bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In‐vitro anti angiogenic effects of cryo‐preserved amniotic membrane
Authors: Faraj L. , Stewart E. , Albert R. , Allen C. , Petrovski G. ,  Dua H. ,  Amoaku W. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeAmniotic membrane (AM) has long been used as a biological substrate in Ophthalmology. It has a valuable role in ocular surface burns, ulcers, and nonhealing epithelial defects. AM is non‐immunogenic and has anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic properties. AM is also supports epithelial cells proliferation and migration.These effects are mediated through a host of growth factors and cytokines. Despite its clinically accepted role in reducing corneal vascularisation when applied on the eye, there have been contradicting reports on its in‐vitro anti angiogenic effect. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of clinically prepared AM on angiogenesis and to identify the factors responsible for this role.MethodsThe effect of clinically prepared cryo‐preserved AM on human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVEC) proliferation was quantified using. The amniotic membrane effect on angiogenesis was quantified on matrigel. Responsible anti‐angiogenic factors were identified using searchlight protein analysis and immun‐blocking experiments.ResultsAM had a profound and significant direct effect on angiogenesis. A gradient effect was observed where HUVEC closer to the AM failed completely to migrate and form any tubules. HUVEC also failed to survive directly on the AM. proliferation was reduced significantly when exposed to AM conditioned medium. Analysis of the soluble factors released by the AM included high levels of anti‐angiogenic factors,Thrombospondin and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 and 2.ConclusionsThe AM in‐vitro has significant anti‐angiogenic properties. This effect is attributable to an array of soluble anti angiogenic factors. This can opens a new field of using AM conditioned solutions for ocular surface vascularisation if the physical presence of the AM over prolonged period of time is not desired.
Optic nerve Drüsens in black patients: a case series of 16 patients
Authors: Sustronck P. , Jean‐Charles A. , Benzekri R. , Merle H. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeOptic nerve Drüsens are rare among black patients. The goal of our study was to describe the characteristics of ophthalmological findings in this population.MethodsWe carried out a descriptive prospective study from June 2006 to October 2014 on 19 eyes of Afro‐Caribbean patients from Martinique with optic nerve Drüsens diagnosed by fundoscopy and B‐Scan ultrasonography. Patients underwent clinical exam, Optical coherence tomography (OCT), colour vision, and visual field. Three eyes were excluded from visual acuity and paraclinic analysis due to an anterior optic ischemic neuropathy (AOIN), a penetrating eye injury and an epimacular membrane.Results11 Afro‐Caribeean patients were included: four men and seven women with age ranking from 11 to 68 years with a mean age of 41. Nine of the 11 patients (69%) had bilateral optic nerve Drüsens. Only 2 patients (12%) were symptomatic including the AOIN. Mean ETDRS visual acuity was 56 at 4 meters (min 31, max 68, sd 7.0). Three of 16 eyes (19%) had an ETDRS vision loss. Four of 16 (25%) had a Pellirobson contrast vision loss due to cataracts. Four patients (25%) had a dyschromatopsy. The average OCT RNFL was 94 µm (min 57, max 150, sd 18.7). Mean foveal threshold was 34 db (min 22, max 39; sd 2.8). 11 of 16 eyes (69%) showed a visual field defect: Nine had an enlarged blind spot and nine had an arcuate scotoma. None of the patients had a pathology associated with optic nerve Drüsens such as pigmentary retinopathy or angioïd streaks.ConclusionsThis study is the largest case series carried out on optic nerve Drüsens in black patients. It shows that the majority of them is asymptomatic but campimetric defects are common. Some rare but severe complications can occur such as AION.
