bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations in glutamate and nitric oxide metabolism in the RdS mice
Authors: Almansa Inmaculada , Espuis Carla , Cantó Antolin , Martínez‐González Javier , Olivar Teresa , Hernández‐Rabaza Vicente , Sanz María Miranda 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential signalling molecule, with gaseous nature. NO is synthesized by the conversion of L‐arginine to L‐citrulline. This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). There are three NOS isoforms, but nNOS reflects most of the production of NO in the retina. Although NO is employed in the retina to maintain ocular function, it has also been related to different visual diseases. Increased levels of NO have been associated with ocular diseases involving increased glutamate concentrations, ischaemia, oxidative stress and inflammation (such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP)). The main purpose of this work was to determine glutamate retinal concentrations at different stages of the retinal degeneration that occurs in the rds mice and to study possible NO metabolism alterations.Methods: Rds mice were treated in accordance with the ARVO statement for the use of animals in ophthalmic and vision research. Mice were sacrificed at different postnatal days (11, 17, 21 and 28). Retinal glutamate concentrations were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of different enzymes related with NO metabolism (nNOS, guanylate cyclase (GC) and arginase) was determined by histochemistry.Results: Glutamate as well as nNOS was observed to be increased in the retina of rds mice mainly between the peak of rods and cones death. GC was observed to be decreased in the rds mice compared to control ones and no significant changes were observed in arginase expression when we compared rds and control mice.Conclusions: There are alterations in the expression of glutamate, nNOS and GC in rds mice retina compared to control mice. RP is a disease with no effective treatment to date and NO metabolism may be a new target in RP treatment.
Dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) in phakic patients with diabetic macular oedema resistant to anti‐VEGF therapy: Short‐term visual and anatomical outcomes in a real‐world study
Authors: Thulasidharan Suresh , Walker Lawrence , Rennie Christina , Krishnan Radhika 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To prospectively study and analyse the clinical effectiveness of using intravitreal dexamethasone (IVO) implant in treatment resistant phakic patients with centre involving diabetic macular oedema (DMO).Methods: Prospective interventional case series of phakic patients with persistent centre‐involving diabetic macular oedema, who received an IVO implant between May 2022 and February 2023 were included. Primary outcome measures include best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) at baseline, 2 months and 6 months. Secondary efficacy outcome measures include, change in level of cataract and change in intraocular pressure (IOP) control requiring topical treatment or interventional procedures.Results: Nine eyes from eight patients were included. Mean age at treatment was 61.87 ± 11.07 years with male preponderance (8:1). There was no statistically significant difference in BCVA at baseline compared to 2 months following IVO (0.291 ± 0.185 vs. 0.287 ± 0.208, respectively, p = 0.919) or comparing BCVA at baseline to BCVA 6 months following IVO (0.291 ± 0.185 vs. 0.347 ± 0.153, respectively, p = 0.063). Reduction in CRT from baseline to 2 months following IVO was highly significant (436.4 ± 65.1 vs. 305.9 ± 58.6, respectively, p = 0.006) and reduction in CRT comparing baseline and 6 months following IVO which remained significant (436.4 ± 65.1 vs. 363.2 ± 96.1, p = 0.041). Mean intraocular pressures was raised in 44.4% eyes with medical management required in 33.3%. Recurrence of maculopathy was noted in 88.9% eyes. Cataract requiring surgery was performed in one eye.Conclusions: This prospective series shows that phakic patients, with persistent DMO following anti‐VEGF therapy undergoing IVO, resulted in a highly statistically significant reduction in CRT at 2 months following IVO which was maintained at 6 months (p = 0.04) although there is high recurrence. BCVA remains stable over the 6‐month period with no statistically significant change.
