bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Relationship Between Retinopathy of Prematurity Severity and Visual Motor Integration
Authors: ÇELİK Gökhan , KUTLUTÜRK Seval
Published: May 2021

Aim: The aim of the current study is to assess the effects of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) severity on visual motor integration in children. Material and Methods: Totally 104 children (44 girls, 60 boys) between 2 and 6 chronological age were included in the study. The children’s mean gestational age was 28.75±2.67 and birth weight was 1252.92±411.33. The Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration with supplemental tests of Visual Perception and Motor Coordination were used for the assessment of children. Results: The incidences of retinopathy of prematurity severity were 23.1% Stage 1+, 24% Stage 2+ and 52.9% Stage 3+ in the study. The incidence of abnormal visual motor integration was 51% of the study population. The incidence of abnormal visual perception and motor coordination were 37.5% and 51.9%, respectively. Referring to the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration results, there was statistically significant correlation between the level of all visual motor integration, visual perception, and motor subtest results (p=0.00). There were not statistically significant correlation between retinopathy of prematurity severity and results of visual motor integration and visual perception tests (p>0.05). There was a significant correlation between retinopathy of prematurity severity and motor coordination test results (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that as the retinopathy of prematurity severity increases, motor coordination skills are negatively affected in preterm born children at pre-school ages.
Evaluation of Corpus Callosum Morphometry in Pediatric Population, is there any Difference Between Genders ?
Authors: BAYAR Olga , BAYKAN Ali
Published: May 2021

Aim: Corpus callosum (CC) is a white matter structure and it is the largest interhemispheric commissure that connects the brain hemispheres. The morphology of CC can be affected by congenital and acquired diseases, sex, age, and hand selection. This study aims to investigate morphometric features of CC by age and gender.Material and Methods: Thickness of all corpus callosum segments and length of the long axis of the CC of the healthy pediatric population were measured via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the midsagittal line where the septum pellucidum and massa intermedia can be monitored. A total of 240 participants (120 males and 120 females) were divided into four age groups; 0-2 age group, 3-6 age group, 7-11 age group, and 12-17 age group and thickness of the five segments of the CC (rostrum, genu, body, isthmus, splenium) and anterior-posterior length of the CC were measured. Results: Thicknesses of four segments that included genu, body, isthmus, and splenium (except the rostrum) and length of the long axis of CC increased significantly with age in both genders. However, when we evaluated all participants without gender discrimination, the thickness of all segments of CC and length of the long axis are observed to increase significantly. Conclusion: The obtained data from the healthy pediatric population will help differentiate the abnormal morphometric changes of CC due to congenital and acquired diseases.
Cause of Recurrent Abdominal Pain: Incidental Intestinal Nonrotation
Authors: TİKEN Ramazan
Published: May 2021

Intestinal nonrotation is a subtype of malrotation and it is usually detected incidentally in adulthood. Although nonrotation is often asymptomatic, patients with this condition are at increased risk of conditions that may require emergency surgery, such as intestinal obstruction and necrosis. In relation to our case of a 52-year-old male patient diagnosed with intestinal nonrotation in radiological examinations performed for renal colic, the current status in the literature was discussed. In conclusion, in cases of intestinal nonrotation, radiologists and surgeons should be alert to this possibility as the diagnosis and treatment processes will be affected.
50 Yaş Üstü Erkeklerde Alt Üriner Sistem Semptomları ve Yaşam Kalitesine Etkisi
Authors: GÜLER Enver , ERSOY Suleyman , PALA Emin
Published: May 2021

Amaç: Çalışmamızda 50 yaş üzeri erkeklerde ortaya çıkan alt üriner sistem semptomlarını, bu semptomların yaşam kalitesini etkileme derecesini araştırmayı amaçladık.Materyal ve Metot: Çalışmaya İstanbul il Sağlık Müdürlüğüne bağlı Ümraniye 1 nolu Aile Sağlığı Merkezi’ne 01.01.2020–01.03.2020 tarih aralığında başvuran 50 yaş üstü 307 erkek hasta dahil edildi. Onamları alınarak çalışmaya dahil edilen tüm hastalara 23 soruluk anket uygulandı. Anketteki soruların bir kısmı alt üriner sistem semptomlarının varlığı ve bu semptomların hastalara psikolojik, sosyal, fiziksel ve cinsel etkilerine yönelik sorular; diğerleri de hastaların özgeçmiş bilgilerine yönelik sorulardı. Bulgular: Yaşam kalitesi skoruna göre yapılan gruplamada hastaların 292’sinin (%95,1) yüksek, 14’ünün (%4,6) orta, birinin (%0,3) düşük yaşam kalitesi grubunda olduğu görüldü. Ortalama toplam yaşam kalitesi skoru %92,1±12,3 olarak belirlendi. Ortalama psikolojik skor %81,1±14,4, sosyal skor ise %90,0±20,8 olarak saptandı. Her bir şikâyet için; şikayeti olan hastalardaki yaşam kalitesi skoru, psikolojik, fiziksel, sosyal ve cinsel skorların her birisi şikayeti olmayanlara göre anlamlı düşük bulundu (Her birisi için p<0,001).Yapılan korelasyon analizlerinde yaş ile toplam yaşam kalitesi, cinsel, psikolojik ve sosyal skorlar arasında anlamlı ters korelasyon olduğu görüldü (Her biri için p<0,05).Sonuç: Alt üriner sistem semptomları 50 yaş üzeri erkeklerin yaşam kalitesini olumsuz yönde etkilemektedir. Bu hastaların hem alt üriner sistem şikâyetlerinin azaltılmasına yönelik tedavilerin düzenlenmesi, hem de psikolojik, sosyal ve cinsel yönlerden destekleyici uygulamaların yapılması gereklidir.
The Relationship of Covid-19 Burnout Level in 112 Emergency Service Personnel with Work Stress and Work-Family Conflict Level
Authors: DERYA Serdar
Published: May 2021

Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the level of Covid-19 burnout in 112 emergency service personnel with work stress and work-family conflict level. Material and Method: This cross-sectional research, was conducted with 293 emergency service personnel who are serving in a city located in the east of Turkey. Coronavirus Burnout Scale, Work Stress Scale and Work-Family Conflict Scales were used to obtain data. In the analysis of the data, besides descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, min-max), Pearson correlation analysis was used. Results: The average working year of the 112 emergency service personnel with an average age of 29.01±6.54 is 7.69±5.17. Of the participants, 47.7% of whom are emergency medical technicians, 60.1% are women, 58.7% are associate degree graduates. It was determined that emergency service personnel had a total average score of 35.46±12.10 from the Coronavirus Burnout Scale, 26.39±7.71 points from the Work Stress Scale, and 17.76±6.24 points from the Work-Family Conflict Scale. A moderate positive correlation was found between the coronavirus burnout level and work stress level in 112 emergency service personnel (r=0.698; p<0.001). In addition, a moderate positive correlation was observed between coronavirus burnout level and work-family conflict level (r=0.657; p<0.001). Conclusion: It was determined that the level of coronavirus burnout, work stress and work-family conflict in emergency service personnel were at a moderate level. In addition, it was found that as the level of coronavirus burnout in emergency service personnel increased, the level of work stress and work-family conflict increased significantly.
Aspirations of unemployed international medical graduates in the UK
Authors: Ghosh Montila , Chatterjee Suvalagna
Published: May 2021

The trials and tribulations of immigrant professionals such as international medical graduates (IMGs) to the UK have been a topic for discussion and debate over many years. Many challenges faced by immigrant doctors have been reviewed and reformed over time and many rules pertaining to the registration and induction of international doctors to UK practice has been modified to facilitate safe delivery of care in the UK National Health Service (NHS). The General Medical Council (GMC), NHS employers, and the UK Home Office contribute to a three-tier filtration sieve for selecting suitable IMGs who aspire to either education and training or pursue a career in the UK health and care sector.

This article pertains to the cohort of IMGs, who have been cleared by immigration regulations to reside in the UK but have not been able to initiate a career or active employment in a medical profession. The process of GMC registration referred to and discussed in this article is based on GMC rules prior to Jan 2021.  The perspective from which some of the attributes of the current system has been observed has shown it to be efficient but not uniform, robust but not considerate, thorough but not perfect. During the research for this article, we realised that there are many different opinions or conflicting views on this topic, which have all developed either from an individual or a group’s own experience in the UK. There are similarities and differences in opinions and thus to broaden the scope of the discussion, we report the results of a survey exploring where and how the IMGs (currently resident in the UK) are at the start of their careers in the UK.
Le rôle des politiques de population
Authors: May John F.
Published: May 2021

Résumé La population mondiale a franchi le cap des 7 milliards d’habitants et, en principe, devrait augmenter de 3 milliards de personnes d’ici la fin du siècle. Aussi importe-t-il de rappeler le rôle historique des politiques de population et de souligner l’importance des défis démographiques, lesquels nécessiteront de nouvelles réponses de la part des pouvoirs publics.
Le mariage et l'adoption par les couples homosexuels : la question juridique
Authors: Dekeuwer-Défossez Françoise , Boëton Marie
Published: May 2021

Résumé Dans le contexte du projet de loi sur le mariage et l’adoption par les couples homosexuels, le volet juridique de cette proposition et ses implications soulèvent plusieurs questions : quelle conception de l’égalité et du sujet de droit préexiste à l’ouverture du « mariage pour tous » ? L’ouverture de l’adoption aux couples de même sexe est-il un bouleversement radical du mode de filiation ?
L'enseignement de l'histoire en question
Authors: Wieviorka Annette
Published: May 2021

Résumé Les débats sont récurrents sur la place de l’histoire dans l’enseignement et le contenu des programmes. Ils ont été particulièrement violents pendant le dernier quinquennat, marqué par une grande désinvolture à l’égard des enseignants, de l’enseignement de l’histoire, et par la multiplication des interventions du politique dans l’enseignement.
L'homme n'est pas un animal comme les autres
Authors: Wolff Francis
Published: May 2021

