bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
corneal sensitivity with non‐contact air jet esthesiometry compared with mechanical esthesiometry
Authors: Merayo‐Lloves Jesús , del Castillo J. M. Benitez , Montero Jesús , Delpech Salvador 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: The aim of the study was to assess the safety of the measurements taken with a new non‐contact esthesiometer ‐Brill Engines esthesiometer (BEE) and to compare the sensitivity obtained with the Cochet‐Bonnet esthesiometer (CBE).Methods: Sixty‐eight eyes of thirty six healthy volunteers were included in the study. Corneal central sensitivity was measured with the new BEE and with the CBE, with a 0.08 mm of diameter nylon monofilament. Measurement was performed according with the manufacturer instructions. BEE was mounted in the slit lamp and CBE measurement was used manually. A sub‐umbral esthesiometry strategy was performed. To assess whether the data followed a normal distribution, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used. Likewise, the data obtained with the BEE were compared with those obtained with the CBE. A 95% confidence level was considered statistically significant. Measurements obtained with the CBE esthesiometer were converted to millibar for their comparison with the obtained with the BEE.Results: Sixty‐eight eyes of thirty six consecutive healthy volunteers, 30.6% males and 69.4% females, underwent and complete the participation in the study. No adverse effected, ocular surface or corneal damage were detected and both test were well tolerated by volunteers. Correlation between both esthesiometers ICC was −0.123. (Table. 1). Bland Altman plots showed the great majority of data were inside the boundaries (2 SD).Conclusions: A new non‐contact air jet corneal esthesiometer was tested in healthy volunteers with good tolerance, no adverse effects. It is not essential to exert so much force on the ocular surface to determine the sensitivity of a healthy cornea and, BEE is more sensitive compared with CBE. To confirm the pressure margins of BEE at each level and know the intervals in subjects with eye conditions, more studies will be conducted in the future with a more diverse population.Brill Engines esthesiometer could be used as easy use, non‐invasive and portable alternative of the Cochet Bonnet esthesiometer.
Digital solutions for dry eye disease
Authors: de Ribot Francesc March 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose: Present a novel solution to screen‐induced dry eye symptoms that is cheap, easily deployable and scalable.Methods: Device presentation. Research presentation. A previously validated questionnaire for screen‐induced dry eye symptoms was applied to participants after a 30‐minute read on a laptop while the blink rate was recorded on camera. This happens twice for each participant; once with Digital Blinking Stimuli (DiBS) on and once with DiBS off. Each participant is randomized to start with either DiBS on or off without her/his knowledge. DiBS is an innovative computer program that produces screen distortion during 100 ms every 4 s to induce participants to blink at a normal rate while looking at screens. Results from both groups were compared with a Student T‐test.Results: The results showed a significant reduction in the eye soreness, eye strain and tearing subscores with DiBS on. Additionally, with DiBS on, a significant increase in the blink rate was observed.Conclusions: DiBS is a promising new technology that may aid in decreasing screen‐induced dry eye symptoms while at the same time being cheap and easy to deploy.
Update on intrastromal cornea ring segment (ICRS) implantation
Authors: Monteiro Tiago 
Published: December 2022

Abstract1. Describe the current phenotype classification of the disease, developed for ICRS surgical planning.2. Describe the current indications for ICRS implantation in the surgical treatment of keratoconus.3. Describe the advantages and indications of new ICRS optical designs like variable thickness and long arc‐length.
Choroidal thickness profile in keratoconus
Authors: Costa Joao 
Published: December 2022

AbstractChanges in the choroidal thickness (CT) profile in Keratoconus (KC) patients have recently been described, however, the exact changes taking place in the choroid itself are still unclear. The more recent theories about the pathophysiology of KC hint to a possible inflammatory component, which might explain the increase in their CT profile compared to a healthy population. Serum inflammatory biomarkers seem to be associated with increased choroidal thickness, and vascular dilation seems to be the major component of choroidal thickening. The atopy can have a role in choroidal profile, although not determinant. Choroidal profile cannot be used as a progression marker of KC, able to differentiate patients needing crosslinking at a particular moment.
