Clinical efficacy of four interventions in the reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity: A 2-month study.

Background and Aim: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a relatively common problem experienced in clinical dental practice and is characterized by short, sharp pain in response to stimuli such as tactile, thermal, evaporative, osmotic, or chemical. Several agents and treatment modalities have been used in the treatment of this condition. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of four commercially available toothpastes in the reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity (DH), based on the hypothesis that calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS) group had a better efficacy of the four. Settings and Design: This study design was a prospective, single-blind, randomized, parallel clinical design. Subjects and Methods: A total of 160 cases (93 males and 67 females; aged 20-60 years) were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 - toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate; Group 2 - toothpaste containing 5% CSPS (NovaMin); Group 3 - toothpaste containing 10% strontium chloride; and Group 4 - a herbal formulation. The patients' DH scores for tactile, thermal, and evaporative stimuli were recorded on a visual analog scale at baseline, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U-test (P < 0.05). Results: The four desensitizing kinds of toothpaste containing different active agents were effective in relieving dentinal hypersensitivity. However, CSPS group showed a better clinical response at the end of 2 months. Conclusions: The CSPS group showed a better reduction in the symptoms of DH.

Self‑reported musculoskeletal pain among dentists in Visakhapatnam: A 12‑month prevalence study.

Background: Of the occupational hazards experienced by dental professional worldwide, work‑related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are quite common. Research in the past has recognized that musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry contribute considerably to sick leave, reduced productivity, and dentist attrition. Considering the magnitude of these disorders, an attempt has been made to determine the prevalence and associated factors of various WRMSD. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self‑reported, work‑related musculoskeletal problems regarding the perception of pain, over the preceding 12 months and also to identify associated factors which might influence pain among dentists. Subjects and Methods: A self‑administered questionnaire was personally handed over to a select sample of practicing dentists in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The survey was performed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results: This study revealed musculoskeletal pain with a frequency of 56% in the neck, 39% in the hand, 32% in the lower back, and 18% in the shoulder regions. Chi‑square test showed a significant association between pain in the neck and gender, age, height, and weight (P < 0.05). Pain in lower back was associated with gender, body mass index (BMI), height, and experience (P < 0.05). Pain in the hand was only related to the experience of the dentist (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limits of the study, the prevalence of WRMSD among dentists in Visakhapatnam, especially involving the neck, hand, lower back, and shoulders, is high. Gender, age, height, and weight, BMI and experience were found to be related with musculoskeletal pain.

Hyperhidrosis–Hypertension–Hypotension in Scorpion Envenoming Syndrome: Insulin–Glucose Infusion Reverses All the Clinical Manifestations Caused by Massive Release of Counter-Regulatory Hormones due to Killer Scorpion (Buthidae family) Stings

Death due to poisonous scorpion (Buthidae family) stings is common in many of the developing countries all over the world. Severe uncontrollable pain at the site of sting (without local oedema) results in autonomic storm, release massive quantities of catecholamines, angiotensin II, ACTH, glucocorticoids, glucagon, ADH, aldosterone, either suppressed insulin secretion/or hyperinsulinemia – insulin resistance causing hyperglycemia and a sudden increase in Free Fatty Acid levels (FFA). The increase in catecholamine and angiotensin II hormonal levels cause hyperhidrosis, initial transient hypertension, hyper salivation, hypotension, mydriasis, miosis, DIC, acute pancreatitis, and many other clinical manifestations. Suddenly increased FFA levels are toxic, produce inactivation of Na+–K+ATPase activities, arrhythmias, conduction defects, myocardial infarction, cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), multisystem organ failure and death. Hyperhidrosis is harmful and wasteful loss of fluid and electrolytes resulting in peripheral circulatory failure, hypotension and death. Based on our animal experimental studies and treating the scorpion sting victims with insulin glucose infusion, we consider that insulin has a primary metabolic role in preventing and reversing hyperhidrosis, hypertension, hypotension, cardiovascular changes, cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary (ARDS) oedema. Treatment: Continuous infusion of regular crystalline insulin at the rate of 0.3 U/g glucose and glucose at the rate of 0.1 g/kg body weight/hour, for 48–72 hour, supplementation of potassium (if required), and maintenance of acid–base fluid and electrolyte balance.

