Eyesight to insight: evidence from urban eye health programme

India, with a population exceeding 1.486 billion, faces substantial challenges in urban eye health, particularly in densely populated states like Uttar Pradesh. This study delves into real-world impact of urban eye health programme, implemented in Kanpur and Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, aiming to identify success factors and examine the tangible effects of interventions through comprehensive endline study. Utilizing a hub-and-spoke model, the programme established base hospitals as hubs and vision centres as spokes, creating a network for affordable and accessible eye care. The project significantly improved accessibility, with over 85% in Kanpur and 97% in Prayagraj reporting easy access to vision centres. A shift in community behaviour was observed, with a preference for vision centres for eye examinations increasing from 5.6-64.6% in Kanpur and 10.6-57.1% in Prayagraj. The programme empowered women to prioritize their eye health, reaching 53% of women for eye screening. Community perception shifted positively, with over 82% in Prayagraj recognizing the programme's pivotal role. In Kanpur, 87.5% of women actively take charge of their eye health decisions, while 99.1% do so in Prayagraj. This empowerment underscores programme commitment to providing equal access to eye care and demonstrates a strong focus on inclusivity and gender equality.

To study the level of congestion in Pre anesthetic Check up (PAC) clinic and use of Self-answering Pre-operative questionnaire to decongest it

Background: Aim of the study was to reduce congestion in PAC clinic, which is the direct indicator of efficiency of the hospital. 1) To study overall waiting time in the PAC clinic. 2) To suggest action to improve the waiting time in PAC. Methods: Prospective, Descriptive study, 40 patients in each group. Group “R” = Patients registered for PAC clinic, who’s all vitals and clinical assessment was done after arrival to PAC clinic as routine practice. Group “Q” = Patients were provided Self-answering Pre-operative in waiting area and whose vital parameters were taken before arrival to PAC clinic by a trained staff. Data was recorded for both the groups. Results: We found in our study that average waiting time that is total time from registration to completion of PAC in OPD clinic was statistically significantly less in QT-1 (Group “Q”) in comparison to RT-1 (Group “R”). We found in our study that average Doctor – Patient time that is time of interaction with Doctor during PAC in OPD clinic was also statistically significantly less in QT-2 (Group “Q”) in comparison to RT-2 (Group “R”). Conclusion: Present study was planned to reduce congestion in OPD for pre-anesthesia checkup for elective surgery or procedure. Patient satisfaction comes automatically as a byproduct with the achievement of the goal of the study. Time is money in the present scenario and thus best utilization of time with efficient outcome is the prerequisite of any good management.

Comparative Study Between Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) And Non Cultured Melanocyte Transfer (NCMT) In Stable Vitiligo Patients

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired, hypomelanotic disorder characterized by circumscribed depigmented macules in the skin resulting from the loss of functional melanocytes from the cutaneous epidermis. It also causes significant psychological and social distress. Aims and Objectives: To compare the efficacy of follicular unit extraction and non cultured melanocyte transfer in patients of stable vitiligo with respect to repigmentation, vitiligo noticeability and global treatment success. Material and Methods: A total of 15 patients with stable vitiligo (as per IADVL guidelines) were enrolled in the study. In the same patient follicular unit extraction (FUE) was done in the vitiliginous lesions and the hair was transplanted approximately 3-5 mm apart on the left side of the body, while another vitiliginous lesion in the same patient was selected for non cultured melanocyte transfer (NCMT) which was done on the dermabraded area on the right side of the body. These patients were followed-up for a period of 6 months, initially at every 2 weeks or till first signs of repigmentation, then monthly follow-ups for two times and then followed-up in every 2 months. Visual analogue scale was used for assessment of repigmentation, VNS scale was used to evaluate vitiligo noticeability and global treatment success was calculated. Results: There were 2 (13.3%) females and 13 (86.7%) males in our study, showing a male preponderance. Majority of the patients were in the age group 21-40 years (66.7%). There was statistically significant increase in the mean pigmentation at each follow-up in comparison to the earlier follow-up in both the groups (p<0.05). The mean pigmentation and mean pigmentation difference, between the two groups was also comparable (p>0.05). Excellent pigmentation was seen in 60% patients of FUE and 73.3% patients of the NCMT group. Vitiligo was ‘not noticeable’in 33.3% patients of FUE and 40.0% patients of NCMT group. Global treatment success was 80% in both the groups. Bony prominence, greying and loss of follicles in FUE group; and graft displacement and herpes zoster in NCMTgroup were the factors responsible for low pigmentation. Conclusion: From the above study, we conclude that repigmentation was seen in both the groups, with equal efficacy seen between the two methodologies. Thus, any method can be applied for repigmentation with due considerations to complications of each method used.

Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Background: Alpha-2 agonists are added to local anesthetic agents to extend the duration of peripheral nerve blocks. Objective: We evaluated the effect of combining dexmedetomidine with levobupivacine with respect to duration of motor and sensory block and duration of analgesia. Material and Methods: Sixty patients of ASA grade I or II aged between 18-60 years, posted for elective upper limb surgeries were enrolled for a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Patients were divided into two groups, the control group B and the study group BD. In group B (n = 30), 30 ml of 0.325% levobupivacaine + normal saline; and in group BD (n = 30), 30 ml of 0.325%levobupivacaine + 1μg/kg dexmedetomidine were given for ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Duration of motor and sensory block and time to first rescue analgesia were recorded. Results: Demographic profile and surgical characteristics were similar in both groups. The onset times for sensory and motor blocks were significantly shorter in BD group (p < 0.05), while the duration of sensory and motor blocks and duration of analgesia (DOA) was significantly longer in BD group. Heart rate level and SBP and DBP levels in group BD were significantly lower 15-20 min after block (p< 0.05). Bradycardia was observed in two patients in the group BD. No other adverse effects were observed in either of the groups. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine added as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block significantly shortens the onset time and prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blocks and duration of analgesia.

