Glaucoma-TrEl: A web-based interactive database to build evidence-based hypotheses on the role of trace elements in glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: Glaucoma is a chronic neurological disease that is associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP), causes gradual damage to retinal ganglion cells, and often culminates in vision loss. Recent research suggests that glaucoma is a complex multifactorial disease in which multiple interlinked genes and pathways play a role during onset and development. Also, differential availability of trace elements seems to play a role in glaucoma pathophysiology, although their mechanism of action is unknown. The aim of this work is to disseminate a web-based repository on interactions between trace elements and protein-coding genes linked to glaucoma pathophysiology. RESULTS: In this study, we present Glaucoma-TrEl, a web database containing information about interactions between trace elements and protein-coding genes that are linked to glaucoma. In the database, we include interactions between 437 unique genes and eight trace elements. Our analysis found a large number of interactions between trace elements and protein-coding genes mutated or linked to the pathophysiology of glaucoma. We associated genes interacting with multiple trace elements to pathways known to play a role in glaucoma. The web-based platform provides an easy-to-use and interactive tool, which serves as an information hub facilitating future research work on trace elements in glaucoma.

Facial psychophysiology in forensic investigation: A novel idea for deception detection.

BACKGROUND: Polygraph or lie detection test has been used since early 90s as an effective method in forensic investigations. However, polygraph does not have a stand-alone value in legal forums. Any novel scientific addition can strengthen the credibility of the polygraph. AIM: This study aims to determine whether the deception could be detected with the help of polygraph where electromyography (EMG) readings of the masseter muscle, along with electrocardiography and galvanic skin response, were considered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 14 participants in a well-established research setup. Card Test and Affirmative Test were performed on participants and the readings were critically analyzed. RESULTS: In both the tests performed, the deceptions were easily detected once and rarely detected twice. In some cases, the deceptions were undetected. CONCLUSION: The result indicated with minimal credence that EMG helps in detecting deception. The accuracy of detection however can be confirmed only after an extensive research.

Tip of the Iceberg: The Need for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in Developing Countries. Lessons From Vietnam.

Noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes are emerging particularly in low-income countries. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication that threatens vision among people with diabetes. Research has demonstrated that blindness from diabetes is preventable with early diagnosis, optimization of risk factors, and timely photocoagulation. Experiences from neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam highlight the health system's challenges in managing DR in low-resourced countries. Insight can be gained from successful interventions in India and Latin America. A systematic approach to manage DR is required to achieve Vision2020 goals. This must identify people at risk and engage with key stakeholders at all levels of the health system to ensure that systems for treatment and follow-up are available.