ABCA4 and ROM1: Implications for modification of the PRPH2-associated macular dystrophy phenotype

To identify the causative mutation leading to autosomal dominant macular dystrophy, cone dystrophy, and cone-rod dystrophy in a five-generation family and to explain the high intrafamilial phenotypic variation by identifying possible modifier genes.

Toward cell therapy using placenta-derived cells: disease mechanisms, cell biology, preclinical studies, and regulatory aspects at the round table

Among the many cell types that may prove useful to regenerative medicine, mounting evidence suggests that human term placenta-derived cells will join the list of significant contributors. In making new cell therapy-based strategies a clinical reality, it is fundamental that no a priori claims are made regarding which cell source is preferable for a particular therapeutic application. Rather, ongoing comparisons of the potentiality and characteristics of cells from different sources should be made to promote constant improvement in cell therapies, and such comparisons will likely show that individually tailored cells can address disease-specific clinical needs. The principle underlying such an approach is resistance to the notion that comprehensive characterization of any cell type has been achieved, neither in terms of phenotype nor risks-to-benefits ratio. Tailoring cell therapy approaches to specific conditions also requires an understanding of basic disease mechanisms and close collaboration between translational researchers and clinicians, to identify current needs and shortcomings in existing treatments. To this end, the international workshop entitled "Placenta-derived stem cells for treatment of inflammatory diseases: moving toward clinical application" was held in Brescia, Italy, in March 2009, and aimed to harness an understanding of basic inflammatory mechanisms inherent in human diseases with updated findings regarding biological and therapeutic properties of human placenta-derived cells, with particular emphasis on their potential for treating inflammatory diseases. Finally, steps required to allow their future clinical application according to regulatory aspects including good manufacturing practice (GMP) were also considered. In September 2009, the International Placenta Stem Cell Society (IPLASS) was founded to help strengthen the research network in this field.

Intraocular pressure during a very high altitude climb

Reports on intraocular pressure (IOP) changes at high altitudes have provided inconsistent and even conflicting

Small dense particles in the retina observable by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in age-related macular degeneration

To observe detailed changes in neurosensory retinal structure after anti-VEGF upload in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Predictors of Short-Term Visual Outcome after Anti-VEGF Therapy of Macular Edema due to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

The purpose of this study was to analyze predictive factors for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after anti-VEGF treatment in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Effects on choroidal neovascularization after anti-VEGF Upload using intravitreal ranibizumab, as determined by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography

It is unclear whether anti-VEGF monotherapy in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) achieves morphologic CNV regression or only stops further CNV growth. In this study, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to image CNV structure before and after anti-VEGF treatment.

The effects of a flexible visual acuity-driven ranibizumab treatment regimen in age-related macular degeneration: outcomes of a drug and disease model

Differences in treatment responses to ranibizumab injections observed within trials involving monthly (MARINA and ANCHOR studies) and quarterly (PIER study) treatment suggest that an individualized treatment regimen may be effective in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. In the present study, a drug and disease model was used to evaluate the impact of an individualized, flexible treatment regimen on disease progression.

Blue Light versus Green Light Autofluorescence: Lesion Size of Areas with Geographic Atrophy

Blue-light fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging is currently widely used for assessing dry age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). However, at this wavelength, the fovea appears as circular zone of marked hypofluorescence, due to the absorption of macular pigment (MP). This dark spot could be misinterpreted as an atrophic area and could lead to difficulties in identifying small, central changes. The purpose of the study was to analyze differences in image quality, FAF patterns, and lesion size, when using conventional blue-light (Λ(1) = 488 nm) and green-light (Λ(2) = 514 nm) FAF.

Progression of age-related geographic atrophy: role of the fellow eye

PURPOSE. To evaluate the role of fellow eye status in determining progression of geographic atrophy (GA) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS. A total of 300 eyes with GA of 193 patients from the prospective, longitudinal, natural history FAM Study were classified into three groups according to the AMD manifestation in the fellow eye at baseline examination: (1) bilateral GA, (2) early/intermediate AMD, and (3) exudative AMD. GA areas were quantified based on fundus autofluorescence images using a semiautomated image-processing method, and progression rates (PR) were estimated using two-level, linear, mixed-effects models. RESULTS. Crude GA-PR in the bilateral GA group (mean, 1.64 mm(2)/y; 95% CI, 1.478-1.803) was significantly higher than in the fellow eye early/intermediate group (0.74 mm(2)/y, 0.146-1.342). Although there was a significant difference in baseline GA size (P = 0.0013, t-test), and there was a significant increase in GA-PR by 0.11 mm(2)/y (0.05-0.17) per 1 disc area (DA; 2.54 mm(2)), an additional mean change of -0.79 (-1.43 to -0.15) was given to the PR beside the effect of baseline GA size. However, this difference was only significant when GA size was ?1 DA at baseline with a GA-PR of 1.70 mm(2)/y (1.54-1.85) in the bilateral and 0.95 mm(2)/y (0.37-1.54) in the early/intermediate group. There was no significant difference in PR compared with that in the fellow eye exudative group. CONCLUSIONS. The results indicate that the AMD manifestation of the fellow eye at baseline serves as an indicator for disease progression in eyes with GA ? 1 DA. Predictive characteristics not only contribute to the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, but also are useful for the design of future interventional trials in GA patients.

Association of macular pigment density with plasma ω-3 fatty acids: the PIMAVOSA study

To assess the correlation between macular pigment optical density and plasma levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, and fatty acids, especially omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Central and peripheral components of exercise-related fatigability in myotonic dystrophy type 1

Fatigue frequently occurs in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), but its pathophysiology remains unclear. This study assessed central and peripheral components of exercise-related fatigability in patients with DM1, compared to controls.