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Background: Cystinosis, a rare autosomal recessive disease, stems from genetic alterations in the CTNS gene, leading to a malfunction of lysosomal 'cystinosin' protein. This dysfunction causes intracellular cystine accumulation, resulting in nephropathic and ocular abnormalities. Cystinosis is relatively rare in Asian countries, partly due to underreporting and lack of awareness, and cases often lack sufficient genetic evidence to support their diagnosis. This study presents a descriptive case series involving four Indian patients with cystinosis, elucidating clinical and genetic aspects. Methods: All four patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations. The corneal cystine crystal (CCC) score was determined using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). Genetic testing was performed using whole exome sequencing (WES). Results: Corneal crystal deposition, a hallmark of cystinosis, was evident in all cases. Systemic analysis revealed manifestations such as polyuria, bony abnormalities, growth retardation, hypothyroidism, and developmental delay. Genetic testing in two patients identified a homozygous pathogenic variant c.18_21delGACT (p.Thr7PhefsX7) in the CTNS gene, previously reported to cause cystinosis in different ethnic populations. Conclusions: Our case series sheds light on underrepresented cases of cystinosis in the Indian population. The rarity of this condition poses diagnostic challenges, leading to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses. AS-OCT can serve as a viable alternative to IVCM for assessing corneal crystal density status in cystinosis. Timely recognition and management are crucial in preventing complications, and the inclusion of genetic testing can expedite cystinosis diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Congenital corneal anesthesia (CCA) is a rare clinical entity that poses a diagnostic dilemma, particularly in the pediatric age group with very little literature on this. Accurate initial diagnosis, evaluation, early identification of risk factors, aggressive systemic workup, and appropriate therapy are paramount to prevent visual loss due to long-term complications of corneal anesthesia. The purpose of the study was to estimate and compare the corneal neural architecture using real time, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in patients with CCA as against a control population.Methods: This was a retrospective nonconsecutive, comparative clinical case series in a tertiary hospital in South India from June 2015 to December 2018.Methods: IVCM was accomplished in cooperative children in whom central cornea was relatively clear. The clearest three to five images from each eye were selected, and the nerves were analyzed for length, thickness, density, dichotomous pattern, and beading. Statistical analysis was done using Origin v7.0 (Origin Lab Corporation, Northampton, MA, USA).Results: In total, 15 eyes of 11 cases and 20 eyes of 10 controls were imaged. Measurements on corneal nerve density showed a significant difference (P = 0.0005), cases having a lower mean (3.85 ± 1.38 mm per mm2) compared to the controls (6.74 ± 1.75 mm per mm2). Measurements on corneal nerve length (P = 0.28), thickness (P = 0.45), and presence of beading (P = 0.97) and dichotomous pattern (P = 0.07) did not reveal a significant difference between cases and controls.Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between the functional loss (absent corneal sensation) and anatomical decrease (reduced subbasal nerve density) of corneal nerves in congenital corneal anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of fungal endophytes in Sorghum bicolor was investigated in samples collected from 10 different geographical regions of Karnataka state, India. A total of 360 endophytes were isolated from leaf, stem, and root tissues and were assigned to 26 fungal species based on morphology and molecular characterization using ITS sequences. All the endophytes belonged to the phylum Ascomycota. The diversity (Shannon H, 2.57; Simpson_1‐D, 0.92) and species richness (Margalef's, 4.68; Menhinick, 3.61) were found to be higher for the endophytes isolated from leaf tissues. The species evenness of the endophytic assemblage was strongly influenced by tissue type, followed by geographical location. The biocontrol potential of isolated endophytes was evaluated against economically destructive sorghum grain mould pathogens such as Fusarium thapsinum, Epicoccum sorghinum, Alternaria alternata, and Curvularia lunata using the dual culture method. Biocontrol potential was exhibited by 26 endophytic isolates, of which Trichoderma asperellum recorded broad‐spectrum activity against target pathogens, followed by E. nigrum and A. longipes. Most (82%) endophytes showed plant growth‐promoting traits. Biosynthesis of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) was observed in 84% of isolates, and phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and cellulase activity was observed in 69%, 23%, and 27% of isolates, respectively. Seeds treated with T. asperellum exhibited a significantly higher seed vigour index (2096), germination percentage (94%), and yield under greenhouse and field conditions. The results were substantiated by the confocal microscopy analysis, which clearly demonstrated the colonization of treated endophyte in root tissues. The present study reveals an ecofriendly approach to explore T. asperellum in sorghum disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the patient demographics and morphological characteristics of corneal endothelium by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), in patients with Iridocorneal Endothelial (ICE) Syndrome.Methods: In this retrospective observational series, IVCM acquired endothelial images of patients with ICE syndrome were evaluated. 