bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wegener's granulomatosis – should we change the name of the disease?
Authors: Grzybowski A. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIt was proposed that the eponym “Wegener's granulomatosis” should not be used any more due to the fact that Friedrich Wegener (1907–1990) was the member of the National Socialist German WorkersParty and because it was suggested that had been involved during the WWII in human experiments and genocide. Based on this accusations the American College of Rheumatology, The American Society of Nephrology and the European League Against Rheumatism decided that all medical scientists should no longer use the term Wegener's granulomatosis. However, the real value of these accusations were questioned. It was confirmed that Wegener joined Sturmabteilung (SA “brownshirts”), the German State Party NSDAP and the National Socialist German Physicians’ Federation (NSDÄB). It was also showed that the main accusations against him, namely human experiments and genocide during WWII had no foundation, and were based on speculations. The life of Wegener between 1933–1945 has been also presented in the historical perspective of situation in Germany in 30s. There are no proofs that Wegener was ever involved in genocide and human experiments during the WWII, thus the term “Wegener's granulomatosis” should be considered as still appropriate.
Ocular hypertension in adult rodents does not affect non‐RGC neurons in the ganglion cell layer but results in severe loss of cone‐photorreceptors
Authors: Vidal‐Sanz M. , Rodríguez‐Llarena S. , Ortín‐Martínez A. , Salinas‐Navarro M. , Nadal‐Nicolás F.M. , Valiente‐Soriano F.J. , Villegas‐Pérez M.P. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryWe investigate short and long‐term effects of laser photocoagulation (LP) of the limbal tissues‐induced ocular hypertension (OHT) in the innermost and outer layers of the retina (OLR). Adult albino rats or mice were examined 2 weeks to 6 months after LP‐induced OHT. Brn3a‐immunodetection was used to identify retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and DAPI‐staining to identify all cell nuclei in the ganglion cell layer. Retinas were cut in cross sections for morphometric analysis or prepared as wholemounts to study the entire population of RGCs or L‐ and S‐cones (immunolabeled). OHT resulted in pie‐shaped retinal areas lacking Brn3a+RGCs but with large numbers of DAPI+nuclei. Cross‐sections showed focal regions of degeneration affecting the ORL that became evident by 2 m and progressed up to 6 months after LP. Rat retinal wholemounts showed RGC diminished to 20–25% by 1 m with no further loss, whereas the L‐ or S‐cones showed progressive loss up to 6 months that amounted to 19% or 33% by 1 m, to 62% or 51% by 3 m, and to 66% or 59% by 6 m, respectively. LP‐induced OHT results in selective loss of RGCs within the ganglion cell layer, but there is progressive severe damage of the ORL up to 6 m.
Optical reduction of peripheral hyperopic defocus
Authors: Torii H. , Negishi K. , Tsubota K. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPurposeTo discuss the effectiveness of optical reduction of peripheral hyperopic defocus in preventing progression of myopia.MethodsThe relationship between reducing peripheral hyperopic defocus and slowing progression of myopia has been discussed with regard to glasses, contact lenses, and orthokeratology. Previous studies on optical reduction of peripheral hyperopic defocus mainly in Japan will be presented. We performed a prospective, randomized, double‐blind clinical trial using a questionnaire to compare myopic progression between a single‐vision lens and a lens that reduces peripheral hyperopic defocus. This study is part of a multicenter trial in Japan and the results of our institute will be presented.ResultsMany clinical trials have suggested that reducing peripheral hyperopic defocus possibly retards progression of myopia. Outdoor activity is an evidence‐based environmental factor that protects against myopia; our data also show the importance of outdoor activities for preventing progression of myopia.ConclusionNot only reducing peripheral hyperopic defocus but also environmental factors such as outdoor activity is important to retard myopia. A greater number of eyes should be evaluated in future studies.
