bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro contact angle and coefficient of friction profiles for daily disposable contact lenses
Authors: GILES TG 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To profile coefficient of friction (COF) and contact angle (CA) performance of popular daily disposable contact lenses many of which contain comfort additives. COF indicates the level of friction that may be experienced between a contact lens and ocular surfaces (corneal epithelium and palpebral conjunctiva). Small CA values indicate a more wettable lens surface. Methods CA's and static and dynamic COF's were measured on commercially available nelfilcon A with PVA (NA); nelfilcon A with HPMC, PEG and PVA (NB); etafilcon A with added povidone (E); hilafilcon B (H); and omafilcon A (O) contact lenses. Lenses were removed from the original packages and measured for out of package (TO) or rinsed in PBS for 1 hour (T1) or 4 hours (T4) and measured. Unpaired t‐tests with alpha <0.05 were used to compare between and within lenses and report statistically significant differences. Results At TO, the CA's averaged NA (9.6), NB (11.4), E (39.6), H (11.2), and O (44.6). After rinsing the NA and NB lenses maintained the lowest CA's. The highest CA was with E at T4 (78.2). At TO, the lowest static and kinetuc COF's were measured on NA (0.006 and 0.027 respectively) while the highest static and kinetic COF's were measured on O (0.831 and 1.114). After rinsing, static COF's were statistically unchanged for NB and O (which contains no comfort additives) and all others increased at T1 and T4 from their T0 values. Conclusion The contact angle and friction performance of daily disposable contact lenses was found to vary widely. Nelfilcon A with PVA were the most wettable as indicated by having the lowest CA. Nelfilcon A with PVA, PEG and HPMC showed low static and kinetic COF's that remained stable with rinsing.
Commercial interest
Intracameral cefuroxime: evaluation of stability in normal saline and balanced salt solutions
Authors: RIGAL SASTOURNE JC , MULLOT H , MULLOT JU , SGARIOTO A , HUART B , GENTES P 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Intracameral cefuroxime use is an increasing practice to prevent post‐operative bacterial endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. First objective is to test stability of cefuroxime solution up to seven days at +4 °C in normal saline solution (NSS). Second objective is to evaluate if cefuroxime may be stable when prepared and stored in a less described solvent: balanced salt solution (BSS). Methods 0.4 mL syringes containing cefuroxime solution at 10 mg per mL are prepared in a laminar air flow by pharmacists. One set of 18 syringes is prepared with NSS, another set is prepared with BSS and stored in the same conditions (+ 4°C). Three syringes of each solvent are randomly selected every day after preparation (day 1) and tested for their cefuroxime content on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7. Cefuroxime content is measured by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV detection without any modification prior to injection. Results In NSS a concentration of 9.1 mg/mL [8.8 – 9.4] is measured on day 7, that is statistically different from the concentration of 9.9 mg/mL [9.4 – 10.4] measured on day 1. In BSS a concentration of 10.4 mg/mL [10.2 – 10.7] is measured on day 7, that is statistically not different from the concentration of 10.6 mg/mL [10.4 – 10.8] measured on day 1. Conclusion The decrease of cefuroxime concentration observed in NSS is not a subject of major concern due to its limited intensity (< 10%). Moreover, syringes are currently used before day 7 in practice. The good physico‐chemical stability observed in BSS is promising but should be confirmed by microbiological tests.
