bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Techniques for studying mechanisms of autophagy in RPE cells
Authors: KAARNIRANTA K 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAutophagy is basic catabolic mechanism which ”self eats” cellular components that are unnecessary or dysfunctional to the cell. Autophagy comprises three intracellular pathways in eukaryotic cells, which are macroautophagy, microautophagy and chaperone‐mediated autophagy. These forms of autophagy are mechanistically different from each other, but finally they all lead to lysosomal degradation of intracellular material. Autophagy is triggered as an adaptive response during AMD‐associated stress conditions such as hypoxia, oxidative stress, the unfolded protein response or inflammation. Macroautophagy process begins with the formation of isolation membranes called phagophores at the phagophore assembly site. The phagophores then become elongated and surround a portion of the cytosol to form mature double membrane autophagosomes that can engulf portions of cytoplasm containing oligomeric protein complexes and organelles. The autophagosomes fuse with the lysosomes and their content is then degraded by lysosomal enzymes. Failure of autophagy in aged cells may accelerates degenerative processes. Recent methods to study autophagy are discussed with details in the course.
Discussion of clinical cases in real‐life practice
Authors: MAUGET‐FAYSSE M 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn real‐life practice, in the light of the new concepts presented in this Special Interest Symposium, the management of retinal vein occlusion cases will involve: ‐ The classification of venous occlusion, ‐ The neovascular risk, ‐ The presence of macroaneurysms ‐ The general prognosis and treatment. Clinical cases concerning different types of venous occlusion will be presented to identify the cardinal signs for classification and treatment. In particular, we will present a case of central vein occlusion with peri venular whitening, a case with increased neovascular risk, a case with the cardinal signs for classification etc… At the end of the presentation, the audience will be able to recognize these cardinal features and the elements of the new classification.
What research tells us about the impact of glaucoma on the patient
Authors: RAMULU P 
Published: November 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the impact of glaucoma on the person is critical for treatment and public policy decisions. The functional domains impacted by glaucoma include mobility, driving, reading, and search‐related tasks. A major impact of glaucoma is falls, and a one in three glaucoma patients experiences an injury resulting from a fall in a given year, likely as a result of balance impairment. The result is significantly more fear of falling than normally‐sighted individuals, leading to significant restriction of physical activity, walking, and travel outside the home. Individuals with glaucoma are also more likely to stop or restrict their driving resulting in decreased independence, while those who continue to drive have higher rates of motor vehicle accidents. Glaucoma is associated with slower reading speeds, particularly when reading out loud, reading over longer durations, or reading low contrast materials. Finally, glaucoma affects a broad array of other abilities important in daily life including searching for objects, reaching and grasping objects, and recognizing individuals or objects. These impairments decrease quality of life for the individual and confer additional health risks, i.e. from fall or accident‐related injury.
The art of healthcare: the importance and impact of effective Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)
Authors: PORTEOUS C 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPatient and Public Involvement (PPI) is a central component to health and social care research carried out in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. It has a long history, from its roots in social activism and in patient movements through to clinical and political policy changes. However, PPI is yet to emerge as an important consideration in research and development within ophthalmology. The presentation will explore the some of the basics of patient and public involvement, including what it is, who it encompasses, and why PPI has an important role in research. The presentation will review the outcomes of the recent ‘Glaucoma Day’ held in London as an illustration of the importance of involving the public in research. Finally, the challenges and impact of PPI on eye research will be discussed
What glaucoma means to me: The patient's perspective
Authors: KOTECHA A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe patient’s perspective is becoming increasingly important within ophthalmology, with a wide variety of instruments available to ‘measure’ the patient’s response and attitudes to their disease status, and the impact of new treatments on their well‐being. The results of these are often used to facilitate change in how conditions are managed. However, they don’t always fully capture the patient experience. This talk will consist of a series of short interviews with patients suffering with glaucoma to give a snapshot of what really matters to them, how they manage in every day life with their condition, what they think of their hospital visits and how they perceive the role of their caring clinician in the management of their disease.
