bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of RPE in the regulation of VEGF
Authors: KLETTNER A 
Published: December 2011

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has emerged as a major player in retinal diseases and is strongly involved in choroidal neovascularisation in exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) or in the development of macular edema in diabetic retinopathy. An important source of VEGF in the retina is the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE). The RPE is a highly polarized cell layer situated between the choroid and the photoreceptors and among its many functions is the secretion of cytokines. RPE‐derived VEGF is important for the development of the vasculature of the retina in the premature eye. In the adult eye, the RPE constitutively secrets low amounts of VEGF, mainly on the basolateral side, in order to maintain the choroid and protect endothelial cells. Also, neuroprotective properties of (apical) VEGF have been described. Main isoforms of RPE‐secreted VEGF are VEGF165 and, to a lesser extent, VEGF121. Also, minor amounts of VEGF189 are can be found. VEGF165b, an anti‐angiogenic isoform, might also be secreted by the RPE. Under different noxious stimulations, RPE cells increase their VEGF secretion, via several, stimulus specific, pathways. Among these stimuli, hypoxia, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, several cytokines and endoplasmic reticulum stress might be closely connected to the pathogenesis of exudative AMD and other neovascular alterations of the retina. Loss of polarity might also contribute to inappropriate VEGF secretion and subsequent neovascular changes. The dichotomy of protective physiological and vision‐threatening pathological VEGF secretion renders the differences of physiological and pathological VEGF expression regulation a highly interesting target for the development of long‐term VEGF inhibiting drugs.
The role of Mas receptors in an experimental rat glaucoma model
Authors: VAAJANEN A , KALESNYKAS G , VAPAATALO H , UUSITALO H 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the neuroprotective and/or oculohypotensive effects of potent angiotensin system agents known to reduce intraocular pressure in the normotensive rabbits by using an experimental laser‐induced glaucoma model in rat eye.Methods Experimental glaucoma was induced unilaterally using laser photocoagulation of the episcleral and limbal veins of male Wistar rats twice in one week intervals. The fellow eye was untreated, thus serving as a normotensive control. Mas receptor agonist angiotensin (1‐7) and antagonist A‐779 as well as their combination were injected intravitreally. IOP was measured by rebound tonometer during the follow‐up time of two weeks. At the end of the study the animals were sacrified. The eyes and the optic nerves were collected. The neurodegenerative changes were evaluated from the optic nerves using a modified Gallyas silver‐staining method.Results Mean IOP in laser treated and untreated eyes were 27.4 mmHg and 10.5 mmHg during two weeks follow up time. A significant axonal destruction was detected in glaucomatous eyes vs fellow eye with normal IOP. Intravitreal administration of test compounds did not reduce IOP. However the group of rats that were treated with A‐779 had significantly lower area of neurodegenerative axons in the optic nerves as compared to the other groups.Conclusion In laser induced glaucoma model IOP elevates rapidly leading to severe destruction of ganglion cell axons like occurs in normally slowly developing neuropathy. In this model Mas receptor antagonist A‐779 had an IOP‐independent neuroprotective effect on retinal ganglion cells whereas Mas receptor stimulation did not reduce IOP and had no influence on axonal damage.
