Efficacy and safety of topical 2% rebamipide ophthalmic suspension in dry eye disease at tertiary care centre

Purpose: To evaluate the effect and side effects of topical 2% rebamipide ophthalmic suspension in dry eye disease. Method: This prospective randomized case control study included total 80 patients (40 cases and 40 controls) of dry eye. Symptoms were graded according to OSDI scoring system and specific tests for dry eye included Tear film breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, Fluorescein corneal staining (FCS), Rose Bengal staining) were performed. Case group received 2% rebamipide ophthalmic suspension four times daily and control group given carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% four times daily. The follow ups had done at two, six and twelve weeks. Results: The maximum numbers of patients were between 45-60 years. Patient with mild moderate and severe OSDI Score shows marked improvement. Mild TBUT score showed improvement but statistically not significant (P value-0.34). In moderate and severe TBUT Score statistically significant improvement (P value- 0.0001, 0.0001). In all grade FCS shows statistically significant improvement with p value-0.0001, 0.0001, and 0.028 respectively. Schirmer’s test score in all cases had shown improvement but statistically not significant and P value were 0.09, 0.07, and 0.07 respectively. In mild, moderate and severe Rose Bengal staining statistically significant improvement (P value -0.027, 0.0001, and 0.04) .The only side effect was dysgeusia (10% patients). Conclusion: Rebamipide 2% ophthalmic suspension showed significant improvement in symptoms and signs of dry eye. It able to modify epithelial cell function, improve tear stability, and suppress inflammation suggests that it may be a first drug of choice for severe dry eye disease.

Determination of mexiletine hydrochloride by rose Bengal probe using dual-wavelength resonance light scattering technology / 药学学报

The resonance light scattering (RLS) spectral characteristics of the interaction between rose Bengal and mexiletine hydrochloride in the presence of cetylpyridinium bromide were investigated. A dual-wavelength resonance light scattering (DWO-RLS) method for the determination of mexiletine hydrochloride in drugs was established. In a weakly acidic solution, rose Bengal interacts with mexiletine hydrochloride and cetylpyridinium bromide to form a red ternary ion association complex, which led to a significantly enhanced resonance light scattering signal and produced two strong characteristic scattering peaks at 372 nm and 596 nm. In these two wavelengths the mass concentration of mexiletine hydrochloride was in the range of 0.004 to 0.65 mg·L-1 and had a good linear relationship with the resonance light scattering enhancement intensity (ΔIRLS), with detection limits of 0.003 2 mg·L-1 (372 nm) and 0.003 8 mg·L-1 (596 nm), respectively. When measured by the dual-wavelength resonance light scattering (DWO-RLS) technique, the detection limit was lower, only 0.001 8 mg·L-1. When the DWO-RLS method was applied to the determination of mexiletine hydrochloride in commercially available mexiletine hydrochloride tablets, and the recovery was 98.5%-103%, and the relative standard deviation was 2.0%-2.7%.

Canna indica-chitin-alginate composite beads for the treatment of textile dye effluent containing Rose Bengal dye

Aim: To study the adsorption of Rose Bengal dye used in textile industries by Canna indica-chitin-alginate beads. Methodology: C. indica-chitin-alginate composite beads were prepared using root tubers of Canna indica, chitin from shrimp shells and sodium alginate. Batch adsorption of Rose Bengal dye was carried out with optimized parameters like pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage and dye concentrations. Characterization studies like SEM, FTIR and TGA and reusability of composite beads were also studied. Results: The maximum adsorption of 97.9% was obtained at pH 6, 80 min contact time with the optimized ratio of 1:1:0.05 C. indica-chitin-alginate towards 100 mg l-1 dye concentration. The SEM analysis showed a porous surface morphology whereas FTIR results exhibited the functional groups of Rose Bengal dye and composite beads, proving successful adsorption. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the composite beads could withstand a maximum temperature of 300oC. Interpretation: It is inferred from the study that a biosorbent prepared from a commonly available plant and shells of shrimp, which is considered as a waste, can be effectively used in the adsorption of harmful textile dyes from the effluent in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way.

