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Applied Sciences
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Recent Advances in Pathogenesis and Management of Eye Diseases
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Recent Advances in Pathogenesis and Management of Eye Diseases

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2024) | Viewed by 7404

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Grazia Maugeri

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: neuroanatomy; neuromorphology; molecular biology; diabetic retinopathy; neurodegenerative disease; neuropetides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Velia D'Agata

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: neuroscience; neurodegeneration; molecular biology; peptides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The human eye is an extraordinary organ that is formed by the coordinated development of multiple tissues, with contributions of neuroectodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal origin. The impairment of any of these ocular tissues can lead to blindness. To date, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, corneal injury, and optic nerve damage represent the most common causes of blindness around the world. Genetics, diet, infection, UV rays, allergy, vitamin deficiency, chemical irritants, smoking, and the continuous use of electronic devices are some of the main causes of these ocular diseases. Eye disorders and blindness represent a huge social and economic burden on individuals and society. Therefore, the actual challenge is to characterize the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of eye diseases and to identify new and effective strategies to prevent and/or treat them. The principle aims of the present Special Issue are (1) to advance out knowledge related to the pathophysiology of cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, corneal injury and optic nerve damage, and other ocular diseases amd (2) to report novel on therapeutic strategies that have been investigated and developed that represent improved treatments for eye disorders.

This Special Issue welcomes submissions submitted in the form of original and review articles related biological, biochemical, molecular, genomic, proteomic, and clinical studies focused on ocular diseases.

Dr. Grazia Maugeri
Prof. Dr. Velia D'Agata
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • eye
  • ocular diseases
  • diagnosis
  • prevention
  • management

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4137 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation on Corneal Surface Behavior Applying Luminous Beam Levels
by Fernando Guevara-Leon, Mario Alberto Grave-Capistrán, Juan Alejandro Flores-Campos, Jose Luis Torres-Ariza, Elliot Alonso Alcántara-Arreola and Christopher René Torres-SanMiguel
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12132; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212132 - 08 Nov 2023
Viewed by 748
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 billion people experience visual impairments. Daily exposure to various levels of luminous beams directly impacts the front layer of the visible structure, leading to corneal injuries. To comprehensively understand this, we reconstructed a three-dimensional [...] Read more.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 billion people experience visual impairments. Daily exposure to various levels of luminous beams directly impacts the front layer of the visible structure, leading to corneal injuries. To comprehensively understand this, we reconstructed a three-dimensional model utilizing the PENTACAM® system. This enabled us to accurately determine the 50th percentile dimensions of the fibrous layer of the eyeball. Using the Ogden mathematical model, we developed a 3D cornea model, treating it as a soft tissue with predictable behavior, considering mechanical properties such as viscoelasticity, anisotropy, and nonlinearity. Employing the Finite Element Method (FEM), we analyzed five distinct test scenarios to explore the structural response of the cornea. Luminous beam properties were instrumental in establishing varying mechanical loads, leading to structural deformations on the corneal surface. Our findings reveal that when a smartphone’s screen emits light at a frequency of 651.72 THz from 200 mm, displacements in the corneal layer can reach up to 9.07 µm. The total load, computed by the number of photons, amounts to 7172.637 Pa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pathogenesis and Management of Eye Diseases)
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12 pages, 1863 KiB  
Article
Rare Variants Residing in Novel Cis-Acting Element in Visual System Homeobox 1 and Their Contribution in the Pathogenesis of Keratoconus
by Farhan Khashim Alswailmi, Rida Khursheed Malik, Mujeeb Ur Rehman Parrey, Abdul Rauf Siddiqi, Shaik Karimulla, Abdulkareem A. Alanezi, Raheel Qamar, Maleeha Azam and Ashfaq Ahmad
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4888; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084888 - 13 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1231
Abstract
(1) Background: The visual system homeobox 1 (VSX1) may contribute to the incidence of keratoconus (KC) in different populations. The present study investigated the role of VSX1 in autosomal recessive Pakistani families and sporadic KC patients using in silico analysis of the rare [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The visual system homeobox 1 (VSX1) may contribute to the incidence of keratoconus (KC) in different populations. The present study investigated the role of VSX1 in autosomal recessive Pakistani families and sporadic KC patients using in silico analysis of the rare variants for the identification of the cis-acting elements in VSX1; (2) Methods: Mutation analysis of VSX1 was undertaken using Sanger sequencing of samples from seven KC families and 100 sporadic patients. In silico analysis of the rare variants and identification of cis-acting elements was determined using Human Splicing Finder (HSF), ESE finder, RESCUE-ESE and through Exon- Identity Element (EIEs) prediction software suits, combined with various algorithms to identify the effect of variations in splicing motifs; (3) Results: Screening of VSX1 did not reveal any novel mutation in the KC panel, but a synonymous polymorphism rs12480307 (c.546A>G; p.Ala182Ala) in exon three and 3′UTR rs76499395 (c.*496A>G) were observed in two separate probands. These polymorphisms were not found in any of the sporadic KC cases or 100 ethnically matched control samples. The analysis of these rare variants revealed a plausible role for these two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KC development through the identification of novel cis-acting elements, an exonic splicing enhancer element (ESE) and binding motifs for two micro RNAs, miRNA-203 binding and hsa-miR-3938, in the VSX1 gene structure; (4) Conclusions: Rare genetic variations in the VSX1 were found to have a potential contribution to KC development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pathogenesis and Management of Eye Diseases)
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Review

