bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choroidal quantitative features in high myopia: Characteristics and association with neovascular and atrophic complications
Authors: Arrigo Alessandro , Aragona Emanuela , Parodi Maurizio B. , Bandello Francesco 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To investigate the quantitative choroidal features associated with the presence of MNV or atrophy in high myopia.Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective, case series with 2‐year follow‐up. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were used to measure choroidal thickness (CT) and to assess the presence and subtype of dome‐shaped macula (DSM). In DSM eyes we also calculated the presence and type of choroidal deepening (CD). The eyes were categorized as Subgroup 1 (high myopia without complications), Subgroup 2 (high myopia complicated by macular neovascularization (MNV)) and Subgroup 3 (high myopia complicated by macular or posterior pole atrophy). The main outcome measures were the detection of significant CT cutoffs associated with the three subgroups of eyes and the clinical impact of DSM and CD subtypes.Results: Our study cohort (190 eyes (190 patients) affected by high myopia) was categorized as Subgroup 1 (66 eyes), Subgroup 2 (72 eyes) and Subgroup 3 (52 eyes). The mean axial length was 31.74 ± 2.01 mm (−13.0D ± 2.0D). Baseline CT values allowed to separate the subgroups with myopic‐related complications (AUC 0.85; standard error 0.04; confidence interval 0.78–0.92; p < 0.05). DSM was distributed as follows: Subgroup 1 (39%), Subgroup 2 (44%) and Subgroup 3 (29%). In Subgroup 1, vertical DSM was the most frequent (54%), with CD absence characterizing the 46% of cases. Round DSM was the most represented subtype in Subgroup 2 (49%), with 55% of sub‐dome CD subtypes; in these cases, MNV resulted always localized in the fovea. Subgroup 3 equally showed horizontal or vertical DSM (53% and 47%, respectively), with 80% of cases showing peri‐dome CD.Conclusions: Choroidal quantitative assessment can categorize three high myopia subgroups. MNV subgroup is characterized by intermediate choroidal thinning and higher prevalence of round DSM with sub‐dome CD. DSM subtypes may have a role in predicting myopic complications and MNV localization.
Greater reduction in hyperreflective foci with faricimab compared to aflibercept in patients with diabetic macular oedema
Authors: von Schulthess Esther , Maunz Andreas , Chakravarthy Usha , Holekamp Nancy , Singh Rishi , Patel Katie , Bachmeier Isabel , Yu Siqing , Gibson Kara , Willis Jeffrey , Glittenberg Carl , Fauser Sascha 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: In diabetic macular oedema (DME), hyperreflective foci (HRF) may be a biomarker for disease severity and progression. This post hoc analysis aimed to test if faricimab, a dual‐action therapeutic inhibiting both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A and angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2), yields improved resolution of retinal HRF in DME compared to aflibercept.Methods: Phase 3 YOSEMITE/RHINE (NCT03622580/NCT03622593) spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) volumes from 1527 DME patients were automatically segmented using a deep learning‐based HRF model trained with manually‐annotated B‐scans from phase 2 BOULEVARD (NCT02699450). Bright objects ≤50 μm in diameter were classified as retinal HRF. HRF volumes were assessed within the 1‐ and 3‐mm diameter Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) rings, separated into inner and outer retina. Treatment groups were compared using a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures.Results: In the inner retina at 1 mm diameter, adjusted mean HRF volumes reduced more markedly from baseline to week 48 for faricimab every 8 weeks (Q8W; −118.29 pL) and faricimab treat&extend (T&E; −130.05 pL) than aflibercept Q8W (−58.67 pL; p = 0.0006 and p < 0.0001, for comparison of each faricimab arm vs aflibercept, averaged across all visits, respectively). In the inner retina at 3‐mm diameter, reductions from baseline to week 48 were − 406.76 pL (faricimab Q8W), −533.01 pL (faricimab T&E) and − 397.67 pL (aflibercept Q8W; p = 0.0142 and p = 0.0034, for comparison to aflibercept averaged across all visits, respectively). Similar, statistically significant results were obtained for the outer retina.Conclusions: Significantly greater retinal HRF volume reductions were observed with faricimab compared to aflibercept. Our findings of better resolution of the pathological manifestations of DME with faricimab support the therapeutic potential of dual Ang‐2/VEGF‐A inhibition.
