bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovative IOL accommodative technologies: NuLens and TekClear
Authors: ALIO SANZ JL , BEN‐NUN J 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To develop intraocular lenses capable of changing the power of the lens or the power of the eye related to active ciliary body function. Methods Clinical pilot study on a consecutive series of patients implanted with the Nulens accommodative IOL (NuLens Ltd) and TekClear positional pseudoaccommodative IOL (Tekia Inc). Follow up was 3‐6 months. The tenets for the Helsinki declaration were followed in this investigation. Main outcome measures were improvement in near vision with distance correction and without near vision add, near vision add to reach best spectacle corrected vision for near, biometrical study of the IOL changes inside the eye at the postoperative. Results The Nulens demonstrated a mean clinical accommodation of 8‐10 diopters. TekClear demonstrated a mean near vision improvement of 1.25 diopters. Some variability was observed with both lenses. Biometrical investigation of both lenses when implanted inside the eye demonstrated a potential for accommodation of up to 17 diopters for the Nulens and up to 2.5 diopters for the TekClear. Conclusion Real accommodation restoration up to 8 diopters is feasible with the Nulens IOL and a near vision gain of 1‐2 diopters is possible with the TekClear IOL. In both cases, active ciliary body action was correlated with the near vision improvement observed in the patients.
Commercial interest
The difference in focal photocoagulation treatment decisions of clinically significant macular edema between different medical retina specialists
Authors: VAN DIJK HW , KOK PHB , SCHLINGEMANN RO , LESNIK OBERSTEIN SY , TAN HS , ABRAMOFF MD , VERBRAAK FD 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the difference in focal photocoagulation treatment decisions of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) between different medical retina specialists. Methods Twenty five eyes of 16 diabetic patients with a clinical suspicion of CSME were examined by stereo slitlamp biomicroscopy to determine the exact location and extend of CSME. Results of these observations were drawn into a set of FA images (early / mid / late phase) and color fundus photographs. Based on these images, seven medical retina specialists, marked the position, pattern, and number of laserspots on the corresponding color photograph. Results We found considerable differences between the medical retina specialists in treatment decisions with respect to the amount and localisation of the fictional laserspots. Conclusion The focal photocoagulation treatment for CSME differs between medical retina specialists with respect to the amount and localisation of the laserspots. Therefore future studies concerning photocoagulation treatment outcome should define their treatment protocol precisely.
Nerve fiber layer thickness measured with polarimetry (GDX) in patients with type I diabetes
Authors: IDOIPE CORTA M , GARCIA‐MARTIN E , GIL ARRIBAS L , FERRERAS A , ABECIA E , PINILLA I 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of GDX to detect loss of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with type I diabetes without retinopathy. Methods Comparative cross‐sectional study. Thirty eyes of 30 healthy subjects and 30 eyes of 30 patients with type I diabetes mellitus were studied. Ophthalmic examination of diabetic patients showed no retinopathy. One eye per patient was randomly selected for the study. The nerve fiber layer thickness was measured with polarimetry (GDx). Results The control group was formed by 9 women, 21 men, aged 18‐38 yr (mean ± SD 28.7 ± 6.01). Diabetic patients were 9 women and 21 men, aged 25.02 yr (± 8.1). Mean period from the onset of diabetes was 14.2 years (SD 5.46). None of the diabetic group had changes at the fundus examination. No differences were found between control and diabetic group. Conclusion GDx is not able to find differences in the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in diabetic patients without retinopathy.
