Lípidos anormales y síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida: asociación de lípidos séricos con el estado del VIH / Abnormal Lipids and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Association of Serum Lipids with HIV Status

Contexto y objetivo: las anomalías hematológicas se encuentran entre las complicaciones más comunes de la infección por el VIH. También se han realizado bastantes estudios sobre las alteraciones en el perfil de lípidos, aunque los resultados en gran medida no han sido concluyentes. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar el recuento de células CD4 y el perfil de lípidos en los pacientes infectados por el VIH y el SIDA en la población india y los correlaciona con los controles sero-negativos. Materiales y métodos: El presente estudio fue diseñado como un estudio transversal, con base en un hospital, para evaluar el recuento de células CD4 y el perfil de lípidos en los pacientes infectados por VIH y SIDA en la población india y los correlaciona con los controles sero-negativos. La evaluación del perfil de lípidos se realizó utilizando Erba EM 360, un analizador automático impulsado por un fotómetro de rejilla de difracción, mientras que los recuentos de células CD4 se evaluaron utilizando el Contador de ciclo de Partec. Análisis estadístico utilizado: Los datos se analizaron con SPSS versión 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, EE. UU.). La comparación de dichos parámetros se realizó mediante el análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y la prueba post-hoc de Games-Howell. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p <0,05. Resultados: Los niveles de colesterol total y lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) disminuyeron significativamente, mientras que los triglicéridos y las lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad (VLDL) aumentaron significativamente en los pacientes infectados por VIH y SIDA en comparación con los controles sero-negativos. Conclusión: El colesterol total, las LDL, los triglicéridos y las VLDL se alteraron significativamente en los pacientes infectados por VIH y con SIDA en comparación con los controles sero-negativos

Context and Aim: Hematological abnormalities are amongst the most common complications of infection with HIV.There have been quite a few studies on the alterations in lipid profile, too, though the results have largely been inconclusive. The present study was carried-out to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Materials and Methods: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional, hospital-based study to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Evaluation of lipid profile was done using Erba EM 360, an automated analyzer powered by a diffraction grating photometer while CD4 cell counts were evaluated using Partec Cyflow Counter. Statistical analysis used: The data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Comparison of the said parameters was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Games-Howell test. p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) were significantly decreased while triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) were significantly increased in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls. Conclusion: Total cholesterol, LDLs, triglycerides and VLDLs were significantly altered in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls

Lípidos anormales e inmunidad adquirida Síndrome de Deficiencia: Asociación de Suero Lípidos con estatus de VIH / Abnormal Lipids and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Association of Serum Lipids with HIV Status

Context and Aim: Hematological abnormalities are amongst the most common complications of infection with HIV.There have been quite a few studies on the alterations in lipid profile, too, though the results have largely been inconclusive. The present study was carried-out to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Materials and Methods: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional, hospital-based study to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Evaluation of lipid profile was done using Erba EM 360, an automated analyzer powered by a diffraction grating photometer while CD4 cell counts were evaluated using Partec Cyflow Counter. Statistical analysis used: The data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Comparison of the said parameters was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and posthoc Games-Howell test. p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) were significantly decreased while triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) were significantly increased in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls. Conclusion: Total cholesterol, LDLs, triglycerides and VLDLs were significantly altered in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls.

Correlation Of Lower Limb Strength, Power, Waist-hip Ratio And Bmi With A Sitting-rising Test In 18-35 Years Age Group

Purpose: To investigate the co-relation of sitting-rising test scores with measures of lower extremity strength, power, and body compositions (body mass index and waist-hip ratio). Furthermore, to find out the level of physical activity in the targeted population. Methods: Participants aged between 18-35 years (n=131) of both genders were recruited in this study. Along with performing sitting-rising test, anthropometric and demographic data were collected to calculate body mass index and waist-hip ratio. Lower extremity strength was assessed using a 30-second chair stand test, and power was assessed using a triple hop test for distance. Also, the Rapid Assessment Disuse Index questionnaire was given to dividing the population into two groups depending on whether they are involved more in physical activity or not. Results: Sitting-rising test scores showed a positive correlation with lower extremity strength and power, negative correlation with body mass index, and no co-relation with waist-hip ratio. Further, 76 participants out of 131 were less physical activity and had more sedentary behavior. Conclusion: Sitting-rising from the floor in young adults is influ-enced by the strength and power of lower extremities and body mass index except for the waist-hip ratio

