bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional and morphological characterization of ocular phenotype in C3H/HeOuJ (Pde6b‐rd1) mice
Authors: Tähtivaara Leena , Haapaniemi Anne Mari , Jääskeläinen Niina , Tenhunen Anni , Partanen Päivi , Koponen Anna Mari , Kolehmainen Anni , Ekolle Xavier , Kalesnykas Giedrius , Cerrada‐Gimenez Marc 
Published: January 2024

Aims: C3H/HeOuJ mice (The Jackson Laboratory strain #000635) are homozygous for the retinal degeneration 1 mutation Pde6brd1 (rd1) causing severe visual deficits. The purpose of this study was to characterize the ocular phenotype of male and female mice with the rd1 mutation.Methods: The ophthalmic phenotype of mixed sex rd1 and aged‐matched C57BL/6J wild type (WT) mice (6 females and 4 males for rd1 group, 6 females and 5 males for WT group) was assessed at 3 months of age. Retinal photoreceptor function was quantified using scotopic flash electroretinography (fERG) with six different light intensities: 0.003, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 3 and 10 cd.s/m2 (Celeris, Diagnosys LLC). Retinal morphology was evaluated with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) (Envisu R2200, Bioptigen Inc./Leica Microsystems). Retinal thickness was measured from SD‐OCT images using a proprietary convolutional neural network. Optomotor reflex (OMR) was measured as photopic visual acuity and contrast sensitivity at 0.019 and 0.06 cyc/° (OptoDrum Plus, Striatech GmbH). Data were analysed by unpaired t‐test or Mann–Whitney test.Results: At 3 months of age, the rd1 mutation resulted in significant impairment of visual function in both male and female mice compared to age‐matched WT. fERG a and b‐wave amplitudes were decreased by 90% in both sexes (p < 0.001). The rd1 mice had only minimal visual acuity and contrast sensitivity assessed by OMR. Functional decline correlated with structural changes, notably the significant thinning of the retina (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The Pde6brd1 mutation resulted in severe functional and structural changes at 3 months of age. The mice presented significantly decreased but detectable fERG amplitudes, however, they had no functional vision as assessed by OMR. Combining fERG and OMR offers longitudinal in‐life quantification of retinal circuitry and functional vision with great utility for evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches for regeneration of the visual system.
Clinical pattern and outcomes of acute retinal necrosis in a referral Center in Tunisia, North Africa: A 17‐year retrospective study
Authors: Mahjoub Anis , Abroug Nesrine , Oussama Ben Saidi , Hajer Loukil , Sana Khochtali , Khairallah Moncef 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To describe the pattern of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) in a referral centre in Tunisia, North Africa.Methods: The charts of 22 patients diagnosed with ARN from January 2006 to January 2023 were retrospectively reviewed.Results: The mean age at presentation was 39.2 (range, 12–70) years, sex ratio was 1.75. The mean diagnostic delay was 17.9 days (range 1–60). The mean visual acuity at presentation was 20/400. All patients presented with a mild to moderate anterior uveitis (100%) with granulomatous keratic precipitates in 18 eyes (81%) and ocular hypertension in 4 eyes (18%). Necrotizing retinitis involved >50% of the retina in 36.5%of eyes. Polymerase chain reaction on aqueous humour sample identified varicella zoster virus in 10 eyes (45%), herpes simplex virus‐1 in 4 eyes (18%) and was negative in 8 eyes (22%). All patients received intravenous acyclovir, followed by oral antivirals. Intravitreal injections of ganciclovir were administered in 12 eyes (54.5%). Follow‐up ranged from 1 month to 48 months. The mean final visual acuity was 20/200. Complications included retinal detachment (RD) (31.8%), macular oedema (18%), macular atrophy (22%), epimacular membrane (22%), cataract (27%), optic nerve atrophy (18%) and central retinal artery occlusion (4%). No patient developed bilateral ARN. Prophylactic laser was performed in 7 eyes (32%). RD was treated with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection in 7 eyes.Conclusions: ARN syndrome in Tunisia is most commonly caused by VZV.
