Understanding the living-related pediatric liver transplantation donor's decision process: A questionnaire-based retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the donor characteristics and understand the sociocultural and familial aspects of the decision to donate for living donor liver transplant. METHODS: This is a retrospective study done in the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology of a liver transplant centre. We enrolled the consenting donors of pediatric liver transplantation between January 2020 and January 2022. The study was conducted through an anonymized questionnaire which was drafted in a multiple-choice format. The questionnaire had three domains having questions pertaining to demographic details, donor characteristics and sociofamilial aspects of the decision-making process. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 50 donors, 23 males (46%) and 27 females (54%), with the mean age being 31.8 ± 5.6 years. Parent-to-child was the most frequent relationship (n = 39, 78%). More than half of our donors had annual income <2.5 lakh/annum or <3500 USD (n = 27, 54%). Twenty-six (52%) responders had >4 members in their family; 62% were residing in urban areas and 52% of the donors were graduates. The main source of information regarding the feasibility of living donor liver transplantation was primary physicians in 46%. Financial management was the main hurdle in 72%. Majority (74%) denied any effect on their marital relationship and 6% of donors thought that the degree of information provided to them before the transplantation regarding donation was insufficient. CONCLUSION: Our study serves as an essential tool for health professionals to provide sufficient support to the donor. Clinical outcomes and cost must be part of the discussion between caregivers, health professionals and fund contributors.

Blood pressure, hypertension, and the risk of heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

AIMS: Several observational studies have investigated the association between hypertension or elevated systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure and risk of heart failure, but not all the studies have been consistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the available data from cohort studies on the association between hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the risk of heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles from inception to 10 June 2022. Cohort studies on hypertension or blood pressure and heart failure were included. Random effect models were used to calculate summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between hypertension or blood pressure and heart failure. Forty-seven cohort studies were included. The summary RR was 1.71 (95% CI: 1.53-1.90, I2 = 98.4%) for hypertension vs. no hypertension (n = 43 studies, 166 798 cases, 20 359 997 participants), 1.28 (95% CI: 1.22-1.35, I2 = 90.3%) per 20 mmHg of systolic blood pressure (24 studies, 31 639 cases and 2 557 975 participants), and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04-1.21, I2 = 92.6%) per 10 mmHg of diastolic blood pressure (16 studies, 23 127 cases and 2 419 972 participants). There was a steeper increase in heart failure risk at higher blood pressure levels and a three- to five-fold increase in RR at around 180/120 mmHg of systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with 100/60 mmHg, respectively. There was little indication of publication bias across analyses. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests a strong positive association between hypertension and systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the risk of heart failure. These results support efforts to reduce blood pressure in the general population to reduce the risk of heart failure.

Hypertension is associated with a 71% increase in the risk of heart failure. A 20 mmHg increment in systolic blood pressure is associated with a 28% increment in heart failure risk, and a 10 mmHg increment in diastolic blood pressure is associated with a 12% increase in heart failure risk. The results support public health policies and interventions to reduce the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (e.g. through lifestyle changes and medication use).

An Innovative Way to Retract Anteriors in Noncompliant Patient: A Case Report.

Aim: To design and fabricate an innovative appliance for the purpose of diminishing treatment duration and enhancing patient compliance in non-complaint patients. Background: A patient reported to the orthodontic department for conventional orthodontic treatment but as the treatment progressed, he started loosing motivation which was followed by the deficiency in adherence to the treatment protocol and became less concerned. In few months, he stopped following proper instructions on taking care of the appliances leading to increase in the chances of frequent appliance breakage at every appointment. Case description: A patient reported with Class I molar and end-on canine relationship on both sides, retained deciduous second molar in upper and lower arches, increased overjet, mild generalized spacing in upper anteriors with severe crowding in lower arch anterior region and incompetent lips. On Cephalometric analysis, it showed Class I skeletal pattern with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion. Conclusion: Orthodontic Retractor (innovative appliance) effectively helped in completing the orthodontic treatment in a non-complaint patient without delay as was seen during the retraction phase of the treatment. Clinical significance: "Orthodontic Retractor" can be used and advised for patients who are either less motivated or non-complaint. This appliance is simple and does not require any use of mini-implants, which is an invasive surgical procedure, which many patients does not consent for. How to cite this article: Jain S, Jain A, Raghav P. An Innovative Way to Retract Anteriors in Noncompliant Patient: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):180-185.

