Article
Ophthalmology
Omer Ersin Muz, Kenan Dagdelen, Tuncay Pirdal, Mete Guler
Summary: Travatan (R) and Xalatan (R) have similar effects on IOP levels and ocular surface parameters in patients with POAG and OHT, and no further worsening was detected after 1 year.
INTERNATIONAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Chien-Chia Su, Yi-Chieh Lee, Peter Richmond Candano Lee
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of preserved latanoprost eye drops on ocular surface damage in glaucoma patients and identify related risk factors. Results showed that preserved latanoprost eye drops decreased basal tear secretion, leading to changes in the ocular surface. Factors such as age, sex, and artificial tear use were significantly associated with ocular health.
GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
David Wirta, Ranjan Malhotra, James Peace, Bridgitte Shen Lee, Brittany Mitchell, Kenneth Sall, Matthew McMenemy
Summary: This study evaluated the noninferiority of latanoprost without benzalkonium chloride (BAK) compared to latanoprost with BAK in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). The results showed that latanoprost without BAK did not meet two out of three criteria for noninferiority, but had a similar safety profile to latanoprost with BAK.
EYE & CONTACT LENS-SCIENCE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yaru Li, Lei Zhou, Mengmeng Zhang, Runzhi Li, Guohu Di, Hongyun Liu, Xianggen Wu
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential feasibility of APO-VA64 nano-ophthalmic solution as a new treatment for ocular inflammatory diseases. The solution, fabricated via a simple process, exhibits valuable characteristics such as good ocular tolerance and improved drug permeation ability. It shows significant efficacy in treating ocular damage induced by benzalkonium chloride.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pablo Argueso
Summary: Mucins are a type of ancient glycoproteins that provide viscoelastic, lubricating, and hydration properties to wet surfaced epithelia. They form a barrier with selective permeability to protect underlying tissues. In the eye, mucins are expressed, processed, and spatially distributed based on specific organ requirements to protect against environmental insults while allowing the passage of light. The adaptation of human ocular surface epithelia includes the production of a thin and watery tear film containing soluble mucin. Transmembrane mucins play a significant role in the tear film, occupying up to one-quarter of its total thickness. Understanding the properties and functions of ocular mucins is crucial for developing applications with potential biological and clinical impact.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Ophthalmology
Xiaoyu Zhou, Xinyue Zhang, Dengming Zhou, Yang Zhao, Xuanchu Duan
Summary: Topical anti-glaucomatous medications are crucial for lowering intraocular pressure, but prolonged use can harm the ocular surface. Therefore, it is important to manage the ocular surface in patients with glaucoma by selecting better-tolerated drugs, preservative-free formulations, and considering surgery or laser treatment to prevent damage.
OPHTHALMOLOGY AND THERAPY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne Hedengran, Miriam Kolko
Summary: Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness, and reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) with eye drops is the most common treatment approach. However, the many side effects of eye drops often lead to reduced patient adherence. This review discusses the various molecular components of IOP-lowering eye drops and highlights important considerations when prescribing topical glaucoma treatment.
MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mariaelena Filippelli, Giuseppe Campagna, Nicola Ciampa, Gaetano Fioretto, Roberta Giannini, Pier Franco Marino, Roberto Dell'Omo, Ciro Costagliola
Summary: This study evaluated the therapeutic switch from Bimatoprost formulations with or without benzalkonium chloride (BAK) to a preservative-free formulation and its impact on eye surface conditions and intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. The results showed that Bimatoprost 0.1 mg/mL preservative-free had better tolerability and improved eye surface conditions compared to other formulations, but had slightly inferior IOP control.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuwei Xue, Mazhan Zhuang, Jielong Xu, Li Li, Ting Zhang, Qian Zhang, Junming Hong
Summary: Etched MnFe nanocubes (E-MnFe NC) with cubic-like structures were synthesized as peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for the degradation of Benzalkonium chloride (BAC). The E-MnFe NC/PMS system achieved over 99% BAC degradation with a mineralization efficiency of 59.8% in 60 minutes. The main contributors in the oxidation process were identified as SO4 center dot and HO center dot, and the transformation of surface charge and hydrophobic properties boosted BAC adsorption while oxygen vacancies enhanced electron transfer efficiency. Furthermore, the degradation pathway of BAC was proposed based on density functional theory (DFT) analysis and GC-MS results. Overall, this work provides valuable references for the degradation of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) using Fe-Mn catalysts via SR-AOP.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Paolo Fogagnolo, Stefano De Cilla', Micol Alkabes, Pierfilippo Sabella, Luca Rossetti
Summary: Vitamins play a critical role in regulating inflammation and promoting cell differentiation on the ocular surface. Vitamin A and D supplementation have shown effectiveness in treating OSD and DED, with improvements in both signs and symptoms. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of supplementation with other vitamins.