Remodelling of the lamina cribrosa thickness in proliferative diabetic retinopathy as a pathogenetic factor of retrolaminar migration of silicone oil after vitrectomy
Authors: Karliychuk Maryna , Pinchuk Serhii , Urazov Artem 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: to analyse the relationship of lamina cribrosa (LC) thickness in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) after vitrectomy with SiO tamponade with retrolaminar migration of intraocular silicone oil (SiO).Methods: This retrospective study included 35 patients with PDR after vitrectomy with SiO tamponade who underwent unenhanced head computed tomography for various clinical indications. All images were visually evaluated for subretinal and retrolaminar migration of SiO involving the anterior visual pathway (optic nerve, optic chiasm, and optic tract) and the ventricular system. LC thickness was measured with spectral domain optical coherent tomography (SD OCT) using LC_Thickness_programm.m and main_low_noise_filters_programm.m, based on the adaptive compensation algorithm for eliminating a high‐level noise in the deep layers of optic nerve and improving the visualization of the LC posterior border, as well as for processing B‐scan with a set of 3 digital filters: Butterworth Low‐pass Filter inverion image, Wavelet Low‐pass Filter Analysis Daubechies original and inversion image.Results: In our patients with PDR the average LC thickness was 697 ± 35 μm (589 to 768 μm), that was 1.9 times higher than in healthy people (p < 0.001). We detected subretinal and retrolaminar silicone oil migration in 10 of the 35 patients (28.57%), noting silicone oil at the optic nerve head (n = 2), retrolaminar optic nerve (n = 4), optic chiasm (n = 2), optic tract (n = 1) and in the lateral ventricles (n = 3). 3 patients had migration to 2 locations each (1 – in retrolaminar optic nerve and optic chiasm, 2 – in retrolaminar optic nerve and lateral ventricle). We compared the LC thickness of patients without and with subretinal and retrolaminar SiO migration. It was established that LC thickness of patients with subretinal and retrolaminar SiO migration was significantly less (589 to 658 μm) than in patients without SiO migration (673 to 768 μm). It should be noted that the number of cases positive for migration was small, limiting the statistical power and accuracy of the prevalence.Conclusions: A direct correlation between scleral LC thickness and retrolaminar migration of SiO in patients with PDR after vitrectomy with SiO tamponade was revealed.
An unusual case of bilateral type 1 idiopathic macular telangiectasia
Authors: Haddar Selim , Braham Imene Zhioua , Mrad Syrine Ben , Hachicha Ines , Erraies Khalil , Mili Ilhem , Zhioua Raja Gmar 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To report an unusual case of Type 1A idiopathic macular telangiectasia (IMT).Methods: A single case presentation.Results: A 54‐year‐old female presented with gradual vision loss in both eyes. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was limited to counting fingers in both eyes. Fundus examination showed bilateral hard macular exudates associated with small macular telangiectasia. Fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed early bilateral macular punctuated hyperfluorescence corresponding to macular telangiectasia. Macular swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) showed bilateral cystoid macular oedema associated with serous retinal detachment. OCT‐angiography (OCT‐A) showed clearly some of the perifoveal aneurysmal dilations and telangiectasia. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with bilateral type 1A IMT according to Gass and Blodi classification and was treated with intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) injections. Three months later, SS‐OCT revealed partial regression of the exudative signs and BCVA improvement.Conclusions: We described a case of a bilateral Type 1A IMT, affecting a middle‐aged woman, without peripheral involvement. Usually, this entity is unilateral and evolving the mid periphery. Macular SS‐OCT helped to visualize the extent of retinal involvement in the presence of masking macular hard exudates. OCT‐A visualized some of the telangiectasias however, compared to FA, some vascular abnormalities were undetectable, probably due to a turbulent or low blood flow. Treatment with intravitreal Anti‐VEGF can lead to incomplete response.
