Kissing microvitreoretinal blade technique: A novel approach for safe and effective endocapsular lens aspiration in microspherophakia

We herein describe the kissing MVR technique in cases of microspherophakia for safe and effective endocapsular lens aspiration. Microspherophakia is associated with abnormally lax and broken zonules, which pose a great challenge to the operating surgeon, especially while creating the openings in the capsular bag. In this novel technique, simultaneous use of two 23 G MVR blades reduces the above problem associated with the severely mobile lens. Here, one MVR blade stabilizes the capsular bag and, at the same time, provides counter-traction for the opposite MVR blade while puncturing the capsular bag. Furthermore, the creation of openings in the lens at the equator or just posterior to it is beneficial as the capsule is relatively thicker and stronger at this location. This also minimizes the risk of premature extension to the anterior or posterior capsule, thereby avoiding complications like dropped lens matter, vitreous prolapse, and vitreous traction.

Biosocial and awareness profile of adolescent clients and utilization patterns of the services at an ARSH clinic at Patna, Bihar

Background: Adolescents constitute about 21% of India’s population. Realizing the special needs of adolescents, GOI launched the adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH) program in 2006. ‘Yuva’ clinic was established for the first time in Bihar in 2012 at Patna Medical College for providing services as per ARSH protocols. This study aimed at analyzing the biosocial and awareness profile of the adolescent clients vis a vis ARSH strategy, and the utilization of services at the clinic.Methods: Cross-sectional study using semi-structured questionnaire.Results: Total of 1180 adolescents (950 males, 230 females) was studied. Sixty-six percent males, 74.8% females were urban; about 90% were unmarried. Majority were from upper middle class. No females but 66.6% and 86.7% of males were taking alcohol and tobacco respectively. More than 90% of attendees reported regular physical exercise; 36.8% males and 58% females had abnormal BMIs. Seventy-six percent were nutritionally aware, 24.06% aware about reproductive and sexual health (RSH), and 64.74% about ARSH services. Rural and SES were significantly associated with the adolescents’ awareness of nutrition, RSH, and services available. Females had significantly more knowledge regarding RSH. Sixty-seven percent availed counseling services and 1.35% was referred, 50.6% came for clinical services out of which 69.8% remained unmet.Conclusions: ARSH clinic is a useful initiative. However there are gaps in services vis-a-vis ARSH strategies. If addressed, clinic is likely to attract more adolescents and achieve the objectives of improving their health and capacity to deal with their myriad problems in a better wa

Altered Tregs and oxidative stress in pregnancy associated lupus

Abstract Aim SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease generally affecting woman in the reproductive age. It is associated with an altered level of Tregs and oxidative stress while an increase in Tregs, and different antioxidant mechanisms to combat oxidative stress are essential for successful pregnancy. Hence, this study aims to determine the level of CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs and oxidative stress in pregnant lupus patients. Methods Ten healthy and 10 pregnant lupus volunteers from the North Indian population, within the age group of 20-30 years were enrolled in the study. All the patients were non-smokers, non-alcoholics and were not associated or undergoing therapy for any other disease. They had a SLEDAI of 37.4 ± 7.32 with 5.2 ± 1.93 years of disease duration. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring the enzyme activity of anti-oxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and the level of reduced glutathione and lipids peroxidised, spectrophotometrically. Flowcytometry was performed for immunophenotyping to determine CD8+ and CD4+ Tregs. Results Elevated CD8+ Tregs and diminished CD4+ Tregs were observed in pregnant lupus patients. Oxidative stress was significantly increased as the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes and level of reduced glutathione was considerably diminished. There was a substantial increase in the amount of lipids peroxidised. Conclusion Pregnant lupus patients undergo considerable level of oxidative stress in comparison to healthy pregnant woman. The decreased level of CD4+ Tregs and an increase in CD8+ Tregs might be another important factor responsible for pregnancy associated complications. Hence, lupus leads to alterations in the necessary conditions for a successful pregnancy, which might eventually cause higher mortality, morbidity and associated complications.

A Review Article On Common Pathological Conditions Affecting Trimarma In Light Of Classical Insights

There are total of 107 Marmas explained in classics. Acharya Caraka has emphasized only on Trimarma and has devoted one full chapter in Chikitsa Sthan and Siddhi Sthan. Shira, Hridaya and Basti are the Trimarma or tripod of life. They are Sadhyopranahara in nature as trauma results in immediate death or death within 7days. Trimarma are most important organs of body, Shira that include brain and control the body activities, Hriday that include heart and the master of circulatory system and Basti that include the urinary bladder and kidneys that eliminates the waste material from our body and help to maintain the electrolyte balance of body. Charak has given more importance to these Trimarma because these three organs are involved in the most of the pathological conditions leading to death. Trauma to Shira is more complicated as compared to Hridaya and then Basti. This review article tries to correlate some very common day-to-day life’s pathological conditions which affects the Trimarma and should be avoided for a healthy living.

