bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tocols as Antioxidant Molecules in the Agro-Food Field
Authors: Ianiri Giuseppe , Fratianni Alessandra , Avino Pasquale , Vitone Caroline , Vaseashta Ashok , Panfili Gianfranco
Published: September 2023

The presence of many different antioxidant molecules in foodstuffs and their by-products has attracted the scientific community's attention to their applications in finished foods due to their high bioactive power. Classes of molecules, such as phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenoids, and lignans), carotenoids, and tocols, provide numerous benefits to human health, reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. These molecules are innumerable and have similar but different molecular structures. Each can have a greater or lesser antioxidant power depending on its structure and its amounts in the finished food. Among these, tocols are a class of different homologues having antioxidant properties and are well represented in food.
REDOX Measurements
Authors: Cretescu Igor , Borodaev Ruslan , Lutic Doina , Soreanu Gabriela , Duca Gheorghe , Ratnaweera Harsha
Published: September 2023

This chapter contains information related to the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in aqueous solutions, aiming to extend some aspects from theoretical electrochemistry to practical environmental monitoring and engineering applications. A more comprehensive and precise continuous monitoring of water quality for groundwater, surface water, wastewater, and drinking water could be achieved by deducing relations between ORP, the concentration of the oxidants and reductants in waters, pH, and temperature, delivering valuable information for the better comprehension of the requirements necessary to design an automated water quality monitoring system with real-time transmitted data, assuring better water governance. Such a system is presented as a case study related to an early warning of preliminary ecotoxicity. The case study was conducted by installing water pollution monitoring equipment on a passenger ship sailing on the Sulina Channel in the Danube Delta, Romania.
Photosensitive Nanopesticides for Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Sucman Natalia , Macaev Fliur
Published: September 2023

The utilization of nanopesticides is a young and very promising direction in agriculture. Their use can significantly improve many parameters of the used drugs. Nevertheless, there are many disputes and hypotheses about the impact of such pesticides on the environment. There are many examples of nanopesticides in the literature with an inorganic active substance. They are widely used in practice and are sufficiently described in the literature. In this chapter, emphasis will be placed on the use of nanopesticides with photosensitive organic active substances. Methods for their preparation, effect on the target pathogen, and degradation pathways will be described.
Redox Technologies in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Parvulescu Viorica
Published: September 2023

Various physico-chemical and biological methods have been developed for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater. The application of these techniques, their combination, and the development of hybrid technologies to remove the persistent pollutants from water are presented in this chapter. The advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as photocatalysis, modified Fenton reactions, electro- and photoelectrochemical oxidation are evidenced as the main applied technologies. The combination and effects of direct and indirect oxidation methods and of the alternative greener technologies with traditional methods are presented as a function of pollutants' nature, volume, and concentration. For each method, results were obtained for various pollutants such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, dyes, surfactants, aromatic compounds, and pharmaceutical residues. The main objective of this chapter is the application of redox technologies in wastewater treatment by correlating redox processes with working conditions, pollutants, and oxygen reactive species.
Investigation of Redox Processes in Paliastomi Lake
Authors: Kupatadze Ketevan
Published: September 2023

Paliastomi lake is a small lake near the city Poti (Georgia), connected to the Black Sea by a narrow channel. Its surface area is 17.3 km2 and the depth is 2.6 m. The lake is included within the boundaries of the kolkheti National Park. Redox conditions in lakes generally are determined by the balance between the decomposition of organic matter and the supply of oxygen by circulation or vertical mixing of the water. The circulation in lakes is largely controlled by density differences, which are generally a consequence of temperature difference. That's why temperature and oxygen were also investigated. The chapter will present the results of a study of redox reactions taking place in the lake. The study is conducted by analyzing the results obtained by measuring special sensors. The chapter will discuss how this process affects the Black Sea coastline and the local flora and fauna of the lake.
Simplexity to Improve Human-Machine Interaction in 3D Virtual Reality
Authors: Todino Michele Domenico , Campitiello Lucia , Di Tore Stefano
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present the use of the notion of simplexity to facilitate the design of virtual and immersive environments. Through ahistorical and argumentative excursus, the authors specify the motivations that have led to the introduction of the notion of simplexity as a natural support to the teaching-learning process, regardless of the environments virtual and immersive, and then explore the links with the latter. If immersiveness makes it possible to generate interactions in a physical space, projecting a world surrounding the user and proposing interactions (apt to foster the teaching-learning process), then one could adopt in the of design simplexity that takes into account cognitive, metacognitive, and motor processes, realizing a virtual reality perceived as credible explorable, interactive, and indeed, immersive.
The Duality Determinants of Adoption Intention in Digital Transformation Implementation
Authors: Huang Cheng-Kui , Lee Chueh-An , Chen Ying-Ni
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of digital transformation (DT) among businesses. DT redefines business models, which significantly changes employees' work practices. If employees lack an appropriate mindset for DT, it can result in DT failure. However, little research has explored the intention of employees to embrace DT. This study proposes a dilemmatic dual-factor research model to examine the factors influencing employees' acceptance of DT, including management support and resistance to change in the outer/explicit aspect and perceived benefits and inertia in the inner/tacit aspect. The study found that the perceived benefits of DT positively impact employees' intention to accept DT, but resistance to change and perceived inertia are significant barriers. Moreover, management support alone is insufficient to encourage employees to accept DT. This study is distinct from prior research, which typically focuses on successfully implementing DT from the firm's perspective. Instead, the study offers valuable insights into promoting employee acceptance of DT.
Assessment of dairy cows comfort in Algerian farms by the Welfare Quality® Protocol
Authors: Benatallah Amel , Boudjellaba Sofiane , Zenad Wahiba , Milla Amel , Ghozlane Faiçal , Marie Michel
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and degree of discomfort in dairy cows and the risk factors associated by taking into account six animal welfare indicators included in the Welfare Quality® Protocol (WQ®): lying time, lying outside lying area, collision and cleanliness assessed on three body areas: udder, hindquarters and hind limbs. These indicators were carried out on 1,200 dairy cows belonging to 100 dairy farms in the province of Algiers, which 53% were kept in permanent tie stalls and 47% in partial tie stalls. Observation results showed a low average overall score of comfort (40.8 ± 10.62). This was mainly related to a long lying time (5.9s ± 0.89) of which 41.0% of the farms surveyed exceeded the alert threshold (>6.3s) and 39.0% the alarm threshold (>5.2s), a very high degree of dirtiness in udder (62.6%±21.9), hind quarters (60.6%±21.5) and hind limbs (60.6±21.4). As a result, the majority of farms exceeded the alert thresholds: 100.0% (udder), 86.0% (hindquarters) and 63.0% (hind limbs). Highly significant correlations were observed between the different aspects of comfort assessed (p < 0.0001). To reconcile dairy cows’ welfare and productivity, it is essential to improve their comfort.
Obesity
Authors: Goonesinghe Satish K. , Waidyarathne Eisha I.
Published: September 2023

