bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging of intravitreal injected solution dispersion
Authors: Willekens K. , Reyns G. , Jonckx B. , Feyen J. , Yewei L. , Coudyzer W. , Yicheng N. , Stalmans P. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe extent of activity of an intravitreal injected drug is linked to its dispersion within the vitreous body. Researchers have been trying to visualize dispersion of intravitreal injected solutions using Indian ink or fluorescein, either with subsequent dissection or with endoillumination, both invasive methods that could influence the dispersion pattern. Therefore, this pilot study aims at investigating and identifying the best minimal invasive imaging method for visualizing the dispersion of an intravitreal injected solution.MethodsTo determine the optimal imaging concentration, a series of 5 enucleated porcine eyes were injected with 0.1 cc of 100%, 50%, 25%, 20% and 10% standard iodium contrast medium, respectively. Injections were made using a standard 1 cc syringe and 30 gauge needle at 3.5 mm from the limbus aiming at the center of the globe. Subsequently, the dispersion of the contrast agent was monitored using high resolution imaging methods: mammography and ultra high resolution computed tomography (UHRCT). For the latter, 3D reconstructions were rendered.ResultsA 1:10 dilution mixture combined optimal visualization contrast with low viscosity of the injection solution using radiographic ultrahigh resolution mammography. Both mammography and UHRCT images were taken from two eyes; one with a slow injection, the other with a fast injection.Conclusions3D reconstructed UHRCT images were favored over 2D mammography images for dynamic imaging of the intravitreal solution dispersion.
Anterior lens epithelium in cataract patients with retinitis pigmentosa – scanning and transmission electron microscopy study
Authors: Andjelic S. , Draslar K. , Hvala A. , Hawlina M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeIn retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients, relatively minor lens opacity posteriorly centrally may cause disproportionate functional symptoms requiring cataract operation. To investigate possible structural reasons for this opacity development, we studied the structure of the lens epithelium of RP patients.MethodsThe anterior lens capsule (aLC: basement membrane and associated LECs) were obtained from cataract surgery and prepared for scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM).ResultsBoth SEM and TEM show the holes in the anterior lens epithelium of cataract patients with RP. Mainly, the holes appear as thinning and degradation of the epithelium, with the dimensions from <1 μm to more than 10 ηm and covering the region of several aLECs. A step towards the formation of denuded regions with the dimensions even bigger than 50 ηm may be the detachment of the lens epithelium. Other type of holes in size up to 20 ηm, may be formed by gradual stretching of the lens epithelium. Another type of holes is formed between adjacent LECs where lateral connections are absent, with dimensions 0.1‐2 ηm × up to 10 ηm.ConclusionsShowing of holes in the anterior lens epithelium supports the hypothesis that disturbed structure of the lens epithelium plays a role in water accumulation in the RP cataractous lens. We suggest that the lens epithelium has a role in the development of the cataract in RP patients.
Microbiology of conjunctiva sac in intravitreal injections
Authors: Grzybowski A. , Gaca‐Wysocka M. , Paluch M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the conjunctival sac flora before and after intravitreal injection (IVI) in eyes with no prophylactic antibiotic use.Methods37 eyes of 37 patients not using systemic or local antibiotics for at least 30 days were included. Microbiological culture from conjunctiva sac to nutrient media was taken twice: before IVI and before any topical medications were given and 30 minutes after anty‐VEGF IVI. Topical antibiotics were not used neither before, nor after IVI. Shortly before IVI conjunctival sac was rinsed with 5% povidone‐iodine (PVI). Control group constituted eyes not treated with IVI of the same patients.ResultsNegative microbiological cultures before and after IVI were noted in the studied group in 15 patients (40.5%) and in 9 control eyes (24.3%). Coagulase‐negative Staphylococci (CNS) were cultured in 13 eyes (35.1%) before IVI and in 8 eyes (21.6%) after IVI. In 3 eyes (8.1%) Staphylococcus aureus was shown before IVI, with subsequent negative cultures. In the control group CNS was shown in 14 eyes (37.8%) before IVI and in 7% (18.9%) after IVI. Microbiological flora was identical in studied and control groups in 14 cases (37.8%). There was no case of post‐IVI endophthalmitis.ConclusionsAbout 50% of cultures were negative, in 35% – CNS, and in 15% – other bacteria were cultured, including Staphylococcus aureus in 8%. The number of negative cultures after IVI (the use of PVI) was higher than before IVI, and all Staphylococcus aureus were eliminated. The eye antisepsis based on PVI in IVI is an effective and efficient prophylaxis method.