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19 pages, 1849 KiB  
Review
Involvement of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Family Members in Diabetic Keratopathy
by Grazia Maugeri, Agata Grazia D’Amico, Benedetta Magrì and Velia D’Agata
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051754 - 21 Feb 2024
Viewed by 444
Abstract
Diabetic keratopathy (DK) is a common ocular complication of diabetes, characterized by alteration of the normal wound-healing mechanism, reduction of epithelial hemidesmosomes, disruption of the basement membrane, impaired barrier function, reduced corneal sensitivity, corneal ulcers, and corneal edema. The limited number of clinical [...] Read more.
Diabetic keratopathy (DK) is a common ocular complication of diabetes, characterized by alteration of the normal wound-healing mechanism, reduction of epithelial hemidesmosomes, disruption of the basement membrane, impaired barrier function, reduced corneal sensitivity, corneal ulcers, and corneal edema. The limited number of clinical studies do not allow a full characterization of the pathophysiology of DK and, until now, effective therapeutic approaches have not been available. However, in recent years, neuropeptides gained great attention for their biochemical characteristics and therapeutic potential. This review focuses on the role of neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the eye and, in particular, in the cornea, in physiological conditions, or during DK, by providing an overview of this diabetes mellitus complication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pathogenesis and Management of Eye Diseases)
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Other

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9 pages, 2285 KiB  
Brief Report
Contact Lens-Based Microchannel Rings for Detecting Ocular Hypertension
by Yousef Alqurashi, Mohamed Elsherif, Rosalia Moreddu, Magdalena Cieslak, Hemeth Dhaliwal, Khamis Essa and Haider Butt
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(20), 10661; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122010661 - 21 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1409
Abstract
Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The most acknowledged biomarker to diagnose and monitor glaucoma progression is intraocular pressure (IOP). Gold standard techniques for IOP monitoring are invasive, uncomfortable, and require visiting a clinic. In addition, most methods only provide [...] Read more.
Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The most acknowledged biomarker to diagnose and monitor glaucoma progression is intraocular pressure (IOP). Gold standard techniques for IOP monitoring are invasive, uncomfortable, and require visiting a clinic. In addition, most methods only provide a single snapshot on widely varying parameters. On the other hand, contact lenses have attracted particular interest to be used as continuous monitoring platforms to incorporate sensors, drugs, and more. Here, commercial contact lenses were laser-processed to be capable of detecting IOP variations in the physiological range. Three ring-couples with interspaces of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm were engraved on three soft contact lenses separately by using a carbon dioxide laser. The IOP/pressure variations induced repeatable changes in the ring-couple interspace which acted as a smartphone-readable pressure sensor. The processed contact lenses may be a potential candidate toward IOP monitoring at point-of-care settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pathogenesis and Management of Eye Diseases)
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30 pages, 699 KiB  
Systematic Review
Cold Storage Media versus Optisol-GS in the Preservation of Corneal Quality for Keratoplasty: A Systematic Review
by Izabela Gimenes, Andréa V. Braga Pintor, Mariana da Silva Sardinha, Guido A. Marañón-Vásquez, Marcelo Salabert Gonzalez, Octavio Augusto França Presgrave, Lucianne Cople Maia and Gutemberg Gomes Alves
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7079; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12147079 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2453
Abstract
Optisol-GS is the most widely used pharmaceutical composition to preserve corneas for transplantation. This systematic review investigated the effects of different cold corneal storage media (CCSM) compared with Optisol-GS on the quality of stored corneas. The literature was searched throughout May 2022 on [...] Read more.
Optisol-GS is the most widely used pharmaceutical composition to preserve corneas for transplantation. This systematic review investigated the effects of different cold corneal storage media (CCSM) compared with Optisol-GS on the quality of stored corneas. The literature was searched throughout May 2022 on six databases and grey literature. Studies including corneas (population) exposed to distinct cold storage media (exposure) and Optisol-GS (comparison) that reported qualitative and/or quantitative parameters of cornea quality (outcome) were included. Methodological quality was assessed using ToxRTool. From 4520 identified studies, fourteen were included according to the eligibility criteria, comprising 769 evaluated cornea samples comparing Optisol-GS with commercial and noncommercial media. All studies showed good methodological quality. Experimental times ranged from 1–28 days, mainly using 4 °C as the preservation temperature. Viable endothelial cell density (ECD) and endothelial cell morphology (EC) were the most assessed parameters. ECD results for Cornisol were higher than Optisol-GS in 10 days (p = 0.049) and favored Cornea ColdTM up to 4 weeks (p < 0.05), which also showed better qualitative results. While the standardization of test protocols could improve comparisons, evidence indicates that most CCSM present similar performances on cornea preservation for transplantation at seven days, while some formulations may increase preservation at extended times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pathogenesis and Management of Eye Diseases)
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