bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A rare case – a diagnostic challenge
Authors: PRAUSE JU 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To present a rare tumour of the optic nerve, and to present the clinical differential diagnostic aspects. Methods: Case story, clinical and histopathological presentation.A 3‐year‐old boy with a few weeks of nausea, orbital edema and proptosis. Imaging and clinical findings indicated optic nerve glioma. Surgical removal of the tumour and subsequent histopathological analysis were performed. Due to regrowth of remaining tumour, orbital exenteration was performed half a year later. Histopathological analysis of the exenteration material demonstrated change in tumour morphology. Results: The tumour was a medulloepithelioma with benign morphology and a MIB‐1 count below 5 %.The regrowth demonstrated a malignant transformation with a MIB‐1 count close to 100 %.This is the 8th documented medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve.All eight cases had the presurgical diagnosis of optic nerve glioma. All behaved malignant. Conclusions: Medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve is a rare tumour, however, the malignant course and the possibility to cure the patient, indicates that medulloepithelioma is an important differential diagnosis in optic nerve lesions.
MMPs in glaucoma
Authors: SCHLOETZER SCHREHARDT U 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Extracellular matrix turnover is mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a large family of endopeptidases with variable substrate spectra. The activity of these enzymes is regulated in part by specific endogenous inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Dysregulated expression of MMPs and TIMPs has been implicated in many ocular disease processes accompanied by abnormal matrix production including glaucoma. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent insights into the roles of MMPs and TIMPs in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow and retinal ganglion cell death in chronic open‐angle glaucoma. Methods: Basic research and review of the literature. Results: MMPs have been shown to affect matrix remodeling and outflow resistance in the trabecular meshwork, and to influence ganglion cell fate by matrix remodelling and glutamate receptor processing in the retina. Several current glaucoma therapies including topical prostaglandin analogues and laser trabeculoplasty have been shown to induce MMP activation in the outflow pathways. Changes in the expression of MMPs and TIMPs have been also shown to be involved in conjunctival wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery. Conclusions: Modulation of MMP activity may provide an attractive adjunctive treatment option to improve outflow facility, to attenuate retinal ganglion cell loss, and to reduce conjunctival scarring in glaucoma patients.
Photophobia in inherited retinal disease
Authors: LEROY BP 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To describe the phenotypes and genotypes of genetically determined photophobia. Methods: A case presentation format will be used to illustrate different genetically determined conditions leading to photophobia. Both clinical and electrophysiological phenotypes as well as genotypes will be discussed. Results: Phenotypes and genotypes of genetically determined diseases leading to photophobia are very different. An important distinction to be made is the one between stationary and progressive diseases. Indeed, such distinction is important as the visual outcome may differ considerably between different conditions. Conclusions: Genetically determined photophobia is diverse. Visual electrophysiology allows an important distinction between progressive and stationary conditions.
Optical coherence tomography of the choroid at 1050nm
Authors: UNTERHUBER A , POVAZAY B , HERMANN B , HOFER B , SATTMANN H , DREXLER W 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Optical coherence tomography is a well established imaging modality for the retina at 800 nm, but is limited in its capability to visualize through scattering tissue, like through cataract or into the choroid. Methods: Utilizing the lower scattering at longer wavelengths (1050 nm) high speed (>17 kHz), high axial resolution (~7 μm) optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrates its abil‐ity to exploit the three dimensional anatomic microstructure of the choroid. Volumetric images, obtained with spectrometer based frequency domain OCT system are presented and compared with their counterparts acquired at the commonly used 800 nm range. Results: Tomograms of normals and patients with pathologic morphological changes of the retinal structure as well as with cataract depict improved signal strength and image contrast at the longer wavelength. The deeper penetration allows reconstruction of the choroidal vascular structure despite strong scattering of superficial tissues at the retinal pigment epithelium, the choriocapillaris also including pathologic retinal thickening. Visualisation of modifications in the choroidal vascular structure associated with wet age related macu‐lar degeneration or diabetic retinopathy indicate the diagnostic potential of this technique. Furthermore, being well outside the spectral sensitivity of the eye the wavelength band at 1050 nm also allows for depth resolved profiling of reflectivity changes to directly moni‐tor light stimulus related retinal activity, without interference due to the sampling OCT beam. Conclusions: Imaging at 1050 nm enables not only to track morphological but also functional changes of the retina.
