bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the size spectrum of epithelial lesions of punctuate superficial keratitis during dry eye
Authors: Courrier E. , Lepinet T. , Hor G. , He Z. , Chikh M. , Thuret G. , Gain P. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeQuantification of staining of the ocular surface by fluorescein and lissamine green is important for diagnosis and follow up of dry eye syndromes, especially in clinical trials. Analysis of digital pictures may help improving the reliability of this quantification but require objective data on the basic lesions constitutive of punctuate superficial keratitis (PSK) to develop adequate algorithms. Aim: to evaluate the size spectrum of epithelial lesions of PSK during dry eye to improve the existing diagnosis tools.MethodsFluorescein was instilled to six patients suffering from dry eye graded according to the Oxford scheme. Pictures (3008x1960px) were taken using a Topcon slit‐lamp using the Cobalt blue light without barrier filter. Two magnifications (x10 and x16) were used and calibrated using a certified standard reference grating. It allowed determining the size of observed objects with the software ImageJ. The most visible and isolated PSK lesions (green dots) were selected. The size of 180 different PSK lesions (30/patient, 15/magnification) were measured by tracing the light intensity profile and manually measuring the width at half maximum.ResultsAll patients combined, the mean was 21.6 ± 4.8 μm (15.2‐30 μm, 10°‐90° percentile). Lesion diameters ranged between 11.4 and 30.4 μm.ConclusionsLesions seem to be smaller than epithelial cells (approximatively 25 μm×50 μm for superficial cells) and might correspond to the beginning of cell detachment with fluorescein retained between cells. These new quantitative data will help developing automatic recognition algorithm to obtain reliable objective classification of the corneal staining.
The inhibitory effect of Itraconazole on Corneal neovascularization in Rabbits
Authors: Won J.Y. , Chung S.K. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the inhibitory effect of itraconazole on corneal neovascularization in rabbits.MethodsCorneal neovascularization was induced in 36 eyes of 18 rabbits by suture placement in the corneal stroma. Seven days after suture placement, all rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups and were treated four times daily with balanced salt solution (Group 1, 4 rabbits), topical 0.5% itraconazole (5 mg/mL, Group 2, 4 rabbits), topical 1% itraconazole (10 mg/mL, Group 3, 6 rabbits), and topical 2% itraconazole (20 mg/mL, Group 4, 4 rabbits). After one week, the surface area of corneal neovascularization was assessed on the digital photographs. In the corneal specimens, the concentration of VEGF A (vascular endothelial growth factor), VEGF R2, and PLGF (placental growth factor) mRNAs was measured by RT‐PCR, and the concentration of ERK, p‐ERK, Flk, and p‐Flk was measured by Western Blotting.ResultsThe surface area of induced corneal neovascularization was significantly smaller in Groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to the control group on day 14 (p < 0.05). RT‐PCR analysis showed that the mean concentration of VEGF and PLGF in Groups 2, 3, and 4 was significantly lower than that in the control group after 7 days of treatment. Western Blotting analysis showed that the mean concentration of p‐ERK, Flk, and p‐Flk in Group 3 was significantly lower than that in the control group after 7 days of treatment.ConclusionsTopical itraconazole application was useful for effective inhibition of experimental corneal neovascularization.
Anatomic features of choroidal naevi: Swept‐source optical coherence tomography vs Enhanced depth imaging tomography. Preliminary results in 31 patients
Authors: Papastefanou V. , Vázquez‐Alfageme C. , Xirou T. , Degli‐Esposti S. , Patel P. , Sagoo M.S. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo assess the anatomic retinal and choroidal features of choroidal naevi using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) and enhanced‐depth optical coherence tomography (EDI‐OCT).DESIGNObservational case series.MethodsPatients with choroidal lesions underwent clinical examination, B‐scan ultrasound and imaging with SS‐OCT and EDI‐OCT. Location, dimensions, clinical and OCT retinal and choroidal features were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used.ResultsCase series included 31 patients. 27/31 naevi imaged were melanotic and 4/31 amelanotic with a an overall median thickness of 0.7 mm. Naevus configuration was plateau in 17/31 cases, dome in 10/31 cases and mixed in 4/31 cases. RPE and photoreceptor layer disruption were noted in 14/31 cases and 13/31 had no retinal changes. Subretinal fluid was noted in 6/31 cases. Bruch`s membrane was found intact in 26/31 cases on both modalities. Intrinsic hyperreflectivity was noted in 29/31 cases on EDI‐OCT and 30/31 cases on SS‐OCT with less optical shadowing. The posterior margin of the naevus was visualized in 11/31 cases with SS‐OCT and in 6/31 cases with EDI‐OCT. Intratumour vessels were visualized in 28/31 cases with SS‐OCT and 23/31 cases with EDI‐OCT. For both modalities choriocapillaris appeared compressed and abnormal in 20/31 cases.ConclusionsThese preliminary results indicate that imaging of choroidal naevi with SS‐OCT enables better visualization of intratumour vessels and the posterior margin.