Article
Immunology
Mallika Somayajulu, Sharon A. McClellan, Denise A. Bessert, Ahalya Pitchaikannu, Linda D. Hazlett
Summary: This study aimed to test the effects of acidic and neutral pH glycyrrhizin (GLY) on the mouse cornea and observe its protective effects after infection. The results showed that GLY can reduce the number of conjunctival goblet cells and delay wound healing in injured corneas. After infection, GLY has a potential to reduce keratitis and enhance the therapeutic effects against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Myungsik Nam, Sun Woong Kim
Summary: Corneal epithelial thickness (CET) was found to be smaller in patients with glaucoma receiving topical medications compared to controls. Among various factors influencing CET, the use of beta-blockers, prostaglandin, and frequency of BAK-containing instillations were significant.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Jo-Hsuan Wu, Tsing-Hong Wang, Jehn-Yu Huang, Chien-Chia Su
Summary: The study investigated the influence of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) on ocular surface disease (OSD) in glaucoma patients receiving ocular-hypotensive agent. Patients were randomized to receive BAK-containing latanoprost (Xalatan) or preservative-free bimatoprost (Lumigan PF). BAK-containing latanoprost was associated with decreased tear secretion and tear-film instability, while bimatoprost was associated with worse conjunctival hyperemia. Ocular surface side effects should be considered when prescribing BAK-containing medication to glaucoma patients.
JOURNAL OF OCULAR PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Chih-Chiun J. Chang, Karina Somohano, Christine Zemsky, Anne -Catrin Uhlemann, Jeffrey Liebmann, George A. Cioffi, Lama A. Al-Aswad, Susan V. Lynch, Bryan J. Winn
Summary: The study investigated the ocular surface microbiome of patients with glaucoma being treated with eye drops and found that the microbial composition of patient eyes was associated with tear film measures.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yanlin Zhong, Xie Fang, Xuemei Wang, Yu-An Lin, Huping Wu, Cheng Li
Summary: This study found that the bacterial communities on the ocular surface changed significantly after the use of sodium hyaluronate eye drops. Regardless of the presence of preservatives, eye drops have an impact on the bacterial communities on the ocular surface.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Malin Glindvad Ahlstrom, Lone Skov, Steffen Heegaard, Claus Zachariae, Lene Heise Garvey, Jeanne Duus Johansen
Summary: A retrospective study in a Danish tertiary dermatology department found that allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in the eye region caused by topical eye medications is difficult to diagnose and may be overlooked. The study identified phenylephrine, timolol, and ketotifen as the main culprits of contact allergy to topical eye allergens/medications. Patients often had previous diagnoses of cataract or glaucoma and reported multiple previous reactions, with symptoms including edema, erythema, and dermatitis in the eye region.
CONTACT DERMATITIS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Barbara Cvenkel, Miriam Kolko
Summary: Poor adherence to topical glaucoma medications is detrimental to the visual field outcomes in glaucoma patients. Various barriers to adherence, such as forgetfulness and medication side effects, need to be overcome to slow down disease progression. Preservative-free medications and sustained drug delivery systems show promise in reducing ocular surface disease symptoms and improving adherence. Smart drug delivery-connected devices and minimally invasive glaucoma procedures are potential solutions to aid in adherence and improve monitoring and treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Matteo Tollemeto, Zheng Huang, Jorn B. Christensen, Hanne Morck Nielsen, Stine Ronholt
Summary: Biological drugs are increasingly important for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and obesity. This project explores the potential of using mucoadhesive delivery systems based on dendron-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for oral delivery of biological drugs. The study focuses on the interaction between dendrons and mucin, and successfully conjugates dendrons onto mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The interaction between the nanoparticles and mucin or intestinal mucus is investigated, providing knowledge for the development of mucoadhesive nanoformulations for oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Filippo Confalonieri, Natasha Josifovska, Gerard Boix-Lemonche, Ingar Stene-Johansen, Ragnheidur Bragadottir, Xhevat Lumi, Goran Petrovski
Summary: Vitreous substitutes are essential tools in vitreoretinal surgery, serving the crucial functions of displacing fluid and ensuring retina adhesion. Surgeons now have a wide range of substitutes to choose from, making it challenging to determine the ideal tamponade for optimal outcomes. This article provides an overview of the physical and chemical properties of vitreous substitutes, their clinical applications, and surgical techniques. The future developments in vitreous substitutes are extensively discussed, with a focus on desired outcomes and biomaterials technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
John Kim Hiller, Elise Mork Sandas, Helge Rootwelt, Anja Osteby Vassli, Tor Paaske Utheim, Morten Carstens Moe, Katja Benedikte Presto Elgstoen, Goran Petrovski
Summary: This study explored the diffusion capacities between the anterior and vitreous chambers in a novel ex vivo pig eye model using stable isotope-labeled acylcarnitines and mass spectrometry analysis. The results showed a distinct diffusion pattern of molecules with different molecular size and hydrophobicity within and between the two chambers. This model can be valuable for optimizing therapeutic molecule choices and designs for intravitreal, intracameral, and topical treatments in the future.
JOURNAL OF OCULAR PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Oscar Westin, Jawad H. H. Butt, Steffen Heegaard, Emil L. L. Fosbol, Finn Gustafsson
Summary: This study found no significant association between glaucoma and the future diagnosis of amyloidosis in patients with variant transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) when compared to the general population.
