bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VSN16S, an agonist of the cannabinoid receptor, reduces IOP profiles and exhibits neuroprotective properties in a rat model of glaucoma
Authors: Guo Li , Luong Vy , Gregson Aaron , Baker David , Selwood David , Cordeiro M. Francesca 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThere is an unmet need for new drugs in glaucoma that can effectively prevent glaucoma progression. We assessed the effects of VSN16S and AG‐020, the agonists of the cannabinoid receptor, on intraocular pressure (IOP) and neuroprotection using a rat model of ocular hypertension (OHT).Methods20 male Dark Agouti (DA) rats aged 8–10 weeks were randomly located into 4 groups (n = 5): OHT‐only, OHT+vehicle, OHT+VSN16S, and OHT+AG‐020. All animals had IOP surgically elevated in the left eye (OS) by injection of hypertonic saline into the episcleral veins. Except for OHT‐only, animals in the other 3 groups have received eye drops in OS either vehicle or VSN16S or AG‐0202 at 10 mg/ml, twice daily for 3 weeks following OHT‐induction. IOPs were recorded in both eyes at baseline (BL), day1, week1, 2, and 3 using a Tonopen. Animals were in vivo imaged for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis in both eyes using DARC (Detection of Apoptotic Retinal Cells) at BL and week3 before culled. Retinal whole‐mounts were immunostained with a Brn‐3a antibody to assess RGC survival. DARC spots and RGC counts were assessed by blinded algorithm analysis.ResultsSurgical procedure induced a significant increase in IOP profiles in all animal groups compared to the contralateral eye (OD), and peak levels occurred at day1 (p < 0.001). In the OHT eyes treated with VSN16S, IOPs at week1 exhibited a sharp reduction (p < 0.05), and integrate IOP at week3 was significantly lower than vehicle controls (p < 0.01). However, AG020 showed no effect on IOP. IOP elevation resulted in a significant increase in DARC counts (RGC apoptosis) in all groups, compared to the baseline. DARC counts revealed a significant reduction in the OHT eyes treated by VSN16S, compared to the OHT‐only and vehicle groups (p < 0.01), but less of a reduction of DARC counts was observed with AG‐020 treatment (p < 0.05). A significant reduction of Brn‐3a+RGC density was seen in the OHT‐only group compared to naïve controls (p < 0.05), and VSN16S treatment demolished the difference although no significance was found on Brn‐3a+RGC density between VSN16S and controls.ConclusionsVSN16S exerted neuroprotective properties in OHT‐induced RGC loss, which may be associated with lowering IOP profiles. DARC is a useful tool in the assessment of drug efficacy in retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
The iVAN Project: an innovative solution to meet the challenges in trial recruitment during a global pandemic
Authors: Abdulhussein Dalia , Margai Gina , Manzar Haider , Yap Timothy , Bonetti Jessica , Bonetti Paolo , Miodragovic Serge , Normando Eduardo , Cordeiro Francesca 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeCOVID‐19 has greatly affected the number of patients willing and able to attend hospital, with research activity also greatly impacted. Imperial College Ophthalmology Research Group (ICORG) have observed clinical backlogs and a 77% decrease in trial patient recruitment. As a first of its kind, this project aims to combat clinic waiting lists and patient confidence in trial involvement through creating a safe, flexible and decentralised healthcare environment with iVAN, a mobile research unit.MethodsA survey of outpatients was performed exploring attitudes towards visiting hospital for clinical and research reasons amidst a pandemic. A vehicle was equipped with state‐of‐the‐art clinical research facilities in a COVID‐safe environment. A multi‐stage approach was taken in order to achieve relevant driving and roadworthiness certification, multi‐disciplinary involvement and healthcare network planning in order to ensure the smooth progression of the project. A pilot period of clinical visits was carried out and evaluated in close vicinity to the hospital.ResultsOf the 53 patients surveyed, 60% percent of patients were not willing to take part in clinical trials with others having concerns related to travel and being in the hospital. The final layout of the vehicle includes imaging devices, a visual field analyser, IT equipment and space for staff to see patients. Social distancing and infection control have been ensured to provide a pleasant and safe working environment. A pilot period is underway assessing staff and patient satisfaction along with capacity and trial data runs, with future plans involving satellite clinics in the community.ConclusionsFlexible and innovative service provision continues to be required to minimise morbidity attributable to the pandemic. The iVan has the facilities to bring decentralised, specialist ophthalmic care into local communities in a COVID‐safe manner, whilst being a useful tool to engage future research participants.
