bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CFH, C3 and ARMS2 are significant risk loci for age‐related macular degeneration but not for late stage disease progression
Authors: SCHOLL HPN 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Variants in the genes encoding complement factor H (CFH), complement component 3 (C3) and age‐related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) have repeatedly been shown to confer significant risks for age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). However, their role in disease progression and thus their relevance for the design of targeted therapeutic intervention remains unknown. Methods Association between variants in CFH, C3 and ARMS2 and disease progression of late atrophic AMD was analyzed. Patients were selected from the multicenter FAM study cohort (n=619) and compared with 612 matched controls. A quantitative phenotype of disease progression was computed based on longitudinal observations by fundus autofluorescence imaging. Results In a subset of 99 cases with pure bilateral geographic atrophy (GA), variants in CFH (Y402H), C3 (R102G), and ARMS2 (A69S) are associated with disease (P=1.6×10‐9, 3.2×10‐3, and P=2.6×10‐12, respectively). Median progression rate of GA over a mean follow‐up period of 3.0 years was 1.61 mm2/year with high concordance between fellow eyes. No association between the quantitative progression variable and any of the genetic risk variants at the three loci was observed (P>0.13). Conclusion Variants at CFH, C3, and ARMS2 confer significant risks for atrophic AMD; however there is no association with disease progression. Consequently, treatment options targeted at ameliorating pathogenic effects mediated by any one of the three susceptibility factors are likely to fail once atrophic manifestations of AMD have developed. Other, as yet unknown susceptibilities may influence disease progression.
Myopic choroidal neovascularization treated by intravitreal bevacizumab: comparison of two different initial doses
Authors: MONTERO MORENO JA , RUIZ‐MORENO JM 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To report the anatomical and visual outcome of myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated by two different schedules with intravitreal bevacizumab. Methods Prospective, comparative, consecutive, non randomized, multicentric, interventional pilot study. Two groups of highly myopic patients with subfoveal and juxtafoveal CNV were treated by monthly intravitreal injections with 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Group 1 comprised 19 eyes treated by three consecutive monthly intravitreal injections. Group 2 comprised 20 eyes treated by one single intravitreal injection. Patients were evaluated for best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and then monthly. Fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline and when CNV activity was suspected. Further intravitreal injections were performed if CNV activity was detected. Results Both groups were matched for age, spherical equivalent, LogMAR BCVA, central foveal thickness (CFT) as determined by OCT at baseline and number of eyes with previous PDT treatment. The average number of letters gained was 6.3 in Group 1 vs 7.2 in Group 2 (p=0.001 and 0.09 respectively, Student t test for paired data). Changes in OCT were not significant for either group by the end of follow up. The mean number of total injections were 3.2 (Group 1) vs 1.7 (Group 2) (p=0.00, Mann‐Whitney test). Four recurrences (four eyes) occurred in Group 1 vs fifteen (seven eyes) in Group 2 (p=0.001; Fisher exact test). Conclusion Both initial treatment have similar results improving BCVA. Group 1 was treated by a higher number of injections achieving a longer lasting inactivation of myopic CNV, reducing the number of recurrences during the first year.
Apoptotic activity of intravitreal bevacizumab on rabbit retina
Authors: TURKCU MF , ALP MN , TURKCU G , KULACOGLU S , KURAL G 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the safety and the apoptotic activity of intravitreal (IV) injection of bevacizumab in rabbit eyes by histopatological analysis. Methods Fourteen rabbits were divided into three groups, 8 rabbits in the first and 3 rabbits in each of the second and the third groups. We applied 1.25 mg/0.05 ml IV bevacizumab to the right eyes of each subject in the first and the second groups and the same volume of saline to the left eyes of each subject in the first and the third groups. The left eyes in the second group and the right eyes in the third group were left untreated and used as the control group. After 14 days, all animals were sacrificed and all eyes were enucleated for histological examination. Results There was no evidence of ocular inflammation, cataract, or retinal toxicity in any of the sections examined by light microscopy. We observed inflammatory cell infiltration that includes plasma cells in 3 of 11 eyes which received bevacizumab, 4 of 11 eyes which received saline, and 2 of 6 eyes which were left untreated. In all groups, we observed some vacuolization in the ganglion cell layer and some distinctive dispersion and detachment of retinal layers, including rod and cone cells and the retinal pigment epithelium. After immuno‐histochemical staining with Caspase 3 and p53, there was no histological evidence of toxicity to the retina and the optic nerve in any of the sections that were analyzed in all three groups. Conclusion According to the results of this study, IV injection of bevacizumab with the dose of 1.25 mg/0.05 ml caused no histological sign of toxicity or apoptotic activity on rabbit retina.
