bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Keratoconus and personality traits: A case–control study
Authors: Aiello Francesco , Afflitto Gabriele Gallo , Ceccarelli Francesca , Nucci Carlo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Aim of the present study is to evaluate and characterize the presence of dysfunctional personality traits in patients affected by keratoconus (KC) as compared with unaffected control.Methods: This is monocenter, interventional, prospective, case–control study recruiting 30 consecutive patients, aged 18–30, diagnosed with KC and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Enrolled patients underwent full ophthalmic and psychiatric evaluation. The latter consisted of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5 Disorder (SCID‐5), Symptoms Check List‐90 Revised (SCL‐90), NEO Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI), and Temperament Evaluation Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS‐A).Results: Overall, 51 subjects were recruited, of whom 31 in the study and 20 in the control group. Significant differences emerged from the comparison of minimum corneal thickness (<0.0001), of keratometry (K1: p = 0.0063; K2: p < 0.0001), and of best corrected visual acuity values (p < 0.0001) between the study and the control group. Patients affected by KC demonstrated lower scores at the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire‐25 than the healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Mean scores of TEMPS‐A subscales of patients with and without KC differed significantly regarding cyclothymic (p = 0.0272), irritable (p = 0.0404) and anxious (p = 0.0155) temperament. For NEO‐FFI subscales (Table 2), patients with KC showed higher mean scores for neuroticism compared to non‐KC controls (p = 0.0077). Means scores of SCL‐90 showed no difference in all the subscales with the only exception of psychoticism (p = 0.0155). The SCID‐5 demonstrated a higher odd for patients with KC for psychiatric disorders and mood disorders (p = 0.0309), mainly of Cluster B (p = 0.0728) and Cluster C (p = 0.0359).Conclusions: Mood disorder and dysfunctional personality traits represent common comorbidities in KC. A prompt diagnosis and an effective management are mandatory to guarantee the best standard of care to affected patients.
A novel technique of amniotic membrane suturing for ex vivo cultivated limbal epithelial stem cell expansion increases the number of progenitor cells
Authors: Bisevac Jovana , Moe Morten Carstens , Petrovski Goran , Noer Agate 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Human limbal epithelial stem cells (HLESCs) reside in limbal epithelial crypts and continuously compensate for the loss of cells in the corneal epithelium. The lack or malfunction of HLESCs leads to a severe ocular surface disease called limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Cultivated limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation (CLET) of expanded autologous limbal tissue on a human amniotic membrane (HAM) carrier is one of the most common methods for monocular LSCD. We hereby present a novel suturing technique of HAM prior to limbal biopsy expansion and cultivation that mimics natural limbal crypts.Methods: HLESCs derived from limbal biopsies were cultured ex vivo in complex media (COM) on flat or crypt‐like sutured HAMs for 3 weeks. The samples were then processed for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and analysed for progenitor markers: p63α and SOX9; markers for quiescence: CEBPD; proliferation: Ki‐67; differentiation: CX43 and CK3/12; transmembrane markers: E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin. The positivity of markers was counted and compared in cells cultivated on flat vs. crypt‐like sutured HAMs.Results: HLESCs cultured on folded, crypt‐like sutured HAMs had significantly more positivity for p63α, SOX9 (progenitor markers) and Ki‐67 (proliferation marker) compared to those cultured on flat HAMs. Fewer cells were positive for CK3/12 (differentiation marker) in cultures on folded compared to flat HAMs. The number of cells positive for CEBPD (quiescence marker), CX43 and E‐cadherin (differentiation markers) were equal in both groups (flat vs. folded HAMs).Conclusions: A novel technique of HAM suturing that forms crypt‐like undulations mimicking limbal epithelial crypts increases the number of early progenitor cells and could hence increase the quality of the ex vivo expanded limbal epithelial tissue and success for transplantation.
