bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot study of adjuvant immuno‐chemotherapy for high risk uveal melanoma
Authors: MAZZINI C 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Despite successful in local control of uveal melanoma,30‐50%of high risk patients with medium and high tumor size will develop metastatic disease of the liver which is highly resistant to systemic therapy Methods Mar01‐Dec07, 31high risk patients with uveal melanoma(10medium;21high tumor size)were enrolled into a pilot trial of adjuvant immuno‐chemotherapy.We measured tyrosinase mRNA levels by real time quantitativeRT‐PCR in blood of all patients during a period of 5years.Results were correlated with clinical data and with the number of CTC evaluated by ISET.The therapeutic regimen consisted of fotemustine100mg/m2 e.v. on days1‐8 of the first month and every 4weeks for 6months.Interleukin‐2 s.c. at the dose of 4,5millionIU daily for 5days a week for 2weeks every month for 6months as immunotherapy Results 30patients,treated and evaluated for the trial,received a median of 5,6cycles and were evaluable for toxicity and response.After a follow‐up period of 5years,25of30 treated patients(83%)were still alive without recurrences,4died for liver metastases(17%).The toxicity was low and the treatment could be administered on an outpatients basis.A significant correlation was found between mRNA tyrosinase levels and tumor size(p<0.01),disease free and overall survival(p<0.05).5patients who developed liver metastases and died,all of them showed an increase in tyrosinase mRNA levels and was correlated to the number of circulating tumor cells Conclusion Our data indicate that the fotemustine and interleukine‐2 as adjuvant treatment of high risk uveal melanoma patients is well tolerate and is associated with a very low rate of metastatic recurrences.Although our data suggest a survival benefit further studies are recommended in a large,coordinate,prospective randomized trial
Achromic choroidal melanoma in a 9 year‐old boy
Authors: DE FRANCESCO S , GALLUZZI P , TOTI P , HADJISTILIANOU T 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose to report a case of achromic choroidal melanoma in a 9 year‐old boy. Methods case report. Results We report on the case of a 9 year‐old boy with no predisposing factors who was referred to the Siena Retinoblastoma Center with suspect of an atypical, late, unilateral retinoblastoma. The affected eye was enucleated. Pathologic examination showed an achromic choroidal melanoma. No further therapies were necessary. The child has been regularly examined by paediatric and ocular oncologists. After six months, there is no evidence of local and/or systemic recurrence of disease. Conclusion Choroidal melanoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of leukocoria in children, even if it is very unusual at that age. MRI findings could suggest correctt diagnosis.
A systemic view on retinal ciliopathies: inherited retinal degeneration revisited
Authors: ROEPMAN R 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAlthough over 200 different genes causing inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) have been mapped to date, a number that is steadily increasing, the molecular pathogenesis in most cases remains largely unknown. An increasing group of IRD genes encode proteins that localize to the connecting cilium of the photoreceptor cells, the structure that connects the inner to the outer segment. Interestingly, mutations in these genes are often not only causing retinal dystrophy, but can lead to a wide spectrum of phenotypes including renal failure, deafness, obesity, hypertension, and cognitive disabilities. The common denominator in these diseases is a dysfunctional cilium, a microtubule‐based protrusion from the cell membrane with a wide variety of functions, such as propulsion, intracellular transport, mechano‐ and chemosensation. Therefore, this group of disorders in now commonly referred to as “ciliopathies”. By structurally dissecting the protein‐protein interaction networks of retinal proteins involved in ciliopathies, we are gaining a detailed view on the complex disease mechanisms underlying this newly defined group of disorders, and are starting to understand the tremendous importance of the cilium in cell function.
