bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups associated with neovascular age‐related degeneration in a Spain population
Authors: Esteban O. , Ascaso F. , Calvo T. , Montoya J. , Ruiz‐Pesino E. , Martinez M. , Almenara C. , Del Buey M. , Cristobal J. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo investigate whether mtDNA haplogroups are associated with neovacular AMD in a geographically defined area north east of Spain.MethodsAMD patients were ascertained at the Department of Ophthalmology of Lozano Blesa University Clinic Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain. We assessed the association between mtDNA haplogroups and neovascular AMD in 91 AMD patients and 656 unrelated controls residing in the same city. Late‐stage neovascular AMD was defined as described in the international AMD calssification. Genetic analysis for mtDNA haplogroups was performed at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Celular Biology at University of Zaragoza.ResultsHaplogroup HV was the most frequent in AMD patients ( 54.9%) and controls (57.5%), followed by haplogroups U (20.9% and 22.6%, respectively), J (4.4% and 8.9%, respectively), and T (7.7% and 6.9%, respectively). There were no statistical significant differences between both groups (P > 0.05, chi‐square test).ConclusionsAlthough findings of associations between different mtDNA haplogroup types and AMD lesions have been previously reported, suggesting that these haplogroups may be genetic markers indicative of an individual's susceptibility to AMD, present study did not show such association in our population.
Focal choroidal changes on diabetic macular edema
Authors: Duarte L. , Ruão M. , Gallego R. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeWith the increasing interest in choroidal changes in Diabetes, we performed a pilot and prospective study to evaluate the morphological choroidal findings in diabetic macular edema detected with SD‐OCT, compared with normal or non‐macular edema diabetic eyes.MethodsTwo groups of patient were selected: Diabetic patients with no or any stage of diabetic retinopathy with no history of ocular treatment; and non‐diabetic patients as normal controls. Patients with other ocular diseases or surgery where not included. Complete ophthalmological exam was performed. A retinography, blood pressure measurement and OCT with the EDI or choroidal acquisition protocol was performed to all patients. For the analysis choroidal thickness was measured using automated calculation after manual segmentation. OCT images were analyzed for morphological changes in the choroidal space and vasculature, and findings were recorded.Results47 eyes were included in this study: 11 with macular edema, 16 with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 10 from diabetic patients with no retinopathy and 10 control. Age ranged from 41 to 80 and matched for the sub‐groups. Choroidal thickness varied from 75 µm to 383 µm and no correlation was found with age, blood pressure or diabetic stage, except for advanced stages of retinopathy and macular edema where it appears to have a change in the architecture of the choroidal vessels with a tendency of vanishing of the large vessels in favor to the choriocapillaris, well related to the subjacent area of retinal active disease and edema.ConclusionsAs a pilot study, the results only can direct to larger sample studies in order to look for the meaning of choroidal changes that are being reported in diabetic patients and other ocular diseases. It suggests that thickness changes may be due to specific vascular changes.
Neuroprotective modifications in retinal Müller cells due to oxidative stress and energy restriction
Authors: Toft‐Kehler A.K. , Gurunbaram R. , Brændstrup C. , Desler C. , Rasmussen L. , Skytt D. , Kolko M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe viability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is essential to maintain the neuronal function of the retina. Müller cells (MCs) are assumed to be vital in neuroprotection of the RGCs. In this study, we evaluated modifications in retinal MCs due to oxidative stress and energy restrictions.MethodsThe human Müller glial cell line, MIO‐M1, was used in all experiments. Changes in glutamate uptake were evaluated in oxidative stressed and energy restricted MCs. The cell viability was evaluated by LDH and MTT assays. Regulations in gene and protein expression were evaluated by qPCR and western blot. The ATP production was measured as well as the mitochondrial activity.ResultsGlutamate uptake was significantly in energy‐restricted MCs. Simultaneous energy restriction and oxidative stress significantly decreased glutamate uptake. The mitochondrial activity was reduced after exposure to energy restriction and further reduced during simultaneous exposure to energy restriction and oxidative stress. The intracellular ATP levels were decreased in the latter condition.ConclusionsOxidative stress and energy restriction alter the neuroprotective characteristics of MCs by increasing the glutamate uptake during energy restriction and by decreasing the uptake during simultaneous exposure to energy restriction and oxidative stress. The impaired mitochondrial activity and reduction of intracellular ATP levels may affect the ability of MCs to maintain a ellular homeostasis in such way that their ability to protect RGCs may to suffer.
