bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intra‐corneal implantation of 3D bio‐printed mesenchymal stem cells using femtosecond‐laser‐ assisted intrastromal keratoplasty
Authors: Lemonche Gerard Boix , Nagymihaly Richard M. Nagymihaly M. , Niemi Essi M. , Josifovska Natasha , Johansen Stian , Moe Morten Carstens , Scholz Hanne , Petrovski Goran 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Regeneration of the cornea due to trauma or disease is a complex biological process, involving a delicate balance between cell differentiation, migration and a multitude of secreted factors and signalling molecules. We hereby present a tissue‐engineering technique as a possible first step towards getting a bench‐to‐bedside approach to assist corneal regeneration and ultimately, corneal transplantation.Methods: 3D extrusion‐based bioprinting and femtosecond laser‐assisted intrastromal keratoplasty (FLISK) were used in the study. Ex vivo cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from adipose tissue, bone marrow and corneal stroma were bioprinted in a complex, collagen I‐containing hydrogel. The transparent, cell‐loaded nanocellulose and alginate‐based 3D constructs were then implanted into a pig cornea organ culture model. The 3D printed intrastromal constructs were first cultivated ex vivo, while the de novo extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and migration of cells was followed by optical coherence tomography and immunohistochemistry.Results: The ex vivo cultured, MSC‐loaded 3D bioprinted constructs supported cell survival and propagation for all three types of MSCs used. The transparency of the corneal stroma substitute was not compromised by the presence of MSCs in the bioprinted matrix. At day 14, the 3D‐bioprinted scaffolds appeared intact, as analysed by optical coherence tomography, while immunofluorescent staining using ECM and MSCs markers demonstrated the cellular presence in the constructs.Conclusions: Optimization of the bioink composition, cellular content and properties of the bioprinted material to be used in corneal transplantation and regeneration studies are essential in fine‐tuning the technique towards its clinical use.
Correlation between visual field index (VFI) and quality of life in glaucoma patients
Authors: Rossi Gemma Caterina Maria , Bosi Chiara , Ssavini Lorenzo , de Silvestri Annalisa , Milano Giovanni 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: The goal of glaucoma treatment is to avoid progression, to preserve vision and to maintain a sustainable quality of life (QoL). Aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between QoL and visual field index (VFI).Methods: Cross‐sectional, monocentric study. Quality of life was examined with the 25‐item National Eye Institute‐Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI‐VFQ‐25) and the Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS). The visual field was performed with the Humphrey Field Analyser, with SITA fast 24‐2 program. The variables considered were: age, gender, comorbidities, years at visit (at diagnosis and duration of the illness), treatment and related active principles (n. of bottles and n. instillation and/or previous surgery), IOP min and max, visual acuity min and max. The analysis has been performed on both the better and the worse eye. Statistical analysis: linear regression univariate analysis and multivariate analyses.Results: 193 patients (103 females) have been enrolled. The mean age (±SD) was 71 ± 10 ys, most patients presented hypertension (109, 62%) as main comorbidity. Patients were mostly on monotherapy (176, 45%). The mean value of the VFI was 81 ± 26, the total mean of the NEI‐VFQ was 80 ± 18, and the GSS total score was 77 ± 2. The linear regression analysis of the association between the variables and NEI VFQ‐25 found relation to: age (r = −0.29, p = 0.016); years of illness (r = −0.32, p = 0.02); visual acuity (r = 2.03, p < 0.001); IOP (r = 1.12, p = 0.002); number of previous surgeries (r = −3.93, p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis found relation to: gender (r = 5.13, p = 0.02), VA (r = 3.16, p < 0.001) previous surgeries (r = −1.8, p = 0.03). Regarding GSS, the linear regression analysis found relation to visual acuity; VFI, previous surgeries and number of instillations. A higher VFI has a positive impact on QoL questionnaires.Conclusions: The study demonstrated the correlation between the VFI and the QoL, supporting a role of VFI as a metric instrument in the follow up.
