bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ocular surface and glaucoma therapy
Authors: BROADWAY D 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose The use of anti‐glaucoma medications is often associated with ocular adverse reactions. These undesirable effects may lead to reduced quality of life, poor adherence or even treatment discontinuation in patients with glaucoma. This presentation summarizes currently available data relating to the effect of topical anti‐glaucoma preparations on the ocular surface. Results Anti‐glaucoma medications most commonly contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a preservative. In vivo animal studies together with in vitro experiments have demonstrated various dose dependent adverse effects of BAK. Clinical studies have also shown an increased incidence of adverse events associated with BAK and have demonstrated that withdrawal of the preservative reduces these effects. Conclusion Collectively, these data suggest that use of preservative‐free anti‐glaucoma treatments have clinically relevant benefits for patients.
Overview of the profile of tafluprost
Authors: UUSITALO HMT 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Tafluprost (Taflotan®) is a new potent PGF2_ analogue for the treatment of glaucoma. Tafluprost is the first prostaglandin available as a preservative free formulation. This presentation summarizes the pre‐clinical and clinical profile of tafluprost. Results Tafluprost is a potent and selective FP receptor agonist. It lowers IOP by mainly increasing the uveoscleral outflow. Tafluprost had potent IOP lowering effect in normotensive and ocular hypertensive monkeys, unsurpassed by latanoprost. In healthy volunteers tafluprost was well tolerated, safe and effective in IOP lowering. Based on dose response data 15 micrograms/ml was chosen as the final concentration. This concentration had a comparable IOP lowering effect to latanoprost in P‐II studies. Effective IOP lowering was confirmed in pivotal clinical studies. All adverse effects reported were well known for the prostaglandin analogues. The most frequently reported adverse event was hyperaemia. It was reported in 13% of patients. A preservative free form of tafluprost showed equal efficacy and pharmacokinetics to the preserved form. Preservative free tafluprost has low or no pro‐apoptotic, pronecrotic or pro‐oxidative effects in vitro compared to preservative‐containing prostaglandin formulations latanoprost, travoprost and bimatoprost. Conclusion Tafluprost (Taflotan®) is a new effective, well tolerated and safe IOP reducing agent. Importantly Tafluprost is the first prostaglandin analogue commercially available as preservative‐free formulation. There is a growing body of evidence that this has a clinical relevance in the treatment of chronic diseases like glaucoma and especially in patients with dry/sensitive eyes.
Preliminary reading centre concordance in OCT grading in the UK IVAN Study
Authors: PATTON WP , MULDREW KA , PETO T , LENFESTY P , HARDING SP , CHAKRAVARTHY U 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To report on concordance of optical coherence tomography (OCT) grading in the Network of Ophthalmic Reading Centres UK (NetwORC UK). The present study looks at concordance of OCT gradings across the network for patients enrolled in the UK IVAN Study. Methods A set of 5 patient scans (6 radial line scans and one 7mm offset scan using the Stratus OCT III (Zeiss, UK)) were graded by accredited graders at all three centres. Scans were exported as JPEG images with a corresponding PDF. Measurements for the Outer High Reflectivity Band (OHRB), Sub Retinal Fluid (SRF), Pigment Epithelial Detachment (PED), maximum height of largest cyst, maximum retinal thickenss (MRT) and foveal retinal thickness (FRT) were taken, if present. Results In all cases an acceptable level of concordance was achieved. One case proved more problematic than the others and results were more varied. For OHRB, SRF, PED, cyst, MRT and FRT the measurements by individual graders were consistent in 4 out of 5 cases. One case showed wider‐ranging measurements with the range for OHRB varying by 0.25mm (mean thickness 0.22mm). Conclusion The present study shows an acceptable level of concordance for OCT grading across NetwORC UK. In difficult cases, the complexity of AMD grading explained the lack of total concordance when an abnormal thickening of the OHRB is present. The most problematic case had an area of moderate hyperreflectivity anterior to the OHRB which caused difficulty and highlighted a specific area for further training and a protocol amendment. The exercise was useful in highlighting both individual and overall training needs which are currently being addressed in each of the RCs. The concordance study is being extended to include a larger dataset.
