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Archive for December, 2020

How to live longer: Singing could reduce your dementia risk and boost longevity – Express

Monday, December 21st, 2020

Doctors report that singing may also help to reduce blood pressure.

A 76-year-old woman who had experienced severe preoperativehypertensionprior to totalknee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis (OA).

While the patient was unresponsive to aggressive pharmacologic interventions, the womans blood pressure dropped dramatically when she sang several religious songs.

This case-report appears in the April issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Several studies suggest that listening to music can be effective in reducing blood pressure by calming or diverting patients prior to surgery, which lessensstress and anxiety, explains lead author Nina Niu, a researcher from Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Our case study expands on medical evidence by showing that producing music or singing also has potential therapeutic effects in the preoperative setting.

Niu commented, Singing is simple, safe, and free. Patients should be encouraged to sing if they wish.

This single case study showed the positive effective of singing in reducing blood pressure and controlling pain.

To be formally considered as an alternative therapy for the OA patient population, larger studies are needed to explore the effects of singing on hypertension and chronic pain relief, said Niu.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo: What his extension means for Bucks longevity – Behind the Buck Pass

Monday, December 21st, 2020

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA AUGUST 06: (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)

The end to the speculation of whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will or wont sign his supermax extension thankfully came to an end Tuesday afternoon.

The Milwaukee Bucks superstar wound up putting pen to paper and signed the richest contract in NBA history at five years and $228 million, which includes an opt-out clause in the summer of 2025. Still, the Bucks have the two-time MVP under contract for the next six seasons and all Bucks fans subsequently drew a sigh of relief around the city of Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin and elsewhere.

Antetokounmpo signing his extensionis as much a victory for Bucks fans as it is for the 26-year-old and the organization itself, especially after so much anxiety and fear in the years leading up to his decision.

The constant threat and speculation of how a small market like the Bucks have historically struggled to keep past and present superstars loomed over Giannis decision. Stories of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James and Kevin Durant were constant reminders of stars leaving small markets for greener pastures.

For now, Antetokounmpos decision has seen those worries and skepticism scurry away from the discussion as Bucks fans jump for joy to see the Greek superstar commit the prime of his career to the Bucks.

As all Bucks fans continue to bask in a state of pure bliss,the doubts are finally over and we have prevailed. Now to quote King George from Hamilton after losing in the Revolutionary War, What comes next?

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How to live longer: Acai smoothies may reduce your risk of the global killer heart disease – Express

Monday, December 21st, 2020

Fortunately, heart disease is a preventable condition and diet is a modifiable risk factor.

Many dietary items can help to stave off the risk by stymying the mechanisms that contribute to heart disease.

Acai berries, a Brazilian superfruit native to the Amazon region, has been shown to improve LDL cholesterol levels.

LDL cholesterol is a harmful substance that clogs up inside of your artery walls, cutting off the blood supply to the heart - the primary cause of heart disease.

READ MORE:How to live longer: Sex may reduce heart disease risk - how often you should have it

Animal studies have also suggested that acai could help improve cholesterol levels by decreasing total and LDL cholesterol.

While more research is needed, researchers postulatethat anthocyanins in acai could be responsible for their positive impact on cholesterol levels, since studies have linked this plant compound to improvements in HDL and LDL cholesterol.

HDL cholesterol is branded the "good" cholesterol because it counters the harmful effects of LDL cholesterol.

What's more, acai contains plant sterols, which prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by your body, research shows.

While certain items are essential, the most important dietary approach is to focus on heart-healthy food groups.

According to the NHS, a low-fat, high-fibre diet is recommended, which should include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (five portions a day) and whole grains.

"You should limit the amount of salt you eat to no more than six grams (0.2oz) a day as too much salt will increase your blood pressure," warns the health body.

High blood pressure can raise your risk of heart disease by narrowing your blood vessels.

You should avoid food containing saturated fats, because these will increase the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood.

Foods high in saturated fat include:

Harvard Health explains: "Regular exercise also improves factors linked to cardiovascular health, resulting in lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar regulation."

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‘News of the World’ Interview With Mare Winningham | BACKSTAGE – Backstage

Monday, December 21st, 2020

Photo Source: Nathan Arizona

After getting signed by an agent out of high school, Mare Winningham quickly carved a small-screen niche for herself with dozens of TV movies, ultimately earning two Emmys. Her career continued with films St. Elmos Fire and Georgia, the latter notching her Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nominations. On hiatus from acclaimed Broadway musical Girl From the North Country, she can next be seen in the Tom Hanksled News of the World.

How did you land your first agent?I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and went to public schools. There was something in the water at that time in the 70s in the Valleywe were all very theater-obsessed kids. There were all these festivals and competitions we were involved in, in addition to our productions. I was very single-minded about theater; I did it in my free time and during school. We started getting noticed because of all these festival competitions around Los Angeles, and our school was always winning. I think somebody had a relative who worked at an agency, and they came out to see The Sound of Music, which we were doing when I was in 12th grade. I got invited to see this agent, Meyer Mishkin, who had a boutique agencyone of the few that was high-powered but was just a single-entity agency. He ran it himself, and it was called the Meyer Mishkin Agency. Lee Marvin was a client. I remember running into Richard Dreyfuss in the waiting room. He said that he was going to take me on as a client. This was at the very end of high school, just about when I was wondering, How do I parlay this love of theater into a career? From the beginning, he had this plan. He said, Youre not going to do commercials. Were going to do TV movies. At that stage, it was very divided: Movie actors didnt do television. I think he thought: Youre going to corner that market, kid. I started working right away, mostly small parts on Starsky & Hutch and Family, these TV series of the late 70s. Then I got my first TV movie and started working pretty much in television movies for many years.

What advice would you give your younger self? Open up, dont gossip, and dont listen to gossip. Film sets and rehearsal roomseveryone describes them as instant families. There are good families and there are bad families. I would tell myself to not be fraught and not worry so much and let stuff roll off a bit. And if you are a leader, lead with love.

READ: How Negativity Affects Career Longevity

How did you first get your SAG-AFTRA card? I remember being confused about this Catch-22 about how you cant get a SAG card without having a job, and you cant get a job without having a SAG card. I was grateful that there was a casting director casting this teen idol show that was very popular called James at 15, and in that episode, he was having a Miss 15 pageant. There were about six of us; each of us was a contestant in this Miss 15 pageant. They had backstage scenes where we were all discussing James. We all got our cards. In some ways, I dont know if Ive ever been happier.