Résumé Une nouvelle conception de l’être humain est présupposée par un ensemble de recherches scientifiques interdisciplinaires nées dans le sillage du développement des neurosciences. Si l’homme neuronal et la vision naturalisée de certains comportements qui en découle peuvent avoir des effets libérateurs – comme dans l’appréhension de l’autisme –, ils peuvent aussi avoir des effets asservissants.
Genotype Environment Interaction and Stability of Quantitative Traits in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Varieties
Authors: Vasileva V. M. , Kosev V. I.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate genotype × environment interactions and stability parameters of seven pea varieties by basic quantitative traits and to determine their suitability as initial material for future breeding programmes.Research Method: Both, above ground and root biomass of plants were analysed. Following characteristics were assessed in the beginning of flowering stage: plant height (cm), leaf fresh weight (g), stem fresh weight (g), root fresh weight (g), nodule number per plant, nodule weight per plant (g). Biometric measurements were made to 10 plants of each variety. Regression analysis, analysis of variance, non-parametrical analyses were used. All experimental data were processed statistically using the computer software GENES 2009.7.0 for Windows XP.Findings: Wt6803 variety could be selected as the most promising selection material in terms of plant height and number of nodules, but in terms of leaf fresh weight and stem fresh weight NDPO80138-B-2 and Mir varieties, respectively.Value: Pea varieties of breeding interest with regard to the both, genotype environment interaction and stability of quantitative traits were shown. They could be actively used in the creation of new varieties with increased general adaptability.
First Report of Dickeya chrysanthemi Causing Bacterial Soft Rot of Aloe vera in Sri Lanka
Authors: Weeraratne W.A.P.G. , Dissanayake D.M.K.K.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: In September 2019, a rapidly spreading soft rot disease was observed in an Aloe vera cultivation in Puttlam District, Sri Lanka causing rotting of leaves and whole plant death, within three to five days. Identification of causal pathogen of soft rot was the main objective for effective management of the disease. The aim of this study was to isolate and molecular identification of causal pathogen of soft rot disease of A. vera and to confirm its pathogenicity.Research Method: The causal bacterium was isolated on Nutrient Agar medium and initially identified by colony characters. Pathogenicity was assessed by inoculation of leaves of potted A. vera plants with bacterial suspension of each isolates (x108 cfu ml-1). Bacterial DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR, using universal primers 27F and 1492R to amplify 16S rRNA region of the bacterium. The PCR products were sequenced and homology search was performed with GenBank database.Findings: Typical field symptoms began appearing after 24 hrs on inoculated plants, with the death of whole plant within two-three days after inoculation Based on PCR analysis, sequencing and homology search results, the causal pathogen of the bacterial soft rot disease of A. vera was identified as Dickeya chrysanthemi (former E. chrysanthemi). Sequences were deposited in GenBank for two bacterial isolates, kb (Accession No.MT028490.1) and kd (Accession No.MT028539.1). A BLAST search revealed 99 % identity with D. chrysanthemi from China (JF779681.1).Originality/Value: To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. chrysanthemi causing bacterial soft rot of A. vera in Sri Lanka. This finding will be very useful to formulating disease management strategies for bacterial soft rot of A. vera and to prevent outbreak of the disease.
Prevalence of Salmonella Pathogenisity Island (SPI1, SPI2, SPI3 and SPI5) Genes in Salmonella species Isolated from fresh Broiler Chicken Meat in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayaweera T.S.P. , Ruwandeepika H.A.D. , Deekshit V.K. , Vidanarachchi J.K. , Kodithuwakku S.P. , Karunasagar I. , Cyril H.W.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Salmonella is a significant pathogen affecting wider range of animals and one of the main causes of diarroeal diseases leading to millions of human cases globally. Pathogenicity islands of Salmonella (SPI) are imperative in invasion of host cell and pathogenesis within the cell. It is found that SPI from 1 to 5 are present in every serovars of S. enterica and these are laterally acquired virulence regions.Research Method: This study investigated the presence of some virulence genes that belong to the SPI1, SPI2, SPI3 and SPI5 within 23 Salmonella isolates from broiler chicken meat in Sri Lanka using PCR method and further some virulence genes (gene encoding the invasion-associated protein, structural gene for attachment and invasion, regulatory gene for invasion and like nucleoid structuring gene) were quantified using RT- PCR.Findings: The study revealed the presence of Pathogenicity Island 1 genes such as hilA, invH, invF, invA and hns in all the isolates. Among the SPI 2 genes investigated, all the isolates of Salmonella showed the presence of ssaO, ssaQ, ssaP and ssaS (genes encoding for T3SS apparatus proteins), sscB and sscA (gene for secretion system chaperon proteins), sseF, sseD (genes coding for secreted eff ector proteins). In all isolates, SPI 3 genes, responsible in magenisum transport (mgtB and mgtC) were found. The rhuM gene (that supposed to code for a cytoplasmic protein) was absent in four isolates whereas the gene cigR (which predicted as codes for membrane protein) was absent in two isolates. The SPI 5 genes pipB was present in all the isolates except in one isolate whereas sopB was absent in one isolate.Originality/Value: This study found that some SPI genes are conserved in most of the Salmonella isolates from fresh broiler chicken meat in Sri Lanka and the expression of diff erent virulence genes vary with the isolate. This molecular basic will pave the way to explore more on local isolates of Salmonella, detection methods and control methods.
Evaluation of Short Organic Food Supply Chains with Special Reference to Climate Smartness - The Case of Direct Farmers’ Market, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
Authors: Hansika Samudi , Wijerathna Madhavi
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and direct organic farmers’ markets (supply chains) with GAP and PGS for CSA are relatively new concepts and applications have not much studied. This study was carried out to evaluate the climate smartness of short organic food supply chains in a direct farmers’ market in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.Research Method: Data were collected from all farmer venders (50) of the direct organic farmers’ market using a structured interview schedule and from two venders through in-depth interviews and observations. The economic, social and environmental sustainability aspects were assessed as the components of CSA.Findings: Results revealed that the income of farmer venders increased after joining the organic direct market and that was stable throughout the year achieving the economic sustainability. Involvement of small-scale farmers, adopting climate resilient production practices, access to information and markets, institutional support and collective actions were identified along the value chains as the elements of social sustainability. The average GHG emission along the two selected value chains of the direct market had reduced after joining the farmers market depicting the environmental sustainability. Therefore, the studied organic direct farmers’ market was climate smart.Research Limitations: Only two value chains of the market was studied due to its’ complexity and time and resource limitation. The calculations of GHG emission were based on default values as there were no country specific values. Therefore, the calculated GHG emission values are approximate.Originality/Value: The findings of the study are novel as most of the concepts studied are relatively new. Therefore, findings are important for understanding and future interventions.
Isolation, Characterization and Identification of Industrially Beneficial Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria from Goat Milk
Authors: Premasiri D.L.D.A.S. , Rajawardana D.U. , Muddannayake D.C. , Hewajulige I.G.N.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Goat’s milk is enriched with many nutrients and diverse lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This research was aimed at isolating and characterizing industrially beneficial probiotic lactic acid bacteria present in goat milk and to investigate their ability to produce lactic acid.Research Method: A total of 100 bacterial isolates were obtained from 20 fresh goat’s milk samples from Western and North Western provinces in Sri Lanka. These isolates were characterized based on their colony and cell morphologies, physiological and biochemical characteristics, tolerance to in-vitro gastro intestinal tract (GIT) conditions and industrial properties. Species level identification of the isolates was performed based on the obtained phenotypic properties according to the Bergey’s manual of systematic bacteriology.Findings: The selected eight probiotic LAB isolates did not produce hemolytic enzymes, therefore, could primarily consider as safe for live consumption. According to the phenotypic properties, the isolates were of Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus bovis, Lactococcus lactis and Enterococcus faecium species. They were able to coagulate skimmed milk which was indicated by the decrease of fi nal pH (4.8-5.9), tolerate to high (45 °C) and low (15°C) temperatures, grow in different NaCl concentrations (2%, 4%, and 6.5%) and different pH levels (1.5-3.9). HPLC analysis revealed that, Lactobacillus pentosus (33 mg/L) and Streptococcus thermophiles (14mg/L) possessed the highest lactic acid production abilities.Research Limitations: The species level identification of the isolates should be continued employing genotypic methods. The safety of the isolates for live consumption should confirm with in-vivo methods.Originality/Value: The raw goat milk microbiota is considered as a good source of novel lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains that can be exploited for use as industrial starters and probiotics. Lactic acid produced by the microorganisms; specifically, lactic acid bacteria is an important commodity chemical having many numbers of applications. However, very less research work has been done on the characterization of beneficial lactic acid bacteria present in goat milk produced in Sri Lanka.
Microvascular and functional changes according to the fundus location of the affected arteriovenous crossing in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Arslan Gurcan Dogukan , Guven Dilek , Demir Mehmet , Alkan Abdurrahman Alpaslan , Ozcan Delil
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural and functional changes occurring in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) according to the distance of the affected arteriovenous (AV) crossing to the centers of the fovea and optic disc by optic coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods:

