bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetic retinopathy screening with nonmydriatic fundus camera(1 and 3 fields) vs ETDRS standard
Authors: MASSIGNAN F , VUJOSEVIC S , BENETTI E , PILOTTO E , MIDENA E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the ability to determine single lesions and to grade clinical levels of diabetic retinopathy (DR)using nonmydriatic(NM)digital color retinal images compared to Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study(ETDRS)7 standard 35‐mm stereoscopic color fundus photos. Methods: 80 eyes of 42 diabetic patients with wide spectrum of DR lesions were enrolled.Nonsimultaneous 45°‐field non stereoscopic digital color images were taken from 1 central field(1F) and from 3 fields (3F) with a NM automatic fundus camera(Nidek Technologies, Italy).After dilatation standard 30° ETDRS photos were obtained with Topcon TRC50IA(Japan).The images obtained were analysed by 2 independent, masked readers evaluating lesion‐by‐lesion to assess the ETDRS grading and the clinical severity of the disease according the International proposed 5‐stage disease severity classification. Results: Comparison of single lesions among 1F or 3F images and ETDRS fields revealed good agreement for hard exudates(k= 0.74 and k=0.75 respectively);moderate agreement for hemorrhages and/or microaneurysms(k=0.49, k= 0.60),cotton wool spots(k=0.41, K=0.49)and retinal new vessels(k=0.40, k=0.43).The agreement was fair for clinically significant macular edema(k=0.40, k=0.39).There was substantial agreement between 3F and ETDRS images for moderate non‐proliferative and proliferative DR(k=0.70 and k= 0.89 respectively),while it was moderate between 1F and ETDRS images. Conclusions: The automatic non‐mydriatic 3 field system may be an effective tool to determine the level of DR and to identify the need for prompt referral to the ophthalmologist, even when applied as a telemedicine tool. It is still controversial if one 45° image is adequate for DR screening.
Comparison of corneal aberrations after myopic LASEK and LASIK surgeries using two different excimer lasers
Authors: CANADAS SUAREZ P , HERNANDEZ‐VERDEJO J , ROMAN‐GUINDO J , SANCHEZ‐PINA J , TEUS MA 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To compare changes in high order corneal aberrations (HOCA) after myopic LASEK and LASIK surgeries using two different excimer lasers. Methods: This prospective study included 124 eyes of consecutive patients divided into 4 groups; group 1 LASEK with Technolas 24 eyes, group 2 LASIK with Technolas 26 eyes, group 3 LASIK with Esiris 37 eyes, group 4 LASEK with Esiris 37 eyes. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and manifest refraction were measured, in groups, before and 3 months after surgeries.The topography data were used to calculate HOCA with 6 mm pupil size, before and 3 months after surgery. Results: There were no significant differences, 3 months after surgery, in BCVA, UCVA and in manifest refraction between patients treated with LASEK and LASIK regardless of the laser used.There was a significant increase in spherical, astigmatic, coma and total RMS aberrations in Technolas groups 3 months after surgery. They were lower in LASIK than in LASEK (p< 0,001). The same results were found in spherical and high order aberrations in Esiris groups (p: 0.001; p: 0.06). There were also higher in LASEK, 3 months after surgery. Conclusions: : Our results suggest that both lasers produced an equal increase in HOCA. Therefore, it depends on the surgical technique used. HOCA after LASEK were higher than after LASIK 3 months after surgery.
Characterization within and around the Limbal Epithelial Crypt
Authors: YEUNG AM , SCHLOETZER SCHREHARDT U , KULKARNI B , HOPKINSON A , KRUSE FE , DUA HS 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The Limbal Epithelial Crypt (LEC) is an anatomical structure that is found between the junction of the cornea and sclera and is in a unique position to make it an ideal structure to examine further. Previous studies have demonstrated the LEC to have properties that suggest it may be a stem cell niche. Basal cells of the LEC are significantly smaller than basal cells found in adjacent rete pegs, and morphologically they have a higher nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio. We set out to examine LEC further by exploring the surrounding LEC matrix proteins, and with known differentiation markers. Methods: Donated corneo‐sclero rims were cut into eight equal sized pieces and frozen. Each piece was cut into 7μm serial sections, and was examined by microscopy for LEC structures. Identified LEC was collected on slides and stored until they were fixed in acetone and processed by standard immunofluorescence techniques for each differentiation marker. Results: Tenacin C was more positively taken up by the basement membrane of the LEC compared with the surrounding limbus. In addition, staining for desmoglein was negative against isolated small subpopulations of cells within the basal regions of the LEC. Conclusions: The LEC structure demonstrates properties that may identify this as a possible stem cell niche. Further studies are necessary to determine the significance of the LEC in its role in stem cell maintenance.