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Photodynamic therapy for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma
Authors: MAYER CF , WACKERNAGEL W , LACKNER EM , SCHNEIDER MR , HAAS A , WEGER M , LANGMANN G 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well established treatment option for symptomatic choroidal hemangioma. We present seven patients treated with PDT at our department. Methods Seven patients (2 female, 5 male) with a mean age of 46 Years (range 44 ‐ 69 years) have been treated between October 2005 ‐ March 2007. Best corrected visual acuity at first visit was minimum 0.25 and maximum 0.8 (Snellen). Indirect ophthalmoscopy showed a choroidal hemangioma with subretinal fluid. Ancillary examinations included angiography, OCT and A‐ and B‐scan ultrasonography. Largest basal diameter was 8 mm (median; range 5.5 ‐ 10.2 mm) and tumor height 3 mm (median; range 2.2 ‐ 4 mm). One or more PDTs had to be done. Median follow up was 19 months (range 3 to 39 months). Results In 3 patients one PDT was sufficient to obtain good and stable visual acuity. Three patients needed a second PDT twelve months after the initial treatment. In one patient six PDTs were necessary over a period of 20 months and additional vitrectomy had to be done. Five patients showed a gain in visual acuity (median 4 lines; range 1 to 6 lines). One patient showed unchanged visual acuity and one patient showed a loss of 3 lines after six PDTs and vitrectomy. Conclusion In six out of seven patients stable visual acuity could be obtained. In one patient multiple PDTs and vitrectomy were necessay to achieve stable clinical results. Our findings confirm that PDT is an effective treatment modality for choroidal hemangioma.
Effects of moxaverine on ocular blood flow in patients with age‐related macular degeneration, patients with primary open angle glaucoma and in healthy controls
Authors: PEMP B , GARHOFER G , LASTA M , SCHMIDL D , SCHMETTERER L 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Several common eye diseases including age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) are associated with ocular perfusion abnormalities. Moxaverine has been shown to increase ocular blood flow in young, healthy volunteers after intravenous administration. The present study investigated whether moxaverine alters ocular blood flow in elderly patients with AMD or POAG and in healthy control subjects. Methods 20 patients with AMD, 20 patients with POAG and 20 age‐matched healthy subjects were included in this trial. 150 mg moxaverine (Ursapharm, Saarbrücken, Germany) was administered intravenously over 30 minutes. Systemic haemodynamics, retinal vessel diameters, choroidal, optic nerve head and retrobulbar blood flow were measured before and up to 90 minutes after drug administration. Results Administration of moxaverine increased choroidal blood flow by 8.7 ± 21.8% (p=0.012) and optic nerve head blood flow by 12.9 ± 33.3% (p=0.021). Additionally, an increase in the mean flow velocities of posterior ciliary arteries (24.8 ± 34.7%, p<0.001) and in the ophthalmic artery (23.3 ± 33.5%, p<0.001) was found after administration of moxaverine. However, no differences were found between the 3 study groups. No significant change of retinal vessel diameters was observed. Conclusion The present study indicates an increase of ocular blood flow after systemic administration of a single dose of moxaverine in patients with POAG, patients with AMD and in age‐matched healthy controls. Further studies are needed to investigate possible beneficial effects after long‐term treatment in patients with ocular diseases associated with hypoperfusion.
