A rare optineurin mutation in an Indian family with coexistence of JOAG and PCG.

Purpose: This study focused on the genetic screening of Myocilin (MYOC), Cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily B member 1 (CYP1B1), Optineurin (OPTN), and SIX homeobox 6 (SIX6) genes in a family with coexistence of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG). Methods: Sanger sequencing was used to examine the coding region of all four genes. Six different online available algorithms were used for the pathogenicity prediction of missense variant. Structural analysis was done using Garnier-Osguthorpe-Robson (GOR), PyMol, ChimeraX, and Molecular Dynamic (MD) Simulations (using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-enabled Desmond module of Schrödinger). Results: There were a total of three sequence variants within the family. All seven algorithms determined that a single mutation, G538E, in the OPTN gene is pathogenic. The loops connecting the strands became more flexible, as predicted structurally and functionally by pathogenic mutations. Mutations create perturbations and conformational rearrangements in proteins, hence impairing their functioning. Conclusion: In this study, we describe a North Indian family in which members were having JOAG and PCG due to a rare homozygous/heterozygous mutation in OPTN. The coexistence of two types of glaucoma within a single pedigree suggests that certain OPTN mutations may be responsible for the onset of different glaucoma phenotypes.

Re-inventing the straight incision with a single central suture in manual small-incision cataract surgery to minimize surgically induced astigmatism.

Purpose: To calculate the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in MSICS through a superiorly placed straight scleral incision closed with a single, central, perpendicular 10-0 polyamide suture and to document any suture-related complaints and complications. Methods: A retrospective, hospital-based study was carried out in 50 cases of uncomplicated senile cataract (>50 year) with nuclear sclerosis ≥ grade 4, "with the rule" astigmatism who underwent MSICS through a superior, straight incision with a single, central, perpendicular 10-0 nylon suture. Patients with "against the rule" astigmatism, keratoconus, pre-existing corneal opacity, astigmatism >2D, distorted or oblique mires, and previous ocular surgeries and unwilling to participate were excluded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.81 + 2.824 years, with a male: female ratio of 1.38:1. The mean SIA at day 7, week 6, and 12 weeks was 0.539 + 0.118, 0.529 + 0.134, and 0.524 + 0.129, respectively. Only 6 patients (12%) complained of foreign body sensation. No patient developed any suture-related complications. Conclusion: SIA is significantly reduced in straight incision by applying a single, central, and perpendicular 10-0 polyamide suture, as compared to a straight incision without a suture.

Correlation of parental and childhood myopia in children aged 5-16 years in North India.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of parental and childhood myopia among school children aged 5-16 years in North India. Methods: This study included a total of 1400 children aged 5-16 years in a district in North India. Visual acuity was measured using a Snellen's chart. Children with myopia after retinoscopy were worked up in detail in our institute and a history of parental myopia was taken. Results: A total of 1400 students studying in class 5-10, aged between 5 and 16 years, were screened. A total of 487 students had myopia. Of the 487 myopes, 220 (45.2%) had parental myopia, of which 115 (30.1%) had myopia in both parents, 64 (19.3%) had mothers with myopia, and 41 (13.3%) had fathers with myopia. The prevalence of paternal (P = 0.001) and maternal (P = 0.002) myopia in myopes compared to parental myopia in emmetropes was found to be highly significant. There was a highly significant statistical correlation between maternal myopia and myopia in the child, when compared to the presence of myopia in both the parents (P = 0.007). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant correlation between myopia in the parents and children, which was more significant in the mothers of the children.

Association of near work and dim light with myopia among 1400 school children in a district in North India.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the association of near work and dim light with myopia among school children in a district in North India. Methods: This study included a total of 1400 children of either sex studying in classes 5-10 in various schools of a district in North India, after taking consent from their guardians. Visual acuity was measured using Snellen's chart. Myopes were called to our institute where wet retinoscopy was done and spectacles were prescribed. Results: There was a highly statistically significant correlation between myopia and increase in reading hours (P=0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between myopia and >6hours of using mobile phones /week, more hours spent on using mobile phones correlated with an increased prevalence of myopia (P< 0.01). There was a statistically significant correlation between myopia and increasing hours of playing video games (P<0.01). We found a highly statistically significant positive correlation between the prevalence of myopia and reading in dim light (P=0.0006). Conclusion: There was a positive association between myopia and hours of doing near work. The prevalence of myopia increased with increased hours of doing near work (reading, playing video games and using mobile phones). The study showed a correlation between reading in dim light and myopia. Prevention of myopia may be possible by avoiding these risk factors.

