RESUMEN
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and its prevalence has led to research into treatment modalities for glaucoma to prevent the progression of the disease. The primary treatment for glaucoma that has been extensively used is ocular hypotensives to reduce raised intraocular pressure. This treatment has its drawbacks due to the existence of other variants of glaucoma, such as normal-tension glaucoma, where the intraocular pressure is measured to be within regular levels. Hence, there is a need for new treatment interventions which can deliver a better prognosis for glaucoma. Neuroprotection is a new concept studied recently, and neuroprotective agents are being developed for glaucoma therapy. Rho kinase inhibitors are one such neuroprotective agent, and the most recent addition to the class of ocular hypotensives, where they function by reducing raised intraocular pressure. Its neuroprotective capabilities, such as cell survival and axon regeneration, are yet to be determined in detail. This literature review article aims to look into the need for new treatments such as neuroprotection to prevent the progression of glaucoma and the efficacy of rho kinase inhibitors in the treatment of glaucoma, with particular emphasis on its neuroprotective abilities. It also aims to identify the limitations that can occur while approaching neuroprotective therapy, as well as how it can enable future treatment modalities. By exploring this field, blindness caused by progressive glaucoma can be halted and managed by glaucoma therapy.
RESUMEN
The constant contact and usage of technology in today's world have brought about the dire consequences of digital addiction and its effects. This has led to a serious dilemma of management of screentime by an individual. Studies have shown a negative impact of excessive gadget use leading to a decline in performance rates, effect on sleep patterns, and reduction in workplace achievements thereby causing hindrance in unlocking the maximum potential of an individual. This has paved the way for the introduction of a novel concept known as 'Digital well-being' for tackling this underlying issue to bring about screen time reduction as well as to establish an ideal work-life balance. Digital well-being enhances the usage of technology itself to combat increased screen time by using restraints and promotes wellness by enabling productive and healthy lifestyles. In a new era where smartphones and technology have begun to dictate our lives, it is necessary to apply restraints and ensure there is a balance of wellness as well as productivity outflow. Digital well-being can be achieved by interventions that should be administered with the use of apps and healthy practices. The use of new-age apps acts as positive reinforcement and helps in providing a restrictive environment as well as maintains the time invested for useful and productive engagements. There is a lot of research yet to be done regarding this topic empirically regarding its success and this review article aims to approach the effectiveness of digital wellbeing and its applications in combating stress and increasing work performance and preventing digital addiction.
RESUMEN
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To identify risk factors associated with psychological insulin resistance (PIR) in Indian type 2 diabetes (T2DM) population. METHODS: Patients with T2DM, aged 18 years, undergoing treatment with oral hypoglycaemic agents and providing written informed consent were considered eligible for the study. Patient's data was collected by face-to-face interaction using 5 validated diabetes questionnaires--Diabetes Attitude Scale, Diabetes Knowledge Test, Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, Interpersonal Processes of Care Survey-29, and Barriers to Insulin Treatment scale. Demographic variables, categories of patients based on their annual family income, education, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), occupation and type of healthcare setup were correlated with overall scores of validated questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson correlation coefficients, analysis of variance, two-group t-test and hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: One hundred ninty-eight patients with T2DM were enrolled where 63% were males, 52% had HbA1c <7% (<53 mmol/mol), 32% were in service, 35% had the annual family income between Rs 100,000-500,000, 50% were graduates and 81% were enrolled from private healthcare set ups. Significant high opposition to use insulin was observed in females, patients based at home, patients with insufficient education, and patients visiting government set-ups compared to males, service-class patients, graduates, and patients approaching private set-ups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In India, major factors contributing to PIR were fear of injection or fear of pain during injection, fear of hypoglycemia, social stigma and lack of education. Effective interpersonal interactions with healthcare providers could help to counteract PIR, especially in patients who are not sufficiently literate highlighting the need of skilled healthcare staffs in Indian public hospitals.