bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of human antimicrobial peptides in innate immune defense at the ocular surface: arming and alarming corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells
Authors: PAULSEN F , GARREIS F 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose The ocular surface including the lacrimal system and lids have evolved several defence mechanisms to prevent microbial invasion. Included among this armory are several host‐defence (so‐called antimicrobial) peptides. These multifunctional molecules are being studied not only for their endogenous antimicrobial properties but also for their potential therapeutic effects.Methods The talk summerizes the current knowledge of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression at the ocular surface and lacrimal apparatus focusing on beta‐defensins, psoriasin, and a protein of the S100 fused‐type namely hornerin.Results The role of these molecules in ocular surface disease will be discussed with the primary focus being on infectious keratitis and inflammatory conditions including dry eye.Conclusion Finally the potential of using AMP and their mimetics/derivatives for the treatment and prevention of ocular surface diseases is addressed.
Anti‐apoptotic Gene Transfer to Corneal Epithelial Grafts modulates Immune Response and leads to increased Graft Survival
Authors: FUCHSLUGER T 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To study whether anti‐apoptotic gene transfer to allogeneic corneal epithelial sheets in mice improves graft survival. Transplatation of cultured allogeneic epithelium is a viable therapy for patients bilaterally blind after bilateral limbal stem cell deficiencies, e.g. after chemical burn. Gene therapy to cultured epithelial cell sheets in vitro before engraftment could promote the success in this most demanding ocular surface disease.Methods Epithelial denuded syngeneic Balb/C corneas were manufactured with syn‐ or allogeneic epithelium, grafted and compared to epithelial grafts treated with the anti‐apoptotic gene p35 (total n=40). Feasibility of gene therapy was determined by examining kinetics of IZsGreen protein expression. Allo‐response was studied by delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH).Results Transfer of IZsGreen was successful obtaining high rated of expression. Interestingly, gene‐therapeutically treated allogeneic epithelial grafts showed significantly less opacity and a significantly faster restoration of the epithelial barrier compared to allo‐untreated epithelial grafts (p<0.01, respectively). In addition, DTH analysis consistently showed significantly reduced T‐cell response in the treated group (p<0.01).Conclusion We were able to demonstrate that gene therapy of transplanted cell sheets may be a viable option to improve allogeneneic epithelial graft survival. This might set the stage for future studies of gene therapeutic interventions of epithelial allo‐grafts, and its impact on graft survival and immune response.
[Mu]anometric measurement of the outflow facility in the human eye
Authors: GINIS H , KARYOTAKIS NG , DASTIRIDOU A , TSILIMBARIS MK , PALLIKARIS IG 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose The intraocular pressure (IOP) is determined by a dynamic equilibrium between the production and the outflow of the aqueous humor. The dependence of outflow facility on IOP may be related to the biomechanical properties of the eye. This study examines the relationship between the outflow facility and IOP for the living human eye using an invasive manometric device.Methods An intraoperative invasive manometric device was used to measure the IOP of fifty four eyes from fifty four cataract patients. The measurements were performed before cataract surgery. The anterior chamber of the eye was cannulated to a microstepping pump and the pressure was recorded by a pressure transducer through special developed computer software. The IOP was artificially increased to 40 mmHg by infusion of BSS in the anterior chamber of the eye. The IOP decay curve was recorded. A mathematical model was developed to calculate the outflow facility coefficient.Results The average outflow facility coefficient was 0.328 (SD 0.093) μl/min/mmHg. From the data analysis the outflow facility coefficient was proved to have a non linear correlation with IOP. This non linear behavior of outflow facility was approximated with an exponential mathematical model.Conclusion The invasive method of measuring in vivo outflow facility coefficient employed in this study, avoiding the errors of tonography may provide accurate data on the dependence of outflow facility coefficient on IOP. These data, in conjunction with ocular rigidity measurements may facilitate our understanding of the relationship between the biomechanical properties of the eye and the anatomical changes in the trabecular area at elevated IOP levels.