'ICE cells' morphology was classified as "-" or "+" if they were larger or smaller than contralateral normal endothelium. It was correlated with patient demographics and clinical manifestations.Results: IVCM was performed on 41 eyes of 21 patients, with 13 males (62%) and 8 females (38%). The disease was unilateral in 19 (90.5%) and bilateral but asymmetric in two (9.5%) patients. Total ICE was seen in 91% eyes. Eighty percent patients (12 out of 15) with ICE-cells were males while 83.3% (5 out of 6) patients with ICE + cells were females. Mean age of patients with ICE- cell type and ICE + cell type was 45.8 ± 17.8 years and 40.3 ± 9.2 years respectively (P = 0.02). Both ICE - and ICE + eyes had similar incidence (33.3%) of corneal edema. ICE + eyes had more severe (grades 2/3) glaucoma (n = 5/6 eyes, 83.3%) compared to ICE - eyes (n = 8/15 eyes, 53.3%).Conclusion: A male preponderance, predilection of ICE - and + cell variants for male and female gender respectively, lack of association of the endothelial cell morphology with corneal edema, and apparent association of ICE + phenotype with more severe glaucoma occurring at a relatively younger age, are some novel findings of the present study. In the clinical setting correlation of patient demographics with these IVCM findings may help in better long-term prognostication of eyes with ICE syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to describe epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) with special focus on the disease in nonusers of contact lenses (CLs). This study was a perspective based on authors' experience and review of published literature. AK accounts for 2% of microbiology-proven cases of keratitis. Trauma and exposure to contaminated water are the main predisposing factors for the disease. Association with CLs is seen only in small fraction of cases. Contrary to classical description experience in India suggests that out of proportion pain, ring infiltrate, and radial keratoneuritis are seen in less than a third of cases. Majority of cases present with diffuse infiltrate, mimicking herpes simplex or fungal keratitis. The diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic examination of corneal scraping material and culture on nonnutrient agar with an overlay of Escherichia coli. Confocal microscopy can help diagnosis in patients with deep infiltrate; however, experience with technique and interpretation of images influences its true value. Primary treatment of the infection is biguanides with or without diamidines. Most patients respond to medical treatment. Corticosteroids play an important role in the management and can be used when indicated after due consideration to established protocols. Surgery is rarely needed in patients where definitive management is initiated within 3 weeks of onset of symptoms. Lamellar keratoplasty has been shown to have good outcome in cases needing surgery. Since the clinical features of AK in nonusers of CL are different, it will be important for ophthalmologists to be aware of the scenario wherein to suspect this infection. Medical treatment is successful if the disease is diagnosed early and management is initiated soon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the detailed Macro and Microscopical study of the Trunk bark of crude drug Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. belonging to family simaroubiaceae, an important medicinal plant in Indian system of medicines. The Trunk bark was studied using procedure of light, conofocal microscopy. The morphological and microscopical parameters were studied. The study was help to indentify and establish the authenticity of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. The parameters will also help to standardize the crude drug and minimize the drug adulteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of thermophilic sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) Desulfotomaculum geothermicum in mild steel corrosion was evaluated by electrochemical study and surface analysis technique. In the presence of D. geothermicum, the corrosion rate was 0.0698 mmpy at 50°C, which was higher when compared to control. Polarization study revealed that the bacteria enhanced cathodic reaction and suppressed anodic reaction. XRD data revealed that the presence of FeS enhanced the cathodic reaction by the formation of a protective film on the metal surface. Pitting was observed by confocal microscopy, which may be due to cathodic depolarization. The study implicates the importance of D. geothermicum in the corrosion of cooling towers of the petroleum refinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmania produce several types of mucin-like glycoproteins called proteophosphoglycans (PPGs) some of which are secreted while others are found on the surface of promastigotes and amastigotes. These proteins are thought to be important in the transmission, invasion and subsequent intracellular survival of parasites. The structure and function of PPGs are species and stage-specific in the case of L. major and L. mexicana, but no such information has hitherto been available for L. donovani. This study presents, for the first time, an initial characterization (localization) of PPG in sodium stibogluconate (SSG)-resistant and sensitive clinical isolates of L. donovani from Bihar (India) by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting using antibodies to L. major PPG. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed that both promastigotes and amastigotes possess PPG on their cell membrane and flagellar pocket membrane but its expression was variable in different isolates. The quantitative analysis by FACS and Western blotting showed that the expression and intensity of PPG bands was higher in SSG-resistant isolates. This study suggests the possibilities of involvement of PPG in drug-resistant mechanisms and of using PPG abundance as a marker for identifying drug-resistant clinical isolates in Indian kala azar. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]