bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune responses to model antigen elicited by immunization via conjunctiva associated lymphoid tissue
Authors: BARISANI‐ASENBAUER T , BELIJ S , STOJANOVIC M , MARINKOVIC E , STOJICEVIC I , MONTANARO J , STEIN E , BINTNER NORA , INIC‐KANADA A 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose There is an excessive demand to develop vaccines against many of the pathogens that infect mucosal tissues or have a mucosal port of entry. Parenteral vaccination may protect in some instances, but usually a mucosal vaccination route is of vital importance as the strongest immune response is obtained at the site of vaccine application and in anatomically adjacent mucosae. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of conjunctiva‐associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) as a mucosal route of immunization.Methods BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were immunized via conjunctiva with tetanus toxoid (TTd) as a model antigen. 100 μg/mouse of TTd was applied onto conjunctiva of each eye, together with merthiolate‐inactivated B. pertussis, which served as adjuvant. Control mice were immunized subcutaneously with 100 μg/mouse of TTd.Results We found TTd‐specific IgG and IgA in tears and sera of both mice strains, in addition to IgG positive TTd‐specific cells. There was strong correlation between the amount of TTd‐specific antibodies in sera and the presence of TTd‐specific B cells in draining lymph nodes. B. pertussis enhanced IgG and IgA immune responses in both mouse strains. T cell activation (increase in CD25 expression and in percentages of CD4+, CD8+, and CD3+ cells) and B cell activation (increase in percentages of CD19+ CD25+ cells) occurred in all mice, but mice immunized with TTd in combination with B. pertussis had the strongest responses.Conclusion Immunization via conjunctiva induced TTd‐specific local and systemic immune responses. The strongest immune responses developed in mice that received TTd together with B. pertussis.
Secondary choriocapillaritis in infectious choroiretinitis
Authors: KNECHT P , MOKRIM R , HERBORT CP 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Primary choriocapillaritis is the mechanism at the origin of diseases such as MEWDS, APMPPE, multifocal choroiditis and serpiginous choroiditis. In case of severe chorioretinal inflammation as in infectious posterior uveitis, indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) shows much more widespread involvement than seen by funduscopy or fluorescein angiography (FA) in form of hypofluorescent areas. The aim of this work was to analyse this occult choroidal involvement.Methods Charts of patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (TRC), syphilitic and tuberculous posterior uveitis seen in the Centre for Opththalmic Specialised Care (COS) in Lausanne, Switzerland from 1995 to 2011 were reviewed and patients with occult choroidal ICGA lesions were analysed.Results Occult ICGA lesions were characterized by a ring of hypofluorescence around the focus as well as small hypofluorescent satellite lesions in TRC and tuberculous posterior uveitis. In syphilitic posterior uveitis the ICGA hypofluorescence was characterized by more extensive areas that could contrast with minimal FA and fundus findings. For all three entities these hypofluorescent areas responded well to treatment, completely regressing in syphilitic posterior uveitis and regressing to a size equivalent to the foci seen on funduscopy and FA.Conclusion The aspect and the quick response to therapy of occult hypofluorescent areas on ICGA seen in severely inflamed infectious posterior uveitis most probably correspond to inflammatory choriocapillaris hypo or non‐perfusion and its extent needs to be assessed by performing a global appraisal of these cases including ICGA.