EBO‐EGS exam in glaucoma; our first experience in 2015?
Authors: Sunaric Megevand G. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe main goal of the EBO is to harmonize education and training in general ophthalmology within Europe and the main tool is the comprehensive EBO Diploma examination, organized annually since 1995, awarding successful candidates the title of the Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO). More recently the EBO has established a Subspecialty European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma Examination with the goal to increase standards of knowledge and care in various subspecialties. The EBO is realising this goal by close collaboration with different European ophthalmological subspecialty societies who are actively taking part in the organization and realization of the EBO Subspecialty Examinations allowing an official and standardized evaluation and awarding of knowledge in various specialties.The first of these subspecialty examinations to be introduced is in the field of glaucoma and is developed in close collaboration with the European Glaucoma Society (EGS). The goals, the organisation and requirements to sit the subspecialty exam as well as the first experience with the FEBO‐Glaucoma exam and Diploma will be presented.
Early‐onset Behr syndrome due to compound heterozygous mutations in OPA1
Authors: Bonneau D. , Lenaers G. , Procaccio V. , Amati‐Bonneau P. , Reynier P. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryBehr syndrome is an early‐onset and severe syndromic optic atrophy which is probably heterogeneous. Recently, a heterozygous mutation in OPA1 was reported in an adult‐onset Behr‐like syndrome. Heterozygous mutations in OPA1 are the main causes of autosomal dominant optic atrophy (DOA). As many as 20% of patients with DOA exhibit extra‐ocular signs including deafness, external ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy and, myopathy. Aside from these autosomal dominant forms, only few syndromic cases have so far been linked to compound heterozygous OPA1 mutations suggestive of either recessive or semi‐dominant inheritance. However, the clinical spectrum of these emerging double‐mutant OPA1‐related disorders remains to be characterized. We report on four children affected with Behr syndrome associated with compound heterozygous OPA1 mutations. These children were similarly affected with an early‐onset neurological syndrome associating a severe optic atrophy (4/4), cerebellar ataxia (4/4), peripheral neuropathy (4/4), digestive involvement (2/4) and deafness (1/4). This report confirms the importance of searching an OPA1 compound heterozygosity in paediatric cases of syndromic optic neuropathy.
The changes of the retinal layers in diabetic patiens with retinopathy
Authors: Vujosevic S. , Bini S. , Berton M. , Midena G. , Martini F. , Midena E. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPurposeRetinal neurodegeneration and inflammation are considered early events in diabetic retinopathy(DR). Herein are described changes, in retinal glial and neuronal cells, with spectral domain(SD‐OCT) in patients with non proliferative DR.Methods130 subjects were evaluated:88 diabetics with DR and 42 normals.All subjects underwent full ophthalmologic examination and SD‐OCT. After automatic retinal segmentation in 5 layers, the thickness of each layer was calculated and compared. Intraretinal hyperreflective spots(HRS) were evaluated on linear scans.ResultsA significant increase in inner nuclear (INL) and outer plexiform(p < 0.01) and decrease in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness (p < 0.01) was found in DR eyes (without DME) vs controls.HRS number was significantly higher in diabetics with DR with or without DME vs controls,(p < 0.05). HRS number increased with progressing DR.ConclusionSelective thinning of inner retina in the macula, suggesting an early neuronal loss(accompanied by Muller cells activation with increased INL thickness) in DR is reported. HRS increase and migration to outer retina, may represent a surrogate of microglial activation.SD‐OCT may be useful in detecting intraretinal changes in DR.
New development in clinical ultrasound
Authors: Schmetterer L. 
Published: September 2015

