bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of visual evoked potential in amblyopic children
Authors: HALFELD FURTADO DE MENDONCA R , ABBRUZZESE S , BAGOLINI B , NOFRONI I , FERREIRA EL 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To compare responses to VEP of amblyopic and sound eyes in amblyopic children.Methods Observational descriptive study of 65 amblyopic children (ages between 20‐162 months) with pattern reversal VEPs elicited by checkerboard stimuli with large (120’) medium (42’) and small (12’) checks.Results No statistically significant difference was revealed concerning P1 amplitude and latencies for any check sizes between the amblyopic and sound eye of amblyopic children.Conclusion VEP is a very important tool to understand the complex amblyopic mechanism. Although the superior VA of the sound eye, the VEP alterations demonstrate the functional abnormality of the eye considered “good”. More studies are necessary to explain why the sound eye in amblyopic children cannot be considered completely normal therefore, special attention should be paid to amblyopic treatment, as patching can have a negative effect on the sound eye.
Evaluation of a new technique to evaluate the visual pursuit in infants
Authors: MONTEIRO K , CHARLIER J , DEFOORT‐DHELLEMMES S 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose This study presents a new technique for recording visual pursuit and its evaluation. In infants, visual acuity is usually estimated using behavioral methods. Nowadays, an objective response can be recorded using eye trackers based on the corneal reflex and pupil positions. However, these systems have limitations, such as large eye eccentricity and parasite reflections on tears or eyeglasses. To avoid these constraints, a new technique has been developed and evaluated.Methods The system is composed of a stimulation monitor equipped with a near infra‐red light source and a video camera. A real‐time analysis of the video identifies the head position, using a reflective dot placed between the patient’s eyes. The gaze orientation is obtained from the relative position of the reflective dot and the eye pupils. Clinical tests were carried out on 90 infants (3 months to 4 years). Gabor type stimuli moving along the horizontal axis were presented while head and eye movements were recorded.Results Visual pursuit was recorded in 84 infants, some of them with nystagmus or large eye deviation. The visual tracking patterns matched with the literature, i.e. saccadic for the youngest ages and smooth in older normal children.Conclusion Results show that the new technique is robust and efficient for recording infants’ visual pursuit under clinical conditions. Further tests are planned to evaluate if visual acuity estimation agrees with clinical exams.
Commercial interest
Neuroprotective and regenerative effect of neurotrophin‐4 on neuronal degeneration induced by advanced glycation end‐products in adult rat retinas
Authors: BIKBOVA G , OSHITARI T , YAMAMOTO S 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To determine the effect of AGEs with or without NT‐4 on neuronal cell death and regeneration in isolated rat retinas.Methods Retinal explants of 4 adult SD rats were three‐dimensionally cultured in collagen gel and were incubated either in; 1) serum free control culture media, 2) 10 μg/ml glucose‐AGE‐BSA media, 3) 10 μg/ml glycolaldehyde‐AGE‐BSA media, 4) 10 μg/ml glyceraldehyde‐AGE‐BSA media, 5) glucose‐AGE+100ng/ml NT‐4 media, 6) glycol‐AGE+100ng/ml NT‐4 media, or 7) glycer‐AGE+100 ng/ml NT‐4 supplemented culture media. After 7 days, the number of regenerating neurites from the explants was counted under a phase‐contrast microscope. After counting, retinal explants were fixed, cryosectioned, and stained by TUNEL and DAPI. The ratio of TUNEL‐positive cells to the number of DAPI‐staining nuclei in the ganglion cell layer was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by one‐way ANOVA.Results In retinas incubated with AGEs (glucose‐AGE, glycol‐AGE, and glycer‐AGE), the numbers of regenerating neurites were fewer than in retinas without AGE (P=0.0033, P=0.0044, and P=0.0238, respectively) and the numbers of TUNEL‐positive cells were higher than in control media (P<0.0001, respectively). NT‐4 supplementation increased, the numbers of regenerating neuritis (P<0.0001) and the numbers of TUNEL‐positives cells were significantly lower than those in glucose‐AGE without NT‐4 (P<0.001) in glycol‐AGE without NT‐4 (P=0.005) and in glycer‐AGE without NT‐4 (P=0.0003).Conclusion AGEs induce neuronal cell death and impede neurite regeneration in adult rat retinas. NT‐4 significantly enhances neuronal survival and regeneration in retinas exposed to AGEs.
