An efficient algae cell wall disruption methodology for recovery of intact chloroplasts from microalgae

The microalgal cell wall breakage has been identified as complex phenomenon which is highly dependent onthe nature and composition of cell wall. A detailed analysis of plastids and their function requires the breakingopen of cell without any damage to cellular components. To develop a rapid and universal methodology forcell wall breakage, liquid nitrogen crushing, sonication, enzymatic lysis, and homogenization procedures wereapplied to various microalgal species. Homogenization-based procedure for the isolation of intact chloroplastwas found to be universal for all algal species under the study. The isolated chloroplasts were subjected tochloroplast integrity analysis. The intact chloroplast exhibited a positive maximum quantum yield and Fv/Fm values ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 as measured by pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry and was found tobe suitable for further downstream applications such as isolation of protein–pigment complexes involved inphotosynthetic O2 evolution. The developed methodology is a quick and efficient technique for the isolation ofintact chloroplasts across different genera of microalgae by employing minor changes in the base protocol as aspecies-specific characteristic

Susac's syndrome: First from India and youngest in the world.

A two and half year old female was admitted at the emergency room suffering from gradually worsening headache followed by nausea. The child presented with reduced level of consciousness and bilateral hypoacusis. The patient was lethargic. Ophthalmic examination showed branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). This finding was crucial to the diagnosis of Susac’s syndrome (SS), a rare autoimmune disease characterized by, endotheliopathy of retina, encephalic tissues and cochlea. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain also showed typical features. Thorough blood investigations did not reveal any other abnormality. Patient was treated with immunosuppressive to prevent her from developing severe sequelae of this disease. The child showed dramatic improvement in her systemic condition within 48 h of starting the treatment. This is the youngest ever and first case report from India.

Retinitis pigmentosa and congenital toxoplasmosis: a rare coexistence.

We describe a previously unreported co-existence of retinitis pigmentosa and congenital toxoplasmosis. An eight year old male presented to our center with complaints of decreased night vision. Fundus evaluations in both the eyes demonstrated features typical of retinitis pigmentosa. There were well-defined punched out healed chorio-retinal scars suggestive of congenital toxoplasmosis. On the basis of history, clinical findings and reduction of a and b wave amplitudes on scotopic and photopic electroretinograph, a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa with congenital toxoplasmosis was made. Retinitis pigmentosa may co-exist with congenital toxoplasmosis that may affect the patient's overall ocular morbidity and visual acuity.

Visual outcome and electron microscopic features of indocyanine green-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling from macular hole of various aetiologies.

PURPOSE: To describe the visual outcome of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for macular hole of various aetiologies and ultrastructural features of the ILM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 40 eyes of 38 patients. Thirty eyes with full thickness macular hole were treated with vitrectomy and removal of ILM. Ten eyes with retinal detachment served as negative controls and these patients underwent vitrectomy and ILM removal. The surgical specimens were examined by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The anatomical success rate of the first operation was 90% in idiopathic and myopic groups, whereas it was 100% in traumatic macular hole group. Visual improvement of (3) two lines was noted in 80% of the cases. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of ILM in all surgical specimens. Proliferation of astrocytes and synthesis of new collagen along the inner surface of ILM was noted in the surgical specimens. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the ILM removal helps in closure of the macular hole and retinal reattachment. Vitrectomy with ILM peeling is a reasonable surgical approach to treat macular holes of idiopathic, myopic and traumatic aetiology.

Management of iatrogenic intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide.

Intravitreal corticossteroids have been used for therapeutic purposes in optimum doses and adverse reports have not been described. To best of our knowledge, this entity has never been reported as a problem. We report a case of successful management of iatrogenic intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for intermediate uveitis. This case study highlights the strategy of appropriate and timely surgical management.

Indocyanine green enhanced maculorhexis in macular hole surgery.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the usefulness of staining the internal limiting membrane (ILM) with a solution of indocyanine green (ICG) to facilitate the removal of ILM in eyes with idiopathic macular hole. METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent vitrectomy with the removal of posterior cortical vitreous, induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), ICG-enhanced removal of the macular ILM, and fluid-gas exchange, followed by facedown positioning. RESULTS: Fifteen (83.33%) of the macular holes were closed at 3 months postoperatively. The visual outcome was relatively better in holes smaller than 400 microns in diameter, as compared to bigger macular holes (more than 400 microns in diameter). Of the 18 eyes, 9 (50%) recorded visual improvement of 2 or more lines over the preoperative level. CONCLUSION: Our results show the safety and usefulness of this technique in visualization of the ILM during macular hole surgery, thereby leading to successful removal of optimal amount of ILM, with minimum damage to the retina.