bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Role of Cultural Distance in the Decision to Cross‐List
Authors: Dodd Olga , Frijns Bart , Gilbert Aaron 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the role of culture in the choice of the destination market for cross‐listing firms. We argue that firms cross‐list in markets with greater cultural similarities, because 1) investors are more willing to invest in culturally familiar firms and 2) managers seek to avoid potential conflicts with culturally disparate investors and managers. Employing Hofstede's cultural dimensions, we find that firms from developed countries display greater cross‐listing propensity towards culturally similar countries. These results are robust to various alternative cultural measures. We further find that it is mainly the difference in uncertainty avoidance and individualism that affect cross‐listing decisions.
EVER 2013 Lecture: Advances in OCT imaging
Authors: SCHMETTERER L 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the brain there is a tight coupling between local neural activity and local blood flow and metabolism. This phenomenon called neurovascular coupling was proposed more than 100 years ago and since then confirmed by numerous experiments. A breakdown in functional hyperemia has been hypothesized to contribute to loss of neurons in diseases such as stroke, hypertension, spinal‐cord injury and Alzheimer’s disease. In the eye this phenomenon exists as well. During stimulation of the eye with flicker light there is a pronounced increase in retinal and optic nerve head blood flow. The mechanisms underlying neuromuscular coupling in the retina are complex and involve the interaction between neurons, astrocytes and blood vessels. In this process vasoactive arachidonic acid metabolites play a key role. In addition, the vascular endothelium is involved. The response of retinal vessels to flicker stimulation is also modified by nitric oxide and oxygen. Neurovascular coupling is altered in diseases such as glaucoma or diabetes and may contribute to neuronal loss in these diseases. A better understanding of these phenomena is required to achieve neuroprotection via the neuromuscular pathway.
Imaging in uveitis: techniques and indications
Authors: HERBORT C 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis tutorial will address the main complementary imaging techniques used in the field of (posterior) uveitis. In case imaging work‐up is decided, fluorescein angiography (FA) is performed routinely since a few decades. FA gives information on the superficial structures and lesions of the fundus including pathology of the retina, retinal vessels, optic disc, and subretinal fluid collection, as well as the RPE for which it is the examination method of choice, and the choriocapillaris in the first seconds of angiography. Most of the time it only confirms and gives the precise extension of lesions already identified by the clinical examination. The choroid is however involved at least as often as the retina and often all or part of choroidal lesions are occult and not detected by the clinical exam or FA. Only indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) gives visual access to choroidal inflammatory pathology where it can distinguish stromal choroidits (birdshot, VKH) from choriocapillaritis (MEWDS, APMPPE, etc). So if angiography is deemed necessary during initial appraisal of a case dual FA/ICGA should be performed as choroiditis can not be excluded "à priori". Other methods addressed will be OCT, UBM, FAF as well as anterior segment OCT.
Dietary fat consumption and AMD: Epidemiological facts
Authors: DELCOURT C 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn 2000, a 50 % lower risk for AMD in regular fish consumers was reported for the first time, in a cross‐sectional analysis of the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Since then, 8 cross‐sectional and case‐control studies have produced similar results, although not always reaching statistical significance. However, cross‐sectional and case‐control studies are subject to reverse causality: subjects with AMD may have decreased their fish consumption because of the disease itself, for instance because of difficulties in shopping and cooking. Six prospective studies, in which dietary habits are assessed before the onset of AMD, have also all shown a reduced risk for AMD in high consumers of fish or omega 3 LC‐PUFA, although not always reaching statistical significance. Finally, use of biomarkers may help overcome many methodological difficulties of dietary assessment (recall bias, imprecisions in assessment of food intake and nutritional content of foods…). In the French Alienor Study, we have recently shown that subjects with high plasma omega3 LC‐PUFA had a lower risk of AMD within the next 10 years. Overall, epidemiological data are strikingly consistent, showing a major reduction of risk for AMD in subjects with high omega3 LC‐PUFA status.
