bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema
Authors: SULEMAN H , MATHEW M , LAKSHMANAN A , ABEDIN A , ORR GM 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To report the outcome of orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide (OFTA) in refractory pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema(PCMO) and to determine the visual outcome in these patients Methods Six eyes of 6 patients with PCMO inadequately responsive to treatment combinations of topical steroidal and non‐steroidal agents were retrospectively studied. All received 40mg (1ml) OFTA injection. Post‐operative Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and OCT findings were assessed. Other potential complications were looked for retrospectively. Results The average age was 72 years(+/‐12 years). OFTA was given, on average, 4 weeks after a diagnosis of PCMO was made (range 0‐6 weeks) and treated with topical anti‐inflammatory agent combinations. The mean follow‐up was 11.0 months (range, 5‐18), and the mean improvement of VA after OFTA was Snellen, (6/18‐6/12). This was noticed at a mean of 12 weeks (range 4‐72). At last follow‐up, five eyes showed an improvement of two lines or more, while in one eye vision was maintained at 6/24 which developed diabetic maculopathy and required grid laser. None of the patients developed post‐treatment raised IOP or lost vision. There was a significant reduction of retinal thickness and cystoid space height (P = 0.003). The dosage of topical steroids was reduced or stopped altogether in all 6 eyes. There were no cases of injection‐related retrobulbar haemorrhage, cellulitis, or globe perforation Conclusion In cases of psuedophakic CMO, initial response to OFTA treatment was encouraging. Further larger long term studies are required to ascertain whether re‐treatment is effective with subsequent orbital floor steroid injections. This is with a view to maintain the initial improvement.
The relationship between macular pigment optical density and ApoE genotype
Authors: LOANE E , NOLAN JM , MCKAY G , STACK J , BEATTY S 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To investigate the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and ApoE genotype in healthy subjects with and without a family history of age‐related maculopathy (ARM). Methods We recruited 336 subjects for this study. Demographic and health details were recorded. MPOD was measured by customised heterochromatic flicker photometry using the Macular Densitometer. Genotype data was downloaded from HapMap for the CEU population. Genotyping was performed using SNaPshot assays on an ABI 3100 genetic analyser. Results 4 subjects did not meet our analysis criteria and were excluded. Genotype data were available on 94.3% of our sample. 62.6% of subjects had the ε3ε3 genotype (non‐risk); 25.2% had at least 1 ε4 (protective) allele; 12.7% had at least 1 ε2 (risk) allele. Only 1 subject had the ε2ε2 genotype; this subject had a family history of ARM. Of the 8 subjects with the ε4ε4 genotype, only 2 had a family history of ARM. There was no significant difference in the remaining genotype distribution between subjects with and without a family history of ARM. We divided our sample into 3 genotype groups: Group 1: ε2ε2 or ε2ε3 (n=38); Group 2: ε3ε3 (n=194); Group 3: ε2ε4, ε3ε4 or ε4ε4 (n=78). There was a statistically significant difference in peak MPOD between these groups: Group 3 had the highest mean MPOD; Group 1 had the lowest (p=0.002). This significant association remained after controlling for age, sex, BMI, family history of ARM, smoking, alcohol intake, dietary and serum lutein and zeaxanthin. Conclusion The presence of the Apo ε4 allele appears to be associated with higher MPOD values in healthy subjects. The importance of this finding rests on the fact that the Apo ε4 allele is protective against ARM.
