bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal morphology, topography and sensitivity in a family with inherited recurrent corneal erosions
Authors: NEIRA W , HAMMAR B , HOLOPAINEN J , TUISKU I , DELLBY A , TERVO T , FAGERHOLM P 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To assess changes in morphology, corneal topography and sensitivity in a family with inherited recurrent corneal erosion syndrome. Methods Eighteen family members, 9 affected and 9 unaffected eyes were examined. The affected members represented the different stages of corneal pathology from a nearly normal cor‐nea to anterior stromal fibrosis of the central cornea with discrete corneal irregularities. To evaluate the corneal morphology and nerve structure, the eyes were examined under a corneal confocal microscopy (CCM, ConfoScan 3, Corneal Confocal Microscope. Nidek Technologies). Videokeratography (VK) was evaluated with the Tomey TMS – 2N (Topog‐raphic Modelling System). Corneal mechanical sensitivity was measured with modified Noncontact gas Esthesiometer (NE) (Belmonte modified noncontact esthesiometer, Coop‐erative Research Center for Eye Research and Technology). Results CCM detected morphological changes in the epithelium and stromal nerves in 5/9 affected eyes. Haze formation with altered keratocytes could be found in the anterior stroma in all affected eyes. Except for two eyes (one affected and one unaffected), all VK showed irregular astigmatism. Corneal sensitivity was significantly lower in affected patients (p <0.01). Age and corneal sensitivity showed no correlation. Conclusion The decreased sensitivity in the affected eyes seems to correlate with the low number of subbasal nerves reported by CCM. Yet, another possibility is that corneal haze masks the nerves. Correlation between VK and CCM findings in patients was not found. NE revealed a decreased corneal sensitivity in the affected members.
Keratoconic corneas after ferrara rings implantation: histopathological findings
Authors: PERIS‐MARTINEZ C , MENEZO ROZALEN JL 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To describe the histopathologic changes in human ectasic corneas, induced after implantation of intracorneal ring segments. Methods Ten eyes (7 advanced keratoconus, 2 post‐lasik ectasia and 1 marginal pellucid degeneration) recieved corneal implants (Ferrara‐Keraring like) for treatment. Due to a poor refractive out‐come they had penetrating keratoplasty. Results Conventional histology on all specimens after hematein‐eosin stain, showed no inflammation signs and hypoplasia of the corneal epithelium immediately surrounding the channel. Conclusion Histopathologic changes seem to be complety reversible after implant removal. Longer follow‐up is necessary to determine whether they accelerate corneal thinning or inflammation response.
Study of the corneal endothelial infection after Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) in a murine model: comparison between in situ confocal microscopy (ISCM) and immunofluorescent analysis on histological sections
Authors: POGORZALEK N , HUOT N , CREPIN S , FRANCELLE L , OFFRET H , NAAS T , LABETOULLE M 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To compare images obtained with ISCM of cornea and immunofluorescence analysis in a mouse model of HSV1 ocular infection (keratouveitis), with the aim of assessing inflammatory reaction (macrophages, lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells) and apoptosis during acute infection. Methods Fifty mice were analyzed using ISCM of left infected corneas, 6 days after HSV1 inoculation. The corneas were then flat mounted, and stained using immmunofluorescence for viral infection, inflammatory markers (macrophages, lymphocytes, PMNs) and apoptosis. Results ISCM showed multiple retrocorneal cellular precipitates on the inner face of the cornea, with a cluster distribution, and multiple hyper‐ and hypo‐reflective cells randomly distributed all over the endothelium. Histological analysis proved precipitates to be centered by infected endothelial cells and macrophages. Besides, hyper‐ and hypo‐reflective ISCM signals could correspond to either lymphocytes or PMNs, which were found on flat corneas to be scattered onto the endothelium cells, or to apoptotic cells. Most of them corresponded to lymphocytes closely localised near infected endothelial cells (ongoing study). Conclusion As ISCM images observed in our mouse model were very similar to those observed in human clinical practice with IVCM, our results provide precious information on the biological meaning of clinical observations. In the future, IVCM could be routinely used to monitor herpetic infection in pre‐clinical studies, for example in experiments assessing the efficacy of new antiviral strategies.
