Molecular diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis secondary to cytomegalovirus in vitreous aspirate.

We report a case of a 45-year old Filipino post-kidney transplant patient maintained on steroids, who presented with floaters in her left eye. Vitreous aspirate was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). A distinct band (435 bp) was found that confirmed the presence of HCMV. Since a rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for prompt administration of antiviral therapy, PCR-based analysis of vitreous aspirate provides a valuable tool in the diagnosis of patients with retinitis caused by herpes viruses.

Biphasic tricalcium phosphate spheres with muscle resection in primary enucleation

Purpose: To combine the advantage of porosity and biocompatibility of Biphasic Tricalcium Phosphate implant with Muscle Resection Methodology: Non-randomized, uncontrolled clinical case series Results: No migration or extrusion was observed. With improved muscle resection, socket and prosthesis mobility were noted. (Author)

Essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (tanglad; lemon grass) as a potential antifungal topical eye medication: In vivo study

Preparation of the essential oil of lemon grass was done in collaboration with the Chemical and Minerals Department of DOST. Properly washed and air dried mature leaves of lemon grass were used. Essential oil was extracted by means of hydrodistillation wherein the cut leaves were placed in a 4 liter erlenmeyer flask filled with tap water which was sealed and connected to a Clevenger tube for collection. This was then dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate (Na2SO4). The percentage oil yield of the sample was computed in terms of volume per weight percent. Moisture of free oils were stored in amber colored bottles at 4 degrees centigrade A 1.17 percent has been extracted through this process. The oil obtained was subjected to bioassay gas chromatography. The gas chromatogram found that Citral was the major component with a concentration of 69.39 percent. The physical properties of lemon grass essential oil in Table 1 Antifungal sensitivities were determined with tube dilution methods. The MIC for Fusarium solani was determined at 625 ug/ml and the MFC was at 700 ug/ml. The MIC of Aspergillus was at 500 ug/ml and MFC was at 570 ug/ml.

Locally produced bioceramic orbital plate: A low cost alternative to commercially available orbital plate implants

There has been a growing interest in the use of porous alloplastic implants for reconstructive orbital surgeries. Porous polyethylene (medpor) and hydroxyapatite are two of the more popular and successful orbital implants that revolutionized orbital reconstructive surgery, However, due to its prohibitive costs the authors in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology have explored the use of a locally manufactured low cost (P25) synthetic Bioceramic Porous Biphasic Calcium Phosphate as a prospective orbital implant material for orbital floor fracture reconstruction. This study aims to establish and demonstrate biocompatibility and bone grafting characteristic of porous biphasic calcium phosphate orbital implant in cats as well as its capability to induce and support bone growth at 1 and 3 months. The implant composition of 77 percent tricalcium phosphate and 23 percent hydroxyapatite analyzed by means of an x-ray diffractometer clearly demonstrates its similarity to bone. 12 orbits of 6 cats underwent orbital plate implantation. Gross, radiographic, histological and histomorphometric examinations were done for the specimens at 1 & 3 months post-operatively. Evidence of lamellar bone deposition, vascularization without any signs of infection, inflammation, and resorption were observed in 6 out of 6 orbits in 1 month and 6 out of 6 at 3 months. Histomorphometric evidence shows bone-implant ratio of 30 percent deposition at 1 month and 50 percent deposition at 3 months. Porous biphasic calcium phosphate, an inexpensive orbital implant alternative has proven to have physiological bone induction as well as bone conduction properties. It is biocompatible, allows vascularization and is resistant to resorption. (Author)