bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the influence of wavelength, light intensity and macular pigmentation on retinal straylight
Authors: ROZEMA J 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To investigate the influence of wavelength, light intensity and macular pigmentation on retinal straylight. This will be tested in both phakic and pseudophakic eyes by means of color filters, as well as by comparing postoperative straylight results of eyes implanted with either clear or blue‐blocking IOLs. It has also been suggested in the literature that the yellow macular pigment reduces the effects of the short wavelength components of retinal straylight. Methods In this prospective study the straylight is measured on two groups of pseudophakic subjects: one group of 25 subjects implanted with a clear IOL (Alcon AcrySof SA60AT) and another group of 25 subjects implanted with a yellow IOL (AcrySof Natural SN60AT) using white light as well as with blue, green and red filters. These measurements are repeated on a group of age matched 25 phakic subjects. All retinal straylight measurements will be performed using the Oculus C‐Quant straylight meter. In the normal and clear IOL subjects the macular pigment is measured as well using the Tinsley M|Pod device. Results The first, preliminary results demonstrate that in healthy eyes the retinal straylight measured by the Oculus C‐Quant depends on the wavelength of the stimulus light. Measurements performed with blue light were lower than those performed in green or red light. Conclusion Stimulus light wavelength appears to have an influence on straylight measurements. Further study on a larger population is required to confirm this trend and to study how IOL color may influence this result in pseudophakic eyes. The possible influence of macular pigment on retinal straylight will be studied simultaneously.
The effect of microplamin on wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery
Authors: VAN BERGEN T 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The outcome of trabeculectomy can be diminished due to a decreased bleb function secondary to blood/ fibrin clot in the aqueous outflow pathway. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the administration of Microplasmin (ThromboGenics), a recombinant protein that dissolves clot and fibrin, could lead to a better maintenance of the constructed channel, and thus improve surgical outcome after trabeculectomy. Methods The effect of Microplasmin will be investigated in vivo in a mouse model for conjunctival fibrosis and in a rabbit model for glaucoma surgery. Postoperative follow up of the animals will take place daily during the first week and two‐daily until they are scarified. On specific time points animals will be sacrificed and both eyes will be enucleated. Seven‐µm thin slides will be (immuno‐)stained for CD45 to evaluate inflammation and for Sirius red and Trichrome to evaluate fibrosis. Results Preliminary results showed that Microplasmin significantly improved glaucoma surgery outcome in the rabbit model of aggressive scarring compared to control. Conclusion Our proposed research project will elucidate the potential role of Microplasmin in the improvement of filtration surgery outcome, and will highlight any anti‐clotting, anti‐inflammatory, and/or anti‐fibrotic effects of this molecule. Microplasmin as an adjuvant therapy in glaucoma surgery might open new perspectives for more efficient surgery.
Study of the immune response in patients with uveitis and latent tuberculosis
Authors: MAKHOUL D 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects up to 30 % of the population worldwide. In the majority of the cases a lifelong immune response, based on the production of IFNγ by CD4+ lymphocytes, restricts the infection into lung granulomas. A dysregulation of T regulatory cell function has also been implicated. It has been postulated that this constant immune response might contribute to certain forms of tuberculosis associated uveitis (hypersensitivity uveitis). The aim of this work is to analyse the lymphocyte production of IFNγ and the percentage of regulatory T cells in sight threatening uveitis patients with or without latent tuberculosis. Methods Patients with sight threatening uveitis suspected to be related to tuberculosis or to autoimmune disease will be recruited at the CHU St‐Pierre. Patients will be included if the work‐up is compatible with the diagnosis of tuberculosis related uveitis or autoimmune uveitis used as a control. Signed informed consent will be obtained and blood samples will be taken. Results IFNγ production in response to different mycobacterial peptides will be measured by QuantiFERON™‐TB Gold in‐tube and by ELISA. IL‐17 will be quantified by ELISA and the percentage of T regulatory cells analysed by flow cytometry (CD3+CD4+ CD25high, CD127low, FOXP3+). Conclusion The diagnosis of tuberculosis uveitis is a clinical challenge. The disease is probably mediated through infectious and immune mechanisms. By studying the CD4 + and regulatory T lymphocytes function in patients with uveitis and latent tuberculosis, we hope that we will better understand this pathology. In addition, this study will evaluate the usefulness of QuantiFERON™‐TB Gold in‐tube in the evaluation of patient with uveitis.
