We present a novel scheme for rapid quantitative analysis of debris generated during experiments with solid targets following relativistic laser–plasma interaction at high-power laser facilities. Results are supported by standard analysis techniques. Experimental data indicate that predictions by available modelling for non-mass-limited targets are reasonable, with debris of the order of hundreds of μg per shot. We detect for the first time two clearly distinct types of debris emitted from the same interaction. A fraction of the debris is ejected directionally, following the target normal (rear and interaction side). The directional debris ejection towards the interaction side is larger than on the side of the target rear. The second type of debris is characterized by a more spherically uniform ejection, albeit with a small asymmetry that favours ejection towards the target rear side.

Adequate nutrition is necessary during childhood and early adolescence for adequate growth and development. Hence, the objective of the study was to assess the association between dietary intake and blood levels of minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium) and vitamins (folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and vitamin D) in urban school going children aged 6–16 years in India, in a multicentric cross-sectional study. Participants were enrolled from randomly selected schools in ten cities. Three-day food intake data was collected using a 24-h dietary recall method. The intake was dichotomised into adequate and inadequate. Blood samples were collected to assess levels of micronutrients. From April 2019 to February 2020, 2428 participants (50⋅2 % females) were recruited from 60 schools. Inadequate intake for calcium was in 93⋅4 % (246⋅5 ± 149⋅4 mg), iron 86⋅5 % (7⋅6 ± 3⋅0 mg), zinc 84⋅0 % (3⋅9 ± 2⋅4 mg), selenium 30⋅2 % (11⋅3 ± 9⋅7 mcg), folate 73⋅8 % (93⋅6 ± 55⋅4 mcg), vitamin B12 94⋅4 % (0⋅2 ± 0⋅4 mcg), vitamin A 96⋅0 % (101⋅7 ± 94⋅1 mcg), and vitamin D 100⋅0 % (0⋅4 ± 0⋅6 mcg). Controlling for sex and socioeconomic status, the odds of biochemical deficiency with inadequate intake for iron [AOR = 1⋅37 (95 % CI 1⋅07–1⋅76)], zinc [AOR = 5⋅14 (95 % CI 2⋅24–11⋅78)], selenium [AOR = 3⋅63 (95 % CI 2⋅70–4⋅89)], folate [AOR = 1⋅59 (95 % CI 1⋅25–2⋅03)], and vitamin B12 [AOR = 1⋅62 (95 %CI 1⋅07–2⋅45)]. Since there is a significant association between the inadequate intake and biochemical deficiencies of iron, zinc, selenium, folate, and vitamin B12, regular surveillance for adequacy of micronutrient intake must be undertaken to identify children at risk of deficiency, for timely intervention.

We present the pulse arrival times and high-precision dispersion measure estimates for 14 millisecond pulsars observed simultaneously in the 300$-$500 MHz and 1260$-$1460 MHz frequency bands using the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope. The data spans over a baseline of 3.5 years (2018-2021), and is the first official data release made available by the Indian Pulsar Timing Array collaboration. This data release presents a unique opportunity for investigating the interstellar medium effects at low radio frequencies and their impact on the timing precision of pulsar timing array experiments. In addition to the dispersion measure time series and pulse arrival times obtained using both narrowband and wideband timing techniques, we also present the dispersion measure structure function analysis for selected pulsars. Our ongoing investigations regarding the frequency dependence of dispersion measures have been discussed. Based on the preliminary analysis for five millisecond pulsars, we do not find any conclusive evidence of chromaticity in dispersion measures. Data from regular simultaneous two-frequency observations are presented for the first time in this work. This distinctive feature leads us to the highest precision dispersion measure estimates obtained so far for a subset of our sample. Simultaneous multi-band upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations in 300$-$500 MHz and 1260$-$1460 MHz are crucial for high-precision dispersion measure estimation and for the prospect of expanding the overall frequency coverage upon the combination of data from the various Pulsar Timing Array consortia in the near future. Parts of the data presented in this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming third data release of the International Pulsar Timing Array.