Optical coherence tomography angiography findings after silicone oil tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Braham Imene Zhioua , Boubaker Cyrine , Mokrani Manel , Hachicha Ines , Mili Ilhem , Boukari Mejdi , Zhioua Raja Gmar 
Published: January 2024

Aim: To describe retinal structural and microvascular changes using Swept source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT‐A) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated by vitrectomy (PPV) and silicone oil (SO) tamponade and to identify the final visual acuity (VA) prognostic factors.Methods: In this retrospective study, patients were treated with PPV and SO tamponade for uncomplicated DRR. After SO removal, retinal thickness was assessed by SS‐OCT. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, the fractal dimension (FD), the lacunarity (LAC) and the macular capillary vessel density (VD) in the superficial (PCS) and deep plexuses (PCP) and in the choriocapillaris (CC) were analysed.Results: Thirty‐one eyes were included in this study; 20 eyes (65%) had macula ‘OFF’ RRD. The mean post‐operative final VA was 3.2/10. Outer retinal defect was observed in 74.1% of the operated eyes. Central macular thickness (CMT) and parafoveal thickness were significantly decreased compared with healthy fellow eyes (p = 0.048; p = 0.029). Outer nuclear layer (ONL) and subfoveal choroid were significantly thinned in the operated eyes (p = 0.003; p = 0.017). The FAZ in PCS and PCP and was larger (p = 0.042; p = 0.032), the VD (total, parafoveal and parafoveal) in the PCP were significantly lower (p = 0.004; p = 0.012; p = 0.049) and the lacunarity (LAC) at the PCP level was significantly higher (p = 0.040) in the operated eyes than in the fellow eyes. The final VA was correlated with the defect of the outer retina (p < 0.002) and the VD in PCP (p = 0.0199). The duration of SO tamponade was signifcantly correlated with the outer retinal defect (p = 0.011), the enlargement of FAZ area (p = 0.001) and the VD in DCP (p = 0.002).Conclusion: SIO can lead to structural and vascular retinal ischaemic defect such as enlargement and irregularity of the FAZ and predominant PCP capillary abnormalities. These changes could reflect vascular hypoperfusion in eyes with SO tamponade and may represent a potential cause of retinal thinning and unexplained visual loss.
Study of the metallome and transcriptome of a degenerating cellular model of the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Álvarez Lydia , Alvarez‐Barrios Ana , García Montserrat , Pereiro Rosario , Gonzalez‐Iglesias Hector 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To study the changes on the metallome and transcriptome of a cellular model of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) during its in vitro degeneration after 4 months in culture.Methods: Primary cultures of human fetal RPE cells were established in P12 transwell inserts and cultured for 4 months. Cell pigmentation and barrier function was followed up using optical microscopy and measurement of the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Samples were collected at 21, 91 and 133 days in culture and analysed for gene expression, metal homeostasis of Ca, Na, P, Mg and P, and extracellular deposit formation through RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq), elemental mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and immunocytochemistry assays, respectively.Results: RPE cells formed a differentiated monolayer at 21 days in culture, expressing specific genes and proteins of RPE and giving increasing TEER values. However, after 133 days in culture, loss of tight junction proteins (i.e. CLDN19 and BEST1) and electrical resistance was seen, together with loss of pigmentation and increase of apolipoprotein E deposition in the extracellular space. Gene expression analysis showed an enrichment on apoptotic processes, biomolecule phosphorylation, and signs of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Degeneration of RPE cells concurred with an increase of Na and P content in the cytosol and decrease of Mg, while a decrease of Mg, P and Cu was determined in the insoluble fraction of cells. Time‐dependent changes of metals were accompanied with the alteration of metal transporters and antioxidant enzymes using metals as cofactors.Conclusions: Degeneration of RPE cells in culture was characterized by depigmentation of cells, improper barrier function, downregulation of antioxidant protection, loss of epithelial phenotype, and changes on the levels of Na, P, Mg and Cu, as well as of the expression of their homeostatic proteins.
Geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to AMD: Online medical education can significantly improve ophthalmologists' knowledge and confidence on evidence‐based guidance for patient management
Authors: Trier Siggi , Carpenter Kate , Reid Karen , Lanzetta Paolo , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Kodijkian Laurent 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To determine if online medical education for ophthalmologists (Ophth) could improve knowledge for GA disease impact, patient assessment and confidence in emerging therapies.Methods: Ophth participated in an online 30 min video, 3 expert roundtable discussion with accompanying slides. A repeated pairs pre−/post‐assessment study design was used, assessing three multiple choice knowledge and one confidence question. Statistical significance tests: McNemar's test for individual questions (5% significance level, p < 0.05), paired sample t‐test for overall average correct responses and confidence rating; data collected 16 December 2022 to 22 March 2023. Test completers: 230.Results: At baseline, 3% Ophth answered all three questions correctly, increasing to 37% (p < 0.01) post‐assessment. 58% Ophth reported improved confidence understanding the rationale for targeting the complement system with GA therapies. The activity significantly increased knowledge on impact of GA on time to loss of ability to drive (pre: 7%, post: 52%, p < 0.001), on recall of detrimental lesion characteristics (pre: 40%, post: 67% p < 0.01) as well as capability of automated OCT analysis algorithms to predict GA progression (pre: 51%, post: 69%, p < 0.001). Only 24% Ophth polled currently document >75% patients with advanced atrophic AMD with OCT/FAF imaging.Conclusions: Online medical education in the form of expert roundtable discussions with accompanying slides can significantly improve knowledge on assessing patients with GA using imaging, understand the rationale to treat and increase confidence in understanding the role of complement inhibition. Polling showed a lack in documenting patients for GA progression. Complementary education is warranted during the introduction of a novel therapeutic horizon in GA management in clinical practice to support evidence‐based patient selection guidance for emerging therapies.
