bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of sodium pegaptanib intravitreal therapy in subjects affected by wet age‐related macular degeneration not‐responsive to photodynamic therapy: angiographic, OCT and microperimetric data
Authors: PARISE S , RANDAZZO G , VARANO L , CARNOVALE SCALZO G , RECHICHI M , PAOLA A , SCORCIA V , SCORCIA GB , BRUZZICHESSI D , SCORCIA G 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: to evaluate the effects of antiangiogenic treatment with sodium pegaptanib intravitreal injections in subjects with wet age related macular degeneration (AMD) already treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) and reactivation of choroideal neovascularization (CNV) Methods: 6 eyes with CNV due to AMD previously treated with PDT that showed new vessels and leakage at FA, were treated with an anti‐VEGF, pegaptanib sodium. We performed 3 intravitreal injections (each 0.3 mg of drug) at distance of 6 weeks, a biweekly analisys by fundus‐related microperimeter and OCT, and a monthly examination by FA Results: we observed in all patients a reduction of membrane size and leakage at FA, a reduction of membrane thickness at OCT and an increase of retinal sensitivity at microperimetric analisys. The treatment for CNV due to AMD with PDT is directed to the neovascularizations that proliferate and leak blood and fluid. The mean number of treatments to obtain a therapeutic success with this therapy is 5,4 in two years. However sometimes it is not efficacious. The anti‐angiogenic agents target key mediators of the angiogenic cascade that leads to the development of neovascularization. This different mechanism of action can be useful in those patients not‐responsive to PDT Conclusions: the effects of anti‐angiogenic treatment with pegaptanib sodium intravitreal injections in subjects with wet AMD already treated with verteporfin PDT and reactivation of CNV are reduction of size,leakage and thickness of membrane and also an increase of retinal sensitivity
Pain in the different stages of cataract surgery by phacoemulsification technique in topical anaestesia
Authors: KALMAN R , GOMBOS K , NAGY ZZS 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this survey was the determination of the painful stages of the cataract surgery performed by topical anaesthetic.Does the supplementary anaesthetic decrease the pain,and what can be the reason? Methods: 69 patients waiting for cataract surgery were involved in our prospective study.Our patients recieved 0,25 mg alprazolam premedication,15 minutes before the surgery 3,and right before the operation 1 drop of oxybuprocaine was used as topical anaesthetic. Results: There were no significant difference in ultrasound time and energy,and duration of the operation among the patients who had intraoperative pain or who didn’t have.14 patients reported pain: 6 during the outwash,7 during the phacoemulsifcation.All patients recieved one more drop immediatley after any pain occured.The anaesthetic drop elliminated the pain in a few seconds. Conclusions: The reason of the signalled pain durnig the outwash can be that the anaesthetic drop didn’have effect in the upper fornix.The cause of the pain during phaco can be the fluctuation of the depth of the anterior chamber and the manipulation of the wound.The drop can’t penetrate to the anterior chamber as quick as the patients’pain relieved,so we believe that the reported is not caused by the change of the chamber depth.It is possible that during those operation which were not lead in verbal communication properly, patients will signal pain because the appearance of unfamiliar noise of the phaco.As a conclusion, we do not recommend intracameral lidocaine usage in general.We believe that suitable verbal communication is very important in topical anaesthesia.