Influence of different fluid types on the development of fibrosis and atrophy in patients with nAMD
Authors: Weigert Guenther , Deak Gabor , Michl Martin , Reiter Gregor , Boryshchuk Daniela , Frommlet Florian , Sacu Stefan , Gerendas Bianca , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Subretinal fibrosis and macular atrophy often associated with vision loss are regularly seen in patients with long‐term neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD). Apart from the influence of fluid distribution on visual acuity its effect on the development of fibrotic and atrophic alterations could give important insight for better understanding the pathogenesis of end‐stages and might influence treatment decisions. Hence, we investigated the influence of fluid distribution on fibrosis and atrophy using AI‐supported fluid quantification.Methods: Sub‐ and intra‐retinal fluid (SRF and IRF) and pigment epithelium detachment (PED) were quantified on optical coherence tomography (OCT) volumetric scans using the Vienna Fluid Monitor, Version 2 (RetInSight, Vienna, Austria) at all timepoints until the appearance of atrophy or fibrosis evaluated by the Vienna Reading Center (VRC). In total, 569 treatment naïve nAMD patients were included in the analysis. A disease activity‐dependent treat&extend‐based anti‐VEGF treatment regimen was used. A logistic regression model for fibrosis/atrophy was created.Results: Fluid distribution and dynamics showed a significant influence on the development of fibrosis/atrophy. If the standard deviation of IRF increased by 1 unit (100 nL; p = 0.006) odds to develop fibrosis increased by 4.4. Hence, patients with little IRF at baseline that increased rapidly during the following visits were likely to develop fibrosis. However, atrophy did not seem to be influenced by IRF significantly, whereas PED and SRF showed a significant influence on the development of MA.Conclusions: Automated assessment of fluid type and volume using artificial intelligence allows an objective and precise assessment of the activity of IRF, SRF and PED and therefore its influence on the development of fibrosis or atrophy. AI‐based fluid monitoring offers guidance to improve anatomical and visual outcomes in the long‐term management of nAMD in clinical routine.
The effect of zinc on the stiffness of chicken lenses
Authors: Gorla Shilpa , Choh Vivian 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Aquaporins are specialized water channels. A volume change through permeable aquaporins may be necessary for the lens' ability to change shape during accommodation1. This study aimed to determine the effects of zinc2, an agonist that increases aquaporin 0 (AQP0) permeability in oocytes, on the biomechanics of chicken lenses.Methods: White Leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus, N = 6) were sacrificed at 14 days of age. Both eyes were enucleated and lenses were dissected in Tyrode's solution (TS). One lens from each bird was treated with zinc chloride (80 μg/mL in TS for 15 min, at room temperature; RT), while the other lens (control lens) was incubated in TS (15 min, RT). Lenses were compressed (CellScale Micro Tester G2) to test their biomechanical integrity. For each lens, force‐compression data were generated by the MicroTester G2 software (ver. 1.0.0.1) and fit to a three‐parameter exponential curve with the equation y = y0 + aebx; the unitless b‐coefficient of the exponential equation was used to assess stiffness as it describes how rapidly the force increases as the compression distance increases. B‐coefficients from each curve were extracted and the effects of zinc treated versus control lenses were analysed using a paired t‐test.Results: The b‐coefficient value for zinc‐treated lenses averaged to 4.2 ± 0.8 while the mean value for control lenses was significantly (p = 0.01) lower at 3.2 ± 0.5, indicating that zinc‐treated lenses were stiffer.Conclusions: The compression data show a zinc‐associated increase in lens stiffness. AQP0 typically plays a role in allowing water to enter, but not exit, the lens, therefore zinc may have led to an increase in water content, resulting in stiffer lenses. However, water permeability was not measured in this study, therefore the AQP0‐associated mechanism of lens stiffening cannot be confirmed. Further study is needed to determine zinc's action on the biomechanics of the lens.References1. Gerometta R, Candia OA. A decrease in the permeability of aquaporin zero as a possible cause for presbyopia. Medical Hypotheses. 2016 Jan 1;86:132–4.2. Németh‐Cahalan KL, Kalman K, Froger A, Hall JE. Zinc modulation of water permeability reveals that aquaporin 0 functions as a cooperative tetramer. The Journal of general physiology. 2007 Nov;130(5):457–64.