A study to evaluate ocular changes in patients undergoing spine surgery in the prone position.

Background and Aims: AA present prospective study was conducted to evaluate ocular changes occurring in patients undergoing spine surgery in the prone position. Material and Methods: A total of 44 patients of either sex, belonging to American society of Anaesthesiology I and II (aged 18-60 years) scheduled for elective spine surgery in prone position were enrolled in the study. Baseline IOP and MAP measurement were taken prior to induction. After induction of anaesthesia patients were intubated using flexo-metallic tube of appropriate size. IOP and MAP were recorded after induction of anaesthesia, following completion of surgery and immediately after turning the patient supine and 30 min following extubation. Blood loss and duration of surgery was also noted. The OPP was derived using the formula (OPP = MAP-IOP). Ophthalmic examination was also performed using direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy on the day prior to surgery and on first post-operative day to rule out anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION), and retinal ischemia. Results: Mean IOP significantly increased (18.91 ± 3.56 mm Hg) (P < 0.001) at the end of surgery as compared to baseline value 12.85 ± 3.07 mm Hg. As a result mean OPP significantly reduced (75.12 ± 16.45) (P = 0.0018) at the end of the procedure. Conclusion: In patient's undergoing spine surgery in the prone position, careful patient positioning with no extrinsic pressure on the eyes, minimal surgical time and blood loss, and prevention of intraoperative hypotension, should be ensured to prevent the IOP rise and a reduction in OPP which can further prevent post-operative visual disturbance.

A Low-Power MEMS IDE Capacitor with Integrated Microhotplate: Application as Methanol Sensor using a Metal-Organic Framework Coating as Affinity Layer.

Capacitors made of interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) as a transducer platform for the sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have advantages due to their lower power operation and fabrication using standard micro-fabrication techniques. Integrating a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), such as a microhotplate with IDE capacitor, further allows study of the temperature- dependent sensing response of VOCs. In this paper, the design, fabrication, and characterization of a low-power MEMS microhotplate with IDE capacitor to study the temperature-dependent sensing response to methanol using Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8), a class of metal-organic framework (MOF), is presented. A Titanium nitride (TiN) microhotplate with aluminum IDEs suspended on a silicon nitride membrane is fabricated and characterized. The power consumption of the ZIF-8 MOF-coated device at an operating temperature of 50 ∘ C is 4.5 mW and at 200 ∘ C it is 26 mW. A calibration methodology for the effects of temperature of the isolation layer between the microhotplate electrodes and the capacitor IDEs is developed. The device coated with ZIF-8 MOF shows a response to methanol in the concentration range of 500 ppm to 7000 ppm. The detection limit of the sensor for methanol vapor at 20 ∘ C is 100 ppm. In situ study of sensing properties of ZIF-8 MOF to methanol in the temperature range from 20 ∘ C to 50 ∘ C using the integrated microhotplate and IDE capacitor is presented. The kinetics of temperature-dependent adsorption and desorption of methanol by ZIF-8 MOF are fitted with double-exponential models. With the increase in temperature from 20 ∘ C to 50 ∘ C, the response time for sensing of methanol vapor concentration of 5000 ppm decreases by 28%, whereas the recovery time decreases by 70%.

Nanosheets of Nonlayered Aluminum Metal-Organic Frameworks through a Surfactant-Assisted Method.

During the last decade, the synthesis and application of metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets has received growing interest, showing unique performances for different technological applications. Despite the potential of this type of nanolamellar materials, the synthetic routes developed so far are restricted to MOFs possessing layered structures, limiting further development in this field. Here, a bottom-up surfactant-assisted synthetic approach is presented for the fabrication of nanosheets of various nonlayered MOFs, broadening the scope of MOF nanosheets application. Surfactant-assisted preorganization of the metallic precursor prior to MOF synthesis enables the manufacture of nonlayered Al-containing MOF lamellae. These MOF nanosheets are shown to exhibit a superior performance over other crystal morphologies for both chemical sensing and gas separation. As revealed by electron microscopy and diffraction, this superior performance arises from the shorter diffusion pathway in the MOF nanosheets, whose 1D channels are oriented along the shortest particle dimension.