Failure of SGLT-2 inhibitor in the context of new ileal conduit formation.

Nil.

Use of Portable Automated Auditory Brainstem Responses in Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening: A Mixed-Method Study in Odisha, India.

Hearing loss in children affects cognitive development, so early detection is crucial. It is because of the lack of portable technology that the majority of hearing problems go undetected. The authors conducted a mixed-method study in India to examine the concurrent validity and operational feasibility of portable automated brainstem response (P-AABR) and otoacoustic emissions (OAE) in universal neonatal hearing screening. They screened 198 children's ears using ABR and OAE devices. Additionally, 60 observations were recorded during the 'portable automated ABR' screening process. The hearing screening could be performed with P-AABR by any health care staff with basic skill-based training. However, the interpretation of the graphical wave required an audiologist. If the baby was quiet, the test could be performed in 20 min, including electrode implantation, impediment setting, earphone installation, and swipe counts. The P-AABR device can be used in the universal health coverage of hearing screening among infants in outreach areas due to its portability and minimal infrastructural requirements.

Rare case of primary carnitine deficiency presenting as acute liver failure.

Systemic primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SLC22A5 gene that encodes carnitine transporter, OCTN2. Transporter deficiency leads to defective fatty acid oxidation. Signs and symptoms ranging from liver injury in children to cardiomyopathy and skeletal myopathy in adults, manifest during periods of stress and fasting. Though acute liver failure is infrequently described, young children presenting as acute liver failure should be screened for fatty acid oxidation defects including PCD by testing plasma for amino acids and further confirmed by genetic sequencing. Early identification and treatment using L-carnitine is lifesaving. Our patient presented as acute liver failure and diagnosis of PCD was confirmed by metabolic screening and genetic sequencing. He responded to the treatment.

Effect of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and expression of biomarkers: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Micro-osteoperforation is a minimally invasive technique that has been used to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement and reduce treatment duration. However, literature presents conflicting reports about this technique. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of canine retraction and expression of biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial with split-mouth study design. Thirty adult subjects with age above 18 years (20.32 ± 1.96) who required fixed orthodontic treatment and extraction of maxillary first premolars were enrolled and randomly allocated to either the experimental or control group. Randomization was performed by block randomization method, with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The experimental group received three micro-ostoperforations (MOPs) distal to maxillary canine, using the Lance pilot drill. The retraction of maxillary canine was performed with NiTi coil-spring (150g) in both experimental and control groups. The primary outcome was the evaluation of canine retraction rate, measured on study models from the baseline to 16 weeks of canine retraction. Secondary outcomes were the estimation of alkaline and acid phosphates activity in GCF at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of canine retraction only after the first 4 weeks. Subsequently there was no statistically significant difference from the eighth to the sixteenth weeks between MOPs and control group. There was a statistically significant difference in alkaline and acid phosphates activity in GCF between MOPs and control groups during the initial 4 weeks of canine retraction. CONCLUSION: Micro-ostoperforation increased the rate of tooth movement only for the first 4 weeks; thereafter, no effect was observed on the rate of canine retraction during 8, 12 and 16 weeks. A marked increase in biomarker activity in the first month was observed.

Harnessing phytomicrobiome signals for phytopathogenic stress management.

Harnessing the phytomicrobiome offers a great opportunity to improve plant productivity and quality of food. In the recent past, several phytomicrobiome microbes have been explored for their potential involvement in increasing crop yield. This review strategically targets to harness the various dimensions of phytomicrobiome for biotic stress management of crop plants. The tripartite interaction involving plantmicrobiome-pathogen has been discussed. Positive interventions in this system so as to achieve disease tolerant plants has been forayed upon. The different signalling molecules sent out by interacting partners of phytomicrobiome have also been analysed. The novel concept of artificial microbial consortium in mitigation of pathogenic stress has also been touched upon. The aim of this review is to explore the hidden potential of phytomicrobiome diversity as a potent tool against phytopathogens, thereby improving crop health and productivity in a sustainable way.