Visual phenotyping at the Institut Clinique de la Souris
Authors: ROUX M , RIET F , MITTELHAEUSER C , MONTIAL M , LECOCQ M , MEZIANE H 
Published: September 2009

AbstractVisual diseases come in many flavors, with a large variety of affected tissues (eye anterior segment, retina, optic nerve, cortex …), ages of onset, rates of progression and causal factors. In Western countries, if the majority of these diseases are now curable, millions of people are still affected by blindness or low vision, as many retinal diseases (age‐related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma…) still lack efficient treatments. In a facility devoted to mouse phenotyping, it is thus of major importance to propose an efficient visual phenotyping platform, to pick up visual defects in screened mutants, to assess the beneficial effects of potential treatments or the eventual adverse effects of drugs targeting the CNS – vision screen being mandatory in CNS drug development. While the tests performed in human clinics are transposable to rodents, the small eye size of the mouse hinders a fine assessment of the retinal fundus, especially in the periphery. To maximize our chances to detect even early phenotypes, we are moving toward a recently developed fundus imaging system (Paques et al., IOVS 2007), which allows to acquire high quality digital images of the fundus, up to the ciliary margin, and fluorescein angiography, allowing for a later diagnostic confirmation by ophthalmologists. Together with slit lamp examination and electroretinography, this constitutes a solid first line of visual phenotyping.
Precise monitoring of intraocular inflammation by LFP: the gold standard
Authors: TUGAL‐TUTKUN I 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Laser flare photometry is an objective quantitative method that enables accurate measurement of anterior chamber flare with a very high reproducibility. Methods Review of literature Results Clinical studies of uveitis patients have shown that flare measurements by laser flare photometry allowed precise monitoring of well defined uveitic entities and prediction of disease relapse. It is useful both in acute and chronic forms of intraocular inflammation. Sensitivity of laser flare photometry has been shown in posterior uveitic entities as well. Relationships of laser flare photometry values with complications of uveitis and visual loss have been reported. Conclusion Flare measurement by laser flare photometry should be included in the routine follow‐up of patients with uveitis.
Progress in monitoring inflammation in JIA
Authors: BODAGHI B 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To analyze the most appropriate strategy to monitor ocular inflammation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis ‐ associated uveitis. Methods Slit lamp biomicroscopy is widely used to evaluate the importance of anterior segment flare and cells in children with anterior uveitis. However, different studies have clearly shown that other tools such as laser flare photometry and OCT may improve the monitoring during the follow‐up. Therefore, both tests are performed in all children referred to our Department for the management of JIA‐associated uveitis. Results Laser flare photometry showed for the first time that active ocular inflammation may be associated with a significant level of flare even in the absence of detectable cells. This is a major finding to start a therapeutic approach or change it for a more aggressive strategy and monitor the decrease of flare. Moreover, the level of flare decrease under therapy may predict further serious complications such as secondary glaucoma or cataract. OCT features are important to identify macular alterations in nearly 85% of children with anterior uveitis associated with JIA. Conclusion Both laser flare photometry and OCT are non invasive and quantitative methods that may significantly improve the visual outcome of JIA‐associated uveitis.