Suppressed Insulin Secretion, Elevated Mediators of Inflammation, Hyper-Insulinemia-Insulin Resistance: Insulin Administration Reverses Cardiovascular, Metabolic Changes, Pulmonary Edema and All Other Clinical Manifestations in Scorpion Envenoming Syndrome

Death due to poisonous scorpion stings is common in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. Scorpion envenoming syndrome causes stimulation of neuro-endocrine axis resulting in autonomic storm, intense stimulation of sympathetic nervous system, massive release of catecholamines, angiotensin II, suppressed insulin secretion, glucagon, glucocorticoids, increased free fatty acid levels, hyperglycemia, hyper-insulinemia, insulin resistance, acute myocarditis, initial hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmias, conduction defects, ischemia, infarction, acute pancreatitis, CNS damage, motor aphasia, hemiplegia, mydriasis, hyperhidrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, multi system organ failure, shock and death. The scorpion envenoming syndrome also causes stimulation of immuno-pathological axis, systemic and local inflammation, increase in production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ and NO and contribute to immunological imbalance, hyperglycemia, hyper-insulinemia, insulin resistance, multi-system organ failure, shock and death. Elevated levels of TNF-α cause impaired glucose tolerance and induce insulin resistance for endogenously secreted insulin. Insulin administration reversed metabolic, respiratory changes, cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, electrocardiographic, cardiovascular changes and many other manifestations in our experimental animals and in our scorpion sting victims with scorpion envenoming syndrome. Treatment: Continuous infusion of regular crystalline insulin at the rate of 0.3 U/g glucose and glucose at the rate of 0.1g/kg body weight/h, for 48–72 h, with supplementation of potassium as needed, maintenance of fluid, electrolytes, acidbase balance.

Variant Omohyoid Muscle: Report of Two Cases.

Omohyoid muscle consists of superior and inferior bellies connected by an intermediate tendon. Various anomalies of superior belly of omohyoid are described in literature. However, absence of superior belly of omohyoid is rarely reported. During regular head and neck dissection conducted for dental students at M S Ramaiah Medical College, variant omohyoid muscle were found in two male cadavers of south Indian origin. The variation noticed was unilateral in both the cases with normal inferior belly of omohyoid. In these cases the absent superior belly of omohyoid, is replaced by a fibrous tendon. Surgeons should be aware of this variation as it forms an important landmark for head and neck surgeries. It is also used as myocutaneous flaps for various reconstruction procedures.

Productivity Enhancement of Kharif Rice Through Introduction of Pre Kharif Crops in Rice Based Cropping System.

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Naira on sandy clay loam soil during pre kharif and kharif 2012-2013. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design, with four replications and seven cropping systems. Sunnhemp, greengram, blackgram, sesame, clusterbean and bhendi during pre kharif and rice during kharif were tried. Incorporation of different pre kharif crop residues significantly altered the growth and development of kharif rice. The results indicated that crop residue incorporation of sunnhemp recorded significantly higher growth parameters, yield attributes, yield (6501 kg ha-1) and nutrient uptake of kharif rice while lowest was recorded with that of fallow (4125 kg ha-1). Economics of rice was also observed with sunnhemp crop residue incorporation.

Periodontal status in infertile women attending in vitro fertilization clinics.

Background and Aim: Throughout a woman's life, hormonal influences affect therapeutic decision making in periodontics. A woman undergoing infertility treatment is given drugs to stimulate the ovaries, which lead to sustained higher levels of female sex hormones. The differing levels of these hormones, either in infertile women or in women undergoing therapy for infertility or in women who have conceived and delivered naturally could suggest a differing periodontal status amongst these three groups. Hence, this cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess and compare the periodontal status in the above three groups. Materials and Methods: 180 women including 60 women undergoing treatment for infertility (Group I), 60 women in whom infertility treatment had not yet been initiated (Group II) and 60 women who had conceived and delivered naturally (Group III-control group), of age range 25-35 years, were included. Clinical parameters including oral hygiene index simplified (OHI-S), gingival index, sulcus bleeding index (SBI) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were assessed by a single examiner. Results: Despite similar OHI-S scores (P > 0.05) in all groups, women of Group I had significantly higher gingival inflammation and SBI (P < 0.05) as compared to women of Group II and Group III. Furthermore, the women in Group I and Group II had statistically higher CAL (P < 0.05) as compared with the control group. Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that altered hormonal levels in infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive therapy and infertile women not undergoing this treatment can lead to increased attachment loss, suggesting that these women may require constant periodontal monitoring.