Effect of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and expression of biomarkers: a randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Introduction: Micro-osteoperforation is a minimally invasive technique that has been used to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement and reduce treatment duration. However, literature presents conflicting reports about this technique. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of canine retraction and expression of biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial with split-mouth study design. Thirty adult subjects with age above 18 years (20.32 ± 1.96) who required fixed orthodontic treatment and extraction of maxillary first premolars were enrolled and randomly allocated to either the experimental or control group. Randomization was performed by block randomization method, with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The experimental group received three micro-ostoperforations (MOPs) distal to maxillary canine, using the Lance pilot drill. The retraction of maxillary canine was performed with NiTi coil-spring (150g) in both experimental and control groups. The primary outcome was the evaluation of canine retraction rate, measured on study models from the baseline to 16 weeks of canine retraction. Secondary outcomes were the estimation of alkaline and acid phosphates activity in GCF at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of canine retraction only after the first 4 weeks. Subsequently there was no statistically significant difference from the eighth to the sixteenth weeks between MOPs and control group. There was a statistically significant difference in alkaline and acid phosphates activity in GCF between MOPs and control groups during the initial 4 weeks of canine retraction. Conclusion: Micro-ostoperforation increased the rate of tooth movement only for the first 4 weeks; thereafter, no effect was observed on the rate of canine retraction during 8, 12 and 16 weeks. A marked increase in biomarker activity in the first month was observed.

RESUMO Introdução: As micro-osteoperfurações (MOPs) são uma técnica minimamente invasiva que tem sido utilizada para acelerar a movimentação dentária ortodôntica e reduzir o tempo de tratamento. No entanto, existem relatos conflitantes sobre o uso dessa técnica. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia das MOPs em acelerar a taxa do movimento de retração de caninos e na expressão de biomarcadores no fluido crevicular gengival (FCG). Métodos: Esse foi um ensaio clínico randomizado com desenho de estudo do tipo boca dividida. Trinta indivíduos adultos com idade acima de 18 anos (20,32 ± 1,96 anos) que necessitavam de tratamento ortodôntico fixo e extração de primeiros pré-molares superiores foram incluídos e aleatoriamente alocados para o grupo experimental ou grupo controle. A randomização foi realizada pelo método de randomização em bloco, com proporção de alocação de 1:1. O grupo experimental recebeu três MOPs distais ao canino superior, utilizando uma broca piloto em formato de lança. A retração do canino superior foi realizada com mola helicoidal de NiTi (150g) nos dois grupos, experimental e controle. O desfecho primário foi a avaliação da taxa de retração dos caninos, medida em modelos de estudo do início da retração até 16 semanas depois. O desfecho secundário foi a estimativa da atividade da fosfatase alcalina e ácida no FCG após 0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 semanas. Resultados: Houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa na taxa de retração dos caninos somente após as quatro primeiras semanas. Após isso, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos experimental e controle entre a oitava e a décima sexta semanas. Houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa na atividade da fosfatase alcaline e ácida no FCG entre os grupos experimental e controle durante as quatro primeiras semanas de retração dos caninos. Conclusão: As micro-osteoperfurações aumentaram a taxa de movimentação dentária apenas nas primeiras quatro semanas; depois disso, nenhum efeito foi observado na taxa de retração dos caninos após 8, 12 e 16 semanas. Houve aumento considerável na atividade do biomarcador no primeiro mês.

Generic and vision related quality of life associated with different types of cataract surgeries and different types of intraocular lens implantation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different types of cataract surgeries and intraocular lenses on generic as well as vision related quality of life of cataract patients, using EQ-5D and IND-VFQ 33 instruments respectively. METHODS: An observational, longitudinal study of patients undergoing cataract surgery was carried out at three ophthalmology centres. Patients were prospectively admitted for surgery for age-related cataract. Generic quality of life was assessed by using Euroqol's EQ5D-5L questionnaire and vision related quality of life was assessed by the IND-VFQ-33 questionnaire. Data pertaining to vision function and quality of life were collected pre surgery and 4 weeks after the surgery. RESULTS: Out of total patients (n = 814) recruited for the study, 517 patients were interviewed for both pre-surgery and post-surgery for EQ5D and 519 patients were interviewed for both pre-surgery and post-surgery for IND VFQ 33 tool. The combined data from all three centres showed that Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gains observed in patients undergoing phacoemulsification with foldable lens implantation (2.25 QALY) were significantly higher (0.57 QALY) as compared to Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with PMMA lens implantation (1.68 QALY). Highest improvement however, in all three subscales of IND-VFQ-33 tool were clearly observed for SICS with PMMA lens implantation. CONCLUSIONS: The study has elicited the Health related and vision related Quality of Life scores for cataract surgeries and subsequent lens implantation. This study also offers Health State Utility Values along with visual outcomes for different surgical procedures, lenses and for the combination of surgery with lens implantation for cataract procedures providing a useful resource for future economic evaluation studies.

