YAG Capsulotomy Rates in Patients Following Cataract Surgery and Implantation of New Hydrophobic Preloaded Intraocular Lens in an Australian Cohort: 3-Year Results.

Purpose: To assess the risk of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) following implantation of the Clareon lens. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed for 484 consecutive eyes that had undergone phacoemulsification and implantation of a monofocal lens (CNA0T) between April 2018 and February 2020. Eyes with other ocular pathology that may affect outcomes, previous refractive surgery or eyes corrected for a near target were excluded. Incidence of PCO and YAG capsulotomy was recorded and regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors associated with PCO formation. Results: Overall incidence of PCO following implantation of the CNA0T monofocal lens was 3.7% (18 eyes) at 1 year with 1.9% (9 eyes) undergoing YAG capsulotomy. At 3 years, 8.7% (42 eyes) had developed PCO and 4.1% (20 eyes) had undergone YAG capsulotomy cumulatively. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG; OR = 6.53; 95% CI = 18.68, 2.28; P = 0.0005), age-related macular degeneration (AMD; OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 5.21, 1.06; P = 0.036), vitreomacular traction (VMT; OR = 7.32; 95% CI = 45.08, 1.19; P = 0.032), retinal vein occlusion (RVO; OR = 8.42; 95% CI = 38.99, 1.82; P = 0.006) and history of anti-VEGF therapy (OR = 3.22; 95% CI = 10.26, 1.01; P = 0.048) were positively associated with an increased risk of PCO. Conclusions: Incidence of PCO requiring YAG capsulotomy was relatively low. However, certain co-morbidities were found to increase the risk of PCO development, most significantly POAG and RVO.

Early Outcomes of Two Treatment Modes of PresbyLASIK: Monocular vs. Micro-Monovision.

Purpose: To report the visual, refractive and subjective outcomes of presbyLASIK for the correction of presbyopia. Methods: Monocular (20 eyes) or micro-monovision (12 eyes) presbyLASIK was performed on a total of 32 eyes in 16 patients (50% female, average age 55±4.6 years) using the Zeiss VisuMax 400Hz femtosecond and Schwind Amaris 1050RS excimer laser platform. Predictability, safety and efficacy were assessed and compared at 4-6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Results were considered significant if P < 0.05. Results: For monocular treatments, average postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was 0.1±0.1 D and -0.86±0.5 D at 4-6 weeks postoperatively for distance and near eyes respectively; 90% eyes achieved SE ±1.0 D of the target. Postoperative binocular uncorrected distance (UDVA), intermediate (UIVA) and near visual acuity (UNVA) were -0.03±0.1 LogMAR (20/20), 0.09±0.26 LogMAR (N4) and 0.29±0.11 LogMAR (N6) respectively with 90% patients achieving binocular UDVA of 20/20 or better. For micro-monovision treatments, average postoperative SE was -0.33±0.51 D and -1.60±0.78 D at 4-6 weeks postoperatively for distance and near eyes respectively; 100% eyes achieved SE ±1.0 D of the target. Postoperative binocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA were 0.05±0.16 LogMAR (20/20), -0.02±0.10 LogMAR (N3) and 0.23±0.08 LogMAR (N5) respectively with 67% patients achieving binocular UDVA of 20/20 or better. Conclusion: Monocular and micro-monovision presbyLASIK are both effective options for the treatment of presbyopia. Monocular treatments are more likely to be well tolerated by patients who prefer to preserve exceptional distance vision, while micro-monovision treatments may be better suited to patients who can tolerate compromises in distance vision in order to attain greater intermediate vision function.

Catquest-9SF questionnaire shows greater visual functioning in bilateral cataract populations: A prospective study.