Risk factors and perinatal outcome associated with low birth weight in a prospective cohort: is there a shift towards sustainable developmental goal 3

Background: Low birth weight is a socio, economic, cultural and community based health issue which reflects responsibility and commitment of local and national administrative authorities. It continues to be a cause of short and long term adverse perinatal outcome with a bearing on adult non communicable health risks.Methods: This is a prospective observational and analytic study to know the prevalence, risk factors and perinatal outcome of LBW, from July 2017 to December 2018 in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MIMS Medical College, Andhra Pradesh, India. Maternal risk factors and outcomes associated with LBW were defined through risk ratios.Results: 721 infants including 116 LBW and 605 NBW born during study period were included in the study. Prevalence of LBW was 16%. Preterm birth accounted for 35%, FGR for 13.8% and SGA for 51.2% of them. Maternal factors like age <20 years and >35years, social status II to IV, below higher secondary education, house maker, primi gravida, grand multi para, BMI <18.5kg/M2 or >24.9kg/M2, Hb<11 gm% were having higher RR for LBW. LBW infants showed frequent association with oligo or polyhydramnious and hemorrhagic or turbid amniotic fluid. They had higher risks for non reassuring fetal heart rate changes, for induced delivery or an elective caesarean section. More often they needed NICU care for longer duration and showed a higher risk for malformations and neonatal mortality. Overall perinatal mortality was 5.54 per 1000 live birth.Conclusions: LBW is a risk factor for neonatal morbidity and mortality; which can be minimised by institutional delivery. High prevalence PTB (35%) warrants obstetricians to be more vigilant about indentifying the risk factors and adequate management planning. Constitutionally small baby at birth probably needs redefining normal birth weight for different ethnicity.

Simultaneous Estimation Of Paracetamol

Abstract: The study describes method development and subsequent validation of HPTLCmethod for simultaneous estimation of paracetamol (PCM), diclofenac sodium (DCL) anddicyclomine hydrochloride (DICY) in marketed combined tablet dosage form. The drugs wereextracted from marketed tablet dosage form: Spasmodart. The separation was carried out onaluminium sheet precoated with silica gel 60 F254 using toluene: ethylacetate: methanol: formicacid (5.5:3.5:2:0.02, v/v/v/v) as a mobile phase. The spots were scanned densitometrically at266 nm wavelength for paracetamol and diclofenac sodium. The plate was then dipped in panisaldehyde reagent and spots of dicyclomine hydrochloride were scanned at 638 nmwavelength. The Rf values of paracetamol, diclofenac sodium and dicyclomine hydrochloridewere found to be 0.41, 0.71and 0.24 respectively. Calibration curves were linear in range of3250-9750ng/spot, 500-1500ng/spot and 200-600ng/spot for PCM, DCL and DICY respectively.The limit of detection (LOD) for paracetamol, diclofenac sodium and dicyclomine hydrochloridewere found to be 812.5, 125 and 50ng/spot respectively. The suitability of this method forquantitative determination of compounds was proved by validation in accordance with ICHGuidelines. Therefore this method can be applied for routine analysis of these drugs in tabletformulation.

