bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The basics of wavefront aberrometry
Authors: LANGMAN ME , DIGHIERO PL , GICQUEL JJ 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWavefront technology has been first used by astronomers for years in order to reduce higher order aberrations induced by the earth’s atmosphere, it has been introduced into clinical eye care recently.Ophthalmological practice involves performing a full subjective refraction. The sphere, cylinder and axis of astigmatism are measured. We are only correcting two components of a whole host of refractive components of the optics of an eye. These two components (sphere and cylinder) constitute by far the majority of the optical aberration of an eye.Even a basic exam yields important information about optical quality. However, all ophthalmologists have been faced with patients reporting visual acuity (or contrast sensitivity, glare, etc.) at levels much lower than would be expected from an eye exam.Wavefront aberrometry measures aberrations over the entire eye taking into account not only spherocylindrical refractive error, but also spherical aberration, trefoil, coma, secondary astigmatism as well as other “higher order” aberrations described by Zernike polynomials. Higher order aberrations are thought to contribute to more than 20% of the total number of aberrations in a normal eye an increase with pupil size. In the majority of normal patients, these high order aberrations play a minor role, however, in cases of refractive surgery, keratoconus and orthokeratology, they can induce a number of visual disturbances.We will define higher‐order aberrations and show how to measure them, giving you a basic working knowledge of wavefront sensing (also known as aberrometry).We will show how wavefront sensors work, what are Zernike polynomials, what they tell us and we will show present and future clinical applications of wavefront aberrometry.
Effects of bevacizumab on HUVEC migration and capillary formation
Authors: FALCAO M , SOARES R , AZEVEDO I , FALCAO‐REIS F , CARNEIRO A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Angiogenesis is required for retinal and choroidal neovascularization (CNV), main physiopathological causes of blindness in age‐related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. Angiogenesis is a complex process involving endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tubule formation. Recently, anti‐VEGF molecules (pegaptanib, bevacizumab and ranibizumab) have been used intravitreally to control CNV. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the short term in vitro effects of bevacizumab in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) migration and capillary‐like structures formation. Methods: Cultures of HUVECs were established and treated during 24 h with bevacizumab (0.25 – 2.5mg/ml) diluted in culture medium. Controls were incubated with excipient solutions in identical volumes. HUVECs migration was evaluated using double‐chamber assay. The formation of capillary‐like structures was assessed in plates coated with growth factor reduced‐matrigel. Results: Although bevacizumab at 0.25 mg/ml did not affect HUVECs migration, a significant inhibition was achieved whenever cells were incubated with 2.5 mg/ml (p< 0.05). The formation of capillary structures was prevented in the cultures treated with bevacizumab at both concentrations used in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions: These findings indicate that bevacizumab may inhibit angiogenesis by acting on different cellular mechanisms including diminished endothelial cell migration and inhibition of the formation of new capillary‐like structures in a dose dependent manner.
Retrobulbar hemodynamics in normal tension glaucoma compared to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Authors: REMKY A , KAUP M , AREND KO , PLANGE N 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To compare flow velocities of the retrobulbar vessels in chronic vascular neuropathy in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) to those of acute circulatory disorder of anterior ischemic neuropathy (AION). Methods: Fifty‐two patients with NTG (mean age: 66 ± 8 ys) and 50 patients with AION (mean age: 68 ± 10 ys) were included in the study. Blood flow velocities (peak systolic velocity PSV and end–diastolic velocity EDV) and resistive indices of the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA) and nasal and temporal posterior ciliary arteries were measured by means of colour Doppler imaging (CDI). Results: No differences were detected for heart rate, diastolic arterial pressure and IOP between the two groups. In AION patients systolic arterial blood pressure was significantly higher compared to the NTG group (148 ± 26 mm Hg vs. 131 ± 18 mmHg, p = 0.0004). CDI revealed significant differences of the resistive index of the OA (RI AION: 0.80 ± 0.06; NTG: 0.76 ± 0.07). In AION, PSV of CRA was significantly lower compared to NTG (AION: 7.2 ± 1.9 cm/s; NTG 8.0 ± 1.6 cm/s). Conclusions: The chronic vascular deficiency in NTG seems to be similar to that of the acute circulatory breakdown in AION. In both vascular disorders of the optic nerve only small differences of flow velocities may be detected by CDI.