Vision‐related quality of life in spondyloarthritis patients with history of acute anterior uveitis under treatment with golimumab: preliminary results of the GO‐VISION observational study
Authors: Leal Ines , Jose Patricia , Barão Rafael , Mano Sofia , Melo Ana Teresa , Dourado Eduardo , Tenazinha Catarina , Vaz Cláudia , Ferreira Joana Fonseca , Dinis Sara , Santos Filipe Cunha , Fernandes Henrique , Khmelinskii Nikita , Marques‐Neves Carlos , de Sousa Elsa Vieira , Fonseca João Eurico 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeAcute anterior uveitis (AAU) is one of the most common extra‐articular manifestations of spondyloarthritis (SpA), causing significant burden in quality of life (QoL). Golimumab (GLM) is a tumor necrosis factor‐inhibitor proven to be effective and safe in SpA. The GO‐EASY Study provided evidence that GLM decreases the AAU occurrence rate in SpA. Our aim is to study the impact of GLM in the change of vision‐related (VR) QoL in subjects with SpA and past or current AAU.MethodsOngoing prospective multicentre observational study (including 8 centres in Portugal) of SpA patients with history of AAU treated with GLM followed‐up for 12 months. We intend to recruit in total 30 patients and we report herein the 6 months outcomes for the first 9 patients enrolled. The occurrence of AAU was assessed in the 2 years before GLM treatment was started and the first 6 months of follow‐up and calculated for the period at risk for a new AAU. VR QoL was assessed with the self‐administered National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire‐25 (NEI VFQ‐25). Adverse events were noted.ResultsNine patients (66.7% female, 100% TNFi‐naive, mean age 46.1 ± 14.4 years (range 22–65)) have completed 6 months of follow‐up. Three patients (33%) were also under oral methotrexate. The mean number of AAU flares in the 2 years preceding the start of GLM was 2.2 ± 1.3 (1–4). During the first 6 months of GLM treatment, the AAU incidence rate was reduced from 1.54 to 0.11 per 100 patient‐years (incidence ratio‐ratio 13.46, 95% CI 2.15–558.00; p < 0.01). At baseline and at 24 weeks after GLM onset, the mean overall index NEI VFQ‐25 total score was 70.2 and 83.2, respectively; improvement in the NEI VFQ‐25 total score was +13 ± 18.2. No significant or new adverse events occurred.ConclusionsPreliminary data from the GO‐VISION study suggest that GLM is safe and effective in patients with SpA and history of AAU, being able to reduce the AAU occurrence rate and potentially increasing VR QoL.
Phakic implantable collamer lens exchange for high vault with acute angle closure
Authors: Aoun Safa Ben , Ouederni Meriem , Nefaa Fehmy , Nabi Wijdene , Cheour Monia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo describe a case of an early postoperative angle‐closure related to high vault after phakic implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation managed by smaller size lens exchange.MethodsA case report if a 38‐year‐old woman with high myopia underwent refractive surgery correction with posterior phakic Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (STAAR Surgical, V4c) in the right eye. White‐to‐white measurement was 12.28 mm. Preoperative anterior chamber depth was 3.04 mm. ICL implantation with a 13.2 mm lens was performedResultsPostoperative examination showed a shallow anterior chamber with a raised intraocular pressure (IOP) of 28 mmHg. Anterior segment OCT (AS‐OCT) revealed a lens vault of 954 µm raising to 1154 µm after 4 days with iridocorneal angle closure. The diagnosis of acute angle‐closure secondary to non‐pupillary block due to the volume of the ICL was made. Explantation of the ICL and re‐implantation of a smaller sized lens (12.6 mm) was performed 7 days after the first surgery.Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20, IOP was 14 mmHg and no crystalline lens opacities or anisocoria were noticed. The patient achieved a reduction in the vault from 1154 to 596 μm, with an open iridocorneal angle. Specular microscopy showed no significant endothelial cell loss.ConclusionsExtreme lens vault in our patient was related to poor correlation between pre‐operative measurements and postoperative lens vaulting. AS‐OCT was a helpful tool in diagnosing and managing high vaults with acute angle‐closure. Early ICL extraction in these cases is necessary to avoid angle‐closure glaucoma, severe endothelial loss, and pupillary defect.Ref‐erenceArjun Srirampur, Tarannum Mansoori, Pasyanthi Balijepalli, Aruna Kumari Gadde. Management of anisocoria and high vault in an eye with implantable collamer lens. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2020 Dec;68(12):3070–3072.
