bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of the contrast response function of V1 neurons by the pulvinar
Authors: Casanova C. , Lai J. , Thomas S. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe pulvinar establishes reciprocal connections with nearly all the visual cortices and is thus in a strategic position to influence analyses taking place at the cortical level. Projections from the pulvinar to the primary visual cortex (V1) are considered to be modulatory, altering decoding properties of neurons without changing their basic receptive field properties. Results from our laboratory, based on optical imaging, have supported this assumption (Soc. Neurosci. Abst. 2011. Vanni et al.).MethodsHere, we investigate further by studying V1 single unit responses during reversible deactivation of the lateral posterior (LP) – pulvinar complex in the cat through microinjections of gamma‐aminobutyric acid. Recording and injection electrodes were positioned to obtain overlapping thalamic and cortical receptive fields.ResultsNo change in the preferred orientation or direction selectivity of V1 neurons was observed during pulvinar deactivation. However, for 67% of the cells tested (n = 39/58), the response amplitude to the optimal stimulus was reduced by a mean of 65%. The contrast response function of neurons was modeled with the Naka‐Rushton function and analysis of the effects of pulvinar deactivation revealed at least three types of modulation based on the function parameter predominantly affected: 24% of cells had a decrease in Rmax, 13% had an increase in the exponential factor and 11% had a C50 increase.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the pulvinar modulates activity of neurons in the primary visual cortex in a contrast‐dependent manner. Consequently, this extrageniculate nucleus is likely to contribute to cortical processing in shaping spatiotemporal activity patterns of V1 neurons.
Microbiology of conjunctiva sac in intravitreal injections
Authors: Grzybowski A. , Gaca‐Wysocka M. , Paluch M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the conjunctival sac flora before and after intravitreal injection (IVI) in eyes with no prophylactic antibiotic use.Methods37 eyes of 37 patients not using systemic or local antibiotics for at least 30 days were included. Microbiological culture from conjunctiva sac to nutrient media was taken twice: before IVI and before any topical medications were given and 30 minutes after anty‐VEGF IVI. Topical antibiotics were not used neither before, nor after IVI. Shortly before IVI conjunctival sac was rinsed with 5% povidone‐iodine (PVI). Control group constituted eyes not treated with IVI of the same patients.ResultsNegative microbiological cultures before and after IVI were noted in the studied group in 15 patients (40.5%) and in 9 control eyes (24.3%). Coagulase‐negative Staphylococci (CNS) were cultured in 13 eyes (35.1%) before IVI and in 8 eyes (21.6%) after IVI. In 3 eyes (8.1%) Staphylococcus aureus was shown before IVI, with subsequent negative cultures. In the control group CNS was shown in 14 eyes (37.8%) before IVI and in 7% (18.9%) after IVI. Microbiological flora was identical in studied and control groups in 14 cases (37.8%). There was no case of post‐IVI endophthalmitis.ConclusionsAbout 50% of cultures were negative, in 35% ‐ CNS, and in 15% ‐ other bacteria were cultured, including Staphylococcus aureus in 8%. The number of negative cultures after IVI (the use of PVI) was higher than before IVI, and all Staphylococcus aureus were eliminated. The eye antisepsis based on PVI in IVI is an effective and efficient prophylaxis method.
Using reaction time in visual search and decision making task to measure visual field thresholds in multifixation perimetry
Authors: Leinonen M. , Mäntysalo T. , Sampinen K. , Ojala M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe ability to make eye movements to point the fovea toward object perceived in peripheral visual field is a fundamental feature of human visual system. We studied if reaction time (RT) in visual search task can be used for deciding if a peripheral visual field stimulus is visible when measuring visual field thresholds.MethodsOcusweep™ ambient light perimeter was programmed to display peripheral 0.2° stimulus of 100 ms duration for triggering a reflex saccade to point the fovea towards the location of the stimulus which was replaced with a faint arrow figure for reporting its direction with a button press and thus confirming foveal fixation. Next peripheral stimulus followed by a new arrow was then displayed. RT between button presses were recorded. Thresholds of the right eye of eight experienced healthy persons (mean age 43, range 22–58 years) using Humphrey 30–2 grid were measured with a staircase algorithm adjusting the intensity of the stimulus in response to the RT. Measurement reliability was estimated with catch trials, viewing distance controlled using ultrasonic rangers and variation in ambient room lighting (94–240 cd/m²) compensated using ambient light sensors of Ocusweep™.ResultsThresholds measured with RT perimetry were close to normal age corrected values of Octopus perimeter: mean MD was 0.7 dB and mean sLV 2.5 dB. The RT difference between positive (no stimulus, pure visual search, mean RT 1980 ms) and negative catch trials (suprathreshold stimulus, reflex saccade, mean RT 649 ms) was 1331 ms (SD 369 ms).ConclusionsReaction time perimetry can be used to measure visual field thresholds and also to assess reflex saccades.