The incidence of complications related to the corneal graft in the group of 758 patients
Authors: Szkodny Dominika , Wróblewska‐Czajka Ewa , Wylegala Adam , Wylegala Edward 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of complications regarding corneal graft and a comparison of their occurrence depending on the diagnosis and other risk factors in single center in Poland.Methods: Retrospective analysis of the hospital records of patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty between January 2016 and December 2020 at the Department of Ophthalmology of District Railway Hospital, Katowice Poland.Results: The most common complication was late endothelial failure (7.92%), then perforation (4.1%), bacterial keratitis (3.23%), non‐infectious corneal melting (2.2%), graft rejection (1.9%), epithelialization disorders (1.47%), endophthalmitis (0.88%), herpetic keratitis (0.73%), wound dehiscence, fungal keratitis, primary disease recurrence, post‐herpetic melting and infectious melting (0.15%). Patients with acanthamoeba (0%), herpetic (12.5%), fungal keratitis (30.8%) and perforation (35.2%) turned out to have the lowest success rate. Patients from the high‐risk group were 4.65 times more likely to develop complications than the low‐risk group. Multivariate regression analysis revealed three variables to be significant factors: high‐risk group (OR:4,12, CI: 2.59–6.55, p = 0.00), concomitant ophthalmic diseases (OR: 3.12, CI: 1.60–6.08, p = 0.00), connective tissue diseases (OR: 7.76, CI: 2.40–25.05, p = 0.00).Conclusions: Chronic loss of the endothelium after penetrating keratoplasty is one of the main reasons for graft failure. The occurrence of complications is most dependent on the indication for transplantation and, despite the passage of years, remains a major challenge in the treatment.
Primary open‐angle glaucoma prevalence in Europe: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ceccarelli Francesca , Afflitto Gabriele Gallo , Aiello Francesco , Cesareo Massimo , Nucci Carlo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) in the European population > 40 years, and to provide the expected number of POAG patients forecasted up to 2050.Methods: Two authors independently conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed/MedLine, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify papers analysing the prevalence of POAG in European countries. Logit transformation (PLOGIT) of the data retrieved from selected articles, and a random intercept logistic regression model (GLMM) were used to analyse the overall proportions. The population projection data retrieved from the World Population Prospects reported by the United Nations, was incorporated into the GLMM. The estimated number of patients was calculated using the prevalence figures from the random‐effects model and the corresponding population number.Results: We retrieved 9348 eligible papers from the initial electronic search and included 10 of them in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. A total of 26 993 patients were included in this meta‐analysis (11 927 male and 14 556 female). We identified 755 POAG cases (397 male and 348 female), with a pooled prevalence estimate in Europe of 2.60% (95% CI: 1.90–3.56%). Increasing odds for POAG were related to increasing age and some geographic differences in the disease distribution in the continent were identified. Statistically significant sex‐related differences in the prevalence rate of POAG were not observed in this cohort. An increase of 3.3% in the number of people (aged >40 years) with POAG is expected by 2050, when the overall figure is expected to be 10 748 137.Conclusions: POAG is a neurodegenerative disease that affects a large proportion of the older European population. In the future, the prevalence of POAG is expected to grow in Europe because of the progressive ageing populations of Western countries.
Eight years follow‐up of two choroideremia patients with a new mutation of the choroideremia gene
Authors: Díaz‐Barreda Mª. Dolores , Boned‐Murillo Ana , Bartolome Isabel , Hospital Elvira Orduna , Fernández‐Espinosa Guisela , Sopeña María , Pinilla Isabel 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Choroideremia (CHM) is an inherited retinal dystrophy with an X‐linked inherited patron. It presents changes in the outer retina and choroid. CHM has a typical fundus appearance with preservation of the central retina, that progresses over the years. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) shows the changes in the pigment distribution not only in patients but also in carriers. We present an 8‐year follow‐up of two boys affected by the disease.Methods: We studied a family with two cousins referring visual loss and nyctalopia and presented clinical findings of CHM at 11 and 10 years old. Their mothers referred that their deceased father had an important loss of visual acuity (VA) and that he had been diagnosed of Retinitis Pigmentosa. They were diagnosed of CHM with an undescribed mutation in the CHM gene c.1083_1084dupT (p.L362Sfs*56) at the Xp21.2 location. We present the patients and the carriers follow‐up.Results: During 8 years one of the patients had a progressive loss of VA. He presented a high myopic refraction and retinal changes that could be related to both conditions. His macular function decreased during the years with loss of retinal sensitivity evaluated by MAIA microperimetry, with Multifocal ERG showing a marked diminution on the central peak. His cousin has not presented important changes during the follow‐up time, preserving macular sensitivity and central visual field. Both mothers show a different AF pattern, with one geographic pattern and another sparse mottled on periphery. Carriers have not changed during these 8 years, neither in their retinal function nor in the anatomical findings.Conclusions: Evolution in CHM disease could differ in patients affected by the same mutation. Myopic defect may increase the retinal damage, with a more aggressive evolution.