Public health measures associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have accelerated the adoption of virtual health care across Canada. We explore the opportunities that virtual care presents in achieving the Quadruple Aim and challenges to navigate, through the lens of care for older adults. In particular, we recommend virtual care-related policies related to older adults that address (a) limited uptake among the socio-economically disadvantaged, (b) user-centered design of virtual care technologies, and (c) integration of iterative evaluations to ensure equitable and efficient achievement of desired outcomes. As virtual care accelerates forward, we must not leave older Canadians behind.

Background: The impact of cervical dystonia (CD) severity on presentation subtype and onabotulinumtoxinA utilization was examined in the completer population from CD PROBE (CD Patient Registry for Observation of BOTOX® Efficacy). Methods: In this multicenter, prospective, observational registry, patients with CD were treated with onabotulinumtoxinA according to injectors’ standard of care. Completers were patients that completed all 3 treatment sessions and had accompanying data. Results: Of N=1046 patients enrolled, n=350 were completers. Completers were on average 57.3 years old, 74.9% female, 94.6% white, and 60.6% toxin-naïve. Baseline severity was mild in 32.6%, moderate in 54.3%, and severe in 13.1%. Torticollis was the most common presentation at baseline (mild: 44.7%, moderate: 55.8%, severe: 63.0%), followed by laterocollis (mild: 42.1%, moderate: 32.6%, severe: 26.1%). Median onabotulinumtoxinA dose increased over time; 160U–200U for torticollis and 170U–200U for laterocollis. For all severities, median total dose increased from injection 1 to injection 3 (mild: 138U–165U, moderate: 183U–200U, severe: 200U–285U). Eighty-one patients (23.1%) reported 139 treatment-related adverse events. There were no treatment-related serious adverse eventsand no new safety signals. Conclusions: CD severity impacted presentation subtype frequency and onabotulinumtoxinA utilization in CD PROBE, with higher and tailored dosing observed over time and with increasing disease severity.

Background: The sustained effects of onabotulinumtoxinA in patients with cervical dystonia (CD) who were naïve or non-naïve to botulinum toxin at enrollment in CD PROBE (CD Patient Registry for Observation of BOTOX® Efficacy) were evaluated. Methods: Patients were included if they completed all three treatment cycles and had accompanying data in this prospective, observational study. Assessments included CD severity, Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile (CDIP-58), Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS), treatment interval, total dose, and adverse events (AEs). Results: Changes in severity following each onabotulinumtoxinA treatment were generally similar between naïve (n=212) and non-naïve (n=138) patients. Severity scores were maintained or improved in most patients with mild/moderate symptoms, while 30.0-66.7% with the highest severity scores shifted to a lower score across treatments. Sustained improvements were seen in all CDIP-58 subscales and TWSTRS total scores irrespective of baseline CD severity and toxin status. The median time interval between injections was similar in naïve (93.0–98.0 days) and non-naïve patients (96.0–97.0 days); doses tended to be lower in naïve patients. The most common AEs (dysphagia, muscular weakness) were similar. Conclusions: CD severity was attenuated by repeat onabotulinumtoxinA treatments at consistent intervals regardless of prior botulinum toxin exposure. Treatments were well tolerated.

There is emerging evidence linking fruit and vegetable consumption and cognitive function. However, studies focusing on the nutrients underlying this relationship are lacking. We aim to examine the association between plasma nutrients and cognition in a population at risk for cognitive decline with a suboptimal diet. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) trial is a randomized controlled intervention that examines the effects of the MIND diet to prevent cognitive decline. The primary outcome is global cognition. A multivariate linear model was used to investigate the association between blood nutrients and global and/or domain-specific cognition. The model was adjusted for age, sex, education, study site, smoking status, cognitive activities and physical activities. High plasma α-carotene was associated with better global cognition. Participants in the highest tertile of plasma α-carotene had a higher global cognition z score of 0⋅17 when compared with individuals in the lowest tertile (P 0⋅002). Circulating α-carotene levels were also associated with higher semantic memory scores (P for trend 0⋅007). Lutein and zeaxanthin (combined) was positively associated with higher semantic memory scores (P for trend 0⋅009). Our study demonstrated that higher α-carotene levels in blood were associated with higher global cognition scores in a US population at risk for cognitive decline. The higher α-carotene levels in blood reflected greater intakes of fruits, other types of vegetables and lesser intakes of butter and margarine and meat. The higher circulating levels of lutein plus zeaxanthin reflected a dietary pattern with high intakes of fruits, green leafy, other vegetables and cheese, and low consumption of fried foods. Objective nutrient markers in the blood can better characterize dietary intake, which may facilitate the implementation of a tailored dietary intervention for the prevention of cognitive decline.

