A review on green approaches utilizing phytochemicals in the synthesis of vanadium nano particles and their applications.

In the modern era, inorganic nanoparticles have received profound attention as they possess boundless applications in various fields. Among these, vanadium-based nanoparticles (VNPs) are highly remarkable due to their inherent physiological and biological properties with many therapeutic and other applications, such as drug delivery systems for diseases like cancer, environmental remediation, energy storage, energy conversion, and photocatalysis. Moreover, physically, and chemically synthesized VNPs are very versatile, however, these synthesis routes cause concern to health and the environment due to the highly savage reaction conditions, using highly toxic and harsh chemicals, which compel the researchers to develop an eco-friendly, greener, and sustainable route for synthesis. In this outlook, to avoid the innumerable limitations, a bio approach is used over chemical and physical methods. This present review emphasis on the role of various biological components in the synthesis, especially Phyto-molecules that acts as capping and reducing agent, and solvent system for the nanoparticles synthesis. Furthermore, the influence of various factors on the biogenic synthesized nanoparticles has also been discussed. Finally, potential applications of as-synthesized VNPs, principally as an antimicrobial agent and their role as a nanomedicine, energy applications as a supercapacitor, and photocatalytic agents, have been discussed.

Intralesional bleomycin: A treatment modality for conjunctival lymphangioma.

Lymphangioma is a benign hamartomatous lesion of vascular system which frequently involves orbit and ocular adnexa. A 35-year-old male patient presented with a subconjunctival mass extending from limbus to fornices. There was a history of recurrent swellings following episodes of upper respiratory tract infection. Bleomycin is an antineoplastic agent which acts on endothelial cells of the vascular channels, helps in collapsing the cystic cavity, and prevents its recurrence. We report a case where only bleomycin injection has been used intralesionally at multiple spots and patients have shown good cosmetic outcome without any recurrence noted after 1 year of follow-up.

Development of biosurfactant-based graphene quantum dot conjugate as a novel and fluorescent theranostic tool for cancer.

BACKGROUND: Biosurfactants are amphipathic molecules of microbial origin that reduce surface and interfacial tension at gas-liquid-solid interfaces. Earlier, the biosurfactant was isolated and characterized in our laboratory from Candida parapsilosis. The property of the biosurfactant is further explored in this study by using quantum dots (QDs) as nanocarrier. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were synthesized by bottom-up approach through pyrolysis of citric acid. GQDs were conjugated with both biosurfactant and folic acid (FA) using carbodiimide chemistry. The prepared GQD bioconjugate was studied for diagnostic and therapeutic effects against cancer cells. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Photoluminescence quantum yield (QY) of plain GQDs was measured as 12.8%. QY for biosurfactant conjugated GQDs and FA-biosurfactant conjugated GQDs was measured as 10.4% and 9.02%, respectively, and it was sufficient for targeting cancer cells. MTT assay showed that more than 90% of cells remained viable at concentration of 1 mg/mL, hence GQDs seemed to be non-toxic to cells. Biosurfactant conjugated GQDs caused 50% reduction in cellular viability within 24 hours. FA conjugation further increased the specificity of bioconjugated GQDs toward tumor cells, which is clearly evident from the drug internalization studies using confocal laser scanning microscopy. A higher amount of drug uptake was observed when bioconjugated GQDs were decorated with FA. CONCLUSION: The ability of GQD bioconjugate could be used as a theranostic tool for cancer. It is foreseen that in near future cancer can be detected and/or treated at an early stage by utilizing biosurfactant conjugated GQDs. Therefore, the proposed study would provide a stepping stone to improve the life of cancer patients.

Prevalence of buried probe in complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and evaluation of its success rate post 'probing and irrigation': a single-centre retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of buried probe variant of complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and to evaluate the outcome of probing and irrigation in such cases. Institutional review board approval was taken. MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of 309 eyes (258 patients) were diagnosed with CNLDO during the study period of January 2014-March 2017. A retrospective file review of 25 lacrimal systems of 20 patients diagnosed as buried probe variant of complex CNLDO was carried out during the study period. RESULT: Buried probe variant of complex CNLDO was found to be 8% of the total CNLDO cases during the study period. Mean age at presentation was 1.7 years (range 8-48 months). Discharge and matting of eyelashes were the presenting symptoms in 22 out of 25 (88%) cases, whereas the only epiphora was the presenting symptom in three (12%) cases. Regurgitation of mucopurulent discharge on pressure over lacrimal sac area was positive in 16 out of 25 (64%) eyes. Associated lacrimal and nasal pathologies were seen in six out of 25 cases (24%). Success rate in buried probe variant cases of CNLDO in our study at 3-month follow-up was 88% (22 of 25 cases). CONCLUSION: A high period prevalence of 8% out of all CNLDO cases in our study suggests that the buried probe should be considered in selective cases of CNLDO and earlier unsuccessful probing.

