bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The regulation of retinal blood flow in the healthy and diseased eye
Authors: RIVA C 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe maintenance of normal retinal structure and function depends on a tightly regulated environment. This requires intact blood‐retinal barriers as well as an efficient regulation of blood flow and delivery of oxygen and metabolic substrates to the retinal tissue. Thanks to the development of noninvasive techniques allowing the quantitative assessment of retinal hemodynamics in the human eye, much progress has been achieved in recent years in the understanding of retinal blood flow regulation and the mechanisms involved in this physiological process. Retinal blood ﬂow is regulated by the interaction of myogenic and metabolic mechanisms through the release of vasoactive substances by the vascular endothelium and retinal tissue surrounding the arteriolar wall. This regulation is achieved by adaptation of the vascular tone of the resistance vessels to changes in the perfusion pressure or metabolic needs of the tissue. This adaptation occurs through the interaction of multiple mechanisms affecting mainly the arteriolar smooth muscle cells. These mechanisms, which involve the close interaction between nitric oxide, lactate and arachidonic acid metabolites released by the neuronal and glial cells, optimize blood ﬂow according to the metabolic needs of the tissue. Impairments of structure and function of the retinal neural tissue and endothelium during the evolution of ischemic microangiopathies affect the interaction of the retinal metabolic pathways and alter blood ﬂow regulation. Assessing retinal blood flow and its response to various physiological stimuli and the mechanisms mediating and modulating these responses has provided important insight into these pathological processes, which lead to severe losses of vision.
Where is retinal OCT heading
Authors: DREXLER W 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Novel high speed detection techniques as well as development of ultra broad bandwidth and tunable light sources have recently revolutionized imaging performance and clinical feasibility of OCT. Methods Most recent technology enables to perform more than 300.000 measurements/second, allowing to perform 512x128 raster scans in 0.2 seconds, more than one order of magnitude better than state of the art commercial technology. Isotropic sampling over 512x512 pixels with 600 frames/second is therefore possible in less than a second. The development of light sources emitting at alternative wavelengths around 1060nm enabled not only unprecedented three‐dimensional OCT visualization of the entire choroid up to the choroid‐sclera interface but also improved OCT performance in cataract patients. Results Adaptive optics using deformable mirror technology correct higher order ocular aberrations interfaced with three‐dimensional ultrahigh resolution OCT, recently enabled in vivo cellular resolution phenotyping of retinal pathologies. In addition, extensions of OCT have been developed that enable non‐invasive depth resolved functional imaging of the retina, providing spectroscopic, blood flow or physiologic tissue information that might allow differentiation of retinal pathologies via localized metabolic properties or functional state. Conclusion In this view OCT is now the fastest adopted imaging technology in the history of ophthalmology and can now be considered as an optical analogue to computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, not enabling full body imaging, but non‐invasive optical biopsy, i.e. micron/cellular resolution three‐dimensional visualization of retinal morphology and function.
Commercial interest
Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis of uveal melanoma with extraocular extension demonstrates heterogeneity of gross chromosomal abnormalities
Authors: COUPLAND SE , DOPIERALA J , TAKTAK AFG , DAMATO BE , LAKE SL 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to determine if uveal melanoma (UM) with extraocular extension displayed heterogeneous copy number alterations in the intraocular and extraocular areas of the tumor. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was utilised to determine copy number for the chromosomes of most interest in UM prognostic testing, 1p, 3, 6 and 8. Methods MLPA was performed using the P027 UM assay (MRC‐Holland) on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded sections from nine UM. Whole tumor sections were analysed in addition to the intraocular and extraocular areas of the tumor that were microdissected and analysed separately. Results Of the nine UM analysed four exhibited heterogeneous copy number for at least one chromosome arm. No heterogeneity of 1p or 8p was observed. The most frequently heterogeneous chromosome arm was 6p. One tumor was monosomy 3 in the intraocular area of the tumor but disomy 3 for the extraocular area of the tumor. Conclusion Heterogeneity of chromosome arm copy number, between the intraocular and extraocular areas of UM with extraocular extension, does exist for chromosomes 3, 6 and 8q and is detectable by MLPA. These results suggest that for UM with extraocular extension both intraocular and extraocular areas of the tumour should be sampled for genetic prognostic testing.