Central serous chorioretinopathy misdiagnosed as posterior uveitis: frequency and consequences
Authors: PAPADIA M , HERBPRT CP 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is one of the differential diagnoses to be kept in mind in case of posterior uveitis. Its diagnosis is of utmost importance as CSC misdiagnosed as posterior uveitis can worsen related to the prescription of corticosteroid therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of cases of CSC misdiagnosed as a posterior uveitis.Methods Charts of patients seen in the section of inflammatory eye diseases at the Centre for Opththalmic Specialised Care (COS) in Lausanne, Switzerland seen from 1995 to 2011 were reviewed and referred cases of CSC misdiagnosed as posterior uveitis were studied.Results In a collective of 1268 patients seen from 1995 to 2011 at the COS, 12 patients (0.95%) with CSC were misdiagnosed as posterior uveitis. Erroneous diagnoses were Ocular tuberculosis in 3 cases, Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease in 2 cases, lupus (LED) in one case and undetermined uveitis in 3 cases. In 3 cases CSC developed following corticosteroid therapy for uveitis (2) or systemic inflammatory disease (1) and was misdiagnosed as worsening of the underlying inflammatory disease. Bad functional outcome was proportional to the diagnostic delay of CSC. The most useful means to diagnose CSC retrospectively was either the original angiography, especially indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), or OCT.Conclusion CSC is not a rare misdiagnosis in posterior uveitis representing a percentage of nearly 1% in a total collective of uveitis cases but reaching a proportion of about 3% when only posterior uveitis cases are considered. Investigative methods such as angiography including ICGA, and OCT are crucial for reaching a diagnosis as quickly as possible to avoid disease worsening corticosteroid therapy.
Retinal vessel analysis in animal models
Authors: SCHMETTERER L 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Measurements of retinal blood flow in the rodent is a major challenge because of the small size and the poor optical quality of the eye. We present a technique based on the measurement of retinal vessel diameters using a fundus camera specifically designed for the rodent eye. This is combined with a Doppler OCT technique for measuring retinal blood velocities.Methods In the rat retinal vessel diameters and retinal blood velocities were measured during several stimuli. These included systemic hyperoxia by breathing 100% oxygen, systemic hypercapnia by breathing increasing concentrations of CO2 and by stimulation with diffuse flicker light.Results Retinal blood flow was quantified in larger retinal venules in our studies. As expected systemic hyperoxia induced a pronounced decrease in retinal vessel diameter, retinal blood velocity, and retinal blood flow (p < 0.01 each). Breathing increasing concentrations of CO2 on the other hand induced a dose‐dependent increase in retinal vessel diameter, retinal blood velocity and retinal blood flow (p < 0.01 each). Finally, stimulation with flicker‐light also increased retinal vessel diameter, retinal blood velocity and retinal blood flow (p < 0.01 each).Conclusion Our data indicate that changes in retinal blood flow in the rodent can be adequately measured using combined fundus photography and Doppler OCT. This technique can also be used to study neurovascular coupling. Our results are important, because the mechanisms of retinal blood flow regulation remain largely obscure.
Syndromic ophthalmic genetics
Authors: BLACK GCM 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose This presentation will provide an overview of recent scieitific progress in understanding multisystemic genetic ophthalmic disorders with specific examples including early‐onset developmental disorders as well as syndromic cataract and retinal disorders.Methods A review, including case presentations, to illustrate novel insights into pathways underlying common and rare syndromic ophthalmic disorders, the importance of recognising such disorders and the utility (and limitations) in clinical practice of high throughput technologies including next generation sequencing.Results Syndromic ocular disorders are an important contributor to childhood visual disability. There are many common issues regarding diagnosis and counselling apply to the entire group allowing the development of unified care pathways. An important challenge is to improve diagnosis since management of non‐ocular manifestations is likely key. While current diagnostic genetic testing still focuses on single genes, which will be illustrated through discussion of multisystemic retinal phenotypes such as bardet Biedl and Cohen syndromes, future prospects will employ high throughput technologies (e.g. next generation sequencing, microarray analysis) to enable efficient diagnosis of poorly recognised conditions (eg CTX, ocular auricular syndrome, mitochondial cytopathies)Conclusion The continued and accelerated identification of genes underlying syndromic disorders associated with microphthalmia; corneal and lens developmental abnormalities or retinal dystrophies sheds light on the underlying pathways. Their identification has a direct bearing on clinical management, allowing the improvement and development of individualised care pathways.