Ocular rigidity assessment in the decision making for glaucoma patients
Authors: DETORAKIS ET 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose So far there have been controversial reports concerning ocular rigidity in glaucomatous eyes, ranging from reduced values (which may rise following treatment with b‐blockers or pilocarpine), to increased values, compared with non‐glaucomatous eyes. Ocular rigidity may play an important role in glaucoma pathogenesis, since it determines ocular wall changes in response to pressure changes and thus affects the anatomical course of optic nerve fibers as well as the local vascular autoregulation. Despite the importance of ocular rigidity in glaucoma pathogenesis, its role in the clinical practice has so far been compromised, mainly due to the difficulties in the accurate calculation of a rigidity coefficient in vivo. The traditional approach to ocular rigidity calculation by differential tonometry and insertion of readings into Friedenwald’s chart has received criticism, mainly because Friedenwald’s nomogram was based on data from cadaveric eyes, which may display significantly altered rigidity values, compared with living eyes.Methods Related literature review.Results Recent developments, such as the manometric in vivo calculation of a rigidity coefficient, the determination of ocular elasticity through ultrasound elastography and the differential tonometry between applanation and dynamic contour tonometers may enable a minimally invasive and reliable assessment of ocular rigidity values for living eyes.Conclusion The possibility to reliably calculate ocular rigidity in vivo using non‐invasive or minimally invasive methods could lead to the incorporation of rigidity in the decision making process for glaucoma patients.
Ocular Rigidity and Age‐Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: TSILIMBARIS MK , KYMIONIS G , GINIS H , KOUNIS G , PALLIKARIS IG 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To compare ocular rigidity in patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and control subjects.Methods The ocular rigidity coefficient was measured in 32 patients with AMD (16 with neovascular and 16 with nonneovascular AMD) and 44 age‐matched control patients (control group) who underwent cataract surgery. The measurement procedure involved injection of microvolumes of a balanced salt solution (in steps of 4.5 microl) through the limbus in the anterior chamber, with continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure with a transducer, up to the limit of 30 mm Hg.Results There was no difference in age (p = 0.195), gender (p = 0.513) and axial length (p = 0.725) between the groups. Ocular rigidity coefficient was 0.0142 +/‐ 0.0077 μl‐1 in the AMD group and 0.0125 +/‐ 0.0049 μl‐1 in the control group (p = 0.255). In subgroup analysis, the average ocular rigidity was 0.0186 +/‐ 0.0078 μl‐1 in patients with neovascular AMD and 0.0104 +/‐ 0.0053 μl‐1 in patients with nonneovascular AMD. Ocular rigidity was higher in patients with neovascular AMD, compared to patients with nonneovascular AMD (p = 0.004) and controls (p=0.014).Conclusion Patients with neovascular AMD have increased ocular rigidity measurements compared with patients with nonneovascular AMD and control patients.
The physiological role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lens and corneal epithelial cells
Authors: LOU M , XING KY , PAN Q , HUO YN , QIU WY , YAO YF 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose ROS have been shown to mediate growth factor mitogenic function in many cell types. This study is to explore if H2O2 (a stable ROS species) at low levels can promote proliferation in lens epithelial cells, and facilitate adhesion, migration, and wound healing in corneal epithelial cellsMethods Human lens epithelial (HLE) B3 cells were treated with H2O2 (0‐50 μM) and analyzed for cell proliferation by thymidine assay. H2O2 (0‐70 μM) treated primary rabbit corneal epithelial (RCE) cells were tested for viability by MTT assay, adhesion by centrifugation assay, focal contacts of vinculin and F‐actin by immunoﬂuorescence. Activations of Src (pY416), EGF receptor (pY845), vinculin (pY1065), FAK (pY397 and pY576) were examined by immunoblotting. The cell migration was tested by a scratch wound method, while the cornea wound healing in vitro (pig), and in vivo (mouse) was examined by scraping off an area of the epithelial cells, and treated by H2O2 with and without N‐acetylcysteine (NAC)Results Compared with the untreated control, H2O2 at 20 μM stimulated HLEB3 cell proliferation. This level of H2O2 also enhanced RCE cell viability, facilitated adhesion and migration with activations of EGF receptor (Y845), and the downstream Src (pY416), FAK (Y576), and vinculin (Y1065). H2O2‐treated RCE cells also showed focal adhesion rich in vinculin, and stress fibers containing F‐actin. Low level of H2O2 induced a faster wound healing in cornea both in vitro and in vivo, and the healing was weakened if treated by H2O2 + NAC.Conclusion H2O2 at low levels can benefit both lens and corneal epithelial cells in growth and wound healing. This novel physiological function of H2O2 confirms the importance of redox balance for the general health of cells and tissues.
