bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of corticosteroids in CSCR
Authors: POURNARAS CJ 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a relatively common retinal disease characterized by the accumulation of subretinal fluid at the posterior pole of the fundus, creating a circumscribed area of serous retinal and/or pigment epithelium detachment.Methods Numerous reports during the past few years have provided us with arguments strengthening the hypothesis of a possible association between CSCR and glucocorticoids.Results It has been noted that central serous chorioretinopathy is associated with different conditions, characterized by exposure to increased levels of endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids. In fact, central serous chorioretinopathy has been described in patients with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome. It is also prevalent in patients with type‐A personality; it has been reported following stressful events, whereas pregnancy represents another possible risk factor. These conditions are all characterized by endogenous hypercortisolism. In addition, many cases of central serous chorioretinopathy have been described during or following treatment with glucocorticoids, administrated by any route, for various systemic or ocular conditions. Central serous chorioretinopathy, when related to exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids, has a less prominent male predilection, presents more often with a chronic or atypical form, and is frequently bilateral. Furthermore, treatment of CSCR with glucocorticoids was found to exacerbate the clinical picture. However,very few patients worldwide are suffering from CSCR, while under systemic steroid treatment.Conclusion It could be suggested that glucocorticoids may be involved in the development of central serous chorioretinopathy. Glucocorticoids should not be used in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy.
Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of CSCR
Authors: RUIZ MORENO JM 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and changes in neural retina (NR) thickness and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) induced by PDT.Methods Non randomized, multicentric, interventional case series. 82 eyes of 72 patients with chronic CSC were treated by conventional PDT. LogMAR BCVA and central foveal thickness (CFT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after PDT, number of PDT treatments and complications were considered as outcome indicators. In 26 eyes LogMAR BCVA and OCT were evaluated before treatment and one year after PDT. 24 eyes from 24 patients with non chronic, non PDT treated forms of CSC were evaluated as a control group.Results BCVA changed from 0.53 before PDT to 0.48 at 6 months (p=0.007). Subretinal fluid disappeared in all the cases. CFT decreased from 325 µm, to 229 µm one month after PDT; to 206 µm at three months; and to 202µm at six months (p<0.0001 in the three cases). No cases developed severe visual loss or complications derived from PDT. In subgroup studied at one year NR CFT before PDT was 181.4±42.6 μ vs. 149.0±30.6 μm one year after treatment (p=0.004). NR CFT in the untreated eyes was 204.6±30.7 μ vs. 192.5±26.4 μ after self resolution (p=0.03). Basal NR thickness was not statistically significant different between both groups (P = 0.31); this difference became significant at the end of the follow‐up (P<0.01).Conclusion PDT may be useful in chronic CSC improving BCVA and reducing subretinal fluid and CFT. The use of PDT in chronic CSC induces NR thickness thinning. This change is not correlated with a decrease in BCVA. Randomized studies with longer follow‐up are needed to asses the real role of this treatment in chronic CSC.
Markers of disease progression in atrophic AMD
Authors: HOLZ F , FLECKENSTEIN M , SCHMITZ‐VALCKENBERG S 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGeographic Atrophy (GA) is a common cause for severe visual loss in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). In contrast to neovascular AMD in which efficient therapy is now available with intravitreally administered inhibitors of VEGF, there is as yet no therapy available for patients with GA. Natural history studies have demonstrated a continuous progression of outer retinal atrophy in patients with GA. Hereby, a high interindividual variability has been documented with regard to enlargement rates of GA ptaches over time. Various markers of disease progression have been identified including phenotypic charatersitcs on fundus photographs such as soft drusen and hyperpigmentary changes. Furthermore, certain abnormal patterns of increased fundus autofluorescence (FAF) on confocal SLO images have been shown to represent risk characteristics for GA evolution and aloow disrimintaion of slow vs. fast progressors. The status of the fellow also has an imapct on progression rates. SD‐OCT imaging is currently evaluated in ongoing longitudinal studies with respect to specific microstructural alterations in the junctional zone of GA and their impactz for future progression. Idenfication of progrnostic markers is not o9nly important for a better understandibng of the disease process, but also for the design and conduct of interventional clinical trials in patients with GA as enrichment for fast progressors allows to perform such trials in an acceptable time period in a relatively slowly progressing disease, to reduce costs for clinical developments and to increase the likelyhood for the identification of a therapeutic signal.