The Silk‐protein Sericin Induces Rapid Melanization of Cultured Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells by Activating the NF‐κB Pathway
Authors: Pasovic L. , Utheim T.P. , Reppe S. , Lyberg T. , Olstad O.K. , Eidet J.R. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeRestoration of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to prevent further loss of vision in patients suffering from age‐related macular degeneration represents one of the most promising novel treatment modalities in regenerative medicine. Development of RPE transplants in the laboratory, however, is a lengthy process requiring up to 3 months of cell differentiation. We explored whether the silk protein sericin can be used as a culture medium supplement to induce differentiation of human RPE.MethodsMicroarray analysis determined the expression of RPE‐associated transcripts in control cultures and cultures supplemented with sericin. Quantitative immunofluorescence (QIM), spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) validated the findings.ResultsSericin supplementation increased the expression of RPE‐associated transcripts (RPE65 and CRALBP). The NF‐kB pathway was identified as one of the top sericin‐induced regulators. Increased levels of RPE‐associated proteins (including CRALB and the pigment melanin) in the sericin‐supplemented cultures were confirmed by QIM, spectrophotometry and TEM. Sericin supplementation also increased cell survival following serum starvation. Inclusion of NF‐kB agonists and antagonists in the culture medium showed that activation of the NF‐kB pathway appears to be necessary, but not sufficient, for sericin‐induced RPE pigmentation.ConclusionsSericin promotes pigmentation of cultured human RPE by activating the NF‐kB pathway.
The effect of trehalose 3% as adjuvant therapy on Lasik procedure
Authors: Mateo Orobia A.J. , Cristobal J. , Casas Pascual P. , Lafuente Ojeda N. , Perez Garcia D. , Peiro Embid C. , Korobko Kulikova V. , Del Buey M. , Lavilla L. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe majority of all Lasik patients experience dry eye. Usually temporary it also could last for months or years. Patients with no or mild dry eye symptoms but high risk factors have better post‐LASIK outcomes when being preoperatively treated with lubricants. Surgical outcome of patients, with neither symptoms nor risk factors of having dry eye, could be maximized by optimizing the ocular surface before surgery. This study evaluated the effect of trehalose 3% eye drops (Thealoz), pre and post‐surgery use, on the postoperative ocular surface status of the patient.MethodsClinical study including 26 eyes from 13 patients, mean age of 35, having no dry eye signs or symptoms, who were scheduled for a LASIK procedure. Patients were randomly assigned to use trehalose 3% 48 h before surgery (G1; 1 drop tid) or no treatment (G2). After LASIK surgery, G1 used trehalose 3% 1 drop q4 h in association with artificial tears (hyaluronic acid ‐HA‐ 1 drop q4 h) and G2 used only artificial tears (1 drop q4 h) for 90 days, as corneal hydrating treatment.ResultsOSDI score obtained during follow‐up period showed a positive evolution in G1 compared to G2 (no statistical significance). Frequency and severity of the symptoms from first day after surgery were significantly lower in G1 (p < 0.05). Other clinical test (osmolarity, TBUT, lissamine staining) also showed positive evolution in G1 but it was not observed statistical differences between treatments. Corneal staining (NIE and Oxford scales) showed lower scores in G1. Results were statistically significant at D30 and at D90 (NIE scale) and at D90 for Oxford scale.ConclusionsAddition of trehalose to the standard treatment using HA eye drops after LASIK surgery at pre and post‐surgery period, it has been revealed as a positive therapeutic strategy to control and reduce dry eye symptoms and corneal staining score.
