bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amniotic membrane as a tissue engineering substrate
Authors: BRANCH M 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAmniotic membrane (AM) is commonly used for cell culture and transplantation onto the ocular surface. AM serves the dual purpose of culture substrate and scaffold thus reducing cell manipulation. Crucially AM is believed to promote the retention of stem cell phenotypes essential for the long term restoration of functional tissue. As potential cellular therapies for corneal regeneration are being developed many of them continue to use AM. Its widespread usage in ophthalmology and extensive list of wound healing attributes has made AM a popular choice. Amniotic membrane is being used as a carrier for innovative research into the transplantation of non‐corneal cell types onto ocular surface burn models including mesenchymal stem cells and oral mucosal epithelium. A lack of standardisation in the preparation of amniotic membrane can cause considerable variation and some methods of preparation may reduce or enhance certain attributes. Various methods of processing including cross‐linking, denuding and freeze drying have sought to enhance amniotic membrane for tissue engineering purposes with varied levels of success.
B27‐associated uveitis, Fuchs uveitis
Authors: WILLERMAIN F 
Published: November 2013

AbstractB27‐associated uveitis is a very frequent form of non infectious intraocular inflammation which account for approximately 50 % of acute anterior uveitis. Its main clinical features, natural history and association with seronegative arthritis are well known. Fuchs uveitis is another frequent cause of anterior and intermediate uveitis. Its natural history is well characterised as well as its association with intraocular production of anti‐rubella antibodies. Both diseases are thus often considered as easy diagnosis. However, several aspects of those diseases remain challenging and debated. In this interactive course, based on clinical cases, we will insist on those difficult aspects as well as on the more recent issues discussed in the literature.
Possibility of visual prognosis based on flash visual evoked potential in cases of early brain damage
Authors: POJDA‐WILCZEK D 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose To find out whether Flash Visual Evoked Potential (FVEP) may be used for observations of visual development in cases of early brain damage.Methods 94 children at the age of 5 months to 9 years were observed. Inclusion criterion was early brain damage resulting from such diseases as hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy, hydrocephalus and various brain congenital malformations. Exclusion criteria were eye‐ball diseases, retinopathy of prematurity and previous ocular surgery. The first FVEP examination was carried out at the age of 5 to 18 months, the last at the age of 5 to 9 years. FVEP was done according to ISCEV standards. The amplitude and the latency of P2 wave were measured. Children were divided into two groups: with and without visual improvement during observation. U‐Mann‐Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. Receiver Operating Characteristic, threshold limit value for P2 amplitude, as well as sensitivity and specificity of FVEP were calculated.Results In the group of children with visual improvement P2 amplitudes were significantly higher in the second examination than in the first one (rising from mean value of 7.8 µV to mean value of 11.7 µV; p=0.0036). In the group of children with no visual improvement mean value of P2 amplitudes was 2.3 µV and P2 amplitude of 6.2 µV was threshold limit value. Vision of the most children with P2 amplitudes below this value did not improve in observation period. Sensitivity of FVEP test in visual prognosis was 94% but specificity 71.4%.Conclusion P2 amplitude of FVEP is helpful in prognosis of visual development in cases of early brain damage.
Effect of breathing 12% oxygen in nitrogen on retinal blood flow and oxygen saturation
Authors: PALKOVITS S , TOLD R , BOLTZ A , SCHMIDL D , NAPORA K , GARHÖFER G , SCHMETTERER L 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose It has been reported that altering the fraction of oxygen in inhaled air changes retinal arterial and venous oxygen saturation. In the present study we set out to study the effects of 12% oxygen in nitrogen breathing on retinal blood flow and retinal oxygen saturation.Methods 30 healthy volunteers were included into the present study. Assessment of the effect of 12% oxygen in nitrogen breathing on retinal blood velocities was performed using laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). Retinal vessel diameters were assessed with the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (DVA, Imedos, Germany). Retinal oxygen saturation was investigated using the same instrument based on spectroscopic evaluation of the data. The effects of 12% oxygen in nitrogen breathing on systemic oxygen tension was evaluated based on arterialized blood samples drawn from the earlobe.Results Breathing 12% oxygen in nitrogen caused systemic hypoxia as evidenced from the reduced systemic oxygen tension (p < 0.01). In addition, a reduction in both arterial and venous oxygen saturation was seen in retinal vessels (p < 0.01 each), which was more pronounced in veins. In parallel we observed an increase in retinal vessel diameters, retinal blood velocities as well as in retinal blood flow (p < 0.05 each).Conclusion The results of the present study indicate good validity of retinal oxygen saturation measurements using the DVA. In addition, the results are compatible with unchanged retinal oxygen extraction during hypoxia.