Repeatability of retinal nerve fiber layer reflectance intensity measurement in glaucoma
Authors: Gardiner S. , Demirel S. , Reynaud J. , Fortune B. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeDecreased reflectance within the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), observable using optical coherence tomography (OCT), appears to be related to functional loss in glaucoma. In order to investigate this in a quantitative manner, reliable measurements of reflectance intensity are needed. However, reflectance may not only be affected by pathophysiological changes in tissue properties but also confounded by other effects of ocular media and image quality. This study assesses the repeatability of intensity measurements, before and after normalization aimed to reduce test‐retest variability.MethodsData were taken from participants with glaucoma in a test‐retest study. Each had peripapillary circle scans acquired from both eyes 5 times within 10 weeks. For each scan, the following were extracted: average RNFL thickness; RNFL intensity, defined as the mean reflectance intensity of pixels within the delineated RNFL; sub‐RNFL intensity, defined as the mean intensity of pixels between the outer boundary of the RNFL and Bruch's Membrane; and intensity ratio, defined as RNFL intensity divided by sub‐RNFL intensity. For each parameter, deviations from the per‐eye mean were calculated. The intra‐eye standard deviations (SD) were expressed as percentage of the width of the range of observed measurements.ResultsThe intra‐eye SD of RNFL intensity was 12.5% of the range. Normalization reduced the intra‐eye SD of intensity ratio to 4.9% of the range, representing a significant reduction in absolute deviations with p < 0.0001 (Wilcoxon signed rank test). RNFL thickness was more repeatable, with intra‐eye SD 0.8% of its range.ConclusionsRNFL reflectance intensity varies substantially between scans. However, dividing by the intensity of sub‐RNFL tissue greatly reduces this variability. Such normalization allows useful measurements to be obtained.
Posterior corneal anatomy in a newborn baby
Authors: Faraj L. , Yeung A. , Said D. , Branch M. , El Alfy M. , Dua H. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeIn view of the recent developments in our understanding of posterior corneal anatomy and the description of a unique layer and zone in adults, we investigated two corneas from a three‐week‐old baby.Methodsboth corneas were subjected to intra stromal air injection using a 30G needle. The type of big bubble formed was identified. The wall of the big bubble and the posterior stromal interface with Descemet membrane was studied using light microscopy, electron microscopy and immune‐histological studies.ResultsIntra stromal injection of air resulted in the formation of characteristic type 1 big bubble in one cornea and another characteristic type II big bubble in another. The wall of the type I big bubble bubble was made of endothelial cells, Descemet's membrane and a thin collagen layer anteriorly (previously described as Dua's layer [DL]).DL was made of 7‐8 collagen lamellae of compactly opposed collagen. This was made of predominantly type I collagen with abundance of collagen VI. Thrombospondin was characteristically seen along the posterior surface of DL extending to the trabecular meshwork. The interface between DL and DM was not distinct but presented a transition zone. The wall type II big bubble was made of Descemet membrane only, which was extremely thin.ConclusionsWe demonstrated here that the human infant cornea behaves similarly to adult cornea when subjected to air injection (dissection). We also demonstrated the presence of DL in a 3 week old baby and presented its histological characteristics.
Glaucomatocyclitic crisis, a rare cause of unilateral ocular hypertension
Authors: Ozcan A.A. , Sariyeva A. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo report a case of glaucomatocyclitic crisis which is a rare cause of ocular hypertension.MethodsA 40 ‐year‐ old immunocompetent male patient admited, with the complaints of blurry vision, photophobia,red eye, and severe pain in the left eye for the last 2 days.Examination revealed mild anterior chamber reaction, corneal oedema, appearance of keratic precipitates and a very high intraocular pressure (52 mmHg) with an unresponsive, semi‐dilated pupil in the same eye. Gonioscopy revealed open angles in both eyes.ResultsHe was treated with topical steroids and topical pressure‐lowering agents with oral acetazolamide. The patient was also evaluated for systemic causes of red eye. Investigations carried out included routine blood tests and ESR, the results of which were all within normal limits. In the following 24 month period, the patient had two further episodes of unilateral IOP spikes associated with cyclitis.ConclusionsThis is an interesting and a rare uveitic condition. Although the list of differential diagnoses is long, the condition is relatively quickly identifiable by the presence of remarkable signs and symptoms. Medical and surgical treatments are indicated to reduce inflammation and to prevent long‐term glaucomatous optic nerve damage related to the high intraocular pressure.