Effect of glaucoma and glaucoma risk factors on choroidal hemodynamics
Authors: ABOU SAMRA W , RIVA CE , POURNARAS CJ , EMARAH M 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose a) to determine subfoveal choroidal hemodynamics in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and patients with ocular hypertension (OH); b) to assess the effects of diabetes (DM), systemic hypertension (SHT) and myopia on subfoveal choroidal hemodynamics Methods Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) was used to determine the subfoveal choroidal blood velocity (ChBVel), volume (ChBVol), and flow (ChBF) in 1) patients with POAG (n=85) and patients with OHT (n=25); 2) patients with glaucoma risk factors which were further subdivided into three subgroups; DM (n=93), SHT (n=57) and myopia (n=29) respectively. Subjects with each risk factor were further subdivided into two subgroups (without and with POAG), 3) age matched healthy controls (n=100). Results All LDF parameters were significantly reduced in all groups of patients compared with age matched controls. No statistically significant differences in the LDF parameters among HTG, NTG and OHT subgroups were detected. No significant difference in the LDF parameters between the two subgroup of each risk factor (without and with POAG) was noted.The LDF data of glaucomatous patients with risk factors demonstrated a significant reduction of ChBF and an increase in resistance in comparison to glaucomatous patients without risk factors Conclusion Subfoveal choroidal LDF parameters are reduced in subjects with POAG, OHT and patients with glaucoma risk factors, such as DM, SHT (under antihypertensive therapy) and myopia when compared with age matched healthy controls. However, the role of these choroidal circulatory alterations in the development or progression of the glaucomatous optic neuropathy remains to be clarified.
Wavefront aberrometry advances in refractive surgery
Authors: COCHENER B 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWavefront aberrometry has been adapted from optical astronomy in order to analyze complex image distortions caused by the human optical system, called higher order aberrations. The aberrations increase with larger pupil size or during nocturnal vision when the pupil dilates. They may have a significant impact on vision, even in a patient with 20/20 visual acuity. Most Shack Hartman aberrometers can be used as a super auto refracto‐keratometer during refractive surgery pre‐operative evaluations. They can capture the full amount of astigmatism and so will minimize the need for retreatment due to undercorrection. Modern Shack Hartman aberrometers give also the refractive surgeons the possibility to measure aberrations induced by flap creations. In addition they will be useful for performing customized excimer laser ablation (data coming from the aberrometer mapping out a path for the laser in reshaping the cornea). This technique has been shown to improve the correction of lower order aberrations (90% of the aberrations of the human eye), but is there a real benefit for treating higher order aberrations? Is a Shack Hartman aberrometer needed for every day refractive surgery practice? Thru an evidence based review of the literature confronted to personal experience we will try to answer these questions.
Sympathetic influence on intraocular pressure
Authors: MARQUES‐NEVES C , GONçALVES C , LARANJO S , SANTOS M , ROCHA I 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To apply wavelet analysis to investigate the sympathetic modulation upon intraocular pressure(IOP)of the cold pressure test Methods In an autonomic dedicated lab continuous and simultaneous recording of(IOP) with Pascal(DCT) and arterial blood pressure(BP) were made in 11 healthy individuals,of both sexes,in basal conditions and during 1minute of cold‐pressure test(CPT).The tests were in the morning period and in the 24h previous individuals were told not to smoke and to avoid xanthines or other stimulants ingestion. Individuals under medication or with other pathology that could affect the autonomic nervous system were excluded. Data analysis of IOP and systolicBP (SBP) in the time‐scale domain with wavelets(DB12)was performed, for both variables, during the last minute prior to test and during one minute upon test. In this last case,periods of 10s where individually analysed and the period with the largest value was the chosen for statist analysis using t‐Student