Influence of growth factors on keratocyte phenotype in serum free media
Authors: LYNCH A , O’SULLIVAN F , AHEARNE M 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose Most studies examining the influence of growth factor on keratocytes in vitro have used serum supplemented media which promotes fibroblastic differentiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of growth factors on the regulation of the keratocyte phenotype and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in vitro using a serum free media that has been shown to promote a keratocyte phenotype.Methods Human keratocytes were cultured in keratocyte media (KM) consisting of Advanced DMEM, supplemented with GlutaMax, FGF‐2 and L‐ascorbic‐2‐phosphate. Cells were cultures for 14 days and supplemented with IGF‐1, TGFβ‐1 or TGFβ‐3. DNA, sGAG and collagen synthesis were determined via biochemical assay. Expression of corneal, fibrotic and ECM related genes were examined by real‐time PCR. ECM production was also examined by histological and immunofluorescent staining.Results TGFβ‐3 stimulated the highest level of proliferation and sGAG synthesis. In contrast, IGF‐1 and TGFβ‐1 showed significantly lower levels of DNA synthesis and sGAG production, comparable to KM alone. KM and TGFβ‐3 showed the highest level of expression for keratocan. ECM and collagen production was evident for both the KM and TGFβ‐3 group. The expression of αSMA was greatest for TGFβ‐3, while KDM demonstrated the highest expression levels for both collagen type I and III.Conclusion These results demonstrate the influence different growth factors have on the phenotypic behaviour of keratocytes in serum free media. Further study in 3D culture will provide a useful model to further understand the effect growth factors have on keratocyte behaviour.
Communicating your research and presenting your data
Authors: DAMATO B 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis presentation will focus on oral communications and scientific papers. An oral presentation must catch and hold the audience's attention, communicating the message unambiguously, succinctly, and memorably. Scientific papers must include all relevant methods and results, which must not only be honest but also convincing. The introduction must be sufficiently informative to educate the inexpert reader. The discussion must answer the most likely questions to be asked by the readership. Oral and written communications are most likely to succeed if they conform to conventional style. This talk will include tips and tricks for preparing effective oral presentations and scientific papers, with special attention being given to the presentation of data in the text, tables and figures. Useful sources of information will also be identified. It is tragic when important research is wasted because of poor communication. By adhering to simple rules, scientists can indeed bring their research projects to a successful conclusion, which is to disseminate new knowledge widely and effectively, by delivering inspirational presentations at influential conferences and publishing much‐cited articles in high‐impact journals.
Mid‐term efficacy and safety of adalimumab in refractory pediatric uveitis : A retrospective monocentric study
Authors: PENAUD B 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose Evaluate the mid‐term efficacy and safety of adalimumab in the pediatric population with severe uveitis.Methods We retrospectively analysed 18 children with severe uveitis, who were treated with adalimumab (20 or 40 mg every two weeks) when the previous immunosuppressive therapy has been ineffective. It consisted of systemic corticosteroids (n=18), methotrexate (n=18), azathioprine (n=8), infliximab (n=6), etanercept (n=6), interferon‐alpla (n=1). Primary outcome was to assess laser flare photometry values after adalimumab therapy compared with baseline. Clinical features (SUN criteria, macular edema and papillitis), oral prednisone threshold, visual acuity, side effects and complications of treatment were also considered.Results Median age was 13.1 years (range 6‐20.8),sex ratio (F/M) was 3. Median duration before adalimumab therapy was 82.6 months (range 16‐262). The mean follow‐up was 35.5 months (range 23‐63) and the final median laser flare photometry value was significantly reduced from 149.5 ph/ms (range 24‐335) to 81.3 ph/ms (range 4‐224) p<0.005. Median oral prednisone decreased from 10.3 mg/day (range 0‐30) to 1.7 mg/day (range 0‐15) p<0.05. Uveitis was controlled in 10 cases (55.5%). Relapses occurred in 2 cases (11%), adalimumab was ineffective in 3 cases (17%) and was stopped in one patient who had excellent control of inflammation. Three children (17%) discontinued treatment due to severe side effects.Conclusion Adalimumab appears to be an effective and well tolerated treatment for refractory pediatric uveitis, with prolonged control of inflammation over several years, even after failure of other anti‐TNF alpha agents. A prospective randomized double blind study is ongoing.
