bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why is geographic atrophy more common in Iceland than in other white populations.
Authors: JONASSON F 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Studies have shown geographic atrophy to be more common in Iceland than elsewhere. Several possible causes for this are explored. Methods: We use fundus photographs and standardized grading and classification of age‐related maculopathy and age‐related macular degeneration to establish prevalence and 5‐year incidence. We use a questionnaire regarding lifestyle and diet. We genotyped 581 Icelandic patients with advanced AMD (278 neovascular AMD, 203 GA & 100 with mixed neovascular AMD/GA). We examined CFH and closely related genes CFHR1‐4 and HTRA1. Results: Reykjavik Eye Study includes 1045 participants born 1890 – 1946. Those better nourished than the average seemed to have a protective effect against late AMD. Iris colour was not associated with AMD. Smoking may confer similarly increased risk for GA and wet AMD. CFH confers similar risk for drusen, GA and wet AMD. Changes in the promoter region of HtrA serine peptidase1 (HTRA1) confer slightly higher risk to wet AMD than GA though this difference is not statistically significant. Conclusions: Smoking lead to increased risk of prevalent AMD and to increased 5‐year mortality. Genetic risk for wet AMD and GA appeared similar suggesting that at least in part they share the same genetic pathway. The generation under consideration consumed hardly ever vegetables containing lutein and zeaxanthin, did however have a very high intake of Omega‐3 from fish and fish‐oil the latter with high doses of Vitamin A added. High Vitamin A itake over a lifespan may have increased the lipofuscine content in the retinal pigment epithelium and lack of lutein and zeaxanthin intake over the same lifespan may have lead to serious deficit and both may have increased the risk of geographic atrophy in this population.
Morphologic factors associated with progressive glaucomatous optic disc damage in patients with primary open angle glaucoma and low tension glaucoma
Authors: LAEMMER R , HORN FK , JUENEMANN AGM , MARDIN CY 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the influence of morphologic characteristics on the rate of progression in patients with open angle glaucoma with and without elevated intraocular pressure. Methods: One hundred eight eyes of 54 patients with low tension glaucoma and 128 eyes of 64 patients with open angle glaucoma were recruited from the Erlangen Glaucoma Registry for this study. All included patients received an annual standardized glaucoma examination. Progressive glaucomatous optic disc atrophy was determined as rate of neuroretinal rim loss by masked comparative analysis of stereographic optic disc slides by two experienced observers independently. Standard parameter from Scanning Laser Tomography (HRT I, Heidelberg Engineering) from baseline examination were compared between stable and progressive patients in both groups. Results: Neuroretinal rim area and volume was already at baseline significantly lower in the progressive group in patients with open angle glaucoma (1.26 +/‐ 0.38 mm² vs. 1.57 +/‐ 0.48 mm²; p<0.001 and 0.28 +/‐ 0.17 mm³ vs. 0.41 +/‐ 0.23 mm³; p<0.001, Mann‐Whitney‐U test) but not in patients with low tension glaucoma (1.07 +/‐ 0.39 mm² vs. 1.16 +/‐ 0.40 mm²; p=0.404, and 0.19 +/‐ 0.12 mm³ vs. 0.23 +/‐ 0.15 mm³; p=0.180, Mann‐Whitney‐U test) if compared with the non‐progressive group. Conclusions: Patients with open angle glaucoma with and without elevated intraocular pressure seem to differ concerning morphologic factors for eventual progression. Low neuroretinal rim area or volume as quantified by Scanning Laser Tomography may be a risk factor for further neuroretinal rim loss in patients with open angle glaucoma.
Imaging of iris melanotic lesions and corneal tumors with three different high speed optical coherence tomography instruments
Authors: DE KEIZER RJW , RAZZAQ L 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Should it be possible to detect anterior segment melanocytic lesions with anterior segment OCT’s. When detected was special pachymetry possible to calculate our brachytherapy diagram. Methods: Three different IAS instruments were used, however at different times. In total 46 patients with light coloured eyes were analysed. The results were compared with already known clinical parameters and with anterior eye segment ultrasound when available. Results: Sixteen eyes were analysed using one infrared IAS, nine eyes using another infrared IAS and 15 eyes with using a blue light IAS. Iris tumours were detectable in 90% using the infrared methods. With the infrared instruments we found the iris tumour or lesion in a high percentage so they could be analysed. With one of these infrared instruments we could compare the pictures with the ultrasound findings, but the pachymetry was even better than the ultrasound. In the selected group only anterior cilio‐irido melanomas were detected. Corneal and conjunctiva tumorous lesions could be also in some cases detected. Conclusions: Conclusion: In this pilot study we demonstrated melancytic lesions in light coloured eyes using the infrared anterior segment OCT’s in a high percentage of the cases. Only anterior cilio‐irido tumours were minimal positive. Using these instruments new chamber angle pathology could also be found. Optimal special pachymetry for our brachytherapy calculation diagram was also good possible.