Effects of moxaverine and placebo on ocular blood flow
Authors: GARHOFER G , RESCH H , WOLZT M , SCHMETTERER L 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: A number of eye diseases are associated with perfusion abnormalities. Moxaverine, because of its known direct vasodilator effect, is used in the therapy of perfusion abnormalities in the brain, the heart and the extremities. The present study aimed to investigate whether moxaverine affects ocular blood flow. Methods: 16 healthy volunteers were studied in this randomized, double masked, placebo‐controlled twoway crossover study. Moxaverine (Ursapharm, Saarbrücken, Germany, 150mg) was administered intravenously over 30 minutes. Ocular hemodynamic parameters were measured before and up to 90 minutes after drug administration. Retinal arterial and venous diameters were measured with a Retinal Vessel Analyzer. Retinal blood velocity (RBV) was assessed with laser Doppler velocimetry, choroidal (CF) and optic nerve head blood flow (ONF) were measured with laser Doppler flowmetry. Results: RBV and ONF tended to increase by 13.6±13.3% and 11.8±12.7% respectively after administration of moxaverine, but this effect was not significant versus placebo. Moxaverine increased significantly CF by 22.6±27.9%. In retinal veins moxaverine induced vasodilation (2.6±2.8%), but this effect was not significant versus placebo. Retinal blood flow increased after infusion of moxaverine (19.6±16.5%), but again this effect did not reach the level of significance most likely due to the small numbers of subjects. Conclusions: The present study indicates an increase in ocular blood flow after systemic infusion of a single dose of moxaverine in healthy subject. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether this effect can also be seen after repeated dose treatment in patients with ocular vascular disease.
To see or not to see
Authors: DALKE C , FAVOR J , PUK O , GRAW J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: “Sighted C3H” mice with a normal Pde6b gene, were compared to wild‐type C3H/HeH mice with the strain‐specific Pde6b(rd1) mutation causing retinal degeneration, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Methods: All mice were screened for morphological and visual alterations by funduscopy, slit lamp biomicroscopy, laser interference biometry, ERG and optokinetic drum. Results: In “sighted C3H” mice the mutated Pde6b(rd1) allele of C3H/HeH mice was replaced by the normal Pde6b allele from BALB/c mice. The presence of the normal Pde6b gene was verified by PCR analysis.Slit lamp biomicroscopy revealed no abnormalities in the anterior segments of the eye in all mice. In the fundus of C3H/HeH (Pde6b‐/‐) mice the typical pigment patches and vessel attenuation caused by the retinal degeneration were observed, while the “sighted C3H” (Pde6b+/+) mice showed a normal fundus appearance, comparable to C57BL/6 mice. The albino BALB/c mice had a red‐shining fundus, due to the lack of pigmentation. Scotopic ERG was performed with our screening setup for mice, where BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice showed good responses with well developed a‐ and b‐waves, while C3H/HeH (Pde6b‐/‐) mice showed no response. Unexpectedly, all “sighted C3H” (Pde6b+/+) mice did not show any b‐wave response in the scotopic ERG, but scored at least once within 6 trials in the optokinetic drum. As expected C3H/HeH (Pde6b‐/‐) mice did not respond to the moving stripes of the optokinetc drum, as did the BALB/c mice. A good response to the rotating drum was obtained from C57BL/6 mice. Conclusions: "Sighted C3H" mice have a normal Pde6b gene and responded to the rotating stripes in the optokinetc drum, but do not have normal vision due to the lack of the b‐wave in the ERG.This work is supported by the NGFN.
