bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between saccadic parameter variations and clinical evidences in thyroid autoimmune ophthalmopathy (TAO) affected patients
Authors: VARANO L , CAMPAGNA F , BRUZZICHESSI D , CARNOVALE SCALZO G , PAOLA A , RUSSO C , SCORCIA V , PARISE S , ARTURI F , COSTANTE G , SCORCIA G 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Object of our study is to value correlation between saccadic parameters, estimated through EOMG exam, and several clinical symptoms/signs in subjects affected by TAO. Methods: 80 eyes of 40 patients consecutive affected by TAO were examinated. All the patients were submitted to ocular motility exam, Hertel's exophthalmometry, clinical evaluation and saccadic movement analisys through Electroculomyography (EOMG; BM6000MOE system ‐ WinEOMG software ). CAS score was calculated in each subject. Results: Most of observed patients showed at least a grade mild exophthalmos. In 40% of observed patients we found an increase of saccadic movement maximal speed; in 30% we found a decrease of movement medium speed. 25% of observed patients showed an increased latency. Almost all subjects with any saccadic alteration, showed exophthalmos. Conclusions: In TAO affected patients seem not to be correlation between CAS score and saccadic alterations or exophthalmos entity. On the contrary, there seem to be a correlation between saccadic alterations and exophthalmos. Even if these data still need to be confirmed, analysis with EOMG could bring an ocular motility alteration predictive value.
Retinal oxygen saturation in humans in light and dark
Authors: HARDARSON SH , JONSDOTTIR TE , BASIT S , HALLDORSSON GH , KARLSSON RA , BEACH JM , EYSTEINSSON T , BENEDIKTSSON JA , STEFANSSON E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effect of light and dark on the retinal vessel oxygen saturation (SatO2) in healthy humans. Methods: The oximeter consists of a fundus camera, a beam splitter, a digital camera and software, which calculates the SatO2 of the retinal vessels.In the first experiment, 18 healthy individuals were first placed in the dark for 30 minutes, then alternatingly in light (80cd/m2) and dark. Each light or dark period lasted for 5 minutes.In the second experiment, 23 volunteers were measured. The volunteers were placed in the dark for 30 minutes and then in light successively at 1, 10 and 100 cd/m2, each period lasting 5 minutes. Finally, the volunteers were adapted to dark for 5 minutes.Oximetry was performed at the end of each period in both experiments. Three individuals were excluded from the first experiment and 4 from the second because of poor image quality. Paired t‐tests were used for analysis. Results: In the first experiment, arterial SatO2 was 3‐4% higher in the dark than after subsequent adaptation to 80cd/m2 light (p<0.05) and similar results were seen in venules; 3‐7% higher SatO2 values in the dark (p<0.05). In the second experiment, arterial SatO2 was 3% higher in the dark than after adapatation to 100cd/m2 (p=0.01) and the corresponding difference in venules was 5% (higher in the dark, p=0.06). SatO2 was not significantly different between dark and 1 or 10cd/m2. Conclusions: The results indicate that SatO2 is higher in dark than in light in both arterioles and venules. The higher SatO2 in dark may reflect the increased oxygen consumption in the dark, which has to be compensated for by increasing the oxygen gradient between the retinal vasculature and tissue.
Correlation between diagnostic tests guides the development and use of a dry eye diagnostic algorithm
Authors: MOORE JE , GRAHAM JE , GOODALL E , DARTT DA , LECCISOTTI A , DOWNES SC , MOORE CBT 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: The existence of large variations in results of diagnostic tests for cases of mild to moderate dry eye is widely recognised. The purpose of this study was to assess if there was correlation between existing dry eye diagnostic tests and attempt to develop a diagnostic algorithm. Methods: A total of 91 subjects were recruited to the study. The tear film and ocular surface were evaluated by measuring tear volume using the phenol red thread test, tear break up time using fluorescein, biomicroscopic examination of meibomian glands and impression cytological (IC) assessment of conjunctival goblet cells. Dry eye symptoms were assessed using McMonnies dry eye questionnaire and statistical correlations were assessed between all dry eye tests used. Results: In this study cohort there were no severe aqueous deficient dry eye patients. Meibomian gland pathology, questionnaire (score of ≥14), IC and an altered tear break up time (reference ≤7 seconds) demonstrated correlation, while no other tests demonstrated evidence of correlation. A diagnostic algorithm was devised using these tests alone, with maximum weighting placed on questionnaire with decreasing weighting assigned to IC goblet cell grade, meibomian gland pathology and TBUT. Conclusions: We propose this development of a flexible probabilistic algorithm as a rational approach when diagnosing mild/moderate dry eye in large study groups. Until further studies have demonstrated the true sensitivities and specificities of dry eye tests within the context of test sequences and particular patient cohorts are known, comparison of results between dry eye studies will remain questionable.