Gain in accuracy for diagnosis and follow‐up of uveitis through indocyanine green angiography
Authors: HERBORT CP 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The proportion of diseases involving principally the choroid is as frequent if not more frequent than those involving the superficial structures of the fundus and are therefore not accessible or poorly accessible to fluorescein angiography (FA) nor OCT. Methods Illustrative cases where the preponderant lesions are in the choroid are presented showing that the detection and follow‐up of choroiditis is only meaningful using indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Results Diseases that do not involve the choroid are the minority. Except for intermediate uveitis, mainly of the pars planitis type, and Behçet’s uveitis, choroidal involvement cannot be excluded. Therefore in most other uveitis cases with suspected posterior involvement, if angiographic investigation is felt necessary, the initial angiography should always be a dual FA/ICGA angiography even if the predominant fundus sign is retinal vasculitis. Only if the initial angiography does not show choroidal involvement can the follow‐up be preformed by FA alone. Conclusion In order to perform adequate diagnosis, adequate assessement of lesions and adequate follow‐up in uveitis cases with choroidal involvement ICGA is mandatory.
Global angiographic scoring system for inflammatory diseases
Authors: KHAIRALLAH M , TUGAL‐TUTKUN I , HERBORT CP 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Fundus fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography are essential imaging techniques in the appraisal of posterior segment inflammation. A combined fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographic scoring system has been developed in order to provide semi‐quantitative data for follow‐up of disease progression, monitoring response to treatment, and comparison between clinical studies. We tested interobserver variations in the semi‐quantitative scoring of dual fluorescein/indocyanine green angiograms. Methods Four observers scored 32 dual fluorescein and indocyanine green angiograms. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze correlation between scores assigned to each angiographic sign. We used the Kappa statistics to test agreement between pairs of observers in comparative total fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographic scores. Results We found a significant correlation between pairs of observers in scores assigned to each fluorescein angiographic sign and the total score of fluorescein angiograms. A significant correlation was found only between 2 separate pairs of observers in scores assigned to early stromal vessel hyperfluoresence on indocyanine green angiography. However, a significant correlation was found in other indocyanine green angiographic signs and the total score of indocyanine green angiograms. There was a good agreement between observers in comparative fluorescein – indocyanine green angiographic total scores. Conclusion Further experience with the scoring system, especially with the indocyanine green angiographic scoring, may improve its reproducibility.
Clinical presentation, pathological features and natural course of metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) as an orphan and commonly fatal disease
Authors: VAN GINDERDEUREN R , CERBONE L , FIEUWS S , VAN EENO L , SPILEERS W , SCHOFFSKI P 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare disease characterized by an unpredictable course and variable outcome ranging from cure by local treatment to the occurrence of untreatable metastasis. The current project is focused on the characteristics of the metastatic phenotype of the disease Methods We performed data collection from 76 pts with MUM treated in Leuven between 1957‐2008. Statistical analysis involved nonparametric technics, Kaplan Meyer and log rank test Results The median age at diagnosis of UM was 58 yrs (range 30‐94). Common initial treatments were surgery (71%), brachytherapy (20%) and external beam RT (7%). Synchronous metastasis was found in only 9% of cases, all others had metachronous disease after a median interval of 40 mo (range, 7‐420). Metastasis in >1 organ, was seen in 47% of cases. The most frequent metastatic site was the liver (96%), followed by lung, subcutaneous, bone and brain lesions. The median OS from diagnosis of UM was 46 months (range, 2‐182), and only 4,5 months in pts with MUM (range, 1‐128). 65% of MUM pts qualified for further treatment, The most common drugs given were DTIC, cisplatin, tamoxifen or phase I agents. Patient benefit (PR+SD) was seen in 16/45 pts (36%), including 2 PR Conclusion In this orphan disease with female predominance metastasis occurs late, is mainly found to the liver, and is associated with high morbidity, as >1/3 of pts do not qualify for further therapy. Advances in MUM can only be achieved by networking of sites interested in this tumour type with systematic collection of data and tissue to improve our understanding of the molecular biology of the disease
Does delayed treatment shorten the life of patients with fatal choroidal melanoma?