Do you have an audition horror story you could share with us? There were so many. I had an interior casting director in me, and in my mind, I would see someone and go, Oh, theyre much better for it than I am, and I would defeatedly go in the room and carry that thought with me. One time, I saw the [character breakdown] sheet, and it actually said, Were looking for a Mare Winningham type, and I didnt get it! I think I was my own worst enemy a lot of times. I probably have a career because I didnt have to audition for those TV movies.

Whats the wildest thing youve ever done to get a role? The best job of my life is the one I currently hold. When Broadway reopens, I have this incredible project that started in London, this Conor McPhersonBob Dylan musical, Girl From the North Country. When I had to audition for it two years ago, I started picking on myself again, and my sweetheart said, No, Im not watching this. Take your dulcimer, go in there, [and] sing the songs. And I said, No, theyre going to have an accompanist there. And he said, Do what you want. Hes going to want to hear your best. This is how you want to sing it? Do it. I fought him and fought him and finally did it his way and got it.

Whats one performance every actor should see and why? When I was a little girl, they used to play The Wizard of Oz before the holidays. I was so frightened of Margaret HamiltonMiss Gulch, the Wicked Witch. She was the first scary person in my life, and I had to leave the room when she was on. Later, as I watched her as an actor, I loved that performance. I find Miss Gulch so awful, and I love the way she built that performance.

Joaquin Phoenix in The Master. He has a close-up in that movie that I couldnt get over. I dont even know if I want to watch it again because it affected me so much. Hes being scrutinized, and its excruciating watching him go through what hes going through. In a more humorous way, no less powerful, would be at the end of Sense and Sensibility, when Emma Thompsons character, its beginning to dawn on her, as shes listening to Hugh Grants character, that their love can be now. Thats a beautiful close-up. Tom Hanks at the end of Captain Phillips. How did he do that scene when hes being examined by the doctor after the ordeal on the ship? Thats how I like to watch acting now: in the quiet dark of a theater or at home. I love to see an actor blow my mind. It makes me want to jump up and shout. Almost everything I watch, I find something that makes me want to jump up.

This story originally appeared in the Dec. 17 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.

Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!

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The Stand: Whoopi Goldberg Reveals the Secret to Mother Abigails Longevity (Its God Dust) – Den of Geek

Monday, December 21st, 2020

A huge fan of horror movies, Goldberg reveals that she has been lobbying to be involved in a Stephen King adaptation for years, even going back to the 1994 version of this same project.

Ive been looking for a horror movie to do my whole career. What I love more than almost anything is a good scare. Ive been trying to do this since the original miniseries came out, but I was unable to do it, Goldberg says. Then I found out that Ruby Dee was my age now when she did Mother Abigail. So its worked out great. If this had come any sooner, I would have probably just really messed it up.

At the time of the series premiere, the EGOT-winning Goldberg is 65 years old. Dee was 70 years old when filming on the 1994 miniseries began. Both actresses, however, are considerably younger than the wizened Abigail Freemantle of Kings book. This isnt a case of Aunt May getting progressively younger across every Spider-Man franchise but rather an acknowledgement from both miniseries that Abigail has a powerful aura about her that belies her advanced years.

Listen, its all in the lineage, I myself am 108. And my skin looks amazing, Goldberg jokes, before adding. You know, also, shes got a little God dust on her too. You cant look that good without a little God dust. The same goes for (Randall Flagg actor) Alexander (Skarsgrd). He looks great because hes got some devil dust on. Thats how Im looking at it, so it balances out.

In addition to Mother Abigails sprinkling of God dust, what Goldberg finds compelling about the character is her humanity as opposed to her otherworldliness. Given the dearth of Black characters in Kings earlier works, Abigail has sometimes been pointed to as an example of the Magical Negro stereotype, in which a mystical Black character comes to the aid of white characters. Its that representation of the character that Goldberg says she hopes to avoid.

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Dental Procedures and Teeth Whitening for A Beautiful Smile – Longevity LIVE

Monday, December 21st, 2020

It is always best to maintain good oral care. You can even go as far as dreaming of having brilliant teeth. After all, it is said to be our faces greatest asset. It is in our smiles that people can see our happiness, awkwardness, shyness, joy, and many other emotions. It is normal to value it as much as we value the rest of our body parts. These are the top dental procedures and teeth whitening that will ensure you have a beautiful smile. Longevity Live Partner Content

There are some things only the human teeth are characteristic of, such as:

So if they are a bit crooked, one too many, or terribly far apart from each other, it only goes to show that youre unique nothing to be ashamed of. Then again, there is nothing wrong with going the extra mile to feel more special. If you feel like they have the potential to be better, then you have all the right to choose whats best for them. Getting your teeth a brand new makeover to help you build confidence in yourself is never a bad thing. Its just one way of showing how much you treasure your own smile!

There are many ways to go about an oral makeover, but most of them require a visit to the local dentist. If youre not quite sure about what dental procedure you should have, we thought the following suggestions might help you out!

If you have nasty cavities plaguing your tooth, you might want to consider getting a dental filling procedure pretty soon. Time is of the essence; cavities wont wait until youve strengthened your resolve. Theyll keep eating away at your tooth until such time that there is nothing left of it. It may sound like nothing to be alarmed about. After all, youre just going to lose a tooth (Whats a single tooth when you have thirty-two or more of them, right?).

However, what you fail to see here is that with the degradation of your tooth comes excruciating, discomforting, and unsettling pain that seems to drain the life out of you. Dont let it get to that point.

Getting a dental filling procedure done should help you avoid having to go through this ordeal and help you save your tooth in the process. Its a simple, almost 100% painless dental procedure that involves cleaning the affected part of the tooth and filling it in with a substitute substance that will become the new surface of your tooth. It can be done in no more than an hour (for a single tooth, that is).

If you find yourself having cavity problems, cure it while early.

Are you tired of dentures? We will all come to a point in our lives when we lose our munching sets no matter how much we take care of them, no matter how careful we are of them. Its a reality we must all face. Other factors, such as aging and wearing down of teeth, may be attributed to this unpreventable teeth loss https://medlineplus.gov/toothdecay.html. However, that doesnt mean that we have to brave life toothless.