Forty-five patients with unilateral BRVO and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this retrospective observational study. Images of the macula (3 mm × 3 mm) and affected AV crossing sites were obtained by OCTA. The fovea-AV crossing distance (FAVD), optic disc-AV crossing distance (DAVD), and optic disc-fovea distance (DFD) were measured.

Results:

The FAVD/DFD ratio was positively correlated with the vessel density in the superficial and deep affected hemifields (r = 0.430, P < 0.05 and r = 0.308, P < 0.05, respectively) and negatively correlated with the superficial foveal avascular zone and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity (r = –0.412, P < 0.05 and r = –0.356, P < 0.05, respectively). The DAVD/DFD ratio was not correlated with the logMAR visual acuity, superficial FAZ area or vessel densities in the affected hemifield (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The affected AV crossing site that was further away from the fovea had better visual acuity and quantitative microvascular parameters in the affected hemifields. However, this correlation was not observed for the distance between the affected AV crossing site and the optic disc.
The influence of routine uncomplicated phacoemulsification on the orthogonality of the cornea
Authors: Tutchenko Larysa , Patel Sudi , Voytsekhivskyy Oleksiy , Skovron Mykhailo , Horak Olha
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of routine uncomplicated phacoemulsification on the orthogonal distribution of mass within the central optical zone of the cornea.

Methods:

Astigmatism at both corneal surfaces was evaluated using Orbscan II (Bausch &and Lomb) before and up to 3 months after routine phacoemulsification (one eye/patient). The data were subjected to vector analysis to estimate the pre-and postoperative total astigmatism of the cornea (TCA).