Investigation of changes in socio‐demographic and clinical factors related to quality of life in patients undergoing phacoemulsification
Authors: Kontou Evgenia , Smoustopoulos Georgios , Bontzos George , Papadopoulos Alexandros , Sgouros Panagiotis , Xirou Tina 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: This study investigates and evaluates the socio‐demographic and clinical factors related to health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients who underwent cataract surgery, using phacoemulsification.Methods: A prospective cohort study, was carried out at the General Hospital ‘Korgialenio‐ Benakio’, from December 2020 to February 2021. In total, 82 patients were recruited, 48 men and 34 women and their age ranged between 40 and 89 years old. Demographic data and full medical history were recorded for every patient. In addition, their everyday habits and way of life were reported. Best‐corrected visual acuity was measured before and after the operation. All operations were performed by the same surgeon without any reported complications during or after the operation. All patients filled out three HRQoL questionnaires (EQ‐5D, SF‐36 and VFQ‐25), before the operation and 1 month after surgery. The results pre‐ and post‐operatively were collected and the important socio‐demographic and clinical factors were evaluated using the relevant HRQoL questionnaire utility scale.Results: Visual acuity improved in all patients following the operation. There was a statistically significant improvement in the general health of the sample (p < 0.01), recorded across all questionnaires (EQ‐5D, SF‐36 and VFQ‐25). A similar improvement was revealed in responses related to mental well‐being (p < 0.01). Factors affecting HRQoL scales of cataract surgery candidates were found to be age, marital status, educational level, metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, mobility issues, mental well‐being and almost all factors related to ophthalmic disorders.Conclusions: The improved visual acuity achieved by cataract surgery using phacoemulsification leads to significant improvement in post‐operative HRQoL of patients. The findings regarding the important factors related to these HRQoL improvements should be evaluated by physicians before considering any surgical intervention.
Comparison of quality of life with two trifocal intraocular lenses under different lighting conditions
Authors: Haddi Inas Baoud Ould , Cervantes Dayan Flores , Ramírez Emilio Dorronzoro , Sánchez Vanesa Blázquez , Arias Cristina Bonnin 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To evaluate the effect of two types of trifocal intraocular lenses on the visual quality of patients undergoing cataract surgery by assessing contrast sensitivity, halo perception and subjective visual satisfaction under photopic and mesopic lighting conditions.Methods: Observational, prospective, cross‐sectional study. The study was conducted at the Hospital Universitario Sanitas la Moraleja in Madrid. The study followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The sample included 16 cataract or lensectomy patients with bilateral implantation of one of the two intraocular lenses (IOL) under study: 20 eyes implanted with FineVision and 12 eyes implanted with PanOptix. After 30 days after surgery, contrast sensitivity was measured with the CSV‐1000 test (2.5 metres) for four spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12 and 18 c/g), halo perception was assessed with the Halo.V.1 software and finally quality of life was assessed with the VF‐14 questionnaire. A p‐value < 0.05 was considered a criterion for statistical significance.Results: Analysis of contrast sensitivity under photopic conditions showed significant differences greater for the FineVision lens of 0.15 log units at 3 c/g and 12 c/g frequencies between the two lenses under photopic illumination conditions (p‐value 0.034). However, there were no statistically significant differences in mesopic illumination conditions. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference when purchasing the perception of halos, with a p‐value (0.149). On the other hand, patients' subjective perception of quality of life scored worse in night vision (p‐value 0.023) and near vision (p‐value 0.046) when comparing the PanOptix lens and the FineVision.Conclusions: The FineVision IOL lens provides better contrast sensitivity in photopic illumination conditions than the PanOptix. However, in mesopic conditions, both IOL designs provide similar contrast sensitivity values for the far distance. On the other hand, although the lenses did not show statistically significant differences in halo perception, the FineVision shows better vision satisfaction results during night driving than the PanOptix.
