bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conjunctival melanoma & histone deacetylase inhibitors
Authors: MADIGAN MC , CUNNEEN TS , NAREYECK G , ANASTASSIOU G , CONWAY RM 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Conjunctival melanoma is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. Malignant conjunctival melanoma or primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia are usually treated by surgical excision and cryotherapy. Topical mitomycin C (MMC) is also increasingly used for treating PAM with atypia. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can modify tumour growth and induce tumour cell death, and may be useful adjuvants for treating conjunctival melanoma. We examined the effects of HDAC inhibitors (sodium butyrate ‐ SB , Trichostatin A ‐ TSA) and MMC on the growth and survival of human conjunctival melanoma cells. Methods: Two conjunctival melanoma cell lines (CRMM‐1 & CRMM‐2), and primary human melanocytes and fibroblasts, were treated with SB (0‐8mM), TSA (0‐1uM), and MMC (0‐20ug/ml) for up to 72 hrs. Viability was assessed using MTT assays and cell counts. Inverted and fluorescence microscopy was used to assess morphology and cell death (DNA stains). Results: HDACs and MMC significantly decreased cell growth and viability in a concentration and time dependent manner for both conjunctival melanoma cell lines. Low concentration HDACs (<2mM SB; <0.1uM TSA) reduced melanoma cell growth, associated with morphological differentiation, particularly in CRMM‐1 cells. Melanocytes and fibroblasts remained viable with HDACs, although at maximal doses used (SB 8mM, TSA 1uM), some cell death was seen. At 48 hrs, MMC >5ug/ml killed >80% of CRMM‐1 & CRMM‐2 cells. Conclusions: These observations suggest that HDACs do not affect melanocyte and fibroblast viability at doses which can inhibit growth and survival of conjunctival melanoma cells. As such, these compounds may be useful for controlling conjunctival melanoma growth, alone or combined with topical agents such as MMC.
A software system for automatic estimation of corneal epithelial cell density in confocal microscopy
Authors: RUGGERI A , GRISAN E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The problem of reliable automatic estimation of density of corneal epithelial cells in images from confocal microscopy was addressed. The reliability of estimated densities should be comparable to that of manual cell count. Methods: The spatial frequencies contained in epithelial images can be extracted with suitable mathematical techniques (2‐dimension Discrete Fourier Transform, DFT). An algorithm for reliably identifying the spatial frequency information and for deriving from it an estimate of the cell density has been developed. A preliminary entropy‐based pre‐processing was carried out to extract from the whole image the ROI (region of interest) where cells are visible. A prototype of the whole algorithm was implemented in the Matlab® language and run on a personal computer. A preliminary evaluation was performed on a data set containing 24 images from normal subjects (see e.g. enclosed image), acquired with a ConfoScan 3 confocal microscope (Nidek Technologies, Italy). Reference manual counts were performed on each image by an experienced optometrist. Results: Mean percent difference of automatic densities vs. manual ones was ?1%, with std dev 10% and range [?17% ? +18%]. Mean percent absolute difference was 9%, with std dev 4% and range [+1% ? +18%]. Running times of the prototype were in the order of 40 seconds per image. Conclusions: A new algorithm was developed for the automatic estimation of epithelial cell density. A preliminary evaluation of the proposed technique confirmed its capability of reliably estimating corneal epithelial cell density in confocal images of normal subjects. Implementation of the algorithm with a more efficient computer language, e.g. C++, will allow execution times in the order of 2‐3 seconds.