Photodynamic therapy with Verteporfin combined with intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab for central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: MAIER M 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To discuss the effect and outcome of a combined photodynamic therapy and intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab in treating central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) Methods: A 52 year old patient with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) on his right eye was treated with intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab administered within 12 to 24 hours after standard PDT . Before, 1, and 3 month after treatment visual acuity and OCT examinations (retinal thickness) and flluorescein angiography were performed Results: VA increased from baseline 20/40, to 20/20 after 1 month and remained 20/20 after 3 month. Subretinal fluid resolved completely after treatment. OCT‐ and FLA‐ findings are presented in our patient 1 and 3 month after combination therapy showed a normalized retinal thickness compared to baseline Conclusions: Photodynamic therapy combined with injection of intravitreal Bevacizumab was very effective in our patient. Further experience is necessary to evaluate the treatment option of PDT and Avastin combination therapy esp. in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC)
Incidence of endophtalmitis after cataract surgery: standard diagnosis versus molecular diagnosis
Authors: BATAILLE L , FERRER C , RODRIGUEZ AE , ABAD JL , ALIO JL 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: New techniques as Molecular Biology (PCR) could reveal new data about the incidence of endophthalmtitis after cataract surgery. The aim of this work is to know the real incidence of endophthalmitis when we use both methods as diagnosis of endophthalmitis. Methods: We have collected 72 samples from 57 patients showing clinical signs of endophthalmitis. These samples were taken from year 2000 to 2006, both included. Ocular samples were taken for microbiological study, including classical culture, Gram and Giemsa stains and PCR. All the samples obtained from the 17 patients were negative by the three methods used and all patients improved with steroid therapy. In total 53 aqueous and 19 vitreous samples were colleted. Results: The results were positive using stains in 27% of the aqueous samples (AS) and 55% of the vitreous samples (VS), but without identifying the species in any samples. Classical culture could detect the pathogen in 53% of the AS and 89% of the VS. The PCR was positive for fungal or bacterial primers in 85% of the AS and in 95 % of the VS from the patients with infectious endophthalmitis. We have ascertained the incidence of endophthalmitis in our centre after cataract surgery, between years 2000 to 2006. If we only take into account the cases which were positive by culture the incidence is 0.14%. However, if we test the samples by molecular methods the incidence is greater due to the fact that sensitivity is higher. In this case the incidence is 0.19%. Conclusions: Application of PCR and molecular methods can help us to discover new pathogens involved in ocular infections. The higher sensitivity of molecular methods may reveal that the incidence of endophthalmitis is higher than previously suspected.
Histopathological findings after intreavitreal injection of Linezolid
Authors: ALCOCER YUSTE P , PERIS MARTINEZ C , AVINO‐MARTINEZ J , VILA C 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the retinal toxicity in rabbits of Linezolid after a intravitreal injection. Methods: We selected 10 New Zealand albino rabbits and divided them in two groups of 5. The rabbits in the treatment group received a 0,1 ml. intravitreal injection of linezolid 2 mg/ml, while the ones of the control group received 0,1 ml. of saline solution. All the injections were performed in the right eye of the animals using 30‐Gauge needle. We examine the fundus before and after the injection using indirect ophthalmoscopy to rule out pathology or adverse effect due to the injection. 30 days after the inoculation of the drugs the fundus was reexamined and the eyes were enucleated. We carried out an anatomopathological study of the retina to evaluate the efects of the drugs on it. Results: No sign of retinal toxicity were found in the fundus examination and in histological study of the retina of the two groups. Conclusions: Linezolid injected intravitreally appeared safe at concentration of 2 mg/ml in albino rabbits. Intravitreal linezolid may be beneficial and safe and could be used in the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis, particularly against resistant Staphylococcus aureus organisms.
Ocular conservation in patients with uveal melanoma by a multimodality approach to treatment
Authors: GARCIA‐ALVAREZ C , SAORNIL MA , MUNOZ MF , ALMARAZ A , LOPEZ‐LARA F , MUINOS Y , FRUTOS J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To analyse eye survival in patients with uveal melanoma with a multimodality approach to treatment Methods: 273 patients with uveal melanoma diagnosed at Ocular Oncology Unit of the University Hospital of Valladolid from 1997 September to 2007 April. Pearson’s Chi‐square test was used to identify between variables and primary enucleation. Logistic regression was used to identify independent variables predicting primary enucleation. Cox’s univariate proportional hazards model was used to identify associations between variables and time to secondary enucleation.Kaplan‐Meier estimates were used to draw survival curves for time to secondary enucleation Results: 273 patients were included in the study. Primary enucleation was performed in 80 patients. Secondary enucleation in 12. Gender (p=0,032), basal tumour diameter >15mm (p<0,001), tumour weight >10mm (p<0,001), anterior tumour margin (p<0,001) and extraocular spread (p<0,001) were associated with primary enucleation. Predictive factors for primary enucleation were largest basal tumor diameter (odds ratio [OR], 3,8; 95% confidence interval [IC], 1,5‐9,1) and tumour weight (OR, 2,7; IC, 1‐7,5). Ocular conservation probability 5 years after conservative treatment was 88%. Largest basal tumor diameter, anterior tumour margin and extraocular spread had influence in ocular survival after conservative treatment. Only largest basal tumor diameter was a predictive factor of secondary enucleation Conclusions: In the present series 69,9% of patiens had a conservative treatment and 88% of them conserved treated eye 5 years
