Genetic diversity of astroviruses detected in wild aquatic birds in Hong Kong.

Wild waterfowl serve as a reservoir of some astroviruses. Fecal samples from wild waterfowl collected at Hong Kong's Marshes were tested using pan-astrovirus reverse transcription-PCR. Positive samples underwent subsequent host identification using DNA barcoding. Based on deduced partial sequences, noteworthy samples from three astrovirus groups (mammalian, avian and unclassified astroviruses) were further analyzed by next-generation sequencing. One sample of Avastrovirus 4 clade, MP22-196, had a nearly complete genome identified. The results of ORF2 phylogenetic analysis and genetic distance analysis indicate that Avastrovirus 4 is classified as a distinct subclade within Avastrovirus. MP22-196 has typical astrovirus genome characteristics. The unique characteristics and potential differences of this genome, compared to other avian astrovirus sequences, involve the identification of a modified sgRNA sequence situated near the ORF2 start codon, which precedes the ORF1b stop codon. Additionally, the 3' UTR of MP22-196 is shorter than other avian astroviruses. This study expands our understanding of the Avastrovirus 4 clade.

Elastic polypropylene suture in cataract surgery: long-term follow-up.

The final part of a prospective, controlled study of elastic polypropylene suture for cataract surgery was undertaken. The aim was to determine the change in induced astigmatism at 30 months after extracapsular cataract surgery and to assess the long-term safety of the suture material. Thirty-two of 44 patients were reexamined for changes in astigmatism. The results of all examinations were subjected to vector analysis. Both the elastic polypropylene group and the nylon control group continued to show an increase in the against-the-rule component of astigmatism. There was no statistical difference (p < 0.5) between the two groups at 30 months post-operatively, though the shift was greater in the polypropylene group. Wound security was similar for both groups but the polypropylene group had a higher incidence of giant papillary conjunctivitis (24%) due to exposed suture ends. The nylon suture was hydrolysed in 89% of that group and all patients were asymptomatic.

A prospective, controlled study of a 9/0 elastic polypropylene suture for cataract surgery: refractive results and complications.

A prospective, randomised study was performed on 52 patients undergoing routine limbal extracapsular cataract surgery to compare the effect of 10/0 nylon and 9/0 elastic polypropylene sutures on post-operative astigmatism. Both the magnitude and the axis of the astigmatism were measured by keratometry and refraction pre-operatively and at regular intervals for 3 months post-operatively. Both groups showed an increase in the magnitude of astigmatism immediately post-operatively. The polypropylene group showed a more rapid decrease in astigmatism over the first 7 days and subsequent stabilisation, although the only significant (p < 0.05) difference in astigmatism between the two groups was at 1 week post-operatively. Both groups showed 'with-the-rule' astigmatism immediately post-operatively, although more of the polypropylene group developed 'against-the-rule' astigmatism by the end of the study. Despite an early reduction in post-operative astigmatism in the polypropylene group, early spectacle prescribing would not be recommended because of the shift in the axis of astigmatism. In addition, the polypropylene group had a 4 times greater incidence of iris prolapse compared with the nylon group.

The bandage lens in bullous keratopathy.

One of the most common indications for the fitting of therapeutic contact lenses is bullous keratopathy, a painful condition often iatrogenic in origin and more usually encountered in elderly patients. A retrospective study of 30 patients fitted with therapeutic lenses for the condition and followed up for at least a year showed that the symptoms of bullous keratopathy were reduced in most cases. There was a higher incidence of suppurative keratitis (13 per cent) than has been reported in previous series. The prescribing of prophylactic antibiotics was haphazard in the series, and the authors suggest further study is needed to determine their precise role.

Intraocular injection of depomedrone.

A case of inadvertent intraocular injection of Depomedrone (methylprednisolone acetate) and its management by vitrectomy is discussed, with a review of previously reported cases.

The role of vitrectomy following accidental intraocular injection of deposteroid preparations.

Four cases of accidental intraocular injection of deposteroid preparation treated by early vitrectomy are reported. Previous reports indicate that with conservative management loss of vision is due to retinal detachment or optic neuropathy. Early vitrectomy is advocated to allow identification and treatment of retinal breaks to prevent retinal detachment and the removal of potentially retino-toxic preservatives and carriers contained in the steroid preparations. Immediate paracentesis may prevent ischaemic optic neuropathy.

Experience with extracapsular extraction and binkhorst 2-loop intraocular lenses: preliminary communication.

Extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a Binkhorst 2-loop intraocular lens were performed on 50 patients. The majority of the patients achieved a corrected postoperative acuity of 6/9. Operative, immediate postoperative and late postoperative complications are discussed. The commonest postoperative complication was the formation of a dense capsular membrane which required capsulotomy in 9 patients. Suggestions are put forward for improving the result of this rewarding operation.