Elimination of avoidable blindness due to cataract: where do we prioritize and how should we monitor this decade?

BACKGROUND: In the final push toward the elimination of avoidable blindness, cataract occupies a position of eminence for the success of the Right to Sight initiative. AIMS: Review existing situation and assess what monitoring indicators may be useful to chart progress towards attaining the goals of Vision 2020. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Review of published papers from low and middle income countries since 2000. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Published population-based data on prevalence of cataract blindness/visual impairment were accessed and prevalence of cataract blindness/visual impairment computed, where not reported. Data on prevalence of cataract blindness, cataract surgical coverage at different visual acuity cut offs, surgical outcomes, and prevalence of cataract surgery were analyzed. Scatter plots were used to look at relationships of some variables, with Human Development Index (HDI) rank. Available data on Cataract Surgical Rate (CSR) was plotted against prevalence of cataract surgery reported from surveys. RESULTS: Worse HDI Ranks were associated with higher prevalence of cataract blindness. Most studies showed that a significant proportion of the blind were covered by surgery, while a fifth showed that a significant proportion, were operated before they went blind. A good visual outcome after surgery was positively correlated with higher surgical coverage. CSR was positively correlated with cataract surgical coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgical coverage is increasing in most countries at vision <3/60 and visual outcomes after cataract surgery are improving. Establishing population-based surveillance of cataract surgical need and performance is a strong monitoring tool and will help program planners immensely

Persepsi Masyarakat terhadap Dampak Pertambangan Batubara pada Kondisi Sosial Ekonomi Masyarakat di Kecamatan Talawi, Sawahlunto, Sumatera Barat

Kegiatan pertambangan batubara di Kecamatan Talawi menimbulkan dampak terhadap masyarakat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik masyarakat di sekitar kegiatan pertambangan, mengetahui dampak kegiatan pertambangan batubara terhadap kondisi sosial-ekonomi dan lingkungan serta mengetahui persepsi masyarakat terhadap dampak pertambangan pada kondisi sosial ekonomi serta lingkungan. Metode penelitian adalah metode kuantitatif. Dampak pertambangan terhadap kondisi sosial ekonomi serta lingkungan dianalisis secara desktiptif kuantitatif. Penilaian persepsi menggunakan skoring. Uji statistik menggunakan Kendal Tau dan Pearson untuk melihat korelasi dan regresi linear berganda, mulltinomial logistik untuk melihat hubungan antara variabel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan sebagian besar masyarakat bekerja pada bidang tambang dengan pendidikan hingga SMA. Pendapatan masyarakat umumnya sebesar ≥Rp.2500000,-/bulan. Persepsi masyarakat menyatakan pertambangan tidak menimbulkan konflik dan memberikan kesempatan kerja kepada masyarakat lokal. Persepsi masyarakat pada Desa Sijantang Koto, Batu Tanjung dan Tumpuk Tangah menunjukkan nilai dominan pada terbukanya kesempatan kerja tetapi persepsi terhadap dampak lingkungan tergolong rendah diakibatkan masyarakat merasakan adanya kerusakan jalan, pencemaran air dan debu akibat kegiatan pertambangan

A study of infant deaths in tribal area of Andhra Pradesh, India

Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence of neonatal deaths and its underlying correlates in tribal area of Andhra Pradesh, India Methods We conducted a two phase cross-sectional study (N=230). Semi-structured questionnaire schedules (in the vernacular-Telugu) were used in the initial qualitative phase, to obtain specific information from mothers who delivered in a one year period prior to the study. Information from the analysed qualitative data was used to construct a questionnaire-schedule for the 2nd phase which used quantitative survey techniques. Results It was observed that Infant Mortality ratio (IMR) in Vizianagaram district was 239 per 1000 live births in the tribal areas under study. This was ten times higher than that reported by the district (22/1000) and 4-5 times higher than SRS data of 2011 for AP. It was observed that 28% of infants died within first day, 68% within first week (including the first day) and 81% within first month. Conclusions The high IMR observed in the within first month of life in tribal areas, interventions to tackle them should be prioritized in this ‘golden period’. The health workers should be re-trained to identify and manage the early warning signs of neonatal complications

Effect of Plasticizers on Mechanical Properties of Edible Film From Janeng Starch – Chitosan

The interest in the development of edible and biodegradable films has increased because it is every day more evident that non degradable are doing much damage to the environment. In this research, edible films were based on blends of janeng starch in different proportions, added of palm oil or glycerol, which were used as plasticizers. The objective was to study the effect of two different plasticizers, palm oil and glycerol of edible film from janeng starch–chitosan on the mechanical properties and FTIR spectra. Increasing concentration of glycerol as plasticizer resulted tend to increased tensile strength and elongation at break. The tensile strength and elongation at break values for palm oil is higher than glycerol as plasticizer at the same concentration. FTIR spectra show the process of making edible film from janeng starch–chitosan with palm oil or glycerol as plasticizers are physically mixing in the presence of hydrogen interactions between chains