Preliminary study of normal tear complement activation in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis outside the season
Authors: VERES A , HAGYO K , MEZEI G , LANG ZS , KRASZNAI M , PROHASZKA Z , FUST G , NEMETH J 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose to determine whether there is a difference in complement activation level on the ocular surface and tear film stability between seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) patients outside the season and healthy individuals. Methods outside the ragweed season asymptomatic ragweed pollen allergic patients with the diagnosis of seasonal conjunctivitis at least during two earlier seasons (n=14, mean age 25.79 ys; 5 male, 14 female) and healthy individuals (n=19, mean age 28.05 ys; 9 male, 5 female) were recruited. We collected tear samples with glas capillaries, measured C3a complement activation product with ELISA, and determined non‐invasive break‐up time (NIBUT) with Keeler TearScope Plus®. Results the median (range) tear C3a levels were 9.80 (0.78–122.60) ng/ml in SAC patients, and 7.00 (2.00–35.14) ng/ml in the healthy individuals (p=n.s.). The C3a levels did not correlate with sex, age, and the number of seasonal conjunctivitis exacerbations, or NIBUT. The mean NIBUT was 21.50+/‐9.41 seconds in allergic patients and 17.30+/‐8.68 seconds in healthy individuals (p=n.s.). Conclusion even though a broader complement activation range was detected in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis patients outside the season compared with healthy individuals, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Outside the season the tear film stability was also similar. We assume, the repeated allergic inflammation on the ocular surface did not manifest in tear film instability or increased complement activation in the asymptomatic period.
Topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab in corneal neovascularization in keratoplasty patients
Authors: SCHOLLMAYER P , STUNF S , LAVRIC A , PFEIFER V 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To report the clinical use of topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab (Avastin) in keratoplasty patients with corneal neovascularization (NV). Methods Retrospective case series: nine eyes of nine patients with corneal transplant and corneal NV were studied. NV was graded for depth (superficial, deep), extent (clock hours), centricity and intensity. Three patients received subconjunctival bevacizumab 2.5mg/0.1ml. Five patients were treated with topical bevacizumab 5mg/ml 4 times daily for 1 month. One patient first received injection, followed by topical bevacizumab. Follow up was up to 6 months. Results Corneal NV partially regressed in 8 out of 9 patients. The extent decreased from 7.4±3.8 to 5.6±3.4 and from 8.7±5.8 to 5.3±4.5 clock hours after treatment in patients that received topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab respectively. The centricity changed only in one patient with eye drops. The greatest effect was seen in intensity with decrease from 2.6±0.5 to 1.4±0.9 and from 2.3±0.6 to 1±0.0 in topical and subconjunctival group respectively. One patient who received both subconjunctival and topical bevacizumab only showed response to topical treatment(decrease in intensity). NV regression was noticed 2 days after injection, response was maximal after 1 week, however NV regrowth started at 1 month follow up in all patients. Decrease in NV in topical group was seen after 1 week with maximum response after 1 month. One patient developed persistent epithelial defect 1 month after injection, no other adverse effects were noted. Conclusion Topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab may be effective in inducing regression of corneal NV in keratoplasty patients. Further studies are needed to prove the effect and its duration.
Short‐term effect of topical dorzolamide hydrochloride on intrastromal corneal pressure "in vivo" in rabbit corneas
Authors: BOLIVAR G , TEUS M , GUTIERREZ C 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To test if treatment with topical dorzolamide influences the intrastromal corneal pressure (ICP) "in vivo" in rabbit corneas. Methods Interventional, prospective study. Topical dorzolamide (Trusopt 2% eye drops; Merck Sharp & Dohme, Spain) was administered in 7 eyes of New Zealand male rabbits three times daily for three consecutive days, and then the ICP changes were recorded with a reusable blood pressure transducer connected to the mid peripheral cornea. The ICP was measured in the same manner in 7 eyes of New Zealand male rabbits without any topical treatment (control group). Results The ICP averaged ‐6.2±3.2 mmHg, ‐10±5.8 mmHg and ‐12.5±8.7 mmHg at 15, 30 and 45 minutes in the control group, respectively. In the study group (dorzolamide treated eyes), the ICP readings were 1.8±3.4 mmHg, ‐0.28±4.3 mmHg and ‐1.8±5.3 mmHg at the same time points, respectively. The differences in the ICP between both groups were statistically significantly different at all time points (p=0.004, p=0.005, and p=0.02, respectively). Conclusion ICP is a valid and sensitive method to evaluate “in vivo” the endothelial function, and that it is more sensitive that other methods in detecting changes in the physiology of this structure with the use of topical dorzolamide.
