bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of ocular lymphatic tissue in confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: KNOP N , KNOP E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: A regular lymphatic tissue that belongs to the mucosal immune system of the body is present at the normal ocular surface. It is termed Eye‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue (EALT). Due to its location in the mucosal ocular surface and its high cellularity it appears very suitable for confocal microscopy as attempted here. Methods: Confocal investigation with the digital Rostock laser scanning microscope (RLSM) based on the Heidelberg retina topograph (HRT II) was performed in human and rabbit EALT and compared to histology and electron microscopy. Results: EALT extends from the lacrimal gland throughout the conjunctiva into the lacrimal drainage system and consists of diffusely interspersed lymphoid cells and solitary lymphoid follicles. In the human conjunctiva it can be associated with the tubes or furrow‐like epithelial crypt infoldings. RLSM showed frequent lymphocytes as bright roundish spots together with bright cells of dendritic morphology in the epithelium and in the lamina propria. Lymphoid follicles in the rabbit conjunctiva contained numerous lymphocytes within a meshwork of connective tissue fibres. Towards the surface the fibre‐meshwork increased in density and appeared finally continous with a bright layer conceivably representing the basement membrane. This contained numerous dark holes reflecting massive transmigration of lymphoid cells; sometimes bright roundish lymphocytes occured within the holes. Inside the epithelium M‐cells containing groups of lymphocytes could be clearly detected by RLSM. Conclusions: Eye‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue (EALT) can be investigated by in‐vivo confocal microscopy (RLSM). With this technique, structural and topgraphical details of EALT are seen in a resolution that also allows the detection of single antigen transporting M‐cells.
Mapping genomic loci related to variation in visual quantitative traits in an isolated island community of Croatia
Authors: VATAVUK Z , BENCIC G , PETRIC VICKOVIC I , LACMANOVIC LONCAR V , ANDRIJEVIC DERK B , SKUNCA J , ZRINSCAK O , BEDNAR I , KNEZEVIC T , POLASEK O , RUDAN I 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: It has been hypothesized that isolated human communities are particularly favourable for identifying genetic variants underlying complex human traits and diseases because of their reduced genetic and environmental diversity. The aim of this study was to identify genomic loci that may control variation in visual quantitative traits in 1,057 examinees in isolated island of Vis, Croatia, by positional cloning. Methods: Using refractometer, ultrasound and Canon CR‐DGI non‐mydriatic fundus retinal camera we obtained a number of visual quantitative and qualitative traits in our set of examinees. All measurements have been adjusted for potential confounders that were identifyied through an appropriate questionnaire. Both linkage analysis and and genome‐wide association approach were used (PLINK and GENABEL softwares) to identify genomic loci that may have significant contribution to the variation observed in those traits. Results: A number of loci have been identified in the genome that approached formal significance levels after Bonaferroni correction of 10‐6. Those loci now require repeat in other populations to eliminate false positive findings, and further study in bioinformatics and functional genomics to understand their potential role in trait variation and possible development of pathological states. Conclusions: This study showes that mapping genetic variants underlying complex human traits in isolated population is a feasible and powerful approach. We aim to expand our studies to other Croatian islands to further increase the power of the study.
Influence of platelets on the healing of dry eye of patients treated with topical eye drops of autologous Platelet‐Rich Plasma (PRP)
Authors: BATAILLE L , ALIO JL , PASTOR S , KLONOWSKY P 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To study the influence of high levels of platelets on patients suffering from dry eye and treated successfully with autologous PRP. Methods: Platelet enrichment on autologous PRP of 16 patients (age 65±14) suffering from moderate to severe dry eye was evaluated and different dry eye parameters (symptoms, BCVA, fluorescein staining, impression cytology) were correlated with this value. 7 patients had lower that 1.3 fold platelet enrichment on their autologous PRP (low platelets (PLTs) group) and 9 had more that 1.75 fold platelet enrichment (high PLTs group). Results: On the low PLTs group (7 patients), 50% of them showed a significant improvement of symptoms, 45% showed more than 1 line of BCVA improvement and 35% showed full disappearance of fluorescein staining. On the high PLTs group (9 patients), 78% of patient showed a significant improvement of symptoms, out of 10 patients evaluated for BCVA, 50% of them gained more that 2 lines of vision and 71% experienced a full disappearance of fluorescein staining. Conclusions: Autologous PRP has been shown to be very effective on dry eye treatment. On this study we show that high levels of platelets present on this biological product play an important role for the healing of dry eye. Other components of autologous PRP such as growth factors and vitamins should also help for improving these patients symptoms and main clinical signs.
