bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outstanding partnership in neuroinflammation. Highlighting open‐angle glaucoma diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Villanueva Carolina Garcia , Andrés‐Blasco Irene , Gallego‐Martínez Alex , Zanón‐Moreno Vicente , Vila‐Arteaga Jorge , Feijoo Julian Garcia , Pinazo‐Duran Maria Dolores 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Despite significant advances in neuroprotection strategies, patients are still at high risk for glaucoma neurodegeneration (GND), in which neuroinflammation (NINF) is exceedingly implicated. It has recently been shown that in the acute phase, NINF cascades lead to apoptosis, meanwhile in later stages a wide variety of signalling pathways act trying to repair existing damage. Also, NINF affects adult neurogenesis (NG), that, in turns, remains an unknown field to be explored in GND.Methods: A total of 135 participants of both sexes, aged 35–80 years, were selected and classified into: open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) patients (n = 70) and healthy controls (CG; n = 65). Demographics, clinical and molecular data were registered. Tears were collected from the inferior meniscus and frozen at −80°C until processing by the multiplex system (human cytokine panel) to determine the cytokine/chemokine levels. Data were processed by using the IBM SPSS 25.0 program.Results: Mean age of the participants was 62 ± 14 years (68% were aged over 60 years). Gender distribution was 38% males/62% females. Tears from patients with OAG showed differential expression profile of the assayed cytokines/chemokines, as compared to the CG. Specifically, the granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF; p < 0.001), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ; p < 0.001), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa); and interleukin (IL) ‐4 and − 10 (p < 0.05) revealed significantly higher levels in the OAG patients versus the CG.Conclusions: Liberation of anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines with a broad range of functions in adult NG, as the aforementioned factors: the GM‐CSF, INFg, TNFa, IL‐4 and IL‐10, can be fully considered when managing GND and visual outcomes.
Association between functional parameter and structural, and vascular parameters in advanced glaucoma
Authors: Özalp Onur , Atay Kubra , Ozer Taylan Can , Bilgec Mustafa Deger , Atalay Eray 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the function‐vasculature, and function–structure relationships in advanced glaucoma patients.Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 29 eyes of 24 advanced glaucoma patients. Advanced glaucoma was classified as visual fields (VFs) with a mean deviation (MD) below ‐12 dB according to Hodapp‐Parrish‐Anderson classification system. The structural parameters, cup/disc area ratio, cup/disc vertical ratio, cup/disc horizontal ratio, rim area, disc area, cup volume, retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT, Optovue, Fremont, CA). The vessel density of superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP), outer retina (OR), and choriocapillaris (CC) were analysed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA, DRI OCT Triton Plus, Topcon, Tokyo, Japan). For all layers, the average vessel density of the area between 1 mm and 3 mm diameter circles was calculated, assuming the 1 mm diameter area centered on the fovea as the central region. Relationships between 10–2 VF MD values, and structural and vascular parameters were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficients. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean ± SD age of all patients was 61.9 ± 15.8 years and 75% were male. For structural parameters, there was a positive correlation between the MD and GCC thickness values (p = 0.001, r = 0.617), while none of the parameters of the optic disc were related to the MD value. There were significant positive correlations with the vessel densities of the SRCP and CC layers (p = 0.001, r = 0.593 and p = 0.002, r = 0.541, respectively).Conclusions: Decreased vessel densities of the SRCP and CC were significantly associated with severity of visual field damage. This study showed that OCTA can be a promising method in daily use for monitoring advanced glaucoma.