P2X7R and TNFR1 antagonism neuroprotects rodent retinal ganglion cells in a sepsis model
Authors: Ramírez Kristy Tatiana Rodríguez , Calzaferri Francesco , Rios Cristobal De Los , Vidal‐Sanz Manuel , Agudo‐Barriuso Marta 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: i/ To analyse the time course of retinal ganglion cell death (RGCs) after systemic injection of LPS in mice. ii/ To analyse the neuroprotective effect of P2X7 or TNFR1 receptor antagonism after LPS treatment.Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of increasing doses of LPS and retinas were analysed at 3 days. Once the dose was set, to test the neuroprotective effect of the antagonism of the P2X7 and the TNFR1 receptors, antagonists were administered subcutaneously or intraperitoneally, alone or in combination. Control groups were intact animals and animals treated with LPS + vehicle. In all groups, retinas were dissected flat and the total number of RGCs immunodetected with Brn3a was quantified.Results: Significant death of RGCs was observed with doses higher than 4 mg/kg of LPS. In LPS treated animals, the loss of RGCs was observed at 3 days a progressed up to 7 days when 31% of the original RGC population was lost. From 7 to 21 days RGC loss did not progress. Antagonism of P2X7R or TNFR1 rescued 95% and 92% respectively of the original RGC population. Combination of both treatments did not improve each one alone.Conclusions: A single injection of LPS causes RGC death which is rescued by more than 90% by antagonizing the inflammasome or the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis.
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON): Retinal structure and function correlations
Authors: Pajic Sanja Petrovic , Barboni Mirella , Habjan Maja Sustar , Hawlina Marko 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: LHON mainly affects small‐calibre ganglion cells in the papillomacular bundle which is electroretinographically reflected mainly as abnormal wave N95 of the pattern ERG (PERG) and photopic negative response (PhNR). In this study we investigated whether there is a reflection of the disease in oscillatory potentials (OPs), which are thought to reflect activity of the inner retinal generators, and whether there is a correlation with retinal structure as assessed by OCT segmentation to explore potential structural/functional biomarkers in LHON.Methods: Seven patients (mean age = 28.4 ± 5.6) with genetically confirmed LHON were compared to 12 healthy volunteers (mean age = 35.0 ± 12.1). PhNR, dark and light adapted OPs were derived from full‐field ERG signals. Segmentation analysis of retinal layers in ETDRS rings performed using the Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis SD‐OCT was correlated with oscillatory potentials derived from dark‐adapted and light‐adapted ERG signals filtered at 75 Hz cut‐off frequency that were shown to be affected in LHON in a previous study shown at this EVER meeting (Barboni et al.).Results: Dark‐adapted OP2 component filtered at 75 Hz cutoff frequency displayed a significant negative correlation with outer plexiform layer (OPL) thickness (Spearman correlation = 0.94; p = 0.005) for outer ETDRS ring. The OP3 and OP4 showed marginal correlation with the outer ETDRS ring (Spearman correlation = 0.812; p = 0.050 and Spearman correlation = 0.840; p = 0.036). Marginally significant positive correlation was found with the OP3 (Spearman correlation = 0.812; p = 0.050). We found no significant correlation between OPs and any other retinal layers, nor were light‐adapted PhNRs associated with OCT layer thickness.Conclusions: In chronic stage of the LHON, oscillatory potentials may be associated with OCT parameters, most notably dark adapted OP2 with OPL thickness. These data emphasize possible involvement of fast retinal generators as an additional biomarker in LHON patients.