Treatment of juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma
Authors: MISSOTTEN GS , NAUS NC , SCHALIJ‐DELFOS NE , LUYTEN GP 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To compare different treatment for juxtapapillary choroidal melanomas. Methods: Retrospective study comparing recurrence, survival and complications in 14 patients treated with proton beam treatment, 11 patients treated with stereotactic radiotherapy and 28 patients treated with Ruthenium brachytherapy in combination with transpupillary thermotherapy. Results: Mean follow‐up time was 45.3 months, in which 4 patients died due to their melanoma. There was a significant faster decrease of the tumour prominence in the Ruthenium group. Earlier radiation retinopathy (from 6 months onward) in the Ruthenium group, but no significant more radiation retinopathy after 5 years. The vision after 5 years was significant lower in the stereotactic radiotherapy group, but this was also due to the fact that there were more patients with a juxtapapillary melanoma on the macular side in this group. Conclusions: A prospective randomised study is neaded to determine which therapy is best in treating juxtapapillary melanomas. In this retrospective study, there was no difference in local recurrence or survival in the 3 treatment groups.
Influence of bone marrow transplantation on the eye and psychopathology
Authors: KOUBA M , NEPP J , BERGER P , GREINIX H , KALHS P , FUNK M , MITTERBAUER M 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Introduction: Bone Marrow Transplantation because of Leukemia is followed by changes of the immunological system. Patients suffer from complaints of the disease and its consequences, like Graft versus host reactions. In ophthalmologic observations we often can asses chronic inflammations with dry eyes. Those are induced by stress reaction, any kind of inflammation and any kind of irritations.Now we wanted to know, if there is a correlation of the ophthalmological changes, especially the dryness and the mental state, according to the bone marrow transplantation. Methods: 26 patients were observed, 11 of them in a follow up after 100 days. For ocular evaluations slit lamp obeservation were done. Severeness of Dryness was defined by a Sicca‐Score, a mean of results of Schirmer‘s test, break up time, lipid layer thickness, and estimation of the tear meniscus. All results were equated. 0 for normal and 1 for worst possible result.Psychiatric symptoms were assesed by the symptom check list 90R (Derogatis) at baseline and follow up. We compared the results before and 100 days after the transplantation. For statistical analysis students‐T‐test and the Pearson correlation by SPSS was used. Results: There was a significant aggravation of the dryness in one eye; and there was a correlation in parts of the records between the dryness and the mental state. Conclusions: Bone marrow transplantation is an event, which influences the immunological system, the tearing system and the mental state of health.
SITA‐SWAP in glaucoma diagnosis
Authors: MILANO G , BOSSOLESI L , MACERI C , COLOMBO M , BORDIN M , SERRA U 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The aim of the study is to verify the characteristics of the new algorithm SITA‐SWAP in glaucoma diagnosis. Methods: 25 consecutive patients followed by the glaucoma service of the University Eye Clinic, Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, were selected as glaucoma suspects on the basis of the outcomes of standard automated perimetry (SAP), Scanning Laser Polarimetry and Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy. Test duration and global indices MD (mean defect) and PSD (pattern standard deviation) of 24‐2 SITA‐SWAP were compared to the same data from 24‐2 SITA‐SAP (SS) and 24‐2 Full Threshold‐SWAP (FS). A questionnaire about individual tolerability, perception of test duration and fatigue connected to the different perimetric exams, was also submitted to each patient. Results: SITA‐SWAP mean test duration was 3.56­±0.56, significantly less than FS (11.47±1.12) and SS (5.03±0.41).The mean MD for SITA‐SWAP was ‐3.42±4.3, significantly different from SS (‐1.31±1.4) but not from FS (‐2.27±4.5), indicating the influence of lens opacities on blue light transmission. The mean PSD for SITA‐SWAP was 3.33±1.02, significantly different from SS (1.70±0.37) and from CPSD provided by FS (2.25±1.17), showing a promising sensitivity of SITA‐SWAP in pointing out localized defects. SITA‐SWAP was evaluated as shorter, easier to perform, better tolerated as compared to FS and shorter but more challenging as compared to SS by most of the patients. Conclusions: SITA‐SWAP seems to be a rapid and easy perimetric test, able to help physician in glaucoma diagnosis. The blue light transmission through optic media is constantly influenced by their opacities.