Comparability and reproducibility of four wavefront aberrometers for measuring lower and higher order aberrations in pseudophakic eyes
Authors: Nguyen P.M. , Hirnschall N. , Doeller B. , Schuschitz S. , Varsits R. , Findl O. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo compare measurements of lower and higher order aberrations (HOA) obtained with four different wavefront aberrometers and to assess their reproducibility.MethodsThis prospective study included pseudophakic otherwise healthy patients. Four wavefront aberrometers were compared. Three of the aberrometers in this study are combined with coneal topographers. Two of the devices use a Hartmann‐Shack sensor (WASCA, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG; iDesign Advanced WaveSan aberrometer, Abbott Medical Optics), one device works on the basis of ray tracing (iTrace, Tracey Technologies), one device utilizes automated retinoscopy (OPD‐ScanIII; NIDEK Co. Ltd.). All patients are measured with an autorefractometer (Topcon, Japan) and also a subjective refraction has been performed. In addition a Purkinjemeter measurement has been done.ResultsIn total, 51 eyes of 51 patients were included. No patient was lost to follow‐up. Mean difference concerning root mean square of all higher order aberrations was 0.013 µm between Wasca and iDesign and 0.113 µm between Wasca and OPD, respectively. Reproducibility was found to be between 0.09 µm (SD:0.06) (iDesign) and 0.41 µm (SD: 0.12) (iTrace). Details for higher order aberrations will be presented at the meeting.ConclusionsFeasibility was found to be excellent for Wasca and iDesign and was high for iTrace but for the OPD Scan there was a flat learning curve. Reproducibility was found to be good for all devices but slightly weaker for the iTrace device.
Assessment of interlinked double staircase acuity test
Authors: Giulvezan S. , Gallagher K. , Davies N. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo compare a novel visual acuity threshold algorithm using a predictive double staircase method with standard ETDRS logMAR chart.MethodsSoftware was written in MATLAB to generate a computerised visual acuity test. The algorithm uses a randomly presented double staircase method, the staircases are interlinked using a prediction of threshold based on each prior response. This reduces test duration and increases accuracy. The screen was calibrated using a Vernier scale and there solution of the test was 0.02 log units. Ten threshold measurements were made for each test, the results expressed as the mean and standard deviation. The test was performed by three observers each with an induced range of refractive errors and compared with the result ofETDRS logMAR acuity using a chart generated with the same screen calibration.ResultsMean stair cased acuities were −0.13, 0.02, 0.22, 0.36, 0.56 log unitsfor 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 dioptres of defocus respectively. The mean single letter score logMAR acuities were −0.08, 0.01, 0.17, 0.38, 0.58 log units. The mean error in the stair cased test was 0.02 (SD 0.01) log units forall defocus values. The mean difference between the two tests was −0.01 log units (SD 0.09). Bland‐Altmann plots showed no systematic difference. The mean time to perform the staircased test was 93 seconds (SD 19s).ConclusionsThe interlinked double staircase method gives a fast and accurate assessment of visual acuity which compares well with ETDRS logMAR.Ten threshold measures allow error estimation which is not available in a logMAR test. Other advantages over logMAR include a true resolution of 0.02 log units rather than interpolation and random letter generation with no memory effect.
