bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autophagic activity in uveal melanomas
Authors: BECHRAKIS NE , GIATROMANOLAKI A , SIVRIDIS E , CHARITOUDIS G 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Autophagy is a self‐degradation mechanism by which cells recycle their own cytoplasmic constituents and organelles. Experimental data suggest that autophagy is up‐regulated by hypoxia in human neoplasia.Methods The autophagic activity was investigated in a series of 73 uveal melanomas after immunohistochemical staining for the autophagy‐associated proteins LC3A and Beclin1. This was assessed in parallel with the hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and its downstream protein lactate degydrogenase 5 (LDH5).Results Two patterns of LC3A expression were readily made out – diffuse cytoplasmic and cytoplasmic/juxta‐nuclear. The former was detected in 37/73 (50.7%) melanomas; the latter in 22/73 (30.1%) tumors. Beclin1 expression was invariably diffuse cytoplasmic and occurred in 37/73 (50.7%) uveal melanomas. LC3A and Beclin1, when highly expressed, were associated with intense pigmentation of the lesion, but only Beclin1 was associated with tumor necrosis (p<0.05) and a larger tumor size (p<0.05). It is of interest that Beclin1 and perinuclear LC3A expression were significantly related (p<0.02). In linear regression analysis, the LC3A juxta‐nuclear/perinuclear pattern and the Beclin1 expression were connected with the hypoxia‐related proteins HIF1α (p<0.02) and LDH5 (p<0.0001).Conclusion Autophagy is commonly up‐regulated in uveal melanomas, and may be associated with necrosis and large tumor size. There is a connection between Beclin1 and LC3A juxta‐nuclear/perinuclear pattern, and a strong link between autophagy and hypoxia as this is inferred by the intimate relationship of LC3A and Beclin1 with HIF1α and LDH5, the major LDH isoenzyme involved in anaerobic metabolism.
An update on patient selection for OOKP surgery; Psychosocial Assessment
Authors: BUSUTTIL A , TURTON E , HEROLD J , LIU C 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose This presentation will provide an update on the contribution of Psycho‐social factors in the assessment and selection of patients for OOKP surgery. Assessment aims to identify Psychiatric, Psychological and Social issues which may positively or negatively affect physical and psychological outcome. Identification of such factors may not be a barrier to selection and successful outcome, as appropriate measures may be put in place to address factors which may impede physical or psychological recovery.Methods Drawing on the existing psychological literature on patient assessment for complex surgery and studies carried out with OOKP patients in Brighton, Psychological factors associated with positive and negative biological and psychological outcome are described and the assessment protocol detailed.Results A model which seeks to assess the contribution of psycho‐social factors in the prediction of complicated recovery is being developed and will be described. This is currently being incorporated into a prospective study to test the validity and utility of the model.Conclusion Attention to Psycho‐social factors in selection of patients for OOKP surgery facilitates good bio‐psychosocial outcome by encouraging active patient participation in informed decision making about the surgery, good psychological preparation for the procedure and patient and family commitment to after‐care and follow‐up. For those where surgery is not appropriate or a decision needs to be postponed the selection process can also be of value for both patients and staff.
Meganuclease‐mediated inhibition of HSV1 infection
Authors: LABETOULLE M , HUOT N , SMITH J , GROSSE S , BARRADEAU S , ARNOULD S , MAHIET C , DESSEAUX C , CEDRONE F , PAQUES F , CHAPELLIER BC , GABISON EE , ERGANI A 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Current anti‐viral treatments of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) inhibit the viral replication but impair neither the viral cycle at its early stages nor the latent form of the virus. Latent HSV1 virus could be addressed by rare cutting endonucleases, such as specific meganucleases.Methods Co‐transfections with plasmid expressing I‐CreI variants cleaving target sequences and GFP were performed using Lipofectamine on BSR cells for 48 hours. After infection for 8h with SC‐16 at different MOIs (Multiplicity Of Infection) ranging from 0.1 to 8, cells were incubated with i) HSV1 rabbit antibodies and ii) with phycoerytrine (PE) conjugated goat anti‐rabbit IGg secondary antibodies. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis was performed. The ratio of infected cells among transfected (GFP+) and non transfected (GFP‐) cells were counted and an antiviral index was calculated.Results GFP+ and GFP‐ cells were both well represented in all experiments, with an average GFP+ cell frequency of 0.63 over 90 transfections (standard deviation: 0.20). A strong inhibitory effect was observed at MOIs of 0.1 and 0.5, with 4 to 7 times less infection among GFP+ cells than among GFP‐ ones. This effect was however not detected by a MOI of 2.Conclusion Meganuclease proteins in BSR cells inhibits the replication of HSV1, at moderate MOIs, inducing a significant reduction of the viral particules. This qualifies meganucleases as a new class of antiviral agent, with the potential to address replicative as well as latent DNA viral forms. Specific meganucleases may thus be used in the future with the aim of controlling recurrent herpetic keratitis.