Effect of lisinopril and perindopril on serum lipid profile in Albino rabbits

Background: Hypertension with dislipidemia is becoming a common morbidity, since ACE inhibitors are the first line of antihypertensive drugs so present study was undertaken with the aim to evaluate the possible effects of ACE inhibitor on lipid profile in albino rabbits.Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur. Rabbits were divided into 2 groups with 6 in each group. Rabbits of Group I was given Lisinopril in dose of 0.25mg/kg and of group II was given Perindopril in dose of 0.20mg/kg for a period of 6 weeks. Lipid profile estimation (Serum Total cholesterol, serum HDL, serum LDL, serum Triglycerides and serum VLDL) was done at day 0, 7, 21 and 45 respectively.Results: After analysis Rabbits of group-I (Lisinopril) showed 3.1% decrease in serum cholesterol level at 45th day (P<0.001). Serum HDL level increased by 6.4% and 14.3% at day 21 and 45 respectively (P<0.05). Increase in serum Triglyceride level was 2.6% at day 45 (P>0.05). Serum LDL level decreases by 4.4% and 8.6% at day 21 and 45 respectively (P<0.001). There was no significant change in Serum VLDL level. Rabbits of group- II (Perindopril) showed decreased total cholesterol levels by 2.6% (P<0.05). There was an increase in HDL level by 6.8 % at day 45(P<.05). Triglycerides and VLDL levels were not significantly altered while serum LDL level decreases by 6.7% at day 45 (P<0.01).Conclusions: From our study it was concluded that Lisinopril had a favourable effect on serum lipid profile by decreasing total cholesterol, increasing serum HDL level. It may increase triglycerides, decrease LDL. Perindopril increase serum HDL and decreases LDL, there is no significant change in cholesterol, TG and VLDL levels.

Anti-nociceptive effect of seed extract of Acacia tortilis in rodents

Background: Management of pain is a primary clinical concern for any pathology in medical field. Addiction liability of opioids and troublesome gastrointestinal side effects of NSAIDs leads to intensive research for compound with lesser side effects.The aim of the study to evaluate the anti-nociceptive activity of Acacia Tortilis Seed Extract (ATE) in experimental animals.Methods: First of all, animals were randomly allocated into four groups of six animals each. In acetic acid induced writhing test model, Group I (NC) served as vehicle control received saline/Tween 80 0.1%, 10ml/kg BW orally, group II (ATE-100) and III (ATE-200) received ATE in dose of 100 and 200mg/kg BW orally respectively and group IV received the standard drug diclofenac sodium in dose of 50 mg/kg BW orally. Group I to IV were same in rest of three experimental models. One additional group of standard drugs (group V) morphine sulfate in dose of 5 mg/kg BW subcutaneously (SC) was allocated for screening method hot plate and tail flick tests. In Formalin induced paw licking test, three additional groups (group V) morphine sulfate in dose of 5mg/kg BW SC, group VI- morphine+naloxone (5mg/kg SC +2mg/kg intra-peritoneally (IP) and group VII - ATE+ naloxone (200mg/kg BW orally +2mg/kg BW IP) were also made.Results: The ATE when administered orally in dose of 100 and 200mg/ kg body weight (BW), produced significant analgesic activity (P <0.01) in acetic acid induced writhing syndrome and late phase of formalin test. In the hot plate test in mice and tail flick test in rats, ATE in same doses also showed significant analgesic activity (P <0.05) which is almost equally efficacious to standard drug diclofenac sodium (50mg/kg BW orally) but far less efficacious than morphine sulfate (5mg/kg BW subcutaneous).ATE (200mg/Kg BW orally) activity did not blocked by naloxone (2mg/kg intra-peritoneal).Conclusions: ATE possesss significant anti-nociceptive activity as evidenced in all the animal models of nociception. It might exert its effect through the peripheral mechanism of analgesic action possibly by interference in biosynthesis, release and/or action of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Ultrasonographic assessment of paediatric ocular emergencies: A tertiary eye hospital based observation / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of ocular ultrasound B scan in the emergency at the first point of care for detecting posterior segment and orbital pathologies in cases of paediatric ocular emergencies. METHODS: A prospective observational study involving 122 paediatric patients presenting to eye emergency over a period of ninety days were assessed with ultrasonography for the posterior segment as well as orbital pathology whenever indicated. The ocular ultrasound was performed gently over closed eyelids. RESULTS: Posttraumatic globe injuries were the most common indication for posterior segment evaluation, which constituted 80 (65.57％) eyes. Among these 52 patients had an anechoic posterior segment and 28 patients had variable findings such as vitreous haemorrhage (8.19％), retinal detachment (6.55％), choroidal detachment (4.91％), posteriorly dislocated clear lens (0.81％) and retained intraocular foreign body (5.73％). Non-traumatic cases constituted around 42 (34.42％) eyes, which included corneal ulcer (7.37％), retinoblastoma (6.55％), endophthalmitis (4.91％), extraocular muscle cysticercosis (4.91％), orbital cellulitis (4.09％), periocular haemorrhage (2.45％), proptosis(1.63％), paediatric cataract (1.63％) and cryptophthalmos (0.81％). No adverse events of performing the ultrasound was noted. CONCLUSION: First point ultrasonography in paediatric ocular emergencies is a cheap, portable and an effective tool in the assertion of significant posterior segment and orbital diseases.

