bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual outcome and corneal aberrometry after implantation of intracorneal ring segments (INTACS) for keratoconus
Authors: HERNANDEZ VERDEJO J , IBARZ M , GIL‐CAZORLA R , FUENTES I , TEUS MA 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To analyze corneal aberrometry and visual outcome after implantation of intracorneal ring segments (INTACS) in keratoconus patients. Methods: Corneal aberration was measured in 15 keratoconus eyes pre and post implantation of INTACS. Root Mean Square values (RMS), (Total, RMS for corneal astigmatism and RMS for coma) where recorded for 5, 6 and 7 pupil diameters, and where divided into two groups due to their previous levels of coma and total RMS. Comatic aberration was divided in vertical (Z3‐1) an horizontal (Z3+1) Zernicke Coeficcients. All data was recorded pre‐op and three months after surgery. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), spherical equivalent and astigmatism where also analyzed. Results: We found statistically significant decrease in spherical equivalent (p<0,01) and increase of UCVA (p<0,01). Significant increase (p=0,04) in coma and total RMS in patients with lower previous values for 5 and 6mm and significant decrease in patients with higher previous values for 7mm (p=0,03) Conclusions: INTACS implantation for keratoconus reduces the mean spherical refractive error, increases UCVA and improves keratoconus aberrations for 7mm pupil diameter in patients with previous high levels of coma and total RMS.
Nicardipine inhibits human conjunctival fibroblastic proliferation, migration and attachment in vitro
Authors: GONZALVO IBANEZ F , FUERTES FERNANDEZ I , IZAGUIRRE RONCAL L , PINILLA LOZANO I 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the calcium channel blocker nicardipine (NIC) on fibroblastic proliferation, migration, attachment and cell viability on human conjunctival fibroblasts in vitro Methods: Human conjunctival fibroblasts were incuvated in a humidified incubator (37ºC‐5%CO2), plus the doses of NIC to be tested. Fibroblastic proliferation at 18, 24 and 48 h was evaluated with a colorimetric assay based on the cleavage of the tetrazolium salt WST‐1 by mitochondrial dehydrogenases in viable cells. Cell viability was evaluated at 4 h with the WST‐1 asssay and with trypan blue (TB) staining. Migration was determined in a artificial wound made in a confluent fibroblast monolayer. Cell free areas were monitored with digitallized images at 0, 18, 24 and 48 h. Fibroblastic attachment was evaluated at 24 h with the WST‐1 asssay. Groups: 9 controls and 9 NIC concentrations (10‐4, 7.5x10‐5, 5x10‐5, 2.5x10‐5, 10‐5, 7.5x10‐6, 10‐6, 10‐7 and 10‐8 M). Each experiment was carried out in triplicate and repeated 4 times Results: NIC < or = 10‐5 M showed cell viability >98% with TB and >99% with WST‐1 at 4 h. DI50=1.018x10‐4 M. NIC > or = 10‐5 M at 18 h, and NIC > or = 7.5x10‐6 M at 24 and 48 h showed significantly less proliferation than control groups. DI50 in 7.5x10‐5‐5x10‐5 M rank. NIC > or = 10‐5 M showed significantly larger cell‐free areas at 18, 24 and 48 h. NIC < or = 7.5x10‐6 M didn´t showed differences among the control groups. NIC > or = 7.5x10‐6 M inhibited fibroblastic attachment in >23% at 24 h. DI50=1.107x10‐3 M Conclusions: NIC have a significant inhibitory effect in vitro on conjunctival fibroblastic wound healing process with potential applicability in ophthalmic surgery
Photodynamic therapy in myopic eyes with CNV with marked leakage
Authors: CATALANO C , RANDAZZO G , PARISE S , SCORCIA V , SCORCIA G 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia is an important cause of significant visual impairment in young and middle age adults globally. To assess the effect of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathologic myopia (PM) with CNV with marked lerakage. Methods: We prospectively followed a series of 44 consecutive patients (45 eyes) with pathologic myopia (>/= 6 diopters) who received verteporfin PDT for CNV. Particular attention to the detection of leakage for neovascularization.This population was divided into two groups according to leakage of the neovascularizzation ( group A: minimum leakage; group B: marked leakage). Results: The time of follow‐up was 24 months (range, 12 to 60 months). Visual acuity (VA) improved by 1 lines in group B e decreased by 2 lines on ETDRS charts in group A . The final mean VA in group B was 66,2 letters and 34,4 letters in group A. Conclusions: Verteporfin PDT has carried at a stable or improved vision in myopic eyes with CNV with marked leakage and appear to respond better to treatment respect to the CNV whit minimum leakage.