test, Welch corrected(Ducla‐Soares et al, 2007).LFIOP and LFSBP were calculated and differences between basal and CPT values were considered significant where p<0.05. Data were expressed as mean±SEM., and for LF mmHg2 Results Data refer to 6 male and 5 female with a mean age of 49[40‐70] On CPT, a sympathetic challenging manoeuvre, an increase of SBP was observed. Wavelet analysis of both signals showed a significant increase of LFIOP and LFSBP from 0.13±0.15 and 8.66±1.51 to 0.37±0.26 mmHg2 and 18.7±4.5mmHg2, respectively, and a not significant change in IOP 17.0±2.6 to18.0±1.5 Conclusion Our data show a sympathetic signature on IOP correlated with that observed in BP. We show that wavelets are a suitable tool for the evaluation of sympathetic signature on short periods of IOP recorded by DCT
Factors affecting ocular rigidity in normal human eyes
Authors: DASTIRIDOU AI , GINIS H , KARYOTAKIS NG , TSILIMBARIS M , PALLIKARIS IG 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To measure the ocular rigidity coefficient and evaluate its relation with axial length (AL), age and mean systemic blood pressure (SBP). Methods Sixty three patients (63 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery, with different refractive errors and no ocular or systemic pathology were enrolled in this study. An invasive, computer controlled device comprising a microdosimetric pump and a pressure sensor, is connected to the anterior chamber under topical anaesthesia with drops. The system is used to raise the intraocular pressure (IOP) from 15 to 40mmHg, by infusing the eye with a saline solution. After each 4 ul infusion step, the IOP is continuously recorded for 2 seconds. From an initial level of 40mmHg an IOP decay curve of 1 minute is obtained. SBP and pulse rate are measured during the procedure. The rigidity coefficient is calculated by an exponential fit to the pressure volume data after correction for outflow. The study was approved by the Institutional Board and performed under the patient’s informed consent. Results Mean AL was 24.8 (range 21.2‐32.5). Mean age and SBP was 59 (12) years and 93.7 (10.5) mmHg respectively. The mean ocular rigidity coefficient was 0.021 (0.005) ul‐1. Increasing axial length is associated with a decrease in the rigidity coefficient (r=‐0.61, p<0.01). A positive correlation between the rigidity coefficient and age of the patients is found (r=0.31, p=0.01), whereas similar findings were not observed for SBP (p>0.05). Conclusion This manonetric approach of measuring ocular rigidity provides a normative database of this parameter in living human eyes. Axial length and age influence ocular rigidity. These results may have implications on tonography and ocular pulse studies.
Nitric oxide synthesis is related to astroglial cell cycle in the mouse retina via p53 gene regulation
Authors: GALLEGO‐PINAZO R , DIAZ‐LLOPIS M , RAMIREZ AI , SALAZAR JJ , RAMIREZ JM , ZANON‐MORENO VC , PONS‐VAZQUEZ S , PINAZO‐DURAN MD 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To analyze the influence of p53 gene in retinal astrocytes morphology and function. Methods Adult mice of the strain C57BL/6 were distributed into two groups: 1) wild type TP53, as the controls (cp53; n=20) and 2) mice with an extra copy of p53 (sp53; n=22). Both eyeballs were enucleated, after death by ether narcosis, to obtain the retinas. Right retinas were frozen (‐85ºC) until processing to assess nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Left retinas were obtained and proccesed to perform immunohistochemical localization of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student’s t‐test. Confidence interval was taken at 95%. Results The NO levels were significantly higher in the sp53 retinas than in the cp53 ones (145 + 15 vs 111 + 10 μM; p<0,05). Strong GFAP expression was detected and mapped by fluorescence microscopy in the whole retinas. GFAP+ stellate cells were located throughout the peripheral, equatorial and central retina. Astroglial density was significantly higher in the sp53 retinas as compared to the cp53 group (72 + 8 vs 49 + 6 cells/retinal area; p<0,001). Conclusion All data suggest a complex set of p53 actions: 1) to regulate NO production (probably recruiting a latent retinal astrocytic population), 2) to regulate the sensitivity toward NO in the retina by protecting astrocytes from oxidative attack. Increasing p53 activity may be an outstanding therapeutic strategy for certain retinal diseases.