Clinical Study of Trans-catheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Occluder Devices among Children Aged 9 Months to 18 Years.

Background and Objectives: This study was aimed at determining our experience with occluder devices over last 5 years. The objective of this study is to compare the complication rates and efficacy of different devices used for the closure of PDA. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study in which a review of the records of all children who had PDA surgery in a paediatric cardiac center, Innova Childrens’ Heart Hospital, Hyderabad, India over a five year period (June 2007 and July 2011) was undertaken. The hospital records showed that from June 2007 to July 2011, a total of 456 children aged 9 months to 18 years had trans-catheter closure over the study period, of these, 159 underwent trans-catheter device closure of PDA. A team of experienced paediatric cardiologist performed all the procedures. Results: Out of the 159 cases, 134 (84.2%) were successful while 25 (15.7%) were complicated. Five (5) {20.0%} cases had temporary residual leak, 3 (12.0%) had failure of the procedure that required surgical intervention, 9 (36.0%) had protrusion of the device into the aorta without significant Doppler pressure gradient. There exist a relation between success, complication and device used for the procedure.The type of occluder device used for the procedure significantly affect the outcome (χ2 = 16.37; p = 0.02) Chinese occlude devise had the highest success rate. Twenty five (25.0) {15.7%} patients had complications in all. The commonest complication (protrusion of the device into the aorta) was seen in 3 (1.8%) cases with Chinese duct occluder, 3(1.8%) with Sear Heart R and 3 (1.8%) cases with ADOs. Non died from the procedure. Conclusion: The commonest complication is (protrusion of the device into the aorta) with Chinese occludes devise showing the highest success rate. The learning curve and accumulating experience play an indispensable role in choosing the proper device and its size.

Genetic Divesity and Molecular Characterization of Mungbean Genotypes (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek).

The present investigation was undertaken to examine the genetic divergence in 50 mungbean germplasm lines for 13 characters using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The genotypes grouped into eight clusters. Cluster VII had maximum intra-cluster distance while inter-cluster distance was highest between clusters V and VII. Cluster means indicated that none of the clusters was superior for all the characters studied. Therefore, hybridization between genotypes belonging to different clusters is suggested for development of superior genotypes. 10 SSR primers were used for molecular study of which only one gave slight difference among 19 mungbean genotypes. The quality and quantity of DNA used for amplification by PCR is the key to reproducible results and success of genotyping. Especially, DNA purity is extremely crucial for obtaining clear and discriminate patterns. DNA extraction from mungbean is difficult due to presence of contaminants such as phenols. Therefore, the present study was under taken to obtain high quality and pure DNA in mungbean. With few modifications four different DNA extraction protocols were tried in the present study to obtain high quality and pure DNA viz., (I) Doyle and Doyle (1987), (ii) Method of Murray and Thompson (1980), (iii) Porebski et al.(1997), and (iv) Lin et al. (2001). Out of the four methods tried for DNA extraction, the method of Lin et al. (2001) was found most efficient, as the DNA obtained through this protocol was relatively pure which gave amplyfying products in the PCR. The genotype used for the standardization was MGG -361. Molecular characterization of 19 randomly chosen mungbean genotypes was attempted with the eight standardized primers. None of the primers showed scorable polymorphism. The primers VR4, VR5 and VR9, exhibited non specific bands, in addition to the monomorphic bands.

Standardization of DNA Extraction Protocol in Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek).

