bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neovascular glaucoma anti‐VEGF treatment
Authors: ZOGRAFOS L 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To present the anti‐VEGF treatment in neovascular glaucoma following proton beam irradiation in uveal melanomas.Methods Prospective evaluation on 69 cases of iris neovascularisation and neovascular glaucoma treated with anti‐VEGF intraocular injections.Results Iris neovascularisation was classified as pupillary 26%, sectorial 16%, tuffts 15% and diffused 43%. A sectorial iris ischemia related to proton beam irradiation was present in 64% of the cases. Following an observation period of 6 months to 3 years a normalisation of the intraocular pressure (less than 20 mm Hg) was obtained in 84% of the cases. Regression of iris tortuosity was observed in 77% of the cases. Regression of the iris neovascularisation in 68 % of the cases and reduction of diffusion of the dye in 67% of the cases. A remodelling of the iris ischemia was observed in 32% of the cases.Conclusion The intraocular injections of anti‐VEGF drugs in selected cases is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of iris neovascularisation and neovascular glaucoma related to proton beam irradiation of uveal melanomas.
Corneal collagen cross linking: traditional vs transepithelial results with histopathological analysis
Authors: MENCUCCI R , MARINI M , PALADINI I , FAVUZZA E , SARCHIELLI E , MENCHINI U , VANNELLI GB 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the effects of transepithelial corneal crosslinking (TE‐CXL) on epithelium and stroma in human corneasMethods Fifteen corneal buttons were examined. Ten were from patients with keratoconus submitted to penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Five of them were treated with TE‐CXL 2 hours before PKP, five of them were treated with TE‐CXL 3 months before PKP. Five normal corneal buttons from healthy donors were used as controls. TE‐CXL was performed with two different time of imbibition: 30 minutes and 2 hours.All samples were prepared for the detection of keratocyte apoptosis by TUNEL assay and for the morphological evaluation of epithelium and stroma by immunohistochemical analysis (Connexin 43, CD34).Results Normal corneas exhibited no TUNEL positive keratocytes while keratoconus and crosslinked samples showed moderate apoptotic cells in the anterior part of the stroma. Moreover, the samples treated with TE‐CXL 2 hours before PKP showed also an almost completely deteriorated epithelium with TUNEL positive cells. The epithelial positivity for connexin43 (transmembrane protein that forms gap junction channels) was similar in the control and in the corneas with crosslinking 3 months before PKP, while seemed more scattered in the keratoconus. In the samples treated with TE‐CXL 2 hours before PKP the positivity was patchy in the few remained epithelial cells.Conclusion The treatment with TE‐CXL leads to epithelial damage and a reduction of keratocytes in the sub‐epithelial region in the corneas treated 2 hours before PKP. In the samples treated with TE‐CXL 3 months before PKP the positivity of both CD34 keratocytes and connexin‐43 epithelial cells is similar to control.
An unususal optic neuropathy: interest of imaging and conservative treatment
Authors: CRETU I , MILAZZO S , BREMOND‐GIGNAC D 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Interest of imaging of an unusual optic neuropathy case report and to perform a conservative treatment.Methods A 17 year‐old girl was referred for a 3 months progressive visual loss. No personal or family history was noticed. At ocular examination right VA was 3/10 P14 OR and 10/10 P2 OS. At fundus optic disc was discolored with optic neuropathy. At examination she showed a large unilateral visual field loss possibly mimicking ocular manifestation of multiple sclerosis. OCT was performed. MR Imaging revealed a high signal and a right optic nerve sheath meningioma, with unilateral optic disc mild atrophy. Stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy treatment was decided and applied twice at one month interval. After 3 years follow‐up tumor was non active with a visual improvement at 4/10 P5 OR.Results This clinical presentation of an optic neuropathy can mimic ocular defect in multiple sclerosis but the imaging allow the diagnosis of the meningioma. Saeed study underlines the interest of stereotactic treatment in optic nerve sheath meningioma. A conservative treatment is of interest and visual improvement of our case was obtained with stable tumor.Conclusion Unusual presentation of optic neuropathy systematically must benefit of an imaging with accurate definition. Primary radiotherapy for patients with optic nerve sheath meningioma is associated with long‐term improvement of visual acuity and few adverse effects.