Eye protection for ultraviolet B phototherapy and psoralen ultraviolet A patients
Authors: ANSARI E , OTMAN S , EL‐DARS LD , EDWARDS C , ANSTEY ALEX 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose We tested eye protection used for phototherapy patients. The study also established current practice concerning eye protection in a sample of UK phototherapy units. Methods The ultraviolet (UV) transmission spectra of 30 'UV protective' contact lenses were measured at 5 nm intervals between 290 and 400 nm. Sunglasses, small UV goggles and UV visors were tested between 270 and 420 nm. We surveyed the use of eye protection during phototherapy in 78 UK phototherapy units. Results All samples of sunglasses, eye protection goggles, visors and sunglasses comfortably passed previously published arbitrary limits of acceptability. Most contact lenses showed some protection in the UVB, but most had little or no UVA protection. Of 78 UK phototherapy units 21 (33%) use tinted goggles during UV exposures, two (3%) use a visor only, 28 (43%) use both and nine (14%) use clear plastic (probably polycarbonate) goggles. Conclusion UV transmission for sunglasses and contact lenses is lower compared with samples tested 10 years ago. All samples of glasses, goggles and visors tested provided adequate protection in the UV range according to published arbitrary limits of acceptability. Most contact lenses did not provide significant UV protection in the UVA range.
Changes in objective refraction after pharmacological pupil dilation
Authors: WAKPI DJEUGUE D , TOUZEAU O , BASLI E , GAUJOUX T , BORDERIE VM , LAROCHE L 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To analyze the variation of the objective refraction induced by pharmacological pupillary dilation in a normal population. Methods The objective refraction obtained by an auto‐kerato‐refractometer was analyzed before and after maximum pupillary dilation obtained by 0.5% Tropicamide and 10% Phenylephrine. 200 phakic eyes of 100 patients aged from 15 to 76 years were prospectively included. The refractive data were expressed in a dioptric space by 3 Cartesian coordinates (X, Y, Z). Results After pupil dilation, the mean refraction ranges from ‐0.08(+0.11)×90.2° to +0.41(+0.10)×90.3° this equal to an astigmatic vectorial variation of (+0.03)×89.6°. The spherical equivalent increases significantly (hyperopization of +0.49D: +0.24D vs +0.74D p<0.001) contrary to the mean keratometry (43.48D vs 43.49 p=0.40) and the cylinder (0.64D vs 0.64D p=0.49) which are unchanged. Change in spherical equivalent is correlated with the age (r=‐0.34 p<0.001) but not with the change in keratometry (r=0.06 p=0.20) or the initial spherical equivalent (r=‐0.05 p=0.23). The mean change in axis between both exams is 15.4° for the ocular astigmatism and 12.2° for the corneal astigmatism. The modification in spherical equivalent of both eyes of a patient are not different (p=0.26) and are strongly correlated (r=0.85 p<0.001) contrary to the modification in axis and in cylinder. Conclusion Pharmacological pupil dilation modifies primarily the spherical equivalent without significant modification of keratometry and astigmatism. Finally, hyperopization is probably due to the cycloplegic effect of eye drops.
Differentiations in thickness of corneas in high myopic eyes
Authors: BASLI E , TOUZEAU O , BORDERIE VM , LAROCHE L 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To compare the corneal thickness of eyes with high myopia with that of emmetropic eyes. Methods One hundred corneas of 50 myopic patients (axial length >26 mm) and 100 corneas of 50 emmetropic patients (spherical equivalent between –1D and +1D) were prospectively analysed by means of Orbscan and ultrasonic pachymetry. The location of related points to apex, which were quantified using the rectangular coordinates (x, y) of the thinnest point, were used to determinate the location of the quadrant and the distance between this thinnest point and the centre (Pythagoras theorem). Results In the myopic group, the axial length was 27.2+/‐1.6mm (26.1 to 33.1mm) and the subjective spherical equivalent was –8.17+/‐1.72D (‐19.2 to –5.6D). As compared with emmetropic eyes the corneal thickness was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the myopic group: 526μm vs 543μm (US pachymetry) and 528μm vs 545μm (Orbscan). The distribution of the quadrant in not different for the two groups (p=0.26). The localisation is more frequent in the temporal quadrant (63%), followed by the inferior (23%), superior (9.5%) and finally nasal quadrant (4.5%). The distance of this thinnest point and the apex in not different (0.89 mm vs 0.85 mm, p= 0.30). Conclusion Corneas of high myopic patients are thinner than corneas of emmetropic patients. However the others characteristics of the corneal thickness including the thinnest point are not different in the two groups.