Quantification of total retinal blood flow via dual‐beam bidirectional Doppler optical coherence tomography for the assessment of neurovascular coupling
Authors: Aschinger G. , Werkmeister R. , Garhöfer G. , Schmetterer L. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeIn recent years, the reliability of dual‐beam Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT), a method for measuring absolute retinal blood flow velocities, has been proven. A simultaneous determination of retinal vessel diameters allows calculating total retinal blood flow. The combined measurement of both parameters also offers the ability to quantify perfusion of the retina under different stimuli conditions and by this getting insight into the mechanisms of neurovascular coupling.MethodsTotal retinal blood flow was measured in four healthy subjects at baseline condition (constant illumination of the fundus) and 20 min after this during stimulation with diffuse luminance flicker light at 12 Hz.ResultsThe average increase in total retinal blood flow during flicker stimulation was about 40%, which is assumed to be caused by an increased firing rate of the retinal ganglion cells. However, when comparing the blood flow in single retinal vessels under both baseline condition and flicker stimulus, the individual increase varied vastly.ConclusionsWe think the observed phenomena are caused by resistance changes of the vasodilated vascular network which cause non‐linear flow changes in single vessels. Our results show that the measurement of a single retinal vessel alone is not adequate for assessing neurovascular coupling in the retina. To conclude, for gaining insight into the mechanisms and functioning of neurovascular coupling, total retinal blood flow must be assessed.
Corneal lenticules as an ex‐vivo model to study keratocyte biology
Authors: Shroff R. , Shetty R. , Kumar D. , Ghosh A. , Kumar S. , Pahuja N. , Ghosh A. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeKeratocytes show differential gene expression in culture media; and are extensively used to study wound healing, corneal disease biology and response to topical drugs. However, mono‐layer culture cannot replicate the 3‐dimensional biological environment of corneal stroma. Hence, we propose to establish corneal lenticule as an ex‐vivo model to study keratocyte biology for corneal diseases, drug response studies and in wound healing experiments.MethodsSMILE surgery was performed using the VisuMax femtosecond laser system (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany). After the refractive lenticule of intra‐stromal corneal tissue was created using the femtosecond cutting procedure, it was dissected and separated through the side‐cut opening and removed manually. SMILE lenticules from patients were obtained in MK media and were transferred to DMEM F12 with 10% FBS and 1% PSA. The media was replenished every 24 h and lenticules were harvested at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 78 h and 96 h. Gene Expression analysis was performed for pro‐fibrotic genes (fibronectin, ɑ‐sma, vimentin, TGF‐β and TGF‐βR2), pro‐inflammatory (IL‐6 and TNF‐ɑ) and structural genes (Col1‐A1, Col4‐A1and Col5‐A1).ResultsOur results demonstrate that lenticules remain metabolically active in culture media for long periods of time as evident from the varying expression of different pro‐fibrotic, pro‐inflammatory and structural genes after 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 78 h and 96 h of culture. Furthermore, linear regression analyses show that clinical parameters like lenticule thickness do not affect the expression profile of the various genes by the keratocytes contained in the lenticule.ConclusionsIn conclusion, lenticule can be used as an ex‐vivo model to study keratocyte biology in various corneal diseases and for drug testing.
Visual Acuity (VA) Outcomes and Impact of Baseline (BL) Perfusion Status in VIBRANT
Authors: Feltgen N. , Asmus F. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeReport additional VA outcomes from VIBRANT.MethodsVIBRANT was a phase 3 study of intravitreal aflibercept (IVT‐AFL) vs laser for macular edema (ME) due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Patients received IVT‐AFL 2 mg every 4 weeks to week 24 (W24) and every 8 weeks thereafter or macular grid laser at BL. Eligible laser patients received IVT‐AFL rescue beginning at W24. Primary endpoint was the proportion of eyes gaining ≥15 letters in best corrected VA (BCVA) at W24. Retina was considered perfused for patients with ≤10 disc areas of capillary nonperfusion at baseline.ResultsThe proportion of eyes gaining ≥15 letters from BL to W24 and W52 was 52.7% vs 26.7% (P < 0.001) and 57.1% vs 41.1% (P < 0.03), for IVT‐AFL vs laser; 36.3% and 49.5% of eyes receiving IVT‐AFL gained ≥15 letters by W4 and W12. Overall mean BCVA gain from BL to W24 and W52 was 17.0 vs 6.9 letters (P < 0.0001) and 17.1 vs 12.2 letters (P < 0.004), for IVT‐AFL vs laser. W52 results for laser group include patients who received IVT‐AFL rescue. In the laser group, 80.7% received rescue IVT‐AFL between W24 and W48. In perfused patients, mean BCVA gain from BL to W24 and W52 was 14.3 vs 5.7 and 13.7 vs 11.9 letters; in nonperfused patients, it was 19.1 vs 11.3 and 20.0 vs 15.6 letters. The most common ocular AE, conjunctival hemorrhage, occurred in 24.2% (IVT‐AFL) and 15.2% (laser) of patients. Two APTC‐ATEs occurred, both in the laser group.ConclusionsHere, IVT‐AFL provided statistically and clinically significant VA benefits over laser at W24 that were maintained at W52. Benefits with AFL treatment were not dependent on baseline perfusion status.