Commercial interest
Loiasis. approach to a form of ocular parasitosis
Authors: CABEZON L , CASAS P , RAMIRO P , JIMENEZ B , MINGUEZ E , IBANEZ J , PEIRO C , CRISTOBAL JA 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose We report the case of a 37 year old male from Guinea referring foreign body sensation in his right eye intermittently for 5 years. The slit lamp examination revealed a creeping worm under the conjunctiva. The microbiological analysis after surgical removal confirmed that it was an adult form of Loa‐Loa.Methods The anterior segment examination demonstrates the existence of a structure cordoned mobile moves creeping under the superior bulbar conjunctiva of his right eye. Given the findings are applicable to the surgical removal under local anesthesia of a worm 6 cm in length.Results Microbiological study confirms the diagnosis of Loa Loa in their adult form (female).Conclusion : Loiasis is a parasitic disease endemic in Africa. Recognition of the condition must be due to increased African migration to Spain. Surgical removal of adult Loa loa worms from the subconjunctival space only the ocular Improves Symptoms. An interdisciplinary approach (ophthalmology, infectious disease and parasitology) for a systemic work‐up and treatment is usually required.
Diabetic retinopathy
Authors: BANDELLO F 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDiabetic macular edema (DME), defined as a retinal thickening involving or approaching the centre of the macula, represents the most common cause of vision loss in patients affected by diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis and the course of the DME requires a complex approach with multidisciplinary intervention both at systemic and local level. In the last few years many diagnostic tools have been proved useful in the detection and the monitoring of the features characterizing DME. At the same time, several therapeutic approaches can now be proposed on the basis of the DME specific characteristics. Aim of the present chapter is to thoroughly outline the clinical and morpho‐functional characteristics of DME and its current treatment perspectives. More specifically, each DME subtype can be successfully managed making the most of the current treatment paradigm, including laser treatment, intravitreal steroids and anti‐VEGF, and macular surgery.
Spatio‐temporal responses in the visual cortex evoked from first‐ and higher order thalamic nuclei in tree shrews: a voltage sensitive dyes study
Authors: CASANOVA C , ABBAS FR , VANNI M 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose The primary visual cortex (V1) received its main thalamic drive from the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) through layer IV. In contrast, projections from the pulvinar end in layer I, suggesting that pulvinar exerts a diffuse modulatory influence on V1 activity. However, pulvinar projections to extrastriate areas (XC) mostly terminate in layer IV, suggesting that they provide a driver input to XC areas. Thus, one would expect the spatio‐temporal responses evoked by pulvinar activation to be different in striate and XC areas, reflecting the different connectivity pattern (driver vs modulator). We thus measured the spatiotemporal dynamics of voltage sensitive dyes activation in the visual cortex following thalamic electrical stimulation.Methods Tree shrews were anesthetised and bilateral craniotomies were made on the visual cortex. RH1691 was used to stain the cortex. Stimulating electrodes were placed in LGN and pulvinar.Results Stimulation of LGN induced fast and local responses in V1, which propagated to XC and contralateral cortex. The temporal profile of the responses was transient and monophasic in V1, and generally bimodal or tonic in XC. Stimulation of pulvinar induced fast and local responses in XC, followed by activation in V1 and contralateral cortex. The propagated waves in V1 were weak in amplitude and diffuse. Co‐stimulating pulvinar and LGN produced responses that were weaker than the sum of the responses evoked by the independent stimulation of LGN and pulvinar, even when pulvinar stimulation did not produce any responses in V1.Conclusion The pulvinar can exert a modulator influence in cortical processing of LGN inputs while it mainly provides driver inputs to XC.
