bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of punctal occlusion on clinical signs, symptoms, and tear cytokines in patients with dry eye
Authors: BEUERMAN R , TONG LMG , SIMONYI S , HOLLANDER DA , STERN ME 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To investigate changes in signs and symptoms, and tear cytokines following punctal plug occlusion.Methods In this prospective longitudinal study, parasol silicon plugs were inserted bilaterally in the lower punctum. Fluorescein corneal staining, tear film break up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, dry eye symptoms, tear cytokine levels, and safety were assessed in the more severe eye over 3 weeks.Results 23 females (mean age, 51.5 y) and 6 males (mean age, 44.7 y) with moderate dry eye were evaluated. Females had significantly worse global symptoms score (P=0.03) and TBUT (P=0.04) at baseline. At 3 weeks after occlusion, global irritability was significantly reduced (P<0.001). Fluorescein staining decreased in all (P<0.01) but the inferior zone; inferior staining was significantly reduced in patients with staining grade >1 at baseline (P<0.001). Patients with more severe dry eye had significantly greater improvements in TBUT (P=0.045) and Schirmer’s score (P=0.01). At baseline, there was no significant correlation between 16 key cytokines and either TBUT or global irritation symptoms; levels of several cytokines were higher in patients with low Schirmer’s scores (≤8 mm vs >8 mm), notably TNF‐α (P<0.001), IL‐2 (P<0.03) and MIP‐1α (P<0.002). After occlusion, no significant changes in raw tear cytokine levels were observed.Conclusion Punctal occlusion improved global irritation score and reduced fluorescein staining in all zones except inferior zone overall, but did not generally affect tear cytokine levels in dry eye patients.
Commercial interest
Anti‐evaporative mechanism of wax esters: implications for the function of tear fluid
Authors: PAANANEN RO , RANTAMÄKI AH , HOLOPAINEN J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Our aim was to explain the molecular level basis of the ability of wax ester (WE) films to retard evaporation close to their bulk melting temperature. We studied the surface behavior of behenyl palmitoleate (BP), a WE representing the most abundant meibum WEs.Methods Isotherm and isochor measurements coupled with imaging by Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) were used to study BP films at the air‐water interface. In addition, evaporation rates through BP films were measured.Results Close to room temperature, BP formed solid, non‐spreading islands when applied to the air‐water interface. Between 35 and 38 °C, a fluid, effectively spreading monolayer phase coexisted with solid domains of BP. At higher temperatures, BP formed completely fluid films. Mean molecular areas of the fluid and solid films were determined to be approximately 50 Å2 and 18 Å2, respectively. The thickness of a solid BP monolayer was determined to be 42 ± 6 Å by BAM measurements. A fluid BP monolayer only had minimal evaporation resistance, while a solid monolayer retarded evaporation by > 50%.Conclusion Below 35 °C, BP assumes an extended conformation at the air‐water interface, similar to the bulk crystal structure of WEs. The extended conformation allows tight packing of hydrocarbon chains, which hinders the permeation of water molecules and leads to the evaporation retarding effect. Although the solid islands effectively retard evaporation, they do not spread at low temperatures and water evaporation proceeds through the uncovered areas of the surface. Coexistence of fluid and solid monolayer phases between 35 and 38 °C allows the film to spread, leading to a complete coverage of the interface by the solid phase and effective evaporation retardation.
Morphogenesis of eyelid meibomian gland
Authors: GUEDIRA TARIGHT G , TARIGHT N , SEVESTRE H , COPIN H , BREMOND‐GIGNAC D 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Dysfunction of Meibomian gland is the primary cause of dry eye. The purpose of our study is to understand embryogenesis for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases.Methods Eyelids were obtained from 22 fetuses formalin fixated of 10‐34 weeks gestational age (GA) with approval of Ethics Committee. These 88 eyelids were processed with sections 5µm thick and analyzed by light microscopy after staining with hematoxylin‐phloxine‐saffron and PAS reaction. For each sample, different morphological criteria were investigated: evaluation of glandular bud, sebaceous gland differentiation, arborization of the gland, opening of excretory duct.Results Histological analysis revealed that up to 13 weeks of GA, the fetal lid consists of fine vascular structures in a loose mesenchyme, under a very thin epithelium. At 14 weeks of GA, a first process of the excretory duct is individualized as a cell invagination extending from the eyelid margin. Sebaceous cell differentiation is identified at 15 weeks of GA. The excretory canal keeps its maturation to appear as a small cellular cord, unique and full around 16 weeks of GA, glands begin its buds arborization at 19 weeks of GA. This channel gradually widens and expands, appearing always blocked by a plug of squamous cells and keratin cuticle at 22 weeks of GA. The plugging lasts until 34 weeks of GA.Conclusion Glandular structures involved in tear secretion appear in fetus around fourteen weeks of gestation. The Meibomian glands extend its maturation after birth. Further studies will allow a better understanding of the physiopathology of dry eye.
