bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagy—A Story of Bacteria Interfering with the Host Cell Degradation Machinery
Authors: Riebisch Anna K. , Mühlen Sabrina , Beer Yan Yan , Schmitz Ingo
Published: January 2021

Autophagy is a highly conserved and fundamental cellular process to maintain cellular homeostasis through recycling of defective organelles or proteins. In a response to intracellular pathogens, autophagy further acts as an innate immune response mechanism to eliminate pathogens. This review will discuss recent findings on autophagy as a reaction to intracellular pathogens, such as Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, and pathogenic Escherichia coli. Interestingly, while some of these bacteria have developed methods to use autophagy for their own benefit within the cell, others have developed fascinating mechanisms to evade recognition, to subvert the autophagic pathway, or to escape from autophagy.
Apicomplexan Protozoa Responsible for Reproductive Disorders: Occurrence of DNA in Blood and Milk of Donkeys (Equus asinus) and Minireview of the Related Literature
Authors: Perrucci Stefania , Guardone Lisa , Altomonte Iolanda , Salari Federica , Nardoni Simona , Martini Mina , Mancianti Francesca
Published: January 2021

Donkeys may be susceptible to many pathological agents and may act as carriers of pathogens for other animal species and humans. This study evaluated the occurrence of potentially abortifacient apicomplexan protozoa DNA in blood and milk samples collected at different time periods during lactation (1, 6, and 10 months) from 33 healthy dairy jennies. A total of 73 blood and 73 milk samples were used for DNA extraction and analysis. Blood specimens from 11/33 (33%) jennies scored positive for Theileria equi, while milk samples scored negative. Blood and milk of 3/33 jennies yielded DNA of Toxoplasma gondii at 6 months (n. 1) and 10 months (n. 2) after parturition. Neospora caninum DNA was found in four milk and in five blood samples only at one month after parturition. This study is the first report about the presence of N. caninum DNA in milk of naturally infected jennies. Moreover, the excretion of N. caninum DNA in some of these jennies at 30 days from the parturition may suggest a possible occurrence of an endogenous cycle, while the presence of T. gondii DNA in the milk collected at 6 and 10 months after parturition may be suggestive of a discontinuous excretion.
Protective Effect of Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidants against Inflammatory Response to Lipopolysaccharide Challenge: A Review
Authors: Fock Ekaterina M. , Parnova Rimma G.
Published: January 2021

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is the most abundant proinflammatory agent. Considerable evidence indicates that LPS challenge inescapably causes oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to cell and tissue damage. Increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) generation triggered by LPS is known to play a key role in the progression of the inflammatory response. mtROS at excessive levels impair electron transport chain functioning, reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential, and initiate lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of mitochondrial proteins and mtDNA. Over the past 20 years, a large number of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (mito-AOX) of different structures that can accumulate inside mitochondria and scavenge free radicals have been synthesized. Their protective role based on the prevention of oxidative stress and the restoration of mitochondrial function has been demonstrated in a variety of common diseases and pathological states. This paper reviews the current data on the beneficial application of different mito-AOX in animal endotoxemia models, in either in vivo or in vitro experiments. The results presented in our review demonstrate the promising potential of approaches based on mito-AOX in the development of new treatment strategies against Gram-negative infections and LPS per se.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Morpho-Physiological Traits in Aegilops tauschii to Broaden Wheat Genetic Diversity
Authors: Mahjoob Mazin Mahjoob Mohamed , Gorafi Yasir Serag Alnor , Kamal Nasrein Mohamed , Yamasaki Yuji , Tahir Izzat Sidahmed Ali , Matsuoka Yoshihiro , Tsujimoto Hisashi
Published: January 2021

Aegilops tauschii, the D-genome donor of bread wheat, is a storehouse of genetic diversity that can be used for wheat improvement. This species consists of two main lineages (TauL1 and TauL2) and one minor lineage (TauL3). Its morpho-physiological diversity is large, with adaptations to a wide ecological range. Identification of allelic diversity in Ae. tauschii is of utmost importance for efficient breeding and widening of the genetic base of wheat. This study aimed at identifying markers or genes associated with morpho-physiological traits in Ae. tauschii, and at understanding the difference in genetic diversity between the two main lineages. We performed genome-wide association studies of 11 morpho-physiological traits of 343 Ae. tauschii accessions representing the entire range of habitats using 34,829 DArTseq markers. We observed a wide range of morpho-physiological variation among all accessions. We identified 23 marker–trait associations (MTAs) in all accessions, 15 specific to TauL1 and eight specific to TauL2, suggesting independent evolution in each lineage. Some of the MTAs could be novel and have not been reported in bread wheat. The markers or genes identified in this study will help reveal the genes controlling the morpho-physiological traits in Ae. tauschii, and thus in bread wheat even if the plant morphology is different.
Determination of Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activities of Leaves and Stems from Jatropha cinerea (Ortega) Müll. Arg and Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg
Authors: Vega-Ruiz Yeimi Cecilia , Hayano-Kanashiro Corina , Gámez-Meza Nohemí , Medina-Juárez Luis Angel
Published: January 2021