Purpose: Visual functioning evaluated by the Catquest-9SF questionnaire has shown to be a valid measure for assessing a patient's prioritization for cataract surgery. This study adapted Catquest-9SF for visual function outcomes post uni-lateral cataract surgery or bi-lateral cataract surgery. Methods: Visual functioning was assessed before and after uni-lateral or bi-lateral cataract surgery using the Catquest-9SF questionnaire. Patients were enrolled to this study prior to their cataract surgery between March 29 and April 30, 2021 at Shellharbour Hospital, Australia. Catquest-9SF questionnaires were completed prior to and 3 months post surgery. Resulting data were assessed for fit to a Rasch model using WINSTEPS software (version 4.2.0). Catquest-9SF data analysis of Chi-square, Wilcoxon sum test, and Fischer's test were performed in R (version 4.1.0). P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Sixty-one patients (mean age = 73.2 years, 62% female) were included for analysis. Catquest-9SF response thresholds, adequate precision (person separation index = 2.58, person reliability = 0.87, Cronbach's alpha = 0.74), uni-dimensionality, and no misfits (infit range 0.65-1.33; outfit range 0.64-1.31) were recorded. The mean of item calibration for patients was -0.22 post-operatively. There was significant (P <.05) improvement (16.3%) in visual functions across all nine Catquest 9-SF items. There was a significant mean visual function difference between patients with uni-lateral (10.1%) and bi-lateral cataract surgery (22.3%) pre-operatively and post-operatively. Conclusion: The Catquest-9SF questionnaire showed excellent psychometric properties and can assess visual functioning in an Australian population. There was a significant improvement in patient visual function post cataract surgery and higher functioning with bi-lateral cataract surgery.

Incidence of Pseudophakic Cystoid Macular Oedema Post-Cataract Surgery in Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Post-operatively, cataract surgery is associated with pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCMO) causing vision disturbances. The presence of comorbidities may increase the incidence of PCMO post-cataract surgery. OBJECTIVE: This observational study aimed to assess the incidence of PCMO in Australia (Illawarra region) and identify risk factors for developing PCMO. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on data from patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation between 1st March and June 30, 2016. Demographics, comorbidities, central subfield thickness (CST), visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were collected preoperatively, day 1, and weeks 2, 4, and 6 post-operatively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.27.0 and GraphPad Prism v.9.0. The median and 95% confidence intervals were used to describe data. Logistic regression and χ2 tests were used to describe the associations. We followed the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines. RESULTS: Fifty right and 35 left cataract eyes were operated on (58.8% were females; average age 72.8 ± 8.146 years). Total PCMO incidence was 10.6%, and true PCMO incidence (removing PCMO risk factors) was 4.2% at week 6 post-operatively. CST was slightly increased between pre- and post-cataract surgery at week 4 (p = 0.002) and week 6 (p < 0.0001; median = 259 µm, 264 µm, and 263 µm, respectively). IOP was found to be decreased (p < 0.0001) compared to day 1 (median = 17 mm Hg) and week 6 (median = 13 mm Hg). The probability of developing PCMO (odds ratio [OR] = 3) and vitreomacular traction (OR = 2.9) was higher in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients and in patients >65 years old (OR = 1.5). CONCLUSION: The true incidence of PCMO was found to be the greatest at 2-4 weeks post-operatively. Patients with diabetes or advanced age (>65 years) are at an elevated risk of developing PCMO after cataract surgery. The treatment regimens for the comorbid populations, especially diabetic patients, remain limited, and future efforts should target pharmaceutical management for these groups.

Spectacle Independence in Patients with Prior Radial Keratotomy Following Cataract Surgery: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To assess if post-keratorefractive patients can achieve spectacle independence following cataract surgery with currently available presbyopia correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective case series of unilateral implantation of the IC-8 IOL in two patients with history of bilateral myopic radial keratotomy (RK) and one patient with history of bilateral myopic RK and astigmatic keratotomy (AK), and bilateral implantation of AT Lisa 939M multifocal IOLs in one patient with previous history of RK and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). RESULTS: Good uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuity (VA) was achieved for most patients. Stereopsis and contrast sensitivity (CS) were maintained in patients that received the IC-8 IOLs, and two patients achieved full spectacle independence. The patient that received the trifocal lenses expressed satisfaction with their vision, but required long distance correction and experienced reduced CS. CONCLUSION: The IC-8 and AT Lisa 939M IOLs both offer satisfactory results and reduced spectacle dependence in post-keratorefractive patients. However, it is recommended to properly counsel visual outcomes and patient expectations before commencing surgery.

