bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aqueous humor redox potential in pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: PANTELI VS , KANELLOPOULOU D , KOUTSOUKOS PG , GARTAGANIS SP 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To determine the overall oxidative status of the aqueous humor in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, by measuring the reduction‐oxidation (redox) potential in the aqueous samples. Methods Samples were collected during cataract extraction from 13 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and 22 normal patients. A platinum electrode together with a reference electrode Ag/AgCl/KCl was used for the measurement of the apparent redox potential in the aqueous humor. Ten measurements were taken every five minutes from the acquisition of the sample and the average value of the measurements was recorded. The independent samples t‐test was used to compare aqueous redox potential between the study and control group. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results The redox potential was found significantly higher in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome than in normal patients (p<0.05). Conclusion Measurements of redox potential is an accurate, easy, time‐saving method for evaluating the oxidative situation in the aqueous humor. Redox potential was found significantly higher in the aqueous humor of the study group. These results support the role of increased oxidative stress in the development of pseudoexfoliation syndrome and suggest for the first time in the field of Ophthalmology a direct and convenient technique for the determination of the oxidative status in aqueous humor.
DHEA protects the retina from AMPA excitotoxicity in vivo: involvement of NGF receptors
Authors: THERMOS K , KOKONA D , CHARALAMPOPOULOS I , GRAVANIS A 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate whether DHEA and NGF could protect retinal cells from cell death in an in vivo model of AMPA excitotoxicity. Methods Male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats (250‐300g) were administered intravitreally: AMPA (42 nmol per eye) or AMPA and DHEA (10‐6,10‐7M) or NGF (60pg/eye) or vehicle. A TrkA inhibitor (Calbiochem 648450, 10‐6M) was co injected with AMPA and DHEA (10‐6M). Twenty four hours after treatment, eye cups were removed and prepared for immunohistochemistry. Antibodies for retinal markers nitric oxide (NO) and cholinergic containing amacrine cells (ChAT‐, and bNOS‐containing, respectively), and calbindin‐containing horizontal and amacrine cells, were employed. Results Intravitreal administration of AMPA led to retinal cell loss as previously reported [Kiagiadaki & Thermos, IOVS, 49:3080‐3089, 2008] twenty four hours after administration. Co‐ administration of AMPA and DHEA protected the retina in a dose dependent manner. The TrkA antagonist (10‐6M) employed reversed the neuroprotection afforded to the retina by DHEA (10‐6M). In addition, NGF (60pg/eye) mimicked the DHEA effects, thus protecting the retina from AMPA toxicity. Conclusion The present results support that the endogenous neurosteroid DHEA protects the retina from AMPA excitotoxicity via a mechanism involving the TrkA receptor. This was substantiated by the reversal of the DHEA mediated neuroprotection by the TrkA antagonist and by the NGF neuroprotective effects in the retina. Further studies are essential in order to characterize further the mechanisms involved in DHEA neuroprotection and to evaluate the therapeutic relevance of these results.
Cyclosporine A topical administration in dogs affected by immune‐mediated keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Authors: DODI PL , BIANCHI E , QUINTAVALLA F 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To study the effect of Cyclosporine A (CsA) on immune‐mediated canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye, and to evaluate the potential therapeutic action of this molecule. Methods The present study was conducted on a sample of randomized dogs affected by immune‐mediated KCS. It consists of 12 cases (24 eyes), various ages (from 3 to 11 years old) and different sexes (9 males ‐ 3 females). All dogs exhibited: different stages of muco purulent filaments and redness; they were negative to fluorescein; STT I on right eye was 4,4 ± 2,5 mm/1 min on left one was 5,5 ± 2,3 mm/1 min; cytology showed many inflammatory cells. The dogs were topically treated with CsA ointment (0,2%) for 8 weeks 0,6 cm strip (1/4 inch) of ointment every 12 hours. Results The result of these studies presented a significant improvement as evaluated by STT I . Thus, the right eye was 12 ± 4,6 mm/1 min (p < 0,05) and the left one was 11,8 ± 4,1 mm/1 min (p < 0,05). Moreover, dogs treated with CsA showed decreased purulent corneal secretion and marked regression of chronic corneal neovascularization and granulation tissue. Cytology analysis indicated a significant reduction in the number of corneal inflammatory cells. Conclusion This report confirmed that CsA is involved in the regulation of tears production, most probably by acting on reduction lacrimal gland inflammation and possible regeneration of lacrimal acinar lobules. CsA caused also a marked anti‐inflammatory action of the dog’s cornea. Neverthless, further clinical studies are necessary to assess the consistency corneal toxic effect of this mulecole in the eye.