Upper eyelid tumour
Authors: LOEFFLER KU 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To describe the clinical and histologic features of a rare eyelid tumour. Methods A 56‐year‐old male patient presented with a nodular subcutaneous tumour in his right upper eyelid close to the eye brow. The lesion had been present for 2 years; there was no pain or inflammation but a slow increase in size. No other significant ocular abnormality was noted, and the patient's general health was good without any medication. On MRI, the tumour presented as a circumscribed non‐infiltrating pseudocystic mass, 20mm in diameter in size and located in the subcutis. Results Histopathology showed a loose myxoid stroma with low cellularity and occasional small blood vessels. A distinct capsule or pseudocapsule was not identified. Near the periphery some fat lobules were seen. The mucoid ground substance stained lightly with Alcian blue. The tumour cells were sparsely distributed throughout the tumour without any particular pattern; most appeared spindle‐shaped with an inconspicuous nucleus and no mitotic figures. Several mast cells were identified. Together with immunohistochemical findings (CD34+, SMA‐, Desmin‐), the diagnosis of myxoid spindle cell lipoma was made. Conclusion To our knowledge, no tumour has been documented in the literature that was histologically really similar to the one present in our patient. There was only very little normal adipose tissue, and a floret‐like nuclear pattern typical for pleomorphic lipoma (but also seen occasionally in normal orbital fat) was not observed. Even though the distinction from other lesions might in some cases be somewhat academic the differential diagnosis includes herniated orbital fat, other lipoma variants such as myolipoma and the hitherto mentioned pleomorphic lipoma, other myxoid tumours, and obiously malignant lesions such as (especially myxoid) liposarcoma.
Fundus autofluorescence imaging of choroidal tumors
Authors: PILOTTO E , PARROZZANI R , MIDENA E 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To investigate the different pattern of fundus autofluorescence imaging of choroidal tumors generated with short‐wavelength and near‐infrared Methods Thirty‐one eyes of 31 consecutive patients affected by choroidal tumor performed standard fundus autofluorescence with short‐wavelength (SW FAF) and fundus autofluorescence with near‐infrared (NIR FAF). Fundus photography, A and B scan ultrasound and OCT were performed. Autofluorescence features of choroidal tumor and overlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were correlated with clinical features. Results Twelve of 31 choroidal tumors were choroidal melanoma, 8 choroidal nevus, 5 circumscribed choroidal hemangioma and one was choroidal granuloma. Different pattern of SW FAF and NIR FAF were detected related to the presence of pigment, drusen, RPE atrophy and hyperplasia, RPE detachment and subretinal fluid over or around the lesion. Conclusion Standard autofluorescence (SW FAF) and NIR FAF provide different information on intrinsic autofluorescence of choroidal tumor and on the related RPE and retinal changes
Non mydriatic retinograph for the diagnosis and follow‐up of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: PEREZ GARCIA D , MATEO OROBIA AJ , IBANEZ J , PEIRO C , SAINZ A , CRISTOBAL JA 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To determine the validity of the non mydriatic retinograph for the early diagnosis and follow‐up of diabetic retinopathy Methods 367 eyes of diabetic patients were examined using a non mydriatic retinograph. 45º and 30º pictures were taken of 9 fields, with and without pupilar dilation. Retina was examined in mydriasis with slit lamp biomicroscopy and conventional oftalmoscopy. Both methods were compared to determine their validity in the diagnosis and gradeing of diabetic retinopathy. Results For the early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy there was obtained a sensibility of 88‐95 %, with a specificity of 96 %. 9,5 % of the photos were not valid. To obtain a good sensibility of the retinograph in establishing the grade of diabetic retinopathy, being comparable to the established one, the conventional exploration, it was necessary to realize photos in all the nine fields and with pupilar dilation. The sensibility of detecting edema was low Conclusion The non mydriatic retinograph is a useful a tool for the screening of diabetic retinopathy in the population. Nevertheless, to determine the correct grade of the pathology, in order to permit a good follow‐up of the retinopathy, the obtained sensibility was insufficient not being adequate to substitute the indirect oftalmoscopy and slit lamp biomicroscopy.