Efficacy of doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery in the defined high-risk groups to determine the fetal outcome

Background: Doppler ultrasound provides a non-invasive method of studying the status of various blood vessels. It provides a spectrum analysis of the velocities of moving red blood cells. Doppler sonography can provide useful information in a variety of gynecological and obstetric conditions. In obstetrics, Doppler velocimetry of the uteroplacental and fetoplacental circulation can be used to further investigate complications of pregnancy such as fetal growth restriction, other forms of fetal distress that result from fetal hypoxemia or asphyxia.Methods: In a prospective observational study, 93 pregnancies fitting in the criteria for high risk were evaluated by doppler velocimetry between 28-40 weeks of gestation. The flow velocity time wave forms were examined and quantitated by use of systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio, resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) values. The outcome of pregnancy was noted.Results: Fetuses with abnormal velocimetry are at higher risk with regard to birth weight, Apgar score, fetal distress, need of cesarean section, need of NICU admission. The patients with absent end-diastolic flow (AEDF)/reversal of end-diastolic flow (REDF) had poor perinatal outcome. Positive predictive value for small for gestational age (SGA) and fetal distress was 75% and 60% respectively. 23.8% babies needed to be kept in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Conclusions: Doppler velocimetry can be useful prenatal test for the patients of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and IUGR. Abnormal doppler waveform changes indicate adverse perinatal outcome. Appropriate and timely interventions guided by doppler study help to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality.

A cross sectional study to assess prevalence and pattern of ocular morbidity among pre-school children attending anganwadi centres of Hubballi taluk in South India

Background: About 30% of blind population of India loses their eyesight before the age of 20 years and many of them are under 5 when they become blind. Childhood blindness will have serious impact on development, education and quality of life. Therefore it is essential that ocular morbidity is detected and treated at an early stage.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 children aged 3-5 years attending 6 anganwadi centres of Hubballi taluk which were selected by stratified random sampling. Data was collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Ocular examination was conducted to identify ocular morbidity. Test for visual acuity, colour blindness and refractive status was done using lea chart, ischihara charts and plusoptix mobile vision screener respectively. Nutrition status was assessed by clinical examination and anthropometry. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS package.Results: Out of 120 children 51.7% were male. Majority, 63.3% were residing in urban area and 40% belonged to class IV of modified B G Prasad classification of socio-economic status scale. The prevalence of ocular morbidity was found to be 20%. 15.8% of children had refractive error, 2.5% had vitamin A deficiency and 1.7% had squint. No statistically significant association was found between ocular morbidity and any risk factors.Conclusions: Refractive error was found to be the most common ocular morbidity among pre-school children. This if detected early can be corrected. Therefore it is important to screen for refractive error at the preschool age itself and to create awareness among parents and anganwadi teachers regarding common ocular symptoms.

A cross sectional study to assess the knowledge and response to dog bite among the urban and rural population of Hubballi taluk

Background: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease of the central nervous system, most commonly caused by the bite of rabid dogs. Globally canine rabies causes 59,000 human deaths, over 3.7 million DALYs and 8.6 billion USD economic losses annually. These losses are due to a lack of knowledge about wound management and post-exposure prophylaxis. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and practices following dog bite and its management among the urban and rural population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of KIMS, Hubli. 120 households of the urban and rural locality were interviewed with a semi-structured pretested questionnaire.Results: Overall 89.16% of the study population was aware that the disease can be prevented by vaccination. 35% of the rural and 28% of the urban population believed that the disease can spread from person to person. The knowledge about the site and the number of doses of vaccine was poor among both the population. The harmful practices for treatment of bite were still prevalent among both rural (25%) and urban (8.3%) population.Conclusions: The knowledge about the dog bite management and Rabies prevention is insufficient among both populations. There are myths and misconceptions about the disease and wound management. Practices like application of harmful substances like lime, turmeric, mud are the problems hindering rabies prevention and control. Proper steps need to be taken up to control the canine rabies.

Iniencephaly and Associated Anomalies In A 13 Week Fetus.

Iniencephaly is a rare neural tube defect (1 in 65,000 births in India). It involves defect of occiput and inions combined with rachischisis and retroflexion of head. We present a rare case of inencephaly diagnosed on ante-natal ultrasound in a 13 weeks fetus and associated with cystic hygroma and single umbilical artery. The fetal cervico-thoracic spine was retroflexed, occipital area was soft and brain tissue and spinal cord was visible externally in cervical region. The side of neck showed subcutaneous edema and two vessels (1 umbilical vein and 1 umbilical artery) were present in the umbilical cord. On x-ray examination spinous processes of all vertebrae showed presence of ossification centers except in the cervical region.

Prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing uropathogens and their antibiotic resistance profile in patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in central India: Implications on empiric therapy.

Context: Antimicrobial resistance showed by different uropathogens is one of the barricades that might hinder a successful treatment. Detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production among uropathogens is an important marker of endemicity. Aims: The present prospective study was done to identify the trends of uropathogens, to find the prevalence of ESBL isolates and to study the antibiotic resistance profile of the ESBL and non-ESBL uropathogenic isolates. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a teaching tertiary care hospital from July 2013 to September 2013. All the uropathogenic isolates were identified up to species level by conventional methods. The prevalence of potential ESBL producers was explored. Antibiotic resistance test of the urinary isolates was done by disc-diffusion method and the results were interpreted according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute-2013 guidelines. Results: A total of 670 urine samples from male and female patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) and inpatient department (IPD) of our hospital were collected. A significantly higher number of IPD and OPD males (55.1% and 55.5%) were found to be culture positive. Escherichia coli (55.3%) was the most frequently isolated uropathogen followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (23%). However, strains of Escherichia coli (41.6%) were the highest ESBL producing isolates followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36.1%). ESBL producing isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant when compared to non-ESBL producers. However, excessive drug-resistance among non-ESBL producing isolates can’t be ignored. Conclusion: Our study confirms a global trend toward increased resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. We emphasize on the formulation of antibiotic policy for a particular geographical area.

Site selection for vascular access creation in hemodialysis in end stage renal disease.

Background: Chronic kidney failure is characterized with progressive and irreversible diminishing of glomerular filtration rate. AVF has been unanimously considered the gold standard vascular access of choice for hemodialysis. Arterio-venous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis should be created in patients with endogenous creatinine clearance < 20 mL/min/1,73m2. Aim of current study was to choose the proper site for arteriovenous fistula creation with minimal complications. Methods: It was a prospective study, carried out in the dept. of surgery from April 2008 to August 2013. A total of 140 patients were studied over the period. The fistulae were created using radial artery cephalic vein side to side and brachial artery cephalic vein side to side or end to side anastomosis. Statistical analysis used: Mean, Standard deviation, Standard error. Results: A total 140 patients were studied, out of them 104 were males and 36 were females. The radiocephalic site was used for 82 (58.57%) patients and 58 (41.43%) patients were operated on brachiocephalic site. The mean inner diameter of radial artery, brachial artery and cephalic vein (intima to intima) at elbow and wrist were 21.49001 ± 0.901 (SE - 0.28492), 3.72533 ± 1.06837 (SE - 0.30841) and 0.68079 ± 0.49551 (SE - 0.116790) respectively. The mean flows velocity of brachial and radial artery were 76.10526 ± 4.54477 (SE - 1.04264) and 52.64286 ± 5.5968 (SE - 1.495810) respectively. The success rate of AV fistula on table was 97.85% (137 out of 140). The incidence of complication was 18.57%. Conclusion: The site for fistula creation depends on the quality of the artery and vein. To achieve good success rates preoperative color Doppler is essential to evaluate the vessels. The complication rates can be minimised by following standard operating protocols.

Malignant retroperitoneal teratoma in a young girl: a rare case report.

Of all primary retroperitoneal teratomas, less than four percent occur in children and 90% are benign. Here we report a case of malignant retroperitoneal teratoma (dermoid) in a 15 year old girl who presented to our hospital - Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH). She presented with a tender, large, irregular mass with variegated consistency in the entire left side of abdomen crossing midline. Ultrasound of abdomen suggested a complex intra-abdominal mass with septations and lobulations. It was not feasible to use other imaging modalities for evaluation due to poor socio-economic status and illiteracy. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with tumor resection along with left kidney and part of the descending colon which was densely adhered to tumor. Histopathological examination of tumor was suggestive of immature teratoma. Post operative recovery was uneventful and patient was discharged from the institution. Tissue adherence which can be observed in both benign and malignant form of teratomas, requires extended surgery for removal of adhered organ for the completeness of surgery and good prognosis.