Patients with coronary heart disease show reduced dynamic retinal arterial reaction
Authors: LANZL IM , ALI M , SCHMIDT‐TRUCKSAESS A , HALLE M , PRESSLER A , KOTLIAR KE 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Coronary heart disease (CHD) and related vascular disorders are able to change vascular endothelial function. Whether the dynamic reaction to luminance flicker stimulation in retinal branch arteries and veins differs between healthy volunteers and patients suffering from CHD is investigated using the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (DVA). Methods: Retinal vessel reactions to flicker stimulation were examined in 21 CHD‐patients (57,9±6,9 years old) and in 21 age and gender matched healthy volunteers. Vessel diameters of retinal vessel segments were assessed with DVA. After baseline assessment for 1 min a monochromatic (530‐600nm) rectangular luminance flicker of 12.5 Hz was applied for 20 s for 3 consecutive times. Results: In most volunteers a retinal arterial dilation in comparison to the baseline as well as an ensuing reactive arterial constriction were observed. In detail we found arterial reactions in % to baseline:...............................CHD.......control...p‐value(U‐test)mean maximalarterial dilation........2,4±1,3*..3,9±2,3...0,02mean maximalvenous dilation........3,4±2,1....4,5±1,7...0,08mean maximalarterial constriction.‐1,0±1,2..‐1,3±1,3...0,7 Conclusions: Functional retinal arterial vessel reaction to flicker stimulation differs between CHD‐patients and healthy subjects of the same age and gender. Maximal dilation as a response to the stimulus is not reached. This might be explained with a different basic vessel tonus as well as with possible endothelial dysfunction in CHD. Application of luminance monochromatic flicker stimulus to retinal vessels may represent a possible method to assess the state of impairment of regulatory reserve of vessels of the central circulation.
Optimal stimulus size maps in the primary visual cortex revealed by optical imaging in cats
Authors: CASANOVA C , VANNI M , VILLENEUVE MY 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: It is well known that the responses of cells in the primary visual cortex depend on stimulus size. While the stimulus‐size dependency has been well documented at the cellular level, nothing is known about its consequences on global functional maps. Methods: Optical imaging of intrinsic signals in the primary visual cortex was carried out in anesthetized cats. Stimuli consisted of 0.75 to 0.1 cycles per degree square‐wave gratings drifting in 8 directions at 2 to 4 Hz and were presented monocularly. Responses were obtained for different stimulus diameters (3 to 50 deg, and a full screen condition). Results: The minimal visual stimulation necessary to activate areas 17 and 18 was around 3 and 6 deg. in diameter respectively. The activation area of cortex (10‐30 mm2) was dependent of the eccentricity (0 to 30 deg). The pixelwise measure of the signal magnitude in this area showed a modular organisation uncorrelated with the orientation map and stable in time: Half of the pixels had a maximum activation for the full screen stimulation (full field facilitation) and the other half attained their maximum for diameters about 15 and 30 deg of diameter in area 17 and 18 respectively (full field suppression). The suppression by the full screen stimulation was around 30% in both areas. Conclusions: Thus, the maximum activation revealed by optical imaging necessitates the stimulation of a much larger spatial area than that observed with single cells. This difference is likely due to the fact that this method reflects in‐ and out going signals and reveals activity of adjacent neurons being part of intra‐cortical and thalamo‐cortical circuits. Supp: NSERC and CIHR.
Decreased OCT measured central retinal thickness in patients with and without minimal diabetic retinopathy
Authors: KOK PHB , VAN DIJK HW , BIALLOSTERSKI C , VAN VELTHOVEN MEJ , VERBRAAK FD 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate OCT measured central retinal thickness (RT) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, with or without minimal diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: DM patients with or without minimal DR on biomicroscopy, were included and underwent a full ophthalmologic examination, (redfree) fundus photography and OCT scanning of the macula using StratusOCT (Zeiss). Mean RT measurements of the fovea (A1), pericentral ring (A2‐A5) and the peripheral ring (A6‐A9) in the patients were compared with RT measurements in normal, sex and age‐matched subjects. Results: One hundred DM patients were included in this study of which 50 type 1 and 50 type 2. Fundus photography showed either no abnormalities or only few microaneurysms in the posterior pole. The mean pericentral RT was significantly decreased in DM patients with and without minimal DR compared with the normal controls (n=100).The predicted value of the mean pericentral RT calculated with a regression model, based on the normal subjects, was not significantly different from the truly measured mean pericentral RT. Conclusions: In contrast with previous studies, we found that the pericentral RT in DM patients seems to be decreased compared to healthy subjects. This could be explained by the loss of intraretinal neurons in the earliest stage of DR. The use of a regression model suggests this neural tissue loss is not restricted to the pericentral region.