Frequent gene copy number changes and BRAF V600E gene mutation in conjunctival melanoma
Authors: JMOR F , LAKE SL , TAKTAK AFG , DAMATO BE , COUPLAND SE 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose The molecular aetiology of conjunctival melanoma (CM) is poorly understood as few studies have investigated the genetic changes in this tumour. This study investigated the copy number of all autosome arms, genes known to be frequently altered in tumourigenesis, and BRAF V600E mutation, in CMs using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Methods Three MLPA assays were performed (P027, P036, P206) using DNA extracted from 32 primary and metastatic, formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded CM samples. Results CDKN1A and RUNX2 were amplified in over 60% and 75% of primary CM, respectively. MLH1 and TIMP2 were frequently amplified, and MGMT and ECHS1 were frequently deleted, in metastatic CMs. BRAF V600E mutations were identified in 6/12 primary CMs and 4/6 metastatic CMs. The P036 assay detects copy number of genes, not known to be involved in tumourigenesis, in the subtelomeric regions of all autosomes. Genes found by this assay to be frequently deleted in metastatic CM were BDH, FLJ20265, PAO and OPRL1. No statistically significant association with BRAF mutation, or changes in copy number, and gender, age, histological cell type or survival time, were identified. Conclusion Despite no copy number changes occurring exclusively in metastatic CM changes in the MLH1, TIMP2, MGMT and ECHS1 were observed more frequently. Amplification of subtelomeric genes BDH (3q), FLJ20265 (4p), PAO (10q) and OPRL1 (20q) may indicate common gain of the respective chromosome arms in metastatic CM. Further investigation of these loci in a larger cohort of tumours may identify those CM more likely to metastasize and elucidate the cell signalling pathways that are deregulated in CM, thereby facilitating future treatment of patients.
Receptors for luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) in human uveal melanoma as potential molecular targets for cancer therapy
Authors: STEIBER Z , TRESZL A , ROZSA B , BERTA A , HALMOS G 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose The expression of luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) receptors has been demonstrated in various human cancers. Over the past decade, a direct receptor‐mediated antiproliferative effect of analogs of LH‐RH on tumor cells was proposed. The receptors for LH‐RH on human tumors can also serve as targets for LH‐RH analogs that can be linked to various cytotoxic agents. Methods In our study we investigated the expression of LH‐RH and transcript forms of LH‐RH receptor in human uveal melanoma specimens with RT‐PCR using gene specific primers. LH‐RH receptor protein were also evaluated by Western blot. Tumor specimens from 9 patients were collected at the University of Debrecen. Results Expression of mRNA for LH‐RH receptor transcript forms were detected in 6 samples. No PCR products for pituitary type of LH‐RH receptors were found. In our study 8 specimens expressed mRNA for the LH‐RH ligand. The presence of specific LH‐RH receptor protein was detected in tumor specimens by Western blotting. Conclusion We were able to detect the expression of LH‐RH and transcript forms of LH‐RH receptors in human uveal melanomas. Our results support the merit of further investigation of the expression of LH‐RH receptors and its transcript forms in human ophthalmological tumors as well as the application of LH‐RH analogs for receptor‐based treatment of such malignancies. These observations signify the importance of the development of new LH‐RH analogs with potential therapeutical applications.