Optic disc swelling: Prospective study of sixty‐seven patients
Authors: Sitbon C. , Fel A. , Bodaghi B. , Le Hoang P. , Touitou V. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo assess the clinical features and etiologic work‐up of patients presenting with optic disc swelling (ODS) in the emergency room.MethodsPatients seen in the ophthalmology emergency department of a single tertiary center between november 2014 and october 2015 were prospectively included. Each patient underwent an etiologic work‐up including a brain‐MRI, blood work, fluorescein angiography, and visual evoked potential.Results67 patients (39 female and 28 male) were included in this study. Average age was 46 years (17‐86 years). ODS was unilateral in 45% of cases and bilateral in 55% of cases. The average time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of papillary edema was 80 days (3 days to 8 months). The mean initial visual acuity was 0.2 logMAR, and the mean final VA was 0.1 logMAR. Final diagnosis was intracranial idiopathic hypertension (43%), anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (25%), inflammatory or infectious papillitis (22%), compressive optic neuropathy (2%) and unknown in 3 cases (8%). The etiologic work‐up was contributive for the final diagnosis in 10% of cases for fluorescein angiography; 35% for MRI of the optical nerve; 32% for laboratory tests; 67% for visual evoked potentials; 90% for the visual field of Goldman. Findings of Goldman's visual field included central or caecocentral scotoma (32%), exclusion or enlarged blind spot (41%), inferior altitudinal scotoma (19%), and bitemporal quadrantanopia (5%).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that causes of ODS could be identified in 92% of patients presenting with ODS. According to the clinical features at presentation, the etiologic work‐up can be further adjusted but a standard minimal etiologic work‐up is usually efficient to state the diagnosis.
Multifocal electroretinogram and en‐face OCT in patients who underwent retinal detachment surgery
Authors: Ricouard F. , Bigan G. , Tumahai P. , Flores M. , Castelbou M. , Delbosc B. , Saleh M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo study the anatomical and functional recovery after retinal detachment surgery (RD) by studying the reflectivity of the ellipsoid band (ISe) measured in en‐face OCT and multifocal electroretinography (M‐ERG) and investigate the factors involved in the results.MethodsProspective study of 39 patients operated successfully of RD and examined at baseline and at 3 (M3) and 6 months (M6). SD‐OCT and M‐ERG were performed at each visit. A coronal view of the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the cone inner segment ellipsoid (ISe) band were reconstructed on en‐face OCT. The mean reflectivity in the 2 central degrees was calculated using image J and expressed as a gray level ranging from 0 (black) to 256 (white).ResultsM‐ERG waves amplitudes were reduced in RD involving the macula (p < 0.05). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was correlated to the M‐ERG amplitudes at 6 months (p < 0.01). CGL and ISe reflectivity were lower in the group with macular involvement (p < 0.05). ISe reflectivity was correlated with the BCVA at M3 and M6 (p < 0.001). ISe reflectivity was also related to the duration of the macular detachment (p = 0.01). However, we did not observe any correlation between GCL reflectivity and BCVA. While, the GCL reflectivity was correlated with the RMS amplitudes (p = 0.03), there was no correlation between M‐ERG amplitudes and ISe reflectivity.ConclusionsM‐ERG represents a valuable tool in the assessment of visual function after RD. En‐face OCT brings new insight on the integrity of the retinal structures after surgery, and shows that both inner and outer retinal layers are impaired after RD reattachment.