Targeting the hypoxia pathway in uveal melanoma cells
Authors: ASNAGHI L , LIN MH , LIM KS , LIM KJ , BAR EE , EBERHART CG 
Published: November 2013

AbstractUveal melanoma is the most frequent intraocular cancer in adults and cause significant mortality due to hematogenous dissemination. Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), a master regulator of the hypoxic response, is associated with aggressive uveal melanomas. Here we investigated the mechanism responsible for the prometastatic effect of HIF1α and its downstream targets. HIF1α protein was relatively abundant in the OCM1, OMM1, Mel290 and 92.1 lines grown in normoxia (21% pO2), and was further induced in hypoxia (1% pO2), as well as the mRNA levels of VEGF and LOX, two transcriptional targets of HIF1α. Interestingly, low oxygen tension increased the ability of uveal melanoma cells to invade Matrigel. Genetic suppression of HIF1α by shRNA significantly decreased growth in hypoxia (p<0.0001) and impaired cellular invasion both in normoxia and hypoxia (p<0.0001), suggesting that HIF1α is necessary for invasion even in normoxia. To determine downstream targets, we examined Notch pathway members, which we have previously linked to uveal melanoma invasion, and found that Notch ligand Jag2 and target Hey1 were induced by hypoxia, and their expression was reduced using HIF1α shRNA, suggesting a crosstalk between hypoxia and Notch pathways.
Pathophysiology of the development of intraocular inflammation in VKH
Authors: HERBORT C 
Published: November 2013

AbstractChoroiditis has recently been classified and subdivided into choriocapillaritis when the impact of inflammation is at the level of the choriocapillsris and into stromal choroiditis when the inflammation is situated in the choroidal stroma. The choroidal stroma can be the chance localization of an infectious or non‐infectious systemic disease such as tuberculosis or sarcoidosis and is then termed secondary stromal choroiditis. The situation is different in Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease (VKH)(and birdshot retinochoroiditis) where the target of the inflammatory reaction is selectively situated in the choroidal stroma and should therefore be called primary stromal choroiditis. The choroidal inflammation develops first silently while it is still confined to the stroma. Probably this phase corresponds to the proromal stage. It is only when the inflammation spills over, usually in an explosive fashion, into neighbouring compartments such as the retina, optic disc and vitreous that the disease becomes clinically apparent.The fact that the choroidal stroma is the primum movens means that the follw‐up of choroidaql inflammation by ICGA is crucial and that therapy has a good impact as long as sustained ICGA assisted therapy is applied
Advancing age and mitochondrial dysfunction impair optic nerve recovery after IOP challenge
Authors: CROWSTON JG 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGlaucoma prevalence and incidence rise non‐linearly with advancing age. The reasons for this may be multifactorial but this talk will demonstrate how advancing age and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice render the inner retina increasingly vulnerable to injury induced by short‐term IOP elevation. We will then provide data from a cohort of open angle glaucoma patients demonstrating an impairment in complex‐I‐driven respiration and ATP synthesis, compared to age‐matched controls. Put together these observations suggest that ageing and mitochondrial impairment render retinal ganglion cells vulnerable to IOP injury and this may predispose some individuals to open angle glaucoma.