Laser flare photometry: why is it going to be the gold standard for the assessment of intraocular inflammation
Authors: KHAIRALLAH M , KHOCHTALI S 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Laser flare photometry is a noninvasive, objective and quantitative method to measure intraocular inflammation.Methods The reproducibility and accuracy of flare measurements was proven by laboratory tests and by clinical studies showing low inter‐ and intra‐observer variability. Laser flare photometry values correlate with clinical grades of flare based on slit lamp examination. However, this technique provides a wide range of values for each clinical grade and there are overlapping ranges between grades. Besides,it allows the detection of subclinical blood aqueous barrier disruption.Results Laser flare photometry has many clinical applications : 1‐Uveitis Laser flare photometry shows better sensitivity than the slit lamp grading of cells and flare in monitoring anterior chamber inflammation, in both acute and chronic inflammation. It helps to define the inflammatory profiles of various types of anterior and posterior uveitis. It allows the assessement of the response to treatment and the prediction of the disease relapse. Relationships of laser flare photometry with complications permit to determine the prognosis of uveitis. 2‐Post‐surgical inflammation An objective evaluation of the blood aqueous barrier disruption after different surgical procedures is provided. The effects of different molecules on the post‐surgical inflammation can be evaluated and compared. 3‐Several other conditions associated with some degree of blood‐aqueous barrier disruption such as diabetic retinopathyConclusion Laser flare photometry is an objective and precise technique. It should be the gold standard for the assessment of intraocular inflammation.
Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease : why indocyanine green angiography‐assisted therapy is going to become the standard of care
Authors: BOUCHENAKI N , HERBORT C 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To assess the potential of ICGA in the monitoring of treatment of acute Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada (VKH) disease by detecting early recurrences.Methods Retrospective/prospective study including patients in the initial acute phase of VH disease treated early with high dose inflammation suppressive therapy who were followed by indocyanine green angiography. (ICGA) at regular intervals.Results The angiographic characteristics of ICGA in VKH in acute phase include hypofluorescent dark dots, fuzzy leaking choroidal vessels in the early and intermediate angiographic phase followed by diffuse choroidal hypperfluorescence in the late phase, and in very severe inflammation disc hyperfluorescence and pinpoints with subretinal fluid can be seen. All those signs disappear with early and intensive anti‐inflammatory therapy. ICGA was effective in objectively detecting recurrence in apparently controlled disease by showing re‐appearence of choroidal lesions (mainly dark dots) before biomicroscopy or fluorescein angiography manifestations, allowing early and fine adjustement of treatment during tapering period.Conclusion By detecting subclinical choroidal inflammatory lesions ICGA allows detection of subtle recurrent lesion and refine therapeutic adjustement in order to avoid evolution toward chronic form and prevent sunset glow fundus.
Inflammatory choroidal neovascularization: how combined anti‐VEGF and inflammation suppressive therapy is going to become the treatment of choice
Authors: NERI P , ARAPI I 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To describe the treatment strategy in the management of inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (CNV).Methods The current literature is reviewed and the experience of a tertiary referral centre is reported.Results CNV can be one of the most severe sequela in patients with uveitis. The outcome of subfoveal inflammatory CNV is poor if untreated: several procedures have been considered, even though there is lack of guidelines. On the other hand, the better knowledge of CNV pathophysiology may suggest a suitable treatment strategy. The combination of steroids and immunosuppression represents an important aspect of inflammatory CNV treatment. This ensures suitable control of inflammation as well as the reduction concomitant steroids dose. Neverthless there are cases which do not show a fully satisfactory response. Recently, the role of intravitreal anti‐Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has become primary in the treatment of neovascularizations. At this time, the combination of anti‐VEGF drugs and immunesuppressives has become the recommended strategy for the management of inflammatory CNV.Conclusion CNV secondary to uveitis is a severe sequela, which can lead to significant visual impairment. Although no guideline is provided, the current medical literature can give the basis for a successful treatment strategy, suggesting that combination of immunesuppresives and anti‐VEGF is recommended.
