bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokines in patients with HLA‐B27 + acute anterior uveitis
Authors: JAKOB E , UMANSKY L , BECKHOVE P , MACKENSEN F 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose In this study, we assessed 27 different cytokines in peripheral blood of patients with HLA‐B27 + acute anterior uveitis (AAU), the most common form of immune‐mediated uveitis. Goal of the study was to determine if cytokine levels in peripheral blood are associated with disease activity in AAU. Methods Blood samples were collected from 14 consecutive patients with AAU in active and inactive disease phase (2 samples per patient at different time points) and from 14 age and gender matched controls. Patients with systemic treatment were not included. Samples were stored at ‐20 °C. Subjects were evaluated for cytokines in peripheral blood by Bio‐Plex Pro Human Cytokine 27‐Plex Panel. Percentages of each cytokine were compared for patients with active vs inactive disease and to age and gender matched group of healthy controls. IRB approval has been obtained.Results Comparing active to inactive disease status we found signifficantly higher levels in 12 of the 27 accessed cytokines in active disease compared to inactive. In active status, we found significantly higher levels of Il‐1b,IL‐1ra, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐9, IL‐1o, IL‐17 and IFN‐g. Interestingly, we did not see a significant difference in levels of IL‐2 and TNF alpha. In all but one tested cytokine (IL‐6), there was no significant difference between samples of patients in inactive disease and controls.Conclusion Results show that there are significant differences in serum levels of many different cytokines in patients with active and inactive AAU.
Oxidative stress activates NLRP3 inflammasomes in ARPE‐19 cells
Authors: LAAKSO N , KINNUNEN K , SALMINEN A , KAARNIRANTA K , KAUPPINEN A 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Oxidative stress, which refers to cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributes to many age‐related diseases, including age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells must endure a high level of oxidative stress because of their high oxygen consumption, high levels of polyunsaturated lipids, and the long periods of exposure to light. Inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Oxidative stress is known to activate inflammasomes, intracellular protein complexes which assemble to process the precursors of interleukin (IL)‐1beta and IL‐18 to mature and secreted cytokines by caspase‐1. In the present study, we have studied the presence of inflammasome platforms in ARPE‐19 cells.Methods After the cell exposures, ELISA and qPCR methods were used to examine the inflammasomal activity.Results In order to activate TLR pathway and NF‐kappaB signaling for inducing the production of the IL‐1beta and IL‐18 precursors, the cells were stimulated with LPS. Thereafter, 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE) was used to provide the second signal needed for the inflammasome activation. Using the qPCR method, we showed the inflammasome receptor component to be the NACHT, LRR and PYD domains‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3).Conclusion Our data indicate that oxidative stress is able to activate NLRP3 inflammasomes in human ARPE‐19 cells.
An antimicrobial peptide can enhance the activity of a fluoroquinolone in reducing the colony counts of fluoroquinolone‐resistant MRSA in the NZW rabbit keratitis model
Authors: ROMANOWSKI E , YATES K , MAH F , GORDON Y , KOWALSKI R 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Future therapy of ocular infections may depend on enhancing current drugs if no new drugs are developed. We tested whether an antimicrobial peptide, Nisin (NIS) could enhance the activity of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in a NZW rabbit keratitis model.Methods A total of 48 rabbits were inoculated intrastromally in both eyes with ~1000 CFU of fluoroquinolone and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. After 4 h, the rabbits were divided equally into 4 treatment groups: 1) 0.075% NIS; 2) 0.3% CIP; 3) 0.075% NIS + 0.3% CIP; 4) PBS. Topical treatment was instilled in both eyes every 15 min for 5 hours. One hour after treatment the corneas were harvested, homogenized, and processed for colony counts. Colony counts were Log10 transformed and analyzed using ANOVA. The data is expressed as mean ± sd Log10 CFU/ml.Results CIP alone (6.76 ± 0.35) demonstrated no difference in colony counts compared to PBS (6.87 ± 0.30) (p>0.05). NIS alone (4.90 ± 1.84) significantly decreased colony counts compared to PBS and CIP (p<0.05). NIS + CIP (3.84 ± 2.01) significantly decreased colony counts compared to NIS alone, CIP alone, and PBS (p<0.05).Conclusion Combination therapy with 0.075% NIS and 0.3% CIP significantly decreased colony counts compared to PBS and either drug alone. This study provides “proof of principle” that in vivo enhancement of antibiotics can be achieved and may be evaluated using a rabbit model.