The landscape of clinical trials research in inherited eye disease
Authors: Ng Vincent , Cornes Paul , Votruba Marcela 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeRecent increased understanding of molecular and genetic causes of many inherited eye diseases opens the way to novel therapeutic interventions. The key to drug discovery is in delivering precision targets for treatment that open a therapeutic index over toxicity. We set out to define what type of treatments are emerging, against what targets, and how the trial pipeline is progressing.MethodsWe selected 8 major inherited eye diseases where the primary genetic cause has been established, to identify potential therapeutic target. Data scrutiny and analysis of the clinical trials database on clinicaltrials.gov was performed from 20/3/2021 to 30/4/2021.ResultsWe identified 92 trials, of which 33 trials (35.9%) are ongoing or recruiting. Of these 92 trials, 44 trials (47.8%) are completed (but only 14 (31.8%) of these have posted results). 15 trials (16.3%) have an unknown status or are terminated. 52% of the trials are in North America, followed by 29% in Europe and 19% in other parts of the world. Drug intervention accounts for 44% of the trials and 20% are classified as biological intervention. Gene therapy accounts for 13% and 1% are combination intervention trials. Device intervention accounts for 9% with procedure intervention e.g., stem cell transplantation accounting for further 8%. The remaining 5% is classified as others intervention e.g. diet. Some of the trials are in more than 1 phases; 34 of the trials have phase 1 included, 37 trials have phase 2 included and only 10 trials have phase 3 included and this declines to only 1 trial with phase 4 included(a total decrease of 90%). Out of the 15 terminated or status unknown trials, 5 trials are in both phase 1 & 2, 3 trials are only in phase 1, 4 trials are only in phase 2 and 1 trial is only in phase 3. 2 trials are N/A due to device intervention. Combining the data, 8 trials with phase 1 testing included are terminated or with unknown status; 9 trials with phase 2 testing included are terminated or with unknown status. 1 trial with phase 3 testing included is terminated.ConclusionsCurrent and future clinical trials in the genetic eye diseases with molecular targets identified have a promising future but the pipeline of translation from phase 1, 2 trials to phase 3 is slow. Nevertheless, the last 5 years has seen a significant increase in therapeutic trials in inherited eye diseases.
Certification of visual impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus in Northern Ireland over a 5‐year period
Authors: Cushley Laura , Peto Tunde , McCann Roseleen , Moutray Tanya , Jonathan Jackson Andrew 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo determine the number of patients with diabetes mellitus (PwDM) who were certified as visually impaired (CVI) over the past 5 years in Northern Ireland, UK.MethodsCVI data were collected from 11 sites and 50 eye‐specialists using pre‐defined CVI forms. Eye‐specialists must provide patient demographics and vision information such as visual acuity and diagnosis for certification purposes. Data were transcribed into Microsoft Excel before analysis was undertaken to produce an annual CVI report for eye and healthcare professionals. Our analysis determined the contribution of diabetes and diabetic eye disease (DED) to the sight‐impairment burden between 2014 and 2018.ResultsIn 2014, 332 CVIs were registered: 184 as severely sight impaired (SSI) and 142 sight impaired (SI). Of the 24 who had diabetes, 19 were certified due to diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 2 to diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Between 2015 and 2017 the number of CVIs increased to 412, 428 and 453 respectively with PwDM having grown to 48, 43 and 41, respectively. PwDM were also certified due to AMD and glaucoma (range of 2%–31% and 2–4% respectively) from 2015 to 2017. After an intense education campaign, in 2018, the total CVI submissions increased to 575; of these 368 were SSI and 196 were SI. The number of people who were certified as having diabetes more than doubled in 2018 to 107 of these, 51 (48%) were certified due to DED. AMD was found to be the second largest cause of visual impairment in PwDM at 40%, the remaining people had other ophthalmic issues such as keratoconus and optic atrophy.ConclusionsPwDM were previously underrepresented in the sight impaired registers in Northern Ireland. Since the awareness campaign and introduction of improved pre‐defined forms in 2018, Northern Ireland is now on par with certification rates in the rest of the UK. This information provides insight into the epidemiology of sight impairment in Northern Ireland while providing appropriate data for policymaking and service planning purposes.