New generation analysis of thrombin generation in retinal vein thrombosis
Authors: Fruschelli M. , Capozzoli M. , Scapellato C. , Calzoni P. , Puccetti L. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo investigate potential mechanisms involved in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) we evaluated thrombin generation and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) with respect to other known thrombophilic factors.Methods68 patients affected by RVO (28 central, 40 branch) and 60 healthy controls were evaluated for endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) by a chromogenic method and sCD40L by ELISA technique. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for genetic polymorphisms and coagulative/chromogenic methods for othe coagulation factors.ResultsIndependently of genetic polymorphisms ETP was increased in patients with CRVO whereas sCD40L was higher in the whole cohort.ConclusionsOur data indicate an involvement of global coagulative activation in CRVO patients as suggested by ETP.
Electrophysiological ON and OFF responses in Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy
Authors: Morny E. , Margrain T. , Binns A. , Votruba M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo assess the effect of ADOA on the ON and OFF components of the photopic negative response (PhNR).MethodsTwelve participants from 6 families with OPA1 ADOA and 16 age matched controls were recruited. Electrophysiological assessment involved long flash focal (20o) and full field ERGs using red flash (664 nm, 250 msec, 55 cd/m2, 2 Hz) on a rod saturating blue background (454 nm, 100 scot cd/m2); and brief xenon flash ERGs using red filter (Lee Filter “Terry Red”, max 300 µs flash duration, 1.69 cd.s.m‐2, 4 Hz) over a continuous rod saturating blue background (Schott Glass Filter BG28, 206 scot cd/m2). Amplitudes (from peak and baseline to fixed time point) and implicit times of the ERG components were analysed.ResultsMean amplitude (peak to fixed time) of the focal PhNR‐ON were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by 40% while the focal PhNR‐OFF was completely eliminated. In the long duration full field ERG, the PhNR‐ON and –OFF were reduced by 21% and 57% respectively. Subtraction of the grand averaged ERG of ADOA participants from that of the controls produced a difference plot with a nearly symmetrical loss in the PhNR‐ON and OFF components of the focal ERG. ROC curve analysis showed focal PhNR‐ON and OFF amplitudes performed better than their full field counterparts.ConclusionsWe show that OFF components of the photopic ERG were more severely affected in ADOA than ON components. Additionally, the focal PhNR‐ON and –OFF components were more effective in assessing ADOA than their full field components.
Ophthalmic insert for pupillary mydriasis in neonates
Authors: Bremond‐Gignac D. , Jacqz‐Aigrain E. , Abdoul H. , Beresniak A. , Baud O. , Alberti C. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo study efficacy and tolerance of ophthalmic insert Mydriasert® versus standard treatment phenylephrine and tropicamide eye drops for fundus examination in neonates.MethodsProspective, randomised, single‐blinded non‐inferiority study of 80 premature and full‐term babies and infants treated for fundus examination. Mydriasis was obtained with two groups randomly assigned. The eye drop group received three instillations of 2.5% phenylephrine and 0.5% tropicamide and the insert group received Mydriasert® containing phenylephrine and tropicamide. the mydriasis was evaluated 75 minutes after the introduction of the mydriatic agents.ResultsThe mydriasis was successfully achieved in both eyes in 97.5% of infants in the insert group and 90% in the eye drop group at 75 minutes after dispensation. The efficacy of the insert was non‐inferior compared to the eye drops. To reach effective mydriasis, the insert group required fewer nursing interventions for one patient comparing to the eye drop group. Good general and local tolerance was observed in the two groups. However two patients reported an adverse event as bradycardia and gastro‐oesophageal reflux that could be related to neonate pathology.ConclusionsMydriasis obtained with the ophthalmic insert Mydriasert® was not inferior compared to standard eye drop treatment. Insert reduced the number of nursing interventions to obtain mydriasis for a fundus examination.