Dynamic retinal vessel reaction in diabetes type I
Authors: SITNIKOVA D , KOTLIAR K , LANZL I , SIGMUND T , HALLE M , SCHMIDT‐TRUCKSÄSS A 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Exposure of the retina to flickering light induces retinal vessel dilation in healthy subjects. Diabetes and related vascular disorders are able to change vascular endothelial function. Whether the dynamic reaction to luminance flicker stimulation in retinal branch arteries and veins differs between healthy volunteers and patients suffering from diabetes type I is investigated. Methods 35 patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus type I (age (mean±SD) 50,9 ± 8,6 years old) and in 35 age and gender matched medically healthy volunteers were examined. Vessel diameters of retinal vessel segments were assessed by Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (DVA). After baseline measurement (50 s) monochromatic rectangular flicker stimulation (530‐600 nm, 12,5 Hz, 20 s) was applied 3 consecutive times. Results In most subjects fast vessel dilation compared to baseline and an ensuing reactive arterial constriction were observed. In detail we found: .....diabetes.....control mean maximal arterial dilation,[%]:...2,3±1,8**...4,1±2,5 time of max. arterial dilation during the stimulation,[s]:....19,3±10,9*...14,2±3,4 mean maximal venous dilation,[%]:....3,4±1,8*...4,7±1,8 There were statistically significant differences between the two examined groups as marked with *(p<0,05), **(p<0,01) (T‐test). Conclusion Functional retinal arterial and venous reaction to flicker stimulation differs high significantly between diabetes type I patients and healthy subjects of the same age and gender. Maximal dilation as a response to the stimulus is not reached. These findings might be an indication for alterations in the vascular endothelium and vessel wall rigidity in diabetes, leading to impaired regulation following metabolic demand.
Retinal changes after acute increase of the intraocular pressure in adult mice
Authors: PINILLA I , CUENCA N , SALINAS‐NAVARRO M , FERNANDEZ‐SANCHEZ L , ALARCON‐MARTINEZ L , GARCIA‐MARTIN E , AVILES‐TRIGUEROS M , VILLEGAS‐PEREZ MP , VIDAL‐SANZ M 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effects of increased IOP on the outer retina and its circuitry. Methods Adult male swiss mice received a mean of 75 laser impacts (532 nm wavelength, 300 mW power, 0.5 second duration, 100 µm diameter spot size) over the limbar and episcleral veins of the left eye. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with the Tonolab tonometer prior to and at 12 h, and 1, 2, 8 or 20 wks after lasering. Full field ERG responses were recorded from both eyes prior to and 1, 2, 8 or 20 wks after lasering. Mice were processed at 3 (n=5), 8 (n=4) or 12 (n=4) wks after lasering. Cryostat retinal sections were analized by fluorescent confocal microscopy. Results Laser treatment induced an increase in mean IOP of 130% over baseline 12 hours after lasering but reached basal levels by 1 wk. Three wks after lasering, immunostaining with recoverin and transducin could not document any changes in the ONL, but both ON‐rod bipolar and horizontal cells had lost their dendritic processes in the OPL. Sprouting of horizontal and bipolar cell processes were observed into the ONL. Eight weeks and 12 weeks after lasering, mice with severe impairment of their ERG (disappearance of b‐wave) presented loss of photoreceptor cells. PKC showed morphologic changes of rod bipolar cells and Calbindin showed abnormal and diminished horizontal cells. Immunoreactivity for synaptophysin was decreased and no all the rod bipolar dendrites showed relationship with rod spherules. Conclusion Increased IOP by laser photocoagulation of the perilimbar and episcleral veins in swiss mice results in changes of retina cell morphology and impairs retinal circuitries.