Comparative Evaluation of Rose Bengal Plate test and ELISA in lab Diagnosis of Human Brucellosis

Human brucellosis is a major bacterial zoonosis reported worldwide. It is mainly an occupational disease reported in farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, animal handlers and meat inspectors. Unavailability of automated blood culture systems makes isolation difficult and diagnosis mainly depends on serological and molecular methods. Materials and Methods: In a prospective study, a total of 127 serum samples, 28 from pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) cases and 99 from high risk cases like veterinary personnel, butchers, nomads, farmers and gawalas, were serologically tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and enzyme-linked immumosorbent assay (ELISA) and results were analyzed. Results: Out of 127 samples, 20 were tested positive by RBPT while 24 tested positive by ELISA. None of the PUO cases and veterinary personnel tested positive by RBPT or ELISA. Positivity was more among males, urban area, history of animal contact and consumption of raw milk. ELISA was found to be more sensitive and specific than RBPT. Conclusion: In our study significant prevalence of brucellosis was found among occupationally exposed persons. Most of the positive cases were found to be asymptomatic and those who were symptomatic had non-specific complaints. The findings signified silent presence of disease in our society. RBPT can be used as a rapid screening test in the peripheral resource poor labs and in absence of culture ELISA can be used for further confirmation.

Seroprevalencia de Brucella sp. en équidos de Córdoba, Colombia / Brucella sp. seroprevalence in equids of Córdoba, Colombia

La brucelosis es considerada una de las zoonosis más importantes en el mundo por sus implicaciones en la salud pública y sus repercusiones en la producción pecuaria. En la especie equina, la presentación de esta enfermedad es importante, debido a que estos animales son huéspedes potenciales y contribuyen con la introducción de la enfermedad en zonas no afectadas, así como el mantenimiento en donde ocurre de forma endémica. En el departamento de Córdoba no se registran estudios recientes que establezcan la prevalencia y características epidemiológicas de la enfermedad en équidos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de Brucella sp. en équidos del departamento de Córdoba. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que incluyó 506 équidos procedentes de 14 municipios del departamento. Fueron estudiados tres especies: equinos (n=257), asnales (n=130) y mulares (n=119), procedentes de 46 predios. Las técnicas empleadas para el diagnóstico serológico fueron aglutinación rápida en placa Rosa de Bengala (n=506) y la confirmatoria fue con el ELISA competitiva (n=23). Se realizó la PCR convencional amplificando la región IS711de Brucella sp. a partir de muestras de exudado (n=2) y sangre con EDTA (n=4). La seroprevalencia de brucelosis en équidos fue del 4,5 % (23/506) por Rosa de Bengala (RB), con una distribución por especies de: equinos 20, asnos 2 y mulas 1. Con el ELISA competitiva (ELISA-C) la seroprevalencia fue del 4,3% (1/23), mientras que por PCR no se detectó ADN bacteriano en las seis muestras analizadas. La positividad en predios fue del 28,2% (13/46). Las cifras de seroprevalencia obtenidas en el presente estudio, demuestran la importancia de la vigilancia en las diferentes especies susceptibles a la brucelosis.

Brucellosis is considered one of the most important zoonotic diseases in the world because of its implications for public health and its impact on livestock production. In the equine species, the presentation of this disease is important, because these animals are potential hosts and contribute to the introduction of the disease in unaffected areas, as well as to the maintenance of this disease in endemic zones. In the Department of Córdoba, Colombia, there have been no recent studies that establish the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of the disease in equids. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of Brucella sp. in equids of the department of Córdoba. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out involving 506 equids from 14 municipalities of the department. Three species from 46 farms were studied: horses (n=257), asses (n=130) and mules (n=119). The techniques used for the serological diagnosis were: rapid agglutination, which was performed in 506 equids, using the Bengal Rose (RB) method; and the confirmatory method was performed on 23 equids, using the competitive ELISA tecnique (C-ELISA). Conventional PCR was performed by amplifying the IS711 region of Brucella sp. from exudate samples (n=2) and EDTA blood (n=4). The results of the study showed that the seroprevalence of brucellosis in equids was 4.5% (23/506) using the RB methodology, with the following distribution by species: 20 horses, 2 asses and 1 mule. With the C-ELISA technique, the seroprevalence was 4.3% (1/23), whereas by PCR no bacterial DNA was detected in the six samples analyzed. The positivity in farms was 28.2% (13/46). In conclusion, the seroprevalence figures obtained in the present study demonstrate the importance of epidemiological surveillance in the different species susceptible to brucellosis.

Incidence and sero epidemiology of brucellosis from a tertiary care centre of rural Maharashtra.

