bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Keratoconus genetic factors within Keratoconus Loci and mtDNA
Authors: NOWAK DM , KAROLAK JA , KUBICKA M , KULINSKA K , POLAKOWSKI P , SZAFLIK JP , GAJECKA M 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Keratoconus (KTCN) is a multifactorial disorder in which both environmental and genetic factors are involved. Genetic studies have led to the identification of several loci on different chromosomes, linked to KTCN. However, only few reports indicated causative genes in these loci. The aim of this project was to analyze the DNA sequence information available in the databases of SNVs located within known KTCN loci. We extended the analyzes to include miRNA genes located. Additionally, sequencing of mitochondrial genome in KTCN patients from Polish population was performed.Methods The list of SNVs, which are located in KTCN loci were obtained on the basis of Ensemble. For analyzed SNVs allele frequencies were obtained from 1,000 Genomes Project. The list of miRNA genes was obtained from the miRBase. The potential impact of nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions on protein structure and function was assessed with PolyPhen and SIFT. Additionally, mtDNA was analyzed in samples from 93 people with the Polish population (42 ‐ KTCN, 51 – controls).Results In this study 94 miRNA‐encoding genes and over 2 million SNVs were identified within known KTCN loci. From these SNVs, over 4,500 were located within exons and almost 600 SNVs were indicated as deleterious. Sequencing analysis of fragments of the mitochondrial genome revealed a number of changes, including several new polymorphisms.Conclusion The KTCN development does not depend on a single change in the gene, but on the accumulation of numerous sequence variants. The complexity of KTCN etiology causes the need to find appropriate approach to investigate this disease. Support: National Science Centre, Poland, grant no. 2011/03/N/NZ5/01470
The role of ocular perfusion pressure in glaucoma
Authors: TOPOUZIS F 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn hemodynamics, perfusion pressure (PP) is the driving force for blood flow, determining the nutritive delivery of arterial blood to capillary beds. When describing blood flow for an organ, PP is generally expressed as the difference between the arterial and the venous pressure. In the eye, OPP is calculated as systemic blood pressure, which is a surrogate for ocular arterial pressure, minus IOP, which conventionally equals ocular venous pressure. There is increasing evidence on an association between low Ocular Perfusion Pressure (OPP) and glaucoma. Population‐based studies conducted in different geographical locations and in populations of different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds have consistently reported that low diastolic OPP is associated with the prevalence of OAG. In addition, low OPP at baseline presented with increased risk of developing glaucoma in incidence studies. The presentation will discuss whether the existing evidence could be translated in clinical practice and how further research could better define the role of OPP in glaucoma pathogenesis, risk factors assessment and management.
An update on corneal bacterial infections
Authors: GICQUEL J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBecause of their potential to permanently impair vision or perforate the eye, bacterial corneal ulcers are an ophthalmologic emergency. They usually follow an insult (sometimes minor) in the corneal epithelium that provides an entry for bacteria. The increased use of soft contact lenses in recent years has led to an important rise in the occurrence of bacterial ulcers (especially aggressive Gram‐ bacteria). The goal of this presentation is to propose a practical, systematic approach of the management of bacterial corneal ulcers, as well as an update on new concepts in the diagnosis and treatment of those conditions.
Using OCT to distinguish NMO and other types of optic neuropathy
Authors: KARDON R 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAcute and chronic vision loss due to neuromyelitis optica (NMO) can be difficult to distinguish from optic neuritis associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other causes of visual loss. This is especially true in cases where classic findings of multiple spinal cord level involvement with transverse myelitis is not present and in cases where an IgG1 autoantibody (NMO‐IgG) that binds aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is not present at the time of visual loss. A number of studies have compared features of the inner retina defined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in NMO and in MS and have found that patients with NMO have much greater axonal loss when matched for final visual acuity at the chronic phase. During acute visual loss, scanning laser polarimetry (SLP‐GDx) is abnormal before changes in OCT features are apparent. This is due to an acute disorganization of axon microfilaments and microtubules that appears to predict final outcome. At the sub‐acute phase (2‐4 weeks), the retinal ganglion cell layer thickness shows thinning before the retinal nerve fiber layer becomes thin. The literature will be reviewed on structural features in the acute, sub‐acute and chronic phases of vision loss in optic neuropathy.
