bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion with intravitreal injections of pegaptanib sodium
Authors: GALLEGO‐PINAZO R , DIAZ‐LLOPIS M , FRANCES‐MUNOZ E , UDAONDO‐MIRETE P , SALOM D , SANZ‐MARCO E , LOPEZ‐PRATS M , GARCIA‐DELPECH S 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of Pegaptanib Sodium as single therapy for macular edema due to non‐ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion. Methods In this uncontrolled prospective pilot study 17 patients have been included with non‐ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion. All of them showed macular edema in the OCT with central foveal thickness higher than 350 microns (mean, 541 +/‐ 140) and decrease in visual acuity lower than 0,5 Snellen ETDRS charts notation (mean, 0,16+/‐0,14). After an initial injection of Pegaptanib Sodium evaluations were programmed every 5 weeks and further retreatments were developed in cases with macular thickness higher than 300 microns. No other therapies were allowed at any point of the study. Results During the follow‐up a mean number of 4,3 injections were needed to achieve a mean visual acuity of 0,35 +/‐ 0,28 and a mean macular thickness of 264 +/‐ 73 microns. All patients showed an improvement in both visual acuity and macular thickness. No systemic or ocular adverse event was registered. Conclusion Intravitreal injections of Pegaptanib Sodium constitute a safe and effective new approach in the treatment of macular edema due to non‐ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion. Further controlled prospective trials are required to confirm our preliminary results.
VEGF is reduced in breast milk after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab
Authors: EHLKEN C , STAHL A , AGOSTINI HT 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To measure the level of VEGF protein in serum and breast milk after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and ranibizumab. Methods Serum and breast milk samples before and after repeated intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and ranibizumab were collected from a 35‐year old female who was treated for CNV secondary to a chorioretinal scar and who was nursing her 4‐month old son. Samples were analysed for the level of VEGF protein via ELISA. Results VEGF protein in the serum was reduced significantly to non‐detectable levels after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and started to recover only after 6 weeks. After intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, however, only a temporary dip 3 days after injection could be detected. VEGF in breast milk was reduced by approximately one third directly after injection of bevacizumab. After injection of ranibizumab, the level of VEGF protein remained unaltered. Conclusion Use of intravitreal VEGF inhibitors should be avoided during pregnancy or while nursing a baby. However, if necessary, ranibizumab seems to have a lower effect on VEGF in the serum or breast milk an should therefore be used.
Inflammatory factors in experimental retinal vein occlusion
Authors: REHAK M , HOLLBORN M , IANDIEV I , PANNICKE T , WIEDEMANN P , BRINGMANN A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key player in the development of macular edema (ME) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). In addition to VEGF, various other factors are altered in the hypoxic retina and influence the development of ME. In a rat model of RVO, we determined the changes in the gene expression of factors implicated in the development/resolution of ME (VEGF‐A, PEDF, IL‐6, Il‐1β, potassium und water channels) in the retina and pigment epithelium (RPE). Methods In one eye of Long‐Evans rats (n=30), retinal veins near the optic nerve head were photocoagulated using a blue‐green argon laser. Untreated eyes served as controls. The eyes were enucleated 1, 3 and 7 days after laser treatment, and the mRNA levels were determined with real‐time PCR. Results In the neural retina, VEFG expression showed fast upregulation at 1 day after RVO, and returned to the control level after 3 days. The expression of VEGF was not altered in the RPE. Potassium and water channels were downregulated in both tissues through the entire time period investigated. IL‐6 and IL‐1β were rapidly and strongly upregulated in the retina and RPE (to levels 80‐times higher as control) within 1 day after RVO, and decreased only slowly after 7 days. Conclusion In RVO, there is fast and transient upregulation of the expression of VEGF, which is dominant for the acute stage of the disease. The strong and long‐lasting upregulation of IL‐6 and IL‐1β suggests that inflammatory factors play an important role in chronic hypoxia.
