COVID-19 and Personal Protective Equipment-Related Challenges Faced by Pediatric Dentists during patient care: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Objective: To describe the challenges pediatric dentists face while caring for their patients during the pandemic. Material and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with purposefully sampled pediatric dentists. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews until the content of the collected data reached theoretical saturation. Data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using content analyses. Results: Seven participants (four females and three males) between 29 and 50 years participated in the study. Three themes emerged from the analyses: Anxiety and fear; PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and its impact on care delivery; and 3) Behavior management. Conclusion: Dental care delivery was challenging for pediatric dentists. They experienced high anxiety levels and modified their services according to the recommended guidelines while making accommodations to lessen patients' COVID-19-related anxiety. The additional mandated PPE use affected the communication between the dentists and their patients, affecting their dentist-patient bonding.

Current status of hepatitis C virus infection and progress in its elimination in China / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatitis C virus （HCV） can develop into liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma， imposing a heavy burden on the patient’s family and the society. Hepatitis C is one of the major public threats for humans， and eliminating hepatitis C is a common goal of all humans. Direct-acting antiviral agents （DAAs） are currently a relatively safe treatment regimen for hepatitis C that can reach a relatively high cure rate and can target different HCV genotypes， making it possible to eliminate HCV infection. China actively promotes the clinical application of DAAs， accelerates drug approval， improves the accessibility of DAAs， and strengthens population intervention. National Medical Insurance Administration has gradually included DAAs in the national medical insurance directory， providing strong support for eliminating HCV infection. In response to the WHO’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health hazard by 2030， China has successively released national strategic plans and action plans in recent years， making significant achievements in HCV infection elimination， forming a joint prevention and control system across multiple sectors of the society， and ultimately achieving the goal of eliminating HCV infection. With a focus on the current status of HCV infection in China and prominent prevention and control strategies， this article analyzes and summarizes the practical process of the prevention， control， and micro-elimination of HCV infection， in order to provide a policy reference for carrying out HCV elimination in China and help to achieve the goal of comprehensive elimination of HCV infection.

Outbreak investigation of a campus bacterial dysentery by water source pollution in Lhasa City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate risk factors and the nature of the outbreak of bacillary dysentery in Lhasa City, so as to customize targeted prevention and control measures.@*Methods@#Using on site epidemiological investigation, the suspected, probable and confirmed cases of bacillary dysentery in one school and one kindergarten in Lhasa City from June 26 to July 1, 2022 were collected, and additional cases were identified through interview from school staffs and family members, reviewing morning examination records and tracking records of school illness related absence. A case control study was conducted to investigate suspicious meals and drinking raw water, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect Shigella line nucleic acid fragment in the patients feces, anal swabs, retained food, and terminal water.@*Results@#A total of 55 cases were found in two schools, with the prevalence rate of 15.41% in total and 16.71% in students ( n =53), 7.5% in staff ( n =2). The epidemic curve was suggestive of a point source exposure. The prevalence rate among students who walk to school and students who live in the school showed no difference (16.10%，17.09%)( χ 2=0.05, P >0.05), and the prevalence rate was higher among elementary school students than kindergarten students (19.83%，6.67%)( χ 2=7.13, P <0.05). Case control comparisons showed a direct association between drinking raw water and morbidity in the case and control groups during June 24-26 ( OR=4.01, 95%CI =1.75-9.19, P < 0.05). A total of 23 fecal Shigella nucleic acid positives were detected from the two schools, two from the end water in front of the cafeteria door, and two from sludge in the sewage pipe around the wellhead.@*Conclusions@#The outbreak of bacillary dysentery is caused by the contamination of the pipe network water. Health administrative departments should improve the supervision and management of drinking water health safety, and schools should strengthen the management of water supply facilities for effectively prevent of waterborne infectious disease outbreaks.

