bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tips and tricks for writing a manuscript
Authors: DAMATO B 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The aims of this presentation are to highlight some pearls and pitfalls in writing scientific articles. Methods It is not possible to write a good manuscript unless you have a good message to share. If you are reporting research results this means that you will need to have conducted the research properly, with good statistics, measures to avoid bias, complete data and, of course, an important hypothesis to test. If possible, expert advice should be obtained before the study is started so as to ensure that the trial design is appropriate and that the statistics are correct. Results The key to writing a good manuscript is to divide the paper into sections and to sub‐divide each section into components, making sure that the sequence of ideas is in the correct order. The internet is full of good advice on how to write a good manuscript. This information be summarized in this presentation, which will also guide participants to useful sources of information. Conclusion Writing a manuscript is not difficult and should be a pleasurable and rewarding experience as long as one follows a few simple rules, which will be discussed in this talk.
Infectious crystalline keratopathy
Authors: DUA HS 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To provide the definition, clinical features, diagnosis and management of infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK). Methods Personal experience, experimental study on ex‐vivo ICK and literature review Results ICK can be defined as microbial infection of the cornea in the absence of the host immune response. It can be caused by a variety of microbes including bacteria and fungi. It is characterised by corneal infiltrates in the form of branching or arborescent patterns of needles, snowflakes or fern shapes. This pattern is determined by the compactness of the corneal lamellae. Clinically there is minimal host inflammatory response although there can be areas of suppuration remote from the ICK. The epithelium is usually intact, symptoms are mild and it runs a chronic indolent course. Corneal hypoesthesia and corticosteroid use are risk factors. Diagnosis is based upon clinical examination in conjunction with careful history taking. The presence of branching crystalline deposits located in the stroma often near suture sites and following corneal surgery should raise suspicion. Intensive topical antibiotics, keratectomy of the affected site to excise lesion if possible, cessation of steroid medication or repeat corneal graft are aspects of management of ICK. Conclusion ICK is a rare but difficult to treat condition. Diagnosis is based on history and clinical features. Sample (scrape) or biopsy can be taken for culture and sensitivity of organisms involved. Treatment is difficult and surgery may be required to eliminate the infected locus.
Commercial interest
Glaucoma and retina
Authors: BRON AM 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Retinal and vitreoretinal surgeries frequently lead to an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and/or glaucoma. Clinical presentations correspond to secondary glaucomas with an open‐angle or with angle‐closure. Results Since myopia is a risk factor for retinal detachment and glaucoma as well, it is not surprising that these two disorders are often combined. Cortiscosteroids are widely used in retinal surgeries and the elevation of IOP related to the use of corticosteroids has long been recognized, whatever the route, topical, intravenous or intravitreal. Specific conditions such as Schwartz syndrome or Ghost‐cell glaucoma are not very frequent. However scleral buckling procedures, injection of air, expansive gas and silicone oil may lead to severe elevations of IOP. Conclusion The management of these secondary glaucomas can be difficult because of the inflammatory status of the eye and the recurrence of the retinal diseases. Clinical examination and particularly gonioscopy is the key issue to lead the clinician to the appropriate treatment.
Management of retinal tumours
Authors: DESJARDINS L 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To describe the clinical presentation, main diagnostic tools, differential diagnostic and managment of retinoblastoma. Methods Diagnostic modalities include fundus exam under general anesthesia with fundus pictures, ultrasonography and MRI. The more frequent differential diagnosis are coats disease and PHPV. Diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma can be very difficult to identify An overview of the different therapeutic modalities of retinoblastoma with their specific indications and guidelines for follow up of patients and genetic counseling will be given. Results Unilateral massive retinoblastoma with no vision left is usually treated by enucleation while most bilateral retinoblastoma and 20% of unilateral can be treated by various conservative techniques including chemotherapy and chemothermotherapy, cryotherapy, plaque brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy. Conclusion Early diagnosis of retinoblastoma is still the most important prognostic factor examination of the fundus is warranted in all children with leucokoria and/or strabismus.