Impact of Baseline (BL) Visual Acuity (VA) in the VIVID‐DME and VISTA‐DME trials
Authors: MASSIN P , KOROBELNIK J , METZIG C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the impact of BL VA on changes in best‐corrected VA (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) in patients (pts) with diabetic macular edema (DME) in the VIVID‐DME and VISTA‐DME trials.Methods Pts received intravitreal aflibercept (IVT‐AFL) 2 mg plus sham laser every 4 wks (2q4) or every 8 wks (2q8) (after 5 monthly doses), or laser photocoagulation plus sham IVT treatment. Subgroup analyses assessed the impact of BL BCVA on changes in BCVA and CRT at Week 52 (W52). BL BCVA subgroups were <40, ≥40‐<55, ≥55‐<65, and ≥65 ETDRS letters.Results VIVID‐DME: Mean BCVA changes from BL to W52 for laser, 2q4, and 2q8, respectively were 2.8, 15.3, and 20.6 (<40); –0.1, 12.0, and 10.2 (≥40‐<55); 2.4, 11.6, and 11.5 (≥55‐<65) and 0.5, 8.6, and 8.1 (≥65). Mean CRT changes (µm) for laser, 2q4, and 2q8 were –29.8, –423.3, and –355.3 (<40); –80.2, –256.2, and –204.9 (≥40‐<55); –111.2, –209.1, and – 215.1 (≥55‐<65); and –34.7, –135.7, and –132.6 (≥65). VISTA‐DME: Mean BCVA changes from BL to W52 for laser, 2q4, and 2q8, respectively were –4.7, 19.9, and 14.5 (<40); 5.2, 14.1, and 9.4 (≥40‐<55); 1.6, 12.8, and 11.7 (≥55‐<65); and –1.8, 9.8, and 9.4 (≥65). Mean CRT changes (µm) for laser, 2q4, and 2q8 were –124.9, –358.7, and –401.9 (<40); –145.9, –209.2, and –209.4 (≥40‐<55); –72.6, –194.6, and –179.5 (≥55‐<65); and –33.7, –131.2, and –128.4 (≥65). IVT‐AFL was generally well tolerated. Incidence of AEs and serious AEs was similar across all groups, with no significant differences in the incidence of APTC events.Conclusion Outcomes based on BL VA were consistent with those in the overall study population, with greater improvements seen in the IVT‐AFL groups vs laser. There was a trend towards greater improvements in pts with worse vs better BL VA.
Commercial interest
Multicenter OZurdex long term assessment for diabetic macular edema: MOZART 2 study
Authors: MATONTI F , HAJJAR C , PARRAT E , MERITE PY , POMMIER S , MEYER F , PROST‐MAGNIN O , GUIGOU S 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of intravitreal implant of 0,7mg dexamathasone (ozurdex®) in diabetic macular edema(DME)Methods This was a retrospective, multicenter, study. 19 patients, with mean age of 67years, followed for at least 8 months (mean 10,7 months) were included in 5 French eye clinics (P1,5 network). The mean systolic blood pressure was 138 mmHg and the mean HbA1c was 7,2%. We monitored 2 systemic parameters: blood pressure and glycemic balance. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness by spectralis OCT, intraocular pressure and cataract progression are studied at baseline and then at 1, 6 and 12 Months.Results Visual acuity significantly increased compared to baseline: at M1, M6 and M12, mean value of 8,7, 9,1 and 5,8 ETDRSletters, respectively. The improvement was ≥ 10 ETDRS letters in 46,7%, 57,9% and 58,3% of patients at M1, M6 and M12, respectively. The average CRT decrease was: 332μm at M1, 259μm at M6 and 296μm at M12. The average interval between two injections was of 5.6months. Ocular hypertension greater than 25 mmHg, managed by topical treatment, was observed in 13,4% of patients. None glaucoma surgery was necessaryConclusion Ozurdex® has an anatomical and functional effectiveness in the treatment of DME. Outcomes for naive patients and lower CRT suggest that the duration of diabetes mellitus and previous treatments are negative factors for recovery. Side effects are rare and manageable. Ozurdex® seems to be an effective treatment for visual impairment due to DME with a favorable safety profile. Patient follow‐up must be adapted to half‐life of the product with a control before M1 (intraocular pressure) and before M5 (DME recurrence)
Commercial interest
Spectral domain ocular coherence tomography finding post vitrectomy and membrane delamination for proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: DOOLEY I , LAVIERS H , PAPAVASILEIOU E , MCKECHNIE C , ZAMBARAKJI H 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To describe the intra‐retinal microstructure using serial spectral domain‐optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and delamination of fibrovascular membranes for severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).Methods This retrospective, interventional case series included 26 eyes. Outcome measures included LogMAR best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and SD‐OCT findings, including automated central 1‐mm subfield retinal thickness, integrity of photoreceptor inner and outer segments junction (IS/OS) and integrity of external limiting membrane (ELM). Two vitreoretinal‐trained