SummarySince more than 40 years ultrasound is used as a clinical tool in diagnostics. In the early years mainly used in cardiology it has now become standard in many fields including ophthalmology. In the eye the technique has been used to visualize all tissues and to quantify blood velocities in retrobulbar vessels. In the recent years the technique saw many innovations that have so far only partially transferred to the eye: Four‐dimensional scanners yield three‐dimensional volumetric images. In addition, new approaches came up allowing for quantitative measurement of tissue biomechanical properties. Transversal resolution has been improved using high‐frequency imaging. Finally therapeutic applications include drug delivery that may also be applicable to the eye.
New perspectives in dry eye treatment
Authors: Barabino S. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryDry eye syndrome is a chronic disease that affects tens of millions of people worldwide, representing one of the most common ocular pathologies. The traditional approach to treat dry eye focuses on tear replacement with artificial tears or on conserving the patients’ tears through occlusion of the tear drainage system, but these therapies can be considered palliative in that they do not address the pathogenic process that underlines the disease. This presentation will discuss the recent major advances in managing dry eye patients, including a new algorithm of therapy and new technologies that can help in monitoring the effect of treatments, and the results of studies with new molecules‐ ocular surface modulators‐ aimed at restore the tear film‐ocular surface epithelia equilibrium.
Alterations of stabilization of the eyes under dynamic conditions
Authors: Kaeser P.F. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryDynamic stabilization of the eyes depends mainly on vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR). VOR is initiated by the labyrinth of the inner ear and is modulated by the cerebellum. During head motion, the VOR stabilizes the retinal image by producing an opposite synchronized eye movement. If the retinal image is not steady enough on the retina, visual acuity will drop. The cerebellum integrates eye velocity, retinal slip, motor feedback and vestibular afferences to modulate the VOR. Therefore, inadequate VOR generation or modulation will result in visual loss under dynamic conditions. At the end of the session, participants should be able to identify VOR dysfunction and organize proper investigations accordingly.
Innate immunity in age‐related retinal degeneration
Authors: Luhmann U. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPurposeAgeing is a major risk factor for the development of multifactorial ocular conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age‐related macular degeneration. We aim to understand how its influence on the innate immune system may contribute to increased morbidity of retinal degenerations with age.MethodsChanges in expression of cytokines, chemokines and complement genes in response to ageing, laser‐injury or light were determined in young (2–4 months) and aged (18–24 months) wildtype, chemokine (Ccl2−/−) and complement regulator (CD59a−/−) deficient mice and correlated with myeloid cell populations and histology of the retina and the RPE‐choroid.ResultsAgeing promotes pro‐inflammatory Ccl2‐Ccr2 signalling and up‐regulation of complement genes in particular in the choroid. Genetic ablation of Ccl2 attenuates these age‐related inflammatory changes and is associated with reduced recruitment of pro‐inflammatory myeloid cells and a reduced CNV response. Deficiency of CD59a enhances complement activation but not pathology.ConclusionAge‐related innate immune activation by Ccl2 or by complement can promote ocular pathology, and may represent common mechanisms for enhanced pathology in age‐related inflammatory diseases.
Genetic modification possibilities in treating corneal diseases
Authors: Moore T. , Courtney D. , Atkinson S. , Maurizi E. , Allen E. , McLean I. , Leslie Pedrioli D. , Moore J. , Nesbit A. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryTreatment of genetic eye disease poses significant medical and surgical challenges. Two gene based therapies were assessed using an in‐vivo firefly luciferase bioluminescence mouse model to target corneal epithelium. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting selectively only the mutant allele was assessed for efficacy, through its ability to downregulate corneal epithelial luminescence in vivo using live animal imaging. This innovative animal model provides clear advantages enabling assessment of topical, subconjunctival and intrastromal delivery. Potent and sustained in vivo gene silencing >50% for up to 7 days was observed after intrastromal injection of siRNA and various topical formulations are further being assessed.siRNA therapy provides transient effect, however, Type II Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) holds great promise to provide ‘one off’ permanent gene editing. Gene‐specific cleavage of the mutant allele was detected through this method. DNA repair resulted in frameshift mutations predicted to result in mutant allele knockout. This offers exciting potential for translation into clinical treatment of corneal genetic diseases.
Down under the sclera: Deep sclerectomy
Authors: Clement C. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryDeep Sclerectomy is an ab externo glaucoma filtration technique that aims to lower intra‐ocular pressure without the need for a penetrating incision into the eye. The potential benefits are significant intra‐ocular pressure reduction with a different complication profile to that of trabeculectomy. Deep Sclerectomy is not used by many glaucoma services world wide due to factors including restricted training, fear of intra‐operative complications, a perceived steep learning curve and a perception that deep sclerectomy is ineffective or less effective than trabeculectomy. This presentation aims to address these issues by presenting data on the efficacy and complication profile of deep sclerectomy along with strategies to learn a safe and effective technique in a short period of time.
Future and perspectives
Authors: Tuulonen A. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe primary mission of the European Glaucoma Society (EGS) is to promote well being of glaucoma patients, i.e. to develop and constantly improve sustainable glaucoma care in Europe by identifying and applying the best methods on a country wise basis to deliver good quality care at a sustainable cost.