Flicker induced vasodilatation is reduced in chronic smokers
Authors: LASTA M , PEMP B , WEIGERT G , SACU S , SCHMETTERER L , GARHOFER G 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Habitual smoking is a risk factor for a couple of vascular diseases, including ocular pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy or age‐related macular degeneration. In the current study, we set out to investigate whether the regulation of retinal vascular tone is impaired in habitual smokers. For this purpose, vascular reactivity was tested using flicker light induced vasodilatation in smokers and in a non smoking control group. Methods In this prospective, balanced, parallel group study, 24 chronic smokers (smoking at least 1 pack year) and 24 age and sex matched never‐smoking volunteers were included. Flicker induced vasodilatation was determined using the Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyser. Flicker light induced vasodilatation was expressed by percent change of baseline. Intraocular pressure was determined using applanation tonometry. Results Intraocular pressure and mean arterial pressure were comparable in both groups. Stimulation with flicker light increased retinal venous diameter by +7.6+‐ 3.3 in non‐smoking subjects. The flicker induced vasodilatation, however, was significantly diminished in chronic smokers (+4.9+‐ 2.4; p<0.05). Flicker stimulation did not affect mean arterial pressure or intraocular pressure. Conclusion Our data clearly indicate that flicker response is reduced in chronic smokers compared to age matched healthy volunteers. This supports the hypothesis that chronic smoking leads to endothelial dysfunction in the eye.
Electroretinography and macular edema in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: SHAMSHINOVA AM , ARAKELYAN MA , MANSURINA NB , KARLOVA IZ 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To examine the electrophysiological symptoms in patients with preproliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PPDR, PDR) with macular edema (ME). Methods 24 patients with type II diabetes were investigated. OCT presented a focal, diffuse and clinically significant ME. ISCEV standard ERG methods, as well as chromatic macular and multifocal ERG (mf ERG), long‐duration flash ERG, pattern ERG (PERG) and retinocortical time (RTT) were performed. Results ERG changes were similar in PPDR and PDR with ME. Full‐field and flicker ERG were normal or subnormal depending on the localization of the pathological process in retina. The amplitude and interpeak latency of OPs were significantly changed. A different amplitude reduction of macular chromatic ERG to red, green and blue stimuli and prolonged b‐wave latency to green and blue stimuli were revealed. The retinal density of bioelectrical activity and amplitudes of N1, P1 components were decreased. A long‐duration flash ERG showed normal or subnormal ON‐response and diminished OFF‐response. The pathological macular and mf ERG were attended by pathological full‐field and flicker ERG in certain cases. N95 component oPERG was changed in amplitude and implicit time. The RTT was prolonged in most of the patients. Conclusion The ERG signs point to extent inclusion in pathological process of different retinal structures and layers. PERG and RTT changes indicate initial functional damage of the optic nerve. It is necessary to compare OCT and ERG data for understanding of mechanisms of visual disturbance in DR. The number of cases in which clinical and functional signs did not correspond to each other must be a subject to deep analysis before choosing a medical or laser treatment.
The role of mycophenolate mofetil in uveitis therapy
Authors: NERI P 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To summarize current evidences for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) therapies in the treatment of uveitis. The review emphasizes the safety and efficacy of MMF in the treatment of inflammatory ocular diseases. Methods The review describes published research since early nineties, and reports the experience of a tertiary‐referral center. Results Studies in other disciplines have proven the efficacy of MMF with a long‐lasting remission in patients affected by Crohn’s disease, severe atopic dermatitis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, rheumatoid arthritis, pemphigus vugaris, and psoriasis. Recent publications have confirmed the satisfactory control of uveitis with MMF in a large cohort of patients. Severe ocular inflammations can also have late sequela, generated by the chronic damage to the retina: cystoid macular oedema (CMO) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) can be late occurrences. MMF has been recently used for the control of such sequela, showing a promising role in the control of both CNV and CMO. Conclusion Non‐infectious uveitis is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in ophthalmology. Steroids can control such disease and its sequela, but a long‐term therapy with steroids could lead to complications such as high blood sugar level, osteoporosis, blood cell abnormalities, cataract and glaucoma. MMF is a reversible, non competitive, selective inhibitor of the de‐novo pathway of purine synthesis; mycophenolic acid has a strong effect to Type II isoform of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase enzyme, providing a stronger cytostatic effect on lymphocytes than on other cells types, with minor action to Type I expressed in most other cells. The specific action of MMF on selected targets makes it a promising drug for the control of non‐infectious intraocular inflammations.