Microstructural changes of longitudinal retinal venous profiles measured by retinal vessel analyzer in systemic hypertension
Authors: KOTLIAR KE , NAGEL E , SEIDOVA SF , LANZL IM 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The Retinal Vessel Analyser (RVA) observes vessels in their dynamic state non‐invasively. We found earlier a significant increase in roughness along longitudinal vessel profiles with increasing age. Whether longitudinal retinal venous profiles in systemic hypertension (SH) are altered is investigated. Methods: 15 untreated SH‐patients (age 50,9±11,9 years) and 15 age matched healthy volunteers were examined. After baseline assessment a monochromatic (530‐600nm) rectangular flicker of 12.5 Hz was applied for 20 sec. In venous segments (1 mm length) vessel diameters were measured to obtain a longitudinal vessel profile. Results: Baseline average diameters and caliber range differed significantly in both groups (p<0,03) (median(1quartile; 3quartile)): SH: 164,4(151,8; 168,4)MU/ 33,5(21,6; 35,8)MU; control: 146,4(132,3; 152,1)MU/ 19,9(16,0; 23,6)MU. Average area under power spectra within the frequency band of 0,03‐0,065 Hz differed significantly at dilation (SH: 0,171(0,113; 0,351); control: 0,366(0,328; 0,490)); initial restoration (SH: 0,213(0,134; 0,359); control: 0,382(0,303; 0,514)) and restoration (SH: 0,252(0,128; 0,374); control: 0,425(0,311; 0,496))(p<0,03). Conclusions: The veins in SH seem pre‐dilated and pe‐stretched. The microstructure of longitudinal venous profiles in healthy volunteers and SH‐patients does not change in different phases of the reaction. In longitudinal venous profiles in SH low frequencies are more expressed and mid frequencies are less pronounced than in the control group. These microstructural changes in vessel profiles in SH‐patients might be an indication for alterations in the vascular endothelium, leading to impaired local perfusion and regulation.
Efflux proteins of outer blood‐retinal barrier
Authors: MANNERMAA E , VELLONEN KS , RYHÄNEN T , KAARNIRANTA K , URTTI A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Blood‐retinal barrier (BRB) restricts movements of drugs from blood circulation to the retina. Efflux proteins of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which forms the outer part of BRB, may have a role in this barrier. The aim of this study was to measure efflux protein (multidrug resistance associated proteins (MRP1‐6) and breast cancer related protein (BCRP)) expression in RPE and to test activity of MRP5 in RPE. Methods: Expression of efflux proteins was studied by quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The activity of MRP5 was assessed by CDCFDA/CDCF efflux test and permeability assay. Probenecid was used as an inhibitor. Materials included cell lines: ARPE‐19, D407, HRPEpiC and tissues: bovine RPE/choroid and human eye specimens. Results: Expression of MRP1,4 and 5 was found in RPE both in RNA and protein level. In addition MRP2‐3 and BCRP were expressed in D407 cell line. CDCF efflux was inhibited by probenecid in ARPE‐19 cells indicating functional activity of MRP5 in ARPE‐19 cells. The apparent permeability of CDCFDA/CDCF in bovine RPE/choroid tissue was ten times higher from neural retina to choroid compared to opposite direction. Conclusions: Particularly, we have shown pronounced expression of MRP1, 4 and 5 in RPE. Our results suggest that MRP5 may be active efflux transporter in RPE. MPR5 may function in physiology and also have impact on drug delivery to the posterior eye segment. Our findings may be important in the development of specific drug targeting to RPE and retina and to understand the function of BRB more comprehensively.