Agreement between structural and functional classifications in glaucoma diagnosis
Authors: OTIN S , FERRANDEZ ARENAS B , CALVO P , GIL‐ARRIBAS L , GÜERRI N , ALTEMIR I , FERRERAS A 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the agreement between the Moorfields regression analysis classification (MRA) of the Heidelberg retina Tomograph 3 (HRT3; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) and the functional classification of white‐on‐white Heidelberg Edge Perimetry (HEP, Heidelberg Engineering).Methods Fifty‐seven normal subjects and 89 age‐matched glaucoma subjects were selected.Only one eye per subject was randomly included in the statistical analysis. All glaucoma patients had an intraocular pressure higher than 21 mmHg and abnormal Humphrey visual fields. The glaucoma group was divided into three subsets, according to the subject’s level of visual field loss (Hodapp‐Parrish‐Anderson score). All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, at least a reliable Humphrey perimetry, at least a reliable HEP and imaging with the HRT3. The agreement between color‐coded classifications of both, MRA and HEP, was calculated for each sector of the optic nerve head: nasal‐superiorResults Mean age was 52.9 ± 9.5 years in the control group and 55.5 ± 9.7 years in the glaucoma group (p=0.104). In the control group, the best agreement was found for NI sector (100%), while the worst agreement was observed for TI sector (93%). Patients with mild glaucoma (n=59) had the best agreement at NS sector (79.7%) while patients with moderate glaucoma (n=18) had the best agreement at NS, TS and TI sectors (88.9%), and patients with severe glaucoma (n=12) had the best agreement at NS, TS, TI and T sectors (83.3%).Conclusion In general, MRA and functional classification of HEP showed moderate to good agreement. The best agreement between both classifications was observed in healthy and patients with mild glaucoma.
Posture‐induced IOP changes in treated and untreated primary open angle glaucoma patients
Authors: KATSANOS A , DASTIRIDOU A , RUSSO A , RIVA I , DIMASI B , TSIRONI E , QUARANTA L 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To compare posture‐induced intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in controls, medically treated, and untreated primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.Methods One eye from each of 20 age‐matched controls, 21 treated and 14 untreated POAG patients was included. IOP was measured with a Perkins tonometer and arterial pressure (AP) with a sphygmomanometer consecutively in the sitting, supine and 20 degrees Trendelenburg positions, allowing for a period of 5 minutes between positions. Differences in IOP and mean AP between the sitting, supine and Trendelenburg positions were calculated.Results Mean±SD sitting IOP was 13.5±1.9 mmHg in the control group, 22.0±4.4 mmHg in the untreated POAG group and 13.5±2.5 mmHg in the treated POAG group (one‐way ANOVA, p<.001). The IOP change from the sitting to supine position was 0.9±1.3 mmHg in the control group, 2.3±1.7 mmHg in the treated POAG group and 3.1±1.9 mmHg in the untreated POAG group (one way ANOVA p<.001). The IOP change from the sitting to the Trendelenburg position was 1.7±1.6 mmHg in the control, 4.2±2.2 mmHg in the treated POAG and 4.3±3.1 mmHg in the untreated POAG groups, respectively (p<.001). Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences between each POAG group and controls (p<.01). No difference was observed in IOP changes between treated and untreated POAG patients for the sitting‐to‐supine (p=.14) and the sitting‐to‐Trendelenburg transitions (p=.90). No significant posture‐induced AP change was observed in any group (repeated measures ANOVA p>.1).Conclusion Irrespective of treatment, POAG patients exhibit a bigger posture‐related IOP change compared to controls. This change is bigger when assuming the Trendelenburg position.
Emil von Behring, the first Nobel prize laureate in medicine or physiology, and his ophthalmic interests
Authors: GRZYBOWSKI A , WILHELM H 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Emil von Behring (1854‐1917) received the Nobel Prize in 1901 for his work on serum therapy, especially its application against diphtheria. There are many publications about the life and work. It is thus surprising, that his interests and relationship to ophthalmology were only rarely mentioned, usually presented incorrectly and never analyzed thoroughly. The aim of this work is to fill this gap.Methods The study was based on the detailed analysis of materials from National Archives in Berlin and in Poznan, cities where Behring lived and and Behring's works, including his doctoral dissertation.Results Behring was trained and worked as an ophthalmologist. He also wrote his doctoral dissertation on “Neurotomia opticociliaris” (optociliary neurotomy) whilst in Berlin under Carl Schweigger (1830‐1905). He later worked as an assistant and co‐worker with the prominent Polish ophthalmologist Boleslaw Wicherkiewicz (1874‐1915), in Poznan where he described an interesting ophthalmic case in a scientific journal.Conclusion Behrings’ biography and achievements in serotherapy are well‐known, however his interest in ophthalmology was not previously analyzed in detail. Both his doctoral dissertation and later his work as an assistant to Wicherkiewicz’ ophthalmic hospitals in Poznan reveal his deep concern in ophthalmology in the early period of his medical career.