Strategies for improving intraindividual reproducibility in laser Doppler flowmetry measurements
Authors: PEMP B , MAAR N , WEIGERT G , LUKSCH A , RESCH H , GARHOFER G , ORGUL S , SCHMETTERER L 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Scattering of blood flow data as assessed with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in humans is a problem in many studies using this technique. We set out to reduce variability in LDF data by partializing out the effect of the total returning light level (DC) on LDF parameters in the choroid. Methods: In 20 healthy subjects choroidal blood flow was measured at different DC values using a portable confocal LDF device. To reduce scattering of data partializing out the effect of yield, defined as DC/gain, firstly a previously described method based on a third order polynomia fit using all obtained data was applied. Secondly a new method based on a linear fit obtained for each subject individually was used.In addition, these correction procedures were applied retrospectively to the data of a recent study investigating the effect of a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor on choroidal and optic nerve head blood flow parameters. Results: Both methods were successful in reducing scattering of LDF parameters in the choroid with varying baseline DC values. In addition, both methods minimized scattering of the effect of the NO synthase inhibitor on ocular blood flow parameters as analyzed retrospectively. Whereas, however, the previous approach altered the magnitude of the mean change induced by the NO synthase inhibitor to higher values, the new method preserved the originally reported effect. Conclusions: When systematic changes in DC occur after an intervention one needs to be careful in interpreting the obtained data. The approach presented here may represent an effective, easily applicable and valid way to reduce scattering of data from using LDF to assess blood flow in the posterior pole of the human eye.
Variability of ocular perfusion measurements in glaucoma and healthy subjects
Authors: SCHMETTERER L , FUCHSJAEGER‐MAYRL G 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Variability is a major problem in ocular blood flow measurements. It is an important determinant of sample size in clinical trials and may limit clinical usefulness if it is too high. We set out to compare the short‐term reproducibility of blood flow parameters assessed with scanning laser Doppler flowmetry and laser interferometric measurement of fundus pulsation between healthy young subjects and glaucoma patients. Methods: Measurements in 140 healthy male non‐smoking subjects and 140 patients with primary open angle glaucoma were included in this analysis. From two consecutive measurements performed within 5 minutes the coefficient of variation in an individual was calculated for each outcome parameter. These included the fundus pulsation amplitude (FPA), the flow, volume and velocity in the rim and the cup. Results: Mean coefficients of variation were between 3.2% and 23.8 % for all outcome parameters in healthy subjects and between 4.9% and 34.3% in the patients. FPA showed the highest reproducibility although individual coefficients of up to 22.5% and 34.7% were observed in healthy subjects and glaucoma patients, respectively. With scanning laser Doppler flowmetry velocity was better reproducible than volume or flow. Individual coefficients of variation for flow values were as high as 87.5% in healthy subjects and 132.2% in glaucoma/ocular hypertension patients. Conclusions: Our data indicate that in healthy subjects the selected techniques provide better reproducibility than in patients with ocular disease. This needs to be considered in sample size calculation for clinical trials. In addition, the high individual differences in flow parameter readings observed in some subjects limit the use of the techniques in clinical practice.
Lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma
Authors: GARCIA‐ALVAREZ C , SANCHEZ‐MANNARELLI F , BLANCO‐MATEOS G , BORREGO H , ESTEBAN R 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To expose a clinical case. Lacrimal gland adenocarcinomas are tumors with epithelial origin end aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. Perineural invasion lead to diffuse infiltration of the orbit worsening the patient prognosis and used produce pain as main symptom. Methods: Clinical case Results: A patient of 75 years was referred by an orbital inflammation resistant to three months of systemic steroids treatment. The orbital CT demonstrate a mass in the lagrimal gland with signs of periglandular bone infiltration. A lateral orbitotomy show a mass of 15 x 12 mm, classified as adenocarcinoma of lagrimal gland with affected surgical borders in the pathologic study. Complementary external radiotherapy was done. In three months the patient developed palpebral edema and pain at the orbital region. The new CT demonstrated local recurrency and the systemic extension study was negative. However seven months later the patient died due to lung metastasis. Conclusions: Lacrimal gland adenocarcinomas are tumors with aggressive clinical behaviour. When they develop perineural invasion, local control of the disease is difficult. In spite of the surgery and the complementary radiotherapy these tumors have a great tendency to local recurrency and systemic extension.
LASIK‐dry eye: fact or fancy
Authors: REGINALD AY , TIFFANY JM , ROSEN PH , BRON AJ 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To review the evidence for dry eye after refractive surgery. Methods: A review of the literature. Results: Irritation and ocular surface staining after LASIK is termed LASIK‐dry eye, treated with artificial tears and/or punctal plugs. Symptomatic recovery takes about 6 months. It has been attributed to a loss of afferent drive to the lacrimal gland and blink mechanism. Waking lacrimal secretion is stimulated by reflex sensory inputs from the ocular surface and nose. The rich innervation of the cornea, compared to the conjunctiva, determines that corneal incision causes significant loss of drive from the ocular surface, gradually restored by corneal re‐innervation.While LASIK‐dry eye is a true entity, LASIK patients also suffer from LASIK‐induced neuroepitheliopathy or LINE, a neurotrophic state due to interruption of trophic, sensory nerves. The conditions are not mutually exclusive. The hallmark of LINE is the presence corneal staining confined to the flap and sparing the hinge region. Tear Break Up Time (TBUT) is normal or reduced and the Schirmer test is normal. The hallmark of LASIK‐ dry eye is staining of the interpalpebral conjunctiva, with or without interpalpebral corneal staining, accompanied by a reduced TBUT and Schirmer test and increased tear osmolarity. Pre‐existing tear film instability is a predictor of post‐LASIK dry eye and pre‐existing dry eye is a predictor of a chronic, post‐LASIK dry eye state, associated with a greater risk of refractive regression. Conclusions: Post‐operative dry eye following LASIK or other refractive procedures is predictable and demands that all patients are assessed preoperatively for the signs of tear instability and dry eye. Preoperative detection permits a more accurate prognosis and the initiation of prophylactic measures.
Bilateral retinoblastoma: successful conservative treatment of both eyes
Authors: DEFRANCESCO S , HADJISTILIANOU T 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Conservative treatment (focal therapy, local and systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy) is today the standard in Retinoblastoma treatment. Preservation of both eyes is unfortunately, not always , possible. Methods: .From 1959 to 2007, 442 cases of retinoblastoma have been diagnosed and treated at the Retinoblastoma Referral Center of the University of Siena. 175 cases were bilateral. Results: 25 out of 175 bilateral cases have been conservatively treated. Age at diagnosis, sex, hereditary, stage at diagnosis (Reese Classification and ABC Classification), remission patterns and therapeutic protocol are reported. The age at diagnosis ranged from 4 days to 15 months (mean age: 5.4 months).8 out of 25 were females, 17 out 25 were males. 13 out of 25 were familial cases. Stage at diagnosis (50 eyes) was I in 16 eyes, II in 12 eyes, III in 8 eyes, IV in 11 eyes, V in 3 eyes. 25 out of 25 received chemotherapy and focal therapy according to the Italian protocol. 12 out of 25 relapsed. 9 out of 12 received new cycles of focal and chemotherapy. 2 out of 12 received also brachytherapy. In 2 out of 12 subconjuctival carboplatin has been used. In only 1 case (familial case)external radiotherapy was requested and the child died for a second tumor one year later. 5 out of 25 developed new foci, immediately treated only with focal therapy. Conclusions: The prognostic factors for successful conservative treatment are evaluated.
