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Background: The diet is a major factor affecting the Body Mass Index (BMI) of an individual. BMI has long been the standard for measuring health and its normal range (18.5–24.9, according to the World Health Organization) is considered to be crucial for maintenance of proper health and to prevent various lifestyle disorders which are considered to have either direct or indirect effects on physical and mental well-being of our youth. Aim: To investigate the correlation between diet patterns and BMI, overall stamina and fatigue levels in the youth population residing in Delhi-NCR region of India. Methods: An online survey was conducted using a carefully designed Google form and the respondents were asked to give details about the basic health parameters and dietary lifestyle. Results: 67% of the respondents who consumed milk were found to have an ideal BMI. 64% of the respondents who consumed mustard oil as their predominant dietary fat showed normal BMI and more than 80% showed lower fatigue levels. Conclusion: Milk and mustard oil consumption is important for maintenance of an ideal BMI. Awareness should be created in the youth to have them as part of their daily diet.

In a hydroponic system, potassium chloroaurate (KAuCl

Background & objectives: In the current scenario, with availability of different surgical procedures for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), there exists no common consensus as to the standardization of the management protocol for the same. In addition, there also exists diversity in the views about the clinical diagnosis, ancillary investigations and clinical parameters. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reported outcomes of surgical interventions for the management of LSCD. Methods: A systematic review of published literature on limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) was performed using Ovid Medline, Embase and PubMed for a duration of 2009 to 2019. Original studies including prospective, retrospective case series and randomized controlled trials, articles in English language, articles with access to full text and studies with more than or at least 10 patients were included in this review. Data related to clinical and visual outcomes were evaluated, and pool estimates of different surgeries were calculated using random-effects model and individually using Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: A total of 1133 abstracts were evaluated. Finally, 17 studies were included for the analysis. Among these 17 studies, direct limbal lenticule transplantation was performed in five studies, of which autologous tissue from the fellow eye [conjunctival limbal autograft (CLAU)], allograft from a cadaver/live donor [keratolimbal allograft (KLAL)/conjunctival limbal allograft (CLAL)] and combination of CLAU plus KLAL were done in one, three and one studies, respectively. The ex vivo expanded cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET) was reported in six studies and simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) in four studies. Two were comparative studies comparing CLET and CLAL (living-related CLAL) with cadaveric KLAL, respectively. Outcome analysis of the included studies showed significant heterogeneity. Calculated pool rate for various types of surgeries was calculated. The pool estimate for CLAL was 67.56 per cent [95% confidence interval (CI), 41.75-93.36; I2=83.5%, P=0.002]. For KLAL, this value was 63.65 per cent (95% CI, 31.38-95.91; I2=92.4%, P=0.000). Pool estimate for CLET was 78.90 per cent (95% CI, 70.51-87.28; I2=73.6%, P=0.001). Corresponding values for SLET were 79.08 per cent (95% CI, 74.10-84.07; I2=0.0%, P=0.619). CLAU and combination of CLAU plus KLAL were done in one study each; hence, statistical analysis could not be done. The functional outcome in terms of gain in visual acuity post-operatively was better in KLAL (P

Abiotic stresses like drought, extreme temperature, and lack of sufficient water or nutrients adversely affect plant growth and productivity. The physiological responses of higher plants to the environmental stresses are largely influenced by the root system, which can quickly modulate its developmental pattern under changing water, nutrient, and temperature, as an adaptive response. Protein coding genes, phytohormones and microRNAs (miRNAs) are among the key players which imparts crucial intrinsic role in shaping the root development and its environment adaptive growth pattern. Among these factors, miRNAs belong to a class of small non-coding RNAs of 21–24 nucleotides in length, which regulates various aspects of plant growth and development by negatively regulating their target genes through either transcriptional cleavage or translational inhibition. Although many miRNAs have been identified to be differentially regulated under various abiotic stress conditions, only a limited number of them have been characterized, due to the complex nature of its regulation. However, some of the miRNAs, such as miR156, miR165/166, miR169 etc., have recently been shown to be involved in both abiotic stress response and root development, indicating the diverse role of miRNA mediated gene regulation. The field of miRNA mediated gene regulation is dynamically expanding and more miRNAs are being characterized for their function. Current review focuses on miRNAs that are differentially regulated by major abiotic stresses as well as are involved in root development in Arabidopsis thaliana. We highlight their role in regulation of multiple and diverse aspects of developmental and physiological processes in Arabidopsis.