Frontalis sling surgery: A treatment modality for cyclic oculomotor nerve palsy.

Cyclic oculomotor nerve paresis and spasm are a rare disorder characterized by alternating spastic and paretic phase of the muscles supplied by the oculomotor nerve. A 26-year-old male presented with abnormal right eyelid movements since early childhood. Examination findings were consistent with diagnosis of right eye cyclic oculomotor nerve palsy. A paretic phase with complete upper eyelid ptosis, exotropia, hypotropia and dilatation of the pupil was followed by a phase of orthotropia, the absence of ptosis and normal pupil size. The whole cycle was of about 100 s duration with patient having no voluntary control over the eyelid movements and ocular alignment. Systemic evaluation and neuroimaging were normal. A tarsofrontal silicone sling surgery done for the ptosis correction decreased the eyelid movements during different phases of the cycle.

Lacrimal Sac Pneumatocele Following Blunt Nasal Trauma.

Pneumatocele of the lacrimal sac is an uncommon entity and has been rarely reported in literature. The valvular function of the Hasner's valve at the lower end of nasolacrimal duct is presumed to prevent the retrograde reflux of air into the lacrimal sac with increased intranasal pressure as in valsalva maneuver. Loss of this valvular function as noted with persistent positive airway pressure ventilation can cause retrograde air reflux into lacrimal sac. The authors report a case of lacrimal sac pneumatocele which developed following blunt nasal trauma involving the bony nasolacrimal duct.

Lower eyelid suspension using polypropylene suture for the correction of punctal ectropion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of lower eyelid suspension with the modified Safdarjung hospital technique using 5:0 polypropylene suture for punctal ectropion. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHOD: Thirty one eyelids in 19 patients with mild and moderate ectropion and all types of laxity including involutional and paralytic were included. All patients underwent lower eyelid suspension with the modified Safdarjung hospital technique. A 5:0 polypropylene suture was passed in the pre-tarsal plane between the attachments of the lateral and medial canthal tendons near their insertion at the orbital rim. Successful outcome was judged by the anatomical restoration of the apposition of the punctum to the globe in the upward gaze and the physiological relief of epiphora. The recurrence of lid laxity, overall lid/globe apposition and complications were also noted. RESULTS: At 1 year follow up anatomical success was achieved in 28 (90%) patients and functional success noted in 27 (87%) patients. Recurrence of lid laxity was noted in 2 patients. There was a suture exposure in one case and a suture granuloma in another case. The results did not correlate to the degree of ectropion and type of laxity. CONCLUSION: Lower eyelid suspension using 5:0 polypropylene suture is a useful procedure for the treatment of involutional and paralytic punctal ectropion. It is simple and effective with minimal complications. However, the effect on scleral show and the concern related to suture material biodegradation over years needs to be further evaluated.

Rosai-dorfman with bilateral involvement of lacrimal sac as extranodal disease.

A 45 year old female presented with painless swelling over the inner side of both eyes since one year. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed well defined lesions in the bilateral lacrimal sac area with extension along the naso-lacrimal duct. Systemic work up showed polyclonal hyperglobulinemia, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and anemia. The patient also had subcutaneous swelling in thoracic area over back. The histopathology of the bilateral excised tumor and fine needle aspiration cytology of thoracic swelling was consistent with features of Rosai-Dorfman syndrome.

Feasibility and Complications between Phacoemulsification and Manual Small Incision Surgery in Subluxated Cataract.

Purpose. To compare the feasibility of cataract surgery with implantation of endocapsular supporting devices and intraocular lens (IOL) in subluxated cataract in phacoemulsification and manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Design. Prospective randomized intervention case series consisting of 60 eyes with visually significant subluxated cataract. Method. The patients were randomly distributed between the two groups equally. The main outcome measure was implantation of in-the-bag IOL, requirement of additional procedure and complications, if any. Results. Capsular bag retention in subluxated lenses is possible in 90% cases in phacoemulsification versus 76.67% cases in MSICS (P = 0.16). Both groups, achieved similar best corrected visual acuity (P = 0.73), although additional procedures, intraoperative, and postoperative complications were more common in MSICS. Conclusions. Achieving intact capsulorhexis and nuclear rotation in MSICS may be difficult in cases with large nucleus size and severe subluxation, but subluxated cataracts can be effectively managed by both phacoemuslification and MSICS.