Comparative toxicology of BAK‐free and BAK‐preserved travoprost/timolol fixed combinations and latanoprost/timolol fixed combination in vitro
Authors: LABBE A , NAKIB Z , LIANG H , BAUDOUIN C , BRIGNOLE‐BAUDOUIN F 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To compare, in vitro, the cytotoxicity of a new formulation of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination (FC) ophthalmic solution containing polyquaternium‐1 0.001% (trav/tim BAK‐free) with commercial formulations of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% FC ophthalmic solution (trav/tim BAK) and latanoprost 0.005%/timolol 0.5% FC ophthalmic solution (lat/tim BAK). Methods Human conjunctival epithelial cells were incubated with PBS, trav/tim BAK‐free, polyquaternium 1 0.001% (PQ), trav/tim BAK with 0.015% BAK, BAK 0.015%, lat/tim BAK with 0.020% BAK, and BAK 0.020%. Cell viability (neutral red, Alamar blue), apoptosis (YO‐PRO‐1, Hoechst 33342), and oxidative stress(H2DCF‐DA, hydroethidine) were assessed. Apoptosis and oxidative stress assays were reported according to cell viability. Results Cells incubated with trav/tim BAK‐free had better viability than cells incubated with lat/tim BAK, trav/tim BAK, BAK 0.015%, and BAK 0.020% (P < 0.0001). Trav/tim BAK‐free produced less apoptosis than trav/tim BAK, lat/tim BAK, BAK 0.015%, and BAK 0.02% (P < 0.0001, YO‐PRO‐1 and Hoechst 33342 relative to cell viability). As assessed with H2DCF‐DA relative to cell viability, PBS, PQ 0.001%, trav/tim BAK‐free, and trav/tim BAK produced significantly less oxidative stress than lat/tim BAK (P < 0.0001). Additionally, as assessed with hydroethidine relative to cell viability, trav/tim BAK‐free produced significantly less oxidative stress than lat/tim BAK (P < 0.0001). Conclusion Trav/tim BAK‐free exhibited significantly less cytotoxicity in vitro than lat/tim BAK and trav/tim BAK. Confirmation is needed in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Hydration and rehydration in camel and bovine cornea
Authors: KHAN F , ALMUBRAD TM , AKHTAR S 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose T0 investigate the hydration and rehydration of fresh camel and bovine cornea in sodium salt solutions during 20 minutes, 46 hours and 14 hours. Methods During the 20mins study hydration of fresh corneal stroma was investigated in sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), sodium acetate (CH3COONa), sodium thio‐cyanate (NaSCN) and sodium fluoride (NaF) with 2 minutes time interval. During a 46hrs time period, the hydration study was carried out in NaCl (150, 300mM), NaF (150mM) at random intervals. The 14 hrs study was carried out to assess the rehydration of corneal stroma in NaCl (150, 300mM), NaF (150mM) after six hours of drying. Results During the 20 minute swelling studies in the first two minutes the rate of hydration in both camel and bovine corneas was high but gradually reduced in the 2 – 20 minute period. The rate of hydration and level of hydration of camel and bovine cornea was not significantly different from each other in all the strengths of solutions. During the 46 hours swelling studies the rate of initial hydration (0 to 2 hours) of camel and bovine stroma, in all solutions was significantly higher compared to hydration during later hours (2‐46hrs). Camel stromal hydration in150mM NaCl was significantly higher compared to bovine stromal hydration in the same solution during 10 – 24 hrs, and 24 to 46 hrs time period. Rehydration in camel stroma was significantly lower than bovine in 150mM NaF. Conclusion Above study showed that there was no selective affinity for particular ions in camel or bovine corneal stroma. The swelling in camel cornea is higher compared to bovine corneal stroma. This could be due to higher negatively charged KS‐PGs in the stroma. Less rehydration in camel cornea suggests the higher leaching of of PGs from stroma in NaF.