The role of telemedicine in improving the referral service for consideration of treatment for age‐related macular degeneration in a tertiary referral centre
Authors: D'SOUZA Y , TUFAIL A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The delay caused by manual referrals of patients from peripheral units for the treatment of age‐related macular degeneration resulted in a 15 letter drop in vision making patients ineligible for treatment. We therefore sought to investigate if electronic patient image referrals would reduce this delay. Methods: A customized software package enables the referral centres to securely upload onto the web based solution the encrypted referral packages holding patient demographics in a template and associated colour and fluorescein images. These packages were then safely submitted from the networked computer to a dedicated web server at Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH). The central site (MEH) then had the ability to import and unpack each package into the telemedicine software programme that triggered an email to the referring centre confirming receipt of the data. Information packages were placed in queues in workflow software which is reviewed daily. As the patient passed through the system the software package triggered the appropriate letter according to the plan of management. This process terminated once the patient had been accepted or rejected by MEH. Results: The beta version of the software fulfils the design specifications of being able to package the complete fluorescein run and colour images from the main camera manufacturers. The software meets the required NHS security standards. Images can be acquired by the treating centre (MEH) the same day as taken in the local referring centre Conclusions: Telemedicine referrals have been shown to reduce the referral time to treatment while still maintaining a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in identifying the presence of CNV
The IOP‐lowering efficacy of once‐daily Travoprost /Timolol dosed in the morning compared to twice‐daily Dorzolamide /Timolol for patients with open‐angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Authors: HOLLO G , LAGANOVSKA G , VOLKSONE L , TEUS MA 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the IOP‐lowering efficacy of dosing Travoprost 0.004%/ Timolol 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution (Trav/Tim, once‐daily morning dosing) and Dorzolamide 2% / Timolol 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution (Dorz/Tim), dosed twice‐daily. Methods: This was a 6‐week randomized, double‐masked, multi‐center, parallel group study. A total of 319 patients were enrolled; 154 were randomized to Trav/Tim at 9 AM and placebo at 9 PM and 165 were randomized to Dorz/Tim at 9 AM and 9 PM. Efficacy assessments included mean IOP and mean IOP change from baseline at 9AM and 4 PM at Week 2 and Week 6. Patients were monitored for adverse events. Results: Baseline mean diurnal IOPs were 26.0 mmHg for the Trav/Tim and 26.1 mmHg for the Dorz/Tim group. Mean Week 6 diurnal IOP values were 16.4 mmHg for Trav/Tim and 17.2 mmHg for Dorz/Tim. Trav/Tim produced greater reductions in IOP than Dorz/Tim at all time points. Mean diurnal IOP differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05) at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and when the data were pooled over the course of the study. Both medications were well‐tolerated. Conclusions: Travoprost 0.004%/ Timolol 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution dosed once‐daily, produced diurnal IOP‐lowering efficacy that was superior to Dorzolamide 2% / Timolol Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% dosed twice‐daily.
A preliminary study of cell therapy of diabetic retinopathy in mice with experimental‐induced diabetes
Authors: LAZUK AV , ZEMCHIKHINA VN , GOLUBEVA ON , ERNST LK , BUDULEVA IA 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To study an effectiveness of xenotransplantation of retinal cells and β‐cells of pancreas in mice DBA/2 line with streptosotocyn induced diabetic retinopathy Methods: 150 male mice (average age 70 days, weight 30 g) were studied as experimental and 30 ‐ as control group. For the therapy cells of transgenic MCP rabbit (2‐3 passage) were used. Mice were intramuscular injected 50 mkl with 50.000 cells. Results: The histological studies showed a positive dynamics in retinal condition in the a group with intramuscular injection of neonatal rabbit’s retinal cells without blood sugar level compensation. In two experimental groups (therapy only with β‐cells and combined intramuscular injection of the retinal and β‐cells) 4 days after the treatment with β‐cells of neonatal rabbit’s pancreas both groups no clinical symptoms of diabetes (gluttony, polyuria, pollakidipsia) were revealed, and blood sugar level was 4‐6 mmol/l. All animals became more active than before the treatment. Conclusions: The obtained data show that xenotransplantation of retinal cells combined with β‐cells of pancreas is more effective for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy then only retinal cells.