Analysis of factors affecting stability of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To explore the factors affecting the stability of high concentration variable domain of heavy-chain antibody-Fc(VHH-Fc) fusion protein.Methods Three groups of forced degradation experiments,shaking,light and 40℃ high temperature were set up.Differential scanning fluorimetry,dynamic light scattering(DLS) and ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS) were used to detect the effects of the three forced degradation conditions on the conformational stability,colloidal stability,average hydrodynamic diameter and post-translational modifications of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein.Results Under the light condition,the onset temperature of unfolding(T_(onset)),melting temperature(T_m) and aggregation onset temperature(T_(agg)) of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein decreased the most,and the oxidation ratio of Met160 and Met266 increased significantly.Under the condition of shaking,the variation of the diffusion interaction parameter(k_D) and the average hydrodynamic diameter was the largest.Conclusion Light can significantly reduce the conformational stability of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein and induce methionine oxidation.Shaking has the most significant effect on its colloidal stability and promotes aggregation.

Impact of autonomic nerve function on motor function in patients with post-stroke depression / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of autonomic nerve function on motor function in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) from the perspective of regional homogeneity (ReHo). MethodsFrom January to December, 2020, a total of 60 inpatients and outpatients with cerebral infarction in the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were divided into control group (n = 30) and PSD group (n = 30). Two groups were assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured. Ten patients in each group were selected randomly to undergo resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to calculate ReHo. ResultsAll HRV indices were lower in PSD group than in the control group (|t| > 2.092, P < 0.05). In PSD group, FMA and MBI scores showed positive correlations with 24-hour standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats over 24 hours (RMSSD), the percentage of differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals over 24 hours that were greater than 50 ms (PNN50), total power (TP), very low frequency power (VLF) and low frequency power (LF) (r > 0.394, P < 0.05), and showed negative correlations with HAMD scores (|r| > 0.919, P < 0.001). HAMD scores in PSD group were negatively correlated with SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50, TP and VLF (|r| > 0.769, P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the ReHo increased in PSD group in the right rectus gyrus (142 voxels, t = 6.575), the left medial and paracingulate gyri (204 voxels, t = 4.925) (GRF correction, P-Voxel < 0.005，P-Cluster < 0.05); and reduced in the right cerebellum (191 voxels, t = -6.487), the left middle temporal gyrus (140 voxels, t = -5.516), and the left precentral gyrus (119 voxels, t = -4.764) (GRF correction, P-Voxel < 0.005，P-Cluster < 0.05) in PSD group. ConclusionAutonomic nerve function is related to motor dysfunction in patients with PSD. The modulation of emotional, cognitive and motor brain regions by the autonomic nervous system may play a role in influencing the motor function in patients with PSD.

Introduction on the update of the 5th edition WHO classifications of B-cell neoplasms / 中华病理学杂志

The 5th edition WHO classification of B-cell tumors is a systematic update to the fourth revised version of the classification. The changes include updated names of entities, sharpened diagnostic criteria, and upgrades from provisional to definite entities. This review focuses on the changes in the content of each chapter of B-cell tumors, facilitating domestic colleagues engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphohematopoietic tumors to understand the latest progress and guide daily work.

Identification of a natural PLA2 inhibitor from the marine fungus Aspergillus sp. c1 for MAFLD treatment that suppressed lipotoxicity by inhibiting the IRE-1α/XBP-1s axis and JNK signaling

Lipotoxicity is a pivotal factor that initiates and exacerbates liver injury and is involved in the development of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, there are few reported lipotoxicity inhibitors. Here, we identified a natural anti-lipotoxicity candidate, HN-001, from the marine fungus Aspergillus sp. C1. HN-001 dose- and time- dependently reversed palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatocyte death. This protection was associated with IRE-1α-mediated XBP-1 splicing inhibition, which resulted in suppression of XBP-1s nuclear translocation and transcriptional regulation. Knockdown of XBP-1s attenuated lipotoxicity, but no additional ameliorative effect of HN-001 on lipotoxicity was observed in XBP-1s knockdown hepatocytes. Notably, the ER stress and lipotoxicity amelioration was associated with PLA2. Both HN-001 and the PLA2 inhibitor MAFP inhibited PLA2 activity, reduced lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) level, subsequently ameliorated lipotoxicity. In contrast, overexpression of PLA2 caused exacerbation of lipotoxicity and weakened the anti-lipotoxic effects of HN-001. Additionally, HN-001 treatment suppressed the downstream pro-apoptotic JNK pathway. In vivo, chronic administration of HN-001 (i.p.) in mice alleviated all manifestations of MAFLD, including hepatic steatosis, liver injury, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. These effects were correlated with PLA2/IRE-1α/XBP-1s axis and JNK signaling suppression. These data indicate that HN-001 has therapeutic potential for MAFLD because it suppresses lipotoxicity, and provide a natural structural basis for developing anti-MAFLD candidates.