Commercial interest
Challenges in manufacturing an amniotic membrane alternative for corneal regeneration
Authors: WILSON S , HOPKINSON A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe current and projected worldwide cornea shortages have acted as a driver for the development of feasible, long‐term alternatives to cadaveric donor tissue. Alternatives in current clinical or pre‐clinical development can be loosely categorised into the following broad areas: keratoprostheses, tissue engineered constructs, xenografts and the use of decellularized/acellular matrices. With respect to corneal regeneration, there are many challenges to address, not least that the corneal structure is unique and difficult to replicate. When manufacturing corneal tissues, the choice of material is a vital consideration as the list of requirements is extensive. They must be biocompatible, (preferably) optically transparent, flexible, and strong, as to withstand manipulation in culture, potential suturing, irrigation and handling during surgery. Furthermore, the manufacturing process needs to be simple with consistent quality, preferably at high speed and low cost. The biodegradability or bioreasorbability of the construct needs consideration to ensure cellular integration, regeneration and reconstruction. Two fundamental objectives concerning corneal regeneration are the maintenance of healthy cell phenotypes either in vitro or in vivo following implantation; and the replication of the native tissue architecture. If both factors are not satisfied, the result is often regenerated tissue mimicking that of scarred native tissue.
Short‐time reproducibility of tearfilm osmolarity measurement assessed with electrical impedance
Authors: SCHMIDL D , KAYA S , NEPP J , SCHMETTERER L , GARHOFER G 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose There is compelling evidence that increased tearfilm osmolarity is a key pathogenetic mechanism for the development of Dry Eye Syndrom (DES) and its related complications. The current study was performed to assess the short‐time and day‐to‐day reproducibility of an electrical impedance based system for the measurement of tear film osmolarity.Methods 20 patients with moderate DES and a control group of 20 age and sex matched healthy subjects were included in the study. Tear film osmolarity was measured using a commercially available electrical impedance based “lab on a chip” system (TearLab OcuSens). To measure short‐time reproducibility 3 consecutive measurements were performed. To assess day‐to‐day reproducibility this procedure was repeated on three consecutive study days. Schirmer I test and break up time was performed on each study day. Coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated as a measure of reproducibility.Results Tear film osmolarity was higher in patients with DES compared to healthy control subjects on all three study days (p<0.05). Short time CV of tearfilm osmolarity on the three study days was 3.18%±2.89%, 2.81%±2.08% and 2.23%±1.85%, respectively. Day‐to‐day variability based on the CV of the three study days was 3.47%±1.69%. As expected, Schirmer I test and BUT was lower in patients with DES compared to healthy subjects on all three study days (p<0.05).Conclusion Electrical impedance based measurements of tear film osmolarity show good short time and day‐to‐day reproducibility. Whether tear film osmolarity is a suitable clinical parameter to assess severity and to monitor treatment success in patients with DES has yet to be investigated.
Corneal Langerhans cell and dry eye examinations in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: MARSOVSZKY L , NEMETH J , RESCH MD , TOLDI G , LEGANY N , KOVACS L , BALOG A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose To examine the density and the distribution of corneal Langerhans cells (LCs) and to compare the results with dry‐eye related parameters and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Methods Twenty four AS patients (mean age: 41.8±9.8 years) with various degree of disease activity and twenty four healthy subjects (mean age: 47.9 ± 16.4 years) were enrolled. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), lid parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), tear break up time (TBUT), and Schirmer test (ST) were evaluated. In addition, central and peripheral LCs numbers and Langerhans cell morphology (LCM) were assessed with in vivo laser confocal microscopy.Results Tear production was greatly suppressed in patients with more severe systemic inflammation according to the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) (BASDAI≤4.0 vs BASDAI>4.0 10.2±8.5 vs 4.0±5.3; CRP≤5.0 vs CRP>5.0 17.2±4.2 vs 3.9±5.5 p<0.05 for all). LCs densities and central LCM were greater in AS patients than in the controls (LC density: 77.5±44.9 vs 23.8±33.8 and central LCM: 1.7±0.7 vs 0.95±0.75 p<0.05 for all).Conclusion Greater corneal LC density and LCM may reflect an increased activation of the corneal innate immune system, which correlates with the systemic activity of AS even without ocular symptoms. Higher systemic inflammation might impair tear production, and it might partly explain the dry eye mechanism.