Early hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity enhanced by laser flare‐cell meter
Authors: BRAVETTI GO , LEONETTI P , CELLINI M , CAMPOS EC 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study is the evaluation of the electro‐oculogram (EOG) against the laser flare‐cell meter methodology (LFM) in early detection of hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity. Several studies have showed that hydroxychloroquine, an antiprotozoal drug used in the treatment of malaria and various rheumatic diseases, can cause severe visual loss due to a toxic effect on the outer retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (EPR). Methods We enrolled 12 patients (3 males and 9 females) with rheumatoid arthritis (10 patients) and systemic lupus erythematosus (2 patients) in therapy with hydroxychloroquine without retinal toxicity, and 12 health controls (5 males and 7 females). EOG and LFM with a laser flare‐cell meter instruments (FM‐500, Kowa, Tokio, Japan).were performed in all patients and in health controls. The Student’s t test and the Bartlett’s correlation test was performed to compare the results of EOG and LFM with the hydroxychloroquine dose considering significant a p<0.05. Results The Arden ratio was 188.75±48.94 in patients and 288.33±32.42 in controls (p=0,262); the LFM was 45.80±15.33 vs. 6.31±1.12 photons/ms(p<0.030). The Bartlett’s test showed a strong correlation (p<0.022) between the flare and the total hydroxychloroquine dose (394.16±53.84 mg). Conclusion The flare is an index of anterior segment subclinical inflammation. The proteins level increase in many pathologies, especially in case of an alteration of pigmented cells of iris and ciliar body. These cells have the same origin of EPR and could be damaged by the hydroxychloroquine. In conclusion we can say that the laser flare‐cell meter could be an easier, quickly and more sensibly exam than EOG to detect early hydroxychloroquine toxicity.
Lactate‐induced retinal vasodilation implicates neuronal nitric oxide synthesis in minipigs
Authors: MENDRINOS E , PETROPOULOS IK , MANGIORIS G , PAPADOPOULOU DN , STANGOS AN , POURNARAS CJ 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To investigate the role of neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the retinal vasodilatory response to lactate in minipigs Methods Ten eyes of 10 minipigs were evaluated.After 1 hour of intravenous infusion of Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methylester (L‐NAME),an intravitreal juxta‐arteriolar microinjection of 30µl of L‐lactate 0.5 mol/l (pH= 7.4) was performed through a micropipette.Ten minutes later, an intravitreal juxta‐arteriolar microinjection of 30µl of L‐NAME 0.01 mol/l (pH= 7.4) was performed in all eyes but one which received balanced saline solution (BSS).Retinal arteriolar diameter changes were measured in vivo using a Retinal Vessel Analyzer.The animals’ vital signs were monitored and systemic arterial pressure was maintained stable Results Retinal arteriolar diameter decreased by 4.1% 1 hour after intravenous L‐NAME infusion compared to baseline but the difference did not reach significance.Juxta‐arteriolar injection of L‐lactate induced a significant increase in retinal arteriolar diameter of 22.7% and 28.7% at 5 and 10 minutes respectively(p<0.01). This was followed by a significant decrease of 8.6% 10 min after juxta‐arteriolar injection of L‐NAME(p<0.01).Injection of BBS had no effect in the control eye and retinal arterioles remained dilated under the effect of L‐lactate Conclusion Juxta‐arteriolar administration of L‐lactate induced vasodilation despite inhibition of endothelial‐derived NO by the continuous intravenous infusion of L‐NAME. Moreover,juxta‐arteriolar L‐NAME microinjection significantly suppressed the vasodilatory effect of L‐lactate.These data suggest that neuronal‐derived NO is an important mediator of the lactate‐induced vasodilation in minipigs
Flame‐shaped hemorrhage seen in diabetic retinopathy is indicative of macular ischemia
Authors: KABASAWA SK , SIBUYA MS , YONEYA SY 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To study oxygen saturation(OS) levels in the macula with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Methods 60 eyes of 46 diabetic patients were enrolled in this study. The eyes were divided into three groups based on additional fundus findings. 16 eyes had flame‐shaped hemorrhages near the optic disk(group H). 20 eyes had soft exudates throughout the fundus(group E) and 24 eyes had neither flame‐shaped hemorrhages nor soft exudates (group N). Patient`s age were 57±9.6, 58±8.5 and 54±16.2 years, respectively in each group. Exclusion criteria were eyes with macular edema treated with laser coagulation. The extent of capillary non‐perfusion was evaluated using fluorescein angiogram divided into macula and 4 peripheral quadrants. The severity of non‐perfusion was graded from 0 to 5 in a masked fashion. The OS level was measured only in the macular area using Fourier transform‐based spectral retinal imaging (SRI) system (Retinal Cube;ASI Co.Israel). Results The OS levels in the macula did not correlate with overall extent of capillary non‐perfusions in the fundus. However group H showed a tendency to have lesser area of capillary non‐perfusion when compared with group E or N. The OS levels of H,E and N group were 63±6.7,68±6.2,and 74±8.5% respectively. The difference between OS levels in group H and N and between group E and N were statistical significance (p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively). Conclusion The OS levels in the macular area of the retinas with non‐proliferative retinopathy were lowest in the retinas with flamed‐shaped hemorrhage. Surprisingly, the overall degree of capillary non‐perfusion of the fundus did not correlate with macular OS level. Our study shows that flame shaped hemorrhages are indicative of macular ischemia.