Ocular hemodynamic effects of nitrovasodilators in healthy subjects
Authors: POLSKA E , KISS B , KOCH B , SCHMETTERER L 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Previous studies on the ocular hemodynamic effects of nitrates showed partially contradicting results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of nitrovasodilators on choroidal and optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow. Methods: The study was performed in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double masked, 4‐way crossover design in 12 healthy male subjects. Nitroglycerine, isosorbide dinitrate or sodium nitroprusside were administered intravenously in stepwise increasing doses on different study days. Physiologic saline solution was used as placebo control. To assess choroidal and ONH microcirculation, laser Doppler flowmetry measurements were performed. Laser interferometric measurements of fundus pulsation were used to assess pulsatile choroidal and ONH blood flow. Ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) was calculated as OPP=2/3MAP‐IOP. Thereafter a parameter of vascular resistance (R) for each measured blood flow parameter (BF) was calculated as R~OPP/BF. Results: Placebo administration did not change any of the measured parameters. We observed small but significant reduction of IOP during the infusion of sodium nitroprusside. The pulsatile choroidal blood flow decreased significantly during the infusion of isosorbide dinitrate (–8.1%) and sodium nitroprusside (–4.3%). The pulsatile ONH blood flow decreased significantly only during the infusion of sodium nitroprusside (–5.7%). In addition, we observed a significant reduction of all calculated parameters of vascular resistance during the infusion of each nitrovasodilator (maximal decrease: –16% to –29%). Conclusions: An intravenous infusion of nitroglycerine, isosorbide dinitrate or sodium nitroprusside caused a significant reduction of vascular resistance in the ONH and the choroid.
Optic nerve reflectivity variations during diffuse luminance flicker stimulation
Authors: BONAIUTI M , ROVATI L , RIVA CE 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Neurovascular coupling at the optic nerve is the mechanism that adjusts blood flow in the microcirculation of the optic nerve to support the neural activity induced by vision.Our aim is to assess the variations of the optic nerve reflectivity in the near‐infrared during diffuse luminance flicker stimulation. Methods: One informed and consenting male subject aged 29 was involved in the study so far. A commercial fundus camera (Topcon, Japan), modified for the purpose of the study, was used to carry out 770‐nm reflectivity measurements from the subject’s optic disk and peripapillary region. Neural activity was evoked by diffuse flicker stimulation (2Hz and 12Hz) in the green spectral region (535nm). The measurement protocol consisted of three periods: 20s baseline followed by 60s diffuse flicker stimulation and 20s recovery. Results: During flicker stimulation we observed a decrease in optic nerve reflectance of about 8% at 2Hz and about 6% at 12Hz with respect to the measured baseline. Conclusions: We report a significant decrease in the optic disc and peripapillary reflectance during diffuse visual stimulation at diverse frequencies. These variations could be induced by an increase in blood flow in the microcirculation of the optic nerve.The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Italy.
Impaired cytokine production of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in a model of primary intraocular B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: TOUITOU V , BODAGHI B , DE KOZAK Y , CAMELO S , LEHOANG P , FRIDMAN C , FISSON S 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The immune microenvironment is thought to play a major role in promoting tumor growth. To evauate the role of this microenvironment in Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) condition and characterize the cytokine polarization of infiltrating T‐lymphocytes (TIL), a murine model of intraocular B‐cell lymphoma was developed in immunocompetent hosts. Methods: Intravitreal injection of a syngeneic lymphomatous B‐cell line in immunocompetent mice was performed. Clinical, histological and flow cytometric analysis were performed in order to characterize the tumoral invasion and the immune infiltration. Cytokine production of ocular cells was investigated by RT‐PCR and fluorescent immunoassay with or without stimulation by anti‐CD3 plus anti‐CD28 antibodies. Results: Intraocular lymphoma developed in all eyes injected by lymphomatous B‐cells. Up to 15% of living cells were T‐lymphocytes. Cytokine profile analysis of the supernatant of ocular cells cultured ex vivo demonstrated the presence of IL10, IL6, IFNγ, and TNFα. Stimulation with anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 antibodies increased the IFNγ level, and led to the induction of IL2 production, completing the type 1 (Th1/Tc1‐like) pattern of cytokine expression observed. IL6 and IL10 levels were not modified. IL12p70 and IL4, potent Th1 or Th2 differenciating factors, were undetectable even after stimulation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that TIL from intraocular B‐lymphomas are characterized by a Th1/Tc1 like profile that could be partially inhibited in vivo. These data raise the possibility of an in situ T‐cell immunostimulation in order to reactivate the Th1/Tc1 lymphocytes and improve the intraocular anti‐tumoral immunity