Assessing the use of telephone consultations to mitigate the effects of social distancing measures for the COVID‐19 pandemic in ophthalmology services
Authors: Kaabneh Ali Khanan , Rigaudy Axelle , Bravo Luciano , Sharma Srilakshmi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the change in routine outpatient ophthalmology UK practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic focusing on the use of telephone and video consultation. To determine the views of the UK consultant ophthalmologists on the role of teleophthalmology and its future use.MethodsA survey was designed to determine teleophthalmology practices pre‐COVID and during the first COVID‐19 lockdown. It also assessed participants’ views concerning the adoption of teleophthalmology and its future application within ophthalmology. The survey recipients were consultants within the UK. The data were collected and analysed using quantitative (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) and qualitative (thematic collation) methods.Results1. Statistically significant reduction in face‐to‐face workload during the first lockdown.2. Telephone and video consultation usage increased during lockdown; (93.8 %) of respondents performed telephone consultations and (23.8%) carried out video consultations.3. (46.25%) of consultants were concerned about the potential negative effect tele‐ophthalmology on training.4. (52.50%) of consultants did not agree that remote consultation should become the default modality of care (Strongly disagree‐disagree). Although, subspecialties like neuroophthalmology (50%) and oculoplastics (43.48%) supported the adoption of this model.5. (38.13%) of the consultant body thought that video consultation added value over a telephone consultation.6. Thematic analysis:

Benefits: efficient in management low risk patients, useful as an adjunct to other services, increase capacity without the space issue and help deal with backlog of patients.
Limitations: Investment into telemedicine hubs is required for it to become more applicable in more fields; not appropriate for some sub‐specialities and risks of missed signs and missed care.
ConclusionsThe use of teleophthalmology increased during the first COVID‐19 lockdown. UK ophthalmologists expressed their concern about the negative impact of remote consulting particularly on training. More than 50% disagreed with making tele‐ophthalmology the default modality of care; however, sub‐specialities such neuroophthalmology and oculoplastics perceived that it could be valuable.
Effectiveness of pupillography for assessing the state of autonomic nervous system and the choice of treatment for accommodative disorders in children
Authors: Bushuyeva Nataliia , Dukhayer Shakir , Khramenko Nataliia , Slobodianyk Svitlana 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeFor the first time, the values of indices of accommodation, direct and friendly pupillary reactions were determined – the maximal (Smax) and minimal (Smin) area of the healthy children aged 6 to 18 years depending on their age and tone of the autonomic nervous system (2016).Methods269 healthy children, 130 children with spasm of accommodation and 79 children with accommodation weakness were obsovered. We used the computer pupillography OК‐2 for registration of direct, consensual and accommodative convergent‐pupillary reaction.ResultsDifference between Smax values in children with accommodation spasm (23.94 ± SD 5.5 mm2, DI 95% 22.8–25.0) and with accommodation weakness (49.3 ± SD13.8 mm2, DI 95% 47.1–51.6) was revealed, that can be considered as a criterion for choosing the type of treatment. In accommodation spasm, the pupil area (Smax) in the range 22.8–25.0 mm2 and the general vagotonia (according to the Kerdo index) treatment by mydriatics should be appointed. In weak accommodation, Smax in the range of 47.1–51.6 mm2 and general sympathotonia, transcranial electrical stimulation and phosphenelectrostimulation are indicated. Phosphenelectrostimulation (FES) and ETRANS had unidirectional influence – an increase in the uncorrected visual acuity at a distance of 33% and 49% respectively, an improvement in accommodation reserves of 2.8–4.1 D in patients with accommodative dysfunctions.ConclusionsThe mechanisms of action of electrostimulation, where one of the key roles is the improvement of conduction of nerve fibers. In accommodation spasm and the general vagotonia treatment by mydriatics should be appointed.
