We discuss new approaches to the early detection of keratoconus and recent investigations regarding the nature of its pathophysiology. We review the current evidence for its complex genetics and ...evaluate the presently identified genes/loci and potential candidate gene/loci. In addition, we highlight current research methodologies that may be used to further elucidate the pathogenesis of keratoconus.
A literature review to describe the current diagnosis and management of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous protozoan: 8 species, 5 genotypic classes have been reported to cause ...keratitis. It is potentially a sight-threatening infection, and there is often a poor prognosis because of a significant delay in diagnosis and frequently a lack of effective medical management. Main risk factors are contact lens wear, poor hygiene, and contact with contaminated water. Current methods of diagnosis include corneal scrapings for histopathologic analysis, tissue culture, confocal microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), each are reviewed in turn. Treatment options include medical (biguanides, diamidines, and corticosteroids) and surgical (epithelial debridement, amniotic membrane transplant, and penetrating keratoplasty).
Early diagnosis and treatment are required to effectively manage this condition.
Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) is a common clinical presentation. Understanding the condition and when to refer patients is paramount to a successful outcome. This article looks to explain ...the reasons for RCES and the challenges of patient management. The current treatment options are improving and varied, and the benefits of these new interventions will be explained.
To evaluate the scrolling propensity of pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) tissue and to compare it with each component of the PDEK tissue, namely the pre-Descemet layer (Dua's layer PDL) ...and the Descemet membrane (DM).
Experimental laboratory investigation.
Fourteen human donor sclerocorneal discs in which a type 1 big bubble was obtained by stromal injection of air were studied. The wall of the type 1 big bubble was excised and its grade of scrolling noted. The components of the wall (ie, the DM and PDL) were then separated and the scrolling of each was individually graded. Statistical comparison of the grade of scrolling of each layer and correlation with age was carried out; 25-μm slices of anterior and posterior stroma obtained with the femtosecond laser from 4 control samples were used for comparison. The main outcome measure was the grade of scrolling of PDEK tissue in comparison with PDL and DM.
Mean donor age was 67 years. The mean grade of the scroll formed by PDEK tissue was1.6 compared to 0.64 for PDL alone and 3.6 for DM alone. The difference was statistically significant. No correlation between donor age and degree of scrolling for any of the tissues tested was found.
PDEK tissue scrolls less than DM. PDL scrolls the least. This demonstrates that PDL tissue splints the DM and reduces its scrolling in PDEK. This feature has relevance to tissue preparation, handling, and unscrolling in the eye during endothelial keratoplasty.
A myopic 43-year-old woman with early nuclear sclerotic cataract developed more than 11.0 diopters (D) of astigmatism over a 6-month period. This was found to be lenticular in origin. ...Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed, resulting in residual astigmatism of 0.75 D. To our knowledge, this is the first case of rapidly progressive lenticular astigmatism in an otherwise healthy eye with early nuclear sclerotic cataract.
Abstract Purpose To evaluate the scrolling propensity of Pre-Descemet’s endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) tissue and to compare it with each component of the PDEK tissue, namely the pre-Descemet’s ...layer (Dua’s layer PDL) and the Descemets membrane DM. Design Experimental laboratory investigation Methods Fourteen human donor sclero-corneal discs where a type 1 big bubble was obtained by stromal injection of air, were studied. The wall of the type 1 big bubble was excised and its grade of scrolling noted. The components of the wall i.e. the DM and PDL were then separated and the scrolling of each was individually graded. Statistical comparison of the grade of scrolling of each layer and correlation with age was carried out. 25 micron slices of anterior and posterior stroma obtained with the femtosecond laser from 4 control samples were used for comparison. The main outcome measure was the grade of scrolling of PDEK tissue in comparison with PDL and DM. Results Mean donor age was 67 years. The mean grade of the scroll formed by PDEK tissue was1.6 compared to 0.64 for PDL alone and 3.6 for DM alone. The difference was statistically significant. No correlation between donor age and degree of scrolling for any of the tissues tested was found. Conclusion PDEK tissue scrolls less than DM. PDL scrolls the least. This demonstrates that PDL tissue splints the DM and reduces its scrolling in PDEK. This has relevance to tissue preparation, handling and un-scrolling in the eye during endothelial keratoplasty.
Population explosions, environmental deprivation, and industrial expansion led to an imbalanced agricultural system. Non-judicial uses of agrochemicals have decreased agrodiversity, degraded ...agroecosystems, and increased the cost of farming. In this scenario, a sustainable agriculture system could play a crucial role; however, it needs rigorous study to understand the biological interfaces within agroecosystems. Among the various biological components with respect to agriculture, mycorrhizae could be a potential candidate. Most agricultural crops are symbiotic with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). In this study, beetroot has been chose to study the effect of different AMFs on various parameters such as morphological traits, biochemical attributes, and gene expression analysis (ALDH7B4 and ALDH3I1). The AMF Gm-
(
),
, and GG-
were taken as treatments to study the effect on the above-mentioned parameters in beetroot. We observed that among all the possible combinations of mycorrhizae, Gm+Al+GG performed best, and the Al-alone treatment was found to be a poor performer with respect to all the studied parameters. This study concluded that the more the combinations of mycorrhizae, the better the results will be. However, the phenomenon depends on the receptivity, infectivity, and past nutrient profile of the soil.