Treatment of myopic neovascularization with ranibizumab
Authors: EGEA ESTOPINAN MC , TORRON C , GUERRI MONCLUS N , BORQUE E , RUIZ O , FERRER E , HONRUBIA FM 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To determine the safety and efficacy of ranibizumab, as a treatment of choroidal neovascularization associated with pathological myopia Methods A retrospective, non‐comparative study of 14 patients treated with injections of intravitreal Ranibizumab. Four patients had been treated before with photodynamic therapy and had not improved visual acuity, whereas the patients treated with ranibizumab improved visual acuity. After a complete ophtalmologic examination, fluorescein angiography (FAG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) intraocular injection was practised, retreatment was decided according to the subjective impression of the patient, visual acuity, presence or absence of metamorphopsia, biomicroscopy of posterior pole and characteristics of OCT. The patients were included after a minimal follow‐up of 6 months. Results We analysed 17 eyes of 14 patients. The average age of patients was 56 years. The spherical equivalent average was 13.6 diopters. The initial and final average visual acuity was 0,29 and 0,57 respectively. All neovascular membranes were classified as classical and localized sub or yuxtafoveal. Visual acuity improved or remained stable in all eyes. In all cases retinal thickness and macular edema observed in OCT decreased. There were no systemic or ocular complications, one patient responded with macular haemorrhage and decrease in visual acuity after four injections of ranibizumab. Conclusion The short‐term results of this small study suggest that Ranibizumab may be a good therapeutic option in the treatment of myopic neovascularisation. It improves visual acuity and anatomy, even in patients that don´t respond to photodynamic therapy.
Anti‐PlGF (placental growth factor) as a safer alternative for anti‐VEGF in the treatment of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Authors: VAN DE VEIRE S , VINORES S , PERIC A , MAZZONE M , MOONS L , CARMELIET P , STALMANS I 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PlGF blockage by inhibiting choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a mouse model of AMD. Methods A laser‐induced CNV model was used in C57Bl/6 mice. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with 25 mg/kg of an anti‐PlGF‐antibody, an anti‐VEGF receptor2 (VEGFR2) antibody, a combination of both, or a control antibody. The CNV lesions were evaluated on flat mounts and serial sections after 14 days, by immunostainings for endothelial and inflammatory cells (CD31 and F4/80 respectively). Ganglion cell survival was scored via NeuN and TUNEL staining after 2, 4, and 6 weeks in C57Bl/6 and Swiss mice with and without CNV lasering. Safety of anti‐PlGF and anti‐VEGFR2 on normal vascular development in the retina, kidney, and heart was assessed. Results Anti‐PlGF or anti‐VEGFR2 comparably inhibited CNV by ± 50%. Moreover, a combination treatment of the optimal dose of anti‐PlGF and a lower dose of anti‐VEGFR2 further suppressed CNV to ± 70%, allowing to reduce the dose of anti‐VEGFR2 by fourfold. Anti‐PlGF did not inhibit vascular development in the retina, heart, or kidney, whereas a reduction of ± 40% was seen after anti‐VEGFR2 treatment. Repeated anti‐VEGFR2 injections induced an increase in ganglion cell apoptosis after 4 and 6 weeks of administration, whereas anti‐PlGF did not. Conclusion Anti‐PlGF treatment inhibits CNV formation in a mouse model of AMD, and enhances the efficacy of anti‐VEGFR‐2, allowing the dose of anti‐VEGF therapy to be lowered and the potential adverse effects to be minimized. Moreover and contrary to anti‐VEGFR2, anti‐PlGF is safe for the neuroretina and for the systemic and retinal vascular development.