Background: It is usually difficult to diagnose brucellosis clinically in the absence of specific clinical features. Hence serological testing forms the mainstay of diagnosing the disease. Seroepidemiological determinants of brucellosis in rural western Maharashtra have not been closely investigated. Aim: The present study was therefore conducted to determine the incidence and to analyze seroepidemiological determinants of Brucellosis in cases of pyrexia of unknown origin (POU) in rural western Maharashtra. Material and methods: The present hospital based cross sectional survey was carried out in Rural Medical College, Loni on 500 cases of PUO. SPSS version 20.0 was used for analysis. The serum samples were subjected to serological tests like Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT). The inoculated agar plates were watched daily for the presence of growth Brucella on culture. Results: Males (51.6%) outnumbered females (48.4%) in the study sample. Out of 500 cases 10 samples showed the presence of Brucella agglutinins. The male female ratio in the seropositive cases was 2.33:1. Headache and joint pain was observed in 5 and 3 cases respectively. 50% samples yielded the growth of Brucella on culture. All the culture positive samples had titer of 640 IU or more. Conclusion: Agglutination test if properly performed can be used as a very dependable laboratory procedure for rapid diagnosis of Brucellosis.

Impact of wildfire smoke in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on ocular surface / Efeitos da fumaça de incêndios na superfície ocular em Buenos Aires, Argentina

Purpose: To evaluate the acute impact of the wildfire smoke episode in 2008 on the ocular surface of subjects living in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (MABA). Methods: A total of 86 subjects were evaluated: Group 1 comprised patients from a public ophthalmology hospital (N=35) and Group 2 comprised healthy volunteers (N=51). All subjects answered a questionnaire on ocular symptoms and underwent ophthalmologic examination [bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, corneal fluorescein staining, rose bengal vital staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, tear lysozyme, and impression cytology] during and after the acute episode. Concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM) were measured before, during, and after the acute episode. Results: Both groups showed a statically significant increase in ocular symptoms and bulbar conjunctival hyperemia and a statically significant decrease in tear break-up time during the acute episode. Group 1 showed more severe symptoms and a statistically significant increase in fluorescein and rose bengal staining intensities during the acute episode. We found a significant negative correlation between ocular symptoms and tear break-up time. During the episode, the levels of CO, NO2, and particulate matter in MABA were four times higher than the usual average levels for the same period in 2007 and 2009. Conclusions: Increased air pollution from the burning of biomass is associated with a decrease in the stability of the tear film (TBUT), generating areas of ocular surface exposure that may be the cause of the increased feeling of irritation. Group 1 was more affected by not having a healthy ocular surface, and thus consulted an ophthalmologist. Cytological changes in the conjunctiva were not observed, which could be due to the short duration of the episode. .

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos agudos da fumaça do episódio de incêndio violento ocorrido em 2008, sobre a superfície ocular de sujeitos que vivem na Região Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (MABA). Métodos: Um total de 86 indivíduos foram avaliados: Grupo 1: pacientes de um hospital público de oftalmologia (N=35) e Grupo 2: voluntários saudáveis (N=51). Todos os participantes responderam a um questionário sobre os sintomas oculares e foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico (hiperemia conjuntival bulbar, teste de fluoresceína, corante rosa bengala, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal (TBUT), teste de Schirmer I, lisozima lacrimal e citologia de impressão) durante e após o episódio agudo. As concentrações de monóxido de carbono, dióxido de nitrogênio e partículas (PM) foram medidas antes, durante e após o episódio agudo. Resultados: Ambos os grupos apresentaram aumento estatisticamente significativo dos sintomas oculares, hiperemia conjuntival bulbar, e diminuição estatisticamente significativa no tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal durante o episódio agudo. Grupo 1 apresentou maior intensidade dos sintomas e aumento estatisticamente significativo no teste de fluoresceína e rosa bengala durante o episódio agudo. Encontramos uma correlação negativa significativa entre os sintomas oculares e tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal. Durante o episódio agudo de 2008, os níveis de CO, NO2 e PM na Região Metropolitana de Buenos Aires foram 4 vezes maiores do que os níveis médios habituais para o mesmo período de 2007 e 2009. Conclusões: O aumento da poluição do ar a partir da queima de biomassa está associado a uma diminuição da estabilidade do filme lacrimal (TBUT) gerando zonas da exposição da superfície ocular, que podem ser a causa do aumento da sensação de irritação. Grupo 1 foi mais afetado por não ter superfície ocular saudável e, portanto, consultaram um oftalmologista. Mudanças citológicas da conjuntiva não foram observadas e isso poderia ser devido ...

