Descemet membrane detachment post- phacoemulsification

We report the case series of phacoemulsification-related Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) encountered at a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Case 1 was an iatrogenic DMD which was detected intraoperatively and managed early with good outcome. Case 2 and case 3 described unusual presentation of DMD which was initially undiagnosed. This report highlights the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) in detecting and confirming the correct diagnosis for DMD. With the aid of an experienced corneal specialist, the higher threshold for suspicious occurrence of DMD was confirmed using ASOCT. Treatment was tailored accordingly, with successful clearance of corneal oedema and visual recovery. This case series highlighted the importance of proper operative documentation and high threshold for suspicion for DMD in focal corneal oedema following an otherwise uneventful cataract surgery. It is concluded that ASOCT is an excellent tool to confirm diagnosis of DMD and success of treatment

ESTs in Plants: Where Are We Heading?

Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are the most important resources for transcriptome exploration. Next-generation sequencing technologies have been generating gigabytes of genetic codes representing genes, partial and whole genomes most of which are EST datasets. Niche of EST in plants for breeding, regulation of gene expression through miRNA studies, and their application for adapting to climatic changes are discussed. Some of the recent tools for analysis of EST exclusive to plants are listed out. Systems biology though in its infancy in plants has influenced EST mapping for unraveling gene regulatory circuits, which is illustrated with a few significant examples. This review throws a glance at the evolving role of ESTs in plants