bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The vasodilatory effect of juxta‐arteriolar microinjection of endothelin‐A receptor inhibitor in healthy and in acute branch retinal vein Occlusion Minipig Retinae
Authors: POURNARAS CJ , STANGOS AN , POURNARAS JAC , PETROPOULOS IK 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the vasoactive effect of endothelin‐A receptor inhibitor BQ‐123 on the retinal arteriolar vasculature in normal and in acute branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) minipig retinae. Methods: Under general anesthesia, 6 normal eyes of 6 minipigs and 5 eyes of 5 minipigs with acute experimental BRVO were evaluated. In all eyes, a slow, continuous microinjection of 30 μl BQ‐123 (0.67 μg/ml) was performed 50 to 100 μm away from a retinal arteriole, avoiding exerting pressure on retina’s anatomic structures. After the microinjection, the retinae were observed for changes in vessels’ diameter. The procedure was recorded in real time. Throughout the procedure, the animals’ vital signs were monitored. Results: Overall (n=11), an increase of 18.56% and 26.45% in arteriolar diameter was evidenced 5 and 15 minutes respectively after BQ‐123 microinjection. When separately examining normal (n=6) versus OBVR (n=5) eyes, the increase in arteriolar diameter 5 minutes post injection was 16.75% versus 19.86% respectively (P=0.491), whereas the increase in arteriolar diameter 15 minutes post injection was 25.14% versus 27.4% (P=0.591). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a significant increase in retinal arteriolar diameter after juxta‐arteriolar BQ‐123 microinjection, both in healthy and in acute OBVR retinae. There was no statistically significant difference between the amount of vasodilation exerted by BQ‐123 on healthy and on BRVO retinae. This vasodilatory effect may be beneficial in counterbalancing or reversing the arteriolar vasoconstriction that settles within hours following BRVO, with subsequent improvement of arteriolar blood flow.
Visual function vs. spastic diplegia & brain damage
Authors: GOGAKI EG , KOZEIS N , FELEKIDIS A , GEORGIADIS N 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate whether visual function is related to severity of spastic diplegia (SDCP) and brain damage. Methods: 28 SDCP children participated in this study. All of them were classified according to Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) and also had a brain MRI and an eye testing (visual resolution evaluation and strabismus assessment), using the VFA‐K test Results: The brain MRI showed that: 23 children appeared with mild to moderate periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), 2 with severe PVL, none with cortical atrophy, 3 with combined PVL and cortical atrophy and none with parenchymatic atrophy. According to GMFCS classification, 6 appeared with good motor function, 11 with a mild motor problem, 9 with moderate motor problem, 2 with severe motor disability and none with very severe disability. In visual testing, 7 children appeared with 0.87cpd and 21 children appeared with 1.75cpd; also, 24 children were orthophoric, 4 esotropic (25‐60Δ) and none was exotropic. Conclusions: The visual function is not much affected in the majority of SDCP children, unless GMFCS score and brain damage are significantly affected.
A case of lead toxicity and associated maculopathy
Authors: PIERCE CO , BOOTH AJ 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To present a case of a 50 year old man who presented with reduced visual acuity in his left eye following a history of occupational lead poisoning dating back 3 years. Methods: The initial presentation was in March 2006 when the visual acuity in the right eye was 6/9 and the left CF. There was a left RAPD. The anterior segment examination and IOP were normal. The left macula showed pigmentary epithelial changes similar to a Bull's Eye type‐maculopathy. The right eye had a granular appearance at the macula. Results: MRI scans performed were normal and the VF result for the right eye was noncontributory. Electrodiagnostic testing showed a left sided optic nerve dysfunction but well‐preserved ERGs with no interocular difference. FFA showed a window defect at the site of the pigment epithelium atrophy. OCT demonstrated a cystic space at the level of the outer segment of the photoreceptors in the fovea. Tests for potential inflammatory, infective and congenital causes for unilateral optic neuraopathy found no abnormality. Conclusions: The case provides evidence of lead toxicity being the cause of unilateral optic neuropathy and RPE changes leading to significant visual impairment.