Current Map: Where are we now?

What are the most important challenges in every‐day practice

Where Do We Want to Go: Outcome and Quality of Care with Relation to Patients’ Well Being

What are the outcomes we should identify and agree
How to formally assess the quality of outcomes

Road map for improved care: How are we going to get there?

Good practices and policies
Practical tools to improve care

The role of the EGS Committees as ‘Enablers’ – How to Pave the Way to Better Care?

Innovation, Education, Communication
Implementation

Next steps

How to develop, lead and measure a sustainable glaucoma unit
How to measure well‐being of glaucoma patients
Is there something like a “Healthy Contact Lens”?
Authors: Knop E. , Knop N. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryContact lenses (CL) are popular. Soft CL are in the vast majority in spite of severe inherent risk factors. On the other hand, design, materials & properties of scleral CL have greatly improved and they are used as therapeutic devices. This leads to the question whether there is something like a “healthy” CL.CL history is reviewed with changes in designs, materials & properties over the last century together with the implications of the term “healthy” CL.Scleral lenses that cover the complete ocular surface (OS) with a rigid spherical material are almost lost in favor of CL from soft materials. Even though the adaptation to soft CL is short & wearing is easy they are still not a toy. Apart from the ability to correct refraction they cannot improve the health of the OS in terms of anatomy & physiology. Careless use can have severe risks to OS health as detailed in a vast body of literature. In particular for children and teenagers it is made easy to view soft CL as must‐have life style devices and they come into the focus of a advertisements.For principal reasons, a “healthy” CL is almost a contradiction in terms. However, scleral lenses that cover the complete OS, have a therapeutic potential in many OS disease conditions.
The eye screen design in Czech Centre for Phenogenomics and selected models for eye diseases
Authors: Antosova B. , Smolikova J. , Zilova L. , Lachova J. , Bendova M. , Machon O. , Kozmik Z. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe eye screen will be part of emerging Czech Centre for Phenogenomics (CCP) in proximity to Prague. The purpose of our eye screen will be the detection of various eye abnormalities in eye morphology and eye physiology. We would like to examine retina structure abnormalities using optical coherence tomography, or anterior segment abnormalities using Scheimpflug imaging. In addition, we plan to perform functional analysis of the visual system using virtual optomotor system. Finally, retinal function will be tested by electroretinography.Based on our previous work, we have expertise especially in the field of transcriptional regulation of eye development. Specifically, our interest is transcriptional regulation of Pax6 that is crucial for eye development in various species. Pax6 haploinsufficiency is characterized by aniridia in human and by small eye phenotype in mouse. Therefore, here we describe our results using transgenic mouse models to reveal requirement of upstream regulators of Pax6 for lens induction.
Photopsia, floaters, cataract – a systematic approach to correct diagnosis
Authors: Tall M. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIt is a well‐known fact that more common disease occur more often, but less common ones should not be forgotten about. Photopsia, floaters and cataract – are some of the most common symptoms in patients ophthalmologist see daily. These symptoms are not always worrying, although in reality they can withhold nearly any ocular disease. Uveal melanoma (UM) is one of the rear possibly deadly disease that often lurks behind innocent symptoms. As it is known that earlier treatment of the UM can enhance survival it is essential to recognize the disease at first glance and refer patient quickly to specialized clinic. There are some nuances in the usual symptoms that should ring the alarm bell of every careful eye care professional and prompt a thorough ophthalmic examination.
DALK: Intraoperative pitfalls and how to manage them
Authors: Dua H.S. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryDeep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) has two major advantages over conventional keratoplasty – it completely eliminates failure due to rejection and leaves behind a stronger eye. The steep learning curve associated with the technique deters or frustrates surgeons. This part of the course will highlight the intra‐operative pitfalls and how to avoid, anticipate and avoid them using the Big Bubble (BB) technique.Key steps that will be dealt with are (a) Centration and Trephination. (b) Air injection and identification of the different types of BB (Types 1, 2 and mixed). (c) Lamellar dissection of the anterior stroma and puncturing the bubble without damaging the posterior lamella (Dua's layer + Descemets membrane (DM) or DM alone) (d) Excising the deep residual stroma and extending the dissection if an adequate size bubble is not achieved. (e) Confirmation of type of BB after removing all anterior stroma. (f) Precautions to take to avoid tear or burst (g) How to deal with a tear and aqueous leak (h) What to do if a BB is not achieved. (i) What to do if unsure whether a BB is present or not. (j) Peeling donor DM and suturing the donor graft. All tips will be demonstrated with videos of actual surgical events.
DALK: Post operative management
Authors: Said D. 
Published: September 2015