Systemic immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil to prevent corneal graft rejection after high risk penetrating keratoplasty: a 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Szaflik J.P. , Major J. , Izdebska J. , Lao M. , Szaflik J. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of systemic immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to prevent corneal graft rejection after high risk penetrating keratoplasty.MethodsOne hundred ninety‐six consecutive patients who underwent high risk penetrating keratoplasty defined as the presence of deep vascularization in more than two quadrants, keratouveitis, emergency keratoplasties, and retransplantations were enrolled in the study. Ninety‐eight prospectively followed‐up patients were treated with MMF (with dose adjustment based on mycophenolic acid [MPA] serum concentration), and 98 patients were in the non‐MMF‐treated retrospectively assessed control group.ResultsDuring a mean of 24 months’ observation, immune reactions occurred in 8 cases (8%) and graft rejection with subsequent graft failure occurred in 3 cases (3%) in the MMF group. In the control group, graft rejection occurred in 76 cases (78%) and failure due to graft rejection occurred in 30 cases (31%). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that after a year 93% of the grafts in the MMF‐treated group and 47% in the control group showed no immune rejection (p < 0.01, log‐rank test). Cox regression analysis showed that MMF treatment decreased the risk of graft rejection 11 times (RR = 11, 95.0% CI 4.8–25, p < 0.0001). Among 98 MMF‐treated patients, 13 had gastric discomfort, 3 developed leucopenia, and 2 had anemia that resolved after MMF dose reduction.ConclusionsMMF treatment after high risk penetrating keratoplasty is safe and reduces the incidence of immune graft rejection and graft failure. Side effects were rare and reversible in all but one case.
Receptor‐targeted liposome‐peptide‐siRNA nanoparticles represent a novel and efficient siRNA delivery system to prevent conjunctival fibrosis
Authors: Yu‐Wai‐Man C. , Tagalakis A. , Manunta M. , Hart S.L. , Khaw P.T. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeGlaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and fibrosis is the main cause of failure of glaucoma surgery. We have previously described how the Myocardin‐related transcription factor/Serum response factor (MRTF/SRF) pathway is intricately linked to all the key pathways in ocular fibrosis. Our aim was to develop a novel liposome‐peptide‐siRNA (LYR) nanoparticle as an efficient delivery system for MRTF siRNA in conjunctival fibrosis.MethodsThe LYR nanoparticles were characterised with regard to particle size and zeta potential. Real‐time qPCR and western blotting were used to compare the silencing efficiency in human Tenon's fibroblasts using different MRTF siRNA concentrations, targeting peptides, and liposomes. The cytotoxicity of the LYR nanoparticles was assessed using the MTT cell assay. Three‐dimensional fibroblast‐populated collagen matrices were also used as a functional assay to measure contraction in vitro.ResultsAll LYR nanoparticles were strongly cationic with sizes around 100 nm and PDIs < 0.4. The LYR nanoparticles efficiently silenced the MRTF gene by 76% and 84% using 50 nM and 100 nM siRNA respectively. The MRTF gene was also efficiently silenced by 76% and 75% using the targeting peptides Y and ME27 respectively. The MRTF protein expression was significantly decreased by the LYR nanoparticles. The non‐PEGylated liposome formulations showed higher silencing efficiency than the cationic PEGylated formulations. The MRTF nanoparticles were also not cytotoxic at 50 nM siRNA concentration and prevented matrix contraction after a single transfection treatment.ConclusionsThis is the first study to show that receptor‐targeted liposome‐peptide‐siRNA nanoparticles represent an efficient and safe siRNA delivery system that could be used to prevent fibrosis after glaucoma surgery.
