bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new pediatric vision screener employing polarization‐modulated, retinal‐birefringence‐scanning‐based strabismus detection and bull's eye focus detection
Authors: IRSCH K , GAMATIKOV B , WU YK , GUYTON D 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Commercially available pediatric vision screening devices that test for amblyopia’s primary causes (strabismus and defocus) can detect strabismus only indirectly and inaccurately via assessment of the positions of external light reflections from the cornea, but they cannot detect the anatomical feature of the eyes where fixation actually occurs (the fovea).Methods Our laboratory has been developing technology to detect true foveal fixation, by exploiting the birefringence of the uniquely arranged Henle fibers delineating the fovea, using retinal birefringence scanning (RBS), and we recently described a new, polarization‐modulated approach to RBS that enables entirely direct and reliable detection of true foveal fixation, with greatly enhanced signal‐to‐noise ratio and essentially independent of corneal birefringence. Here we present a new pediatric vision screener (PVS) that employs polarization‐modulated RBS for strabismus detection, and double‐pass focus detection using a bull’s eye photodetector and improved target system with accommodative control.Results Performance tests in adult volunteers and pediatric patients demonstrate that our new PVS 1) is capable of detecting even small angles of eye misalignment (at least 0.75° or 1.3 PD), 2) has the potential to detect spherical focus within ±1.00 D, and 3) has the potential to detect the misalignment in patients with accommodative esotropia who only develop a crossed eye when focusing intently on a near target.Conclusion In conclusion, the new PVS shows real promise in supplying the demand for a reliable, automated strabismus/defocus screening tool for children at risk for amblyopia.
Normal pigment production
Authors: ARVEILER B 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMelanin is synthesized in melanocytes and retinal pigment epithelial cells. Two main types of melanin are produced: eumelanin (brown, black) and phaeomelanin (yellow, orange). Pigmentation is a complex process involving various steps from normal development of melanocytes to the synthesis of melanin itself. In the skin and choroid, precursors of melanocytes are melanoblasts which are derived from the neural crest. Retinal pigment epithelium cells are generated directly from the optic neuroepithelium. Melanoblasts migrate and colonize the epidermis, hair follicles, and ocular, ear and nervous structures. The differentiation of melanoblasts into melanocytes is controlled by numerous transcription factors and signalling pathways, and is characterized by the acquisition of Tyrosinase activity, the presence of mature melanosomes, and the formation of dendrites. Melanin production results from catalytic activities by Tyrosinase, TRP‐1 and TRP‐2 and occurs in melanosomes which follow a maturation process involving four stages (I – IV). Melanosomes are transported from the perinuclear region to the end of melanocytic dentrites, where they are eventually transferred to keratinocytes.
The array of clinical albinism subtypes
Authors: LEROY BP 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose: To illustrate the different types of clinical subtypes of albinism. Methods: A systematic overview of the different clinical subtypes of albinism will be given. The relationship between the different phenotypes and their respective genotypes will be explained. Results: In general, a distinction is made between ocular albinism and oculocutaneous albinism. The latter can be isolated or syndromic. Examples of syndromic albinism include the Hermansky‐Pudlak and Chediak‐Higashi syndromes. Conclusions: Ocular and oculocutaneous types of albinism exist. The latter can isolated or can be part of syndromic oculocutaneous albinism.
Automatic application of warmth and expression – a breakthrough in physical therapy of dry eye
Authors: GREINER J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe most common form of dry eye disease is evaporative dry eye resulting from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) based on obstructed MG. A prospective, randomized, crossover, multicenter clinical study employed a single treatment with the automated computer controlled LipiFlow thermal pulsation system (LTPS). Improvement in signs & symptoms and its duration in patients with evaporative dry eye secondary to MGD was investigated over several time points. Initial results verified significant improvement of MG secretion at 2 & 4 weeks compared to conventional warm compress method. This was based on evaluation of tear film break up time (TF‐BUT), ocular surface staining, patient symptoms (OSDI & SPEED test). The secretion score improved significantly from baseline (4.4 ± 4.0) to 1‐month post‐treatment (11.3 ± 6.2; p < 0.0001) and this improvement was maintained with no significant regression at 9 months (11.7 ± 5.9) and even at 3‐years (18.4±6.2) after therapy. Treatment with the Lipiflow device is a technological advance that exceeds any known form of dry eye therapy in duration and efficacy, since it is efficacious even for extended durations (9‐mos, 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐years) following a single 12‐minute treatment.