Commercial interest
Efficacy and tolerance of early high‐dose corticosteroid therapy in Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease
Authors: BOUCHENAKI N , HERBORT CP 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Early high dose corticosteroid therapy with "adequate" duration has become the mainstay therapy in Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada (VKH) disease. This work report the tolerance and side‐effects in a small series of VKH patients having received “maximal” Inflammation Suppressive Therapy (IST). Methods Medical records of VKH patients seen in the the COS uveitis clinic in Lausanne were analyzed. Standard care consisted in prolonged high IST including high dose oral prednisone (60‐200 mg/day), slowly tapered, with or without initial 3‐day megadose (500‐1000 mg of methylprednisolone) intravenous pulse therapy with adjunction of immunosuppressive therapy if necessary. Follow‐up time, total prednisone dose, duration of therapy, adjunctive immunosuppressive treatments, major side‐effects, clinical outcomes were recorded. Results Nine patients were included. Initial oral daily corticosteroid dose was above 60 mg of prednisone in all patients. Immunosuppressive therapy was used in 6 patients either to reinforce IST or to obtain a corticosteroid‐sparing effect. Major side effects were recorded in one patient who developed a bilateral aseptic hip necrosis needing bilateral hip replacement. Clinical outcomes were favorable in 8/9 patients with no sunset‐glow fundus at the one year follow‐up visit and with 7/9 patients beeing treatment free after a slow, mostly indocyanine green angiographically controlled tapering over more than 2 years. Conclusion High dose IST was relatively well tolerated and associated with favorable clinical outcome. Side‐effects of maximal IST are not to be minimized, but seem however acceptable in view of the favorable outcome induced. Treatment duration was found to be much longer than usually recommended in textbooks.
Interest of an interferon‐gamma release assay for diagnosing tuberulosis‐related ocular inflammation
Authors: GINEYS R , TRAD S , TERRADA C , LE THI HUONG DU , FARDEAU C , CASSOUX N , LE HOANG P , BODAGHI B 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Tuberculosis‐related ocular inflammation has many clinical presentations. Most of the time, bacteriological proof is not available and the diagnosis remains presumptive. Workup for another site of infection is seldom rewarding and tuberculin skin test (TST) results can be misleading. QuantiFERON‐TB Gold test is an interferon‐gamma release assay now currently available for tuberculosis screening. Methods We made a review of the charts of the patients who had had a QuantiFERON‐TB Gold test in the ophthalmology department in Pitié‐Salpêtrière, Paris, France between January and October 2007.We included patients with intraocular inflammation who had the QuantiFERON test done before the TST was performed. We decided to conduct a full anti‐tuberculosis therapeutic test in those patients who had a positive QuantiFERON‐TB Gold test result. Results We found 96 QuantiFERON‐TB Gold test results. The mean age at presentation was 51 years (22‐88, SD=17)and the F/M ratio was 60%. Patients exhibited all types of uveitis (anterior, intermediate, posterior, panuveitis) and some of them had scleritis. QuantiFERON‐TB Gold turned out positive in 41 cases, among whom 33 had positive TST, 9 had negative TST and 9 had undetermined TST. Twenty‐six patients received the treatment. At six months of follow‐up, 16 of them had no intraocular inflammation. Conclusion QuantiFERON‐TB Gold test is a convenient ancillary test compared to TST (no control visit, no stimulation of the patient's immune system). It appears useful to help identify patients with tuberculosis‐related ocular inflammation. Further studies are needed to determine whether we should use it instead of TST in this setting.
Presentation of orbital aspergillosis
Authors: MISSOTTEN GS , DE KEIZER RJW 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To describe the presentation, diagnostic difficulties and treatment in three rare cases of aspergillosis of the (peri)orbita. Methods Retrospective reportage of three patient histories. Results The first patient, known with leukemia, presented with total vision loss and ophthalmoplegia. Clinical suspicion was raised for a sinus cavernosis and apex syndrome, but could not be revealed by imaging at first, but only later in the disease progression. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and Amfotericine, but died few weeks later. A second patient presented with complaints with bilateral decrease of visual acuity and sinusitis. No process could be revealed in the cavernous sinus, but bilateraly in the ethmoids. An endonasal ethmoidectomy was done, and oral steroids were given, with good result. A third patient was referred with diplopia since four days. CT‐scan together with MRI made the suspicion of fungal disease with found after tumor excision of the sphenoid MRI showed at first desctruction of the sella floor, without intraorbital infection but forced duction invasion toh orbit. The patient was treated with amphotericin and itraconazole with vanishment of the infection in one month. Conclusion These three cases with aspergillosis infection show that a combination of MRI and CT may be necessary to locate the infection but clinical suspicion and symptoms may be present before imaging can reveal them.