Association of primary central nervous system lymphomas with the Epstein-Barr virus.

The incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), previously a rare tumor, has increased significantly over the past few decades, partly due to the AIDS epidemic but also in immunocompetent individuals. Studies from Western countries have shown a consistent association of tumors occurring in immunocompromised individuals with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) suggesting an important role for the virus in the pathogenesis of these tumors, but an infrequent association of the virus with PCNSL in the immunocompetent host has also been noted. We studied 11 patients with PCNSL who had no evidence of an immunocompromised state. All the tumors were aggressive B cell lymphomas. EBV association was studied using EBER in-situ hybridization. 10 out of the 11 tumors were negative for EBV, indicating that tumors in immunocompetent individuals in developing countries are also infrequently EBV associated and that a different pathogenetic mechanism is operative in the evolution of these tumors.

Ascitic fluid cholesterol in malignant and tubercular ascites.

Cholesterol was estimated in ascitic fluid of 44 patients (29 malignant and 15 tubercular). Mean ascitic cholesterol level was significantly higher in malignant ascites (89.52 mg/dl) as compared to tubercular ascites (35.07 mg/dl). At a cut off value of 54.5 mg/dl (mean in tubercular ascites + 2SD), the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and overall diagnostic accuracy for differentiating malignant from tubercular ascites was found to be 89.65%, 100%, 100%, 83.33% and 93.18% respectively. Ascitic fluid cholesterol estimation is a reliable and simple test for differentiating malignant ascites from tubercular ascites.

Ascitic fluid cholesterol in differential diagnosis of ascites.

Cholesterol was estimated in ascitic fluid of 89 patients (29 malignant and 60 non-malignant ascites). Mean ascitic cholesterol level was significantly higher in malignant ascites (89.52 mg/dl) as compared to non-malignant ascites (29.93 mg/dl). At a cut off value of 48 mg/dl, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and overall diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing malignant ascites is 96.5%, 96.6%, 93.3%, 98.3% and 96.6% respectively. Ascitic fluid cholesterol estimation is an easy and reliable test for differentiating malignant ascites from non-malignant ascites.

Multiple glomangiomas of lower limb.

A young man with multiple painful nodules on the left lower limb is presented. Histology of one of the nodules proved the diagnosis of glomangioma.

Endoscopic and histopathological study of duodenitis.

Fifty patients who presented with symptoms suggestive of disease related to peptic acidity having endoscopic evidence of duodenitis were analysed. Endoscopic duodenal biopsy was done in all these patients. Histologically duodenitis was labelled if there was infiltration of epithelial layer. Male to female ratio was found to be 3:2. Duration of symptoms in the patients ranged from less than one month to more than 5 years. Possible aetiological factors like drugs, alcohol and smoking were established in 26 patients (52%), drugs being the commonest (26%). Stool examination showed cyst or ova of parasites in 8 patients (16%). Endoscopically multiple hyperaemic patches were seen in 15 (30%), erosions in 19 (38%), coarse mucosal folds in 5 (10%), nodules in 2 (4%) and multiple lesions in 9 (18%) patients. Histological and endoscopical correlationship was established in 40 (80%) cases.

Jaundice in Plasmodium falciparum.

Thirty-two patients of smear positive Plasmodium falciparum malaria having jaundice were analysed retrospectively. Majority of the cases were in the age group of 31-40 years. Serum bilirubin levels ranged from 2 mg to 40 mg%. Fourteen (42.6%) had serum bilirubin above 10 mg%. Conjugated bilirubinaemia was found in twenty one patients (65.5%), unconjugated in 4 (12.5%) while 7 patients (21.8%) had a mixed pattern. Serum transaminases were high in 21.8% patients. Twenty five patients (78%) had associated azotaemia, 11(34.3%) had intravascular haemolysis and 3(9.3%) had possible cerebral malaria. Hepatosplenomegaly was seen in all the 32 patients. Mortality was 21% but none died of hepatic encephalopathy. Histologically the most consistent finding in liver biopsies was reticulo-endothelial cell hyperplasia. Pigmentation in kupffer cells, fatty change, sinusoidal and portal infiltration and cholestasis were the other features seen.

Cytotoxicity of the acetylated oil of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. f.

The cytotoxic effects of acetylated oil of Semecarpus anacardium nuts on the cells of P388 lymphocytic leukemia were tested in vitro. The product was tested at the concentrations ranging from 15-75 micrograms/ml. The cell kill was observed as early as three hr after the treatment. The effects of acetylated oil on the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA and protein using labelled thymidine, uridine and leucine respectively showed that the product inhibited the biosynthesis of all the three. This was indicated by the inhibition of the incorporation of their precursors. The uptake of 3H-thymidine was inhibited 15 min after treatment; while that of 3H-uridine and 14C-leucine took 30 and 45 min respectively. Since the S. anacardium oil was unstable due to air-oxidation, the studies were confined to its acetylated product.