Ultrasonic biometry of children eyes
Authors: KRIAUCIUNIENE L , AUKSTIKALNIENE R , PAUNKSNIS A 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose The goal of our work is to evaluate the anatomic measurement of eye using precise ultrasonic biometry for 9‐15 year old children with emmetropic refraction and their changes within the period of accommodation. Methods The precise ultrasonic eye biometry was performed. The following items were measured: the anterior chamber depth, thickness of crystalline lens, vitreous body length, eye axis length. Results The 1st group consisted of 32 children of 9‐12 years old.The 2nd group ‐ 44 children, 13‐15 years old. According to the data, the anterior‐posterior eye axis length, the horizontal diameter and vitreous body length of 9‐12 years old children are reliably smaller than the same measurements of the 13‐15 years age group (p=0,000018; p=0,000037; p=0,002483) accordingly. The anterior chamber depth of the 2nd group children is slightly exceeding the same measurements among the 1st group children. While the child is growing the lens crystalline grows a bit flatter, though the difference between those parameters is not essential. When accommodating the length of eye anterio‐posterior axis has not changed among the 1st group children, the extension tendency of the anterio‐posterior axis was observed among the 2nd group children, though it is statistically unreliable. A direct dependence is expressed on the average between anterio‐posterior eye axis length and anterior chamber depth as well as between anterior‐posterior eye axis length and vitreous body length (r=0,316 and r=0483). Conclusion Precise ultrasonic biometry is an effective method to detect changes of optico‐anatomical parameters of children eyes.
A behavioural method for evaluating depth of focus
Authors: PLAINIS S , BARTELS A , PARRY NRA , PALLIKARIS IG 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To develop a technique based on visual reaction times that can evaluate the depth of focus in uncorrected vision or when using different modalities of simultaneous vision correction for presbyopia. Reaction Times (RTs) are known to increase in a predictable way as stimuli become less visible, i.e. as contrast decreases. Contrast reduction, produced by different amounts of defocus blur, was calculated by increased RT. Methods RTs were measured to the onset of a sinusoidal grating with a spatial frequency of 4 c/deg and a contrast of 10%, displayed on a Sony F‐520 CRT monitor (mean luminance 30 cd/m2), using a VSG2/5 stimulus generator card. All measurements were performed monocularly (dominant eye) and binocularly at 3m viewing distance, with best spectacle sphero‐cylindrical correction for distance and natural pupils. RTs were measured for different degrees of blur, induced using positive powered lenses up to +4.50 D. Results RT increased with defocus blur, with the effect being more pronounced for monocular compared to binocular viewing conditions. Depth of acceptable perceptual blur (depth of focus) was calculated from the second order polynomials, which fitted the RT vs. defocus blur functions. More specifically, the width of the polynomial fit was estimated for a specific RT. Regardless of the criterion chosen, the depth of acceptable blur was greater under binocular to monocular viewing. Conclusion The technique described here offers a behavioural measure of the depth of focus, and allows evaluation under both monocular / binocular viewing conditions.