Fish analysis of chromosome 3 and 6 on fine needle aspiration biopsy identifies distinct uveal melanoma subgroups
Authors: PARROZZANI R , BONALDI L , RADIN PP , PILOTTO E , MIDENA E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Some evidence suggests that uveal melanomas develop following one of two ways in a pathogenetic model, one starting with a loss of chromosome 3 and the other with extra copies of 6p (+6p), heaving different prognostic outcome. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) applied on Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) specimen to in‐vivo verify the presence/ absence of this bifurcated pathogenetic and prognostic model. Methods: Thirty‐five consecutive patients, affected by posterior uveal melanoma (>3,5 mm in thickness), scheduled for Iodine‐125 brachitherapy, underwent intraoperative trans‐scleral FNAB just before plaque implantation. Specimens underwent Fluorescent in Situ Hybridisation (FISH) to detect chromosome 3 and 6 (as +6p and 6q‐) status. Results: Minimum follow‐up was 12 months (range: 12‐40 months). All cases gave enough material for cytogenetic analysis. +6p and monosomy 3 were mutually exclusive in 29 cases (83%). Three cases (8.5 %) showed no chromosome 3 and 6 abnormalities and three cases (8.5%) showed both monosomy 3 and +6p. Monosomy 3 was not significantly related (p>.05) to tumour dimensions and tumour location (choroid/ciliary body). No major complications or extrascleral extension were documented. Three patients (8,5%) with monosomy 3 developed metastatic disease during the follow up. Conclusions: In‐vivo detection of cytogenetic prognostic‐related characteristics in posterior uveal melanoma is possible analyzing cytologic specimens obtained by transcleral FNAB before episcleral plaque implantation. FISH analysis for chromosome 3 and 6 status could offer more prognostic information than monosomy 3 alone.
Mathematical analysis of the cone ERG photopic hill: Clinical applications
Authors: LACHAPELLE P , GARON M , JAUFFRET C , RUFIANGE M , HAMILTON R , MCCULLOCH C , KOENEKOOP RK , POLOMENO RC , LITTLE JM 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: With brighter stimuli, the photopic ERG b‐wave increases to a maximal value and then decreases to a plateau, a feature known as the Photopic Hill (PH). Recently, a mathematical model combining a Gaussian (GF) and a Logistic Growth (LGF) functions was developed to fit the PH (Hamilton et al., Vision Research, in press). We examined if this equation could help us sort out selected retinopathies. Methods: We compared PHs (background: 30 cd.m‐2; intensities: ‐0.8 to 2.84 log cd.sec.m‐2) obtained from normals (N=40) and patients (N=20) affected with Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB), Congenital Postreceptoral Cone Pathway Anomaly (CPCPA) and Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) with the GL ratio [GL= Gb / (Gb+Vbmax)] were Gb and Vbmax represent the amplitude of the Gaussian and logistic (Vbmax) functions respectively. Results: The normal GL ratio is 0.60 ± 0.08 (mean ± 1SD) compared to ≈1.0 in CSNB (almost pure GF) and 0.32±0.08 in CPCP [reduced GF (p<.05) and normal LF (p>.05)] patients. Six of the 8 RP patients had a GL ratio above 0.5 (mean GL= 0.70 ± 0.19) and 2 below (0.28 and 0.41). Of interest, while in some retinopathies, a decline in Gb and Vbmax occurred with disease progression (longitudinal and transversal comparisons), it did not always modify the GL ratio. Conclusions: Human PH can be dissected into two distinct and concomitant phenomena each represented by its own equation. Altghough the retinal origin of the GF and LGF awaits to be confirmed, use of this mathematical approach appears to add valuable information that will further refine the diagnosis of retinal disorders affecting the photopic (cone) pathway. Supported by CIHR and Réseau Vision.