Oxidative stress in the eye in diabetes
Authors: OBROSOVA IG 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose The characterize manifestations of oxidative stress in lens and retina in diabetes, and to evaluate the roles for aldose reductase (AR), Na+‐H+‐exchanger‐1 (NHE‐1), and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) in oxidative stress in both tissues, cataract formation, and retinal apoptosis.Methods The experiments were performed in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats and high glucose‐exposed cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) and bovine retinal pericytes and endothelial cells (BRP and BREC). Cataract formation was evaluated by indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp examination, oxidative stress by combination of biochemical and immunohistochemical methods, and retinal apoptosis by TUNEL assay in flat‐mounted retinae.Results Diabetes‐induced oxidative‐nitrosative stress manifested by accumulation of free lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde and 4‐hydroxyalkenals, as well as 4‐hydroxynonenal protein adducts, and nitrated and poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ated proteins, is present in both diabetic lens and retina as well as in high glucose‐exposed HLEC and BRP and BREC. Depletion of GSH and ascorbate and changes in the glutathione and ascorbate redox states are present in thre lens only. Activation of AR, NHE‐1 and PARP‐1 promotes oxidative damage. Inhibition of AR, NHE‐1, and PARP‐1 prevents diabetes‐induced oxidative stress, and prevents or delays cataractogenesis and retinal apoptosis.Conclusion Ozidative stress is present in lens and retina in diabetes and plays an important role in diabetic ocular comp‐lications.
Commercial interest
Mouse models of accelerated lenticular aging by carbonyl and oxidant stress
Authors: MONNIER VM , FAN X 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Age‐related human cataracts form as a result combined of carbonyl and oxidant stress and other crystallin modifications that destabilize their chaperone function. However, without appropriate models it has been very difficult to demonstrate cause‐and effect and implicate protein modifications in the disease process. To test the role of vitamin C oxidation products (carbonyl stress) and protein oxidation in the formation of crystallin aggregates, we have generated two types of mice that exhibit rapid protein damage.Methods The first model of increased carbonyl stress is the hSVCT2 mouse in which we overexpressed the human vitamin C two transporter under control of the mouse alphaB‐crystallin promoter. (Fan et al. PNAS 2006). The second model of increased protein oxidation is the LEGSKO (Lens Glutathione Synthesis Conditional Knockout mouse) in which we conditionally knocked out gamma‐glutamyl cysteine ligase (Gclc) in order to mimic the low GSH levels of the old lens nucleus.Results Gamma glutamyl cysteine ligase mRNA, activity and glutathione (GSH) levels are severely depressed in the lens of the homozygous mouse, but not in the heterozygous mouse. GSSG/GSH ratio, methionine oxidation and protein disulfide formation are increased at 6 mos of age. Nuclear opacities turn into full nuclear cataracts at 6 mos. Protein disulfide formation reveals a shift from intra‐ to interdisulfide bonds similar to aging human lens. Dramatic upregulation of several candidate transporters is noted.Conclusion Availability of two mice strains with increased carbonyl and oxidative stress, respectively, will allow us to test the hypothesis that rapid modification of crystallins predisposes to protein aggregation and cataractogenesis when bred together. It will also help us develop drugs that slow down the progression of cataractogenesis and study molecular events that precede cataract formation.
Optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of patients with mild cognitive impairment of amnestic type
Authors: CASAS P , CRUZ N , ASCASO FJ , PASCUAL LF , LOBO A , JIMENEZ B , CABEZON L , CRISTOBAL JA 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Some cases of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) represent the earliest clinically detectable phase of the trajectory toward dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD).To our knowledge, neither macular retinal thickness nor macular volume have been previously documented in vivo in aMCI patients. The aims of this study were to determine the differences in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness between aMCI patients and control subjects.Methods We compared by optical coherence tomography (OCT) 40 eyes of twenty aMCI patients (15 males and 5 females, mean age: 70.4±8.9 years; range: 50‐88) to 40 eyes from twenty age‐matched healthy controls (10 males and 10 females, mean age: 69.8±6.3 years; range: 58‐85), measuring peripapillary RNFL thickness, macular thickness and volume.Results Overall RNFL thickness was within 94.9 and 128.8 µm (mean: 107.1 ± 7.2 µm) in control subjects and within 32.0 and 102.1 µm (mean: 84.5 ± 11.4 µm) in a‐MCI patients. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.0001, Mann‐Whitney U test). Peripapillary RNFL thickness evaluated in all the separate quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal and temporal) of aMCI patients was also significantly reduced when compared with that of control subjects. Nevertheless, macular thickness and volume are increased in aMCI patients compared to control subjects. We found no significant correlation between Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and OCT values.Conclusion These findings suggest that neuronal degeneration could be present in the retina of aMCI patients as previously observed in patients with AD.
Peculiarities of accommodative esotropia
Authors: BUSHUYEVA NN , SENYAKINA A , MARTYNYUK S 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To study the visual functions and the state of accommodation–convergence–papillary system (ACPS) in children with different forms of accommodative esotropia(AE)Methods Except of the standard ophthalmological examination the pupillography was performed in 88 patients aged 6‐18 years with refractive AE (45), nonrefractive AE (31), combinated AE (12)Results Results, with optical correction the visual acuity below 0,3 took place of 55,8±7,6% patients with refractive AE, 42,0±18,7% cases with combinated AE, 33,3±9,1% children with nonrefractive AE. Convergence was normal in all cases of refractive and nonrefractive AE, but was weak in 42,8±18,7% patients with combinated AE. Fusion in haploscopic condition was absent in 65,1±7,3% cases of refractive AE, 51,9±9,6% patients with nonrefractive AE and in all cases of combinated AE. Worth´s four dot test showed monocular vision in 88,4±4,9% cases of refractive AE, 85,1±13,2% of combinated AE and 66,7±17,1% of nonrefractive AE. Accommodative insufficiency was inherent to all patients. Pupillography showed narrowing of pupils in all patients in comparison with healthy children. Pupil reaction to light was weakened considerably. The latent periods of the direct, consensual pupillary reaction to light and the latent periods of pupillary reaction after light stimulation and after convergences weakening were increased more than three times as in healthy children.Conclusion Besides the already known differences in the state of refraction and the value of index AC/A, the These types of AE differ from each other in such functions as visual acuity, fusion power, binocular vision, convergence. Disturbances of pupillary reactions indicate on reduction of lability, increase ACPS’s passivity due to functional changes in brainstem.
The effect of intravitreal injections of anti‐VEGF on the Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in eyes with the exudative type of age related macular degeneration (AMD)
Authors: KALOUDA P , TSIKA X , ANASTASAKIS A , TSILIMBARIS MK 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the morphological changes of the PED after treatment with intravitreal injections of anti‐VEGF in eyes with the exudative type of AMD.Methods Retrospective chart review of patients with PED and exudative type of AMD treated with anti‐VEGF. Alterations of the PED were defined as unchanged if it appeared qualitatively similar to the baseline exam, reduced if it appeared qualitatively smaller, disappeared if no PED could be detected and increased if it appeared qualitatively larger. Changes in BCVA and number of injections were compared to an age similar control group with the exudative type of AMD treated with intravitreal injections of anti‐VEGF without PED on the OCT examination.Results 30 eyes were included in each group. Mean age of the PED group was 75.7 years (SD: ± 5.8 years), while the control group’s was 77.7 years (SD: ±6.2 years). Mean follow up period was 19.8 months (SD: ±10.7 months). Changes of the PED morphology were found as follows, unchanged: 9 eyes, reduced: 16, disappeared: 2, increased: 3. The mean paired difference in BCVA comparing the two groups was ‐0.08 logMAR (p=0.46) and in the number of injections was 2.1 injections (p=0.04).Conclusion Our study revealed that a substantial number of the studied patients showed reduction of the extent of the PED. The PED group required a greater number of injections compared to the control group.