The antilymphangiogenic effect of aqueous humour
Authors: BOCK FB , ONDERKA JO , DIETRICH TD , BACHMANN BB , HOS DH , CURSIEFEN CC 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The cornea, which is free of blood and lymphatic vessels bathes on the endothelial site in the Aqueous humor (AqH). Because of the direct contact of AqH to the cornea, we wanted to know whether it could prevent ingrowths of blood and, especially, lymphatic vessels into the cornea. Methods: In vitro: quantifying lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) proliferation with a colorimetric (BrdU) proliferation ELISA with 5 or 20 μl of human AH and as control EGM‐2MV medium. In vivo: murine model of inflammatory corneal neovascularization; treatment group (n=5) received 3 μl of murine AH once a day at day of surgery and for the following three days(control saline solution). After five days, mice were sacrificed. Corneal flat mounts were stained with LYVE‐1 as a specific lymphatic vascular endothelial marker and CD31 as panendothelial marker. Morphometry of blood and lymphatic vessels was performed with the image analysis software analySIS^B. Results: Human AH inhibited the proliferation of the lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro in a dose dependent manner (5μl: p>0.0847 n.s; 20μl: p< 0.0001). The topical application of aqueous humour inhibited the outgrowth of blood vessels significant (P < 0.006) in comparison to the control. The outgrowth of lymphatic vessels was also inhibited significant (P< 0.0002). Conclusions: AH inhibits the proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro and the outgrowth of blood and lymphatic vessels in the cornea in vivo. Tissues like the cornea, the iris and the ciliary body are naturally free of blood and, moreover, lymphatic vessels. Therefore, the aqueous humour seems to play an important role to avoid the ingrowths of blood and lymphatic vessels into the anterior chamber and its adjacent tissues.
Comparison of Icare, dynamic contour tonometer, and ocular response analyzer with goldmann applanation tonometer.
Authors: VANDEWALLE E , STALMANS I , VANDENBROECK S , ZEYEN T 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) readings taken with the ICare tonometer, the Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometer (DCT), and the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) with the Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT). To evaluate the influence of central corneal thickness (CCT) on the IOP measurements. Methods: In a prospective study 93 eyes of 93 patients attending the glaucoma clinic were examined. Patients were randomly divided into four groups to vary the order in which the tonometers were applied. CCT was measured with an ultrasound pachymeter (Pachmate). A multivariate normal model was used to compare the mean IOP measurements between the four instruments. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess the correlation between IOP measurements and CCT. Bland‐Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between the tonometry methods. Results: The average CCT was 558 ±47.4 μm. The mean IOP for GAT, ICare, DCT, and ORA (Goldmann correlated IOP) were 15.1 ±4.8, 15.7 ±5.7, 18.3 ±5.1, and 18.3 ±6.6 mmHg respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean IOP obtained with GAT and ICare (p=0.44), nor between DCT and ORA (p=0.99). There was no correlation between the IOP measurements and CCT for the four instruments. Bland‐Altman graphs show disagreement between the measurements taken by the four tonometers. Conclusions: IOP readings from ICare are in accordance with those from GAT, whereas DCT readings correspond well to (Goldmann correlated) ORA measurements. DCT and ORA readings both overestimate IOP measured with GAT.
