bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent findings and perspectives of the vision screen in the German Mouse Clinic
Authors: PUK O , FAVOR J , SUN M , DALKE C , GRAW J 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was the large‐scale screening of different mouse models for eye disorders. Methods The eyes of the mouse mutants were analyzed by slit lamp biomicroscopy, funduscopy, and laser interference biometry. Cataracts were quantified by Scheimpflug imaging. Results In the past 15 months, 36 mouse mutant lines were screened in the German Mouse Clinic. Two of them, Ali030 and Fra2, were affected in eye development. Funduscopy and histology of Ali030 indicated an optic nerve head dysplasia due to an alternative splicing of the serine/threonine‐protein kinase gene Bmpr1b. Fra2 is characterized by an H2‐Kb promoter induced ectopic expression of the transcription factor gene Fosl‐2. Laser interference biometric eye size measurements revealed a significantly reduced mean lens thickness in transgenic mice, indicating a putative role of Fosl‐2 in lens development. We further tested the clinically well established Scheimpflug imaging technique as a putative tool for cataract quantification in the vision screen. Measurements with the O377‐crybB2 mouse mutant line successfully imaged even faint zonular opacifications. Furthermore, a core density of 40% and a peripherical opacification between 10% and 14% was calculable. Our results demonstrated that Scheimpflug imaging is an improved quantitative alternative to subjective slit lamp investigations. Conclusion Two novel mouse models for optic nerve head dysplasia and microphakia were detected in the vision screen. Scheimpflug imaging was demonstrated to be suitable for cataract quantification in the mouse lens.
Primary photodynamic therapy of choroidal melanoma
Authors: HEIMANN H , COUPLAND SE , DAMATO B 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To review our initial experience with photodynamic therapy of choroidal melanoma at the Ocular Oncology Service in Liverpool. Methods Patients were included in the study if they underwent primary photodynamic therapy for choroidal melanoma. The treatment was administered using the same protocol as for choroidal neovascularization. Results The patients (12 male and 5 female) had a mean age of 62.2 years. The melanomas were located in the right eye in 11 patients and the left eye in 6 patients. The tumour margin extended anteriorly to pre‐equatorial choroid in one patient and posteriorly to include optic disc in 7 patients. The melanomas had a mean diameter of 7.6 mm and a mean thickness of 2.0mm. The initial visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 13 patients and 6/18‐6/60 in 4 patients. Biopsy showed the tumour to be of spindle cell type in two patients and to contain epithelioid cells in three patients. One patient was found to have monosomy 3 so that the tumour was treated with proton beam radiotherapy. The follow‐up ranged to 622 days with a median of 101 days. Four patients subsequently underwent proton beam radiotherapy and one patient was treated by endoresection. The last known visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 11 patients, 6/18 to 6/60 in 4 patients and 3/60 to Counting Fingers in 2 patients. Conclusion Photodynamic therapy may be worth attempting in patients with a small choroidal melanoma when other methods are likely to cause visual loss. Many patients subsequently require more aggressive treatment to achieve local tumour control.
Outcome following ranibizimab therapy for neovascular age related macular degeneration in patients with poor, intermediate and good vision
Authors: ADEPEGBA O , JYOTHI S , GUPTA B , SIVAPRASAD S 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To assess the visual outcome following intravitreal ranibizumab in eyes with wet age related macular degeneration(AMD) in patients with three different baseline vision viz; <35, 35‐54 and >54 ETDRS letters. Methods This study assessed the ETDRS visual acuity at diferent time points in a total of 98 patients.Optical coherent tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography FFA was carried out at baseline and thereafter when required. Intravitreal ranibizumab was administered monthly for 3 months and when necessary as guided by vision and OCT. Follow up period was 6 months. Results In the 27 patients with baseline vision < 35 letters, the mean change in vision at 6 months from baseline is +8 (p=0.04). None of the patients lost more than 15 letters (floor effect) and 35% gained more than 15 letters. In 43 patients with baseline vision 35‐54 letters the mean change in vision at 6 months is +10 letters(p=0.0003). None of the patients lost more than 15 letters or gained more than 15 letters.Twenty‐eight patients baseline vision > 54 letters had a mean change in vision at 6 months of +6 (p=0.4). Only 16% gained more than 15 letters(ceiling effect). All the three groups were observed to have improvement of vision in the 3rd month which was sustained in the 6 month.Patients with baseline vision more than 54 letters receive an average of 3.52 injections over the 6 month period. Those with vision 35‐54 and <35 received an average of 3.42 and 3.56 injections respectively over the same period. Conclusion Response to ranibizumab in patients with good and intermediate and poor vision at baseline was similar to the ANCHOR and MARINA studies up to 6 months.