Analysis of intravitreal ranibizumab injections effects on exudative reaction complicating subfoveal choroidal neovascular age related macular degeneration (AMD)
Authors: GONZALEZ CG 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of RANIBIZUMAB intravitreal injections(IVT) on exudative reaction secondary to retrofoveolar neovascular AMD,at short and long term evolution Methods 110 eyes of 88 patients , 31 men,57 women, with retrofoveolar sub‐retinal neovascularisation complicating AMD .65 were inaugural cases,23 previously treated by photodynamic therapy and/ or pegaptanib IVT. Patients received intravitreal ranibizumab injection, 3 times, every 4 weeks in an inductive treatment, the next injections depending on the follow‐up results. First and 2 months’ interval follow‐up exam included ETDRS visual acuity (VA), complete ophthalmic examination, fluorescein (FA) and infracyanine (ICG) angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).VA and OCT were done before each IVT.OCT was evaluated and compared time to time and cut to cut, FA and ICG analysis appreciate neovascular net’s leakage and flow. Results Exudation decreased intensely in all cases.Diffuse oedema was 70% reduced in 80% cases,cystoid oedema was 75% less in 65%, retinal serous detachment was 80% decreased in 78%.Angiographic leakage reduced about 70% in 72%.At ICG ,vascular flow wAS 2/3 time less in 55%. Best results noted than with PDT alone and/or pegaptanib IVT, and with no anastomosis lesions. Exudation scale was considered, compared with FA and ICG follow‐up results and for next IVT criteria and indications. Inductive treatment was sufficient in 74 cases. Conclusion The results, with indeed reduction of exudation on OCT, lack of fluorescein leakage, low neovascularisation’s flow in ICG, suggest Ranibizumab IVT seem effective on exudative neovascular reaction complicating AMD and OCT be the main evaluation means.
Photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevi
Authors: GAMBRELLE J , MAUGET FAYSSE M , QUARANTA EL MAFTOUHI M , GRANGE JD 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To assess the efficacy and the safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment of choroidal neovascularization linked to choroidal nevi. Methods It is a retrospective study including choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevi treated by PDT for 1999 to 2005. PDT was performed according to the standard protocol used for treating choroidal neovascularization secondary to age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD). Post‐PDT follow‐up was also done according to the guidelines used in ARMD. Moreover, tumors were controlled every 3 months. Results Six choroidal neovascularizations secondary to choroidal nevi were included in our study. All nevi were localized in the posterior choroids. The median of their largest diameter was of 3mm and their thickness was <2mm in all cases. Neovascular membranes were “classic” in all cases, subfoveal in 2 cases, juxtafoveal in 3 cases and extrafoveal in 1 case. The sizes of choroidal neovascularization were ≤ 1‐disk‐diameter in half the cases. On average 3.3 sessions of PDT were necessary to obtain the stabilization of choroidal neoascularization. The mean follow‐up was 35 months without any patient lost of follow‐up. Visual outcomes were extremely variable. Large or retrofoveal choroidal neovascularization but also antecedents of atrophic ARMD were related with worse functional results. No growth of the nevi was observed. Conclusion Choroidal neovascularization is considered to be a relative indicator of benignity of the naevus. However, it often marks a definitive turning point in the visual function. PDT appears as a safe and efficient procedure for treating choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal naevus with results similar to those observed in ARMD.
RNase‐7 expression mediated by IL‐1 beta in human ocular surface cells via multiple signalling pathways
Authors: MOHAMMED I , ABEDIN A , HOPKINSON A , DUA HS 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Antimicrobial peptides are known to play an essential role in the host defense system. It was recently identified that the Ribonuclease(RNase)‐7 posses a broad‐spectrum microbicidal property against various pathogens.In this study our aims were a)to investigate the RNase‐7 expression in ocular inflammation and/or infection and b)to identify the involvement of possible signalling pathways in interleukin(IL)1‐beta mediated RNase‐7 expression using SV40‐immortalised human corneal epithelial cell line(SHCEL). Methods a)Total RNA was obtained from impression cytology specimen of normals and diseased individuals. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique was used to analyze RNase‐7 mRNA expression. b)SHCELs were treated with IL‐1beta and inhibitors of signalling molecules both in time‐ and dose‐dependent manner.Quantitation of both phosphorylated and total proteins was evaluated using Western blotting. The effect of IL‐1beta and inhibitors on secretory cytokines in SHCELs was measured using BD‐cytometric bead arrays. Results The normalised expression of RNase‐7 mRNA significantly increased in disease conditions (bacterial, viral, dry‐eye and acanthamoeba keratitis). Inhibition of following signalling pathways: PI3K(phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase), MAPK(mitogen‐activated protein kinase) and NF‐kB(nuclear factor‐kB) have reduced the RNase‐7 gene expression. Significant changes in the secreted cytokines (IL‐6, ‐8, ‐10 and‐12p70) was also demonstrated. Conclusion The first study which demonstrates the RNase‐7 expression in the eye. The involvement of multiple signalling pathways in RNase‐7 induction by IL‐1beta may facilitate the development of novel approaches in enhancing antimicrobial defense and healing of the eye.