Varón marroquí con espondilodiscitis de larga evolución, orquitis y endocarditis / Moroccan man with longstanding spondylodiscitis, orchitis and endocarditis

La afectación osteoarticular es la complicación más frecuente de la brucelosis. La espondilodiscitis es una complicación grave, ya que suele estar asociada con la formación de abscesos. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 43 años de edad, natural de Marruecos, con síntomas, signos y hallazgos imagenológicos de espondilodiscitis de larga evolución, orquitis y endocarditis. Mediante la realización de pruebas de laboratorio complementarias se llega al diagnóstico de infección por Brucella spp. El presente caso busca concientizar a la comunidad médica sobre la importancia de considerar la infección por Brucella spp. como diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes con sospecha de espondilodiscitis infecciosa, especialmente en aquellos pacientes con antecedentes epidemiológicos, permitiendo así realizar un acertado y oportuno diagnóstico. Este caso resulta interesante porque nunca antes se había descrito la presencia simultánea de estas tres manifestaciones de la brucelosis en un paciente inmuno competente. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 166-168).

Osteoarticular involvement is the most common complication of brucellosis. Spondylodiscitis is a serious complication as it is often associated with abscess formation. The case of a 43 years old man born in Morocco with symptoms, signs and imaging findings of longstanding spondylodiscitis, orchitis and endocarditis is presented. Through the implementation of complementary laboratory tests, diagnosis infection by Brucella spp. was made.This case aims to raise awareness in the medical community about the importance of considering Brucella spp. as a differential diagnosis in patients with suspected infectious spondylodiscitis, especially in those patients with epidemiological background, allowing make a successful and timely diagnosis. This case is interesting because never before had been described the simultaneous presence of these three manifestations of brucellosis in an immunocompetent patient. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 166-168).

Brucellosis of Testis and Epididymis: A Review of the Literature.

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which can afflict a number of organs and tissues. Brucellosis epididymo-orchitis (BEO), a complication of human brucellosis, can lead to other complications. In brucellosis non-endemic areas, some clinicians may be unfamiliar regarding the disease entity which may lead to delay in the diagnosis. Aims: To review the literature on BEO, in order to document its presentation, diagnosis, management and outcome following treatment. Methods: Various internet data bases were used to obtain literature on BEO. Results/Literature Review: BEO (epididymitis plus or minus orchitis) is a complication of brucella species which can be transmitted by direct contact through the respiratory tract, skin, or conjunctiva, and through the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion of unpasteurized milk/milk products or raw infected meat. BEO may in endemic areas affect 2 to 20% of patients with brucellosis but the disease can also be encountered sporadically globally in non-endemic areas. BEO may at times be bilateral. The presentation of BEO is non-specific and it may be mistaken for non-specific epididymo-orchitis or epididymitis or testicular tumour or abscess. Ultrasound and MRI scan findings are not specific to BEO. Diagnosis of BEO may be established by (a) history of contact, (b) cultures from blood/epididymal aspirations, (c) various types of laboratory studies including (I) Culture, (II) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and (III) serology. Laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of Brucellosis is divided into (I) those for presumptive diagnosis and (II) those for confirmatory diagnosis: BEO can be effectively treated by means of combination chemotherapy for about six weeks but at times ochidectomy or drainage of testicular collection may be required for persistence of symptoms or suspicion of a tumour/testicular abscess. Relapses can occur therefore careful follow-up is required. Conclusions: BEO can occur anywhere globally. A high index of suspicion is required from clinicians in order to establish early diagnosis. Most cases of BEO can be effectively treated with combination chemotherapy for about 6 weeks and triple antibiotic therapy would appear to be most effective and associated with absence or reduction of relapse.

Clinical application of three methods for the detection of brucellosis / 中国基层医药

Objective To detect serum brucellosis in high risk population,three methods were used and their advantages and disadvantages was compared.Methods In accordance with the surveillance standard for brucello-sis(GB 16885 -1997)and brucellosis diagnostic criteria(WS269 -2007)in the prescribed method,rose -bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT),standard -tube agglutination test (SAT)and enzyme linked immunoassay assay (ELISA)were used to detect brucellosis and analysis of its diagnostic significance in the high risk population of sheep farm of Guoyang county in Anhui province.Results The positive rates of RBPT,SAT and ELISA were 19.1%,12.1% and 16.3% in 257 blood samples,respectively.Compared to SAT,the sensitivity,specificity,accura-cy and the area under the ROC curve of RBPT were 88.5%,91.8%,91.4%,0.81,respectively,which of ELISA were 93.9%,95.1%,94.9%,0.88.Conclusion The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy and the area under the ROC curve of ELISA were higher than those of other methods.Proper method,early surveillance and effective technology can help to control the occurrence and epidemic of brucellosis in the actual test work promotion.