The correlation between central corneal thickness, ocular and general parameters
Authors: GALGAUSKAS S , GARLAITE O , JUODKAITE G , TUTKUVIENE J , ASOKLIS R 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT) of normal Lithuanian population,to describe the relationship between CCT, height,weight, body mass index (BMI), intraocular pressure (IOP),refraction ability. Methods In a pilot study 259 adults‐ 125 men and 134 women, whose age ranged in 18‐68 years, were studied. Height, weight and body mass index was determined using a standardized protocol. Non‐cycloplegic refraction was determined by an autorefractor (KR‐8100P, TOPCON). The intraocular pressure was measured by applanation tonometer (Reichert Tono‐pen XL), CCT was measured by contact ultrasound pachymeter (Pocket Pachymeter, Quantel Medical, CP), respectively. Statistical analysis was made using SPSS 17.0 software.Correlations between groups were determined using Pearson two sided correlation coefficient. Results The mean CCT of males was 549.0 (± 33.6) µm for the right eye (OD) and 549.9 (± 33.8) µm for the left eye (OS). The mean CCT of females was 542.6 (± 34.9) µm for OD and 543.1 (± 35.2) µm for OS. Mean height of the examined persons was 173,06 (± 8,27) cm; mean weight – 68,69 (± 11,84) kg; mean value of the body mass index – 22,83 (± 2,95); mean intraocular pressure – 16,07 (± 2,74) mmHg; mean refraction ability – ‐1,56 (± 2,21) D. Pearson two sided correlation coefficient between CCT and subjects’ age was 0,00; CCT and height – 0,108; CCT and weight – 0,093; CCT and BMI – 0,05; CCT and IOP – 0,26; CCT and refraction – 0,047. Conclusion 1.No significant difference in mean CCT was found between the right and left eyes or between male and female subjects. 2. CCT correlated with height, weight and IOP; but not BMI or refraction ability in the overall study group. 3.CCT significantly correlated with height.
Changes in expression of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 8 in corneal epithelial cells after UV irradiation
Authors: ARDAN T , CEJKOVA J 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 8 (MMP‐1 and MMP‐8) are collagenolytic enzymes that are associated with many ocular inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis, ulcerative keratitis, and ocular rosacea. It is suggested, that MMP‐1 and MMP‐8 are mainly produced by inflammatory cells so that an increased incidence of these enzymes in the cornea is associated with neutrophil infiltration. Based on our previous findings dealing with the coincidence of the expression of proteolytic enzymes (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9) with the severity of corneal injury induced by UV irradiation, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of UVA and UVB rays on expression of MMP‐1 and MMP‐8 in the corneal epithelium. Methods In the first group of rabbits the corneas were irradiated with UVA lamp (365 nm, once a day during 4 days, a dose per day 1.01 J/cm2), in the second group with UVB lamp (312 nm, once a day during 4 days, a dose per day 1.01 J/cm2). Normal corneas served as controls. MMP‐1 and MMP‐8 were examined in cryostat sections immunohistochemically using sheep polyclonal anti‐MMP‐1 and mouse monoclonal anti‐MMP‐8 antibodies. Results Results show that UVA rays do not change expression of MMPs studied in corneal epithelium. In contrast, UVB rays induce overexpression of both MMPs in corneal epithelial cells. Conclusion Comparing the effect of the same doses of UVA and UVB rays with the normal cornea, where the enzymes are only slightly (MMP‐1) or moderately (MMP‐8) pronounced in the epithelium, UVB rays (not UVA rays) evoked highly increased expression of both MMPs in irradiated corneal epithelial cells. The possible influence of overexpression of MMPs due to UVB‐exposure on the development of corneal inflammation will be the aim of our next study.