Windows‐based software for recording clinical electroretinograms
Authors: SANDBERG M 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To develop user‐friendly Windows‐based software for recording submicrovolt clinical full‐field electroretinograms (ERGs).Methods LabVIEW (National Instruments) — a parallel, graphical language based on structured dataflow diagramming created for data acquisition and instrument control — was used to write ERG software that runs on Windows XP. Data acquisition and instrument control are enabled with a National Instruments 16‐bit PCI Multifunction DAQ card.Results This software simulates a signal‐averaging storage oscilloscope and has been used in our clinic since 2007 to record responses to 1/minute, 0.5 Hz, and 30 Hz flashes. The front panel includes virtual controls for a digital notch filter, a digital low‐pass filter, a digital band‐pass filter centered at 30 Hz, and an artifact reject buffer. Responses are saved to a sequential file readable by a spreadsheet program. A key feature when averaging cone ERGs to 30 Hz flashes is that ocular noise is removed independent of signal size, so that a low reject threshold can be used for every patient without attenuating the signal. The program can resolve cone ERGs as small as 0.05 µV to quantify retinal function in nearly all patients with retinitis pigmentosa.Conclusion Programming in LabVIEW allows the creation of Windows‐based software that is user‐friendly and state‐of‐the‐art for resolving submicrovolt responses to 30 Hz flashes.
Assessing the wavelength dependence of intraocular scattering by a new optical approach
Authors: PEREZ G , GINIS H , BUENO J , ARTAL P 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose The wavelength dependence of the light scattering is related with the characteristics of the inhomogeneities in the ocular media, and therefore, an objective assessment could be used to the early detection of underlying ocular pathologies. We developed a new optical instrument for measuring light scattered in the human eye at different wavelengths.Methods Using a double‐pass configuration, series of disks of uniform radiance with an increasing angular dimension are sequentially projected on to the retina. As a light source, a white light halogen lamp is spectrally filtered by using a liquid crystal tunable filter, selecting three different wavelengths: 550, 600 and 650 nm (FWHM = ± 50 nm). The disk’s retinal images are recorded by a cooled electron‐multiplied CCD camera. The derivative of intensity at the center of each disk’s retinal image with respect to its radius provides the eye’s wide‐angle double‐pass point‐spread function (PSF). The method was applied in an artificial eye with different levels of induced scattering, and in a group of normal subjects.Results In the artificial eye, the increasing scattering induced is successfully discriminated at the more eccentric angular domain of the wide‐angle PSFs. In the group of subjects, the estimated wide‐angle PSFs differ from the lower to the larger wavelengths. The PSF at 550 nm is characterized by more intense light scatter in the angular range between 5 and 10 degrees, while the PSF at the 650nm showed a relatively increased scattered light between 0 and 2 degrees. This would be related to the deeper interaction of thConclusion An optical objective method is sensitive enough to detect consistently differences in light scatter for different wavelengths.
Lens refilling (Phaco‐Ersatz)
Authors: PAREL JM , HOLDEN BA 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To demonstrate that the content of the crystalline lens can be replaced in vivo by a polymer designed to mimic the properties of the young lens to restore accommodation while maintaining ametropia, that polymer exchange can be performed anytime during follow‐up and that Phaco‐Ersatz also allows reversibility to IOL implantation in the bag.Methods A safe endolenticular surgical technique was developed to remove relatively hard nucleus via a small capsulorhexis (~1.2mm) by US phacoemulsification (0.7mm titanium tip). The rhexis is closed by a mini‐capsulorhexis valve (~2mm), the polymer injected and then cured by low intensity light delivered by a custom made handprobe. Three families of polymers were developed allowing independent adjustment of the elastic modulus and index of refraction. These polymers were tested in 2 ex‐vivo accommodation simulators (EVASI and II) on human and primate eyes and their biocompatibility assessed in monkeys and rabbits for periods up to 8 months.Results A safe endolenticular surgical technique was developed to remove relatively hard nucleus via a small capsulorhexis (~1.2mm) by US phacoemulsification (0.7mm titanium tip). The rhexis is closed by a mini‐capsulorhexis valve (~2mm), the polymer injected and then cured by low intensity light delivered by a custom made handprobe. Three families of polymers were developed allowing independent adjustment of the elastic modulus and index of refraction. These polymers were tested in 2 ex‐vivo accommodation simulators (EVASI and II) on human and primate eyes and their biocompatibility assessed in monkeys and rabbits for periods up to 8 months.Conclusion Phaco‐Ersatz can be performed safely and is an effective method to restore accommodation.