Microstructural alterations of the retinal arterial blood column along the vessel axis in healthy volunteers with age
Authors: LANZL IM , KHAROUBI A , SCHMIDT‐TRUCKSÄSS A , HALLE M , KOTLIAR KE 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose We demonstrated previously that roughness of the retinal arterial blood column measured along the vessel axis increases in anamnestically healthy volunteers with increasing age. We termed it longitudinal retinal arterial profile (LAP). Whether LAP is altered with age in medically supervised healthy persons is investigated. Methods 82 medically healthy volunteers were examined by Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (IMEDOS, Jena, Germany) using stimulation with flickering light. 3 age groups were formed: young (N=27, 30,5±4,3 years), middle age (N=28, 42,3±3,3 years) and seniors (N=27, 64,0±5,0 years). Included in the analysis were volunteers without medical vascular risk factors defined as: blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg, HDL > 35 mg/dl, LDL < 190 mg/dl and glucose levels < 110 mg/dl. Retinal arterial diameters were measured along 1 mm vessel segments to obtain LAP. Differences were analyzed using Fourier transformation. Results In all age groups LAP do not change during all stages of the arterial response. Arterial diameters in the senior group were reduced in comparison to the young group at all stages of the vessel reaction (p<0,05). There are differences in LAP between the age groups. Compared to young persons, seniors showed significantly diminished waves with a period of 417 µm at all stages of the arterial reaction, whereas young volunteers showed less pronounced waves with a period of 208 µm (p<0,05). Conclusion Our results represent the healthy aging process in retinal vasculature. Age related microstructural changes in longitudinal profiles of retinal arteries in medically healthy persons might be an indication for alterations in the vascular endothelium and smooth musculature.
The effect of upregulated LOX and LOXL2 on inflammation and fibrosis in a laser induced CNV model
Authors: VAN DE VEIRE S , VAN BERGEN T , VANDEWALLE E , MOONS L , SMITH V , OGG S , STALMANS I 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase‐like protein 2 (LOXL2) are involved in the cross‐linking of collagen and elastin in the extracellular space. Therefore, these proteins play a major role in the process of fibrosis. This study was designed to elucidate the role of LOX and LOXL2 in inflammation and fibrosis after choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods CNV was induced in 8 to 10 weeks old C75Bl/6 mice (n=5 per timepoint), by placing 3 laser spots at 9, 12 and 3 o’clock position (50µm, 0.1s and 400mW). Mice were sacrificed 2, 4, 7, 14, 28 and 35 days after lasering. LOX and LOXL2 expression in choroid and retina was analyzed using real time RT‐PCR. Inflammation and fibrosis was studied by different (immuno)stainings. Results Both LOX and LOXL2 were significantly increased over time in the choroid and retina of lasered mice. LOX was 2.1, 3.2, 1.75, 1.3, 2 and 1.3 times upregulated on days 2, 4, 7, 14, 28 and 35 after laser, respectively, compared to non‐lasered eyes. LOXL2 was 1.1, 1.6, 1.3, 1.1, 1.5 and 1.2 times upregulated on day 2, 4, 7, 14, 28 and 35 after laser, respectively, versus non‐lasered eyes. On day 2 and 4 after the laser, the number of inflammatory cells was increased with 16% compared to control. A significant increase of collagen deposition was shown in the choroid on days 14, 28 and 35. Conclusion A biphasic upregulation of LOX and LOXL2 was observed after CNV induction, which was associated with the inflammatory and fibrotic phase. Our data suggest that LOX and LOXL2 play a role in the process of inflammation and fibrosis after the induction of CNV. This finding can open new perspectives in the treatment of age‐related macular degeneration by inhibiting LOX and LOXL.