Results of optical coherent tomography in children with myopia
Authors: BOYCHUK IM , IVANICKAYA EV 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: During the last five years the works which were conducted to find peculiarities of myopic eyes with the help of optical coherent tomography (OCT) appeared. Authors in patients without ophthalmoscopic changes in the retina found signs of dystrophy by OCT in different layers such as in pigment epithelium, retinal fiber layer (RNFL) in central and peripapillary segments of retina (Adel M. Hassan & al., 2004 Luo H.D. & al., 2006, Mrugacz M. & al., 2005). Thickness and volume of macular retina depends on its axial length (Lim M.C., 2005) but some data are controversial. The investigation was performed to reveal early signs of myopia progression in retinal anatomy «in live» in patients with school myopia without visual changes in the eye fundus. Methods: The comparison of macular thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and optic nerve parameters were evaluated in 21 child (42 eyes) with “school myopia” of light (1,0 ‐3,0 dptr) and high ( 6,0 ‐7,0) degree (18 and 24 eyes accordingly), which were observed with the help of Stratus OCT Model 3000 Carl Zeiss Meditec., Inc. Results: Average macular volume and thickness was almost equal in both groups of children, values of peripapillary RNLFT were lower (82, 8 ± 13,7 against 95,31 ± 12,4) mμ and Cup/Disk Area ratio (0,1‐0,3) decreased in children with myopia of high degree in comparison with children with light degree (0,7‐0,9). Conclusions: It is obvious that children have to be observed for a period to establish if above mentioned parameters: peripapillary RNLFT, Cup/Disk Area ratio ‐ are useful to predict myopia progression.
Ultrastructure of Femtosecond Laser trephination for keratoplasty
Authors: VOSSMERBAEUMER U , KNORZ MC , JONAS JB 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Femtosecond Laser are proposed as tools for trephination in keratoplasty. This novel technology is used to realize complex tissue dissection profiles that may potentially allow a reduced astigmatism, enhanced wound stability and more selective transplantation of tissue parts. Methods: Using a 60kHz IntraLase Femtosecond Laser (IntraLase fs60, IntraLase Corp., CA) different trephination patterns were performed in ten porcine eyes. Corneoscleral specimen were subsequently cultured for five days before being processed for histological assessment. Corneal thickness before the procedure and after histological embedding was measured, the geometry of the dissection line was evaluated and the morphological characteristics of the cellular architecture along the lesion was analyzed at high magnification light microscopy. Results: Straight and bevelled trephinations were realized with equal technical ease after applanation of the corneal curvature. The focus pattern lines within the corneal stroma presented as straight lines of 5+/‐10 μm crossing the histoarchitecture of the collagen lamellae without deflection within of the corneal stroma. Sporadic hematoxylin‐eosin negative spots were suggestive of cellular debris altered by the laser spots. Cell nuclei were also found scattered within the dissection line. Conclusions: Tissue dissection for corneal grafting in complex bevelled patterns proved feasible with the IntraLase‐Device. Separation of corneal collagen lamellae occurred along the targeted line, leaving a linear cut without visible ablation of tissue nor discernable collateral damage to the surrounding tissue. The smoothness of the cut may allow, in clinical application, novel selective tissue transplantation, potentially minimizing interface haze.
Arabinogalactan: a new ophthalmic vehicle for dry eye protection and treatment of corneal lesions
Authors: BURGALASSI S , NICOSIA N , MONTI D , FALCONE G , BOLDRINI E , CHETONI P 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Dry eye syndrome and contact lens wearing may lead to desiccation of the corneal epithelium with abrasions and increased incidence of infectious diseases. Therefore, it is important a rapid regeneration when epithelium is compromised. Aim of the present investigation was to demonstrate that Arabinogalactan (AG), a natural polysaccharide from Larch tree, was well tolerated after ocular administration and exerted a corneal protective action. Methods: AG formulation was then subjected to specific investigations. Results: Rheological measurements highlighted a newtonian non‐viscous behavior of AG aqueous dispersions at concentration up to 10% with η value of 1.6 mPas.The rheological evaluation of mucoadhesive properties showed strong interactions with mucin, property useful to retain the formulation on the eye surface.5.0% AG dispersion exerted a significant increase in healing rate of experimental corneal wound in rabbits since 27 h after the first treatment. The corneal re‐epithelization process produced a tissue stratification in the same features of native epithelium, restoring the normal multilayered architecture of the rabbit corneal epithelium.Finally, studies of cell proliferation on rabbit corneal epithelial cell culture were carried out. Solutions at AG concentrations from 5x10‐3 to 1% enhanced the proliferation of the cells culture, showing cell viability values of 180% respect to the control after 48 hs exposure time. Conclusions: These findings suggest that AG may be a new potential artificial tear for the prevention and the treatment of corneal wounds in dry eye syndrome and in contact lens induced abrasions since it do not interfere with vision because of its non‐viscous feature.