Intravitreal pegaptanib sodium (Macugen) for diabetic macular edema
Authors: QUERQUES G , BUX AV , MARTINELLI D , IACULLI C , DELLE NOCI N 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To report the functional and anatomic outcomes resulting from the use of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium as primary therapy in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods We conducted a retrospective outcome analysis, by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), of eyes with DME treated with primary intravitreal pegaptanib sodium (Macugen). Moreover, we evaluated the foveal transverse photoreceptor (PR) band integrity in the OCT images, at the time of the last follow‐up visit. Results Sixty‐three eyes of 48 patients with a minimum of 6 months’ follow‐up (FU) were included for analysis. Intravitreal pegaptanib was found to produce significant improvements in mean BCVA (p = 0.019) and reductions in mean central macular thickness (CMT) (p <0.001), as soon as the 6‐weeks FU. Most eyes (60/63) required a mean of 3 repeated treatments, over a mean FU period of 6.7 +/‐ 1.2 months, to achieve significant improvements in mean BCVA (p <0.001) and mean CMT (p <0.001). In our series, the lower visual acuities tended to congregate in the group with the less‐defined PR band (p <0.001), and the lower CMT tended to congregate in the group with the best‐defined PR band (p=0.04), even though the higher CMT did not tend to congregate in the group with the less‐defined PR band. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that selective inhibition by intravitreal pegaptanib sodium of VEGF165 may produce a clinically meaningful and statistically significant benefit in the treatment of DME.
Specificity and sensitivity of Heidelberg retina tomograph macular edema maps and the effect of exudate and hemorrhage
Authors: HUDSON C , SU L , KANCHANARANYA N , GUAN K , LAM WC , DEVENYI RG , MANDELCORN M , HARVEY P , FLANAGAN JG 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To assess the specificity and sensitivity of the Macular Edema Module (MEM) of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) versus Stereoscopic Color Fundus Photographs (SCFP) for patients with different grades of diabetic macular edema (ME) and non‐diabetic subjects. The effect of local exudates and hemorrhage on the specificity and sensitivity of MEM was also investigated. Methods The study included 20 eyes of 20 normal subjects without diabetes and 60 eyes of 60 diabetic patients. Eyes of diabetic patients were classified as without ME (n = 20), with questionable ME (n =20) and with Clinically Significant Macular Edema (CSME, n =20). All participants underwent a full ophthalmological evaluation, plus SCFP and HRT II MEM assessment. The sectors with exudate and/or hemorrhage on the SCFP were removed from the CSME group to generate a modified group (n=20) with CSME and without exudate or hemorrhage. Results In the normal subject group, the specificity of MEM was 92.2%. In the diabetes without macular edema group, the specificity of MEM was 91.7%. In the questionable ME group, the specificity of MEM was 93.1%. In the CSME group, the specificity of MEM was 87.3%, and the sensitivity for detecting CSME was 77.1%. In the modified group with CSME and without exudate or hemorrhage, the specificity of MEM was 85.7% and the sensitivity for detecting CSME was 96.9%. Conclusion The determination of diabetic macular edema by MEM shows good to moderate sensitivity and very good specificity. Furthermore, removing the influence of the exudate and/or hemorrhage resulted in excellent sensitivity and very good specificity.
TOPCON 3D OCT 1000 reproducibility in normal and diabetic patients
Authors: PEROVSEK D , URBANCIC M , HAWLINA M 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose TOPCON 3D OCT 1000 is a spectral domain OCT, used in our everyday’s practice. There are many studies reporting reproducibility of commercially available time domain OCTs. The reproducibility of spectral domain OCTs is expected to be better. To our knowledge there are no reproducibility studies with TOPCON 3D OCT 1000. Our purpose was to evaluate its reproducibility in normal and diabetic patients. Methods 10 normal maculae and 10 maculae with diabetic edema were scanned for 5 times. Data presented as retinal thickness and retinal volume were analyzed and statistically evaluated. Results TOPCON 3D OCT 1000 shows excellent reproducibility in normal patients. Differences in measured parameters in patients with diabetic macular edema are not statistically significant. Conclusion Retinal thickness and retinal volume measurements with TOPCON 3D OCT 1000 are very reliable, although care must be taken in interpreting small differences in pathologic conditions.