Minocycline is cytoprotective in human trabecular meshwork cells and optic nerve head astrocytes by increasing expression of XIAP, Survivin and Bcl‐2
Authors: KERNT M , NEUBAUER AS , YU AL , KAMPIK A , WELGE‐LUSSEN U 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading cause for blindness. Activation of optic nerve head astrocytes (ONHA) and loss of trabecular meshwork cells (TMC) are pathognomonic for this disease. Oxidative stress (OS) and elevated levels of TGF‐beta play an important role in the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disease. This study investigates possible anti‐apoptotic and cytoprotective effects of Minocycline (M) on TMC and ONHA under OS and TGF‐beta. Methods: TMC and ONHA were treated with 1μM to 150μM M. Possible toxic effects and IC50 were evaluated after 24h (MTT). To investigate possible protective effects of M on TMC and ONHA, cell proliferation and viability was examined. Expression of XIAP, Survivin as well as Bcl‐2 and their mRNA was assessed by RT‐PCR 24h after treatment with M alone, additional incubation with TGF‐beta‐2 and OS. Results: M concentrations from 1μM to 75μM showed no toxic effects on TMC and ONHA. Under conditions of OS both TMC and ONHA showed an increase in viability and ability to proliferate when treated with 20‐40μM M. RT‐PCR yielded an overexpression of XIAP, Survivin and Bcl‐2, when TMC or ONHA cells were treated with 20‐40μM M for 24 hours, under OS and when additionally incubated with TGF‐beta2. Conclusions: We could show that M does not have toxic effects on TMC and ONHA cells up to 75μM. The observed increase in viability and proliferation under OS and TGF‐beta2 and the overexpression of XIAP, Survivin and Bcl‐2 after treatment with 20‐40μM M might prevent apoptotic‐cell‐death in response to cellular stress and may be a protective pathway for TMC and ONHA to avoid progression of glaucomatous degeneration.
Human choroidal endothelial cell growth factor signalling in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: STEWART EA , BROWING AC , AMOAKU WMK 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible visual loss in elderly populations in the western world[1]. As the population ages, the number of people with AMD will increase even further with marked economic implications. Neovascularisation by human choroidal endothelial cells (hCEC) causes wet AMD; however, the mechanisms responsible are not fully understood. In order to assist in the development of future treatments of AMD, further investigation is required into the intracellular mechanisms involved in the activation of hCECs. Methods: hCEC were isolated and cultured in EBM2‐MV medium as previously described. Cell proliferation after exposure to selected growth factors was measured using the WST‐1 assay, which was validated by manual cell counting. The effect of the growth factors on angiogenesis was assessed using a double layer Matrigel technique. The signalling involved was analysed by isolating phosphotyrosine proteins and 2D gel electrophoresis. Results: A consistent pattern was seen between growth factors in all experiments. For example VEGF stimulated significant increases (180% and 160%) in both proliferation and angiogenesis, whilst IGF‐1 did not significantly increase either. Conclusions: Several growth factors may have potent roles in AMD and this complicates its treatment. The identification of the specific signalling pathways involved in growth factor stimulation may allow more specifically targeted treatments of AMD in the future.
Orbscan evaluation of keratoconus
Authors: HERNANDEZ VERDEJO J , CANADAS SUAREZ P , MARINA C , GARCIA‐GONZALEZ M , TEUS MA 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate corneal structure in keratoconus eyes using “in vivo” laser confocal microscopy. Methods: In this prospective study we evaluated 23 eyes of 12 consecutive patients with keratoconus [6 men and 6 women, mean aged 37,30 ± 9,93; range: 23‐52 years]. 23 eyes of normal patient were the control group. Keratoconus were classified in mild (<47D), moderate (entre 47‐55D) and severe (>55D).We evaluated using laser confocal microscopy the corneal epithelium, Bowman layer and anterior, intermediate and posterior stroma. We quantified the mean density per mm2 of basal epithelial cells, anterior stromal keratocites (50 μm down Bowman layer), intermediate and posterior (50 μm up endothelial cells). All measurements were done by the same masked examiner. Results: Of the 23 eyes, 16 had mid keratoconus , 5 moderate keratoconus and 2 severe keratoconus.Basal epithelial cells density was 5600,22 cél./mm2 ± 975,13. Keratocite density was 391,04 cél./mm2 ± 105,39 in anterior stroma, 353,83 cél./mm2 ± 53,28 in intermediate stroma and 349,43 cél./ mm2 ± 61,34 in posterior stroma. We found a reduction of cellular density in all measurements with a p<0,01 when compared with normal population. Conclusions: Using laser confocal microscopy HRT2‐RCM is possible to measure the reduction of the keratocite population in keratoconus eyes. The clinical relevance and implications that this fact may have need further research.