The study of needle tip aspirates and entry sites after intravitreal injections with different needle types
Authors: Lytvynchuk L. , Savytska I. , Sergiienko A. , Binder S. , Petrovski G. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo compare the entry site and study the cellular content of different needle tip aspirates after transscleral intravitreal injection (IVI) on rat eyes.MethodsThe intravitreal injections (IVI) were performed on 20 white outbred rat eyes (10 IVI with 30‐gauge subcutaneous needles (SCN), 10 with 27‐gauge Pencan needle (PCN) (B. Braun)). The 1.0 cc syringes were preloaded with 0.02 cc of balanced salt solution (BSS) and connected to the needles. The penetration was performed 1 mm posterior to the limbus, followed by aspiration of 0.01 cc vitreous body. Aspirated material was evacuated onto glass slides and stained by Azure‐2‐Eosin. Enucleation and histological analysis of the IVI entry site was performed at magnification 100 and 400 times.ResultsCellular content of the aspirated material was revealed in all cases. The aspirated cells represented conjunctival epithelial‐, ciliary body non‐pigmented epithelial‐, sclerocyte‐like cells and vitreous crystallised specimens. The amount of conjunctival epithelial cells prevailed in 27‐gauge PCN IVI cases. The stained granular proteins were less significant in the case of 27‐gauge PCN tips. The entry sites after 30‐gauge SCN injection showed concrete cut of all tissues, while partial reassembling of the sclerocyte bindings was seen after 27‐gauge PCN injections.ConclusionsThe use of 30‐gauge SCN and 27‐gauge PCN needles for transscleral IVI has resulted in trauma of all layers of the rats’ eye wall. Histological analysis of the needle tip aspirates showed less tissue damage by 27‐gauge PCN; moreover, the SCN tips created complete cuts due to their sharp edges, in contrast to the PCN tips.
The added value of undiluted vitreous biopsy samples processed by the Cellient® tissue processor (Hologic) in unsolved uveitis
Authors: Van Calster J. , Van Ginderdeuren R. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeIn this prospective study, the added value of undiluted vitreous biopsy samples in the diagnosis of unsolved uveitis was evaluated. Vitreous biopsies are difficult to handle because of the paucity of cells and the gelatinous structure of the vitreous. Histopathological analysis of the vitreous is useful in challenging cases to differentiate uveitis from lymphoma or infection and to define the type of cellular reaction.Methods97 consecutive undiluted vitreous samples were isolated in patients with unsolved intermediate or posterior uveitis. A 1.5–2.5 cc sample was taken through a single 23G or 27G port using the EVA vitrectomy platform (DORC) with a twin duty cycle high speed cutter. The samples were analysed with the Cellient® tissue processor (Hologic). This machine is a fully automated processor starting from a specified container with PreservCyt® (fixative fluid) with cells to paraffin. Routine histochemical and immunostainings were evaluated.ResultsIn 94.8% of the cases, sufficient material was found to provide an added value in the diagnostic workup. In 34%, a Cytolyt® mucolytic wash was necessary to prevent clotting of the tubes in the Cellient® tissue processor due to the viscosity of the sample. In 7% the diagnosis was an acute inflammation (presence of granulocytes), in 42% chronic active inflammation (presence of T‐lymphocytes), in 36% low‐grade inflammation (presence of CD68 cells, with <5% T‐lymphocytes); and in 9% a malignant process (lymphoma). In 5% no diagnosis was found. In the chronic active inflammation group 39% was a granulomatous inflammatory process.ConclusionsThis standardized protocol for sampling and handling undiluted vitreous biopsies gives a superior result in morphology, number of cells, and possibility of immuno‐histochemical stainings. The diagnosis can be established or confirmed in 94.8% of cases.
Double‐hump sign on gonioscopy: definitive plateau iris? A cross‐sectional study using ultrasound biomicroscopy
Authors: Cordeiro Sousa D. , Leal I. , Caiado F. , Goncalves I. , Reina M. , Marques‐Neves C. , Prior Filipe H. , Abegao Pinto L. 