Intravitreal bevacizumab for neovascular glaucoma
Authors: ANDRIJEVIC DERK B , MANDIC Z , BENCIC G , VATAVUK Z , NOVAK‐LAUS K 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To study the short term efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab in a series of patients with neovascular glaucoma. Methods: Eleven patients with neovascular glaucoma and symptomatic elevation of intraocular pressure were treated with 1.25 mg/0.05 ml of bevacizumab. In three patients intravitreal Avastin was given preoperatively, one day before pars plana vitrectomy.Additional cyclocryopexy was performed only if intraocular pressure was not controlled with topical medication. All patients were followed‐up for a minimum of 8 weeks. Results: Intravitreal application of bevacizumab resulted in a marked regression of iris neovascularization in all patients in the first three postoperative days. Intraocular pressure was sufficiently controlled in seven patients. Four patients required additional cyclocryopexy. We noted no side effects from intravitreal bevacizumab. Conclusions: Intravitreal application of bevacizumab resulted in a marked regression of iris neovascularization in all patients in the first three postoperative days. Intraocular pressure was sufficiently controlled in seven patients. Four patients required additional cyclocryopexy. We noted no side effects from intravitreal bevacizumab.
Effects of autologous translocation of the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium on the retinal light response in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: LÜKE C , KOCH A , KUTZER J , LÜKE M , JOERES S , JOUSSEN AM , KIRCHHOF B 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate potential electrophysiological changes after autologous translocation of the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium for subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation in patients with age‐related macular degeneration. Methods: A consecutive series of 20 patients suffering from subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation secondary to age‐related macular degeneration underwent autologous tranlocation of the choroid and the retinal pigment epithelium The ERG was recorded one day prior to the translocation surgery and no earlier than 4 weeks after the silicone oil removal. Results: The ERG amplitudes were significantly reduced after translocation surgery. The mean b‐wave amplitude reduction of the scotopic ERG was 36,1%. The a‐ and b‐waves of the saturating light response decreased significantly by 42.9 and 43.1 %, respectively. The photopic a‐ and b‐wave amplitudes were significantly lower after the translocation surgery resulting in a mean reduction of 23.7 and 40.1 %, respectively. Furthermore, the mean amplitude of the flicker ERG showed a mean decrease by 26.2%. Conclusions: The present study indicates that a significant electrophysiological decrease is caused by autologous translocation of the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium. However, this surgical procedure proved to substantially reduce the neuroretinal trauma when compared with the ERG data of historical controls that underwent 360° retinotomy and macular translocation.
Trabeculectomy and Mitomycin C (Trab‐MMC) for uveitic glaucoma: post surgical interventions
Authors: LOCKWOOD A , SII F , CHIANG M , WILLIAMS TA , SHAH P 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To examine the outcome of patients at who underwent trabeculectomy and MMC for refractory uveitic glaucoma and determine the post operative interventions required Methods: The Birmingham ReGAE (Research into Glaucoma and Ethinicity) Project is an open, prospective, consecutive series of patients who had undergone trabeculectomy with MMC. The surgery was performed by a single surgical team at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre Results: Twenty eyes of 25 patients with uveitic glaucoma underwent Trab‐MMC for uncontrolled IOP despite maximally tolerated medical treatment. Mean follow‐up was 650 days. Mean pre‐op IOP was 26.7 mmHg and post‐op was 11.5 mmHg. 92 % of trabeculectomies reached complete success (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg without medication). Subconjunctival injections of 5‐fluorouracil were performed on 10 eyes (36 %). Bleb needling revision was performed on 5 eyes (18 %).Visual loss > 2 lines occurred in 1 case (3.8%) due to delayed hypotony maculopathy Conclusions: Trabeculectomy and Mitomycin C is effective in this complex series of patients but do require considerable post surgery manipulation
Are pachymetric and tonometric asymmetry related?