Importance of taurine in maintaining retinal function
Authors: PICAUD S , FROGER N 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTaurine depletion has been known to induce photoreceptor degeneration since the 70s. Recently, investigating the retinal toxicity of the antiepileptic drug, vigabatrin, we showed that taurine depletion causes retinal ganglion cell loss. Indeed, the primary site of vigabatrin‐induced injury appears to be located in retinal ganglion cells in patients. The taurine depletion was demonstrated in both vigabatrin‐treated animals and patients. In fact, an increase in intraocular pressure as in glaucoma could also induce a local retinal taurine depletion. Taurine supplementation was neuroprotective in 4 animal models with retinal ganglion cell loss. Taurine acts directly on retinal ganglion increasing their survival in pure cultures. Taurine also reduces their glutamate excitotoxicity in retinal explants. Therefore, taurine is required for the normal maintenance of photoreceptors but also for the maintenance of retinal ganglion cells. Taurine supplementation may therefore provide a novel neuroprotective strategy for retinal diseases like glaucoma.
Possible reasons for a miss match between animal neuroprotection studies and clinical findings
Authors: OSBORNE N 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA variety of reasons exist to possibly explain why excellent experimental neuroprotection studies have not been translated to a functional attenuation of a defined progressive retinal disease like glaucoma. A major problem exists in judging the validity of published experimental studies. For example, it is questionable how the various animal models used really relate to any specific ocular disease. There is also a tendency to accept studies as being correct when reported in high profile journals and/or from leading groups. Another issue is that methods used for the administration of neuroprotectants that relate to acceptable side effects, penetration, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy in successful animal studies might not translate in the same way to the human situation. Also, most animal studies do not demonstrate functional neuroprotection but rather the preservation of biochemical, physiological or morphological alterations caused by a defined insult. It should however be pointed out that clinical proof to reproduce experimental studies in relation to ocular neuroprotection remains largely unexplored because of costs and where investigated may have been faulty.
Behçet disease, VKH, sarcoidosis
Authors: KHAIRALLAH M , KAHLOUN R 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOcular involvement associated with Behçet disease is characterized by a relapsing remitting panuveitis with diffuse vitritis, retinal infiltrates, and occlusive vasculitis. Proper management relies on the early use of immunosuppressive drugs in combination with corticosteroids and administration of biologic agent in resistant and severe posterior segment involvement. VKH disease is a bilateral panuveitis that may be associated with extraocular manifestations. Exudative retinal detachment, associated with typical imaging findings, is the most specific feature to acute VKH disease. Sunset glow fundus is typical to chronic VKH disease. Complications are more likely to occur in the chronic recurrent phase. The mainstay of treatment for acute VKH disease relies on systemic corticosteroid therapy for at least 6 months. Immunosuppressive therapy is mainly used in chronic recurrent disease. Main ocular features of sarcoidosis include bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis, vitritis with snowballs, multifocal chorioretinitis, and segmental periphlebitis. Diagnosis may be challenging in the absence of apparent systemic involvement. Treatment of sarcoidosis is based on corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, in severe cases.