Introduction: Older adults are at disproportionate risk of serious disease and mortality due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Further, the global response to the lockdown has rendered older adults particularly vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation due to the physical distancing and shelter in place mandate. We hypothesized that both these factors would lead to an increase in geriatric mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and Methods: We undertook a clinical audit of all geriatric patients (above 60 years of age) attending the psychiatry emergency services at a tertiary care hospital. This audit was conducted over a period of 52 days dating from the cessation of non-essential services at the hospital as part of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic (lockdown).

We used descriptive statistics to summarize the number, age, sex, presenting complaint and diagnoses of our patients. We further compared the average number of geriatric patients attending the psychiatry emergency services in the hospital during the lockdown to that of geriatric patients attending the same in the year before the lockdown.

Results: A total of 112 geriatric patients attended the psychiatry emergency services during the lockdown period. Of these, 62 were male and 50 female. The average number of geriatric patients attending the emergency services daily during this period (μ1 2.15) was significantly higher (z 5.36, p ≤ 0.01) than the average number of patients attending the emergency services in the year preceding the lockdown (μ2 1.34).

The most common presenting complaint was agitation in the preceding weeks. The most common diagnoses were late onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders followed by affective disorders and major neurocognitive disorders.

Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic and the global response to the same constitute life events for older adults. They may contribute to biological, psychological and social risk factors for mental health problems in older adults during this period. The increase in geriatric patients attending our emergency services, despite an increase in restrictions on mobility which act as barriers in the pathway to care, is worrying. Under stimulation in older adults during this period may contribute to an increase in agitation.

Case fatality rate (CFR) and doubling time are important characteristics of any epidemic. For coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), wide variations in the CFR and doubling time have been noted among various countries. Early in the epidemic, CFR calculations involving all patients as denominator do not account for the hospitalised patients who are ill and will die in the future. Hence, we calculated cumulative CFR (cCFR) using only patients whose final clinical outcomes were known at a certain time point. We also estimated the daily average doubling time. Calculating CFR using this method leads to temporal stability in the fatality rates, the cCFR stabilises at different values for different countries. The possible reasons for this are an improved outcome rate by the end of the epidemic and a wider testing strategy. The United States, France, Turkey and China had high cCFR at the start due to low outcome rate. By 22 April, Germany, China and South Korea had a low cCFR. China and South Korea controlled the epidemic and achieved high doubling times. The doubling time in Russia did not cross 10 days during the study period.

Employment is a crucial part of adult life and is associated with improved health outcomes. However, despite the several advantages of hiring individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD), the employment rate for this population is still low. An employment conference was organised to inform participants of successful employment initiatives, and to increase our understanding of local employer challenges regarding the recruitment, hire, and retention of employees with IDD. Descriptive statistics were used to assess common methods of recruitment, potential helpful hiring strategies, and recruitment, hire, and retention challenges, and an ordinal logistic regression was conducted to examine whether responses differed based on demographic variables. The conference was evaluated by gathering data on several facets of participant satisfaction. Findings brought to light several key challenges that can be used to create more targeted interventions and supports. Responses to several questions differed by demographics (such as company size and industry type), which represent important areas for future research to examine. Participants reported being satisfied with the conference, and many indicated that their attitudes had changed towards disability and that they were more likely to employ individuals with IDD in the future. Systematically addressing barriers to employment is essential in order to reduce the employment gap and improve outcomes for individuals with IDD. Ultimately, conferences that aim to educate participants about successful programs and strategies represent a promising practice that can increase employment opportunities for individuals with IDD.