In Arabidopsis thaliana, besides several key transcription factors and chromatin modifiers, phytohormones auxin and cytokinin play pivotal role in shoot and root meristem maintenance, and lateral root (LR) development. Sirtinol, a chemical inhibitor of Sir2 proteins, is known to promote some auxin induced phenotypes in Arabidopsis. However, its effect on plant stem cell maintenance or organ formation remained unaddressed. Here we show that sirtinol affects meristem maintenance by altering the expression of key stem cell regulators, cell division and differentiation by modulating both auxin and cytokinin signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression of shoot stem cell niche related genes WUSCHEL (WUS) and CLAVATA3 (CLV3) was upregulated, whereas SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) was downregulated in sirtinol treated seedlings. The expression level and domain of key root stem cell regulators PLETHORA (PLTs) and WUS-Related Homeobox 5 (WOX5) were altered in sirtinol treated roots. Sirtinol affects LR development by disturbing proper auxin transport and maxima formation, similar to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Sirtinol also affects LR formation by altering cytokinin biosynthesis and signaling genes in roots. Therefore, sirtinol affects shoot and root growth, meristem maintenance and LR development by altering the expression of cytokinin-auxin signaling components, and regulators of stem cells, meristems, and LRs.

The submergence-induced hypoxic condition negatively affects the plant growth and development, and causes early onset of senescence. Hypoxia alters the expression of a number of microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the molecular function of submergence stress-induced miRNAs in physiological or developmental changes and recovery remains poorly understood. Here, we show that miR775 is an Arabidopsis thaliana-specific young and unique miRNA that possibly evolved non-canonically. miR775 post-transcriptionally regulates GALACTOSYLTRANSFERASE 9 (GALT9) and their expression is inversely affected at 24 h of complete submergence stress. The overexpression of miR775 (miR775-Oe) confers enhanced recovery from submergence stress and reduced accumulation of RBOHD and ROS, in contrast to wild-type and MIM775 Arabidopsis shoot. A similar recovery phenotype in the galt9 mutant indicates the role of the miR775-GALT9 module in post-submergence recovery. We predicted that Golgi-localized GALT9 is potentially involved in protein glycosylation. The altered expression of senescence-associated genes (SAG12, SAG29 and ORE1), ethylene signalling (EIN2 and EIN3) and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis (NCED3) pathway genes occurs in miR775-Oe, galt9 and MIM775 plants. Thus, our results indicate the role for the miR775-GALT9 module in post-submergence recovery through a crosstalk between the ethylene signalling and ABA biosynthesis pathways.

In higher plants, pluripotent stem cells reside in the specialized microenvironment called stem cell niches (SCNs) harbored at the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and root apical meristem (RAM), which give rise to the aerial and underground parts of a plant, respectively. The model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) has been extensively studied to decipher the intricate regulatory mechanisms involving some key transcriptions factors and phytohormones that play pivotal roles in stem cell homeostasis, meristem maintenance, and organ formation. However, there is increasing evidence to show the epigenetic regulation of the chromatin architecture, gene expression exerting an influence on an innate balance between the self-renewal of stem cells, and differentiation of the progeny cells to a specific tissue type or organ. Post-translational histone modifications, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, and chromatin assembly/disassembly are some of the key features involved in the modulation of chromatin architecture. Here, we discuss the major epigenetic regulators and illustrate their roles in the regulation of stem cell activity, meristem maintenance, and related organ patterning in Arabidopsis.

Patients with gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy need to be effectively managed as the disease is severely debilitating in view of associated pho-tophobia and glare. Here, we report a rare case of gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy effectively managed by intraoperative anterior segment optical coherence tomography-guided manual deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in 1 eye and sutureless fibrin glue-aided, microkeratome-assisted automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty in the other eye. The patient, a 22-year old man, presented with gradual diminution of vision associated with foreign body sensation, glare, photophobia, and watering due to corneal lesions, which were consistent with a diagnosis of gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy. Visual acuity at pre-sentation was 4/60 and 3/60 in the right and left eye, respectively. The patient received customized component lamellar keratoplasty in both eyes, and host tissue was sent for histopathologic examination. Treatment resulted in a best-corrected distance visual acuity of 6/9 and 6/12 in the right and left eye, respectively. The graft was clear and well apposed, with minimal interface haze bilaterally. The histopathologic report suggested intralamellar amyloid deposition in the form of homogenous, acellular eosinophilic deposits in the epithelium and anterior corneal stroma. This is a first report of the exclusive use of a fibrin-aprotinin tissue adhesive to stabilize a donor corneal lamellar graft as a treatment modality for a patient with gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy, suggesting that this treatment could supplant the need for sutures.

SummarySubmergence induced hypoxic condition is one of the abiotic stresses which negatively affects the plant growth and development, and causes early onset of senescence. Hypoxic conditions ateres the expression of a number of non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs), besides protein-coding genes. However, the molecular function of stress-induced miRNA in submergence induced physiological or developmental changes and recovery remains to be understood. The expression of miR775 is highly induced under hypoxic stress conditions. Here, we show that miR775 is a potential post-transcriptional regulator number of targets, including Galactosyltransferase (GALT9). The expression of miR775 and target GALT9 was significantly induced and reduced respectively at 24 hours of submergence. The overexpression of miR775 (miR775-Oe) confers enhanced recovery from submergence stress and reduced accumulation of ROS, in contrast to wild type and endogenous target mimic of miR775 (MIM775) Arabidopsis plants. We observed a similar recovery phenotype in case of target galt9 mutant plants, indicating the role of miR775-GALT9 module in recovery from submergence. Further, we showed that the expression of SENESCENCE ASSOCIATED GENES (SAGs), such as SAG12, SAG29, and ORE1. was increased in MIM775 and reduced in miR775-Oe and galt9 plants. Thus, our results suggest that miR775-GALT9 module plays a crucial role in the recovery from submergence by modulating the expression of SAGs through differential accumulation of ROS.