Green gram is a widely cultivated pulse crop rich in protein, high in vitamin-B content and essential aminoacids. It is easily digestable and low flatulence produced crop. The quality and quantity of DNA used for amplification by PCR is the key to reproducible results and success of genotyping. Especially, DNA purity is extremely crucial for obtaining clear and discriminate patterns. DNA extraction from Green gram is difficult due to presence of contaminants such as phenols. Therefore, the present study was under taken to obtain high quality and pure DNA in Green gram. With few modifications four different DNA extraction protocols were tried in the present study to obtain high quality and pure DNA viz., (i) Doyle and Doyle (1987), (ii) Method of Murray and Thompson (1980), (iii) Porebski et al.(1997), and (iv) Lin et al. (2001). Out of the four methods tried for DNA extraction, the method of Lin et al. (2001) was found most efficient, as the DNA obtained through this protocol was relatively pure which gave amplifying products in the PCR. The genotype used for the standardization was MGG -361.

Genetic variability and association among the various characters in groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L).

Seventy five groundnut genotypes were evaluated for yield and yield component characters indicated the existence of considerable genetic variation in the present investigation. The components of variance revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied indicating the role of environmental variance in the total variance. The magnitude of PCV and GCV was moderate to high for number of pods per plant, kernel yield, dry pod yield, hundred kernel weight, dry haulm yield. Heritability in broad sense was higher in most of the characters viz., hundred kernel weight, plant height, kernel yield, dry pod yield and number of pods per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for hundred kernel weight, plant height, kernel yield, dry pod yield and number of pods per plant indicating the role of additive gene in expressing these traits. Pod yield was positively correlated with kernel yield, number of pods per plant, hundred kernel weight and shelling percent. Non significant positive association of pod yield noticed with dry haulm yield. However, significant negative association with plant height and non significant negative association with days to 50 percent flowering and days to maturity were observed. Direct positive effect of kernel yield, no of pods per plant and hundred kernel weight was revealed on pod yield. Hence, a direct selection criterion should be followed for traits viz., no of pods per plant and hundred kernel weight to improve the pod yield.

Design and in vitro evaluation of effervescent gastric floating drug delivery systems of propanolol HCl / Diseño y evaluación in vitro de sistemas de administración de tabletas flotantes gástricas everfescentes de HCl propanolol

The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate effervescent gastric floating tablets of propranolol HCl. The oral delivery of antihypertensive propranolol HCl was facilitated by preparing an effervescent floating dosage form which could increase its absorption in the stomach by increasing the drug’s gastric residence time. In the present work, effervescent floating tablets were prepared with a hydrophilic carrier such as polyethylene oxide (PEO WSR N 60K and PEO WSR 303) as a release retarding agent and sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent. The prepared tablets were evaluated for all their physicochemical properties, in vitro buoyancy, drug release and rate order kinetics. From the results, P9 was selected as an optimized formulation based on their 12 h drug release, minimal floating lag time and maximum total floating time. The optimized formulation followed first order rate kinetics with erosion mechanism. The optimized formulation was characterized with FTIR studies and no interaction between the drug and the polymers were observed.

El propósito de la presente investigación fue desarrollar y evaluar tabletas flotantes, efervescentes de HCL propranolol. La administración oral del antihipertensivo HCL propranolol se facilitó mediante la preparación de una forma de dosificación flotante y efervescente que permitiría su absorción en el estómago, mediante el aumento del tiempo de residencia gástrico de la droga. En el presente trabajo, las tabletas flotantes efervescentes fueron preparadas con un portador hidrofílico, tal como el óxido de polietileno (PEO WSR N 60K and PEO WSR 303), como agente retardador y bicarbonato de sodio como un agente generador de gas. Se evaluaron todas las propiedades fisicoquímicas de las tabletas preparadas, su flotación in vitro y su tasa de orden cinético. Se seleccionó el P9 a partir de los resultados obtenidos, como una fórmula óptima, basados en la liberación de la droga a las 12 h, tiempo mínimo de retraso para flotación y máximo tiempo total de flotación. La formulación optimizada siguió una tasa cinética de primer orden con mecanismo de erosión. Esta fórmula óptima se caracterizó mediante estudios FITR y no se observó ninguna interacción entre la droga y los polímeros utilizados.

Influence of sowing date and crop variety on phenology, growth and yield of rainfed groundnut (arachis hypogaea l.) in Southern Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India.