Infrared reflectance in choroidal melanoma and its correlation with fundus autofluorescence
Authors: AMSELEM L , PULIDO JS , GUNDUZ K 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose We have previously shown that fundus autofluorescence (FAF) improves visualization of lipofuscin (orange pigment) and subretinal fluid in pigmented choroidal melanomas in comparison with conventional fundus photography. The purpose of this study is to describe infrared reflectance (IRR) imaging findings in choroidal melanomas and compare them with those obtained by FAF imaging. Methods Retrospective chart review of 7 consecutive patients with choroidal melanoma who underwent FAF and IRR photography. The correlation between IRR and FAF patterns and foci of orange pigment, hyperpigmentation, lipid exudates, fibrous metaplasia and subretinal fluid, was evaluated. Results Orange pigment is hyperreflective in IRR imaging. IRR imaging highlights the presence of condensed clumps of orange pigment, presenting a good correlation with FAF imaging, but hardly detects diffuse fine lipofuscin. Hyperpigmentation is isoreflective with the normal fundus, showing low correlation with FAF, where they appear mainly hypofluorescent. Lipid exudates are hyperreflective in IRR imaging and difficult to distinguish from the orange pigment, creating a “confusion factor”. Fibrous metaplasia is mainly hyperreflective while it is hypofluorescent in FAF imaging. Subretinal fluid is hardly visible in IRR imaging, while FAF imaging highlights its presence. The top of dome‐shaped surfaces in the fundus is usually hyperreflective, creating a “noise factor” that doesn´t exist in FAF imaging. Conclusion IRR imaging improves visualization of lipofuscin in choroidal melanomas in comparison with conventional fundus photography, but is inferior to FAF imaging.
Retinal oximetry: clinical studies
Authors: HARDARSON SH , TRAUSTASON S , GOTTFREDSDOTTIR MS , KARLSSON RA , HALLDORSSON GH , EYSTEINSSON T , BEACH JM , BENEDIKTSSON JA , STEFANSSON E 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Disturbances in blood flow and oxygenation are believed to be involved in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusion and possibly glaucoma. The purpose of the studies presented here is to measure haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SatO2) in retinal vessels in patients with these diseases. Methods Our retinal oximeter is based on a fundus camera, which is coupled with beam splitters and narrow band‐pass light filters. The oximeter yields fundus images with 4 wavelengths of light simultaneously. Two wavelengths, 605nm and 586nm, are used for estimation of SatO2. Measurements were made on (A) 7 patients with CRVO, (B) 19 patients before and after glaucoma surgery and (C) 21 patient with diabetic retinopathy, who were compared with 20 healthy volunteers. Results (A) Venous SatO2 was 53±9% in CRVO eyes and 65±4% in fellow eyes (mean±SD, p=0.015, n=7). (B) Glaucoma surgery has a minimal effect on SatO2 in both arterioles (2% rise, p=0.046, n=19) and venules (no change). IOP was lowered by 13mmHg. (C) SatO2 in retinal venules was 60±8% in healthy volunteers (n=20), 67±7% in patients with non‐proliferative DR (n=12, p<0.05 compared to healthy) and 68±6% (n=9, p<0.05) in patients with proliferative DR after PRP treatment. Conclusion Human retinal vessel oximetry can detect changes in various ocular diseases and this may help us understand the pathophysiology. The decreased venous SatO2 in CRVO is probably caused by decreased blood flow. A small change in SatO2 after glaucoma surgery may indicate a large change in oxygen delivery since blood flow may be increased with IOP lowering. Higher venous SatO2 in DR patients may for example be explained with arteriovenous shunting of blood.