Influence of intraocular pressure in anterior lamina cribrosa depth – a prospective observational study in a healthy Portuguese population
Authors: Cordeiro Sousa D. , Leal I. , Pinto Ferreira N. , Pinto J. , Abegao Pinto L. , Pinto F. , Marques‐Neves C. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo investigate the association between anterior lamina cribrosa depth (ALCD) determined with enhanced depth imaging spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (EDI‐OCT) and IOP in a healthy Portuguese population.MethodsProspective observational study conducted between January and April 2015 of 44 subjects with a irrelevant ophthalmologic history. EDI‐OCT of optic nerve head (ONH) was performed in all participants (2 cross scans: vertical and horizontal). ALCD was defined as the perpendicular distance between the line connecting both edges of Bruch's membrane and the anterior border of the lamina cribrosa, at the maximum depth point. An experienced operator manually segmented ALCD and a mean of the two consecutive blinded measurements was computed. To guarantee observations’ independence, only one eye was considered per subject. Only high‐quality images were accepted. The tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki were followed. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 13.0.ResultsStudied population included 44 subjects (26 women), with a mean age of 62.9 ± 14.3 years. Mean vertical and horizontal maximum ALCD was 453.3 ± 88 μm and 436.1 ± 78.7 μm, respectively. Neither gender nor age were associated with these ALCD scans (p > 0.05). When controlling for gender, age and spherical equivalent, maximum vertical and horizontal ALCD increased, respectively, by 8.8 μm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6–17.0 μm; p = 0.04) and 8.1 μm (95% CI, 0.4–15.7 μm; p = 0.04) per mmHg increase in IOP.ConclusionsOur sample of healthy subjects presented a statistically significant positive linear relation between IOP and ALCD, when controlling for possible confounding factors. Our results may trigger furthers studies to better elucidate the role of IOP in morphological and functional dynamics of the ONH.
Long‐Term Safety of Intravitreal Sirolimus for the Treatment of Non‐infectious Uveitis (NIU) of the Posterior Segment: 12‐Month SAKURA Study 1 Results
Authors: Bodaghi B. , Pavesio C. , Alfredo A.C. , Valentine M.E. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeIntravitreal sirolimus significantly reduced inflammation in subjects with NIU of the posterior segment and provided clinically relevant visual benefit, with an acceptable incidence of ocular adverse events (AEs), in the double‐masked period of SAKURA Study 1, the first of 2 phase 3 randomized trials. Here, we report the long‐term (12 month) safety findings from the combined double‐masked and open‐label treatment periods.MethodsSubjects with active NIU of the posterior segment (N = 347) were randomized to 44 μg (active control), 440 μg, or 880 μg injections of intravitreal sirolimus, administered every 2 months. At M6, all subjects transitioned to 880 µg injections every 2 months.Results287 subjects entered the open‐label treatment period and completed the M12 Vitreous Haze assessment. Of these, 211 received ≥1 intravitreal sirolimus injections. Through M12, the most common serious ocular AEs (study eye) occurring in ≥2% of subjects were ocular inflammation (2.9–5.8%), cataract (3.8%), and medication residue (transient drug depot in the visual axis; 2.3%). The mean change in intraocular pressure was <2 mm Hg. The incidence of confirmed endophthalmitis was 0.06%/injection.ConclusionsThere was a low incidence of serious ocular AEs over 12 months with intravitreal sirolimus in this heterogeneous group of subjects with NIU of the posterior segment.