Jatropha species have been shown to be an important source of secondary metabolites with different biological effects. Jatropha cinerea (Ortega) Müll. Arg and Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg are distributed in the Northwestern region of Mexico, are adapted to extreme weather conditions and are widely used (stems, leaves, and sap) in traditional medicine. The aim of the present study was to carry out the phytochemical characterization and the evaluation of the antioxidant activity in methanolic extracts of stems and leaves from J. cinerea and J. cordata. The compounds present in the extracts of both species were characterized by ESI-IT-MS/MS and quantified by HPLC-DAD. The results showed that the stem extracts of both species are rich in phenolic acids, while the leaf extracts are rich in flavonoids. Some of the main compounds found were gallic acid, gentisic acid, 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid, vitexin, isovitexin, and catechol. Both species showed high concentrations of phenols and total flavonoids and antioxidant activity. J. cordata showed the highest antioxidant capacity and the highest concentration of phenolic compounds. Overall, both Jatropha species are a natural source of antioxidant compounds with potential biotechnological uses.
Localized Quantitative Analysis of Polymeric Films through Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Villaseñor Ángela , Sánchez Raquel , Boccongelli Marina , Todolí José-Luis
Published: January 2021

The present work shows, for the first time, the application of laser ablation connected to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to the localized quantitative analysis of inclusions in polymeric industrial films. The multielemental mapping capabilities of LA-ICP-MS has allowed to chemically examine unique defects appeared during the plastic processing. This analytical tool is perfectly suited to detect elements such as Al, Mg, Zr, Ti, Cr, P, Pb, Sb, Zn, and Si in those inclusions. A method for multielemental quantitative analysis of these defects has been developed in the present work. The profiling for more than 100 different defects in three samples has demonstrated that more than 50% of these inclusions contain aggregates of some of the aforementioned elements. Therefore, the distribution of elements used as additives or present in catalysts must be carefully controlled during the production of polymeric films in order to avoid degradation in their performance.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Crystal Nucleation near Interfaces in Incompatible Polymer Blends
Authors: Zhang Wenlin , Zou Lingyi
Published: January 2021

We apply molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate crystal nucleation in incompatible polymer blends under deep supercooling conditions. Simulations of isothermal nucleation are performed for phase-separated blends with different degrees of incompatibility. In weakly segregated blends, slow and incompatible chains in crystallizable polymer domains can significantly hinder the crystal nucleation and growth. When a crystallizable polymer is blended with a more mobile species in interfacial regions, enhanced molecular mobility leads to the fast growth of crystalline order. However, the incubation time remains the same as that in pure samples. By inducing anisotropic alignment near the interfaces of strongly segregated blends, phase separation also promotes crystalline order to grow near interfaces between different polymer domains.
CVD Conditions for MWCNTs Production and Their Effects on the Optical and Electrical Properties of PPy/MWCNTs, PANI/MWCNTs Nanocomposites by In Situ Electropolymerization
Authors: Brachetti-Sibaja Silvia Beatriz , Palma-Ramírez Diana , Torres-Huerta Aidé Minerva , Domínguez-Crespo Miguel Antonio , Dorantes-Rosales Héctor Javier , Rodríguez-Salazar Adela Eugenia , Ramírez-Meneses Esther
Published: January 2021

In this work, the optimal conditions of synthesizing and purifying carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from ferrocene were selected at the first stage, where decomposition time, argon fluxes, precursor amounts, decomposition temperature (at 1023 K and 1123 K), and purification process (HNO3 + H2SO4 or HCl + H2O2), were modulated through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and compared to commercial CNTs. The processing temperature at 1123 K and the treatment with HCl + H2O2 were key parameters influencing the purity, crystallinity, stability, and optical/electrical properties of bamboo-like morphology CNTs. Selected multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs), from 1 to 20 wt%, were electropolymerized through in-situ polarization with conductive polymers (CPs), poly(aniline) (PANI) and poly(pyrrole) (PPy), for obtaining composites. In terms of structural stability and electrical properties, MWCNTs obtained by CVD were found to be better than commercial ones for producing CPs composites. The CNTs addition in both polymeric matrixes was of 6.5 wt%. In both systems, crystallinity degree, related to the alignment of PC chains on MWCNTs surface, was improved. Electrical conductivity, in terms of the carrier density and mobility, was adequately enhanced with CVD CNTs, which were even better than the evaluated commercial CNTs. The findings of this study demonstrate that synergistic effects among the hydrogen bonds, stability, and conductivity are better in PANI/MWCNTs than in PPy/MWCNTs composites, which open a promissory route to prepare materials for different technological applications.
Han and/as Ressentiment: Lessons from Minjung Theology
Authors: Han Sam
Published: January 2021