The Moorfields diabetes survey: lessons learnt
Authors: PETO T , POWLING A , DIABETES RETINOPATHY SCREENING TEAM THPCT 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this talk is to describe the lessons learnt from the Moorfields Diabetes Survey and the Tower Hamlets Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme in order to emphasise the importance of good communication between components of screening. Methods The Moorfields Diabetes Survey highlighted that most patients in eye clinics have diabetes related complications, but little understanding of diabetes itself and its relevance to eye disease. In order to help these patients, it was essential to understand how diabetic retinopathy screening could help with the detection, the education and the referral of patients with diabetic eye disease requiring treatment. The screening episode consists of proper identification of the target population and appropriate funding for the whole service, a robust call‐recall system, a protocol driven screening episode and the timely treatment of sight threatening retinopathy. All elements must have in‐built quality assurance. Results In England, the National Screening Committe's guidelines govern the screening process. Although it provides strict quality control and reporting guidance, there is considerable freedom for the individual programs to set up the best service for their population. Tower Hamlets is one of the most deprived boroughs of the UK and as such, faced a difficult task to build a programme to such standards. To identify and keep track of the highly mobile population, deal with several religious requirements are the first challenges, followed by obtaining enough funding for the screening, the educational activities and for the treatment of retinopathy. Conclusion A well‐trained and committed workforce working in good partnership between primary care and the treatment centre has made this possible.
Improvements in visual acuity within one year following intravitreal bevacizumab in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: JAKI MEKJAVIC P , KRAUT A , URBANCIC M , LENASSI E , HAWLINA M 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effects of intravitreal treatment with bevacizumab on vision and anatomic outcome in patients with neovascular AMD. Methods Retrospective review of 153 eyes that received three or more intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) for neovascular AMD over a one‐year period. Patients underwent ophthalmological examinations, measurements of the best‐corrected visual acuity (VA), fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, at baseline and at monthly follow‐up visits. Repeated injections were given in the presence of persistent leakage or retinal oedema. We analyzed the data obtained at three time intervals: 1 month (first evaluation) after the third injection, 6 months (second evaluation), and one year (third evaluation) after the onset of treatment. Changes from baseline in VA, central retinal thickness (CRT), and total macular volume (TMV) were analyzed using paired t‐tests. Results Mean baseline VA improved from 50.5 to 57.6 letters (P < 0.0001, N = 153) at first evaluation, 58.3 letters (P < 0.0001, N = 119) at second evaluation, and 59.5 letters (P = 0.002, N = 48) at third evaluation. Baseline mean CRT (344.6 μm) and baseline mean TMV (8.6 mm3) decreased at the first evaluation, to 219.0 μm (P < 0.0001) and 7.2 mm3 (P < 0.0001), respectively. No systemic or serious ocular side effects were noted. Conclusion Intravitreal bevacizumab is an effective treatment for neovascular AMD, resulting in significant functional and anatomical improvement seen up to one year. After one year, VA in 27% of patients was improved by 15 letters or more, was maintained stable in 67% of patients, and was worsened by 15 letters or more in 6% of patients.
In vivo confocal microscopy of abnormal cornea: a clinical and pathological correlation
Authors: ALOMAR TS , LOWE J , DUA HS 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To establish correlations between in vivo confocal microscopic (IVCM) images with histopathology of various ocular surface disorders. Methods 50 patients with various ocular surface/corneal diseases scheduled to undergo biopsy, impression cytology or surgery such as keratoplasty were clinically examined and assessed by IVCM with emphasis on area of pathology. The tissue obtained was then oriented and studied by light and/or electron microscopy. The microscopic anatomy was then correlated with the IVCM findings to establish a pathological basis for the observations. Conditions studied included corneal degenerations & dystrophies, conjunctival tumours, conjunctivalisation of the cornea and others. The Rostock Cornea Module (RCM) attached to HRT II machine from Heidelberg Engineering was used for IVCM. Results By precise histological characterization of tissue changes we have been able to assign diagnostic criteria to IVCM features such as hyper and hypo reflective dots and shapes, linear straight and branching images and smaller dendritic figures. A diagnostic feature of intraepithelial neoplasia by IVCM has been established. A distinct pre Descemet’s layer, termed the posterior stromal layer has also been defined. Subepithelial bright shadows in advanced Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy have been identified as fibroblasts. Other interesting correlations are emerging. Conclusion High quality in vivo corneal confocal microscopic imaging can highlight pathological changes comparable to those found in histopathology slides in a way that can help establishing diagnostic confocal microscopic criteria obviating the need for histopathology and biopsy in some cases.