There are several substitutes we can use in place of genuine teeth, of course. One of them is having dentures made. These are artificial that can be retracted when the wearer needs or wants to. They fulfill whatever purpose teeth have and are more than capable of doing common tooth tasks such as biting, chewing, and grinding. However, dentures do come with disadvantages.

You have to remove them for cleaning from time to time, and you also risk having them fall off at the most significant times. You can be talking to the CEO of your company when it suddenly decides to jump right out of the basket. Yikes! Total mishap! If you fear having to experience such moments, then maybe dental implants are more suitable for you.

A dental implant is a substitute for real teeth that are permanently attached to the gums. Even though theyre artificial, you can pretty much do the same things as you would with your regular teeth, like brushing and flossing. It can really help you save time and avoid the hassle. The best part of having dental implants is that you get to enjoy all the perks of having healthy teeth, minus the risks of cavities. Make sure to get them checked by your family dentist every year or so, though!

Everyone dreams of having dazzling pearly whites. The kind of brilliance that shines as bright as its wearers smile. Sadly, not everyone is born naturally with it. All too often, one must work very hard to achieve it. Beautifying this part will most probably involve a whitening procedure.

For people that have been meaning to whiten their teeth, there are various options you can try out. Now available in the market are some of the best teeth whitening kits that come at a very affordable price, so you do not necessarily need to do a full bleach at the dentist. If you want something easily accessible, you can try using over-the-counter whitening strips. These are white elastic strips (looks like gauze tape, really) that you wrap around your teeth. Most of these strips have fluoride a chemical long been proved to whiten teeth effectively.

There are risks to using whitening strips, however. This includes blotching and uneven patches. If you find it really bothersome to use whitening strips, you can opt for a more natural method baking soda paste. Baking soda is a familiar name among moms because of its many practical uses around the home. One particular use is stain removal.

If it can remove stains from dirty laundry, wooden floors, and woolen carpets, then it can definitely whiten teeth as well. Just create a paste-like mixture using baking soda powder and water and apply it to the desired area. This is not an overnight remedy to remove yellowness, but it will certainly improve the color in the long run. Of course, if all these other ways dont work for you, having a professional look after your teeth is a terrific choice. Undergoing a whitening procedure will bring you the desired results in less time.

Why dont you ask your family dentist about it today?

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‘Explosive surge’ of COVID-19 in LA sees two people dying every hour | TheHill – The Hill

Monday, December 21st, 2020

Californias COVID-19 outbreak continues to worsen, with a grim new statistic revealing the 53,000 new confirmed infections diagnosed on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Los Angeles Countys Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer described Southern California and the Central Valley regions struggle to suppress the surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations, specifically adding that with the current death rate, two people are dying every hour in Los Angeles County.

"We're experiencing an explosive and very deadly surge," Ferrer said.

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The Golden State has been under siege as coronavirus transmission increases across the country during the winter season.

Earlier reports document the state government providing about 5,000 body bags to the embattled Southern California counties, along with 60 refrigerated trailers to serve as additional morgue space.

On the county level, 99.9 percent of all counties in California are experiencing what the state health department classifies as widespread risk levels, bringing the state total of confirmed infections to 1,723,362.

Some 379 new deaths have been recorded across the state as of Dec. 17.

In Los Angeles County specifically, the new case trajectory is increasing,with more than 21,000 new confirmed infections as of Dec. 16.

Theeffect of these statistics on hospitals is substantial, matching statewide trends of rising inpatient admissions and dwindling capacity.

"Hospitals are under siege and our models show no end in sight," Christina Ghaly, Los Angeles Countys health services director said.

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Could red wine be a better choice this festive season? – Longevity LIVE – Longevity LIVE

Monday, December 21st, 2020

Its the festive season and we all know what that means, a lot of holiday overindulgence. Often, we tend to drink more over the festive season than we would in the usual course of events. Copious alcohol consumption is not a great idea. Some alcoholic drinks though, like wine (both red and white) have health benefits. So, if you do choose to grab a few drinks this festive season, wine might be the better choice.

Red wine is well known for its benefits. Many medical professionals believe that a glass of red wine per day is a valuable part of a healthy, balanced diet. And many studies seemingly back this up. Red wine specifically has repeatedly been shown to reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease. However, these studies are associated with moderate red wine intake and. Its always difficult to know when moderate becomes too excessive. Excess consumption can negate all the benefits and might evencausehealth problems. So, the bottom line is yes, your daily glass of wine could be very beneficial for your health.

Red wine is made from dark grapes which are crushed with the skin on and then fermented. The alcohol content of wine generally ranges from12-15%.There are many variations of red wines and common varietals include Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, and Zinfandel. All of these varietals have been shown to have benefits when it comes to your health and wellness. Red wine contains a lot ofpowerful antioxidants.Many experts also agree that thealcohol in wineis a major contributing factor when it comes to health benefits.

Grapes themselves are rich in antioxidants which include resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidins. These are what are believed to be behind red wines healthy reputation. To expand upon this: Resveratrol is the antioxidant that is found in grape skin. According to Healthline, it is produced by many plants as a response to harm or injury. It has benefits such asfighting inflammation and blood clotting, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.Having said that, the amount of resveratrol in red wine is too low to makethat much of a difference. Youd need to consume several bottles per day to realize the benefit and that is obviously not recommended. If you want to increase your resveratrol intake, you can easily get a supplement that comes without the liver-damaging alcohol.

A small daily intake of red wine is linked to more health benefits than any other alcoholic drink. People who drink about 5oz (about 150ml) of red wine a day have a32% lower risk of heart disease than their teetotal counterparts.Any more than that per day though and your riskincreasesdramatically.Another studyfound that, for middle-aged men, drinking 13 glasses of red wine per day on 34 days of the week, may reduce the risk of stroke.

Red wine has also been associated with a reduced risk of:

If youre looking for an alcoholic drink with some actual health benefits, red wine is the way to go. It is, however, important to be aware of your overall alcohol intake. In Europe and America, moderate red wine consumption is considered to be 11.5 glasses a day for women and 12 glasses a day for men. Many health professionals also recommend having 1 or 2 alcohol-free days per week to allow your body to recover.