No abstract available
The increasing spread of the European barbel in the Italian large lowland rivers is threatening the native species
Authors: Antognazza Caterina Maria , Quadroni Silvia , Vanetti Isabella , De Santis Vanessa , Crosa Giuseppe , Zaccara Serena
Published: September 2023

Freshwater ecosystems are heavily altered by human activities, with anthropic introductions of non-native species substantially contributing to their biotic degradation. The invasion by alien species can alter ecosystem balances with direct and indirect impacts across different levels of biotic organization. The number of invasive alien species is particularly high in Mediterranean fresh waters including rivers draining in the northern Adriatic basins. Here, the Padanian barbel Barbus plebejus endemic to the Padano-Venetian district, is threatened by the introduction of the European barbel Barbus barbus via competition and introgressive hybridization. In this study, we genetically characterised using the partial mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b gene, barbels present in two main tributaries of the Po River, the lower Ticino and Oglio rivers where the two species are suspected to co-occur. Since the two river sections are highly regulated and present severe hydrological alterations caused by dams and other hydraulic structures, the aim of the study was to provide information on the barbel populations composition in these systems to foster the implementation of more suitable management plans aimed at the conservation of the native species. A total of 86 barbel have been analysed (50 in the Ticino River and 36 in the Oglio River) corresponding to 13 haplotypes of which 8 were phylogenetically attributed to B. barbus and five to B. plebejus. The high haplotypic diversity and the unimodal trend evidenced by the mismatch distribution analysis for B. barbus haplotypes support a potential demographic expansion. Altogether, these results highlighted that B. barbus is progressively expanding in northern Italy while posing a serious risk for the conservation of the native B. plebejus, stressing the need to actively focus ecosystem and fisheries management regulations to stop B. barbus from spreading further throughout northern Italy.
Phytoplankton-zooplankton coupling in a cascade of hypertrophic fishponds
Authors: Radojičić Marija , Šorf Michal , Müllerová Barbora , Kopp Radovan
Published: September 2023

In Central Europe, a significant proportion of shallow lake ecosystems are represented by artificial fishponds, where phytoplankton and zooplankton are an essential part of the food web. Owing to their high fish stocks and intensive fishery management, most fishponds are now eutrophic or hypertrophic, which has had clear impacts on plankton assemblages. To obtain a better understanding of phytoplankton-zooplankton coupling in fishponds, this study examines their ecological relationships in a cascade of three small fishponds over two subsequent years. In all, 133 phytoplankton taxa were recorded, mostly chlorophytes, diatoms and euglenophytes, and 60 zooplankton taxa. Multivariate analysis revealed dissolved oxygen content, dissolved inorganic nitrogen and biochemical oxygen demand as the main factors influencing phytoplankton biomass, while the most significant environment variables affecting zooplankton composition were dissolved oxygen, phosphate concentrations and conductivity. Co-correspondence analysis revealed a significant relationship between phytoplankton and zooplankton density, with cross-correlations from 76% to 87% within the first four axes. Such a high cross-correlation denotes a strong relationship between phytoplankton and zooplankton, even within the hypertrophic conditions determining fishpond ecosystems.
Delayed Presentation of Mandibular Osteonecrosis Following Herpes Zoster Infection - A Case Report
Authors: Chatterjee Aritra , Chattopadhyay Abira , Mandal Soumen , De Nayana , Hossain Md Arif , Pakhira Soubhik
Published: September 2023

Rationale:

Apart from the usual presentation of herpes zoster (HZ) infection (HZI), reports of spontaneous teeth exfoliation and osteonecrosis are infrequent and sporadic.