Commercial interest
From protein aggregation to inflammasome activation in RPE cells
Authors: KAUPPINEN A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractRetinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells play the principal role in maintaining the functionality of overlying photoreceptors, and their degeneration is the primary event resulting in the deterioration of central vision in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Multifunctional RPE cells also take care of immune defence in macula. Due to high metabolic rate, lipid peroxidation products accumulating from ingested photoreceptor outer segments (POS), and almost continuous exposure to light, RPE cells are exposed to constant oxidative stress. Intralysosomal lipofuscin further promotes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and chronic oxidative stress contributes to the age‐related decline of intracellular degradation systems, such as proteosomal clearance and autophagy. Dysfunctional degradation results in the intracellular accumulation of protein aggregates and ROS‐producing mitochondria, which can serve as danger signals and result in the inflammasome activation.
Classification, clinical pattern, multimodal imaging
Authors: COSCAS G 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTo suggest a clinical distinction between idiopathic typical polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and secondary polyps associated with late AMD and its therapeutic application.Retrospective case series of 30 eyes of 30 consecutive patients (xx females and xx males) with PCV. Initial diagnosis was based on SLO‐ICGA, associated with FA and EDI SD‐OCT, which allowed a clinical distinction between two subtypes of polyps. This multimodal imaging and visual acuity testing were repeated then at regular follow‐up visits. The central macular and choroidal thickness, presence and number of hyper‐reflective dots in retina and in choroid were also evaluated.The two groups were clinically different, based on demographic and ethnical characteristics, imaging findings and topography of lesions, presence of drusen, of true CNV, and changes in choroidal thickness. Therapeutic response was different in the two groups. After treatment, hyper‐reflective dots decreased significantly but choroidal morphology did not change significantly. Functional and anatomical changes after treatment are analyzed and discussed.The clinical distinction between idiopathic typical PCV and secondary polyps associated with late AMD and results of treatment, sugges
Therapeutic approaches 3: PDT , Laser and combined treatments
Authors: UZZAN J , COSCAS G 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLaser photocoagulation was initially, the first and unique modality of treatment available for PCV, with useful results but risk of hemorrhage and recurrences. Verteporphin‐PDT rapidly became the first line of the treatment, mainly for sub foveal lesions with some good results. Intravitreous injections of antiVEGF (ranibizumab and bevacizumab) agents showed immediate good results and achieved regression of fluid accumulation and improvement in vision and became the only treatment of neovascular AMD. But, it has shown less efficiency on polypoidal lesions themselves . Combination therapy with PDT and anti‐VEGF became the first line treatment of many authors, beside the lack of comparative randomized study. Laser photocoagulation remains a second line option after that combination of PDT and anti‐VEGF, to lower the number of PDT in case of extra‐foveal recurrent lesions. The recent disponibility of Aflibercept with probably, a better efficiency on polypoidal lesions, may become the first line therapeutic options where Laser and PDT combinations will need to be specially evaluated.