Exploring the innovative talents training mode in new era / 生物工程学报

Innovation is an important way to promote economic development and social progress. Recent years have seen rapid development of biological sciences. In response to social demands and the needs for developing an innovative country, fostering innovative talents in the field of biosciences has become a significant initiative supported by national policies and the needs from talent market. Taking the innovative talent training mode implemented by Zhejiang Normal University in the field of biological sciences as an example, this paper comprehensively introduces several key aspects of the mode. This includes establishing a mentorship system as the foundation, carrying out curriculum reform through project competitions and practical platforms, and promoting synergy among industry, academia, and research in talent training. This training mode has achieved positive results in practice, promoting the training of outstanding innovative talents in biological science majors, and may facilitate the reform of talent training in similar majors.

Mapping of QTL associated with rice cooking quality and candidate gene analysis / 生物工程学报

Excavating the quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with rice cooking quality, analyzing candidate genes, and improving cooking quality-associated traits of rice varieties by genetic breeding can effectively improve the taste of rice. In this study, we used the indica rice HZ, the japonica rice Nekken2 and 120 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) populations constructed from them as experimental materials to measure the gelatinization temperature (GT), gel consistency (GC) and amylose content (AC) of rice at the maturity stage. We combined the high-density genetic map for QTL mapping. A total of 26 QTLs associated with rice cooking quality (1 QTL associated with GT, 13 QTLs associated with GC, and 12 QTLs associated with AC) were detected, among which the highest likelihood of odd (LOD) value reached 30.24. The expression levels of candidate genes in the localization interval were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and it was found that the expression levels of six genes were significantly different from that in parents. It was speculated that the high expression of LOC_Os04g20270 and LOC_Os11g40100 may greatly increase the GC of rice, while the high expression of LOC_Os01g04920 and LOC_Os02g17500 and the low expression of LOC_Os03g02650 and LOC_Os05g25840 may reduce the AC. The results lay a molecular foundation for the cultivation of new high-quality rice varieties, and provide important genetic resources for revealing the molecular regulation mechanism of rice cooking quality.

Misdiagnosis of intrapancreatic accessory spleen： A report of two cases / 临床肝胆病杂志

Accessory spleen refers to the spleen tissue that exists outside of the normal spleen， with a similar structure to the main spleen and certain functions. Intrapancreatic accessory spleen （IPAS） completely enveloped by the pancreas has an incidence rate of only 2%， and it is easily misdiagnosed in clinical practice due to its atypical clinical symptoms and similar radiological features to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor， pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor， and other pancreatic space-occupying lesions. This article reports the clinical data of two patients with IPAS who were misdiagnosed as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor， respectively， analyzes the reasons for misdiagnosis， and summarizes the experience in diagnosis and treatment， in order to improve the ability for the differential diagnosis of IPAS in clinical practice.

Risk assessment of nosocomial infection in patients with multiple myeloma in the first hospitalization / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To assess the risk of nosocomial infection in patients with multiple myeloma during their first hospitalization. Methods Totally 480 patients with multiple myeloma who were hospitalized for the first time in department of hematology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University from August 2021 to August 2022 were included, and the nosocomial infection during treatment was statistically analyzed. The patients were divided into infected group and uninfected group. The independent influencing factors of nosocomial infection were analyzed and a prediction model was established. The reliability of the prediction model was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results The incidence rate of nosocomial infection was 31.2% among 480 patients hospitalized for the first time. There were statistically significant differences in age, ISS staging, controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, agranulocytosis, hemoglobin, and albumin between the infected group and the uninfected group (P<0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that age, ISS staging, CONUT score, agranulocytosis, hemoglobin level, and albumin level were all independent correlated factors of nosocomial infection in patients with multiple myeloma hospitalized for the first time (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of multivariate logistic regression prediction model were 0.88 (95%CI: 0.840-0.920), 85.00% and 76.36%, respectively. Conclusion The incidence rate of nosocomial infection is high among patients with multiple myeloma in the first hospitalization. The prediction model established according to independent correlated factors of nosocomial infection has high predictive value on the occurrence of nosocomial infection.