Haptoglobin knockout mice exhibit morphologic changes consistent with iridocorneal dysgenesis and glaucoma
Authors: VAN GINDERDEUREN R , GALICIAS‐ROSAS G , VANDEVEIRE S , OP 'T HOOG B , CEUPPENS J , STALMANS I 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the ocular phenotype of mice that lack the acute phase protein Haptoglobin (Hpko). Methods: Hpko mice were clinically evaluated at 16 weeks of age. Mice that showed macroscopic changes of the eyes were sacrificed and their eyes were enucleated, fixed in paraformaldehyde, histological sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The diameter of the eye was measured and the histomorphology was evaluated and compared with eyes of normal wild‐type mice. Results: Clinical observation revealed that between 10 and 20 % of the Hpko mice exhibited gradual opacification of the cornea and shrinkage of the eyes . These mice were investigated. The eyes of Hpko mice were between 10 and 40 % smaller than eyes of normal mice. The eyes of Hpko mice showed rudimentary and more widely spread processi of the ciliary body. Moreover the anterior chamber showed goniosynechia and irido‐corneal adhesions, as well as attenuation of the trabecular meshwork. The neuroretina showed a variable atrophy in ganglion cell layers in all Hpko mice and in the inner nuclear and plexiform layer in 80 %. Conclusions: Haptoglobin knockout mice have structural abnormalities of the anterior segment and neuroretina comparable to human iridocorneal dysgenesis and developmental glaucoma.
Retinal fixation in Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: BOTTEGA E , VUJOSEVIC S , PILOTTO E , MIDENA E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Diabetic macular edema (DME) determines central retinal sensitivity reduction with a functional correlate to increased macular thickness. Data about fixation are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine fixation characteristics in diabetic patients with or without clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Methods: 120 consecutive diabetic patients (165 eyes) underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) determination (ETDRS charts), and a complete ophthalmologic examination. Diagnosis and classification (focal, diffuse and cystoid) of CSME were made on 30 degrees stereo retinal photographies (field 2 of ETDRS) and fluorescein angiography and OCT. The presence and site of hard exudates was evaluated. Retinal fixation and macular sensitivity were investigated with an advanced, automatic microperimeter (MP1, Nidek Technologies, Italy). Macular thickness and foveal neuroretinal detachment were determined by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT Stratus, Zeiss Humphrey Instruments, Germany). Results: Of 141 examined eyes 24 (17.14%) had focal CSME, 37 (26.43%) had diffuse CSME, 51 (36.43%) cystoid CSME, 29 (17.6%). Mean BCVA was 0.6+0.36 logMAR. There was no significant correlation between the type of edema and the site and the stability of fixation (P>0.05). Fixation was eccentric or unstable in case of subfoveal hard exudates (Site P=0.032; Stability P= 0.0113). The presence subfoveal neuroretinal detachment did not significantly influence fixation pattern (P>0.05). Conclusions: Retinal fixation patterns in DME vary diferently based on clinical characteristics of foveal involvement. Fixation may be often located in areas undergoing laser treatment. The functional impact of focal photocoagulation should be investigated also from the fixation point of view
Dissectional and endoscopical anatomy of the lacrimal duct
Authors: JAVDANI Z , DENEFFE G , VERBINNEN J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: A better knowledge of the external and internal anatomy of the lacrimal duct isessential for any intervention. The induced prussure of the medial canthal ligament into the lacrimal sac might be considered as one of the reasons of epiphora. Methods: In this study, cadaver disection, trans‐canalicular and endonasol endoscopy are used to provide a better intuition of anatomy. Results: Concerning the medial canthal ligament, cadaver study of the lacrimal duct reveals that there are two portions: the posterior portion and anterior one which passes over the lacrimal sac and inserts on the lacrimal bone. The medial portion of the medial canthal ligament is connected by the medial part of the tarsus superior and inferior. There are fascial connections between the anterior part of the ligament and the lacrimal sac and between the anterior part of this ligament to the orbicular superior and inferior muscels.The lacrimal duct starts from the Punctum superius and inferius and terminates in the nose. The inferior opening of the duct comes in the nose on the level of the inferior turbinate.Collaps of the canaliculi or the lacrimal sac is investigated by trans‐canalicular endoscopy. It is observed that the pressure induced by medial canthal ligament into the lacrimal sac is the main reason of collps of the canaliculi or the lacrimal sac. Conclusions: Trans‐canalicular and endonasal endoscopy which are complementary to disectional anatomy, provid a better insight of the naso‐lacrimal duct anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is mandatory for any naso‐lacrimal duct interventions. Epiphora with exclusion of the other ethiology (allergy, foreign body) than obstruction, can be caused by collaps of the lacrimal sac due to pressure of the medial canthal ligament.