Prevalence and risk factors of refractive errors among schoolchildren in Bojnourd, Iran
Authors: YEKTA AA , KHABAZKHOOB M , AZIZI E , OSTADIMOGHADDAM H , DERAKHSHAN A , HERAVIAN J , AZIMI A , YEKTA R 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To determine the prevalence and risk factors of refractive errors among schoolchildren in Bojnourd, Iran. Methods In a cross‐sectional study using random cluster sampling, 2020 schoolchildren 6 to 17 years of age were selected in this study. The participants totaled 1551; 643 boys and 908 girls of the elementary and middle schoolchildren of Bojnourd, northeast of Iran. Mean age of the participants was 11.2 years (response rate=76.7%). Refractive errors were measured under cycloplegia. Myopia defined as spherical equivalent (SE) refraction ‐ 0.5 dioptre (D) or worse, hyperopia as SE +2.00 D or more, and astigmatism as cylinder ‐0.75 D or worse. Results The prevalence of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were 4.3%, 5.4% and 11.5% respectively and were not related to the gender. The prevalence of myopia and against‐the‐rule astigmatism increased with age (p<0.001). Conclusion The results of this study showed that the prevalence of myopia in schoolchildren of Bojnourd was similar to that in most places excluding East Asian countries, and that of hyperopia and astigmatism were in the mid range.
Relations between refractive astigmatism and corneal astigmatism
Authors: TOUZEAU O , GAUJOUX T , BASLI E , ALLOUCH C , LAROCHE L , BORDERIE VM 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To investigate the relationship between refractive astigmatism and corneal (anterior and posterior) astigmatism in normal eyes. Methods We prospectively recorded refractive astigmatism and corneal astigmatism (Orbscan) of 500 healthy eyes (including ametropia) of 250 patients. Astigmatism data was analyzed using polar values (cylinder, axis) and rectangular coordinates (x,y) which respectively represent WTR/ATR component (Jackson 0°/90°) and oblique component (Jackson 45°/135°). Internal astigmatism and enantiomorphism (mirror‐image symmetry between both eyes) were calculated. Results Anterior corneal cylinder showed higher correlation with subjective cylinder (r: 0.84 to 0.89 p<0.001) than posterior corneal cylinder (r=0.64; p<0.001). The relative proportion of both components of astigmatism (WTR/ATR and oblique) did not correlate with cylinder. Axis of astigmatism was unaffected by corneal or ocular cylinder (p>0.05). The relative proportion of the anterior corneal astigmatism in the subjective astigmatism increased with the subjective cylinder (r=0.54 p<0.001; 83% for cylinder ≥3.00D; 52% for cylinder ≤0.50D). The difference (absolute value) between subjective and corneal axis decreased with the subjective cylinder (r=‐0.42; p<0.001). Corneal astigmatism showed higher enantiomorphism than subjective astigmatism (17° vs 27°; p<0.001).The degree of enantiomorphism of astigmatism increased significantly with the cylinder (r=0.43 p<0.001). Conclusion Anterior corneal astigmatism plays a major role in subjective astigmatism especially when the magnitude of the latter is important. Finally, taking into account posterior corneal astigmatism data did not improve the prediction of subjective axis or cylinder.
Correlation between eye axial length and corneal biometric parameters
Authors: CAYETTE S , TOUZEAU O , RODALLEC T , ADAM R , NORDMANN JP , LAROCHE L , BORDERIE VM 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To investigate the correlation between the eye axial length and the corneal biometric parameters in a normal population. Methods We prospectively recorded axial length, ultrasonic pachymetry and corneal topography (Orbscan) of 250 healthy eyes (excluding high myopia) of 125 patients aged from 10 to 80 years. Three refractive subgroups (hyperopia, emmetropia, myopia) were defined according to the subjective spherical equivalent (emmetropia ‐1D to +1D). Corneal biometric parameters were compared in these 3 groups and were correlated with the axial length. Results No significant correlation was found between axial length and the corneal biometric parameters (i.e., pachymetry, anterior corneal curvature, corneal cylinder, corneal diameter, asphericity, irregularity, irregular astigmatism, location of thinnest point…)(r≤0.09 p≥0.07). The three subgroups were not significantly different for the corneal biometric parameters (p>0.13) except for the corneal curvature (hyperopia, 42.89D; emmetropia, 43.69D, myopia, 44.37D; p<0.001). Axial length showed a strong correlation with subjective spherical equivalent (r=‐0.82, p<0.001) but not with subjective astigmatism (p>0.14). Conclusion Although corneal curvature is relevant to spherical refraction, axial length does not seem to have a significant influence on the biometric parameters of the cornea.