The assessment of retinal layer thickness and volume segmentation reproducibility of optical coherence tomography images
Authors: TATRAI E , SOMFAI GM , FERENCZ M , PULIAFITO CA , CABRERA FD 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) enables high resolution, cross‐sectional imaging of the retina. The various retinal layers can be distinguished on OCT images using an algorithm of our own design. In the present study we aimed to assess the intraobserver variability of the segmentation algorithm. Methods: Ten eyes of five healthy subjects were involved in the study (mean age 29 years). Standard macular mapping was performed using a Stratus OCT™ device. All OCT images were segmented using an algorithm of our own design, average thickness and volume data were obtained for the following cellular layers: retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer and internal plexiform layer complex (GCL+IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL) and outer nuclear layer (ONL). A manual correction tool was developed to overwrite the automatic segmentation in particular cases where the algorithm failed. The segmentation of the same OCT scans was repeated after one week, and the Coefficient of Repeatability (CR) was calculated in order to assess the accuracy of all measurements. Results: The CR results for the thickness of the various cellular layers of the retina (in the order as they appeared above) were as follows: 0.47μm, 1.47μm, 0.50μm, 0.57μm, and 0.26μm. Similarly, the CR for the volumetric measurements were 0.054mm3, 0.057mm3, 0.017mm3, 0.015mm3, 0.014mm3, 0.025mm3, respectively. Conclusions: The volumetric and thickness results for the various cellular layers of the retina obtained with our custom segmentation algorithm are highly reproducible. According to our results the measurement accuracy of our algorithm is below the resolution of the Stratus OCT device.
Optical coherence tomography in patients with cone‐rod dystrophy
Authors: VA'MOS R , VARSANYI B , LESCH B , FARKAS A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To analyze morphologic characteristic features in patients with cone‐rod dystrophy (CORD) and examine correlation between visual function and morphometric parameters. Methods: 8 patients (aged 16‐33, mean 22 yrs) with the clinical diagnosis of CORD underwent OCT (Stratus OCT 3, Zeiss) examination. Foveal thickness (FT) and total macular volume (TMV) were evaluated. Disturbance of central visual acuity was detected at the age of 6‐7 yrs. Photoaversion is a common clinical symptom. Results: FT of patients ranged 96‐182 micrometers (mean 139.75 +/‐ 26,1 ), TMV ranged 4,6‐7,5 mm³ (mean 5.63 +/‐ 0,94 ). FT and TMV of the normal cohort in our Institute range between 130‐180 micrometers and 6.2‐7.2 mm³.Both parameters of the patients showed a decrease of the lower limit compared to the normal values.Alterations observed in the foveal architecture were retinal thinnig and blunting of the foveal pit. There was only a weak positive correlation (r=0,443) between visual acuity and foveal thickness, and it was moderately stronger (r=0,527) between visual acuity and total macular volume Conclusions: OCT is a useful non‐invasive additional method in the differential diagnosis of cone‐rod dystrophy.
The suppression of early angiogenic markers by the antiangiogenic aptamer Macugen® is dose dependent
Authors: BOURGHARDT PEEBO B , KOULIKOVSKA M , FAGERHOLM P 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Pegaptanib sodium(Macugen®) is an RNA aptamer known to inhibit VEGF 165. We found it interesting to study the effect of Macugen® on the expression of the early angiogenic markers: CEACAM1, PCNA and PINCH, in a corneal alkali wound model where early events of VEGF induced neovascularization can be seen. Methods: 24 New Zealand rabbits were used.The animals received, in the right eye, subconjunctival injection of either 1.8 mg Macugen® (Mg), 0.45 mg Mg, 0.2 mg triamcinolone(Kenaloge®) or solute. The cornea was after the injection, inflicted with an alkali wound. The rabbits were killed after 48 hours, the corneas excised, fixed in 4 % formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin.Sections were prepared and stained for morphology with eosin and immunohistochemically for PCNA and PINCH. Cells in the limbal stroma, positive for PCNA, were counted.RNA was isolated from paraffin sections from the limbal parts for RT‐PCR analyse. Results: There was a significantly reduced number of PCNA positive cells in the Macugen® (Mg) 0.45 mg and triamcinolone sections compared to the solute group. In the Mg 1.8 mg sections there were a high expression of PCNA positive cells, with no difference compared to the solute group. RT‐PCR showed expression of CEACAM1 in 6 out of 7 in solute group, 7 out of 7 in Mg 1.8 mg group and in 2 out 5 in Mg 0.45 mg group. There was no expression of CEACAM1 in the triamcinolone group. The results from PINCH staining will be presented. Conclusions: Pegaptanib in a low dose and triamcinolone inhibits the expression of the angiogenic cell adhesion molecule CEACAM1 and PCNA in alkali wounded rabbit corneas. These angiogenic markers may be useful for evaluating early events in antiangiogenesis.