Authors: ALEMANY MARQUEZ P , JIMENEZ‐CARMONA S , FAILDE I , CARRAL F , JORDANO J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Goldmann applanation tonometry readings are affected by central corneal thickness. We have determined the level of pachymetric and tonometric asymmetry in normal, diabetic, ocular hypertensives and diabetic ocular hypertensive patients, and the relationship between both asymmetries. Methods: Four groups, one of 77 normal patients (N), one of 59 type II diabetic patients (DM), one of 74 patients with ocular hypertension (OHT), and one group of 61 type II diabetic ocular hypertensive patients (DMOHT) have been included. Ocular exploration, including ultrasound pachymetry, has been performed in all of them. Time from diagnosis and current treatment are also recorded. Interocular differences are analyzed by the SPSS 14.0 program using ANOVA and Pearson tests. Results: The pachymetric asymmetry between groups is not significant (ANOVA P < 0,072). The difference between pachymetric assymetry in diabetic patients (DM+DMOHT) 6,83±5,45μ and non‐diabetic patients (N+OHT) 5,50±5,01μ is statistically significant (P < 0.037). This difference is not significant between ocular hypertensives (OHT+DMOHT) and ocular normotensives (N+DM) (P < 0,982). There is not linear correlation between pachymetric and tonometric asymmetry in the whole sample (r = 0,003). Pachymetric asymmetry correlates with time from diagnosis, and asymmetry is bigger under treatment with insuline, and in retinal proliferative stages. IOP asymmetry correlates with time from diagnosis, is bigger for insuline treated patients and is similar through the different stages of retinopathy. Conclusions: Pachymetric asymmetry is not related to tonometric asymmetry in this study. Diabetic patients showed bigger pachymetric asymmetry than non diabetic patients, but is not related to tonometric asymmetry.
Proof of new collagen synthesis in lid skin after Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing with in‐situ hybridization
Authors: BELTRAM M , DRNOVSEK‐OLUP B 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The aim of the study is to prove new collagen synthesis in lid skin fibroblasts and correlate it to laser energy fluence after Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing, using the method of in situ hybridization. Methods: Lid skin of 9 patients with blepharochalasis was treated with laser at day 7 and 21 before elective blepharoplasty, when it was excised for further investigation. We used a 2940 nm Er:YAG laser (Fidelis by Fotona) with smooth mode parameters: laser fluence 0.75 – 2.00 J/cm2, spot size 5 mm, repetition rate 20 Hz, pulse length 550 μs, 6 pulses per packet, packet length 250 ms, no overlapping. We designed 2 oligonucleotide RNA probes for pro‐alpha 1 and pro‐alpha 2 collagen and labeled them with radioactive Sulphur 35. At time of surgery the excised tissue was frozen in dry ice. Tissue sections were incubated with the probes and marked with film emulsion for 10 days. We counted silver grains over specific cells, which were identified with imunohistochemistry. Results: We noticed significant elevation of pro‐alpha‐collagen mRNA expression in the laser treated areas of lid skin compared to untreated areas. Pro‐alpha‐collagen mRNA expression was particularly dense in cells, identified as fibroblasts by imunohistochemistry. Pro‐alpha‐collagen mRNA expression in these cells correlated with laser fluence used in treatment of lid skin. Conclusions: The method of in situ hybridization brings a definitive proof of new collagen synthesis in skin fibroblasts after Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing; and it is possible to measure the rate of new collagen synthesis as a function of the applied laser fluence.
Periocular Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing in ablative, dual mode and smooth mode – a histological comparison
Authors: BELTRAM M , DRNOVSEK‐OLUP B 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The aim of the study is to histologically compare Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing using ablative, dual‐mode and smooth mode parameters. Methods: 30 patients with blepharochalasis were treated with a 2940 nm Er:YAG laser (Fidelis by Fotona) at day 0, 7 and 21 before elective blepharoplasty. At time of surgery the irradiated lid tissue has been removed and prepared for histological analysis. The laser settings used in the ablative mode were: fluence 2.5 – 4.5 J/cm2, spot size 5 mm, repetition rate 5 – 8 Hz, pulse length 300 μs; dual mode: first pass as in ablative mode, then second pass with fluence 0.5 – 1.5 J/cm2, spot size 5mm, repetition rate 12 – 15 Hz, pulse length 300 μs and 60% overlapping; smooth mode: fluence 0.75 – 2.00 J/cm2, spot size 5 mm, repetition rate 20 Hz, pulse length 550 μs, no overlapping. Results: We observed deep collagen denaturation at fluences above 1.25 J/cm2 and total epidermal damage at fluences above 1.75 J/cm2; complete regeneration of epidermis at day 7 and collagen remodeling up to 240 μm deep at day 21 after smooth mode laser treatment. These changes were statistically significantly different compared to changes after ablative and dual‐mode treatment. Conclusions: Smooth mode Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing is a safe and effective method producing new collagen synthesis and remodeling, with less epidermal damage compared to ablative and dual‐mode resurfacing.