Optical coherence tomography angiography manifestations of different degrees of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the differences in varying stages of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 77 cases(77 eyes)of diabetic patients were included, and they were divided into non-diabetic retinopathy(NDR; 23 eyes)and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR; 54 eyes)groups, further subdivided into mild NPDR(20 eyes), moderate NPDR(20 eyes), and severe NPDR(14 eyes). Foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area, superficial and deep capillary plexus densities(SSP and DSP), and visual acuity(LogMAR)were compared between NDR and NPDR groups. Furthermore, the visual acuity, FAZ area and levels of SSP and DSP were compared in different degrees of NPDR. Correlation analysis were conducted to elucidate relationships between FAZ area, visual acuity, SSP, DSP, and severity of the disease.RESULTS: Compared with the NDR group, the visual acuity(LogMAR)and macular FAZ area increased, while SSP and DSP were decreased in the NPDR group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); there were significant differences in visual acuity, FAZ area and SSP and DSP levels in different degrees of NPDR(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). Visual acuity(LogMAR)and FAZ area displayed a positive correlation with the severity of disease, while SSP and DSP showed a negative correlation.CONCLUSION: With the progression of NPDR, the visual acuity(LogMAR)and FAZ area increased, and the SSP and DSP decreased.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma: Comprehension of cell-of-origin subtypes

Primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCNS-DLBCL) is an uncommon extranodal lymphoma that accounts for more than 95% of all the CNS lymphomas. Unlike its systemic/nodal counterpart, which is currently subtyped into cell-of origin (COO) subtypes, its feasibility and utility are largely debatable in PCNS-DLBCL. Objectives: To classify PCNS-DLBCL into COO-subtypes based on immunohistochemical algorithms by Hans and Choi and evaluate concordance between the two. A further aim is to investigate the clinicoradiological and histomorphological parameters of the subtypes thus obtained. Materials and Methods: As many as 143 cases of primary CNS lymphoma were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for CD10, BCL6, MUM1, GCET, and FOXP1 and based on which the said 143 cases were further classified into COO subtypes using Hans and Choi algorithms. Results: Mean age was 53.8 years with marginal male preponderance and predominantly centroblastic morphology (75.5%). CD 10 was positive in 8.9% of the cases, BCL6 in 58.6%, MUM1 in 89.9%, GCET in 32.9%, and FOXP1 in 79.5%. As much as 84.9% cases were of non-germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype and 15.1% cases were of GCB subtype as determined based on Hans algorithm. Furthermore, 90.7% cases were of activated B-cell (ABC) subtype and 9.3% cases were of GCB subtype according to Choi algorithm. A 91.8% concordance was observed between Hans and Choi algorithms. Among the 6 discordant cases, 5 cases were subtyped as GCB by Hans and ABC by Choi and 1 case as ABC by Hans and GCB by Choi. Conclusion: Most of PCNS-DLBCLs are of non-GCB/ABC COO subtype, but inconsistences abound in the utility of IHC algorithms in PCNS-DLBCL COO subtypes.