12‐month outcomes of trabecular microbypass iStent inject W implantation combined with cataract surgery in open‐angle glaucoma eyes
Authors: El Bakkali Ismael Bakkali , Arias Pablo Cisneros , Rivasés Guillermo Pérez , Moscarda Eva Josefina Núñez , De Rivas Marta Orejudo , Fernández Miguel Castillo , Clavería Julia Aramburu , Martínez Marta Suñer , García Diana Pérez , Ascaso Javier , Ibañez Juan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the effectiveness (lowering medication) of a single trabecular microbypass stent (iStent Inject® W, Glaukos) implantation in combination with phacoemulsification in open‐angle glaucoma eyes over a 12‐month period.Methods: Non‐randomized, single‐centre, retrospective case series of glaucoma eyes undergoing iStent implantation with phacoemulsification. Patients with no prior glaucoma surgery and intolerant or non‐compliant with medications were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcome effectiveness measures include reduction number of glaucoma medications and stabilization of intraocular pressure (IOP).Results: 30 eyes of 24 patients (mean age 74.9 ± 8.4) were included in this study. Mean baseline IOP was 17.7 ± 3.5 mmHg and was reduced to 16.1 ± 2.6 and 15.7 ± 2.5 at 6‐ and 12 months respectively (p = 0.002). Mean number of medications was 2.3 ± 1 at baseline and was significantly reduced to 0.7 ± 0.9 at 12 months (p < 0.001; −68%). No eye was medication free at baseline versus 50% (n = 15) at 12 months. In controlled glaucoma eyes (≤18 mmHG), mean IOP was stable (15.5 ± 2.1 at baseline; 15.3 ± 2.4 at 12‐month) while medications were reduced from 1.9 ± 0.7 at baseline to 0.5 ± 0.6, whereas in uncontrolled glaucoma eyes (>18mmHG at baseline) both IOP and medications were reduced from 20.7 ± 2.5 and 2.7 ± 1.2 at baseline to 16.2 ± 2.6 and 1.1 ± 1.1 at 12‐month respectively. There was no statistically significant change in retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness at 12 months (p = 0.32). No eyes have experienced adverse events such as postoperatively IOP spikes or hyphema.Conclusions: iStent Inject W implantation with phacoemulsification results in a significant reduction in mean glaucoma medications in glaucoma eyes. IOP was also reduced and there was no loss of visual acuity or RNFL. In uncontrolled IOP eyes, the stent implantation has brought IOP under control and reduced the number of medications, while in controlled IOP eyes, it has lowered the number of medications.
Traumatic acute retrobulbar haemorrhage complicated with central retinal artery occlusion
Authors: Gouider Dhouha , Sayadi Jihene , Choura Racem , Aidi Nourhene , Raihan Haythem , Mekni Manel , Zeghal Imene , Malek Ines , Nacef Leila 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: To present the vascular complications of traumatic acute retrobulbar haemorrhage and describe its management through a case report.Methods: A case report of a patient having an acute retrobulbar haemorrhage complicated with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).Results: A 50‐year‐old male patient exposed to blunt orbital trauma two hours prior was referred to the emergency with complaints of pain and loss of vision in the left eye. The negative light perception was noted in this eye. A tense hematoma, proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and a non‐reactive pupil were also noted. Biomicroscopic examination, revealed corneal edema, subconjunctival haemorrhage, and chemosis. The fundus examination was not possible. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 60 mmHg. The patient was diagnosed with acute retrobulbar haemorrhage. Computerized tomography was performed immediately showing a fracture of the left medial orbital wall and haemorrhage within the retrobulbar space. Intravenous mannitol and topical dorzolamide‐timolol associated with oral corticosteroid were administered. IOP decreased to 30 mmHg, but the patient's visual acuity did not improve. The fundus examination revealed a total CRAO confirmed by the fluorescein angiography and OCT‐A showing massive ischemic edema and occluded perimacular arterioles with interruption to the choroidal blood flow. OCT images demonstrated an increased reflectivity and thickness of the inner retina and subretinal fluid, which corresponds to the acute phase of CRAO. The time of surgical treatment was missed, and as a result, the patient missed their chance for visual recovery.Conclusions: Retrobulbar haemorrhage is a complication from ocular trauma that may cause permanent vision loss. Retrobulbar haemorrhage can potentially lead to dangerous increases in intraorbital pressure, a condition that is also described as orbital compartment syndrome. This increase in pressure is sufficient to cause vision loss, whether through direct compression of the optic nerve leading to optic neuropathy, a central retinal artery occlusion, or compression of the vessels that provide nutrition to the optic nerve.
