bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pigmented lesions
Authors: DESJARDINS L 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The aim of the course is to describe symptoms , clinical findings and main diagnostic procedures for pigmented fundus lesions Methods Asymptomatic lesions include choroidal naevi , melanocytomas and congenital hypertrophy of the pigment epithelium . Symptomatic lesions include combined hamartomas of the retina and pigment epithelium, suspicious choroidal naevi , choroidal melanomas and subretinal hematomas Results For each of the lesions fundus aspects will be described as well as the results of ultrasonography , fluorescein angiograms , OCT and MRI With the symptoms, clinical findings and results of ancillary tests diagnosis and differential diagnosis will be discussed
Corneal bacterial infections
Authors: CREUZOT C , BRON AM , BOURCIER T 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To present the main causes of corneal bacterial infections and suggest an appropriate management. Methods Bacterial keratitis is the most common cause of infected corneal ulceration. The epidemiology of corneal bacterial diseases and their risk factors will be studied. The initial presentation is important to determine the potential stain responsible for the infection and to assess the overall severity of the disease. Local and general criteria evaluations are needed to adapt the treatment. Results Specific signs to identify bacteria remain rare but some signs can help to determine the first line treatment. However laboratory methods remain the only way to diagnose a corneal bacterial disease with certainty. However the aspect of the infiltrate, the intraocular involvement and the condition of the patient may influence the outcome. The treatment is based on an initial broad‐spectrum antibacterial therapy with secondary adaptation to the identified bacteria. Conclusion Multiple microorganisms are involved in corneal infections. Local and systemic risk factors have to be identified to treat these diseases in emergency still considered as a leading cause of visual loss.
Epidemiology of viral infections
Authors: LABETOULLE M 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe three main causes of viral keratitis are Herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) and adenovirus (ADV). Corneal HSV infection is a frequent cause of severely impaired visual acuity. Despite the effectiveness of currently available antiviral drugs, the incidence of herpetic corneal events does not tend to decrease in the general population, as recently showed in a nationwide epidemiological study performed in France. On the other hand, corneal transplantations relative to herpes keratitis tend to become rarer thanks to the effectiveness of preventive oral treatment. Management of herpes keratitis could thus be improved by a better knowledge of epidemiological data. For example, children and atopic patients are now identified as groups of patients with increased risk of severe herpetic disease. The epidemiology of VZV‐related keratitis may drastically vary in the future, due to the generalization of the vaccination against chickenpox/herpes zoster, with a probable increase in the next decades, followed by a progressive and durable decrease. Finally, outbreaks of ADV‐related keratitis are now less frequent than fifty years ago, thanks to the more rigorous hygiene in the general population.
What is the consequence of retinal detachment on anatomy and function?
Authors: CREUZOT C 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To present the structural and functional consequences on retina after retinal detachment Methods Author will show the consequences of experimental retinal detachment in animal models. These changes prevent retinal cells from a normal post‐operative functioning. However, these conditions have to be differentiated from post‐operative visual loss due to macular edema, long‐standing subretinal fluid, epiretinal membrane or macular hole formation. Results Retinal detachment leads to severe changes on retinal cells: outer segment shortening, fibrosis, glial proliferation. This situation is the target of neuroprotective treatment. By contrast, some situations where the bad recevoery is due to an associated disease (edema, membrane...) illustrated by clinical cases can need surgical treatment. Conclusion Bad functional recovery after retinal detachment can be explained by anatomic consequences on photoreceptors with subclinical fibrosis or some associated complications.