Quantitative Autofluorescence Measurements
Authors: SMITH RT , GREENBERG J , DELORI F 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Technology for quantitative measurement of fundus autofluorescence (AF).Methods Scanning laser ophthalmoscopes (SLO’s, HRA2 and Spectralis, Heidelberg Eng.) were modified by insertion of an internal AF reference to account for variable laser power and detector sensitivity. 30° images (mean of 9 without histogram stretching) were acquired from normal test subjects (10‐60 y/o) after a 20 s bleaching period,.. Quantified AF (qAF) was calculated from the reference gray level (GL), the zero GL, the media and the magnification (refractive error). The linearity of the system, field uniformity, effect of refractive error, and reproducibility were tested. qAF measurements were then done on 22 patients with Stargardt disease (STGD ) and 11 patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).Results The linear detection range extended to 175 GL. Field uniformity was better than 5% in a central 20°‐diameter circle. The recorded AF and the square of the image magnification were inversely related. Different day reproducibility was 4.1 % at the fovea. Median inter‐instrument reproducibility (Spectralis and the HRA2) was 7.4 %. Normals. qAF highly correlated with age (central qAF = 8.8+3.5*Age, p<0.00001). STGD. Background levels of qAF were elevated up to 4 times age‐matched controls; fleck levels were twice background. RP. HyperAF rings had significantly higher levels than controls and correlated with inner segment/outer segment junction loss.Conclusion Modified SLO instrumentation and analytic methods that account for optical media density and refractive error allow non‐invasive, in vivo quantitative AF measurements (total lipofuscin fluorescence) relative to a fixed internal standard in normal subjects and patients with retinal degenerations to monitor disease progression and response to therapy.
Topical application of AMA0076, a locally acting rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, results in a robust IOP control in a hypertensive rabbit model
Authors: VAN DE VELDE S , VAN BERGEN T , VANDEWALLE E , SIJNAVE D , HOLLANDERS K , LEYSEN D , MOONS L , STALMANS I 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To elucidate the IOP lowering effect of the local ROCK inhibitor, AMA0076, in the rabbit eye.Methods An ocular hypertensive rabbit model, based on the intracameral injection of visco‐elastic material, has been developed to determine the IOP lowering effect of compounds acting to improve aqueous humor outflow. Using this model, the IOP lowering effect of AMA0076 was tested and compared to Y‐39983, Latanoprost and Bimatoprost (5 rabbits/compound).Results Topical administration (TID) of AMA0076 prevented the IOP rise induced by the injection of visco‐elastics in a dose dependent manner (overall P<0.0001). Treatment with AMA0076 0.3% completely prevented the rise in IOP (overall P<0.0001). Administration of Y‐39983 0.3% significantly reduced (but did not completely abolish) IOP rise in the hypertensive model compared to the control eye (overall P<0.0001). A more subtle IOP decrease was also observed in the control eye with this non‐local ROCK inhibitor, presumably due to the systemic absorption of Y‐39983. AMA0076 was significantly more potent in blocking the IOP elevation in the hypertensive model compared to Latanoprost and Bimatoprost (respectively overall P=0.0004; P=0.0003).Conclusion The local ROCK inhibitor AMA0076 lowers IOP in an efficient manner in an acute rabbit model for ocular hypertension, with a potency exceeding that of the non‐local ROCK inhibitor Y‐39983, as well as the prostaglandin analogues Latanoprost and Bimatoprost. In summary, the present data indicate that this new class of ROCK inhibitors has potential therapeutic value for the treatment of glaucoma through a novel IOP lowering strategy.