Remodelling of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans in the zebrafish cornea during development
Authors: AKHTAR S , SCHONTHALER HB , BRON AJ , DAHM R 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Collagen fibrils and proteoglycans are the main components of the corneal extracellular matrix and corneal transparency depends crucially on their proper organisation. We investigated their formation and arrangement in the developing cornea of the zebrafish, a major model of vertebrate development and genetic disease. Methods: We employed thin‐section electron microscopy to investigate the ultrastructure of the zebrafish cornea at different stages of development. Results: Layering of the zebrafish cornea into an epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma and endothelium was observed by 72 hours post‐fertilization. At this stage, the stroma contained orthogonally arranged collagen fibrils and small proteoglycans. The density of proteoglycans increased gradually throughout subsequent development. In the stroma of 2 week old larvae, the collagen fibrils were organized into thin lamellae for the first time and were separated by very large, randomly distributed proteoglycans. At 4 weeks, a regular arrangement of proteoglycans around the collagen fibrils was observed for the first time and the lamellae also thickened. Conclusions: This is the first report of collagen fibril and proteoglycan development in the zebrafish cornea and it directly correlates collagen fibril and proteoglycan organisation of the zebrafish cornea with that of the human cornea. The similarities between the two species, including the possession of a Bowman layer, suggest that the zebrafish could serve as a model for the genetics of human corneal development and inherited disease.
Lymphocyte activation marker analysis in patients with sight threatening uveitis
Authors: WILLERMAIN F , VEREERTBRUGGHEN H , SERVAIS G , BRUYNS C , CASPERS L , DUCHATEAU J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the expression of CD69 on CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes of patients with autoimmune uveitis Methods: Peripheral blood from 14 patients with severe autoimmune uveitis and 15 healthy controls was directly cultured in RPMI for 3 days. T lymphocytes were thereafter analysed by flow cytometry for the expression of CD25, CD69 or CD28, CD69 on CD4+ or CD8+ T cells respectively. Results: The expression of CD69 by CD4+ lymphocytes of patients with uveitis was significantly higher than in control subjects (p=0.029). This difference was more pronounced when CD69 expression was analysed on CD4+CD25++ lymphocytes (p=0.016) and lost for CD4+CD25+ T cells. Besides, the number of CD4+CD25++ lymphocytes was increased in the uveitis group (p=0.01). However, we did not observed any correlation between the level of CD69 on CD4+ lymphocytes and the severity or aetiology of the disease. No differences were found when the expression of CD69 was studied on CD8+ lymphocytes. Conclusions: Our results suggest that some patients with autoimmune uveitis have a spontaneous activation of their CD4+CD25 ++ lymphocytes.
Strampelli's osteo‐odonto‐keratoprosthesis
Authors: BARRAQUER J , TEMPRANO J , DE LA PAZ MF 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: This presentation is meant for the keratoprosthesis session organized by Christopher Liu. The early technique for "osteo‐odonto‐keratoprosthesis" described first by Strampelli in 1963 is demonstrated converting the inclusion of an acrylic prosthesis into an "heterotopic autoplastic transplantation" for the management of chemical and thermal burns, autoimmune disease (Stevens‐Johnsons, Lyell), trachoma or pemphigoid scarring, etc. Methods: The surgery comprises three phases. Phase 1: Superficial keratectomy, cleaning and repair of the ocular surface and the fornices and transplantation of buccal mucosa from the internal lip onto the ocular surface. Phase 2: Removal of a superior canine surrounded by dentine and bone. After shaping an adequate lamina of tooth and bone a central trephination is performed to receive the optical PMMA cylinder which is glued into place with dental glue. Then the entire block is placed into the inferior orbital space for biointegration. Phase 3 consists in removal of the osteo‐odonto‐keratoprosthesis from the orbital socket, dissection of the buccal mucosa, central trephination of thehost cornea and fixation of the osteo‐odonto.keratoprosthesis into the corneo‐scleral bed. Results: Some results and variations of the early technique are illustrated and discussed. Conclusions: Although the technique was primitive and complicated, Strampelli's idea to use autoplastic tissue to incorporate the artificial prothesis into the ocular surface has to be coinsidered of great importance for the evolution of modern techniques of keratoprosthesis implantation.
