bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel effect of plasma rich in growth factors in the small leucine‐rich proteoglycans regulation in trabecular meshwork
Authors: del Olmo Aguado Susana , Cueto Carla Martin , Cueto Andrés Fernández‐Vega , Uña Ignacio Rodriguez , de Pablo Herranz Nagore , Calvo Pedro Pablo Rodriguez , Fernández Luis Quirós , Merayo‐Lloves Jesús 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To analyse the effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on the activity of small leucine‐rich proteoglycans (SRLPs) involved in extracellular matrix regulation in a trabecular meshwork fibrosis in vitro model.Methods: Trabecular meshwork cells were obtained from cadaveric donors in collaboration with the Blood and Tissue Centre of the Principality of Asturias (CEImPA2022.359). The cells were exposed to TGFβ2, which induces the expression of fibrosis markers. After 24 h in the presence of TGFβ2, the cells were treated with PRGF or human serum (control group) for 7 days. After the treatment period, samples were processed for immunocytochemistry or gene expression analysis by qPCR. Immunocytochemical techniques were used to examine the markers α‐sma, collagen I and collagen IV markers. The gene expression analysis included the genes lumican (LUM), decorin (DCN), biglycan (BGN) and fibromodulin (FMOD).Results: The induction of fibrosis in trabecular meshwork cells, characterized by an increase in extracellular matrix components such as α‐sma, collagen I and collagen IV, led to an increase in the expression of several SRLPs analysed, such as lumican, decorin, biglycan and fibromodulin. Treatment with PRGF for 7 days significantly reduced the expression of lumican, decorin and biglycan. In contrast, fibromodulin expression levels were slightly increased in the PRGF‐treated group.Conclusions: SRLPs play an important role in the regulation of the extracellular matrix in several ocular tissues. In glaucoma, altered expression of SRLPs such as lumican, decorin and biglycan leads to a glaucomatous phenotype in animal models. Changes in the expression of SRLPs have also been reported in the aqueous humour of glaucoma patients. PRGF treatment regulates the expression of SRLPs, as well as the expression and deposition of other fibrotic markers, and may promote aqueous humour flow and intraocular pressure control.
Differential response of macular and disc capillaries in response to the orthostatic hypotension test
Authors: Pappelis Konstantinos , Jansonius Nomdo 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To investigate the effect of the orthostatic hypotension test on the macular and disc capillaries, in subjects with different blood pressure (BP) status.Methods: We prospectively recruited ophthalmologically healthy subjects (age 50–65) from a large‐scale population‐based Dutch cohort. We allocated participants to four groups: low BP, normal BP, treated high BP, and untreated high BP. We obtained two 6x6 mm macular and two 6x6 mm disc OCTA scans of the superficial capillaries. After lying for 5 min, participants stood up for 3 min, following which third scans were obtained from both regions. We quantified vessel density (VD) using customized software. We used linear mixed models to compare VD among groups before and after the orthostatic hypotension test.Results: We included 98 eyes from 98 subjects for the macular scans and 95 for the disc scans. Parafoveal VD was similar between groups (p = 0.65) and increased following the orthostatic hypotension test (40.4%, 40.6% pre‐test and 40.7% post‐test; p = 0.002). Post hoc analysis revealed that this difference was only significant between the first and third scan (p = 0.001). Peripapillary VD remained unchanged pre‐ and post‐test (p = 0.61), but differed between groups (low BP: 44.0%, normal BP: 45.0%, treated high BP: 44.1%, untreated high BP: 44.5%; p = 0.022). Post hoc analysis revealed that these differences were significant between normotensives and subjects with low BP (p = 0.028) and borderline between normotensives and subjects with treated high BP (p = 0.072).Conclusions: We observed an autoregulatory response of macular, but not disc, capillaries, following BP drop due to the orthostatic hypotension test.
