bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Imaging of Protein and RNA Biomarkers in Retinal Vascular Disease
Authors: JAYAGOPAL A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractApproaches for imaging disease biomarkers in the retina are needed to improve early detection, monitoring of disease progression, and assessment of therapeutic response. We will discuss our recent efforts toward in vivo imaging of protein, messenger RNA (mRNA), and microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers in animal models of retinal vascular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and choroidal neovascularization.
Glutathione and Ascorbate: The balance between oxidant and carbonyl stress in the aging human lens
Authors: MONNIER VM , FAN XJ 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground: Two major processes appear to be at play in formation of ARNC. On the one hand advanced glycation end products (AGEs) modify lens crystallins, increasing thereby their susceptibility to oxidation via unfolding, exposure of SH‐groups and formation of UV‐photosensitizers, on the other hand SH groups form disulfides and high molecular weight aggregates that scatter light. In order to find out if there are critical SH residues in the latter process, we have generated a glutathione knockout(LEGSKO) mouse and an in vitro model of crystallin aggregation upon oxidation with H2O2.Methods: Crystallins from in vitro incubation or LEGSKO mouse were analyzed using ICAT labeling methods and 2D gel electrophoresis (2D‐PAGE) for disulfide analysis. Incubation of mouse lens homogenate (LH) with 5 mM H2O2 led to opacification within a few hours. Results: Analysis of LEGSKO crystallins by 2D‐PAGE revealed an age‐related shift from mostly intramolecular to intermolecular disulfide crosslinks which mimicked the pattern observed at 20 months in wild type lenses. All oxidation‐related disulfide forming sites in 13 crystallins were identified in vitro and found quasi concordant with those forming in the LEGSKO lens.
Antioxidative properties of glutaredoxin 2 in the lens
Authors: LOU MF , WU HL 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGlutaredoxin (Grx) belongs to the oxidoreductase family that controls cellular redox homeostasis. The glutathione‐dependent Grx has a typical CXXC motif at its active site for efficient antioxidative function, and contains cytosolic Grx1 and mitochondrial Grx2 isoforms found in the lens and other ocular tissues. Both Grx1 and Grx2 have dethiolase activity that can reduce oxidized thiols in proteins/enzymes and restore enzymes/proteins activities/functions. Grx2 has additional peroxidase activity that can eliminate reactive oxygen species to maintain redox balance in cells. Its ability to protect the mitochondrial function makes it an effective molecule in preventing cell apoptosis. Our studies have shown that knockout (KO) Grx2 gene in lens epithelial cells causes the cells to be less viable with high sensitivity to oxidative stress, leakage in mitochondrial membrane, low ability to detoxify H2O2, and apoptotic. Enrich Grx2 KO cells with native recombinant Grx2 protein can rescue the cells from oxidative damage and apoptosis. Grx2 KO cells show impaired complex I and complex IV functions with low ATP pool. Mice with Grx2 gene deletion develop age‐related cataract much faster than that of the wild type control mice.
Age‐related human nuclear cataract. Blindness due to inexorable protein deterioration
Authors: TRUSCOTT R 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNuclear cataract stems from the inexorable breakdown of long‐lived macromolecules in the human lens. Although this realization is new, the overall framework is now quite clear. Racemisation, deamidation and truncation are the main drivers of protein denaturation and some amino acids are particularly susceptible to age‐related decomposition. Understanding these processes leads to a conclusion that the prospects for reversing lens opacification are remote. Since age‐related cataract appears to be inevitable, future strategies for slowing cataract formation may depend on a detailed examination of people who retain clear lenses into their eighth and ninth decades.
Pars Plana Vitrectomy alone vs Vitrectomy with scleral buckling for PRDs
Authors: ASTERIADIS S 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPseudophacik Retinal Detachment is a subgroup of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Retachments with some unique characteristics, such as the number and location of retinal breaks, certain intraoperative technical difficulties and possibly an increased risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Recent evidence has established the role of pars plana vitrectomy as a primary method of managing these cases. The role of using scleral buckling techniques in combination with vitrectomy as well as the types of buckling that could be used remains controversial. At this talk, the above issues will be discussed in full, and a review of the literature as well as the personal experience of the speaker will attempt to clarify the role of using combined techniques in managing those cases.