Commercial interest
Reproducibility of keratometric measurements obtained with OCULUS® Pentacam® HR in the evaluation of keratoconus progression
Authors: SILVA N , VIEIRA L , ANJOS R , ALVES N , MADURO V , FEIJAO J , CANDELARIA P 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To determine the reproducibility of keratometric parameters obtained by OCULUS® Pentacam® HR in the evaluation of keratoconus progression.Methods Thirty nine eyes of 25 patients from the Cornea Department of the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central were included in the study. Fourteen eyes presented with clinical and topographic diagnosis of keratoconus (stage 1‐3) and were defined as the “keratoconus without ring” group; 9 eyes had already an intrastromal ring implanted and were defined as the “keratoconus with ring”; the remaining 16 eyes, without clinical or topographic evidence of disease, were used as controls. Every eye was submitted to identical methodology: 5 consecutive keratometric measurements obtained with OCULUS® Pentacam® HR; central keratometry, SKmax, minimal pachymetry and anterior chamber depth were used to determine the existence of statistically significant reproducibility.Results Overall significant measurement variability was obtained in the “keratoconus without ring” group (Km 0.129 D vs 0.0375 D, SKmax 0.507 D vs 0.0625 D, Minpach 5.429 μm vs 2.5625 μm, ACD 0.024 mm vs 0.0194 mm), with highest variability in the subgroup of patients with more advanced disease. In the “keratoconus with ring” group statistically significant variability was found for all parameters except for anterior chamber depth (Km 0.289 D vs 0.0375 D, SKmax 0.444 D vs 0.0625 D, Minpach 4.333 μm vs 2.5625 μm, ACD 0.024 mm vs 0.0194 mm).Conclusion Keratometric measurements obtained with OCULUS® Pentacam® HR should be assessed cautiously in the evaluation of keratoconus progression, with or without intrastromal ring; the use of single measurements is unadvised.
Investigation of anterior chamber flare and corneal Langerhans cells in rheumatoid arthritis and in dry eye
Authors: MARSOVSZKY L , BAUSZ M , NÉMETH J , RESCH M 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To examine the anterior chamber flare and corneal Langerhans cells (LC)in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare the results to those found in patients with dry eye disease (DED) and in age matched control (C).Methods 15 patients with RA (11 women, és 4 men, mean age: 67.3±8.6 years), 20 DED patients (11 women, 9 men, mean age: 57.2±14.4 years) and 15 control subjects (8 women, 7 men, mean age: 49.6±19.1 years) were enrolled in this study. Anterior chamber flare was evaluated using Kowa FC‐600 laser flare meter and corneal LC densities were investigated at the corneal centre with confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph with Rostock Cornea Modul (HRT II RCM)) in all groups.Results There was a significant difference in the flare values between RA and DED patients (6,65 f/ms in RA and 4,75 f/ms in DED (p<0.01). Central LC density was: 57.6±34.4/mm2 in RA and 52.3±31.3/mm2 in DED respectively. Both values were significantly lower than that of in control (24.6±18.6/mm2, p<0.05)Conclusion The blood aqueous barrier might be altered in RA even without signs of clinically significant ocular inflammation. This alteration in the blood aqueous barrier might contribute to the accumulation of LCs at the corneal centre. The greater LC density and flare values found in RA might represent novel players in the pathogenesis of dry eye.
Possible future strategies in Neuroprotection
Authors: PICAUD S , FROGER N , MATONTI F , FORSTER V , IVKOVIC I , BRUNEL N , SAHEL J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractRetinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is causing blindness in retinal diseases like glaucoma. However, all therapeutic strategies in glaucoma are targeting the IOP increase but they do not aim at retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection. Using purified retinal ganglion cells, we are screening for neuroprotective molecules. Two natural protective molecules were thus identified. This investigation started when finding retinal ganglion cell degeneration in taurine‐deprived animals, we wanted to define if this taurine was acting directly on retinal ganglion cells. Taurine not only increased RGC survival in a pure culture but also in retinal explants exposed to NMDA. Taurine was also found to increase RGC survival in animal models of glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa. In addition, we had observed that media used to culture mixed retinal cells can promote RGC survival. Using the luminex technology, we have found the presence of VEGF in such media. In fact, recombinant VEGF was able to stimulate RGC survival. RGCs were found to express VEGF receptors in vivo suggesting that this mechanism could have a role in control and pathological conditions. We therefore demonstrated that both taurine and VEGF can provide direct neuroprotective effects on RGCs. If the administration of VEGF is unlikely to become a treatment for glaucoma, these results raise questions on the generalized use of anti‐VEGF strategies for retinal diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration.
