bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fully automated corneal endothelial morphometry of a large set of images captured by clinical specular microscopy
Authors: BUCHT C , SÖDERBERG PG 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose The endothelial cell density is the most important morphological factor of the corneal endothelium. Morphometry of the corneal endothelium is an important part of several clinical applications. Morphometry of the endothelium is presently carried out by semi automated analysis of pictures captured by Clinical Specular Microscopy (CSM). The need of operator involvement makes this process time consuming. This study presents a method for fully automated analysis of a large range of in vivo images of the corneal endothelium, captured by CSM, using Fourier analysis. Methods Software was developed in the mathematical programming language MATLAB. Pictures of the corneal endothelium, captured by CSM, were read into the analysis software. The software performed automated digital enhancement of the images. The enhanced images were Fourier transformed, using the Fast Fourier Transform. Relevant characteristics of the Fourier transformed images were identified and sampled. The data obtained from each transformed image was used to calculate the mean cell density of the original image, which in turn was compared to a semi automated method cell density estimate. The calculation was based on well known diffraction theory. Results Estimated cell densities of the corneal endothelium were obtained, using fully automated analysis software on 292 images captured by CSM. Using linear regression, a relatively large correlation between the estimates of the fully automated method and the semi automated method was found. Conclusion The results using the considerably faster fully automated method are highly encouraging for further development and implementation of the method.
Correlation of diabetic corneal neuropathy and retinopathy
Authors: NITODA E , PALLIKARIS A , KALLINIKOS P , GANOTAKIS [Epsilon] , AMOIRIDIS G , TSILIMBARIS MK 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Corneal confocal microscopy is a rapid, non‐invasive and reiterative technique, suitable for the accurate detection and quantification of corneal subbasal nerve plexus. The aim of this study is to correlate corneal nerve fibre alterations with the abnormalities in the retina of diabetic patients and compare them with those of nondiabetic people Methods 278 diabetic corneas and 94 corneas of age‐matched control subjects were included in the study. Diabetic patients were further classified with respect to the stage of retinopathy, according to indirect fundoscopy, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. The central corneas were scanned with HRT II and we estimated nerve fibre density (NFB) nerve branch density (NBD), nerve fibre length (NFL) and nerve fibre tortuosity (NFT). Finally, we made out the glycemic and lipidemic profile of patients. Results NFD values for control, NDR, NPDR and PDR groups were 31.27 ± 0.99, 27.35 ± 0.77, 23.67 ± 0.83 and 18.77 ± 0.77 respectively and NBD values were 45.12± 2.85, 39.86 ± 3, 30.56 ± 2.71 and 24.98 ± 2.08 respectively. NFL values for control, NDR, NPDR and PDR were 16.58 ± 0.55, 14.82 ± 0.56, 12.27 ± 0.49 and 10.41± 0.45 respectively and NFT values were 5.78 ± 0.28, 6.6 ± 0.52, 6.57 ± 0.22 and 7.02 ± 0.39 respectively. NFD, NBD, NFL were significantly reduced and NFT appeared to be higher in diabetic patients, according to the stage of diabetic retinopathy. The glycemic profile was analogue to the retina status, but the lipidemic one appeared to vary. Conclusion Alterations in corneal nerve plexus are apparent in diabetic patients and more pronounced in PDR.Corneal confocal microscopy could be a promising technique for the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Epidemiological and scanning‐slit topography variables in keratoconus
Authors: CORTES MORA N , MARTIN SANZ R , PENA RUIZ D , GALARRETA MIRA D , CARRASCO HERRERO B , MERAYO‐LLOVES J 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To identify and to correlate epidemiological and scanning‐slit topographical variables of keratoconus in a homogeneous caucasian population from Valladolid, Spain. Methods Retrospective, cohort study of a group of keratoconic patients followed at the Ocular Surface Unit in the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid. Clinical records were reviewed to get information about: age, gender, central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), anterior best fit sphere (aBFS), posterior best fit sphere (pBFS), steepest simulated K (SSK), flattest simulated K (FSK), mean k at 3 and 5 mm (M3, M5), irregularity index at 3 and 5mm (II3, II5) and topographical pattern in the keratometric map. Correlation analysis were made among the variables mentioned above. Results Two hundred and two patients were included, 116 men and 86 women. There were differences in CCT (p<0,001), TCT (p<0,001), aBFS (p<0,001), pBFS (p<0,001), SSK (p<0,001), FSK (p<0,001), M3 (p<0,001) and M5 (p<0,001) between men and women. There was no correlation between age and the other studied variables (p>0,05). The most prevalent topographic pattern was asymmetric bow tie with skewed radial axes (ABT SRAX) (34,1%), followed by inferior steepening (32,7%). The central nipple pattern presented the more advanced values in all the studied variables. Conclusion Keratoconus is more frequent in males, however, women revealed more advanced values in scanning‐slit topography variables. Sex could be a prognostic factor in the evolution of keratoconic patients from Valladolid.