observers graded SD‐OCT images.Results The eyes were into 3 groups based on post‐op IS/OS integrity (group 1: IS/OS intact; group 2: IS/OS irregular but not completely disrupted; group 3: IS/OS completely disrupted. Mean BCVA improved significantly in group 1 (n = 9) from 1.64 ± 0.71 preoperatively to 0.33 ± 0.21 (student’s t‐test: p = 0.01), in group 2 (n = 8) the BCVA improved from 1.30 ± 0.75 to 0.63 ± 0.30 (student’s t‐test: p = 0.44) and in group 3 (n = 9) the BCVA improved from 1.65 ± 0.53 to 1.53 ± 0.75 (student’s t‐test: p = 0.47). IS/OS integrity and ELM integrity were positively correlated with final BCVA (Pearson’s coefficient: r = 0.61, p < 0.001 and r = 0.68, p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusion The postoperative intra‐retinal structure at the level of the IS/OS and ELM based on SD‐OCT imaging are positively correlated with final postoperative visual acuity. The IS/OS boundary and ELM continuity appear to be indicators of macular function. These findings may provide prognostic factors for patients with this challenging and blinding disease.
Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds and corneal tissue engineering
Authors: SALEHI S , BAHNERS T , GUTMANN J , FUCHSLUGER T 
Published: August 2014

AbstractGeneration of a tissue‐engineered cornea composed of biomaterials and cells will reduce dependency on the short supply of donor corneal tissue. In the last decade, the supply of viable donor tissue for corneal transplants is relatively less than the demand for donor corneal tissue. A tissue‐ engineered cornea that incorporates cells with a biocompatible and aligned nanofibrous scaffolds that replicates the stromal extracellular matrix will be an optimal alternative to synthetic replacements and donor tissue. Biodegradable aligned electrospun substitutes of a tissue‐ engineered cornea would also serve as an in‐ vivo and ex‐vivo platform for investigating the mechanisms of corneal diseases, regeneration of corneal cell layers and human cellular responses to new ophthalmic drugs.
Functional properties of nerves regenerating within bioengineered corneas
Authors: GALLAR J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBioengineered substitutes for corneal extracellular matrix based on crosslinked collagen promote nerve regeneration. Electrophysiological recording of corneal nerves at different time points after implant showed no electrical activity inside the implant 1 day‐2 months after surgery. Active mechano‐ and polymodal nerve terminals showing increased spontaneous activity in absence of intended stimulation were recorded inside the implants at 3 months. At 8 months after the implant, active mechano‐ and polymodal nociceptors, and cold thermoreceptors with normal response to natural stimulation were recorded at the implant area. Spontaneous firing of nociceptive units was higher and spontaneous activity of cold thermoreceptive units was slightly lower than in intact eyes. Corneal nerves regenerate into collagen‐based materials, starting to be functional at 3 months post surgery. This is on the basis of the recovery of corneal sensitivity with time in transplanted corneas. The altered activity observed in regenerating corneal nerves is probably due to an increased expression of ion channels induced after nerve lesion, and may explain the presence of abnormal sensations experienced by patients after keratoplasty. (SAF2011‐22500 MINECO)
Hydrogel based keratoprosthesis
Authors: STORSBERG J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractKeratoprosthesis (KPs) are made from biomaterials which can differ significantly in their physical, chemical and biological properties. There are hydrophobic matteials as well as hydrophilic materials, each material has a limited spectra of use. An complex implantant, such as a KPs needs different surfaces to be integrated stable and for a long term without causing side reactions such as inflammation or rejection. This, there a different pre requirements to be fullfilled in order to create a long tetm stable KP. Articial hydrogels differ in many kinds from the natural hydrogel, the collagen, of the cornea.In this presentation, the fundamental mechanisms of understanding hydrogels and there limits of use as well the modification of artifical hydrogels to adopt the requirements to be be used for long‐term stable KP are discussed. Furthermore it will be shown, how the perfomrkance of a KP can be predicted in vivo and the results can be used to use this expermental results and translate them into clinical application. Different kinds of KPs based an hydgrogel materials, native based and artifical materials, their limits, use andtheir performanance will be presented in order to contribute to the medical advances in corneal science.