Root system architecture and anatomy of monocotyledonous maize is significantly different from dicotyledonous model

Present review addresses the advances made in the understanding of biogenesis of plant small RNAs and their role in plant development. We discuss the elaborate role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and trans-acting small interfering RNAs (ta-siRNAs) in various aspects of plant growth and development and highlight relevance of small RNA mobility. Small non-coding RNAs regulate various aspects of plant development. Small RNAs (sRNAs) of 21-24 nucleotide length are derived from double-stranded RNAs through the combined activity of several biogenesis and processing components. These sRNAs function by negatively regulating the expression of target genes. miRNAs and ta-siRNAs constitute two important classes of endogenous small RNAs in plants, which play important roles in plant growth and developmental processes like embryogenesis, organ formation and patterning, shoot and root growth, and reproductive development. Biogenesis of miRNAs is a multistep process which includes transcription, processing and modification, and their loading onto RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). RISC-loaded miRNAs carry out post-transcriptional silencing of their target(s). Recent studies identified orthologues of different biogenesis components of novel and conserved small RNAs from different model plants. Although many small RNAs have been identified from diverse plant species, only a handful of them have been functionally characterized. In this review, we discuss the advances made in understanding the biogenesis, functional conservation/divergence in miRNA-mediated gene regulation, and the developmental role of small RNAs in different plant species.

The molecular regulation of root development is relatively well studied in model plant Arabidopsis as compared to other plants. Besides phytohormones, transcription factors and environmental factors, other important regulators which have recently been shown to play crucial roles in controlling root development are the non-coding RNAs. Small non-coding RNAs of 21–24 nt length (miRNAs and ta-siRNAs) regulate various aspects of plant development by negatively regulating their target genes through transcript cleavage or translational inhibition. In recent past the microRNA-mediated regulation of root development has drawn significant interest in the area of plant research. Several reports have highlighted the role of many miRNAs and ta-siRNAs in root growth, vascular patterning, lateral root (LR) formation and elongation, and adventitious root development, Phytohormones like auxin, cytokinin and environmental factors like light, abiotic and biotic stresses, and nutrient availability influence many miRNA-mediated regulation of root growth and branching. In current review, we summarize the recent advances made in understanding the miRNA-mediated regulation of root development in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The molecular crosstalk between different miRNAs, ta-siRNAs, and concerned target genes that regulate root growth and branching have been addressed.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of monocular video game play as an adjuvant to occlusion therapy in the treatment of anisometropic amblyopia. Methods: In a prospective randomized study design, 68 children with ages ranging from 6 to 14 years who had anisometropic amblyopia with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the amblyopic eye of better than 6/36 and worse than 6/12 and no manifest strabismus were recruited. They were randomly allocated into two groups: 34 children received 1 hour per day of video game play for the first month plus 6 hours per day of occlusion therapy (video game and occlusion group) and 34 children received 6 hours per day of occlusion therapy alone (occlusion only group). Patients were then evaluated at baseline and 1 and 3 months after treatment for BCVA, stereoacuity, and contrast sensitivity. Results: In the video game and occlusion group, BCVA improved from 0.61 ± 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline to 0.51 ± 0.14 logMAR ( P = .001) at 1 month and 0.40 ± 0.15 logMAR ( P = .001) at 3 months. In the occlusion only group, BCVA improved from 0.65 ± 0.09 logMAR at baseline to 0.60 ± 0.10 logMAR ( P = .001) at 1 month and 0.48 ± 0.10 logMAR ( P = .001) at 3 months. There was significantly more improvement in the video game and occlusion group compared to the occlusion only group ( P = .003 at 1 month and P = .027 at 3 months). Conclusions: Video game play plus occlusion therapy enhances the visual recovery in anisometropic amblyopia. [ J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus . 2017;54(4):244–249.]

Root system architecture and anatomy of monocotyledonous maize is significantly different from dicotyledonous model Arabidopsis The molecular role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is poorly understood in maize root development. Here, we address the role of LEAFBLADELESS1 (LBL1), a component of maize trans-acting short-interfering RNA (ta-siRNA), in maize root development. We report that root growth, anatomical patterning, and the number of lateral roots (LRs), monocot-specific crown roots (CRs) and seminal roots (SRs) are significantly affected in lbl1-rgd1 mutant, which is defective in production of ta-siRNA, including tasiR-ARF that targets AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 (ARF3) in maize. Altered accumulation and distribution of auxin, due to differential expression of auxin biosynthesis and transporter genes, created an imbalance in auxin signalling. Altered expression of microRNA165/166 (miR165/166) and its targets, ROLLED1 and ROLLED2 (RLD1/2), contributed to the changes in lbl1-rgd1 root growth and vascular patterning, as was evident by the altered root phenotype of Rld1-O semi-dominant mutant. Thus, LBL1/ta-siRNA module regulates root development, possibly by affecting auxin distribution and signalling, in crosstalk with miR165/166-RLD1/2 module. We further show that ZmLBL1 and its Arabidopsis homologue AtSGS3 proteins are functionally conserved.

We aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of health professionals towards eye donation at an apex tertiary care centre of northern India.We interviewed 600 health professionals, comprising doctors, nurses, medical as well as nursing students, social workers and allied paramedical staff. A structured questionnaire (12 questions for assessing knowledge and 5 questions for assessing attitude) was used to estimate the awareness of eye donation and willingness to pledge eyes for donation. The responses pertaining to knowledge were graded as 'excellent', 'good' and 'poor' and those pertaining to attitude were grouped into 'positive' and 'negative'.Of the 600 participants, 138 participants (23%) had 'excellent' knowledge and 234 participants (39%) had 'good' knowledge about eye donation. Awareness of eye donation was positively related to the level of literacy (odds ratio [OR] 8.5 [2.30-31.2]; p0.001). Medical social workers and health supervisors had better knowledge about eye donation (OR 2.01 [1.08-3.72]; p=0.026) than other professional groups. Knowledge of eye donation had no significant association with age, gender, religion, family type and marital status of the respondent. Willingness to pledge eyes for donation was observed in only 6% of the participating health professionals. Pledging of eyes for donation was higher among older participants (OR 7.8 [2.67-22.77]; p0.001).Our study shows that there is sufficient knowledge about eye donation, but an alarmingly low willingness to pledge eyes for donation among health professionals. Concerted efforts are required to alter their attitude to strengthen the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme.

Auxin signaling mediated by various auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAAs) and AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs (ARFs) regulate lateral root (LR) development by controlling the expression of downstream genes. LATERAL ROOT PRIMORDIUM1 (LRP1), a member of the SHORT INTERNODES/STYLISH (SHI/STY) family, was identified as an auxin-inducible gene. The precise developmental role and molecular regulation of LRP1 in root development remain to be understood. Here we show that LRP1 is expressed in all stages of LR development, besides the primary root. The expression of LRP1 is regulated by histone deacetylation in an auxin-dependent manner. Our genetic interaction studies showed that LRP1 acts downstream of auxin responsive Aux/IAAs-ARFs modules during LR development. We showed that auxin-mediated induction of LRP1 is lost in emerging LRs of slr-1 and arf7arf19 mutants roots. NPA treatment studies showed that LRP1 acts after LR founder cell specification and asymmetric division during LR development. Overexpression of LRP1 (LRP1 OE) showed an increased number of LR primordia (LRP) at stages I, IV and V, resulting in reduced emerged LR density, which suggests that it is involved in LRP development. Interestingly, LRP1-induced expression of YUC4, which is involved in auxin biosynthesis, contributes to the increased accumulation of endogenous auxin in LRP1 OE roots. LRP1 interacts with SHI, STY1, SRS3, SRS6 and SRS7 proteins of the SHI/STY family, indicating their possible redundant role during root development. Our results suggested that auxin and histone deacetylation affect LRP1 expression and it acts downstream of LR forming auxin response modules to negatively regulate LRP development by modulating auxin homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The functional characterization of miRNAs often involves understanding of their spatiotemporal expression, which mostly relies on reporter-based or in situ hybridization studies. The available in situ localization methods follow separate protocols for pre-hybridization, hybridization, post-hybridization, and detection steps for both miRNA and mRNA transcripts in plants. In this study, we present a single method which can be used for whole mount in situ localization of both miRNAs and mRNAs in different plant tissues. Our modified method provides enhanced sensitivity for the localization of miRNA and their target transcripts. Consequently, a less laborious, time-saving, economic and efficient method has been proposed by the modification of pre-hybridization, hybridization, post-hybridization and detection steps. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13205-019-1704-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a tool to isolate desired and/or less accessible cells or tissues from a heterogeneous population. In the current method, we describe an efficient and cost-effective method to obtain both high-quality mRNA and miRNAs in sufficient quantity from LCM-derived plant tissues. The quality of the isolated RNA can be assessed using Bioanalyzer. Using modified stem-loop RT-PCR, we confirmed the presence of 21-24 nucleotide (nt) long mature miRNAs. This modified LCM-based method has been found to be suitable for the tissue-specific expression analysis of both genes and small RNAs (miRNAs).