Comparative study of the IOP‐lowering effect of Xalatan vs generic latanoprost in normal subjects
Authors: YUWEI (VINCENT) Q , POURJAVAN S 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering efficacy of Xalatan with the generic latanoprost (Latanoprost EG) in normal healthy subjects.Methods 20 normal subjects were recruited in this single‐center, randomized, prospective, open label, two‐period comparative study. At the baseline visit, subjects' baseline IOP was measured in both eyes at 8am in the morning. Subjects were then administered Xalatan in the right eye and Latanoprost EG in the left eye, both at 10pm, and IOP was controlled again the following morning at 8am. The student T‐test was used to assess the level of IOP decrease significance in both groups.Results The basline IOP in all the 20 subjects was: . The IOP decrease in the first group administered with Xalatan was 3.74 + 1.9 mmHg (26.11+ 11.3 mmHg). The IOP pressure at baseline and 10 hours after Xalatan administration were respectively 14.33 + 2.1 mmHg and 10.59 + 3.9 mmHg. In the second group, eyes administered with Latanoprost EG showed a slighter IOP decrease from baseline 2.54 + 1.33 mmHg (18.18 + 4.03 mmHg) The IOP at baseline and 10 hours after Latanoprost EG were respectively 14.01 + 2.37 mmHg and 11.45 + 2.39 mmHg. This difference was significative. (p <0.05)Conclusion This study showed that the magnitude of IOP lowering in normal healthy subjects with Xalatan and Latanoprost EG is different, a higher IOP lowering efficacy of Xalatan compared to Latanoprost EG. This is important in Glaucoma patients especially when they are treated with different topical drops and for whom the maximum IOP decrease, achieving of the target IOP rang, maintenance of the remaining visual field and quality of life is crucial.
Efficacy of a preservative‐free fixed combination of bimatoprost and timolol in treatment‐naïve versus previously treated patients
Authors: CORDEIRO MF , GOLDBERG I , SCHIFFMAN R , BERNSTEIN P , LIU C , BEJANIAN M 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering efficacy of a preservative‐free formulation of fixed‐combination bimatoprost/timolol (FCBT PF) in treatment (tx)‐naïve vs previously treated patients.Methods A double‐masked, randomized, parallel‐group study compared FCBT PF with preserved FCBT (Ganfort) in 561 patients diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension who were tx naïve or had inadequate IOP lowering with previous tx. IOP was measured at 0, 2, and 8 hours at baseline and weeks 2, 6, and 12. Subgroup analysis evaluated average IOP change from baseline in tx‐naïve vs previously treated, washed out patients.Results FCBT PF was equivalent to Ganfort, producing numerically greater (0.2 to 0.5 mmHg) IOP lowering than Ganfort during follow‐up. With FCBT PF, IOP mean changes from baseline (mmHg) ranged from −8.7 to –9.8 in tx‐naïve patients (n=50) and –7.3 to –8.5 in previously treated patients (n=228). Baseline IOP, age, diagnosis, and corneal pachymetry were significant covariates of IOP lowering. In an analysis of covariance model with these factors as covariates, differences between tx‐naïve and previously treated patients ranged from 0.8 to 1.7 mm Hg favouring tx‐naive patients and were significant (p≤0.018) at 7 of 9 timepoints.Conclusion FCBT PF had a favourable IOP‐lowering effect compared with Ganfort and reduced IOP more effectively in tx‐naïve than previously treated patients. This can be attributed in part to the removal of preservative (BAK) optimizing the efficacy of timolol in FCBT PF.