Authors: DAMATO B , COUPLAND SE 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Metastatic death from uveal melanoma occurs in about 50% of patients many of whom experience a delay in treatment, either intentionally or accidentally. The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment delay shortens survival in patients with choroidal melanoma whose disease apparently proved fatal. Methods Patients with choroidal melanoma were included in the study if resident in mainland Britain and if deceased. Survival was analysed according to basal tumour diameter by Kaplan‐Meier and Log rank analysis. Results A total of 696 patients with choroidal melanoma died. The patients had a median age of 65 years and a median basal tumour diameter of 15.0 mm. The basal tumour diameter was <10mm in 41 patients; 10‐11mm in 88; 12‐13mm in 108; 14‐15mm in 165; 16‐17mm in 123; and >17mm in 171 patients. Log‐rank analysis showed no correlation between survival and basal tumour diameter in these patients (Log rank analysis, p = 0.5537). There was perhaps a trend towards longer survival in patients with a basal tumour diameter less than 10mm. Conclusion In patients with fatal uveal melanoma, there is no significant correlation between basal tumour diameter and survival time. Delay in treatment does not seem to worsen prognosis for survival significantly, except perhaps in patients with small tumours. This finding adds further support to the concept that the main objective of ocular treatment is to conserve the eye with as much useful vision as possible. Since ocular treatment can itself cause significant visual loss, the benefit of treating asymptomatic uveal melanomas is uncertain. There is scope for randomized, prospective studies of treatment versus non‐treatment of patients with asymptomatic choroidal melanoma.
An audit of eccentrically‐positioned ruthenium plaque radiotherapy of choroidal melanoma in Liverpool
Authors: RUSSO A , DAMATO B 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Brachytherapy is usually administered with the plaque overlapping the entire tumour margin by at least 1‐2mm. With posterior tumours, our practice is to position the plaque with its posterior edge aligned with the posterior tumour margin. We audited ocular outcomes after eccentrically‐placed ruthenium plaque radiotherapy of choroidal melanoma. Methods Patients were included if receiving primary ruthenium brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma during the three years up to the 31st July 2007. A perforated template was used to facilitate plaque positioning. For posterior tumors, the template was positioned so that trans‐illumination produced a glow at the posterior tumour margin (‘sunset sign’). Minimum doses of 300‐350 Gy and 80‐90 Gy were prescribed to the sclera and apex, respectively. Results The cohort comprised 162 patients (93 female and 69 male). The time to the last known visual acuity had a median of 23 months. The initial visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 94.6%, 20/60 to 20/200 in 13.0% and worse than 20/200 in 1.9% of patients. The tumours had a mean basal diameter of 11.7mm. Ten tumours exceeded 5.4 mm in height. Tumour extension to within 5mm of optic disc, fovea or both occurred in 18 (11.1%), 28 (17.3%) and 27 (16.7%) cases respectively. Risk factors for visual loss were proximity to optic disc or fovea, initial visual acuity worse than 20/40 and tumour height exceeding 5.4 mm. In 66 patients with none of these risk factors, 92% retained 20/40 or better and 5 had vision of 20/60 – 20/200. In 72 with one risk factor, 74.3% retained 20/16 – 20/40 and 95.7% had vision of 20/200 or better. In 12 patients with 2 risk factors, these percentages were 25.0% and 91.7%. Only 3 patients had 3 risk factors and one retained vision of 20/200 or better. Tumours distanced < 5 mm to fovea were divided in 3 groups, and visual acuity analysed. Three patients had local tumour recurrence and were treated respectively by proton beam radiotherapy, plaque radiotherapy and enucleation (the only eye lost in this series). Conclusion Eccentric plaque radiotherapy of choroidal melanoma achieves good rates of local tumour control, ocular retention and preservation of vision.