AMD drusenoid deposits “L”, lipid type, AMD atrophy complication Lipidomics profile: Characteristics, links‐correlations
Authors: Gonzalez Corinne 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: To study AMD drusenoid deposits “L”, their density, structure, volume characteristics by morphology‐structural software, their evolution, mostly to atrophy, and lipidomic profile of AMD Atrophy complication to enhance correlations‐links in between.Methods: 154 eyes of 84 patients with AMD drusenoid deposits “L”, Lipid Type(soft Drusen, Drusenoid PED “L”).Deposits were evaluated by OCT(Spectralis HRA‐OCT),Morphology‐Structural software(M‐S software)to let drusenoid deposit contents analyse, grading (volume, contours), measurements: density, structure, volume. 30 AMD Atrophy complication patients' Lipidomic Study: Blood tests, all lipids qualitative, quantitative analysis: neutral lipid by GC, fatty acid too but after BF3 methanol derivation, phospholipids by LC–MS directly, as sphingolipids but firstly hydrolysed, polyinsatured fatty acids metabolites by preparation before LC–MS.Results: AMD Drusenoid Deposits “L” characteristics: OCT/OCT en Face: dark grey, optical empty, fatty, equal and the same in all cross‐section; M‐S software: Density: Low, decreasing during evolution, Structure: increasing during evolution, bell‐shaped curve with increase curve peak; Volume: quite disappearing; so mostly evolution to Atrophy. Atrophy complication Lipidomics profile: medium level Free Cholesterol, low Oxysterols, low Phospholipids(Phosphatidyl Cholines), low total neutral lipids(MUFA/PUFA), high Sphingosins. AMD Drusenoid Deposits “L” characterization (OCT), contents knowledge (M‐S software),evolution mostly to Atrophy(OCT, M‐S Software),AMD Atrophy complication Lipidomics Profile let enhance correlations between lipid quality drusenoid contents and lipid metabolism, so better physiopathology understanding, therapeutic perspectives.Conclusions: Enhancing links‐correlations between aspect, Morphology‐Structural characteristics, evolution of Drusenoid deposits “L” and Lipidomics profile of Atrophy complication let AMD physiopathology, etiopathogenesis understanding, hypothesis formulations, therapeutics perspectives.References.1. Gonzalez C. Age macular degeneration: relevance and interest of lipidomic study for screening, follow‐up and etiopathogeny of AMD. ARVO 2016.
Evaluation of tear film Osmolarity in glaucomatous and ocular hypertensive patients under topical therapies: A real life experience of a glaucoma unit
Authors: Rolle Teresa , Ghilardi Andrea , Malinverni Lorenza , Tibaldi Tommaso , Reibaldi Michele 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of alterations in the tear film osmolarity and in other parameters that can define the OSD in POAG/OH patients treated with different topical therapies in order to better define the role of osmolarimetry in the clinical management of patients in a real life setting.Methods: This is a cross‐sectional, observational study. All patients with POAG/OH treated with topical medications and 20 subjects age and sex matched as a control group, were consecutively and prospectively enrolled. The following exams were performed: tear film osmolarity assessed using Tearlab®, tear break‐up time (TBUT), corneal staining score (Oxford scale), ocular symptom assessment using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. These data were compared between POAG/OH patients and control group and correlations were analysed between tear film osmolarity and other DED parameters.Results: 50 POAG/OH patients (25 M/25F; mean age 69 ± 17y) and 20 controls, matched for age and sex, were enrolled. The mean treatment duration was 2.5 ± 1.2 years. Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) was used in 92% of cases. The mean osmolarity value (mOsms/L) in POAG/OH patients was 306 ± 12 versus 296 ± 12 in control group (p < 0.05). TBUT (sec) was 5 ± 2 versus 9 ± 2 (p < 0.05). OSDI ranged from 0 to 96 and the mean value was 18 ± 19 in the study group vs 16 ± 14 in controls (NS). No significant difference was found in corneal staining between the two groups. In POAG/OH eyes tear film osmolarity values were ≤308 in 17/50 (34%) patients and in control group were 4/20 (20%). TBUT<8 s in 41/50(82%) vs 5/20 (25%). OSDI was <12 in 50% of cases vs 55% of controls, ranging from 13 to 32 in 36% versus 30% and from 33 to 100 in 14% versus 20%; corneal staining >1 in 12% versus 10%. Tear osmolarity was significantly correlated to TBUT (r = 0.11; p = 0.05).Conclusions: The differences between OSM and TBUT are statistically significant between the two groups. OSDI score difference is not significant, but the self‐administered questionnaire has inherent limitations. Tear film osmolarimetry has the advantage of providing a quantitative, operator‐independent indication of possible ocular surface dysfunction and it may be useful in the real life practice of a glaucoma unit in identifying the most vulnerable patients who might benefit from a switch to BAK‐free preparations.