Alcohol Think Again. 2020. The Festive Season. [Online] Available at: https://alcoholthinkagain.com.au/alcohol-your-community/the-festive-season/

Arkwright, A. 2019. How to survive party season: Christmas health hacks. [Online] Available at: https://www.culturewhisper.com/r/lifestyle/how_to_be_healthy_at_christmas_wellness_guide/12721

Bhatnagar, S. 2019. Red Wine Or White Wine: Which Is Better For Your Health?. [Online] Available at: https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/red-wine-or-white-wine-which-is-better-for-your-health-1834678

Bjarnadottir, A MS. 2017. Red Wine: Good or Bad? [Online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-wine-good-or-bad#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2

Mukamal KJ, Ascherio A, Mittleman MA, Conigrave KM, Camargo CA Jr, Kawachi I, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Rimm EB. Alcohol and risk for ischemic stroke in men: the role of drinking patterns and usual beverage. [Online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15630105/

Truelsen T, Gronbaek M, Schnohr P, Boysen G. 1998. Intake of beer, wine, and spirits and risk of stroke: the Copenhagen city heart study. [Online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9836752/

US Department of Agriculture and US Department of Health and Human Services. 2010. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. [Online] Available at: https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2020-01/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf

Wine Enthusiast. 2020. Red Wine Information & Basics. [Online] Available at: https://www.winemag.com/2015/10/27/red-wine-basics/.

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Scientists have restored youth to aging eyes in mice – Massive Science

Monday, December 21st, 2020

Following the harassment of Christian Cooper in Central Park in May 2020, Black birders created #BlackBirdersWeek to celebrate Black nature enthusiasts and highlight their belonging in outdoor spaces. Since then, dozens of campaigns have emerged to amplify and appreciate Black academics, scientists, and naturalists.

Next up is #BlackInMarineScienceWeek, running from November 29th to December 5th.Led by founder Dr. Tiara Moore and organizers Amani Webber-Schultz, Dr. Camille Gaynus, Carlee Jackson, Al Troutman, Jasmin Graham, Jeanette Davis, Kris Howard, Leslie Townsell, Kaylee Arnold, and Jaida Elcock, this week represents an opportunity for community building and improved representation.

There are few Black folks in ecology and even fewer in marine ecology, says Arnold, a science communicator and disease ecologist. The network that Ive gained through organizing this week is phenomenal. Meeting other Black marine scientists and showing that to the world, especially young Black folks, is a way to say we exist, were here. We have a full day dedicated to young kids, which is unique and exciting.

The organizers hope that the week will help normalize Black folks doing marine research, inspire younger generations, and remind everyone to check their preconceived notions.

"When I say I study sharks people seem concerned about my swimming or my hair, [and] sometimes respond with 'Oh, thats super interesting'... I dont know if that's because it's unusual for people to study sharks or because Im Black and I study sharks, recalls Elcock, an elasmobranch movement ecologist, science communicator, and co-founder of Minorities in Shark Science. Science is for everybody. People say there isn't diversity because [Black] people arent interested... thats clearly not true theres a whole week dedicated [to it]."

Discussion this week will address the fact that exclusion, not lack of interest, led to todays lack of representation. Centuries of segregation and underinvestment in Black neighborhood pools led to, and are perpetuated by, these incorrect and harmful ideas.

My grandparents and my mom said there were just no pools for her to go to... I had a very different experience. Despite people trying to push us out of the water and science, we persevered, and now we get to break down those stereotypes, notes Arnold.

Black in Marine Science Week is here to do just that, showcasing organizers and participants from every imaginable marine science niche, all shaping how society views the oceans and its inhabitants.

There's more Black folks than even we know and are showcasing. I hope that if the media picks up on the number of us as well, and has better representation. Seminar series are extremely white, and now you have a resource of people you can invite instead, emphasizes Arnold, pointing to the necessity of non-Black marine scientists to step up and ensure representation continues beyond this joyous and educational week.

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ONK Therapeutics Announces Three Exclusive Option License Agreements, Which Extend and Strengthen its Dual-Targeted NK Cell Therapy Pipeline -…

Monday, December 21st, 2020

Dec. 17, 2020 08:30 UTC

GALWAY, Ireland, & SAN DIEGO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ONK Therapeutics Ltd, an innovative natural killer (NK) cell therapy company, today announced that it has secured three new exclusive option license agreements which strengthen its off-the-shelf, dual-targeted natural killer (NK) cell therapy platform and extend its pre-clinical pipeline to four programs across both hematological and solid tumors.

The first option agreement, with Cellerant Therapeutics, gives exclusive rights to a humanized CLEC12A scFv binder. CLEC12A is strongly expressed by blasts in the majority of AML patients. The option to license has enabled ONK to expand its pre-clinical product portfolio, launching a fourth program (ONKT104). This dual-targeted approach combines the CLEC12A CAR with a TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand variant (TRAILv) targeting death receptor 4 (DR4).

While expressed on leukemic stem cells, CLEC12A is absent from normal hematopoietic stem cells and we thus expect that our dual-targeted NK cell therapy approach should enable safe targeting, with a reduced risk of prolonged aplasia in AML, said Prof Michael ODwyer MD, ONK Therapeutics co-founder, and CSO.

The second agreement in-licenses a humanized, tumor-specific antibody targeting an aberrantly glycosylated tumor-associated form of MUC1 (TA-MUC1) from Glycotope GmbH. Multiple solid tumor types express the mucin MUC1, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. This antibody will be integrated into ONKs pre-clinical program ONKT103, for solid tumors.

Non-selective targeting of MUC1 could be problematic since the target is also expressed by healthy tissues, but ODwyer explains how ONKs dual-targeted approach can be used to address this. We have designed a CAR tailored to the glycosylation pattern distinct to tumor-associated MUC1 with specific recognition of the carbohydrate antigens Tn and T on MUC1, the expression of which is restricted to cancer cells. Glycotope has identified the glycosylation pattern as a way to unlock the potential of TA-MUC1 as a solid tumor target. ONK is thus set to bring the natural benefits of NK cells over T cells to bear on TA-MUC1, in a tumor-specific fashion, while also further boosting efficacy and countering resistance through the use of our TRAIL variant targeting DR5, he said.