Genetic approach of antioxidant vitamin supplementation for glaucoma neurodegeneration
Authors: Zanon‐Moreno Vicente 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGlaucoma is one of the main causes of irreversible blindness, producing 12.3% of blindness worldwide.According to data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is estimated that there are about 4.5 million people with glaucoma in the world. However, the real number should be much higher if we consider that in developed countries there are 50% of people with undiagnosed glaucoma. And in developing countries, this percentage rises to 90%.Glaucoma is an age‐related disease. Its prevalence in the population over 40 years is around 2%. And in people over 70 years, the prevalence is between 3 and 8 times higher. Taking into account the progressive aging of the population, it is expected that the number of people affected by this disease will continue to increase in the coming years.Among all types of glaucoma, primary open‐angle (POAG) is the most common, accounting for 60–70% of all cases. This type of glaucoma is characterized by high intraocular pressure, optic nerve atrophy and progressive visual field loss.It is a multifactorial disease determined by both genetic and environmental factors. The cause still remains unknown. So, efforts are focused on preventing blindness through early diagnosis and hypotensive treatment, which is not always effective. Currently, neuroprotective treatment is also considered.One of the most studied processes in relation to optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma is oxidative stress. Many studies demonstrate the association between the increase in pro‐oxidant molecules and the progression of POAG. Other studies show how nutritional supplementation with antioxidant vitamins decreases the risk of glaucoma and slows down its progression.The genetics of glaucoma and its interaction with nutritional compounds have also been studied. Thus, it has been shown in patients with POAG that those who have a certain polymorphism of a vitamin C transporter gene have a significantly lower amount of this vitamin. The same as POAG patients carrying a specific polymorphism in a vitamin E transporter gene, who have significantly lower levels of this vitamin.Another study has identified several microRNAs with a differential profile between POAG patients and subjects with ocular hypertension (OHT). And some of these miRNAs have these vitamin transporters as target genes (with high target scores), which might explain the lower vitamins amount present in glaucomatous patients.All these results are extremely interesting and provide a lot of information for the identification of new genetic or molecular biomarkers that allow early diagnosis. And also, for the development of new therapies for a better control of this ocular disease, which will help preventing the glaucomatous blindness.
Role of antioxidants in glaucoma medical treatment
Authors: Garcia‐Medina Jose Javier 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGlaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Oxidative stress has been related to the cell death in this disease. Theoretically, this deleterious consequence can be reduced by antioxidants substances. This presentation intends to update the knowledge about oxidative stress mechanisms in relation with glaucoma and the effect of antioxidant coadjuvant therapy on this disease.
Neuroprotection in glaucoma – Myth or reality?
Authors: Cordeiro Francesca 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe realization that lowering IOP is unable to prevent progressive vision loss in all glaucoma patients, has led to investigation of neuroprotection as an alternative or additional treatment option. Although confirmation of neuroprotective effects by randomized clinical trials is needed, there was a demonstration of positive non‐IOP dependent effects in the LoGTS study, although negative published results of the Memantine study. Much optimism exists for the potential of nicotinamide. Furthermore, it has been proposed as a treatment strategy in other ocular diseases, such as AMD. Neuroprotection has been advocated for many years in neurodegeneration. Indeed, the therapies that have been suggested in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease are similar to those investigated in ophthalmology. This talk will review the evidence for neuroprotection and its role in glaucoma and application as a practical and future treatment strategy.
