bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ocriplasmin efficacy and treatment guidance as determined by European regulatory agencies
Authors: KOROBELNIK J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Ocriplasmin, a truncated form of human plasmin, has proteolytic activity against components of the vitreous body and the vitreoretinal interface.Methods Results from placebo‐controlled trials designed to determine efficacy and safety of ocriplasmin for the treatment of VMT were used in the determination by the French National Health Authority (Haute Autorité de Santé, or HAS), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the Isntitute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (Institut fur Qualitat und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen, or IQWiG). Different subgroups according to presence or absence of anatomic features and visual acuity (VA) were analysed.Results All 3 regulatory agencies recommend ocriplasmin for the treatment of VMT including when associated with MH less than or equal to 400 microns. The HAS recommends ocriplasmin for the treatment of adult patients with VMT for whom symptomatology does not require immediately a vitrectomy, at the earlier stage of disease. IQWiG reported indication of an added benefit for patients with mild (VA >60 ETDRS letters) to moderate visual impairment (VA 35‐60 ETDRS letters). According to the NICE guidance, ocriplasmin is recommended as an option for treating VMT in adults only if an epiretinal membrane is absent, with or without severe symptoms.Conclusion The benefit of ocriplasmin for the treatment of VMT including when associated with FTMH of 400 microns or less has been evaluated and confirmed by Europe’s leading regulatory agencies. Minor differences exist in the recommendations from each country, based on anatomic features (absence of ERM), visual acuity, and severity of symptoms.
Cytologic analysis in vitreo‐retinal surgery
Authors: ARNDT C , DUCASSE A , DIEBOLD MC , BOULAGNON C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is the leading cause of failure in retinal detachment (RD)surgery. The migration of retinal pigment epithelial cells and the proliferation of the extracellular matrix has been associated with PVR. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the cellular contents of the vitreous of patients undergoing RD surgery with patients scheduled for epiretinal membrane surgery (ERM).Methods The vitreous samples of patients with ERM and RD were obtained at the initial phase of surgery. A immunocytochemical labeling was performed in all cases with AE1/AE3, CD68, Vimentin and GFAP antibodies. The cytological identification was performed by a trained pathologist unaware of immunocytochemical labeling. The concentration of vitreous cells were analyzed semi‐quantitatively.Results 14 vitreous samples were analysed, 9 patients with RD and 5 undergoing ERM. In the RD group, the cytological findings correlated with the results of immunolabeling. Hyalocytes (labeled with vimentin only)were present in all cases, more abundant in RD cases. Macrophages (labeled with vimentin and CD68) were found in 10/14 cases. Macrophages were more abundant in RD cases (p<0,05). Only in one case of RD, GFAP positive cells were found, in which PVR was particularly severe. In 6/14 samples, glial cells were identified with AE1/AE3 without difference between RD and epiretinal membrane cases.Conclusion Vitreous changes observed in patients with retinal detachment appear to involve particularly hyalocytes and macrophages, which could be identified with immunolabeling. Interestingly glial cells (GFAP positive)were only present in severe PVR. A link between this cell population in the vitreous and the clinical outcome remains to evaluated in a prospective study.
Treatment of vitreomacular traction with ocriplasmin in a non‐reimbursed setting
Authors: WILLEKENS K , PINTO LA , VANDEWALLE E , STALMANS I , STALMANS P 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Vitreomacular adhesion can lead to vitreomacular traction (VMT) and macular hole (MH) formation. Intravitreal ocriplasmin provides a non‐surgical solution to release VMT with or without macular hole. A series of 37 patients treated with ocriplasmin is presented. Since ocriplasmin was used in a non‐reimbursed setting, the injection was only recommended when a high success chance was anticipated (e.g. excluding patients with a concomitant epiretinal membrane).Methods An observational trial was conducted on 37 patients with VMT +/‐ MH treated with ocriplasmin with a minimal follow up time of 28 days. Patients had OCT scans of the macular and papillary region prior to the treatment and regularly in the following month. Data on papillary changes were also recorded by Heidelberg Retinal Tomography.Results Overall, 38 eyes of 37 patients were treated (27 with VMT and 11 with VMT+MH). VMT resolved in 28 cases (74%) and macular holes closed in 4 cases (36%). The cup/disc ratio transiently became smaller, associated with a small increase in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Interestingly, formation of transient subretinal fluid was observed in the subfoveal and peripapillar region in some patients and a subfoveal drusenoid deposit disappeared in two patients after injection.Conclusion A high success rate of VMT release can be obtained after injection of ocriplasmin when patients are carefully selected. Further research on observed transient changes in the appearance of subretinal fluid and the peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness is needed.