Effect of phospholipid‐eluting contact lens on dry eye in rabbit
Authors: Park Sehie , Hwang Jin Sun , Oh Sun Hee , Shin Young Joo 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To investigate the effects of new phosphatidylcholine‐eluting contact lenses (PC‐CL) on dry eye in Rabbit.Methods: 18 New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. Meibomian gland orifices were electrocauterized in the dry eye group. PC‐CL were provided from Neo Vision (Yongin, Korea). Rabbits were fitted with control contact lens on one eye and 0.1% PC‐CL on the other eye or with 0.1% PC‐CL on one eye and 0.3% PC‐CL on the other eye. Tear break‐up time (TBUT), tear osmolarity, and corneal fluorescein staining score (FSS), central corneal thickness (CCT), and conjunctival histology were evaluated.Results: In both dry eye and non‐dry eye group, TBUT was longer and tear osmolarity was lower in 0.1% PC‐CL compared to control lens. Cornea was stained with fluorescein in dry eye group, but not in non‐dry eye group. CCT showed no difference in PC‐CL and control lens on both dry eye and non‐dry eye group. In dry eye group, goblet cell density tended to be slightly higher in PC‐CL compared to control. There was no significant difference in TBUT, tear osmolarity, CCT, FSS, and goblet cell density between 0.1% PC‐CL and 0.3% PC‐CL.Conclusions: PC‐CL stabilized tear film and lowered tear osmolarity in dry eye. Thus, it may reduce dry eye symptoms and contact lens complications in clinical practice.
Quantitative comparison of in vivo and ex vivo meibography in BALB/c mice
Authors: Yoon Youngchae , Hwang Ho Sik 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: We recently introduced a new method for in vivo meibography in BALB/c mice. In this study, we compared the in vivo and ex vivo meibography in young and old mice.Methods: Eighteen male BALB/c mice (9 young mice and 9 old mice) were used in this study. We performed in vivo meibography on the upper and lower eyelids of the mice. Then, the mice were sacrificed, and the eyelids were excised en bloc. Ex vivo meibography was performed on the eyelids. For quantitative comparison, the number of meibomian glands(MG) identifiable in in vivo and ex vivo meibography was counted. For the same MG in lower eyelids of in vivo and ex vivo meibography, the horizontal length(HL), vertical length(VL), and area of the MG were measured and compared using image J.Results: The number of mean identifiable MG of in vivo and ex vivo meibography was 7.4 ± 0.8 and 11.6 ± 0.6 in upper eyelids (p < 0.001), and 8.4 ± 0.7 and 11.8 ± 0.9 in lower eyelids (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean HL of the same MG of in vivo and ex vivo meibography was 0.16 ± 0.03 and 0.17 ± 0.03 mm (p = 0.001). The mean VL of the same MG of in vivo and ex vivo meibography was 0.59 ± 0.08 and 0.69 ± 0.09 mm (p = 0.001). The mean area of the same MG of in vivo and ex vivo meibography was 0.14 ± 0.05 and 0.17 ± 0.05 mm2 (p = 0.001). The HL (r = 0.929, p < 0.001), VL (r = 0.737, p < 0.001), and area (r = 0.777, p < 0.001) of a MG of in vivo and ex vivo showed a strong positive correlation between them. The in vivo/ex vivo ratios of HL, VL, and area was 0.92 ± 0.09, 0.82 ± 0.05, and 0.82 ± 0.23 in young mice, and 0.95 ± 0.06, 0.89 ± 0.10, and 0.82 ± 0.16 in old mice. They showed no significant difference between young and old mice (p = 0.404, 0.102, and 0.984, respectively).Conclusions: This is the first study to compare quantitatively in vivo and ex vivo meibography in mice, the most common animal models for dry eye syndrome. In vivo meibography showed shorter HL, VL, and smaller area compared to ex vivo meibography, but there was a strong positive correlation between them. Because there was no significant difference in the in vivo/ex vivo ratio of HL, VL, and area between young and old mice, there is no problem comparing in vivo meibography between young and old mice.ReferenceHwang HS et al. A novel transillumination meibography device for in vivo imaging of mouse meibomian glands. Ocul Surf. 2021 Jan;19:201–209.