The silent beast – a case of late‐onset postoperative endophalmitis
Authors: Hernanz Ines 
Published: December 2022

AbstractLate‐onset postoperative cataract surgery endophthalmitis remains a rare but sight‐threatening complication usually caused by slow‐growing pathogenic agents: bacterial or fungus. The delayed diagnosis and the potential irreversible ocular damage make this condition a challenging case for ophthalmologists.Herein, we present a 71‐year‐old woman with late‐onset fungal endophthalmitis after cataract surgery caused by candida parapsilopsis, a rare etiologic agent. This diagnosis should be taken into consideration in every late‐onset postoperative persistent panuveitis with no response to antibiotics and partial response to topical steroids, even after negative vitreous or tap culture. White deposits on the surface of the intraocular lens or the capsule are a crucial sign. Systemic and intraocular antifungal therapy along with vitrectomy and intraocular lens removal—if necessary—are the main therapy to ensure the best visual prognosis.
Microbiota in MGD
Authors: Aragona Pasquale 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMGD is characterized by significant changes in meibum quality that may lead to the changes in the existing ocular surface flora that can contribute to the inflammatory state typical of the condition. Several papers have addressed this aspect. Li and coworkers, dividing the DE group into MGD and non‐MGD patients, found that no statistically significant differences between the two groups. 67 Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Acinetobacter and Corynebacterium were the most represented, although Bacilli showed a higher relative abundance in the MGD group and could be considered typical pathogens of MGD. Watters and colleagues studied patients with several degrees of MGD, among which CL wearers were included. Meibum expression did not modify the bacterial profile. CoNS were the most prevalent organisms isolated, present in two thirds of the population studied, although their presence was not correlated to the severity of MGD. CL wearers showed an increased presence of P. acnes that was correlated to MGD severity. No differences in microbiota were observed related to the severity of anterior blepharitis or CL wear. Dong and coworkers, using 16 S rDNA sequencing, investigated the microbiome of 47 Chinese MGD patients compared with a control group of 42 sex‐ and age‐matched subjects without MGD. They found significant differences at the phyla level, with a significantly higher abundance of Firmicutes (31.7% vs. 19.7%) and Proteobacteria (27.5% vs. 14.7%), and a lower abundance of Actinobacteria (34.2% vs. 57%) in MGD vs control patients. At the genus level, the numbers of Staphylococcus (20.7% vs. 7.9%) and Sphingomonas (5.7% vs. 0.8%) were significantly higher in patients with MGD vs controls, while the numbers of Corynebacterium (20.2% vs. 46.4%) were significantly lower. The meiboscores showed a significant direct correlation with the abundance of Staphylococcus in MGD patients. They concluded that patients with MGD can have bacterial microbiota alterations in the conjunctival sac, with a potential role of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Sphingomonas sp. in MGD pathophysiology. In a previous study carried out on a small group of patients with blepharitis, Lee and coworkers demonstrated that blepharitis might be associated with a change in microbial composition, namely, greater quantities of Streptophyta, Corynebacterium and Enhydrobacter species. It was suggested that cytotoxicity and inflammatory components, triggered by bacterial growth, may contribute to the pathological process of MGD. Zheng et al confirmed the changes of ocular surface flora in MGD patients showing a wide bacterial profile and positive aerobic and anaerobic culture, significantly higher in both meibomian secretion and conjunctiva of MGD patients than in controls. The ocular surface inflammatory condition occurring in MGD and blepharitis could be mediated by the induced expression of acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) that is considered an immune response activator and is over expressed in MGD. It can be hypothesized that changes in ocular surface microbial flora can mediate AMCase upregulation.