New insights into the proliferative capacities of rabbit corneal endothelial cells
Authors: Crouzet E. , He Z. , Forest F. , Perrache C. , Piselli S. , Peoc'h M. , Gain P. , Thuret G. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeRabbits are known to have highly proliferative corneal endothelial cells (CECs) with excellent wound healing properties. Yet, little evidence of these capacities is available, except for 2 papers dating back to 1977 (PMID: 873721) and 1984 (PMID: 6511225).AimTo better characterize the proliferative capacity of rabbit CECs using labelling of mitosis and DNA synthesis and to search for potential stem cells.MethodsCentral corneal freezing (CF) was used on the right eye of young rabbits (4 weeks) with a brass bar soaked in liquid nitrogen. The thymidine analogue, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) was injected intraperitonealy at 0, 24 and 48 hours after CF. The corneal opacity was monitored using a slit lamp and corneal thickness using an AS‐OCT. Rabbits were euthanatized 5 or 40 days after CF to label proliferating and slow cycling cells (presumed stem cells) using a Click‐It EdU kit combined with Ki67 labeling. Both analyses were performed on flat mounted whole corneas to observe all CECs.ResultsCorneal opacity and thickness increased within 24 h after the CF. Both parameters returned to normal after 5 days. At 5 and 40 days the central endothelial cell density was normal. 266 ± 17 (1.7%) EdU positive CECs and/or 1532 ± 34 (5%) Ki67 positives CECs were observed, often grouped by pairs, in the endothelial periphery of the right eye as well as in the control eye. 14 ± 4 Ki67 positive cells (0.3%) were observed grouped by pairs in the central endothelium of the right eye.ConclusionsIn rabbit cornea, a few CECs are continuously spontaneously cycling at the periphery of the endothelium and all CECs may have the capacity to proliferate in response to injury, even in the centre.
Improving the overall diagnosis of eyelid margin tumours with in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Grivet D. , Singer A. , Forest F. , Cinotti E. , Douchet C. , Labeille B. , Perrot J.L. , Cambazard F. , Dumollard J.M. , Peoc'h M. , Gain P. , Thuret G. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe clinical diagnosis of eyelid margin tumours is often challenging and surgical excision in this area may have both functional and aesthetic consequences. Aim: to assess the role of handheld in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (IVCM) in the diagnosis of eyelid margin tumours.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated and characterized 130 eyelid margin lesions using a handheld dermatology IVCM (Vivascope 3000, Mavig/Lcid, NY). Patients were referred to our multidisciplinary consultation from may 2013 to april 2015. All lesions were first clinically characterized as benign or malignant and then evaluated under IVCM by 3 skilled Dermatologists. Surgical excision was decided for 79 of them, based on both clinical and IVCM features. The 51 remaining lesions with no signs of malignancy were under followed up for at least 6 months. Clinical, IVCM, and histopathology diagnoses were compared.ResultsConsidering the 79 excised lesions: IVCM showed a sensitivity (Se) of 90% and a specificity (Sp) of 57% for malignant tumours (basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma) as compared to the histopathology. Clinical evaluation had Se of 81% and Sp of 50%. IVCM showed Se and Sp of respectively 89% and 62% for BCC; 60% and 100% for SCC; 100% and 45% for melanoma. None of the non‐excised lesions had clinical progression at 6 months and all these lesions were considered as benign.ConclusionsIVCM is an important tool in the management of eyelid margin tumours by improving the global sensitivity and specificity of the clinical diagnosis GRANT: AP jeune chercheur GIRCI RAA.
Altered micro‐RNA21 expression correlates with enhanced peripheral IL‐23p19 levels patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Ni Gabhann J. , Pilson Q. , Jefferies C. , Murphy C. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeSjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation that affects mucous membranes particularly those of the exocrine glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth. Previous investigations have suggested that dysregulated systemic inflammation contributes to the development and pathogenesis of SS. This study aimed to investigate potential mechanisms responsible for over production of pathogenic cytokines in SS patients.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum were prepared from whole blood taken from both healthy controls and pSSpatients. Gene induction and micro‐RNA expression were analysed by real‐time PCR. Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA.ResultsWe observed significantly enhanced expression of the pro‐inflammatory micro‐RNA, miR‐155 (p ≤ 0.05) and significantly reduced levels of the IL‐10 promoting miR, miRNA‐21 (p ≤ 0.05) compared to healthy controls. In keeping with this altered pattern of miR expression we observed significantly increased serum levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐a) as well as the Th17 promoting cytokine, IL‐23p19 (p ≤ 0.05). Altered expression of previously identified targets of miR‐155 (SHIP‐1, SOCS1 – potent anti‐inflammatory regulators) and miR‐21 (IL12p35 and PDCD4, positive regulators of inflammation) was also observed. Significantly a moderate negative correlation (r = −0.657, p ≤ 0.05) was observed between reduced miR‐21 expression and increased peripheral IL‐23p19 levels in pSS patients, suggesting a link between altered miR expression and disease pathogenesis.ConclusionsOur data suggest that abnormal expression or regulation of miRs and consequently miR regulated genes in innate immunity may contribute to the initiation and progression of SS via overproduction of pathogenic cytokines.