Magnetic resonance Imaging vs. ultrasound biometry in the equatorial plane in human eyes
Authors: KUSNYERIK A , RESCH MD , WILKE R , KLOSE U , BODA K , NEMETH J , SUVEGES I , ZRENNER E 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Our purpose was to assess the reliability of ultrasound (US) measurements versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the equatorial plane in human eyes. Methods Four patients who later underwent retinal prosthesis implantation and 8 healthy volunteers aged between 20 and 50 years of age (mean (SD) age 36.8 (8.0) years) were included in the study. One operator measured the axial length and the vertical equatorial diameter (in maximal down gaze) with US applying a contact 10 MHz A‐scan transducer. MR measurements (Siemens MAGNETOM Trio, A Tim System) were taken using five different sequences. MRI and US data were compared with paired sample t‐test and Pearson correlation analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. Results Axial diameter (mean ±SD) was measured by US (24.45 ±1.00 mm), and by MRI (24.22 ±1.08). Vertical diameter was also measured by US (24.12 ±1.10) and by MRI (24.22 ±1.01 respectively). No significant difference was found between US and MRI data in axial and vertical planes (p=0.134, 0.598 respectively). Significant correlation could be found both in axial (p=0.01, r=0.933) and in the vertical planes (p=0.02, 0.831). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) revealed good reliability with high consistency (axial: 0.963, vertical: 0.906) and absolute agreement values (axial: 0.955, vertical: 0.912). Conclusion Our results demonstrated that both the US and the MRI can be used to assess the equatorial diameter of the human eyeball. US measurements revealed high correlation with MRI data with respect to the equatorial plane and axial length.
Ultrastructural features of tree shrew cornea‐collagen fibrils and proteoglycans
Authors: ALMUBRAD T , AKHTAR S , BRON AJ 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The unique organisation of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans maintain the transparency of normal cornea. We report here ultrastructural features of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans of tree shrew cornea. Methods Tree shrew corneas of 5, 6 and 10 week old animals were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde containing cuprolinic blue in sodium acetate buffer. The tissue was processed for electron microscopy. Soft imaging programme ‘analySIS LS Professional’ was used to analyse collagen fibril diameter and proteoglycans area. Results Tree shrew corneas consist of 5 layers, the epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma, Descemet’s membrane. The epithelium was composed of squamous cells, wing cells and basal cells. The Bowman’s layer was 5.5µm thick and very similar to normal human Bowman’s layer. The stroma was 258 µm thick and consisted of collagen fibril lamellae. Lamellae interlaced each other in the anterior stroma, but ran parallel to each other in the middle and posterior stroma. Longitudinally running collagen fibrils showed banding and were decorated with proteoglycan filaments of area size 390 nm2. The collagen fibril diameter was 39 nm. Very small electron dense particles were observed within the collagen fibrils. Descemet’s membrane has only banded region. Endothelial cells contained all the normal cell organelles. Conclusion The structure of the tree shrew cornea is very similar to normal human cornea. The collagen fibril of the former uniquely showed the presence of electron dense particles within collagen fibrils. These particles could be proteoglycans stained with cuprolinic blue. Similarities of tree shrew cornea with human cornea suggest that it can be a good model to study human corneal diseases.
Macroglial changes in ipsilateral and contralateral rat retina in experimental glaucoma