Validation of a predictive model for diabetic retinopathy progression in type‐2 diabetic patients with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Authors: NUNES S , BERNARDES R , LOBO C , CUNHA‐VAZ J 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To validate a predictive model for diabetic retinopathy progression in type‐2 diabetic patients with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) using non‐invasive examinations, previously reported by Lobo et al. [Arch Ophthalmol. 2004; 122(2):211‐7]. Methods Four‐hundred type‐2 diabetic patients with mild NPDR were included in this 2‐years observational and prospective study. Sixty‐three patients performed the baseline and the 6‐month visits underwenting: color fundus photography, retinal thickness (RT) measurements and blood tests. Microaneurysm formation rate (MAFR) was computed from color fundus photographs using a new method that assists graders on earmarking MAs (MA‐Tracker). Increased RT maps (Stratus OCT – Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA) were computed using proprietary software. Patients were classified into one of the 3 different phenotypes of DR progression characterized by: Phenotype 1 – eyes with low MAFR and normal RT; Phenotype 2 – eyes with increased RT and; Phenotype 3 – eyes with high MAFR. Results Twenty‐six patients (41.6%) were classified as being of Phenotype 1; 17 (27.0%) as Phenotype 2 and; 20 (31.7%) as Phenotype 3. This distribution of patients in each phenotype is similar to the one previously found when establishing the predictive model. Conclusion Preliminary data confirms the existence of 3 different phenotypes of DR progression.
Evaluation and inter‐observer analysis of retinography existing clinical classification system to categorize moderate retinopathies
Authors: SANCHEZ RAMOS C , WASFI M , BONNIN‐ARIAS C , VINAS‐PENA M , FORLAN A , MOLINA‐GOMEZ M , CHAMORRO E 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To evaluate existing validated systems to classify retinopathies, to determine the inter‐observer agreement level Methods 55 retinographies (both gender, >60 years old) were categorized following 3 established criteria: the International Classification and Grading System for ARM and AMD (BIRD), the Wisconsin Age‐related Maculophathy Grading System (WISCONSIN) and the Clinical Age‐Related Maculophathy Staging System (CARMS). The categorizing was made by 2 experts in a blind, independent way. The goal of the doubled‐classification‐method, with changing order no randomised, was to reject the influence of the Velo effect. Inter‐observer’s repeatability was checked as an agreement parameter between both Experts Results CARMS system was chosen, since allows a global pathology classification. CARMS concordance obtained was 81.89% (expected=57.39% Kappa index=0.57).Drusen concordance obtained was 87.27% (expected=60.31% Kappa index=0.68).Pigmentation concordance obtained was 76.36% (expected=54.46% Kappa index=0.48).The reliability measured by Kappa index followed the rule: 0.80‐1.00 (Excellent),0.60‐0.80 (Good) y 0.40‐0.60 (Moderate),0.20‐0.40 (Low),<0.20 (Bad) Conclusion Existing Retinopathies classification systems can be improved, to solve the huge subjective level that they present. Kappa index obtained, shown medium concordance for the inter‐observer analysis, except in Drusen case, dichotomy’s variable, which presented a good reliability. The worse behaviour of the Pigmentation’s variable respect to Drusen variable has to be noted. This has an important influence in the global CARMS reliability, so it makes this influence to fall down
Animal models for the treatment of bacterial keratitis
Authors: KOWALSKI RP 
Published: September 2009

AbstractRabbit models of bacterial keratitis have been used to evaluate the efficacy of anti‐infectives in the clinical treatment of bacterial keratitis. These models can determine: 1) ocular toxicity and tolerance of anti‐infectives to ocular tissue, 2) penetration of anti‐infectives into the cornea, and 3) anti‐bacterial efficacy of the anti‐infectives to corneal bacterial pathogens. The current presentation will cover the structure and limitations of rabbit bacterial keratitis modeling using published data. Topics will include statistical design, the choice of bacterial pathogens, and positive aspects for possible systemic anti‐infective development.