Small aperture IC-8 intraocular lens in cataract patients: achieving extended depth of focus through small aperture optics.

BACKGROUND: To investigate visual outcomes following cataract surgery in patients who were implanted monocularly with an extended range of focus IC-8 IOL. METHODS: A multicentre, non-randomised, retrospective case series of 126 consecutive patients implanted with the IC-8 IOL. Data were collected and pooled from six centres across Australia. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 80 cm and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm were measured in eyes implanted with the IC-8 IOL. Adverse events, spectacle independence, visual symptoms and patient satisfaction were assessed at final follow-up. RESULTS: Over 90% of the patients without pre-existing ocular pathology (n = 109) achieved UDVA, UIVA and UNVA of 6/12 or better in the IC-8 eye. Binocularly, in this group, 98% achieved UDVA of 6/9, 94% UIVA of 6/12 and 91% UNVA of 6/12 or better. By final follow-up, over 50% of patients reported complete spectacle independence for distance, intermediate and near visual activity, with the remainder only using spectacles for specific tasks such as near-vision hobbies and reading in dim light. CONCLUSIONS: The IC-8 IOL is capable of providing extended depth of focus following cataract surgery. It allows complete spectacle independence in more than half of the patients implanted with the IC-8 IOL.

Refractive stability following uncomplicated cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life may be negatively impacted following cataract surgery if glasses prescription is delayed. This study aims to confirm the refractive stabilisation time in an Australian population to form the basis for suggesting an appropriate timeframe for spectacle prescription. METHODS: Participants (51 female and 35 male) were recruited one day after uncomplicated unilateral cataract surgery using a monofocal intraocular lens. Subjective refraction, automated refraction and central corneal thickness were measured at two, four and six weeks post-operatively. A short questionnaire assessing the impact of uncorrected near vision on daily activities was collected at two and four weeks. RESULTS: There was no significant change in the mean automated or subjective spherical equivalent refraction (peq < 0.001), mean corneal thickness (peq < 0.001), mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (peq < 0.001) or mean uncorrected near visual acuity (peq < 0.001) over the six-week study period. At week two, 59 per cent of patients stated that their uncorrected near vision affected their ability to perform daily tasks 'somewhat' or 'a lot', increasing to 75 per cent by week four. CONCLUSION: Uncorrected near vision affected quality of life for most participants. All measured visual and ocular parameters were stable from two weeks post-operatively. Patients need not wait longer than this for spectacle prescription following uncomplicated unilateral cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery with a small-aperture intraocular lens after previous corneal refractive surgery: Visual outcomes and spectacle independence.

Patients who have had previous refractive procedures often require cataract surgery at an early age; however, postoperative results are compromised by corneal aberrations and difficulties achieving a desired refractive endpoint. We describe the use of the IC-8 small-aperture intraocular lens (IOL) in 3 patients who had previous laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Standard cataract surgery was performed in all cases. The small-aperture IOL was implanted in the patient's nondominant eye, and a clear aspheric monofocal IOL was implanted in the dominant eye. Visual performance was assessed between 1 month and 6 months after surgery. After surgery, all patients had good simultaneous near, intermediate, and distance visual acuities while maintaining stereoacuity and mesopic contrast sensitivity. This technique provided good visual outcomes in these patients who had cataract surgery after previous corneal refractive surgery.

Visual Outcomes and Higher Order Aberrations Following LASIK on Eyes with Low Myopia and Astigmatism.