The influence of pollen proteases on human conjunctival cells
Authors: RABENSTEINER DF , SCHMUT O , SPREITZHOFER EM , TRUMMER G , WACHSWENDER C , KIRCHENGAST S , WEDRICH A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose During pollen‐seasons allergy‐like symptoms can also be observed in proven non allergy sufferers. Pollen proteases are thought to be responsible for consecutive conjunctival irritation. We investigated the influence of a well known aggressive pollen species, birch pollen (Betula pendula) on human conjunctival cell cultures. This study is an approach to SNAC (seasonal non allergic conjunctivitis) syndrome. Methods Human cultivated conjunctival cells, so called CHANG‐cells, were incubated with extracts of birch pollen. Zymography was carried out in order to investigate the proteolytic activity of the pollen. Cytomorphological changes were analysed using the CASY1 Cell Counter. Via MTS‐assay the cell viability was quantified. The viability of the cells, which were incubated with pollen extract, was compared to the viability of the control cells and the results were statistically evaluated. Results Depending on the pollen extract concentration and the incubation period, the treatment of CHANG‐cells with pollen extract of birch induced a highly significant decrease of the cell viability. Conclusion Cell damage by pollen proteases is an approach to explain conjunctival irritation in proven non‐allergic persons during the pollen season. A reason why not all persons are affected by the SNAC syndrome at the same extent, could be differences in the concentrations of antiproteases present on the ocular surface.
High‐definition Fourier domain OCT: non‐invasive assessment of BRB changes
Authors: BERNARDES R , SANTOS T , CUNHA‐VAZ J 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To demonstrate the possibility of using a non‐invasive imaging technique, the high‐definition spectral domain optical coherence tomography, as a surrogate detector of blood‐retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown. Methods Healthy volunteers and diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy, age‐ related macular degeneration, choroidal neo‐vascularisation and cystoid macular edema, underwent optical coherence tomography by Cirrus HD‐OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA). Profiles of reflectivity distribution between the inner‐limiting membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium were built, normalized, aligned and compared. Patients underwent retinal leakage analyzer (RLA) to identify areas of retinal fluorescein leakage into the vitreous as areas of blood‐retinal barrier breakdown. Results The comparison between healthy volunteers’ and patients’ reflectivity distribution demonstrates these profiles differ. Moreover, when comparing reflectivity distribution within the same eye between areas of leakage and areas of non‐leakage, the sum of the squared differences is over one decade relatively to the comparison between two similar areas (leakage/leakage or non‐leakage/non‐leakage). Conclusion These findings suggest that high‐definition OCT may be useful in identifying areas of retinal leakage/BRB breakdown and therefore to be used as surrogate for fluorescein angiography and retinal leakage analyzer.
Stem cell applications for retinal pigment epithelial cell defects
Authors: SKOTTMAN H 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The experimental data on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation clearly show the potential of the cell therapy treatment strategy for RPE dysfunction. Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) may have a significant role as tools for drug discovery and for replacement of damaged cells. Human ESCs are potent origin for mass production of specific cells, thus providing unlimited opportunities for these strategies. However, the utilization of hESC‐derived RPE cells in therapy requires an efficient and xeno‐free differentiation protocol that follows good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards. In addition, it is essential to develop methods for reliable characterization of the cells to gain safe and clinically eligible cells. Methods We have compared the differentiation potential of several hESC lines and induced RPE differentiation in the absence of animal feeder cells and bovine serum. The differentiation of cells has been followed by expression analysis of retinal cell markers by using qRT‐PCR and protein analysis. Results With our differentiation protocol, we were able to generate RPE cells from several hESC lines with satisfying efficiency. The typical pigmented cobblestone‐like morphology and expression of retinal precursor markers were detected within one week. Further, RPE specific markers were up‐regulated during the maturation of the cells. Conclusion We have developed progressive differentiation protocol, which enables generation of RPE cells without animal feeder cells and serum induction. The generated cell material is of high quality and more compatible with GMP requirements than cells generated in previous studies. In my presentation, I will review some of the data using hESC for RPE production and our experience in utilizing the hESC‐derived RPE cells.