ONKs unique platform approach combines the expression of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and a high affinity, membrane-bound TRAILv. The incorporation of these two humanized scFvs has the potential to minimize the risk of immunogenicity in the allogeneic setting.

ONK is also exploring several innovative strategies to improve the homing of NK cells. This is an important consideration as ex-vivo expansion can lead to changes in chemokine receptor expression. Through this new license agreement with the NIH, ONK plans to enforce the expression of CCR7, which is downregulated on NK cell expansion. This may improve the homing of NK cells to lymph nodes and is expected to be particularly useful for ONKs off-the-shelf CD19 program targeting B cell lymphoma, ONKT101, which is partnered with Avectas.

ONK is making rapid progress since it announced its most recent financing in October. Chris Nowers, ex Kite Pharma Head of Europe, who joined at that time as Chief Executive Officer, said: The recent American Society of Hematology meeting highlighted the NK cell therapy area as offering great hope as the next generation of advanced cell therapies. We believe our best-in-class off-the-shelf, dual-targeted NK cell therapy platform has the potential to improve performance and overcome some of the shortcomings seen with earlier approaches. These new licensing activities strengthen and expand our programs and illustrate our ambition and strategy to become a leader in this exciting field.

The company recently expanded its operations into the USA, moving into JLABS @ San Diego, Johnson & Johnson Innovations flagship facility, at the heart of San Diegos precision medicine and cell therapy cluster. This represents a second facility that complements its main R&D team and operations in Galway, Ireland. The companys recruitment drive across both facilities has been rapid and the company continues to expand its capability in key areas, including NK cell biology, construct design, gene editing, and process development.

-Ends-

ONK Therapeutics http://www.onktherapeutics.com ONK Therapeutics Ltd is an innovative cell therapy company dedicated to developing the next generation of off-the-shelf, dual-targeted NK cell therapies targeting solid and hematological cancers.

The company was founded in 2015, by Prof. ODwyer MD, of NUI Galway, an expert in translational multiple myeloma research, the tumor microenvironment, and exploitation of NK cells as cellular immunotherapy. Its core proprietary platform is based on a dual-targeted NK cell expressing both a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting a known tumor antigen and a TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand variant (TRAILv) targeting the death receptor pathway (i.e. DR4 or DR5). This unique approach has the potential to enhance efficacy by addressing both intrinsic (e.g. CAR engagement of a tumor-specific antigen) and extrinsic (e.g. signaling through the death receptor pathway) apoptotic pathways and to reduce the susceptibility to possible target antigen escape through the engagement of tumor antigen-independent TRAILv.

Its pre-clinical pipeline comprises four programs;

In addition to the unique dual-targeted NK cell therapy platform, the company has a strong research focus on strategies to enhance homing and persistence, and overcome exhaustion, including the exploration of proprietary gene edits, such as the deletion of checkpoint inhibitory receptors in NK cells.

ONK Therapeutics is headquartered in the med-tech hub of Galway, Ireland, with a wholly-owned US subsidiary, ONK Therapeutics, Inc. based at JLabs @ San Diego. Shareholders include Acorn Bioventures, ALSHC (principally Seamus Mulligan), and Enterprise Ireland.

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About Avectas - http://www.avectas.com Avectas is a cell engineering technology business that has developed a unique delivery platform, Solupore to enable the ex vivo manufacture of cell therapy products, which have high in-vivo functionality.

Glycotope http://www.glycotope.com Glycotope is a biotechnology company utilizing a proprietary technology platform to develop highly tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies called GlycoBodies. GlycoBodies bind to targets (GlycoTargets) tumor-specific carbohydrate structure dependent, enabling the development of highly-specific immunotherapies across a broad range of cancer indications. Glycotope has to date discovered in excess of 150 GlycoTargets with GlycoBodies against eight of these targets currently under development.

Each GlycoBody can be developed in an array of modalities with different modes of action providing a unique offering in the (immuno) oncology space. Currently, six clinical and pre-clinical programs based on the GlycoBody technology are under development by Glycotope or its licensing partners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201217005068/en/

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Nearly 4500 people have died from COVID-19 in Wisconsin. Here are stories of some we’ve lost. – Madison.com

Monday, December 21st, 2020

Kevin Croak, who taught acting at UW-Madison and appeared in independent films, was known for portraying bad guys.

He loved to play the mob bosses and the gangsters, from James Cagney onward, said Wil Loper, who directed Croak in several entries in the 48 Hour Film Project, an annual competition.

In real life, Croak was anything but a thug, said those who knew him. He was very gentle and mild-mannered, Loper said.

Croaks sister Cathy Braiman agreed. Its funny that the place he landed was this tough guy, she said. Its just the opposite of how I saw him.

Kevin Croak loved to play bad guys in films and dress up as a gangster, including during this photo shoot in 2014 on the UW-Madison campus.

Croak, 64, of Madison, died Nov. 28 from complications of COVID-19, according to what the medical examiner told the family, Braiman said. Single and living alone, Croak was found dead at his apartment a few days after calling in sick at his waiter job at Olive Garden near West Towne Mall. He had no underlying medical conditions that the family knew of, Braiman said.

He was the fourth of five children who grew up on Madisons West Side and attended Edgewood High School. His siblings left for Colorado, Maryland and Texas with one living in West Allis while Kevin stayed in the Madison area, where some cousins remain.

In the mid-80s, Jay Ekleberry hired Croak at Wisconsin Unions Mini Courses, now part of Wheelhouse Studios. Over more than 30 years, Croak taught basic acting techniques to hundreds of students in the five-week or six-week courses offered several times a year.

He really engaged people, Ekleberry said. He customized the class based on who was enrolled.

Loper directed Croak in six short films, including one for which Croak won a best actor award in 2016 in the 48 Hour Film Project in Milwaukee. When Loper would ask Croak to give his narration a bit of Rod Serling from Twilight Zone or Mr. Phelps from Mission Impossible, Croak knew exactly what he meant, Loper said.

On the next take, he would just nail it, Loper said. He lent gravitas towards it more so than caricature.

Kevin Croak is shown playing the lead role in "Gunner's Lament," a film shot in 2017 and directed by Jeremiah Zeier.