Virtual glaucoma services in Finland
Authors: TUULONEN A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe number of patients using reimbursed glaucoma medications in Finland has increased 2.4‐fold since 1986 and increases by 2.5 % every year. In 2020, 100 000 patients are expected to be using glaucoma drops in a population of 5.4 million. Simultaneously the gap between diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities and available resources is broadening more rapidly. It is obvious that radical changes and new insights in attitudes and policies are mandatory to make the glaucoma processes more cost‐effective and to be able to guarantee access to high quality, high volume and low cost care. There is a continuous trade‐off ‘right’ level or services. Paradoxically, just adding more care may not always be better. What is too early vs. too late diagnosis? What represents under‐ vs. over treatment in glaucoma care? Is ‘good enough’ enough? With limited resources more resources are allocated for patients with greatest risk of visual disability. Physicians’ time is spent in developing the health care system to find and segment the aggressive and rapidly progressive glaucoma patients from ‘usual’ stable patients ‐ as well as organizing and supervising the work of other professionals and care processes. As it is very expensive – time and money wise – to receive simple care from highly trained professionals (e.g. tonometry‐based follow‐up of glaucoma), shared care is of utmost importance. Whatever we do, we start by asking whether the intervention (test, treatment, care protocol etc) is necessary, i.e. beneficial to the patient’s well being. If the answer is ‘yes’– and the society affords the intervention ‐ the next question asks who should do it and could technology substitute professionals (e.g. imaging, home‐tonometer etc). As it is especially the cumulative effect of small changes in clinical practices (e.g. adding new diagnostic tests or therapy) that has a massive impact on the healthcare budgets, clinician weighs not only their benefits and risks but should also consider the costs. Whenever we wish to add more care, we simultaneously consider removing unnecessary old interventions and preventing the adoption of useless new interventions. The principles of virtual glaucoma virtual glaucoma services in Finland can be summarized as the priorization and segmentation (most resources allocated to prevent permanent visual disability), standardization and efficient ways to produce services as well as shared care among different professionals and patients.
Enhanced access to glaucoma diagnosis and management via patient centered collaborative teleglaucoma (TG) approaches in Northern Alberta and in Ethiopia
Authors: DAMJI KF 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe describe patient centered collaborative TG care models in Northern Alberta & Ethiopia (1‐3). Optometrists or technicians select high risk patients & those with possible early glaucoma, & upload structured history, exam, & diagnostic tests. Data is stored on a secure web platform (teleophthalmology.com) & graded by glaucoma specialists with recommendations for care. Validation included comparison of optic nerve features with digital 3D & 2D vs 3D slide film, and in person vs virtual exam. Stakeholder feedback improved front line & grading protocols. Some TG consults are ineffective due to patient cooperation, media opacities, & technology challenges (4). Opportunities exist for mobile phone photography of the anterior & posterior segment & leveraging ‘m health’ for e‐learning, research & patient education. Future research could focus on validation of TG models & optimal use of finite resources, including cost & comparative effectiveness. 1. J Telemed Telecare 2012;18(7):367‐73 2. MEAJO;2013:20(2):142‐9 3. Clin Exp Optom. 2013 Jun 13 4. MEAJO 2013;20(2):150‐7 Acknowledgements: Drs A Giorgis, A Mulugeta, F Kassam, S Arora, A Kurji, M Edwards, A Moalin & Secure Diagnostic Imaging
What do retinal telangiectasia tell us about the control of vasculature in the retina?