Lutein supplementation and spatial vision in early AMD
Authors: MAKRIDAKI M , BERENDSCHOT TTJM , VAN DER VEEN RLP , CARDEN D , PARRY NRA , MURRAY IJ 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effect on spatial vision of enhancing macular pigment (MP) with lutein (L) capsules in patients with early AMD. Methods A randomised, placebo‐controlled two‐centred, 12 months study of the effects of L supplementation was conducted in Manchester, UK and Maastricht, The Netherlands. L capsules (10mg Ester), or a placebo were taken daily. 35 patients (mean age 73.4 ± 8.2, VA>0.5 logMar) were randomly assigned to either L (lutein, n=19) or P (placebo, n=16) groups. Best corrected Log MAR visual acuities, contrast sensitivities (CS) at 0.5, 2, 4, 8,12 and 16 c/deg, and MP were measured at baseline and on three, four month intervals, after the start of the 12 month supplementation period. MP was measured using a flicker‐based technique. Results An increase in the mean MP levels was found for the L group; from 0.35±0.19 to 0.47±0.22 OD units that was statistically significant (p<0.0003) while no change in MP was found for the P group. A mean improvement from 0.23±0.12 (baseline) to 0.16±0.10 (visit 4) was found in the VA of the L group (statistically significant, p= 0.004). In the P group there was a non‐significant deterioration in VA from 0.18±0.12 to 0.20±0.12. The mean difference in VA between baseline and visit 4 for the L group was 0.07±0.10 and for the P group was ‐0.03±0.10 (statistically significant difference, p= 0.004). No statistically significant changes were found in CS at any of the tested spatial frequencies for either of the 2 groups. Conclusion Lutein supplementation over a 12 months period improves MP levels in AMD patients and this corresponds to an overall improvement in VA. No such effect is observed in CS.
Regulation of the circadian activity by melanopsin cells in ambient light conditions filtered to wavelengths below to 500 nm
Authors: VICENTE TEJEDOR J , DE LA VILLA P , MARCHENA M , SANCHEZ‐JIMENEZ A , GARCIA‐ORTEGA M , SANCHEZ RAMOS C 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To study the variations in the circadian activity in the mouse behaviour with different composition of the luminous spectra. Blue light has been identified as one cause of retinal damage. Nevertheless, these wavelengths (400‐500nm) are important in the process of intrinsically photosensitive ganglion cells (ipRGCs) activation. These cells are essential in not forming images processes such as the pupillary reflex, regulation of the circadian activity and/or release of melatonin. Further, ipRGCs are necessary and sufficient to maintain the synchronization of endogenous cycles with circadian activity of each individual. Methods By using Circadian Activity cages and different mouse models, we have investigated their behaviour when exposed to the entire light spectrum or to different amounts of the light‐filtered blue component. We have analyzed the behaviour of C57BL6J mice, which have all retinal photosensitive cells, and Rd10 mice, who comprise ipRGCs as the only photosensitive cells in their retinas by postnatal day 100. Results The use of diverse mouse models has allowed us to investigate the contribution of different photoreceptor classes to the regulation of circadian activity in distinct light conditions. We have observed that ipRGCs are sufficient to maintain the synchronization of endogenous cycles with circadian activity of each individual. Mouse behaviour changes depending on the amount of blue light. Conclusion The maximum activation of melanopsin‐expressing cells is conditioned by the presence of filters for wavelengths below 500nm. Variations in behaviour exist depending on the amount of visible blue light filtered.
Effect of retinal phototoxicity induced by blue light exposure on the response properties of neurons of the lateral geniculate nucleus of the rat
Authors: GARCíA ORTEGA M , SANCHEZ‐JIMENEZ A , VICENTE‐TEJEDOR J , SANCHEZ RAMOS C 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Exposure to bright blue light causes photochemical damage of rodent’s retina via the apoptotic pathway involved in retinitis pigmentosa and age‐related macular degeneration. This photochemical retinal damage occurs with a several different types of morphology and the severity of retinal damage induced by light has great variation among retinal regions. Rather than a mere decrease of the visual response blue light phototoxicity involves important changes on image processing at the retina. Higher visual areas, such as lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) must adapt their physiology to the new situation. In the present work we will study the changes, and their temporal course, of the response of LGN neurons provoked by acute exposure to bright blue light. Methods We will stimulate the retina of Wistar rats at 7 different wavelengths and we will record extracellular multiunit activity of these neurons on three different groups: without exposure to bright light (control group), rats exposed to bright (5000 lux) blue light for 72 hours (exposed group) and rats exposed and let a week under control conditions (recovery group). Results Exposed group showed different profiles of the response parameters measured at the different stimulating wavelengths. These profiles were similar between control and recovery groups. Conclusion Data shows that retinal damage induced by blue light has a great impact on LGN physiology and that plasticity changes must occur at this area to adapt to the new situation.
