Metabolic risk factors in first acute coronary syndrome (MERIFACS) Study

Objectives: In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients the focus is on major conventional risk factors - CRF [diabetes, hypertension, elevated low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and smoking] whereas others - specific metabolic risk factors - MRF [high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), body-mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and triglycerides, and HbA1c get less attention. Methods: This is a prospective caseecontrol observational study from 15 tertiary care hospitals in India. CRF and MRF in patients presenting with first incidence of ACS (n ¼ 2153) were compared with matched controls (n ¼ 1210). Results: Propensity score matching (PSM) yielded 1193 cases and matched 1210 controls. Risk factor prevalence in cases vs. controls were CRF: hypertension - 39.4% vs 16.4% (p < 0.0001), diabetes - 42.6% vs 12.7% (p < 0.0001), smoking - 28.3% vs 9.3% (p < 0.0001) and elevated LDL-C - 70.2% vs 57.9% (p < 0.0001). MRF: High BMI - 54.7% vs 55.1% (p ¼ 0.84), increased waist: hip ratio 79.5% vs 63.6% (p < 0.0001), high HbA1c - 37.8% vs 14.9% (p < 0.0001), low HDL-C - 56.2% vs 42.8% (p < 0.0001) and elevated triglycerides - 49.7% vs 44.2% (p ¼ 0.007). Adjusted Odds ratios by multivariate analysis were CRF: hypertension - 2.3 (p < 0.001), diabetes - 4.7 (p < 0.001), high LDL-C - 3.3 (p < 0.001) and smoking6.3 (p < 0.001). MRF: High waist: hip ratio - 2.4 (p < 0.001) high HbA1c - 3.2 (p < 0.001), low HDL-C 2.2 (p < 0.001) and elevated triglycerides - 0.878 p ¼ 0.17. Conclusion: In India, the risk of ACS conferred by specific metabolic risk factors (High waist: hip ratio, Low HDL-C and High HbA1c) is comparable to that caused by CRF

Do it yourself smartphone fundus camera – DIYretCAM.

This article describes the method to make a do it yourself smartphone‑based fundus camera which can image the central retina as well as the peripheral retina up to the pars plana. It is a cost‑effective alternative to the fundus camera.

Effect of sewage water on seed germination and vigour index of different varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

The study has been focused on the investigation on ground nut (Arachis hypogea) fields influenced by sewage water. Sewage water sampled in and around Mysore city and analyzed forphysicochemical parameters. Different concentrations such as 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 70 and 100% of sewage water on seed germination and vigour index of Arachis hypogea verities such as DH - 2 - 30, ICJS - 11, JL - 24, K - 134, TMV - 2 and VRI - 2 were studied. From the recorded observation it is concluded that the sewage water diluted to 25% concentration for irrigation of groundnut enhances germination percentage and vigour index in K- 134 variety which is more susceptible than other tested varieties.

25 gauge vitrectomy under topical anesthesia: a pilot study.

AIMS: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transconjunctival 25 gauge vitrectomy under topical anesthesia. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A pilot study of consecutive cases which underwent 25 gauge vitrectomy under topical anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven eyes of 7 patients underwent 25 gauge vitrectomy under topical anesthesia with a pledget soaked in anesthetic, for vitreous hemorrhage (2 eyes), retained cortex (1 eye) and postoperative endophthalmitis (4 eyes). Subjective pain and discomfort were graded from 0 (no pain or discomfort) to 4 (severe pain and discomfort). Patients underwent an immediate postoperative assessment, followed by day one and one week postoperative evaluation. RESULTS: All patients had grade 0 pain during the surgery. Five patients had grade 2 pain during the placement of the sclerotomies. None of the patients required any sedation during the procedure. No inadvertent eye movements were noted during surgery. Except one patient, none required postoperative analgesics. Five eyes had a favorable outcome. No eyes in this pilot study had any procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: With appropriate case selection, topical anesthesia is a safe and effective alternative to infiltrative anesthesia for 25 gauge vitrectomy. A larger series of patients with a longer follow-up is required to validate the findings of this pilot study.

Digital video recording and archiving in ophthalmic surgery.

Currently most ophthalmic operating rooms are equipped with an analog video recording system [analog Charge Couple Device camera for video grabbing and a Video Cassette Recorder for recording)]. We discuss the various advantages of a digital video capture device, its archiving capabilities and our experience during the transition from analog to digital video recording and archiving. The basic terminology and concepts related to analog and digital video, along with the choice of hardware, software and formats for archiving are discussed.

Anterior chamber intra ocular lens implantation.

The role of A.C. IOL in modern implant surgery has become somewhat debatable, since, the choice procedure to day is undoubtedly an ECCE with a PC lens implant preferably in the capsular bag. Even so, anterior chamber lens implantation has its definite indications. As such it is necessary for the implant surgeon to be familiar with the latest technique in this modality of surgery as well. Many of the complications of earlier rigid model AC IOLs were mainly due to defective lens design. With the advent of new generation flexible one-piece PMMA AC lenses, many of these complications have been eliminated. A.C. IOL implantation, although less frequently done now, has its own legitimate place in modern IOL surgery.