Effect of anti‐VEGF drugs and steroids on the inner blood‐retinal barrier, after experimental BRVO in rats: preliminary results
Authors: BOUZIKA PS , GILODI N , CONTI A , TSILIMBARIS MK , POURNARAS CJ 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the effect of anti‐VEGF drugs and steroids on the inner blood‐retinal barrier (BRB) function after experimental branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in rats. The integrity of the barrier is related to the expression of occludins by retinal endothelial cells.Methods Laser photocoagulation was applied to retinal veins of the right eye of 4 Long‐Evans rats, to induce BRVO. The left eye was used as control. One day after the occlusion, the right eye of each animal was injected intravitreally with either bevacizumab (n=2) or triamcinolone (n=2). The animals were sacrificed 7 days later; all retinas were harvested and prepared for indirect immunohistochemistry, using an anti‐ occluding primary antibody. The specimens were examined using a confocal microscope and images were acquired.Results In normal retinas, occludins appeared as a dense, well‐organised, fluorescent reticulum along the vascular wall. In eyes with BRVO, the structure of occludins was disrupted; irregular linear fluorescence appeared along occluded veins, while absence of fluorescence suggested down‐regulation of occludin expression. Occludin distribution was improved in animals having received treatment post BRVO.Conclusion The administration of bevacizumab and triamcinolone post BRVO seems to improve the function of the inner BRB. This could explain macular edema reduction after the use of these drugs. These preliminary results are part of an ongoing experiment, which will include the use of combination therapy in the management of BRVO.
Cytoarchitectonic and apoptotic consequences after intravitreal octreotide injection in an oxygen induced retinopathy mouse model
Authors: AKKOYUN I , KAYA S , HABERAL N , DAGDEVIREN A , YILMAZ G , OTO S , AKOVA YA 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the cytoarchitectonic and apoptotic consequences after intravitreal Octreotide acetate (OA) injection in different concentrations in an oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model.Methods A total of 26 of C57BL/J6 mice were exposed to 75±2% oxygen from postnatal day 7‐ 12. On day 12, 12 mice (group‐C) were injected with 0.1microg intravitreal Octreotide acetate (IVOA), 14 mice (group‐D) were injected with 0.05microg IVOA in right eye. The contralateral eyes were injected with isotonic saline (control group, group‐B). Four age‐matched mice, maintained in room air, were used as negative controls (group‐A). Neovascularization was quantified by counting the number of retinal vascular endothelial cell nuclei anterior to the inner limiting membrane. Cytoarchitectonic changes were examined by light and electron microscopy. Apoptosis was investigated using TUNEL technique.Results Endothelial cell nuclei count was lower in groups C (p<0.0001) and D (p<0.0001) compared with group‐B. Light microscopy showed no retinal toxicity in any group. Electron microscopic cytoarchitectonic evaluation revealed mitochondrial damage in the inner segment of the photoreceptors in OIR mouse model without increasing in IVOA injected groups. There was no significant increasing apoptotic cell death in the IVOA injected groups.Conclusion Intravitreal injection of OA may be a potential treatment of proliferative retinopathies.
Management of thyroid dysfunction in Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: ORGIAZZI J 
Published: December 2011

AbstractGraves’Orbitopathy (GO), generally associated with hyperthyroidism, may develop also before or after the onset of hyperthyroidism, or even in hypothyroid Hashimoto’s patients. The course and treatment modalities/outcomes of the thyroid disease may alter GO expression and severity. Restoration of euthyroidism with antithyroid drug (ATD) usually improves ocular conditions. However, recurrence of hyperthyroidism after ATD withdrawal, may favour GO progression. Therefore, radical treatment with radioiodine (RAI) or thyroidectomy, should be considered in relapsing patients with GO. RAI leads to a progression of GO in 15‐37% of patients. Several factors are predictive: a) pre‐existing ‘active’ GO, b) severity of hyperthyroidism, c) high serum TSH‐R Ab levels, d) cigarette smoking and e) occurrence of uncorrected post‐radioiodine hypothyroidism with elevated serum TSH. Progression of GO can be prevented by glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, 0.5 mg/Kg BW initially gradually withdrawn over 10‐12 weeks. In patients with inactive GO nor other risk factors, GC coverage is not necessary. In patients with ‘moderate‐severe and active GO’, if radical treatment with RAI is indicated, GO should be treated concomitantly with iv GC and/or orbital radiotherapy. Thyroidectomy is ‘neutral’ for GO. Total thyroid ablation (total thyroidectomy + RAI) might even be beneficial for GO. Iatrogenic hypothyroidism, whatever the treatment, is a significant risk factor of occurrence or progression of GO which warrants close control, and prompt correction, of thyroid function during ATD or after radical treatment. In conclusion, learned treatment strategy and close management of thyroid function are mandatory in Graves’ disease patients. In patients with GO, the combined endocrinological‐ophthalmological approach is the prerequisite for efficient global management.