Tomography features of the lamina cribrosa and its scleral canal in different types and stages of the diabetic optic neuropathy
Authors: Karliychuk Maryna , Pinchuk Serhii , Bezditko Pavel 
Published: December 2022

AbstractLamina cribrosa morphology is ever changing in health and disease, and its changes might cause primary optic nerve damage and secondary damage due to decreasing of blood supplying and axoplasmic transport. Anatomical narrowing of the lamina cribrosa scleral canal may be a precondition of optic nerve and retina damage in diabetes mellitus (DM).Purpose: to define the tomography changes of lamina cribrosa (LC) and its scleral canal depending on type and stage of diabetic optic neuropathy (DON).Methods: 575 patients (1150 eyes) with type 2 DM and 50 non‐diabetic control persons (100 eyes) aged 55.9 ± 7.8 years were examined. LC thickness was measured with optical coherent tomography (OCT) using LC_Thickness_programm.m and main_low_noise_filters_programm.m. The area of LC scleral canal was measured with SD OCT using the LC_cut_position_programm.m and LC_diameter_calculation_programm.m.Results: A correlation between type and stage of DON and LC thickness in diabetic patients was found. An average index of LC thickness in diabetic patients without DON was 1.4 times higher than in controls; in subclinical stage of axial DON – 1.9 times higher, in initial stage – 2.1 times higher, in severe stage of axial DON and diabetic papillopathy – 2.6 times higher, in anterior ischemic DON – 2.7 times higher, in dystrophic stage – 3.1 times higher than in controls (303 ± 56 μm) (р < 0.001). Scleral canal area in diabetic papillopathy was 35% less and in anterior ischemic DON was 21.6% less than that in controls. A direct correlation between the area of LC scleral canal and the state of optic nerve head was found in diabetic papillopathy and ischemic DON (r = 0.89, р < 0.001 and r = 0.93, р < 0.001 соrrespondingly).Conclusions: A direct correlation between type and stage of DON and scleral LC thickness in patients with DM was revealed. Narrowing of LC scleral canal and thickening of LC were found to change in diabetic papillopathy and ischemic DON.
Neuronal and synaptic connectivity impairment along with the vascular alterations in the macula of diabetic patients
Authors: Albertos‐Arranz Henar , Ortuno‐Lizaran Isabel , Saez Xavier Sanchez , Pastor María José Ruiz , Martínez‐Gil Natalia , Lax Pedro , Cuenca Nicolas 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Retinal neurodegeneration in diabetic patients appears to occur along with the vascular abnormalities. Some structural and functional changes have been described in the retina of these patients. The aim was to describe the morphological alterations present in the retinal cells and the vascular network in the macula of human donor with diabetes.Methods: Retinas of human donor with diabetes or diabetic retinopathy (n = 5) and control (n = 3) were processed in cross‐sections or flat mount retinas. The vascular network and the retinal cells were analysed in the macula through immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Analysis of the vessel density was performed with the Angio‐tool software.Results: Diabetic and control group had a mean age of 60 ± 10 and 62 ± 2 years, respectively. Capillary bends, vascular loops, microaneurysms and an increase of the vascular density were the main findings in the intermediate and deep capillary plexuses of the diabetic group. Disruption of the basement membrane of the retinal vessels and tractions due to the epiretinal membrane were observed in the superficial vessels. Interpericyte tunnelling nanotubes appeared altered in the plexuses of the diabetic retinas. Endothelial cell marker was accumulated inside the microaneurysms, and microglial nodules were surrounding them. Disruption of the external limiting membrane and swelling of Müller cells were present. Disorganization or loss of the outer plexiform layer observed with bassoon, vesicular glutamate transporter and synaptophysin as well as sprouting of the horizontal cells existed in some diabetic retinas. Cone photoreceptors seem to extend their axons to maintain the synaptic connectivity in the intraretinal cysts. Synaptic terminals of the bipolar cells in the plexiform layers were altered.Conclusions: In addition to the specific vascular changes, alterations in the synaptic connectivity and the morphology of retinal cells are present in the fovea of diabetic patients.
Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for the treatment of macular edema: Long‐term outcomes from a single tertiary hospital
Authors: Gallén Leyre Sanz , Del Rio Noemi Ruiz , Vilaplana‐Mora J. M. , Alarcón‐Correcher F. , Natividad Sonia Andreu , Ibor F. García , Duch‐Samper Antonio M. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Injectable long‐acting implant of Fluocinolone Acetonide (FAc) has proven useful for the treatment of macular edema of different etiologies. The aim of our study was to assess the real‐life safety and efficacy of FAc 0.19 mg intravitreal implant for the treatment of macular edema.Methods: We retrospectively collected data from all patients with macular edema prescribed with FAc intravitreal implant between January 2019 and May 2022 in a single tertiary hospital. Central retinal thickness (CRT), visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and need for cataract surgery were measured as the endpoints of interest at baseline and were reevaluated every 3 months.Results: Finally, 41 patients, contributing 51 eyes, were included in the analysis. Most frequent indication for prescription was macular diabetic edema (n = 33, 64.7%), followed by uveitis (n = 9, 17.6%) and others (iris‐supported phakic intraocular lens, retinal vein occlusion, Irvinne Gass syndrome and post‐retinal detachment surgery; n = 9, 17.6%). In terms of efficacy, at a median follow‐up of 20.3 months, a reduction in CRT was observed (from 438 μm to 299 μmat at 12 months) and this resulted in an improvement in VA (from 0,30 to 0,41 at 12 months), mostly in uveitis group. In terms of safety and secondary effects, no endophthalmitis was reported and IOP increased at follow‐up with 20 eyes requiring topical IOP‐lowering drops. All phakic eyes at baseline (n = 10, 19.6%) were referred to cataract surgery in the follow‐up, at a mean of 13 months after FAc injection.Conclusions: FAc intravitreal implant for the treatment of macular edema in real‐life patients resulted in improvement of both CRT and VA with predictable secondary effects and no major safety concerns.
Vitreo‐retinal injuries in the practice of padel, a problem on the rise
Authors: Merino Andrés Biescas , Merino Jacobo Yañez , Hermosín Mario Garcia , Rufas Inés Munuera , Navarro Damián García 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Paddle tennis is considered a sport with high ocular risk. The most frequent eye injuries are caused by the impact of shovels, balls or earth particles, with injuries to the posterior pole of the eye (retina and vitreous) being the most serious and can lead to loss of vision due to retinal detachment, choroidal tears or eye burst many times due to not using adequate protection. In this paper, we analyse posterior pole injuries and their treatment.Methods: The cases of ocular injuries in the practice of paddle tennis in the last three years seen in the ophthalmology emergency service of our hospital have been collected.Results: 34 patients have been included, 30 men and 4 women, with a mean age of 34 years. The initial visual acuity was 0.74 and the final visual acuity was 0.9. The lesions seen have been retinal edema, vitreous haemorrhages, retinal haemorrhages, retinochoroidal tears, retinal tears, macular hole, vitreous base avulsion and angular recession glaucoma, in many cases associating more than one type of injury. In most cases, topical treatment (25 cases), topical and oral (5 cases), laser (5 cases) and surgery (3 cases) have been performed. In no case, did they use eye protection.Conclusions: Most of the cases presented good initial visual acuity, however, all presented potentially serious lesions in the posterior pole (retina and/or choroid), including two cases of retinal detachment and one angular recession glaucoma that required surgery. For this reason, it is necessary to insist on the use of approved polycarbonate protective glasses for all players and in case of ocular contusion, review by the ophthalmology service to assess the eye fundus regardless of the initial vision.