Quantitative fluorescein angiograms
Authors: SANTOS T , BERNARDES R , BAPTISTA P , SCHWARTZ A , CARTER W , CUNHA‐VAZ J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Clinical assessment of quantitative fluorescein angiograms based on novel instrumentation adaptation. Methods: Fluorescein angiograms were simultaneously performed on patient’s retinas and on standard cells composed of two sets of five standard fluorescein solutions mimicking the environmental conditions of the plasma and vitreous, respectively. Regular gray‐scale fluorescein angiograms were converted into absolute concentration image maps, after a deconvolution step for the separation of plasma and vitreous fluorescence contributions, taking into account the respective fluorescein quantum efficiencies. Diabetic retinopathy eyes, eyes before and 3 days after laser photocoagulation, and fellow‐eyes from patients with choroidal neovascularization were imaged using this new technique. Results: Repetitive measurements over patients clearly show the advantage of correcting for instrumentation setup. Comparison of scans taken before and after laser photocoagulation demonstrates background values within the same range and the expected increase over laser spots. Conclusions: Quantitative fluorescein angiograms compare favorably with conventional fluorescein angiograms by removing instrumentation setup bias and by allowing absolute concentration image maps to be built and comparable. Furthermore, the use of a non‐linear color‐coded map allows the detection of subtle differences not visible on regular fluorescein angiograms. It is realized that this first step needs to be complemented by other standardization procedures, e.g., by fundus reflectance.
Densitometry of meibometer samples from normal and dry eye subjects
Authors: TIFFANY JM , LAVRIC A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To compare the original and modified techniques of meibometry, and scanning/densitometry of lipid blots, on normal and dry‐eye subjects. Methods: A hand‐held loop of plastic meibometry tape was pressed on the lower lid margin (10sec contact at 15g load), or fixed in the prism‐holder of the Goldmann tonometer arm (3sec contact at zero load) to obtain meibomian blots from right and left eyes of the same subject. The tape blot was scanned with the IRIS‐Pen hand‐held scanner to obtain digital images of the blot area and background (unblotted) tape. Mean pixel density of the blot area was found with the NIH ImageJ software and mean background density subtracted. Some blots were measured with both the original Meibometer instrument and by scanning. Results: Comparison of blot densities by the Meibometer and scanning/densitometry on 25 normals showed no significant difference, irrespective of background levels, making the Meibometer unnecessary. A good correlation was also seen between the original and the modified application techniques despite the lower pick‐up of the latter. This is also preferred where patients cannot tolerate the 10sec application without blinking, as in many dry‐eye cases. Mean pixel density was lower in 14 meibomian gland dysfunction patients (6 with, 8 without aqueous tear deficiency) than in normals, although the difference was not significant; readings were not always reproducible due to scanning errors, possibly indicating local tape saturation or composition‐dependent effects. Conclusions: IRIS Pen densitometry gives comparable results to the original Meibometer, so the Pen and a laptop computer can be used in the clinic or in field studies. More work is needed on scanning reproducibility and the effect of other environmental factors.