Histological risk score and its role in predicting recurrence in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinomas

Context: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) comprises more than 90% of oral cancers and is the most common carcinoma affecting the oral cavity. Early stage T1/T2 OSCC have a heterogeneous prognosis and a significant number of patients develop loco regional recurrence (LRR) and have reduced disease free survival (DFS) with increased disease related mortality. Aims and Objectives: To assess the impact of the three parameters used in Brandwein-Gensler risk model along with lympho-vascular invasion (LVI), depth of invasion (DOI) and lymph node metastases in predicting LRR in early stage OSCC. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study on early stage T1/2 OSCC patients over a period of 2 years who received treatment by surgical resection and had follow-up data. LRR was assessed based on recurrence of OSCC at the initial site or in regional lymph nodes. Results: Out of 1135 OSCC cases during our study period a total of 207 cases befitted our inclusion criteria. Recurrence was noted in 113 (54.6%) cases. Univariate analysis identified LVI (P < 0.00001), DOI (P < 0.00001), nodal involvement (P < 0.00001), worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) (P < 0.00001), lymphocytic host response (LHR) (P = 0.004), perineural invasion (PNI) (P = 0.012) as strong statistically significant risk factors for LRR. Conclusion: Adequate assessment of simple parameters on routine H and E by incorporating Brandwein-Gensler histological risk scoring model at the initial presentation can help prognosticate and predict LRR and select patients for post-surgical adjuvant therapy.

Treatment of Seizures in the Neonate: Special Report From the ILAE Task Force on Neonatal Seizures, 2022

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) task force on neonatal seizures has recently published draft guidelines and consensusbased recommendations on the treatment of neonatal seizures. This update provides a summary of the recommendations and the changes in management compared to the previous WHO ILAE guidelines, published in 2011, with emphasis on practical decision making requirements for a pediatrician.

Kasai Portoenterostomy at a Slightly Delayed Age and Native Liver Survival in Children With Biliary Atresia: Single Center Experience

Objectives: We studied the modifiable prognostic factors that extend native liver survival at 2 years after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). Methods: We reviewed hospital records of patients with neonatal cholestasis, with focus on infants diagnosed with biliary atresia in a tertiary care hospital between January, 2014 and May, 2021. We determined the association of outcome with clinical and laboratory variables. Results: Infants who underwent KPE at a median (IQR) age of 76 (72-79) days had best outcomes, with minimal severe post-KPE complications and 2- year survival rate of 84.6%, compared to other infants (younger and older age at KPE). The median (IQR) weight at KPE in this group was 4.66 (4.2, 5.0) kg. Conclusions: In contrast to traditional recommendations, babies with median age at KPE of 76 days had superior native liver survival (84.6%) and reduced post-KPE complications, as compared to earlier KPE age. Nutritional status and weight of infant at KPE could be associated with this survival difference. This observation needs confirmation through multicentric prospective studies in different settings.

Predictive factors and risk analysis of recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma ≤ 1 cm

ABSTRACT Objective: The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) may be involved by papillary thyroid carcinoma ≤ 1 centimeter (PTC ≤ 1 cm). Current study investigated the predictive factors of RLN invasion in PTC ≤ 1 cm, the risk factors of disease recurrence in RLN invaded cases and the results of surgical management for RLN invasion. Materials and methods: Data of 374 PTC ≤ 1 cm patients were retrospectively collected. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to identify predictive factors of RLN invasion and risk factors of disease recurrence. The abilities of factors in predicting RLN invasion were evaluated. Surgical outcomes and recurrence free survival (RFS) of patients were analyzed. Results: A total of 28 patients suffered RLN invasion, among which seven had disease recurrence. Preoperative vocal cord palsy (VCP), gross extrathyroidal extension, larger tumor size and tumor on the dorsal side of thyroid were verified as predictive factors of RLN invasion. RLN involved patients had poorer RFS, but better than those who also had upper-aerodigestive tract invasion. Upper-aerodigestive tract invasion, lateral neck lymph nodes metastasis (LNM) and BRAF V600E mutation were independent risk factors of disease recurrence in RLN invaded cases. Tumor shaving showed better RLN function preservation without increasing recurrent risk. Conclusions: Current study confirmed the rarity of RLN invasion in PTC ≤ 1 cm. Various aggressive features were verified as predictive factors of RLN invasion. Tumor shaving showed superiority in preserving nerve function without increasing recurrent risk. Special attentions should be paid for disease recurrence when RLN invasion accompanied by upper-aerodigestive tract invasion, lateral neck LNM or BRAF V600E mutation.