Results:

Reporting the chief findings in minus cylinder (diopters, DC) over the central 3 mm (A) and 5 mm (B) optical zones. Mean TCA powers (±sd) at pre- and 3-months postop were A) –4.45DC (±2.00) and –5.69DC (±2.69), B) –2.91DC (±2.22) and –2.71DC (±1.60). Change in mean power was significant over 3 mm (P < 0.01, n = 49) but not over 5 mm. Inter-zonal differences were significant (P < 0.01). There was a significant linear relationship between the change in TCA power (y = preoperative-postoperative) and TCA at preoperative stage (x) where, A) y = 0.45x + 3.12 (r = 0.336, n = 49, P = 0.018), B) y = x + 2.65 (r = 0.753, n = 49, P = <0.01). Over the central 3 mm zone only, change (preoperative-postoperative) in axis (°) of TCA (y1) was significantly associated with TCA axis at preoperative stage (x1) where y1 = 1.391x1-0.008x1
2-0.701 (r = 0.635, n = 49, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Changes in TCA power and axis at 3 months postop, determined using Orbscan II, are indicative of orthogonal alterations in the distribution of corneal tissue. Over the central 3 mm zone, the association between y1 and x1 shows that a change in TCA axis is more profound when preoperative axis is near 90° i.e., against-the-rule.
Using street plays as a populist way to spread eye health awareness: An experience
Authors: Pehere Niranjan K , Yadavalli Sreedevi
Published: May 2021

Street plays are a popular traditional medium of communication and entertainment in India. The objective of this paper is to communicate our experience about using street plays to raise awareness about children’s eye health in a South Indian setting. Based on our experience of the prevailing misconceptions about children’s eye health in our community, we selected some topics and prepared a blueprint of the scripts. We hired professional troupes who further refined these scripts into traditional street play scenarios by adding traditional songs, humor, and dialogues in the local dialect, leaving adequate room for improvisation during actual play. After a few rehearsals, we finalized the actual plays. Then, these were enacted in different parts of the city on different occasions, over a span of 3 years. In this descriptive paper, we share our experience of this exercise so that others may try and replicate this initiative in their areas. We found that the street plays were well attended by the people indicating the popularity of this medium in local communities. At the end of the street plays, a sample audience was interviewed about what they understood from the sessions, and most of them could reproduce the key messages. We found that instead of training our own staff, hiring a professional troupe was a more practical choice. Overall, it was a fruitful exercise in terms of the number of people that our plays reached out to effectively. Thus street play is an effective and popular means of disseminating eye health messages in our communities.
Use of an online screening algorithm - Weight, Insulin-derived growth factor 1, Neonatal Retinopathy of Prematurity (WINROP) for predicting retinopathy of prematurity in Indian preterm babies
Authors: Sute Smith Snehal , Jain Suksham , Chawla Deepak , Narang Subina
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Inopathy of prematurity (WINROP) Weight, insulin-derived growth factor 1, neonatal ROP algorithm is an online tool that has been validated as a predictor of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in various countries. The current study was designed to evaluate the predictive ability of WINROP algorithm (http://winrop.com) using postnatal weight gain in detecting Type 1 ROP in Indian babies.

Methods:

Prospective single centre observational study of 153 consecutive preterm babies who were eligible for screening for ROP as per the standard guidelines. Sixteen babies were excluded from the study because of various reasons. Thirty-five babies had gestational age ≥32 weeks and were ineligible for WINROP algorithm. Online WINROP algorithm was used for 102 babies with gestation at birth less than 32 weeks. The alarms triggered by WINROP were documented.

Results:

Laser treatment was done in 30 babies who developed Type 1 ROP. Of these, WINROP alarm was signaled in 24 babies and 6 babies developed ROP without any WINROP alarm. These babies had associated comorbidities like respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, bacterial sepsis, and ventilatory support. WINROP alarm was significantly associated with Type 1 ROP (P < 0.001). The sensitivity of WINROP was 80% and specificity was 80.6% with a positive predictive value of 63.2% and negative predictive value of 90.6% in detecting Type 1 ROP. In the present study, no baby who was ineligible for WINROP developed Type 1 ROP.

Conclusion:

WINROP provides a novel online monitoring screening tool for identifying babies at risk of developing Type 1 ROP. In our cohort, none of the babies whose period of gestation was more than or equal to 32 weeks developed sight threatening Type 1 ROP. WINROP algorithm may also be useful in Indian population.
Evaluation of changes in corneal endothelium in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kanawa Surbhi , Jain Kalpna , Sagar Vinod , Yadav Dinesh K
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging health problem worldwide. In CKD corneal endothelial changes also occur probably due to accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and increased multiple toxic products. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of CKD on corneal endothelium and correlate the findings with severity of disease with help of noninvasive technique.

Methods:

The study comprised 75 eyes of 75 cases divided into three groups with group A comprising of CKD cases on dialysis, group B of nondialysis CKD cases, and group C of controls. Each group had 25 cases each of either sex and between 15–80 age groups. All patients were investigated for blood urea, serum creatinine, and blood sugar and underwent complete ophthalmic examination of both eyes along with wide-field specular microscopy examination.