Gene expression profile of Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell niche
Authors: KULKARNI B , YEUNG AM , HOPKINSON A , DUA HS 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: It is established by laboratory and clinical evidence that corneal stem cells are localised at limbus but are not isolated as yet due to the lack of stem cell markers. Recently we had discovered a novel anatomical structure at limbus, termed as the Limbal epithelial crypt (LEC), which have the potential of a stem cell niche as determined from previous anatomical and immunohistological studies. We aim to characterise the differential gene expression of the LEC by comparing with other regions of the ocular surface epithelium by 30,000 genes human oligonucleotide microarray analysis with the view to find putative stem cell marker. Methods: On the frozen cryostat sections of the corneoscleral epithelium from cadaver donor tissue, Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) by PALM® Microbeam systems was done. From the LMD tissue the RNA was extracted, amplified and hybridised to human oligonucleotide array chip. Raw data was obtained with Genepix Pro 6 software and uploaded on BASE where filtration and normalisation was done. Further analysis was done on TMev software by SAM and T Test. Results: Microarray analysis was performed on BASE and with Significance Analysis of Microarray (SAM) on TMev. The analysis showed significant gene expression indicative of stem cells such as specific and differentiation markers.Transcription factors, cell adhesion molecules, genes involved in cell metabolism and respiration showed up regulation in the LEC. Conclusions: The microarray analysis data supports our hypothesis that LEC harbours stem cells along with neighbouring niche cells and hence represents a Limbal Stem Cell niche.This is being confirmed with real time PCR.
First experience with corneal collagen UV cross‐linking treatment in keratoconus patients
Authors: MIKEK K , MORELA V 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Corneal collagen cross‐linking by UVA/riboflavin represents a new method for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. Methods: In the presentation we will present our first 10 cases of keratoconic eyes (maximum K value, 45‐51 diopters) with the follow up time from 4 to 7 months. A complete ophthalmologic examination with uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were performed. Listed examinations were performed before surgery and at 1,2,3 and 7 months after surgery: corneal computerized topographic examination, pentacam examination, endothelial cell count and intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation. Results: Comparative preoperative and postoperative results showed increases of 1.4 lines for UCVA (P = .000021) and 1.66 lines for BCVA (P = .00051). Topographic analysis showed a mean K reduction of 1.9 +/‐ 0.15 diopters (D) in the central 3.0 mm. Statistical analysis of IOP, corneal thicknes and endothelial cell count did not show significant differences. Corneal and lens transparency remained unchanged. Topographic analysis findings of corneal symmetry showed a trend toward increasing corneal symmetry with a major reduction in asymmetry between vertical hemimeridians. Conclusions: Refractive results showed a reduction of about 1.5 D in the mean spherical equivalent, topographically confirmed by the reduction in mean K. Results of surface topographic analysis showed improvement in morphologic symmetry. Long‐term results are necessary to evaluate the duration of the stiffening effect and to exclude long term side‐effects.
How to watch ganglion cells in the DARC?
Authors: CORDEIRO MF 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Assessment of neuroprotection in vivo is difficult. DARC (Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells) is a newly devised, non‐invasive real‐time imaging technique using confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy to visualise single retinal nerve cell apoptosis in vivo. Methods: DARC allows longitudinal study of disease processes, which has not previously been possible. The implications of this novel technique include its application to glaucoma as a powerful new clinical tool with which to diagnose and identify patients with early disease, before they lose vision. Furthermore it may serve as a surrogate biomarker, providing real‐time information that could dramatically reduce the duration of glaucoma clinical studies, which currently have to use visual field status as a key endpoint and determinant of outcome. Results: We have been able for the first time to image changes occurring in neuronal cell apoptosis over hours, days and months, and show effects depending on the magnitude of the initial apoptotic inducer in several experimental models of neurodegeneration. Conclusions: More importantly, by using the eye as a “window” onto the brain, DARC opens the door to directly observing effects of therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative disorders, by allowing for the study of potential neuroprotective drugs using meaningful endpoints that are based on the direct assessment of neuronal death in vivo. We have already assessed several neuroprotective agents using DARC including neuropeptide approaches.
Diagnosis and follow‐up of retinal detachment using a wide field scanning laser ophthalmoscope.