Generating human retinal ganglion cells from human induced pluripotent cells in feeder and feeder‐free conditions
Authors: ALSHAMEKH S , HERTZ J , DEROSA B , UDDIN S , PATEL R , SALERO E , DYKXHOORN D , GOLDBERG JL 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Glaucoma, and other optic neuropathies, results in the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and vision dysfunction. Therefore, cell replacement therapy may offer promising treatments to protect the degenerating retina and potentially restore vision function. Although significant progress has been made to generate photoreceptors from stem cells, there has been little advancement in efficiently generating RGCs. Therefore, we have been investigating the optimal conditions for differentiating RGCs from stem cells for cell replacement therapy.Methods Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were maintained and expanded on feeder layers using previously published conditions. During embryoid body formation, genes and proteins were tested for effects on increasing RGC differentiation efficiency. Differentiated RGCs were identified and quantified using RGC‐specific markers including Brn3. Feeder‐free conditions were examined for functional equivalence.Results iPSCs that express stem cell‐specific markers were passaged in proliferative conditions and differentiated into RGCs in vitro. Feeder‐free cell culture conditions allowed iPSC maintenance without the presence of mouse immunogenicity. iPSCs were found to respond to pro‐RGC differentiation signals in similar fashion to rodent embryonic retinal progenitors.Conclusion These findings will provide valuable insight in our understanding of RGC differentiation and will pave the way to cure retinal diseases. The transplantation of these cells in vivo will elucidate the integration potential of these cells in degenerating retina.
The use of propranolol in the treatment of periocular infantile hemangiomas
Authors: BUIJSROGGE M , CLAERHOUT I , DELBEKE P , WALRAEDT S , DECOCK C 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Infantile capillary hemangiomas (IH) are the most common tumours of the eyelid and orbit in infants. Despite their self‐limited course, IH can impair visual function. Recently, the use of propranolol was found to reduce the size of IH. We will present our own case series of patients with periocular IH treated with propranolol to illustrate these findings.Methods We conducted a retrospective study on 10 children with IH treated with propranolol. After exclusion of any contra‐indication, propranolol was initiated at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d. After 10‐14 days, patients were checked again for side‐effects. If these were absent, propranolol was increased to 2 mg/kg/d. Further follow‐up consists of monthly clinical and photographical evaluations of the IH, monitoring of treatment compliance and tolerance. Success of treatment is defined as stopping growth or reducing size. The response to treatment was rated by 3 blinded, independent observers.Results The age range at start of treatment with propranolol was between 2 and 19 months (mean 6,8 months). The mean age at stopping propranolol was 14,4 months. The mean duration of treatment was 7,6 months and only 1 patient had to stop treatment because of side effects. Two patients (20%) had a rebound after temporary stop of propranolol. The success rate in our case serie was 100%. Half of the group had excellent results, 30% had a good response and 20% had a fair response. We also obtained objective measures of astigmatism and anisometropia in 6 patients. We report a reduction in anisometropic astigmatism in 5 of these 6 patients.Conclusion These data support the current perception that propranolol is a highly effective first line treatment for IH with very limited and mild side effects.