Overview of therapeutics for improving the orbital volume in the socket syndrom
Authors: MOURIAUX F 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: After the disfiguring orbital procedures of enucleation or evisceration, the cosmetic results of reconstructive surgery are often unsatisfactory because of a discrepancy between the volume of the orbital cavity and that of the orbital implant used to replace the eyeball. This result in typical findings of the postenucleation socket syndrome (PESS) : enophthalmos, backward tilting of the prosthesis, unsightly depression on the superior sulcus, malposition of the upper eyelid with retraction or ptosis, and stretching of the lower eyelid causes by the gravitational pull of the prosthesis. Methods: Several pathophysiologic mechanisms have been proposed to account for these findings including volume deficit related to the eye loss, orbital fat atrophy and rotary displacement of the orbital contents, contraction of orbital structures. Results: We will describe the many procedures proposed to restore the orbital volume : placement of a secondary larger implant, injection of fat, injection of hyaluronic acid, , subperiostal or intra orbital implants. We will describe the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Conclusions: PESS is not a fatality. It can be restore by surgery.
Predicting the prognosis of ciliochoroidal uveal melanoma by its clinical characteristics: a European ophthalmic oncology group collaborative study
Authors: KIVELÄ T , KUJALA E , DESJARDINS L , DAMATO B , BECHRAKIS N , GRANGE JD 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To assess clinical characteristics independently associated with mortality from uveal melanoma using a large contemporary European dataset in order to improve future classifications. Methods: Data of 8340 patients who had a choroidal and ciliary body melanoma managed by one of five participating ocular oncology centers directed by members of the European Ophthalmic Oncology Group (OOG) were collated. Variables requested included date of treatment and last follow‐up, survival status, largest basal tumour diameter (LBD), tumour thickness, ciliary body involvement and extraocular extension. Data were analysed with the product‐limit method and Cox regression. Results: Valid LBD and thickness was available for for 7922 and 8111 melanomas, and ciliary and extraocular extension for 7418 and 6087 tumours, respectively. Complete data for all 4 variables were available for 5469 tumours (66%). Mean follow‐up time was 4.0 years (interquartile range, 1.5‐7.3). In Cox regression, all variables were significantly (P<0.0001) and independently associated with melanoma‐related mortality. Covariate‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.15 for LBD and 1.06 for thickness (each 1 mm increase), and 1.72 for ciliary body involvement and 2.29 for presence of extraocular extension (yes or no). Conclusions: Choroidal and ciliary body melanomas may effectively be categorised by LBD and thickness, and subcategorized by presence of ciliary body and extraocular extension. All four variables are recommended to be included in future clinical classifications of uveal melanoma. How ciliary body and extraocular extension could be collaboratively coded in more detail remains to be discussed.
A case of 2 brothers with congenital horners syndrome
Authors: PIERCE CO , SINCLAIR N , EVANS A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To present a case of two siblings diagnosed with Congenital Horner's Syndrome. The condition developing in related patients has only been previously described once in the literature. Methods: The older brother presented at 9 months to his GP with anisocoria. The left pupil appearing smaller than the right. There was no history of birth trauma or any neonatal concerns. The younger sibling was later referred after he was observed to have anisocoria, again the left being the smaller pupil. Both patients were term deliveries with normal labour and no postpartum problems. Results: Pharmocological testing with cocaine 10% confirmed the diagnosis of Horner's syndrome.Laboratory and radiological examinations performed by the paediatrician did not reveal any abnormality. Conclusions: This case proposes a familial predisposition to the development of Horner's Syndrome and warrants future investigation into the cause.