Authors: ARNDT CF , NABHOLZ N , BAZALGETTE C , NGUYEN N 
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 diagnostic and training purposes in retinal detachment . Methods: All patients referred for retinal detachment from November 2006 to April 2007 were examined by one retinal surgeon who also performed the fundus drawing. An SLO image was taken by an orthoptist in training and interpreted by a resident, who were both unaware of the details of the retinal examination. The number of breaks and the extent of the detachment on the drawing were compared with the findings detected on the SLO image. Results: 56 eyes with retinal detachment were documented. In 40 out of 56 eyes the retinal breaks could be detected on the SLO images obtained. The retinal breaks situated superiorly between 11 and 1 o’clock and inferiorly between 5 and 7 o’clock were missed on the SLO images. Two retinal detachments, one superior and one inferior, were missed on the SLO images. Conclusions: SLO image analysis enabled correct diagnosis of a retinal breaks and related retinal detachments in more than 7 out of 10 cases. The retinal detachment was detected on the SLO image in more than 9/10 cases. The wide field SLO imaging system is thus not suitable as a diagnostic tool of retinal detachment replacing the fundus examination, however it represents a potential tool for patient education and training of vision professionals.
Genotype/phenotype features of the Slovenian patients with Stargardt disease: four novel mutations in ABCA4 gene and three novel complex alleles identified
Authors: HAWLINA M , JARC‐VIDMAR M , POPOVIC P , BRECELJ J , ALLIKMETS D , ZUPAN A , GLAVAC D 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate efficiency of recently developed genotyping microarray, the ABCR400‐chip, in combination with the denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) method sequencing to search for known ABCA4 mutations and to associate the findings with phenotype. Methods: 36 Slovenian patients with phenotype of STGD1 were analysed for a population‐specific survey on the sequence variations in the ABCA4 gene. In the first step we used the ABCR400 microarray to identify the known mutations. Patients with one or no mutation on ABCR400 microarray were subsequently screened by DHPLC and sequencing. Phenotype was assessed by autofluorescence imaging, psychophysical methods and electrophysiology. Results: By ABCR400 microarray, 25 potential disease‐associated alleles were identified resulting in a detection rate of 69.4%. With DHPLC, additional 8 mutations were found: four were novel ABCA4 mutations (two frameshift mutations 5977delT, 5716insG and two missense P597S and P640S). Three novel complex alleles were also identified. Mutation in both alleles were found in 9 patients, and in one allele in 14 cases. In the remaining 3 patients no mutations were found. Different phenotypes were characterised by different patterns of autofluorescence imaging. Electrophysiology,in general, showed normal flash ERG with abnormal PERG and multifocal ERG. Conclusions: Combined approach using ABCR400‐chip and DHPLC/sequencing was efficient in detecting over 90% of potential disease‐causing mutations in Slovenian Stargardt patients, 4 of which were novel and show distinct genotype/phenotype patterns.
The phenotype of retinal dystrophy in patients with CERKL mutations
Authors: WILKE R , AVILA‐FERNáNDEZ A , TAPIA I , GARCIA‐SANDOVAL B , CANTALAPIEDRA D , VALLESPIN E , AYUSO C 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Recently a new gene encoding for a ceramide kinase like protein (CERKL) has been identified in a Spanish population and described to be associated with RP26. CERKL is assumed to be involved in sphingolipid‐mediated apoptosis in the retina. Here we present a phenotypic study of patients carrying CERKL mutations. Methods: 210 unrelated Spanish families with autosomal recessive RP were screened using the ASPER arRP chip. Seven of these families presented a change in the CERKL sequence. Affected individuals of that families were investigated clinically including fundus examination, visual field testing and electroretinograhy. Results: The mutation p.Arg257ter was identified in homozygous state in all seven families. The 9 affected individuals presented a common phenotype with characteristic macular and peripheral lesions, the later resembling those found with Gyrate Atrophy. In fact, one of the affected individuals has initially been diagnosed as Gyrate Atrophy. Conclusions: This study presents the first genotype/phenotype correlation for persons carrying CERKL mutations From this initial study it seems likely that the p.Arg257ter mutation has a characteristic phenotype distinct from other arRP phenotypes.