Dynamic retinal vessel reaction in patients with primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: SEIDOVA SF , KOTLIAR KE , VON DÜRING C , LANZL IM 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Impaired vascular regulation might contribute to glaucomatous damage. Whether retinal branch arteries and veins of healthy persons and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients show different reactions in response to flickering light stimulation (FLS) is investigated. Methods: Retinal vessel reactions to FLS were examined in 28 POAG patients (stage I, 54,3±9,9 years old) after 4 week wash‐out of eye drops and in 28 age and gender matched medically healthy volunteers. Vessel diameters of retinal vessel segments were assessed by Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (DVA). After baseline measurement (50 s) monochromatic rectangular FLS (530‐600 nm, 12,5 Hz, 20 s) was applied. Results: In most subjects fast vessel dilation compared to baseline and an ensuing reactive arterial constriction were observed. In detail we found:...........................................................................POAG.......controlmean arterial dilation at the end of FLS, %...........3,3±2,7......3,4±2,7time of max arterial constriction following FLS,s....49,9±26,7*.25,5±18,1mean venous dilation at the end of FLS,%........... 2,9±1,9......3,8±2,2area under the venous curve following FLS,s*%..‐1,1±16,9*...27,9±34,3We found statistically significant differences between the two examined groups as marked with *(p<0,01) (U‐test). Conclusions: Functional retinal arterial and venous dilation in response to FLS does not differ between POAG patients and healthy subjects. Reactive arterial constriction following the FLS appeared later and venous restoration occurred faster in POAG. These findings might be an indication for alterations in the vascular endothelium and vessel wall rigidity in POAG, leading to impaired regulation following metabolic demand.
Early treatment favours the anatomical outcome of ROP
Authors: BOSKOS G , KOZEIS N , TIGANITA S , AGGELIDOU E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: A comparative study between two protocols in ROP management Methods: In this study, participated 1716 premature neonates (SG<32 w, BW<1500gr), divided into two groups: Group A=854 who followed and treated according the CRYO‐ROP study guidelines and Group B=862 who followed and treated according to the ET‐ROP study guidelines. In both groups cryotherapy were performed when necessary. Results: In group A, 372 eyes developed some type of ROP, in 46 eyes cryotherapy was performed and 15 of those(32.6%) appeared with unfavorable anatomical outcome (total or partial retinal detachment & dragged macula). In group B, 358 eyes developed some type of ROP, in 76 eyes cryotherapy was performed and only 3 (3.94%) eyes appeared with unfavorable anatomical outcome after cryotherapy Conclusions: Earlier intervention in high risky and closer monitoring in low risky ROP neonates proved very effective in our sample. Since unfavorable events due to general anesthesia appear less often nowadays, early intervention could be proved very successful and safe procedure.