Antimicrobial peptides expression in activated human corneal keratocytes
Authors: MUSHTAQ F , MOHAMMED I , TINT NL , HOPKINSON A , DUA HS 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose The eye despite being a delicate structure,has evolved many protective mechanisms.Antimicrobial peptides(AMPs) and Toll‐like receptors(TLRs)have an important role in the ocular defense system.However during an infection or trauma, the innate defense system is breached.In this instance,keratocytes and fibroblasts aids in wound healing as well as provide a second line of defense.Little is known about AMP expression by TLR signalling pathways in corneal fibroblasts.This study therefore demonstrates the mRNA expression of both novel and known AMPs in various fibroblast phenotypes(myofibroblasts and keratocytes).In addition, AMPs were also shown in microbial ligand and/or pro‐inflammatory cytokine stimulated human corneal fibroblast cultures (HCFC). Methods Fresh Keratocytes and HCFC were cultured and collected at different stages of growth and/or after stimulation with microbial ligands. Total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized for semi‐quantitative gene expression studies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified product were analyzed on ethidium bromide stained 1% agarose gels. Results Constitutive expression of Thy‐1(CD‐90), vimentin, keratocan and alpha SMA was shown in all cultures.Keratocyte phenotype marker CD‐34 showed decreased expression from 1st to 4th passage.Positive expression of Human beta defensin 109, Liver‐expressed AMP(LEAP‐2) and cathelicidin/LL‐37 was demonstrated in cytokine and microbial ligand stimulated HCFC. Conclusion Reminiscent with previous studies,we have demonstrated the mRNA expression of novel and known AMPs in corneal fibroblast mediated by TLR dependent signalling mechanisms. This result warrants the further study to fully understand the role of AMPs in ocular wound healing.
In vitro evaluation of adhesion of adipose‐derived adult stem cells to chitosan for the treatment of ocular surface pathologies
Authors: PASTOR S , ALIO SANZ JL , GAMBOA‐MARTINEZ TC , ARNALICH‐MONTIEL F , DE MIGUEL MP , GOMEZ‐RIBELLES JL , GALLEGO‐FERRER G 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose To analyze the ability of adhesion of adipose‐derived adult stem cells (ADAS) to porous materials made of chitosan for the future design of biodegradable autologous membranes for the treatment of ocular surface pathologies Methods We used porous chitosan scaffolds prepared by cold neutralization in a 4% chitosan aqueous solution at acid pH, some of the materials were treated with argon plasma to favour cell adhesion. ADAS cells were obtained after adipose tissue processing from patients undergoing liposuction surgery. 5,000 cells were seeded per each scaffold in DMEM/F12 medium and cellular growth was analyzed on these materials by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after ten days in culture. Results Adhesion was observed and cell growth was optimal on the surface of non‐plasma‐treated biomaterials. Chitosan scaffolds treated with argon plasma showed better adhesion properties. Extracellular matrix production was also observed Conclusion 4% chitosan biomaterials allow for adhesion, proliferation and extracellular matrix production of ADAS cells. Biocolonization of these biomaterials with ADAS cells will imply the future design of biological autologous membranes containing cells from the very same patient that would act as patches for the treatment of ocular surface pathologies for which current treatments show certain risks such immune rejection, infections or low effectivity.