Changes in vascular density of optic nerve head in diabetic 1 patients with no retinopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Boned‐Murillo Ana , Fernández‐Espinosa Guisela , Hospital Elvira Orduna , Diaz Maria Dolores , Pinilla Maria Sopeña , Alvarez Marta Aria , Grasa Cristina Tomas , Lozano Isabel Pinilla 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To analyse optic nerve head (ONH) blood perfusion using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM12) patients without retinopathy and in healthy control eyes.Methods: A total of 33 DM1 subjects without diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 24 age‐matched healthy individuals were assessed by OCTA to quantify radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) plexus density thickness in the four areas of the ETDRS grid.Results: Mean ages were 50.64 ± 9.05 for the DM1 group and 53.17 ± 4.56 years for the control group, with no differences between groups (p = 0.22). Superior RPC value was 64.48 ± 4.37 versus 64.45 ± 6.13 (p = 0.98), temporal RPC value was 57.42 ± 7.04 versus 55.07 ± 5.03 (p = 0.21), nasal RPC value was 59.58 ± 5.03 versus 61.00 ± 4.74 (p = 0.31), and inferior RPC value was 64.57 ± 4.17 versus 62.86 ± 7.21 (p = 0.32), in the DM1 group and in the control group, respectively.Conclusions: DM1 patients presented lower values in all areas except I compared to healthy individuals, with no significant differences. Larger cohort studies need to support RPC density as a possible biomarker in detecting eyes with DR.
Lamotrigine‐associated macular phototoxicity in Asperger syndrome
Authors: Haddar Selim , Braham Imene Zhioua , Mrad Syrine Ben , Hachicha Ines , Erraies Khalil , Boukari Mejdi , Zhioua Raja Gmar 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that falls within the autism spectrum disorder family. Comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety are commonly associated, and lamotrigine is often prescribed off‐label for treatment. It has the capacity to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and generate free oxygen radicals, which can potentially cause cellular damage. In this case report, we present multimodal imaging findings in a patient diagnosed with solar maculopathy.Methods: A young patient was referred to our department for bilateral visual decline and central scotoma. The patient was examined with multimodal imaging including fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) and multifocal electroretinogram.Results: A 25‐year‐old patient with Asperger's syndrome treated with lamotrigine was referred to our department for bilateral visual decline and central scotoma. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.40 in both eyes. Dilated fundus examination revealed a bilateral yellow foveal lesion. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging showed foveal hyperautofluorescence. SS‐OCT in the macular region of both eyes showed a disruption of the ellipsoid zone and the external limiting membrane. Upon further questioning, the patient disclosed history of repeatedly gazing at the sun. The diagnosis of solar maculopathy associated with lamotrigine was established.Conclusion: This is the second report of lamotrigine associated retinal phototoxicity. Lamotrigine, recognized as a photosensitizer, may induce a photochemical response, with retinal phototoxicity. Caution must be exercised to educate patients about the importance of not gazing directly at the sun, as it van cause irreversible retinal impairment.
Endophthalmitis after cataract surgery
Authors: Choi Moon Jeong 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Retrospective review in 164 patients with endophthalmitis after cataract surgery, and intended to figure out the factors which affect clinical features, bacteria identification and final visual acuity (VA).Methods: We followed the guideline of EVS for operative treatment. In the case of initial LP, vitrectomy was conducted. HM or better, either IOAI (intraocular antibiotics injection, 1.0 mg/0.1 mL of vancomycin and 2.25 mg/0.1 mL of ceftazidime) or vitrectomy was optionally conducted. After initial treatment, we conducted reintervention within 48 h where the decrease of vitreous opacity and hypopyon, and pain relief did not show up. We obtained A/C fluid and vitreous specimen for figure out the bacteria identification.Results: 25 patients had initial VA below LP, the cases of HM were 86 and 53 patients had better than FC. 81 patients were observed where it took 3 days until the symptoms of post‐operative endophthalmitis occurred. Where final VA improved by 0.5 or better, the case that vitrectomy was conducted with early treatment was not statistically much different from the case of sole IOAI. The influential factors in final VA was where it took more than 3 days for endophthalmitis to occur after cataract surgery, initial VA was HM or better, and the result of bacteria identification was Gram(+) and those 3 cases affected the positive outcomes.Conclusions: Good initial VA means the diagnosis of endophthalmitis was relatively prompt. It can be said that intraocular tissues were less damaged, the virulent would be infected by less bacteria and then those affect positive prognosis. In addition, endophthalmitis diagnosed 3 days later after surgery, prognosis was good. It seems that this is because damage of intraocular tissues occurs slowly as pathogenicity did not progress quickly with light clinical features where it is infected by weak bacteria. And it can be considered that the period until post‐operative endophthalmitis occurs affects prognosis.