Changes in the spatial resolution and in the color contrast perception due to interjected face protector screens in the emergency situations in mesopic conditions
Authors: BONNIN ARIAS C , PEREZ‐CARRASCO MJ , CHAMORRO E , NAVARRO‐BLANCO C , GOMEZ‐VADILLO T , SANCHEZ RAMOS C 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Assess the changes in the visual capabilities related to protector masks that are mandatory in emergency situations. The study was carried out in mesopic conditions. Methods 36 adults were assessed. Everyone was from both genders, ranging 18 to 49 years old, with an average age of 30 +‐ 8 years old. Face protectors screens have been utilized on Individual Protection Kits for emergency situations. Every measure was conducted by the same examiner and into the same laboratory in mesopic conditions. Visual Acuity was evaluated by means of the Sloan´s test at 100% and 5% of contrast in logarithmic units, the Contrast Sensitivity with the CSV100 test and the colour perception with Ishihara´s test (each test was accomplished by the manufacturer´s recommendations). Results The capacity for distinguishing details in the assessment carried out without a protector screen was of ‐0,05+‐0,05 logMAR, and with a protector screen was of 0,00+‐0,11 logMAR; being the difference statistically significant. Constrast Sensitivity values are lower when a protector filter is interjected, with p‐valor=0,013. Regarding colour perception, significative differences were detected after protector screen application and withdrawal. Conclusion In mesopic conditions, spatial resolution, contrast sensitivity and colour perception are significantly more decreased due to face protector screens needed for emergency situations.
Visual acuity of people over 55 years old in habitual corrective conditions: drivers versus non‐drivers
Authors: NAVARRO VALLS JJ , RAMIREZ MERCADO G , GOMEZ TORTUERO E , LANGA MORAGA A , GENE A , SANCHEZ RAMOS C 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Our aim is to investigate the habitual VA in a non‐clinical population aged 55 years and over without evident pathology in order to estimate needs for best correction, comparing drivers’ and non‐drivers’ condition. Methods The 2449 subjects participating in the study were from amongst people in different shopping malls located in 21 provinces in Spain. All of them, (age range 55 – 89 years, both genders) were free of any ocular disease or pathology. Their monocular distance VA was determined under photopic and mesopic conditions. Results About 35% of the people participating in this study, using their habitual corrective lenses, had a lower VA than others in their age range. The habitual photopic VA of the sample was 0.63 ± 0.25 and 0.26 ± 0.10 under mesopic conditions. Photopic VA for drivers was 0.67 ± 0.25 and 0.62 ± 0.26 for non‐drivers. Mesopic VA for drivers was 0.26 ± 0.11 and 0.25 ± 0.11 for nondrivers. Conclusion Drivers’ habitual VA is about 11% better than non‐drivers’ in all age ranges, this difference being statistically significant in both photopic and mesopic conditions. Specifically, the mesopic VA for drivers prevent this collective from driving in legal and safety conditions that is a severe impairment compared to photopic VA (about 60% lower). Usually, examiners in driving medical centers are not required to evaluate on mesopic conditions, something that Health Authorities should be aware to improve. In addition, most of the people here evaluated undergoes a visual impairment that could be eluded by corrective lenses, in order to prolong the period of independent living and maintain quality of life.