Refractive and biomechanical changes with intrastromal ring segments for keratoconus
Authors: MICHAEL R , DE LA PAZ MF , RIOS A , ROMO M , SALVADOR B , DELAS B , ALVAREZ DE TOLEDO JP , BARRAQUER RI 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To analyse the refractive changes by Power Vector Analysis and the changes in corneal elasticity with the Ocular Response Analyser [ORA]. Methods: Refraction data at one day and three months post‐op was available in 30 eyes (30 patients) and biomechanical data in 10 eyes (10 patients). Visual acuity and topography was analysed in all patients. The type of intrastromal ring segments used were 85% Ferrara and 15% Intacs. Spherical equivalent M, the astigmatism components J0 and J45, and the length of the Power Vector are calculated. Results: The mean length of the Power Vector changed from 6.1 D (+/‐ 1.0 confidence interval [CI]) pre‐op to 3.1 D (+/‐ 0.6 CI) at one day post‐op and was 3.5 D (+/‐ 0.9 CI) at three months post‐op. ORA's Corneal Hysteresis Factor in keratoconus patients (mean 7.4 +/‐ 0.5 CI) was significantly lower than in controls (mean 11.2 +/‐ 0.8 CI) but did not change after intrastromal ring implantation. Conclusions: Intrastromal ring segments for keratoconus reduced the spherical equivalent refraction and the amount of astigmatism at one day and three month post‐op, with some regression between 1 day and 3 month post‐op. Corneal hysteresis appeared not to be altered by the intrastromal ring segments.
Three‐dimensional high‐speed optical coherence tomography for the investigation of the cornea and anterior eye‐segments
Authors: YASUNO Y 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has a history of more than a decade for posterior eye investigations. This posterior OCT has been optimized for retinal investigation and is not suitable for anterior eye examinations, although interest for the application of OCT to the anterior eye exist. Recently, anterior‐segment OCT has been introduced and its application fields are rapidly extending. However, these anterior OCT systems are based on a time‐domain OCT configuration, which has relatively slow measurement speed; hence, it is difficult to have a full three‐dimensional (3‐D) tomographic dataset. Methods: Our group recently demonstrated ultra‐high‐speed corneal & anterior eye segment OCT (CAS‐OCT). This OCT system is based on Fourier domain detection and provides 20,000 A‐lines/sec. This fast measurement speed enables a full 3‐D dataset of the anterior eye within 2 sec. This 3‐D dataset provides several useful applications : e.g. visualisation of the internal structure of the bleb of glaucoma surgery. An en‐face projection or en‐face OCT slices are available from the 3‐D dataset, which enables en‐face assessment of corneal diseases whose extension directly relates to the patient's visual acuity. Results: Using this 3‐D CAS‐OCT, we have examined 46 eyes with several types of pathologies including granular, Avellino and lattice corneal dystrophy, post LASIK corneal changes, keratoplasty, keratoconus, iris nodules, anterior synechiae, angle recession, ciliary body detachment, scleritis, and several types of glaucoma surgery; trabeculectomy, trabeculotomy, and laser iridotomy. Conclusions: In the presentation, we introduce our CAS‐OCT and show clinical outcomes form the above‐mentioned examinations.
Spectral domain OCT at 850 nm and OFDI at 1050 nm for retinal imaging in glaucoma and AMD patients
Authors: DEN BOER J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: We have realized a 150 fold improvement of the sensitivity over conventional time domain OCT technology allowing video rate in vivo retinal imagingwithout compromising image quality. Methods: Two different but similar technologies (SD‐OCT and OFDI) provide high speed imaging at a wavelength of 850 nm and 1050 nm, respectively. An overview of the latest system developments will be presented. Data processing techniques to extract and quantify features such as retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, drusen volume, CNV size and volume, and subretinal fluid volume will be presented for a number of glaucoma and AMD patients. Results: Ultra‐high‐resolution video rate SD‐OCT at 850 nm and OFDI at 1050 nm offers many advantages in retinal imaging, maintaining high signal to noise while operating at a safe ocular exposure level. Conclusions: The unprecedented speed eliminates motion artifacts and the need to re‐align A‐lines, enabling accurate 3‐D mapping of the retinal topography, and provides a shift from two‐dimensional imaging to three‐dimensional screening of large retinal volumes.
TNF‐alpha and Interferon‐gamma upregulate AQP4 protein expression in ARPE‐19, a human retinal pigmented epithelial cell line.