Ophthalmological presentation of carotid cavernous fistulas: case series
Authors: Fernandes Carla , Ramos João , Branco Cristina , Costa João 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo describe the clinical presentation of carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) managed in Egas Moniz Hospital between January 2010 and September 2020.MethodsPatients presenting with orbital congestive signs and symptoms with a diagnosis of CCF confirmed by digital subtraction angiography and ophthalmological evaluation were included retrospectively. Clinical presentation and angiographic findings were collected, and a descriptive study was performed.ResultsTen patients were identified, 7 of which female, with an average age of 62.7 years old. All of our patients presented with ophthalmological complaints. The most frequently seen signs/symptoms were red eye (n = 8), increased intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) (n = 8) and ophthalmoparesis with diplopia (n = 7). Regarding the latter, 5 patients had paresis of the abducens nerve, 1 had a third nerve palsy and another had both. Proptosis and chemosis were observed in 5 and 4 patients, respectively. Tinnitus, fundus abnormalities and decreased visual acuity were reported by 3 patients. One patient presented with headache. In respect to the angiographic classification, 2 were direct and 6 indirect. One case was not classified and the other case refers to an intra‐clival Cognard type IV arteriovenous fistula that drains to the cavernous sinus and therefore closely resembling a CCF. Two patients were managed conservatively, while the remainder were submitted to endovascular procedures. After treatment, the most frequent persistent signs/symptoms were increased IOP (n = 7) and ophthalmoparesis with diplopia (n = 5).ConclusionsCCFs are rare and difficult to diagnose. Direct CCFs tend to have a more severe, acute onset presentation while indirect CCFs are associated with a more gradual onset and chronic course. In both, anterior and inferior drainages are the most common. Clinical presentation can be varied and nonspecific, however, patients commonly present with ophthalmological manifestations.
Visual outcomes after endoscopic pituitary adenomas surgery: our experience
Authors: Fernandes Carla , Nunes Lídia , Lorga Tiago , Costa João 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate visual outcomes after endoscopic pituitary adenoma surgery in patients from Egas Moniz hospital between 2013 and August 2020.MethodsThis is a quantitative, observational, retrospective study. Patients with pituitary adenoma with pre‐ and post‐ surgical visual acuity (LogMAR) and chromatic vision assessment, visual field (Octopus®) testing and optical coherence tomography (Heidelberg®) retinal nerve fibers and macular thickness evaluations were included. Visual parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS T‐test and Wilcoxon test. A statistically significant p‐value was defined as <0.05.ResultsEighteen patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Of the 18 patients, 10 (55.6%) were man, with an average age of 57.4 (±16.5) years old. Fourteen (77.8%) patients had pre‐surgical visual complains for an average of 12.8 (±14.4) months, mostly painless and progressive vision loss 6 (33.3%) and blurred vision 6 (33.3%). Before surgery, most patients (38.9%) already showed contact and opto‐chiasmatic lesion, with an average lesion diameter of 33.1 (±9.2) mm.The most common histological diagnosis was gonadotrophic adenoma (44.4%) with a low mean aggressiveness (Ki 67) of 2.3 (±1.1). Showed statistical significance the difference between the paired samples (pre‐ vs post‐) “opto‐chiasmatic relationship”, “right eye visual acuity”, “right eye visual field mean sensitivity”, “right eye temporal visual field mean sensitivity”, “left eye visual field mean sensitivity”, “left eye temporal mean sensitivity” and “left eye nasal visual field mean sensitivity”. Concerning improvement in tested variables, 11 (68.8%) patients improved in all variables and 14 (82.4%) improved in at least one.ConclusionsOur results go with the current scientific evidence that pituitary adenoma resection in patients with preoperative visual symptoms considerably improve these symptoms.