Patient Concerns:

A 51-year-old male patient presented with spontaneous exfoliation of multiple teeth and subsequent pathological fracture on the right side of the lower jaw after three months of HZI.

Diagnosis:

Biopsy was taken from the alveolar bone of the oedematous region, which revealed the presence of trabeculae of dead bone with empty lacunae.

Intervention:

Necrosed part of the alveolar bone was excised under local anaesthesia and antibiotic coverage, which was followed by open reduction and internal fixation of the pathological fracture under general anaesthesia.

Outcomes:

The patient was followed up for one year without any evidence of recurrences.

Take-away Lessons:

Presentation of osteonecrosis following HZI is unique but rare and should be diagnosed at the earliest.
Dead bag syndrome—in the capsular bag subluxated intraocular lens centration and refixation: A new technique
Authors: Thakur Anchal , Bansal Muskaan , Challa Divya , Malhotra Chintan , Jain Arun K
Published: September 2023

We describe a technique of scleral IOL fixation and optic centration of in the capsular bag subluxated IOL in a patient of “dead bag syndrome.” A 29-year-old male diagnosed case of thalassemia presented with painless progressive diminution of vision in the left eye following uncomplicated sequential phacoemulsification in both eyes 15 years back. The right eye revealed completely centered IOL with significant amount of anterior capsular opacification (ACO), while the left eye revealed inferior subluxation of the IOL within capsular bag. The capsular bag was dilated, diaphanous with clear anterior and posterior capsule without any evidence of capsular fibrosis or opacification. Thus, a diagnosis of “dead bag syndrome” was made. The haptics were sutured to sclera (Hoffman’s pockets) using two loops of 9-0 polypropylene, passed anterior and posterior to IOL haptics within the capsular bag. Postoperatively, the patient had a vision of 20/40 with a centered intraocular lens.
Comparison of oral propranolol, oral rifampicin, and intravitreal anti-VEGF in central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Sandeep K , Venugopal Kavitha C , Javagal Akshatha P , Acharya Pavana , Sreelekshmi S R , Narendra N , Nayana P K
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of oral propranolol, oral rifampicin, and intravitreal anti-VEGF therapies on resolution-time and visual outcome in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Methods:

A total of 30 patients with CSCR were randomized into three groups of 10 patients. Group A was given oral propranolol, Group B was given oral rifampicin 4 weeks each, and Group C was given 0.05 ml intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF. Comparisons of mean BCVA, contrast sensitivity, and central macular thickness (CMT) performed between baseline and follow-up at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months.

Results:

Statistically significant improvement in BCVA and contrast sensitivity was noted among all three groups. Complete resolution of SRF as indicated by CMT was seen at the end of 4 weeks in Group C, whereas there was a steady decline in CMT until 3 months in Groups A and B.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy shows a significantly faster SRF resolution. However, oral propranolol and oral rifampicin could prove as a useful, cost-effective treatment of CSCR.
Possible dose-dependent effect of eplerenone on intraocular pressure
Authors: Razavi Seyedeh Mehrsa Sadat , Daneshvar Ramin
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main modifiable risk factor for glaucoma. Current therapies target the anterior outflow of aqueous humor or its production. This study aims to demonstrate eplerenone could reduce IOP through a possible posterior outflow path via retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

Methods:

In this retrospective study, IOP changes in patients undergoing eplerenone treatment were investigated. Inclusion criteria were IOP data immediately before and during treatment. Exclusion criteria included ophthalmic procedures, changes in topical glaucoma treatment, or taking systemic medications affecting IOP. After reviewing 162 charts, 41 subjects were eligible. Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the correlation between continuous IOP and eplerenone dosage.

Results:

The mean ± SD IOP before eplerenone treatment was 14.31 ± 3.73 mmHg and decreased to 13.50 ± 4.04 mmHg; however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.39). In subset of patients with eplerenone dose of more than 25 mg/day and baseline IOP equal to or less than 15 mmHg, the mean IOP before eplerenone treatment was 12.33 ± 2.59 mmHg and decreased to 10.33 ± 2.99, which is a trend toward IOP reduction with a 16% reduction in IOP (P = 0.055).

Conclusion:

A possible dose-dependent decrease in IOP with eplerenone provides indirect evidence for the posterior flow model and suggests the mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) in RPE play a role in the posterior flow of aqueous humor. It can be deduced that the RPE pumps responsible for the posterior flow of aqueous humor are MR-regulated and their function can be enhanced with MR antagonists.
Variations in the prevalence of vision impairment across regions among school children in Telangana State, South India
Authors: Prakash Winston D , Marmamula Srinivas , Mettla Asha Latha , Keeffe Jill , Khanna Rohit C
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Undetected vision impairment (VI) could negatively affect the overall development in children. School vision screening program is a viable and cost-effective approach for the early identification and management of VI.