Commercial interest
HSV1‐specific meganuclease may reduce ocular infection in a mouse model of herpes keratitis
Authors: LABETOULLE M , GABISON E , ROUSSEAU A , HUOT N , CHAPELLIER B , GAILLEDRAT M , ERGANI A 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Current anti‐viral treatments of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) inhibit the viral replication but do not impair the latent form of the virus. This could be addressed by rare cutting endonucleases, such as meganucleases. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the antiviral activity of a HSV1‐specific meganuclease in a mouse model of herpes keratitis.Methods Three weeks after bilateral subconjunctival inoculation of recombinant associated‐adenovirus (rAAV) encoding either a HSV1‐specific meganuclease or a reporter gene (GFP), both cornea of mice were inoculated with a wild‐type HSV1 strain. Mice were sacrificed 6 or 28 days later and corneas were analyzed for the presence of HSV1 genome and viral transcripts.Results At 6 dpi, there was no clinical difference in the rate of acute herpetic keratitis, but the amounts of viral products were lower in mice treated with meganuclease‐encoding rAAV. At 28 dpi (stage of HSV1 latency), the rate of clear cornea was more important in the mice treated with meganuclease (p = 0.03), and the amounts of viral genome and transcripts were significantly less important (p<0.01.Conclusion The transduction of HSV1‐specific meganucleases in the ocular tissues by means of a subconjunctival inoculation of r‐AAV is associated with an improvement of corneal recovery, and a reduction in the viral load and replication in the cornea. These results suggest that specific meganucleases could be qualified as a new class of antiviral agent, with the potential to address replicative as well as latent viral DNA.
Commercial interest
Regulation of immune response in post‐operative endophthalmitis
Authors: SAUER A , CREUZOT‐GARCHER C , CHIQUET C , BERROD JP , SALEH M , GAUCHER D , CANDOLFI E , PREVOST G , BOURCIER T 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Endophthalmitis is the most feared complication of all ophthalmologic surgeries. The aim of our study is to study the immune response in aqueous humor of infected patients.Methods In a prospective and multicenter study, clinical datas and aqueous humors of patients with endophthalmitis and control (cataract surgery) were collected. Multiplex immunoassay was done in order to define cytokines patterns. Two‐way ANOVA test was realized for each inflammatory marker to determine any difference between infected and control patients. Pearson linear regression was done to analyse correlation between clinical datas and cytokines levels.Results Aqueous humor was sampled in 49 patients with endophthalmitis and 88 controls. Microbial identification was obtained in 67% of cases. Endophthalmitis was leading to high levels of cytokines and chemokines of the Th1, Th17 and Treg ways. Moreover, very high levels of VEGF were noted in aqueous humors of patients with endophthalmitis as compared to the control. Better visual acuity after one year of evolution was correlated with decreased levels of IL‐8, MCP‐1 and VEGF.Conclusion Th1 and Th17 cells may play an important anti‐infectious role in modulating pathogen proliferation in infected eyes. But this huge inflammatory response may be responsible for retinal destruction as a collateral effect. Moreover, pro‐angiogenic factors are secreted in infected eyes. Antagonism of TH17 and anti‐angiogenic drugs could be a way to limit ocular lesion and may open new therapeutic approach associated with antibiotics therapy.