The distribution of neuroglobin in mouse eye
Authors: YOU Y , DEWILDE S , VAN DE VEIRE S , VAN BERGEN T , VANDEWALLE E , MOONS L , MOENS L , STALMANS I 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To determine the distribution of neuroglobin (Ngb) in mouse eye. Ngb is predominantly expressed in the nervous system,and at particularly high levels in the retina. Ngb may serve as a reactive oxygen scavenger and may protect the tissue of eye from ischemia/hypoxia injuries. However,the distribution of Ngb in the eye is still controversial. Methods Two polyclonal antibodies against Ngb were used in this immunohistochemical study, both of which were raised in rabbits. One of these two antibodies was generated against the whole recombinant protein of mouse Ngb and the other was generated against amino acid positions 55‐70 of mouse and human Ngb. The expression of Ngb was analyzed with light microscopy on tissue sections. Results These two antibodies showed comparable results. Ngb was expressed in the layers of the retina, including the ganglion cell layer, inner and outer nuclear layers, inner and outer plexiform layers, the inner segments of the photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium. Ngb was also detected in other structures of the eye, including the epithelium and endothelium of cornea,the stroma of iris,the ciliary body, the lens epithelium, and the sclera. However, Ngb was not expressed in the corneal stroma, the lens capsule, the lamellar fibers of lens, the pigment epithelium of ciliary body or the pigment layer of iris. Conclusion Ngb was found widely distributed in mouse eye. This finding can be explained by the fact that most of the structures of the eye originated from neural crest/neural ectoderm. Future experiments will focus on the distribution of Ngb at the mRNA level (in situ hybridization),and the quantitative expression levels at baseline and after hypoxic/ischemic challenge.
Why do we need a biomechanical approach to the ocular rigidity concept?
Authors: KOTLIAR KE , KOSHITS IN , BAUER S , LOHMANN CP , LANZL IM 
Published: September 2009

AbstractOcular rigidity in ophthalmology is generally assumed to be a measurable surrogate parameter related to the biomechanical properties of the whole globe. Clinical tonometry and tonography, as well as recently developed methods to assess the ocular pulse amplitude and pulsatile ocular blood flow and measurements with the ocular response analyzer are based on the concept of ocular rigidity. Clinical concepts of ocular rigidity describe a resulting effect without considerations of possible diverse morphology and material properties of the different ocular tissues. It is commonly accepted that ocular rigidity is related to the elasticity of the sclera. Many formulations are however dependent on the internal volume of the globe, intraocular pressure, corneal biomechanics and thickness of the corneoscleral shell. Sometimes this is extended to biomechanical properties of the ocular vasculature and perfusion pressure. Therefore ocular rigidity is expressed in various units and has different physical meanings but the same name is used which is confusing. Ocular biomechanics introduces parameters of elasticity and viscoelasticity of the sclera, cornea and other tissues which consider the morphology of the different tissues describing their mechanical properties such as: Young’s modules of the sclera and Poisson’s ratios of the cornea. When applying these rigorous statements and methods of biomechanical modeling a unified concept for ocular rigidity can be developed in order to link the limited clinical concepts, to improve them and to better understand the results of clinical measurements.
Prospective evaluation of the Boston keratoprosthesis
Authors: AMENT JD , PINEDA R , TILAHUN Y , BEHLAU I , DOHLMAN CH 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To assess the sustainability of the Type I Boston Keratoprosthesis in the developing world and report 18‐month follow‐up data on the International Boston Keratoprosthesis Study Group pilot project in Ethiopian. Methods Through an international collaboration between the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, USA and the Menelick II Hospital, Ethiopia, six pre‐selected patients underwent surgery with th Type I Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro). Patient inclusion criteria included hospital access, multiple graft failure, or binocular blindness. An International Protocol was developed to standardize evaluation and follow‐up. To reduce costs, the patient’s own cornea was used as a carrier for the KPro when possible instead of a donor cornea. Follow‐up reports were transmitted electronically to all physicians involved. Results Six Ethiopian patients received a Boston KPro under local anesthesia without complications. In two patients, their own cornea was used as a carrier for the KPro. All patients had improved visual acuity from a baseline vision of hand motions. Postoperative vision ranged from CF at 5m to 20/40. All patients were able to self‐administer their ophthalmic medications and five of six patients reported greater independence in ADLs. There were no infections, or compliance issues. Conclusion Early results indicate that the Boston KPro may be an option in the developing world. KPro complication rates were no different from developed countries. The use of the patient’s own cornea was not associated with a poor outcome. It remains unclear as to whether KPro may be superior to PK in this setting. Careful patient selection, standardized protocol implementation, and meticulous post‐operative follow‐up are necessary for long‐term sustainability.