Croak was in nearly 400 films and more than 100 plays, including Madison Theatre Guild productions, according his undated online resume. I have made a career out of playing antagonists who ultimately come to an untimely end, including slippery politicians, smarmy lawyers, corrupt cops, mercurial mob mosses, sleazy nightclub owners, salacious Hollywood directors, eccentric professors and germaphobic pimps, the resume says.

Veronica Myers, who met Croak a few years ago while waitressing at Olive Garden, said she considered him her best friend.

Kevin had a way of interacting with people that made them feel like they were the only person in the world, she said.

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Nearly 4500 people have died from COVID-19 in Wisconsin. Here are stories of some we've lost. - Madison.com

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A new psychedelic drug gives psychiatric benefits without causing hallucinations – Massive Science

Monday, December 21st, 2020

Following the harassment of Christian Cooper in Central Park in May 2020, Black birders created #BlackBirdersWeek to celebrate Black nature enthusiasts and highlight their belonging in outdoor spaces. Since then, dozens of campaigns have emerged to amplify and appreciate Black academics, scientists, and naturalists.

Next up is #BlackInMarineScienceWeek, running from November 29th to December 5th.Led by founder Dr. Tiara Moore and organizers Amani Webber-Schultz, Dr. Camille Gaynus, Carlee Jackson, Al Troutman, Jasmin Graham, Jeanette Davis, Kris Howard, Leslie Townsell, Kaylee Arnold, and Jaida Elcock, this week represents an opportunity for community building and improved representation.

There are few Black folks in ecology and even fewer in marine ecology, says Arnold, a science communicator and disease ecologist. The network that Ive gained through organizing this week is phenomenal. Meeting other Black marine scientists and showing that to the world, especially young Black folks, is a way to say we exist, were here. We have a full day dedicated to young kids, which is unique and exciting.

The organizers hope that the week will help normalize Black folks doing marine research, inspire younger generations, and remind everyone to check their preconceived notions.

"When I say I study sharks people seem concerned about my swimming or my hair, [and] sometimes respond with 'Oh, thats super interesting'... I dont know if that's because it's unusual for people to study sharks or because Im Black and I study sharks, recalls Elcock, an elasmobranch movement ecologist, science communicator, and co-founder of Minorities in Shark Science. Science is for everybody. People say there isn't diversity because [Black] people arent interested... thats clearly not true theres a whole week dedicated [to it]."

Discussion this week will address the fact that exclusion, not lack of interest, led to todays lack of representation. Centuries of segregation and underinvestment in Black neighborhood pools led to, and are perpetuated by, these incorrect and harmful ideas.

My grandparents and my mom said there were just no pools for her to go to... I had a very different experience. Despite people trying to push us out of the water and science, we persevered, and now we get to break down those stereotypes, notes Arnold.

Black in Marine Science Week is here to do just that, showcasing organizers and participants from every imaginable marine science niche, all shaping how society views the oceans and its inhabitants.

There's more Black folks than even we know and are showcasing. I hope that if the media picks up on the number of us as well, and has better representation. Seminar series are extremely white, and now you have a resource of people you can invite instead, emphasizes Arnold, pointing to the necessity of non-Black marine scientists to step up and ensure representation continues beyond this joyous and educational week.

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Lorry driver killed cyclist three months after his licence was revoked because of his eyesight – road.cc

Monday, December 21st, 2020

The lorry driver who hit and killed cyclist Josephine Gilbert in Derby was driving unlicenced and uninsured, having had his licence revoked 12 weeks earlier due to concerns over his eyesight and diabetes. Herbert Wyatt has been jailed for 45 months and banned from driving for five years and three months.

Josephine Gilbert, aged 25, was riding on the A52 Ashbourne Road close to the Markeaton Island roundabout when she was hit from behind by Wyatt on January 21.

The Derby Telegraph reports that she suffered catastrophic head injuries and died instantly.

In interview Wyatt claimed he had moved out to overtake and that Gilbert had rode out into him.

However, dashcam footage showed Gilbert riding consistently in a straight line and near the kerb.

She was wearing bright orange cycling clothing, a pink and black cycling helmet and was riding straight, said Lisa Hardy, prosecuting.

There was no traffic coming towards her, visibility was good and he had 17 seconds of her in his vision to move out and overtake her if he wished. But the defendant effectively mowed down the deceased, driving over her in a straight line.

Wyatts licence to drive lorries had been revoked in October information he kept from his employer and which also meant he was uninsured.

He was said to have tried to deceive both the DVLA and his doctor over his eyesight.

Hardy said: He reiterated repeatedly hed had no issues with the DVLA, but when all of the checks were made it was clear that was not the case.

Just the day before he had spoken to a clerk at the DVLA and admitted he knew he was unlicensed to drive large vehicles.

Wyatt pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving; causing death by driving a vehicle while uninsured; and causing death by dangerous driving while unlicensed.

Sentencing him, Judge Jonathan Bennett said: The tragedy about this case was that it would have been avoided but for two features.

One, you should not have been driving that vehicle and you knew that. Secondly, you should have seen her.

I have had the misfortune of viewing the footage and you can see the deceased for 17 second after coming off the roundabout.

She was wearing bright orange clothing, a pink and orange helmet, there was no traffic, nothing was coming the other way. You should have seen her but you failed to do so.

You demonstrated a callous disregard for others culminating in this tragic incident, cutting short the life of Josephine and devastating her family.

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Vision Problems: Symptoms of Common Types of Vision Impairment

Saturday, December 19th, 2020

Articles OnCommon Vision Issues Common Vision Issues Common Vision Issues - Understanding Vision Problems -- Symptoms

Nearsightedness : Blurry vision that gets worse when you look at distant objects. Your doctor will call it myopia. You may have very good close vision.

Farsightedness : Blurry vision when you look at close up objects. Near and far objects may both look fuzzy. The doctor will say you have hyperopia.

Astigmatism : You might have blurry or double vision at any distance. You may also be nearsighted or farsighted.

Detached retina : Youll notice a sudden onset of flashing lights often paired with black floaters in your vision. It wont hurt, but at first you might see a dark curtain or veil coveringa portion of your vision. Cover one eye and then the other and compare the sight in each one.Its important to call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms

Color blindness : You have trouble with shades or intensity of colors. Because its all about perception, you may not know theres a problem until the doctor finds it. This genetic condition mainly affects men.