Fundus photography as a screening method of diabetic retinopathy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes Outcome of the first fundus photography at the age of 9–17 years
Authors: Gräsbeck T. , Gräsbeck S. , Miettinen P.J. , Summanen P.A. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo study the success of fundus photography in screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in children <18 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in producing gradable images.MethodsPhotographic success of black‐and‐white macula and optic disc‐centered fundus images of both eyes of each patient was graded by one observer (TG) using a slightly modified classification of ARIC. All images were taken with a digital 60° Canon CF‐60UD camera. Photography as a whole was graded as ‘complete success’ if the images of both eyes were at minimum of fairly good quality (i.e. gradable), and ‘partial success’ if the images of only one eye reached this level.ResultsOf the 213 patients photographed for the first time in 2009–2013 at the Department of Pediatrics, 121 (57%) were males. The median age of diagnosis was 8 (range, 1–16) years and at the first photography 11 (9–17) years. At the first photography, the median duration of T1D was 2.3 (range, 0.2–9.6) years and the median HbA1c was 8.5% (range, 6.3–13.8).At least partial success was reached in 153 (72%; 95%CI, 65–78) patients and complete success in 97 (46%; 95%CI, 39–52) patients. Complete success was equally common among those aged 9–10, 11–12, and 13–17 years (45%, 46% and 47%). The macula‐centered images of 177 (83%; 95%CI, 77–88) patients, and the optic‐disc centered images of 103 (48%; 95%CI, 41–55) patients were gradable in both eyes. Age at the first photography was not associated with success (p = 0.20).ConclusionsLess than half of the first fundus images achieved complete success, but over 70% achieved at least partial success when photography was performed at the age of 9–17 years. No significant associations were identified. Photography is a reliable method for screening of DR also in pediatric setting.
Two‐year, Prospective, Multicenter Study of the Use of Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion in France
Authors: Gualino V. , Korobelnik J.F. , Kodjikian L. , Delcourt C. , Leaback R. , Pinchinat S. , Velard M.E. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo characterize patterns of use, efficacy, and safety of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX) in treatment of macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in the French clinical setting.MethodsA 24‐month, observational, prospective, epidemiological study conducted at 48 randomly selected sites in France enrolled consecutive patients with ME due to RVO who were treated with DEX at baseline. DEX re‐treatment and use of other RVO treatments was at the physician's discretion. The primary endpoint was change in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to month 6. Secondary endpoints included BCVA change from baseline and adverse events through month 24.ResultsPatients (n = 375) received a mean of 2.6 DEX injections (range, 1–7) over 2 years; 167 received DEX only and 208 also received other types of RVO treatment. Mean (SD) change from baseline BCVA was +5.1 (19.0) ETDRS letters at month 6 (P < 0.001) and +4.6 (22.3) letters at month 24 (P < 0.001). For patients treated only with DEX during the study, mean (SD) change from baseline BCVA was +8.1 (20.9) letters (P < 0.001) at 24 months, compared with +2.5 (23.0) letters (P = 0.092) for patients moved to other treatments. BCVA improved significantly from baseline at 6 and 24 months in subgroups defined by diagnosis (branch RVO, central RVO), previous treatment, duration of ME, and pattern of DEX use. The most common adverse events were ocular hypertension and cataract.ConclusionsPatients with RVO‐related ME treated with DEX in the French clinical setting had efficacy and safety outcomes similar to those seen in the phase 3 registration trials. BCVA gains were maintained over 2 years and largest in patients with recent onset (<3 months) ME, confirming the benefit of early treatment.
Stereotactic radiation therapy of diffuse choroidal hemangioma in Sturge‐Weber syndrome
Authors: Schalenbourg A. , Zografos L. , Pica A. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the outcomes following stereotactic radiation therapy of diffuse choroidal hemangioma related to Sturge‐Weber syndrome (STW) and associated with secondary retinal detachment (RD)MethodsRetrospective case series of STW patients with diffuse choroidal hemangioma associated with RD, that were treated with stereotactic radiation therapy. The technique consisted of applying 19.8–25.2 Gray in 10–14 fractions, at the posterior poleResultsBetween June 2001 and August 2013, 13 patients (M/F ratio: 6/7) with a median age of 8.5 years (range: 3.0–32.0 years) were irradiated. Before, five of them had been unsuccessfully treated with PDT, silicone oil or propranolol in an attempt to reattach the RD. Median visual acuity at baseline was reduced to HM (range: NPL‐0.7) with a median tumor thickness of 4.4 mm (range: 3.1–7.2). During radiation treatment, one patient complained of