Published: September 2015

PurposePlateau iris configuration (PIC) is a rare condition involving an angle closure unrelated to pupillary block. It may be defined by a narrow angle and a double‐hump configuration on gonioscopy. Plateau iris syndrome (PIS) may lead to acute angle‐closure glaucoma due to an anterior displacement and rotation of the ciliary body. It has been proposed that ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is helpful in PIC/PIS diagnosis. Our work aims to describe UBM quantitative and qualitative findings in patients whose gonioscopy suggested a PIC/PIS.MethodsCross‐sectional study involving patients with a double hump gonioscopic finding. UBM was then performed by a blinded observer and evaluated for the presence of following ultrasonographic (US) criteria: 1) a thick and flat iris, 2) a sharp, square root angulation on its insertion, 3) an anterior rotation of the ciliary body, 4) irido‐ciliary sulcus narrowing, 5) iris‐trabecular apposition and 6) a relatively normal anterior chamber (AC) depth. Only high‐quality images were accepted.ResultsFrom Sep/14‐May/15, 35 patients (59 eyes) were recruited. Only 3 eyes presented the six US criteria, 23 eyes filled five of the criteria, 13 satisfied four criteria, 16 presented three criteria and 4 two criteria. The most commonly verified criteria (over 95% of them) were a thick and flat iris and a square root insertion. There was no association between any of these criteria and sex nor age (p > 0.10). Furthermore, the presence/absence of these criteria did not correlate with either anterior chamber depth, lens vault and lens length (p > 0.10).ConclusionsThe majority of patients presenting with clinical iris plateau syndrome do not fulfill the entire US criteria for this condition. However, the US‐based iris morphological parameters seem to be present in nearly all iris plateau patients.
A Complete Solid Solution with Rutile‐Type Structure in SiO2–GeO2 System at 12 GPa and 1600°C
Authors: Kulik Eleonora , Nishiyama Norimasa , Masuno Atsunobu , Zubavichus Yan , Murzin Vadim , Khramov Evgeny , Yamada Akihiro , Ohfuji Hiroaki , Wille Hans‐Christian , Irifune Tetsuo , Katsura Tomoo 
Published: September 2015

High pressure and temperature synthesis of compositions made of (Si1−x,Gex)O2 where x is equal to 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 was performed at 7–12 GPa and 1200–1600°C using a Kawai‐type high‐pressure apparatus. At 12 GPa and 1600°C, all the run products were composed of a single phase with a rutile structure. The lattice constants increase linearly with the germanium content (x), which indicates that the rutile‐type phases in the SiO2–GeO2 system form a complete series of solid solutions at these pressure and temperature conditions. Our experimental results show that thermodynamic equilibrium state was achieved in this system at 12 GPa and 1600°C, but not at 1200°C. At lower pressures (7 and 9 GPa) and 1600°C, we observed the decomposition of (Si0.5,Ge0.5)O2 into SiO2‐rich coesite and GeO2‐rich rutile phases. The silicon content in the rutile structure increases sharply with pressure in the vicinity of the coesite–stishovite phase transition pressure in SiO2.
Dietary carbohydrate intake, presence of obesity and the incident risk of type 2 diabetes in Japanese men
Authors: Sakurai Masaru , Nakamura Koshi , Miura Katsuyuki , Takamura Toshinari , Yoshita Katsushi , Nagasawa Shin‐ya , Morikawa Yuko , Ishizaki Masao , Kido Teruhiko , Naruse Yuchi , Nakashima Motoko , Nogawa Kazuhiro , Suwazono Yasushi , Sasaki Satoshi , Nakagawa Hideaki 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe present cohort study assessed the risk among Japanese men for developing type 2 diabetes, based on the percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates and degree of obesity.Participants and MethodsThe participants were 2,006 male factory employees, and the macronutrient intake of each patient was measured using a self‐administered diet history questionnaire. The incidence of diabetes was determined in annual blood examinations over a 10‐year period.ResultsDuring the study, 232 participants developed diabetes. The crude incidence rates (/1,000 person‐years) for different levels of carbohydrate intake as a percentage of calories consumed (<50.0, 50.0–57.4, 57.5–65.0, >65.0% of energy intake) were 16.5, 14.4, 12.7 and 17.6. Overall, carbohydrate intake was not associated with the risk of diabetes. However, there was significant interaction between carbohydrate intake and degree of obesity on the incidence of diabetes (P for interaction = 0.024). Higher carbohydrate intake was associated with elevated risk for diabetes among participants with a body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m2 (P for trend = 0.034). For obese participants, the multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratio for those with carbohydrate intakes >65% energy was 2.01 (95% confidence interval 1.08–3.71), which was significantly higher than that of participants with carbohydrate intakes 50.0–57.4% energy.ConclusionsHigher carbohydrate intake was associated with higher risk of diabetes in obese participants, but not in non‐obese participants. Obese participants with carbohydrate intakes >65% energy should reduce their intakes to levels within the desirable carbohydrate energy proportion for Japanese (50–65% energy) to prevent development of type 2 diabetes.