Expression pattern of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in acanthamoeba keratitis
Authors: OTRI AM , ABEDIN A , MOHAMMED I , PANJWANI N , HOPKINSON A , DUA HS 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight‐threatening ocular infection, which is more likely in contact lens wearer. Antimicrobial peptides(AMPs)are cationic polypeptides with wide‐spectrum activity against pathogens. We studied(1)the profile of AMP mRNA expression in ex‐vivo impression cytology (IC) specimen from normals and 5 AK patients &(2)compared AMP gene expression between ex‐vivo and in‐vitro cell culture samples. Methods a) IC samples were collected for Total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Quantitative gene expression(qPCR)was employed to evaluate expression of Defensins,Cathelicidin,& Liver‐expressed AMPs (LEAPs).b) Immortalised human corneal epithelial cell line (HuCL) was incubated with trophozoites of Acanthamoeba castellanii for 24 hours and the supernatant analysed by BD cytometric bead array for pro‐inflammatory cytokines.The cells were processed for qPCR analyses. Results Variable expression of AMPs was observed in AK patients.Eight AMPs,Human Beta defensins(HBD)1 to 3,Cathelicidin (LL37,LEAP 1 and 2 and DEF 109 were detected.Of these HBD 1 to 3 and DEF 109 were shown to be reduced and whereas LEAP 1 & 2 were induced in AK specimen. Similarly, increased mRNA expression of LEAP 1 & 2 was also demonstrated in Acanthamoebae treated HuCL cultures.Whereas, HBDs showed the baseline expression when compare to untreated HuCLs. Conclusion This is a first study demonstrating AMP gene expression in AK. Differential expression pattern of these AMPs during AK may have important implications in understanding the pathogenesis of this blinding infection. Modulation of AMP defense barrier at the ocular surface or use of the AMP as a contact lens preservative agent may help to reduce the AK infections
Profile of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) at the ocular surface
Authors: ABEDIN A , OTRI M , MOHAMMED I , HOPKINSON A , DUA HS 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Purpose: Antimicrobial peptides are eukaryotic analogues of antibiotics and serve as early effectors of innate defence. Our aim was to profile the spectrum of AMPs at the ocular surface in health and disease. Methods Methods: Reverse Transcription‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) and real time PCR techniques with primers for 21 known AMPs were employed to evaluate gene expression on the following human ocular surface (OS) samples: a) Impression cytology specimen of normals and patients suffering from bacterial, viral keratitis and acanthamoeba keratitis and dry eyes. b) OS cells from cadaver donors and c) cultured corneal epithelial cells from limbal explants. Over one hundred samples were thus studied. Results Results: AMP expression was observed in all the different groups of samples but was variable. Nine AMPs, namely Human Beta defensins (HBD) 1 to 4, Cathelicidin (LL37), Liver expressed antimicrobial peptides, LEAP‐1 and ‐2, DEFB‐109 and RNAse were detected. Of these, HBD3 was prominent in bacterial keratitis and LEAP 1 and LL37 in viral keratitis. LEAP 2 and LL37 showed an increased tendency of expression in dry eyes. DEFB‐109 was the only AMP found to show decreased expression in the inflammatory conditions studied. RNAse, the most potent of all AMPs was found in abundance at the OS. Conclusion Conclusions: The OS is endowed with a range of AMPs which contribute to defence against environmental microbes and also participate in other immune mediated, inflammatory and wound healing events. They hold promise as therapeutic agents against microbes and in modulation of inflammation and wound healing.