Gene therapy in rare diseases
Authors: SAHEL JA 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Stargardt disease is caused by a mutation of the ABCR gene leading to photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss. Genetic replacement StarGen™ uses LentiVector® technology to deliver a corrected version of the ABCR gene. A single administration of the product directly to the retina could provide long‐term or potentially permanent correction. The primary objective of StarGen™ study is to assess the safety and tolerability of ascending doses of StarGen™ in adult patients with Stargardt macular degeneration. Up to 28 patients 18 years or older with a differing level of advancement of SMD will be included in this study in which a dose‐escalation phase of StarGen™ is followed by a dose confirmation phase. In Retinitis Pigmentosa, preservation or partial restoration of impaired cone function offers very promising perspectives based on neuroprotection, prosthetics or optogenetics. We demonstrated that cone cell function loss might result from the loss of expression of Rod‐derived Cone Viability Factor (RdCVF) consecutive to degeneration of rod photoreceptors directly affected by causative mutations. Administration of RdCVF, irrespective of the gene defect, induced in relevant animal models a strong preservation of cone cell function related to the maintenance of rod outer segments (1). Recently, work conducted by Botond Roska and our group showed that in advanced cases, cone cell bodies of dormant cones can be reactivated by vectorization of halorhodopsins (2). Over the past years we have followed a cohort of over 3000 patients and studied the morphology and function of cone photoreceptors, using novel high resolution imaging.. We showed that cone outer segment degeneration during the disease course can be documented and that patients suitable for clinical trials testing neuroprotection or optogenetics can be selected on this basis. A comprehensive personalized set of therapeutic strategies can be tailored on this basis. Such advances, unprecedented in the field of currently untreatable retinal diseases, offer hope for visual rehabilitation. To evaluate and document such functional outcomes, we have developed novel tools for assessing reproducibly visual impairment and restoration, as well as palliative aids and associated training protocols.Conclusion StarGen™: A Phase I/IIa Dose Escalation Safety Study of Subretinally Injected StarGen™ Administered to Patients With Stargardt Macular Degeneration Sponsored by Oxford BioMedica UK Ltd. Principal Investigator Prof. Jose‐Alain Sahel Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze‐Vingts, Paris France – Professor David Wilson ‐Casey Eye Institute, Portland Oregon Léveillard T, Sahel JA. Rod‐derived cone viability factor for treating blinding diseases: from clinic to redox signaling. Sci Transl Med. 2010 Apr 7;2(26):26ps16. Busskamp V et al. Genetic reactivation of cone photoreceptors restores visual responses in retinitis pigmentosa. Science. 2010 Jul 23;329(5990):413‐7.
Perspectives for new treatments at Novartis
Authors: BURIAN G 
Published: August 2012

AbstractClinical research in the current clinical practice and regulatory environment related to development of Medicinal Products has evolved in recent years to encompass areas beyond the primary aim of achieving a Marketing Authorization. A model of “development continuum” appears to recently emerge to address key aspects in this new setting: the area of personalized medicine and specialty care, and associated outcomes research, which together aim to achieve therapeutic optimization at individual patient level, in both endemic as well as in rare diseases. This type of clinical research is conducted in late development phase of drugs, most often post‐marketing, under continuous regulatory guidance for drug label optimization. Novartis recognizes and is interested in this changing environment, and is hence committed to address these emerging unmet medical needs that impact clinical practice. Collaboration with the wider group of healthcare professionals in the global community to facilitate the design and implementation of clinically relevant research projects is an important aspect to drive scientific and medical progress in this area. In this presentation, concepts of clinical development and trials design for optimization of drug outcomes and therapeutic patient management will be discussed from an industry perspective. The regulatory and Novartis guidelines for supporting them will be explained, using focussed examples from the field of Ophthalmology, particularly areas of research interest in chorioretinal vascular diseases.
Study Assessing Double‐masKed Uveitis tReAtment (SAKURA)
Authors: NAOR J 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal injections of DE‐109 ophthalmic suspension.Results Primary Outcome Measures: Proportion of subjects with vitreous haze score [Time Frame: 5 months] [Designated as safety issue: Yes]Conclusion Study Design: Allocation: Randomized Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor) Primary Purpose: Treatment
Parainflammation and the ageing retina
Authors: XU H 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To review para‐inflammatory responses in the ageing retina, and the role of dysregulated para‐inflammation in age‐related retinal degeneration.Methods Published and unpublished data from personal study in in vivo models and literature review.Results Para‐inflammation is an immune response to chronic noxious stimuli at a low magnitude that lies between the basal homeostatic state and overt inflammation. The physiological role is to maintain tissue homeostasis and functionality. The retina, particularly the macula, is constantly subjected to a low‐level of insult mediated by oxidized molecules such as unsaturated fatty acid, and the insult accumulates with age. Retinal homeostasis in the ageing eye is maintained by a para‐inflammatory response executed by resident microglia, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and the complement system. A dysregulated para‐inflammation may not be able to maintain retinal homeostasis, and age‐related retinal degeneration may occur. The presentation will discuss how microglial activation is controlled in the retina, and the potential contribution of uncontrolled microglial activation to age‐related retinal degeneration.Conclusion Para‐inflammation is important to retinal homeostasis in the ageing eye. Uncontrolled or dysregulated para‐inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of age‐related retinal degeneration.