Subjective versus objective vertical cup‐disc‐ratio assessment in open angle glaucoma patients
Authors: Vandewalle E. , Willekens K. , Van Keer K. , Abegao Pinto L. , Stalmans I. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the difference in assessment between fundoscopic and confocal scanning vertical cup‐disc‐ratio (VCDR) in open angle glaucoma patients.MethodsData from a single eye of normal tension (NTG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients from the Leuven Eye Study were included: age, gender, visual field mean deviation (MD), fundoscopic and HRT III VCDR assessment as well as mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (mRNFL). Differences within groups were assessed by paired sample t‐tests. Receiver operator curves (ROC) were constructed to assess and compute the likelihood ratio and positive predictive value.Results303 eyes (161 POAG and 142 NTG) were included. The average VCDR clinically assessed was significantly larger than the value derived from the HRT III software (0.81 ± 0.14 versus 0.61 ± 0.16, p < 0.001) and this difference remained statistically significant in both groups. In advanced glaucoma (MD > −12 dB), the area under the curve for HRT III and fundoscopic VCDR was respectively 0.80 ± 0.05 versus 0.84 ± 0.04 for NTG and 0.66 ± 0.044 versus 0.82 ± 0.033 for POAG. To predict a MD of maximum ‐12 dB with 80% certainty in NTG patients the VCDR needs to be at least 0.79 and 0.88 for HRT III and fundoscopic VCDR values, whereas in POAG patients these numbers are 0.88 and 0.93, respectively.ConclusionsClinical assessment of VCDR renders significantly higher values than HRT III derived values. Fundoscopic assessment of the optic nerve can predict better the visual field damage compared to the HRT III assessment.
Oral eplerenone as a first line treatment in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: A case series evaluation
Authors: Sendon D. , Graber M. , Chiche A. , Rambaud C. , Berguiga M. , Delbarre M. , Froussart‐Maille F. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of oral eplerenone on subretinal fluid (SRF), visual acuity, and choroidal thickness in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).MethodsRetrospective review of all patients monitored for a minimum of 3 months with chronic CSCR lasting more than 3 months who were treated with oral eplerenone with four physicians retina practice. Visual acuity, dilated funduscopic examination, and spectral‐domain ocular coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) were obtained at each visit. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in subretinal fluid (SRF) following initiation of therapy. Protocol was oral eplerenone 25 mg daily first week and 50 mg daily during 9 weeks.Results4 eyes of 4 patients were treated. At 3 months, all eyes had decreased SRF height on OCT and all eyes had improved their visual acuity. Mean SRF height decreased from 390 µm to 285 µm and mean visual acuity enhanced from logMAR 0.20 to 0.08 No significant side effect occurred. Only one eye showed reccurence after eplerenone was discontinued.ConclusionsOral eplerenone appeared to be a safe and reliable treatment with significant anatomic and visual improvements in eyes with chronic CSCR.
Functional Expression of Toll‐Like Receptors in Human Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Stewart E. , Wei R. , Branch M. , Sidney L. , Amoaku W. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeToll‐like receptors (TLRs) are a family of proteins that initiate the innate immune response in reaction to invading microbes. Studies confirm the expression of TLRs in a variety of ocular tissues and cells, and it has also been suggested that selected TLRs may be associated with geographic atrophy and neovascularisation in age‐related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other vascular and inflammatory diseases of the ocular posterior segment. However, TLR expression and localisation in the retinal and choroidal vasculature has not been defined.MethodsIn this study the gene (mRNA) expression of TLRs 1‐10 was investigated using RT‐PCR and comparative qPCR and the protein expression and localisation of selected TLRs (3, 4, 6 and 9) were examined using western blotting, flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining.ResultsPCR showed gene expression of TLR1‐6 and 9 in human choroidal endothelial cells (hCEC) and TLR2‐6, 9 and 10 in human retinal endothelial cells (hREC). Western blotting detected TLR3, 4 and 9 proteins in both hCEC and hREC with higher levels in hCEC, whilst TLR6 protein was not detectable in either cell type. Flow cytometry detected all four TLRs (3, 4, 6 and 9) on the cell surface and intracellularly, TLR6 expression was detectable but low. The expression and localisation of TLR3, 4 and 9 were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining and TLR functionality tested by expression of IL‐6 (ELISA) in response to TLR ligands.ConclusionsThis study has, for the first time, identified the differential expression and localisation of TLRs in intraocular endothelial cells. This profiling will help inform our understanding of different retinal and choroidal vascular diseases, as well as the development of future treatments for intraocular vascular diseases.