Commercial interest
The pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) in patients with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS)
Authors: NOWAK MS , KLYSIK AB , WASZCZYKOWSKA A , GOS R , SMIGIELSKI J 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To determine the correlations of pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) and intra ocular pressure (IOP) with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS). Methods The study design was cross‐sectional. A total number of 26 patients, recruited into the study between January 2006 and February 2008, who underwent polysomnography were selected for the study. All of them were of European Caucasian Origin. The study participants were contacted by telephone and scheduled for eye examination. Sleep apnea syndrome was diagnosed if the apnea‐hypopnoea index (AHI) was > 5, based on whole night polysomnographic recordings. Patients with sleep apnea syndrome using CPAP were excluded from the study. Each patient underwent a slit lamp and indirect ophthalmoscope evaluation of anterior and posterior segment as well as pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) examination. POBF was recorded in sitting position after instillation of one drop of Alcaine. In this study, only average POBF and IOP were included for the analyses. Results Of them, 17 (65.4%) patients had sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and 9 (34.6%) patients were healthy and served as the control group. The study revealed that the differences between rates of average POBF and IOP measurements in the SAS group and in the control group were not statistically significant either in the right or in the left eyes (p> 0.05) Conclusion Although, experimental studies showed that POBF was lowered in hypoxia, in our patients there was no correlation between pulsatile ocular blood flow and sleep apnea syndrome. Further investigations, concerning vascular impairment, are needed to give evidence of the mechanism of the optic nerve damage in the SAS.
Purkinje based IOL centration
Authors: TASSIGNON MJ 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Surgeon‐controlled centration of IOLs might be an issue when introducing IOL optics yielding additional properties aiming at correcting spherical aberrations, astigmatism and accommodation or pseudoaccommodation. Methods First and third Purkinje reflexes can be used during cataract surgery for the purpose of IOL alignment provided the IOL allows that freedom of action. The bag‐in‐the‐lens (BIL) concept has been designed to add this dimension of freedom to the surgeon. Results When using the Purkinje alignment method, a physiological nasally positioning of the IOL can be observed. Aberrometry shows an increased spherical aberration but no increase of other HO aberrations. Conclusion Surgeon‐controlled centration of IOL is possible with the BIL implantation technique. This opens new perspectives for further development and alignment of the optic.
Commercial interest
Effects of antioxidants on ocular blood flow in the LPS‐induced inflammation model in humans
Authors: FUCHSJÄGER‐MAYRL G , POLSKA E , MINNICHMAYER A , WEIGERT G , RESCH H , PEMP B , LASTA M , SCHMETTERER L 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose We set out to investigate whether the AREDS medication is capable of normalizing retinal blood flow reactivity to systemic hyperoxia in a human lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model. Methods The present study was a randomized double masked placebo‐controlled parallel group study in 21 healthy volunteers. The infusion of LPS was used as a standardized experimental model of systemic inflammation associated with enhanced oxidative stress and widespread endothelial dysfunction in humans. Ocular hemodynamic measurements were performed before endotoxemia and 4 hours after the subjects had received an LPS bolus. At each of these time points the retinal vascular reactivity to hyperoxia was studied. After the first trial day the subjects had to take either the AREDS medication (n=14) or a placebo (n=7) for 14 days. Thereafter a second trial day was performed on which the time schedule exactly followed the first day as described above. Results As expected LPS induced retinal vasodilatation (p < 0.01) together with an increase in retinal leukocyte density, which occurred because to systemic leukocytosis. The oxygen induced decrease in retinal blood flow was reduced after infusion of LPS (p < 0.01). This effect was partially restored after intake of the AREDS medication, but not after intake of placebo (p = 0.04) between groups. Conclusion Our findings support previous data showing that LPS induces impaired endothelial function. This effect was significantly reduced by the AREDS medication. Our model may be used to study the effects of various antioxidants and the components of the AREDS medication on oxidative stress‐induced vascular dysregulation in the human retina.