Aim:

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of VI, its risk factors, and ocular morbidity among school children in Telangana, South India.

Methods:

Children aged 4–15 years attending schools in the study area were screened in this study. The vision screenings were performed in schools by trained community eye health workers using 6/12 tumbling E optotypes. Children who failed the test and/or presented with other eye conditions were referred to vision centers or secondary and tertiary eye care centers. A comprehensive eye examination was conducted in these centers, including cycloplegic refraction and fundus examination.

Results:

A total of 774,184 children, with a mean age of 9.4 ± 3.27 years, were screened. Overall, 51.49% (N = 398,596) were male. In total, 4.33% [N = 33,528; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.29–4.38] required referral services, while 1.16% (N = 9,002) had a presenting visual acuity of < 6/12. Multivariate analysis showed a high risk of VI among older children [Adj. odds ratio (OR): 5.75; 95% CI: 5.18–6.38], those with disabilities (Adj. OR: 5.12; 95% CI: 4.14–6.33), female gender (Adj. OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.24 - 1.35), and those residing in the urban areas (Adj. OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 2.42–3.39). The main cause of VI was uncorrected refractive errors (74.14%).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of VI among school children was 1.16% in Telangana, South India, and refractive error was the leading cause of VI among this population. Increasing age, urban location, female gender and other disabilities increase the risk of VI among children.
Attitude and perception toward clinical trials in India among patients and patient bystanders visiting the Indian Ophthalmology Clinical Trial Network: A multi-centric, cross-sectional survey
Authors: Pillai Gopal S , Sheeba CS , Barman Manabjyoti , Sen Alok , Sundaram Natarajan , Dickson Merin , Joyal Shamilin , Choudhury Manjisa , Joy Merlin M , Deepthi KG , Jangid Poonam , Abhilash Anjana
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Advances in patient treatment depend heavily on clinical trials (CTs). Patient volunteers for CT are tougher to recruit and retain. In order to administer CTs effectively, it is necessary to comprehend how the public views and perceives participating in them. The study assessed the perception and attitudes of patients and bystanders toward CTs in India.

Methods:

This was a multi-centric, cross-sectional study among patients and bystanders using a questionnaire that consisted of socio-demographic characteristics and questions on knowledge and attitude toward participation in CTs. The minimum sample size estimated for the survey was 750.

Results:

A total of 1260 respondents (patients and bystanders) had participated in the survey. 42% of total respondents were aware about CTs. Unawareness regarding (i) voluntary power of an individual to participate in a CT (only 47%), (ii) entitled benefits of free treatment and medical insurance during enrolment in a CT (only 47%), and (iii) only 16% of the respondents knew involvement of human subjects in CT were the major highlights among those who had prior knowledge about CTs. Education was the most pervasive factor in shaping positive perception among the respondents. Occupation was another ubiquitous factor in shaping their perception regarding CTs.

Conclusion:

The majority of respondents were not aware of CTs. The major concerns observed were time consumption and harmful nature of CTs that influenced their unwillingness to participate in CTs. Initiatives such as awareness campaigns and survey assessments that would result in scientifically effective health service policies would be strategic methods to enhance CT participation.
Outcomes of reimplantation of a new Glaucoma Drainage Device after explantation of an older implant from exposure-related complications
Authors: Yaswanth Tiruveedhi S , Roy Avik K , Senthil Sirisha D , Krishnamurthy Rashmi S
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To describe the clinical outcome of a series of seven eyes with an explanation of an original Glaucoma Drainage Device (GDD) arising from the complication of plate exposure and consequent reimplantation of another GDD at a second setting.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, interventional, and non-comparative study at two tertiary eye care hospitals in eastern and southern India. Electronic medical record data of the seven eyes where a GDD was explanted and a 2nd GDD was reimplanted over October 2010 and May 2021 was analyzed. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS (ver. 26).

Results:

The first GDD survived for a mean of 168 days only till the plate got exposed and thereby got explanted. Possible predisposing factors noted were conjunctival and scleral thinning, ischemic conjunctiva, etc., The reimplantation surgery was technically easy in the absence of hypotony—opposite to what is reported in the literature. The final IOP (mean +/− SD) values (mm Hg) were 18.9 (+/−7.9), range = 10–30. The mean number of glaucoma medications reduced from 3.9 (+/−1.2; range, 2 to 5) after the explanation to 3.1 (+/−0.7; range, 2 to 4) after the 2nd GDD implantation, in the final follow-up. The second GDD was found to be stable till the last follow-up (mean = 1149 days). No other significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were seen.

Conclusions:

Reimplantation of a second GDD in a separate setting after explanations of an original implant due to exposure-related complication is both a safe and effective method.
Clinical profile and demographic distribution of Stargardt disease phenotypes: An Electronic medical record-driven big data analytics from a multitier eye care network
Authors: Das Anthony Vipin , Venugopal Ragukumar , Takkar Brijesh , Sharma Sumant , Balakrishnan Neelima , Narayanan Raja , Parameswarappa Deepika , Padhy Srikanta Kumar
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To describe the demographics and clinical profile of Stargardt disease in patients presenting a multitier ophthalmology hospital network in India.