PAUL device implantation in paediatric glaucoma patients with LTBP2 mutation: Case reports
Authors: Diafa Aspasia , Mourgela Anna , Papadopoulou Margarita , Atzamoglou Spyros , Adamopoulou Aspasia , Smarlamaki Rafaela , Kappou Christina , Paizi Nefeli Ioanna , Zisimopoulos Athanasios , Terzidou Chrysa , Kouri Agathi 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Latent‐transforming growth factor beta‐binding protein 2 (LTBP2) is a fibrillin‐related extracellular matrix protein. The protein is expressed in the ciliary body, and mutations in its gene lead to primary paediatric glaucoma due to anterior segment dysgenesis. These mutations in the Greek area appear almost exclusively in Roma families. In this work, we present the surgical treatment of two patients with PAUL® device implantation, and their preoperative and postoperative course.Methods: Case Reports.Results: Case 1: A 2‐month‐old female patient, the fifth child of a Roma family with an older sister with paediatric glaucoma, presented to the Ophthalmology clinic of our hospital with microspherophakia and megalocornea, a phenotype compatible with a mutation of the LTBP2 gene. She underwent a phakectomy for lens dislocation in both eyes. At the age of 2.5 years, she was diagnosed with hypertony and started topical treatment. After two years of treatment escalation and unsuccessful management of intraocular pressure, at the age of 4.5 years it was decided to implant a PAUL® glaucoma implant in her left eye. Case 2: An 8‐month‐old male patient, child of a Roma family, similarly presented with microspherophakia and megalocornea as well as hypertony. In addition to topical treatment, he underwent peripheral iridectomies and phakectomies in both eyes. After years of treatment escalation and unsuccessful management of intraocular pressure, at the age of 6.5 years it was decided to implant a PAUL® glaucoma implant in his left eye. We describe the surgical procedures as well as their postoperative course.Conclusions: Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure is recommended in children with megalocornea, microspherophakia and/or ectopia lentis. Genetic testing of the LTBP2 gene is recommended in these patients. It is important to raise awareness in the ophthalmological community regarding the recognition of this phenotype in children of Roma families. The PAUL® device is one of the options for treating drug‐resistant paediatric glaucoma.
A series of acute corneal edema and residual subepithelial haze after bilateral selective laser trabeculoplasty
Authors: Vandewalle Evelien , Vincent Walgrave , Jeffrey Nijs , Alix Somers , Sophie Lemmens 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To report 3 cases of corneal edema and subepithelial haze soon after bilateral selective laser trabeculoplasty.Methods: Selective laser trabeculoplasty was performed for the treatment of open‐angle glaucoma on 3 female, middle aged patients who subsequently developed corneal stromal haze within 24 to 48 h after the procedure.Results: The patients were treated with topical steroids for several weeks. Due to uncontrolled intraocular pressure, one patient underwent a trabeculectomy. The corneal edema resolved. However, all three patients were left with a hyperopic shift.Conclusions: Corneal edema and subepithelial haze after selective laser trabeculoplasty is an extremely rare event. Although certain causes are postulated to play a role in this complication, it is not yet understood what may predispose a patient to corneal changes as a result of this laser procedure.
Neuroprotective effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonists and their potential in retinal diseases
Authors: Mouhammad Zaynab Ahmad , von Spreckelsen Alexander , Bermudez Mariana Yolotzin Garcia , Vohra Rupali , Williams Pete , Kolko Miriam 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is an incretin hormone naturally released in response to a meal and therapeutically used in the treatment of diabetes. GLP‐1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (SEM), have shown to promote neuronal survival in animal models of stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease including retinal diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal ischemia, glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa. The purpose of this study is to identify a neuroprotective effect of SEM.Methods: Retinal explants were treated with 50 nM SEM and incubated for 30 min, 4, 8 and 24 h. Tissue survival was measured through colorimetric lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) viability assays. Specific RGC survival was determined through immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Energy metabolism was assessed through stable isotope labeling (13C) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Mitochondrial function was assessed using Seahorse analysis.Results: Ex vivo treatment with 50 nM SEM increased retinal tissue survival by 55.9% compared to control. IHC and Seahorse analyses revealed no significant differences between control and treatment with SEM in retinal explants and wholemounts. Minor effects on glucose metabolism were observed, in general showing improved metabolism in retinal explants. Significantly increased 13C labeling was observed in the TCA cycle intermediates citrate and α‐Ketoglutarate (KG) after 30 min incubation with 50 nM SEM (Citrate; Control: 10.8% vs. SEM: 23.93% and α‐KG; Control: 9.45% vs. SEM: 19.25%, presented as molecular carbon labeling).Conclusions: The present study reveals that treatment with semaglutide has no toxic effect on retinal tissue and potentially has a neuroprotective effect. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of GLP‐1 receptor agonists in retinal diseases.