Small "Big Bubble" Technique to optimize DALK results
Authors: BUSIN M 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe small "big bubble" technique limits descemetic dissection to the central 6 mm optical zone but uses a 9mm graft with both graft and recipient wound edges cut by machine. Visual outcomes after DALK utilizing the small "big bubble" technique were evaluated in 88 eyes. After complete suture removal, BSCVA was ≥20/25 and refractive astigmatism was ≤4.5 diopters in in 21 of 27 eyes (30.7%). This variation of DALK technique can provide good visual results while limiting to a minimum the area of descemetic dissection.
Growth factor and interleukin concentration in amniotic membrane suspension (AMS) and amniotic tissue homogenates (AMTH)
Authors: SZENTMARY N , STACHON T , BISCHOFF M , HUBER M , ZAWADA M , LANGENBUCHER A , SEITZ B 
Published: August 2014

AbstractApplication of AMS or AMTH eye drops was suggested as a potential non‐surgical treatment alternative of therapy resistant corneal epithelial defects. We determined the concentration of growth factors EGF and FGFb and interleukins IL‐6 and IL‐8 in AMS and AMTH following different preparation methods. In AMTH EGF concentration was about 1.7‐17x and FGFb concentration about 1.2‐8.5x higher than in AMS. With higher EGF and FGFb concentrations and lack of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in AMTH, its use may be more appropriate in treatment of corneal epithelial defects. However, the most effective preparation method and the harvesting timepoint are yet to be determined.
What’s new about contact lens complications?
Authors: KUHN D 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe results of a study about 2260 contact lens related complications reported in Germany between 2006 to 2013 shall be presented. The analysis was done with a questionnaire including the following topics: ‐ For how many years were the lenses worn before the damage appeared? ‐ Which kind of contact lenses is related to the highest incidence of complications? ‐ Where had the contact lenses been fitted and bought? ‐ Which was the wearing modality? ‐ What kind of cleaning solutions were used? ‐ How was the hygienic behavior of the wearer? ‐ Which were the ophthalmological findings? ‐ Which therapy was given? ‐ Was the contact lens wearer unable to work? The results are the following: contact lens complications occur rather in the first year of contact lens wearing and with monthly replacement lenses. Most of them are cheap lenses bought without prescription or any control through a contact lens specialist. Poor hygiene is another important risk factor as well as the kind of wearing modality. The most frequent ophthalmological finding was a contact lens associated red eye. Antibiotic drops are the most frequently prescribed therapy. The results will be discussed and recommendations will be given.
The proinflammatory cytokine high‐mobility group box‐1 mediates retinal neuropathy induced by diabetes
Authors: ABU EL ASRAR A , SIDDIQUEI M , NAWAZ M , GEBOES K , MOHAMMAD G 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To test the hypothesis that increased expression of proinflammatory cytokine high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) in epiretinal membranes and vitreous fluid from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and in retinas of diabetic rats plays a pathogenetic role in mediating diabetes‐induced retinal neuropathy.Methods Retinas of 1‐month diabetic rats and HMGB1 intravitreally injected normal rats were studied using Western blot analysis, RT‐PCR and glutamate assay. In addition, we studied the effect of the HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizin on diabetes‐induced biochemical changes in the retina.Results Diabetes and intravitreal injection of HMGB1 in normal rats induced significant upregulation of HMGB1 protein and mRNA, activated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) cleaved caspase‐3 and glutamate and significant downregulation of synaptophysin, tyrosine hydroxylase, glutamine synthetase and glyoxalase 1. Constant glycyrrhizin intake from the onset of diabetes did not affect the metabolic status of the diabetic rats, but it significantly attenuated diabetes‐induced upregulation of HMGB1 protein and mRNA, activated ERK1/2 , cleaved caspase‐3 and glutamate. In the glycyrrhizin‐fed diabetic rats, the decrease in synaptophysin, tyrosine hydoxylase and glyoxalase 1 caused by diabetes was significantly attenuated.Conclusion These findings suggest that early retinal neuropathy of diabetes involves upregulated expression of HMGB1 and can be ameliorated by inhibition of HMGB1.