Tocilizumab for uveitic macular edema
Authors: MESQUIDA M , LLORENÇ V , ADAN A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose To report the outcomes of tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment for uveitic cystoid macular edema (UCME) refractory to immunomodulatory therapy.Methods Five refractory patients with UCME who received TCZ between January and August 2012 were identified by retrospective chart review. All patients received 8 mg/kg TCZ at 4 week intervals. Data regarding patient demographics, use of immunosuppressive (IS) drugs, biologic agents or intravitreal therapies prior to TCZ infusions were gathered. Main outcome measures: Central foveal thickness (CFT) measured by optical coherence tomography, degree of anterior and posterior chamber inflammation (Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature Working Group criteria), and visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [log‐MAR]) were recorded at month 1, 3, and 6.Results Eight eyes from 5 patients (all females) were included. Mean age was 49.4 years (range, 30‐68). Mean follow‐up was 8.4 months (range, 6‐12). Before TCZ, all patients received and failed conventional IS therapy and had received at least 1 another biologic agent. Uveitis diagnoses were: Birdshot chorioretinopathy (n=3), juvenile idiopathic arthritis‐associated uveitis (n=1), and idiopathic panuveitis (n=1). Mean baseline CFT (95% confidence interval) was 602 ± 236 μm in baseline, 386 ± 113 μm at month 1 (p= 0.006), 323 ± 103 μm at month 3 (p= 0.026) and 294.5 ± 94.5 μm at month 6 (p= 0.014). Median log‐MAR best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.66 ± 0.57 in baseline to 0.47 ± 0.62 at month 6 (p = 0.035). After 6 months, an improvement of ≥ 2 lines of BCVA was observed in 50% of eyes (p= 0.028). Sustained uveitis remission was achieved in all patients. No AE were reported.Conclusion These data suggest that TCZ is effective for treating UCME in otherwise refractory cases.
Evaluation of cone photoreceptor density using adaptive optics retinal imaging in patients under treatment with hydroxychloroquine
Authors: DEBELLEMANIèRE G , TEA S , TUMAHAI P , MEILLAT M , FLORES M , BIDAUT GARNIER M , SCHWARTZ C , MONTARD M , DELBOSC B , SALEH M 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurpose Hydroxychloroquine is a common treatment of many inflammatory diseases and is sometimes responsible of irreversible macular toxicity. Early screening is essential. Our study aimed to evaluate feasibility of adaptive optics imaging in this population and to measure parafoveal cone density.Methods Patients under treatment or consulting for a pre‐treatment checkup where included. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed, as well as a high‐definition fundus photography using adaptive optics retinal camera rtx‐1™ (Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France). Cumulative dose of hydroxychloroquine was calculated. Parafoveal cone density, cellular spacing, and percentage of hexagonal cells calculated using Voronoi diagrams were calculated using AODetect v0.1 software (Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France).Results Sixty eyes of 30 patients (27 females, 3 males) were imaged. There was a significative correlation between maximal parafoveal cone density and cumulative dose of hydroxychloroquine. (R² = 0,20, p = 0,029). This relation was also found with cellular spacing (R² : 0,2, p = 0,03) and hexagonal cells percentage estimated on Voronoi diagram (R² : 0,19, p = 0,03). By contrast, no statistically significative difference was found by comparing the group “cumulative dose < 1000g” with the group “cumulative dose > 1000g (Mann‐Whitney test,p = 0,14).Conclusion Parafoveal cone density mesure using adaptive optics retinal camera is achievable in this population. Our study seems to highlight a relation between cumulative dose and parafoveal cone density. Age and axial length are possible confusion factors that could not be studied in this study.