Results:

The majority of patients (33.3%) belonged to age range of 61–70 years with male predominance and the most common cause of CKD was found to be diabetes with 17 (34%) cases. We found normal corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) with the mean ECD of 2364.52 ± 397.72 mm2 in the dialysis group, 2467.8 ± 352.88 mm2 in nondialysis group, and 2521.68 ± 250.26 mm2 in the control group of patients. However, we found significant increase in coefficient of variation (CV) with 36 ± 5.8% in dialysis group, 37 ± 4.5% in nondialysis group and 32 ± 0.8% in controls (P = 0.001) and decreased hexagonality (Hx) with 47 ± 7.3% in dialysis group, 46 ± 4.7% in nondialysis group and 51 ± 6.7% in the controls (P = 0.031). This showed increased tendency of pleomorphism and polymegathism in corneal endothelial cells in CKD cases. No correlation was found between blood urea or serum creatinine levels with endothelial parameters in any group.

Conclusion:

CKD causes morphological changes like polymegathism and pleomorphism in corneal endothelium and hence these cases are more vulnerable and special care should be taken before any intraocular surgical procedure.
Prevalence of symptoms of dry eye disease in an urban Indian population
Authors: Chatterjee Samrat , Agrawal Deepshikha , Sanowar Gul , Kandoi Rushi
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) in an urban population in India.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, a two-stage cluster sampling procedure was conducted across 50 municipal wards in the city of Raipur, India, between December 2019 and February 2020, to include 2500 households. Interviewers collected demographic and lifestyle data from participants aged ≥20 years. DED symptoms were assessed using a standard six-item validated questionnaire. The presence of one or more of the six dry eye symptoms often or all the time was considered positive for DED symptoms.

Results:

In this study, 2378 people completed the survey of whom 1397 (58.7%) were males and 981 (41.3%) were females. The crude and overall age-adjusted prevalence for any positive symptom was 6.5% and 6.8% (95% CI: 5.8–7.8%), respectively. The commonest symptom was red eyes (2.8%) followed by burning sensation (1.8%), foreign body sensation (1.7%), dry eyes (1.2%), gummy eyes (1.2%), and crusts on eyelashes (0.8%). The associated risk factors were female sex, use of digital display, smoking and stay in an air-conditioned environment.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of DED symptoms in this urban Indian population was less than the prevalence reported in most other population-based studies from outside India, and lower than other hospital-based studies from India. Hence, DED prevalence in India is either lower than current estimates or is non-uniform in distribution.
Pediatric ocular motor cranial nerve palsy: Demographics and etiological profile
Authors: Priya Sweksha , Guha Sujata , Mittal Shruti , Sharma Satish , Alam Md. Shahid
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric ocular motor cranial nerve palsy.

Methods:

This was a retrospective record-based study, carried out at a tertiary eye care hospital in India, between January 2011 and January 2015 and included patients up to 16 years of age at the time of presentation, diagnosed with third, fourth, sixth nerve palsy or a combination of these with other cranial nerve palsy. Data analyzed included demographic details, etiologies, presence or absence of amblyopia, relevant investigations, and management.

Results:

A total of 90 cases were included in the study. Eighty patients (88.88%) presented with isolated nerve palsy. Forty-three patients (47.77%) had congenital nerve palsy. The most common nerve involved was third (n = 35, 38.88%) followed by sixth (n = 23, 25.55%) and fourth nerve (n = 22, 24.44%). Most common cause of third and fourth cranial nerve palsy was congenital (n = 18, 51.42% and n = 17, 77.30%, respectively), while it was trauma for the sixth nerve (n = 7, 30.40%). Amblyopia was most frequently associated with third cranial nerve palsy (n = 27, 77.14%). The radio-imaging yield was maximum (n = 7, 70%) for combined cranial nerve palsy. Overall 44 (48.88%) patients were managed conservatively, while 46 (51.11%) patients needed squint with or without ptosis surgery.

Conclusion:

The most common ocular motor cranial nerve involved in the pediatric population was the third cranial nerve, and it was found to be the most amblyogenic in this age group. The neuroimaging yield was maximum for combined cranial nerve palsy. The most common conservatively managed nerve palsy in this study group was the fourth nerve palsy.
Investigating the effects of carvacrol in rats using oxygen-induced retinopathy model
Authors: Kaymaz Abdulgani , Ulaş Fatih , Çetinkaya Ayhan , Erimşah Sevilay
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Investigating the effects of intraperitoneal carvacrol administration in rats using the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model.

Methods:

A total of 28 newborn Sprague Dawley rats were used and the OIR model was created using the 50/10% oxygen model. The study composed of four groups in total. While the OIR model was not used in Group I (control group), it was created for Groups II, III, and IV. About 0.01 mL carvacrol, bevacizumab, or 0.9% NaCl was administered intraperitoneal (IP) to the rats in all groups on postnatal day (PND) 14 as follows: Group I and Group II were administered 0.9% NaCl, Group III was administered bevacizumab, and Group IV was administered carvacrol. On PND 18, rats were sacrificed and their right eyes were enucleated.