Management of ocular disease in epidermolysis bullosa variant: Laryngo‐onycho‐cutaneous (LOC) syndrome
Authors: ARALIKATTI A , KADYAN A , SHAH S 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To assess the long term outcomes of ocular surface reconstruction and immunomodulation in Laryngo‐onycho‐cutaneous (LOC) syndrome Methods Prospective, interventional, case series Results Four children with LOC were treated by multiple operations involving excision of ocular granulation tissue and amniotic membrane graft reconstruction. The clinical course was monitored for an average period of 4.7 years +/‐ 2 SD (range 3 to 7 years). In all patients, surgical intervention was successful in the medium term with regression of granulation tissue, visual improvement and symptomatic relief from ocular discomfort. Granulation tissue recurred in 8 months (3.7 SD). One patient received Thalidomide trial which stabilized systemic manifestations but had limited effect on ocular disease progression. Immunomodulation with Infliximab infusions stabilized ocular disease in all patients. All patients had stabilisation or slight improvement in vision. Conclusion Ocular disease in LOC syndrome can be successfully managed with repeated amniotic membrane grafts and immunomodulation. The treatment is effective in maintaining the ocular surface integrity and managing the symptoms of ocular inflammation, although long term visual outcomes remain disappointing.
IOL filters, is there an optimal absorption?
Authors: SÖDERBERG PG , ZOEGA G 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To analyze the need for optical filtering in IOLs Methods The spectral distribution of radiation from the sun, the action spectra for diurnal rhythm regulation and vision, and the action spectra for phototoxic effects in the aphacic and pseudophacic eye were analyzed. Results Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), visible radiation and infrared radiation from the sun reaches the surface of the earth. In the aphacic eye, the retina is exposed to considerable amounts of toxic optical radiation. At the same time, optical radiation is required for vision and diurnal rhythm regulation. Therefore, an IOL needs to block toxic radiation while conserving enough light for vision and diurnal rhythm regulation. The cornea blocks out UVR below 290 nm and then gradually transmits more toward longer wavelengths. The aqueous humor and the vitreous provide some additional blocking of UVR up to 320 nm but then transmits large amounts of longer wavelength radiation up to 1400 nm. In the phacic eye, the crystalline lens, age dependently, blocks out UVR and short wavelength visible radiation. Diurnal rhythm is regulated by melatonin and the action spectrum for the regulation has a maximum around 450 nm. Scotopic vision has a maximum sensitivity around 505 nm and photopic vision around 555 nm. UVR is increasingly toxic towards shorter wavelengths. Visible light causes a retinal Type I phototoxicity with a maximum action around 505 nm and a Type II phototoxicity with a maximum action around 440 nm. Conclusion It is possible and desirable to block the UVR hazard and the Type II phototoxic reaction with conserved diurnal rhythm regulation and scotopic and photopic vision with IOLs.
Macular pigment and its contribution to spatial vision
Authors: MUKUNDA CHAITANYA A , LOUGHMAN J , NOLAN JM , BEATTY S , O'DWYER V , DAVISON PA 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose The optical properties and distribution of macular pigment (MP) are such that it may theoretically contribute to visual performance by attenuating the effects of chromatic aberration and light scatter. We assess whether MP optical density (MPOD) influences spatial vision by means of selective short wavelength light absorption prior to photoreceptor light capture. Methods 51 young (mean=29+/‐6 years) healthy subjects were recruited. The spatial profile of MPOD was assessed by customised heterochromatic flicker photometry. Visual performance was assessed by psychophysical tests including recognition acuity (VA), mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity. Each subject completed a visual performance questionnaire, generating a performance index of the subjects’ perception of their functional vision. Results Mean peak MPOD was 0.39+/‐0.14. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant positive relationship between VA and MPOD at 0.25deg and 0.5deg retinal eccentricity (r=0.345 p=0.013; r=0.317 p=0.024 respectively); the questionnaire derived VA index (VAI) also correlated strongly with MPOD at 0.25deg (r=0.281 p=0.046). Photopic and mesopic contrast thresholds exhibited an inverse and statistically significant correlation with central MPOD (mesopic contrast threshold @ 5.7 cycles/deg and MPOD at 0.25deg: r=‐0.394 p=0.004; photopic contrast threshold @ 5.7 cycles/deg and MPOD at 0.25deg: r=‐0.313 p=0.027). Conclusion Our results support the hypothesis that retinal image quality is optimised, and visual performance across the full contrast range is more refined, with higher levels of MP. The findings are limited by the observational nature of this study. However, further interventional studies are warranted.