Anatomy of afferent visual pathway
Authors: KAWASAKI A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe afferent visual pathway encodes and transmits all aspects of image perception from retina to occipital lobe. A critical feature of this pathway is the topographic organization of the fibers that make up the afferent visual pathway. Knowledge of the anatomy and topography of the afferent visual pathway will aid recognition and localization of specific patterns of visual field defects.
Principles of automated perimetry
Authors: SZATMARY G 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPrinciples of Automated Perimetry: Types and Uses Background: Visual field testing is sensitive and has localizing value, therefore is an essentially part of the clinical evaluation of every patient with complaint related to the afferent visual system. Objective: To review the most informative available kinetic and static visual field methods. Indication, basic principles, advantages and disadvantages of the various methods will be discussed. Methods: Retrospective review of the literature on perimetry methods presented along with representative cases. Results: Apart from availability, indication that is based on clinical suspicion, should determine the applied perimetry method in a particular patient's evaluation. Sensitivity of visual field testing supersede most other available diagnostic methods even magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion: Familiarity with broad range of perimetry methods is essential in the initial clinical assessment and follow up care of patients with afferent visual system complaints.
Fluid from the retinal origin
Authors: WOLF‐SCHNURRBUSCH U 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMacular edema is a nonspecific but very common final pathway for many ocular diseases and not a specific entity. Related ocular disorders include diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusions, post surgical situations and inherited disorders. The retinal fluid accumulation could be intracellular or an extracellular. Extra cellular fluid accumulation, which is more frequent and more clinically evident, is directly associated with an alteration of the blood‐retinal barrier (BRB). Intracellular fluid accumulation leads to a cellular damage because of cytotoxic alterations of the cellular ionic distribution. These mechanisms may be complicated by the release of various cytokines, significant inflammation and/or ischemic processes. The influence fluid from the retinal origin should be illustrated with various diseases. Examples for typical findings of diagnostic tools like fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were given for each entity and described. We will discuss the different mechanisms of occurrence, the various clinical forms of fluid accumulation and the mechanisms of action.
Anti VEGF: When, which effect?
Authors: LOEWENSTEIN A , FLEISSIG E 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFluid accumulation in the retina is a multi‐factorial process that involves the breakdown of the blood‐retina barrier in retinal capillaries or the retinal pigment epithelium. Hydrostatic pressure gradient and the colloid osmotic pressure gradient lead to diffusion of fluid across capillary walls. Damage to tight junctions enhances the rate of capillary filtration, which exceeds the rate of fluid removal from the retina. Fluid accumulates in the outer plexiform layer and pools into cystic space. Accumulated fluid is visible on optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiogram, but unlike clinical edema, its finding on imaging studies does not always correlate with changes in visual acuity. For that reason, periodical follow‐up is required. Decision to initiate treatment or re‐treatment to prevent progression to edema with subsequent deterioration of visual acuity may be difficult. Intravitreal injections with anti‐VEGF agents have become the first‐line treatment for macular edema. Combination therapy with corticosteroids may be successful in chronic edema that has been found to be somewhat resistant to treatment. Early treatment for macular edema was shown to be beneficial for optimal visual outcomes.
Commercial interest
Steroids: How does it work?
Authors: BEHAR‐COHEN F 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGlucocorticosteroids (CGs) are widely used to reduce macular edema of any origin. GCs induce a quick (within hours) reduction in macular thickness, not well correlated to vascular leakage. Kinetic of action suggests that GCs are involved in fluid elimination from the retina but their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. GCs act through activation of gluco and mineralocorticoid receptors that are co‐expressed in retinal cells such as retinal glial Muller cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells, both involved in hydro‐ionic balance in the retina. Through binding to either gluco and/ or mineralocorticoid receptors, CGs exert a direct regulation of ions and water movement through expression and distribution regulation of Kir 4.1, ENac and AQP4 channels in retinal glial Muller cells. Depending on their differential affinity for gluco or mineralocorticoid receptors and depending on the dose, different GCs act differently on hydro ionic regulation. These findings open new insight in the mechanisms of action of GCs on retinal edema and suggest that a more rationale use of GCs could help optimize the ratio efficacy/side‐effects of GCs.