Device‐assisted therapies in MGD
Authors: del Castillo José Benitez 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMeibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most frequent cause of evaporative dry eye disease (DED). Until now, the only available treatments were as follows: warm compresses, massage, omega 3, and antibiotics. As a result, multiple devices have appeared in the marketplace designed to use heat and pressure to alleviate MG blockages, as well as to remove residue along the lid margins. The mechanism of action of Lipiflow®, Miboflo®, iLux® and Jett Plasma Lift® is thermal expression. The Lipiflow® consists of a console and a single‐use sterile device that uses sensor‐regulated heat and peristaltic motion to evacuate obstructed meibum. One section of the device goes behind the eyelids, providing the warmth; an outer section gently massages the lids against the inner section. Its effects last usually 12 months. Jett Plasma Lift also remove keratinized material from de lid margin. ILux® system is not available in Europe.​Intense pulsed light (IPL) was originally developed for use in dermatology. Brief, powerful bursts of light at specific wavelengths (in this case, between 500 and 800 nm) cause changes in blood vessels near the surface of the skin, raise skin temperature and eliminate problematic flora on the skin and eyes, all of which may have a beneficial effect on meibomian gland dysfunction. Closing the abnormal vessels decrease inflammation and oxygen supply to meibocytes (they work in anaerobic conditions). Usually four sessions are needed. Expression with forceps and the treatment directly of the lids improve results. There are multiple platforms and not all are the same. BlephEx® produces microblepharoexfoliation. It's typically repeated at four to six‐month intervals. It is useful for anterior blepharitis. Rexon‐Eye® is an electro‐medical device for the treatment of DED. The applied electrical stimulation is based on the principle of quantum molecular resonance. Transferring energy to biological tissues in the form of high frequency oscillating electrical fields biostimulate the lachrymal and the MG. Thus, it is helpful for evaporative and aqueous‐deficient DED.​The use of these devices reset the MG. They should be used on the glands before they atrophy. A combination of these treatments will probably work best for difficult patients. Independent clinical trials and studies comparing these devices and the new coming instruments are needed.
eye drops for retinal disease
Authors: Stefansson Einar 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUsing topical application to deliver drugs to the posterior segment of the eye remains a challenge. Posterior segment diseases are currently treated by intravitreal injection or implant. Eye drop formulations based on γ‐cyclodextrin (γCD)‐based nanoparticle aggregates were developed and deliver therapeutic concentrations of drugs (dorzolamide and dexamethasone) to both anterior and posterior segments of the eye in animal models and clinical studies. An early study in humans showed dorzolamide/γCD eye drops could achieve comparable intraocular pressure decreases to commercial dorzolamide eye drops, but with less frequent application. Pilot studies with dexamethasone/γCD eye drops showed clinical effect in a range of human conditions, including diabetic macular oedema, cystoid macular oedema and vitritis secondary to uveitis, inflammation after cataract surgery and postoperative treatment in trabeculectomy. A multicentre, double‐masked, parallel‐group, randomized, Phase 2 study was performed to evaluate topical dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension in diabetic macular edema (DME). One hundred and forty four patients aged 18–85 years with DME of <3 years duration, ETDRS central subfield thickness ≥ 310 μm by SD‐OCT and ETDRS letter score ≤ 73 and ≥ 24 in the study eye were randomized 2:1 to OCS‐01 or matching vehicle, 1 drop 3 times/day for 12 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated as change from baseline to Week 12 of ETDRS letter score and central macular thickness (CMT). Mean CMT showed a greater decrease from baseline with OCS‐01 (N = 99) than vehicle (N = 45) at Week 12 (−53.6 vs −16.8 μm, p = 0.0115). Mean change in ETDRS letter score from baseline to Week 12 met the p was +2.6 letters with topical OCS‐01 and 1 letter with vehicle (p = 0.125). In a post‐hoc analysis, there was a greater difference in patients with baseline BCVA ≤65 letters, the OCS‐01 group improved 3.8 letters compared with 0.9 letters with vehicle. OCS‐01 was well‐tolerated, and increased intraocular pressure was the most common adverse event. Cyclodextrin nanoparticle eye drops deliver drugs to the retina in therapeutically relevant concentrations and promise a non‐invasive alternative in drug treatment of retinal diseases.