FGFβ and TGFβ contribute to tissue remodeling, fibrosis and inflammation in the orbital tissue of severe Grav
Authors: PAWLOWSKI P , RESZEC J , ECKSTEIN A , JOHNSON K , GRZYBOWSKI A , CHYCZEWSKI L , MYSLIWIEC J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To assess FGF‐β, TGF‐β, COX2 expression and immunocompetent cells in the orbital fat/connective tissue of patients with severe and mild Graves’ orbitopathy as possible prognosting factors of the course of disease.Methods Orbital tissue from 27 patients with GO undergoing orbital decompression (26 females and 1 male): 1) patients with severe GO (n = 18), the mean clinical activity score (CAS) was 8,5 (SD 2.5); 2) Patients with mild GO (n= 9), CAS was 2.2 (SD 0.8). 10 individuals undergoing blepharoplasty with no history of orbital inflammation served as controls. We evaluated the expression of CD4+, CD8+. CD20+, CD68 and FGF‐β, TGF‐β, COX2 in the orbital tissue by immunohistochemical stainingResults The robust intraorbital CD4 + T cells infiltration in severe GO more than with mild GO with absence of CD20+ B lymphocytes and less CD8 infiltration were seen. CD68 expression (fibroblasts and macrophages staining) observed in the fibrous connective area of the adipose tissue of the mild GO and robust in severe GO. Increased FGFβ expression was observed in the fibroblasts and adipocytes in the connective tissue of the severe GO. The prominent TGFβ expression was observed in the fibrous connective tissue of the severe and mild GO. No expression of COX2 in the orbital tissue specimen was found in patients with GO.Conclusion Macrophages and CD4 T lymphocytes are both engaged in the active/severe and long stage of inflammation in the orbital tissue. FGFβ and TGFβ expression may contribute to tissue remodeling, fibrosis and perpetuation of inflammation in the orbital tissue of GO especially in severe GO. Their high expression may suggest lack of effect of anti‐inflammatory treatment.
Individual physical therapy of MGD in private setting by a moist heat device
Authors: PURSLOW C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThere is a frequent observation from patients that dry eye symptoms improve after time spent in a steam room or sauna. This presentation will outline the challenges in delivering heat to the meibomian glands and why moist heat is the gold standard in heat therapy in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This understanding led to the invention of a medical device by a British ophthalmologist that was commercially developed to deliver a controlled amount of latent, moist heat (Blephasteam, Laboratoires Thea, France). Its use in patients will be presented: patient satisfaction and compliance are increased compared to conventional methods, whilst clinical signs are also improved.
Clinical experiences with short‐term delivery of azithromycin in conjunctival inflammation and MGD
Authors: DOAN S 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAzithromycin is an azalide antibiotic, derived from the macrolides family. This is a good candidate for treating meibomian gland dysfunction and MGD‐related ocular surface inflammation for several reasons : (1) its bacterial spectrum is mainly oriented against gram positive cocci ;(2)it has a long tissular and lachrymal half life, because it accumulates in the intracellular compartment ; (3) it has anti‐inflammatory, anti‐MMP and lipase inhibiting properties. We tested azithromycin 1.5% eyedrops in blepharitis patients in two clinical studies. ‐ The first study was a multicenter randomized placebo controlled study, involving chronic moderate‐to‐severe blepharitis patients. ‐The second study was a single center non controlled prospective study in children suffering from ocular rosacea with chronic phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis. In both studies, topical azithromycin was effective in reducing signs and symptoms. We will discuss the results of these studies in detail, and provide practical clinical schemes for the use of this innovative treatment.