Intraarterial thrombocytic material revelative of essential thrombocytaemia in a 59‐year‐old woman
Authors: Rospond‐Kubiak I. , Oszkinis G. , Kociecki J. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeAim: to present a case of accidentally detected thrombocitic material in retinal arteries that was revelative of essential thrombocytaemia.MethodsMaterial/methods: 59‐year‐old woman presented in July 2013 with a suspicion of intraocular tumour. The patient was asymptomatic. There was a white nodular mass in her left eye infernasally, highly reflective on ultrasound. Initial diagnosis of choroidal granuloma was made. 4 weeks later, on the next follow‐up visit, a massive thromobocytic material circulating freely in the retinal arteries and multiple yellowish lesions were detected in her both eyes. Visual acuity was not disturbed.ResultsThe patient was admitted to hospital with the suspicion of right heart failure. Apart from the high level of thromobocytes and D‐dimers no pathology was revealed. The patient was sent for further counselling and bone marrow biopsy which revealed no pathology. Few months later she was readmitted with a severe cerebral ischaemia, throbocytaemia and critical stenosis of right internal carotid artery (RICA) to 80%. Haematologic treatment was not effective and the patient died due to cerebral ischeamia in June 2014.ConclusionsThromobocytic material associated with essential thrombocytaemia might be visible in retinal vessels. This is a rare phenomenon and might be associated with a poor prognosis for the patient.
Dexamethasone reverses the effects of high glucose on human retinal endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: Stewart E. , Saker S. , Amoaku W. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeDiabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the working population and its prevalence continues to increase as the worldwide prevalence of diabetes grows. The main cause of visual loss in diabetic eye disease is diabetic macular oedema caused by an increase in microvascular endothelial permeability. Endothelial cell permeability is influenced by multiple factors which have not been fully elucidated, particularly in human models. Inflammation has been reported in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and the potential use of anti‐inflammatory agents such as the glucocorticoid dexamethasone is being extensively studied.MethodsThe effect of high glucose (25 mM) and dexamethasone on retinal endothelial cell proliferation and permeability were assessed using Cell‐8 proliferation reagent and passage of Evan's blue albumin, respectively. qPCR was used to quantify gene expression of selected tight junction molecules (Occludin, Claudin‐5, JAM‐A and JAM‐C) and adheren junction (VE‐Cadherin) molecules with high glucose and dexamethasone.ResultsHigh glucose decreased endothelial cell proliferation and this effect was reversed by dexamethasone. High glucose conditions significantly increased endothelial cell permeability and this effect was decreased with dexamethasone treatment for 24 and 72 hours. In retinal endothelial cell exposed to high glucose claudin‐5, occludin and JAM‐A gene expression were reduced and that of JAM‐C increased when evaluated with qPCR; dexamethasone was effective in partially reversing these changes.ConclusionsDexamethasone reverses high glucose induced alterations in retinal endothelial cell behaviour.