Skeletal muscle proteolysis is associated with sympathetic activation and TNF‐α‐ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway in liver cirrhotic rats
Authors: Lin Shih‐Yi , Wang Ya‐Yu , Chuang Yu‐Han , Chen Chun‐Jung 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground and AimThis study examined the effects of adrenergic blockade on muscle wasting and expression of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and its signaling pathways in skeletal muscles of cirrhotic rats.MethodsCirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation in adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats for 5 weeks. Oral administration of propranolol (75 mg/kg per day) and intraperitoneal administration of TNF‐α receptor antagonist (100 µg/kg per day) were delivered for the last 7 and 14 days experimental periods, respectively.ResultsBile duct ligation caused a reduction of myosin heavy chain protein and muscle wasting. The release of free tyrosine and 3‐methylhistidine, MAFbx and MuRF‐1 ubiquitin ligase expression, myosin heavy chain protein ubiquitination, and 20S proteasome activity were higher in skeletal muscles of cirrhotic rats than in sham controls. In addition, circulating norepinephrine, protein levels of muscle TNF‐α, TNF‐α receptor‐1, and TNF receptor‐associated factor‐2, phosphorylation of IKK‐α/β, IκB‐α, and p65, and NF‐κB activity were also increased. Administration of propranolol and TNF‐α receptor antagonist led to reduction of post‐receptor actions of TNF‐α and ubiquitin‐proteasome activity in cirrhotic rats.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a potential role of the sympathetic system, in association with pro‐inflammatory responses, in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting in liver cirrhosis.
Evolution of the mammalian middle ear: a historical review
Authors: Maier Wolfgang , Ruf Irina 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHere we present a brief, historical review of research into the mammalian middle ear structures. Most of their essential homologies were established by embryologists, notably including Reichert, during the 19th century. The evolutionary dimension was confirmed by finds of fossil synapsids, mainly from the Karroo of South Africa. In 1913, Ernst Gaupp was the first to present a synthesis of the available embryological and paleontological data, but a number of morphological details remained to be solved, such as the origin of the tympanic membrane. Gaupp favoured an independent origin of the eardrum in anurans, sauropsids, and mammals; we support most of his ideas. The present review emphasizes the problem of how the mammalian middle ear structures that developed at the angle of the lower jaw were transferred to the basicranium; the ontogenesis of extant marsupials provides important information on this question.
Effects of Three Types of Digital Camera Sensors on Dental Specialists’ Perception of Smile Esthetics: A Preliminary Double‐Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Sajjadi Seyed Hadi , Khosravanifard Behnam , Moazzami Fatemeh , Rakhshan Vahid , Esmaeilpour Mozhgan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPurposeThe effect of image quality or dental specialties on the subjective judgment of facial beauty has not been evaluated in any study. This study assessed the effect of digital sensors and specialties on the perception of smile beauty.Materials and MethodsIn the first phase of this double‐blind clinical trial, 40 female smile photographs (taken from dental students) were evaluated by a panel of three prosthodontists, six orthodontists, and three specialists in restorative dentistry to select the most beautiful smiles. In the second phase, the 20 students having the most appealing smiles were again photographed in standard conditions, but this time with three different digital sensors: full‐frame 21.1‐megapixel, half‐frame 18.0‐megapixel, and compact 10.4‐megapixel. The same panel judged smile beauty on a visual analog scale. The referees were blinded to the type of sensors, and the images were all coded. The data were analyzed using two‐way ANOVA, Kruskal‐Wallis, and Mann‐Whitney U tests (α = 0.05 and 0.0167).ResultsThe mean scores for full‐frame, half‐frame, and compact sensors were 6.70 ± 1.30, 4.56 ± 1.29, and 4.40 ± 1.39 [out of 10], respectively (Kruskal‐Wallis p < 0.0001). The differences between the full‐frame and the other sensors were statistically significant (Mann‐Whitney p < 0.01); however, the difference between the half‐frame and compact sensors was not statistically significant (p > 0.1). Sensors (ANOVA p < 0.00001) but not specialties (p = 0.687) affected the perception of beauty.ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, image quality affected the perception of smile beauty. The full‐frame sensor produced consistently better results and was recommended over half‐frame and compact sensors. Dentists of different specialties might have similar standards of smile beauty, although this needs further assessment.