An experiment was conducted with four dates of sowing (Second fortnight of May, First fortnight of June, Second fortnight of June and First fortnight of July) and four Varieties (TMV-2, JL-24, Narayani and Abhaya). There was wide variation in the weather conditions that prevailed over the cropping periods between the two years of experimentation. During the first year (2006) a continuous dryspell of 51 days prevailed which coincided with different growth stages of groundnut under different dates of sowing. This dry spell has not favoured the growth and development of crop, instead, it has increased the crop duration of different varieties of groundnut studied under the present investigation. The crop duration was 139-146 days in early sown crop to 110-125 days in normal sown crop compared to normal duration of 105 to 120 days. However, the second year (2007) is normal with better temporal distribution of rains and the crop duration ranged from 104-120 days in early sown crop to 108-121 days under normal sown crop. The length of growth period in 2006 is due to receipt of continuous rains after dry spell of 51 days from seed development phase to physiological maturity. In 2007,the crop which received heavy rains (22 June sown crop ) from 90 DAS to harvest was adversely affected resulting poor filling and low yields. The results revealed that Sowing during July first fortnight was found to be optimum time for groundnut during drought year, while during normal year advancing the sowing date by one month may also favour good crop provided there were good rains. The performance of Abhaya cultivar was better than the Narayani, TMV-2 and JL-24 under different kinds of environments like extreme moisture stress, stress free or even under moderate stress conditions. However, in normal year TMV-2 and JL-24 performance was also good compared to drought year.

Patient-specific quality assurance of RapidArc treatments: Portal prediction dosimetry compared with phantom studies

Purpose: To validate a locally fabricated phantom of Imatrixx-2D Array by comparing its results with ArcCheck phantom and comparing portal dosimetry measurements with the two phantom studies. Materials and Methods: Electronic Portal Imaging Devices and Epiqa software were used for portal dosimetry. An Imatrixx-2D array with a locally fabricated phantom and ArcCheck cylindrical phantom were used for phantom studies. Eclipse-TPS with RapidArc treatment planning and portal dose prediction software was used for planar dose calculations. Three verification plans were created for each of the 15 patient plans of various sites, making a total of 45 plans to be delivered on 3 QA systems as above. Fifteen plans each with 2 arcs were delivered on the EPIDs of the Linacs, on Imatrixx-2D array phantom and on ArcCheck cylindrical phantom respectively. The planar dose matrices were analysed using global Gamma Index criteria of 3mm DTA and 3% dose difference. Results: The maximum deviations of percentage in dose points, in which γ>1, are 1.94, 1.89 and 1.5 in Imatrixx phantom, ArcCheck phantom and Portal dosimetry, respectively. Similarly, the mean deviations and SD values are less in portal dosimetry than that of phantom studies. The smaller deviations in portal dosimetry are attributed to closely embedded chambers in the EPID compared to the distance between the detectors placed in the phantom measurements. Conclusion: After carrying out the comparison of results, the locally fabricated phantom has been validated and accepted for the dosimetric studies. The conclusion is that all the three dosimetric QA systems are suitable for the patient-specific QA of RapidArc treatments.

The role of psychological factors in aetiopathogenesis and management of obesity related diseases.

The obesity is a challenging problem in to-days world which if left un tackled leads to a variety of associated illnesses like Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Cardiovascular disorders, Cerebro vascular accidents etc. The common etiological factors which are implicated include sedentary life style, genetic factors, dietary factors and endocrine factors, but the psychological factors are often overlooked which are the most important factor perpetuating binge eating behavour. The emotional instability, depression, stress, sexual abuse etc, often result in compulsive over eating leading to obesity. Thus the comprehensive management of obesity and the associated illnesses should include the proper tackling of these psychological components apart from other common therapies. The present article critically analyses the role of these factors in the causation of obesity and its different management strategies which includes sattvavajaya as an Ayurvedic technique.

Light chain immunofluorescence in various nephropathies.