Optic disc hamartomas in a family with heterozygous mutation in the VMD2 gene: Clinical, diagnostic and molecular genetic findings
Authors: TODOROVA M , SCHORDERET DF , VALMAGGIA C 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose To report a new form of juvenile‐onset Best disease associated with optic disc deposits and autosomal dominant inheritance in a three‐generation family.Methods Five affected individuals aged from 5 to 76 years were assessed. Detailed ophthalmic examination including refraction, color fundus photographs, fundus autofluorescence imaging (FAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), ISCEV‐standard ffERG, mfERG, EOG, as well as ultrasound imaging were performed. Direct sequencing of all exons and intron‐exon junction of the BEST1 gene was conducted.Results The diagnosis of vitelliform maculopathy was confirmed by clinical and electrophysiological findings supported by genetic analysis. Ophthalmic imaging, OCT and ultrasound imaging showed in four out of five affected members deep subretinal deposits in the macula. Unexpected when the macula was affected, deposits located on the surface of the optic disc, showing the same echography and FAF characteristics, were observed. All five subjects had an abnormal EOG and a normal ffERG. The individual mfERG responses measured in the central, but also in the optic disc areas were reduced, the latencies were delayed. Sequencing revealed a heterozygous c.[670 C>A], coding for a L224M mutation in BEST1 in all affected subjects.Conclusion Through comparison of the morphological tests: OCT, the FAF ultrasound images and the functional measure: mfERG, we deduct that the observed optic disc deposits are part of generalized disease and have the same origin as the subretinal vitelliform macular and multifocal deposits. This suggests that the described optic disc lesions are vitelliform‐like optic disc hamartomas.
Retinal detachment with PVR
Authors: BERROD JP 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe goal of surgery for PVR is to reattach the retina by identifying all retinal breaks and relieving all significant vitreoretinal traction. Vitrectomy ,membrane peeling and gas or silicone oil tamponade are required in most cases. Firstly, a meticulous pars plana vitrectomy and shaving of the vitreous base is performed. This is followed by a 360‐degree, scleral‐depressed peripheral retinal examination using a wide‐field viewing system to identify and then diathermize all the retinal breaks. The important goal of PVR surgery is complete membrane peeling to relieve all tangential retinal traction, thus allowing the retina to conform to the RPE/choroid. ILM peeling at the macula is also part of the treatment to prevent pucker formation or redetachment of the macula. In cases where there is persistent traction despite complete membrane peeling a sufficiently large relaxing retinotomy must be performed to relieve the persistant retinal traction. The retina is then temporarily flattened under air ,or perfluorocabon. Next, all of the retinal breaks and edges of any retinotomies are treated confluently with laser. The intraocular gas or silicone oil are typically used to provide extended long term endoretinal tamponade.
Effect of neuroprotective statins in retina: A hypercholesterolemic rabbit model
Authors: NAVARRO J , GALLEGO BI , DE HOZ R , RAMIREZ AI , SALAZAR JJ , ROJAS B , TRIVIñO A , RAMIREZ JM 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose The aim of the present study was to analyze qualitative and quantitative retinal changes in hypercholesterolemic rabbits after a low‐dosage statin treatment and to evaluate their possible neuroprotective effect on the retina.Methods New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: Control (G0; n=6), fed a standard diet; Hypercholesterolemic (G1, n=6), fed a 0.5% cholesterol‐enriched diet for 8 months; and Statins (G2; n=6), fed a 0.5% cholesterol‐enriched diet for 8 months plus administration of fluvastatin sodium or pravastatin sodium at a dosage of 2 mg/Kg/day each. Eyes were processed and analyzed for transmission‐electron microscopy. Semi‐thin sections were used to quantify cell number and thickness of retinal layers (excluding retinal pigment epithelium and nerve‐fiber layer) under light microscopy.Results G1 and G2, in comparison to G0, had a decreased cell number in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) (p<0.05 and p<0.005, respectively). No differences were detected in the inner nuclear layer or ganglion‐cell layer among the study groups. In G2, the ultrastructural cell morphology was similar to G0 and there were fewer signs of necrosis and apoptosis than in G1. Although the ONL cell number was decreased in G1, the retinal thickness in this group showed no differences in comparison to G0 due to retinal edema. Retinal thickness in G2 was reduced with respect to G1 (p<0.05) because of the absence of retinal edema, and to G0 (p<0.05) due to ONL cell loss.Conclusion Low‐dosage statins did not prevent ONL cell loss but preserved the normal ultrastructure of the remaining retinal neurons and avoided hypercholesterolemia‐induced retinal edema.