Methods:

This cross-sectional hospital-based study was performed among 2,834,616 new patients presenting between August 2010 and June 2021 in our network. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of Stargardt disease in at least one eye were included as cases. The data were collected using an electronic medical record system.

Results:

Overall, 1,934 (0.069%) patients were diagnosed with Stargardt disease. Most of the patients were male (63.14%). The most common age group at presentation was during the second decade of life, with 626 (31.87%) patients. The overall prevalence was higher in patients from a higher socioeconomic status (0.077%), in those presenting from the urban geography (0.079%), and in students (0.197%). Systemic history of hypertension was seen in 56 (2.85%) patients, while diabetes mellitus was seen in (2.49%) patients. Of the 3,917 eyes, 1,910 (48.76%) eyes had moderate visual impairment (>20/70–20/200) followed by severe visual impairment (>20/200 to 20/400) in 646 (16.49%) eyes. The most commonly associated retinal signs were retinal flecks in 1,260 (32.17%) eyes, followed by RPE changes in 945 (24.13%) eyes. The most documented investigations were autofluorescence (39.85%), followed by optical coherence tomography (23.90). Cataract surgery was the commonest performed surgical intervention in (0.66%) eyes, followed by intravitreal injection in 4 (0.10%) eyes. The family history of parent consanguinity marriage was reported by 212 (10.79%) patients.

Conclusion:

Stargardt disease was seen more commonly in males presenting during the second decade of life. It is predominantly a bilateral disease, with the majority of the eyes having moderate visual impairment.
Prevalence of glaucoma types, clinical profile and disease severity at presentation: Tertiary Institute based cross-sectional study from South India
Authors: Seth Praveen Kumar , Senthil Sirisha , Das Anthony Vipin , Garudadri Chandrasekar
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To describe the clinical profile and relative prevalence of subtypes of glaucoma presenting to a tertiary care center in India.

Methods:

This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 6,120 new patients (>16 years) presenting between January 2016 and December 2017. The data were collected using an electronic medical record system.

Results:

A total of 11,016 eyes of 6,120 new patients were diagnosed with glaucoma. Sixty-one percent were male and 79% had a bilateral affliction. Primary glaucoma was present in 4,352 (71.1%) and secondary glaucoma in 1,063 (17.4%) subjects. Glaucoma was primary open-angle (POAG) in 4,015 (36.4%) eyes and primary angle closure disease (PACD) in 3,806 (34.5%) eyes. Commonest among secondary glaucoma was post-cataract surgery glaucoma (3.1%), neovascular glaucoma (2.4%), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) (2.1%), and steroid-induced glaucoma (SIG) (1.4%). Patients with primary glaucoma were older than secondary (56.6 ± 0.2 vs 54.1 ± 0.4; P < 0.0001). Mean IOP was higher in secondary glaucoma compared to primary (26.9 ± 0.3 vs 18.9 ± 0.1; P < 0.0001). Secondary glaucoma had greater mean CDR compared to primary glaucoma (0.77 ± 0.007 vs 0.70 ± 0.003; P < 0.0001). The prevalence of blindness (visual acuity <20/200) was 16.2% of eyes. Mean deviation (MD) 20db or worse was noted in 39.5% of eyes at presentation including 47.8% of PACG, 37.3% of POAG, 51% of JOAG, 58% of PXG, and 45% of SIG, suggesting disease severity.

Conclusion:

At the presentation to a tertiary care center, 40% of all eyes with glaucoma had advanced disease with MD worse than − 20D. PACG and JOAG had the worse disease among primary; among secondary, PXG and SIG had the worse disease at presentation.
Ocular abnormalities in children with developmental delay
Authors: Kavitha V , Gangrade Aashish K , Heralgi Mallikarjun M , Haragoppa Sneha
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To describe the presence of ocular abnormalities in children with developmental delay (DD) and compare with normal children; to analyze associated risk factors, systemic problems, and the possible treatment that can be delivered.

Methods:

This was a cross sectional, observational study. We included children between one and 18 years, diagnosed as developmental delay in DD group, and next immediate age- and sex-matched children without developmental delay on the same day or during the same period in the control group. Detailed history and neuroimaging findings were noted. Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity for distance and near, cycloplegic refraction, anterior, and posterior segment examination was carried out. Various ocular problems, delayed visual maturation (DVM), and cortical visual impairment (CVI) were diagnosed based on examination. Data were analyzed statistically, and P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:

Ninety-four children were included in each group. Mean age was 4.97 ± 3.84 years, and 64.89% were males. In DD group: Most common abnormal neuroimaging finding was gliotic changes; systemic associations: 39 children; 83 children had ocular problems: refractive error-70, strabismus-39, cataract-five, amblyopia-16; DVM-13; CVI-13 children; glasses and vision stimulation were advised in 39 and 65 children, respectively; whereas, in control group: refractive error-36, strabismus-15, cataract-two; amblyopia-20 children.