Efficacy and safety of a new ophthalmic preservative‐free formula of levocabastine 0.05% during a conjunctival allergen challenge
Authors: ALLAIRE C , SIOU MERMET R 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of preservative‐free levocabastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution (PFL) compared to preserved levocabastine 0.05% ophthalmic suspension (PL) and vehicle of the solution in the prevention of allergic conjunctivitis induced by a conjunctival provocation test (CPT). Methods 92 healthy volunteers with a history of allergic conjunctivitis were randomized in this double‐masked study. 69 subjects received 1 drop of PFL in 1 eye and 1 drop of PL in the fellow eye, either 10 min [visit 3 (V3)] or 4 h [visit 4 (V4)] prior to CPT. 23 subjects received 1 drop of PFL in 1 eye and 1 drop of vehicle in the fellow eye, either 10 min or 4 h prior to CPT. The primary endpoint was the sum score of itching and redness assessed 3, 5 and 10 min after CPT at V3 and at V4. Other evaluations included tolerance, corresponding to study drug drop sensation and adverse events. Results PFL was shown to be statistically superior to vehicle (p ≤ 0.01) at all time points with one exception at V4, 3 min after CPT. Sum scores varied from 0.7 to 1.6 with PFL and from 1.2 to 2.7 with vehicle. PFL was shown to be statistically superior to PL at V3 and non‐inferior at V4. At V3, the sum scores varied from 0.7 to 1.6 with PFL and from 1.2 to 2 with PL. At V4, sum scores varied from 1.1 to 1.7 with PFL and from 0.9 to 1.7 with PL. Upon instillation, PFL was better tolerated than PL (p<0.001). No serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusion The efficacy of the preservative‐free solution of levocabastine is superior to the effect of the vehicle and, at V3, superior to the efficacy of the preserved suspension of levocabastine. The preservative‐free solution was better tolerated than the preserved suspension.
Commercial interest
Effect of topical administration of polycarbophil‐based formulation (DuraSite®) on an intact and surgically‐compromised corneal surface in rabbits
Authors: KRENZER K , ZHANG J , WARD K , RICHARDSON M 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of a polycarbophil‐based formulation in intact eyes and eyes compromised with a penetrating corneal incision, a LASIK flap or a full‐thickness epithelial defect. Methods New Zealand White rabbits were used. Polycarbophil (0.6 or 1.3%) was dosed in intact eyes TID for 1 year. The surgical models (penetrating surgical incision, LASIK flap, or 9 mm full‐thickness epithelial defect) were dosed with a 0.9% polycarbophil formulation. The eyes with the incision or flap were dosed QID for 14 days. Eyes with the epithelial defect were dosed 10 times in the first 24 h, then every 12 h for the next 2 days. The size of the defect was monitored with fluorescein. The eyes were examined histologically. Results In the 1 year study, no adverse ocular effects were observed at either dose of polycarbophil. In the incision model, administration of polycarbophil did not result in adverse findings; no anterior chamber reaction was observed. In the LASIK model, there were no adverse effects considered related to the polycarbophil. In the epithelial defect model, approximately half of the eyes demonstrated re‐epithelialization by 72 hours. The re‐epithelialization was not different from a saline control. Microscopically, there were no indications of adverse effects of the polycarbophil in any of the models assessed. Conclusion There are no adverse findings related to repeated topical administration of polycarbophil in uncompromised or surgically‐compromised rabbit eyes. These results support that polycarbophil (0.9%, DuraSite®) is safe to use in pharmaceutical preparations in both intact eyes and eyes with compromised ocular surfaces.