Localized changes in retinal nerve fiber layer reflectance intensity are related to localized functional loss in glaucoma
Authors: Gardiner S. , Demirel S. , Reynaud J. , Fortune B. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeReflectance within the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) may change prior to, or concurrent with, RNFL thinning in glaucoma. We hypothesize that reductions in RNFL reflectance intensity may be observed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and may provide useful additional information beyond RNFL thickness.MethodsParticipants enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal study of glaucomatous progression had peripapillary circle scans acquired using spectral‐domain OCT, and performed automated perimetry, every 6 months. Data were analyzed from the most recent 8 visits with reliable results, from 211 eyes of 143 individuals. For each of the 52 visual field locations, intensity ratio and RNFL thickness were calculated within a 30º sector centered at the average location where corresponding nerve fibers enter the disc. Intensity ratio was defined as the mean intensity of pixels within the delineated RNFL boundaries divided by the mean intensity of pixels between the outer RNFL boundary and Bruch's Membrane. Rates of localized change were defined as the rate of change within each sector/location, minus the rate of global change. A mixed effects model was used to predict the rate of localized functional change from the rates of localized thickness and intensity ratio change within the corresponding sector.ResultsIn a combined model, the rate of localized functional loss was predicted by both rate of thinning and the interaction between the rates of thinning and intensity ratio change (both p < 0.0001). For a given rate of RNFL thinning, a more negative rate of intensity ratio change predicted more rapid loss of sensitivity.ConclusionsReduction of RNFL reflectance over time is associated with loss of sensitivity at corresponding locations. While these are early results, they suggest potential improvements to the interpretation and quantification of OCT scans.
Endogenous panophthalmitis caused by sphingomonas paucimobilis; A postpartum devastating rare condition
Authors: ozcan A.A. , Esen E. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeEndogenous panophthalmitis is known as an infrequent condition with poor prognosis that mainly occurs in patients having underlying medical conditions. We present a very rare case of endogenous panophthalmitis in a postpartum patient.MethodsA 31‐year‐old woman was admitted with vision loss and pain in the right eye for two days that began the day after the delivery.ResultsHer ophthalmologic examination revealed panophthalmitis. Despite intensive medication corneal melting and spontaneous perforation occurred, so evisceration had to be performed. Sphingomonas paucimobilis, an opportunistic infection agent, was isolated in the conjunctival swab and evisceration specimen cultures of the patient.ConclusionsIt is known that immune system is influenced and inflammatory responses are altered in pregnants and puerperants, so any symptom of eye infection should not be ignored in peripartum and puerperium periods.
Early experiences with intravitreal ocriplasmin: a series of cases with vitreomacular traction
Authors: Schulz C. , Saunders D. , Lockwood A. , Begum S. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeOcriplasmin is a vitreolytic agent that may improve the chances of non‐surgical resolution of vitreomacular traction (VMT), based on phase III trials. Since it gained regulatory approval, only a handful of small retrospective studies have reported its efficacy. To date, no study has commented on the chronicity of VMT prior to treatment.MethodsCase notes were examined for all patients with VMT that underwent intravitreal ocriplasmin injection at a single district general hospital. Baseline characteristics were recorded including patient demographics, sub‐classification of VMT, and the length of time from diagnosis to treatment with ocriplasmin. The main outcome was non‐surgical resolution of VMT within 28 days.ResultsAll 9 eligible cases were included. The mean length of time between diagnosis of VMT and treatment with intravitreal ocriplasmin was 655 days. Only 1 patient (11%) experienced non‐surgical resolution of VMT within 28 days of treatment. This patient had the shortest time between diagnosis and treatment (17 days), and this was significantly distant from the sample mean (p = 0.01). The mean age of our sample (81) was higher than that reported in other studies. All other baseline characteristics were consistent with prior studies.ConclusionsThis study adds to the limited dataset regarding treatment of VMT with ocriplasmin since it gained regulatory approval. While the small sample size of this study is appreciated, the rate of success is disappointing when compared to phase III trials. The observations of this series raise the possibility that prolonged vitreomacular adhesion may limit the efficacy of non‐surgical resolution with ocriplasmin.