ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to analyze the correlation between central field index (CFI) and activity limitation in glaucoma using glaucoma activity limitation-9 (GAL-9) questionnaire. Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional, noninterventional study, included 50 patients diagnosed with glaucoma, with field defect encroaching onto central 10� in Humphrey field analysis 30�program, in at least one eye. These patients underwent central 10�field analysis and CFI was calculated with the help of a calculator created by us. Patients with severe cognitive impairment were excluded and the rest completed the GAL-9 questionnaire. The data was analyzed to determine the correlation between the CFI and the GAL-9 scores. Results: There was a moderate correlation between CFI of better eye (r = ?0.431, confidence interval 揅I� ?0.619 to ?0.173, P < 0.002) and worse eye (r = ?0.342, CI: ?0.575 to ? 0.058, P < 0.015) with GAL-9, the better eye showing a stronger correlation. Mean deviations (MD) of both better (r = ?0.345, CI: ?0.556 to ?0.069, P < 0.014) and worse eye (r = ?0.346, CI: ?0.578 to ?0.063 P < 0.014) showed similar moderate correlation. Vision of better eye (r = ?0.398, CI: ?0.577 to ?0.210, P < 0.004) showed a stronger correlation with GAL-9 score than worse eye (r = ?0.188, CI: ?0.475 to 0.100, P < 0.192). Subscales of GAL-9 questionnaire also correlated with better eye status. 揊inding dropped objects� had the strongest correlation to CFI of better eye (r = ?0.676) and 揳djusting to dim lights� had the weakest correlation (r = ?0.052). Conclusion: The better eye status in glaucoma patients correlated better than worse eye with regard to activity limitation, signifying that the better eye has a greater influence on the quality of life and how patients perceive their disability. Furthermore, CFI showed a better correlation with GAL-9 score than MD.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Data of febrile neutropenia (FN) from rural cancer centers is sparse. We did a audit of outcome of patients with FN in the period of March 2013‑August 2013. The aim was to help us to develop rational antibiotic usage policies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients presenting with FN. Data regarding demographic profile, tumor type, intent of treatment, chemotherapy regimen, blood culture susceptibility details, use of antibiotics, response to antibiotics and complications of FN were noted. SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) 16 was used for analysis. RESULTS: 67 patients had FN and there were 91 episodes. The median day of presentation with FN after start of chemotherapy was 10 days. The nadir absolute neutrophil count was 161.5 and nadir platelet count 1,00,000. The median multinational association for supportive care in cancer (MASCC) Score was 24. In accordance with MASCC there were 27 high risk FN and 64 low risk FN episodes. On multivariate analysis using logistic regression MASCC score strata was the only significant variable that predicted failure to 1st line antibiotics (P = 0.03) and mortality (P = 0.01). Nine patients (9.9%) had positive isolates on blood cultures. The blood culture isolates were predominantly Gram negative (66.7%). CONCLUSION: The importance of developing local guidelines for rational antibiotic usage is highlighted.
ABSTRACT
The expression profiles of inflammatory cytokines viz. interleukins (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-12, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in response to subclinical mastitis in indigenous cattle breed Kankrej (n = 6), Gir (Bos indicus) (n = 12) and crossbred (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) (n = 7) were investigated using quantitative real time PCR. Significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between total bacterial load and somatic cell count (SCC) in all three breeds of cattle. All the cytokines were observed to be up-regulated compared to cows with healthy quarters, however, level of their expression varied among three breeds of cattle. In Kankrej most cytokines were found to be transcribed to higher levels than in other two breeds; the milk had higher load of bacteria but not so high SCC, implying that Kankrej has a higher inherent resistance against mastitis. The results of present study indicated that mammary glands of crossbred cattle are more sensitive to bacterial infection than indigenous breed of cattle as they elicit immune response at lower bacterial load and result into higher SCC. Research on identification of factors responsible for differentially expressed cytokines profiles and use of cytokines as immunomodulatory tools can pave way for formulating control strategies against bovine mastitis.