Commercial interest
No‐induced retinal vasodilatation is maintained in type 1 diabetes
Authors: PEMP B , GARHOFER G , WEIGERT G , KARL K , WOLZT M , SCHMETTERER L 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Various studies have shown that retinal vessels in patients with diabetes mellitus have a reduced capacity to adapt to changes of perfusion pressure. The mechanisms lying behind this abnormal autoregulation have not been completely identified yet. Histomorphological changes of retinal vessels in diabetes could possibly reduce their capacity of vasodilation and vasoconstriction. To test this hypothesis we compared the response of retinal vessel diameters to systemic glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in patients with diabetes and healthy controls. Methods 20 patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus featuring no or mild non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy were included into this study. In addition, 20 healthy and age‐matched subjects were included as controls. Retinal vessel diameters were measured before and immediately after sublingual application of 0.8 mg of the NO‐donor GTN. The IMEDOS Retinal Vessel Analyzer was used for continuous measurement of diameters of retinal arteries and veins. Results Oral application of GTN induced vasodilatation of retinal arteries and veins. This effect was not different between patients with diabetes and healthy controls. Systemic arterial blood pressure was reduced in both groups after GTN application, but to a comparable degree. Conclusion The present study indicates that in patients with no or mild non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy the vasodilatory response of retinal vessels to a direct NO‐donor is maintained. This indicates that abnormal retinal autoregulation in diabetes mellitus, as observed previously, is not a consequence of generally reduced retinal vascular reactivity.
Lipid and fatty acid profile of the retina, RPE/choroid and lacrimal gland, and associations with dietary fatty acids in human subjects
Authors: BRETILLON L , THURET G , GREGOIRE S , ACAR N , JOFFRE C , BRON AM , GAIN P , CREUZOT CP 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose The contribution of dietary lipids to the accumulation of lipids in the retina during ageing and in the course of age related maculopathies remains under debate. Our objective was to establish associations between fatty acid profiles of ocular structures, and adipose tissue as a surrogate for the past dietary intake of the subjects. Methods Lipids and fatty acids were analyzed by tandem thin‐layer chromatography‐flame ionization detection and gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection from the neural retina, RPE/choroid, lacrimal gland and adipose tissue, collected from 19 women and 8 men, aged 59–95 years. Results DHA concentrations in the neural retina were positively associated with those in cholesteryl esters (CE) from RPE/choroid, and negatively associated with DHA concentrations in phospholipids (PL) from RPE/choroid. DHA in orbital fat was positively associated with DHA in lacrimal gland, whereas no significant association was observed in the other ocular structures. Linoleic acid in orbital fat was positively associated with linoleic acid in the lacrimal gland, followed by neural retina and CE from RPE/choroid, and slightly correlated with PL from RPE/choroid. Other fatty acids that are exclusively of dietary origin such as trans fatty acids were detected in orbital fat, lacrimal gland, PL and CE from RPE/choroid. Conclusion DHA in the neural retina was poorly associated with its dietary intake, on the contrary to others fatty acids like linoleic acid. Although epidemiological studies have reported the benefit of dietary DHA for the prevention of AMD, the relevancy for supplementing patients with DHA is questioned.