Following calls in recent critical debates in English-language Korean studies to reevaluate the cultural concept of han (often translated as “resentment”), this article argues for its reconsideration from the vantage point of minjung theology, a theological perspective that emerged in South Korea in the 1970s, which has been dubbed the Korean version of “liberation theology”. Like its Latin American counterpart, minjung theology understood itself in explicitly political terms, seeking to reinvigorate debates around the question of theodicy—the problem of suffering vis-à-vis the existence of a divine being or order. Studying some of the ways in which minjung theologians connected the concept of han to matters of suffering, this article argues, offers an opening towards a redirection from han’s dominant understanding within academic discourse and public culture as a special and unique racial essence of Korean people. Moreover, by putting minjung theology in conversation with contemporary political theory, in particular the works of Wendy Brown and Lauren Berlant, this article hopes to bring minjung theology to the attention of critical theory.
PolSAR Image Classification Using a Superpixel-Based Composite Kernel and Elastic Net
Authors: Cao Yice , Wu Yan , Li Ming , Liang Wenkai , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2021

The presence of speckles and the absence of discriminative features make it difficult for the pixel-level polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image classification to achieve more accurate and coherent interpretation results, especially in the case of limited available training samples. To this end, this paper presents a composite kernel-based elastic net classifier (CK-ENC) for better PolSAR image classification. First, based on superpixel segmentation of different scales, three types of features are extracted to consider more discriminative information, thereby effectively suppressing the interference of speckles and achieving better target contour preservation. Then, a composite kernel (CK) is constructed to map these features and effectively implement feature fusion under the kernel framework. The CK exploits the correlation and diversity between different features to improve the representation and discrimination capabilities of features. Finally, an ENC integrated with CK (CK-ENC) is proposed to achieve better PolSAR image classification performance with limited training samples. Experimental results on airborne and spaceborne PolSAR datasets demonstrate that the proposed CK-ENC can achieve better visual coherence and yield higher classification accuracies than other state-of-art methods, especially in the case of limited training samples.
Fiber Optic Gas Sensors Based on Lossy Mode Resonances and Sensing Materials Used Therefor: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Vitoria Ignacio , Ruiz Zamarreño Carlos , Ozcariz Aritz , Matias Ignacio R.
Published: January 2021

Pollution in cities induces harmful effects on human health, which continuously increases the global demand of gas sensors for air quality control and monitoring. In the same manner, the industrial sector requests new gas sensors for their productive processes. Moreover, the association between exhaled gases and a wide range of diseases or health conditions opens the door for new diagnostic applications. The large number of applications for gas sensors has permitted the development of multiple sensing technologies. Among them, optical fiber gas sensors enable their utilization in remote locations, confined spaces or hostile environments as well as corrosive or explosive atmospheres. Particularly, Lossy Mode Resonance (LMR)-based optical fiber sensors employ the traditional metal oxides used for gas sensing purposes for the generation of the resonances. Some research has been conducted on the development of LMR-based optical fiber gas sensors; however, they have not been fully exploited yet and offer optimal possibilities for improvement. This review gives the reader a complete overview of the works focused on the utilization of LMR-based optical fiber sensors for gas sensing applications, summarizing the materials used for the development of these sensors as well as the fabrication procedures and the performance of these devices.
Valuing Ecosystem Services at the Urban Level: A Critical Review
Authors: Croci Edoardo , Lucchitta Benedetta , Penati Tommaso
Published: January 2021

This paper critically analyses the methodologies that can be adopted to value ecosystem services (ESs) at the urban level through a literature review. While literature on ES valuation has grown in recent years, its application to urban contexts is still limited. Twenty-five papers, which include 29 different case studies, carry out an economic valuation and have undergone an in-depth analysis. The papers have been selected out of 80 papers detected through keywords. Six different valuation methodologies have been employed in the case studies. The most common ESs valued at the urban level are air quality regulation, local climate regulation, carbon sequestration and storage, and aesthetic appreciation and inspiration for culture, art, and design. The methodologies recur with different frequencies in the valuation of ESs at the urban level. Choice modeling and contingent valuation methodologies are used to value a variety of ESs, including regulating, cultural, and supporting services. Other methodologies are used to value only specific ESs. The replacement cost and damage cost avoided methodologies are used for the assessment of regulation services only; the travel cost method and contingent valuation are used for cultural services only. The results indicate that the considered valuation methodologies show different levels of appropriateness with respect to specific ES categories. Therefore, there is a need to expand the application of valuation methodologies to capture the value of all ESs provided by natural resources, in order to protect and enhance them.
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) as Green Bioinoculants: Recent Developments, Constraints, and Prospects
Authors: Basu Anirban , Prasad Priyanka , Das Subha Narayan , Kalam Sadaf , Sayyed R. Z. , Reddy M. S. , El Enshasy Hesham
Published: January 2021