Detection of retinal nerve fibre layer defects in Alzheimers dementia using SD‐OCT
Authors: BEUTELSPACHER SC , SERBECIC N , HAUSNER L , KROHMER R , ABOUL‐ENEIN F , FROEHLICH L , JONAS JB 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To examine the clinical value of spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (Spectralis OCT) to detect retinal nerve fiber layer defects in patients with clinically defined Alzheimer´s dementia (AD).Methods Design: Cross‐sectional study A heterogenous cohort of AD patients (n = 25; 50 eyes) underwent a series of high‐resolution OCT examinations of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using the Spectralis 3.5‐mm circle scan protocol with ART‐Modus and eye tracking. The obtained results were compared to age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects (n = 25, 50 eyes) and RNFL thickness correlated with vision testing scores (ETDRS chart), Humphrey visual field testing, visual evoked potential testing (VEP).Results In the AD group, independently of disease duration, no significant difference in RNFL thickness compared to controls (mm vs mm) as well as normal VEP values were observed. In contrast, determination of RNFL thickness in eyes of severe AD patients showed minimally reduced RNFLT values (without statistical significance). The detected RNFL thinning in patients of severe AD correlated moderately with visual acuity and VEP.Conclusion As examined by spectral domain OCT, patients with AD did not show marked changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer.
Dyschromatopsy and visual allesthesia in a glioblastoma multiforme patient
Authors: ALMALIOTIS D , REPTSIS A , DEMIRTZOGLOU I , NIKOLAKOPOULOS A , KARAMPATAKIS V 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To report a case of glioblastoma multiforme with dyschromatopsy and visual allesthesia.Methods A 46 – year old male presented in emergency ophthalmologic department with recent color perception disturbance complaints noticed during his occupation (PC technician). The patient underwent a thorough ophthalmological examination and then he was referred to the neurological department for further management.Results Patient presented an atypical pattern of color perception disturbance revealed by color blindness Ishihara test and Fransworth‐Munsell D‐15 test. Patient’s best corrected visual acuity decreased progressively during his hospitalization and he also experienced paroxysmally illusory left homonymous transpositions of subjects viewed in the right homonymous visual field. The transposition occurred from normal to the defective visual field. This condition is called visual allesthesia. The visual field evaluation revealed homonymous left hemianopsia and magnetic resonance imaging revealed glioblastoma multiforme localized in the right occipital lobe with compressive effects on the occipital horn of the right lateral ventricle. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy.Conclusion A thorough ophthalmologic and neuro‐imaging control in patients with sudden color perception disturbance is suggested. Visual allesthesia is a rare condition experienced by patients with temporal or occipital cortex damage. Glioblastoma multiforme localized in the right occipital lobe was the underlined causative lesion.
The pupil in pupillometry ‐ to dilate or not to dilate ..