Authors: RAMIREZ AI , SALAZAR JJ , DE HOZ R , ROJAS B , ALARCON‐MARTINEZ L , SALINAS‐NAVARRO M , VILLEGAS‐PEREZ MP , VIDAL‐SANZ M , TRIVINO A , RAMIREZ JM 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effects of laser photocoagulation‐induced moderate ocular hypertension (OHT), on the macroglia of the ipsi‐and contralateral adult rat retinas at 3 weeks Methods OHT in the left eye was chronically induced by diode laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork and the perilimbal and episcleral veins. Animals were divided in three group of study: Control (G0), age‐matched untreated animals. Group 1(G1), laser treated eyes which were further subdivided into two subgroups depending on the differences of averaged IOP with respect IOP levels of the contralateral eye, as follows: IOP difference lesser than 4 mmHg (G1A) and IOP difference greater than 4 mmHg (G1B). Retinal wholemounts were immunostained for GFAP. The retinal area occupied by astrocytes was determined and analyzed statistically. Results In comparison with the eyes of age‐matched untreated animals, the area of the retina occupied by astrocytes in the contrateral (untreated) eye was significantly reduced independently of the IOP level reached by the ipsilateral treated eye. The analysis of the area occupied by astrocytes in eyes with OHT revealed that there was a reduction of astrocytes significantly greater in G1B than in G1A with respect the contralateral eyes. Müller glial cells were undetected for GFAP staining in eyes of age‐matched untreated animals. However, in both treated and contralateral eyes Müller glial cells exhibited GFAP+immunoreactivity Conclusion At three weeks of moderate OHT, the Müller cells of the adult retina exhibited a GFAP+immunoreactivity and a reduction of the retinal area occupied by astrocytes both in the treated and contralateral eye
Diabetic retinopathy ‐ Apoptosis and BRB breakdown prevention in early diabetic retinopathy
Authors: DE SOUZA‐RAMALHO P , PEREIRA DA SILVA A , PEGO P , BICHO MP 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is complex multifactorial neurovascular degenerative complication of systemic disease with evidence of inflammation/oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia leading to early retinal cell apoptosis and BRB breakdown confirmed in STZ diabetic rats. Erythropoietin (EPO,40.3kDa) multifuctional protein approved drug for anemia has confirmed antiapoptotic effects in retinal cell cultures, various models of stress: ischaemia, reperfusion,glaucoma,diabetes: rats, mice, rabbits. It is upregulated in the retina in prolipherative DR. We studied EPO serum levels in diabetics with and without retinopathy comparing to non diabetic controls. Methods In 60 type 2 diabetics, 26 with and 34 without retinopathy of both sexes and age of 64.24 ± 11.64 years EPO serum was determined (mIu/ml) by ELISA and compared to 44 non diabetics, age and sex matched controls. Student t test was used. Results EPO serum levels were high in retinopathy patients 15±11.14 vs 9.47±6.57 in controls p=0.043. Intermediary levels in diabetics without retinopathy 10.84±6.11. Conclusion High EPO serum expression in diabetic retinopathy supports endogenous overproduction by Hif‐1?, as protective mechanism of BRB breakdown and vascular/neuronal cell apoptosis demonstrated in STZ diabetic rats. Intravitreal EPO prevented all early diabetic retinal changes by activation of Erk 1/2 pathway. Antioxidant/inflamatory related molecules earlier studied, TMR, Haptoglobin, ACP, MHR and EpOx give additional support to this hypothesis. These proteins are related to EPO and ACE activity. EPO besides retinopathy preventive is angiogenic with viscosity effects. EPO derivative carbamylated forms which do not raise hematocrit have been developed.
The role of HIF‐1 alfa in apoptosis and proliferative retinopathy
Authors: FERNANDES R , BENTO C , MATAFOME P , SEIÇA R , PEREIRA P 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose In diabetic retinal capillaries, the earlier morphological changes include pericyte loss and acellular capillary formation. These processes are regulated by interactions among a number of pro‐ and antiangiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2). We hypothesize that increased levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) in RPE cells disrupts the balance of VEGF/Ang‐2 promoting endothelial cell death and vessel regression. Methods Rats with moderate T2D, and retinal cell lines of epithelium (RPE) and endothelium (EC) were used. MGO levels were determined by HPLC. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in retinas stained for VEGF and Ang‐2. RPE cells were incubated with MGO in hypoxic conditions and the level of VEGF and Ang‐2 was assessed by ELISA. EC were subsequently treated with the pre‐conditioned media of the RPE cells. Cell death was determined by WB against Bax and Bcl‐2, while EC proliferation was assessed by BrdU‐incorporation and fibrin gel angiogenic assays. Results Hyperglycemia increases the levels of MGO in retinas and RPE cells. MGO increases the levels of Ang‐2 and strongly decreases the levels of VEGF in response to hypoxia. VEGF downregulation appears to result both from increased HIF‐1α degradation and low HIF‐1 transcriptional activity. The MGO‐induced imbalance in the VEGF/Ang‐2 significantly increases the expression of Bax and decreases the levels of Bcl‐2. Consistently, this imbalance leads to decreased proliferation of the EC. Conclusion In diabetic retinopathy, accumulation of MGO may play a role in VEGF/Ang‐2 imbalance, triggering the activation of the apoptotic cascade which induces decreased proliferation of retinal endothelial cells and as a consequence vessels regression