To Identify the Dangerous Length of External Laryngeal Nerve In Relation to Thyroid Pole In Cadaveric Thyroid Glands

Introduction: The external laryngeal nerve passes through the “space of Reeve” cricothyroid space. It has also been described as lying in the Joll’s triangle. It is often inadvertently neglected during thyroid surgeries. It has been named after a singer who lost her voice after a thyroid surgery, as the “nerve of Galli Curci” Aim: To identify the dangerous length of the external laryngeal nerve in relation to the thyroid pole. Material and Methods: Fifty laryngeal nerves were dissected using conventional method of dissection, in twentyfive embalmed cadavers used for teaching purpose at Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Madurantakam. The observations were noted and photographs taken. The course and relations were carefully noted. Results: 38 specimens (76%) had the superior laryngeal nerve measuring 4cm. in 8 specimens (16%) it was 3.5 cm and in 04 specimens (8%) it measured 3.8 cm. It was observed that the external laryngeal nerve crossed the superior thyroid pole at less than 1cm only in three (6%) of the fifty nerves. Conclusions: The critical length of the nerve would be dangerous if the nerve crosses the superior thyroid pedicle close to thyroid pole at less than 1 cm. The consequences of neglecting the critical length would injure the nerve and cause dysphonia or raspy voice.

Next-generation sequencing-based genetic testing and phenotype correlation in retinitis pigmentosa patients from India

Purpose: Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) are a heterogeneous group of retinal diseases leading to progressive loss of photoreceptors through apoptosis. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is considered the most common form of IRD. Panel?based testing in RP has proven effective in identifying the causative genetic mutations in 70% and 80% of the patients. This is a retrospective, observational, single?center study of 107 RP patients who had undergone next?generation sequencing?based targeted gene panel testing for IRD genes. These patients were inspected for common phenotypic features to arrive at meaningful genotype–phenotype correlation. Methods: Patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination, and blood was collected from the proband for DNA extraction after documenting the pedigree. Targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was done by panel?based testing for IRD genes followed by co?segregation analysis wherever applicable. Results: Of the 107 patients, 72 patients had pathogenic mutations. The mean age of onset of symptoms was 14 ± 12 years (range: 5–55). Mean (Best Corrected Visual Acuity) BCVA was 6/48 (0.9 logMAR) (range 0.0–3.0). At presentation, over one?third of eyes had BCVA worse than 6/60 (<1 logMAR). Phenotype analysis with the gene defects showed overlapping features, such as peripheral well?defined chorioretinal atrophic patches in patients with CERKL, PROM1, and RPE65 gene mutations and large macular lesions in patients with RDH12 and CRX gene mutations, respectively. Nummular or clump?like pigmentation was noted in CRB1, TTC8, PDE6A, and PDE6B. Conclusion: NGS?based genetic testing can help clinicians to diagnose RP more accurately, and phenotypic correlations can also help in better patient counselling with respect to prognosis and guidance regarding ongoing newer gene?based therapies.

Epidemiological Determinants of Depression among the Geriatric Population Residing in a Slum of Urban India: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Worldwide interest in geriatric depression has increased but studies to assess the depression among the elderly population in urban slums has hardly been done. So this study would shed light on the risk factors of depression among geriatrics in urban slums. Aim & Objective: To study the epidemiological determinants such as age, marital status, education, financial dependency, economic status and chronic illness in relation to of depression among the geriatric population (60–80 years). Settings and Design: Community-based, cross-sectional study for 24 months with a samplesize of 209. Methods & Material: Urban slum area represented by one health post was selectedas the study area which caters to around 96,630 slum residents. Pre-tested semi-structuredinterviews were conducted after selecting households by systematic random sampling. Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. A chi-square test was applied. Result: The present study shows overall prevalence of depression among the elderly above 60 years of age to be 48.6%. Depression is found to been significantly associated with an increase in age, living alone (72.7%), lower class economic status (100%), financial dependency (54%), history of chronic family illness (54.7%) and with no formal education (62.1%) among elderly dwelling in slums. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of depression in the community and hence, a need to sensitize Primary level Health Care Services to institute screening tests considering the association of these determinants with depression and link them to specialized services for further management.