Analysis of the impact of different schemes of preparation to trabeculectomy on the healing markers using in vitro model of the Tenon fibroblast cultures isolated directly from the patient
Authors: Kosior‐Jarecka Ewa , Piłat Joanna , Przekora Agata , Wróbel‐Dudzińska Dominika , Żarnowski Tomasz 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of different regimes of patient's preparation before trabeculectomy on the markers of healing process in Tenon's fibroblast cultures.Methods: The studied group consisted of 66 patients with open angle glaucoma undergoing primary trabeculectomy. The patients were divided into 5 groups with different regimes of preparation before the surgery based on application or withdrawal of topical antiglaucoma medications and steroids. During trabeculectomy the samples of Tenon's capsule were obtained. Tenon fibroblasts were isolated directly from the explants to test their proliferation ability and the level of released healing markers. Following factors typical of healing process were evaluated using commercially available ELISA kits: IL 1‐β, IL‐6, IL‐8, VEGF‐A, TGF‐ β1 and MMP‐9.Results: Concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TGF‐ β1 were significantly higher in the group obtaining antiglaucoma drops. Additionally, in this group the fibroblasts revealed the highest proliferation potential, indicating the active healing process. The levels of IL‐8, VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 were similar between the groups.Conclusions: Our study shows that for the best conjunctival anti‐inflammatory control, the most influential factor is the withdrawal of antiglaucoma medications.
Transcriptomic analyses reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the ocular surface damage in treated glaucoma patients
Authors: Irigoyen Cristina , Montañes Javier Moreno , Carnero Elena , Naveiras Miguel , de la Puente Miriam , de la Viesca Maria Fraga , Zamora Jorge Gonzalez 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Topical glaucoma drugs have a high prevalence of ocular surface disease (OSD), affecting to its compliance. The clinical signs of OSD are very similar to those observed in patients with dry eye syndrome; however, the mechanisms mediating the onset of symptoms are unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify conjunctival transcriptomic changes in patients treated with topical medication and patients with dry eye and compare them to healthy controls.Methods: Impression cytology was performed, and samples were selected for RNA sequencing; 33 patients treated for glaucoma, 9 with dry eye and 14 healthy controls. After a quality check, the reads were aligned, and gene expression was quantified by counting exonic regions. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified the routes and biologic processes associated with transcriptomic changes.Results: In treated patients, up‐regulation of immune‐related genes represented the 79% of the altered pathways. In dry eye samples, immune system and inflammation represented 39% of the altered routes; increased expression of genes related to mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative stress represented 16% and decreased expression of genes involved in maintaining conjunctival integrity and cell differentiation represented 15%.Conclusions: According to our results, an exacerbation of the immune system is observed in patients with glaucoma treatment as the main pathway involved in ocular surface damage. However, in the case of patients with dry eye, the damage is the result of multiple pathways. Knowledge of the mechanisms involved in ocular surface damage is essential in the search for effective treatments for these patients.
Panuveitis and palpable purpura in a patient with interstitial Pasteurella multocida pneumonia
Authors: Murgia Carlo , Carbini Andrea , Satta Aurora , Dore Stefano , Pinna Antonio 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: We describe a case of panuveitis and palpable purpura in a patient with Pasteurella multocida pneumonia.Methods: A 75‐year‐old pseudophakic woman with type‐2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complained of lower limb palpable purpura and right vision loss of five‐day duration. On admission, right visual acuity was hand motion. Slit‐lamp examination disclosed severe conjunctival and perikeratic reaction, corneal oedema, 3‐mm hypopyon with heavy fibrin accumulation and blood clots, and synechiae to the IOL.Results: Chest computed tomography revealed interstitial pneumonia. Sputum culture yielded P. multocida. Amoxicillin/clavulanic tablets (1gx3/daily) and topical and systemic steroids were given. Later on, fluorescein angiography showed multiple areas of choroiditis bilaterally. With the above‐mentioned therapy, there was full recovery of the skin, lung, and eye lesions.Conclusions: This report emphasizes that P. multocida infection should be considered in patients with intraocular inflammation, palpable purpura, and interstitial pneumonia. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for a correct diagnosis and management.