Detecting progression using structural measurements
Authors: BRON A 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe management of glaucoma is driven by the changes of functional and structural endpoints overtime. Is the disease stable or not? In this presentation we will cover the practical aspect of structural progression assessment which follows the same rules that apply to functional tests; good baseline material and sufficient further examinations whatever the technique. We will detail the methods used to assess structural progression which are similar to those used for evaluating functional progression. Although challenging, the evaluation of structural progression is very helpful in the follow‐up of the glaucomas. However it must be combined with functional progression to achieve clinical relevance.
GCA diagnosis controversies
Authors: HAWLINA M 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To report on different clinical presentations of giant cell arteritis (GCA, temporal arteritis) and diagnostic and therapeutic approach. GCA is the most common primary vasculitis of adulthood. Ocular symptoms present in 30‐75% of patients and include visual loss, amaurosis fugax, ophthalmoplegia, diplopia and ocular pain. Approximately 15‐50 % of patients suffer from permanent visual loss. Temporal artery biopsy and corticosteroid treatment is essential for diagnosis and preservation of vision.Methods Review and retrospective study of 50 eyes (36 patients) with giant cell arteritis treated at Eye Hospital Ljubljana. There were 67% female and 33% male patients with average age of 79 years, range 62‐92 years, with typical clinical picture and/or positive biopsy (78%, 18/23 performed).Results Loss of vision was unilateral (65%) or bilateral (35%). The most common ischaemic lesions were anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION; 16 unilateral, 4 bilateral) and posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (PION; 5 unilateral, 5 bilateral). Other lesions included central retinal artery occlusion and internuclear ophthalmoplegia. More than half of patients (53%) had visual acuity of counting fingers or less in affected eye. In AION various peripheral defects almost universally showed respect for horizontal meridian. Nasal and inferior halves of visual fields were most often affected. PION most often presented with scotomas with or without peripheral defect.Conclusion Severe loss of vision is present in affected eye in most patients. Bilateral loss of vision can occur if the diagnosis is not established early and corticosteroids given. Very few affected eyes recover to small extent. It is essential to recognise this disease even in absence of typical signs and symptoms. In elderly, all the patients to report amaurosis fugax, sudden loss of vision or diplopia should be suspected to have temporal arteritis.
Atropine use in childhood myopia treatment
Authors: GRZYBOWSKI A 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To discuss the role of atropine use in childhood myopia treatment.Methods The analysis of the literature and studies of the subject.Results The prevelance of myopia the population in the United States, Europe and Australia is about 30‐40%, whreaes in some southern Asian countries is up to 80‐90%. Moreover, it was shown that this prevalence has been increasing in the recent 20 years. Although the pathogenesis of myopia is unknown, it is argued that, at least in the case of school myopia, environmental factors are of major imprtance, whrease genetic factors play secondary role. The role of atropine in the lowering the rate of myopia progression was analysed in recent 10 years in many studies, differing with the atropine concentration, studied group characteristics, the time of treatment and the the time of observation, etc. The lowering effect of atropine was proved, however, its effectiveness decreased with the time of drug use, and after the drug discontuinuation the effect was partially reversed. On the other hand, it is well‐known that atropine use is related to significant side‐effects, including mydriasis, cycloplegia, increased exposure to UV light. Moreover, some argue that results of the therapy, i.e. lowering of the magnitude of school myopia, cannot be be balanced by the problems and unknown longterm effects related to the therapy.Conclusion The atropine use in childhood myopia treatment remains controversial and possible benefits and weaknesses of the therapy should be carefully analysed.
Is the eye a window to the mind? RNFL thickness measurements by OCT as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: ASCASO F 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive imaging technique that assesses the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness and volume, is widely used in various ophthalmologic disorders including glaucoma and macular diseases. A decreased RNFL thickness can correspond to neuronal death and axonal loss. Therefore, OCT measurements might be of particular interest in numerous neurodegenerative diseases with axonal loss.Methods A significant reduction in the peripapillary RNFL thickness has been reported in patients with various neurologic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, Alzheimer´s disease, and Parkinson´s disease, suggesting that OCT might also prove useful in other neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, we have studied for the first time these neurodegenerative changes in patients with schizophrenia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The goals of these studies were to determine by OCT the differences in the peripapillary RNFL thickness, macular thickness and volume, between controls and patients with several neurodegenerative disorders in which there is axonal loss, and to assess whether a correlation exists between the RNFL thickness and the clinical severity of the disease.Results Most neurodegenerative disorders show a significant thinning of the peripapillary RNFL; however, the patterns of change differ in some aspects. The findings indicate loss of retinal ganglion cells and may reflect degenerative brain changes in these conditions. This topic reviews the application of OCT imaging of the retina in Neurology and Psychiatry.Conclusion RNFL thickness may be used as a biological marker and might help to the early diagnosis of several neurodegenerative conditions.