Lattice dystrophy complicated by Cryptococcus curvatus infection
Authors: IRION L , MORGAN S , KOERNER R , JOHNSON E 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To present a novel case of Cryptococcus curvatus (CC) keratitis in a patient with Lattice dystrophy (LD).Methods A 57 year old lady with a family history of LD had a right re‐graft for suspected recurrent lattice dystrophy. Her initial penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was in 2004 after which she kept good vision. 5 years later she developed a small ulcer caused by presumable Candida which healed completely following topical miconazole and short course of oral fluconazole. In 6 months she developed gutter, increasing astigmatism, recurrent erosions without inflammation and progressive peripheral opacities leading to a 2nd PK.Results Histology of the 2nd PK revealed amyloid deposits in both host and graft elements confirming recurrent LD. In addition the graft contained numerous yeasts within epithelium and stroma along scars from previous PK. The capsulated fungi were seen on PAS, grocott and mucicarmine stains. No inflammatory response was associated with the fungi. Microbiology confirmed these as (CC). On review of findings from initial infection, it seemed that Cryptococcus instead of Candida was indeed the causative agent of her previous ulcer. Interestingly, she had no history of local trauma prior to her first corneal ulceration and there was never evidence of infection elsewhere. Unfortunately, 2 years after the 2nd PK the graft developed new opacities that lead to a 3rd PK which revealed recurrent (CC) keratitis again without any inflammatory response. The left eye also had a corneal graft in 2009 given her underlying LD and mercifully has never been infected.Conclusion To our knowledge Cryptococcus curvatus keratitis was never described in English literature.In fact, it seems that this is the first description of ocular infection by this species.
Use of tuf PCR for staphylococcal and streptococcal genus detection in endophthalmitis
Authors: CORNUT PL , BOISSET S , BENITO Y , BURILLON C , ETIENNE J , MAURIN M , CHIQUET C , VANDENESCH F 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose This study reports the contribution of specific conventional PCR of the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera followed by sequencing for the microbiological diagnosis of endophthalmitis.Methods Specific PCR assays targeting the tuf gene of the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera were performed in addition to the reference techniques (conventional culture and panbacterial PCR) on samples of aqueous humor and/or vitreous in patients with acute post operative endophthalmitis when Staphylococcus or Streptococcus had been identified using reference methods or no identification had been possible.Results Out of the 125 samples analyzed (60 aqueous humor and 65 vitreous of 85 patients) , the culture was positive in 61 cases (48.8%) and panbacterial PCR was positive in 78 cases (62.4%). By combining culture and panbacterial PCR bacterial identification was obtained in 94 of the 125 samples (75.2%, 72 Staphylococcus, 22 Streptococcus). Staphylococcus‐specific PCR was positive in 72 out of the 103 samples tested and allowed 8 additionnal identifications. The Streptococcus‐specific PCR was positive in 13 cases. The Streptococcus‐specific PCR provided no additional diagnosis to the pan‐bacterial PCR. By adding Staphylococcus and Streptococcus tuf specific PCR to the reference methods, bacterial identification was obtained in 102 of the 125 samples (81.6%, 80 Staphylococcus, 22 Streptococcus).Conclusion The Staphylococcus‐ and Streptococcus‐specific techniques used in this study were complementary to the panbacterial PCR techniques and improved sensitivity in the identification of Staphylococcus and better identification of the species with sequencing.
Successful management of recurrent Acanthamoeba keratitis using topical and systemic miltefosine
Authors: BARISANI‐ASENBAUER T , WALOCHNIK J , MEJDOUBI L , BINDER S 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Acanthamoebae are ubiquitous free‐living amoebae. As facultative pathogens, they are the causative agents of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a sight‐threatening ocular surface infection. AK can have a favorable prognosis when diagnosed and treated early in the disease course but available treatment options can remain ineffective even when started early.Methods Case presentationResults AK can have a favorable prognosis when diagnosed and treated early in the disease course but available treatment options can remain ineffective even when started early. We present a case of AK that was successfully treated with topical and systemic miltefosine after showing sight‐threatening recurrences under recommended therapy including a combination of propamidine 0.1%, miconazole nitrate 1%, neomycin, diamide and cationic antiseptics over a 12 months period.Conclusion In previous studies, miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine), an alkylphosphocholine, approved for the oral and topical treatment of leishmaniasis, proved to be highly active against Acanthamoeba in vitro [Walochnik et al. 2002]. This has been confirmed by several other studies [e.g. Schuster et al. 2006, McBride et al. 2007, Walochnik et al. 2009, Polat et al.2012].