AICAR induces effectively autophagy clearance in ARPE‐19 cells
Authors: KAARNIRANTA K , VIIRI J , HYTTINEN J , SALMINEN A 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose The ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway and lysosomal pathway including autophagy are the master clearance systems in cells. The p62/sequestosome 1 (p62) and LC3 have been observed to be key players linking the proteasomal and lysosomal clearance systems. In this study, crosstalk of proteasomes and autophagy was examined.Methods Effect of autophagy activator (AICAR) and inhibitor (bafilomycin) on protein aggregation and autophagy markers were studied in the ARPE‐19 cells treated with proteasome inhibitor (MG‐132, 5µM) with or without AICAR (2mM) or bafilomycin (50nM) for 24h hours. Autophagy gene activation was studied by cDNA PCR array. The protein levels of LC3 were evaluated by western blotting. The localization and movement of p62 and LC3 were analyzed by live confocal microscopy. Cellular organelles were visualized by transmission electron microscopy.Results MG‐132 clearly increased perinuclear protein aggregation, while AICAR robustly decreased the amount of aggregates together with LC3 activation. AICAR upregulates the most important autophagy genes. We show that p62 and LC3 colocalizes with the protein aggregates that all are finally degraded in autophagy.Conclusion Autophagy is effective clearance machine in RPE cells that might be a novel therapy target to prevent cell degeneration.
The p62/sequestosome 1 binds irreversibly to protein aggregates prior to autophagy clearance in ARPE‐19 cells
Authors: VIIRI J , HYTTINEN J , SALMINEN A , KAARNIRANTA K 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose The pathogenesis of AMD involves impaired protein degradation in RPE cells. The ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway and the lysosomal pathway including autophagy are the major proteolytic systems in eukaryotic cells. Recently, p62/sequestosome 1 (p62) has been shown to be a key player linking the proteasomal and lysosomal clearance systems. In this study, expression and trafficking of p62 was examined.Methods To study the effect of autophagy activator (AICAR) and inhibitor (bafilomycin) on p62 expression levels, the ARPE‐19 cells were treated with proteasome inhibitor (MG‐132, 5µM) with or without AICAR (2mM) or bafilomycin (50nM) for 24h hours. The protein levels of p62 were evaluated by western blotting. The localization and movement of p62 were analyzed by live confocal microscopy.Results MG‐132 increased the p62 protein levels, while AICAR robustly decreased the p62 levels. When autophagy was inhibited with bafilomycin the p62 was highly accumulated. We show that p62 binds irreversibly to protein aggregates that are finally degraded in autophagy.Conclusion The p62/sequestosome 1 function as a linker protein between proteasomes and autophagy and can be used as a autophagy flux marker. Autophagy is effective clearance machine that may be disturbed in aged RPE cells.
The VIEW Studies: clinical results in wet AMD
Authors: WEBER M 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe study design, treatment schedule and the results of the clinical trials VIEW 1 and 2 are shown, including the primary and secondary endpoints. All VEGF Trap‐Eye treatment regimens were non‐inferior to monthly ranibizumab treatment, and achieved numerically similar outcomes on all endpoints assessed. The results of the follow‐up phase at week 96 are presented including safety and efficacy data.
Response of retinal blood flow to systemic hyperoxia as measured with dual‐beam bidirectional Doppler Fourier‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: PALKOVITS S , WERKMEISTER R , TOLD R , GRÖSCHEL M , LEITGEB R , GARHÖFER G , SCHMETTERER L 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Much effort was directed towards the quantification of retinal blood flow in the past decades. In the recent years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) based systems were introduced to measure retinal perfusion. The current study compares a new technique, dual beam bidirectional Doppler Fourier domain OCT (FD‐OCT), with laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV), while breathing ambient air and pure oxygen.Methods 10 healthy volunteers were included into the present study and two study days were scheduled. On one study day assessment of the effect of 100% O2 breathing on retinal blood velocities was performed using FD‐OCT. LDV was used to investigate retinal blood velocities on the other study day. In addition to velocity measurements retinal vessel diameters were assessed with Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (DVA, Imedos, Germany). Baseline data as well as hyperoxia data were compared between each study day.Results Reduced vessel diameters, velocities and blood flow were found while breathing 100% O2 compared to baseline. Our findings showed a high correlation between retinal blood velocities obtained with the OCT system and the LDV during baseline and under hyperoxia (p<0.01 each). However, velocities measured with the OCT were slightly higher.Conclusion Good correlation was found between dual‐beam bidirectional Doppler FD‐OCT and LDV data. Dual‐beam bidirectional Doppler FD‐OCT is a promising approach for studying retinal blood flow in vivo.