Next generation corneal implants as alternative to high risk donor transplantation
Authors: GRIFFITH M , ISLAM M , IAKYMENKO S , PASYECHNIKOVA N , BUZNYK O 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe have previously shown that recombinant human collagen (RHC)‐based hydrogels fabricated into cell‐free corneal implants are able to induce regeneration of the corneas of 10 patients in a Phase 1 clinical study. At four years post‐operative, all implants were stably integrated without the use of sustained immunosuppression. Corneal tissue and nerves were regenerated. For use in high risk corneal transplantation such as burns and cases of persistent, non‐infectious ulcers, we had reinforced the collagen implants with a second network of synthetic phosphorylcholine to form a hydogel comprising of interpenetratig networks of collagen‐phosphorylcholine (RHC‐MPC). In a pilot study within a hospital setting, in accordance to the Declaration of Helsinki, with ethical permission and informed consent, four patients were grafted with cell‐free RHC‐MPC implants after manual excision of the ulcerated areas. After six to 12 months post‐grafting, all implanted corneas had a stable epithelium and visual acuity improved 1‐2 lines compared to pre‐operative levels. Our pilot study shows RHC‐MPC implants are safe in patients and appeared to withstand the adverse microenvironment within the corneas with severe pathology and high risk of rejection.
Proteomic analysis of aqueous humor in retinoblastoma patients: a focus on intra‐arterial chemotherapy effects
Authors: MICHELI L , LANDI G , MORIGGI M , VANNONI D , VASSO M , MENICACCI F , GELFI C , LEONCINI R , HADJISTILIANOU T 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Proteomics can be a useful tool to understand how therapies act and affect on the molecular composition of ocular fluids. In this retrospective study we focus on how the aqueous humor (AH) proteic pattern from retinoblastoma (RTB) patients is modified by intra‐arterial(IA)treatment.Methods We enrolled 22 RTB patients(Reese stage VB or ABC group E)undergoing enucleation and 20 normal subjects undergoing cataract surgery(CTR).Five of 22 patients presented with associated secondary glaucoma (SG) whereas 17 had no secondary glaucoma (NSG);8 of 17 NSG received IA Melphalan (CHM). Pools were firstly investigated with Bradford method and SDS‐PAGE and then,analyzed using 2D‐DIGE coupled to mass spectrometer.DIA and BVA were fully automated with 2D DeCyder® and statistical analysis was performed with EDA® module.Significant spots were In‐Gel digested and identified with Maldi‐TOF/TOF.Results According to Bradford method,CTR protein content was not significantly different from CHM.After melphalan treatment, total protein contents decreased about 70% while in respect to all non‐treated patients were significantly different(Tamhane p<0.01).PCA analysis underlines high distance either between CTR pool and SG/NSG pool or CHM and RTB.In particular the analysis of single protein shows that CHM pool is characterized by a high level of Crystallin and pro‐inflammatory proteins and CTR pool is characterized by a high level of Epithelium Growth Factor.Conclusion IA chemotherapy with Melphalan modifies the AH proteic pattern revealing the presence of Crystallin family and pro‐inflammatory proteins. This opens new horizons to further explore local pharmacological effects of new drugs.