The role of the Femtosecond (FS) laser in lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: NUYTS RMMA , CHENG YY , PELS E ,   THE DUTCH LAMELLAR CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION STUDY GROUP
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the FS laser for the preparation of posterior lamellar discs and to evaluate the first clinical results of a new technique – Femtosecond Laser Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (FS‐DSEK) – for surgical treatment of corneal diseases.Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands. Cornea Bank, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands. University Medical Center St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, Eye Hospital Rotterdam. Methods: A 30 kHz FS laser (IntraLase Corp., Irvine, CA) was used to prepare a lamellar cut in the cornea of human donor eyes. After FS laser preparation of a 9.5 mm wide lamellar cut at a depth of 400 micron, the corneoscleral button was stored in organ culture medium. The endothelial viability was assessed after preparation of the lamellar cut and after dissection of the donor posterior lamellar disc (PLD) from the anterior cornea. In ten eyes of ten patients with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy the PLDs were used for endothelial keratoplasty. The follow‐up ranged from 13 to 26 weeks. Results: The mean±sd endothelial cell loss after FS preparation of the lamellar cut (n=4) was 3.4%±3.5% and after dissection of the posterior lamellar disc (n=5) was 6.5%±3.2%. There was no significant difference in endothelial cell loss between FS and non‐FS laser treated corneas after organ culture (p=0.46).All eyes had a clear graft with functioning endothelium. In 4 eyes BCVA was 20/40 to 20/50. In the other 6 eyes BCVA ranged from 20/200 to 20/40 and 5/6 eyes had pre‐existing maculopathy. The surgically induced astigmatism was 2.1 D. Longer‐term results will be presented to assess graft clarity and visual outcomes in the other eyes. Conclusions: FS laser preparation of posterior lamellar discs is safe and feasible for performing FS‐DSEK. We believe that FS‐DSEK offers a great potential for facilitating endothelial keratoplasty in a more standardized, automated fashion. Longer‐term follow‐up will be necessary to assess final corneal graft clarity and visual outcome.
Overview of the lacrimal stents
Authors: JAVDANI Z , VALVANIS A , SALU C , LACHMUND U , WILHELM K 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Evaluation of the clinical usefulness CV balloon‐expandable stent for maintenance of the opened (post‐surgical) or dilated nasolacrimal duct. Methods: Under local anesthesia, injection of contrast for visualisation of the obstruction and fluoroscopic guidance placement of the CV balloon‐expandable stent Results: Complications of the existing stents are as follows: concerning expandable metallic double stents(Song, 1993), where implanted under fluoroscopic guidance with severe epiphora after failed balloon dacryocystoplasty. During follow‐up of 4‐20 weeks complete blockage of the stent occurred in one of seven patients. Concerning Plastic stents (Song ,1994) 19 eyes ‐ 79% complete resolution and 21% partial resolution of epiphora. Concerning Polyurethane stent, cause of failure was normal physiological reaction to foreign body, namely post‐intervention infection, inflammation and fibrosis following obstruction (complete or partial), prolapse, occlude stents and stent malpositioning.Technical problems and complications during negotiation of the guidewire, the guidewire create a false passage, improperly positioned or partial outside the nasolacrimal system. Conclusions: Treatment of nasolacrimal stenosis with CV balloon‐expandable stents can be a solution for a higher percentage of success and less complications due to the biocompatibility of the material and design. Also it obtains antifibrotic material (will have much less inflammation, infection, and following obstruction) that release and prevent the fibrosis and indirectly the obstruction and blockage of the lacrimal duct.CV expandable metallic stents seem to be of value in the treatment of the complete or partial obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct
Riboflavin/Ultraviolet a corneal collagen Cross‐Linking: one‐year results
Authors: ROSETTA P , VINCIGUERRA P , ALBE E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate one‐year results of riboflavin/ultraviolet A corneal collagen Cross‐Linking (CL) in 28 eyes with progressive keratoconus. Methods: Refraction, visual acuity, pachymetry, corneal topography and wavefront analysis were evaluated preoperatively and at one year after CL. Results: At year one, topographic and subjective astigmatism decreased, respctively from 4.76D to 4.44D and from 3.03 to 2.91D. Wavefront analysis showed coma reduction form 0.90 to 0.76μm. UCVA increased from 0.15 to 0.25 and BSCVA from 0.45 to 0.65. Cone area, cone diameter , apical keratometry and curvature gradient remained stable. Conclusions: Collagen CL appears to be a safe procedure to stabilize keratoconus and to reduce aberrometric comatic component.