FRO 2014: Development of a new animal model for corneal endothelial research purposes
Authors: SIJNAVE D , SPILEERS W 
Published: August 2014

Abstract1. To develop a new rabbit model for corneal endothelial dystrophy using an intracameral injection (ICI) of Mitomycin C (MMC) 2. To investigate new pharmacological therapies in the new optimized rabbit model.
FRO 2014: VEGF‐Trap as a novel antifibrotic strategy to prevent filtration failure after glaucoma surgery
Authors: VAN BERGEN T , STALMANS I 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTo explore the combined inhibition of VEGF and PlGF, by the use of VEGF‐Trap, as a new therapeutic strategy to prevent filtration failure: 1) To investigate the most optimal administration route for VEGF‐Trap 2) To compare the effects of VEGF‐Trap to those of the gold standard in clinical practice, mitomycin‐C (MMC) 3) To investigate the potential complementary effects of VEGF‐Trap and MMC 4) To compare the efficacy of VEGF‐Trap to bevacizumab (known to be effective in improving surgical outcome in a prospective randomized clinical trial)
FRO 2014: Inflammatory tear cytokine profile in acute HSV epithelial keratitis
Authors: ZAKARIA N 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHerpetic eye disease presents a wide spectrum of pathology, from superficial ulceration to deep stromal scarring and vascularisation. The biomolecular changes that occur as the disease progresses are poorly understood. Therefore the aim of the project is to better characterise the acute cytokine changes in the tear film of patients with herpetic eye disease.
Inhaled nitric oxide dilates retinal arterioles in minipigs
Authors: PETROPOULOS I , MARTIN AL , MANGIORIS G , MENDRINOS E , RIMENSBERGER PC , POURNARAS C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To investigate the effect of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on the retinal arteriolar diameter in minipigs.Methods Seven minipigs were anesthetized, intubated and mechanically ventilated. A Swan‐Ganz catheter was inserted for measuring cardiac output by the thermodilution technique. Fundus image (one eye per animal) was recorded in a digital videotape under stable hemodynamic and ventilatory conditions. After baseline recordings, NO was added to the breathing circuit first at 20 ppm for 30 minutes and then at 40 ppm for another 30 minutes. NO was then weaned off. Retinal arteriolar diameter was measured in arbitrary units (AU) at baseline and 30 minutes after each manipulation, using Retinal Vessel Analyzer. Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic parameters were also measured.Results Mean baseline retinal arteriolar diameter was 231.0±38.1 AU. Thirty minutes after initiation of 20‐ppm NO inhalation, this diameter had increased only by 3.2±3.5% compared to baseline (p>0.05), to 237.9±36.5 AU. Thirty minutes after initiation of 40‐ppm NO inhalation, this diameter had increased by 7.6±4.7% compared to baseline (p<0.05), to 248.3±39.8 AU. Thirty minutes after weaning off the inhaled NO, this diameter had decreased to 232.9±39.1 AU, having returned practically to baseline (p>0.1 compared to baseline). Hemodynamic parameters (mainly cardiac output, blood pressure, and systemic vascular resistance) did not change significantly.Conclusion In minipigs, NO inhalation at a concentration increased stepwise from 20 to 40 ppm induces a retinal arteriolar vasodilation which is reversed 30 minutes after weaning off the inhaled NO. A potential clinical application of this treatment modality in vascular diseases of the retina needs to be evaluated.