Malnutrition in hospitalised patients; a real concern in surgical outcomes.

Background: Lack of appropriate nutritional support during hospitalization may worsen patients’ nutritional status and increases risk for infection, organ failure, decreased wound healing and suboptimal response to regular medical treatment. The prevalence and intensity of hospital malnutrition have been recognized as an important parameter in the outcome of disease. The study aimed at to determine incidence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients, the change in nutrition status during hospital stay and its effects on outcome of disease. Methods: It was a prospective study and conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Total 70 patients were studied. Each patient's nutritional status was determined from anthropometric data - body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm circumference, mid arm muscle circumference, MNA scoring, serum protein level changes during hospital stay. The next recording was done at 15 days and 30 days after discharge. Student’s t is test used for statistical analysis. Results: The statistical difference for various parameters of nutritional status was found significant at admission and discharge. Conclusions: The change in various parameter of nutritional status was observed in hospitalized patients. The treatment should be aimed at treating specific disorders along with nutritional correction. It is recommended to have dietary plans at the time of admission in consultation with the dietician.

Integrated genomics and molecular breeding approaches for dissecting the complex quantitative traits in crop plants.

The enormous population growth, climate change and global warming are now considered major threats to agriculture and world’s food security. To improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture, the development of highyielding and durable abiotic and biotic stress-tolerant cultivars and/climate resilient crops is essential. Henceforth, understanding the molecular mechanism and dissection of complex quantitative yield and stress tolerance traits is the prime objective in current agricultural biotechnology research. In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in plant genomics and molecular breeding research pertaining to conventional and next-generation whole genome, transcriptome and epigenome sequencing efforts, generation of huge genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic resources and development of modern genomics-assisted breeding approaches in diverse crop genotypes with contrasting yield and abiotic stress tolerance traits. Unfortunately, the detailed molecular mechanism and gene regulatory networks controlling such complex quantitative traits is not yet well understood in crop plants. Therefore, we propose an integrated strategies involving available enormous and diverse traditional and modern –omics (structural, functional, comparative and epigenomics) approaches/resources and genomics-assisted breeding methods which agricultural biotechnologist can adopt/utilize to dissect and decode the molecular and gene regulatory networks involved in the complex quantitative yield and stress tolerance traits in crop plants. This would provide clues and much needed inputs for rapid selection of novel functionally relevant molecular tags regulating such complex traits to expedite traditional and modern marker-assisted genetic enhancement studies in target crop species for developing high-yielding stress-tolerant varieties.

Evaluation of Misoprostol in the Medical Management of Abortion.

The present study was carried out to compare the safety and efficacy of Misoprostol with Surgical Evacuation in the management of abortion. 100 women as specified by the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for this prospective observational study. 50 subjects (Group A) were managed medically by Misoprostol and 50 subjects (Group B) underwent Surgical Evacuation. Clinical outcome, time taken for expulsion, number of doses required, mean duration of hospital stay, mean analgesic requirement, mean blood loss and side effects were compared between the two groups. It was concluded that vaginal administration of Misoprostol is a safe, effective and cheap alternative to surgical evacuation. No serious adverse effects were observed with Misoprostol.

Pharmaceutical and analytical evaluation of triphalaguggulkalpa tablets.