Authors: FRUTTIGER M 
Published: August 2014

AbstractNeurodegenerative changes in the retina and retinal vasculature abnormalities are two closely linked processes. In addition, both of these processes have been linked to inflammation numerous times in humans and in model systems. We have studied Macular Telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), which is an uncommon eye disease that is characterised by both neurodegenerative and vascular changes. However, histological analysis on post‐mortem tissue provided no evidence for inflammation in the retina of MacTel patients. This demonstrates that inflammation is not necessarily linked to neurodegeneration and vascular changes.
Commercial interest
The corneal epithelial basement membrane: Master regulator of the stromal myofibroblast response to injury
Authors: WILSON S , TORRICELLI A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe corneal epithelial basement membrane (EBM) is positioned between basal epithelial cells and the stroma. This highly specialized extracellular matrix functions not only to anchor epithelial cells to the stroma but also during migration, differentiation, and maintenance of the differentiated epithelial phenotype. Basement membranes are composed of a diverse assemblage of extracellular molecules, some of which are likely specific to the cornea. In general, they are composed of four primary components—collagens (types IV and VII), laminins, heparan sulfate proteoglycans, and nidogens. Our recent studies have demonstrated defective regeneration of the EBM in corneas that develop haze after high correction photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in rabbits or irregular PTK in mice. Likely this is attributable to myofibroblast generation from bone marrow‐derived and keratocyte‐derived precursor cells that persist in the subepithelial stroma and block keratocyte/corneal fibroblast contribution of EBM components. In turn, persistent EBM defects facilitate the development and persistence of myofibroblasts via augmented TGF beta and PDGF penetration into the anterior stroma. Similar mechanisms underlie corneal scaring after most injuries.
The role of inflammation and extracellular matrix in the wound healing after glaucoma surgery
Authors: UUSITALO H 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWound healing is a complex process involved in ocular surgery, trauma and pathogenesis of several eye diseases. Due to the delicate and sensitive structures of the eye wound healing is playing a essential role in ophthalmology. In glaucoma surgery well controlled wound healing process is as important for the creation of a functioning passage to aqueous humor out of the eye. There are growing body of evidence that the preoperative state of the conjunctiva is of great importance for the success of glaucoma surgery. This has been demonstrated in trabeculectomy and in non‐penetrating glaucoma surgery like deep sclerectomy. The presence of inflammatory cells in the conjunctival specimens taken during the surgery and the success of the operation points out the role of inflammation in wound healing processes. The data obtained from the specimens taken from the eyes with good and poor ontrol of IOP after glaucoma implants demonstrating the accumulation of extracellular components and activated myofibroblasts further indicates the activation of the whole wound healing cascade. The role of matrix metalloproteinases and their endogenous inhibotors (TIMP's) is evident but seem to be rather specifically involving certain MMP's.
Commercial interest
Systemic safety of VEGF antagonists and their influence on vascular homeostasis
Authors: MACHALINSKA A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIntravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors constitutes currently the first‐line treatment in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic oedema. By intravitreal application of the drug, the dosage can be kept low while maximizing its effect on retina and minimizing potential adverse systemic effects. However, the eye‐blood barrier is often disrupted in ophthalmic neovascular disorders and the drugs can be detected in circulating blood despite being administered as an intraocular injection. As patients with AMD or diabetes mellitus constitute a high‐risk population for cardiovascular events, the safety of anti‐VEGF therapies must be precisely and thoroughly assessed. Here, the recent reports documenting systemic safety of intravitreal VEGF inhibitors will be reviewed. Moreover, the novel methods to assess the potential systemic effect on vascular homeostasis as the consequence of such therapy will be also discussed.