Integrins in prostate cancer progression

Integrins, which are transmembrane receptors for extracellular matrix proteins, play a key role in cell survival, proliferation, migration, gene expression, and activation of growth factor receptors. Their functions and expression are deregulated in several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. In this article, we review the role of integrins in prostate cancer progression and their potential as therapeutic targets

Varietal performance of cabbage on the incidence of flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)

Κατά τη διάρκεια Σεπτεμβρίου 2007 - Φεβρουαρίου 2008 διεξήχθη πειραματισμός στο Γεωπονικό Πανεπιστήμιο Sher-e-Bangla (Μπαγκλαντές) για την αξιολόγηση της επίδρασης των φυλλοφάγων κολεοπτέρων εντόμων Phyllotreta spp. σε επτά ποικιλίες λαχάνου. Δοκιμάστηκαν οι ποικιλίες V1: BARI badhakopi-1/Provati, V2: BARI badhakopi-2/Agrodot, V3: Atlas-70, V4: Autumn queen, V5: Tropical queen, V6: T-776 και V7: Seisho YR. Η ποικιλία V5 αποδείχθηκε ως η λιγότρο ευπαθής όσον αφορά στην παρουσία σκαθαριών (μέσος όρος:  0,00 ακμαία/φυτό), στο ποσοστό προσβεβλημένων φύλλων (0.87 %) και στο ποσοστό των  προσβεβλημένων φυτών (2,00 %). Η εργασία αυτή προσφέρει στοιχεία χρήσιμα για την πιθανή αντιμετώπιση αυτών των εντόμων σε καλλιέργειες λαχάνου με την χρήση λιγότερο ευαίσθητων ποικιλιών. A study was conducted at the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh, during September 2007 to February 2008 to evaluate the varietal performance of cabbage on the incidence of flea beetles [Phyllotreta spp., (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)]. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design comprising seven varieties viz. V1: BARI badhakopi-1/Provati, V2: BARI badhakopi-2/Agrodot, V3: Atlas-70, V4: Autumn queen, V5: Tropical queen, V6: T-776 and V7: Seisho YR. Among the different varieties of cabbage V5 (Tropical queen) performed as the best variety in terms of the lowest incidence of flea beetles (0.00 larvae/plant), lowest percent of leaves infestation (0.87 %) as well as plant infestation (2 %) caused by flea beetles. These findings will be valuable for the most appropriate management of flea beetles

Management of Root Knot Nematode on Tomato Through Grafting Root Stock of Solanum Sisymbriifolium

The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) are difficult to manage once established in the field because of their wide host range, and soil-borne nature. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the use of resistant root stock of wild brinjal (Solanum sisymbriifolium) to reduce the loss caused by the nematodes on tomato. For the management of root-knot nematodes, grafted plant with resistant root stock of the wild brinjal was tested under farmers\u27 field conditions at Hemza of Kaski district. Grafted and non-grafted plants were produced in root-knot nematode-free soil. Around three week-old grafted and non-grafted tomato plants were transplanted in four different plastic tunnels where root-knot nematodes had been reported previously. The plants were planted in diagonal position to each other as a pair plot in 80 × 60 cm2 spacing in an average of 20 × 7 m2 plastic tunnels. Galling Index (GI) was recorded three times in five randomly selected plants in each plot at 60 days intervals. The first observation was recorded two months after transplanting. Total fruit yield was recorded from same plants. In the grafted plants, the root system was totally free from gall whereas in an average of 7.5 GI in 0-10 scale was recorded in the non-grafted plants. Fruits were harvested from time to time and cumulated after final harvest to calculate the total fruit yield. It was estimated that on an average tomato fruit yield was significantly (P&gt;0.05) increased by 37 percent in the grafted plants compared with the non-grafted plants. Grafting technology could be used effectively for cultivation of commonly grown varieties, which are susceptible to root-knot nematodes in disease prone areas. This can be used as an alternative technology for reducing the use of hazardous pesticides for enhancing commercial organic tomato production.Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council Vol.3 2017: 27-3

Coupled surface plasmon–phonon polariton nanocavity arrays for enhanced mid-infrared absorption

Resonant optical cavities are essential components in mid-infrared applications. However, typical film-type cavities require multilayer stacks with a micronthick spacer due to mid-infrared wavelengths, and their performance is limited by narrow frequency tunability and angular sensitivity. We propose and experimentally demonstrate the subwavelength-scale (≈0/150) resonant nanocavity arrays that enhance the absorption spectrum of the device in the mid-infrared (10–12 microns) via excitation of coupled surface plasmon–phonon polaritons. The proposed metal–insulator–polar dielectric (gold–silicon–silicon carbide) structure supports a guided mode of the coupled surface polaritons in the lateral direction while vertically confining the mid-infrared wav