The Uveitis subtype associated with Spondylarthropathies varies regarding to gender and the type of Spondylarthropathy involved
Authors: MACKENSEN F , BECKER MD , MAX R 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Spondyarthropathies (SpA) are said to be associated with distinct types of Uveitis. We compared Uveitis subtypes in patients with IBD and SpA, as well as in different SpA subtypes. Methods: We identified 162 patients with SpA (AMOR classification): 93 Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), 43 with undifferenciated (u)Spa, 10 reactive Arthritis, 12 Psoriasis Arthropathy (PsA), and 5 enteropathy associated (eSpA) and their Uveitis (SUN classification). Results: Patients with AS were male (67%) and HLA‐B27+ (84%) showing typical unilateral or alternating anterior Uveitis with sudden onset in 77%. Still, 23% (21) showed bilateral anterior Uveitis. In this subgroup females predominated with 55% . They were HLA‐B27+ in 80%.Patients with uSpA were male (60 %) and HLA‐B27+ (82%), but only showed typical Uveitis in 58%. A higher number of other Uveitis subtypes was found: 27% showed bilateral anterior and 15% other Uveitis subtypes. Again there was a female predominance, without change in HLA‐B27 positivity (79%).A different pattern was found in the PsA cohort, which was female (58%) and HLA‐B27 was infrequent. Here 25% of the patients had typical Uveitis, whereas 17% showed bilateral anterior and 58% other subtypes of Uveitis.Patients with eSpA were female in 80%, and HLA B27 was less frequent (40%). None of the eSpA group had typical Uveitis, 80% a bilateral anterior and 20% other Uveitis subtypes. Conclusions: The frequency of a “typical” Uveitis associated with SpA in our cohort varied from 77% to 0 %, decreasing from AS to eSpA. We saw a high number of other Uveitis subtypes, with a female predominance. Maybe women with SpA have a higher risk for atypical Uveitis.
Central corneal thickness and glaucoma in adult chinese. The Beijing eye study
Authors: JONAS JB , XU L , ZHANG H , WANG Y 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate whether glaucoma is related to central corneal thickness (CCT). Methods: The Beijing Eye Study 2006 is a population‐based study including 3251 (73.3%) subjects (aged 45+ years) out of 4439 subjects who participated in the survey 2001 and who returned for re‐examination. Results: Measurements of CCT were available for 3100 (95.4%) subjects. Glaucomatous optic nerve damage was detected in 77 (2.5%) subjects (“Optic Disc Glaucoma”), and 33 (1.1%) subjects showed “perimetric glaucoma”. CCT did not vary significantly (P>0.10) between “Optic Disc Glaucoma” (551.1±35.4μm), “Perimetric Glaucoma” (547.4±32.2μm), and the normal group (556.3±33.1μm). CCT was not significantly associated with neuroretinal rim area (P=0.30) or mean visual field defect as measured by frequency doubling perimetry (P=0.66). In multiple regression analysis, CCT was significantly associated with male gender (P<0.001; Odds ratio (OR): 5.67; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 3.44, 7.90), urban region (P<0.001; OR: 4.70; 95%CI:2,40,7.00) and intraocular pressure measurements (P<0.001; OR:4.31;95%CI:3.94, 4.69), while it was not significantly (P=0.17) associated with chronic pen‐angle glaucoma. In 126 (4.1%) ocular hypertensive subjects without glaucomatous optic disc abnormalities, mean CCT (582.1±34.4 μm) was significantly higher than in the normal group (P<0.001) and than in the glaucoma groups (P<0.001). During follow‐up from 2001 to 2006, 42 subjects showed a progression of, or development of glaucomatous abnormalities of the optic nerve head. The progressive subjects had slightly, not significantly (P=0.36;95%CI:‐27.4, 10.1), thicker corneas (554±35μm) than the stable subjects (545±36μm). Conclusions: CCT may not be markedly different between glaucomatous eyes and normal eyes.