Pleiotropic effects of statins on the morphology of choroidal endotehlial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells in hypercholesterolemic rabbits
Authors: RAMIREZ JM , ROJAS B , SALAZAR JJ , RAMIREZ AI , DE HOZ R , GALLEGO B , TRIVINO A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To describe the ultrastructural changes in the choroid of long‐term hipercholesterolemic rabbits after a low dose statin treatment and to evaluate some pleiotropic effects of these drugs on the morphology of endotehlial cells (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Methods New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: G0, fed a standard diet; G1, fed a 0.5% cholesterol‐enriched diet for 8 months; and G2, fed a 0.5% cholesterol‐enriched diet for 8 months plus administration of fluvastatin sodium or pravastatin sodium at a dose of 2 mg/Kg/day each. Eyes were processed for transmission‐electron microscopy. Results G1 had a build‐up of lipids at the suprachoroidea that compressed the vascular layers with the lumens of the vessels to the point of collapse in some instances. In contrast, G2 had a substantially decreased number of suprachoroidal foam cells and of lipids in the vascular layers and the vascular lumens were normal. The preservation of cytoplasmic organelles, caveolar system and other ultrastructural features of EC and VSMC in G2 was in contrast to the numerous signs of necrosis observed in G1. Bruch’s membrane in G2 contained fewer lipids and more collagen than in G1. Conclusion Treatment with a low dose of fluvastatin sodium or pravastatin sodium reduced the build‐up of lipids and the macrophages in the choroid and restores the vascular lumens of choroidal vessels independently of the cholesterol effect. The normal ultrastructural features of choroidal EC and VSMC in statins treated animals suggest that the endothelial function is preserved and the ischemia reduced.
Role of inflammation‐related gene polymorphisms in branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: WEGER M , STEINBRUGGER I , RENNER W , MAIER R , WEDRICH A , SCHMUT O , HAAS A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common vision‐threatening disease. Some cytokines have previously been shown to exert proatherogenic as well as prothrombotic effects. Gene polymorphisms affecting the expression of these cytokines are thus plausible candidates as risk factors for BRVO. The purpose of the present study was to investigate hypothesized associations between cytokine gene polymorphisms and the presence of BRVO. Methods The present case‐control study comprised 398 patients with BRVO and 355 control subjects. Using 5`exonuclease assays (TaqMan), genotypes of the following single nucleotide polymorphisms were determined: interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) ‐511C>T, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) 1018T>C, interleukin 4 (IL4) ‐584C>T, interleukin 6 (IL6) ‐174G>C, interleukin 10 (IL10) ‐592C>A, interleukin 18 (IL18) 183A>G, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ‐308G>A, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (CCL2) ‐2518A>G, interleukin 8 (IL8) ‐251A>T and RANTES (CCL5) ‐403G>A. Results Neither genotype distributions nor allele frequencies of any of the investigated polymorphisms differed significantly between BRVO patients and control subjects (IL1B ‐511TT: 7.8% vs. 9.6%, p=0.68; IL1RN 1018CC: 12.1% vs. 13.5%, p=0.15, IL4 ‐584TT: 1.3% vs. 2.3%, p=0.58; IL6 ‐174CC: 17.8% vs.18.6%, p=0.97; IL10 ‐592AA: 5.3% vs. 9.0, p=0.14; IL18 183GG: 3.0 vs. 6.2%, p=0.11; TNF ‐308AA: 1.5% vs. 1.4%, p=0.95; CCL2 ‐2518GG: 6.5% vs. 4.5%, p=0.48; IL8 ‐251TT: 26.9% vs. 28.7%, p=0.23; CCL5 ‐403AA: 3.3% vs. 4.5%, p=0.63). Conclusion Our data suggest that none of the investigated cytokine gene polymorphisms is likely a major risk factor for BRVO.