Changes in visual acuity and quality of life following lens surgery in Alport syndrome
Authors: Golahmadi Aida Kafai , Clarke Kirsty , Bloch Edward , Shalchi Zaid , Shunmugam Manoharan , Storey Helen , Flinter Frances , Mohamed Moin , Mahroo Omar 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Alport syndrome can have ocular features, including anterior lenticonus, which affects vision and quality of life. We explored visual acuities and vision‐related quality of life, as quantified using the National Eye Institute 25 item Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ‐25), in a cohort of patients before and after lens exchange surgery.Methods: Patients with genetically confirmed Alport syndrome were recruited for an ocular phenotyping study, and completed the NEI‐VFQ25 (a validated visual function questionnaire, yielding a total score out of 100). Patients with lenticonus were offered lens exchange surgery. Best recorded visual acuities before and after surgery were collated, and converted to logMAR for analysis. Changes in quality of life were ascertained by comparing scores obtained before, and some time after, surgery.Results: Five patients (10 eyes) underwent lens exchange surgery for lenticonus. All were male; mean (SD) age at first eye surgery was 43 (8.5) years. For right eyes, mean (SD) pre‐ and post‐operative logMAR visual acuities were 0.31 (0.28) and 0.05 (0.10), respectively. For left eyes, these were 0.23 (0.11) and 0.02 (0.10), respectively. Median pre‐op acuities were 0.30 and 0.18 for right and left eyes, respectively; median post‐operative acuities were 0.03 and 0.00, respectively. Median improvements were 0.2 and 0.18 for right and left eyes, respectively. Taking all eyes together, the improvement seen following surgery was significant (p = 0.001). Four of the five patients completed the VFQ25 before and after surgery. Initial and final mean (SD) scores were 68.5 (13.7) and 94.1 (4.9), respectively, with a significant difference seen (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Objective improvement in best‐recorded visual acuity was seen in this cohort of patients. Anterior lenticonus was shown to have an adverse effect of vision‐specific quality of life, with improvement demonstrated following lens exchange surgery.
Tolerability of silica microparticle gels as drug delivery vehicles
Authors: Poluianova Aleksandra , Robciuc Alexandra , Moilanen Jukka , Kaarniranta Kai , Leino Lasse , Pollari Ville , Dargelas Frederic , Reay Marcus 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Over the past decades, polymeric particles have become widespread in the field of drug delivery. Silica microparticles (SiMPs) are biodegradable—silicic acid being the main degradation product—and can release medication sustainably for a long period of time. Our aim was to determine the effects of soluble silicic acid on in vitro models of human epithelial cells.Methods: HCE‐2 and ARPE‐19 cells were exposed to serial dilutions of silicic acid produced by dissolving silica hydrogel in PBS, and cell viability was assessed after 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. Cell viability data were provided by AlamarBlue assay, while membrane integrity was analysed through LDH release. For more information on the silicic acid impact on cellular stress, we assayed biochemical markers, such as IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, Caspase‐3 and Hsp‐70, using specific ELISAs.Results: AlamarBlue assay did not show any statistical differences in survival rate between the control group and maximum 30 μg/mL silicic acid in all timepoints in ARPE‐19 cells (24 h 95.42 ± 4.81%, 48 h 87.55 ± 6.48% and 72 h 97.64 ± 6.38%) and HCE‐2 cells (24 h 97.38 ± 5.97%, 48 h 100.81 ± 8.32% and 72 h 101.73 ± 2.62%). Additionally, we did not detect any toxic changes in LDH release test in ARPE‐19 cells in 24, 48 and 72 h time points (30 μg/mL silicic acid: 24 h 9.0 ± 11.5%, 48 h 10.4 ± 13.4% and 72 h 13.8 ± 16.6%). The LDH release data in treated (max. 30 μg/mL) HCE‐2 cells were comparable to control cells. Assessed inflammatory markers mostly were similar as well when comparing control and treatment groups, although IL‐6, MCP‐1, Caspase‐3 and Hsp‐70 showed increased values with time.Conclusions: Our results do not show major cytotoxicity of silicic acid on the two different epithelial cell lines, nor did not induce stress or inflammatory markers. Therefore, these findings support the use of our novel SiMPs as drug delivery vehicles in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases.