Assessment of tear derived extracellular vesicles as a minimally source of novel biomarkers for subconjunctival glaucoma surgery
Authors: Viñas‐Palau Clara , Sanroque‐Muñoz Marta , García Jéssica Botella , El Jarroudi Rachid Bouchikh , Loscos‐Arenas Jordi , Borras‐Serres Francesc Enric 
Published: January 2024

Aims/purpose: Glaucoma is a highly prevalent pathology causing avoidable blindness. Topical treatments used to stabilize intraocular pressure (IOP) may produce several side effects including inflammatory reactions. Patients who fail to control IOP or suffer significant side effects undergo subconjunctival glaucoma surgery (SGS). Estimations point to 30–40% of these patients will develop local scarring and fibrosis, which are the main complications of SGS. Thus, predicting the surgical outcome and starting preemptively fibrosis treatment are crucial. The aim of this study was to determine whether tears, and specifically tear‐derived extracellular vesicles (L‐EVs), can be used as liquid biopsy source, as a previous step for identifying new biomarkers for SGS outcome.Methods: Tear samples were obtained from patients (no surgical treatment, n = 11) by Schirmer's test. L‐EVs were enriched by size‐exclusion chromatography. Protein quantification was measured by microBCA assay and miRNA extraction (both from whole tear and L‐EVs) was performed using commercial kits.Results: Whole tear samples displayed variable miRNA and protein concentrations among patients (range 222.0–1388.1 ng miRNAs and 5.6–27.2 μg protein). Levels of miRNA and protein were also highly variable but considerably reduced in L‐EVS (0.14–46.78 ng miRNAs and 0.5–4.2 μg protein). Yet, in most patients, both types of samples (whole tears and L‐EVs) rendered sufficient quantity of protein and miRNA to perform proteomic and transcriptomic analysis.Conclusions: Concentration of miRNAs and Protein in tears and L‐EVs is highly variable among patients. As expected by their higher enrichment, miRNA and protein concentrations in L‐EVs are reduced compared to whole tears, yet quantities may be still enough to perform mic analyses. This higher purification of L‐EVS may help identifying specific biomarkers related to SGS outcome in a minimally invasive manner.
Mapping of fundus photography to 3D imaging for ocular radiotherapy
Authors: Haasjes Corne , Pors Lennart , Beenakker Jan‐Willem 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Ocular Proton Therapy (OPT) is one of the main treatments for uveal melanoma. Full inclusion of fundus images in the treatment planning is currently hindered by the refraction of the eye's optical elements. In this study we developed and evaluated a method to correct for these effects, with the final aim of enabling an OPT‐planning which spares more of the healthy retina.Methods: A paraxial method to correct for the scaling fundus photographs of the central retina was developed using ray transform matrices. This method was subsequently extended to the full retina using ray tracing simulations in Zemax OpticStudio through the ZOSPy library [1]. These methods were evaluated in 33 eyes in which the corneal topography, lens location, thickness and curvature, and retinal shape were personalized. The resulting scaling of the fundus images was finally compared with the method currently used in OPT planning (EYEPLAN).Results: For the central retina the magnification relative to the average eye ranged from 0.79 to 1.50 and was approximately inversely proportional to the eye's spherical equivalent. For the peripheral retina, a nodal point‐based mapping provided no systematic errors and the least variation between subjects (up to 2.5 degrees at 70degrees eccentricity). This method proved a significant improvement compared to the currently used method which had a systematic error of approximately 21 degrees as it incorrectly modelled the refractive effect of the eye's optics.Conclusions: Using the nodal point as a reference point, fundus images can be accurately mapped to 3D imaging, enabling the inclusion of optical information in OPT planning.References1. van Vught, Haasjes, Beenakker. ZOSPy a toolbox for optical simulations. github.com/MREYE‐LUMC/ZOSPy.