Biomechanical analysis of Corvis tonometry parameters in patients with hypotony after glaucoma filtering surgery
Authors: El Jarroudi Rachid Bouchikh , Arenas Jordi Loscos , Romero Pau Romera , García Jessica Botella 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Postoperative hypotony is a common complication of glaucoma filtering surgery, particularly with adjunctive use of antimetabolites, such as mitomycin C and 5‐fluorouracil. Precautions may be taken intraoperatively and postoperatively to decrease the likelihood of hypotony. Sometimes, despite these measures, the low‐pressure syndrome still can occur, the management of which can be difficult. The cornea has a complex biomechanical structure that determines its response under stress conditions and there are so many studies related with glaucoma and corneal biomechanical properties. However, in the best of our knowledge, there are no reports concerning the corneal parameters in patients with hypotony. This study aimed to investigate the possible correlation of hypotony risk after a filtering surgery with different corneal parameters obtained by Corvis.Methods: A retrospective case control study of 30 eyes with chronic hypotony (IOP ≤6 mmHg for more than a month) after glaucoma filtering surgery at the Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol. In all patients, the IOP (represented in mmHg) and following parameters were obtained using the Corvis device: deformation amplitude ratio (DA), Ambrósio's relational thickness (ARTh), stiffness parameter at first applanation (SPA1), Integrated radius (IR), Stress strain index (SSI) and pachymetry (represented in μm).Results: The results will be represented as the value in eyes with hypotony after glaucoma filtering surgery (cases) vs the healthy eye (control). IOP 4.4 ± 1.8 vs 18.1 ± 7.7. Pachymetry 527 ± 53.4 vs 549.1 ± 94. SPA1 65.2 ± 19.1 vs 111 ± 17.1 in controls (p < 0.05). ARTh 495 ± 170 vs 523 ± 222. IR 10.9 ± 2.67 vs 8.4 ± 1.36 (p < 0.05). DA 5.6 ± 0.7 vs 5 ± 0.5 (p < 0.05). SSI 1.3 ± 1.4 vs 1.6 ± 1.4.Conclusions: SP‐A1 value decreased while the IOP decreased, suggesting that the lower corneal stiffness could increase the percentage of hypotony due to the different ocular biomechanical properties in these eyes, so therefore, it could be considered a risk marker for hypotonia in patients who are going to undergo glaucoma filtering surgery.
Isolated versus combined XEN‐implant surgery
Authors: Abellán Maria Victoria Navarro , González Luis Eloy Pérez , Perea Juan Antonio Sánchez , Menargues Manuel Almarcha , López Carmen Miquel , de los Reyes Retamero Sánchez María , Medina José Javier García 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: A minimally invasive surgical technique in glaucoma surgery is XEN implant. It allows direct evacuation of aqueous humour from anterior chamber to subconjunctival space. It is indicated in mild or moderate primary open angle glaucoma in patients with treatment with 2 or more active ingredients and good conjunctival status. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of XEN implant isolated versus combined cataract surgery.Methods: Single‐centre retrospective observational study, conducted between 2018 and 2023. Follow‐up of 1 year in a sample of 44 eyes operated with XEN implant, 15 with isolated implant and 29 combined surgeries with cataract. Quantitative variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Comparison between variables was performed using Student's t‐test after testing for normality of distribution using the Shapiro–wilk test.Results: Combined cataract surgery with respect to XEN implant placement showed no significant difference in visual acuity improvement, nor in the decrease in post‐surgical hypotensive treatment and intraocular pressure, except in the first month in favour of isolated surgery (p > 0.02). Follow‐up with visual field and optical coherence tomography showed no significant differences, suggesting that there was no progression of glaucoma with both techniques. There were no intraoperative complications. Needling manoeuvre was performed in 60% of patients with isolated XEN compared to 30% with combined surgery. Good safety profile. Other studies find no significant differences in the postoperative success rate between combined surgery or not with phacoemulsification, nor differences in outcomes in phakic versus pseudophakic patients.Conclusions: The XEN implant is effective and safe in terms of IOP lowering and the number of hypotensive drops. There are no significant differences in IOP lowering or in the number of drugs to be administered between the XEN implant alone and combined cataract surgery.
