. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe continuous evolution of corneal transplantation has recently demonstrated that the surgical approach based on selective lamellar keratoplasty represents the gold‐standard for the treatment of corneal disease. The replacement of the diseased corneal layers with deep anterior lamellar (DALK) or endothelial keratoplasty clearly gives advantages to patients in terms of safety and outcomes. The introduction of femtosecond laser technology (FSL) into the clinical practice, after the wide use for refractive surgical corneal procedures, allowed a significant refinement in terms of precision and customization of both penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty (ALK and DALK). The main advantages of using FSLs are represented by the possibility of performing complex‐shaped trephination in both donor and recipient tissues (for example top‐hat or zig‐zag cut profiles) and the great precision of lamellar dissection. The concept of reducing or avoiding sutures (femtosecond laser suture‐less ALK) is still debated. However to date cut quality and interface smoothness represents critical points to be improved.
Angle evaluation after cataract operation using Swept‐Source OCT in elder Asian
Authors: Lee W. , Bae H. , Kim C.Y. , Seong G.J. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo investigate the change of anterior angle morphology after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in eyes with cataract using Swept‐Source optical tomography (SS‐OCT) in elder Asian peopleMethodsOne eye of 31 patients with cataract was performed phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Before and after the operation, the postop 1 day and 1 month, the anterior chamber angles were evaluated by SS‐OCT(CASIA®, Tomey) under dark conditions using three‐dimensional angle analysis scan protocol. In order not to indent eyes, in naturally eye opening status, we obtained SS‐OCT scans and analyzed with nasal and temporal quadrant of eyes. AOD, TISA, TIA were calculated automatically by SS‐OCT after an observer marked the scleral spurs (AOD: Angle Open Distance, TISA: Trabecular‐Iris Space Area, TIA: Trabecular‐Iris Angle).ResultsEnrolled 31 patients were 18 men and 13 women. The mean age was 68.71 ± 9.82 years. Preoperative means of AOD, TISA, TIA were 0.51 ± 0.27 (mm), 0.21 ± 0.11 (mm), 28.83 ± 11.51 (°). Postop 1day and 1month, the means of AOD, TISA, TIA were 0.63 ± 0.19 (mm), 0.24 ± 0.08 (mm), 32.05 ± 7.54 (°), and 0.67 ± 0.24 (mm), 0.26 ± 0.1 (mm), 36.78 ± 8.4 (°). Longitudinal data analysis was conducted based on multilevel model framework. The changes of AOD, TISA, TIA were significantly increased linearly or quadradically after adjusting age and gender (p = 0.004, p = 0.002, p = 0.000).ConclusionsThe eyes that were performed cataract operation have greater improved anterior chamber angle parameters. It means that cataract surgery can improve aqueous humor dynamic in angle closure suspect or glaucoma patients.