Evaluating the effect of cataractous vision on the general characteristics of handwriting: its forensic implications
Authors: PERTSINAKIS M , PLAINIS S , LIMNOPOULOU A , GIANNAKOPOULOU T , ILIAKI O , TSILIMBARIS MK , PALLIKARIS IG , JACKSON AWR , PLATT AWG 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To evaluate any effect of cataractous vision on handwriting performance. Methods Nine patients were enrolled for Phase I with an average age of 75 yrs (range: 69 to 84 yrs). Visual acuity (VA) was evaluated using the European‐wide logMAR charts for far, intermediate and near vision. Measurements were performed pre‐operatively and three‐ months post‐operatively, with habitual correction, under both monocular and binocular viewing conditions. Patients were asked to give signature and handwriting samples at each visit. The signatures were compared, focusing on the general characteristics of line quality, general design, size, arrangement, spacing, slant and their sub‐elements. Results Average monocular and binocular VA was found to improve at all measured distances post‐operatively. E.g., average binocular intermediate acuity increased from 0.52 (±0.29) to 0.20 (±0.24) logMAR, while near acuity increased from 0.70 (±0.33) to 0.52 (±0.17) logMAR. The forensic analysis showed that cataractous vision tends to influence some general characteristics, eg decreasing the line quality of the allographs and creating significant dissimilarity on the size sub‐elements. On average, the general characteristics of general design, intra‐allograph ratio and slant were not influenced by the compromised vision. A number of "non liquet" results were manifested, caused by the complete differentiation of the structure of certain allographs before and after the cataract surgery. Conclusion Cataractous vision compromises some handwriting characteristics. Future research will focus on quantifying and exporting the results to the general population.
Relation of walking behavior and visual function during the Graz Mobility Test
Authors: GEORGI T , IVASTINOVIC D , HORNIG R , BRANDNER M , VELIKAY‐PAREL M 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Epiretinal prostheses are developed to enhance the orientation of low vision patients and consequently their mobility. However to document visual progress repeated testing is necessary to eliminate learning effects. For this purpose we developed the Graz Mobility Test (GMT) and evaluated its suitability in low vision patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Aim of this study was to investigate the relation of visual function parameters and walking behavior of patients. Methods Low vision patients (n=16) with visual acuity (VA) ranging from light perception to 1.0 logMAR passed through a mobility test consisting of four different, structurally similar mazes with black obstacles. Each test was completed four to six times. A people tracking system and a specially designed computer program recorded head movements and the patient´s walking path. In addition passage time and number of contacts were recorded. VA was tested with the Modified Grating Test (MGT) and visual field (VF) was examined with the Goldmann perimeter. Results The subjects were divided into groups according to their VA. Patients with eccentric fields in general proved to have fewer contacts (mean: 3,4 contacts) due to their early detection of peripheral obstacles than those with less peripheral perception (mean: 9,7 contacs). Patients with better VA required less time and less head movements to pass the maze. Conclusion Recordings and measurement of visual function and formation into groups allowed us evaluation of individual coping strategies. Hence potential benefits of epiretinal prostheses could be evaluated by comparing pre‐ and postoperative values.
Normal values for the Rarebit Fovea Test in children
Authors: BRAUTASET RL , SCHALIN S , SVANBERG M , NILSSON M 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Visual acuity (VA) testing using optotypes is insensitive for detecting subtle defects in the visual function. The Rarebit Fovea Test (RFT) was therefore developed for detection of small defects of the foveal function (Frisén, 2002) at a stage before these defects affect VA. The RFT has been found to be well tolerated by children between 7 and 9 years of age. However, for determination of reference values the number of subjects in previous studies has been to small. The aim of the present study was to establish normal values for children between 6 and 10 years of age, and to evaluate the learning effect after repeated tests. Methods RFT was conducted in a group of 181 subjects between 6‐10 years as part of a screening programme at a compulsory school, in Stockholm, Sweden Results Normal values ranged from median MHR (Mean Hit Rate) 94.0 to 97.5% between pre‐school children and 3rd year children. For the entire group of children the median MHR was 96% (range 57‐100). The 3rd year children performed significantly better than pre‐school children (p<0.01) and 1st year children (p<0.05). An improvement from first to second test was noticed in all groups. There was a very weak but significant correlation between MHR and age (p<0.0001; R2=0.17) and between MHR and VA (p= 0.0093; R2=0.063). Conclusion The RFT proved to be well tolerated among children in an age group between 6‐10 years and more than 90% of the children were considered to give reliable results close to what is normal for adults. Therefore the Rarebit Fovea Test proved to be useful for evaluation of the foveal function in children.