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty using descemetorhexis and organ‐cultured donor corneal tissue
Authors: MURAINE M , GARDEA E , TOUBEAU D , BRASSEUR G 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To report results of two surgical procedures of endothelial keratoplasty Methods: Prospective, noncomparative study. Thirty height eyes of 38 patients with 21 corneal edema Fuchs dystrophy, 11 pseudophakia dystrophy, 4 decompensation of penetrating graft and 2 corneal edema after herpes endothelitisIn all eyes, the recipient Descemet membrane was excised using descemetorhexis through a 3.2 mm corneal incision. In 17 cases endothelial transplant was harvested by lamellar manual dissection. In 21 cases separation of endothelium was made performed with viscoelastic dissection.A temporary gas bubble was used for donor tissue adherence.Preoperative and postoperative best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, astigmatism, pachymetry and endothelial cell density (ECD) were evaluated 2 and 6 months after surgery. Results: At the end of follow‐up 37 grafts remained transparent and grafts were healed in good position. One eye required conversion to standard penetrating keratoplasty.At 2 months, BSCVA in the group of Fuchs dystrophy is 20/40 and 20/25 at 6 months. In the group of pseudophakia keratopathy BSCVA is 20 /100 and 20/63 at 2 and 6 months respectively.The average MR astigmatism was 1.3 D. The mean pachymetry is stable after 1 month at 540 mm .The average ECD at 2 months was 1500 cells/mm2 and 1300 cells/mm2 at 6 months. Conclusions: This procedure, with its absence of corneal surface incisions and sutures, is a safe procedure that preserves the normal corneal topography, minimizes astigmatism and corneal power changes. This technique offers considerable advantages over penetrating keratoplasty in the treatment of endothelial dysfunction.
Influence of optic disc size in retinal nerve fiber analysis by OCT : could a customizable circular algorithm help to solve the problem?
Authors: RECHICHI M , SCORCIA V , SCORCIA GB , CARNOVALE SCALZO G , BRUZZICHESSI D , SCORCIA G 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the correlation between two different type of optical coherence tomography circular scan algorithms for retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis and optic nerve head (ONH) size in normal subjects. Methods: 94 eyes of 94 healthy subjects (60 females, 34 males) underwent ONH analysis performed by StratusOCT(Zeiss Meditec), with six radial scans centered on the optic disc (Fast Optic Disc scan).RNFL thickness was analyzed with two different type of circular scan: a 3.4 mm fixed‐diameter ring (Stratus OCT, RNFL Thickness 3.4 scan) and a circular scan protocol which analysis a ring 2.27 mm far from a inner circle with a customizable diameter (Stratus OCT, RNFL Thickness 2.27 x disc scan).Correlation between RNFL thickness and optic disc size data was calculated for each algorithm . Results: Analysis performed by 3.4 scan showed a significant (p<0.01 ) correlation with the optic disc area(OPD) (R= 0.47) and the vertical(VD) and horizontal(HD) disc diameters of the ONH (R = 0.51, ), (R = 0.45).Analysis performed by 2.27 x disc scan showed R value of 0.15, 0.21 and 0.17 for OPD, VD and HD respectively that are not statistically relevant (p> 0.05) Conclusions: RNFL thickness measurements obtained by StratusOCT with 3.4 scan increase significantly with optic disc size, vertical and horizontal diameter. This relationship is not verified with 2.27 x disc algorithm that seems to be less influenced by optic disc size.It is not clear if eyes with large ONHs show a thicker RNFL as a result of shorter distance between the circular scan and the optic disc edge or an increased amount of nerve fibers.