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the history and evolution of the National Eye Bank (NEB) and analyze the impact over the years and report the outcome of the invested resources. Methods: Review of archival material, records, project reports, policy and procedures' manuals, and publications was done. Descriptive and analytical processing of data obtained was undertaken. Parameters evaluated included total collection, transplantation, utilization rates of donor cornea, changing trends over time in terms of numbers and duration of recipients waiting, impactful research translated into changes in standard operating protocols, new facilities, and subsequent effects on numbers or quality assurance measures and overview of major achievements. Periodic situational analysis with contextual relevance and interpretation of outcomes was done pertaining to national goals and international standards. Results: The NEB and cornea services have played a key leadership role in furthering the development of eye banking and corneal transplantation services. The contribution extends beyond routine patient care to education, training, generation of resources, advocacy, and policymaking. In quantifiable terms, the overall performance has steadily increased over the years. Major contributions include training of doctors, eye bank staff and corneal surgeons, introduction of innovative techniques for corneal transplantation, setting of national standards for eye banking and provision of preservation media, customized corneal, and ocular surface cell replacement therapy in collaboration with other departments and institutes. Conclusion: The eye banking and corneal transplantation facilities have evolved with time providing quality services, modernized as appropriate with updated knowledge and incorporating technological advances supported by the systematic evidence-based approach.

The third cranial nerve is a motor nerve chiefly involved in execution of movements of the eye. The paresis or paralysis of the one or more of these muscles due to oculomotor nerve palsy, leads to ptosis, anisocoria and ocular motility defects. This article highlights the origin and course from nuclear level to terminal branches along with associated clinical symptoms and signs that help in localizing the site of lesion and planning appropriate management.

Jeewan S Titiyal, Manpreet Kaur, Archita Singh, Tarun Arora, Namrata Sharma Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Services, Dr Rajendra PrasadCentre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AllIndia Institute of MedicalSciences, New Delhi, India Purpose: To compare femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy with conventional manual capsulorhexis in cases of white cataract.Patients and methods: The prospective comparative study enrolled 80 eyes (80 patients) with white cataract that underwent either femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (Group I, n=40) or conventional manual phacoemulsification (Group II, n=40) at a tertiary care ophthalmic institution. The groups were divided based on the patient’s choice and affordability of the procedure. Capsulotomy/capsulorhexis was evaluated in terms of size, circularity index (4Π [area/perimeter2]), intraocular lens coverage, and continuity. Each group was further subdivided based on the release of white milky fluid on initiation of the capsulotomy/capsulorhexis, and the “fluid” cases were compared with the “no-fluid” cases. The primary outcome measure was capsulotomy/capsulorhexis characteristics in the two groups. The secondary outcome measures were intraoperative phacoemulsification parameters, intraoperative complications, and postoperative visual acuity.Results: The size of the capsulotomy/capsulorhexis was 4.9±0.1 mm in Group I and 5.3±0.4 mm in Group II (P

To discuss the clinical features, differential diagnosis and the novel confocal microscopic findings noted in the rare ‘deep blue dot corneal degeneration’. Observational case report. Slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination revealed bilateral, numerous, circular to oval discrete blue opacities at the level of deep stroma and fine grey linear opacities at the level of mid to deep stroma. Confocal microscopy demonstrated two types of corresponding hyper-reflective extracellular lesions: oval deposit-like, most concentrated at a depth of 430–480 µ and needle-like at the depth 330–370 µ. Deep blue dot corneal degeneration is a rare entity where blue deposits of amyloid are seen in the deep corneal stroma. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis when an old-aged person presents with good vision and the above mentioned findings.

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a tool to isolate desired and/or less accessible cells or tissues from a heterogeneous population. In the current method, we describe an efficient and cost-effective method to obtain both high-quality mRNA and miRNAs in sufficient quantity from LCM-derived plant tissues. The quality of the isolated RNA can be assessed using Bioanalyzer. Using modified stem-loop RT-PCR, we confirmed the presence of 21-24 nucleotide (nt) long mature miRNAs. This modified LCM-based method has been found to be suitable for the tissue-specific expression analysis of both genes and small RNAs (miRNAs).

Evaluate role of Strip Meniscometry (SMT) and lower tear meniscus [height (LTMH)depth (LTMD)] in diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease (DED) and its comparison with TBUT.In a prospective observational cross-sectional study of 120 eyes [60 eyes of 30 DED (Group 1)60 eyes of 30 controls (Group 2)] TBUT, Schirmer's, SMT, LTMH and LTMD was done. Subjects18 years diagnosed with DED (aqueous deficient) as per Tear film and Ocular surface society-Dry Eye Workshop (TFOS DEWS) II protocol and Ocular surface disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, with no associated systemic risk factor and previous ocular medical/surgical treatment were included as cases and subjects with no history of ocular surface disease as controls. The data was analyzed using t-testreceiver operating characteristic curve.TBUTSchirmer's values were significantly lower in group 1 (p 0.05). SMT was 2.28 ± 1.28 (Range 0-6)8.11 ± 1.39 (Range 3-10) in group 12 respectively (p 0.05). LTMH was 169.32 ± 29.84 μm (Range 85.78-209.11) and 234.41 ± 19.51 μm (Range 203.89-289.53) in Group 12 respectively (p 0.05). LTMD was 144.32 ± 33.60 μm (Range 57.49-190.12) and 206.69 ± 14.17 μm (Range 187.12-251.50) in Group 12 respectively (p 0.05). The SMT, LTMH and LTMD showed a cutoff value of5 mm (AUC 0.994, sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 96.7%), 204.96 μm (AUC 0.998, sensitivity 98.3%, specificity 96.7%)190 μm (AUC 0.995, sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 95%) respectively.SMT, ASOCT, LTMDLTMH are useful non invasive diagnostic tests for DED comparable with TBUT.