Cytokeratin 8 and 18 expression in human corneal endothelium
Authors: JIRSOVA K , MERJAVA S , NEUWIRTH A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To determine if cytokeratins (CK) 8 and 18 are expressed in healthy corneal endothelium. Methods: Five healthy human corneal discs not suitable for transplantation were used. The mean age of the corneal donors was 70 years (range: 51‐83 years). The corneal buttons were dissected into two parts. One half was used for impression cytology of the endothelium followed by semi‐quantitative RT PCR and immunohistochemical detection of CKs. The second half was frozen and cryosections were prepared. Impression specimens as well as cryosections were fixed and indirect immunofluorescent staining was performed using antibodies against CK8, CK18 (Chemicon) and CK8/18 (Dako). The percentage of positive cells and the intensity of the staining were assessed using fluorescent microscopy. A minimum of two hundred cells were counted per specimen. Results: All impression specimens displayed cells with the hexagonal morphology typical of the corneal endothelium. The mean number of positive cells was 57% for CK8, 8% for CK18 and 42% for CK8/18. The mean number of positive cells in cryosections was 47, 4, and 38% for CK8, CK18 and CK8/18, respectively. Furthermore, expression of the CK8 and CK18 genes was present in all corneas. Conclusions: We detected both CK8 and CK18 in the endothelium of all specimens at both protein and mRNA levels. These results unambiguously demonstrate that cells of the corneal endothelium express the CK pair 8/18 and share some features with simple epithelia.
Long‐term stability of LASEK performed to correct myopia in thin corneas.
Authors: TEUS MA , DE BENITO‐LLOPIS L , ALVAREZ M , TORRES J , GIL‐CIGANDA N 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To study the stability of the refraction 15 months after myopic laser‐assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) performed in thin corneas. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 92 consecutive eyes that had undergone LASEK to correct their myopia and that had a preoperative corneal thickness <500 μm. Intraoperative mitomycin‐C (MMC) was applied when the ablation depth was ≥50μm. We compared the residual spherical refraction between the 3‐month and 15‐month examinations, in order to detect a possible myopic change that would suggest secondary corneal ectasia. Results: Preoperative corneal thickness was 483.9 ± 14.0 μm (range 435 to 500). Preoperative spherical refraction was ‐3.60±2.40D. Preoperative cylinder was ‐0.90±1.10D. The residual sphere was +0.18±0.50D (range ‐1.25 to +2.00D) 3 months postoperatively and +0.13±0.7 (range ‐1.75 to +2.00D) 15 months after surgery (P>0.05). Uncorrected visual acuity was 0.97±0.2 and 1.03±0.2, respectively (P>0.05). Topography showed no signs of ectasia in any case. Conclusions: Myopic LASEK performed on thin corneas seems to obtain long‐term stable refractive results, with no sign of ectasia 3 and 15 months postoperatively.
Diabetes related complications – the Moorfields Diabetes Survey
Authors: PETO T , LEUNG I , HARRIS N , XING W , BUNCE C 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to establish characteristics of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH) before implementation of the national diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening programme. Methods: Patients with DM attending MEH Medical Retina Clinics during a 4 week time period were interviewed about DM, its complications and knowledge and expectations on laser treatment. Results: In 4 weeks, 830 patients with DM were identified, of whom 4.3% were registered partially sighted and 4.7% registered blind. 141 did not attend, 109 could/would not be interviewed and 580 interviews were conducted. Interviewed patients were similar to those not except for previous laser treatment (p=0.016). The median duration of DM was 10 years (0.3‐52 years); 74.3% had Type 2 DM; 64.8% had hypertension. A high proportion of patients had at least one diabetic complication (heart disease 24%; stroke 9.7%; diabetic neuropathy 48.9%; diabetic nephropathy 13.4%); 13.1% did not understand the relationship of DM with DR. In the past 61.5% and 64.1% patients had fluorescein angiography (FFA) and laser treatment; on the day of the interview 5.8% had FFA and 13.4% laser. Despite full consent, 51.6% did not understand how long it took the laser treatment to work or expected it to take effect immediately; 16.6% expected to have only one treatment ever. Only 20.9% were members of Diabetes UK. Conclusions: Patients currently attending eye clinics have many diabetes related complications. With full implementation of the National Screening Programme for DR this percentage is expected to rise. Careful planning of ophthalmic services needs to be undertaken to accommodate the need for services for patients with multiple diabetes related complications.