BACKGROUND: Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) can induce corneal aberrations that can impact vision and patient satisfaction. Recent developments in laser technologies have helped minimise these aberrations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of vision and change in Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs) following wavefront-optimized LASIK in low-myopic astigmatic patients. METHODS: LASIK was performed on a total of 76 eyes in patients with myopia <4.0 D and cylinder <2.0 D using the WaveLight® EX500 excimer and FS200 femtosecond laser platform. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and HOAs were measured at 1 and 3 months postoperatively and compared to preoperative values. Subjective quality of vision was assessed pre- and postoperatively using a VF14 questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean postoperative Spherical Equivalent (SE) was -0.09 ± 0.26 µm with 95% of patients within ± 0.5 D of attempted SE. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better for 96% of patients. Contrast sensitivity increased against horizontal and vertical gratings at all spatial frequencies except for vertical gratings at 18 cycles/degree. Spherical aberration and total HOA increased by 0.085 µm and 0.13 µm respectively. The mean VF14 score increased from 89.2 ± 16.7% to 99 ± 1.4% postoperatively. CONCLUSION: LASIK performed using the WaveLight® EX500 excimer and WaveLight® FS200 laser platform provided improved contrast sensitivity and visual acuity with minimal introduction of HOAs, making it a suitable platform for low myopic astigmatic patients.

StrandAdvantage test for early-line and advanced-stage treatment decisions in solid tumors.

Comprehensive genetic profiling of tumors using next-generation sequencing (NGS) is gaining acceptance for guiding treatment decisions in cancer care. We designed a cancer profiling test combining both deep sequencing and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of relevant cancer targets to aid therapy choices in both standard-of-care (SOC) and advanced-stage treatments for solid tumors. The SOC report is provided in a short turnaround time for four tumors, namely lung, breast, colon, and melanoma, followed by an investigational report. For other tumor types, an investigational report is provided. The NGS assay reports single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number variations (CNVs), and translocations in 152 cancer-related genes. The tissue-specific IHC tests include routine and less common markers associated with drugs used in SOC settings. We describe the standardization, validation, and clinical utility of the StrandAdvantage test (SA test) using more than 250 solid tumor formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples and control cell line samples. The NGS test showed high reproducibility and accuracy of >99%. The test provided relevant clinical information for SOC treatment as well as more information related to investigational options and clinical trials for >95% of advanced-stage patients. In conclusion, the SA test comprising a robust and accurate NGS assay combined with clinically relevant IHC tests can detect somatic changes of clinical significance for strategic cancer management in all the stages.

Seasonal variability in size-segregated airborne bacterial particles and their characterization at different source-sites.

Size-segregated aerosol samplings were carried out near the potential sources of airborne biological particles i.e. at a landfill site, an agricultural field and a road side restaurant-cluster site in winter, spring and summer seasons during 2013-2015 in New Delhi. The culturable airborne bacterial (CAB) concentrations showed significant seasonal variation from higher to moderate in spring and winter seasons and lowest during summer. Highest CAB concentrations were observed at the Okhla landfill site followed by restaurant-cluster area and agriculture site. The CAB particles showed bimodal size distribution, abundant in the size ranges of 1.1-2.1, 2.1-3.3 and 4.7-5.8 µm. However, substantial concentrations were also observed in the size bins of 0.43-0.65 and <0.43 µm, which are important for cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of aerosols in addition to their adverse health effects. In spring, bacterial particles were also maximized in size ranges between 5.8 and >9.0 µm. Fine mode proportions of CAB were found to be higher in winter than other two seasons. Bacterial identification was done by 16s rDNA sequencing, and most abundant identified strains were Bacillus cereus (16%), Bacillus licheniformis (11%), Bacillus thuringiensis (9%), Micrococcus sp. (7%) and Acinetobacter sp. (9%).

Next-generation sequencing-based method shows increased mutation detection sensitivity in an Indian retinoblastoma cohort.