The quest for enhancing agricultural yields due to increased pressure on food production has inevitably led to the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals. Biofertilizers are emerging as a suitable alternative to counteract the adverse environmental impacts exerted by synthetic agrochemicals. Biofertilizers facilitate the overall growth and yield of crops in an eco-friendly manner. They contain living or dormant microbes, which are applied to the soil or used for treating crop seeds. One of the foremost candidates in this respect is rhizobacteria. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an important cluster of beneficial, root-colonizing bacteria thriving in the plant rhizosphere and bulk soil. They exhibit synergistic and antagonistic interactions with the soil microbiota and engage in an array of activities of ecological significance. They promote plant growth by facilitating biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and support the nutrition of host plants. Due to their active growth endorsing activities, PGPRs are considered an eco-friendly alternative to hazardous chemical fertilizers. The use of PGPRs as biofertilizers is a biological approach toward the sustainable intensification of agriculture. However, their application for increasing agricultural yields has several pros and cons. Application of potential biofertilizers that perform well in the laboratory and greenhouse conditions often fails to deliver the expected effects on plant development in field settings. Here we review the different types of PGPR-based biofertilizers, discuss the challenges faced in the widespread adoption of biofertilizers, and deliberate the prospects of using biofertilizers to promote sustainable agriculture.
Erosion Control and Growth Promotion of W-OH Material on Red Clay Highway Slopes: A Case Study in South China
Authors: Qin Xiao-chun , Ni An-chen , Zhang Nan , Chen Zheng-hao
Published: January 2021

Ecological restoration is difficult on the red clay highway slopes in the rainy areas in South China that experience severe soil erosion. By using the hydrophilic polyurethane material W-OH to solidify and protect red clay slopes, the erosion control will be substantially improved. We employed simulated rainfall erosion experiments and pot experiments to evaluate the anti-corrosion and growth promotion performances. We found that, (1) in the initial stage of protection, W-OH had the effect of accelerating slope drainage, solidifying the soil structure, and reducing soil loss, with the sediment reduction benefit reaching 37.4–65.3%. (2) The anti-erosion effect was mainly based on soil solidification. (3) The W-OH was affected by rainfall intensity and the W-OH concentration, and the soil erosion prediction equation was constructed according to the observation. (4) W-OH had a promising water retention performance and can promote the germination and late growth of slope plants to reduce the influence of eluviation. (5) The suitable W-OH solution concentration was 3–5% for slope protection herbs and shrubs, which were commonly used in South China. (6) The reduction in porosity was the fundamental cause of water retention improvement. The ecological restoration of slopes is a comprehensive process. Therefore, both anti-erosion performance and later plant growth are necessary. Our research provides a theoretical and experimental basis for applying the W-OH in the ecological restoration of the red clay slopes in subtropical areas and expanding the scope of the W-OH.
Expert Views on the Future Development of Biogas Business Branch in Germany, The Netherlands, and Finland until 2030
Authors: Winquist Erika , Van Galen Michiel , Zielonka Simon , Rikkonen Pasi , Oudendag Diti , Zhou Lijun , Greijdanus Auke
Published: January 2021

To be able to meet the European Union’s energy and climate targets for 2030, all member states need to rethink their energy production and use. One potential renewable energy source is biogas. Its role has been relatively small compared to other energy sources, but it could have a more central role to solve some specific challenges, e.g., to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from traffic, or to act as a buffer to balance electricity production with consumption. This research analyses how the future of the biogas business in three case study countries is developing until 2030. The study is based on experts’ views within the biogas business branch in Germany, The Netherlands, and Finland. Both similarities and differences were found among the experts’ answers, which reflected also the current policies in different countries. The role of biogas was seen much wider than just to provide renewable energy, but also to decrease emissions from agriculture and close loops in a circular economy. However, the future of the biogas branch is much dependent on political decisions. To be able to show the full potential of biogas technology for society, stable and predictable energy policy and cross-sector co-operation are needed.
Bioaerosol Contribution to Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Indoor University Environments
Authors: Marcovecchio Francesca , Perrino Cinzia
Published: January 2021

Within the framework of the project “Integrated Evaluation of Indoor Particulate Exposure”, we carried out a 4-week field study to determine indoor bioaerosol, and its contribution to particulate matter (PM)10 and organic matter. The study was carried out in university classrooms, where most of the common indoor sources of atmospheric particles are missing. Bioaerosol was determined by a method based on propidium iodide staining, observation by fluorescence microscopy, and image analysis. Indoor bioaerosol concentrations were compared with outdoor values, which were determined simultaneously. The samplings periods were scheduled to divide weekday hours, when the students were inside, from night-time hours and weekends. Very high bioaerosol concentrations were detected inside the classrooms with respect to outdoor values. The mean difference was 49 μg/m3 when the students were inside, 5.4 μg/m3 during the night, and it became negative during the weekends. Indoor-to-outdoor ratios were 6.0, 4.2, and 0.7, respectively. Bioaerosol contributed 26% to organics and 10% to PM10. In indoor samples collected during the day, the microscope images showed numerous skin fragments, which were mostly responsible for the increase in the bioaerosol mass. People’s presence proved to be responsible for a significant increase in bioaerosol concentration in crowded indoor environments.
Technical Efficiency of Chemical Fertilizer Use and Its Influencing Factors in China’s Rice Production
Authors: Sun Zhilu , Li Xiande
Published: January 2021