Cold plasma treatment for fungal keratitis
Authors: Trosan Peter , Reif‐Eberhard Anselm , Nadermann Freya , Staehlke Susanne , Warnke Philipp , Fuchsluger Thomas 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Fungal keratitis is serious ocular infection caused by any of the fungi species. It is treated with antifungal medications, in worst scenario with cornea transplantation. The therapy is still challenging due to poor drug penetration into the cornea. Cold plasma, produced by ionization of argon gas, contains especially reactive species but also UV radiation which damage microorganisms. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of cold plasma on human corneal epithelial cells (HCE), corneal tissue and multiple pathogen microorganisms to assess the opportunity of cold plasma treatment for fungal keratitis.Methods: The effect of cold plasma on HCE was analysed by the light microscopy, Live/Dead assay, metabolic activity assay, and immunohistochemistry. Disinfecting potential was analysed by plating prevalent yeasts (Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata) on agar plates and treated with cold plasma. Plasma treatment of infected human donor corneas with C. albicans was determined by measurement of O.D. of liquid culture.Results: The treatment of HCE by cold plasma led to the change of the morphology, significantly lower viability, metabolic activity and proliferation of the cells. Yeast strains were significantly eradicated completely after 5 min of cold plasma treatment (p ≤ 0.001). Cold plasma therapy of the infected human donor corneas showed the decrease of the infection in all tested time intervals with statistical significance (p ≤ 0.01, p < 0.05 and p ≤ 0.001 respectively for 1, 2 and 5 min treatment).Conclusions: Cold plasma treatment showed negative impact on the culture of HCE. The analysis of its effect on the whole corneal tissue is in progress. On the contrary, a significant reduction of CFU was observed in all examined Candida spp. and significant decrease of infection was determined in infected corneas. Therefore, the cold plasma technology showed a potential to be an effective treatment for fungal keratitis.
Epidemiological profil of post contusive hyphaema experience of the paediatric ophthalmology department of Casablanca
Authors: Ayad Rima , Ghizlane Daghouj , Hammoumi Zineb , El harrar Assia , Ajdour Lamiaa 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Hyphaema is defined as the presence of blood in the anterior chamber. It occurs after a contusive or perforating ocular trauma or in the aftermath of ocular surgery. The aim of our work is to analyse the clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary profile of post‐contusive hyphaema.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 66 children (33 eyes) admitted to the ophthalmologic emergency room for post‐contusive hyphaema followed and treated in the paediatric ophthalmology department of the 20 August hospital in Casablanca between January 2015 and January 2023.Results: There was a male predominance with 67% of boys affected. The average age was 9.5 years. The main cause of consultation was visual acuity (VA) loss in 49%. On examination, the initial VA was <1/10 in 38% of cases, the ocular tone was >20 in 30% of cases. Hyphaema was classified as stage I in 26.4%, stage II in 52%, stage III in 15.2%, stage IV in 6.4%. Post‐traumatic cataract was present in 50% of the cases, lens dislocation in 22% of the cases, angle recession in 6%. Intravitreal haemorrhage was present in 2 patients, berlin oedema in 3 patients. The treatment prescribed in all patients was strict rest, abundant drinks, oral and local corticotherapy and dilatation with atropine. In addition, a hypotonizing treatment was prescribed for the patients who presented an ocular hypertonia. The evolution was marked by the total resorption of the hyphaema in 90% of the cases. Surgical treatment (hyphaema lavage) in 10% of cases. The final VA was >6/10 in 60% of cases. The most serious complication was haematocornea in 6% of cases.Conclusions: Frequent and serious condition in children that can jeopardize the functional prognosis of the eye. When the diagnosis is made, the management must be early in order to avoid complications.