Retrobulber imagıng in glaucoma wıth dıffusıon tensor MRI/optıc tractography and fMRI: structural and functıonal analysıs
Authors: ENGIN KN , YEMISCI B 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Evidences today proves that, glaucomateus damage proceeds from retinal ganglion cells to brain. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the structural and functional eye‐brain connection in glaucoma, to develop favourable clinical methods for both glaucoma follow ups and large clinical trials, and finally, to establish a reference for further studies regarding pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment of glaucoma. Methods Four glaucoma cases with symetrical (n=2) and asymetrical (n=2) involvement and 1 healthy subject are included in this study. Glaucoma analysis with optic coherens tomography (OCT) and central visual field (CVF) results of the subjects were recorded. By using diffusion‐tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT‐MRI) technique, 3D‐T1 weighted images of the optic nerves and optic tracts were taken with optic tractography (OT). Then DT‐MRI parameters obtained from each patient were compared with the fellow eye and the healthy subject. Retinotopic Organizations (RO) of primary visual cortexes were produced from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) images and BOLD signals were evaluated with reciprocal CVF defects. All images were taken with 1,5T MRI system. Results In DT‐MRI analysis, optic nerve volume, FA were found to be decreased in the eyes with severe RNFL loss. Optic nerve and tract deformation were showed with both OT and B0 coronal plane images. Lower bold signals were detected in the eyes of asymetric patients with severe glaucoma and in quadrants with large CVF defects. Conclusion Strategies concerning beyond optic nerve head are needed in glaucoma. Structural and functional analysis can be made by taken together the OCT and DT‐MRI findings and CVF and fMRI findings, respectively.
Glaucoma and the Internet
Authors: ZAIDI F , ANSARI E 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Glaucoma has received very little attention in terms of how the internet influences patient behaviour. We assessed the quality of information accessed by sufferers from glaucoma using the internet. Methods The word ‘glaucoma’ was subjected to an advanced keyword search. This analyses average monthly search volumes over a 12 month period using the Google search engine. The search term ‘glaucoma’ was then inputted into Google and the first 5 pages of websites studied using a validated instrument. The 4 criteria published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) for qualifying information from the internet were used in the analysis, yielding a possible score of between 0 and 4. Results 50 websites were studied. All 4 criteria were satisfied by 4% of sites; 3 criteria were met by 38%; 2 criteria by 6%; 1 criterion by 24%. 28% of sites scored zero for objective quality of information on glaucoma. Superior scores were achieved by peer‐reviewed journals and medipedias (online medical encyclopedias). Counter‐intuitively the websites of professional bodies including academic institutions scored poorly (mean 0.3, median 0, mode 0). Information provided by charities scored poorly also (mean 0.25, median 0, mode 0). The websites of public hospitals scored above average (mean of 3 (mode 3, median 3). This is different from the quality of information available in other fields such as retinopathy of prematurity, though is, overall, superior to the quality of information found recently in areas of oculoplastic surgery. Conclusion The quality of information accessed by patients on glaucoma is in need of improvement. This data is topical and of relevance to both clinicians and their patients in an age where more and more patients use the internet as a resource for healthcare information and misinformation.