Results:

Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies showed that the number of vascular endothelial cells (VECs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) decreased similarly in Group III and Group IV compared with Group II. VECs values for Group I, Group II, Group III, and Group IV were measured as 0 ± 0, 26.45 ± 4.57, 7.75 ± 1.98, and 5.78 ± 1.72, respectively, and it differed significantly between groups (P < 0.001). Likewise, VEGF levels were observed as 0.06 ± 0.01, 3.31 ± 0.53, 2.47 ± 0.44, and 2.49 ± 0.52, respectively, and it differed significantly between groups (P < 0.001). TNF-α levels were recorded as 0.06 ± 0.01, 3.58 ± 0.38, 2.46 ± 0.49, and 2.29 ± 0.25, respectively, and it differed significantly between groups (P < 0.001). VECs, VEGF, and TNF-α were similar between Group III and IV (range of P values were 0.486–0.998).

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated that carvacrol significantly reduced retinal pathological angiogenesis, NV, VEC nuclei count, VEGF, and TNF-α levels. Moreover, the observed effects were comparable to those of bevacizumab.
Comparison of choroidal thickness in systemic hypertensive subjects with healthy individuals by spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Waghamare Shalaka R , Mittal Sunita , Pathania Monika , Samanta Ramanuj , Kumawat Devesh , Gupta Neeti , Mittal Sanjeev K
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to compare the choroidal thickness in normal population and hypertensive patients and to assess the possible effect of hypertension on choroidal thickness using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT).

Methods:

This was a comparative cross-sectional study. A total of 68 eyes of 34 individuals in the age group of 40–60 years were included in both the hypertensive group and control group. Individuals with refractive error beyond ± 3 D and posterior segment pathology were excluded. The choroidal thickness was measured at the sub-foveal region, 500 μm nasal and 500 μm temporal to the fovea on SD-OCT with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) mode. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and Mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded in all individuals. Duration of hypertension was also noted in hypertensive individuals.

Results:

The choroidal thickness at all locations was significantly lower in the hypertensive group (subfoveal, nasal, temporal and mean choroidal thickness 253.24 ± 63.96 mm, 249.35 ± 63.57 mm, 250.01 ± 63.37 mm, 250.87 ± 63.38 mm, respectively) as compared to the control group (subfoveal, nasal, temporal and mean choroidal thickness 301.25 ± 55.79 mm, 298.97 ± 57.07 mm, 299.49 ± 55.06 mm, 299.90 ± 55.50 mm, respectively). The choroidal thickness in the hypertensive group also had a significant negative correlation with the SBP (Spearman correlation coefficient, rho = –0.35, P = 0.003) and the duration of hypertension (rho = -0.25, P = 0.037).

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated decreased choroidal thickness in systemic hypertensive subjects as compared to age-matched healthy individuals. The choroidal thickness in hypertensive subjects also had a significant but weak negative correlation with SBP and duration of hypertension.
Vitrectomy without encircling band for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with inferior break utilizing 3D heads up viewing system
Authors: Narde Harpreet K , Puri Prabhav , Shaikh Nawazish F , Agarwal Divya , Kumar Atul
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

This study aimed to determine the anatomical and functional outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy without encircling band for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with inferior breaks utilizing 3D heads up viewing system.

Method:

This prospective, single-center study included 22 consecutive eyes with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with only inferior breaks with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) CP2 or less, who underwent pars plana vitrectomy without encircling band, with silicon oil as tamponade. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. The single operation success rate was recorded after silicon oil removal.

Results:

The patient population consisted of 08 women (36%) and 14 men (64%) with a mean age of 56.6 +/− 14.7 years. The mean follow-up period was 8 months. A single break was present in 13 cases (59%), and 2–4 breaks were present in 9 cases (40.9%). The mean time for the surgical procedure was 35 min (range: 25–50). The macula was found to be detached in 19 cases (86.36%) and attached in 3 cases (13.6%). Single operation success rate (SOSR) of vitrectomy, after silicon oil removal without encircling band, for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with inferior breaks was 95.4%. One case redetached due to PVR changes and underwent re-surgery. Final reattachment was achieved in all 22 cases (100%). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved from 1.43 ± 0.59 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) to postoperative BCVA was 0.48 ± 0.34 logMAR (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Pars plana vitrectomy without encircling band, utilizing 3D heads up the system in RRDs with inferior breaks in eyes with PVR grade C2 or less, provides good outcome.
Evaluation of macular and peri-papillary blood vessel density following uncomplicated phacoemulsification in diabetics using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Tarek Noha , Khalil Noha M , ElSheikh Hesham F , Shousha Shireen M
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the macular and peri-papillary blood vessel density following uncomplicated phacoemulsification in diabetics using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

Methods:

An observational case-control study was conducted on 60 patients eligible for phacoemulsification, divided equally into diabetic and control groups. Both study groups were matching in sex, age, and axial length. We excluded diabetic patients of any form of macular edema or treatment history for macular edema. All study participants were subjected to preoperative OCT and OCT-A, which was repeated for all study population 1 month postoperatively.

Results:

We had a mean age of 54.5 ± 6.34 years in the non-diabetic group and 57.2 ± 4.09 years in the diabetic group (P = 0.06). There was a significant increase in the mean value of the macular blood vessels density in the nasal area in both study groups (P = 0.047 in non-diabetic group, P = 0.002 in the diabetic group). The percentage of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus vessel density (RPCP VD) change was non-significant on comparing the results for the diabetic group (mean preoperative value = 52.8 ± 4.47, postoperative = 52.0 ± 4.59, P = 0.204, D is the preoperative-postoperative value = 0.8), and also was non-significant for the non-diabetic group (mean preoperative value = 50.9 ± 4.89, postoperative = 52.1 ± 4.89, P = 0. 0.090, D = -1.3). On comparing the results of the diabetic and nondiabetic groups, the RPCP VD D was significantly different (P = 0.034).