Correlation between spectral‐domain OCT features and fundus auto‐fluorescence patterns in CSCR
Authors: BANDELLO F 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by the development of a macular serous retinal detachment with a focal or multifocal areas of leakage at the level of the retinalpigment epithelium (RPE) that can be identified by fluorescein angiography. Aim of the study is to show the changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and on fundus autofluorescence (FAF).Methods Patients affected by CSCR underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including best corrected visual acuity measurement, OCT and FAF with blue‐light FAF and near‐infrared FAF.Results Eighty‐nine patients affected by CSCR were recruited for the study. OCT reveals many changes, including swelling of thesensory retina, disruption of the RPE, thickening of the outerretinal surface, and loss of the boundary of the photoreceptor inner/outer segments. Blue‐light FAF can disclose dot‐like deposits located in the sensory retina orsubretinal space. Near‐infrared FAF shows the development of some granular changes according to the fluid changes typical of CSCR.Conclusion The combination of OCT and FAF imaging provides useful insights to characterize CSRC stages.
Commercial interest
Sparing of the fovea in geographic atrophy
Authors: HOLZ F , SCHMITZ‐VALCKENBERG S , FLECKENSTEIN M 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGeographic Atrophy (GA) is a common cause for severe visual loss in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Typically, atrophic patches initially occur in the parafoveal retina. Over time, several atrophic areas may coalesce, and new atrophic areas may appear. This can temporarily result in a horseshoe conﬁguration of atrophy. In advanced stages, atrophic areas may form a ring encompassing the intact and still functioning fovea. On clinical examination, the fovea may remain untouched by the atrophic process until late in the course of the disease, a phenomenon referred to as ‘foveal sparing’. When the fovea ﬁnally becomes involved, a dramatic deterioration in visual acuity results. Prognostic factors indicating a pending foveal involvement are yet unknown. So far, spread of geographic atrophy has been quantified with regard to the area enlargement of all atrophic patches in an eye. Further clarification of the natural history of the disease needs to include analyses of the directional spread and identification of prognosdtic markers fopr foveal involvement as well as disease modeling. In a prospective, multi‐center, non‐interventional, non‐randomized, unmasked, observational study the natural history will be characterized, prognostic markers identified and to microstructural alterations determined in eyes with a ‘foveal sparing” in GA secondary to AMD by serial simultaneous confocal scanninglaser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO), fundus autofluorescence imaging and spectral domain (SD)‐OCT imaging.
Imaging and the ageing retina
Authors: KEANE PA 
Published: August 2012

AbstractUntil recently, assessment of ageing in the living human retina has principally depended on fundus photography and related techniques (e.g., fluorescein/indocyanine green angiography and fundus autofluorescence). Since the 1990s, however, the discovery of a wholly new imaging modality ‐ optical coherence tomography (OCT) ‐ has revolutionised the diagnosis and management of retinal diseases by providing high resolution cross‐sectional images of the retina in a non‐invasive manner. In this presentation, I will review existing methods in use for imaging of the ageing human retina, with a particular focus on the latest advances in OCT imaging. I will also describe the attempts that are underway to address the shortcomings of current retinal imaging modalities; for example, the use of adaptive optics to provide cellular level image resolution, the use of Doppler and spectral imaging techniques for the assessment of retinal blood flow and oxygenation, and a number of new technologies with the potential for assessment of novel functional parameters, such as photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging.
Macrophages and the ageing and diseased retina
Authors: LUHMANN U 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Recruitment and activation of microglia and macrophages are controlled by local cytokine and chemokine signals that also determine neurotoxic or protective responses of these cells. I will review our current understanding of how the behaviour of macrophages and microglia in the retina is controlled by Ccl2‐Ccr2 and Cx3cl1‐Cx3cr1 chemokine signalling during ageing, in retinal degenerations and choroidal neovascularisation (CNV).Methods We investigated recruitment and activation of myeloid cells in wildtype and chemokine single‐(Ccl2, Cx3cr1) and double‐knockout (Ccl2/Cx3cr1) mice in vivo (by AF‐SLO, OCT, fluorescein angiography) and ex vivo (by FACS, immunohistochemistry, morphometric semithin histology and 3D serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy). We studied these mice during ageing, in combination with a monogenetic inherited retinal degeneration (RD8) and in the laser‐induced CNV model.Results Ageing is associated with alterations in myeloid cell populations in the retina and the choroid that are specifically altered by chemokine signalling dysfunctions. Ccl2 deficiency leads to an age‐related accumulation of subretinal macrophages and an attenuated CNV response with reduced infiltration of neutrophils, but no significant effect on degenerative processes in inherited (RD8) or age‐related retinal degenerations. In contrast, and despite an apparently similar accumulation of subretinal macrophages, Cx3cr1 deficiency leads to a more pronounced degenerative phenotype caused by the RD8 mutation, which was similar in Ccl2/Cx3cr1 knockout mice.Conclusion Myeloid cell behaviour, controlled by Ccl2‐Ccr2 and Cx3cl1‐Cx3cr1 chemokine signalling, differentially modulate the manifestation of inherited and age‐related retinal degenerations and contribute to the increase of CNV lesions with age.