Comparison of Lucentis monotherapy vs. combination therapy for neovascular AMD
Authors: PHAN AP , JACOBS DJ , BOWMAN KB , FORSEY ZF 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To compare the efficacy of neovascular AMD(NAMD) treatment options by monthly Lucentis(L)(monotherapy), combination therapy utilizing RF‐PDT(P), and Lucentis combined with Kenalog(LK). Methods IRB‐approved retrospective chart review of therapies administered only as‐needed over 20 months. Inclusion criteria: active primary/recurrent subfoveal or juxtafoveal CNV (all types); Snellen BCVA ≥20/400. Exclusion criteria: f/u <3 months or noncompliance; subfoveal atrophy/fibrosis. Kenalog offered with Lucentis when active PED or subretinal fibrosis threatening fovea. RF‐PDT combined with Avastin ± Kenalog(PA±K) or Kenalog alone(PK). Primary outcome measure: mean change in Snellen VA from baseline at last f/u. Secondary outcome measures: incidence of moderate/severe VA change; resolution of leakage; treatment‐free interval. Results 21 eyes received L; 16 eyes LK; 10 eyes RF‐PDT (5 PA±K; 5 PK). Mean f/u was 8.8 (range 3–18) months. At last f/u, mean Snellen VA for L improved ‐0.25; RF‐PDT remained stable +0.06 overall (although PA±K improved ‐0.135; PK worsened +0.27); LK worsened +0.13 logMAR units (p=0.02 for L vs. LK). VA loss <15 letters was greater for L>PA±K>LK>PK, occurring 91%, 80%, 75%, 60%, respectively. 14% L gained ≥30 letters. 20% PK lost ≥30 letters. Leakage resolved greater for L>PA±K>LK>PK, occurring 86%, 80%, 69%, 40%, respectively. Conclusion At intermediate‐term f/u, Lucentis monotherapy administered only as‐needed had results similar to larger studies and was the most effective in maintaining or improving VA in NAMD. Lucentis monotherapy had the greatest leakage resolution and treatment‐free interval. RF‐PDT with Avastin was more effective than with Kenalog alone. Kenalog supplementation to Lucentis unlikely provided added benefit.
Open evaluation of science: can we simply say "no, thank you?"
Authors: STEFANO G 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn today’s world of information doubling at faster rates because of rapid technological and biomedical advances nations must pay closer attention to the productivity and creativity that can be obtained from their universities. A professor’s intellectual property may have important patent consequences. Thus, universities must foster lines of communication that aid the professor in making critical decisions not only about the advance but its potential to generate a revenue stream. In the same light, universities must also be able to evaluate the contribution and the potential of a lab to make future contributions in an objective manner since all laboratories and projects cannot be funded in a nation/university due to the high cost of doing so. In the past, this evaluation has taken the form of a grant, which depends on peer evaluations. Now however, due to ever increasing flow of information, which generates new technologies, additional evaluation processes must be in place so the funding can be prioritized and revenue not wasted. This calls for a rapid evaluation process, taking advantage of the increase in informational flow. This process must be as objective as possible, providing documentation of the ability to generate successful projects without damaging continuing research and hurting the ability of high risk projects to reach fruition.
Relationship between macular pigment and straylight on the retina
Authors: PUELL MC , PEREZ‐CARRASCO MJ , BARRIO AR , PALOMO‐ALVAREZ C , SANCHEZ R 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose Macular pigment (MP) filters short‐wave light, counteracting the deleterious effects on foveolar resolution of scattering in the ocular media. Large individual differences in MP might also be expected to lead to variations in disability glare and reduce contrast in the retinal image. This study was performed to relate variations in foveal MP density levels to light scattering in the eye Methods Measurements were obtained from 138 healthy subjects aged 52 ± 22.3. The optical density of the MP was estimated at the fovea using the Metropsis Test (Cambridge Research System), which is based on the apparent motion photometry method and employs a CRT monitor for stimulus presentation. Scattered light on the retina was measured using the C‐Quant straylight meter (Oculus AG, Germany) according to the psychophysical compensation comparison method. Values are expressed as logs (of the straylight parameter) for which higher values indicate more scattered light and more sensitivity to glare. Results Mean foveal MP optical density was 0.28 density units (SD 0.16; range 0.0 to 0.74). Mean straylight value was 1.10 log units (SD 0.24; range 0.73 to 1.68). With the regression analysis of linear model, we found a significant correlation (Pearson’s correlation = ‐0.25; p‐value < 0.01) between foveal MP and light scattering in the eye at the 99% confidence level. Straylight was significantly higher for subjects with lower foveal MP level. Conclusion Inter‐subject differences in foveal MP density levels showed correlation with light scattering in healthy non‐cataractous eyes.