Efficacity and safety of TNF alpha blockers in patients with Behçet’s disease uveitis
Authors: GUINDOLET D , SAADOUN D , CASSOUX N , FARDEAU C , TOUITOU V , LEHOANG P , BODAGHI B 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To determine the efficacy and safety of infliximab, an anti‐TNF alpha antibody, in patients with severe and sight‐threatening uveitis associated with Behçet's disease.Methods Retrospective, single center study on 11 cases of panuveitis due to Behçet's disease managed between July 2001 and November 2011. Patients were treated with infliximab at a dose of 5 mg/kg intravenously. Efficacy was monitored by complete clinical examination, fluorescein angiography and OCT. The general tolerance was evaluated by a regular clinical and biological analysis.Results Infliximab was used in 11 patients with a mean age of 32.7 years [20.9‐45.7]. Nine patients with panuveitis and retinal vasculitis were resistant or intolerant to immunosuppressors [average 2.1; 0‐4]. Mean duration of uveitis before the use of infliximab was 6.4 years [0.03‐10.8]. Infliximab has been used as long‐term treatment in 6 patients. The mean duration of treatment was 25.59 months [1.96‐82.96] with a mean follow up of 42.32 months [1.38‐114.2] and a mean of 17 infusions administered [2‐52]. Infliximab was efficient in all cases, with rapid regression (after 1‐2 injection) of intraocular inflammation. The average dose of corticosteroids was reduced from 40mg/d to 23.6mg/d (p=0.019). Pneumonitis and optic neuropathy occurred respectively in one case.Conclusion Infliximab has a rapid and powerful but suspensive effect in severe ocular Behçet's disease. It can be used either as first‐line before the switch to other immunosuppressors or as a new strategy in severe cases resisting to other drugs, such as azathioprine or interferon alpha.
Supplement enriched in antioxidants protects the retina from light‐induced damage
Authors: RANCHON‐COLE I , RAMCHANI BEN OTMAN K , CERCY C , REBIKA H , DOLY M 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the effect of the dietary supplement Nutrof‐Total, enriched in antioxidants and fish oil, on retinal fatty acid composition and its potential neuroprotective effect.Methods Six‐7 weeks old Sprague Dawley rats were not treated or administrated orally daily with 0,2 ml of water or Nutrof‐Total for a period of 10 days. Then, they were sacrificed for fatty acid analysis on plasmas and retinas or they were exposed to bright cyclic light for one week. At the end of light exposure, electroretinograms are recorded and animal are sacrificed for histologic analysis and apoptotic cells detection.Results One week of Nutrof‐Total treatment induced a significant increase of EPA, DPA and DHA in the plasma to respectively 163%, 133% and 19%. In the retina, there is also a significant increase of EPA and DPA but not of DHA and LNA is significantly decreased. In parallel, there is a reduced level of omega‐6 fatty acid in plasma and retina. In untreated animal, bright‐cyclic light induced a reduction of the ONL thickness, an increased in apoptotic cells leading to a reduction of retinal function. Animals treated with Nutrof‐total for 10 days before and during the bright cyclic light have a preserved retinal structure, a reduced number of apoptotic cells and a preserved retinal function.Conclusion Nutrof‐Total can protect the retina from light‐induced retinal damage. Nutrof‐Total may be beneficial in preventing the toxic effect of light on the retina.
Commercial interest
Effects of intravitreal injection of anti‐TNFα and anti‐VEGF in experimental branch retinal vein occlusion in rats
Authors: ANDRIANAKI A , GILODI N , CONTI A , POURNARAS CJ 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To investigate the effect of intravitreal injection of anti‐TNFα and anti‐VEGF antibodies on the inner blood retinal barrier (iBRB) in a rat model of experimental branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Claudin‐5, a tight junction protein seen in the retinal vascular wall was examined in order to evaluate the iBRB integrity.Methods BRVO was induced in the right eye of Long Evans rats, using laser photocoagulation. The left eye served as control. The intravitreal injection with either anti‐TNFα or anti‐VEGF was performed in the right eye of each animal, 6 hours after BRVO. Two days after laser application, animals were sacrificed and retinas were harvested. The expression and distribution of claudin‐5 were examined by immunofluorescent staining of flat‐mounts under confocal microscopy.Results Confocal micrographs showed that claudin‐5 is specifically expressed on the cell boundaries of retinal vessels. Two days after laser induced BRVO, the distribution of claudin‐5 in retinal veins of non‐treated rats was weaker, rougher and less linear compared to the images seen in control animals. The staining of claudin‐5 in retinal veins of rats treated with anti‐VEGF or anti‐TNFα was stronger, more linear and uniform.Conclusion The anti‐TNFα and anti‐VEGF drugs seem to partially restore the integrity of the iBRB which may contribute to the reduction of macular edema. Ongoing experiments using RT‐PCR will determine the effect of those drugs in the expression of genes that influence the development of macular edema after BRVO.