Dacryoendoscopy: feasibility and value as diagnostic tool
Authors: WILKE M , KLAUSS V , KAMPIK A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To access the feasibility and value of endoscopy of the lacrimal duct as a diagnostic method in setnoses of the lacrimal drainage system. Methods: In this prospective study 50 patients with prolonged complaints of epiphora or history of recurrent dacryocystitis were included. All patients underwent clinical examinations including syringation, digital dacryocystography and dacryoendoscopy before a decision for appropriate surgical treatment was made. Findings of clinical examinations, dacryocystography and dacryoendoskopy were compared in regard of feasibility, localization of the obstruction, particular informations provided and correlation between the three methods. Results: Dacryoendoscopy could be performed in all patients included in the study. Concerning the localization of stenoses, 48% of the patients were found to have complete post‐saccal stenosis, 20% stenoses of the canaliculus, 10% combined complete post‐saccal stenosis and partial stenosis of the canaliculus and 2% a partial stenosis of the distal lacrimal duct. In 18% of the patients no definitive location could be found using dacryoendoscopy. The localization of the stenosis determined with dacryoendoskopy correlated in 66,67% with the clinical diagnosis according to syringation, and in 70% with the localization of the stenosis as determined by dacryocystography. Endoscopy could provide additional information about pathologies of the lacrimal system, like lithiasis or polyposis. Conclusions: Dacryoendoscopy can provide valuable information under direct visualization of the lacrimal system. However it must be doubted whether the benefits of this method may justify to subsitute the other well established methods in the diagnostics of dacryostenoses.
980 nm Diode laser retinochoroidal photocoagulation – in vitro comparison with frequency doubled Nd:YAG (532 nm) laser
Authors: URBANCIC M , MOCNIK G , PIZEM J , DRNOVSEK‐OLUP B 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate acute effects of diode laser (980 nm) on retina and choroid and to compare these effects with the effects of frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) on same eye structures. Methods: Freshly enucleated pig's eyes were treated with diode laser (980 nm) and frequency doubled Nd:YAG (532 nm) through the slit lamp adaptors. Same energy densities were used. Histological examination of the treated eyes was performed after photocoagulation. Results: Changes in photoreceptor layer (slightly increased eosinophilia) and outer nuclear layer (slightly condensed nuclear chromatin) of retina and coagulation necrosis of choroid were present in all laser lesions. There were no significant differences in retinal changes produced by both lasers. Coagulation necrosis of choroid was more pronounced in lesions produced by 980 nm diode laser. Conclusions: Acute effects of both lasers were similar, although thermal damage produced by 980 nm diode laser extended deeper. The 980 nm diode laser could be used for retinochoroidal photocoagulation.
Influence of diabetes on central corneal thickness in type II ocular hypertensive patients
Authors: JIMENEZ‐CARMONA S , ALEMANY MARQUEZ P , FAILDE I , CARRAL F , JORDANO J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Are central corneal thicknes values in ocular hypertensive patients comparable to that of non‐diabetic patients?. Is there some influence of diabetic disease on these values? Methods: A samle of 271 patients has been distributed in 4 groups: 77 normal control patients (N), 74 ocular hypertensive (OHT), 59 diabetic patients without ocular hypertension (DM) and 61ocular hypertensive type II diabetic patients (DMOHT). Time from diagnosis and diabetes treatment are recorded. Also central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP) and diabetic retinopathy stage are also recorded. SPSS 14.0 statistical program was used and one‐factor ANOVA, Kruskal‐Wallis and chi‐square tests, and Pearson calculation have been applied. Results: Mean CCT in N group (536,50±38,1μ), and mean CCT in DM group (545,49±29,06μ) are not statistically different. Mean CCT in DMOHT group (570,45±33,59μ) and mean CCT for OHT group (570,51±38,26μ) are not statistically different. Mean ECC difference between diabetic and non‐diabetic subgroups is not statistically significant. However, the mean ECC difference between ocular hypertensives and ocular normotensives subgroups is highly significant in both eyes (P < 0,000). Diabetes treatment has not influence on mean CCT intergroup comparisons. CCT and IOP correlate significantly in the whole sample for both eyes (P < 0,000). There was no linear correlation between mean CCT and age, nor between mean CCT and time of diagnosis. Conclusions: Like OHT patients, DMOHT patients showed thick corneas. DM patients have normal CCT. Neither diabetes treatment, nor time of diagnosis are correlated to CCT. Corneal thickness is probably not related to the disease in DMOHT patients.