Correction of peripheral refractive errors and its impact on visual performance
Authors: ATCHISON DA 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose There has been considerable recent interest in modifying peripheral refraction for the purpose of treating myopia. Correcting peripheral refraction can affect peripheral visual performance. The purpose of this study was to consider the extent of such improvement and the feasibility of making spectacle lenses for this purpose.Methods Peripheral refraction was used as a basis for designing lenses to correct refraction out to 30 degrees along the horizontal meridian. Visual performance tests were conducted at 20 degrees nasal, 30 degrees nasal and 25 degrees temporal visual field. Tests were detection acuity for high contrast sinusoidal gratings and contrast thresholds for 1 min arc diameter spots.Results Correcting peripheral vision has limited influence on visual acuity as this and other resolution‐like tasks are limited more by retinal sampling than by image quality. However, Lewis et al (ARVO abstract 2012) found that correcting vision at 20 degrees nasal visual field could improve low contrast resolution acuity by an average of 0.06 log unit and up to 0.16 log unit for people with large off‐axis astigmatism. Detection tasks, such as deciding in which of two presentations a grating appears without necessarily being resolvable, give up to 0.7 log unit (5 times) better acuity than resolution tasks at 20 deg N, but are sensitive to defocus such that performance reduces close to those of resolution tasks with about 2 D defocus (Wang et al, IOVS 1997). Results like the above indicate the potential value of peripheral correction for people with macular lesions. Our own results with specially designed lenses will be presented.Conclusion The lenses were partially successful in improving peripheral vision. Difficulties included variability in peripheral refraction measurements and lack of sensitivity of some subjects to peripheral correction. Whether or not correcting peripheral refractive errors will influence myopia progression is not yet known.
Is there a rational for the use of topical antibiotics before and after intravitreal injections
Authors: LABETOULLE M 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAmong the possible complications of intravitreal injections (IVI), postoperative endophthalmitis is the most severe. On the first series, the incidence was between 0.7 and 1.6%. Through improved practices, it was quickly reduced to around 0.09% to 0.03%, according to two recent retrospective series. The guidelines for IVI generally recommend performing the surgery under conditions close to those of the anterior segment surgeries, i.e. in compliance with aseptic conditions. The instillation of antibiotic eye drops was initially recommended, three days before and three days after IVT. Several publications have evolved strategies. Recent studies showed low rates of endophthalmitis despite the lack of preoperative antibiotics and a retrospective study found no significant difference whether or not topical antibiotic therapy was used pre‐and postoperatively. One study showed that instillation of antibiotics before surgery does not contribute to the sterility of the conjunctiva immediately before injection, from the moment the surgical site has been prepared with povidone iodine. It therefore appears that antibiotic treatment in IVIs is essentially aimed at reducing the contamination of the conjunctiva from the immediate post‐op period to the time the site of injection is considered healed. In this respect, the ideal antibiotic should combine several of the following properties: rapid efficiency on bacteria potentially responsible for endophthalmitis, broad spectrum, no lasting change in the conjunctival flora, no selection of resistance to this antibiotic or other antibiotics by crossover mechanism, reusability without additives adverse reactions with repeated cures.
EVICR.net Reading Centre Network
Authors: PETO T , EVICR.NET READING CENTER EXPERT COMMITTEE  
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose To promote understanding of the work of Reading Centres in Europe in order to allow for greater collaboration both between existing reading centres and reading centres and clinical investigators.Methods During the 90 minutes session, the members of the European Reading Centre Network will introduce their work. Detailed discussion will take place on how reading centres currently contribute to different studies. These will cover anterior and posterior segment images and their grading protocols in general and then will continue with detailed analysis plan of these.Results The results of this session will be that better and more detailed understanding of the needs of the studies and what the Reading Centres can and cannot provide. These will lead to better communication from the start of the study in order to satisfy grading and reporting criteria of the studies.Conclusion In conclusion, the Reading Centre network will present its work and will invite collaboration from the attendees of the session with the view of developing this unique collaboration further.