The development of psychiatric disease in young adults who had childhood strabismus
Authors: MOHNEY BG 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Although adverse psychosocial effects are common in patients afflicted with strabismus, no study has shown an association of strabismus and mental illness. We investigated the prevalence and types of psychiatric disorders diagnosed by early adulthood among patients who had strabismus as children. Methods: The medical records of all children (< 19 years) diagnosed with esotropia (n=266) or exotropia (n=141) as residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota from January 1, 1985, through December 31, 1994, were retrospectively reviewed for the diagnoses of psychiatric disease. Each case was compared with a randomly selected one‐to‐one birth‐ and gender‐matched control from the same population. Results: A mental health disorder was diagnosed in 181 (44.5%) of the 407 patients with a history of childhood strabismus followed to a mean of 17.4 years compared to 135 (33.2%) of controls (P=0.0012). Children with exotropia were 2.9 (CI: 1.8‐4.7) times more likely to develop a psychiatric disorder than controls when followed to a mean of 20.3 years. Esotropic children were no more likely to develop mental illness than controls when followed for a similar duration. Patients with intermittent exotropia were also significantly more likely to have a greater number of mental health disorders, mental health emergency room visits or hospitalizations, and suicidal or homicidal ideation. Conclusions: Children with exotropia, unlike those with esotropia, are at an increased risk for developing mental illness by early adulthood. Children with intermittent exotropia appear to be particularly prone to developing significant psychiatric disease by the third decade of life.
Age‐related cataracts in a German population‐based study (KORA S4)
Authors: GRAW J , KLOPP N , ILLIG T , GIEGER C , WELZL G , LöWEL H , ZAHLMANN G , HOLLE R , WICHMANN HE 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The population‐based study in the region of Augsburg (Germany), KORA, is used to evaluate cataract prevalence. Methods: 2.796 randomly selected probands were asked in a standardized interview for the presence of cataracts. A set of SNPs of functional candidate genes was tested for association. Results: 115 probands reported cataracts (4.1%); 13 of them suffered also from glaucoma and are excluded from the further analysis. The prevalence increases from 0.9% (<55 years) to 4.9% (55‐64 years) and 12.6% (65‐74 years); there was no sex effect observed. After adjustment for age, there was no significant association between cataract and blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, body mass index and alcohol consumption.Additionally, we investigated the hypothesis that the age‐related formation of cataracts might be associated with SNPs in genes, which have been shown previously to be involved in hereditary cataracts. Among 14 SNPs tested, one polymorphic site in the CRYGD gene showed statistically significant association with cataracts (Odds ratio 1.97; p=0.033). Conclusions: Our data set could not confirm the major risk factors for age‐related cataracts, which might be due to the small numbers of cataracts. Nevertheless, even in the small sample size, an association to a well‐known cataract‐causing gene has been observed, which needs to be confirmed in independent studies.