Intraocular Metastasis as presentation of unknown systemic neoplasia
Authors: SAORNIL ALVAREZ M , RAMOA R , GARCIA‐ALVAREZ C , MUNOZ M , LOPEZ‐LARA F 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To assess the frequency of metastases as first presentation of systemic disease in a referral clinic, and to identify clinical characteristics.Methods Retrsopective study of consecutive csees diagnosed of intraocular metastasis at the referral intraocular tumors Unit. General and clinical characteristics were registered in a database design in Noraybanks (software approved by the research committe. Descriptive analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0.Results Between 1990 and 2013, 21 patients were diagnosed of intraocular metastasis with a mean age of 62.7 years (31‐89). Most frequent primary tumors were breast (47.6%) and lung (23.8%).Bilateral tumor was observed in 4 cases.The intraocular tumor was the first manifestation of the neoplasia in 13 cases (61.9%).Primary tumor was breast in 46.2% and lung in 38.5%, eshophagus in 7.7% and stomach in 7.7%.Reason for consultation was decreased vision in all cases. All 13 cases were unilateral and 75% as a solitary mass. Tumor was located at posterior pole in 69.2% and in all cases behind the equator.Diagnosis of primary tumor was performed by systemic studies and only one patient required intraocular biopsy. Ragrading the treatment, 7 cases were controlled with systemic chemotherapy, 4 cases required additional external beam radiotherapy and only one underwent to enucleation due to associated neovascular glaucomaConclusion When intraocular metastases are the first presentation of unknown neoplasia used to be solitary non pigmented mass with retinal detachment.Early diagnosis is essential to settle prompt treatment to preserve visual function and improve the patient's prognosis.
FRO 2014: Shine a light on glaucoma: an optogenetic approach towards retinal ganglion cell protection
Authors: DEKEYSTER E , GEERAERTS E , MOONS L 
Published: August 2014

AbstractOur overall objective is to investigate whether modulation of neuronal activity in the superior colliculus (SC), the principal retinal target structure and main extraretinal neurotrophic factor source in mice, can protect against chronic RGC loss, experimentally induced using the well‐establised optic nerve crush (ONC) mouse model of glaucoma. For activity modulation, we will make use of the novel revolutionary technology of optogenetics. More precisely, in this project we aim to: 1) validate the genetic labeling of SC neurons with AAV vectors, carrying an stable‐step function opsin (SSFO) under control of a neuronal (CMV) promoter; 2) test the ability to chronically stimulate the transduced cells; and 3) evaluate the potential of chronic optogenetic modulation of SC neuronal activity to promote RGC survival in the optic nerve crush model.
FRO 2014: ROCK as a potential target in the treatment of different retinopathies
Authors: HOLLANDERS K , SPILEERS W 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe aim of this project is to investigate the therapeutic effect of ROCK‐inhibition in two mouse models for ischemia‐related retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). 1) The first objective of this project is to elucidate the in vivo role of ROCK on the process of inflammation and angiogenesis in ischemic retinopathies. Therefore, the efficacy of a potent ROCK inhibitor will be compared to anti‐VEGF therapy (DC101), using two different mouse models. 2) The second objective is to evaluate the possible neuroprotective effect of ROCK inhibition.
FRO 2014: MMP‐2 as a potential benefactor in zebrafish optic nerve regeneration
Authors: LEMMENS K , BOLLAERTS I , MOONS L 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe zebrafish retinotectal system proves to be a valuable research model to investigate regenerative strategies of damaged retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and thus holds great promise towards identifying new regenerative molecules. Recent research performed in our lab shows that retinal broad‐spectrum MMP inhibition seriously reduces retinotectal regeneration after optic nerve crush (ONC) in the adult zebrafish. Based on preliminary results, we now intend to determine the exact role of MMP‐2 in zebrafish RGC axonal regrowth and identify underlying molecules, which might ultimately serve as new therapeutic targets for the injured mammalian CNS. Hereto, we will pursue the following goals: (1) Determination of the regenerative potential of RGCs after retinal MMP‐2 inhibition/knockdown in zebrafish subjected to ONC. (2) Proteomic identification of MMP‐2 regulated pathways underlying a successful regeneration in the zebrafish visual system.
FRO 2014: Automated detection, classification and notification of pathological corneas using the Oculus Pentacam
Authors: RUIZ HIDALGO I 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTo develop an automated classification system for normal and abnormal corneal topography based on data obtained from the Pentacam, which can be used for the following purposes: 1. To investigate the variability of corneal topography. 2. To automatically detect pathological corneas such as keratoconus, high astigmatism, post‐refractive surgery and early onset of edema or corneal dystrophies (e.g. Fuchs dystrophy) before it is visible with the slit‐lamp. 3. To create an add‐on program to the Pentacam software that gives a warning message with a probability of belonging to a disease group when a new patient is measured.