ABSTRACT
Purpose: To compare the ocular higher order aberrations (HOAs) for the physiologic pupil size in amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes of patients with anisometropic amblyopia in pediatric age group. Methods: Children between 5 and 15 years age having treatment naïve anisometropic amblyopia; after a detailed examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist; underwent assessment of wavefront aberrations for both amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes at their physiologic pupil sizes using i-Trace ray tracing wavefront aberrometer. The axial lengths were also measured using IOL Master 500. The RMS values of the total ocular higher order aberrations (HOAs) and those arising from internal and corneal components of the two eyes were tabulated and compared to look for differences. Comparison of total ocular aberrations for pre-determined refractive error groups was also done for amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes separately. Results: Eighty-eight eyes of 44 subjects were included for analysis. Mean pupil size was comparable in between amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes (3.98 mm vs. 4.07 mm, P = 0.346). The mean axial lengths of the two eyes were comparable (amblyopic eyes 23.13 mm vs. non-amblyopic eyes 22.88 mm, P = 0.419). Significant differences in total HOAs and those arising from the internal optics (except spherical aberrations) of the eye were noted between the two eyes. There were no differences in the corneal HOAs. The total HOAs were comparable amongst the various refractive error groups for amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes individually. Conclusion: There are significant differences in ocular HOAs between amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes in children with anisometropic amblyopia.
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: It is necessary to know the baseline knowledge, attitude, and practices about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among young people and the changes in these with intervention to guide prevention efforts. Methods: A cross-sectional pre- and post-survey with health education as a method of intervention was carried out in four different randomly selected schools and junior colleges among the Class IX-XII students of both sex. Instrument developed by the World Health Organization (WHO)/UNAIDS in their best practice recommendations was used for data collection. Results: Knowledge about all correct methods was present in 61.23% of the respondents. Knowledge of at least two methods of prevention was present in 70.31% of the respondents. Misconceptions about prevention were that good diet (33.42%), avoiding mosquito bite (49.71%) and avoiding public toilets (65.14%) could help in the prevention. With intervention, there was an improvement in the knowledge. However, the proportion of students with misconceptions did not come down. Correct knowledge about two methods of prevention also did not reach the WHO recommendation of 90%. Conclusion: It is very difficult to change the attitude and practices by a single health educational intervention and an ongoing behavior change communication is recommended.
ABSTRACT
Various marine habitats sustain variety of bio-sources of ecological and biotech potentials. Pharmaceutical potential compound Cyclosporine A was reported from marine fungus Microdochium nivale associated with Porteresia coarctata, a marine salt marsh grass from mangrove environment distributed along the Central West Coast (CWC) of India. This study involves association of M. nivale with P. coarctata plant, fermentation conditions, purification of Cyclosporine A, chemical characterization etc. Its antifungal inhibition and MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) against Aspergillus strains (A. niger, A. japonicus, A. fresenii), yeasts and dermatophytes (Candida sp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans, T. violaceum, Microsporium gypsum and Fusarium sp.) were evaluated. However, the MIC against A. japonicus, C. neoformans, Candida sp. and T. tonsurans were confirmed to be as low as 12.5-25 mg disc-1. The antifungal properties of Cyclosporine A against Aspergillus species, yeast and dermatophytes revealed that Cyclosporine A would be a potential compound for life threatening diseases caused by above fungi in both human and animals. Furthermore, we have reported herewith another source of Cyclosporin A derived from filamentous fungus, M. nivale. occurring in marine environment.
ABSTRACT
Dose dependent study was performed to identify subcritical level of Pb and Cd. Blood delta-ALAD activity was inhibited by (0.1 mg/kg body wt) of both lead and cadmium in isolation and combination, the extent of which increases with duration of exposure. Hepatic delta-ALAD activity however is less affected by Cd and Pb-Cd together than Pb alone. Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity though decrease in all groups, is not significant.