Authors: JANSSENS S , CASPERS L , WILLERMAIN F , DELPORTE C 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Under physiological conditions, the outer retina is dehydrated by water movements through retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells. However, during intraocular inflammation, water accumulation into the retina leads to the formation of retinal oedema. Accordingly, the knowledge of the type of aquaporins (AQPs) expressed by RPE cells and its regulation by cytokines is of crucial importance. Therefore, we studied the expression of AQP4 on the retinal epithelial ARPE‐19 cell line and its regulation by cytokines. Methods: ARPE‐19 cells were grown for 24h in the presence or absence of 100 ng/ml interferon gamma (IFN gamma) or 30 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). AQP4 expression was evaluated by semi‐quantitative Western blot analysis and by immunofluorescence. Results: Protein immunoblots of membranes from ARPE‐19 cells were probed with an affinity purified anti‐AQP4 antibody and an anti‐glucose transporter 1. The immunoblots revealed the presence of a ± 30 kDa band, corresponding to the expected molecular weight of AQP4 observed in kidney membranes used as positive control. Immunofluorescence revealed a strong AQP4 labeling. AQP4 protein expression after 24 h treatment of ARPE‐19 cells with 100 ng/ml IFN gamma or 30 ng/ml TNF alpha were respectively of 158 ± 23 % (mean ± S.E.M, n = 3, p<0.05) and 171 ± 10 % (mean ± S.E.M, n = 3, p<0.05) compared to untreated cells. Conclusions: ARPE‐19 cells constitutively express AQP4. In addition, AQP4 expression was significantly increased in response to IFN gamma and TNF alpha.
Failure of topical Cyclosporine A 2% in patients with severe ocular rosacea after penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: GICQUEL JJ , BOURGES JL , LANGMAN ME , BONNERIC JG , RENARD G , DIGHIERO PL 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate cyclosporine A (CsA) 2% eye‐drops in the prevention of acute rejection after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in patients with severe ocular rosacea. Methods: IRB approval (Poitiers School of Medicine) was given an Informed Consent was obtained from all patients according to French Regulations. 35 patients with severe Rosacea that underwent a PKP from 2000 to 2003 for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy were topically treated with CsA. The patient’s charts, the level of rejection risk, the IOP and the graft outcome were analyzed. Results: No systemic effect was detected. 21 rejections developed after a median of 18.5 months. Ten rejections under CsA treatment were reversible. Conclusions: CsA 2% eye‐drops failed in being an effective treatment in the prevention of acute rejection in patients with severe ocular rosacea.
Quantification of light scattering and cataract development using the Scheimpflug’s principle
Authors: WEGENER AR 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Light entering the eye is scattered in a forward and backward direction in the cornea and lens due to their cellular architecture and the high protein content. Short wave optical radiation, UV, ionizing radiation, other internal and external risk factors and ageing increase light scattering especially in the lens finally leading to cataract development. Methods: Back scattered light can be reproducibly measured with the Scheimpflug principle generating time and space resolved lens density data. Scheimpflug’s principle minimalises imaging distortion, but cornea and lens themselves distort the images, so that mathematical corrections are needed for true biometrical data. Quantification of scattering data requires standardization and correction. Standardization is necessary because each recording medium has non linear components. External standards have been evaluated, e.g. Ulbricht spheres and a diacepam solution. Correction is necessary because scattering changes in any layer of the transparent tissues in the anterior eye segment affects the data from underlying tissues, meaning that an internal standard is necessary as well. Results: Based on these correction procedures the actual amount of data is depending on the number of optical sections recorded per eye. For evaluation of normal age‐related changes in light scattering and homogenous opacities like nuclear cataracts about 4 meridians are sufficient whereas asymmetric opacities like most cortical cataracts require a higher number of meridians. Conclusions: Densitometric analysis of a large number of images including all the corrections mentioned above should be performed with custom‐designed image analytical software in order to maximize the information output from the Scheimpflug recording.
