Cumulative effect of PM2.5 components is larger than the effect of PM2.5 mass on child health in India.

While studies on ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure effect on child health are available, the differential effects, if any, of exposure to PM2.5 species are unexplored in lower and middle-income countries. Using multiple logistic regression, we showed that for every 10 µg m-3 increase in PM2.5 exposure, anaemia, acute respiratory infection, and low birth weight prevalence increase by 10% (95% uncertainty interval, UI: 9-11), 11% (8-13), and 5% (4-6), respectively, among children in India. NO3-, elemental carbon, and NH4+ were more associated with the three health outcomes than other PM2.5 species. We found that the total PM2.5 mass as a surrogate marker for air pollution exposure could substantially underestimate the true composite impact of different components of PM2.5. Our findings provide key indigenous evidence to prioritize control strategies for reducing exposure to more toxic species for greater child health benefits in India.

Case Series: Mixed Infectious Keratitis by Pythium insidiosum and Fungal Species.

SIGNIFICANCE: This case series is the first to illustrate mixed infection from Pythium sp. and fungal species in corneal ulcer. PURPOSE: This case series aimed to alert all toward the possibility of both Pythium sp. and fungal species infection in case of nonresponding corneal ulcer treated with either antifungals or antipythium drugs alone. Increased suspicion of mixed infection in case of nonresponding fungal/ Pythium keratitis may facilitate early and prompt management. CASE REPORTS: Six patients presented with signs of either fungal or Pythium keratitis. They underwent ophthalmological examinations, smear examinations, cultures, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty was performed in cases where symptoms worsened after treatment with either antifungal or antipythium drugs. The half corneal button (HCB) was shared for histopathological and microbiological examinations. In the first case, smear examination from corneal scraping (CS) revealed Pythium -like filaments, which were confirmed with PCR; however, Aspergillus nidulans grew in culture. In the second case, iodine-potassium iodide (IKI) staining was positive for Pythium ; however, PCR was positive for both Pythium and fungus, which was further confirmed by DNA sequencing. In the third case, IKI staining and HCB were positive for Pythium ; however, PCR was positive for fungus, which was identified as Candida saitoana with DNA sequencing. In the fourth case, Pythium grew in the CS culture; however, Candida sp. grew in the HCB culture. In the fifth case, Cladosporium sp. grew in culture from CS; however, Pythium insidiosum grew from the anterior chamber exudate after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. In the sixth case, smear examination revealed septate fungal filaments, and Cladosporium sp. grew in culture; however, HCB on histopathological examination showed features of Pythium keratitis. CONCLUSIONS: In unresponsive cases of Pythium or fungal keratitis, diagnostic modalities such as IKI and PCR should be implemented as a routine practice, in addition to smears and cultures.

Rho-kinase inhibitors: Role in corneal endothelial disorders.

PURPOSE: This exhaustive review of published literature aims to put forth the current understanding, and experiences of the role Rho-kinase inhibitors play in the management of corneal endothelial disorders. METHODS: A meticulous search for PubMed and Medline databases was carried out using keywords 'rho-kinase inhibitors', 'corneal endothelial disorders', 'rho-kinase inhibitors in corneal endothelial disorders', and 'fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy'. The articles published in last five years relevant to the area of interest were selected and compiled in a chronological order to write this review. RESULTS: Published research shows the proven role of rho-kinase inhibitors in promoting endothelial proliferation and suppressing its apoptosis. It has shown to be effective in the treatment of endothelial diseases and endothelial cell loss due to other causes in small clinical studies. It has also shown to promote growth of human corneal endothelial cell culture suitable for transplantation. The side effects of topical rho-kinase inhibitors are minimal and self-limiting. CONCLUSION: Rho-kinase inhibitors show immense promise in providing a non-surgical therapy for treatment of endothelial disorders. If consistent results are demonstrated through large clinical trials then this can be a major breakthrough in treating endothelial decompensation and reduce our dependence on endothelial keratoplasty for the same.

First reported case of corneal infection caused by Atopobium vaginae.

A man in his 20s, with irritation, pain and photophobia in the left eye, was clinically diagnosed with herpes simplex virus nummular keratitis at our institute and advised topical antivirals and corticosteroids, causing resolution of active infiltrates. The infection recurred after 7 months and the patient did not respond to the previous regimen, so corneal scraping was sent for microbiological evaluation. Gram-positive bacilli grew on culture, which were identified as Atopobium vaginae using VITEK 2 Compact system (bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France). Gatifloxacin eye drops were added based on antibiotic sensitivity patterns. Infiltrates resolved completely, leaving behind residual scars without any recurrences. This is the first reported case of corneal infection caused by A. vaginae, a bacterium known to reside in the urogenital tract. It caused secondary corneal infection in a case of recurrent herpes simplex keratitis. Species identification systems like VITEK 2 Compact can help identify such rare bacteria with great accuracy.

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in a Patient with Covid-19.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare diagnosis. A thirty-five-year-old female who was admitted to our hospital with fever, cough and breathlessness and positive RT-PCR for COVID -19 was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax. She was managed with symptomatic approach and oxygen therapy. Small pneumomediastinum usually requires close monitoring and follows an uneventful course.

Potential areas of crop residue burning contributing to hazardous air pollution in Delhi during the post-monsoon season.

Severe daily ambient particulate matter concentrations <2.5 µm (PM2.5 ) (>400 µg m-3 ) have been recorded in Delhi, India, for about 50 d in the post-monsoon season (October-November) from 2016 to 2019. Monthly average ambient PM2.5 concentrations during the period followed the order: September (63.0 ± 3.6 µg m-3 )