Tear‐borne interleukin 1‐beta and transforming growth factor‐beta and its relationship with clinical parameters in neophytes contact lens wearers
Authors: Pereira Eduardo Insua , Lira Madalena , Sampaio Ana Paula 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To determine the presence of Interleukin 1‐beta (IL1‐β) and Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) in the tears of neophytes contact lens wearers; and investigate the relationship between their concentration, tear stability, and ocular physiology findings.Methods: In this clinical trial, 12 neophytes (5 males, 24.0 ± 5.0 years) were dispensed with delefilcon A contact lenses. Physiological responses (bulbar and limbal hyperemia), non‐invasive tear break‐up times, and tear sample collections were obtained in the morning (before lens insertion; 9–10 a.m.) and afternoon (before lens removal; 7–8 p.m.) of the same day. The tear samples were assayed for IL1‐β and TGF‐β concentrations using Enzyme‐Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay kits. A parallel control group of 11 individuals (6 males, 25.0 ± 5.0) was also assessed to determine the levels of the biomarkers in the tears of non‐contact lens wearers.Results: Patients wore lenses for an average of 7:20 [6,9] h. Bulbar and limbal hyperemia increased throughout the day (p < 0.001). Tear break‐up times were lower in the afternoon compared to the morning assessment (4.7 ± 2.0 Vs. 12.2 ± 8.8 seconds; p < 0.001). The IL1‐β levels were higher in neophytes compared to controls (3.2 ± 4.7 Vs. 0.1 ± 0.1 ρg/ml; p = 0.05) but only in the afternoon. A significant correlation was found between IL1‐β concentration, bulbar (r = 0.405, p = 0.008), and limbal hyperemia (r = 0.499, p = 0.027) in the morning period. No substantial changes were reported for TGF‐β.Conclusions: The use of contact lenses might alter the IL1‐β regulatory mechanisms and disturb ocular surface homeostasis. However, more clinical evidence is needed to understand this phenomenon.
Exogenous endophthalmitis caused by Citrobacter Koseri
Authors: Prades Gemma Ortega , Sanmillán Héctor Carot , Pérez‐Torregrosa Vicente‐Tomás , Fabra Yolanda Cifre , Del Río Noemí Ruiz , Samper Antonio‐Miguel Duch 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To present a case of exogenous endophthalmitis caused by Citrobacter Koseri.Methods: We present a 66‐year‐old man that works in an animal laboratory exercising their care, who came to the emergency department due to sudden loss of vision in his left eye. Using indirect ophthalmoscopy, we observed a dense hemovitreous that prevented visualization of the posterior structures. An ocular ultrasound was performed in which suggestive signs of retinal detachment are intuited, so we decided to perform an exploratory vitrectomy. During exploratory vitrectomy via pars plana, a dense fibrinoid vitreous was observed, with a tear at XIIh of more than 1 h in diameter. The vitrectomy was completed successfully after suturing the sclerotomies.Results: The postoperative period evolved adequately, but 3 days later, the patient presented to the emergency room with pain and severe ocular inflammation. On physical examination, he presented intense conjunctival hyperemia, signs of corneal melting, and increased ocular tone. Endophthalmitis was diagnosed and treatment was started with reinforced intravitreal and eye drops antibiotics and anti‐inflammatories. 24 h later, the patient went back with an extrusion of the lens that was sent to microbiological study. On physical examination, we observed corneal melting that produced complete corneal perforation with extrusion of purulent and vitreous material and an urgent evisceration was performed. Two days later, the microbiological samples confirmed the Citrobacter Koseri microorganism.Conclusions: Cases of exogenous endophthalmitis caused by Citrobacter are limited in the literature. In this case, exposed suture material and the epidemiological history of the patient were suspected as the source of infection. Despite early diagnosis and intensive treatment, the clinical course of Citrobacter endophthalmitis is very aggressive and has a poor visual prognosis. In our case it ended with evisceration.