Context: Light chain immunofluoresence (IF) in renal biopsy is routinely used in the diagnosis of light chain deposition disease (LCDD), amyloidosis and cast nephropathy. Light chain predominance has also been reported in certain glomerulopathies like IgA nephropathy. However, pathogenesis of this pattern of deposition in various glomerulopathies is uncertain. Aim: To discuss the pathogenesis and utility of light chain IF in nephropathies. Setting and Design: Retrospective study. Materials and Methods: The pattern of light chain IF and light microscopic diagnosis in 306 cases of various nephropathies was reviewed. Direct IF was done in all these cases with commercial fluorescence (Fluoresciene Isothiocynate ) conjugated polyclonal rabbit anti-human antisera against IgM, IgG, IgA, C3, C1q, kappa and lambda light chains. Results: Light chain deposits were seen in 240 (78.43%) cases. In IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis and post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN), lambda positivity was more as compared to kappa. Light chain deposits in LCDD and membranous nephropathy were more kappa type. The IF pattern in amyloidosis was not consistent. Conclusion: The pathogenesis of light chain predominance in glomerulopathies is not clear and it depends on isoelectric point and size of the immune complex. Light chain IF should be performed routinely in all the renal biopsies.

Morphologic evaluation of renal function using semi-quantitative method in primary nonproliferative glomerular diseases.

Context: Fibrosis is universally accepted as a poor prognostic finding in renal pathology. Semi-quantitative assessment is widely used for prognostication in pathology. Aims: We propose a semi-quantitative method to prognosticate primary nonproliferative glomerular diseases. Settings and Design: A semi-quantitative method based on Banff schema, 97 classification has been modified to suit the requirements. Glomerular, tubulointerstitial, and vascular compartments were scored independently, and the scores were totaled to obtain total scores. Materials and Methods: Seventy-six renal biopsies were assessed by semi-quantitative scores and the individual compartmental and total scores were correlated with serum creatinine levels. Follow-up was available in 24 cases. Statistical Analysis: Pearson correlation coefficient, two-tailed t test, to determine the P value. Results: P values were significant for the total scores as well as individual compartments. There is a linear correlation between the scores and serum creatinine levels. A total score of ≥5 was significant. Conclusions: The semi-quantitative scoring system based on modified Banff schema, 1997 is useful in prognosticating renal biopsies in primary nonproliferative glomerular diseases.

Biochemical study of caralluma species to understand species homology.

Demarcation of species is the prime endeavor of Biosystematics. conventional morphological parameters and the use of biochemical components in solving taxonomic disputes are gaining importance with the help bioactive phenolic compound as a genetic marker to assess species affinity. In present study methanolic extracts of six different Caralluma species were carried out through phytochemical screening and HPLTC analysis to ascertain relative relationship between active compounds., High Performance TLC on silica gel 60 F254 TLC aluminum sheet was used to separate the active compounds present in the extracts and scanned at 254 nm. The results revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and steroids. A partial biochemical profile for selected constituents of species was compared with that of other species in Caralluma by HPTLC to ascertain their relative phylogenetic position. From this phytochemical analysis, the paired affinity, group affinity and isolation value of each of these pair of species of Caralluma are expressed in percentage to study the species homology.

Determination of fluoride in and around Visakhapatnam city, Andhra Pradesh.

Physico – Chemical analysis of well and bore well water samples was carried out from ten sampling stations of Visakhapatnam District for a period of 1 year during different seasons in 2009. The analysis of different parameters namely- temperature, pH, color, electrical conductivity and fluoride were carried out as per standard methods. All the parameters studied were within the permissible levels except fluoride. The results indicate that fluoride content in some sampling stations ( S2 ,S7 , S14, S15 and S16) was found above standards probably due to seasonal variations and salt water contamination.

Coin-shaped epithelial lesions following an acute attack of erythema multiforme minor with confocal microscopy findings.

We report an interesting ocular finding of bilateral multiple coin-shaped epithelial lesions along with the confocal microscopy findings in a patient following an acute attack of erythema multiforme (EM) minor. A 30-year-old male presented with a history of watering and irritation in both eyes of three days duration. He was diagnosed to have EM minor and was on oral acyclovir. Slit-lamp examination revealed multiple coin-shaped epithelial lesions. Confocal microscopy showed a corresponding conglomerate of hyper-reflective epithelial lesions. The corneal lesions resolved over six weeks with oral steroids and acyclovir. An immunological mechanism is suspected.