Seed germination paves the way for the dormant embryo to establish itself as a new plant marking the first critical step in postembryonic plant growth and development. Germination starts with the uptake of water (imbibition), followed by induction of transcription, translation, energy metabolism, and cell division processes. Although small RNAs have been implicated in many developmental processes, their role during seed germination stages and conditions remained elusive. Here we show that seed germination conditions, like imbibition and temperature, dynamically regulate the expression of many developmentally important miRNAs and their targets. We have identified 58 miRNAs belonging to 30 different families at different seed germination conditions. Amongst these, 15 miRNAs and their targets were significantly differentially expressed in Arabidopsis seeds in dry and 12 h, 24 h and 48 h of imbibition. Interestingly, differential expression of miR390, which targets trans-acting siRNA locus (TAS3) derived transcripts, resulted in alteration of tasiR-ARF mediated regulation of expression of target AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs (ARF2/3/4). Our results suggest that the dynamic expression of several miRNAs, their targets, and a crosstalk between miRNA and ta-siRNA pathways contribute to the regulation of seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Our objective was to assess the awareness of eye donation in an urban slum population and willingness to donate eyes after death.A cross-sectional, population-based study was undertaken in 20 urban slum clusters of the Indian capital, New Delhi. A total of 2004 individuals aged 18 years and older were recruited. After written, informed consent was obtained, knowledge regarding eye donation was assessed through a predesigned close-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire was framed so as to understand the sociodemographic factors influencing the willingness to donate and the awareness of eye donation in this distinct population.The mean age of the recruited individuals was 36.53 ± 13.68 years. Age did not have any significant effect on awareness regarding eye donation. We observed that 34.3% of the study population had no knowledge of eye donation and that 7.78% of the study population had excellent knowledge. Education seemed to be an important determining factor regarding knowledge of eye donation. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated better awareness among the Hindu population (81.1%) and those belonging to a higher caste (P.05). The younger age group (those 18-30 years old) showed significant willingness to donate their eyes versus older age groups (P.001). In our study population, male participants (P = .006), those classified as literate (P.001), and those classified as Hindu (P.001) were more willing to pledge their eyes for donation.Although there is substantial awareness about eye donation, willingness to pledge eyes was very low in the urban slum population. Additional efforts are needed to translate this awareness into actual eye donation in the urban poor population.

Overexpression of miR166/165 down-regulates target HD - ZIP IIIs and promotes root growth by enhancing cell division and meristematic activity, whereas overexpression of HD - ZIP IIIs inhibits root growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. Post-embryonic growth of higher plants is maintained by active meristems harbouring undifferentiated cells. Shoot and root apical meristems (SAM and RAM) utilize both similar and distinct signalling mechanisms for their maintenance in Arabidopsis thaliana. An important regulatory role in this context has the interaction of microRNAs with their target mRNAs, mostly encoding transcription factors. One class of microRNA166/165 (miR166/165) has been implicated in the maintenance of SAM and vascular patterning. Here, we show that miR166/165 plays an important role in root growth also by negatively regulating its target transcripts, HD-ZIP IIIs, in the RAM. While overexpression of miR166 promotes RAM activity, overexpression of its targets reduces RAM activity. These results reveal a conserved role of miR166/165 in the maintenance of SAM and RAM activity in A. thaliana.

In Arabidopsis thaliana, besides several key transcription factors and chromatin modifiers, phytohormones auxin and cytokinin play pivotal role in shoot and root meristem maintenance, and lateral root (LR) development. Sirtinol, a chemical inhibitor of Sir2 proteins, is known to promote some auxin induced phenotypes in Arabidopsis. However, its effect on plant stem cell maintenance or organ formation remained unaddressed. Here we show that sirtinol affects meristem maintenance by altering the expression of key stem cell regulators, cell division and differentiation by modulating both auxin and cytokinin signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression of shoot stem cell niche related genes WUSCHEL (WUS) and CLAVATA3 (CLV3) was upregulated, whereas SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) was downregulated in sirtinol treated seedlings. The expression level and domain of key root stem cell regulators PLETHORA (PLTs) and WUS-Related Homeobox 5 (WOX5) were altered in sirtinol treated roots. Sirtinol affects LR development by disturbing proper auxin transport and maxima formation, similar to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Sirtinol also affects LR formation by altering cytokinin biosynthesis and signaling genes in roots. Therefore, sirtinol affects shoot and root growth, meristem maintenance and LR development by altering the expression of cytokinin-auxin signaling components, and regulators of stem cells, meristems, and LRs.