Intravitreal drug dispersion and needle gauge
Authors: PEREZ‐MARTIN S , MONTERO J , MERINO A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose Intravitreal injections (IV) have become the main treatment for many ocular diseases.. At present, IV are supplied with a 27G, 30G needles. Reduced ocular discomfort and scleral penetration forces have been reported after using smaller gauge needles. However, smaller inner diameter implies increased fluid speed and intraocular turbulence that may result in retinal harmMethods IV were injected with 0.05 mL Indian ink using 27, 30 and 32 G needles. After the injection the eyes were divided in groups and the vitreous was photographed. Three masked observers scored Indian ink dispersion within the vitreous gel from 1 (completely localized) to 4 (complete dispersion).Results Intra‐observer and inter‐observer reproducibility was between 0.78 and 0.95 and between 0.93 and 0.95, respectively (intra‐class correlation coefficient). The average Indian ink dispersion scores for 27, 30 and 32 G needles were 3.4, 2.5 and 1.8 respectively (p=0.07 for 27 vs. 32 G; p= 0.71 for 27G vs. 30G; p=0.15 for 30G vs. 32G; Student t test for unpaired data)Conclusion The inner flow is four times faster in thinner needles, considering that the plunger slides with similar speed. We might expect that flow through the thinner needle would induce more turbulence within the vitreous gel; however, the pattern of intravitreal distribution of Indian ink suggests that the injected fluid and the turbulence were confined to a small bag in the area where smaller gauges were used. The results of this work suggest that 32G needles do not increase turbulence of injected fluid. Limited turbulence may be of even greater interest in elderly eyes with liquefied vitreous gel, reducing mechanical retinal damage
Results of a phase I/II clinical trial: standardized, non‐xenogenic, cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation
Authors: ZAKARIA N , KOPPEN C , TASSIGNON MJ 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe describe the results of a phase I/II clinical trial for standardized, non‐xenogenic, cultivation and “no touch” surgical transplantation of limbal stem cell grafts. 18 eyes of 18 patients were transplanted with either autologous (n=15) or allogenic (n=3) limbo‐amnion composite grafts that were generated using a standardized culture protocol free of xenogenic culture products and transplanted using a standardized “no touch” surgical technique. In vitro cellular outgrowth and phenotype of the cultivated graft was assessed prior to transplantation. Corneal neovascularization, central corneal opacity, pain, photophobia and visual acuity were investigated pre and post transplantation. The limbal epithelial cells showed an average outgrowth of 14.2mm by day 14. The majority of the cells displayed a progenitor phenotype: p63, CK14, desmoglein, ABCG2 bright and CK3/12 dim protein expression. The transplant recipients were followed up for a mean of 22 months. 12 out of the 18 transplant recipients were graded successful, giving an overall success rate of 67%. The ocular surface photographs for pre‐ and post stem cell transplantation, showed a significant (p=0.007) reduction in the percentage area of corneal neovascularization.
Autoimmune mechanisms in primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: GRUS F 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn glaucoma, the elevated intraocular pressure cannot explain the disease in all patients. However, the pathogenesis of the disease is widely unknown. Autoimmune effects could play a role in the disease process. Several studies using Western blotting, mass spectrometry and microarrays could demonstrate significant and persistent up – and downregulations of immunoreactivities against ocular antigens. Furthermore, in animal models it could be shown that in priniciple the immune reaction itself is able to lead to retinal ganglion cell loss. A deposit of antibodies could be shown in the retinae of glaucoma patients. These findings could lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis, but also to new immunomodulatory treatment options and diagnosis.