Commercial interest
Ocular surface reactions following exposure to BAK‐free travoprost/timolol fixed combination, and BAK‐preserved travoprost/timolol and latanoprost/timolol fixed combinations in vivo
Authors: LIANG H , LABBE A , PAULY A , RIANCHO L , BAUDOUIN C , BRIGNOLE‐BAUDOUIN F 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To test in vivo the ocular surface reactions of a new formulation of the fixed combination travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution (trav/tim BAK‐free) containing the antimicrobial preservative polyquaternium‐1 (PQ, Polyquad®), compared with commercial formulations of the fixed combinations travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution (trav/tim BAK, Duotrav®) and latanoprost 0.005%/timolol 0.5% fixed ophthalmic solution (lat/tim BAK, Xalacom®). Methods Phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), trav/tim BAK‐free, trav/tim BAK, or lat/tim BAK were applied to the eyes of adult male New Zealand albino rabbits (N = 24), 1 drop, 15 times, at 5 min intervals. Ocular surface reactions were assessed at hour 4 and day 1 using slit‐lamp examination, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), conjunctival impression cytology, and immunohistology for detecting CD45+ infiltrating cells and MUC‐5AC‐labeled cells. Results Trav/tim BAK‐free was similar to PBS in regards to the clinical findings, the Draize test for ocular irritation, and epithelial and limbal aspects as evaluated with IVCM. Also, trav/tim BAK‐free and PBS produced no obvious inflammatory infiltration inside and outside the CALT follicles, yielded similar IVCM toxicity scores and CD45+ cell counts, and had normal goblet cell presentation. In contrast, trav/tim BAK and lat/tim BAK induced cytotoxicity in all tests, showing alterations of the ocular surface microstructures and inflammatory infiltration. Conclusion Trav/tim BAK‐free exhibited better tolerance in vivo than trav/tim BAK and lat/tim BAK following repeated frequent instillations in rabbits.
Evaluation of spatial contrast sensitivity after the instillation of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% eye drops
Authors: KARAMITSOS A , CHATZIBALIS T , MIRTSOU‐FIDANI V , GEORGIADIS N , KARAMPATAKIS V 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the influence of Brimonidine tartrate on contrast sensitivity (CS). Methods Thirty ophthalmologically healthy Caucasian individuals (15 male, 15 female), aged from 21 to 55 underwent CS testing. The examination was repeated 20 and 40 minutes after the instillation of brimonidine tartrate eye drops unilaterally. The fellow eye served as control. Results All the examined individuals had normal visual acuity, color perception and CS before the drop instillation. Four of them complained for a temporary blurred vision at the eye in which brimonidine tartrate was instilled. These four individuals had impaired CS in high spatial frequencies (20 cycles/degree), in the examination performed 20 minutes after the instillation. The CS normalized again in the third CS evaluation performed 40 minutes after the instillation. Conclusion The temporarily blurred vision of some individuals after brimonidine tartrate eye drop instillation is related with a decrease of spatial CS in high frequencies. Within this time period of 40 minutes after the instillation, individuals who experience visual disturbances should avoid activities that demand high visual efficacy or postpone the instillation for a more convenient time in relation to the visual disturbance they experience.
Effects of intravitreally injected bevacizumab on vascular endothelial growth factor in fellow eyes
Authors: MATSUYAMA K , OGATA N , MATSUOKA M , WADA M , NISHIMURA T , TAKAHASHI K 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To determine the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the fellow eyes after an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in one eye. Methods Eight patients who had similar findings of with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in both eyes were studied (four patients had rubeosis, and four patients did not have rubeosis in the anterior chamber). All patients received an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab(1.25 mg) in one eye. Samples of aqueous humor were collected from the injected eyes just before and one day after the injection, and after 7 days from untreated fellow eyes. The concentration of VEGF was measured by ELISA. Results After one day, the VEGF level in injected eyes was significantly reduced from 3230.3±2136.8 pg/ml to 3.1±3.6 pg /ml (P<0.05) in eyes with rubeosis and 465.0±78.8 pg/ml to 0 pg/ml (P<0.05) in those without rubeosis. After seven days, the VEGF levels of the fellow eyes were still significantly lower than that in the injected eyes before the injection (688.5±443.1 pg/ml in the rubeosis group, and 7.8±13.2 pg/ml in the no rubeosis group, P<0.05, P<0.05). Conclusion A single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab significantly reduced the VEGF concentrations in the aqueous humor of the fellow untreated eye.