Serological monitoring on brucellosis in livestock of Korea / 대한수의학회지

In Korea, brucellosis has been reported periodically in cattle and rarely in dogs; however, it has not previously been screened in domestic animals such as elk, pigs and goats. To investigate the serological prevalence, serum samples were taken from the aforementioned animals annually during 2007-2013 and screened by the rose-bengal test (RBT) or modified RBT, after which positive sera were evaluated by the standard tube agglutination test (STAT). Finally, RBT and STAT-positive sera were confirmed by competitive-ELISA. Brucella abortus biovar 1 was isolated from three elk that were shown to be positive serologically in 2008. There was no evidence of brucellosis in pigs. Based on serological monitoring and investigation of etiological agents, there is no evidence of outbreak of brucellosis in elk, pigs or goats of Korea since 2008. However, the possibility for brucellosis from cattle to affect these other livestock exists; therefore, extensive and continuous serological monitoring is required to maintain their brucellosis-free status.

Serological prevalence of brucellosis of cattle in selected dairy farms in Bangladesh / 대한수의학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the status of brucellosis in dairy cattle from five selected dairy farms in the Mohammadpur Beribadh area of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2010 to March 2011 in which a total of 334 serum samples from cattle in five herds were screened by the Rose-Bengal plate-agglutination test (RBPT) and the positives were confirmed using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). A structured questionnaire was used to collect epidemiological information describing the animals. Overall, 4.20% of the animals were RBPT positive, while subsequent confirmatory tests with I-ELISA revealed that the overall animal-level prevalence derived from the samples was 1.20%. Additionally, the prevalence was relatively higher in females than in males. A significant association was found between abortion, age of the animals, and the occurrence of brucellosis (p < 0.05). Considering the overall low prevalence of brucellosis in the selected farms in the present study, a brucellosis eradication program for dairy farms using a test-and-slaughter policy would be possible.

Quality Study of Marketed Rose Bengal Agar Culture Medium for Drug Control / 中国药师

Objective:To investigate overall quality status of rose bengal agar culture medium for drug control in China to provide technical support for the drug standard revision. Methods:Four quality control microorganisms, namely Aspergillus niger, Candida al-bicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, were used to evaluate the quality of rose bengal agar culture medium from 7 domes-tic and foreign manufacturers. Results:Including the control medium, the pH value of all the 8 media was different. The growth rate of Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans in the seven tested media were all above 0. 7 without significant difference (P>0. 05). The selectivity factors of Staphylococcus aureus in the seven media and the control medium was more than 6. The eight media showed differ-ences in the selectivity factors of Escherichia coli. Among them, A, B, C, E, G and the control medium had no inhibitory ( selectivi-ty) , while D and F showed certain selectivity. Conclusion:The rose bengal agar media from different manufacturers for drug control show similar growth-promoting ability with different pH value and selectivity to Escherichia coli.

Tratamiento del ojo seco severo con suero autólogo / Treatment of severe dry eye by autologous serum eyedrops

Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia de la aplicación de suero autólogo 20% en gotas tópicas en el tratamiento de pacientes con ojo seco severo que acudieron a Centro Visión (Lima, Perú) durante el año 2010. Material y Métodos: Se incluyeron un total de 32 ojos (16 pacientes) con diagnóstico de ojo seco severo que fueron tratados con suero autólogo 20% por 30 d¡as. La evaluación de los síntomas se realizó con el cuestionario OSDI, y el estudio de los signos através de las pruebas de tiempo de ruptura lagrimal (BUT), coloración con fluoresceína, rosa de Bengala y verde lisamina. Los hallazgos se compararon antes y después de 15 y 30 días de tratamiento. Resultados: con la terapia de suero autólogo mejoraron los s¡ntomas registrados por la escala OSDI de 87.31 (pretratamiento), a 24.68 (15 d¡as) y 20.69 (30 d¡as postratamiento). En promedio, la prueba del BUT mejoró de 3.31 (pretratamiento) a 5.94 (15 dias) y 6.91 (30 días postratamiento). La coloración de fluoresce¡na mejoró de 5.94 (pretratamiento) a 2.53 (15 días) y 2.28 (30 días postratamiento). La coloración con rosa de Bengala y/o verde de lisamina mejoró de 5.69 (pretratamiento) a 1.84 (15 d¡as) y 1.66 (30 d¡as postratamiento). Todos los resultados fueron estadísticamente significativos. Conclusiones: el suero autólogo fue efectivo para tratar el ojo seco severo, mejorando los síntomas subjetivos, la estabilidad del filme lagrimal y la puntuación de los colorantes vitales en la superficie ocular.