Normal and abnormal vitreoretinal interface conditions
Authors: POURNARAS CJ 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPathologic changes at the vitreoretinal interface and vitreomacular traction, lead to the phenotypic lesions as epiretinal membranes (ERMs), idiopathic macular holes, vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMTS) and myopic foveoschisis. Remnants of vitreous collagen fibers in the presence of clinically evident posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and/or cellular proliferations of fibrous astrocytes or glial cells growing outward from the retina to the inner retinal surface through the internal limiting membrane (ILM) , in the presence of growth factors as laminin, fibronectin, may contribute to fibrocellular proliferation at the retinal surface. Most studies of idiopathic of diabetic or macular holes related epiretinal membranes, described the presence of fibrocytes or myofibroblasts and more recent studies confirmed these observations using antibodies against alpha smooth muscle actine (a‐SMA). Based on the mechanistic association between a‐SMA expression and tractional force generation, there is little doubt that these cells represented the source of traction during the evolution of those pathologies.
The neuroscience of glaucoma in relation to the possibility for neuroprotection
Authors: OSBORNE N 
Published: November 2013

AbstractVarious theories exist to explain how glaucoma is initiated to result in the differential rate of retinal ganglion cell death. We suggest that initially the quality of the blood supply in the optic nerve head region is affected to cause a type of ischemia. This causes an alteration in ganglion cell mitochondrial homeostasis and an activation of astrocytes and other glia in the optic nerve head. Thereafter, as the disease progresses substances released from activated glial cells and also blue light reaching the retina act synergistically to cause the death of specific ganglion cells at different times. We therefore propose that the repertoire of receptors and number of mitochondria in individual ganglion cells relate to their time of death after glaucoma is initiated. These ideas will be presented, as they suggest that the causes and mechanisms for individual ganglion cells dying in glaucoma vary. Such a theory implies that substances with a single mode of action is unlikely to be sufficient for effective clinical neuroprotection but that this might be achievable using substances with multiple modes of action or a suitable cocktail mixture of products.
The potential role of endothelin in glaucoma
Authors: CHAUHAN B 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEndothelin is a potent vasoactive peptide occurring in three isotypes (ET‐1, ET‐2 and ET‐3). Endothelin via its two main receptors ETA and ETB is responsible for a variety of physiological functions primarily blood flow control. Recent evidence from both human and experimental optic neuropathies shows involvement of endothelin and upregulation of its receptors (principally ETB). Experimental studies have shown that chronic ET‐1 administration to the optic nerve immediately behind the globe causes neuronal damage, activation of astrocytes, the major glial cell in the anterior optic nerve and upregulation of ETB receptor. This review outlines the ubiquitous role of endothelin and its potential involvement in glaucoma.
Indications and practical use of corneal crosslinking
Authors: MENCUCCI R 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIndications and practical use of corneal crosslinking SUMMARY Corneal crosslinking with riboflavin and UVA irradiation is a recent and promising approach to increase the mechanical and biochemical stability of the stromal tissue in keratoconus. Nevertheless there are still unsolved issues about this procedure, such as the more effective and tolerated imbibition time, irradiation potency and riboflavin solution composition; new procedure has been proposed such as transepithelial crosslinking, accelerated crosslinking, imbibition with iontophoresis. Indication, contraindication, potential risk and benefits of these procedures will be reviewed.
Bloodless and painless pterygium surgery
Authors: GICQUEL JJ 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPterigyum is the most common surgically managed ocular surface disorder . The primary Goals are to prevent recurrences in advanced cases and get a proper esthetic result in younger patients with less symptomatic cases There has been 1 article every month for the last 4 decades on the subject… Bare sclera technique should be avoided at all costs, because it involves too many recurrences. Hence will discuss other techniques, such as conjonctivo‐limbalautograft (sutured or glued), conjunctival graft, amniotic membrane and the use of anti‐mitotic drugs.