Wet lab training of trabeculectomy and tube surgery
Authors: SHAH P 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis lecture covers Professor Shah’s experience of developing a glaucoma surgery wet‐lab training facility in Birmingham, UK. Topics covered include: (a) Facility set‐up, (b) Safety issues, (c) Preparation of surgical material, (d) Instrumentation, (e) Mentor‐mentee ratios, (f) Faculty briefing, (g) Logistical difficulties and (h) Future developments. Preliminary data on the impact of trabeculectomy wet‐lab training will be presented.
Experimental retinal vein occlusion, a model of non‐neovascular microvascular remodeling
Authors: PAQUES M 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe main cause of visual loss after retinal vein occlusion and diabetes is microvascular remodelling, a spectrum of functional and morphological changes affecting vessels. Some are beneficial, such as collateral vessel development. The other manifestations of microvascular remodelling are usually detrimental such as chronic rupture of the blood‐retinal barrier, capillary closure or macroaneurysms. The processes underlying microvascular remodelling are poorly understood, in part because of the absence of a clinically meaningful animal model. We have been investigating the effet of retinal vein occlusion in rodents using laser photocoagulation, which eanbled us to reproduce many of the features of human microvascular remodelling. Based on our experience, we will discuss issues related to interspecies variability and clinical relevance.
Using animal models for the study of uveitis
Authors: DICK A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractOur understanding of inflammatory responses and mechanisms of immune‐mediated tissue damage in man has been greatly facilitated by our animal models systems. The talk will discuss the utility of animal model in uveitis from two aspects. Firstly, permitting fundamental elucidation of immune pathogenic mechanisms that are at play in uveitis and secondly, delivering a platform for preclinical assessment of drug or biologic intervention. We have been fortunate to be able to further manipulate animal models to create spontaneous models of uveitis and also humanised models of uveitis to assess antigen repertoires and responsiveness. Further we now have persistent models of disease activity, which have illuminated mechanisms of tissue repair and also mechanisms of immune mediated angiogenesis. To this end. the models permit us to look at and translate through to man interventions that have benefitted uveitic patients, and such successes will be highlighted throughout the talk
Pinosylvin protects retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative stress by activating Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant defence system
Authors: KOSKELA A , REINISALO M , HYTTINEN J , KAARNIRANTA K , KARJALAINEN R 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose The constant light exposure, high metabolic rate and high lipid concentration expose retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to chronic oxidative stress, which may lead to RPE cell degeneration and evokes secondarily photoreceptor damage and visual loss. In this work, we assessed the protective role of wood derived polyphenol, pinosylvin (PS), in the prevention of oxidative stress and the molecular mechanisms behind these effectsMethods ARPE‐19 cells were exposed either to PS or hydroquinone (HQ) or both simultaneoulsy. Toxicity and protective effects of PS against HQ‐induced oxidative stress were determined by colorimetric cell viability test (MTT‐test). Signalling mechanism of PS was studied by analyzing mRNA levels of Nrf2 (nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor‐2) and its target genes heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), glutathione S‐transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) and sequestosome 1 (p62) by PCR. Moreover, Nrf2 and p62 were silenced by using siRNA technology.Results PS treatment protected ARPE‐19 cells from HQ, when analyzed by MTT assay. PS treatment significantly increased the expression of HO‐1 that was abolished by Nrf2 siRNA . PS did not protect p62 siRNA‐treated cells from HQ induced oxidative stress.Conclusion Our results suggest that PS treatment conferred protection against HQ‐induced oxidative stress through the induction of HO‐1 in ARPE‐19 cells. Consequently, PS‐stilbene compounds may possess health‐promoting properties against oxidative stress‐related diseases such as AMD.