Authors: NISSEN C , SANDER B , LUND‐ANDERSEN H 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the influence of the size of the light exposed pupil in one eye on the consensual reflex in the other.Methods Using a prototype chromatic pupillometer, the left eye in each of 10 healthy subjects was exposed to 20 s of monochromatic light of luminance 300cd/m2, first red (660nm)and in a following session, blue (470 nm) light. The consensual contraction of the right pupil was measured simulataneusly before, during and after light exposure. Tropicamid or pilocarpine was subsequently instilled into the left eye and the entire sequence repeated after allowing the left pupil to dilate or contract.Results The AUC (Area Under the Curve, i.e. the "integral" of contraction amplitude versus time) of the right pupil was determined for each individual sequence. Prior dilatation of the left pupil augmented the post light AUC to blue (p<0.0001), but not to red light. The contraction during light exposure did not change. Prior contraction of the left pupil decreased the late (10‐30s) post‐stimulus AUC to blue light (p<0.02), but not any other AUC.Conclusion The size of the light exposed pupil influences the magnitude of the response to blue, but not not to red light of the contralateral pupil. Thus prior dilatation may prove useful, when the response to blue light (as a marker of melanopsin containing retinal ganglion cell function) is of interest, especially when this response is weak. Prior dilatation may also be useful in exchanging long duration of stimulus with short duration, thus making the examination faster, less prone to artefacts and not least, less tiresom to the patient.
Toxic optic neuropathy secondary to disulfiram: a case series
Authors: LUCAS RS , LEROY BP 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To describe the presentation, ophthalmic features and electrophysiological findings in 4 patients with disulfiram (Antabuse) related optic neuropathy.Methods Observational case series involving 4 patients. All patients underwent an extensive ophthalmological work‐up, including psychophysical and electrophysiological testing.Results All patients took disulfiram (Antabuse) tablets in varying doses and length of time before developing profound, bilateral visual loss. Three patients were smokers and one patient suffered from schizophrenia. Ophthalmic examination in combination with automated and manual perimetry showed reduction of visual acuity, disturbed colour vision and visual field defects consistent with bilateral optic neuropathy. Electrophysiological testing revealed delayed and reduced amplitudes on pattern VEP. After cessation of disulfiram, visual acuity, perimetry and electrophysiological testing gradually returned to normal or near‐normal levels.Conclusion Disulfiram is a rare cause of reversible toxic optic neuropathy. Patients who take disulfiram are more likely to abuse tobacco and possibly other drugs, or have psychiatric or psychological comorbidity. These patients may also be labelled as cases of malingering. Careful history and examination should alert the clinician to the possibility of disulfiram optic neuropathy.
Anisometropia and amblyopia in children
Authors: BOGDANICI C , BOGDANICI T 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To asses the quality of life for children with anisometropic amblyopia.Methods A retrospective study for 53 children (33 girls and 20 boys) performed in ambulatory clinic in 2010. The average age at first diagnosis is 7.1415 ± 2.9317 years old (limits between 2 and 16 years). During the study the average age of children is 9.4943 ± 3.8422 years (limits between 3 and 20 years). Tracking interval is 1 year in 33.95%, between 2 and 5 years in 60.37% and over 5 years in 5.64%. Clinical parameters observed are: sex, age, visual acuity, optical correction, the type of correction (glasses, contact lenses), strabismic deviation and genetic factor.Results Uncorrected visual acuity average at the right eye is 0.4353 ± 0.3640 and for the left eye is 0.3934 ± 0.3158. Corrected visual acuity average at the right eye is 0.6626 ± 0.3552 and for the left eye is 0.6468 ± 0.3519. Mean objective refraction (in spherical equivalent) at the right eye is ‐5.8214 ± 4.4651 and ‐5.52 ± 5.89 for the left eye. The average cylinder value is ‐0,7783 ± 1,1671 (with a range between maximum = ‐4.75 and minimum = ‐1). For 60.37% of patients, cylinder value is less than 0,75. There is a genetic transmission in 23.21% of cases, predominantly in mother (9.43%) and sister (9.43%). In 39.62% of cases there was esotropia. For 11.32% of cases, optical correction was made with contact lenses.Conclusion 1. As early the diagnosis of anisometropia is made, visual acuity is more easily recovered. 2. The average age of diagnosis in the our cases is 7.1415 ± 2.9317, noting that in Romania children are late diagnosed. 3. It is required a collaboration between the pediatrician, an ophthalmologist and the family for an early diagnosis of refraction errors. 4. Anisometropic amblyopia can be corrected using contact lenses.