PURPOSE: Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common primary intraocular cancer of childhood and one of the major causes of blindness in children. India has the highest number of patients with Rb in the world. Mutations in the RB1 gene are the primary cause of Rb, and heterogeneous mutations are distributed throughout the entire length of the gene. Therefore, genetic testing requires screening of the entire gene, which by conventional sequencing is time consuming and expensive. METHODS: In this study, we screened the RB1 gene in the DNA isolated from blood or saliva samples of 50 unrelated patients with Rb using the TruSight Cancer panel. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was done on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Genetic variations were identified using the Strand NGS software and interpreted using the StrandOmics platform. RESULTS: We were able to detect germline pathogenic mutations in 66% (33/50) of the cases, 12 of which were novel. We were able to detect all types of mutations, including missense, nonsense, splice site, indel, and structural variants. When we considered bilateral Rb cases only, the mutation detection rate increased to 100% (22/22). In unilateral Rb cases, the mutation detection rate was 30% (6/20). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that NGS-based approaches increase the sensitivity of mutation detection in the RB1 gene, making it fast and cost-effective compared to the conventional tests performed in a reflex-testing mode.

Protective effects of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves against arsenic-induced toxicity in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective role of leaves of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) Lam. against arsenic-induced toxicity in mice. METHODS: Swiss albino male mice were divided into four groups. The first group was used as non-treated control group while, the second, third, and fourth groups were treated with M. oleifera leaves (50 mg/kg body weight per day), sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg body weight per day) and sodium arsenite plus M. oleifera leaves, respectively. Serum indices related to cardiac, liver and renal functions were analyzed to evaluate the protective effect of Moringa leaves on arsenic-induced effects in mice. RESULTS: It revealed that food supplementation of M. oleifera leaves abrogated the arsenic-induced elevation of triglyceride, glucose, urea and the activities of alkaline phospatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum. M. oleifera leaves also prevented the arsenic-induced perturbation of serum butyryl cholinesterase activity, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the leaves of M. oleifera may be useful in reducing the effects of arsenic-induced toxicity.

A Comparative Study of Clear Corneal Phacoemulsification with Rigid IOL Versus SICS; the Preferred Surgical Technique in Low Socio-economic group Patients of Rural Areas.

CONTEXT: Low socio-economic group patients from rural areas often opt for free cataract surgeries offered by charitable organisations. SICS continues to be a time tested technique for cataract removal in such patients. In recent times, camp patients are sometimes treated by clear corneal phacoemulsification with implantation of a rigid IOL, which being more cost effective is often provided for camp patients. This study was undertaken to find out which surgical technique yielded better outcomes and was more suited for high volume camp surgery. AIM: To find the better surgical option- phacoemulsification with rigid IOL or SICS, in poor patients from rural areas. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective randomised controlled trial of cataract patients operated by two different techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twelve eyes were selected and were randomly allocated into two groups of 56 eyes each. At completion of the study, data was analysed for 52 eyes operated by clear corneal phacoemulsification and implantation of a rigid IOL, and 56 eyes operated by SICS. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Unpaired t-test was used to calculate the p- value. RESULTS: The results were evaluated on the following criteria. The mean post-operative astigmatism at the end of four weeks - was significantly higher in phacoemulsification group as compared to SICS group The BCVA (best corrected visual acuity) at the end of four weeks - was comparable in both groups. Subjective complaints and/ or complications: In phaco group two patients required sutures and seven had striate keratitis , while none in SICS group. Complaint of irritation was similar in both groups. Surgical time- was less for SICS group as compared to phaco group. CONCLUSION: SICS by virtue of being a faster surgery with more secure wound and significantly less astigmatism is a better option in camp patients from rural areas as compared to phacoemulsification with rigid IOL.