Intraocular pressure and associated factors in a Central Indian population. The Central India Eye and Medical Study
Authors: JONAS JB , NANGIA V , MATIN A , SINHA A , KULKARNI M , BHOJWANI K 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) and its associated factors in the adult population of rural India. . Methods The Central India Eye and Medical Study is a population‐based study performed in a rural region close to Nagpur in Central India. It included 4711 subjects (aged 30+ years) out of 5885 eligible subjects (response rate: 80.1%). The participants underwent a detailed ophthalmic and medical examination. This study was focused on the IOP. Results Out of the 4711 subjects (9422 eyes), IOP measurements were available for 9338 (99.1%) eyes of 4686 (99.5%) subjects. The mean IOP was 13.6±3.4 mm Hg (median: 14 mm Hg; range: 2–56 mm Hg). Assuming a Gaussian distribution curve, the normal range of IOP, defined as mean ± two standard deviations, was from 6.8 mm Hg to 20.4 mm Hg. In multivariate analysis, IOP was significantly associated with the systemic parameters of higher diastolic blood pressure (P<0.001), higher pulse rate (P=0.004), and higher body mass index (P=0.007); the socioeconomic parameters of higher level of education (P=0.004), higher cast (P=0.002), and no livestock ownership (P=0.01); and the ocular parameters of higher corneal refractive power (P<0.001), lower central corneal thickness (P=0.002) and higher myopic refractive error (P=0.002). Conclusion The normal range of IOP was from 7 mm Hg to 20 mm Hg. Determinants of IOP were higher diastolic blood pressure, higher pulse rate, higher body mass index, higher level of education, higher cast, higher corneal refractive power, lower central corneal thickness and higher myopic refractive error.
Major eye diseases and risk factors associated with systemic hypertension in an adult chinese population: the Beijing Eye Study
Authors: LIBONDI T , JONAS JB , WANG S , XU L , WONG TY , CUI T , LI Y , YANG H , CONG S 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To assess the relationship of hypertension with major eye diseases and other ocular parameters. Methods The Beijing Eye Study is a population‐based study. Examination at baseline in 2001; follow‐up examination in 2006; 3222 subjects had blood pressure measurements.All participants underwent a thourough ophthalmic examination and blood pressure measurement. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, and/or self‐reported current treatment for hypertension with antihypertensive medication. Results Mean age of participants in the present study was 60.4±10.0 years. Hypertension was present in 1500 (46.6%) of the 3222 subjects who had their blood pressure measured. In multiple regression analysis, hypertension was associated with higher intraocular pressure (P = 0.005), arterio‐venous nicking (P = 0.009),retinal vein occlusions (P = 0.02), and diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.02). Hypertension was not significantly associated with the prevalence of open‐angle glaucoma (P = 0.19) or angle‐closure glaucoma (P = 0.15), age‐related macular degeneration (P = 0.73), nuclear cataract (P = 0.88), posterior subcapsular cataract (P = 0.30), cortical cataract (P = 0.10), or area of alpha zone (P=0.05) or beta zone of parapapillary atrophy (P = 0.95). Conclusion In Chinese persons, while controlling for other systemic parameters, hypertension was associated with increased intraocular pressure, retinal microvascular abnormalities, and prevalence of retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. Hypertension was not associated significantly with age‐related macular degeneration, age‐related cataract, or glaucoma
Aging and glaucoma
Authors: PILLUNAT L 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The rigidity of the eye increases with age. Sclera becomes stiffer and the compliance of lamina cribrosa (LC) is reduced. This is caused by modification (crosslinking) of collagens by advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) or oxygen radicals due to oxidative stress and reduced antioxidants. Albon (2000) proved an increase of AGEs in LC with age. Methods We showed the stiffening effect of AGEs on LC and peripapillary sclera in stress‐strain measurements. Additionally, these crosslinks cause an increase of collagen resistance against degradative enzymes which leads to an accumulation of collagen in the optic nerve head. Similar changes are observed also in glaucoma, but to a higher extent in comparison to age‐matched persons. The stiffness of sclera in glaucoma is higher (lower pressure buffer capacity). Results Tezel (2006) found an incresased AGE‐content of 36% in the optic nerve head of glaucoma patients compared with 8% in age‐matched controls. Investigations show, that these biomechanical changes are clearly demonstrated after menopause. Therefore we concluded a hormonal prevention of these age‐related changes. These hormonal prevention is in glaucoma patients lower or not age‐related. Studies show an elevated concentration of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), lutheotropic hormon (LH) and a by 50% reduced estradiol amount in glaucoma patients. Estrogen does not only possess an antioxidative effect like vitamin C or E. It influences the synthesis of collagen, proteoglycanes and MMPs. An adequate synthesis of glycosaminoglycanes makes the tissue more flexible. Estrogen stimulates also MMPs and reduces the stiffness of tissue. Conclusion In glaucoma the oxidative and hormone status is not age‐related, which might be the cause of earlier vascular and biomechanical changes.