Commercial interest
Patient behavior when prescribed non‐affordable glaucoma medication in the medical unit, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
Authors: SAEED IBRAHIM A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose (1)Identify cost‐reducing strategies,including cost related non‐adherence(CRN),employed by primary open angle glaucoma (POAG)patients;(2)explore impact of doctor‐patient interaction(DPI)on CRN and(3)pinpoint best DPI methods that minimized CRN.Methods A Cross‐sectional study was enrolled on consecutive adult patients attending the eye clinic of the National Research Center,Cairo,Egypt, diagnosed with POAG and on outpatient topical anti‐glaucoma drugs in the first 8 months of 2012.Data were collected via an interviewer‐administered questionnaire.The impact of factors as education,insurance and drug cost to income ratio were tested statistically.Results Data gathered from 280 patients showed that 75% of patients employed at least 1 method of CRN(termed CRN+).Of those, up to 70% skip doses,64% postpone buying prescriptions and 28% ignore buying it altogether.We found significant relationships between lower CRN scores and better insurance coverage(p=0.002),higher education(p=0.002),lower values of “drug cost to monthly income” ratio(p=0.003),lower number of prescriptions(p=0.003)and better DPI regarding drug costs(p=0.004). 58% of CRN+ patients reported having DPI,(termed CRN+DPI).In CRN+DPI,the most common methods were doctors showing sympathy towards patients’ drug costs(72%),ensuring patients’affordability of drugs(65%)and change one to a cheaper alternative(62%).In those who did not have DPI,the most cited cause was “being embarrassed” to ask about drug costs(80%).Conclusion Future policies should focus on improving DPI to lower CRN,mainly,ensuring patient education on drug costs, showing strong emotional support and reducing polypharmacy. Encouraging patients to ask for cheaper alternatives can also help.
Removal of preservative from Ganfort improves intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in patients – A timolol dose‐response phenomenon
Authors: SHEN J , BEJANIAN M , SCHIFFMAN R 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose A benzalkonium chloride (BAK)‐free fixed‐combination formulation of bimatoprost and timolol (Ganfort) has been developed for patients who are sensitive to preservatives. A randomized controlled study in 561 patients compared the IOP‐lowering efficacy of the BAK‐free formulation versus the preserved Ganfort. At all timepoints, IOP lowering, numerically, consistently favoured the BAK‐free formulation. This finding contradicted expectations that the removal of BAK would result in lower ocular bioavailability of both bimatoprost and timolol, resulting in less efficacy. Research was conducted to explore possible explanation for the clinical observation.Methods Literature search on timolol dose response was performed, focusing on IOP lowering following topical dosing of 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5% timolol ophthalmic solutions.Results A U‐shaped dose‐response curve exists for timolol, and available data suggest that the dose that elicits maximal IOP lowering lies between 0.25% and 0.5%.Conclusion Removal of BAK from the fixed combination product Ganfort, which contains 0.5% timolol, may have resulted in a lower, but optimal, ocular concentration of timolol, leading to improved IOP‐lowering efficacy with the preservative‐free formulation.
Commercial interest
Biomaterials for ophthalmic implants ‐ all for one and one for all?
Authors: STORSBERG J , SCHMIDT C , FUCHSLUGER T , WEBER A , SEL S 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHaving one biomaterial for a wide range of clinical applications may mean that the physico‐chemical properties of the material surface needs to be tailored to fulfill the allrequirements of the actual application. One example of tailoring surface properties of one and the same base material may include the definition of areas where cells attach to and deposit extracellular matrix. As for ophthalmological applications, this notion can be traced to de Quensgy's review, published in 1789. There, the author outlined basic features of the keratoprosthesis: a central optical cylinder and a haptic for firm positioning in the surrounding tissue. Incomplete biocompatibility of materials used, aside from issues of ethics and patient's acceptance, render problems. Using chemical, physical and nanotechnological methods, features of the material can be dramatically increased. There are different strategies to induce biomimetic cell‐tissue‐material interaction by modifying the surface on one base material – as well as the use of metallic biomaterials and drug‐containing particles. These findings aid the development of next‐generation biomaterials where surface‐effects are utilized in different therapeutic clinical applications.