Taurine influences the phagocytic function of retinal pigment epithelium cells in healthy and dystrophic animals
Authors: Vacas Ana Martínez , Valiente‐Soriano Francisco Javier , Vidal‐Sanz Manuel , Perez Maria Paz Villegas , García‐Ayuso Diego 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To investigate the influence of taurine on the phagocytic function of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in normal and dystrophic rats.Methods: Normal albino Sprague–Dawley (SD) and pigmented dystrophic Royal College of Surgeons (RCS‐p+) rats that suffer an inherited photoreceptor degeneration due to RPE phagocytosis impairment were used for the study. Taurine depletion was induced in SD rats (n = 8) by providing β‐alanine in drinking water (3%) from postnatal day 21 (P21). Taurine supplementation was administered to RCS‐p+ rats (n = 8) in drinking water (0.2 M) from P21. Untreated RCSp+ (n = 8) and SD (n = 8) rats served as control groups. Rats were processed at P81 (SD) and at P45 (RCS) and received an intravitreal injection (IV) of. 1.5 μL of Fluorogold (FG, 3%) diluted in saline 24 h before processing. The RPE was dissected, flat‐mounted and immunodetected with anti‐S opsin antibodies to label the RPE phagosomes which were quantified using ImageJ and size criteria.Results: The mean numbers (± SD) of phagosomes per RPE whole mount was 414 ± 118 in control SD rats, 1034 ± 528 in taurine‐depleted SD rats 88 ± 12 in untreated RCS and 119 ± 9 in taurine‐treated RCS rats. The numbers of phagosomes were significantly higher in SD rats than in RCS‐p+ rats (t‐test, p < 0.0001) documenting the impaired phagocytic function of RCS‐p+ rats. In SD rats, the number of phagosomes were significantly higher in taurine‐depleted rats evidencing that taurine depletion decreases the RPE phagocytic capacity (t‐test, p < 0.0059). Finally, in RCSp+ rats, the numbers of phagosomes were significantly higher in taurine‐treated than in non‐treated RCS rats (t‐test, p < 0.0001) indicating that taurine supplementation ameliorates the phagocytic capacity of the RPE cells in RCS‐p+ rats.Conclusions: Taurine influences the phagocytic capacity of the RPE cells in normal rats and in dystrophic RCS‐p+ rats.
High‐intensity physical activity seems to be associated to a higher basal parasympathetic activity and to a reduced OSDI score in young adults
Authors: Blanco María Serramito , Torres Carlos Carpena , Carracedo Gonzalo , Aracil‐Marco Adolfo 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To identify if the habitual practice of physical activity is associated to the basal parasympathetic activity and to dry eye disease‐related symptoms.Methods: Eleven adults (82% women; age: 30.7 ± 4.9 years; BMI 22.2 ± 1.9 kg m−2) responded the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the Dry‐Eye 5 (DEQ5) and the International Physical Activity (IPAQ) questionnaires. Subsequently: a) the inferior tear meniscus height (ITMH) and the automated non‐invasive break‐up time (NIBUT) of both eyes; b) the heart rate variability (Polar H10 chest band; Kubios HRV software) and, simultaneously, the Schirmer test; and, c) the tear film break‐up time (BUT) were measured. Correlational analyses were performed among the measured variables.Results: The total weekly physical activity was of 3420 ± 3302 metabolic equivalents (MET) min−1 week−1, with a weekly high‐intensity physical activity (HIPA) of 567 ± 661 MET min−1 week−1. The OSDI score was 14.1 ± 8.3, the DEQ5 score was 7.2 ± 4.8, the ITMH was 229.3 ± 40.7 (OD) and 252.7 ± 51.2 (OS) μm, the NIBUT was 8.5 ± 5.7 (OD) and 8.8 ± 6.1 (OS) s, and the BUT was 9.7 ± 4.1 (OD) and 8.3 ± 3.9 (OS) s. Two surrogates of the parasympathetic activity (the PNS index, and the root‐squared mean of successive standard deviations, RMSSD) showed values of 0.762 ± 1.899 and 60.1 ± 37.8 ms, respectively. The HIPA showed a direct correlation with the parasympathetic activity surrogates (r = 0.784, p = 0.004, PNS index; r = 0.737, p = 0.009, RMSSD). Similarly, the HIPA showed an inverse correlation with the OSDI (r = −0.759, p = 0.006) and the DEQ5 (r = −587, p = 0.07). No other correlations were found, neither among the HIPA nor among the parasympathetic surrogates with the ITMH, the NIBUT, the BUT or the Schirmer test.Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that in young subjects HIPA seems to be associated to an increased basal parasympathetic activity and to a reduced perception of dry‐eye symptomatology.