bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeatability of retinal thickness measurements in children using spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Boned‐Murillo Ana , Garcia Diana Perez , Diaz Maria Dolores , Cano Ana Sánchez , Remon Leon , Hospital Elvira Orduna , Fernández‐Espinosa Guisela , Pinilla Maria Sopeña , Rivasés Guillermo Pérez , Lozano Isabel Pinilla 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the influence of age in the repeatability of retinal thickness measurements in a healthy paediatric population with spectral domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD‐OCT). Knowledge of RNFL parameters and macular characteristics in a normal population and differences between ages and sexes is useful for evaluating normal development of the eyes. Also, an essential quality in determining the utility of a device for clinical use is its measurement variability. Repeatability is important for distinguishing normal subjects from patients with disease as well as for following ocular modifications over time for follow‐up after treatment, especially in young population.Methods: Seventy‐six eyes from 76 healthy paediatric subjects underwent three fast macula scans and 81 eyes from 81 healthy paediatric subjects were studied by three retinal nerve fiver layer (RNFL) measurements using a Spectralis OCT device. Mean thicknesses in the nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) and in the seven optic nerve RNFL areas were measured. Mean values were evaluated by age and by sex. Children were divided in two groups, Group 1/ 6 years old or younger and group 2/ children older than 6 years. We calculated the repeatability comparing the two age groups, looking for intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (COV) values.Results: In the younger group central macular thickness value was 262.52 ± 18.28, and the central RNFL 104.03 ± 7.99. In the group of children older than 6, central macular thickness was 270.57 ± 18.49 and the central RNFL 100.27 ± 8.58. No statistically significant differences were found. Central retina thickness COVs were 7.00 in group 1% and 6.83% in Group 2. Optic disc RNFL thickness COVs were 7.72% in Group 1 and 8.69% in Group 2. All ICCs were higher than 0.8 showing excellent correlation among the three measurements performed by the same operator.Conclusions: Repeatability of Spectralis OCTs is high in healthy macula measurements, and significantly higher with Spectralis. Small differences were found between repeatability of macular thickness measurements obtained by both devices analysed by age.
Age‐ and sex‐based evaluation of the association between refractive error and age‐related macular degeneration in the Korean population
Authors: Jee Donghyun 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between refractive error and prevalence of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in Korean adults, based on the sex and age group.Methods: This was a nationwide population‐based cross‐sectional study that included 17,676 subjects aged over 40 years who participated in the 2008–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Digital fundus images (45°) were obtained for both eyes under physiologic mydriasis and were graded using the international classification and grading system for age‐related macular degeneration. The spherical equivalents of refractive errors were calculated in diopters using auto‐refraction data.Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, myopia was associated with lower risk of any age‐related macular degeneration [odds ratio (OR), 0.74; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.61–0.91]. In particular, myopia was significantly associated with lower odds of age‐related macular degeneration in female participants (any AMD: OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.54–0.93; early AMD: OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.53–0.93) and in participants younger than 50 years (any AMD: OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24–0.90; early AMD: OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24–0.93). There was no significant association between myopia and age‐related macular degeneration in male participants and in participants older than 50 years.Conclusions: In the Korean adult population, myopia was associated with significantly lower odds of any type of early age‐related macular degeneration, particularly in females and in younger age groups.
Impairment of amacrine starburst cells and their synaptic contacts with dopaminergic cells could explain motion perception disturbances in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Saez Xavier Sanchez , Ortuno‐Lizaran Isabel , Castillo Carla Sánchez , Vidal‐Gil Lorena , Maneu Victoria , Lax Pedro , Cuenca Nicolas 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Parkinson's disease (PD) patients suffer from visual deficiencies in the early stages of the disease. One of these visual symptoms is the impairment of the motion perception. In that sense, we wanted to determine if the starburst amacrine cells (the main cell type involved in motion perception) are degenerated in PD. Also, we sought to evaluate if this possible degeneration is related to the degeneration of the dopaminergic system.Methods: Post‐mortem human eyes from control and PD donors were used in this study. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were used in whole‐mount retinas to evaluate tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive cell density (dopaminergic amacrine cells), and choline acetyltransferase‐positive cell density (starburst amacrine cell). Moreover, we quantified the dopaminergic synaptic contacts with starburst amacrine cells using vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 (VMAT2) antibodies.Results: There is a decrease in the dopaminergic amacrine cell density in PD retinas. Furthermore, we found a decrease in the number of starburst amacrine cells. Importantly, we describe for the first time that dopaminergic amacrine cells contact with starburst amacrine cells in the retina and that these connections decrease in PD patients.Conclusions: This work shows the degeneration of starburst amacrine cells and their synaptic connections with dopaminergic cells, and this may explain the disturbances in motion perception present in PD. Importantly, these deficiencies can be used as a biomarker of this pathology performing functional tests for visual motion perception.Support: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (FEDER‐ PID2019‐106230RB‐I00). Ministerio de Universidades (FPU16/04114). Instituto Carlos III (RETICS‐FEDER RD16/0008/0016). Generalitat Valenciana (IDIFEDER/2017/064, ACIF/2020/203). Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
The ROCK‐inhibitor ripasudil suppresses the expression of extracellular matrix proteins in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Authors: Strunz Maria , Zenkel Matthias , Schlötzer‐Schrehardt Ursula , Kruse Friedrich 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is characterized by a progressive loss of human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC) and excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). As FECD pathophysiology involves Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK) signalling activation, we investigated the effect of various ROCK inhibitors on the expression of ECM proteins and proteolytic enzymes using ex vivo and in vitro models.Methods: Endothelial cell‐Descemet membrane lamellae (DM) from donor corneas (n = 20) and FECD patients (n = 100) undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty were used as ex vivo model. A human corneal endothelial cell line (HCEC‐12) served as in vitro model. Rho‐ROCK signalling pathway components and the effects of the ROCK inhibitors ripasudil (10/30 μM), Y‐27632 (10/30 μM), and netarsudil (1 μM) on the expression of ECM proteins and proteolytic enzymes were analysed, with or without addition of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1, 5 ng/ml), using quantitative real‐time PCR and Western Blot analysis.Results: Constitutive expression of components of the Rho‐ROCK signalling pathway was higher in DM specimens from FECD patients compared to DM from normal donors. Stimulation with all three ROCK inhibitors significantly downregulated the expression of ECM genes, such as collagen 3 alpha 1 (COL3A1) and fibronectin 1 (FN1), in both FECD and normal DM as well as in HCEC‐12, compared to untreated controls, with ripasudil showing the most significant effect. Downregulation of COL1A1 and FN1 by ripasudil was verified on protein level as well. Ripasudil also suppressed the TGFβ‐induced expression and phosphorylation of downstream molecules of the TGFβ pathway (SMAD2) as well as of the Rho‐ROCK pathway (MLC2). Ripasudil further upregulated gene expression of proteolytic enzymes, e.g. matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) and MMP3.Conclusions: These findings suggest that inhibition of ROCK signalling in FECD patients may have a beneficial effect by suppressing expression and stimulating turnover of abnormal ECM components.
In vitro and in vivo characterization of BIO203, a new amide norbixin conjugate with improved pharmacokinetic profile. Potential for oral treatment of age‐related retinal degeneration
Authors: Fontaine Valérie , Camelo Serge , Christine Balducci , Laurence Dinan , Monteiro Elodie , Boumedine Thinhinane , Nguyen Vincent , Fournié Mylene , Clatot Justine , Latil Mathilde , Veillet Stanislas , Lafont René , Dilda Pierre 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: We have previously shown that 9′‐cis‐norbixin (norbixin) protects retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells against phototoxicity induced by blue light and N‐retinylidene‐N‐retinylethanolamine (A2E) in vitro and preserves visual function in animal models of dry Age‐related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in vivo. The purpose of this study was to examine the mode of action and the in vitro and in vivo effects of CN30, a norbixin monoamide conjugate.Methods: Ocular pharmacokinetics in rats administered orally with 50 mg/kg of norbixin, or its conjugate (CN30) were compared. Their effect on photoprotection of primary porcine RPE cells challenged with A2E and blue‐light illumination was quantified. The effects of CN30 on the A2E‐induced transactivation of PPARs, AP‐1 and NF‐κB were measured by reporter gene luciferase activity. The expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, and VEGF was measured by RT‐QPCR. The in vivo neuroprotective effect of intraperitoneally administered CN30 was evaluated by measuring retinal thickness and electroretinogram (ERG) amplitudes in a blue‐light damage (BLD) acute model in albino rats. CN30 efficacy was also assessed by ERG after 6 months oral supplementation in Abca4−/− Rdh8−/− mice.Results: Compared to norbixin, CN30 displays improved stability and enhanced ocular maximal concentration and exposure (AUC). Similar to our previous observation with norbixin, CN30 mode of action involves the inhibition of PPARs, NF‐κB and AP‐1 transactivation. CN30 reduces IL‐6, IL‐8 and VEGF expression induced by A2E in vitro. In vivo, CN30 protects visual function and retinal structure in albino rats subjected to BLD in an acute model of retinal degeneration. Moreover, 6 months oral supplementation also improve visual function in a model of dry AMD: the Abca4−/− Rdh8−/− double knock‐out mice.Conclusions: CN30 retains the protective properties of norbixin in vitro and in vivo, and displays improved stability and pharmacokinetic properties. This could open new avenues for the oral treatment of retinal degenerative diseases such as dry AMD.