Nanoparticles for drug delivery to the retina
Authors: STEFANSSON E 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe have developed a drug delivery platform based on cyclodextrin nanoparticles in eye drop suspensions. The nanoparticles increase drug solubility, extend mucoadhesion and penetration into the eye. High concentrations of drug in the tear film for extended periods of time allow for greatly increased penetration into the eye and relatively less washing into the nasolacrimal apparatus. Dexamethasone nanoparticle eye drops are effective against diabetic macular edema and uveitis. Cyclodextrin nanoparticle eye drops allow drug treatment of retinal disease with eye drops.
Nanoparticles incorporated collagen hydrogels for sustained release of EGF
Authors: RAFAT M , MONDAL D , ISLAM M , LIEDBERG B , GRIFFITH M 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTherapeutic biomolecules such as growth factors are essential for enhancing the regeneration of damaged tissues by inducing cell signaling activities such as cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Nevertheless, they have short half‐lives in physiological conditions due to fast deactivation and degradation by enzymes and other physical and chemical reactions. Therefore, there is a great need for the suitable target delivery of nanoparticles to improve the release kinetics of growth factors as well as their therapeutic effectiveness. The main objective of this study was to develope and characterize a sustained delivery system consisting of an EGF‐encapslated chitosan nanoparticles and collagen hydrogel carrier system to achieve a sustained release of EGF. In this study, we made EGF‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles, which could be incorporated into an engineered collagen hydrogel scaffold. The particles were spherical in the size range of 60–100 nm. The release kinetics of EGF showed the release of growth factors in a sustained manner. Live‐dead staining of human corneal epithelial (HCEC) cells was done to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles.
Intravitreal chemotherapy: Indications and results
Authors: MUNIER F , GAILLARD MC , BALMER A , BECK‐POPOVIC M 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe presence of active vitreous seeding following state‐of‐the‐art conservative treatment of intraocular retinoblastoma leads in the vast majority of cases to either external beam irradiation (EBR) and/or enucleation. Intravitreal chemotherapy (IVC) is theoretically the best route for delivering the highest vitreous concentration of a chemotherapeutic drug, over intravenous, periocular and ophthalmic artery chemotherapy. This makes IVC the best candidate for treatment of diffuse vitreous disease in eyes with retinoblastoma, but it has remained highly controversial, as considered an invasive procedure associated with the risk of tumor exteriorization. We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients with vitreous disease found eligible and then treated by intravitreal injections of melphalan. IVC was performed every 7 to 10 days up to 8 injections of Melphalan (20‐30 g) per event, using a novel injection technique characterized by the prevention of vitreous reflux and sterilization of the needle track. The results appear promising in terms of safety (with no evidence of exteriorization), and efficacy with unprecedented salvage rate over 85%. Control of vitreous seeding was achieved without EBR in all cases.
Intraarterial chemotherapy: Indications and results
Authors: HADJISTILIANOU T 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIA chemotherapy is a promising primary and salvage treatment for moderate and advanced RB particularly in eyes designed for enucleation. Indications include: Primary treatment of unilateral retinoblastoma Reese‐Ellsworth Stage II, III, IV, Va & Vb (ABC Stage B, C & D) ;adjunctive treatment after systemic chemotherapy, with or without focal therapy ;incomplete response to conservative therapy; local tumor recurrence after conservative therapy. Most of adverse side effects are transient, choroidal vasculopathy is permament and in some cases progressive. Intra‐arterial chemotherapy conserves many eyes with retinoblastoma that would otherwise require enucleation, at the same time avoiding the risks of radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy.