Commercial interest
Progressive myopia and their associated pathologies (definitions and therapies)
Authors: MAIER M 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPathological myopia (PM) is a usually progressive eye disease causing significant visual loss. PM predominantly affects younger active employed patients therefore its complications have major individual and sozioeconomic consequences. Common and special myopia associated pathologies will be reviewed and their treatments will be discussed. Progressive chorioretinal distension results in pathognonomic changes at the fundus called “myopic retinopathy”. Myopic conus, posterior staphyloma, rupture of Bruch`s membrane (lacquer cracks), myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV), chorioret‐inal atrophy, myopic vitreopathy, myopic traction maculopathy and Fuchs spot repre‐senting the scar stage of myopic CNV can be found. Myopic choroidal neovasculari‐zation (mCNV) is the major cause of visual impairment in myopic patients. In the past, photodynamic therapy (PDT) as treatment of mCNV was only able to stabilize visual acuity. A randomiced, multicenter prospective Phase 3 study (RADIANCE) compared photodynamic therapy (PDT) and ranibizumab treatment and showed that immediate treatment of mCNV with a VEGF‐inhibitor (ranibizumab) significantly im‐prove visual acuity. There are suitable treatments of myopia associated pathologies and further studies using other VEGF‐inhibitor agents (Bevacizumab, Aflibercept) are underway.
Amniotic membrane applications in children
Authors: BREMOND‐GIGNAC D 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAmniotic membrane is the innermost, multilayered part of the placenta. Its properties, stemming from its biological composition, make it a useful tissue for ophthalmic surgery. It promotes epithelization, has antimicrobial effects, decreases inflammation, fibrosis and neovascularization. Reconstruction of conjunctival and corneal defects, treatment of corneal ulcers demonstrated the beneficial effect of amniotic membrane for different ophthalmological indications. The various properties and its current clinical use in ophthalmology are studied in children. Stem cell characteristics have a potential contribution to cell‐based treatment of ocular surface disease such as ocular burns and limbal deficiency. Some specific clinical cases are exposed and show the interest of the application of amniotic membranes in children.
Innate immunity and retinal angiogenesis
Authors: XU H 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe innate immune system plays an important role in tissue homeostasis under chronic insult conditions such as ageing and diabetes. Uncontrolled or dysregulated innate immune response to retinal insults in the elderly or diabetes may result in retinal pathologies such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR). Patients suffering from AMD or DR may lose visual function due to the abnormal growth of new blood vessels. Growing evidence suggests that innate immune cells are critically involved in retinal angiogenesis. The role of monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils in retinal angiogenesis will be discussed.
Inflammation and angiogenesis in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: SENNLAUB F 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIt is becoming increasingly clear that an altered immune response, which leads to low‐grade persistent inflammation, plays an important role in AMD pathogenesis in general and in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in particular. Markers of inflammation, such as plasma levels of complement components and activation‐fragments, inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory monocytes are increased in AMD patients. Locally, mononuclear phagocytes (MPs, a family of cells that include microglial cells, monocytes, and macrophages) accumulate subretinally and possibly promote CNV. Data from different laboratories including our own indicate that the recruitment of inflammatory MPs, factors that promote their subretinal survival and the lack of tonic inhibitory signalling on MPs promotes CNV development. We will here present a summary of the current state of knowledge and its impact on the development of future therapies.
VEGF family members (alternatively, molecular identities of anti‐VEGF agents)
Authors: SENNLAUB F 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), comprise a family of growth factors that include VEGF‐A, VEGF‐B and Placental growth factor (PlGF) and promote angiogenesis and neovascularization. The important role of VEGF‐A in the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and retinal edema has been demonstrated by the clinical success of VEGF‐inhibiting agents in wet AMD. An aptamer, an antibody, an antibody‐fragment and a soluble receptor have been developed for ophthalmological use to inhibit CNV in AMD. These therapeutic molecules differ in their spectrum of VEGF family members they inhibit, and in the structure of the molecules. We will here provide an overview of VEGF family members and their involvement in CNV and discuss the differences in the therapeutic molecules to bind VEGFs, inhibit CNV and to produce off target effects.