Pharmacokinetics of preserved and preservative‐free formulations of tafluprost are comparable in healthy volunteers
Authors: UUSITALO H , KAARNIRANTA K , ROPO A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Prostanoid F2α (PF2α) analogues effectively lower intraocular pressure and are used as first‐line treatment of glaucoma. Tafluprost is a newly synthesized PF2α derivative, and the first PF2α analogue with a preservative‐free formulation that may decrease the risk of side effects from chronic benzalkonium chloride exposure. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of preserved and preservative‐free tafluprost in healthy volunteers. Methods: A randomised, investigator‐masked, single‐centre, cross‐over phase I study evaluated the PK and safety of preserved and preservative‐free tafluprost 0.0015% eye drops. Both formulations were administered once daily for 8 days, with a wash‐out period ≥4 weeks, to 16 healthy volunteers. Plasma concentrations, AUC0‐last, Cmax and tmax were determined for AFP‐172, the active metabolite of tafluprost. Adverse events and other safety parameters were analysed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in PK between preserved and preservative‐free formulations (mean±SD AUC0‐last 581.1±529.9 vs 431.9±457.8 pg.min/mL, P=0.462; Cmax 31.4±19.5 vs 26.6±18.0 pg/mL, P=0.294 respectively; median [range] tmax 10 [5‐15] for both). Systemic bioavailability was comparable. Plasma concentrations of AFP‐172 peaked at 10 mins and were low at all timepoints. Both formulations were cleared rapidly from the circulation. There were no unexpected safety findings. The incidence of ocular hyperaemia was similar with both formulations, being predominantly of moderate severity with preserved tafluprost and mild severity with preservative‐free tafluprost. Conclusions: Preservative‐free tafluprost had similar PK to the preserved formulation and was generally well tolerated.
Clinical management of congenital achromatopsia
Authors: PINELLO L , MAZZAROLO M , MAIMONE PE , SUPPIEJ A , CALDIRONI P 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Describe the long term follow‐up of children affected by congenital achromatopsia (CA). CA is a rare recessive inherited vision disorder (1:50000) and includes two clinical categories: complete CA and incomplete CA. Methods: Fourteen children (9 M, 5 F) were followed‐up and a rehabilitation individual program was carried out.The assessment included: far and near visual acuity (Teller, Lea Symbols, Snellen Charts),refraction, color vision (Farnsworth, Ishihara, Montessori), contrast sensitivity, visual field, slit lamp examination, fundus ophthalmoscopy, electrophysiologic tests (photopic, scotopic and flicker ERG and VEPs) and genetic examination. Results: Early onset of nystagmus, low vision and photophobia are first clinical manifestations of CA. The differential diagnosis includes Leber Amaurosis, and congenital nystagmus and albinism.Visual acuity in our patients is around 1/10 and it is worse for near. Refractive errors showed a distribution toward hyperopia (50%) and emmetropia (35%). Macular hypoplasia is present in all cases and electrophysiology showed a reduced or absent photopic ERG, while scotopic system appears normal. Conclusions: Due to abnormal or totally absent cone function, which lead to macular hypoplasia, CA shows reduced visual acuity, absent/severely impaired color vision, nystagmus and photophobia. Low vision aids such as telescopic systems and magnification devices along with OCR/ICR software were prescribed after a carefully evaluation. Spectral filters were early prescribed to reduce photophobia and improve vision.The molecular analysis may confirm the diagnosis and give genetic couseling to the family. An early detection of CA is underlined by the importance to carry out a complete and precocious rehabilitative approach.
Gene expression changes associated with endothelial cell loss during corneal organ culture
Authors: HILLARBY MC , TAYLOR AW , CARLEY F , ZAMBRANO I 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Prior to transplantation corneas are stored in organ culture for up 4 weeks. However, up to 30% of corneas are discarded, mainly due to a poor endothelial cell count. In this study we have investigated the genes expressed during the process using micro array technology. Methods: Human corneas where stored in organ culture and the endothelial cell numbers where assessed after 10 days. RNA was extracted from 3 corneas with a low and 3 with a high cell count. The RNA samples were converted to cDNA using a Poly A PCR amplification protocol. These were used to probe Affymetrix whole genome micro array chips. Results: Results showed over 1000 genes are either up or down regulated by the endothelial cells of corneas with a low cell count compared to corneas with high counts. As expected there are genes involved in apoptosis, cell signalling, cell cycle, extracellular matrix, cell adhesion and cytoskeleton genes. However, of more interest are the genes involved in water channels and transport. For example we have identified several aquaporin genes (AQP) which are integral membrane proteins that serve as channels in the transfer of water across the membrane. AQP1 is increased and AQP7 is decreased in the corneas with low cell counts. It is likely that the changes in expression of these genes further increase the swelling of the corneas in culture and cause damage to the endothelium leading to higher levels of cell death in the affected corneas. Conclusions: These results add to our understanding of the effects of cell culture conditions on the corneal endothelium. A better understanding of endothelial cell loss in culture would lead to improved culture protocols and increase the number of corneas available for transplantation.