Proteomic analysis of aqueous humor in retinoblastoma: a preliminary approach
Authors: MICHELI L , HADJISTILIANOU D , GIGLIONI S , VANNONI D , BROGI E , CEVENINI G , CORTELAZZO A , DE FRANCESCO S , MENICACCI F , LEONCINI R 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Compare the basic protein composition of the aqueous humor from retinoblastoma (RTB) patients with aqueous humor from patients with cataract who served as controls.Methods The study was carried out on 18 hospitalized RTB patients, who had undergone ocular enucleation (Reese‐Ellsworth stage V or ABC classification group E RB), and 10 cataract patients. Five out of 18 RTB patients presented with associated secondary glaucoma and 5 out of 13 with no secondary glaucoma received chemotherapeutical treatment with Melphalan. The total protein concentration and electrophoresis pattern (SDS PAGE) of the aqueous humor was analysed.Results The aqueous humor from RTB patients had significantly higher total protein concentrations than controls (p<0.01); patients with secondary glaucoma presented with the highest total protein concentrations, and they were significantly different from controls (p<0.05), while those treated with Melphalan presented a 70% decreasing in protein concentration and, in respect to all non‐treated patients, were significantly different (p<0.01). Besides, the protein content of controls was not significantly different from treated patients. The SDS PAGE pattern of RTB patients was very different from controls; yet, after chemotherapeutical treatment, patterns were similar.Conclusion This study represents a preliminary step towards a more accurate 2DE pattern, which will be combined with mass spectrometry analysis to clarify the potential role of specific proteins in tumor development and progression; although this results suggest that aqueous humor protein pattern in RTB is characteristic, several aspects of the study are still under investigation.
Mutations in the BAP1 gene in uveal melanoma
Authors: KOOPMANS AE , VAN DEN BOSCH T , VAARWATER J , KILIC E , PARIDAENS D , NAUS N , DE KLEIN A 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequently occurring intraocular malignancy in adults. UM has a strong tendency to metastasize to the liver. There are no effective therapies for metastatic disease resulting in a tumour‐related death in about 45% of UM patients within 15 years after the initial diagnosis. Monosomy of chromosome 3 is the most frequent found chromosomal aberration in UM and is predominantly found in metastasizing tumours. Chromosome 3 losses can be detected by karyotyping, FISH or DNA based techniques as QPCR/MLPA and Array CGH. We use a combination of FISH and SNP arrays to select patients for a dendritic cell therapy trial. Recently, inactivating somatic mutations were identified in the gene encoding BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) on chromosome 3p21.1 in metastasizing tumours. In a retrospective series of UMs we will determine the sensitivity and specificity of mutations in BAP1 and compare these with the currently used predictive standard of monosomy.Methods We will use targeted multiplexed Next Generation Sequencing to determine mutations in the BAP1 gene.Results Our results will follow shortly.Conclusion Conclusions will be drawn when all the results are known.
Nanoparticle‐mediated Transfer of Therapeutics to Corneal Cells
Authors: FUCHSLUGER T 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP‐NPs) are biodegradable and biocompatible as they dissolve in the cell in calcium and phosphate. Therefore they are an ideal tool for transfection with DNA or RNA. It has been demonstrated that the impact on intracellular levels of Ca2+ is low and therefore does not affect cell vitality. In this study, we determine the most efficient type of CaP‐NPs for transfer of DNA into in corneal endothelial cells (EC).Methods CaP‐NPs with triple‐shell pcDNA3‐EGFP in different concentrations or coated by dispersions of polyethylenimine (PEI) were manufactured. Polyfect®‐pcDNA3‐EGFP served as positive control. Human and murine EC (suspensions and donor tissue) were transfected using various concentrations of CaP‐NPs and different times of transfection. Transfection efficacy was determined by measuring EGFP‐expression (flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy). To evaluate toxicity, apoptosis was studied by TUNEL and propidium iodide staining.Results The transfection efficacy of triple shell CaP‐NPs (EGFP expression up to 50% after transfection with triple shell CaP‐NPs) was significantly increased after coating with PEI. Cell viability in corneal tissue was not significantly impaired after treatment. As EC possess minimal proliferative capacity, there was no significant change of EGFP expression.Conclusion CaP‐NPs seem to be an alternative to viral vectors and safe for application in patients. Therefore CaP‐NP may be a new and suitable tool for DNA transfer into EC. Further studies are necessary to carefully evaluate functional application and biosafety.