The ocular and systemic factors associated with diabetes mellitus in the Beijing eye study
Authors: LIBONDI T , XU L , XIE X , WANG Y , JONAS JB 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To determine the ocular and systemic factors wich are associated with diabetes mellitus in the adult population in rural and urban China Methods: The Beijing Eye Study, a population‐based, cross‐sectional cohort study was repeated in 2006, with 3251 aged 40+ years subjects participating. Blood samples were available for 2773 (85.3%) subjects. All participants underwent an ophthalmic examination, anthropometric measurements and blood biochemical analyses. Diabetes mellitus was defined by a fasting plasma glucose concentration ≥7.0 mmol/L or by a self‐reported history diagnosis of diabetes. Results: By the criteria above defined, 334 subjects were diabetic (prevalence rate: 12.04%). In binary regression analysis, presence of diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with higher age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride concentrations, and intraocular pressure, and lower high‐density lipoprotein level and diastolic blood pressure. Diabetes mellitus was not statistically associated with the degree of cortical or and subcapsular cataract, size of the optic disc, neuroretinal rim and alpha zone and beta zone of peripapillary atrophy, retinal vessels diameters or abnormalities, retinal microvascular abnormalities, refractive error, and prevalence of glaucoma and early or late stage of age‐related macular degeneration. Conclusions: In this population‐based setting, diabetes mellitus is not associated with optic disc, rim and peripapillary atrophy measurements, retinal vessel diameters and microvascular abnormalities, and prevalence of age‐related macular degeneration. Although diabetes mellitus is significantly correlated with higher intraocular pressure, it is not associated with glaucoma.
Macular abnormalities and the Rarebit Fovea Test
Authors: MARTIN L , NILSSON M , WANGER P 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To describe Rarebit Fovea Test (RFT) findings in healthy subjects with normal best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular abnormalities, observed in fundus photographs Methods: Forty‐two healthy subjects, mean age 40 years (SD 10), were recruited as controls in a previous study. Selection criteria were BCVA ≥ 1.0, refractive error within +/‐ 6 D, no ophthalmic or systemic disease. Reported here are RFT and fundus photography findings, and retinal thickness measurement values using optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec Int.). Results: Fifteen of the 42 subjects had visible macular changes in the fundus photographs; 10 had drusen and 5 pigment epithelium defects. Mean RFT mean hit rate (MHR) was 99+/‐2%. Two subjects had MHR 91% and 96%, respectively, i.e. below the pre‐defined limit for normality (97%). The subject with a MHR of 91% had drusen, the one with 96% had normal fundus. OCT values were within normal limits in all subjects (center zone mean 212.41 μm, SD 19.35, range 166‐257, inner perifoveal zone mean 238.99 SD 13.34, range 258.3‐308.5 and outer perifoveal zone 241.53 SD 11.54, range 218‐267.8). In the subject with RFT MHR 91% corresponding values were 228 μm, 288.5μm and 249.3 μm and in the subject with RFT MHT 96% 211μm, 279.8μm and 231.8μm, respectively, well inside the normal range. Conclusions: The Rarebit Fovea Test may be useful for discriminating between age‐related macular changes with and without detrimental effects on visual function.
Comparative analysis of donor derived, gene modified dendritic cells in keratoplasty
Authors: PLEYER U , SCHLICKEISER S , LI XQ , RITTER T , SAWITZKI B 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Dendritic cells (DCs) play an essential role during the initiation of immune responses against non‐self antigens. Following organ transplantation, activated donor‐ and recipient‐derived DCs participate actively in graft rejection by sensitising recipient T cells. There is increasing evidence that immature DCs induce antigen‐specific unresponsiveness to self antigens in central lymphoid tissue and in the periphery through different mechanisms. Methods: In this study, we compared the immunoregulatory properties of CTLA4‐Ig and vIL‐10 secreting DC in a high responder corneal transplantation model (BALB/c; H‐2d into C57BL/6; H‐2b). Both the in vitro and in vivo immune response to this approach were monitored. Results: Transduction of DC with AdCTLA4‐Ig prior to LPS stimulation dramatically diminished their allostimulatory capacity in vitro, as demonstrated by an inhibition of proliferation of cocultured allogeneic T cells. Compared to controls, AdvIL‐10 transduced DC also showed a significant decrease in their ability to activate T cells. Whereas adoptive transfer of CTLA4‐Ig transduced DC could not prolong the mean survival time (MST) (MST= 9.7 ± 3.9 days, p = 0.45, n = 6), vIL‐10 expressing DC significantly prolonged corneal allograft survival (MST = 13.4 ± 5.0 days, p = 0.019, n = 7) as compared to controls (MST = 8.3 ± 2.6 days, n = 7). Conclusions: Whereas adoptive transfer of CTLA4‐Ig transduced DC could not prolong the mean survival time (MST) (MST= 9.7 ± 3.9 days, p = 0.45, n = 6), vIL‐10 expressing DC significantly prolonged corneal allograft survival (MST = 13.4 ± 5.0 days, p = 0.019, n = 7) as compared to controls (MST = 8.3 ± 2.6 days, n = 7).