Boston keratoprosthesis with titanium back plate
Authors: DOHLMAN CH , TODANI A , AMENT JD , CHODOSH J , CIOLINO J , COLBY K , PINEDA R , BELIN M , AQUAVELLA J , GRANEY J 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Following implantation of a Boston Keratoprosthesis (BKPro), formation of a retroprosthetic membrane (RPM) is an indication of postoperative intraocular inflammation. The purpose of this retroactive study has been to compare BKPro back plates made of titanium with the standard PMMA back plates. Any difference in RPM formation would guide our future choice of material for the device. Methods The design was a retroactive analysis looking at the surgical outcomes after 6 months in patients who had BKPro implants. Pediatric cases were excluded. The indications for having a KPro implant were broadly divided into three categories: autoimmune (n=12), chemical burns (n=11), and others (non‐autoimmune) (n=55). Three types of back plates were studied: 1) threaded (screw‐on) PMMA (n=39), 2) non‐threaded (snap‐on) PMMA (n=16) and 3) non‐threaded titanium back plates (n=23). Main outcome measured was incidence of RPM formation at 6 months after surgery that warranted removal by either YAG laser membranotomy or surgery. Results The percentage of patients who developed RPM was greatest in the threaded PMMA group (46%), followed by the non‐threaded PMMA (31%), although this difference did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.5). The non‐threaded titanium group showed the least RPM formation (13%), which was significantly less than both the threaded PMMA (p=0.002) and the threadless PMMA (p=0.043) groups. Conclusion Titanium KPro back plates induce less RPM than PMMA back plates, threaded or non‐threaded. It seems that the titanium plates in this setting are more tissue friendly and cause less inflammation than PMMA.
Activity of corneal nociceptive nerve fibers during allergic challenge of the ocular surface
Authors: GALLAR J , ACOSTA MC , LUNA C , BELMONTE C 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The aim of this work was to study in vitro the spontaneous and stimulus‐evoked electrical activity of corneal nociceptive nerve fibers during acute allergic inflammation of the ocular surface induced in the guinea‐pig. Methods Animals received i.p. 10% ovalbumin (OVA). 14 days later, a 10µl drop of OVA was applied topically to each eye. Blinking and scratching movements directed to the eye were measured during 10 min, and ocular symptoms (edema and hyperemia) and tear rate were measured. Animals were killed afterwards and both eyes were immediately excised and mounted in a superfused (32°C) recording chamber. Electrical activity of corneal sensory receptors was recorded from nerve filaments dissected from the ciliary nerves. Mechanical (calibrated von Frey hairs), thermal (bath solution temperature down to 20°C or up to 52°C), and chemical stimulation (30s‐pulses of 98%CO2) were performed. Spontaneous (SA) and stimulus‐evoked activity were analyzed. Results After the allergic challenge, eye‐scratching behavior was present in 4 out of 15 animals and blinking movements increased from 1±0.05 to 26±5. Tearing also increased compared to control (33±3 vs. 5±1 mm). Compared to naive eyes, proportion of nociceptors with SA (17% vs. 5%) and spontaneous discharge rate (0.13±0.07 vs. 0.01±0.01 imp/s) were increased. Mechanical threshold of mechano‐nociceptive units decreased significantly (0.37±0.05 vs. 0.89±0.13 mN). Chemosensitivity of polymodal nociceptors was slightly increased (1.87±0.42 vs. 1.34±0.23 imp/s). Conclusion Changes in corneal sensory nerve activity observed acutely after allergic challenge of the eye surface may constitute the basis of itching and discomfort sensations, and hypersensitivity observed in allergic patients.