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Purpose To study the natural history of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging-based findings seen in non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (neAMD) and model their relative likelihood in predicting development of incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA), complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA), and neovascular AMD (nAMD). Methods Retrospective chart review was performed at two academic practices. Patients diagnosed with neAMD for whom yearly OCT scans were obtained for at least 4 consecutive years were included. Baseline demographic, visual acuity, AREDS staging, and OCT data were collected. OCTs were assessed for the presence or absence of eleven features previously individually associated with progression of neAMD, both at baseline, and on all subsequent follow-up scans. Likewise, charts were reviewed to assess visual acuity and staging of NEAMD at all follow-up visits. A multivariate regression analysis was constructed to determine predictors of iRORA, cRORA, and nAMD. Results A total of 107 eyes of 88 patients were evaluated. Follow-up included yearly OCTs obtained over at least 4 consecutive years follow-up (range: 50-94 months). During the follow-up period, 17 eyes progressed to iRORA while 25 progressed to cRORA and 16 underwent conversion to nAMD. Predictors of conversion to iRORA and cRORA included integrity of the external limiting membrane (p = 0.02), the ellipsoid zone (p = 0.01), and the cone outer segment line (p = 0.003) and the presence of intraretinal hyporeflective spaces (p = 0.009), drusen ooze (p = 0.05), and drusen collapse (p = 0.001). OCT features predictive of conversion to nAMD included outer nuclear layer (ONL) loss (p = 0.01), presence of intraretinal (p = 0.001) and subretinal (p = 0.005) hyporeflective spaces, and drusen collapse (p = 0.003). Conclusion Of these multiple factors predictive of progression of neAMD, the OCT feature most strongly correlated to progression to iRORA/cRORA was drusen collapse, and the feature most predictive of conversion to nAMD was the presence of intraretinal hyporeflective spaces.

The pre-scission α-particle multiplicity (αpre), measured in $^{16}$O (96 MeV) + $^{232}$Th reaction, is observed to be significantly lower than the global trend reported earlier. Statistical model calculations also show a much shorter fission-time to reproduce the experimental αpre. By assimilating the previous measurements, it is observed that the αpre makes a changeover from high to a very low value while crossing the Businaro Gallone point in mass asymmetry in the entrance channels in heavy-ion induced fission of $^{232}$Th. Similar discontinuous behavior with respect to the entrance channel mass asymmetry was observed earlier in fission fragment angular anisotropy data, and it was attributed to “pre-equilibrium fission”. The present results on αpre provide compelling evidence for an admixture of non-equilibrium fission which depends on the entrance channel dynamics.

Induced mutations are an essential source of genetic variation in plant breeding. EMS mutagenesis has been frequently applied, and mutants have been detected by phenotypic or genotypic screening of large populations. In this study, a rapeseed M2 population was derived from M1 parent cultivar “Express” treated with EMS. Whole genomes were sequenced from fourfold (4x) pools of 1,988 M2 plants representing 497 M2 families. Detected mutations were not evenly distributed and displayed distinct patterns across the 19 chromosomes with lower mutation rates towards the ends. Mutation frequencies ranged from 32/Mb to 48/Mb. On average, 284,442 single nucleotide polymorphisms per M2 DNA pool were found resulting from EMS mutagenesis. 55% were C→T and G→A transitions, characteristic for EMS induced (‘canonical’) mutations, whereas the remaining SNPs were ‘non-canonical’ transitions (15%) or transversions (30%). Additionally, we detected 88,725 high confidence insertions and deletions (InDels) per pool. On average, each M2 plant carried 39,120 canonical mutations, corresponding to a frequency of one mutation per 23.6 kb. Roughly 82% of such mutations were located either 5 kb upstream or downstream (~56%) of gene coding regions or within intergenic regions (26%). The remaining 18% were located within regions coding for genes. All mutations detected by whole-genome sequencing could be verified by comparison with known mutations. Furthermore, all sequences are accessible via the online tool “EMS Brassica” (http://www.emsbrassica.plantbreeding.uni-kiel.de/), which enables direct identification of mutations in any target sequence. The sequence resource described here will further add value for functional gene studies in rapeseed breeding.