Intravitreal bevacizumab for vitreous hemorrhage
Authors: LIBONDI T , JONAS JB , VON BALTZ S , VOSSMERBAEUMER U 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Vitreous hemorrage is one of the major complications of ischemic retinopathies such as diabetic retinopathy. Our purpose was to describe the clinical outcome of patients who underwent a less invasive intervention than vitrectomy for therapy of persisting vitreous hemorrage Methods Our clinical interventional case series study included 10 patients (n=11 eyes) who presented with vitreous hemorrage due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n=10 eyes)or ischemic retinal vein occlusions (n=1). The hemorrage had persisted for at least 3 months. Mean age was 62,1+/‐14,5 years (median 58.4 years; range 45.8‐90.8 years) and mean visual acuity was 1,65+/‐0.97 logMAR. The mean intraocular pressure was 14.6+/‐3.6 mm Hg. All eyes received an intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab, which was repeated in 2 eyes (17%). All patients were fully informed about the experimental character of the treatment and signed an informed consent. Results At the end of follow‐up at 3.9+/‐2.3 months (range 1‐6 months) after the first injection, the vitreous hemorrage had cleared without any further intervention in all but 1 (9%) eye. Visual acuity improved significantly (p=0.02) from 1.65+/‐0.97 logMAR to 0.98+/‐0.67 logMAR. The intraocular pressure remained in the normal range (mean 14.6+/‐3.5 mm Hg) with no significant difference to the baseline values (p=0.94). We did not observe any sign of intraocular inflammation or other changes that could be regardesd as side‐effects of the intravitreal injecion. 4 (36%) eyes underwent panretinal laser coagulation after clearing of the vitreous hemorrage. Conclusion The present study may suggest to extend the intravitreal use of bevacizumab to persisting vitreous hemorrage due to ischemic retinopathies.
Effect of diabetes mellitus on NGF and NGF‐receptor distribution in retinal ganglion cells and vascularity in adult rats
Authors: COLAFRANCESCO V , BUCCI M , ALOE L 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Recent studies reported that NGF exerts a protective action on cells of the visual system, including retinal cells, and that eye topical application of NGF can reach brain NGF‐responsive cells. The aim of the present study is to investigate the response of NGF, NGF‐receptor and VEGF in retinal cells in a rat model of DM. Methods Adult SD rats were obtained from local animal facilities, maintained in a 12:12‐hr light:dark cycle and had free access to tap water and food through out the experiments. Rats received a single intraperitoneal injection with 70mg/kg body weight of Streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in PBS. Control rats received an equivalent volume of buffer solution. Animals were sacrificed with an overdose of Nembutal and pancreas, retina, optic nerve and lachrymal gland removed and used for biochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis. NGF was determined with “NGF Emax Immunoassay System” ELISA kit by Promega (USA). For histological and immunohistochemical analysis, eye globes were fixed in Bouin fluid. Twenty µm thick sections were cut with a cryostat at ‐20°C and immunostained for localization of NGF, NGF‐receptors, or vascular endothelial growth factor. Results DT lowers the presence of NGF in the whole retina and reduces the number of retinal cells, particularly in the retinal ganglion layer, and the presence of retinal vessels. NGF administration markedly reduces these deficits. Conclusion The present findings support the hypothesis of a NGF role in retinal cell physiopathology and suggest that eye NGF application might be useful to prevent and/o reducing retinopathy induced by DT. *V. Colafrancesco has a fellowship supported by Bietti Foundation, Roma