Cellular remodelling of the inner retina and the retinal ganglion cells in experimental retinal detachment
Authors: Tsoka Pavlina , Steirou Theodora , Tsilimbaris Miltiadis K. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Anatomical surgical outcomes for the treatment of retinal detachment (RD) are outstanding; however, only 50% of the patients with a detached macula regain 5/10 or better vision. Thus, to preserve or restore visual function in RD, several gaps in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease need to be bridged. Therefore, the purpose of the current study, was to investigate the anatomical/morphological changes of retinal interneurons and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in an experimental model of RD.Methods: Experimental RD was induced in C57BL6/J mice by a subretinal injection of 1% sodium hyaluronate. Following RD, mice were euthanized at 1‐, 3‐, 7‐, 30‐ and 90‐days post‐surgery and eyes or retinas were isolated and proceed for sectioning or retinal whole mounts respectively. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies were performed against protein kinase C alpha (PKC‐α) to target rod bipolar cells, calretinin and calbindin D to target horizontal cells and brain‐specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3A (Brn3a) and neuron‐specific class III beta‐tubulin (β‐tubulin III) to target RGCs.Results: Three days post‐RD, PKC‐α+ neurons (rod bipolar cells) began to migrate towards the outer nuclear layer (ONL), while 30 days post‐RD they had significantly migrated towards the ONL and displayed irregular distribution of their cell bodies in the inner nuclear layer. Similarly, processes of horizontal cells also migrated towards the ONL, 7 days post‐RD and became more invasive and disoriented after longer‐term detachment (30 days post‐surgery). Moreover, there was a significant increase in the intensity of calbindin D, 30‐days post‐RD. Brn3a/β‐tubulin ΙΙΙ+ RGCs were significantly fewer 30‐ and 90‐days post RD. All retinal neurons that were examined, did not show any noteworthy differences 1 day post RD.Conclusions: RD resulted in significant anatomical changes in both rod bipolar and horizontal neurons of the retina along with a notable reduction of RGCs. The cellular response of the inner retina and the RGCs of the detached retina might play an important role in the imperfect visual score of an anatomical successful surgical reattachment.
The prevalence of cataract by vision screening in a Belgium nursing home residents in 2021
Authors: Moghaddam Zahra Javdani Sanatgar 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: With an ageing population that continues to grow, and 13.6% of the population aged 65 or over receive long term formal care, 8.5% residing in Elderly homes in Belgium. We aim to map prevalence of visual impairement, and blindness caused by cataract, and refractive errors in a nursing home in Belgium.Methods: Between 07/04/2021 and 09/05/2021, 170 residents of a nursing home in Flanders were examined. Detailed medical and family history, complete ophthalmological examination including visual acuity, slit lamp examination of the anterior segment of the eye, measurement of intraocular pressure, eye fundoscopy and OCT (not in all of them) was performed.Results: Visual acuity of 146 residents (88%) of 170 residents of elderly home, 111 (65.29%) women and 59 (34.70%) men was determined. Mean age of the residents was 81.54 (±10.89) years. Of all participants, 8 (4.70%) were blind and 63 (37.06%) were moderately or severely visually impaired. In 24 residents (14.12%), visual acuity could not be determined. The prevalence of cataracts, secondary cataract and previous cataract surgery in the 170 residents was: respectively 102(60.00%), 27 (15.88%) and 36 (21.80%).In the 102 residents with cataracts, secondary cataracts and operated of cataract were respectively 90 (52.94%), 15 (%) and 32 (%) bilateral and 12 (%), 12 (7.06%) and 4 (%) unilateral.Conclusions: Many elderlies in these nursing home have poor access to Eyecare, because of their immobility. This might lead to vision impairment and blindness, affecting their social life and quality of life. An ophthalmological examination and treatment can be useful to avoid progressive visual impairment and eventually blindness.Author Javdani Sanatgar Moghaddam Zahra, MD, (Presenting Author) irisjavdani@yahoo.frOther Authors.Prof Robert Kuijpers robert.kuijpers@uzbrussel.beDr Frank Goes frank@goes.be
Autophagy protects retinal pigment epithelial cells from hydroquinone‐induced toxicity
Authors: Hytti Maria , Kauppinen Anu , Kaarniranta Kai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease and the most common cause of blindness among the elderly in the Western world. Dysfunctional cellular clearance and increased oxidative stress are known to play a role in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell death and dysfunction, which secondarily leads to photoreceptor degeneration and a loss of central vision. Smoking, which increases oxidative stress on a cellular level is a known risk factor for AMD. Here we assess the role of autophagy in the survival of ARPE‐19 cells exposed to the cigarette smoke component hydroquinone and in the secretion of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).Methods: We exposed ARPE‐19 cells to 100 μM hydroquinone following either 1 h or 24 h of serum‐starvation, which induced autophagic clearance. At the same time, autophagy was inhibited either at the early or the late stage using 3‐Methyladenine or bafilomycin A1, respectively. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or the MTT assay. VEGF secretion was measured from the medium using ELISA.Results: Hydroquinone exposure reduced cell viability to 50% of control when hydroquinone was added following a 1 h serum starvation. Inversely, if cells were starved for 24 h prior to hydroquinone exposure, no toxicity was observed. Inhibition of autophagy at the early but not the late stage significantly reduced the survival of cells starved for 24 h prior to hydroquinone exposure. At the same time, autophagy inhibition significantly reduced VEGF secretion to the medium.Conclusions: Autophagy activation effectively prevented oxidative stress‐induced cytotoxicity in RPE cells, highlighting the importance of functional autophagy in RPE cells and in the prevention of AMD.