Entamoeba histolytica is responsible for dysentery and extraintestinal disease in humans. To establish successful infection, it must generate adaptive response against stress due to host defense mechanisms. We have developed a robust proteomics workflow by combining miniaturized sample preparation, low flow-rate chromatography, and ultra-high sensitivity mass spectrometry, achieving increased proteome coverage, and further integrated proteomics and RNA-seq data to decipher regulation at translational and transcriptional levels. Label-free quantitative proteomics led to identification of 2344 proteins, an improvement over the maximum number identified in E. histolytica proteomic studies. In serum-starved cells, 127 proteins were differentially abundant and were associated with functions including antioxidant activity, cytoskeleton, translation, catalysis, and transport. The virulence factor, Gal/GalNAc-inhibitable lectin subunits, was significantly altered. Integration of transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed that only 30% genes were coordinately regulated at both transcriptional and translational levels. Some highly expressed transcripts did not change in protein abundance. Conversely, genes with no transcriptional change showed enhanced protein abundance, indicating post-transcriptional regulation. This multi-omics approach enables more refined gene expression analysis to understand the adaptive response of E. histolytica during growth stress.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a clear and odorless liquid used for dentinal hypersensitivity and arresting caries unless there’s no pulpal involvement for all age groups across all countries. Discoveries let us change old paradigms with the new ones. SDF being cleared for commercial use now can help in achieving the all-time goal of caries prevention. Various studies have established that options like potassium iodide and different restorations can help mask the staining problem of SDF. This can restore form and function as well for the teeth. With the unimaginable COVID 19 situation, dentistry has realized the importance of minimally invasive interventions than ever before. SDF is a blessing in such challenging times and it may be the magical alternative to caries management in the future. Keywords: SDF, Early childhood caries, Parental consent, Oral health, COVID 19

Aparna Rao,1,2 Prity Sahay,1,2 Munmun Chakraborty,1,2 Birendra Kumar Prusty,3 Sandhya Srinivasan,4 Gagan deep Jhingan,4 Pragyan Mishra Snr,2 Rahul Modak,2 Mrutyunjay Suar2 1Glaucoma Service, MTC campus, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India; 2KIIT School of Biotechnology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; 3Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; 4Vproteomics, Green Park, New Delhi, IndiaCorrespondence: Aparna Rao Email vinodini10375@yahoo.comPurpose: The key differences in cell death mechanisms in the trabecular meshwork (TM) in adult moderate and severe primary glaucoma remain still unanswered. This study explored key differences in cell death mechanisms in the trabecular meshwork (TM) in adult moderate and severe primary glaucoma.Design: In-vitro laboratory study on surgical specimens and primary cell lines.Methods: Select cell death-related proteins differentially expressed on mass spectrometric analysis in ex-vivo dissected TM specimens patients with severe adult primary open-angle (POAG) or angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) compared to controls (cadaver donor cornea) were validated for temporal changes in cell death-related gene expression on in-vitro primary human TM cell culture after 48 hours (moderate) or 72 hours (severe) oxidative stress with H2O2 (400– 1000 uM concentration). These were compared with histone modifications after oxidative stress in human TM (HTM) culture and peripheral blood of patients with moderate and severe glaucoma.Results: Autophagy-related proteins seemed to be the predominant cell-death mechanism over apoptosis in ex-vivo dissected TM specimens in severe glaucoma. Analyzing HTM cell gene expression at 48 hours and 72 hours of oxidative stress, autophagy genes were up-regulated at 48– 72 hours of exposure in contrast to apoptosis-related genes, showing down-regulation at 72 hours. There was associated increased expression of H3K14ac in HTM after 72 hours of oxidative stress and in peripheral blood of severe POAG and PACG.Conclusion: A preference of autophagy over apoptosis may underlie stage transition from moderate to severe glaucoma in the trabecular meshwork or peripheral blood, which may be tightly regulated by epigenetic modulators.Keywords: trabecular meshwork, cell death, autophagy, apoptosis, glaucoma

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite and the causative agent of amoebiasis in humans. This amoeba invades human tissues by taking advantage of its actin-rich cytoskeleton to move, enter the tissue matrix, kill and phagocyte the human cells. During tissue invasion, E. histolytica moves from the intestinal lumen across the mucus layer and enters the epithelial parenchyma. Faced with the chemical and physical constraints of these diverse environments, E. histolytica has developed sophisticated systems to integrate internal and external signals and to coordinate cell shape changes and motility. Cell signalling circuits are driven by interactions between the parasite and extracellular matrix, combined with rapid responses from the mechanobiome in which protein phosphorylation plays an important role. To understand the role of phosphorylation events and related signalling mechanisms, we targeted phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases followed by live cell imaging and phosphoproteomics. The results highlight 1150 proteins, out of the 7966 proteins within the amoebic proteome, as members of the phosphoproteome, including signalling and structural molecules involved in cytoskeletal activities. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases alters phosphorylation in important members of these categories; a finding that correlates with changes in amoeba motility and morphology, as well as a decrease in actin-rich adhesive structures.

