Role of oxidative stress in cataractogenesis

Background: Cataract is a multifactorial disease and is a major cause of blindness in india. Oxidative stress is thought to be a major factor to initiate the process of cataractogenesis. It is today well established fact that oxidative stress participates in both age-related (senile) and diabetes-induced cataract (diabetic). Oxidative damage to the lens most likely arises as a consequence of an impaired antioxidant defence system, due to increased generation of ROS both by age and diabetes. The present study was designed to determine role of oxidative stress in cataractogensis and to compare levels of oxidative stress markers in senile and diabetic cataract patients.Methods: Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum protein carbonyl (PC) were measured as indicator of oxidative stress whereas antioxidant status was assessed by estimating serum Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and dietary antioxidants levels i.e vitamin C and vitamin E in senile and diabetic cataract patients compared with healthy controls.Results: The result reveal that the serum MDA and PC levels were significantly increased in patients with senile and diabetic cataract whereas serum TAC, vitamin C and Vitamin E were significantly reduced in senile and diabetic patients when compared with normal healthy controls.Conclusions: From the result, it is concluded that oxidative stress is in the foreground of cataract formation which includes senile and diabetic cataract. Oxidative stress produced in diabetic cataract patients is more as compared to senile cataract patients.

Digital Twin Technology in Internet of Things (IOT)

Developments in virtual technology and data acquisition technology put way to digital twin (DT) technology. Digital twin is a virtual entity that is linked to a real-world entity. Both the link and the virtual representation can be realized in several different ways. Digital Technology plays a very much key role in different areas like in production management, manufacturing, health care, smart cities and so on. Mainly Digital Twin Technology is developed to improve manufacturing processes. With the development of new-generation information and digitalization technologies, more data can be collected, and it is time to find a way for the deep application of all these data. As a result, the concept of digital twin has aroused much concern and is developing rapidly. Digital twins facilitate to monitor, understand, and optimize the functions of all physical entities and for humans and also provide continuous feedback to improve quality of life and well-being.  Digital Twin is best described as the effortless integration of data between a physical and virtual machine in either direction. This paper provides an overview of the Digital Twin technology used in different work spaces and also how it will be effective in the Internet of Things network

Environmental Evaluation and Global Development Institutions

Evaluation is increasingly important for finding sustainable solutions for the people and the planet, based on a systematic analysis of what works, for whom, and under what circumstances, and to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as they pertain to the environment. This book explores why the Global Environment Facility (GEF) invests in evaluation for accountability and learning to inform its decision-making on programming priorities, and how this leads to wiser funding decisions and better program performance on the ground. The book is based on real-life experiences of how to make evaluation count for international environmental action. Drawing upon comprehensive evaluations of the GEF, it provides unique insights from authors responsible for designing, implementing, and disseminating the findings of the evaluations. No other multilateral development or environment agency places evaluation fully at the center of their decision-making. The book outlines the trends in the global environment and the changing landscape of international environmental finance. It defines the role of the GEF and explains its institutional framework and the unique partnership that involves donor and recipient countries, multilateral development banks, UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and national agencies in the developing countries. Further, it provides useful pointers to other organizations wishing to enhance evidence-based decision-making for improving their relevance, performance, and impact. The book will be most suitable for graduate-level, specialized study in a variety of disciplines such as environmental and development economics, political science, international relations, geography, sociology, and social anthropology

The promise of stem cell therapy for eye disorders

This article does not have an abstract

Rosai dorfman disease of the orbit

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Changes in genetic diversity parameters in unimproved and improved populations of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) in Karnataka state, India

Teak (Tectona grandis L. f.; family Verbanaceae) is an important plantation tree species in the tropics and in India one of the first species to be prioritized for improvement. Improvement efforts for the last 50 years have essentially concentrated on augmenting quality seed production by establishing seed production areas (SPA) and clonal seed orchards (CSO). Presently, these two form the main sources of quality planting material for teak throughout the country. However, there is no information on the genetic quality of such sources nor information on the progeny used in plantation programmes. Reports of studies based on coniferous and tropical species provide conflicting results on the impact of domestication on the genetic diversity of populations (Chaisurisri and El Kassaby 1994; Rajora 1999; Moran et al. 2000; Godt et al. 2001; Icgen et al. 2006). Also the impact of domestication on the genetic diversity of progeny populations is poorly understood (Stoehr and El-Kassaby 1997; Schmitdtling and Hiplins 1998). Such studies become pertinent not only for gauging the impact of selection on reforestation stock, but also for effective genetic conservation of existing breeding populations. We therefore address two issues in the present study: (i) the change in genetic diversity with increasing levels of improvement, and (ii) the impact of the above change on genetic diversity of progeny populations

Influence of levels of genetic diversity on fruit quality in teak (Tectona grandis L.f.)

The study on the influence of genetic diversity on the fruit emptiness and seed germination (as a measure of fruit quality) of teak populations was carried out. The populations comprised three unimproved plantations, three seed-production areas and a clonal seed orchard within Karnataka. Significant variation between the populations was observed for fruit emptiness, seed germination and Jaccard’s dissimilarity index of the parent population. Genetic dissimilarity of populations was positively correlated to fruit emptiness and negatively correlated to seed germination. It is inferred that higher genetic dissimilarity of individuals within the population results in higher flower asynchrony and close-related mating, thereby leading to higher inbreeding depression manifested in the form of higher emptiness and low germination percentage

Antenatal laparoscopic management of ovarian cyst: a case report

The frequency of adnexal mass in pregnancy ranges from 2% to 10%, dermoid cyst is the most common ovarian germ cell tumor during pregnancy which could be asymptomatic or symptomatic, management through laparoscopy must be considered as it provides several advantages, including reduced postoperative pain, analgesic use, hospitalization time and better cosmetic result. Here we are reporting a case of an unbooked 35 years old primigravida at 16 weeks and 4 days gestation with history of retention of urine. Ultrasound showed a live foetus of 16 weeks gestation with bilateral mild maternal hydroureteronephrosis and complex cystic mass of 13×10 cm in right lumbar region suggestive of ovarian mass. Patient was clinically stable, hence exploratory laparoscopy was taken up the next day. Intraoperatively, dermoid cyst was found in the right ovary. Right ovarian cystectomy was performed. She had an uneventful postoperative period and discharged. She was monitored for the rest of the pregnancy and it was uneventful. She had spontaneous full term normal vaginal delivery of female baby weighing 2.8 kg. Although the patient was clinically stable, large ovarian cyst are predisposed for future complications, hence antenatal diagnosis and appropriate intervention is crucial for good outcome