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of 20% autologous serum eyedrops in the treatment of severe dry eye patients, who attended Centro Visi¢n (Lima, Per£) in 2010. Material and Metods: thirty-two eyes of 16 severe dry eye patients were enrolled and treated with 20% autologous serum for 30 days. The subjective symptoms were evaluated with the OSDI score. The objective signs were assessed with tear film breakup time (BUT), fluorescein and rose Bengal staining scores. The findings were compared before, 15 days and 30 days after treatment. Results: the subjective symptoms OSDI scores showed improvement from 87.31 (pretreatment) to 24.68 (15 days post) and 20.69 (30 days post). As an average, BUT improved from 3.31 (pretreatment) to 5.94 (15 days post) and 6.91 (30 days). Fluorescein staining scores improved from 5.94 (pretreatment) to 2.53 (15 days post) and 2.28 (30 days post). Rose Bengal and/or lissamine green staining scores improved from 5.69 (pretreatment) to 1.84 (15 days post) and 1.66 (30 days post). All results were statistically significant. Conclusion: autologous serum eyedrops were found effective in the treatment of severe dry eye disease, improving subjective symptoms, the tear film stability and ocular surface vital staining scores.

Dry Eye — A Clinical Study in a Hospital Based Population.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dry eye based on dry eye symptoms attending the Department of Ophthalmology and Medicine, Tripura Medical College. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Tripura Medical College, Hapania, Agartala, from 1st December 2009 to 31st December 2010. Complete history and ocular examinations was recorded on a pre designed proforma in the Department of Ophthalmology. The diagnosis was made from history and objective dry eye test in the following sequence: tear meniscus height, tear break up time test,fluorescein staining, schirmer test, and rose Bengal staining. If 2 or more of the above test were positive, the patient was deemed to be suffering from dry eye. All patients were sent to the Dept. of Medicine for systemic examination and to rule out any systemic diseases. Results: In this study, total number of patients that presented with dry eye symptoms were 762 and among them dry eye was diagnosed in 403 patients. The Prevalence rate was 3.10% and it was highest in the age of more than 70 years of age. Females had higher prevalence (1.94%) than males (1.15%). Conclusion: The prevalence of dry eye is less in Tripura at around 3.10%. This may be due to the geographical and climatic implication with a high degree of humidity reigning in this region.

Seroprevalencia de Brucella spp en estudiantes de Medicina Veterinaria, Bogotá, Colombia / Brucella spp seroprevalence in veterinary medicine students, Bogota, Colombia

Introducción: La brucelosis es un enfermedad zoonotica relacionada al contacto con perros y con ganado vacuno, porcino y caprino, el agente etiológico pertenece al género Brucella con diez especies de importancia para el ser humano; su capacidad para evadir el sistema inmune y sobrevivir en el fago-lisosoma genera un cuadro clínico crónico en el ser humano caracterizado por fiebre ondulante y afectación osteoarticular. Su amplia variedad de expresión clínica genera un reto al momento del diagnóstico y tratamiento; por tal razón es relevante el reconocimiento de las pruebas diagnósticas que permitan establecer el posible contacto con el microorganismo. Objetivo: Establecer la seroprevalencia a Brucella spp en una población de estudiantes de Medicina Veterinaria con posible exposición ocupacional. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional donde se estudiaron 272 sueros obtenidos de estudiantes de medicina veterinaria mediante la técnica de rosa de bengala. Resultados: El 18,4% (50/272) de los sujetos presento positividad por rosa de bengala; 28 hombres (56%) y 22 mujeres (44%). Conclusiones: La serología mediante rosa de bengala en esta población de riesgo evidenció un 18,5% de sujetos seropositivos. Se sugiere el empleo de barreras efectivas de protección durante el contacto con animales portadores del microorganismo durante el entrenamiento como estudiantes de Medicina veterinaria.

