• Lundsgaard Egelund posted an update 6 days, 11 hours ago

    [This corrects the article DOI 10.1016/j.isjp.2020.02.004.].The ongoing mutations in the structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are the major impediment for prevention and control of the COVID-19 disease. Presently we focused on evolution of the envelope (E) protein, one of the most enigmatic and less studied protein among the four structural proteins (S, E, M and N) associated with multitude of immunopathological functions of SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we comprehensively analyzed 81,818 high quality E protein sequences of SARS-CoV-2 globally available in the GISAID database as of 20 August 2020. Compared to Wuhan reference strain, our mutational analysis explored only 1.2 % (982/81818) mutant strains undergoing a total of 115 unique amino acid (aa) substitutions in the E protein, highlighting the fact that most (98.8 %) of the E protein of SARS-CoV-2 strains are highly conserved. Moreover, we found 58.77 % (134 of 228) nucleotides (nt) positions of SARS-CoV-2 E gene encountering a total of 176 unique nt-level mutations globally, which may affect the efficacy of real time RT-PCR-based molecular detection of COVID-19. Importantly, higher aa variations observed in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the E protein, particularly at Ser55-Phe56, Arg69 and the C-terminal end (DLLV 72-75) may alter the binding of SARS-CoV-2 Envelope protein to tight junction-associated PALS1 and thus could play a key role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Furthermore, this study revealed the V25A mutation in the transmembrane domain which is a key factor for the homopentameric conformation of E protein. Our analysis also observed a triple cysteine motif harboring mutation (L39M, A41S, A41V, C43F, C43R, C43S, C44Y, N45R) which may hinder the binding of E protein with spike glycoprotein. These results therefore suggest the continuous monitoring of the structural proteins including the envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2 since the number of genome sequences from across the world are continuously increasing.A 60year old male presented with insidious onset, gradually progressive, painless diminution of vision in the right eye since a year. He was operated for cataract about 7 years ago. However, details of surgery or intraocular lens (IOL) were unavailable. Fellow eye was unremarkable. Examination revealed a visual acuity of FC at 5 mts. Slit-lamp examination revealed a quiet anterior chamber without any cells-flare nor any posterior synechiae. Co-axial retro-illumination revealed an in-the-bag IOL, having both haptics folded on the optic with scarring and contraction of the capsular bag, most apparent in the centre. Fundus examination with indirect ophthamoloscopy was difficult owing to the media haze due to capsular scarring but retina was unremarkable as far as could be seen. A diagnosis of “Capsular Bag Phimosis”1,2,3,4 was made. An ASOCT demonstrated such severe moulding of the IOL that a simple YAG capsulotomy may have increased visual acuity but would have lead to severe image distortion, metamorphopsia and resultant aniseikonia. GSK’963 nmr IOL was explanted alongwith the phimosed capsular bag and a Scleral-fixated IOL was placed to achieve a final BCVA 20/20P Snellen.

    To report two cases of severe acute corneal hydrops that were resolved by intracameral gas injection alone.

    Case 1 is a 27-year-old woman with bilateral severe keratoconus who developed sequential acute corneal hydrops in the right eye followed by the left eye that were each successfully treated using intracameral 20% sulfur hexafluoride gas injection. Case 2 is a 62-year-old man that developed a large fluid cleft beneath a pre-existing LASIK flap, which resolved with intracameral 20% sulfur hexafluoride gas injection without the need for corneal transplantation.

    In acute corneal hydrops, intracameral gas injection to tamponade Descemet’s membrane tears with decompression of stromal fluid can be an effective intervention to delay or avoid keratoplasty in individuals whose corneal hydrops does not improve with conventional medical management.

    In acute corneal hydrops, intracameral gas injection to tamponade Descemet’s membrane tears with decompression of stromal fluid can be an effective intervention to delay or avoid keratoplasty in individuals whose corneal hydrops does not improve with conventional medical management.

    To report an unusual case of lung metastasis presenting as an eyelid lesion.

    An 82-year-old man presented with a right upper lid lesion of 2 weeks’ duration proven to be adenocarcinoma of the lung.

    Metastasis to the eyelid is a rare occurrence. We present a review of the literature emphasizing factors contributing to its low incidence.

    Metastasis to the eyelid is a rare occurrence. We present a review of the literature emphasizing factors contributing to its low incidence.Despite limited evidence, non-daily dosing of statins is recommended for managing muscle symptoms associated with statin therapy. We assessed the tolerability and effectiveness of every-other-day atorvastatin compared to daily atorvastatin in patients having muscle symptoms associated with atorvastatin therapy. A parallel-group, outcome-assessment-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Patients with muscle pain, tenderness or cramps alone or in combination for ≥2 weeks while on daily atorvastatin for ≥1 month, with no alternative cause, were recruited. Patient’s regular atorvastatin dose was given every-other-day to those in intervention group (IG) and daily to those in control group (CG). Primary outcomes were assessed at 24 weeks and included composite of myalgia and myositis, LDL-cholesterol level and percentage reduction of LDL-cholesterol from baseline. Number recruited was 49 to IG (women79.6%; mean-age60.6 ± 8.7years) and 52 to CG (women73.1%; mean-age61.7 ± 9.8years). Mean atorvastatin dose per day was 8.6 mg (SD = 4 mg) and 17.6 mg (SD = 8.4 mg) in IG and CG, respectively. Composite of myalgia and myositis at 24 weeks was 79.6% in IG and 69.2% in CG (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 0.7-4.3; p = 0.234). IG failed to show noninferiority for mean LDL-cholesterol (difference0.31 mmol/L; upper limit 97.5% CI0.61 mmol/L; p for noninferiority = 0.989) and for mean percentage reduction of LDL-cholesterol from baseline (difference3.13%; upper limit 97.5% CI15.5%; p for noninferiority = 0.718). At 24 weeks, mean creatine kinase and discomfort due to muscle symptoms (assessed with Visual Analogue Scale) were not different between the two groups. Findings of this study do not favor every-other-day atorvastatin as an option for managing patients with muscle symptoms associated with atorvastatin therapy.