Clearance of dying cells in the retina ‐ relevance to age‐related macula degeneration
Authors: PETROVSKI G , BERENYI E , VAJAS A , FESUS L , FACSKO A , BERTA A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The retina is the place with the highest daily phagocytic turnover in the whole human body. Besides photoreceptor outer segments, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells can engulf other dying cells as well (epithelial, neural, etc.). Failure to do so may result in accumulation of debris that could lead to development of age‐related macula degeneration (AMD). The in vitro dynamics of this clearance process can be modelled using human ARPE‐19 cells and macrophages. Methods Different death patterns were induced in vitro in ARPE‐19 cells: death through detachment from the extracellular matrix on polyHEMA coated surfaces known as anoikis, UV induced apoptosis and Argon‐laser induced necrosis. Two‐colored phagocytic assays were carried out where different phagocytes (living ARPE‐19 cells or human macrophages) engulfed different dying cells. Flow cytometry (FACS Calibur), fluorescent and time‐lapse microscopy (the later not shown) were used to quantify and visualize the phagocytic process. Results The clearance of the anoikic ARPE‐19 cells by the living ARPE‐19 cells (serving as a model for dry AMD) over 8 hours of co‐incubation proved efficient and increasing over time (at 8 hours, over 50% of the phagocytes contained engulfed anoikic ARPE‐19 cells inside). The human macrophages could also engulf the anoikic ARPE‐19 cells (serving as a model for wet AMD), although less efficiently at five times lower rate over the same period. Conclusion The clearance of the different dying ARPE‐19 cells can serve as a good in vitro model for studying AMD, both dry and wet type, as well as for testing different immunological and pharmacological aspects affecting this process.
Relationship between VEGF expression and the retina following light‐damage
Authors: CACHAFEIRO M , BEMELMANS AP , WENZEL A , ARSENIJEVIC Y 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose In the retina, the balance between pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors is critical for angiogenesis and is also involved in cell survival and maintenance. We previously reported an upregulation of VEGF following light‐damage (LD). Furthermore, systemic delivery of PEDF, as well as lentiviral gene transfer of an anti‐VEGF antibody rescued photoreceptors from cell death. Thus, we investigated the effect of high levels of VEGF on the neural retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) after LD. Methods To study the action of VEGF in the retina after LD, we exposed adult Balb/c mice to 5’000 lux for 1h, and we collected neural retinas and eye‐cups (containing RPE) at different time points after LD. We analysed protein expression, RPE cell permeability and then, we studied the action of VEGF and oxydative stress on ARPE19 cells. Results In the neural retina, results indicate that high levels of VEGF induce an upregulation of VEGF‐R2 and increase the src phosphorylation, whereas VEGF‐R1 expression is decreased. Concomitantly with VEGF upregulation, in the RPE we observed a downregulation of PEDF expression and the β‐catenin translocates into the cytoplasm of RPE cells, indicating an increase on permeability. We observe that VEGF treatment did not alter ARPE19 cell junctions in normal conditions, whereas under oxidative stress, VEGF contributes to the disruption of cells junctions. Conclusion This study involves VEGF in LD and highlights the prime importance of angiogenic factor balance for PR survival. Our results suggest that PR apoptosis is augmented by RPE cell permeability, and could contribute indirectly to the deleterious effect of VEGF observed during light‐induced PR apoptosis.