Retinal vessel diameter can be reliably determined in minipigs using Retinal Vessel AnalyzerTM with a microscope‐mounted fundus camera
Authors: PAPADOPOULOU DN , MANGIORIS G , PETROPOULOS I , MENDRINOS E , MAVROPOULOS A , POURNARAS CJ 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose Retinal Vessel Analyzer (RVA) is a validated instrument to measure retinal vessel diameter in humans. The purpose of this study was to assess the inter‐observer reproducibility and intra‐observer repeatability of RVA with a microscope‐mounted fundus camera to determine retinal vessel diameter in minipigs. Methods The fundus image of 5 minipigs was recorded in digital videocassette for approximately 5 min under stable systemic arterial pH, pCO2, and pO2. In order to evaluate the inter‐observer reproducibility, each one of two investigators used RVA (Imedos GmbH, Jena, Germany) to measure the diameter of the superior temporal retinal artery on 5 separate 30‐sec recordings from each minipig. In order to evaluate the intra‐observer repeatability, one investigator performed 5 measurements on a single randomly selected 30‐sec recording from each minipig. Inter‐observer reproducibility was evaluated using Student’s t‐test for independent samples and Pearson’s correlation. Intra‐observer repeatability was assessed using coefficient of variation. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two investigators (p=0.347). The measurements performed by the two investigators were significantly correlated (r=0.999; p<0.001). Coefficient of variation was 0.2%, indicating very high intra‐observer repeatability. Conclusion The results of the present study indicate that retinal vessel diameter can be reliably determined in minipigs using RVA with a microscope‐mounted fundus camera.
Peripheral endothelial function in ocular hypertensive patients after palmitoylethanolamide therapy: a flow mediated dilation study
Authors: STROBBE E , CELLINI M , GIZZI C , CAMPOS EC 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To assess peripheral vascular endothelial function and IOP in patients with ocular hypertension (OH), before and after the use of Palmitoylethanolamide per os, using non‐invasive dependent flow mediated vasodilation (FMD). Methods We studied 20 OH patients (12 females and 8 males) aged from 34 to 64 (mean 56.8+8.1 yrs). The diagnostic criteria for OH were: IOP exceeded 22 mm/hg, open anterior chamber angle, cup/disc ratio <0.4 and optic nerve related visual field loss (MD<3 dB, SF<2.5 dB and CPSD<3 dB). Patients assuming vasoactive drugs or with systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus were excluded. All patients underwent measurement of IOP with GAT and evaluation of FMD with high‐resolution 2‐dimensional ultrasonographic imaging of the brachial artery by a Philips ENVISOR echographic machine and a 4‐7Hz linear probe. To induce hyperemia a sphygmomanometer cuff was inflated to 250 mm/hg for 5 minutes. The cuff then was deflated rapidly and at 60 seconds after cuff deflation, 2‐D images of the brachial artery were recorded for 5 seconds. The measurement of FMD and IOP was made at baseline and after 3 months of Palmitoylethanolamide intake. A statistical analysis was made using the Student “t” test for unpaired data considering significant a p<0.05. Results FMD before and after therapy with Palmitoylethanolamide was: 6.057±0.766% vs 8.856±1.142% (p<0.001); the IOP was, respectively: 23.11+0.93 mm/Hg vs 22.12+1.63 mm/Hg (p<0.023). Conclusion Although it’s a small sample of cases, we found that in OH patients, after 3 months of intake, Palmitoylethanolamide improved the endothelial function and lowered the IOP without side effects.
The safety of intraocular beta2‐agonist in rabbit eyes
Authors: VAN CALSTER J 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose There is no known information on the use and safety of a long‐acting beta‐agonist, such as Clenbuterol when administered by intravitreal injection. Therefore, it is appropriate to perform this intravitreal injection in an animal model prior to start with a human experiment. The aim is to investigate the safety of an intravitreal injection of the beta2‐agonist Clenbuterol in rabbit eyes. This study is in preparation of using of this molecule in human eyes. That trial will be a monocentric, academic (investigator driven) trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of an intravitreal beta2‐agonist in patients with persistent subfoveal fluid after retinal detachment surgery. Approval of the ethics committee for the human trial has already been obtained, pending a re‐evaluation after the results of the animal study will be known. Methods An intravitreal injection of 0,1 ml solution containing 0.08µg Clenbuterol or 0.1ml NaCl 0.9% was given in 10 eyes of 10 rabbits. The distribution occurred at random and was masked. A masked investigator examined both eyes after 1, 3 and 7 days (biomicroscopy, intraocular pression and ophthalmoscopy). After one week, the rabbits were sacrificed, the eyes enucleated and fixated for histopathological examination and electron microscopy by a masked investigator. Cell death was monitored by a DNase type I/II activity assay. Results There was no clinical or histopathological difference between the clenbuterol and the control group. Conclusion Clenbuterol is not toxic for the retina of rabbit eyes after intravitreal injection. It can be considered for the use in human eyes. Final approval of the ethics committee for the human trial is awaited.