Sensitive and Reversible Detection of Methanol and Water Vapor by In Situ Electrochemically Grown CuBTC MOFs on Interdigitated Electrodes.

The in situ electrochemical growth of Cu benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (CuBTC) metal-organic frameworks, as an affinity layer, directly on custom-fabricated Cu interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) is described, acting as a transducer. Crystalline 5-7 µm thick CuBTC layers are grown on IDEs consisting of 100 electrodes with a width and a gap of both 50 µm and a height of 6-8 µm. These capacitive sensors are exposed to methanol and water vapor at 30 °C. The affinities show to be completely reversible with higher affinity toward water compared to methanol. For exposure to 1000 ppm methanol, a fast response is observed with a capacitance change of 5.57 pF at equilibrium. The capacitance increases in time followed diffusion-controlled kinetics (k = 2.9 mmol s-0.5 g-1CuBTC ). The observed capacitance change with methanol concentration follows a Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with a value for the equilibrium affinity Ke = 174.8 bar-1 . A volume fraction fMeOH = 0.038 is occupied upon exposure to 1000 ppm of methanol. The thin CuBTC affinity layer on the Cu-IDEs shows fast, reversible, and sensitive responses to methanol and water vapor, enabling quantitative detection in the range of 100-8000 ppm.

Cow Urine Keratopathy: A Case Report.

Injury to the ocular surface has been described to occur with a wide variety of chemicals. In most cases the cause is industrial injury with acids or alkalis. We are reporting a case of ocular surface injury due to "Cow urine" which to the best of our knowledge is been reported for the first time. Cow urine is a well-accepted medicinal ingredient in ancient Indian medicine. However, wrong formulation and inadvertent prescriptions by quacks can lead to severe ocular surface injury and morbidity. Here, with this case report we have discussed the possible culprit and possible mechanism of ocular injury due to instillation of a concoction containing cow urine as an active ingredient and also discuss legal aspects of quackery in India.

Gas Phase Sensing of Alcohols by Metal Organic Framework-Polymer Composite Materials.

Affinity layers play a crucial role in chemical sensors for the selective and sensitive detection of analytes. Here, we report the use of composite affinity layers containing Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in a polymeric matrix for sensing purposes. Nanoparticles of NH2-MIL-53(Al) were dispersed in a Matrimid polymer matrix with different weight ratios (0-100 wt %) and drop-casted on planar capacitive transducer devices. These coated devices were electrically analyzed using impedance spectroscopy and investigated for their sensing properties toward the detection of a series of alcohols and water in the gas phase. The measurements indicated a reversible and reproducible response in all devices. Sensor devices containing 40 wt % NH2-MIL-53(Al) in Matrimid showed a maximum response for methanol and water. The sensor response time slowed down with increasing MOF concentration until 40 wt %. The half time of saturation response (τ0.5) increased by ∼1.75 times for the 40 wt % composition compared to devices coated with Matrimid only. This is attributed to polymer rigidification near the MOF/polymer interface. Higher MOF loadings (≥50 wt %) resulted in brittle coatings with a response similar to the 100 wt % MOF coating. Cross-sensitivity studies showed the ability to kinetically distinguish between the different alcohols with a faster response for methanol and water compared to ethanol and 2-propanol. The observed higher affinity of the pure Matrimid polymer toward methanol compared to water allows also for a higher uptake of methanol in the composite matrices. Also, as indicated by the sensing studies with a mixture of water and methanol, the methanol uptake is independent of the presence of water up to 6000 ppm of water. The NH2-MIL-53(Al) MOFs dispersed in the Matrimid matrix show a sensitive and reversible capacitive response, even in the presence of water. By tuning the precise compositions, the affinity kinetics and overall affinity can be tuned, showing the promise of this type of chemical sensors.

Recent trends: Medical management of infectious keratitis.

This review article highlights the newer diagnostic modalities and approaches in the medical management of infectious keratitis. A Medline literature search conducted to March 2014 has been included. Recent studies or publications were selected from international indexed journals using suitable key words. Development of specular microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has a promising role as diagnostic modalities in infectious keratitis, especially in refractory cases. Previously fortified antibiotics have been the mainstay of treatment for bacterial keratitis. Recently, the advent of fourth-generation fluoroquinolones monotherapy has shown promising results in the management of bacterial keratitis. Corneal collagen cross-linking is being considered in the refractory cases. Topical natamycin and amphotericin B should be considered as the first choice anti-fungal agents in suspected filamentous or yeast infection respectively. Voriconazole and newer routes of administration such as intrastromal and intracameral injection of conventional anti-fungal agents have demonstrated a positive clinical response. Ganciclovir is a newer anti-viral agent with promising results in herpes simplex keratitis. Thus, introduction of newer diagnostic modalities and collagen cross-linking along with fourth-generation fluoroquinolones and newer azoles have a promising role in the management of infectious keratitis.