Management of orbital tumours with adjuvant iodine brachytherapy using "inverted" plaques
Authors: KIVELÄ T 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To describe our experience in using "inverted" iodine plaques as adjuvant treatment after resection of orbital tumours. Methods Between 1999 and 2007, three patients (ages 17‐48 years) underwent resection of an lacrimal gland tumour followed by application of an "inverted" iodine plaque manage any microscopic infiltration, i.e. a gold plaque carrying iodine‐125 seeds on its convex rather than concave surface. In a fourth instance, the seeds were placed on the convex surface of a ruthenium rather than a gold plaque to manage an eye with a late extraocular recurrence of an irradiated uveal melanoma following resection of the extension. Results The diameter of the plaque was 20 mm. It was sutured to the sclera so that when the eye was in primary position the lacrimal fossa was targeted. When the eye moved, the irradiated volume naturally enlarged. A 40‐56 Gy dose was calculated to the depth of 10 mm, and the dose at 5 mm was then calculated as 80‐134 Gy. Treatment time was 59‐154 hours. In one case, the iodine seeds were placed asymmetrically to limit radiation damage to the eyelid skin. In two patients, transient erythema of the upper eyelid developed, which resolved in a few months time. In case of the extraocular melanoma, dose was the same. Recurrent tumours have not developed. Conclusion An "inverted" iodine plaque is one option for adjuvant irradiation of the orbit which shields the eye from radiation damage.
Iodine‐125 orbital irradiation : improvement of cosmetic results for patients needing postenucleation irradiation
Authors: LEVY‐GABRIEL C , DENDALE R 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Patients enucleated for malignant intraocular tumors (as retinoblastoma or uveal melanoma) that have extrascleral extension and/or optic nerve resection margin involvement, are at risk of orbital recurrence. These enucleated orbits were previously treated with external beam radiotherapy which induced late sequelae, in particular facial atrophy. Iodine 125 Orbital brachytherapy (BRT) was first realised in 1983 in South Africa as a technique to irradiate the content of the orbit while minimizing the dose to the surrounding bone and eyelids. We report our experience since 2000 with this technique Methods Six nylon tubes containing 125 I seeds were implanted though the eyelids around the periphery of the orbit. Each contained a metal gutter that screened the outer part of the seeds from the bony orbit. A seventh unscreened tube was placed in the center and a golden plaque with 125 I seeds on its inner surface was secured beneath the eyelid. The reference dose around the target was 45 Gy for retinoblastoma and 60 Gy for uveal melanoma Results Since 2000 13 patients underwent BRT : 9 retinoblastomas (median follow up 36 months, 1 child died of craniospinal metastasis), 3 uveal melanomas (median follow up 55 months, 1 patient developed a metastatic disease), and 1 medulloepithelioma (median follow up 45 months). No patient developed orbital recurrence after BRT. Regarding cosmesis, results were much more acceptable than with other forms of irradiation with a normal size prothesis adaptation Conclusion 125 I orbital brachytherapy is an effective method of irradiating the orbit to prevent recurrent tumor after enucleation with better cosmesis results than with other forms of irradiation, especially in case of children
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Direct intra‐arterial (ophthalmic artery) chemotherapy with melphalan for advanced intraocular retinoblastoma: the Italian experience
Authors: HADJISTILIANOU T , DE FRANCESCO S , VENTURI C , BRACCO S , GALLUZZI P , CAINI M , DAMBROSIO A 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To report the preliminary results of the conservative treatment of advanced retinoblastoma (Stage Va e Vb) obtained with the melphalan protocol (direct intraarterial‐ophthalmic artery infusion ). Methods 33 children (35 eyes) with advanced retinoblastoma who were eligible for enucleation were entered in phase two of one center open study‐approved protocol of ophthalmic artery infusion of Melphalan to avoid enucleation (Italian Melphalan protocol, approved by the Ethic Commettee – University Hospital of Siena). Two cases have been treated bilaterally. 15 eyes were first diagnosis and 18 were relapses following chemo and/or radiotherapy. In two cases has not been possible to conclude the procedure due to haemodynamic problems. Results The ophthalmic artery was successfully cannulated in 35 eyes (total, 121 procedures). In 2 attempts was impossible to successfully conclude the procedure due to hemodynamic problems. Cannulation of the ophthalmic artery was performed by a femoral artery approach using microcatheters (magic 1.5) while the children were under general anesthesia and anticoagulated. Melphalan was infused into the artery over a 30‐minute period (dose of 3‐7 mg according to the age and size of the globe). Local and systemic toxicity have been evaluated and documented. Conclusion 33 children (35 eyes) with advanced retinoblastoma (Stage Va and Vb Reese classification) were eligible for the Melphalan Italian Protocol. The 78.7% of treated eyes is in complete remission. Superselective chemotherapy delivered through the ophthalmic artery can avoid enucleation, primary radiation or abuse of systemic chemotherapy.