Cataract surgery up to the age of Daviel
Authors: DE LAEY JJ 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe knowledge of ocular anatomy in the classical time was limited. Aristotle considered the lens as a post‐mortem artefact. For Celsus the lens was the essential organ of vision, a misconception which will remain till Vesalius, one of the first to consider its optical role. Platter recognized the role of the retina and Aquapendente will correct the position of the lens in the eye, which was thought to be in its centre. Cataract was considered an accumulation of "miasma" between the lens and the iris. It is not certain that the ancient Egyptians performed cataract surgery. It was first mentionned by Sushutra, the father of Indian surgery. His technique reached Rome probably via Alexandria. The description of couching by Celsus corresponds to 17th century descriptions of the procedure. Till the late 18th century this was often performed by itinerant cataract surgeons. One of the most notorious of these quacks was Chevalier Taylor who blinded Bach. Because Daviel, as others, experienced failures with couching, he introduced the corneal incision and expression of the lens by gentle pressure. This revolutionized cataract surgey although couching was still used in a number of centres till the middle of the 19th century.
Description of retinoblastoma by Pieter Pauw of Leiden in early 1600's
Authors: KIVELÄ T 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn 1963, Edwin B. Dunphy of Boston credited the 16th century Dutch anatomist, Pieter Pauw (1564‐1617) of Leiden, with the first literary description of retinoblastoma made in 1597. Dunphy believed that the description referred to an advanced retinoblastoma that had broken into the orbit and temporal area. This opinion and credit is repeated often even in recent literature, in spite of the fact that a critical translation of the original Latin text of Pauw suggested in 2003 that another orbital tumor, such as embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, would equally well, if not better, explain Pauw's observations. This presentation will review the evidence for and against retinoblastoma in the autopsy report. Retinoblastoma is likely to be as old as humankind, and exactly when this fascinating tumour first appeared in historic records will remain a matter of dispute.
Allergy and vernal keratoconjunctivitis: Results of a 251 children cohort
Authors: CHIAMBARETTA F 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe aim of our study was to follow the evolution of phenotype for children with lattice corneal dystrophy type I and granular corneal dystrophy type I. Mean age was 8,84 ± 4,20 years and 17,78 ± 3,76 years respectively. Corneal parameters were analysed from Scheimpflug photographs: number of opacities, location, thickness, depth and percentage of corneal transparency. Peripheral opacities in LCDI children continued to increase when the number of central deposits tended to stagnate after a mean age of 12 ± 1 years. GCDI children presented a continuous increase in number of opacities. Our results show a phenotypic heterogeneity, especially in early ages, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Introduction ‐ The challenges to drug approval: Going from an idea, early data onto registration
Authors: DE SMET MD 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose: Gain a better appreciation of the steps involved in drug/device development and registration. Specific aim of this segment: The first challenge is to decide whether or not a drug or device is worth investigating further. Obtaining sufficient data and keep the process attractive to potential investors is a challenge as academics face a need to publish, thereby securing additional funding, while investors want to preserve intellectual property. One year after publication or presentation, data referring to a specific compound, process or device is considered to be part of public domain and cannot be patented. Prior to approval, a well defined package of efficacy, safety, and purification/production characteristics are required under good laboratory practice (GLP) guidelines. The clinical trial phase presents its own challenges. The desire to establish rapidly proof of concept, dose and frequency of administration often leading to premature costly choices, or overly complex study designs. The need to recruit within short timelines, increases the risk of inappropriate patient selection criteria. This lecture and others in this symposium, an insight into drug development and its intricacies will be presented.
Pre‐clinical testing: Good laboratory practice and the requirements imposed by the agencies
Authors: VEZINA M 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn all countries, preclinical (nonclinical) studies are required to support testing of novel therapeutics in humans. For ocular therapeutics there is no defined guideline available from the major regulatory authorities. This combined with a wide variety of compound types and delivery systems can make it challenging to determine what nonclinical studies should be conducted to support the human clinical trials. The therapeutic indication, class of compound, species specificity and suitability, dose route, systemic exposure, whether the compound is a new molecular entity or an already approved product and the intended clinical protocol, all have an impact on the nonclinical ocular program design. This presentation will outline the types of nonclinical studies that are typically appropriate for ocular therapeutics in the context of the previously mentioned considerations and the role of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and regulatory agencies in the design and acceptance of these studies.
Commercial interest