Commercial interest
The use of electro optical materials to restore accommodation
Authors: MICHAEL R , BARRAQUER RI 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose We present a review of current developments to restore accommodation by means of electro optical materials embedded in glasses, contact lenses or intraocular lenses.Methods Considered electro optical effects include electro active polymers, electro refractive polymers and the electrowetting principle. Possible solutions about how to measure the accommodation demand and to supply electrical energy inside the eye are also discussed.Results Electrowetting uses the ability of a liquid to maintain contact with a surface and having a certain curved shape which can be altered by an electric field. Electro active polymers can change the size and shape under a changing electric field. Electro refractive polymers change the refractive index under an electric field. The electro active and electro refractive polymers can be put into pixelate optics were each pixel can be adjusted independently. Optical properties, energy consumption and dynamic properties of electro optical applications are compared with other accommodation restoration techniques.Conclusion Commercial application of electro optical materials in glasses already exist, the use in contact lenses and intraocular lenses is under development.
Anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of mapracorat, a novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist, in human conjunctival fibroblasts
Authors: ZHANG JZ , VOLHEJN SM , WARD KW 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Mapracorat (BOL‐303242‐X; ZK 245186) is a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA), under clinical evaluation for the treatment of inflammatory eye and skin diseases. It is structurally distinct from glucocorticoids and NSAIDs. Data suggest an improved side effect profile of this compound compared to traditional glucocorticoids. This study was to determine its anti‐inflammatory mechanisms.Methods Primary human conjunctival fibroblasts (HConF)were challenged with IL‐1ß and Luminex technology or ELISA was used to determine the effect of mapracorat on IL‐1ß‐induced cytokine, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release in the presence or absence of mifepristone (RU‐486), a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. The effect of mapracorat on IL‐1ß‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression was assessed by Western blotting. Dexamethasone was used as the control.Results IL‐1ß induced release of multiple cytokines, including IL‐6, IL‐8 and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and of PGE2 and MMPs (MMP‐1 and MMP‐3), as well as the expression of COX‐2. Mapracorat inhibited cytokine, PGE2 and MMP release as well as COX‐2 expression in a dose‐dependent manner with comparable effectiveness as dexamethasone. The inhibition of cytokine and PGE2 release was fully or partially reversed by mifepristone.Conclusion Mapracorat acts as a potent anti‐inflammatory agent in HConF by inhibiting multiple intracellular mediators. The fact that mapracorat is effective on inhibiting PGE2 pathway suggests that it may reduce post‐surgery pain. Clinical significance of these findings needs further investigation.
Commercial interest
Skin tattoos and the development of uveitis
Authors: VAN CALSTER J , VANDER HULST K , GOOSSENS A , VAN DEN OORD J , JACOB J , VAN GINDERDEUREN R 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To report a case of recurrent non‐granulomatous anterior uveitis associated with tattoo inflammation.Methods A 28‐year‐old female presented to our ophthalmology department with a sharp shooting pain, photophobia and redness in both eyes but more pronounced in the right eye. A bilateral anterior uveitis was noticed. Simultaneously she experienced a rash at the site of her skin tattoos. The patient had her skin tattooed quite extensively at the chest, the back and around the umbilicus, between 13 years and one year ago.Results Investigations for causes of anterior uveitis, including general and infectious serologic testing, ACE, HLA‐B27 and chest X‐ray were normal. Clinical pneumological examination, thoracic CT and abdominal ultrasound showed no arguments for sarcoidosis. A tattoo biopsy showed a granulomatous response of lymphocytes and histiocytes around tattoo pigment, there was no histological evidence for sarcoidosis.Conclusion Tattoo granulomas can be a manifestation of sarcoidosis but may also be a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to pigment containing metallic tattoo compounds. The association of recurrent anterior uveitis with swelling of skin tattoos is an unusual occurrence. Similar cases of uveitis associated with tattoo inflammation have been reported in the literature.