Correction to: Effect of Obesity on Asthma Severity in Urban School Children of Kanpur, India: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

The original publication of the article [1] unfortunately contain mistakes. The quotations from various sources [2-6] in the Discussion section should have been embraced by quotation marks.

Sources of Resistance to Fusarium solani and Associated Genomic Regions in Common Bean Diversity Panels.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production worldwide is hampered by Fusarium root rot (FRR), which is caused by Fusarium solani. Screening for FRR resistance on a large scale is notoriously difficult and often yields inconsistent results due to variability within the environment and pathogen biology. A greenhouse screening assay was developed incorporating multiple isolates of F. solani to improve assay reproducibility. The Andean (ADP; n = 270) and Middle American (MDP; n = 280) Diversity Panels were screened in the greenhouse to identify genetic factors associated with FRR resistance. Forty-seven MDP and 34 ADP lines from multiple market classes were identified as resistant to FRR. Greenhouse phenotyping repeatability was confirmed via five control lines. Genome-wide association mapping using ∼200k SNPs was performed on standard phenotyping score 1-9, as well as binary and polynomial transformation of score data. Sixteen and seven significant genomic regions were identified for ADP and MDP, respectively, using all three classes of phenotypic data. Most candidate genes were associated with plant immune/defense mechanisms. For the ADP population, ortholog of glucan synthase-like enzyme, senescence-associated genes, and NAC domain protein, associated with peak genomic region Pv08:0.04-0.18 Mbp, were the most significant candidate genes. For the MDP population, the peak SNPs Pv07:15.29 Mbp and Pv01:51 Mbp mapped within gene models associated with ethylene response factor 1 and MAC/Perforin domain-containing gene respectively. The research provides a basis for bean improvement through the use of resistant genotypes and genomic regions for more durable root rot resistance.

Valuing health-related quality of life among the Indian population: a protocol for the Development of an EQ-5D Value set for India using an Extended design (DEVINE) Study.

INTRODUCTION: Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) has been recommended by the government as preferred outcome measure for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in India. As country-specific health-related quality of life tariff values are essential for accurate measurement of QALYs, the government of India has commissioned the present study. The aim of this paper is to describe the methods for the Development of an EQ-5D Value set for India using an Extended design (DEVINE) Study. Additionally, this study aspires to establish if the design of 10-time trade-off (TTO) blocks is enough to generate valid value sets. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A cross-sectional survey using the EuroQol Group's Valuation Technology (EQ-VT) will be undertaken in a sample of 2700 respondents selected from six different states of India using a multistage stratified random sampling technique. The participants will be interviewed using computer-assisted personal interviewing technique. The TTO valuation will be done using 10 composite TTO (c-TTO) tasks and 7 discrete choice experiment (DCE) tasks. Hybrid modelling approach using both c-TTO and DCE data to estimate the potential value set will be applied. Values of all 3125 health states will be predicted using both the conventional EQ-VT design of 10 blocks of 10 TTO tasks, and an extended design of 18 blocks of 10 TTO tasks. The potential added value of the eight additional blocks in overall validity will be tested. The study will deliver value set for India and assess the adequacy of existing 10-blocks design to be able to correctly predict the values of all 3125 health states. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The ethical approval has been obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee of PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. The anonymised EQ-5D-5L value set will be available for general use and in the HTAs commissioned by India's central HTA Agency.