Autophagy stimulus promotes HuR protein phosphorylation and SQSTM1/p62 protein up‐regulation in ARPE‐19 cells
Authors: AMADIO M , MARCHESI N , GOVONI S , PASCALE A , KAARNIRANTA K 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis involves impaired protein degradation in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Our recent observation reveals that the expression of autophagy receptor SQSTM1/p62 is positively regulated by HuR protein (mRNA‐stabilizing human Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision protein) (Viiri et al. 8(7):e69563, 2013, PLoS One). In this study, we investigated the effects of AICAR (autophagy inducer, 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside) with/without MG‐132 (proteasome inhibitor) on HuR post‐translational activation and p62 protein levels in ARPE‐19 cells.Methods ARPE‐19 cells were treated with MG‐132 (1µM) and/or AICAR (2mM) for increasing times (from 15 min to 2 h) and subjected to cell fractionation. HuR and SQSTM1/p62 protein levels were measured by Western blotting. HuR phosphorylation in threonine residues was evaluated by Western blotting following immunoprecipitation.Results AICAR+MG‐132 co‐treatment induces early translocation of HuR protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm (already after 15 min). In this latter cellular fraction, after 2 h an increase of HuR protein phosphorylation (+94% vs control) and an up‐regulation of p62 protein levels are observed (+85% vs control).Conclusion In the cytoplasm of ARPE‐19 cells AICAR+MG‐132 co‐treatment leads to HuR protein activation, which in turn may determine the increased p62 protein expression.
Gene therapy for bestrophinopathies
Authors: GUZIEWICZ K , BELTRAN W , CIDECIYAN A , KOMÁROMY A , IWABE S , DUTROW E , ZANGERL B , HAUSWIRTH W , JACOBSON S , AGUIRRE G 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHuman bestrophinopathies, a group of inherited retinal disorders caused by mutations in BEST1, are one of the most common early‐onset macular dystrophies still considered incurable. The disease is usually diagnosed in early childhood or adolescence, and primarily affects macular region leading to major declines in central vision later in life. Canine multifocal retinopathy, a spontaneous animal model of BEST1‐associated retinopathies in man, captures the full spectrum of clinical and molecular features observed in human disease, including the salient predilection of lesions to the canine fovea‐like region, and constitutes an important translational model for development and testing of therapeutic strategies. We have previously shown that rAAV2‐mediated BEST1 gene delivery controlled by human VMD2 promoter specifically targets RPE cells, and is well tolerated in the wt canine retina. Here, we demonstrate that rAAV2‐mediated BEST1 gene augmentation reverses the characteristic BEST1 lesions and pathology in cmr models up to 23 months post‐injection. The talk will highlight the natural history of the disease and elaborate on the potential of rAAV2‐mediated BEST1 gene replacement therapy for prevention as well as reversal of disease.
AIDS thirty years later, lessons from a pandemic
Authors: KESTELYN P 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAt the start of the AIDS epidemic in the early eighties panic, fear and disbelief prevailed. A new "Great Plague" had arrived! Now, thirty years later, we know the enemy, we have devised effective weapons that transform a deadly disease into a chronic condition, and very recently we made our first attempts at engineering cellular resistance to HIV. This lecture will explore the many new insights we gained during our fight against AIDS, with some emphasis on the ophthalmic aspects of the disease.
Fingolimod‐associated cystoid macular oedema
Authors: LIU L , CUTHBERTSON F 
Published: August 2014

AbstractFingolimod‐associated cystoid macular oedema has been reported in treatment of MS and following renal transplantation. This seems to be dose‐dependent with an incidence of approximately 0.5% with 0.5mg oral dose. Although most patients develop macular oedema between 3 to 4 months after initiation, we reported an incidence as early as 5 days. The mechanism underlying fingolimod‐associated macular oedema is not entirely clear. It has been shown that fingolimod, the S1P receptor, not only plays a role in recruiting T lymphocytes, but also in regulating vascular permeability. Patients on fingolimod should be advised of the possible adverse visual symptoms. It may be helpful for patient to self‐monitor with an Amsler chart, and urgent ophthalmology review is suggested for patients with painless reduced vision.