COMT Val158Met–Stress Interaction in Psychosis: Role of Background Psychosis Risk
Authors: Collip Dina , van Winkel Ruud , Peerbooms Odette , Lataster Tineke , Thewissen Viviane , Lardinois Marielle , Drukker Marjan , Rutten Bart P.F. , Van Os Jim , Myin‐Germeys Inez 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYBackground: The interplay between the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism and environmental stress may have etiological relevance for psychosis, but differential effects have been reported in healthy control and patient groups, suggesting that COMT Val158Met interactions with stress may be conditional on background genetic risk for psychotic disorder. Methods: Patients with a nonaffective psychotic disorder (n = 86) and control participants (n = 109) were studied with the experience sampling method (a structured diary technique) in order to assess stress, negative affect and momentary psychotic symptoms in the flow of daily life. Results: Multilevel analyses revealed significant three‐way interactions between group status (patient or control), COMT genotype and stress in the model of negative affect (χ2(2) = 13.26, P < 0.01) as well as in the model of momentary psychotic symptoms (χ2(2) = 6.92, P < 0.05). Exploration of the three‐way interaction revealed that in patients, COMT genotype moderated the association between stress and negative affect (χ2(4) = 11.50, P < 0.005), as well as the association between stress and momentary psychosis (χ2(4) = 12.79, P < 0.005). Met/Met genotype patients showed significantly increased psychotic and affective reactivity to stress in comparison to the Val/Met and Val/Val genotypes. In contrast, healthy controls did not display large or significant COMT Val158Met X stress interactions. Conclusions: Important differences exist in the effect of COMT Val158Met on stress reactivity, which may depend on background risk for psychotic disorder. Differential sensitivity to environmental stress occasioned by COMT Val158Met may be contingent on higher order interactions with genetic variation underlying psychotic disorder.
Antioxidant multi-walled carbon nanotubes by free radical grafting of gallic acid: new materials for biomedical applications
Authors: Cirillo Giuseppe , Hampel Silke , Klingeler Rüdiger , Puoci Francesco , Iemma Francesca , Curcio Manuela , Parisi Ortensia Ilaria , Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco , Picci Nevio , Leonhardt Albrecht , Ritschel Manfred , Büchner Bernd 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Objectives
To prove the possibility of covalently functionalizing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by free radical grafting of gallic acid on their surface with the subsequent synthesis of materials with improved biological properties evaluated by specific in-vitro assays.

Methods
Antioxidant CNTs were synthesized by radical grafting of gallic acid onto pristine CNTs. The synthesis of carbon nanotubes was carried out in a fixed-bed reactor and, after the removal of the amorphous carbon, the grafting process was performed. The obtained materials were characterized by fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. After assessment of the biocompatibility and determination of the disposable phenolic group content, the antioxidant properties were evaluated in terms of total antioxidant activity and scavenger ability against 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals. Finally the inhibition activity on acetylcholinesterase was evaluated.

Key findings
The covalent fuctionalization of CNTs with gallic acid was confirmed and the amount of gallic acid bound per g of CNTs was found to be 2.1 ± 0.2 mg. Good antioxidant and scavenging properties were recorded in the functionalized CNTs, which were found to be able to inhibit the acetylcholinesterase with potential improved activity for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Conclusions
For the first time, a free radical grafting procedure was proposed as a synthetic approach for the covalent functionalization of CNTs with an antioxidant polyphenol.