Aquaporin 4 is required to induce retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy
Authors: DAL MONTE M , NICCHIA GP , CAMMALLERI M , FRIGERI IA , FORNACIARI I , PISANI F , BAGNOLI P , SVELTO M 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the most abundant water channel in the retina and participates in the formation of blood‐retinal barrier (BRB). In several retinal pathologies accompanied by BRB dysfunction the expression of AQP4 is altered. In the present study, we investigated the effects of AQP4 deletion in the vascular retinal response to hypoxia.Methods We used wild type (WT) and AQP4 knockout (KO) mice. The retinal angiogenic response to hypoxia was studied in a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) using real time RT‐PCR, Western blot, ELISA and immunohistochemistry.Results In WT mice, retinal levels of AQP4 were increased in response to hypoxia. In OIR mice, the BRB dysfunction was more pronounced in KO than in WT mice. BRB tight junction proteins, occludin, ZO‐1 and JAM‐C, were analyzed and significant alteration was found for JAM‐C in KO mice, indicating a role for this protein in the observed dysfunctions. The formation of neovascular tufts, which are characteristic of OIR, was completely prevented in KO mice, possibly as a result of the decrease in hypoxia‐induced up‐regulation of VEGF mRNA and protein. Unexpectedly, this reduced increase in VEGF levels was paralleled by a dramatic increase in the activity of transcription factors which regulate VEGF expression indicating that in KO retinas mechanisms of VEGF transcription, such as promoter methylation, may be altered.Conclusion Together, the present results indicate a role for AQP4 in the formation of angiogenic processes in the retina and suggest that inhibiting AQP4 function may be a strategy to reduce pathologic angiogenesis in proliferative retinopathies.
Ocular hypotensive properties of Cornus mas extract and loganic acid
Authors: SZUMNY D , KUCHARSKA AZ , PIORECKI N , SZUMNY A , SOZANSKI T , DZIEWISZEK W , CHLEBDA E , SZELAG A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Ocular hypertension became a serious problem in a population with increasingly longer life expectancy. Although there are available effective and well established drugs each group possess their disadvantages. In European medicine according to Pharmacopoeia (EP) herbal drugs affected on the eye condition are on the margin of a purely chemical treatment. A few of them possess as an active ingredients biologically active group of terpenoids called iridoids. The loganic acid is an active iridoid in Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) fruits as a main compound of a polar fraction.Methods We checked on the animal model (New Zealand rabbits) ocular properties of C. cherry polar fraction and loganic acid. The ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (coupled with mass spectrometers) analysis proved the presence of iridoids: loganic acid, cornuside, and pelaronidin, delfinidin galacto‐ and rhamnosides. The intraocular pressure was measured by ICare vet tonometer after 1, 2, 3 and 5 hours of applanation of one drop 50 µl. The intraocular pressure measurements were performed in conscious rabbits, standing calmly on the table, held delicately without head immobilization.Results A single dose of 0.7% loganic acid extract in vehiculum containing 0,15% sodium hyaluronate administered directly into the conjunctival sac decreased after 60 min the mean value of intraocular pressure (IOP) about 15 %. The fraction’s main compound – loganic acid decreased the IOP for about 23 %. This effect was compared to timolol, used similarly to the investigated compounds.Conclusion Although the Cornelian cherry as well as loganic acid are not mentioned in EP we proved it’s possible utility in future ocular hypertension therapy.