Sensitivity of applanation tonometry readings to the geometrical parameters of the sclera and the shape of the cornea
Authors: VORONKOVA E , BAUER S , TIPYASEV A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To study the effect of the geometrical parameters of a cornea (the thickness and difference of corneal shape from spherical segment) on applanation tonometry readings. Methods The mathematical model for Goldmann and Maklakov tonometers is developed. The corneoscleral shell is modeled as two conjugated transversal isotropic elliptic (with non‐zero eccentricity) shells (cornea and sclera) with different mechanical properties. The baseline (prior to loading) two‐segment shell is assumed to be filled with incompressible liquid under pressure. Simulated IOP measurements are obtained for Goldman and 5‐g and 10‐g Maklakov tonometers. To analyze the effect of the eyeball geometry on IOP readings the elastic constants of cornea and sclera are varied and geometrical parameters (such as central corneal thickness, cornea and sclera radii of curvature, scleral thickness, ratio of anterior‐posterior eye axis lengths vs. the equator diameter) are varied. Simulated calculations are compared with experimental data. Results The results are obtained over a wide range of parameters of the sclera and cornea. Conclusion If the shape of a cornea differs from spherical it could cause the measurement error of tonometry IOP readings ranged between 3% and 25%. Significant sensitivity of the Goldmann tonometer to corneal thickness compared to Maklakov's method may be explained with smaller contact zone and, hence, the larger influence of the flexural (bending) deformation, which depends on the thickness of a shell. Contrariwise the change of the radius of curvature of cornea affects greatly on the results obtained with Maklakov tonometer.
Genetic and phenotypic analyses of retinitis pigmentosa in northern Tunisia
Authors: CHEBIL A , LARGUECHE L , CHOUCHENE I , BAKLOUTI K , MERDASSI A , ABDELHAK S , EL MATRI L 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To describe the different types of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Northern Tunisia and to determine the genetic form. Methods A prospective non‐comparative study was conducted. Different forms of RP disease were diagnosed in 99 patients from 56 families living in northern Tunisia. One hundred eighty individuals had ophthalmic examination including best corrected visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, fundus photography, and in some cases fluorescein angiography, OCT and electroretinogram (ERG). Clinical features, mode of presentation and mode of inheritance were noted. Blood samples were collected for genetic analyses. Gene RPE65 was screened in all affected cases. Results Half of families presented first degree consanguinity. Sixty eight percent of cases were inherited by autosomal recessive transmission. Sporadic cases were estimated to 32%. Patients mean age at initial examination was 36 years (range: 2 to 70 years). Disease onset mean age was 15 years. Severe progression of disease with constriction of visual field, low vision and extended retinal atrophy was seen in 52% of patients. Among the 99 cases of RP, there were 80 commun forms, 9 Usher’s syndrome, 4 congenital amaurosis of Leber, 3 progressive cone‐rod degeneration, 1 paravenous form and 1 unilateral form. Mutation R19W of RPE65 gene was detected in two families. Conclusion RP is a group of clinical and genetic heterogeneous diseases that can lead to blindness. RP in northern Tunisian population presents some particularities. The recessive severe form is largely predominant probably due to the elevated rate of consanguinity in Tunisia.
Urocortin2 relaxes the iris sphincter muscle
Authors: ROCHA DE SOUSA A , TAVARES‐SILVA M , FONSECA S , CARDOSO S , LEITE‐MOREIRA AF 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) is an endogenous peptide of the corticotropin releasing factor family which presents many physiological effects at different levels in the organism. At the ocular level, Ucn2 is expressed in the retinal pigmented epithelium and has a protective effect in retinal degeneration pos‐ischemia. Also in the eye, Ucn2 has a vasodilator effect in the retinal circulation, specifically, in retinal resistance arterioles. This effect is diminished in diabetic mice. However, it has not been described yet the role of Ucn 2 in the neurohumoral regulation of the anterior segment of the eye. Our purpose is to characterize the effect of Ucn2 and its sub‐cellular pathways on iris sphincter muscle contraction. Methods We tested the effect of increasing concentrations of Ucn2 (10‐10‐10‐6 M) on carbacol‐precontracted (10‐6 M) rabbit iris sphincter muscles (n = 9). The effect of Ucn2 was also tested in the presence of: (i) Nω‐nitro‐L‐Arginine (L‐NA; 10‐5 M; n = 13) and (ii) indomethacin (10‐5 M; n = 7). Results Ucn2 promoted a concentration‐dependent decrease on active tension of the precontracted iris sphincter muscles, with maximal effect at 10‐6M (12,9 ± 4,1%). This effect was blunted with indomethacin (2,1 ± 4,4%) and with L‐NA(2,17 ± 5,79%) . Conclusion Ucn2 promotes the relaxation of iris sphincter muscle. This effect is mediated by prostaglandins and it is also dependent on nitric oxide production. As observed Ucn2 is a new neurohumoral factor that modulates the relaxation of iris sphincter muscle.