Ocular hypertension and uveitis: about 103 cases of uveitis
Authors: POGORZALEK N , DE MONCHY I , GENDRON G , KASWIN G , LABBE A , OFFRET H , LABETOULLE M 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To determine the prevalence of intraocular hypertension (IOH) in 103 patients referred for uveitis in a tertiary care centre. Methods 103 consecutive patients referred to our department for uveitis were included. Files were retrospectively analyzed for age at time of presentation, gender, type of uveitis (as definedy by International Uveitis Study Group) and etiology, time of IOH (primary or secondary to treatment) and filtering surgical procedure associated. IOP was measured using Goldmann aplanation tonometry and IOH was defined as intraocular pressure ≥ 21mmHg. Results Among all patients, 36% of uveitis were related to a concomitant infectious disease (herpetic disease in 20% of cases and herpes‐zoster in 4%). No significant difference on age, gender was found between all 103 cases of uveitis. At least on episode of IOH was found during the acute phase of the disease in 27 patients (26.2%): anterior uveitis represented 74% of patients. Most of hypertensive cases were associated to herpetic disease (37%), than undetermined etiology in 6 patients (22%), toxoplasmosis uveitis in 2 patients (7,4%). Topical steroids and IOH were associated in 2 patients (7,4%). The IOH was controlled by topical hypotensive treatment in 74,1% of patients, and a filtering surgical procedure was found necessary in 7 patients (25,9%). Conclusion This retrospective study confirms that IOH is a major complication of uveitis, especially in those involving the anterior chamber of the eye and/or related to viruses. Most of cases responded rapidly to combined topical steroids / antiglaucomatous therapy.
Wet AMD treatment with ranibizumab ‐ structural and functional changes during treatment
Authors: RADECKA L , LAGANOVSKA G 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To analyse the changes of central retinal thickness and visual acuity in patients with subfoveolar neovascular membrane due to wet age‐related macular degeneration who have been treated with intravitreal ranibizumab 0,5mg injections. Methods Ten patients with wet AMD received monthly treatment with ranibizumab (Lucentis). All patients have recieved three or more injections up till now. Measurement of central retinal thickness was done by using optical coherence tomography (OCT). All injections were done in P.Stradins University Clinical Hospital, Riga during October 2008 ‐ May 2009. Results Eight female and two male patients with active subfoveolar neovascular membrane were observed. Age of patients was from 62 up to 84 years (mean age 75 years). Mean central reinal thickness before treatment was 395 ±166μm and visual acuity 0.3 ±0,17. A month after the first injection mean central retinal thickness was 283±56μm (mean improvement by 111,5μm) and visual acuity 0,34±0,2. Mean central retinal thickness after the third injection of ranibizuamab was 222,4±62μm (reduction by 172,7μm compared with baseline findings) and visual acuity was 0,37±0,28 (mean improvement by 0,05 ( in one case even by 0,3)). Conclusion Our results of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab show improvement or stabilisation of visual acuity and reduction of central retinal thickness in all cases. The major improvement in most cases we observe after the first injection and stabilisation after following injections.
Retinal hemodynamic changes in diabetic macular edema
Authors: HUDSON C , GUAN K , LAM WC , MANDELCORN M , DEVENYI RG , FLANAGAN JG 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To report the 1 year prospective hemodynamic results in a cohort of patients with varying levels of risk for the development of diabetic macular edema (DME) and to correlate these parameters to systemic changes in blood pressure and diabetes control. Methods The sample comprised 4 groups. Group 1: 37 non‐diabetic controls; Group 2: 42 patients with no diabetic retinopathy (DR); Group 3: 38 patients with DR but no DME; Group 4: 27 patients with DME. Retinal arteriolar diameter, velocity, maximum‐to‐minimum (max:min) velocity ratio and flow were measured using the Canon Laser Blood Flowmeter. Blood pressure, blood and urine tests were taken and correlated to changes in retinal hemodynamics. A sub‐group of patients with progressive DR was analyzed separately. Results There was a trend for elevation of the max:min velocity ratio (p=0.060) with increasing risk of DME at baseline which was significant on follow‐up (p=0.020). Diameter decreased for all groups (p<0.056) except for patients with DME. Changes in retinal blood velocity, max:min velocity ratio and flow were correlated to blood pressure mostly in patients with DR and DME. Blood albumin level was negatively correlated to retinal blood velocity and flow in the DME group. Patients with progressive DME had elevated blood velocity and flow. Conclusion Patients with DME have a higher max:min velocity ratio. Changes in retinal hemodynamics were correlated to changes in blood pressure and were negatively correlated to changes in blood albumin. The results indicate a loss of vascular compliance with diabetes, particularly in patients with DME, and elevated retinal perfusion in patients with progressive DME.