Protective effects of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves against arsenic-induced toxicity in mice

Objective: To evaluate the protective role of leaves of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) Lam. against arsenic-induced toxicity in mice.Methods:non-treated control group while, the second, third, and fourth groups were treated with M.oleifera leaves (50 mg/kg body weight per day), sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg body weight per day) and sodium arsenite plus M. oleifera leaves, respectively. Serum indices related to cardiac, liver and renal functions were analyzed to evaluate the protective effect of Moringa leaves on arsenic-induced effects in mice.Results:Swiss albino male mice were divided into four groups. The first group was used as induced elevation of triglyceride, glucose, urea and the activities of alkaline phospatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum. M. oleifera leaves also prevented the arsenic-induced perturbation of serum butyryl cholinesterase activity, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol.Conclusions:The results indicate that the leaves of M. oleifera may be useful in reducing the It revealed that food supplementation of M. oleifera leaves abrogated the arsenic-effects of arsenic-induced toxicity.

Increases in oxidized low-density lipoprotein and other inflammatory and adhesion molecules with a concomitant decrease in high-density lipoprotein in the individuals exposed to arsenic in Bangladesh.

Elevated exposure to arsenic has been suggested to be associated with atherosclerosis leading to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, biochemical events underlying the arsenic-induced atherosclerosis have not yet been fully documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of circulating molecules involved in atherosclerosis with arsenic exposure in the individuals exposed to arsenic in Bangladesh. A total of 324 study subjects, 218 from arsenic-endemic areas and 106 from nonendemic areas in Bangladesh, were recruited. Drinking water, hair, nail, and blood samples were collected from the study subjects for analysis. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were lower in arsenic-endemic subjects than those of nonendemic subjects. Oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL), C-reactive protein (CRP), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels were significantly higher in arsenic-endemic subjects than those in nonendemic subjects. All these circulating molecules showed significant correlations with arsenic exposure (water, hair, and nail arsenic concentrations), and all these relations were significant before and after adjusting for relevant covariates. Among the circulating molecules tested in this study, HDL, Ox-LDL, and CRP showed dose-response relationships with arsenic exposure. Ox-LDL/HDL ratios were increased with the increasing concentrations of arsenic in the water, hair, and nails. Furthermore, non-HDL cholesterol and TC/HDL ratios were significantly correlated with arsenic exposure before and after adjusting for relevant covariates. Thus, all the observed associations may be the major features of arsenic exposure-related atherosclerosis leading to CVD.

Distribution of glaucoma in the major religious communities of a north Indian town: a hospital survey.

INTRODUCTION: Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in India and the numbers of the patients are increasing every day. The prevalence of glaucoma depends upon various factors like racial and ethnic factors, the socioeconomic status, etc. AIM: To study the pattern of glaucoma distribution among the patients in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 1500 glaucoma patients was done, who presented between 2007 and 2012 in TMMC and RC, Moradabad, U.P, India. The age and the gender distribution of glaucoma was studied along with its subtypes in different religious groups (mainly among Hindus and Muslims). RESULTS: The mean age of the glaucoma patients was 52.7 years. Glaucoma was diagnosed in 882(58.8%) Muslim and in 561(37.4%) Hindu patients. The prevalence of POAG (33.0%) was almost equal to that of PACG (32.7%). POAG was the most common type of glaucoma in males (16.8%), while PACG was very common among females (18.8%). In Hindu patients, POAG (40.8%) was the commonest form of glaucoma, while in Muslims, PACG (40.1%) was the highest form of glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Glaucoma is a major ocular disease which is prevalent in the Muslim population of the western Uttar Pradesh region.

Evaluation of the Factors which Contribute to the Ocular Complaints in Computer Users.