Ruthenium brachytherapie and sandwich therapy for medium sized uveal melanomas
Authors: Do Ha‐Vy , Czapla Celine , Vogel Heike , Hildebrandt Guido , Guthoff Rudolf , Fuchsluger Thomas , Brockmann Claudia 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Brachytherapy using ruthenium is an established procedure for the treatment of uveal melanomas, the most common malignant primary intraocular tumour in adults. The supplementary use of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) with brachytherapy is known as sandwich therapy. Due to the rarity of uveal melanomas, long‐term outcome of large cohorts treated by ruthenium brachytherapy with and without TTT is of special clinical and scientific interest.Methods: Based on a retrospective longitudinal study, patients with uveal melanoma who received treatment using ruthenium brachytherapy at the Department of Ophthalmology from 1994 to 2021, were analysed. The evaluation includes tumour height, visual acuity, radiation data, side effects, local recurrence, bulbus preservation and occurrence of metastasis.Results: Overall, 150 patients with medium sized uveal melanoma (tumour height >3.0 and ≤7.0 mm) who received ruthenium brachytherapy were included. The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 63.5 ± 12.9 years (median 65), the proportion of women was 60.0%. Tumours were located centrally in 48.7% of cases; ciliary body involvement was seen in 4%. Additive transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) was performed in 70.7% of cases as part of a sandwich therapy. After therapy and a mean follow‐up of 68.0 ± 58.3 years tumours height was significantly reduced from 4.5 ± 1.1 to 1.4 ± 1.6 mm (p < 0.001). Visual acuity showed deterioration from 0.25 ± 0.43 to 1.0 ± 0.85 logMAR (p < 0.001) due to the large proportion of centrally located tumours. In 29.9% of cases no side effects requiring therapy occurred. Within the remaining cases cataracta complicata (41.3%) and radiation retinopathy (30.0%) were observed. Local tumour control was achieved in 86.0% of patients, in 91.3% of cases the ocular globe was preserved. Metastatic free survival was seen in 86.4% of patients.Conclusions: Brachytherapy using ruthenium plaque with and without TTT represents a safe procedure in the treatment of uveal melanomas over the last three decades.
Enhanced choroidal thickness, total choroidal area and choroidal vascularity index from deep‐learning generated OCT images
Authors: Bellemo Valentina , Kumar Ankit , Wong Damon , Chua Jacqueline , Liu Xinyu , Xu Xinxing , Liu Yong , Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Our goal is to enhance the visualization of the choroid in clinical standard spectral‐domain OCT (SDOCT) scans using a deep‐learning (DL) approach that uses matching swept‐source OCT (SSOCT). We aim to improve the measurement of the sub‐foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), total choroidal area (TCA), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in SDOCT images.Methods: A total of 105 350 SDOCT and SSOCT B‐scan images (Zeiss Cirrus 5000 and Zeiss PlexElite) were used to develop the DL model. The data set included B‐scans from healthy (238 eye pairs from 155 patients) and glaucoma (192 eye pairs from 122 patients) subjects. The DL model learned deep anatomical features from SSOCT scans and generated enhanced SDOCT images. The peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index metric (SSIM) were used to assess the quality of generated images. In addition, we compared the anatomical parameters derived from the generated and ground‐truth SSOCT images, including SVCT, TCA and CVI values.Results: We tested our method using 20 580 B‐scan image pairs from 84 eyes. The DL‐generated images effectively preserved the anatomical structure of the retina layers and improved the visualization of the choroid. The enhanced SDOCT images had higher image quality than the original SDOCT images, as demonstrated by the higher PSNR (31 dB vs. 18 dB) and SSIM values (3.4 times higher SSIM than the original SDOCT images). SVCT, TCA, and CVI measurements from the DL‐generated SDOCT images showed strong correlations with corresponding measurements using SSOCT with high Pearson's coefficients (0.93, 0.99, and 0.93), high intra‐class correlation indices (0.96, 0.99 and 0.96), and high coefficient of determination r2 values (0.85, 0.98 and 0.86).Conclusions: Our DL model enhances the visibility of the choroid in images, surpassing the capabilities of standard clinical SDOCT images. As a result, accurate measurement of SVCT, TCA and CVI, which were previously limited due to imaging depth constraints of SDOCT, becomes possible. This technology opens up new possibilities for utilizing affordable SDOCT devices to study the choroid in healthy and pathological conditions.