minor, transient conjunctival irritation. Mean follow‐up (FU) was 39 months (range: 0–141 months). Complete retinal reattachment was observed in 9 cases, partial retinal reattachment in 1 case (FU 3 months) and no response in 1 case (RD duration of 3 years).Two patients were lost to follow‐up. Four patients received panretinal photocoagulation for retinal ischemia. At the last control examination, median visual acuity was 0.04 (range: NPL‐0.8), mainly related to pre‐existing amblyopia, secondary retinal changes or glaucoma‐associated optic atrophy. Median tumor thickness was 2.0 mm (range: 1.3–2.5)ConclusionsStereotactic radiation therapy with 20–25 Gray is an efficient treatment for reapplying secondary RD in STW patients with diffuse choroidal hemangioma. No major complications were noted. However, visual outcomes remained poor, because of the complex ocular problems these young patients present, with often a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
Risk of glaucoma and treatment with systemic antihypertensive treatment – A nationwide study
Authors: Horwitz A. , Jeppesen J. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Kolko M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe aim of the study was to investigate the co‐morbidity of antihypertensive treatment and glaucoma in the Danish population throughout 16 years.MethodsThe study population comprised of all individuals living in Denmark in the period 1996–2012. The National Prescription Registry was used to identify all claimed prescriptions for glaucoma medication and antihypertensive drugs. Duration analysis models were employed to investigate the associations between antihypertensive treatments and the risk of development of glaucoma. A total of 26,596 observations were used in the estimated risk of developing glaucoma when treated with Calcium channel blockers (CCB), Angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), Beta blockers (BB) or Diuretics (DR).ResultsAn average age at onset for hypertension was 60.3 years (range: 0–109 years; 55.6% female). A total of 3.2% of all patients treated with antihypertensive drugs were diagnosed with glaucoma. The study found that antihypertensive treatment are associated with the risk of developing glaucoma. The risk of glaucoma increased significantly with age and was most strongly associated with ACEI, ARB, and CCB treatment.ConclusionsAntihypertensive drugs are strongly associated with glaucoma.
Retinitis pigmentosa: a new feature in hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: Meunier A. , Vilain C. , Abramowicz M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeHypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is usually transmitted as an X‐linked recessive trait. This is a really rare condition with a prevalence of 1 for 100 000 births. Patients present a classical triad of hypotrichosis, anhydrosis or hypohydrosis and dental abnormalities. We report a 16 year old boy presenting a mild phenotype of HED and a hemeralopia due to a retinitis pigmentosa, without dysmorphia, intellectual deficiency or other associated feature. The parents were not consanguineous and the family history was unremarkable.MethodsA full field ERG according the ISCEV protocol, a goldmann visual field, color and autofluorescent fundu's photographies were recorded.ResultsThe scotopic responses were diminished bilaterally confirming the existence of a retinitis pigmentosaConclusionsWe report a patient with the association of HED and retinitis pigmentosa, a previously unreported association that might represent a novel genetic syndrome.
Visual field screening by opticians with Damato Multifixation Campimetry Online (DMCO)
Authors: Olsen A.S. , Damato B. , la Cour M. , Kolko M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo study DMCO, a free of charge Internet‐based visual field test, used as a screening device in optician shops in Denmark.MethodsStandard equipment was a computer, a wireless mouse and a 22” computer monitor. Optician shops in the region of Copenhagen were invited to participate. We used DMCO STANDARD 1 + 2, the best performing algorithm from our previous work, to screen. The algorithm demanded one or two successive DMCO tests with a cut‐off at 4 or 5 missed points on a DMCO test. This algorithm has performed with sensitivity of 64.2% and specificity of 98.1, respectively (AUC = 0.9).ResultsDuring 2014–2015 the DMCO STANDARD 1 + 2 algorithm has been evaluated in 12 optician shops. DMCO have been tested by 587 individuals of whom 31 demanded a full ophthalmology examination. The examinations revealed 7 glaucoma cases, 17 cases with different eye‐brain‐diseases, and 7 false positives. To date 46 individuals with a normal DMCO test have been examined: 44 healthy and 2 false negative cases. Preliminary results indicate DMCO to perform with sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 98.7%, respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that DMCO was able to find various visual field defects when used by opticians. The chosen algorithm maintained high specificity but a decline in sensitivity was noticed. There is scope for future improvements of DMCO and more studies are needed to confirm the findings.