Polymer-induced surface modifications of Pd-based thin films leading to improved kinetics in hydrogen sensing and energy storage applications.

The catalytic properties of Pd alloy thin films are enhanced by a thin sputtered PTFE coating, resulting in profound improvements in hydrogen adsorption and desorption in Pd-based and Pd-catalyzed hydrogen sensors and hydrogen storage materials. The remarkably enhanced catalytic performance is attributed to chemical modifications of the catalyst surface by the sputtered PTFE leading to a possible change in the binding strength of the intermediate species involved in the hydrogen sorption process.

Contactless photoconductance study on undoped and doped nanocrystalline diamond films.

Hydrogen and oxygen surface-terminated nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films are studied by the contactless time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) technique and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optoelectronic properties of undoped NCD films are strongly affected by the type of surface termination. Upon changing the surface termination from oxygen to hydrogen, the TRMC signal rises dramatically. For an estimated quantum yield of 1 for sub-bandgap optical excitation the hole mobility of the hydrogen-terminated undoped NCD was found to be ∼0.27 cm(2)/(V s) with a lifetime exceeding 1 µs. Assuming a similar mobility for the oxygen-terminated undoped NCD a lifetime of ∼100 ps was derived. Analysis of the valence band spectra obtained by XPS suggests that upon oxidation of undoped NCD the surface Fermi level shifts (toward an increased work function). This shift originates from the size and direction of the electronic dipole moment of the surface atoms, and leads to different types of band bending at the diamond/air interface in the presence of a water film. In the case of boron-doped NCD no shift of the work function is observed, which can be rationalized by pinning of the Fermi level. This is confirmed by TRMC results of boron-doped NCD, which show no dependency on the surface termination. We suggest that photoexcited electrons in boron-doped NCD occupy nonionized boron dopants, leaving relatively long-lived mobile holes in the valence band.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some novel pyrazolopyrimidines incorporating a benzothiazole ring system.

In the present study, a series of benzothiazol derivatives 3a-l containing pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine moiety at the second position were synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectral data. The compounds were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity. Compounds 1-(1,3-benzothiazol-2- yl)-3-methyl-4-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (3a), 1- (1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[ 3,4-d]pyrimidine (3d) and 1-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)- 3-methyl-4-substituted phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines (3h-j) showed significant inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa whereas compounds 1-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-4- (2-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (3b), 2-[1-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin- 4-yl]phenol (3e), 1-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)- 3-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (3h), 4-[1-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyri midin-4-yl]-N,N-dimethylaniline (3j) and 1-(1,3-benzothiazol- 2-yl)-3-methyl-4-[2-phenylvinyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (3k) were found to be active against C. albicans. Some of these synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vivo acute toxicity, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and ulcerogenic actions. The tested compound 4-[1-(1,3-benzothiazol- 2-yl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]-N, N-dimethylaniline (3j) exhibited maximum analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 1-(1,3-benzothiazol- -2-yl)-3-methyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (3i) and 3j showed a significant gastrointestinal protection compared to the standard drug diclofenac sodium.

Tractor nail as impacted foreign body: rare case scenario.

A patient presented with a metallic nail impacted in the right orbital floor after being hit by a projectile. The nail was disimpacted and removed as guided by the radiograph image. Radiography proved helpful in forming a coherent scheme for case management.

Study of some common biochemical bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women.

Markers of bone formation in serum include total and bone specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and Type 1 collagen carboxy terminal extension peptide. Bone resorption can be assessed by measuring plasma tartarate resistant acid phosphtase and urinary excretion of collagen degradation products: hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine glycosides and more recently the pyridinium crosslinks and associated peptides. We compared the excretion of hydroxyproline in women of reproductive age group to those of menopausal age group and found a significant difference in the two age groups. Urinary hydroxyproline was found to be significantly raised in post menopausal women. Thus hydroxyproline maybe used as the earliest indicator in the prognostic assessment of postmenopausal women of their risk of developing osteoporosis and fracture.