Proteostasis is age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Kaarniranta Kai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe accumulation of damaged and harmful components in cells, particularly those composed of misfolded and potentially hazardous proteins, is characteristic for several neurodegenerative diseases, including age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Misfolded proteins frequently expose hydrophobic patches that structurally should be buried inside the protein, making the misfolded proteins prone to aggregation. Inefficient protein homeostasis and failures in removing misfolded and aggregated proteins or impaired organelles, especially damaged mitochondria, can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species and increase in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress‐induced damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is considered to be a key factor in AMD pathology. The ubiquitin‐proteasome and the lysosomal/autophagy pathways are the two major proteolytic systems to remove damaged proteins and organelles. There is increasing evidence that proteostasis is disturbed in RPE as evidenced by lysosomal lipofuscin and extracellular drusen accumulation in AMD. The role of clearance mechanisms in AMD pathology will be discussed.
eye genes: Looking forward, glancing back
Authors: Van Heyningen Veronica 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWhen we began the identification of genes implicated in eye disease, the process was slow and laborious. It is three decades since we identified PAX6 as the gene mutated in aniridia, before the launch of the Human Genome Project. Since then there have been seismic changes in technology: in sequencing, gene expression studies, including database generation and data mining and the use of AI (artificial intelligence). The building of the Human Cell Atlas is revolutionizing our understanding of microanatomy. Patient phenotyping has also evolved with great strides in ocular imaging and psychophysics. Two decades ago, we identified further key eye development genes, SOX2 and OTX2, implicated in anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Together with retinal disease gene discovery, the era of functional network building began. Our interests encompassed defining not only coding region mutations—now much aided by advances in protein structure prediction—but also non‐coding regulatory variation. Exploration of dynamic and established genome organization is contributing to improved understanding of these aspects normal and abnormal function. Our speedy tour will take us through much territory.
genetic dynamics and global clinical features of inherited retinal diseases
Authors: Rivolta Carlo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractInherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are monogenic conditions, almost invariantly transmitted as typical Mendelian traits. However, in contrast to most genetic disorders, always caused by mutations in the same disease‐specific gene, IRDs may originate from DNA defects involving any one of approximately 250 different loci. This unusual feature, combined with an overall reduced clinical prevalence, leads to complicated diagnostic procedures and highlights disease mechanisms that rarely seen in medical genetics. In this lecture, we will discuss our most recent results on the molecular determinants of IRDs, based on the investigation of several genomes from patients and unaffected individuals from various parts of the world. In addition to producing a detailed mutational landscape of these conditions, the analysis of our data provides new and unexpected findings about the clinical and the molecular dynamics of IRDs.
The effect of drought stress on nodulation, plant growth, and nitrogen fixation in soybean during early plant growth
Authors: Lumactud Rhea Amor , Dollete Danielito , Liyanage Dilrukshi Kombala , Szczyglowski Krzysztof , Hill Brett , Thilakarathna Malinda S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is one of the most important grain legume crops in the world. Soybean forms a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia bacteria that reside in root nodules and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Most of the soybean's nitrogen demand is derived from symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). Drought is becoming a major threat to crop production in the world. Legumes are sensitive to drought stress, and drought can negatively affect SNF, grain yield, and seed protein production. The effect of drought stress on soybean growth, morphological traits, nodulation, water use efficiency, and SNF, particularly during early plant growth, remains poorly characterized. We hypothesized that early‐onset drought stress can negatively affect nodulation, plant growth, and SNF in soybean during the vegetative growth stages. To test this hypothesis, a controlled‐environment study was conducted using soybean plants grown in pots, where plants were subjected to moderate drought stress (40% field capacity) and well‐watered (80% field capacity) from seeding until the flowering stage. Drought stress significantly reduced the nodule number and nodule dry weight, root and shoot biomass, shoot total nitrogen content, shoot carbon to nitrogen ratio, and shoot total fixed nitrogen compared to the well‐watered control. Conversely, root‐to‐shoot ratio and shoot nitrogen concentration were higher under drought stress compared to well‐watered conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of adverse impacts of drought in the early growth stage of soybean while suggesting that reduced total nitrogen assimilation during the vegetative phase can lead to less nitrogen reserves available for translocating at the seed filling stages for seed protein production. This information should aid in generating drought‐tolerant soybean cultivars.