Analysis of Globular Cells in Corneal Nerve Vortex

Hao, Ran; Liu, Ziyuan; Chou, Yilin; Huang, Chen; Jing, Dalan; Wang, Haikun; Gao, Shuang; Li, Xuemin

doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.806689

Cited by 4 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…It would be predicted that higher optimal image sample sizes may be required if distinct cell populations intend to be quantified. Some recent studies have assessed the infero-central corneal whorl region and noted that it is an area where round-shaped “globular” cells congregate ( 38 – 40 ). The current study determined optimal image sample sizes for deriving epithelial IC estimates in the central and peripheral corneal regions; the whorl region was not evaluated.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Defining an Optimal Sample Size for Corneal Epithelial Immune Cell Analysis Using in vivo Confocal Microscopy Images

Zhang

Chinnery

et al. 2022

Front. Med.

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PurposeIn vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) images are frequently used to quantify corneal epithelial immune cell (IC) density in clinical studies. There is currently limited evidence to inform the selection of a representative image sample size to yield a reliable IC density estimate, and arbitrary numbers of images are often used. The primary aim of this study was to determine the number of randomly selected, unique IVCM images required to achieve an acceptable level of accuracy when quantifying epithelial IC density, in both the central and peripheral cornea. The secondary aim was to evaluate the consistency and precision of an image selection approach where corneal epithelial IC density was quantified from “three representative images” selected independently by three experienced observers.MethodsAll combinations of two to 15 non-overlapping IVCM images were used for deriving IC density estimates, for both the central and peripheral cornea, in 20 healthy participants; the density value from averaging quantifications in the 16 images was defined as the “true mean”. IC density estimates were compared with the true mean in each corneal region using a mean ratio. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to evaluate the consistency of the mean ratios of IC density estimates derived from the method involving the manual selection of “three representative images” by the observers. The precision of the IC density estimates was compared to a scenario involving three randomly selected images.ResultsA total of 12 randomly selected, non-overlapping IVCM images were found to be required to produce a corneal epithelial IC density estimate that was within 30% of the true mean, 95% of the time, for the central cornea; seven such images produced an equivalent level of precision in the peripheral cornea. Mean ratios of corneal IC density estimates derived from “three representative images” methods had poor consistency between observers (ICC estimates <0.5) and similar levels of precision when compared with using three randomly selected images (p > 0.05 for all comparisons), in both the central and peripheral cornea.ConclusionsData presented in this study can inform image selection methods, and the sample size required for a preferred level of accuracy, when quantifying IC densities in the central and peripheral corneal epithelium using IVCM images.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Defining an Optimal Sample Size for Corneal Epithelial Immune Cell Analysis Using in vivo Confocal Microscopy Images

Zhang

Chinnery

et al. 2022

Front. Med.

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“…With immune and inflammatory stimuli, corneal DCs, which at least in part recruited from the blood, are increased and activated 38 , 47 , 50 . The blood-derived DCs initially reach the limbus and later migrate to peripheral and central cornea 20 , 38 , 47 . Both in humans and rodents, the DCs have been reported to reside very close to the corneal nerves 47 , 51 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The blood-derived DCs initially reach the limbus and later migrate to peripheral and central cornea 20 , 38 , 47 . Both in humans and rodents, the DCs have been reported to reside very close to the corneal nerves 47 , 51 . According to the neuro-immune interaction, corneal nerves play an important role in DCs morphological changes and kinetic alterations 47 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The corneal sub-basal nerves shift centripetally and form a corneal vortex just inferior to the nose of the corneal apex 19 , 20 . The corneal vortex is a land mark of central cornea and easy to identify with IVCM 20 . At least 100 images of corneal sub-basal layer (approximately at a depth of 50–70 μm) were obtained in each eye by the same masked professional technician.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Then advanced the cap manually until the gel contacted the central corneal surface as previously dsecribed 14 , 18 . The corneal sub-basal nerves shift centripetally and form a corneal vortex just inferior to the nose of the corneal apex 19 , 20 . The corneal vortex is a land mark of central cornea and easy to identify with IVCM 20 .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Alterations in corneal epithelial dendritic cell in Sjogren’s syndrome dry eye and clinical correlations

Hao

Ding

2022

Sci Rep

Self Cite

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We aimed to investigate the density and morphology of corneal dendritic cells (DCs) in dry eye (DE) patients with or without Sjogren’s syndrome (SS). This study included 28 patients with Sjogren’s syndrome dry eye (SSDE), 33 patients with non-Sjogren’s syndrome dry eye (NSSDE), and 30 age and sex matched healthy volunteers. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) was used to investigate density and morphology (size, dendrites, and field) of DC. Compared with NSSDE and healthy group, SSDE showed significantly higher DC density, larger DC size, more DC dendrites with larger DC field (all P < 0.001). Comparison between NSSDE and healthy group demonstrated that DC density, dendrites and field were significantly higher in NSSDE. However, there was no significant difference in DC size (P = 0.076). DC density and morphological parameters showed significant associations with the systemic severity (salivary gland biopsy and serum antibodies) and ocular surface damage. The corneal epithelium DC density and morphological alterations were obvious in SSDE, which reflected higher level of immune activation and inflammatory response in SS. Marked correlations were found between DC density/morphology and systemic/ocular severity. Dynamic assessment of corneal DC may facilitate to clarify pathogenesis, stratify patient, and tailor treatment in SS patients.

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In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy: Imaging analysis, biological insights and future directions

et al. 2023

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In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy is a powerful imaging technique which provides clinicians and researcher with the capabilities to observe microstructures at the ocular surfaces in significant detail. In this Mini Review, the optics and image analysis methods with the use of corneal confocal microscopy are discussed. While novel insights of neuroanatomy and biology of the eyes, particularly the ocular surface, have been provided by corneal confocal microscopy, some debatable elements observed using this technique remain and these are explored in this Mini Review. Potential improvements in imaging methodology and instrumentation are also suggested.

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Analysis of Globular Cells in Corneal Nerve Vortex

Cited by 4 publications

References 42 publications

Defining an Optimal Sample Size for Corneal Epithelial Immune Cell Analysis Using in vivo Confocal Microscopy Images

Defining an Optimal Sample Size for Corneal Epithelial Immune Cell Analysis Using in vivo Confocal Microscopy Images

Alterations in corneal epithelial dendritic cell in Sjogren’s syndrome dry eye and clinical correlations

In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy: Imaging analysis, biological insights and future directions

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