SCANDINAVIAN CARDIOVASCULAR JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Vidas Raudonis, Arturas Kairys, Rasa Verkauskiene, Jelizaveta Sokolovska, Goran Petrovski, Vilma Jurate Balciuniene, Vallo Volke
Summary: This study presents a novel method for automatically detecting microaneurysms in color fundus images. The proposed method consists of three main steps: image breakdown into smaller patches, inference to segmentation models, and reconstruction of the predicted segmentation map. The proposed segmentation method utilizes an ensemble of three different deep networks, including U-Net, ResNet34-UNet, and UNet++. The performance evaluation is based on Dice score and IoU values, and the ensemble-based model achieves higher scores compared to other network architectures. The proposed ensemble-based model demonstrates high potential for the practical application of early-stage diabetic retinopathy detection in color fundus images.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Catharina Thiel Sandholdt, Alexandra Brandt Ryborg Jonsson, Susanne Reventlow, Daniella Bach-Holm, Kessel Line, Miriam Kolko, Marie Honore Jacobsen, Olivia Hjulsager Mathiesen, Frans Boch Waldorff
Summary: This article introduces the increasing number of people with visual impairment and its impact on quality of life, highlighting the importance of timely access to healthcare. The author plans to develop a primary care intervention with the GP as a key actor in general practice, using a participatory approach and qualitative methods. The study aims to explore the potential and limitations of general practice in detecting preventable vision loss.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Janni Stovring Mortensen, Duc Ninh Nguyen, Hanne Morck Nielsen, Stine Ronholt
Summary: Early intervention and short-duration antibiotics treatment in premature infants can reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), but it is unclear how antibiotics exposure and route of administration affect the disease risk. This study investigated the effects of ampicillin and gentamicin administered through parenteral or a combination of enteral and parenteral routes on the barrier properties of intestinal mucosa and mucus in preterm piglets. Results showed that permeation through mucosa and mucus was reduced in parenterally treated piglets compared to untreated piglets, while treatments with both routes showed similar permeation to untreated piglets. Rheological measurements also showed changes in mucus properties.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kathryn J. Brayer, Huining Kang, Adel K. El-Naggar, Simon Andreasen, Preben Homoe, Katalin Kiss, Lauge Mikkelsen, Steffen Heegaard, Daniel Pelaez, Acadia Moeyersoms, David T. Tse, Yan Guo, David Y. Lee, Scott A. Ness
Summary: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a distinct tumor that mainly occurs in salivary or lacrimal glands, but can also develop in other tissues. ACC tumors from different organs have remarkably similar gene expression profiles, indicating a dominant ACC phenotype induced by genetic and epigenetic regulatory events. A gene expression biomarker was validated in a new cohort of ACC tumors, correctly identifying 98% of the patients with poor survival, suggesting the need for a clinical test to identify high-risk patients.
Article
Ophthalmology
Annegret Dahlmann-Noor, Stefano Bonini, Dominique Bremond-Gignac, Steffen Heegaard, Andrea Leonardi, Jesus Montero, Eduardo D. Silva
Summary: The EUR-VKC Group has provided guidelines for the assessment, diagnosis, management, referral, and follow-up of VKC patients in order to improve outcomes. They emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment initiation, and suggest managing VKC according to disease severity.
OPHTHALMOLOGY AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Josefine Freiberg, Roshan A. Welikala, Jens Rovelt, Christopher G. Owen, Alicja R. Rudnicka, Miriam Kolko, Sarah A. Barman
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of the QUARTZ software in detecting retinal features from retinal images captured by health care professionals in a Danish high street optician chain, and compared it with test performance from other large population studies. The results showed that QUARTZ performed well in detecting retinal features and provided validity for direct comparisons and pooling of retinal feature measures across data sources.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Louise Baadsgaard Bruun, Tommy A. Waskiw Hardon, Anne K. Havnsoe Krogh, Klaus Qvortup, Steffen Heegaard, Annemarie Thuri Kristensen, Michala de Linde Henriksen
Summary: This case series explores the use of autologous PRF membrane in corneal reconstruction surgery in dogs. The study found that PRF membrane was successful in promoting healing, but low fibrinogen levels had a negative impact on the quality of the PRF membrane. Pre-surgical evaluation of the PRF membrane is crucial.
VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Qendrese Daka, Nina Spegel, Makedonka Atanasovska Velkovska, Tjasa Steblovnik, Miriam Kolko, Burim Neziri, Barbara Cvenkel
Summary: A short-term increase in intraocular pressure is a common side effect of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, but some studies have reported sustained elevation of IOP and development of secondary glaucoma after repeated injections. This review focuses on discussing the possible mechanisms and risk factors contributing to sustained rise in IOP, as well as suggesting treatment strategies for high-risk patients. Close monitoring and adjustable IOP-lowering treatment are recommended to prevent sustained elevation of IOP in these patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Barbara Cvenkel, Miriam Kolko
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)