Intravitreal injection of anti‐VEGF and diagnosis of primary intraocular‐central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: GAMBRELLE J , MISSOTTEN GS , DELHOUM S , DESJARDINS L , COCHENER B 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose We report the case of the diagnosis of primary intraocular‐ central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in a patient treated by anti‐VEGF. Methods An 88‐year old female, with a medical history of bilateral ARMD treated by intravitreal injections of ranibizumab for 1 year, was referred to our department for bilateral vitritis diagnosed 10 days after the last anti‐VEGF injection. A complete vitritis work‐up including aqueous humour analysis, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and vitreous biopsy enabled us to confirm the diagnosis of primary intraocular‐CNS lymphoma. Results To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the diagnosis of primary intraocular‐CNS lymphoma in a patient treated by anti‐VEGF for ARMD. In our opinion, the occurrence of lymphoma in this case was coincidental and not due to the anti‐VEGF injections. The differential diagnosis of vitritis in elderly patients is relatively large. Endophthalmitis or uveitis has been described after anti‐VEGF injections. In such a situation, there is actually a risk of overlooking a diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma in the mistaken belief that the observed vitritis may be a reaction to administred anti‐VEGFs. If no direct time‐relationship with the anti‐VEGF injections can be found, a classic vitritis work‐up should be performed. Anti‐VEGF treatment did not impede cytological diagnosis in our patient. Conclusion Although in some none‐CNS non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) systemic anti‐VEGF therapy is added to chemotherapy schedules, the use of anti‐VEGF did not halt the spread of the lesion within the eye in this case. It can, therefore, be presumed that local anti‐VEGF therapy has no adjuvant effect in primary intraocular lymphoma.
Periocular cosmesis
Authors: TRAKOS NIKOS 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Facial nerve paralysis is one of the most devastating peripheral nerve injuries which implies severe functional, cosmetic and psychological consequences to the patients. The periocular area can be improved cosmetically by raising the tissues that have been drooped. These techniques are brow lift for the forehead‐ brow area, midface lift for the mid part of the face and face lift for restoring the contour of the tissues of the lower face. These are static techniques and support the tissues that are not any more innervated and are atrophied and drooped by the force of gravity. Methods In particular brow lift can be achieved by direct incision over the brow, by endoscopic forehead‐brow lift using anchoring systems or alternatively by small incision non endoscopic forehead brow lift through an eyelid incision. Midface lift can be achieved by subperiosteal or pre‐periosteal lift of the tissues or by using a suspension system. Face lift can be achieved with a deep planar rhytidectomy which can lift the tissues of the mid and lower face. Combination of forehead, midface and face lift can be necessary for the maximal possible symmetry of the face in a static position. There is a limitation of these techniques in regards to the dynamic reanimation of the face. There are several dynamic procedures helping at this direction. Results In particular, in case of a transected facial nerve, the disrupted facial nerve can be restored by α) direct end–to‐end coaptation or by β) cable nerve graft interposition Other techniques include: • Temporalis muscle transfer • Free nerve‐muscle grafts • Ipsilateral nerve transposition • Facial nerve‐cross face anastomosis. Conclusion The above available dynamic procedures may provide some degree of facial tone or voluntary facial movement.