Descemet9s membrane detachment (DMD) though uncommon in the present day scenario of advancing surgical techniques is a significant complication that requires prompt diagnosis and management. A middle-aged man presented to our hospital with poor gain of vision following cataract surgery. There was significant corneal oedema with DMD which was confirmed on anterior segment optical coherence tomography. We describe a modified continuous intraoperative-guided approach for the management of DMD in cases with oedematous hazy corneas. The aim of this technique is to allow early reattachment of Descemet9s membrane in chronic cases where fluid pockets prevent reattachment of the posterior layer of cornea. Our technique involves the use of full thickness stromal vent incisions in the paracentral cornea along with intracameral isoexpansile concentration of gas for the successful settlement of the detached Descemet9s membrane.

Retinal vasculature is frequently altered in systemic vascular disorders such as Diabetes and Hypertension. We present a rare case in which vitreous hemorrhage was the presenting sign of an underlying congenital cyanotic heart disease. Keywords: Vitreous hemorrhage, Cyanotic heart disease, Conjunctival telangiectasia

Peripheral Ulcerative keratitis is a debilitating ocular condition which requires detailed evaluation and therapy. The key to success in medical therapy is a systematic and logical approach based on a sound understanding of the underlying disease process and the mechanism of action of different therapeutic agents. The aim of therapy is to identify and manage the underlying disease process, stimulate epithelial healing, control the inflammation, and prevent complications. The ulcer may be infective or inflammatory secondary to an immune response. Corticosteroids are the first-line agents in immune-mediated ulcers and help control the acute phase of inflammation. They are usually tapered by 6–8 weeks and immunosuppressant agents are added to the treatment protocol. Immunomodulators are important to treat and manage the underlying systemic condition and provide a long-term remission. The preferred approach is to have a step-by-step plan for treatment, which includes stepping up or stepping down the described therapy. While on immunosuppressant therapy, a stringent monitoring of the associated adverse effects is a must. Recalcitrant cases require a more aggressive approach for management. Emerging role of biological agents in treatment of peripheral ulcerative keratitis may provide hope in resistant cases.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis is a complex clinical entity which requires a tailored and step-wise approach in management for adequate control of the underlying disease process. The main goals of therapy in cases of PUK are to achieve control of the inflammatory process with minimal damaging consequences and this is achieved by measures which include identification of the causative factor, suppression of the inflammatory cascade, stimulation of the healing process and prevention of complications. For the sake of convenience and better understanding of the best approach to follow in handling such cases, a practical guide has been provided following a logical sequence as would be required in practical clinical settings.

The main root and continuously emerging lateral roots constitute the root architecture of an adult plant during its postembryonic development. Epigenetic modifications like methylation or deacetylation of histones have been suggested to regulate root development. SWP1/LDL1, a component of plant specific corepressor complex, has been implicated in the induction of flowers and root through histone modifications in Arabidopsis. However, molecular role of SWP1 in regulating the lateral root development remained unexplored. Here we show that SWP1 regulates lateral root initiation and elongation in Arabidopsis. Mutation in SWP1 increases both the density and length of lateral roots. SWP1 negatively regulates lateral root initiation through direct/indirect transcriptional repression of lateral root promoting factors, such as AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORS (ARFs) and GATA23.

Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) is a powerful tool to isolate and study gene expression pattern of desired and less accessible cells or tissues from a heterogeneous population. Existing LCM-based methods fail to obtain high quality RNA including small RNAs from small microdissected plant tissue and therefore, are not suitable for miRNA expression studies. Here, we describe an efficient and cost-effective method to obtain both high quality RNA and miRNAs from LCM-derived embryonic root apical meristematic tissue, which is difficult to access. We have significantly modified and improved the tissue fixation, processing, sectioning and RNA isolation steps and minimized the use of kits. Isolated RNA was checked for quality with bioanalyzer and used for gene expression studies. We have confirmed the presence of 19-24 nucleotide long mature miRNAs using modified stem-loop RT-PCR. This modified LCM-based method is suitable for tissue specific expression analysis of both genes and small RNAs (miRNAs).

microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of endogenously produced small non-coding RNAs of 20–21 nt length, processed from precursor miRNAs, regulate many developmental processes by negatively regulating the target genes in both animals and plants. The coevolutionary pattern of a miRNA family and their targets underscores its functional conservation or diversification. The miR167 regulates various aspects of plant development in Arabidopsis by targeting ARF6 and ARF8. The evolutionary conservation or divergence of miR167s and their target genes are poorly understood till now. Here we show the evolutionary relationship among 153 MIR167 genes obtained from 33 diverse plant species. We found that out of the 153 of miR167 sequences retrieved from the “miRBase”, 27 have been annotated to be processed from the 3′ end and have diverged distinctively from the other miR167s produced from 5′ end. Our analysis reveals that gma-miR167h/i and mdm-miR167a are processed from 3′ end and have evolved separately, diverged most resulting in novel targets other than their known ones and thus led to functional diversification, especially in apple and soybean. We also show that mostly conserved miR167 sequences and their target AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORS (ARFs) have gone through parallel evolution leading to functional diversification among diverse plant species.