Differrence in laser treatment decisions for diabetic macular edema, based on biomicroscopy or OCT
Authors: VERBRAAK FD , VAN DIJK HW , KOK PHB , SCHLINGEMANN RO , ABRAMOFF MD 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Comparison between laser treatment decisions for diabetic clinical significant macular edema (CSME) diagnosed by slitlamp biomicroscopy or OCT (Stratus) Methods: Diabetic patients (n=25) with a clinical suspicion of the presence of clinical significant macular edema (CSME) were examined by stereo slitlamp biomicroscopy and OCT for the exact location and extend of CSME. Results of these observations were drawn into a set of FA images (early / mid / late phase). Independent observers made decisions regarding lasertreatment (position, pattern, and number of laserspots) based on these images. Results: The diagnosis of CSME differed between the two methods in 11 of the patients. Treatment decisions based on these different observations differed with respect to the amount and localisation of the laserspots. Conclusions: A diagnosis of CSME in diabetic patients differs comparing slitlamp biomicroscopy with OCT, and treatment decisions based on either method likewise differed.
Erythropoeitin (epo) and the survival of retinal cells in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: DE SOUZA RAMALHO P , PEREIRA DA SILVA A , BICHO MP 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Purpose:EPO is approved drug for anaemia treatment. Its antiapoptotic effects in animal models of glaucoma and retinal degeneration, when administered systemic or intravitreous are known. It provides neuroprotection and avoids cell damage in diabetic rats. It is upregulated in the retina in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). We studied serum EPO expression in diabetics and in normal non diabetic controls. Methods: Methods:In 58 type 2 diabetics, 24 with and 34 without retinopathy, of both sexes aged 64.24±11.64 years, EPO serum expression was determined by ELISA and compared to 44 non diabetic controls age and sex matched. Statistical analyses was applied (Χ2, Student t test). Results: Results:Serum EPO expression was highest in diabetics with retinopathy (15.15±11.44 mIu/ml, high in diabetics without retinopathy, 10.084±6.63 p=0.043), compared to the controls 9.47±6.57. Conclusions: Conclusions:EPO serum upregulation in diabetic retinopathy supports endogenous over production seen in the retina with PDR. High EPO expression could be an attempt of nature’s protective mechanism. Human recombinant EPO is known to protect retinal neurones in various animal models of stress: ischemia/reperfusion/ocular hypertension/glaucoma (rats, mice, rabbits). EPO administration to RCS rats appears to exert (in vivo) neuroprotective effect on the photoreceptors. HrEPO may be necessary to protect the damage of retinal tissue in diabetics. Constitutional EPO seems to be insufficient to give effective protection in diabetic retinopathy. Thus EPO could be an important therapeutic target molecule for the survival of damaging retinal cells.
Reproducibility of OCT in choroidal neovascularization secondary to ARMD
Authors: MENCHINI F , PARRAVANO C , ROMAN POGNUZ D , MORGANTE L , VARANO M , BANDELLO F 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is commonly used to quantitatively measure macular thickness in several macular diseases, especially in conditions associated with macular vascular leakage such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Several studies reported good reproducibility of commercially available Time Domain OCTs. Few studies have investigated the role of OCT in the diagnosis and management of CNV. These studies involve relatively small numbers of patients. To date no proper reproducibility studies has been conducted in exudative AMD. With the increasing importance of OCT in patient care and the common use of OCT as a key outcome measure in recent clinical trials of exudative AMD, it is important to determine the reproducibility of OCT measures in a large population of patients with CNV. Methods: In the current study, we report the reproducibility of retinal thickness measurements made with the Zeiss OCT3 in 100 patients with exudative AMD. Reproducibility is assessed for retinal thickness in the central subfield, center point thickness (measured using the automatic software algorithm), and foveal thickness measured manually. Furthermore particular changes in retinal morphology, such as cystoid abnormality, subretinal fluid, or presence of pigment epithelial detachment are analysed.These findings will be compared with the currently available litterature