Unique morphology of the human orbit among the Hominoidea
Authors: DENION E , HITIER M , GUYADER V , DUGUE AE , MOURIAUX F 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose Like many mammal predators, Humans have frontal (forward‐facing) orbits. This design allows a large overlap of monocular visual fields with good stereoscopic vision but is considered to harm lateral space perception. In Humans, on average, temporal visual field extends 95° in primary position of gaze but 128° with eye abduction. Which anatomical peculiarity may allow such a visual field expansion?Methods Comparative orbit osteology study in 100 human skulls and 120 Apes’ skulls (30 gibbons; 30 orang‐utans; 30 gorillas; 30 chimpanzees and bonobos). Orbit width and height were recorded. Using a protractor and laser levels two orbit angles were recorded: “convergence angle” (the lower this angle, the more frontal the inner orbital rim orientation) and “opening angle” (the higher this angle, the more backward the temporal orbital rim position).Results The largest orbit width/height orbit ratio is 1.19, in Humans (p < 0.001). Humans have a higher “convergence angle” (98.1°) than all Apes except gibbons (99.2°; p > 0.05). Humans have by far the largest “opening angle” (107.1°; p < 0.001) and the largest difference between “opening angle” and “convergence angle” (9°; p < 0.001).Conclusion The largest orbit width/height ratio found in Humans suggests a design that favours lateral vision. More specifically, human orbital rim is unique in that, while frontal, it has by far the most backward temporal orbital rim. This peculiarity ‐ likely and adaptation to terrestrial life with upright bipedal locomotion ‐ allows both good stereoscopic vision and large temporal visual field extent through eye motion.
Small molecule design strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance
Authors: BEUERMAN R 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose Although antimicrobial peptides have been shown to avert resistance, most small molecule antibiotics do not share that characteristic. Antimicrobial peptides though are often less stable environmentally and have difficult delivery problems. However, small molecules are much easier to develop from a pharmaceutical perspective. This study has combined the properties of antimicrobial peptides into a small molecule platform.Methods Using our design platform which consists of microbiology, biophysical (including NMR), and animal data we have used the molecular backbone of a xanthone, alpha‐mangostin which is extracted from the pericarp of the SE Asian fruit, mangosteen. The xanthone is a heterocyclic planar molecule with sites at carbons 3 and 6 modifiable with amino acids or other functional groups. Stable, water soluble compounds have been developed whose activities are tested in vitro in microbiological assays as well as in mouse models of corneal infection. These molecules have been tested in MIC, time kill studies and in simulations of resistance.Results The results show that the antimicrobial activities of the cationic xanthone derivatives can be generally predicted based on the pKa values of the corresponding amines. We have identified AM‐0016 (3b) as the most potent compound in the series with potent antimicrobial activity with MIC values of 0.095‐0.39 (µg/mL) against Gram‐positive bacteria including MRSA, improved selectivity up to 200, rapid time‐kill in 10‐30mins,Conclusion A series of novel antimicrobials have been designed and prepared by cationic modifications of α‐mangostin, a natural xanthones with a planar hydrophobic core, to yield an amphiphilic structure which improves selectivity for bacterial membranes through the hydrophobic‐water interface perturbation.
Reduced Th17 type inflammation associated with enhanced Th1, Th2 and Treg responses in a model of reactivation of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis
Authors: SAUER A , BOURCIER T , CANDOLFI E , PFAFF AW 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is a major cause of blindness in the world. Ocular involvement is frequently seen following congenital infection. Many of these infections are quiescent but pose a life‐time risk of reactivation. We previously developed a Swiss‐Webster outbred mouse model for congenital toxoplasmosis by neonatal injection of Toxoplasma gondii cysts. We also used a mouse model of direct intraocular infection to show a deleterious local Th17 type response upon primary infection. However, little is known about the physiopathology of reactivation.Methods In the present study, we combined our two models to study reinfection into neonatally infected mice, in comparison with a primary ocular infection. Intraocular immunological determinants were studied using both BioPlex proteomic assays in aqueous humor and RT‐PCR for crucial transcription factors.Results We observed diminished Th17 type reaction in reinfection, compared to primary infection. In contrast, Th2 and T regulatory responses were enhanced. Interestingly, this was also true for Th1 responses, which was paralleled by a better parasite control. We observed a similar protective immune reaction pattern in the eye upon reinfection with the virulent RH strain, with the notable exception of IFN‐γ.Conclusion In summary, our results show a less pathogenic but more effective anti‐parasite pattern during reinfection.