Low technical efficiency and excessive usage of chemical fertilizer in grain production is a problem commonly faced by China and many other developing countries, which leads to serious environment pollution and high environmental governance cost. China is the largest rice producing and consuming country, and several kinds of rice are grown in China and all of which are important edible grain. However, there has been no systematic research on kind difference and provincial difference of technical efficiency of chemical fertilizer use (TEFU) for rice production. Using the data of China’s 22 rice production provinces from the China Agricultural Product Cost-Benefit Compilation and the China Statistical Yearbook, this study measures the TEFU for early indica rice, intermediary indica rice, late indica rice, and japonica rice production by using a stochastic frontier production function (SFPF) model, and then analyzes TEFU’s influencing factors using a Tobit model and conducts the robustness check using a panel data fixed effect model. We found that, on average, TEFU for four kinds of rice production were improved significantly during 1997–2018, increasing by 67.70%, 39.93%, 14.76%, and 21.88%, respectively. TEFU for China’s rice production have significant differences among different kinds and production provinces, and still have large improvement potential. Government’s fiscal support to agriculture, agricultural labor productivity, agricultural mechanization, effective irrigation, and implementation of the “Soil Testing and Formulated Fertilization Program” (STFFP) have significant positive impact on TEFU; and natural disaster and fertilizer price have significant negative impact on TEFU.
Effect of Grouser Height on the Tractive Performance of Single Grouser Shoe under Different Soil Moisture Contents in Clay Loam Terrain
Authors: Shaikh Sher Ali , Li Yaoming , Zheng Ma , Chandio Farman Ali , Ahmad Fiaz , Tunio Mazhar Hussain , Abbas Irfan
Published: January 2021

The grouser height and soil conditions have a considerable influence on the tractive performance of single-track shoe. A soil bin-based research was conducted to assess the influence of grouser height on the tractive performance of single-track shoe at different moisture contents of clay loam soil. Eight moisture contents (7.5, 12, 16.7, 21.5, 26.2, 30.7, 35.8, and 38%) and three grouser heights (45, 55, and 60 mm) were comprised during this study. The tractive performance parameters of (thrust, running resistance, and traction) were determined by penetration test. A sensor-based soil bin was designed for penetration tests, which was included penetration system (AC motor, loadcell, and displacement sensor). The test results revealed that soil cohesion was decreased, and adhesion was increased after 16.7% moisture content. Soil thrust at lateral sides and bottom of grouser were increased before 16.7%, and then decreased for all the three heights but the major decrease was observed at 45 mm height. The motion resistance was linearly decreased, the more reduction was on 45 mm at 38% moisture content. The traction of the single-track shoe was decreased with a rise in moisture content, the maximum decrease was on 45 mm grouser height at 38% moisture content. It could be concluded that an off-road tracked vehicle (crawler combine harvester) with 45 mm grouser height of single-track shoe could be operated towards a moderate moisture content range (16.7–21.5%) under paddy soil for better traction.
Precision Agriculture for Resource Use Efficiency in Smallholder Farming Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Onyango Cecilia M. , Nyaga Justine M. , Wetterlind Johanna , Söderström Mats , Piikki Kristin
Published: January 2021

Opportunities exist for adoption of precision agriculture technologies in all parts of the world. The form of precision agriculture may vary from region to region depending on technologies available, knowledge levels and mindsets. The current review examined research articles in the English language on precision agriculture practices for increased productivity among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 7715 articles were retrieved and after screening 128 were reviewed. The results indicate that a number of precision agriculture technologies have been tested under SSA conditions and show promising results. The most promising precision agriculture technologies identified were the use of soil and plant sensors for nutrient and water management, as well as use of satellite imagery, GIS and crop-soil simulation models for site-specific management. These technologies have been shown to be crucial in attainment of appropriate management strategies in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of resource use in SSA. These technologies are important in supporting sustainable agricultural development. Most of these technologies are, however, at the experimental stage, with only South Africa having applied them mainly in large-scale commercial farms. It is concluded that increased precision in input and management practices among SSA smallholder farmers can significantly improve productivity even without extra use of inputs.
Cultural Background in Tamil Malayalam Short stories
Authors:   Department of Tamil, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science for Women, Coimbatore- 641044, Tamil Nadu, India., N Deepa Saravanan
Published: January 2021

The zealous biological ideas that refine human life are one that is necessary to discover that language is transcendent. A comparative study of the works of contemporary living bilingual writers will reveal the richness of the literature. In the sense that this study becomes essential. Among the contemporary creators are Tamil writer Nanjil Nadan and Malayalam writer C.V. Balakrishnan. The book compares the short stories of two authors, Balakrishnan, and explores cultural contexts. A comparative study of the works of bilingual artists from different countries reveals the customs and cultures of their community and how their country's arts are nurtured and preserved.
Effect of Intraoperative Use of Topical Mitomycin C on Intraocular Pressure in Patients with Pterygium Excision
Authors: Mahar Pir Salim , Manzar Nabeel , Ahmed Khabir
Published: January 2021