Night blindness : Its hard to see objects in dim light.

Cataracts : Because they develop slowly, your first symptom may be trouble with the vision test for your driver's license renewal. Or your doctor could spot it during a routine eye exam. Symptoms include:

Strabismus: Your eyes don't move together as they should. Both eyes or just one could be crossed inward or outward. A child who has it may rub one or both eyes often. They could also squint, tilt their head, or close one eye to see things better.

Glaucoma: Symptoms may depend on the type of glaucoma:

Macular degeneration :

Call the doctor about vision problems if you:

A good rule of thumb: Go to the doctor if you have any unusual:

SOURCES:

Bradford, C. (Editor) Basic Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2004.

The Mayo Clinic: "Eye Care."

Macular Degeneration Partnership.

Glaucoma Research Foundation: Secondary Glaucoma.

Pagination

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Learn About Healthy Food For Eyes And Good Habits For Improved Eyesight – Femina

Saturday, December 19th, 2020

Image:Shutterstock

Your eyes are complex organs, comprising of various parts, each working together to produce clear vision. Eyesight being one of the most important senses, protecting your eye health is important to reduce the chances of blindness and vision loss and diseases like cataract and glaucoma. Needless to say, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is just the first step to overall health, including healthy eyes. Read on for a list of healthy food for eyes to maintain good vision and delay age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration, dry eyes, problems with night vision, etc.

Ophthalmologist Dr Elfride Farokh Sanjana says, "This vitamin is most important for colour vision and low-light vision. Studies show that vitamin A deficiency can be a cause of night blindness, eye infections, dry eyes, cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and eye inflammation."

In addition to this, zinc protects against cataract, poor night vision and night blindness, optic nerve damage, and age-related macular degeneration. So be sure to eathealthy foods that are rich in zinc.

Tip: Include more of these essential nutrients in your balanced diet for overall health.

Failing eyesight is often thought to be the result of ageing, but eating right can reduce the risk of a host of eye related health conditions. Here are some nutrient-dense healthy food for eyes to eat.

Tip: Apart from eating right, remember to stay hydrated through the day to prevent dehydration and symptoms of dry eyes.

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Eye test developed with AI could identify a leading cause of severe sight loss before symptoms develop – iNews

Saturday, December 19th, 2020

A new kind of eye test could soon be available that can identify a leading cause of severe sight loss three years before symptoms start to develop.

The new test has been developed with the help of AI and can predict the onset of wet macular degeneration, a chronic eye disorder that causes blurred vision or a blind spot in the visual field.

The i newsletter latest news and analysis

The researchers say, if all goes well it, within two years it could be used in hospitals to identify the disease early enough so that treatment can effectively prevent any vision loss.

Our new test was able to predict new wet AMD lesions up to 36 months in advance of them occurring and that is huge, said University College London Professor Francesca Cordeiro.

It can guide a clinician into treating more intensively those patients who are at high risk of new lesions of wet AMD and also be used as a screening tool, he said.

This is a very encouraging development in tackling the leading cause of blindness, added Sherine Krause, head of eye research charity Fight for Sight.

The test, called DARC (Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells), involves injecting a fluorescent dye into the arm that attaches to retinal cells, and illuminates those that are undergoing stress or in the process of apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death.

The damaged cells appear bright white when viewed in eye examinations the more damaged cells detected, the higher the DARC count. DARC is being commercialised by Novai, a newly formed company.

Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also known as macular disease, is the most common cause of permanent and severe sight loss in the UK.

The study, funded by Wellcome, is published in the journal Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics. It also involved the Western Eye Hospital in London and Imperial College London.

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Eyesight Technologies Changes Name to Cipia – Supply and Demand Chain Executive

Saturday, December 19th, 2020

Eyesight Technologies, a leading provider of in-cabin computer vision AI solutions for the automotive industry, changed its name to Cipia. With Cipia's unique market position, addressing the coming phases of advanced driver monitoring systems (DMS) and emerging occupancy monitoring systems (OMS) market, the company selected a name to support its vision for the future of automotive experiences - AI solutions that improve the safety and overall automotive experience by understanding the behavior and activities of the driver and passengers.

The name Cipia is inspired by our brain's occipital lobe where humans derive meaning from the sense of vision. The occipital lobe 'translates' what we see into an understanding of the environment around us, and the name Cipia was born to reflect the company's vision and its intelligent sensing capabilities. With the evolution of Cipia from its beginnings in classic computer-vision to today's neural networks based technology and evolving algorithms, administering context and understanding to the environment, the name Cipia is not merely a cosmetic change, but also a name that pays homage to both the rich past of the company, as well as representing the promise of the future.

In 2018, responding to a growing need and emerging market demand, Cipia leveraged its computer vision AI expertise to pivot its focus to the automotive in-cabin sensing market. The shift to become an automotive company was accompanied by the development of new capabilities pertaining to higher levels of analyzing human factors. The combination of advanced computer vision AI and introduction of meta-analysis, enabled Cipia to evolve and create AI based solutions that not only see the driver, but also understand the state of the driver and occupants.

"We are on a continuing journey to push the boundaries of computer vision AI and deliver cutting edge solutions to our customers," said David Tolub CEO of Cipia. "Our technology has evolved, taking its inspiration from the neural networks and the higher level logic of the brain, and we decided that our name must encompassthe breadth and richness of our journey as a company. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to provide state of the art solutions for automotive experience."

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Eyesight Technologies Changes Name to Cipia - Supply and Demand Chain Executive

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Bionic vision: Bypassing the eyes – Telangana Today

Saturday, December 19th, 2020

Scientists are a step closer to restoring vision for the blind, after building an implant that bypasses the eyes and allows monkeys to perceive artificially induced patterns in their brains. The technology, developed by a team at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), was described in the journal Science.

The concept builds on an idea first conceived decades ago: electrically stimulating the brain so it sees lit dots known as phosphenes, akin to pixels on a computer screen. But the concept had never realized its full potential because of technical limitations.

A team led by NIN director Pieter Roelfsema developed implants consisting of 1,024 electrodes wired into the visual cortex of two sighted monkeys, resulting in a much higher resolution than has previously been achieved. The visual cortex is located at the back of the brain and many of its features are common to humans and other primates.