Measurements on mass , angular distributions, fusion-fission cross-sections of fission fragments from actinide nuclei $^{249}$Bk and $^{257}$Md, produced in fusion reactions $^{11}$B, $^{19}$F + $^{238}$U, and comparative studies with projectiles $^{12}$C, $^{16}$O,$^{30}$Si on same target with help of existing works are presented. The measured mass distribution data agree well with statistical model GEMINI++ predictions, the measured angular anisotropy data for $^{19}$F + $^{238}$U reaction exhibit deviation from the Transition State Model (TSM) results at energies below the fusion barrier. The fission cross-section data are reproduced fairly well using the coupled-channel CCFULL calculations. The microscopic TDHF quantum calculations also show no significant interplay between the orientation of the prolate deformed $^{238}$U whether tip to tip or side by side collision. Fusion-fission mechanism involving projectiles with atomic mass (A) 22 and charge 9 on actinide targets in the actinide chart are dominated by shell manifestation comparatively colliding partner's variables in reactions.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of severe vision loss in the developed world. Advanced forms of AMD are seen in primarily 2 types, exudative AMD involving the presence of choroidal neovascularization and nonexudative or dry AMD with geographic atrophy. For the latter, the combination of vitamins and minerals known as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study-2 formulation has been shown to decrease the rate of progression of nonexudative to exudative AMD, as no other treatments are currently approved for nonexudative AMD. This review will highlight upcoming treatments for nonexudative AMD. Six upcoming agents have shown results at least in the 2A phase. This includes intravitreal agents that are inhibitors of integrin (Risuteganib), intravitreal agents that disrupt the complement pathway (Zimura, APL-2), neuroprotective implants (Brimonidine DDS), a subcutaneous injectable (Elamipretide), and photobiomodulation (Valeda Light Delivery System).