Conclusion:

88.29% of developmental delay children had ocular abnormalities, commonest was refractive error (74.47%); these values were higher than in control group; common risk factors were low birthweight and consanguineous marriage; epilepsy was the most common systemic association.
Ocular fundal changes in children suffering from cerebral malaria
Authors: Mukherji Payal , Shilpy Neha , Gupta Rajiv Kumar
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To assess the frequency and distribution of retinal changes in children suffering from cerebral malaria (CM), study the correlation between fundal changes and severity of disease, visual outcome, and survival of patients.

Methods:

An observational, cross-sectional study was done on pediatric patients, suffering from CM in a tertiary care center in eastern India. A complete ophthalmological examination was done and findings were tabulated. Their hospital admission records were checked for severity of coma, recovery, and prognosis. Data were analyzed with SPSS software, and P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Total 113 children of age group 0–18 years (mean age 7.88 ± 0.56 years) were enrolled in the study. Seventy-seven children (68.14%) had retinal changes. Most common retinal signs associated with malarial retinopathy were white centered hemorrhage and papilledema (53.09% each), followed by retinal whitening (51.33%) and vessel changes (39.82%). The correlation between the presence of white centered retinal hemorrhages and visual prognosis was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001). Patients with Grade 4 parasitemia showed maximum retinal signs with a significant correlation between the severity of papilledema and parasite load (P = 0.037). Eighty-six patients (76.11%) survived and 27 patients (23.89%) died. All 27 patients who died showed all four signs of malarial retinopathy. Out of these, patients with retinal whitening suffered from severe coma, and this correlation was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Presence of retinal signs in patients with CM is associated with severe disease (high parasite load), poor visual outcome, and increased mortality.
Impact of special software training on quality of life among people with visual impairment
Authors: Bhaskaran Sahithya , Ravikumar Pavitra , Flora Jeyaseeli , Vijayalakshmi P
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the impact of special software training in computer and smartphone apps as a form of rehabilitation to improve the quality of life of individuals with visual impairment (VI).

Methods:

The study utilized a one-group pretest–posttest design. A total of 50 individuals aged 15 years and older with VI participated in the training, which included special software (NVDA) and mobile app training for 60 hours at the Visual Rehabilitation Center. The Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire was administered before the start of training and six months after completion. The questionnaire covered the following domains: (1) mobility, distance vision, and lighting; (2) reading and fine work; (3) social well-being; (4) economic impact; (5) attitude toward life; and (6) activities of daily living. Statistical software STATA 14.0 (Texas, USA) was used for data analysis. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to compare the mean differences before and after training.

Results:

Significant improvements were observed in five dimensions, namely mobility, distance vision and lighting, reading and fine work, and attitude toward life, at a highly significant level of 1% probability. The dimensions of social well-being and economic impact showed significant improvement at a 5% level of probability.

Conclusion:

Visual impairment, whether congenital or acquired later in life, affects independence in all aspects of life. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the impact of special software training on the quality of life of visually impaired individuals. The authors suggest that this form of rehabilitation enhances accessibility to mainstream living, promotes independence, and ultimately improves quality of life. Participants experienced an improved quality of life through increased access to mainstream resources, enhanced ability to navigate and manage daily activities independently, and reduced reliance on multiple low vision aids or assistance from sighted individuals.
Optical coherence tomography angiography parameters in patients taking hydroxychloroquine therapy
Authors: Vasilijević Jelena B , Kovačević Igor M. , Dijana Risimić , Dačić Bojana , Marić Gorica , Stanojlović Svetlana
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to measure retinal vessel density and flow rate area by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with autoimmune diseases taking hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).

Methods:

The cross-sectional study included 98 patients divided into three groups. Group I included patients with the diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, for whom the introduction of HCQ was planned. Group II implied low-risk patients for retinal toxicity (≤5 years of HCQ use), whereas Group III implied patients that were at high-risk (>5 years of drug use). All patients underwent a computerized visual field, central macular thickness by optical coherence tomography, and OCTA measurements.

Results:

The vascular density was found to be statistically significantly decreased in the high-risk group compared to the control group in the superficial parafoveal zone (P = 0.030), whereas it was decreased compared to the low-risk and control groups in the deep layers whole (P = 0.006, P = 0.010, respectively) and perifoveal zones (P = 0.003, P = 0.010, respectively). The foveal avascular zone was significantly enlarged in the high-risk group compared to the control (P < 0.018). Retinal flow rates did not show statistically significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Patients treated with HCQ for more than 5 appear have a significant loss of vascular density in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions, and FAZ area is significantly increased compared to low-risk patients and controls. These findings indicate that OCTA may be beneficial for monitoring high-risk patients and may stratify their risk of further retinal damage.
Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: Histomorphological spectrum in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Ahuja Manisha , Mandal Shramana , Mallya Varuna , Singh Meeta , Khurana Nita , Lal Pawanindra
Published: September 2023

Background:

Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) are benign non-invasive epithelial proliferations of the appendix. These usually present clinically as mucoceles and these rarely exceed 2 cm in diameter. Lesions confined to the lumen are labelled as LAMN; however those in which mucin spreads outside the peritoneum are labeled as pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).