miRNAs regulating gene expression/gene networks and its multifactorial pathways in open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Blasco Irene Andrés , Raga‐Cervera Jorge , Bolarin Jose M. , Gallego‐Martinez Alex , Sánchez Javier Benítez‐Del‐Castillo , Pinazo‐Durán Maria D. , Zanón‐Moreno Vicente 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: To describe the microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in ocular hypertension (OHT) and open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) to develop miRNA‐based glaucoma diagnostic and therapeutic tools.Methods: An analytical, observational, case–control study was performed in 42 volunteers of both sexes, aged 50 to 80 years, that were classified according to: suffering OHT (n = 20) or with the diagnosis of OAG (n = 20). All participants were interviewed for obtaining sociodemographic and personal/familial records, ophthalmologically examined, and their tear samples were collected and frozen at 80 °C until processing for molecular‐genetic assays. Tear RNA extraction, libraries construction, and next generation sequencing were performed. In addition, Gene information was set up from the DIANA‐TarBase v7, DIANA‐microT‐CDS, and TargetScan v7.1 databases. To build a network of metabolic pathways, only genes appearing in at least four of the following databases: DisGeNet, GeneDistiller, MalaCards, OMIM PCAN, UniProt, and GO were considered.Results: Mean age of participants was 61.1 ± 2.4 years (OHT subjects) and 64.5 ± 1.4 years (OAG patients). In this work we have investigated the delivering of intact miRNAs to target tissues by analysing the tear samples. We identified 95 miRNAs in tears of the OHT subjects and/or OAG patients. When comparing tears from both study groups, the differential expression profiling of eight miRNAs: miR‐26b‐5p, miR‐152‐3p, miR‐30 e‐5p, miR‐125b‐2‐5p, miR‐224‐5p, miR‐151a‐3p, miR‐1307‐3p, and miR‐27a‐3p was found. Also, the interaction networks of the above miRNAS were identified in HTO versus OAG.Conclusions: We propose specific miRNAs and their target genes/signalling pathways as candidates for a better understanding of the molecular‐genetic bases of OAG.
Improvement of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy monitoring by informatic systems
Authors: Alacid Alberto López , Franco Pedro Esteban Quílez , de Imperial Ollero Juan Antonio Miralles , Jiménez Andres López 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: To study the proportion of patients treated with hydroxychloroquine in Health Area VII of Murcia following the screening recommended by the international guidelines and to implement a system to improve the screening efficacy.Methods: We studied the patients in Health Area VII of Murcia, Spain, treated with hydroxychloroquine between January and November 2019 to find out whether patients were correctly screened for retinopathy. Demographic data, medical specialty prescribing hydroxychloroquine, disease, year of onset and examinations performed in our Ophthalmology Service were collected.Results: A total of 202 medical records were reviewed. Baseline ophthalmologic exams were performed in 63.9% of cases: fundus examination (96.9%) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) (33.3%). Follow‐up examination was performed in 61.8% of cases. Follow‐up was complete, with OCT, 10‐2 visual field and autofluorescence image in only 2.4% of patients. The time between revisions was 1.6 years on average. These results strongly deviated from the guidelines. We planned a strategy to improve the screening of these patients. We developed a computer database that allows the voluntary and automatic registration of patients treated with hydroxychloroquine, including contact and demographic data, start date of treatment, the daily dose and retinopathy risk factors. With this database, the patient's appointment in ophthalmology will be provided with the corresponding tests. The examination will be assessed by telemedicine and the time of the next check‐up will be determined according to the results.Conclusions: This plan aims to capture most patients starting the treatment with hydroxychloroquine and to carry out the appropriate tests at each visit with strict follow‐up, thus reducing the care load.References1. Yusuf IH et al. Eye (Lond). Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Retinopathy: Recommendations on Monitoring, 2021 Jun; 35(6):1532–1537.