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease related to contact with dogs and cattle, pigs and goats, the etiologic agent belongs to the genus Brucella with ten species of importance to humans, its ability to evade the immune system and survive in the phage-lysosome generate a chronic clinical picture in humans characterized by undulant fever and osteoarticular involvement. Its wide range of clinical expression generates a challenge at the time of diagnosis and treatment, for this reason, it is important the recognition of the diagnostic tests for establishing the possible contact with the microorganism. Objective: To establish the seroprevalence to Brucella spp in a sample of Veterinary Medicine students with possible occupational exposure. Materials and Methods: Observational descriptive study by means of rose bengal technique 272 sera obtained from veterinary students were processed. Results: 18.4% (50/272) of subjects were positive by rose bengal test; 28 men (56%) and 22 women (44%). Conclusion: Serology by rose bengal test in this risk population showed 18.5% of seropositive subjects. It suggests the use of effective protective barriers during contact with animals carrying the organism during training as veterinary medical students.

Cut-off value of rose bengal plate agglutination test in rapid diagnosis of brucellosis / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To find out the cut-off value of rose bengal plate agglutination test(RBPT) in rapid diagnosis of brucellosis.Methods From May to June 2009,398 people who came to the outpatient department of Inner Mongolia Center for Endemic Disease Control and Research were diagnosed brucellosis by RBPT and tube agglutination test (SAT).Tube agglutination test as a gold standard,rose bengal plate agglutination test,its authenticity and reliability were evaluated.Results Taking positive predictive value 100.0％ as the selection standard,the cut-off value of RBPT was ++ which could be used to diagnose brucellosis.The sensitivity was 83.3％; the specificity was 100.0％; the Youden index was 0.832; and the compliance rote was 89.9％.Conclusion The cut-off value ++ of RBPT to diagnosis brucellosis is worthy of clinical promotion.

Rose Bengal staining - diagnostic aid for potentially malignant and malignant disorders: A pilot study.

Background: The word "Cancer" itself is sufficient to cause a fear in the minds of people. Early detection of oral potentially malignant and malignant disorders is still a diagnostic challenge for most of the clinicians. In the present study, we have evaluated the efficacy of Rose Bengal staining in the detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Rose Bengal staining for the identification of dysplastic areas clinically, and then correlating the findings with the histological grading of dysplasia. Methods and Materials: A total of 20 patients were selected for the study. Patients had been evaluated clinically and histopathologically along with the grading of dysplasia, and Rose Bengal stain was painted over the lesional mucosa with the patient's consent. Incisional biopsies were taken from the stained area of the Rose Bengal dye, and studied histopathologically. Grading of dysplasia and intensity of the Rose Bengal staining were found to be correlated. Chi square test was performed and a statistical significance of P<0.001 was observed. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.001. Results and Conclusion: Grading of dysplasia and the intensity of Rose Bengal staining were directly proportional to each other according to this study. P value was found to be significant. Thus Rose Bengal stain can be used as a diagnostic aid in the detection of oral potentially malignant and malignant disorders.

Role of rose Bengal-tea system for generation of electrical energy in photo galvanic cell.

Rose Bengal is used as a photo sensitizer in photo galvanic cell for solar energy conversion and TEAis used as an electron donor in this study. The effects of various parameters like pH, light intensity, diffusion length, reductant concentration and dye concentration on the electrical output of the cell is studied. The photo potential and photocurrent generated by this cell are 840 mV and 145μA, respectively. The current voltage (i–V) characteristic of the cell is also studied and a mechanism for the generation of photocurrent is proposed.

Time Point Expression of Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins in a Photochemically-Induced Focal Cerebral Ischemic Rat Brain / 전남의대학술지

Apoptosis after global or focal cerebral ischemia plays a crucial role in mediating cell death. In this study, we observed the time point expression of physiologic events involving apoptosis regulatory proteins after photochemically-induced focal cerebral ischemia in Sprague-Dawley rats. Protein expression was evaluated at days 1, 3, and 7 by Western blot. Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) activity markedly increased in the ischemic hemisphere in a time-dependent manner, not affected. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 was dramatically changed around day 3, whereas changes in pAkt expression occurred at day 1. Differential elevation of these apoptosis regulatory proteins at various time points indicates that different modes of cell death occur in photochemically-induced focal cerebral ischemia in a rat brain.