AMD and Atherosclerosis coincidence: the role of complement system activation and endothelial dysfunction
Authors: MACHALINSKA A , MACHALINSKI B , KARCZEWICZ D 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Age‐related Macular Degeneration (AMD) shares several pathological and epidemiological similarities with systemic atherosclerosis (AS). There is considerable evidence implicating endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of both disorders, and complement system (CS) activation appears to be a common denominator underlying those processes. It is widely recognised that both AMD and AS are not only related to local stimulation of the CS, but also result in its systemic activation.Methods We recruited 77 subjects with clinical diagnosis of AMD and 46 age/sex–matched controls. The concentration of C3a‐desArg complement compound,the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) was measured in the subjects’ peripheral blood (PB).Results We demonstrated increased numbers of CECs in the PB of AMD patients, a finding which reflects a severe vascular disturbance and clearly indicates that there is an endothelial alteration accompanying AMD. We also postulated that EPC enumeration could serve as a novel method for the assessment of AMD‐related choroidal neovascularisation and demonstrated significantly elevated EPC counts in the PB of patients with the exudative form of AMD.We found that the levels of C3a‐desArg were significantly elevated in plasma of exudative AMD patients compared to the control group. Additionally, the patients and controls with documented AS displayed significantly higher levels of C3a‐desArg in PB compared to subjects without AS.Conclusion We propose a linking hypothesis between CS activation, endothelial dysfunction and the pathogenesis of two common and age‐related pathological processes, AS and AMD.(Grant‐N N402 172137)
Looking into clinical studies ‐ Pros and cons of vascular involvemnt in glaucoma
Authors: ORGUL S 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To assess the strength of the evidence for ocular blood flow involvement in glaucoma.Methods Because of lack of a large number of randomized trials, the assessment of the question must rely on case series and observational studies, and on the replicability of these studies.Results Currently, evidence that measurement of blood flow can diagnose glaucoma or detect progression of glaucomatous disease is lacking, but several aspects are considered consensual, including low blood pressure association with preponderance and progression of POAG, altered OBF parameters, increased variability of OBF, and insufficient vascular autoregulatory response in glaucoma. It is unclear how much these features are independent from each other. Potential pathogenic keys are endothelial dysregulation and conditions with intermittent hypoxia such a sleep apnea.Conclusion Designing a proper study may still be failing because of the difficulties in defining the pathogenesis and exact nature of OBF alteration in glaucoma. Nevertheless, the cumulative information makes it unlikely that blood flow has no role in glaucoma. Although evidence that measurement of blood flow supports a specific treatment recommendation for patients with glaucoma is lacking, it is of interest that some antiglaucoma drugs have a potential to protect blood flow in ocular tissues relating to glaucoma, while the effect of surgery remains unclear.
The Vascular Aspect of Glaucoma ‐ What should we look at?
Authors: SCHMETTERER L 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy of unknown origin. Increased intraocular pressure is the most important risk factor for the disease. In addition, reduced ocular perfusion pressure has been identified as a risk factor for glaucomatous optic neuropathy.Methods In a variety of studies we have focused on the complex interaction between intraocular pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, ocular perfusion pressure and ocular blood flow. In these studies various strategies were used to manipulate intraocular pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and ocular perfusion pressure and choroidal and optic nerve head blood flow were measured.Results In vivo the capacity of choroidal and optic nerve head blood flow to regulate its vascular tone during changes in ocular perfusion pressure strongly depends on the way how perfusion pressure is manipulated. Generally ocular vascular beds regulate better during changes in blood pressure than during changes in intraocular pressure.Conclusion With the improved understanding of ocular blood flow regulation in humans our understanding of perfusion abnormalities in glaucoma has also increased. Most importantly these studies show that any reduction in intraocular pressure has a strong impact on ocular blood flow regulation.