Morphological and functional characteristics of the hyperautofluorescent parafoveal ring in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: LENASSI E , POPOVIC P , PEROVSEK D , HAWLINA M 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the morphology and function of the hyperautofluorescent parafoveal ring in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimetry (MP). Methods Twelve patients with RP who had hyperautofluorescent parafoveal ring were examined. In all patients, full ophthalmological examination, MP (Nidek Technologies MP1 Microperimeter), OCT (Topcon 3D OCT‐1000) and fundus autofluoresence (AF) imaging (Heidelberg Engineering HRA) were performed. The results of OCT imaging and MP testing were superimposed on the AF image. We investigated whether the AF diameter correlated with photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment junction (IS/OS line). Results On the site of hyperautofluorescent ring, the integrity of the photoreceptor layer was affected and the IS/OS line was absent. In the encircled area of normal AF, a preserved photoreceptor layer with an IS/OS line was present. A strong correlation (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001) between the horizontal diameter of the encircled area of normal AF and the length of the IS/OS line was seen. The mean retinal sensitivity was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) over the area of hyperautofluorescent ring (2.0 dB, CI 1.1 to 2.8) compared to the mean retinal sensitivity of the encircled area of normal AF (9.2 dB, CI 6.6 to 11.9). Outside the ring, the majority of patients seemed to have an absence of photoreceptor layer with no light perception, even if AF pattern appeared well preserved. Conclusion The hyperautofluorescent ring demonstrates border of abnormal retinal morphology and function, which are only preserved within the area it encircles. It appears that the ring represents an area of intensive photoreceptor degradation.
Proteasome inhibitor ‐induced protein aggregation is regulated via HSP90, HDACs and microtubulus stability in ARPE‐19 cells
Authors: KAARNIRANTA K , RYHäNEN T , VIIRI J , UUSITALO H , SALMINEN A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Impaired degradation of cellular proteins is implicated in aged RPE cells. In addition to lysosomal protein clearance, many cellular proteins are degradated in proteasomes. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) tend to prevent the accumulation of cytotoxic protein aggregates. Regulatory role of HSPs, histone deacetylases (HDACs) and tubulin stability state in proteasome inhibitor ‐induced protein aggregation in ARPE–19 cells were evaluated. Methods HSP90, HSP70, HSC70, HSP27, ubiquitin and acetylated tubulin expression levels were analyzed by Western blotting. Phase contrast and transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence analysis were used to detect cellular organelles and to evaluate morphological changes. Results Western blotting analysis showed increased HSP70 expression levels in response to HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA) and proteasome inhibitor MG‐132. Trichostatin A(HDAC inhibitor) and taxol evoked increased acetylation level of tubulin. Interestingly, MG‐132 ‐induced juxtranuclear protein aggregates were not formed in response to GA, while during taxol treatment aggregation process was conventional. During trichostatin A and nocodazole treatment the aggregates were localized to periphery of cytoplasm rather than to juxtanuclear position. The HSP90 could not be seen together with the aggregates, while the HSP70 stained strongly with the observed juxtanuclear aggregates. Conclusion HSP90, HDACs and tubulin polymerization state are critical regulators of proteasome inhibitor –induced protein aggregates in ARPE‐19 cells. However, total acetylation level of tubulin does not seem to be essential in the aggregation process.
Biomechanical models for clinical data analysis of pressure‐volume relationship in the human eye
Authors: BAUER S , KOTLIAR KE , STEIN A , VORONKOVA E 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To develop mechanical models describing the pressure‐volume relationship for the human eye and to compare the results obtained with clinical data in order to find out which mechanical characteristics affect this relationship most significantly. Methods The fibrous coat is treated as a connected elastic shell consisting of two spherical segments with different radii and mechanical characteristics. The dependence of the intraocular pressure on the volume is analyzed using three different models in which the sclera and the cornea are modeled (1) by soft shells; (2) by transversally isotropic shells with small tension modules in the transverse direction; and (3) by 3D elastic solids. The models are studied analytically and numerically, the latter using FEM ANSYS software. Results The results are obtained over a wide range of parameters using all three models. Conclusion The models proposed predict a generally nonlinear relationship between the intraocular pressure and volume. The parameters of both the sclera and the cornea affect this relationship, the role of the sclera being more important. In the first approximation the simple soft shell model is in good agreement with the clinical data.