Aim of the Study: Development of standardized, synergistic, safe and effective traditional herbal formulations with robust scientific evidence can offer faster and more economical alternatives for the treatment of disease. The main objective was to develop a method of preparation of guggulkalpa tablets so that the tablets meet the criteria of efficacy, stability, and safety. Materials and Methods: Triphalaguggulkalpa tablet, described in sharangdharsanhita and containing guggul and triphala powder, was used as a model drug. Preliminary experiments on marketed triphalaguggulkalpa tablets exhibited delayed in vitro disintegration that indicated probable delayed in vivo disintegration. The study involved preparation of triphalaguggulkalpa tablets by Ayurvedic text methods and by wet granulation, dry granulation, and direct compression method. The tablets were evaluated for loss on drying, volatile oil content, % solubility, and steroidal content. The tablets were evaluated for performance tests like weight variation, disintegration, and hardness. Results: It was observed that triphalaguggulkalpa tablets, prepared by direct compression method, complied with the hardness and disintegration tests, whereas tablets prepared by Ayurvedic text methods failed. Conclusion: Direct compression is the best method of preparing triphalaguggulkalpa tablets.

Expression of conserved signalling pathway genes during spontaneous vascular differentiation of R1 embryonic stem cells and in Py-4-1 endothelial cells.

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are an invaluable model for identifying subtle phenotypes as well as severe outcomes of perturbing gene function that may otherwise result in lethality. However,though ES cells of different origins are regarded as equally pluripotent,their in vitro differentiation potential varies, suggesting that their response to developmental signals is different. The R1 cell line is widely used for gene manipulation due to its good growth characteristics and highly efficient germline transmission. Hence, we analysed the expression of Notch, Wnt and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway genes during differentiation of R1 cells into early vascular lineages. Notch-, Wnt- and Shh-mediated signalling is important during embryonic development. Regulation of gene expression through these signalling molecules is a frequently used theme, resulting in context-dependent outcomes during development. Perturbing these pathways can result in severe and possibly lethal developmental phenotypes often due to primary cardiovascular defects. We report that during early spontaneous differentiation of R1 cells, Notch-1 and the Wnt target Brachyury are active whereas the Shh receptor is not detected. This expression pattern is similar to that seen in a mouse endothelial cell line. This temporal study of expression of genes representative of all three pathways in ES cell differentiation will aid in further analysis of cell signalling during vascular development.

Retinal nerve fiber layer measurements in indian eyes using the scanning laser polarimeter, GDx.

PURPOSE: To obtain retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements in normal Indian subjects of different age groups; and to determine the differences between the right and the left eye of a subject and variations between male and female gender using the scanning laser polarimeter GDx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study of 180 eyes of 94 subjects. The RNFL values were obtained with the nerve fiber analyser GDx using default quadrant positions supplied by the manufacturer. Fourteen parameters were studied. Of these 6 were average-based parameters (average thickness, superior maximum, inferior maximum, ellipse average, superior average, inferior average), 4 ratio-based parameters (symmetry, superior ratio, inferior ratio, superior/nasal), 4 "other" parameters (maximum modulation, number, ellipse modulation, superior integral). The main outcome measures were effect of age on RNFL values, comparison of males and females and the right and the left eye of a subject. RESULTS: There was a negative linear correlation with age. Three ratio-based parameters showed a statistically significant negative correlation with age. "Number" increased with age. Superior maximum, superior average, superior integral, symmetry and superior ratio were higher for the left eye. 'Number' was higher for the right eye. Superior ratio and maximum modulation were more in females than males, no difference was noted with other parameters. CONCLUSION: There was a gradual decrease of RNFL values with increasing age - the superior quadrant values were higher for the left eye than the right eye, suggesting asymmetry. No significant differences were detected between males and females.

Synchronous use of maggots and diatoms in decomposed bodies.

The use of maggots and diatoms conjointly has proved to be an important factor in the medicolegal cases referred with advance decomposition. In practice it is quite much difficult to determine Post Mortem Interval (PMI) and as well as to ascertain ante-mortem drowning factor in the bodies, which are being recovered with advance putrefaction. However the analysis of co-existing evidences associated with corpses viz: Maggots and diatoms may reveal to draw fairly sound inferences, relating to PMI and drowning mode of death as well, especially in the decomposed bodies. Otherwise, it would not be possible to solve the cases of this nature. The present paper enumerates the two case studies recently reported in year 2003 emphasizing about the medicolegal application of both the evidences simultaneously in the cases with advance decomposition.