The role of the professor as leader and promotor of science
Authors: PRAUSE JU 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To present essential aspects of the role of the professor as promotor and leader of science Methods Key elements are presented and illustrated by examples: The creative scientific milieu The typical flow of a young talent in Copenhagen Creating the team spirit Internal courses: Fund raising – list of good funds Statistics How to prepare an article Internal social relationships: Journal club The ”professors Court” or the ”gossip club” Scientific lines ‐ Buffer funds Results The effect is a high number of completed PhD projects per professor Conclusion When you share ideas, dreams, knowledge ‐ like with love, you do not loose any part of it ‐ you gain
Differential association of cataract sub‐types with obesity and FTO polymorphisms
Authors: LIM L , TAI E , AUNG T , TAY W , SAW SM , SEIELSTAD M , WONG TY 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Investigating a possible link between genetic variants associated with obesity and cataract may validate the causal link between obesity and cataract suggested by epidemiological studies. This study assessed the associations of obesity and genetic variants in the FTO locus, a human susceptibility locus for obesity, with cataract. Methods This was a population‐based cross‐sectional study on adults aged 40‐80 years. Cataract was assessed by standardized slit‐lamp examination according to the Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCS III). Obesity was defined by BMI≥30kg/m2. The SNP rs9939609 at the FTO locus was selected for analysis. Additive and recessive models were constructed for the association between FTO polymorphisms and cataract. Results 3069 subjects were included, of which 1476 (48.1%) had any cataract, 927(30.2%) had nuclear cataract, 1012(33.0%) had cortical cataract and 308(10.0%) had PSC cataract. After multivariable adjustment, obesity was significantly associated with cortical (OR1.34(95% CI,1.04‐1.73)) and PSC (OR 1.53(1.07‐2.18)) cataracts, but not nuclear cataract. In the additive model, each copy of the minor allele of rs9939609 was associated with nuclear cataract (OR 1.33(1.11‐1.58)). This association persisted in multivariate analyses controlling additionally for BMI, diabetes, hypertension and smoking (OR 1.30(1.08‐1.55)). There was no association with cortical or PSC cataract. In the recessive model, rs9939609 was associated with nuclear but not cortical or PSC cataract. Conclusion Obesity is associated with cortical and PSC cataract while the SNP rs9939609 in the FTO gene is associated with nuclear cataract. The contrasting associations may reflect differences in the pathophysiology of cataract subtypes.
Intravitreal L‐arginine injection reverses the retinal arteriolar vasoconstriction that occurs after experimental acute branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: MENDRINOS E , PETROPOULOS IK , MANGIORIS G , PAPADOPOULOU DN , POURNARAS CJ 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effect of L‐Arginine on the retinal arteriolar diameter following acute branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in minipigs. Methods Under general anesthesia, 10 eyes of 10 minipigs were evaluated. Two hours after BRVO, an intravitreal juxta‐arteriolar microinjection of 30 µl L‐Arginine 1 mM (pH=7.4) was performed in 7 eyes. Three eyes received a microinjection of 30 µl of the solvent (pH=7.4) that was used to prepare the solution of L‐Arginine and served as controls. Retinal arteriolar diameter changes were measured using a Retinal Vessel Analyzer. Results Overall (n=10), two hours after BRVO there was a 10.5 ± 1.9 % decrease in the retinal arteriolar diameter in the affected territories compared to baseline (p<0.05). An increase of 16.0 ± 3.0 % (p< 0.01) and 21.0 ± 7.0 % (p<0.05) of the arteriolar diameter was evidenced 10 and 15 minutes respectively after L‐Arginine injection (n = 7) compared to the diameter prior to L‐Arginine injection. Thereafter, the vasodilatory effect of L‐Arginine started to decrease but persisted and remained significant at the end of the study period (5.0 ± 1.5 % at 30 min, p<0.05). Microinjection of the solvent that was used to prepare the solution of L‐Arginine (n=3) did not produce any significant effect on the retinal arterioles, which remained constricted at all time‐points (p>0.1). Conclusion We found a significant vasodilation after intravitreal juxta‐arteriolar L‐Arginine microinjection in eyes with experimental BRVO. L‐Arginine microinjection can be a beneficial therapeutic option in acute BRVO, reversing the arteriolar vasoconstriction by stimulating NO production.