Self‐reported preference of eyedrops in the treatment of glaucoma – Relation, symptoms, and quality of life
Authors: Saruhanian Arevak , Andreasen Jens Rovelt , Petersen Anne Toft , Korsgaard Maiken , Kolko Miriam 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this questionnaire was to investigate how glaucoma patients relate to preservatives in eyedrops and the impact on their quality of life and eye discomfort.Methods: This study was designed as a questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study. Inclusion criteria included the use of IOP‐lowering eyedrops, age ≥ 18, and the ability to read and understand Danish. Questionnaires with inadequate replies or self‐rated compliance ≤60% were excluded. Participants were classified into two groups: participants using only preservative‐free eyedrops (PF) and participants using preservative‐containing (PC) – including individuals using a combination of both types of eyedrops. A total of 146 questionnaires were included. These were further divided into 3 groups depending on complete data: questionnaires with complete data in the Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS) (133/146), the Glaucoma Quality of Life‐15 (GQL‐15) (135/146), and eye discomfort data (140/146).Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups concerning the total GSS score (PC: 66.16 ± 21.49 vs. PF: 67.55 ± 21.77; p > 0.05), the total GQL‐15 score (PC 30.31 ± 15.13 vs. 31.33 ± 16.80; p > 0.05), or the total eye discomfort score (PC/PF OR; 0.90, 95% CI; 0.66–1.21, p > 0.05). Moreover, we found that the majority of the participants in the PC group were unaware of the preservative status of their eyedrops (PC; 74%), as well as the possibility to avoid preservatives (PC; 67%), by using a preservative‐free alternative. Similarly, most participants of both groups were willing to pay more for preservative‐free eyedrops (PC; 83%, PF; 93%).Conclusions: No significant difference in GSS, GQL‐15 or eye discomfort was observed between persons treated with PC and PF. A severe lack of information was however observed regarding patient awareness of the preservative status of IOP‐lowering eyedrops, as well as a willingness to pay more to avoid preservatives.
Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy – basic optical principles
Authors: Irsch Kristina 
Published: December 2022

AbstractScanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO) produces an ocular fundus image by moving a focused laser beam via scanning mirrors over the retina in a grid pattern and registering the reflected light from each scanned point. In confocal SLO, a pinhole is placed in front of the detector to cut off scattered or defocused light coming from outside the point of interest, which otherwise can blur the image. This results in a focused, high‐contrast image of a single tissue layer located at the focal plane. Tomographic information can be extracted by moving the plane of the pinhole. The use of various wavelengths allows for different applications, such as fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and autofluorescence imaging. This lecture will present the basic principles of SLO, as well as discuss notable applications and variants of the technology.
Optical coherence tomography – Machine learning
Authors: Bernardes Rui 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMachine learning is a method of data analysis. It gives computers the ability to learn from data and build models from which predictions can be made. Even though OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is mainly used to visualize retinal structures and compute thickness maps, it conveys information on subtle changes within the retina before structural ones can be identified. Exposing the machine learning model to a set of examples allows it to build a model from which predictions can be made on new data and explain differences between groups. This lecture will explain the underlying principles of machine learning and discuss potential applications in ophthalmology and CNS disorders through the imaging of the retina.
Adaptive optics – basic optical principles
Authors: Irsch Kristina 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAdaptive Optics (AO) refers to a technique to compensate for distortions caused by optical aberrations in the media between the camera and the object being imaged. It was originally developed for use in astronomical telescopes to compensate for optical distortions induced by the inhomogeneous earth atmosphere. It has since evolved to become a powerful clinical tool in ophthalmology. In the eye, a “wavefront sensor” (aberrometer) measures the distortion of incoming light induced by inhomogeneities within the cornea and crystalline lens, which is then “undistorted” via reflection by a deformable mirror. AO thus enables imaging of the human retina with unprecedented resolution in vivo, such as revealing individual photoreceptors or the walls of blood vessels. One should note that AO by itself does not provide an image; rather an AO subsystem is incorporated into an existing imaging device. AO subsystems have thus far been successfully integrated into three ophthalmic imaging devices: fundus cameras, scanning laser ophthalmoscopes, and the OCT device. This lecture will introduce the basic principles of AO, illustrate its value with state‐of‐the‐art clinical examples, and discuss potential future applications in ophthalmology.