Comparison in treatment effect according to the IPL treatment area in meibomian gland dysfunction patients
Authors: Min Ji Sang , Jun Ikhyun , Kim Tae‐im , Seo Kyoung Yul 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: We investigated whether there is a difference in the treatment effect according to the intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment site of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) patients.Methods: Patients who underwent 3 IPL treatment at 3‐week intervals were divided into groups A, B and C according to the treatment site (Group A, upper lid and lower lid; Group B, lower lid and lateral canthus; Group C, lower lid). Lid abnormality score (LAS), meibum expressibility (ME), meibum quality (MQ), lipid layer thickness (LLT), type I Schirmer test (ST), tear break‐up time (TBUT) test, and corneal staining scores (CFSs), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were obtained before the first and after the third IPL treatment.Results: Of 136 patients (136 eyes) were recruits, 45 (45 eyes) in group A, 56 (56 eyes) in group B, and 36 (36 eyes) in group C were included. LAS, ME, MQ, TBUT, CFS, and OSDI were significantly improved in group A, B, and C. The difference value of LAS before and after IPL treatment in group A and B were significantly greater than that of group C.Conclusions: Additional IPL treatment of upper lid and lateral canthus were considered to provide additional improvement in treating MGD patients.
Changes of the bulbar conjunctiva as the result of glaucoma medication treatment
Authors: Tetarchuk Vladyslav , Zhmud Tetiana 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To determine changes of the bulbar conjunctiva as the result of glaucoma medication treatment.Methods: We used an impression cytology method which implies the application of a cellulose acetate filter to the ocular surface, twice in the same place, to remove superficial layers of the nasal quadrant conjunctiva epithelium. The strips were removed after a few seconds of exposure, transferred into a fixative solution, followed by histological staining and light microscopy examination. The presence of squamous metaplasia was assessed using Nelson's scale, based on cells' morphology, staining behaviour, integrity and nucleoplasmic ratio. The case study included the first group of patients suffering from POAG and DED (80) (mean age = 63.8 ± 6.7 years) which was divided into 4 subgroups: 1 ‐ patients (40), who suffer from glaucoma for less than 5 years; 2 (40) ‐ more than 5 years; subgroup a (40) ‐ with one drug instilled, b (40) ‐ 2 or more drugs instilled. The second group consisted of almost healthy patients (mean age = 67.9 ± 8.9 years) All of them underwent general ophthalmological examination.Results: According to OSDI all glaucoma patients had dry eye symptoms (15 or more points). In subgroup 1 40% were diagnosed with Nelson I, 60% with Nelson II. In subgroup 2 15% had Nelson I, 55% had Nelson II and 30% had Nelson III. In subgroup a 20% of patients had Nelson I, 60% had Nelson II, and 20% were diagnosed with Nelson III. In subgroup b 30% had Nelson I, 60% had Nelson II, 10% of patients had Nelson III.Conclusions: 80% of cases show changes that correspond to II‐III Nelson degrees according to Nelson classification. The severity of metaplasia correlated with the duration of eye drops therapy, but not with the amount of them. According to the results that we received, and the international data, it is recommended to choose drugs without preservatives and other potentially toxic components for the long‐term treatment of glaucoma.