Conclusion:

Uncomplicated phacoemulsification results in increase of the nasal macular blood vessel density in the normal population and in diabetic patients without retinopathy.
Color vision in civil aviation
Authors: Singh Atul K , Khan Mansur A , Singh Anirudh , Maheshwari Anjali
Published: May 2021

Color vision deficiency (CVD) is a condition that results in individuals being unable to distinguish differences between certain colors. Occupational color vision standards were introduced in aviation in 1919 by The Aeronautical Commission of the International Civil Air Navigation Authority. Concern has been expressed during the last few years that the current color vision standards in aviation may be too stringent and, at the same time, also variable across the world. The tests employed do not always reflect the tasks pilots encounter in today’s aviation environment. This ambiguity leads to the possible exclusion of deserving applicants for selection as aircrew. The compatibility of CVD with aircraft crew is assessed by medical personnel using clinical diagnosis tests on the ground level. These clinical tests were developed specifically to detect the presence, nature, and severity of CVD. No clinical tests yet provide a measure of operational performance in operating an aircraft. Arbitrary pass marks have been assigned to clinical tests such that a failing candidate will either be subject to operational restrictions or excluded completely. The prescribed clinical tests and associated pass marks vary considerably between regulators. While an individual may be subject to no restrictions in one jurisdiction, they may be excluded in another. This article highlights newer diagnostic techniques adopted by different countries for assessing color vision to see for the scope of evidence-based guidelines for minimum color vision requirements for flight crew as well as for civil aviation in India.
Topical timolol 0.5% as the primary treatment of ophthalmic pyogenic granuloma: A prospective, single-arm study
Authors: Jaiswal Hrishabh , Patidar Narendra , Shah Chintan , Singh Rukmendra , Jain Elesh , Piyush Parimal
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

To study topical timolol (0.5%) as a first-line treatment in ophthalmic pyogenic granuloma (PG) in terms of safety and efficacy.

Methods:

This was a prospective, interventional, single-arm study conducted at a tertiary eye care hospital in central India. Only new cases of PG were counseled to get enrolled in the study. A total of 40 patients were analyzed in the study. Topical timolol eye drop (0.5%) was started in each patient twice daily for 4–6 weeks duration. The patients were divided into five categories according to the percentage reduction in the size of PG as follows: i) 80–100% reduction - excellent responders, ii) 60–80% – good, iii) 40–60% – satisfactory, iv) 20–40% – poor, and v) <20% – very poor/nonresponder. After 6 months of starting treatment final evaluation was done.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 23.5 ± 13.3 years. Etiology of the disease included chalazion (n = 11, 27.5%), trauma (n = 2, 5%), surgery (n = 7, 17.5%), foreign body (n = 2, 5%), and idiopathic (n = 18, 45%). An excellent response was achieved in 31 (77.5%) patients. Twenty-seven (67.5%) patients had complete resolution of lesions within 6 weeks. Recurrence of the lesion was not noticed in any patients.

Conclusion:

Timolol 0.5% in topical form is a good treatment option for ophthalmic PG in all age groups. The treatment has no adverse effects when given to suitable individuals for a limited period.
Comparison of diagnostic ability of standard automated perimetry, short wavelength automated perimetry, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness analysis and ganglion cell layer thickness analysis in early detection of glaucoma
Authors: VKS Kalyani , Bharucha Khurshed M , Goyal Nikhil , Deshpande Madan M
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic ability of macular ganglion cell layer (GCL) analysis using spectral domain optical coherence tomography against retinal nerve fiber layer analysis (RNFL), short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP), and standard automated perimetry (SAP) in early detection of glaucoma.

Methods:

Participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were consecutively enrolled from the glaucoma clinic of tertiary care eye hospital in Western India from November 2015 to October 2016. The subjects underwent a detailed evaluation by trained glaucoma specialists. On suspicion of glaucoma, the patients underwent SAP, SWAP, and SD-OCT for GCL and RNFL analysis.

Results:

There were 91 patients in total of which experts classified 54 eyes into GON and 37 eyes into nonglaucomatous group. Sensitivity of SAP (42.59%) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of average GCL thickness (79.63%) and average RNFL thickness (72.22%). Specificity and positive LR of SWAP (97.3% and 19.19, respectively) and SAP (94.6% and 7.88, respectively) were greater than those of GCL (81.08% and 4.21) and RNFL (67.57% and 2.23) parameters. Negative LR of average GCL thickness (0.25) was superior to that of average RNFL thickness (0.411), SWAP (0.495), and SAP (0.607).

Conclusion:

Macular GCL parameters perform better than RNFL parameters in patients with early glaucomatous damage. There is superior ability of SWAP over SAP in detecting glaucomatous changes in glaucoma suspect group. GCL thickness analysis has higher sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio, whereas SWAP had higher specificity and positive likelihood ratio. Thus, combining both tests can lead to better diagnostic ability for early glaucomatous damage.