Acute retinal necrosis. 3 case reports
Authors: CIMBALAS A , KOVALIUNAS E , KARALIUTE Z , LIVEIKIENE A , ASOKLIS R 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To present three case reports of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome and discuss the aspects of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical, laboratory, photographic and angiographic records of three immunocompetent patients with acute retinal necrosis syndrome.Results Two male 22 and 36 years old and one female 25 years old patients had typical clinical symptoms of ARN syndrome: sudden decrease of vision acuity, eye pain, multiple areas of peripheral retinal necrosis, occlusive vasculitis, opticopathia, anterior uveitis and vitritis. Serum Ig G antiviral (VZV, HSV, CMV) titers were the basis for the etiological diagnosis. After applying systemic antiviral and steroid therapy, a rapid improvement of symptoms with the development of pigmentation in the areas of retinal whitening was observed in all patients. Retinal detachment occurred in 2 male patients and was successfully treated.Conclusion Acute retinal necrosis syndrome is one of the vision threatening diseases for immunocompetent patients with poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and urgent antiviral therapy is therefore of vital importance for visual outcomes. Long term follow‐up is necessary due to high risk of retinal detachment.
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography study of the surgical outcome of the filtrating surgery in glaucoma
Authors: YANI A , MERCIE M , DJABAROUTI M , BADAT I , BOISSONNOT M , DIGHIERO P , GICQUEL JJ 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To study the outcome of various filtrating surgery techniques in patients with glaucoma witthe Visante Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomograph (AS‐OCT)Methods Fourty seven patients (47 eyes) (age 55 to 87) were enrolled after they had undergone filtrating surgery for glaucoma (Sclerectomy, Trabeculectomy, and combined surgery associating phacoemulsification and Sclerectomy or Trabeculectomy). Antimetabolites were used in all patients (mitomycin C or 5‐Fluoro Uracile). Intraocular pressure was recorded 6 months, 3 months and 1 month before surgery as well as 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively. Each time the patients underwent full ophtalmological examination with subjective slit lamp evaluation of the bleb. Morphological evaluation of the bleb was performed with the Visante AS‐OCT in all patients after a minimum period of one year after surgery. The trabeculectomy / sclerectomy site as well as the morphology of the scleral flap, the conjunctival flap, the iris, and the relationship between these structures were analyzedResults In most cases, a good correlation was observed between the AS‐OCT evaluation of the bleb and the measured IOP. AS‐OCT was helpful in determining the functional properties of filtration blebs in cases in which the target IOP was no reached.Conclusion AS‐ OCT is a valuable tool for an accurate functional evaluation of the outcome of filtrating surgery in patients with glaucoma.
Is choroidal thickness different between glaucoma patients and healthy subjects?
Authors: BRON AM , FRANCOZ A , BEYNAT J , NICOT F , CATTANEO A , CREUZOT C 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare choroidal thickness (CT) of healthy subjects and primary open‐angle glaucoma patients with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) and to seek a correlation between CT and glaucoma severity.Methods Sixty‐five healthy eyes, 27 eyes with early glaucoma , 21 eyes with moderate glaucoma and 30 eyes with advanced glaucoma were included in this cross‐sectional study (one eye per patient). Retro‐foveolar CT, foveolar retinal thickness and average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) were measured by SD‐OCT. Humphrey 24‐2 visual field was also performed and mean defect (MD)recorded. Spherical equivalent (SE) was measured with automatic refractometer.Results Average retro‐foveolar CT was statistically lower in glaucoma patients than in healthy subjects p=0.0023. The CT was not different according to glaucoma stage (p=0.078). We found a statistically significant correlation between CT and MD (p = 0.040), but not with CT and age (p=0.053), CT and retinal foveolar thickness (p=0,789), CT and RNFL thickness (p=0.732) and CT and SE (p=0.202).Conclusion This preliminary study showed that retro‐foveolar CT measured by SD‐OCT was significantly thinner in glaucomatous patients than in healthy subjects.