Dexamethasone drug delivery system (Ozurdex) for the treatment of refractory diabetic macular oedema: retrospective case series analysis
Authors: AKNIN I , MELKI L 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcome of the treatment of DME patients with the Dexamethasone Drug Delivery System (Ozurdex) in clinical practice.Methods This retrospective case series study included 25 consecutive patients (25 eyes) with refractory DME. This preliminary report includes 10 patients who completed a 12 months follow‐up. VA (EDTRS), CRT (OCT) and IOP were assessed at baseline, 7 days, and 1, 6 and 12 months after Ozurdex injection. If necessary, a second implant was injected at 6 and/or 12 month.Results The mean duration of diabetes at baseline was 18.6 years with a mean HbA1c level of 8.97. At baseline the mean VA was 52 letters, mean CRT 467µm and mean IOP 15.9 mmHg. At day 7, the mean VA increased to 62.22 letters (+ 10.22 letters) and the mean CRT decreased to 290.25µm with a mean IOP level of 16.66 mmHg. At month 1: mean VA was maintained to 58.66 letters (+ 6.66 letters) and the CRT continued to decrease to 201µm.The mean IOP slightly increased to 17.83 mmHg (we had 1 case at 24 mmHg) At month 6: mean visual acuity continued to increase to 64.33 letters (+12.33 letters gain). The mean CRT was 281µm with an IOP level of 15.16 mmHg. At month 12: mean visual acuity was maintained to 65.41 letters (2‐line gain: + 13.41 letters), mean retinal thickness and IOP level were normal (200µm and 16.81 mmHg respectively). At month 12: 5 patients (50%) had an improvement of more than 15 letters. 50% of the patients underwent a second injection, and 33% of themConclusion The present clinical study suggests that intravitreal injection of the dexamethasone drug delivery system (Ozurdex) seems to be effective and well tolerated in eyes with refractory DME
Retinal vascular reactivity over extended vessel segments
Authors: KALITZEOS A , SUMMERS RJ , HEITMAR R 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To assess the impact of vessel segment length when analysing retinal vessel responses to flicker light provocation in healthy individuals.Methods 12 healthy individuals (mean age 30±6) underwent digital sphygmomanometry (UA‐767, A&D Instruments, UK), non‐contact tonometry (Keeler Pulsair, UK) and dynamic retinal diameter assessment using the retinal vessel analyser (Imedos Systems, Germany) in order to evaluate the influence of segment length on flicker light induced dilation of retinal arterioles and venules. Up to seven segments of each superior artery and vein, were extracted off‐line from video recordings of each subject within a minimum distance of 1 disc diameter (DD) from the rim of the optic nerve head and up to a maximum of 4 DD away from the rim.Results Retinal arteriolar and venular dilation amplitude were independent of segment length, blood pressure and intraocular pressure.Conclusion Independence of segment length is essential as retinal vessel anatomy is highly variable, some individuals having numerous vessel crossings and bifurcations making it difficult to measure long vessel segments.
Infection and inflammation in Boston Type 1 KPro
Authors: ETXEBARRIA J , ORIVE A , SANTAMARIA A , FEIJOO R 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose We show possible risk factors for extrusion or endophthalmitis , significance of different clinical features, how to approach them clinically and surgically in order to try to obtain the most successful results in patients who underwent Boston KPro type I surgery.Methods Review of clinical experience through the last 6½ years dealing with Boston KPro type I surgeries and subsequent possible complications such as melting, thinning, extrusion and endophthalmitis.Results The main risk factor for KPro failure is inflammation level of the ocular surface. The origin of this inflammation can be diverse: blepharitis, mechanical, immunological. Many inflammatory molecules, through different pathways, can lead to an increase of many metalloproteinases which are involved in the digestion of corneal collagen, producing melting, cornea thinning or even KPro extrusion. Infectious keratitis or endophthalmitis are other dramatic possible complications in KPro patients that can also be associated to collagenolisiConclusion Control of ocular surface inflammation is crucial to succeed in the postop of KPro surgeries. In order to achieve this point, management of clinical signs, use of different topical and systemic drugs, and some tricky surgeries should be learned. In case of endophthalmitis, very early surgery consisting of removal of KPro, pars plana vitrectomy and keratoplasty is mandatory.