Retinal circuit disassembly, plasticity, and repair in glaucoma
Authors: Ou Yvonne 
Published: January 2024

Precise connections between synaptic partners are shaped during development to ensure proper neural circuit function, but how these connections are disassembled and rearranged after injury is less well understood. In glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve, the ganglion cell is injured but very little is known about how the presynaptic circuitry is perturbed. Furthermore, the ability to diagnose and treat glaucoma at an optimal stage before irreversible retinal ganglion cell loss occurs requires a comprehensive understanding of inner retina circuit disassembly and plasticity. This lecture will provide insights into retinal circuit disassembly and plasticity, the role of microglia in synapse disassembly and the opportunities for retinal repair of inner retinal circuitry in glaucoma. These findings expand knowledge of how adult neural circuits react and rearrange in the face of injury and permit.The design of novel psychophysics testing paradigms and retinal ganglion cell regeneration or neuroprotection strategies.
Corneal nerves and wound healing: No gain without pain
Authors: Ferrari Giulio 
Published: January 2024

Corneal nerves and wound healing: no gain without pain?Corneal nerves are instrumental to the maintenance of corneal integrity. Their role in promoting epithelial cell migration and proliferation has been extensively described. Recently, the impact of corneal innervation on the limbal stem cell niche is starting to merge. Specifically, nerve‐derived factors orchestrate a complex biological response which involves the generation of pain, immune activation and stem cell interaction. On the other hand, epithelial and leukocyte cells have an impact on corneal nerves through secretion of soluble factors and, possibly, mechanical interaction. While the generation of pain is inevitably associated with wound healing, and its suppression generally impairs this process, excessive inflammation can perpetuate pain and negatively impact on corneal integrity. We will discuss the benefits, and shortcomings, of this nerve‐controlled process and review the potential therapeutic opportunities opened by recent findings in the field.
Machine learning applied to brain imaging data
Authors: Castelo‐Branco Miguel 
Published: January 2024

Multivariate data‐driven analysis may identify subtle anomalies in retinal and brain structure in the absence of visible pathology. The modelling of healthy ageing critically requires methodology that can detect subtle changes in this process and that can also be applied to pathological conditions. In the last few years multiple machine learning models have been proposed that learn age patterns from magnetic resonance images.In recent years, classification approaches using imaging data have shown that multimodal classification methods may perform better than the use of a single imaging modality for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions of the eye and the brain. The currently used clinical approach often emphasizes the use of qualitative structural, molecular and/or functional imaging data for clinical diagnosis. Based on the hypothesis that classification of isolated imaging modalities is not predictive of their respective value in combined approaches, we investigate the potential of multimodal quantitative integration approaches in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. We also review imaging evidence based on machine learning reflecting critical interactions between ageing, systemic disorders (diabetes) and neurodegenerative diseases.
Where visual fields coming from? ‐ A short introduction from neurophysiology point of view
Authors: Lewin‐Kowalik Joanna 
Published: January 2024

Visual fields refer to the area of vision that can be seen by each eye when it is fixed in a certain position. The visual fields are created by the combination of the images received by each eye, which are then processed by the brain to create a single, unified image. The visual fields are divided into four quadrants: superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal. Each eye sees a slightly different portion of the visual field, and the brain combines these two images to create a three‐dimensional perception of the world.The visual fields are outcome of the interaction of the ocular structures, optic nerve, and brain centres. The eye captures images of the visual field through the cornea and lens, which focus the light onto the retina. The retina contains specialized photoreceptors, which convert the light into electrical signals that are transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain. The images are first integrated and processed within lateral geniculate nuclei of the thalamus. In this important structure visual stimuli are first filtered, to eliminate irrelevant or unnecessary information, allowing only important visual signals to pass on to the visual cortex, then integrated from both eyes, allowing for depth perception and 3D vision, processed, based on features such as colour, contrast, and movement, which are then relayed to the visual cortex and synchronized with other sensory information in the brain, allowing for a coherent perception of the environment. The visual cortex in the brain then processes these integrated signals to create the perception of the visual field. This complex process allows us to see and interpret the world around us, including objects, people, and scenery, and to respond to them in a meaningful way.