SQSTM1/p62 depletion leads to the Rab7 accumulation and inflammatory response in ARPE‐19 cells
Authors: Piippo N. , Hyttinen J. , Hytti M. , Korhonen E. , Kaarniranta K. , Kauppinen A. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeSQSTM1/p62 is a central player in the selective autophagy directing ubiquitinated protein aggregates, mitochondria, and bacterial pathogens to autophagosomes. Autophagy culminates into the fusion of matured autophagosomes with lysosomes that contain degradative enzymes. One regulator of the fusion is Rab7, which also has a role in the movement of autophagosomes along microtubules. In this study, we have investigated the significance of SQSTM1/p62 in the functionality of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and its possible role in the regulation of Rab7.MethodsSQSTM1/p62 was blocked in ARPE‐19 cells using spesific siRNA. Proteasomes were inhibited with MG‐132, which has been shown to induce autophagy flux by providing more substrate to the autophagic machinery. Additionally, AMPK‐activator AICAR (5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide) was used to induce autophagy. Rab7 protein levels were determined with western blot and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines using the ELISA method.ResultsAccording to our results, interference of autophagy by SQSTM1/p62 depletion, especially in the presence of other stimuli, such as MG‐132 or AICAR, leads to the accumulation of Rab7. Along with higher amounts of Rab7, increased inflammatory response was observed.ConclusionsOur results emphasize the importance of SQSTM1/p62 in the regulation of autophagy and inflammation in RPE cells that play the principal role in the pathogenesis of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).
Uveal melanoma and renal cell carcinoma both metastatic to the liver
Authors: Turunen J. , Markkinen S. , Wilska R. , Kivelä T. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeGermline mutations in the BRCA1‐associated protein‐1 gene (BAP1) predispose carriers to several types of cancer, including uveal and cutaneous melanoma, mesothelioma, renal cell cancer, and possibly other diverse tumor types. Approximately 2% of consecutive Finnish uveal melanoma patients harbor a germline mutation in BAP1.MethodsCase report.ResultsA 53‐year‐old man was diagnosed with renal cancer in 2006. No metastasis was detected during a 5‐year follow‐up after surgery. In 2011, he noted decreased vision in his left eye. Ophthalmological examination revealed a suspicious choroidal mass and the patient was referred to the ocular Oncology service, Helsinki University Eye Clinic. A choroidal melanoma with a largest basal dimension of 15.5 mm and thickness of 11.1 mm and no metastases was detected (T3aN0M0, stage IIB). He received brachytherapy with an iodine plaque. Three years later he had liver metastases, and biopsies indicated the presence of both uveal melanoma and renal carcinoma metastases. Further, a sister of his father also has had uveal melanoma. Given that the patient was a candidate to harbor a germline BAP1 mutation we sequenced the gene. No mutation was found in the coding regions or adjacent intronic sequences. Further, we carried out whole exome sequencing, and no mutations or mosaicism were found in BAP1, BRCA1, SF3B1, or EIF1AX.ConclusionsNot all familial uveal melanoma patients even with history of renal cell cancer harbor an obvious BAP1 germline mutation. Currently, we are analyzing histological samples to further investigate the possible role of BAP1 in tumor tissue and genetic data to find or exclude indirect effect on BAP1 function.