Evaluation of macular morphology in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: TATRAI E , SIMO M , ILJICSOV A , NEMETH J , CABRERA DEBUC D , SOMFAI GM 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To assess macular morphology in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with and without history of optic neuritis (ON). Methods Twenty‐six MS patients were recruited in this study, and 26 randomly eyes were selected from 26 age‐matched healthy subjects as controls. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination was performed on each eye using a Stratus OCT device. The raw OCT data were exported from the device and further processed using a custom‐built algorithm (OCTRIMA). Thickness measurements of 7 intraretinal layers and the total retina were obtained. Eyes from MS patients were divided into 2 groups for statistical analyses. The ON+ group contained 26 eyes which had ON at least 6 months prior to enrollment. Twenty‐three eyes had no history of ON (ON‐ group). All thickness measurements were compared among the 3 groups using ANOVA with Newman‐Keuls post‐hoc analysis. Results Significant decrease in thickness was observed in ON+ and ON‐ eyes compared to controls for the macula (290±6µm, 283±12µm and 267±12µm in the control, ON‐ and ON+ group, respectively), retinal nerve fiber layer (38±2µm, 35±2µm and 31±4µm, respectively) and ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer complex (71±4µm, 64±7µm and 53±7µm, respectively). No statistically significant difference in thickness was found for the remaining intraretinal layers between the 3 groups analyzed. Conclusion Atrophy of the ganglion cells and nerve fibers in the macula of MS patients was observed even without previous history of ON. Therefore, thickness measurements of ganglion cells might be useful in the diagnosis and follow‐up of MS patients.
Immunohistochemical methods to evaluate vitreoretinal scaring
Authors: BOCHATON‐PIALLAT ML 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Formation of scarlike epiretinal membranes (ERMs) constitutes potentially the end stage of evolution of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and idiopathic vitreoretinopathy. Among various cellular populations, ERMs contain cells with contractile features typical of myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts have been described in granulation tissue during wound healing and in practically all fibrocontractive diseases, in which they participate in the generation of isometric tension and in the synthesis of extracellular matrix components; these phenomena are in turn responsible for granulation tissue remodeling and retraction. The main marker of the myofibroblastic phenotype is the expression of alpha‐SMA. The transforming growth factor‐beta1 and the ED‐A splice variant of cellular fibronectin, an extracellular matrix component, are key players of the complex process of myofibroblast differentiation. Methods Proteins were detected by means of immunohistochemical staining on paraffin sections from formol fixed tissues and double immunofluorescence staining on whole tissues. Samples were observed by using classical light and confocal microscopes. Results The presence of alpha‐SM actin‐positive myofibroblasts was associated with the expression of TGF‐beta1, TGF‐beta receptor II, and ED‐A FN in all types of ERMs studied. Conclusion The results furnish new data on the mechanism of alpha‐SM actin stimulation in fibroblasts in a human pathologic setting.
Analysis of gene expression in acute ischemic neuroretinas : a genome‐wide screen discriminating occlusion (BRVO) versus laser effects in rats
Authors: OROPESA C , MATTER JM , SCHAAD O , POURNARAS CJ 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Identification of genes differentially regulated in rat neuroretinas submitted to an experimental acute branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), to a laser treatment, or to no treatment at all. Methods We have developed an in vivo experimental model of venous occlusion by photodynamic thrombosis in rat retinas. After anaesthesia, a sodium fluorescein solution was injected in rat tail 15 minutes before laser treatments. To induce ischemia in tested retina, venous sites adjacent to the optic nerve head were photocoagulated with an argon laser. In one group of tested animals, the retina was exposed to laser treatment at sites located between major vessels. As this treatment may have an effect upon choroidal blood flow, control eyes were not subjected to laser treatment. RNAs were isolated from the neuroretina 30 minutes post treatments, and processed for Affymetrix gene‐chip analysis. Results Genome‐wide screen enabled us to identify 308 and 348 genes which were up‐ or down‐regulated, respectively, by BRVO and laser treatment only. When we compared the transcriptomes of retinas subjected to vessel occlusion or laser treatment to the control one, we found that the expression profiles of, respectively, 116 and 126 genes were specifically modified. The majority of the up‐ and down‐regulated genes encode proteins involved in different aspects of early stress response, neuroprotection, inflammation and apoptosis. Conclusion Our microarray analysis revealed changes in gene expression bearing similarities to gene expression results from other ischemia models. Furthermore, it revealed that laser treatment may have an unreported impact on retina’s metabolism.