HAP1 cell utilization for accurate interpretation of germline BAP1 variants
Authors: Repo Pauliina , Turunen Joni , Kivelä Tero 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Pathogenic germline variants in BRCA1‐Associated Protein 1 (BAP1) gene cause a rare, dominant, life‐threatening tumour predisposition syndrome (BAP1‐TPDS). It increases risk for atypical cutaneous Spitz tumours and for several index cancers: uveal melanoma, malignant mesothelioma, cutaneous melanoma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Because about 50% of variants in the public database CLINVAR are of unknown significance (VUS) and accurate interpretation of variants is crucial for screening cancer in carriers, improved tools for genomic BAP1 variant interpretation are needed. We aimed to create a mammalian cell based tool for this purpose.Methods: Four pathogenic BAP1 variants (c.67 + 1G > T, c.281A > G, c.680G > A, and c.1780_1781insT) and one VUS (c.1526C > T) were edited into the genome of near haploid HAP1 cells with CRISPR‐Cas9 and assayed for BAP1 expression and cell fitness. Proliferation and cell adhesion was quantified using xCelligence real‐time cell analysis system.Results: BAP1 loss reduces growth of HAP1 cells, which we exploited as phenotypic readout for pathogenicity of inserted variants. Three BAP1‐TPDS history‐associated variants c.67 + 1G > T, c.281A > G, and c.1780_1781insT reduced HAP1 adhesion and proliferation roughly by 70–80% whereas the c.680G > A missense variant, identified in a patient with UM without BAP1‐TPDS family history, reduced proliferation by 50%. VUS c.1526C > T behaved similarly to wild type.Conclusions: Qualitatively, the results of our in vitro tool for BAP1 variant interpretation agree with previous studies, validating the tool. The validated system has potential for scaling up for simultaneous analysis of multiple variants. Quantitatively, it might have potential for predicting higher or lower risk in family members.
Operator stress in ophthalmology: Impact on the result and management
Authors: Hammoumi Zineb , Daghouj Ghizlane , Ayad Rima , Otsasso Mathilde , Elmaaloum Loubna , Allali Bouchra , El Kettani Asmaa 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Our work aims to show the impact of the stress of the operator in ophthalmology on the quality of surgery, the daily life of the surgeon and the management capacity.Methods: This is a work including 147 residents in the various ophthalmology departments of Morocco as well as 90 young ophthalmologists. Using a Googleforms form.Results: The age of ophthalmic surgeons varies between 25 and 38 years old, with a female predominance since they represent 59.3%. 237 responded to the questionnaire including 147 resident doctors in different cities of Morocco from the 1st to the 5th year and 90 young ophthalmologists. The type of intervention performed is pterygium surgery in 85.2% of cases, cataract in 81.5%, appendages in 33.3%. The number of patients operated is greater than 100 in 24.1% of cases, between 20 and 50 in 20.4%, between 10 and 20 in 20.4%... According to the operators, cataract surgery is the most stressful act in 79.2% of cases, followed by retina surgery in 22.6% of cases. Monophthalmic subjects represent the type of patient who stress surgeons the most in 75.5% of cases. The feeling before the act is predominated by stress in 50% of cases, excitability in 31.5%, and neutrality in 20.4%. During the operation, stress predominates in 53.7% of cases. For stress management before the operation 31.5% have a personal ritual and 25.9% try relaxation. During an intraoperative complication, 77.8% manage calmly. After surgery, 59.3% feel satisfaction, 44.4% doubt and 13% have insomnia. This psychological stress impacts 55.6% of the daily lives of surgeons. For daily stress management, 46.3% resort to sports activities, 22.2% to meditation and 9.3% to sophrology. 53.7% think of developing new strategies to manage stress.Conclusions: Mental health is an essential element in everyone's life that allows us to realize our potential, to face the normal difficulties of life, to work successfully and productively. Stress management for the ophthalmic surgeon remains essential in his daily life and to carry out his interventions.