We describe the design and deployment of GREENBURST, a commensal Fast Radio Burst (FRB) search system at the Green Bank Telescope. GREENBURST uses the dedicated L-band receiver tap to search over the 960–1 920 MHz frequency range for pulses with dispersion measures out to $10^4\ \rm{pc\,cm}^{-3}$. Due to its unique design, GREENBURST is capable of conducting searches for FRBs when the L-band receiver is not being used for scheduled observing. This makes it a sensitive single pixel detector capable of reaching deeper in the radio sky. While single pulses from Galactic pulsars and rotating radio transients will be detectable in our observations, and will form part of the database we archive, the primary goal is to detect and study FRBs. Based on recent determinations of the all-sky rate, we predict that the system will detect approximately one FRB for every 2–3 months of continuous operation. The high sensitivity of GREENBURST means that it will also be able to probe the slope of the FRB fluence distribution, which is currently uncertain in this observing band.

Introduction: Patient assessment is a fundamental feature of non-emergency community paramedicine (CP) home visit programs. In the absence of a recognized standard for CP assessment, current assessment practices in CP programs are unknown. Without knowing what community paramedics are assessing, it is difficult to ascertain what should be included in patient care plans, whether interventions are beneficial, or whether paramedics are meeting program objectives. Our objective was to summarize the content of assessment instruments used in CP programs in order to describe the state of current practice. Methods: We performed an environmental scan of all CP programs in Ontario, Canada, and employed content analysis to describe current assessment practices in CP home visit programs. The International Classification on Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was used to categorize and compare assessments. Each item within each assessment form was classified according to the ICF taxonomy. Findings were compared at the domain and sub-domain of the ICF. Results: Of 54 paramedic services in Ontario, 43 responded to our request for information. Of 24 services with CP home visit programs, 18 provided their intake assessment forms for content analysis. Assessment forms contained between 13 and 252 assessment items (median 116.5, IQR 134.5). Overall, most assessments included some content from each of the domains outlined in the ICF, including: Impairments of Body Functions, Impairments of Body Structures, Activity Limitation and Participation, and Environmental Factors. At the sub-domain level, only assessment of Impairments of the Functions of the Cardiovascular, Haematological, Immunological and Respiratory systems appeared in all assessments. Few CP home visit program assessments covered most ICF sub-domain categories and many items classified to specific categories were included in only a few assessments. Conclusion: CP home visit programs complete multi-domain assessments as part of patient intake. The content of CP assessments varied across Ontario, which suggests that care planning and resources may not be consistent. Current work on practice guidelines and paramedic training can build from descriptions of assessment practices to improve quality of care and patient safety. By identifying what community paramedics assess, evaluation of the quality of CP home visit programs and their ability to meet program objectives can be improved and benchmarks in patient care can be established.

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: To further explore the role of vWF in the pathogenesis of scleroderma by identifying its location within the tissue of sample biopsies obtained as part of routine diagnosis with the use of immuno-histochemical staining. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We examined 8 skin biopsies from 2 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), 2 with localized scleroderma (LS) and 4 with JDM. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed in each tissue with antibodies against vWF and collagens type I and III. DAPI (4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) was also used for counterstaining of inflammatory cells. Tissue staining patterns were compared between groups. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Biopsies were obtained from the upper extremity of 7 females and the lower extremity of 1 male. Median age, symptom duration, and serum levels of vWF antigen around the time of biopsy was 8 years (IQR 4.5-11), 5.5 months (IQR 2.5-7), and 245% (IQR 203-302 for 7 patients), respectively. All but 1 biopsy was performed prior to initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. Immunofluorescence staining showed a superficial and deep perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate that co-localized with vWF in all tissues. There was expression of vWF in the extravascular tissue of patients with JScl co-localizing with collagen III in the reticular dermis (Figures 1 and 2). In comparison, vWF expression was restricted to the endothelium and did not co-localize with collagen in the dermis of patients with JDM (Figure 3). Patients with SSc had higher expression of vWF as compared to patients with LS. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: vWF may participate in the pathogenesis of cutaneous inflammatory conditions. We have demonstrated that vWF co-localizes with cellular inflammatory infiltrates in the perivascular areas and in the dermis of patients with JScl and JDM. We additionally speculate that vWF may participate in the pathogenesis of fibrosing skin diseases based on evidence of increased extravascular expression in the tissue of patients with JScl (vs. JDM), and its co-localization with collagen. vWF expression intensity in the dermis of JScl patients may relate to disease extension (SSc vs. LS).