Purpose Ichthyosis is known to have ocular associations such as blepharitis, hypertrophic conjunctivitis, corneal vascularization, ectropion, lagophthalmos, etc. However, no reports of its association with glaucoma are there, to the best of our knowledge. We report a unique case of juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) with lamellar ichthyosis. Method A 16-year-old male child presented with a gradual, painless progressive diminution of vision in both eyes over a period of 3 years. Systemic examination revealed stunted body growth with knock-knees, suggestive of late-onset rickets. Generalized dry scaly lesions with erythema, along with hyperkeratosis of the palms and the soles, suggestive of lamellar ichthyosis were present. On ocular examination, the intraocular pressure was 36 mm Hg; optic nerve head examination revealed a horizontally oval disc with near total cupping in the right eye and total cupping in the left eye, with extensive neuroretinal rim thinning and pallor. Gonioscopy showed wide open angles with prominent iris processes. Screening of JOAG-associated genes (MYOC, NTF4, WDR36, and CYP1B1) and ichthyosis-associated gene (TGM1) was performed by the direct PCR-sequencing method. Results A diagnosis of JOAG with advanced glaucomatous optic neuropathy with lamellar ichthyosis and rickets was made. The patient underwent right followed by left eye trabeculectomy with 0.2 mg/dL MMC (for 1 min). Postoperatively, the intraocular pressure was 8 mm Hg at 1 week, and 12 to 14 mm Hg at the 6-week, the 3-month, and the 6-month follow-up, and the visual acuity was maintained in the right eye. No mutations in MYOC, NTF4, WDR36, CYP1B1, and TGM1 were observed in the patient and his family. Conclusions An association of glaucoma with ichthyosis should be kept in mind. Therefore, a detailed baseline ocular examination in children with ichthyosis is required, as early detection of glaucoma could prevent irreversible blindness.

Implantable collamer lenses (ICL) have gained popularity for correction of myopia where kerato-refractive procedures are not indicated as in cases of high myopic refractive errors. Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is a very uncommonly reported postoperative complication following ICL implantation. A young patient developed severe corneal oedema and anterior segment inflammation on the first day after ICL implantation. Analysing retrospectively, possible idiosyncratic response to intracameral pilocarpine was considered as a cause for TASS. Prompt and intensive therapy with oral and topical potent steroids was visually rewarding. TASS, though a sterile inflammation can have catastrophic sequelae such as corneal decompensation and secondary glaucoma. Hence, timely identification and management is important.

To report a case of bandage contact lens induced infectious keratitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa following DSAEK. Case report A 56-year-old female who underwent DSAEK at our institute for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, developed contact lens induced keratitis in the fifth post operative week. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) reduced to perception of light in the left eye. Slit lamp examination revealed an epithelial ulcer measuring 4.7 mm × 6 mm with surrounding infiltrates in the anterior stroma with hypopyon. The interface was clear. The corneoscleral rim culture of the donor tissue showed no growth on bacterial and fungal culture ruling out the possibility of donor-to-host transmission of infection. Microbiological evaluation identified the causative agent to be Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Based on culture and sensitivity report patient was started on hourly instillation of topical polymyxin B 20,000 IU and fortified ceftazidime 5%. A response to treatment was noted and there was a complete resolution of keratitis with residual scarring. Discussion There have been case reports suggesting a host to donor transmission of infection which manifests during the postoperative period. To the best of our knowledge there are no reports of bandage contact lens associated Pseudomonas keratitis in a case that has undergone DSAEK. The prolonged use of bandage contact lens, lens contamination, stagnation of tear film behind the lens, compromised ocular surface and post operative use of topical steroids can contribute to infectious keratitis in DSAEK cases.

Similar to the majority of the microRNAs, mature miR166s are derived from multiple members of MIR166 genes (precursors) and regulate various aspects of plant development by negatively regulating their target genes (Class III HD-ZIP). The evolutionary conservation or functional diversification of miRNA166 family members remains elusive. Here, we show the phylogenetic relationships among MIR166 precursor and mature sequences from three diverse model plant species. Despite strong conservation, some mature miR166 sequences, such as ppt-miR166m, have undergone sequence variation. Critical sequence variation in ppt-miR166m has led to functional diversification, as it targets non-HD-ZIPIII gene transcript (s). MIR166 precursor sequences have diverged in a lineage specific manner, and both precursors and mature osa-miR166i/j are highly conserved. Interestingly, polycistronic MIR166s were present in Physcomitrella and Oryza but not in Arabidopsis. The nature of cis-regulatory motifs on the upstream promoter sequences of MIR166 genes indicates their possible contribution to the functional variation observed among miR166 species.