CONTEXT: Use of information technology hardware given new heights to professional success rate and saves time but on the other hand its harmful effect has introduced an array of health related complaints causing hazards for our human health. Increased use of computers has led to an increase in the number of patients with ocular complaints which are being grouped together as computer vision syndrome (CVS). In view of that, this study was undertaken to find out the ocular complaints and the factors contributing to occurrence of such problems in computer users. AIMS: To evaluate the factors contributing to Ocular complaints in computer users in Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, U.P. India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional study of 150 subjects who work on computer for varying period of time in Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred computer operators working in different institutes offices and bank of were selected randomly in Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, and Uttar Pradesh. 16 were non responders 18 did not come for assessment and 16 were excluded due to complaints prior to computer use making no response rate Twenty-one did not participate in the study, making the no response rate 25%. Rest of the subjects (n = 150) were asked to fill a pre-tested questionnaire, after obtaining their verbal consent Depending on the average hours of usage in a day, they were categorized into three categories viz. <2 hrs, 2-6 hrs, >6 hrs of usage. All the responders were asked to come to the Ophthalmic OPD for further interview and assessment. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Simple proportions and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Among the 150 subjects studied major ocular complaint reported in descending order were eyestrain. (53%). Occurrence of eye strain, ( 53.8%), itching ( 47.6%) and burning (66.7%) in subjects using computer for more than 6 hours. distance from computer screen with respect to eyes, use of antiglare screen, taking frequent breaks, use of LCD monitor and adjustment of brightness of monitor screen bear a significant association with these ocular complaints in computer users. CONCLUSIONS: Eye strain is the most common ocular complaints among computer users working for more than 6 hours a day. We also found that maintaining ideal distance from screen, keeping level of eyes above the top of screen, taking frequent breaks, using LCD monitors and using antiglare screen and adjusting brightness levels according to workplace reduced these ocular complaints to a significant level.

Elevated levels of plasma Big endothelin-1 and its relation to hypertension and skin lesions in individuals exposed to arsenic.

Chronic arsenic (As) exposure affects the endothelial system causing several diseases. Big endothelin-1 (Big ET-1), the biological precursor of endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a more accurate indicator of the degree of activation of the endothelial system. Effect of As exposure on the plasma Big ET-1 levels and its physiological implications have not yet been documented. We evaluated plasma Big ET-1 levels and their relation to hypertension and skin lesions in As exposed individuals in Bangladesh. A total of 304 study subjects from the As-endemic and non-endemic areas in Bangladesh were recruited for this study. As concentrations in water, hair and nails were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The plasma Big ET-1 levels were measured using a one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay kit. Significant increase in Big ET-1 levels were observed with the increasing concentrations of As in drinking water, hair and nails. Further, before and after adjusting with different covariates, plasma Big ET-1 levels were found to be significantly associated with the water, hair and nail As concentrations of the study subjects. Big ET-1 levels were also higher in the higher exposure groups compared to the lowest (reference) group. Interestingly, we observed that Big ET-1 levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive and skin lesion groups compared to the normotensive and without skin lesion counterpart, respectively of the study subjects in As-endemic areas. Thus, this study demonstrated a novel dose-response relationship between As exposure and plasma Big ET-1 levels indicating the possible involvement of plasma Big ET-1 levels in As-induced hypertension and skin lesions.

Celecoxib inhibits MDR1 expression through COX-2-dependent mechanism in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line.

The role of COX-2 in the regulation of the expression of MDR1, a P-glycoprotein involved in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2, was studied in the present investigation. Celecoxib, a selective inhibitor of COX-2, at 25 microM concentration increased the accumulation of doxorubicin in HepG2 cells and enhanced the sensitivity of the cells to doxorubicin by tenfold. The induction of MDR1 expression by PGE2 and its downregulation by celecoxib or by COX-2 knockdown suggests that the enhanced sensitivity of HepG2 cells to doxorubicin by celecoxib is mediated by the downregulation of MDR1 expression, through COX-2-dependent mechanism. Further studies revealed the involvement of AP-1 in the celecoxib-induced downregulation of MDR1 expression. These experimental studies correlated well with in silico predictions and further suggested the inactivation of the signal transduction pathways involving ERK, JNK and p38. The present study thus demonstrates the usefulness of COX-2 intervention in overcoming the drug resistance in HepG2 cells.