Encouraging results of a VEGF kinoid against experimental choroidal neovascularization
Authors: ABITBOL B , PROVOST A , GROUART‐VOGEL G , BERNIER S , ADAM‐BUCZKOWSKI E , ZAGURY D , ABITBOL M 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The goal of this preliminary study was to evaluate the preventive and curative antiangiogenic properties of a VEGF KINOID vaccine produced by NEOVACS againt experimentally laser induced murine choroidal neovessels Methods 3 groups of 12 adult mice (30g) were submitted to laser impacts breaking slightly the Bruch's membrane and initiating the development of subretinal choroidal neovessels. These laser impacts did not create immediately obvious choroidal lesions leading to blood hemorrhages.One Group of mice was submitted to repeated immunizations up to 5 immunizations by the VEGF Kinoid vaccine associated to a modified freund's adjuvant solution. One group of mice received only the mofified Freund's adjuvant and one group of mice sham injections of PBS in the same conditions. Results We were able to observe a decrease or even the disappearance of the abnormal choroidal neovessels even in animals that had been immunized but had not reached adequate levels of neutralizing antibodies against VEGF. Transient adverse effects were observed in some mice in all the groups of mice. Conclusion Obviously The modified freund's adjuvant solution utilized in this first set of experiments must be avoided or modified in order to avoid adverse effects. The chemistry for the production of the VEGF kinoid production must be improved in order to obtain a better immunizing vaccine.
Commercial interest
Ocular toxoplasmosis recurrences: a single center case report
Authors: SERRA U , JULIAN K , AKNIN C , CASSOUX N , FARDEAU C , BODAGHI B 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To describe recurrence patterns in a cohort of patients with aqueous humor proven ocular toxoplasmosis, followed during 3 years, at a single referral center. Methods Retrospective, observational, non comparative case series including 43 patients who suffered from an active episode of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis during 2005, confirmed by aqueous humour polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity and assisted at the Ophthalmology Department of the Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, France. Clinical files were analyzed in terms of signs of intraocular inflammation, number, size and location of retinochoroidal active lesions and scars, presence of ocular complications related to toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis, angiographic and visual field findings and therapeutic management. Results 20 males and 23 females (mean age 37 year‐old) were followed after an episode of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis confirmed by analysis of ocular fluids. Five of them were immunocompromised and twelve have already experienced at least a previous episode of active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. Recurrences occurred in 13 patients (28%) with a mean age of 48 years. These episodes were noted during the first year of follow‐up, between 12 and 24 months and between 24 and 36 months in 4, 5 and 3 patients respectively. Conclusion Recurrences seem to be more frequent if they occur during the first year after the initial episode of retinochoroiditis, especially in older patients. Prospective studies are needed in order to confirm these preliminary data.
Ophthalmic microsporidiosis: the Manchester experience
Authors: BONSHEK R , CURRY A , IRION L 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose We report cases of ocular and adnexal microsporidiosis diagnosed in Manchester, UK, and review the literature. Methods The archives of the National Specialist Ophthalmic Pathology (NSOPS) Manchester Laboratory and Health Protection Agency Laboratory (HPA)at Manchester Royal Infirmary were reviewed for cases of microsporidiosis between 1990 and 2009. Results 8 cases of ocular and adnexal microsporidiosis were identified. Organisms were Encephalitozoon hellem, Encephalitozoon sp., Vittaforma corneae, Trachipleistophora hominis, Nosema sp. with infection of ocular surface, cornea, nasolacrimal apparatus and nasal sinuses, and eyelid; a historical case of Microsporidium ceylonensis keratitis, first reported by Norman Ashton in 1973 was also reviewed. Ages ranged from 11 years (Ashton’s case) to 50 years. One case was from an HIV +ve patient, the others were immunocompetent. At least 4 infections were contracted whilst the patient was outside the UK. Conclusion Microsporidia, minute obligate intracellular parasites related to fungi, infect via a polar tube housed within a highly resistant spore. Microsporidial infection in HIV/AIDS, usually entereic, is the most reported. Antiretroviral treatment has lowered the incidence of enteric microsporidiosis and ocular infection is increasingly prevalent and often not HIV‐related. In our cases the majority were immunocompetent individuals. LM can be diagnostic if characteristic refractile ZN‐positive spores are seen, but LM does not permit speciation, which usually requires EM. Diligent searching for organisms may be necessary as distribution may be focal. Insufficient data exist for PCR‐based diagnosis of most microsporidial species.Sources and mechanisms of microsporidial infection remain speculative.