Background: Evidence supports establishing a continuum of care from stroke rehabilitation (SR) to cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs). It is not known to what extent people poststroke are being integrated. This study aimed to determine the proportion of CRPs that accept referrals poststroke, barriers/facilitators, and eligibility criteria. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was sent to CRPs across Canada. Results: Of 160 questionnaires sent, 114 representatives (71%) of 130 CRPs responded. Of respondents, 65% (n = 74) reported accepting people with a diagnosis of stroke and doing so for a median of 11 years, 11 offering stroke-specific classes and an additional 6 planning inclusion. However, 62.5% of CRPs reported that < 11 patients participated in the last calendar year despite 88.5% reporting no limit to the number they could enroll. Among CRPs, 25% accepted only patients with concurrent cardiac diagnoses, living in the community (47.8%), and without severe mobility (70.1%), communication (80.6%), or cognitive (85.1%) deficits. The 2 most influential barriers and facilitators among all CRPs were funding and staffing. The fourth greatest barrier was lack of poststroke referrals, and third to sixth facilitators were SR/CRP collaboration to ensure appropriate referrals (third) and to increase referrals (sixth), toolkits for prescribing resistance (fourth), and aerobic training (fifth). CRP characteristics associated with accepting stroke were a hybrid program model, a medium program size, and having a falls prevention component. Conclusions: Most CRPs accept patients poststroke, but few participate. Therefore, establishing SR/CRP partnerships to increase appropriate referrals, using a toolkit to help operationalize exercise components, and allocating funding/resources to CRPs may significantly increase access to secondary prevention strategies. Résumé: Contexte: Les données recueillies appuient la continuité des soins entre les programmes de réadaptation après un accident vasculaire cérébral (PR-AVC) et les programmes de réadaptation cardiaque (PRC). On ne sait toutefois pas dans quelle mesure les patients qui ont subi un accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC) sont intégrés à un PRC. L’étude visait donc à déterminer la proportion de PRC admettant les patients ayant subi un AVC, les obstacles à l’intégration de ces derniers et les éléments qui la facilitent, ainsi que les critères d’admissibilité. Méthodologie: Des responsables de PRC de partout au Canada ont été invités à répondre à un questionnaire en ligne. Résultats: Au total, 160 invitations ont été envoyées et 114 (71 %) responsables rattachés à 130 PRC y ont répondu. Parmi ces répondants, 65 % (n = 74) ont dit que leur programme admettait depuis un nombre médian de 11 ans les patients ayant reçu un diagnostic d’AVC; 11 programmes offraient des cours spécialement destinés aux patients ayant subi un AVC et 6 autres prévoyaient de le faire. Toutefois, 62,5 % des répondants ont souligné que moins de 11 patients avaient participé à leur programme au cours de l’année qui précédait, malgré le fait que dans 88,5 % des cas, il n’y avait pas de limite au nombre de participants admis. Parmi les PRC, 25 % n’admettaient que des patients ayant aussi reçu un diagnostic d’atteinte cardiaque, vivant dans la collectivité (47,8 %) et n’ayant pas de déficit sévère sur les plans de la mobilité (70,1 %), de la communication (80,6 %) ou de la fonction cognitive (85,1 %). Dans tous les cas, les deux facteurs influant le plus (positivement ou négativement, selon le cas) sur l’intégration des patients ayant subi un AVC étaient les ressources financières et les ressources humaines. Le quatrième obstacle en importance était le faible nombre de patients ayant subi un AVC orientés vers les programmes; les autres éléments facilitateurs également recensés étaient la collaboration entre les PR-AVC et les PRC afin d’assurer l’orientation des patients concernés (3e place), l’augmentation du nombre de ces orientations (6e place), ainsi que les outils permettant de prescrire un programme d’entraînement musculaire (4e place) et un programme d’entraînement aérobique (5e place). Les PRC admettant des patients ayant subi un AVC avaient en commun les caractéristiques suivantes : ils reposaient sur un modèle hybride, ils étaient de taille moyenne et ils comprenaient un volet sur la prévention des chutes. Conclusions: Si la plupart des PRC admettent les patients qui ont subi un AVC, ces derniers sont peu nombreux à y participer. L’établissement de partenariats entre les PR-AVC et les PRC afin d’augmenter le nombre de patients orientés, la mise en place d’outils facilitant l’exécution de programmes d’exercice physique et l’affectation de fonds et de ressources aux PRC pourraient donc augmenter considérablement l’accès aux stratégies de prévention secondaire.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of vision loss. Advanced forms of AMD are seen in primarily 2 types—neovascular AMD (nAMD) with the presence of choroid neovascularization and nonneovascular AMD (nnAMD) with geographic atrophy. Although there are 4 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs either widely used or approved for the former, there are no current treatments for the latter. This review will highlight upcoming treatments for AMD currently in clinical trials. For nAMD: Abicipar pegol, an intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor based on designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARP) in protein, is currently pending approval. Conbercept and Faricimab, 2 intravitreal anti-growth factors, are currently in phase 3. Nine other upcoming agents have at least produced results in the 2A phase including intravitreal injections (KSI-301, OPT-302, RGX-314, ICON-1, and DE-122), depot (GB-102), drug reservoir (PDS), topical drops (PAN-90806), and oral formulations (AKST4290). We summarize all the newer molecules.

Objective: To compare and assess the application time, retention, marginal staining, development of carious lesion and plaque accumulation of GIOMER based pit and fissure sealants with conventional fluoride releasing pit and fissure sealant in first permanent molars. Study Design: Fifty children in the age range of 6-9 years, following acceptable home dental care, had participated in the study. A randomized split-mouth design was used in which two fissure sealants (Helioseal F and Beautisealant) were randomly placed in 50 harmonizing contralateral duo of permanent first molars. Sealants were gauged by a single skilled and calibrated examiner using mouth mirrors and probes following the USPHS criteria at 3-, 6- and 12-months follow up. Results: Mean application time for Beautisealant was significantly less i.e. 155.39 seconds than that of Helioseal F i.e. 260.91 seconds. The retention rates at 3, 6 and 12 months for Helioseal F was 80.4%, 76.1% and 60.9% and for Beautisealant was 71.7%, 65.2% and 47.8% respectively. Conclusion: Application time of Beautisealant was significantly less than Helioseal F, but Helioseal F demonstrates better retention rate, while both material displayed similarresults for marginal staining, development of carious lesion and plaque accumulation. Keywords: Pit and fissure sealants, Retention, Giomer.