Aim: To determine the effect of intraoperative adjunctive topical mitomycin C on intraocular pressure in patients undergoing pterygium excision.Methods: This was a descriptive interventional case series of 102 patients (118 eyes) with different grades of pterygium treated from 1995 to 2008. All patients underwent pterygium excision with intraoperative mitomycin C 0.2 mg/mL administered for 1 to 5 minutes. Changes in intraocular pressure were recorded on days 1 and 7, and at 3 months. Data were analysed using proportion, group means, standard deviations, analysis of variance, and paired Student t test.Results: There was no significant decline in intraocular pressure throughout the follow-up period (p = 0.435, Student t test). At 3 months postoperatively, 109 eyes (92.4%) had no changes in intraocular pressure >5 mm Hg, of whom 78 (72%) experienced minimal changes that were not statistically significant.Conclusions: Intraoperative topical administration of mitomycin C has a minimal effect on lowering intraocular pressure in patients with pterygium. These results do not support the trans-scleral effect of mitomycin C on the ciliary body as an intraocular pressure–lowering mechanism in glaucoma filtering surgery.
Non-central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Bronshtein Relli Ovadia , Chet-Shoer Keren , Rumelt Shimon
Published: January 2021

Central serous chorioretinopathy occupies the macula and has been described in association with different conditions, including pregnancy. In this report, a 23-year-old pregnant woman underwent uneventful caesarean section in the 40th week of pregnancy after failure of vaginal delivery. One day after the delivery, the patient complained of blurred vision in her left eye and was found to have atypical, eccentric serous chorioretinopathy that subsequently resolved gradually. Serous chorioretinopathy may be atypical in location and occur after delivery because of high blood pressure, hormonal changes, or stressogenic delivery.
Primary Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the Eyelid
Authors: Chhabra Sonia , Singh Sunita , Kalra Rajnish , Duhan Amrita , Marwah Nisha , Sen Rajeev
Published: January 2021

Malignant tumours affecting the eyelid include basal cell carcinoma (85% to 95%), squamous cell carcinoma (approximately 5%), sebaceous carcinoma (1% to 5%), and malignant melanoma (1%). Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the eyelid is rare. This report is of an 80-year-old woman who presented with diffuse left upper eyelid swelling, clinically suspected to be a haemangioma. Rare diseases should be considered in differential diagnoses because they have the potential for rapid systemic involvement and may need treatment that is different from that of other common diseases at the same site.
Pregnancy-induced Bilateral Corneal Oedema
Authors: Pandian Datta G , Nogrum Benjamin , Srinivasan Renuka , Gopaliah Bhanushree
Published: January 2021

This report is of a 20-year-old woman with pregnancy-induced bilateral corneal oedema causing significant visual loss. The patient presented at 37 weeks of gestation with decreased vision and redness in both eyes. She also had pregnancy-induced hypertension, thyrotoxicosis, and rheumatic heart disease with mitral regurgitation. She was treated conservatively with tear substitutes. Following delivery, there was a dramatic decrease in corneal oedema and improvement in visual acuity. Oestrogen receptors have been demonstrated in corneal tissues, and the water-retaining property of oestrogen in tissues is well known. Pregnancyinduced increase in corneal thickness is known, but diffuse epithelial oedema has not been reported. This report highlights the importance of hormone-induced changes in the cornea during pregnancy.
Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Orbit as Initial Presentation of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Razak Rosniza Abdul , Thamboo Thomas Paulraj , Amrith Shantha
Published: January 2021

This report is of a patient with a rare extramedullary plasmacytoma of the orbit as the initial manifestation of systemic multiple myeloma. A 34-year-old otherwise healthy man presented with periorbital pain for 2 weeks with proptosis, diplopia, and limited ocular motility in the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extraconal mass at the superotemporal region of the left orbit with bony erosion and an enhancing orbital lesion in the temporal quadrant of the right orbit. Histopathological examination of the orbital mass revealed a plasmacytoma with lambda light chain restriction. Systemic evaluation revealed an immunoglobulin G myeloma with multiple myeloma in the first lumbar vertebra, hypercalcaemia, and renal impairment. Chemotherapy was planned. Plasmacytoma of the orbit is rare and can present as the first manifestation of multiple myeloma. Ophthalmologists should be aware of such a presentation and must act promptly. This report reviews the presenting features.
Cataract in Seckel Syndrome
Authors: Rao Vinita Girish , Deshpande Gunjan Abhijit , Rao Girish Shiva , Rehman Pooja G
Published: January 2021