The evolution of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: DICK A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSince the Milstein's explosive generation experimentally of monocloncal antibodies both the ability to probe experimentally and deliver therapeutically has created a wave of utilising 'biologics' for therapeutic gain. From understanding of inflammatory responses in the eye during uveitis we have been able to iteratively target either cytokine responses, cell responses or inhibit activation of cells. The introduction will give a brief overview of developments, targets and the future in a more specified and personalised approach to harnessing the strengths of biologic therapy.
Long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with refractory uveitis associated with Behçet's disease treated with infliximab
Authors: ABU EL ASRAR A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose: To assess long‐term efficacy and safety of infliximab for refractory Behçet's disease (BD) uveitis and to evaluate the effect of withdrawal of infliximab after achieving long‐term remission. Methods: Retrospective study of 19 patients. Results: Mean follow‐up was 44.1±36.5 months and mean number of infliximab infusions was 21.6 ±14.6. At end of follow‐up, there was significant improvement of visual acuity and reduction of central macular thickness. All patients achieved remission, 14 of whom were able to discontinue corticosteroids. Ten patients developed autoantibodies and one patient developed infusion reactions. Eight eyes underwent intraocular surgery without exacerbation of quiescent uveitis. After achieving complete remission, 5 patients discontinued infliximab and maintained remission during a mean of 24.6 ±5.5 months. Conclusions: Infliximab is effective and safe for long‐term treatment for refractory BD uveitis. Repeated infusions are required to maintain long‐term remission which may be sustained despite withdrawal of infliximab. Induction of autoantibodies is common.
The “strange story” of Interferon‐α: A very peculiar biologic agent
Authors: BODAGHI B 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBiologic agents are widely used in patients with uveitis. Interferon alpha is one of the first agents tested in this indication. Its efficacy was reported in the early 90's in patients with severe and refractory Behçet's disease‐associated uveitis. Several other studies from different centers have confirmed the initial results. However, this agent is mostly used in Europe. Severe posterior, intermediate and panuveitis may respond to interferon alpha. Some infectious entities such as herpetic viral retinopathies are also appropriate candidates. Doses vary between centres and countries. Tolerance is a major factor to consider. The drug may be discontinued in up to 40% of cases for various side effects. Interferon alpha is a double‐edged sword in a few situations. LOng‐term remission or healing may be obtained after long‐term use of the drug.
A new and standardized method to sample and analyse vitreous biopsies by the Cellient® automated cell block system
Authors: VAN GINDERDEUREN R , VAN CALSTER J 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose In this prospective study a universal protocol for sampling and analysing vitreous material was investigated. Vitreous biopsies are difficult to handle because of the paucity of cells and the gelatinous structure of the vitreous. Histopathological analysis of the vitreous is useful in difficult uveitis cases to differentiate uveitis from lymphoma or infection and to define the type of cellular reactionMethods 170 consecutive vitreous samples were analysed with the Cellient® tissue processor (Hologic). This machine is a fully automated processor starting from a specified container with PreservCyt® (fixative fluid) with cells to paraffin. Cytology was compared with fixatives Cytolyt® (contains a mucolyticum) and Preservcyt®. Routine histochemical and immunostainings were evaluatedResults In 92% of the cases, sufficient material was found for diagnosis. In 14%, a Cytolyt® wash was necessary to prevent clotting of the tubes in the Cellient® due to the viscosity of the sample. In 23% the diagnosis was an acute inflammation (presence of granulocytes), in 33% chronic active inflammation (presence of T‐lymphocytes), in 33% low‐grade inflammation (presence of CD68 cells, without T‐lymphocytes); and in 3% a malignant processConclusion A standardized protocol for sampling and handling vitreous biopsies, fixing in PreservCyt® and processing by the Cellient® gives a superior result in morphology, number of cells, and possibility of immuno‐histochemical stainings. The diagnosis can be established or confirmed in more than 90% of cases