Examination of between eye retinal oxygenation saturation in the peri‐papillary region
Authors: CUBBIDGE R , VEKRIA P , KALITZEOS A , HEITMAR R 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To measure the inter‐ocular agreement of retinal vessel oxygen saturation in the peripapillary retina of healthy individuals.Methods Twelve otherwise healthy individuals (mean age 36.5 (SD 10.5)) underwent dual wavelength retinal oximetry (ImedosSystems, Germany), non‐contact tonometry (Keeler Pulsair, UK) and manual shygomanometry in both eyes on the same day. For analyses purposes the major branches of the central retinal artery and vein crossing through a circular segment located one half disc diameter (DD) away from the optic nerve head (ONH) and 1DD in width were selected from 3 consecutively taken images. Arterial and venular oxygen saturation was then used to calculate the arterio‐venous oxygen saturation difference.Results Arterio‐venous difference of peri‐papillary retinal vessel oxygen saturation showed good inter‐ocular agreement and no dependence on age, blood pressure or intraocular pressure (Right eye 37 (7)% and left eye 38 (5) %, r=0.71).Conclusion There is good inter‐ocular agreement of peri‐papillary retinal oxygenation parameters in healthy individuals.
Blindness due to mistake of antituberculosis treatment
Authors: ROBERT PY , YAYA G , YASSAMINA S , MGBALI J , GINOUX J 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Antituberculosis drugs such as Ethambutol and Isoniazid may induce toxic optic neuropathy, that has lead to recommendations on the follow‐up of patients under antituberculosis treatment. In Central African Republic, as in many countries where tuberculosis is endemic, this affection may also develop as an opportunist illness of AIDS. Treatment with antituberculosis drugs is often long, and the incidence of ocular toxicity increase.Methods Since 1998, we noticed an increasing number of bilateral blindness in the population of patients treated by Ethambutol in our outpatient practice. We report here 10 from 23 clinical cases of visual impairment, observed in ophthalmological service of Bangui Teaching National Hospital Center.Results Two patients received the recommended dose (25mg/Kg/day) throughout the treatment. The others have found themselves in overdose because of a loss of weight. Visual symptoms begin on the average during the 3rd month of treatment. Three patients had a visual improvement, 3 others a stabilization of vision, and the remaining 4 a worsening of vision.Conclusion We raise from this series a necessary awareness for patients, prescribers and the practitioners in charge of the National program for Tuberculosis Control, on importance of the ocular toxicity of antituberculosis drugs. Yet efficient and extensively used, these drugs require special clinical and biologic balance before every prescription, and close ophthalmologic survey throughout the treatment.
Damage of tolerance to glucose (TG) is the predecessor of insular diabetes (ID) and is accompanied by different metabolic changes, which need all‐round research
Authors: GUSHCHA S , BABOV KD , YAROSHENKO NA 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To research changes of water‐electrolytic exchange (WEE) in lens and liquid of anterior chamber of eye of rats with latent changes of carbohydrate metabolism.Methods White rats Wistar were taken once subcutaneous introduction of alloxan solution in dose 0,075 g/kg.Results After 14 days in lens and liquid of anterior chamber of eye rats was discovered increase concentration of K+ and decrease concentration of Na+. At the same time content of total tissue water in lens was reduced. Basal level of glucose in blood on an empty stomach was normal. At testing TG was revealed increase of glucose level during 3 hours.Conclusion It was determined in initial stage of ID genesis have occurred changes of water‐electrolytic exchange (WEE). The received results expand concept about pathogenetic mechanisms of ID genesis and may be used in researching of correct influence of natural medical factors (mineral waters, for example).