Selective modulation of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor signaling and functions by beta1 integrins

We show here that beta1 integrins selectively modulate insulin-like growth factor type I receptor (IGF-IR) signaling in response to IGF stimulation. The beta1A integrin forms a complex with the IGF-IR and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1); this complex does not promote IGF-I mediated cell adhesion to laminin (LN), although it does support IGF-mediated cell proliferation. In contrast, beta1C, an integrin cytoplasmic variant, increases cell adhesion to LN in response to IGF-I and its down-regulation by a ribozyme prevents IGF-mediated adhesion to LN. Moreover, beta1C completely prevents IGF-mediated cell proliferation and tumor growth by inhibiting IGF-IR auto-phosphorylation in response to IGF-I stimulation. Evidence is provided that the beta1 cytodomain plays an important role in mediating beta1 integrin association with either IRS-1 or Grb2-associated binder1 (Gab1)/SH2-containing protein-tyrosine phosphate 2 (Shp2), downstream effectors of IGF-IR: specifically, beta1A associates with IRS-1 and beta1C with Gab1/Shp2. This study unravels a novel mechanism mediated by the integrin cytoplasmic domain that differentially regulates cell adhesion to LN and cell proliferation in response to IGF

Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Fixed Dose Lovastatin and NiacinER Combination in Asian Indian Dyslipidemic Patients: A Multicentric Study

Asian Indian dyslipidemia is characterized by: borderline high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein (apo) B; high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apoA1; and high lipoprotein(a) (lp[a]). We performed a controlled multicentric trial in India to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed dose combination of lovastatin and niacin extended release (niacinER) formulation in patients with moderate to severe dyslipidemia. Consecutive subjects that satisfied the selection criteria, agreed to an informed consent, and with no baseline presence of liver/renal disease or heart failure were enrolled in the study. After a 4-week run-in period there were 142 patients with LDL levels ≥130 mg/dL. Eleven patients were excluded because of uncontrolled hyperglycemia and 131 patients were recruited. After baseline evaluation of clinical and biochemical parameters all subjects were administered lovastatin (20 mg) and niacinER (500 mg) combination once daily. Dose escalation was done on basis of lipid parameters at 8 weeks and in 11 patients increased to lovastatin (20 mg) and niacinER (1000 mg). An intention-to-treat analysis was performed and data was analyzed using nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test. Thirteen patients (10%) were lost to follow-up and 4 (3%) withdrew because of dermatological adverse effects: flushing, pruritus, and rash. The mean values of various lipid parameters (mg/dL) at baseline, and at weeks 4, 12, and 24 respectively were: total cholesterol 233.9 ± 27, 206.3 ± 27, 189.8 ± 31, and 174.9 ± 27 mg/dL; LDL cholesterol 153.4 ± 22, 127.3 ± 21, 109.2 ± 27, and 95.1 ± 23 mg/dL; triglycerides 171.1 ± 72, 159.5 ± 75, 149.2 ± 45, and 135.2 ± 40 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol 45.6 ± 7, 48.9 ± 7, 51.6 ± 9, and 53.9 ± 10 mg/dL; lp(a) 48.5 ± 26, 40.1 ± 21, 35.4 ± 21, and 26.9 ± 19 mg/dL; and apoA1/apoB ratio 0.96 ± 0.7, 1.04 ± 0.4, 1.17 ± 0.5, and 1.45 ± 0.5 (p < 0.01). The percentage of decline in various lipids at 4, 12, and 24 weeks was: total cholesterol 11.8%, 18.8%, and 25.2%; LDL cholesterol 17.0%, 28.8%, and 38.0%; triglyceride 6.8%, 12.8%, and 21.0%; lp(a) 17.5%, 26.9%, and 44.5% respectively (p < 0.01). HDL cholesterol and apoA1/apoB increased by 7.2%, 13.1%, and 18.2%; and 7.9%, 21.9%, and 51.6% respectively (p < 0.01). Target LDL levels (<100 mg/dL in subjects with manifest coronary heart disease or diabetes; <130 mg/dL in subjects with >2 risk factors) were achieved in 92 (80.7%) patients. No significant changes were observed in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, blood creatinine, transaminases, or creatine kinase. A fixed dose combination of lovastatin and niacinER significantly improved cholesterol lipoprotein lipids as well as lp(a) and apoA1/apoB levels in Asian Indian dyslipidemic patients. Satisfactory safety and tolerability profile in this population was also demonstrated