Visual function vs. spastic quadriplegia & brain damage
Authors: KAPSOS A , KOZEIS N , BOSKOS G , MOSCHOU V , LAKE S 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate whether visual function is related to severity of spastic quadriplegia (SQCP) and brain damage. Methods: 52 SQCP children participated in this study. All of them were classified according to Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) and also had a brain MRI and an eye testing (visual resolution evaluation and strabismus assessment), using the VFA‐K test. Results: The brain MRI showed that: 18 children appeared with mild to moderate periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), 14 with severe PVL, 3 with cortical atrophy, 13 with combined PVL and cortical atrophy and 4 appeared with parenchymatic atrophy. According to GMFCS classification, 6 appeared with good motor function, 8 with a mild motor problem, 9 with moderate motor problem, 29 with severe to very severe motor disability. In visual testing, 14 children appeared with visual resolution (VR) < 0.21cpd, 19 children appeared with 0.43cpd <VR< 0.87cpd and 19 children appeared with VR> 1.75cpd. Also, 23 children were orthophoric, 19 esotropic (25‐60Δ) and 10 children were exotropic (25‐50Δ). Conclusions: SQCP with poor GMFCS score, moderate to severe PVL, or with combined PVL and cortical atrophy, appeared with the most affected visual function.
Mechanisms of secondary glaucoma in eyes with advanced retinoblastoma: histopathological
Authors: HADJISTILIANOU T , FREZZOTTI P , MENICACCI F , MITTICA V 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The association between retinoblastoma (RTB) and secondary glaucoma is well known. The most common cause of secondary glaucoma in RTB is iris neovascularization, followed by pupillary block and tumor seeding in the anterior chamber. Aim of this study is to review the glaucoma‐inducing mechanism in a large italian population of RTB patients and discuss our experience with these cases Methods: .In the last five years we observed 152 cases of RTB; in 18 cases (17%) during the first examination under general anesthesia, elevated intraocular pressure was observed. Histopathological examination of these eyes was performed to understand the mechanisms inducing glaucoma. Results: In six patients only (33%) the mechanism seemed to be an isolated one (four tumor seeding and two angle closure), in 12 patients (66%) a combination of more than one mechanism was observed (angle closure, tumor seeding and iris neovascularization Conclusions: Although glaucoma is a secondary clinical issue in RTB management and care of its presence, revealed by a thorough ocular exam of the anterior segment, can guide the clinician in assessing the overall condition of the affected eye
Visual functional assessment‐ Kozeis test: a new eye test for cerebral palsied children
Authors: AGGELIDOY A , KOZEIS N , STOJANOVIC N , KAPSOS A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To present a new test assessing the visual function of cerebral palsied (CP) children. The reliability and validity of the test are also presented. Methods: 200 CP children (2 ‐16 years old) (145 spastic quadriplegics and 58 spastic diplegics), 90 healthy children (2‐15 years old) as norms and two doctors as examiners. The realibility and validity of VFA test were evaluated by the intraobserver agreement, test‐ retest. The VFA test assesses 10 important visual parameters ((i) assessment of visual attention, (ii) assessment of visual grating / acuity for far, (iii) visual acuity for near, (iv) contrast sensitivity, (v) peripheral vision, (vi) colour perception, (vii) binocular status, (viii) execution of saccades, (ix) execution of smooth pursuits, (x) eye‐hand coordination), leading to 10 subscores. The sum of these is called Index K, ranging from 0 to 62, and represents the visual ability of each CP child. Results: The statistical analysis proved that the VFA‐K test is a reliable and valid test. Further analyzing our data, we found that 31 CP children(15%) appeared with Index K 0‐20, 34 children(17%) with Index K 21‐40, 50 children(25%) with Index K 41‐ 50 and 86 children(43%) with Index K 51‐62. 20.83% of spastic quadriplegics appeared with Index K < 20, 23.61% with 21<Index K<40, 27.77% with 41<Index K<50 and 27.77% with 51<Index K <62. In diplegics subgroup: none of the children appeared with index K < 41, 17.85% appeared with 41<Index K<50 and 83.15% with 51<Index K< 62 Conclusions: The VFA‐Kozeis test is a reliable, valid, easy to perform, cost and time consuming procedure, assessing the visual function of CP children.