Combined effects of aging and a pro‐diabetic diet on retinal function in a murine model of aging of the human eye
Authors: SIMON E , ACAR N , BRON AM , CREUZOT C , BRETILLON L 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Improvement of life expectancy and changes in the dietary behaviour of developed populations are accompanied with the prevalence of diabetes and age‐related ocular pathologies. Aging of the retina is characterized by accumulation of lipids at its basement. Meanwhile increased oxidative stress is one of the features of aging and diabetes. The goal of our study was to evaluate the effects of a pro‐diabetic fructose‐rich diet on the functioning of the retina in a murine model of aging of the human eye, the ApoB100,LDLR‐/‐ mice. Methods 4 month‐old ApoB100,LDLR‐/‐ and SF2J control mice were bred under either a standard chow or a fructose‐rich diet (60%) during 6 months (n=6 in each group). The functionality of the retina was further evaluated by single flash electroretinography (ERG) under scotopic conditions to assess the global response of the retina. Flicker ERG was monitored by increasing flash intensity upon 10Hz‐fixed frequency of the stimulus to specifically assess the sensitivity of rods and cones. Results The fructose‐rich diet significantly decreased a‐ and b‐wave amplitudes of the retina to single flash ERG. This diminution was intensified in ApoB100, LDLR‐/‐ mice compared to control mice: ‐55.5% vs ‐33.4% for the a‐wave, ‐41% vs ‐38% for b‐wave, respectively. The fructose‐enriched diet impaired the sensitivity of rods by 0.3 log unit in both strains of mice. Conclusion Oxidative stress triggered by a pro‐diabetic diet promotes the deleterious effects of aging on the retina by reducing its functionality and impairing its sensitivity to light stimulus.
Efficacy and safety of topical cyclosporine versus vehicle in vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children
Authors: BREMOND‐GIGNAC D , BERESNIAK A , CHIAMBARETTA F , AMRANE M , BAUDOUIN C 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To evaluate safety and efficacy of topical cyclosporine with a cationic emulsion versus vehicle in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in children. Methods Vernal keratoconjunctivitis of 118 children (range 4 yo to 21 yo) diagnosed with giant papillae were randomized in 3 groups. During one month the first group was treated topically QID with cyclosporine 0,05%, or cyclosporine 0,1%, or with vehicle. For the next two months the treatment was similar except for the third group randomized to cyclosporine 0,05% or cyclosporine 0,1%. Patient subjective improvement (5‐points ordinal scale) was the primary criterion. Resampling simulations have been carried out to generate success rate distributions. Objective evaluation was a secondary criterion with corneal fluorescein staining appreciation. Results The sex ratio of VKC was 1:4,4. Seasonal forms represented 23,7% of patients. The topical application of cyclosporine was rated comfortable by more than 76% of the patients at D28 and at 3 months. At D28, all groups showed subjective improvement; however when expressed in term of success/no success, subjective improvement was obtained for 89,8%, 84,6% and 70,0% of patients respectively with cyclosporine 0,05%, 0,1% and vehicle. Using resampling simulations, both success rates of 0.05% and 0.1% dosages were statistically significantly different (p<0.01) versus vehicle. Improvement (p<0.01) in overall rating of objective signs and corneal fluorescein staining was shown with cyclosporine 0,05%, 0,1% versus vehicle. Conclusion Treatment by cyclosporine with cationic emulsion formulation appears well tolerated and efficient in children with VKC. New larger studies are necessary to confirm these first results.