Sigma‐1 receptor: a pivotal role in lens cell survival
Authors: WANG L , DUNCAN G 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Sigma‐1 receptor (Sig‐1R) has no known homology with any other receptors. Natural ligands are yet to be identified. Sig‐1R appears to play a critical role in controlling cell proliferation. The human lens grows throughout life and uncontrolled growth after cataract surgery is responsible for Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO). We have therefore investigated a possible role for Sig‐1R antagonists in controlling PCO. Methods: The human lens cell line FHL124 expresses the Sig‐1R and was employed for this study. Cells were maintained in EMEM or EMEM supplemented with 5% Serum (FCS) at 35°C in 5% CO2. Sig‐1R siRNA and scrambled siRNA were purchased from Ambion. Cell growth was assessed by measuring total protein and cell death by quantifying LDH leakage. mRNA level was assayed by RT‐PCR. Protein level was measured by western blotting. Results: A dose‐dependent effect of Sig‐1R antagonist (rimcazole or BD1047) on cell growth was observed. 72 hours of transfection with siRNAs directed against Sig‐1R reduced mRNA and protein levels by over 70 and 60% respectively. Subsequent incubation for 96 hours in 5%FCS gave a partial recovery of mRNA, but no significant increase in protein expression. LDH leakage assays showed that significant cell death occurred and was accompanied by an increased level of Caspase‐3. The increases of pERK and pAkt stimulated with 10nM thrombin were inhibited by silencing Sig‐1R, but not in cells exposed to scrambled siRNA. The recycling level of EGF receptor was significantly reduced by Sig‐1R antagonists compared with controls. Conclusions: This study establishes a central role for the Sig‐1R in lens cell survival through modulating the activity of growth factor receptor mediated cell signalling and growth factor receptor trafficking.
Ten‐year follow‐up of drusen like lesions in mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis II
Authors: D'SOUZA Y , BONSHEK RE , SHORT D 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to assess the outcome of drusen‐like lesions in patients with mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis –II (MCGN II) and to compare their progression to that of drusen in age‐related maculopathy Methods: After obtaining consent and ethics approval, 4 patients with biopsy proven MCGN‐II were re‐examined clinically and on fluorescein angiography 10 years after their initial fundus examination. Three patients had undergone renal transplant in the past. Results: All four patients had bilateral, fairly symmetrical drusen at the posterior pole which extended to the periphery. There was no blood, fluid nor cystoid change at the macula in either eye of any patient. No patient showed signs of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). There was no progression in retinopathy over 10 years. This is in contrast to age‐related maculopathy where 33% patients develop CNV over 7 years. Renal transplant did not affect the risk of progression of retinopathy. Conclusions: We therefore suggest that factors other than drusen alone may contribute to the developement of CNV
The presence of an active ETB1 receptor is essencial for ETB2 induced relaxation of the iris sphincter muscle
Authors: ROCHA DE SOUSA A , ALVES‐FARIA P , SARAIVA J , AMARAL M , FALCAO‐REIS F , LEITE‐MOREIRA A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: There are two subtypes of ETB receptors: ETB1 and ETB2. Stimulation of the latter relaxes iris sphincter. We investigated the interaction of the two ETB receptor subtypes in the iris sphincter muscle. Methods: Rabbit iris sphincter muscles (n=55) were dissected, mounted on a vertical organ attached to a force transducer and precontracted. The effects of ETB stimulation through (i) Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1;10e‐10–10e‐7M), in the presence of an ETA receptor antagonist (BQ‐123;10e‐5 M; n=7) (ii) sarafotoxin sc6 (SRTX‐c; [10e‐10–10e‐6M]; n=6) (iii) IRL‐1620 (ETB1 agonist; [10e‐10–10e‐7M; n=7) were evaluated. The effect of ETB stimulation was also evaluated in the presence of i) an ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, (PD145065;10e‐5M;n=4) ii) an ETB1 receptor antagonist, (RES‐701;10e‐6M;n=7) iii) an ETB2 receptor antagonist, (BQ‐788;10e‐5M;n=6) iv) a NOS inhibitor, (L‐nitro‐L‐arginine;L‐NA;10e‐5M;n=7); v) a COX inhibitor (indomethacin; indo;10e‐5M; n=10). Results: ETB stimulation by SRTX‐c or by ET‐1 in the presence of BQ‐123 promoted a concentration‐dependent relaxation of the rabbit sphincter muscles maximal at 10‐7M, averaging 10.8±2.03% and 9.35±1.79%, respectively. IRL‐1620 did not relax the iris sphincter muscle (0.91±5.45 %). The former was inhibited by RES‐701(‐0.09±2.23%) and BQ‐788 (‐2,30±2.04%). The effect was attenuated by PD145065 (5,71±0.98%) and by L‐NA (4.46±2.28%) or Indo (2.34±2.93%). Conclusions: ETB receptor stimulation relaxes the iris sphincter muscle, an effect that is mediated by the ETB2 subtype, through NO and prostaglandins release. However the presence of an active ETB1 receptor is essential for the activation of ETB2 receptor by sarafotoxin.