Seckel syndrome is an extremely rare inherited disorder characterised by severe growth retardation in utero, which continues later in life, resulting in short stature. Seckel syndrome presents as microcephaly, mental retardation, and a beak-like nose. This report describes a patient with Seckel syndrome who had bilateral cataract and underwent uneventful small incision cataract surgery in both eyes. The association of cataract with Seckel syndrome has not been described in the literature to the best of the authors’ knowledge.
Contact-lens related keratitis caused by an atypical organism
Authors: Ratnalingam Vanitha , Thean Pooi Yee , Retnasabapathy Shamala , Santhirathelaga Chandramalar
Published: January 2021

This is a case report of contact-lens related, infectious keratitis with a subsequentperforation. A tectonic penetrating keratoplasty was performed and Sphingomonas paucimobiliswas cultured from the corneal button. One week post surgery, the patient developed are-infection involving the donor button. This was treated based on culture and sensitivity of thecorneal button and the infection resolved. Two months post surgery, the patient’s vision wascounting fingers in the affected eye. The corneal infection had completely resolved, but the grafthad failed despite the use of topical steroids.
The eye examination, the key diagnosis in a rare case of Wilson disease
Authors: Yaghoobi Gholamhossein , Yaghoobi Mohammad Ali , Heydari Behrouz , Heidari Elahe
Published: January 2021

We report of a 19-year-old man complaining of clumsy gait, drooling of saliva, difficulty in speech, and behavioral changes who underwent ophthalmic examination and was diagnosed with a rare case of Wilson disease: Kayser-Fleischer ring and unilateral hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium.
Continuous subpalpebral antimicrobial lavage for pseudomonas scleritis secondary to pterygium excision
Authors: Clement Colin I , Kearns Margaret , Berdoukas Paula , McCluskey Peter
Published: January 2021

Infectious scleritis is an uncommon but potentially blinding complication of pterygium surgery.
An Aid for achieving the ideal laser posterior capsulotomy
Authors: Ong Keith Soo Keat
Published: January 2021

A 2.5- to 4-mm well-centered laser posterior capsulotomy would be ideal. A 2-mm posterior capsulotomy which is well-centered in the pupil region may be adequate. Laser posterior capsulotomies larger than 5 mm is not necessary and if not wellcentered may extend over the optic of intraocular lens risking vitreous coming forward around the optic if the anterior capsulorrhexis does not cover the edge of the optic completely. Too large a posterior capsulotomy may also risk posterior migration of intraocular lens with the plate haptic intraocular lens. ...
Awareness and perception of budding doctors: A focal scenario on eye donation
Authors: Basu Mausumi , Das Palash , Roy Biman , Baruah Jayanta Kumar
Published: January 2021

Background: Diseases affecting the cornea constitute a major cause of blindness. Corneal transplantation offers the potential for sight restoration. Due to non-availability of healthy cornea, many people continue to live in a dark world.Objectives: To assess the awareness and perception of undergraduate medical students towards eye donation.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of Kolkata on August 2010 using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Epi-info software package version 6.04.Results: Almost all (98.9%) participants knew that eyes can be donated and 70.8% were aware at the time of eye collection. However, only 43.7% respondents knew whom to approach for pledging their eyes for donation; 80.7% were either willing (76.0%) or had already pledged (4.7%) to donate their eyes. Television was the major source (78.1%) of information on eye donation. Nobility was the main motivation (87.7%) and 75.5% felt the need for helping the blind. Of these medical students, 19.3% were unaware and did not pledge eye donation due to objection by family members and dislike of the idea of separating their eyes.Conclusion: The present study revealed that medical students were well aware of eye donation with a favorable attitude towards it and most of them were inclined to pledge for eye donation. The perceived reasons for not donating eyes need to be considered while creating awareness about eye donation in the community. Students can be actively involved as volunteers in eye donation campaigns and after proper training in counselling techniques, they can act as counsellors for eye donation activities.
A rare case of Arthrographis kalrae keratomycosis in a non-contact lens wearer
Authors: Chow Rhuen Chiou , Chong Soh Yee , Khaw Keat Ween , Yushaniza Yaacob , Kamalden T.A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Keratomycoses secondary to Arthrographis kalrae are rarely reported. Previous cases involved patients with contact lens wear. Herein we report a rare case of severe fungal keratitis due to Arthrographis kalrae in a non-contact lens wearer.Methods: Case report.Results: A 52-year-old male presented with a left paracentral corneal ulcer with stromal infiltrates following contact with a foreign body while riding a motorbike. Initial treatment with intensive topical antibiotic drops failed. Antifungal therapy with hourly topical amphotericin B 0.15% and fluconazole 0.2%, as well as oral fluconazole was initiated. His ulcer progressed rapidly despite aggressive treatment. This led to a small, peripheral corneal perforation which was treated with corneal gluing and bandage contact lens. He also developed secondary glaucoma. Microbiological cultures of his corneal scrapings revealed Arthrographis kalrae. A single dose of subconjunctival amphotericin B 0.015% o.1mL was then given. At two months after presentation, he eventually underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for non-resolving keratomycosis. Following PK, he was maintained on topical amphotericin B 0.15%, fluconazole 0.2% and ciprofloxacin 0.3% four-hourly, together with fusidic acid ointment 2% twice daily. The graft failed three months post-transplant, albeit with no evidence of residual or recurrent infection.Conclusion: Arthrographis kalrae-related keratitis may occur in non-contact lens wearer. Management remains clinically challenging because this organism causes severe, rapidly progressive keratitis.
Salzmann nodular degeneration after photorefractive keratectomy for hyperopia
Authors: Prasher Pawan
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To report a case of bilateral central Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND) after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for hyperopia.Methods: Case report.Results: A 47-year-old male presented with complaints of glare and difficulty with night driving. He had undergone PRK for hyperopia (+3.5+1.5x180 in the right eye and +4.5+1.0x180 in the left eye) in both eyes about 15 years back. The early postoperative period was uneventful; however, he started having these symptoms after two to three months. At presentation, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/100 and best corrected visual acuity was 20/30 with +3.5+1.0x180 in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination showed bilateral 1-1.5 mm diameter, bluish white nodular lesions involving the central corneas. There were also prominent paracentral brown pigment ring deposits consistent with pseudo-Fleischer rings in both eyes. Scheimpflug images showed dense hyper-reflective nodules that were associated with elevated anterior corneal surface and measured 290 μm in the right eye and 230 μm in the left eye, along with presence of significant astigmatism (K1- 45.1D, K2- 47.8D right eye and K1- 45.4D, K2- 49.2D left eye). Central pachymetry was 485 μm in the right eye and 464 μm in the left eye.Conclusions: SND is a rare complication of PRK for hyperopia that can lead to suboptimal visual outcome. PRK should be included in the list of etiologies leading to SND.
Scleral thinning after eye-whitening surgery
Authors: Ide Takeshi , Ichihashi Yoshiyuki , Toda Ikuko , Fukumoto Teruki , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: January 2021