Fundus autofluorescence pattern as risk factor for development of geographic atrophy in patients with age‐related maculopathy
Authors: MOESSNER A , HOLZ F , FOJA C 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: This subgroup analysis within the prospective multicenter natural history FAM study (Fundus Autofluorescence in age‐related Macular Degeneration) investigates the tendency of different fundus autofluorescence patterns (FAF) to convert into geographic atrophy (GA). Only eyes with drusen at baseline were observed. Methods: In addition to ophthalmologic standard examination we took FAF images using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (HRA, Heidelberg Engineering). FAF was classified into eight different FAF patterns according to the “international fundus autofluorescence classification group” (IFAG). Results: 131 eyes of 131 patients with drusen were observed. Incidence rate of FAF patterns was as follows: minimal change in 29 (22%), focal in 28 (21%), patchy in 26 (20%), reticular in 14 (11%), lace‐like in 11 (8%), speckled in 7 (5%), focal plaque‐like in 4 (3%), and linear in 4 eyes (3%). During follow‐up 20 eyes (15%) developed GA. Initially 8 eyes showed lace‐like pattern (73% of all eyes with lace‐like pattern). Three eyes with focal plaque‐like pattern and 3 eyes with linear pattern developed GA (75% of all eyes showing those patterns). Speckled pattern led in 3 eyes (43%) showing this pattern to GA. Two eyes with patchy pattern turned into GA (8%). One eye with focal pattern progressed to GA (4%). Conclusions: Lace‐like, linear, and focal plaque‐like FAF patterns showed the highest risk for progression to GA. At the same time these patterns are relatively rare among all observed eyes with drusen. FAF as a non‐invasive examination method and different FAF patterns are usable tools to give a predictive interpretation concerning the risk of a progression from drusen to GA.
Use of a wide field scanning laser ophthalmoscope for screening purposes
Authors: ARNDT CF , NABHOLZ N , GUERIN M , BAZALGETTE C , RENARD E , AVIGNON A , NGUYEN F 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The wide field (200°) imaging system (Optos, Great Britain) using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) enables to visualize a large part of the retina including the periphery. The present study was designed to evaluate the imaging system for screening purposes. Methods: The SLO system was used in 2 groups of patients:1) Outpatient clinic:An undilated retinal biomicroscopy was performed by a resident, and an undilated SLO image was taken by an orthoptist in training. The images were reviewed by another resident masked to results of the previous retinal biomicroscopy.2) Screening for diabetic retinopathyAn undilated and dilated retinal biomicroscopy was performed by a senior ophtalmologist. An undilated SLO image was taken by an orthoptist in training. The images were reviewed by a resident masked to results of the previous retinal biomicroscopy.The results of the clinical examination were compared with the results of the SLO image analysis. Results: In the outpatient group (n=123 eyes), the undilated retinal biomicroscopy missed 18% of the retinal lesions detected on the undilated SLO images. Less than 1% of the retinal lesions detected with the undilated retinal biomicroscopy were missed on the SLO images.In the diabetes group (n=134 eyes), the undilated retinal biomicroscopy missed 10% and the dilated retinal biomicroscopy missed 5% of the retinal lesions detected on the undilated SLO images. None of the retinal lesions detected with the undilated retinal biomicroscopy were missed on the SLO images. Conclusions: In both groups of patients, the diagnostic rate of undilated SLO images was significantly higher when compared with the diagnostic rate of undilated retinal biomicroscopy.