Evaluation of intraocular pressure, choroidal and retinal thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography in non‐diabetic haemodialysis patients
Authors: Strupaite R. , Skvarciany I. , Noreikyte M. , Mockeviciute E. , Galgauskas S. , Rimsevicius L. , Cimbalas A. , Asoklis R. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the ocular findings in non‐diabetic patients with chronic renal disease undergoing haemodialysis (HD).MethodsWe performed a pilot study in Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos departments of Nephrology and Ophthalmology. In this study 7 patients (14 eyes) with chronic renal disease undergoing haemodialysis underwent an ophthalmic examination including visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), central foveal thickness (CFT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) measurements using high‐definition optical coherence tomography (OCT, Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering) line scans with the activated enhanced depth imaging mode, (central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (CD). Each patient underwent examination 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after a HD session.Results14 eyes of 7 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing HD were included. 5 males (35.5 %) and 2 females (14.3 %) participtated. Patients mean age was 72.71 ± 7.67 years. The mean VA was 0.83 ± 0.16. The mean IOP increased from 12.28 ± 1.89 to 14.14 ± 4.75 mmHg (p = 0.1). The change was statistically insignificant. The mean central foveal thickness decreased statistically insignificant from 227.07 ± 15.71 to 225.57 ± 14.10 μm (p = 0.69). The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness before HD was 207.57 ± 50.71 μm, after HD – 194.85 ± 55.39 μm (p = 0.016). There was a statistically significant decrease in the choroidal thickness before and after haemodialysis (p = 0.016). The mean CCT was 529.77 ± 32.12 μm. The mean CD 2777.11 ± 380.15 cells/mm2.ConclusionsHaemodialysis with a high ultrafiltration volume did not alter the retinal thickness and IOP but caused a significant choroidal thinning in non‐diabetic end‐stage CRF patients.
Evaluation of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and its relation to visual evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Strupaite R. , Mockeviciute E. , Kizlaitiene R. , Budrys V. , Liveikiene A. , Mamontovaite G. , Cimbalas A. , Asoklis R. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in Lithuanian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to assess the relationship between RNFL thickness and visual evoked potentials (VEP).MethodsFrom 2013 till 2014 a prospective study involving 71 patients with multiple sclerosis was conducted in Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Clinic Center of Neuroscience and Eye Diseases. The epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and instrumental data was assessed: gender, age, oligoclonal bands, IgG index in cerebrospinal fluid (CRF), visual evoked potentials (VEP), OCT. RNFL and papilomacular bundel (PMB) thicknesses were performed with SD‐OCT.ResultsThe distribution of gender for patients with MS was as follows: men n = 22 (31%), women n = 49 (69%); average age −40.7 ± 10.7 years. OCT results were as follows: RNFL average thickness: right eye 85.5 ± 15.6 μm, left eye 86.3 ± 13.2 μm. According to the t‐test: the upper nasal (NS) segment averages of right and left eyes differed statistically significant −6.6 ± 14.7 μm (p < 0.05). There was significant negative correlation between VEP P100 latency and RNFL thickness of the right eye TI segment (r = −0.57; p = 0.01) and the left eye PMB segment (r = −0.52; p = 0.02). The most damaged segment was the temporal (T) one: right eye 84.5% (n = 60), left eye −90.1% (n = 64). RNFL of both eyes revealed statistically significant mean differences with the IgG index.ConclusionsThe most vulnerable segment of the retina is the temporal. If VEP gets prolonged thinning of RNFL is also observed. The CSF index is increased by immunologically more active multiple sclerosis. We think that more active form of MS may be associated with retinal segments violation. Hence we may conclude that RNFL thinning could be related with irreversible progression of the disease.