Watch out if you tell it with flowers: Euphorbia latex keratitis
Authors: LANGMAN ME , DIGHIERO PL , GICQUEL JJ 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To report an unusual case of deep corneal ulceration due to the latex of Euphorbia. Methods: A 76 year old woman presented in emergency to the ophthalmology department with a red, painful eye and blurred vision 2 days after ocular exposition to the sap of Euphorbia species. Results: The best corrected visual acuity was 20/200. The examination in the slit lamp showed a deep central corneal ulceration, epithelial sloughing and Descemet’s folds. Cultures were sterile.The patient underwent local treatment, ciprofloxacin and picloxydine dichlorhydrate 0, 05% for 10 days with a corneal ulceration healing. A punctuate keratitis remained which disappeared under vitamin A ointment. Regular controls were performed. The best corrected final visual acuity found 3 weeks later was 20/25. A review of the literature revealed that Euphorbia sap has an antineoplastic effect in rodents. This could be a cause of the delay in the corneal epithelial healing process. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first case reported of a corneal ulceration after eye contact with the latex of Euphorbiaceae. The clinical findings described in the literature varied from a mild keratoconjuntivitis to a severe keratitis with stromal edema, epithelial sloughing and anterior uveitis. We also encourage to wearing eye protection in those who work with this family of plants.
Nodular Degeneration
Authors: WOOD TO , WILLIAMS EE , HAMILTON DL 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Recent studies suggest that Salzman's Nodular Degeneration can be treated effectively using excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). However, superficial keratectomy (SPK), a simple office procedure for removing the nodules, has shown similar post‐operative results. The purpose of the study is to describe this procedure and present post‐operative outcomes relative to improvement and/or stabilization of vision and relief of discomfort. Methods: The study sample consisted of 36 eyes among 30 consecutive patients with symptomatic Nodular Degeneration. Twenty‐five were female. Twenty‐six eyes presented with decreased vision and discomfort, four with only decreased vision, and six with only irritation. All patients underwent removal of the nodules using the SPK procedure. Results: Thirty‐three of the 36 eyes have follow‐up at the present time (average follow‐up, 1 year). Thirty‐two of the 33 eyes have had improvement in vision, discomfort, or both. One has had improvement in vision but occasionally experiences mild discomfort. Two patients with initial improvement through 9 and 13 months had asymptomatic recurrences as of 27 and 17 months. The second patient has keratoconus and wears a hard contact lens, creating the recurrence which was removed before symptoms developed. At 22 months, there was no recurrence. Conclusions: In this series, Nodular Degeneration has been successfully treated by SPK without the addition of excimer laser therapy.
Oxygen gradients in the anterior segment of the eye
Authors: REITSAMER HAR 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the oxygen gradients in the anterior segment of the eye in anesthetized rabbits. Methods: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured by direct cannulation of the central ear artery and the vitreous respectively. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure ciliary blood flow (CilBF, n=5), oxygen tension was measured with two fluorescent probes at the corneal endothelium and the anterior surface of the lens. To change oxygen gradients the cornea was exposed to either nitrogen or room air. Results: Baseline values: MAP 75.6±1.3 mmHg, IOP 15±1.5 mmHg, CilBF 53.8±4.2 P.U., oral mucosal oxygen saturation 89.9±0.7 %, pO2 Lens 20.8±3.3 mmHg, pO2 corneal endothelium 49.6±1.5 mmHg. Exposing the cornea to 100% N2 did not change MAP, IOP, CilBF or arterial O2 saturation. However, pO2 at the endothelial side of the cornea and the anterior lens surface dropped by 87% and 57% respectively (p<0.05). Topical brimonidine 0,2% was used to lower CilBF, which caused a significant reduction of oxygen tension in the posterior chamber by 34% and at the corneal endothelium by 8%. Conclusions: Changes of oxygen gradients in response to all perturbations were observed. The cornea is an important source of oxygen in the anterior chamber, however, changing ciliary blood flow also impacts the oxygen levels at the cornea. Oxygen gradients in the anterior segment are very sensitive to local perturbations.