An epidemiologic analysis of staphylococcus aureus‐associated keratitis in Boston
Authors: BEHLAU I , HEIMER SR , LEONARD EM , MARTIN JN , DOHLMAN CH , GILMORE MS 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose S. aureus is a normal commensal of the human skin and nasopharynx. It is therefore of interest to determine whether S. aureus keratitis is caused by a subset of these organisms. In this study, the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S.aureus keratitis isolates were analyzed. Methods All S. aureus clinical isolates were prospectively collected over a 24 month period at the MEEI (2006‐2008). The diagnosis of clinical keratitis and associated risk factors was by medical record review. Keratitis‐associated S. aureus strains were assessed for: 1) antibiotic susceptibility, 2) biofilm robustness by gentian violet staining using an in vitro microtiter plate assay, and 3) genetic lineage by multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST). Results 26 cases of keratitis were identified from the 600 S. aureus clinical isolates. Risk factors associated with S.aureus keratitis included trauma, prior surgery, soft contact lens wear, and the presence of a foreign body. Ocular surface disease does not appear to be an independent risk factor. All 26 isolates were tetracycline‐ and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole‐ sensitive. All the MRSA strains were found to be ciprofloxacin‐resistant (10/26). Nearly one‐half of all the S.aureus keratitis‐associated isolates were caused by a single clone, ST5. Both methicillin sensitive and resistant S. aureus strains were represented within ST5. Conclusion These results suggest that there may be specific S.aureus lineages which possess phenotypic and genotypic characteristics that enable S. aureus to more effectively cause sight‐threatening keratitis. Future work will examine their virulence traits and a comparison to commensal S.aureus strains.
Comparison of spectral‐domain cirrus optical coherence tomography (OCT) and time‐domain Stratus OCT for the evaluation of macular and peripapillar retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with diabetes type 2
Authors: GIL ARRIBAS L , GARCIA MARTIN E , IDOIPE M , FUERTES I , PINILLA I 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To compare Cirrus Fourier‐domain OCT with Stratus Time‐domain OCT for measuring the peripapillar retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 without diabetic retinopathy. Methods Prospective study of 49 patients with diabetes type 2. Only one eye by each patient was randomly included in the study. All of them were underwent three optic disc cube 200x200 scans and three macular 512x128 volume cube scans with the Cirrus HD‐OCT system (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.) and with the Stratus system. The average of all the scans was calculated. The RNFL thickness average, the RNFL thickness at each quadrant, and each 12 clock‐hours position were evaluated comparing the two devices. The macular values of the nine areas corresponding to ETDRS protocol were compared between both systems. Results 21 men (42.9%) and 28 women (57.1%) were included in the study. Mean age was 60 (42‐72 years). The average of the macular thickness using Cirrus HD‐OCT was approximately 66.37 µm higher the average measured with Stratus (263.52 µm vs 197.15 µm; p=0.001). We did not find statistically significant differences between Cirrus and Stratus in RNFL average thickness measurements. Statistically differences were only found in one clock‐hour position. Conclusion Macular measurements using Cirrus OCT are higher than those measured with Stratus OCT in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. It doesn’t exist a clear difference in RNFL measurements between two devices. Our results are consistent with other previous studies obtained in healthy subjects in similar conditions.