Effect of Obesity on Asthma Severity in Urban School Children of Kanpur, India: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

The prevalence of both Obesity and Asthma is increasing worldwide. Various epidemiological data has linked obesity with the development and severity of asthma in children. The aim of this study was to assess if any relationship exists between obesity and asthma in children. The study population included school children aged 5 to 18 years. A total of 320 asthma cases and 300 controls were included in our study. Association analysis of obesity and asthma based on epidemiological basis was measured. Out of 320 cases, 61 children were found to have moderate persistent asthma. Out of 61 moderate persistent asthma cases, 50 children were selected randomly and divided into two groups. Group I included 25 obese moderate persistent asthmatics and Group II included 25 non-obese moderate persistent asthmatics. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75%), Peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured with spirometry and Peak expiratory flow meter. Statistical analysis was done by Odds ratio and p value. Out of 320 cases, 97 were obese and 223 were non-obese. Out of 300 controls, 46 were obese and 254 were non-obese. Exposure rate for cases and controls were 30.31% and 15.33% respectively. Odds ratio was 2.40. χ2 value was 19.56 with p value < 0.05.FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75%, PEF for Group-1 were 66.3 ± 9.9, 63.5 ± 4.2, 54.2 ± 5.7, 67.4 ± 8.4 respectively and FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75%, PEF for Group-2 were 74.07 ± 3.5, 77.4 ± 7.2, 60.1 ± 2.1, 71.6 ± 2.4 respectively and p values were < 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.05 respectively which is statistically significant. Children who are obese are more likely to develop severe asthma than those who were not obese.

A transdisciplinary approach for treatment of class III malocclusion.

The main aim of orthodontic treatment is to achieve most stable, functional, and esthetic outcome either by conventional, interdisciplinary, or surgical protocol. Treatment modalities differ for growing and nongrowing patients. In nongrowing patients with moderate to severe dental and skeletal deformities, interdisciplinary treatment combined approach is required with orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Case discussed here is of class III skeletal bases with orthognathic maxilla and prognathic mandible having anterior crossbite with a horizontal growth pattern treated by transdisciplinary approach with combination of orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, and prosthetic approach to get best achievable results of skeletal class III malocclusion.

Genome wide genetic dissection of wheat quality and yield related traits and their relationship with grain shape and size traits in an elite × non-adapted bread wheat cross.

The genetic gain in yield and quality are two major targets of wheat breeding programs around the world. In this study, a high density genetic map consisting of 10,172 SNP markers identified a total of 43 genomic regions associated with three quality traits, three yield traits and two agronomic traits in hard red spring wheat (HRSW). When compared with six grain shape and size traits, the quality traits showed mostly independent genetic control (~18% common loci), while the yield traits showed moderate association (~53% common loci). Association of genomic regions for grain area (GA) and thousand-grain weight (TGW), with yield suggests that targeting an increase in GA may help enhancing wheat yield through an increase in TGW. Flour extraction (FE), although has a weak positive phenotypic association with grain shape and size, they do not share any common genetic loci. A major contributor to plant height was the Rht8 locus and the reduced height allele was associated with significant increase in grains per spike (GPS) and FE, and decrease in number of spikes per square meter and test weight. Stable loci were identified for almost all the traits. However, we could not find any QTL in the region of major known genes like GPC-B1, Ha, Rht-1, and Ppd-1. Epistasis also played an important role in the genetics of majority of the traits. In addition to enhancing our knowledge about the association of wheat quality and yield with grain shape and size, this study provides novel loci, genetic information and pre-breeding material (combining positive alleles from both parents) to enhance the cultivated gene pool in wheat germplasm. These resources are valuable in facilitating molecular breeding for wheat quality and yield improvement.

Microscopic, Biochemical, and Molecular Comparisons of Moderately Resistant and Susceptible Populus Genotypes Inoculated with Sphaerulina musiva.

Sphaerulina musiva, the causal agent of Septoria leaf spot and stem canker, is responsible for mortality and yield loss in Populus plantations. However, little is known about the mode of infection and the mechanisms of resistance in this pathosystem. To characterize these phenomena, microscopic, biochemical, and transcriptome comparisons were performed between leaves of moderately resistant and susceptible genotypes of Populus inoculated with S. musiva conidia. Using scanning electron, cryofracture, and laser-scanning confocal microscopy, the infection and colonization of Populus leaves by S. musiva were examined across five time points (48 h, 96 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks). The infection process was similar regardless of the host genotype. Differences in host colonization between susceptible and moderately resistant genotypes were apparent by 1 week postinoculation. However, the germination of conidia was greater on the susceptible than on the moderately resistant genotype (P < 0.008). Diaminobenzidine staining, a measure of hydrogen peroxide accumulation, was different (P < 0.001) between the host genotypes by 2 weeks postinoculation. Transcriptome differences between genotypes indicated that the speed and amplitude of the defense response were faster and more extensive in the moderately resistant genotype. Changes in gene expression support the microscopic and biochemical observations.