SummarySuccess of DALK, like that of any other operation depends on good surgical technique, appropriate post‐operative examination, treatment, early detection of any problems and adequate management thereof.In the immediate post operative period eye pressure check is important especially if air is left in the anterior chamber. High pressure can cause Urrets‐Zavalia syndrome if not treated.Topical steroids, antibiotics, mydriatic and hypotensive medication if needed, are the mainstay postoperatively. Steroids can be tapered and discontinued earlier than for PK as there is no risk of endothelial rejection.In the early postoperative days, special attention should be paid to the sutures, epithelial defects, signs of inflammation and infection. A loose suture needs to be removed and replaced as soon as possible as it carried a high risk of infection and vascularization. The latter can be a precursor of stromal rejection. Epithelial rejection does occur and behaves exactly like in PK with an advancing epithelial line that stains with fluorescein.Astigmatism is a major problem, strategies for management include, selective suture removal, glasses, contact lenses, arcuate incisions, laser refractive surgery and toric intraocular implants.
Ocular Autonomic Regulation
Authors: Rocha De Sousa A. , Barbosa‐Breda J. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe autonomic ocular regulation is described with focus on sympathetic and parasympathetic enervation. This is emphasized by the role of the alfa and b adrenergic system and by the muscarinic enervation mainly in the aqueous inflow and outflow systems and in ocular blood flow. Also the role of the non‐adrenergic, non‐cholinergic system in those pathways is described and discussed. Finally the neuro‐humoral regulation, involving the cilliary epithelium role in the ocular regulation of ocular blood flow and aqueous humor kinetic.
Retinal vasculitis
Authors: Bodaghi B. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryRetinal vasculitis is a sight‐threatening inflammatory or infectious condition, requiring an accurate clinical examination followed by an extensive but oriented work‐up and an efficient therapy. The place of retinal vasculitis in the IUSG or SUN classifications remain indistinct as it may be associated to an intermediate, posterior or panuveitis. It is important to determine the level of vitreous haze and the type of involved vessel. Complications such as macular edema, retinal ischemia and neovessels must be excluded promptly. The main associated conditions are sarcoidosis, Behçet's disease, birdshot choroidopathy, SLE, IRVAN, Susac syndrome, tuberculosis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, acute retinal necrosis and CMV retinitis. Imaging techniques such as fluorescein and ICG angiography together with OCT are irreplaceable to determine the basic characteristics of the disease and potential complications. Treatment must be adapted to the severity of the disease and relies on systemic or local corticosteroids associated with conventional immunosuppressors or biologic agents. In patients with an associated infection, specific antibiotics or antivirals are necessary. Laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy may be selectively performed.