The improvement of competitive saprophytic capabilities of Trichoderma species through the use of chemical mutagens

Abstract The antagonistic potential of Trichoderma strains was assayed by studying the effect of their culture filtrate on the radial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal agent of chickpea collar rot. Trichoderma harzianum-1432 (42.2%) and Trichoderma atroviride (40.3%) were found to be strong antagonists. To enhance their antagonistic potential, mutagenesis of these two selected strains was performed. Two mutants, Th-m1 and T. atroviride m1, were found to be more effective than their parent strains. The enzymatic activities of the selected parent and mutant strains were assayed, and although both mutants were found to have enhanced enzymatic activities compared to their respective parent strains, Th-m1 possessed the maximum cellulase (5.69 U/mL) and β-1,3-glucanase activity (61.9 U/mL). Th-m1 also showed high competitive saprophytic ability (CSA) among all of the selected parent and mutant strains, and during field experiments, Th-m1 was found to successfully possess enhanced disease control (82.9%).

Autologus serum in treatment of dry eye disorder: An evaluation.

Dry eye syndrome is a common disorder of the tear film in which eye is unable to maintain a healthy layer of tears to coat it. Despite various conventional treatments such as ocular surface lubrication, artificial tears, protective glasses and punctal occlusion many patients continue to have signs and symptoms of dry eye. That’s why autologous serum eye drops have been indicated for the treatment of dry eye. Therefore, to evaluate the effectiveness of the autologous serum eye drops in dry eye disorder, a total of 34 eyes of 20 patients were included in this study, who used autologus serum eye drops along with artificial tears. Out of 20 patients, 16 were males and 4 were females with M: F ratio of 4:1. The mean age of the patients was 51.95 years. Evaluations of patients were done before and after treatment in follow up, by determining the subjective and objective scores which showed that after follow up of 2 months all the subjective and objective scores were reduced in 28 eyes but 6 eyes did not show any improvement at follow up of 2 months as they stopped the drops after one month of use because of discomfort.

Safety and immunogenicity of Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine in cross bred cattle calves in India.

Safety and immunogenicity of Brucella abortus RB51 vaccine has been evaluated in an organised dairy farm in India. All the cattle (n=29) vaccinated with strain RB51 ‘responded’ to the vaccine as demonstrated by iELISA using acetone killed strain RB51 antigen. The percentage responders at day 35, 60 and 90 post vaccination were 100%, 95% and 20%, respectively. Strain RB51 was able to elicit a good IFN- response from vaccinated animals. The post-vaccination time point analysis indicated that the cumulative IFN- response of whole blood from vaccinates stimulated with heat killed RB51 antigen was elicited in 80% of calves at 60 days post vaccination. Absence of strain RB51 in the secretions and excretion and lack of local or systemic reaction indicated the safety of the vaccine.

Pharmacoepidemiology of drugs utilized in ophthalmic outpatient and inpatient department of a tertiary care hospital.

Periodical auditing of drug utilization is vital for promotion of rational use of drugs. So for pharmacoepidemiological analysis of the drugs, utilized in eye OPD and IPD, a study was conducted prospectively for six months, in the Department of ophthalmology and pharmacology. Data were collected, from the prescription form of patients in OPD and from the bed head tickets of patients in IPD. Various parameters of utilization pattern were evaluated. The maximum number of patients belongs to age group of 46-60 years and lower middle class of socioeconomic status but there was no sex preponderance. Dosage, frequency and duration of therapy were recorded in more than 89% of prescriptions. An average number of drugs per prescription were 2.69 and 3.2; drugs prescribed by their generic names were 26.04% and 35.33%; fixed dose combinations prescribed were 36.98% and 67.29% and polypharmacy found were 23.3% and 11.47% of prescription in OPD and IPD respectively. The commonest dosage forms were eye drops in OPD and injections in IPD. More than 80% of the drugs were prescribed from hospital pharmacy. Average total cost per prescription was 87.40 INR in OPD and 135.80 INR in IPD but it was free of cost from hospital pharmacy.

Wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of Plantago Ovata (Ispaghula) seeds.

Present work was done to explore the wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of Plantago ovata seeds in albino wistar rats. The extract was tested for wound healing activity by excision and incison wound model. The extract was used as ointment (10% w/w) in petroleum jelly base. The extract showed significant response (p< 0.01) in both the wound types tested when compared with the control group. Aloe vera ointment (10%w/w) was used as standard drug and the activity of the extract was in close proximity to standard. On the basis of the results it can be said that the extract of Plantago ovata seeds possess wound healing activity.