Oculoplastic complications of OOKP surgery
Authors: AVADHANAM V , HAWKES G , BRITTAIN P , HEROLD J , THORP S , LIU C 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To report the incidence, types and management of oculoplastic complications following OOKP surgery.Methods A retrospective review of case records of 60 patients who underwent OOKP surgery was performed between November 1996 and March 2012. Mucous membrane, eyelid and cosmetic complications were studied following each stage in the two stage OOKP procedure.Results Patients age ranged from 19 to 95 years and the follow up duration varied from 6 months to 15 years. The commonest diagnosis was Stevens‐Johnson syndrome followed by chemical or thermal burns and mucous membrane pemphigoid. Forty nine or 82% of these patients had some form of oculoplastic complication. After the Stage 1, 27% of these patients had mucous membrane complications and 15% had eyelid complications. Following the Stage 2, 68% of these patients had mucous membrane complications and 53% had eyelid complications Three patients wore cosmetic shells and all of them had shell fitting problems. Most of the complications were successfully managed with appropriate surgical procedures.Conclusion Oculoplastic complications are the most common complications after the OOKP surgery. They are most frequently noted following the Stage 2 procedure. The outcome is generally favorable with timely recognition and management and they do not usually have an adverse affect over visual acuity.
Psychological factors and complications in OOKP assessment and surgery
Authors: BUSUTTIL A , HEROLD J , LIU C 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To highlight how psychological factors can complicate OOKP assessment , surgical outcome and adaptation to living with OOKP and to demonstrate how these issues can be addressed.Methods Single case studies will be used to illustrate the clinical presentation of psychological issues and how these may have impacted on medical progress and adjustment post surgery.Results Cases will illustrate how a previous psychological trauma history, mood disorder and identity issues can impact on physical, psychological and social adjustment to OOKP. The case studies will also illustrate interventions which addressed these.Conclusion For some patients ,the identification of psychological problems and their appropriate management is important for succesful outcome and adaptation in OOKP surgery.
In vivo laser scanning microscopy of cornea, conjunctiva and ocular adnexa with a handheld dermatological laser‐scanning microscope: new perspectives
Authors: GRIVET D , ESPINASSE M , CINOTTI E , LABEILLE B , CAMBAZARD F , PERROT JL , CAMPOLMI N , PEOC'H M , DUMOLLARD JM , FOREST F , GAIN P , THURET G 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is routinely used in well‐equipped reference centers for the diagnosis of complicated corneal and conjunctival diseases, mainly infectious and tumoral ones. At present, only two CM are available for ophthalmology. Both are attached on a classical ophthalmology stand optimized for corneal examination. Aim: to expose new perspectives in examination of cornea, conjunctiva and ocular using a handheld dermatological CMMethods Using the handheld dermatological reflectance laser‐scanning microscope (Vivascope 3000, MAVIG GmbH) equipped with a 830nm laser, we observed cornea, bulbar and tarsal conjunctiva, eyelid margin, lacrimal puncta and palbebral skin of healthy volunteers as well as none pigmented or pigmented lesions of these sites. Correlations with histopathology were established whenever surgery was necessaryResults Thanks to its compact configuration and flexible, handheld positioning, the Vivascope3000 made it possible to easily access ocular and periocular tissue that remained challenging to observe with ophthalmological CM. With a definition of 1pixel/μm and 1000x1000 μm images, the handheld CM allowed non‐invasive optical biopsy of all normal and pathologic ocular surface as well as periocular tissues. Diagnosis of benign or malignant tumors (melanoma or epidermoid carcinoma) could be highly suspected. Confocal images were well correlated with conventional histopathologyConclusion The compact handheld Vivascope 3000 offers new perspectives for diagnosis, optimization of treatments, and follow‐up of ocular surface and ocular adnexa diseases