RGC degenerations. A neural substrate for reversing glaucomatous damage?
Authors: MORGAN J 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe demonstration of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dendritic remodelling and pruning in glaucoma raises the possibility that this could provide a neural substrate for the recovery of retinal ganglion cells. The associated reduction in the size of the retinal ganglion cell receptive field can arise as a result of the loss of dendrites but also due to the loss of synaptic connections. Since RGCs appear to maintain their central neural connections during the early stages of this degenerative process, the creation of conditions for the regrowth of RGC could allow the establishment of novel connections within the inner plexiform layer and the recovery of visual sensitivity. There is compelling evidence that the perineuronal environment within the retinal ganglion cell layer requires disruption as a first step to the promotion of dendritic plasticity and regrowth in the mature retina. I will discuss how that might be achieved using the rat glaucoma model as an example. In particular, I will address technical challenges that must overcome if we are to provide convincing data that RGCs have recovered in experimental glaucoma.
Genetics of the stromal corneal dystrophies
Authors: NOWINSKA A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGenes connected to the occurrence of the stromal corneal dystrophies include: TGFBI (Transforming growth factor, beta‐induced), CHST6 (Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 6), UBIAD1 (UbiA prenyltransferase domain containing 1), DCN (Decorin) and PIP5K3 (Phosphatidylinositol 5‐Kinase type III). The description of each stromal corneal dystrophy genotype and phenotype will be presented based on the known literature as well as on the examples of eyes of the patients originating from polish population.
Long term result of transcleral FNAB for genetic analysis of uveal melanoma
Authors: MIDENA E 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAim: The aim of this study is to evaluate long‐term safety and efficacy of in‐vivo transcleral Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) for cytogenetic testing of posterior uveal melanoma (UM). Methods: One hundred thirty‐nine consecutive patients affected by UM underwent in‐vivo 25‐G transcleral FNAB just before brachitherapy. Sampled material underwent both FISH (chromosome 3 and 6) and MLPA analysis using standard procedures. Follow‐up was longer than 36 months. Results: The use of 25‐G transcleral FNAB appears a long‐term safe and effective procedure for in‐vivo cytogenetic testing of posterior uveal melanoma. Combined analysis of both arms of uveal melanoma bifurcated pathway (‐3 and +6p) increase predictive value of FISH technique. MLPA allows obtaining more information than standard FISH in UM prognostication (partial chromosomes deletion). Conclusions: The biological and prognostic value of partial chromosome 3 deletion, as well as others subtle chromosomes alterations or complex MLPA results, remains unclear.
Incisional trans‐scleral biopsy of choroidal melanoma
Authors: DAMATO B 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBACKGROUND: In our experience, trans‐scleral fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) does not provide sufficient tissue for all the required histological and genetic investigations, especially with thin tumours. TECHNIQUE: The author has developed a simple technique for performing incisional choroidal tumour biopsy, immediately before ruthenium plaque insertion. Briefly, the tumour is localized by transillumination and its margins are marked on the sclera with a pen. A plastic plaque template is temporarily sutured to the sclera with releasable bows and its position checked by trans‐scleral transillumination and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. After removing the template, a rectangular, lamellar scleral flap is made, which is hinged posteriorly. A small incision is made in the deep sclera and several tumour samples are obtained with Essen forceps. The flap is closed with tissue glue, without suturing. The ruthenium plaque is then sutured to the sclera, using the pre‐placed sutures. DISCUSSION: Tumor samples yielded using this method are larger than obtained with FNAB. The glue prevents tumour seeding into orbit and the lamellar flap protects the delicate ruthenium plaque surface from damage by the hardened glue.