Aims and Objective:

A retrospective study was conducted over a period of three years and all cases of appendectomies were studied. Twelve cases of LAMN were identified, which is a diagnostic dilemma for the pathologists and clinicians.

Results:

LAMN was identified based on the histopathological features. Out of the 12 cases, 9 were classified as LAMN and 3 as appendiceal neoplasm with PMP. There was villous or flat proliferation of epithelial lining, loss lymphoid aggregates, and dissecting mucin within muscularis.

Conclusion:

LAMNs are rare neoplasms of the appendix, with clinical presentation similar to acute appendicitis. Mucinous collections within the appendiceal wall should be extensively searched for mucosal changes and, if found, should prompt a careful search for pushing invasion of LAMNs. A thorough and vigilant gross examination can be of great help. Appendicectomy is the treatment of benign and grossly intact mucinous neoplasm.
Accelerated hypofractionated chemoradiation for locally advanced head and neck cancer during COVID 19 pandemic: A tertiary care experience
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Jaiswal Isha , Shahi Uday P. , Mandal Abhijit , Aggarwal Lalit M. , Singh Ankita , Jaiswal Anil , Yadawa Nandlal
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To assess the role of Accelerated Hypofractionated Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Head & Neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) during COVID 19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

Previously untreated 20 patients with locally advanced HNSCC (Oral cavity/oropharynx/larynx/hypopharynx) were treated with definitive hypofractionated radiotherapy of 60Gy in 25 fractions with concurrent cisplatin @35 mg/m2 once weekly for 5 weeks from March 2020 to November 2021. The patients were treated on 6MV LINAC with Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) by the Sequential boost technique and concurrent chemotherapy @35 mg/m2. All the patients received 48Gy in 20 fractions to low-risk volume (CTV LR) in Phase I followed by 12Gy in 5 fractions boost to High-risk volume (CTV HR) in Phase II. The organs at risk (OARs) were contoured and appropriate constraints were given considering the hypofractionated regimen.

Results:

Out of 20 patients, most of the patients were Stage IV (15;75%) & stage III 20%, out of which (55%) 11 were of the oral cavity, (40%) 8 were of the oropharynx, and (5%) 1 of larynx. All patients were treated with 60Gy/25#/5 weeks with the majority of the patients (17;85%) completing their treatment in less than 45 days. The Median follow-up was of 214 days. The locoregional control at 6 Months was 55%. Maximum acute toxicity was grade 3 mucositis which was observed in 18 (90%) patients. Ryle’s tube feeding was needed in 11 (55%) patient. Out of 20 patients, 5 patients did not receive concurrent chemotherapy, and 8 (40%) patients received all 5 cycles of chemotherapy. 7, 35% of the patients could not complete all 5 cycles of concurrent chemotherapy due to grade 3 mucositis.

Conclusion:

During a pandemic crisis with limited manpower & technical resources accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy can be considered a feasible therapeutic option for HNSCC which can significantly reduce the overall Treatment Time (OTT) with comparable local control and manageable toxicities.
Skin appendageal tumors: A 1 year data from a tertiary care institute
Authors: Thakur Mamta , Vijayamohanan Lekshmi , Asotra Sarita
Published: September 2023

Background:

Skin appendageal tumors (SAT) are a rare group of tumors that are classified according to their line of appendageal differentiation along eccrine, apocrine, follicular, and sebaceous lines. However, they are relatively uncommon and create diagnostic difficulties for the pathologist. Recognition of malignant transformation adds to the importance of an accurate diagnosis. A paucity of clinicopathological data from the Himalayan region of India, in particular, prompted the conduct of this study.

Aim:

To study the clinical and histopathological spectrum of SAT during a period of 1 year received at our hospital.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study was carried out at the Pathology department of our hospital. All relevant clinical characteristics were noted in addition to the histopathological features. Slides stained with both hematoxylin and eosin and special stains where necessary were used to supplement the diagnoses.

Results:

A total of 17 cases were diagnosed in 1 year (January 2021 to December 2021) at our institute. The predominant age group was 40–59 years. Females outnumbered males, with a male: female ratio of 0.8:1. The most common location of tumors was in the head and neck (90.90%). The majority of cases were benign (90.90%). The majority of tumors were of follicular differentiation (54.55%). We found one malignant tumor of sebaceous differentiation.

Conclusion:

The clinical presentation is remarkably similar to most SAT. In our study, we found that majority of tumors were benign and located in the head and neck. The importance of an accurate histopathological diagnosis is essential in these tumors to diagnose the malignant counterparts and differentiate them from more common skin tumors with different prognoses.
Adipocytokine imbalance and breast cancer in obese women
Authors: Al Qteishat Ahmed , Aringazina Raisa , Ermakov Dmitriy , Demianenko Elena
Published: September 2023

Context:

Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis established in women with malignant tumors.

Aims:

The purpose is to investigate the blood contents of adiponectin and leptin in women with breast cancer and obesity.