Genotypes and Genomic Regions Associated With Rhizoctonia solani Resistance in Common Bean.

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (teleomorph Thanatephorus cucumeris) is an important root rot pathogen of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). To uncover genetic factors associated with resistance to the pathogen, the Andean (ADP; n = 273) and Middle American (MDP; n = 279) diversity panels, which represent much of the genetic diversity known in cultivated common bean, were screened in the greenhouse using R. solani anastomosis group 2-2. Repeatability of the assay was confirmed by the response of five control genotypes. The phenotypic data for both panels were normally distributed. The resistance responses of ∼10% of the ADP (n = 28) and ∼6% of the MDP (n = 18) genotypes were similar or higher than that of the resistant control line VAX 3. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using ∼200k single nucleotide polymorphisms to discover genomic regions associated with resistance in each panel, For GWAS, the raw phenotypic score, and polynomial and binary transformation of the scores, were individually used as the input data. A major QTL peak was observed on Pv02 in the ADP, while a major QTL was observed on Pv01 with the MDP. These regions were associated with clusters of TIR-NB_ARC-LRR (TNL) gene models encoding proteins similar to known disease resistance genes. Other QTL, unique to each panel, were mapped within or adjacent to a gene model or cluster of related genes associated with disease resistance. This is a first case study that provides evidence for major as well as minor genes involved in resistance to R. solani in common bean. This information will be useful to integrate more durable root rot resistance in common bean breeding programs and to study the genetic mechanisms associated with root diseases in this important societal legume.

Effects of cataract surgery and intra-ocular lens implantation on visual function and quality of life in age-related cataract patients: a systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness and low vision worldwide. Presently, cataract surgery is the only treatment for cataract and is very effective in restoring sight. In cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye that becomes clouded is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. There are multiple techniques for removal of lens as well as many types of intraocular lenses available for implantation. For this reason, it becomes imperative to monitor the impact of different surgical techniques and different intraocular lenses on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the patients. This systematic review aims to evaluate HRQoL evidences on effects of different types of cataract surgeries and intraocular lenses on visual function and quality of life in age-related cataract patients. METHOD: Databases like Cochrane, EMBASE, SCOPUS, NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED), Health Technology Assessment (HTA) database, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov , Current Controlled Trials and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) will be searched systematically. Two reviewers will independently screen studies using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria along with the extraction of data, and assessment of methodological quality using a standard checklist. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will help in understanding how different types of cataract surgeries and intraocular lenses make a difference on quality of life of age-related cataract patients in terms of visual function and health-related quality of life. As the review attempts to bring together all the cataract-related HRQoL evidences pertaining to different cataract surgical techniques, different intraocular lenses and cataract-related complications, it will also identify gaps in evidence. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018092377.

Meeting the challenge of developing food crops with improved nutritional quality and food safety: leveraging proteomics and related omics techniques.

Eliminating malnutrition remains an imminent priority in our efforts to achieve food security and providing adequate calories, proteins, and micronutrients to the growing world population. Malnutrition may be attributed to socio-economic factors (poverty and limited accessibility to nutritional food), dietary preferences, inherent nutrient profiles of traditional food crops, and to a combination of all such factors. Modern advancements in "omics" technology have made it possible to reliably predict, diagnose, and suggest ways to remedy the low protein content and bioavailability of key micronutrients in food crops. In this review, we briefly describe how proteomics techniques can potentially be used for improving the nutrient profile of major crops, through high throughput multiplexed assays. Food safety is another important issue where proteomics and related platforms can offer solution for absolute quantitation of food allergens and mycotoxins present in the plant-based food. The purpose of the present review is to discuss the proteomic-based strategies in food crops to meet the challenges of overcoming malnutrition throughout the world.