This allowed the pair of monkeys to make out shapes like letters of the alphabet, lines and moving dots, which theyd previously been trained to respond to by moving their eyes in a particular direction to win a reward.

The NIN team benefited from advances in miniaturization, and also devised a system to make sure their input currents were big enough to create noticeable dots, but not so great that the pixels grew too large.

They achieved this by placing some electrodes at a more advanced stage of the visual cortex, to monitor how much signal was coming through and then adjust the input.

Roelfsema said his team hopes to make similar devices for humans in about three years. But the electrodes the team used require silicon needles that work for about a year before tissue builds up around the needles and they no longer function.

Ultimately, a wireless solution would be best, as it would mean the user wouldnt need to wear an implant on the back of their skull, which requires scientists to operate and puts the user at risk of infection.

Fortunately, wireless devices that interface with the brain are advancing rapidly. The prosthetics would only be suitable for people who once had sight and then lost it owing to disease or injury.The brains of people who are born blind dedicate the visual cortex to other functions. But in people whose eyes stop working, the brain region remains idle, waiting for an input that never comes.

Light enters the eye through the lens and hits the retina, which turns it into electrical signals

We see when the signals arrive at the visual cortex in the brain via the optic nerve

Instead of restoring sight through the eyes, one approach aims to stimulate vision directly via implants in the brain

Electrical stimulation of the visual cortex can reliably create the perception of a brief, bright flash of light, known as a phosphine

A camera would capture the view of what the subject is looking at and the signal will be processed and sent directly to the brain

It is hoped that the use of high definition intracortical electrodes will one day improve resolution enough to make functional vision viable through this system.

Now you can get handpicked stories from Telangana Today onTelegram everyday. Click the link to subscribe.

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Lions Clubs International Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Saving Sight through SightFirst – GlobeNewswire

Saturday, December 19th, 2020

Oak Brook, Ill., Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lions Clubs International Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Saving Sight through SightFirst

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is celebrating 30 years of improving vision health and increasing screening services through its SightFirst grant funding program.

Established in 1990, the SightFirst program strengthens eye care systems in underserved communities, enabling them to fight blindness and vision loss, as well as assist those who are blind or visually impaired. Lions, in cooperation with healthcare providers and partner organizations, have impacted the sight of more than 488 million people worldwide through SightFirst, by aiding in delivering eye care services, training eye care professionals, upgrading existing eye care system infrastructure, and improving access to eye health education and rehabilitation.

SightFirst Program: By the Numbers

Strengthened through work with world-renowned SightFirst strategic partners the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Carter Center, as well as with LCIF vision partners Special Olympics and Johnson & Johnson Vision, LCIF, Lions and SightFirst deliver preventative, therapeutic and rehabilitative eye-care services to millions worldwide.

Lions everywhere are proud of the immense impact we have made in vision around the world, said LCIF Chairperson Gudrun Yngvadottir. With SightFirst funding from LCIF, weve heeded Helen Kellers 1925 call to be knights of the blind. Weve done so much in SightFirsts initial 30 years. With ongoing funding, well continue the SightFirst legacy and create more historic changes in vision, she said.

While the impact of Lions work in vision has been tremendous, due in part to LCIF support through grant programs likeSightFirst, the WHO reports that globally at least 2.2 million people have a vision impairment or blindness.

LCIFs and Lions efforts in vision, especially during the last 30 years through the Foundations SightFirst program, change lives around the world, said Yngvadottir. We are grateful LCIF continues to support Lions service, and I encourage Lions and others to continue or begin supporting LCIF and SightFirst so we can continue to meet this important need.

For more information about the LCIF SightFirst program, visitlionsclubs.org/SaveVision.

About Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF):

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. Established in 1968, LCIF provides grant funding to support the compassionate works ofLions, empowering their service and addressing the needs of their communities both locally and globally. LCIF is proud of its exemplary ratings history with Charity Navigator, the most-consulted U.S. charity evaluator.

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Depressed about his eyesight, school principal dies by suicide in the city – Pune Mirror

Saturday, December 19th, 2020

Farsid Shahrukh Irani was struggling with his vision despite undergoing an operationA case of suicide has come to light in the city involving a principal of a local school, who died after struggling with depression over eyesight issues. The person had recently undergone an operation on one of his eyes and had failed to regain his eyesight fully after that.

The deceased has been identified as 42-year-old Farsid Shahrukh Irani. A case of accidental death has been registered at Mundhwa police station. The incident occurred around noon on Thursday.

According to the police, Irani was a resident of BT Kawade Road. Prior to his death, he was working as the principal of Angel School at Loni Kalbhor in Pune district.

On the day of the incident, nobody checked on him till sometime around noon when the couples driver arrived to the house to take Irani out. As he had had a habit of sleeping till late, nobody thought twice when they did not see him in the morning. Despite several knocks on the door of his room, he did not open the door. Finally, the couple asked driver to break open the door.

Once inside, they found Iranis body. He had hanged himself from the ceiling fan in the room using the electrical cord of an iron. The police were informed but by the time they arrived he had already passed.

Based on police information, Irani had been suffering from some medical issues in his eyes for the last eight years, due to which he was progressively losing his eyesight in one of them. To rectify the problem, he had been taking treatment and recently underwent an operation at a local hospital. However, even after the operation, his eyesight had not returned fully, causing him to fall into depression.

Irani had an active lifestyle and he liked to play all kinds of sports. But due fading vision in one of his eyes, he lost confidence to continue that lifestyle. The deceased felt that he would become completely blind in the future and often had discussions about this with the schools founder. He had also told him that he was contemplating suicide as he saw no other way out of his predicament. Iranis well-wishers had tried numerous times to divert his mind and extolled him to not think negatively. On the night before the incident, the schools founder had spent some time with him to cheer him before going to bed, police said.

Police also said that Irani had been married previously and had a 13-year-old son from that relationship.

However, 10 years ago he got divorced from his wife and two had been living separately for a while. He was devoted to his son though and would go to meet him regularly.

Police sub inspector Ganesh Kalal from Mundhwa police station said, The deceased died by suicide by hanging himself on the neck with the help of an electrical cord of an iron. When police got information about the incident, we reached the spot and the body was sent to Sassoon General Hospitals for post-mortem. Accidental death has been registered in this case.

For the Suicide Prevention Helpline, please call: 09922004305

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