Diclofenac effect on conjunctival goblet cells density after LASIK
Authors: RODRIGUEZ AE , RODRIGUEZ‐PRATS JL , MEZQUIDA G , ALIO JL 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Dry eye is a common condition after LASIK surgery, and in previous studies we have demonstrated a great decrease of the goblet cell population after LASIK. Taking into account that dry eye syndrome has an inflammatory origin we performed this study with Diclofenac 0,1% after LASIK surgery . Methods: 40 patients scheduled for LASIK surgery were included into two groups. In 20 of them the flap was made with a mechanical microkeratome, M2 (Moria), and in the other 20 patients the flaps were made by femtosecond laser (IntraLase). Topical Diclofenac 0,1% was applied twice a day for two months following LASIK surgery only in the left eye of the patients. Artificial tears were used 4 times a day in both eyes. Goblet cell count in conjunctiva and inflammatory cells were studied by impression cytology pre‐operatively, at one, two and three months after surgery. Results: Analysis by impression cytology of the ocular surface showed a decrease in the inflammation after surgery in the eyes treated with Diclofenac 0,1%. The goblet cell count in both groups decreased after LASIK surgery, however there were no statistically significant differences between left and right eyes of patients at any time in the goblet cell count in any of them. Conclusions: Diclofenac 0,1% decreased inflammation in the treated eyes, however no differences were found with this treatment in the conjunctival goblet cell count .
Neural and behavioral mapping of the visual field in true and simulated visual field deficits
Authors: KOZAK LR , SZATMARY G , VIDNYANSZKY Z 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Our goal was to assess the utility of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in simultaneous mapping of perceptual and neural visual field deficits, and in the assessment of neural plasticity processes underlying spontaneous and medication‐induced visual field recovery. Methods: Neural function of two patients with predominantly unilateral visual field deficits and three volunteers with simulated scotomas was assessed using fMRI retinotopic mapping procedures. In the patients behavioral testing has also been done by asking for reports in a forced choice manner on the color of a 1.66° diameter circle patch pseudo‐randomly overlaid on the standard fMRI retinopic mapping stimuli. Results: Retinotopic mapping provided a reliable voxel‐based quantification of the extent of both real and simulated visual field deficits. The pattern of BOLD responses in retinotopic visual cortical areas – in particular in the primary visual cortex – showed close correlation with the performance in the perimetry tests, and the behavioral responses obtained during scanning. Moreover, we found a marked difference between true and simulated visual field deficits. Conclusions: The presented fMRI retinotopic mapping techniques are suitable for the simultaneous assessment of the functional and behavioral aspects of visual field loss, thus providing an opportunity to investigate neural plasticity in affected patient populations.
Strategies to prevent anophthalmic socket contraction in retinoblastoma patients
Authors: TUNC M 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The combination of enucleation plus irradiation often leads to a significant orbital volume loss and severe enophthalmos in retinoblastoma patients. Our purpose is to discuss the strategies to prevent anophthalmic socket related complications. Methods: In this retrospective study we reviewed our retinoblastoma patients who underwent enucleation. We evaluated the enucleation technique, possible causes and preventive factors for anophthalmic socket contraction. Results: In our clinic, four patients developed severe anophthalmic socket contraction following retinoblastoma treatment. One of these patients had bilateral enucleation and three patients had only one eye removal. The patient who had bilateral enucleation also had external orbital irradiation. All patients had small orbital implants (12 to 14 mm in diameter) and smaller orbital volumes. One patient had severe ectropion and one patient had severe entropion with granuloma formation. Conclusions: Surgical technique, adjunctive radiotherapy, implant diameter, orbital growth retardation and fat atrophy are important factors in development of anophthalmic socket contraction in retinoblastoma patients. Most of these factors are preventable with appropriate surgical approach in enucleation.
Antimicrobial peptides on the ocular surface in health and disease
Authors: ABEDIN A , MOHAMMED I , DUA HS 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the eukaryotic analogues of antibiotics and of paramount importance in host defence. We report herein the expression of a spectrum of AMPs at the ocular surface in infective conditons compared to controls. Methods: RNA obtained from impression cytology samples of conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells of normal persons and of patients with bacterial, viral, acanthamoeba and dry eye disease underwent reverse‐transcription‐ Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to assess expression of the AMPs HBD‐1 to ‐4( Human Beta Defensin),Dermicidin, LL‐37 (or Cathelicidin), LEAP‐1 and LEAP‐2 (Liver Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide) and a number of putative AMPs. Results: HBD‐1 and ‐2 were universally expressed in both health and disease. HBD‐3 was seen only occasionally in infection and not in controls and seemed to be commonly expressed in dry eye disease. LL‐37 occurred in both normals and infective groups but the level of expression was variable and was less in acanthamoeba infection. Likewise LEAP‐1 and ‐2 were commonly seen both in control and infection and appeared to be more strongly expressed i the former. The latter AMPs, i.e., the putative AMPs were not expressed. Conclusions: AMPs have a distinct profile on the ocular surface as opposed to other mucosal surfaces and different disease conditions appear to further modify gene expression. In contrast to other surfaces HBD‐1 and ‐2 both appear to be constitutively expressed on the ocular surface and other AMPs are more storngly expressed in certain disease states than others whereas others are more common in control groups than in infective conditions.