Analysis of gene expression in ischemic neuroretinas: genome‐wide screen discriminating occlusion versus laser effects in rats
Authors: GEKA A , OROPESA C , POURNARAS CJ 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Identification of genes differentially expressed in rat neuroretinas submitted to experimental acute BRVO, to laser treatment, or to light exposureMethods Using an in vivo experimental model of BRVO in rat retinas, we induced acute ischemia by argon laser photocoagulation of venous sites near the ONH in the right eye of one group of animals. In a second group, right eye retinas were exposed to laser treatment at sites located between major vessels. A third group of animals had their right eye exposed to light through a slit lamp. Untreated left eyes served as controls in each animal. Total RNA was extracted from neuroretinas, 30 min and 6 h post treatments, and processed for global gene analysis with Affymetrix microarrays. Genome‐wide comparison of transcriptomes was then performedResults At 30 min, data did not reveal any sequence differentially expressed for the 3 treated groups. At 6 h, light exposure was definitively excluded as an impacting factor. However, the expression of 627 and 113 sequences changed, respectively post BRVO and post laser treatment. When comparing transcriptomes of both groups, we identified, respectively, 396 and 21 genes specifically modified. Interestingly, around 80 genes, all upregulated, were common to both groups. The majority of differentially regulated genes encode proteins involved in different aspects of a large number of complex pathways, among which we retained: inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and neuroprotectionConclusion Microarray analysis revealed changes in gene expression bearing similarities to results from other ischemia models. Furthermore, it revealed that laser treatment may have unreported and specific impacts on retina’s metabolism
The role of oxygen in ocular blood flow regulation
Authors: GARHOFER G 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe normal function of the retina is crucially dependent on an adequate perfusion and oxygenation of the tissue. Thus, it does not come as a surprise that ocular blood flow is very well autoregulated. It is known for a long time that the retinal circulation, and to some extent also the chorodial circulation can compensate for changes in ocular perfusion pressure in order to keep blood flow constant. This is usually referred to as an autoregulatory response of these vascular beds. However, the ocular circulation also responds to changes in oxygen tension. For example, breathing of pure oxygen leads to a pronounced vasoconstriction of the retinal vessel, indicating that the ocular circulation also adapts to changes in oxygen tension. This talk aims to summarize our current evidence of the role of oxygen in ocular blood flow regulation and how this may relate to ocular pathologies such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
Intravitreal Ranibizumab for retrofoveolar neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration, in Pseudo vitelliform and/or Drusenoid pigment epithelium detachment shape
Authors: GONZALEZ C 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the functional, anatomical, vascular flow, effects of intravitreal Ranibizumab injections for retrofoveolar neovascular Pseudo vitelliform and/or Drusenoid pigment epithelium detachment (PED) Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), at 3 years 1/2 evolution.Methods 48 eyes of 40 patients, 15 men, 25 women, with neovascular Pseudo vitelliform(35 eyes) and/or Drusenoid PED (13eyes) AMD. Patients received intravitreous Ranibizumab, 3 times, every 4 weeks in an inductive treatment, the next injections (IVT), depending on the follow‐up results, were done by series of 3 IVT. First and 2 months’ interval follow‐up exam included ETDRS visual acuity (VA), complete ophthalmic examination, fluorescein and infracyanine (ICG) angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).VA and OCT were done before each IVT.Results VA improved in 52% cases. Angiographic leakage disappeared in 78% cases, reduced about 75% in 40% cases. At ICG ,vascular flow, vessel’s diameter were 2/3 time less in 45% cases, low‐flow in 83% cases .Diffuse edema was normalized in 60% cases , pigment epithelial detachment(PED) was less dense in most of cases, by OCT. No ocular or systemic side effects observed.Better contrast Inductive treatment was sufficient in 24 cases, needed 2 IVT Series in 40% cases, failed in 1 case. In few cases, retinal and pigment epithelium atrophy was induced, Drusenoid PED disappeared.Discussion is open.Conclusion The results, with generally improved visual function, lack of fluorescein leakage, low neovascularisation’s flow in ICG, reduction of exudation on OCT, suggest Series of 3 Ranibizumab IVT Protocol seems effective, in those usually poor resort considered cases.