The influence of peripheral refractive errors on myopia development
Authors: OHLENDORF A 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose This talk will present research about the role of peripheral refraction on the development of central refractive errors in human eyes as well as in various animal models of myopia.Methods The interconnection of peripheral refractive profiles and central refractive error will be described. Studies investigating the role of the peripheral refractive error on central refractive development will be presented.Results Myopes typically show relative hyperopia in the periphery of the eye, while emmetropes and hyperopes show a relative peripheral emmetropia or myopia. Studies in humans as well as in various animal models of myopia indicate that the management of the peripheral refraction can change the development of central myopia. More recently, Smith et al. confirmed the influence of peripheral refraction on myopia development in monkeys, by influencing peripheral refraction with either form‐deprivation (2005) or minus lenses (2009).Conclusion Research in animal models of myopia and in humans found strong evidence that the peripheral refraction of the human eye can guide the development of central refractive errors. More studies are needed investigating the efficiency of “peripheral refraction management” with various kinds of correction methods (e.g. Contact lenses, Ortho‐K, spectacle lenses). Additionally, there is a need for long term studies on central refractive development based on peripheral refraction in the human eye.
Commercial interest
Proteomic analysis of uveal melanoma
Authors: RAMASAMY P , HENRY M , LINGE A , HORGAN N , MURPHY C , CLYNES M , KENNEDY S , MELEADY P 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To further the molecular biological understanding of the events governing the development of metastatic disease and to identify potential targets for therapy.Methods 8 metastatic vs 8 non‐metastatic fresh uveal melanoma tissue with a minimum follow‐up of 10 years were subjected to quantitative, label‐free proteomic analysis. Strict criteria was applied in the Progenesis LC‐MS software to filter out statistically non‐significant peptides and proteins. These were anova p < 0.05, power > 0.8 and protein confidence score > 100. Differential expression of proteins and their relative abundance in the 2 disease groups were determined using the same software.Results 653 proteins were identified (global proteome of all 16 samples). Of these, 61 proteins met the statistics criteria applied. 9 of those had good separation between metastatic and non‐metastatic disease groups. 4 proteins were selected for further follow‐up and validation. Currently, immunohistochemistry studies are being performed to confirm expression levels in paraffin embedded tissue slides. Then, siRNA knockdown and immunoprecipitation experiments will be performed in uveal melanoma cell lines (primary and metastatic) to determine downstream effects and potential targets for therapy.Conclusion Proteomic analysis of 8 metastatic vs 8 non‐metastatic fresh uveal melanoma tissue has identified 4 proteins which are currently being validated using immunohistochemistry, siRNA knockdown and immunoprecipitation experiments.
Temperature‐dependent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induction in human retinal pigment epithelium – implications for transpupillary thermotherapy in uveal melanoma
Authors: KLETTNER A , FABY H , HILLENKAMP J , ROIDER J 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Transpupillary thermotherapy is a hyperthermia treatment for small uveal melanomas but its use is controversially discussed. In uveal melanomas, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increase is correlated with metastases, and VEGF increase can be found in treated melanomas. In this study, the effect of hyperthermia on the VEGF secretion in human RPE cells was studied.Methods Immortal human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line Arpe‐19 was exposed to 40°, 42°, 45° and 50°C for 1 min, 5 min and 15 min. Toxicity was evaluated using trypan blue exclusion assay and VEGF secretion was evaluated by ELISA. Involvement of Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels on VEGF induction was investigated using commercially available inhibitors.Results Hyperthermia induces cell death in a time and temperature dependent manner. VEGF expression and secretion is strongly induced by hyperthermia in a time and temperature dependent manner. VEGF induction is mediated by p38 and to a lesser degree by JNK. TRPV channels are only involved in VEGF secretion at lower temperatures.Conclusion Hyperthermia induces a temperature dependent secretion of VEGF in human RPE, which is mediated by p38. As VEGF may be involved in the development of micrometastases, these findings indicate that thermotherapy for the treatment of uveal melanomas should be regarded with caution.