Inhibition of Apaf‐1 as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve corneal quality
Authors: HERRERO C , MARCHAN S , TRAVER E , MONTAVA R , ORZAEZ M , SANCHO M , GUIMERÀ A , VILLA R , PEREZ‐PAYÀ E , LAGUNAS C 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose About 12 million people in the world live with visual impairment due to corneal diseases while there’s a shortage of corneal tissue suitable for transplantation. One of the major causes of inappropriateness of corneas to be transplanted is to have a low endothelial cell density being apoptosis a key mechanism mediating cell loss. The protein Apaf‐1 is a key regulator of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. We have developed a family of Apaf‐1 inhibitors that have shown to be active in other apoptosis based‐pathologies.Methods We have established a corneal storage model.Corneas were preserved at 4°C for 7 days followed by a rewarming period that resembles the implant. At 4°C the endothelium was intact but not the tight junction (TJ) integrity. Throughout the rewarming, apoptosis was induced as indicated by caspase 3 activation, resulting in cell loss.Results The addition of Apaf‐1 inhibitors in the storage media reduces apoptosis activation. Caspase 3 activity was diminished; anti‐apoptotic genes were up‐regulated and pro‐apoptotic down‐regulated resulting in a reduced endothelium loss. Apaf‐1 inhibitors not only probed to be active during the rewarming period but also at 4°C: surprisingly, their presence inhibited the TJ breakdown. Integrity of TJ is known to be crucial to maintain cellular morphology and corneal transparency.Conclusion The results hereby presented demonstrate a dual role of Apaf‐1 inhibitors in preserving the cornea integrity by keeping TJ integrity and inhibiting apoptosis. The use of these inhibitors in the clinical setting could increase the availability and quality of tissue to be transplanted.
Commercial interest
Rabbit, rat and pig corneas: main characteristics and storage in organ culture
Authors: HE Z , CROUZET E , PISELLI S , CAMPOLMI C , FOREST F , PEOC'H M , DUMOLLARD JM , GAIN P , THURET G 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose Except for primates, animal models of corneal are far from human. Animal models of corneal storage are virtually non‐existent. Aim: to update the main characteristics (especially for endothelial cells (EC)) of the cornea of 3 easily available animals, as well as their ability to be stored in organ culture (OC)Methods 30 corneas of 6 month‐old Large White pig, 20 of 10 week‐old California rabbits and 10 of 8 week‐old Lewis rats were investigated. Macroscopic data: 1/horizontal and vertical diameters (digital calliper), 2/transparency (analysis of modulation and contrast transfer functions), 3/ corneal thickness (CT) (ultrasound pachymetry). Microscopic data: 1/ histology on Hematein‐Eosin‐Safran stained cross sections and ultrastructure, 2/ EC density (ECD) and morphometry, 3/ EC proliferative status (Ki67 and 5‐Ethynyl‐2’‐Deoxyuridine incorporation (Clik‐it EdU)), differentiation status (Na+/K+ ATPase, ZO‐1, JAM‐1), and existence of stem cells (Nestin, ABCG2, Telomerase). Fresh corneas were organ cultured in 2 commercially available media. CT was measured every 2h during 6h, then every 12h. Transparency and EC survival was determined after 2, 3 and 4 days of OCResults We constituted a complete database of ex vivo corneal characteristics of the 3 species. ECD, polymorphism and polymegathism were higher than in human. CT increased rapidly (up to 3 times) in both OC media, resulting in biconvex tissues with almost complete loss of transparency and significant endothelial folding. EC survival decreased especially in foldsConclusion Corneas of the 3 animals cannot be stored more than 2 to 3 days in OC media designed for human. Specific media should be developed to obtain reliable models of animal corneal OC