Low‐cost fundoscopy simulation for everyone? Evaluation of knowledge gain and student satisfaction with the Kyoto Kagaku model
Authors: Sneyers Albéric , Alles Felix , Dail Yaser Abu , Seitz Berthold , Flockerzi Elias 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of a relatively low‐cost fundoscopy simulator, the Kyoto Kagaku Model, on the subjective learning experience and an objective knowledge gain of medical students at Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany.Methods: Medical students at the Saarland University Medical Center were enrolled in a clinical course about fundoscopic examination and pathologies. The course consisted of a theoretical part, an introduction to the practical basics of ophthalmoscopy with the Kyoto Kagaku fundoscopy simulator, and a clinical practice with dilated pupils on each other (the classical ophthalmoscopy course). They then completed two questionnaires. The first one was about the subjective learning experience and was filled out shortly after the course, the second one about the objective clinical knowledge gain in ophthalmoscopy and was filled out before the start of ophthalmoscopy training and 1 week thereafter.Results: The medical students showed a significant (p < 0.001) gain in knowledge of the fundoscopic examination and pathologies after the course with the Kyoto Kaguka Fundoscopy Simulator. Specific anatomical structures in the fundus were identified significantly (p < 0.001) more often during the simulator training compared to the classical ophthalmoscopy course. 47% of the medical students preferred a simulator‐based course, 23% a classical ophthalmoscopy course and 30% a combination of both.Conclusion: Simulator‐based training is a valuable tool for teaching medical students (and aspiring resident physicians) various skills, including those related to ophthalmology. Hands‐on courses using the Kyoto Kagaku fundoscopy simulator have been successful in increasing medical students' interest in medical simulation and ophthalmology. This model, known for its relatively low cost, is a good immersive tool for teaching the basics of direct and indirect fundoscopic examination and various retinal pathologies. Although there are still challenges to overcome, such as accessibility and cost, the future of simulator‐based training in ophthalmology looks promising.
Dealing with the complications of uveitis
Authors: Koufakis Dimitris 
Published: January 2024

The most frequent complications of uveitis are cataract, glaucoma and uveitic macular oedema.The successful management of cataract requires uveitis remission for at least 3 months before surgery and perioperative intensification of anti‐inflammatory medication in order to prevent uveitis recurrences. Intraoperative strategy is also important for the final outcome.Uveitic glaucoma management comprises medical and surgical treatment, considering that about 30% of cases will need invasive methods.Uveitic macular oedema is mainly seen in intermediate, posterior or panuveitis. The mainstay of treatment is corticosteroids and the therapeutic role of immunosuppressives and biological agents will also be discussed.
Fundus autofluorescence in uveitis: Meeting an old friend
Authors: Follonosa Alejandro 
Published: January 2024

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) represents a relatively new imaging modality that has been investigated in a variety of uveitic disease processes. FAF relies on the presence of innate fluorophores within ocular tissues, which can be induced to emit light when stimulated with specific frequencies of light.Autofluorescence in the RPE depends on the outer segment renewal and can be affected by the RPE's ability to clear lipofuscin. Hence, an increased autofluorescence is seen with RPE dysfunction and a decreased autofluorescence is seen with loss of photorecptors or the RPE.Abnormal autofluorescence patterns have been described in a number of infectious and non‐infectious uveitides. Most reports of abnormal FAF in patients with uveitis belong to the spectrum of white‐dot‐syndromes. In the present course we will review the main autofluorescence abnormalities in disease like Serpiginous and Serpiginous‐like choroiditis, multifocal choroiditis, punctate inner choroiditis, multiple evanescent white dot syndrome and AZOOR. The recognition of theses abnormalities (in combination with other imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography‐angiography) is extremely helpful for understanding their pathogenesis and monitoring the inflammatory activity.