New non‐invasive technique for dosing eye drops concentration in tears
Authors: GAUTHIER AS , FRIOT M , PRONGUÉ A , ROYER B , DELBOSC B 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Introduction The efficacy of tacrolimus ointment and eye drops has been proven in the treatment of immune corneal pathologies and in prevention of high risk corneal graft rejection. We recently developed a new formulation of tacrolimus 0.06% eye drops with a better tolerance than classical formulation. In such context, the concentration of tacrolimus in tears was investigated in the absence of data in human. We thus developed a non‐invasive technique for dosing eye drops concentration in tears. The objective of the study was to assess the feasibility of this assay.Methods The tears sampling was performed using Schirmer’s paper strips. After collection, the strips were transferred into a solution of acetonitril with internal standard. This solution allows both the preservation of the samples and the extraction of tacrolimus. The tacrolimus was then measured with a LC/MS/MS. The results were normalized with the length of wetting of the paper.Results Detectable concentrations of tacrolimus were easily observed until 4 hours after instillation. The main issue was ocular irritation in few patients.Conclusion This method allows to measure tacrolimus concentration in tears using a non‐invasive method for at least 4 hours. The use of Schirmer’s paper strips will facilitate such studies with children. This convenient method will allow us to investigate the behavior of tacrolimus concentrations with time in tears.
Lymphocytic microparticles modulate macrophages function in experimental choroidal neovascularization
Authors: TAHIRI H , OMRI S , CHUN Y , DUHAMEL F , CHEMTOB S , HARDY P 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Pathological choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the major cause of severe vision loss in patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Inflammation is a key component in AMD, and macrophages play an important role in CNV generation. We have demonstrated that human T‐lymphocyte‐derived microparticles (LMPs) significantly inhibit angiogenesis in several models of ocular neovascularization. In this study, we investigated whether LMPs modulate angiogenic microenvironment by altering macrophages activitiesMethods LMPs were produced from apoptotic human T lymphocytes after treated with actinomycin D. The effects of LMPs on cell viability and cell migration were studied in apoptosis assay and migration assay respectively. Cell growth of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells was assessed after cells were co‐cultured with LMPs pre‐treated macrophages. A laser‐induced CNV model was used to determine labelled choroidal flat‐mounts.Results LMPs dose‐dependently inhibited macrophages cell growth without altering cell death. In addition, LMPs dramatically abrogated VEGF‐induced macrophages migration. LMPs‐pretreated macrophages exhibited strong inhibitory effect on endothelial cell growth and this effect was associated with the increased expression of IL‐12, CD36 and HIF‐1α. In vivo, intravitreal injection of LMPs significantly suppressed laser‐induced CNV and reduced macrophages infiltration at the lesion sites.Conclusion These results suggest that LMPs are potent antiangiogenic therapeutic agent. In addition to the direct effects on endothelial cells, LMPs may interfere the proangiogenic environment through modulation of macrophages function during pathophysiological conditions.
SD OCT and fundus auto fluorescence findings in Stargardt disease
Authors: EL MATRI L , CHEBIL A , KORT F , CHARFI H , MAMOURI R , HSAIRI A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To analyze macular morphology with SD OCT and Fundus Auto Fluorescence (FAF) in patients with Stargardt disease (STGD) and to correlate between visual acuity (VA) and macular patterns.Methods Forty eyes with STGD phenotypes, underwent FAF and SD‐OCT imaging. The levels and the distribution of FAF and atrophic lesions were evaluated.Results Patients were separated in 2 groups: BCVA ≥ 0.05 and BCVA< 0.05.We found 5 patterns in FAF: Homogeneous high AF of the entire retina; Heterogeneous high and low retinal AF with low central AF; Numerous small areas of atrophy in heterogeneous low AF; Large an isolated central retinal atrophy; Central retinal atrophy without foveolar involvement. Six patterns were found in SD‐OCT: Normal foveal depression, regular photoreceptor IS/OS junction with hyper reflectivity of outer nuclear layer; subnormal foveal depression, foveal disorganization and/or loss of IS/OS junction; Absence of foveal depression, loss of the IS/OS junction and the photoreceptors layer; Macular hole aspect; large retinal atrophy with macular layers disorganization; Pseudo‐coloboma image. Foveal thickness was significantly reduced in all patients (Mean = 107.92 µm) excepted in group I with subclinical STGD. There was a statistically significant correlation between FAF pattern and SD‐OCT pattern (p=0.03) and between BCVA and SD‐OCT pattern (p=0.04).Conclusion Both SD‐OCT and FAF are useful in the management of STGD. Correlation between structure and function should be useful in guiding selection of patients for future therapeutic.