We report the case of a 32-year-old male patient who presented with conjunctival redness after multiple bilateral eye-whitening surgeries. Slit-lamp examination revealed scleral melting, avascular areas, and demarcation lines in both eyes. Considering the treatment history and the clinical findings of the patient, we conclude that the removal of the conjunctiva and Tenon’s layer and use of mitomycin C is not desirable for a healthy ocular surface.
Giant pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland presenting with diminished vision – a case report
Authors: Mokkapati Phani Kumar , Mahapatra Manisha , Satish Kandula , Ram Kodanada
Published: January 2021

Tumors originating from lacrimal gland are rare.Wepresent a case of a 40 year old patient with pleomorphic adenoma of ectopiclacrimal gland in the left orbit. This large sized tumor was situated deepinside the orbit and compressed the globe and the optic nerve. Patient as aresult presented with proptosis and diminshed vision of the left eye (reducedto just perception of light).A total excision of the tumor was accomplished bymeans of a transcranial approach. Patient recovered well with a goodimprovement in the visual acuity. A review of the clinical features, radiologicfindings, treatment and histopathology is made.
Purtscher-like retinopathy in a 56-year-old Thai female with anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis
Authors: Prakhunhungsit Supalert , Khotcharrat Rossukon
Published: January 2021

A 56-year-old Thai female was referred to Naresuan university hospital with anemia and pitting edema both legs. She had underlying diseases of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and chronic renal failure with anemia. Before her referral, she was treated by an internist at a provincial hospital. With deterioration of creatinine level and anemic symptom, she was advised to see a nephrologist for the diagnosis of causative pathology and treatment. The reevaluation of chronic renal failure was done. The results of laboratory investigation were creatinine level of 2.42 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 44 mg/dl and the urinalysis found microscopic hematuria. Further evaluations for hematuria ; vaginoscopy, cystoscopy and ultrasonography of genitourinary system, were performed consequently but all investigations were unremarkable. Then, renal biopsy was done with the result of anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis. The hemodialysis and total plasma exchange were done several times to reduce the antibody of anti glomerular basement membrane level.During her admission, she complained of sudden blurred vision both eyes after the ninth total plasma exchange. She has no previous ocular problems nor physical trauma. The ocular examination showed visual acuity of counting fingers both eyes. Anterior segment was unremarkable for her age. The posterior segments showed retinal thickening around the posterior poles with clear intervening zones both eyes with some intraretinal hemorrhage which was compatible with Purtscher-like retinopathy by clinical. The pathogenesis of Purtscher-like retinopathy was investigated with negative results. The counseling was done and the treatment of observation was chosen by the patient and her family. Then she was discharged and followed up at out patient unit of ophthalmology department, Naresuan university hospital.

 

Conclusion: The Purtscher-like retinopathy is a rare ocular disease with  variable treatment strategies and outcomes. In complicated case without obvious causes, the pathogenesis of the disease should be investigated which directed to the proper treatment and better visual outcome.