Investigation of pathogenesis of the pterygium by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis
Authors: Kim Chang Hwan , Ji Yong Woo 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Extrinsic factors, including ultraviolet rays, are well‐known risk factors in the pathogenesis of pterygia. However, the biomolecular intrinsic factors that could serve as therapeutic targets have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate comprehensive changes in the proteome and transcriptome of conjunctival pterygium tissues from human patients using multi‐omics analysis.Methods: A prospective cross‐sectional study enrolled 30 patients diagnosed with pterygium who underwent surgery from May 2020 to December 2020. During surgery, normal conjunctiva and conjunctival tissues with pterygium were collected. Nano liquid chromatography with tandem mass labelling spectrometry and next‐generation sequencing were performed on the obtained specimens. Proteins with significantly expressed mRNAs between pterygium and control were identified, and their biological processes were analysed using bioinformatic tools.Results: Through the integration of transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, a total of 1288 proteins were identified, which were also confirmed by mRNA expression. Hierarchical clustering heatmap analysis revealed distinct clusters corresponding to each group, and principle component analysis demonstrated a prominent separation between groups. Among the identified proteins, 185 were determined as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), with 154 upregulated and 31 downregulated in pterygium compared to the control group. Protein–protein interaction network analysis revealed six distinct interconnected networks of DEPs, and gene ontology enrichment analysis highlighted biological processes associated with extracellular matrix organization, insulin‐like growth factor‐related pathways, and the immune system.Conclusions: This study demonstrates proteomic alterations in conjunctival tissues of patients with pterygium, which are corroborated by RNA expression analysis. The identified significant proteins in pterygium are associated with specific biological pathways and could be potential therapeutic targets. The integrated proteo‐transcriptomic analysis provides essential insights into the pathogenesis of pterygium, contributing to the identification of novel treatment strategies.
Decellularized human corneal lenticule as a delivery system of recombinant human nerve growth factor and human amniotic fluid stem cells factors for posterior ocular disease treatment
Authors: Mandatori Domitilla , Pelusi Letizia , Ghelardoni Maddalena , Agnifili Luca , Di Pietrantonio Nadia , Hurst Jose , Allegretti Marcello , Schnichels Sven , Mastropasqua Leonardo , Bollini Sveva , Nubile Mario , Pandolfi Assunta 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Posterior ocular diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy (DR), are the main causes of blindness worldwide. Among the possible therapeutic approaches particular interest was turned to neurotrophic factors, such as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), and to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)‐derived factors. Nevertheless, the local drugs and factors delivery in the eye remains a challenge. Therefore, using an in vitro model of glaucoma and an ex vivo model of DR, this study aimed to test the feasibility to use decellularized human corneal lenticule (hCL) as natural delivery system able to vehicle neurotrophic and MSCs‐regenerative factors.Methods: hCLs (thickness 100–120 μm) collected from donors undergoing refractive surgery, were decellularized (0.1% SDS) and engineered with MSCs from human amniotic fluid (hAFSCs) and/or with microparticles containing rhNGF (rhNGF‐MPs). Human Trabecular Meshwork cells (HTMCs), damaged with Transforming Growth Factor‐β2 (TGF‐β2; 5 ng/mL for 4 days), were employed to mimic glaucoma condition in vitro. DR disease was reproduced using an ex vivo model of porcine retinal explants exposed to high glucose (HG; 25 mM for 4 days).Results: Results deriving from glaucoma model showed that the deposition of extracellular matrix and the specific protein expression of COL4a1, COL1a1 and ACTA1 were reduced following the HTMCs incubation with hCL engineered with hAFSCs or rhNGF‐MPs. Likewise, in the DR model, the HG‐increased Tumour Necrosis Factor α (TNF‐α) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2–Related Factor 2 (NRF2) levels were reduced following the incubation with hCL engineered with hAFSCs and rhNGF‐MPs. Of note, as demonstrated by the increase of structural (TUBB3 and Rho) and apoptotic (BAX/Bcl2 and p21) markers, a neuroprotective effect of engineered‐hCLs was observed in the DR model.Conclusions: Overall, our results demonstrated that this innovative bio‐engineered scaffold may represent a potential therapeutic approach for posterior ocular diseases treatment.