Settings and Design:

A total of 140 women aged 40–50 were examined.

Materials and Methods:

Group 1 included 70 women from classes 1 or 2 obesity. Group 2 included 70 women with stage 1 or 2 breast cancer and classes 1 or 2 obesity. The control group included 30 apparently healthy women, with mean age of 42.5 ± 2.5 years.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical processing of the results obtained was performed using Statistica.

Results:

Groups 1 and 2 were statistically significantly different from each other across all parameters, except for leptin resistance. In group 2, the course of breast cancer with concomitant obesity is characterized by disrupted adipocytokine homeostasis, which manifests as a 1.94-fold decrease in the blood content of adiponectin (P < 0.05), a 4.14-fold increase in the blood content of leptin (P < 0.05), and an 8.00-fold increase in the leptin/adiponectin ratio (P < 0.05). Poorly differentiated breast tumors exhibit a more pronounced imbalance in the blood levels of adipocytokines. Thus, the serum content of leptin in women with poorly differentiated tumors (G3) was 1.79 times (P < 0.05) higher than in women with moderately differentiated tumors (G2).

Conclusions:

The course of breast cancer with concomitant obesity is characterized by disrupted adipocytokine homeostasis and decreased adiponectin concentration in the blood.
Trichilemmal carcinoma masquerading as a sebaceous cyst - A rare case report
Authors: Ingale Yaminy Pradeep , Garg Sakshi , Gurwale Sushama , Gore Charusheela R.
Published: September 2023

Trichilemmal carcinoma (TC) is a rare, malignant, cutaneous adnexal neoplasm derived from the external root sheath of hair follicle, commonly seen in elderly males in the seventh to ninth decade. It commonly affects the sun-exposed areas and has an indolent course. We report a case of TC in which a 67-year-old female presented with a swelling on the scalp, which was misdiagnosed as a case of sebaceous cyst. The patient underwent excision and based on histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry, the diagnosis of TC was obtained.
Distortion of the Self-Expandable Stent and Retained Stent Marker: A Rare Complication during Peripheral Angioplasty
Authors: Subrahmanyasarma R. S. Venkata , Koduru Gopalakrishna , Palaparti Raghuram , Parvathaneni Sarada Srinivas Chowdary , Koduru Purnachandra Rao , Ghanta Somasekhar , Boppana Dasarath , Ramakishore Y. , Paluru Manohar Reddy , Maganti Prasad , Sasidhar Y.
Published: September 2023

Long-segment chronic total occlusion in femoropoplitial segment can be effectively treated with self-expandable stent especially when there are flow-limiting dissections created either while wiring the lesion or while predilating the lesions. Distortion of a self-expandable stent can during the procedure; hence, proper care should be taken in Plaque modification before stent deployment. Distortion can cause retention of the stent markers. Understanding the problem, the hardware we are using can guide us in bailing out the situation and also improving the long-term outcomes of the extremities.
Prognoza: Parkinson’s Disease Prediction Using Classification Algorithms
Authors: Shivakoti Mithun , Medaramatla Sai Charan , Godavarthi Deepthi , Shivakoti Narsaiah
Published: September 2023

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a persistent neurological condition that has a global impact on a significant number of individuals. The timely detection of PD is imperative for the efficacious treatment and control of the condition. Machine learning (ML) methods have demonstrated significant potential in forecasting Parkinson's disease (PD) based on diverse data sources in recent times. The present research paper outlines a study that employs machine learning [ML]techniques to predict Parkinson's disease. A dataset comprising clinical and demographic characteristics of both patients diagnosed with PD and healthy individuals was taken from Kaggle. The aforementioned dataset was utilized to train and assess multiple machine learning models. The experimental findings indicate that the CatBoost model exhibited superior performance compared to the other models, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.1% and a root mean squared error of of 0.34.In summary, our research showcases the capabilities of machine learning methodologies in forecasting Parkinson's disease and offers valuable insights into the crucial predictors for PD prognosis. The results of our study could potentially contribute to the advancement of diagnostic methods for the timely identification of PD, with increased precision and efficacy.
Background memory‐assisted zero‐shot video object segmentation for unmanned aerial and ground vehicles
Authors: Yun Kimin , Kim Hyung‐Il , Bae Kangmin , Moon Jinyoung
Published: September 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and ground vehicles (UGV) require advanced video analytics for various tasks, such as moving object detection and segmentation; this has led to increasing demands for these methods. We propose a zero‐shot video object segmentation method specifically designed for UAV and UGV applications that focuses on the discovery of moving objects in challenging scenarios. This method employs a background memory model that enables training from sparse annotations along the time axis, utilizing temporal modeling of the background to detect moving objects effectively. The proposed method addresses the limitations of the existing state‐of‐the‐art methods for detecting salient objects within images, regardless of their movements. In particular, our method achieved mean and values of 82.7 and 81.2 on the DAVIS'16, respectively. We also conducted extensive ablation studies that highlighted the contributions of various input compositions and combinations of datasets used for training. In future developments, we will integrate the proposed method with additional systems, such as tracking and obstacle avoidance functionalities.