Intermediate and combined forms of retinal telangiectasies
Authors: ZOGRAFOS L 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Idiopathic retinal telangiectasis are usually classified as Leber ‐ Coats disease or juxtafoveal telangiectasies. Intermediate and combined forms of these vascular disorders are rare and poorly described and understood. Methods: Clinical presentation of four cases of congenital telangiectasies associated to pigment epithelium disorders, two cases associated with optic disc anomalies, nine cases of multifocal progressive retinal telangiectasies and six cases of junctional congenital retinal telangiectasies. Results: Clinical presentations of four types of poorly described and understood congenital retinal telangiectasies considering fluorescein angiography pattern and therapeutic approach. Conclusions: Intermediate and combined forms of congenital retinal telangiectasies are highly interesting in order to attend a more accurate classification of these disorders based on presumed etiopathogenic mechanisms.
Growth factor signalling and regulation of lens cell differentiation
Authors: MCAVOY JW , STUMP RJW , ANG S , CHEN Y , LOVICU FJ 
Published: October 2007

AbstractStudies on explanted lens epithelial cells have been central to the identification of growth factor families that play key roles in determining the differentiated states of lens cells. In vitro models have shown that quiescent epithelial cells can be induced to differentiate down the normal fibre differentiation pathway by FGF, or induced to undergo an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is a key feature of subcapsular cataracts (including PCO) by TGFß. Central to the generation of these divergent phenotypes is reorganisation of the lens cell cytoskeleton. Recent studies in our laboratory have identified key roles for the Wnt growth factor family in regulating the lens cell cytoskeleton. Transgenic mice that overexpress the Wnt signalling inhibitor, secreted frizzled‐related protein 2 (Sfrp2), specifically in the lens, develop cataract and microphthalmia and exhibit a severely disrupted lens cellular architecture. The epithelial sheet is reduced and disordered. The lens fibre compartment is severely disrupted and it is notable that fibres do not elongate and undergo directed cell migration to form sutures. This is reflected in the absence of aligned microtubules and disrupted expression/activity of components of Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling cascades including small GTPases (Cdc42, Rac1 and RhoA) and phospho‐JNK. These results have highlighted an important role for Wnt/PCP signalling in orchestrating the development of the highly ordered lens cellular architecture.
Alpha‐Crystallins and their role in cataract and other diseases
Authors: HORWITZ J 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn spite of intensive work trying to elucidate the 3 dimensional structure of alpha‐crystallin, we still do not have a high‐resolution structure. This is because alpha‐crystallin is ploydispersed and cannot be crystallized. We can infer its structure from other small heat‐shock proteins belonging to the alpha‐crystallins family that were crystallized. To study its function in the lens, we are at present using a genetic approach. Xiaohua Gong and his collaborators have recently identified 2 mouse cataractous mutant lines. One such mutation is αA‐R54C, and the second is αA‐Y118D. The two mutations cause a recessive and a dominant cataract respectively. The first mutation (αA‐R54C) which is in N‐terminal region of alpha‐crystallin seem to affect lens epithelial and fiber cell during development, the αA‐Y118D mutation which is in the “α‐crystallin domain” of the molecule affect the interaction of alpha‐crystallin with the other major lens crystallins namely beta and gamma‐crystallins. This approach and these kinds of animal models will help us understand the multiple roles of the alpha‐crystallin in the lens and in the other tissues. The involvement of alpha‐crystallin in age‐related macular degeneration and various types of cancer will also be discussed.