Retinal imaging – a window into brain mechanisms
Authors: Castelo‐Branco Miguel 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe retina is increasingly being recognized as a window to brain neurodevelopment, ageing and degeneration. This non‐invasive window to vascular and neural function has shown promise to modify disease diagnosis, follow‐up and management. Here we review imaging evidence reflecting critical interactions between ageing, systemic disorders (diabetes) and neurodegenerative diseases. We will also address neural and vascular compartments and their critical interfaces, blood‐retinal and blood–brain barriers. It remains to be clarified how brain neuroinflammation and amyloid deposition can be mirrored by surrogate markers at the level of the retina. We also address the intriguing link with diabetes as a systemic disease where all these factors are important in relation to barrier function and neurodegeneration associated with normal/pathological ageing. The association between abnormal retina and brain development will also be discussed, in relation to imaging approaches using the retina as a window into the brain.
Update on current anti‐glaucomatous drugs
Authors: Cvenkel Barbara 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis update summarizes current and recently launched intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering medications. Reducing IOP remains the mainstay of glaucoma treatment. Different classes of IOP‐lowering eye drops have different mechanism of action, efficacy and side effects. The eye drops available in Europe include prostaglandin analogues, β‐blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α‐2 adrenergic agonists, and parasympathomimetic drugs. In addition, systemic carbonic‐anhydrase inhibitor drugs are available and can be considered for short time use when eye drops are not effective. Prostaglandin analogues are recommended as first choice treatment for POAG, because of their efficacy, limited systemic side effects and once daily dosing. Combining agents of different classes with different mechanism of action is associated with superior IOP‐lowering efficacy compared to each of the components used alone. Fixed combinations are preferable than concomitant treatment. Novel IOP‐lowering medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not yet available in most of the European countries. These include nitric‐oxide donating prostaglandin analogue latanoprostene bunod, rho‐kinase inhibitor netarsudil and fixed combination netarsudil/latanoprost.
10 coomon mistakes in uveitis. A guide to escape disasters
Authors: Tranos Paris 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntraocular inflammatory diseases are relatively rare, involving predominantly younger patients and are usually characterized by rapid progression. Consequently, effective management of uveitis requires prompt diagnosis and initiation of the correct treatment regimen without delay, an occasionally challenging task for the non‐specialist ophthalmologist. Despite the frequent overlap of clinical features in uveitis patients, certain disease characteristics should be recognized to facilitate efficacy and avoidance of pitfalls. We provide a survival guide of 10 crucial key points, essential to ensure the optimum outcome and safe management in inflammatory conditions.
Dealing with the complications of uveitis
Authors: Koufakis Dimitris 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe most frequent complications of uveitis are cataract, glaucoma and uveitic macular edema. 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. Intraocular 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 edema is commonly seen in intermediate, posterior or panuveitis. The base of treatment are corticosteroids and also dealing with the underlying cause of edema. The role of immunosuppressives and biological agents is very important too.
Abnormal findings in the angle and possible consequences
Authors: Hommer Anton 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn the presentation the abnormal findings, depending on the different structures in the angle will be presented with pictures and movies. Out of these, the possible, individual therapeutic consequences will be discussed. Developmental disorders, like Axenfeld and Rieger, as well required changes e.g. like pigment dispersion and pseudoexfoliation will be shown. The pathological configurations of the angle and how to handle will be shown.
First principles of perimetry
Authors: Redmond Tony 
Published: December 2022

AbstractClinical visual field tests are adaptations of classic psychophysical approaches to measuring the minimum value of a stimulus that can be seen (threshold or sensitivity). Although the classic approaches can be highly accurate and precise, they are also lengthy and unsuitable for clinical practice. Therefore, the design of a clinical visual field test must strike a balance between accuracy, precision, speed, and ease of understanding. Such a compromise brings both advantages and pitfalls. In this course, we will discuss the psychophysical underpinnings of conventional visual field tests and their standard parameters, why they were chosen, and how they might influence interpretation of clinical findings.
Perimetric variability – psychophysics
Authors: Redmond Tony 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe human visual system is inherently noisy and the limits of vision can fluctuate during and between measurements. The way in which tests of vision are designed can also introduce variability. This can make it difficult to discern true changes in the visual field from fluctuations around normal levels. Variability can come from the choice of parameters such as the stimulus, thresholding algorithm, step size, and test duration. The ability to identify visual field damage from normality, and changes in vision from stability, relies greatly upon having a test that has a high disease signal and low variability, while also keeping the test at a manageable duration for patients. In this course, we will discuss the importance of understanding variability, how it is related to visual field test design, as well as the efforts that are being made to reduce it.
Dealing with perimetric variability in clinical practice
Authors: Jansonius Nomdo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe perimetric follow‐up of glaucoma patients seems a complex task. However, with a limited number of basic rules, it can be done well organized and efficiently. We first address the why would we do perimetry in glaucoma follow‐up. After that, we focus on the how. What is the optimal timing of visual fields? Which variables should be monitored? How do we define a change? What is rate‐of‐progression? How can we incorporate age and glaucoma stage in our decision making?