Microbiological culture and panbacterial PCR yield of diluted or undiluted vitreous from vitrectomy are comparable in acute postsurgery endophthalmitis (FRIENDS group)
Authors: CHIQUET C , VINH MOREAU GAUDRY V , CORNUT PL , CREUZOT CP , THURET G , DENIS P , MAURIN M , VANDENESCH F , BRON AM , PECHINOT A , ROMANET JP 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To compare the diagnostic yield of microbiological analysis performed on diluted and undiluted vitreous samples from pars plana vitrectomy in patients with acute postcataract surgery endophthalmitis. Methods Undiluted and diluted vitreous samples were harvested in 34 patients at the beginning of the vitrectomy, among the 57 vitrectomized patients (out of 100 patients presenting with an acute postcataract surgery endophthalmitis) included in the multicenter prospective study FRIENDS (2004‐2005). Vitrectomy was performed after one (n=12) or two (n=22) antibiotics intravitreal injections. Each vitreous sample was divided into two parts for conventional culture (Brain Heart Infusion broth) and panbacterial PCR, respectively. Results Microbiological analysis of both undiluted and diluted vitreous allowed a bacterial identification in 28 out of 34 cases (82.3%). Microbiological diagnosis using undiluted vitreous and conventional culture was negative in 32 cases and positive in 2 cases. In one case, there was a discrepancy between undiluted (culture negative) and diluted vitreous (S. epidermidis). Analysis of both undiluted and diluted vitreous using PCR was positive in 28 cases and negative in 6/34 cases. There was a discrepancy between both samples in three cases. Conclusion Microbiological results combining PCR and cultures showed that diluted vitreous analysis may replace analysis of undiluted vitreous. The diluted sampling of vitreous, more easily performed and less iatrogenic, may be recommended when panbacterial PCR is used .
Neovascular AMD; Effect of intravitreal ranibizumab on the retinal arteries
Authors: PAPADOPOULOU DN , MANGIORIS GF , MENDRINOS E , DONATI G , POURNARAS CJ 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To study the effect of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab on the retinal arteries’ diameter in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration Methods Five patients with new‐onset neovascular age‐related macular degeneration were evaluated. All patients had three monthly administrated intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. The diameter of the retinal arteries was measured in vivo with a Retinal Vessel Analyzer (RVA). The measurements were performed before the first intravitreal injection and at days 7 and 30 after the first, the second and the third injection. Blood pressure was also monitored at the same time‐points. Results No significant change on the retinal arterial diameter was observed after the first injection and 7 days after the second injection when compared to baseline; mean decrease in retinal arterial diameter was 1.64% and 3.5% respectively. A significant vasoconstriction of the retinal arteries was observed thereafter. Thirty days following the second and third injection, there was a mean decrease of 12.4% and 17.8% respectively on the retinal arterial diameter compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in mean arterial systolic or diastolic blood pressure during the period of follow‐up. Conclusion These results suggest that intravitreal ranibizumab induces retinal vasoconstriction in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration following the second injection. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these results as well as its potential adverse effects in the retinal circulation in patients with age‐related macular degeneration and with other retinal vascular diseases.
Developing a recovery psychological model for patients undergoing KPro surgery
Authors: BUSUTTIL A , LIU C 
Published: September 2008

AbstractUndergoing keratoprosthesis surgery is demanding Physically, Psychologically and Socially. Good outcomes, including improving Quality of Life, require that all these domains are considered during patient selection, surgery and during follow up. Evaluation of Psychosocial outcomes after medical events often limit themselves to areas such as Anxiety and Depression using an illness model rather than a Recovery Model, using quantitative rather than qualitative methodology, and thereby possibly limiting the information received and which could potentially be used to help patients adapt and cope. The Brighton OOKP service seeks to integrate patient experience to inform a Bio‐psycho‐social approach using Qualitative methodology to complement earlier quantitative work undertaken in the service. Integrating this information with the experience of the specialised clinical team and the wider literature in areas such as Resilience, Coping, and Social Support and drawing on the literature on sight loss/recovery and living with changed appearance will contribute to the emergence of a Recovery Model for OOKP patients. This approach looks at processes which support or impede recovery and seeks to act upon them. Through this it is envisaged that the service will be better able to support patients as they consider, experience and live with a KPro such as the OOKP. This presentation will discuss progress to date.