Increased Uptake of Intracameral Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Europe
Authors: Barry P. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo determine the use of intracameral cefuroxime at the end of cataract surgery across Europe since the beneficial results were first reported by the ESCRS Endophthalmitis Study Group in 2007 and examine the reasons for the different practice patterns identified.MethodsThe ESCRS conducted a survey of 250 ophthalmic surgeons across Europe regarding their awareness of the ESCRS study and seeking the reasons for their current use or non‐use of i/c antibiotics in their cataract surgery. Simultaneously, data on practice patterns for prophylaxis were searched in the main European countries concentrating on the uptake of the i/c route and the reasons for the switch.ResultsIn the ESCRS survey, 74% always/usually use i/c antibiotics and 82% of these use cefuroxime. Lack of need, protocol, or concerns re adverse events related to the absence of an approved product, accounted for non‐use. Only 8% would not use i/c cefuroxime whether commercially available or not. Germany has the lowest use and the highest cataract volume whilst France has the next highest volume and the most rapid conversion due to Government guidelines introduced in 2011. The approval of a product of i/c cefuroxime for use in cataract surgery by the EMA (European Medicines Agency) in 2012 eliminated the risks of errors of dilution, diluent, contamination or TASS and is largely responsible for the major shift to the i/c route.ConclusionsThe landmark ESCRS Study results of 2007 heralded a worldwide increase in the use of i/c antibiotic for the prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. Subsequent studies all over the world have validated these results ‐ where the rate was high it got much lower, where it was low it got even lower with almost no adverse events.
Three‐dimensional structure of the mammalian limbal stem cell niche
Authors: Borderie V. , Grieve K. , Ghoubay D. , Georgeon C. , Thouvenin O. , Bouheraoua N. , Pâques M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeAlthough the existence of the limbal stem cell (LSC) niche is accepted, precise knowledge of its 3D architecture remains incomplete.MethodsThe LSC niche was explored on freshly excised corneoscleral rims from human donors (n = 47), pigs (n = 15) and mice (n = 27) with full‐field optical coherence microscopy (FFOCM).ResultsLimbal crypt features were detected in 90% of human corneoscleral rims, extending between the palisades of Vogt as radial (74%) and/or rounded (23%) forms, often branching off to or becoming interconnected by sub‐scleral radially or circumferentially oriented crypts (56%). [kg1] Mean crypt volume represented 16% of sampled limbal volume on the vertical axis and 8% on the horizontal axis. In pigs, palisades were finer and crypts wider with relatively uniform distribution around the eye, and radial orientation, connecting to numerous narrow criss‐crossing invaginations beneath the sclera. In mice, only a circumferential limbal trough was detected. Mean crypt volume represented 13% of limbal volume in humans, 9% in pigs and 7% in mice. FFOCM combined with fluorescence showed presence of p63‐α+ cells and cytokeratin‐3 + cells in the limbal crypts. LSC density increased with percentage limbal volume occupied by crypts. Colony Forming Efficiency increased with limbal crypt volume. [kg1] See how to rephrase all this.ConclusionsCrypt architecture in the three species appears associated with eye exposure to light. Clone production correlated strongly with the limbal crypt volume in humans indicating that limbal crypts constitute a niche for adult limbal stem cells. FFOCM imaging could assist in assessment of the richness of the limbal crypts and targeted biopsy for cell culture.
Presbyopia compensation: looking for cortical predictors
Authors: Imbeau L. , Majzoub S. , Thillay A. , Bonnet‐Brilhault F. , Pisella P.J. , Batty M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeNew surgical techniques have recently been developed in order to compensate for visual impairment for presbyopic patients. However, the follow‐up results are still variable, depending on the correction modality used and/or the patient. The main purpose of this study was to identify predictive electrophysiological markers of post‐correction visual comfort for presbyopic patients.MethodsThirteen presbyopic patients received randomized presbyopia compensation with contact lenses successively by monovision, and by multifocality, for 3 weeks with a break of two weeks without any presbyopia compensation in between. Follow‐up examinations were performed at entry (T0) and after each correction modality (Tmono and Tmulti). They included testing for near and distance visual acuity, stereoacuity (TNO test), binocular contrast sensitivity and electrophysiological recordings (monocular and binocular patterns Visual Evoked Potentials).ResultsA significant correlation was found between the TNO score difference (monovision‐multifocallity) and the P100 latency evoked by the binocular pattern at T0, suggesting that late P100 latency could be associated with a lesser decrease in stereoacuity with monovision.ConclusionsWhile our findings do not permit decisions regarding the superiority of f one type compensation over another, these preliminary results support using the P100 latency evoked by binocular patterns as a predictor of post‐compensation stereoacuity.