Control Design and Robustness Analysis of Linear Time-Periodic Systems
Authors: Kalender S. , Flashner H. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
This paper proposes a new design approach for control of periodically time-varying systems. The approach is based on the point-mapping technique to obtain an equivalent linear time-invariant sampled-data system for the linear periodically time-varying system with a piecewise parametrization of the control vector. This allows the known control design techniques for sampled-data systems to be applied. The proposed approach is then extended for analysis of robustness of the control design with respect to plant parametric uncertainties. This is achieved by computation of approximate discrete-time dynamics of the perturbed system by truncated point-mappings. By computing an upper norm bound on the error due to the truncated approximations, the robustness analysis of the system with respect to the parametric uncertainties is then formulated as a discrete-time structured singular value problem. Two numerical examples are considered to illustrate the approach and the extension of the approach for robust stability analysis.
DNA from BK Virus and JC Virus and from KI, WU, and MC Polyomaviruses as Well as from Simian Virus 40 Is Not Detected in Non-UV-Light-Associated Primary Malignant Melanomas of Mucous Membranes
Authors: Giraud Géraldine , Ramqvist Torbjörn , Ragnarsson-Olding Boel , Dalianis Tina 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
The single most important causative factor for malignant melanomas of the skin is UV radiation. However, this is not true for melanomas on body surfaces sheltered from the sun; thus, it is important to seek new causative factors of melanoma genesis. Human papillomaviruses and gammaherpesviruses are associated with human skin cancer; for example, human papillomavirus types 5 and 8 are associated with epidermodysplasia verruciformis, and human herpesvirus 8 is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma. Recently, a newly described human polyomavirus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), has been associated with Merkel cell carcinoma, an unusual form of neurotropic skin cancer. Moreover, melanocytes are of neuroepithelial origin. This background impelled us to investigate if human polyomavirus DNA could play a role in the development of extracutaneous melanomas. Sixty-four extracutaneous melanomas were initially collected and dissected. Of these, 38 could be successfully used for further testing for the presence of the five human polyomaviruses known so far—BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV), KI polyomavirus (KIPyV), WU polyomavirus (WUPyV), and MCPyV—and of simian virus 40 (SV40). No polyomavirus DNA could be detected in any of the samples tested by use of a nested PCR detecting BKV, JCV, and SV40; a newly designed PCR detecting KIPyV and WUPyV; or a newly designed PCR for MCPyV. We conclude that since no human polyomavirus DNA was detected in primary malignant melanomas on non-sun-exposed body surfaces, these polyomaviruses presumably are not major factors for the development of extracutaneous melanomas.
Conserved Salt Bridge between the N- and C-Terminal Heptad Repeat Regions of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gp41 Core Structure Is Critical for Virus Entry and Inhibition
Authors: He Yuxian , Liu Shuwen , Li Jingjing , Lu Hong , Qi Zhi , Liu Zhonghua , Debnath Asim K. , Jiang Shibo 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

The fusogenic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 core structure is a stable six-helix bundle formed by its N- and C-terminal heptad repeat sequences. Notably, the negatively charged residue Asp
632
located at the pocket-binding motif in the C-terminal heptad repeat interacts with the positively charged residue Lys
574
in the pocket formation region of the N-terminal heptad repeat to form a salt bridge. We previously demonstrated that the residue Lys
574
plays an essential role in six-helix bundle formation and virus infectivity and is a key determinant of the target for anti-HIV fusion inhibitors. In this study, the functionality of residue Asp
632
has been specifically characterized by mutational analysis and biophysical approaches. We show that Asp
632
substitutions with positively charged residues (D632K and D632R) or a hydrophobic residue (D632V) could completely abolish Env-mediated viral entry, while a protein with a conserved substitution (D632E) retained its activity. Similar to the Lys
574
mutations, nonconserved substitutions of Asp
632
also severely impaired the α-helicity, stability, and conformation of six-helix bundles as shown by N36 and C34 peptides as a model system. Furthermore, nonconserved substitutions of Asp
632
significantly reduced the potency of C34 to sequestrate six-helix bundle formation and to inhibit HIV-1-mediated cell-cell fusion and infection, suggesting its importance for designing antiviral fusion inhibitors. Taken together, these data suggest that the salt bridge between the N- and C-terminal heptad repeat regions of the fusion-active HIV-1 gp41 core structure is critical for viral entry and inhibition.