Plasma of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients React to the Culture of a Mycovirus Containing Aspergillus flavus.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and is also seen in adults. Currently, no plasma-based test for the detection of ALL is available. We have cultured the home of a patient with ALL and isolated a mycovirus containing Aspergillus flavus.

Exploration of molecular factors impairing superoxide dismutase isoforms activity in human senile cataractous lenses.

Purpose: To explore different molecular factors impairing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms in senile cataractous lenses.

Methods: Enzyme activity of SOD isoforms, levels of their corresponding cofactors copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and expression of mRNA transcripts and proteins were determined in the lenses of human subjects with and without cataract. DNA from lens epithelium (LE) and peripheral blood was isolated.

Histomorphological and immunofluorescence evaluation of clear corneal incisions after microcoaxial phacoemulsification with 2.2 mm and 1.8 mm systems.

Purpose: To compare changes in the incision's histomorphology and denaturation of collagen I in rabbit eyes having microcoaxial phacoemulsification through 2.2 mm and 1.8 mm incision-compatible systems.

Estrogen mediated protection of cytoskeleton against oxidative stress.

Background & Objectives: Cytoskeletal proteins are deregulated during oxidative stress and cataract formation. However, estrogen which protects against cataract formation and harmful effects of oxidative stress has not been tested on the cytoskeleton of lens epithelial cells (LECs). The current study was undertaken to assess if the protection rendered to LECs by estrogen was mediated by preserving the cytoskeletal proteins.

Cx43, ZO-1, alpha-catenin and beta-catenin in cataractous lens epithelial cells.

Specimens of the anterior lens capsule with an attached monolayer of lens epithelial cells (LECs) were obtained from patients (n=52) undergoing cataract surgery. Specimens were divided into three groups based on the type of cataract: nuclear cataract, cortical cataract and posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC). Clear lenses (n=11) obtained from donor eyes were used as controls.

Comparison of the effect of torsional and microburst longitudinal ultrasound on clear corneal incisions during phacoemulsification.

Purpose: To compare incision integrity after clear corneal microcoaxial phacoemulsification using longitudinal and torsional ultrasound (US).

Setting: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India.

Design: Prospective randomized experimental clinical trial.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities in the human lens epithelial cells and serum of steroid induced posterior subcapsular cataracts.

Purpose: To evaluate the level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities in patients with steroid induced posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC).

Methods: This prospective, observational study comprised of 156 patients having either steroid induced PSC (n=50) or non-steroidal PSC (n=106) were performed to evaluate the level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in the lens epithelial cells (LECs) and the serum. Anterior lens capsules harboring LECs were obtained during phacoemulsification and peripheral blood was collected from patients before administration of anesthesia.

Fungal scleral keratitis caused by Phomopsis phoenicicola.

We report a case of scleral keratitis caused by Phomopsis phoenicicola. Pterygium surgery was a predisposing factor, and the patient was treated with natamycin and fluconazole eye drops and oral fluconazole. The fungus was identified by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungal ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus and confirmed on the basis of its typical pycnidia and conidia.