ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Regional differences in gallstone (GS) composition are well documented in the Indian subcontinent. The reasons for the same are unknown. Etiopathogenesis of GS remains elusive despite advances in instrumentation. This was an in-depth analysis of the chemical, structural, and elemental composition of GS with special reference to synchroton studies. METHODS: We used high-end sensitive analytical complementary microscopic and spectroscopic methods techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, synchrotron X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-XRF), and 2D and 3D synchrotron microtomography (SR-µCT), to study the ultra structure and trace element composition of three major types of GS (cholesterol, mixed, and pigment). SR-XRF quantified the trace elements in GS. RESULTS: The cholesterol GS (monohydrate and anhydrate) were crystalline, with high calcium content. The pigment GS were amorphous, featureless, black, and fragile, with high calcium bilirubinate and carbonate salts. They had the highest concentration of iron (average 31.50 ppm) and copper (average 92.73 ppm), with bacterial inclusion. The mixed stones had features of both cholesterol and pigment GS with intermediate levels of copper (average 20.8 ppm) and iron (average 17.78 ppm). CONCLUSION: SR-µCT has, for the first time, provided cross-sectional computed imaging delineating the framework of GS and mineral distribution. It provided excellent mapping of cholesterol GS. SR-XRF confirmed that pigment GS had high concentrations of copper and iron with bacterial inclusions, the latter possibly serving as a nidus to the formation of these stones.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To compare outcomes of live related limbal allograft (Lr-CLAL) versus cadaveric keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) secondary to ocular burns. METHODS: Twenty patients with stage IIb LSCD were randomized so that cases underwent either Lr-CLAL or KLAL. Fibrovascular pannus was removed and superficial keratectomy done on the recipient bed. Limbal lenticule of 2-3 clock hours' length was harvested from the donor, which was placed over the host bed and sutured followed by bandage contact lens application. Parameters assessed were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), conjunctivalization, corneal neovascularization, epithelial defects, corneal clarity, Schirmer's test, tear film breakup time (tBUT), and ultrasonic pachymetry. RESULTS: At 6 months follow-up, the Lr-CLAL group had a higher gain in vision (p = 0.029), decrease in conjunctivalization (p = 0.009), and increase in Schirmer's values (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Lr-CLAL seems to have better result in terms of vision gain and ocular surface restoration.
