News & Update

An Indian-origin scientist has discovered an ultra-thin layer hidden deep in the eye that can help treat glaucoma, thus taking a step closer to curing blindness caused by the ocular disorder.

Harminder Dua, a professor at Nottingham University, has discovered how a new layer in the human cornea plays a vital role in the structure of the tissue that controls the flow of fluid from the eye, a university press release stated.

The findings, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, could shed new light on glaucoma, a disease normally associated with increased fluid pressure in the eye which can lead to blindness if left untreated.

A previously unknown layer of the cornea has been discovered in the human eye, a breakthrough experts say could ‘rewrite the opthalmology textbooks’.Researchers from the University of Nottingham found the new layer – which is just 0.001 mm thick – within the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye. They say it could help surgeons dramatically improve outcomes for patients undergoing corneal grafts and transplants.

WHAT DOES THE DISCOVERY OF DUA’S LAYER MEAN?

Knowledge of Dua’s Layer could improve outcomes for patients undergoing corneal grafts and transplants During surgery, tiny air bubble are injected into corneal stroma via the ‘big bubble technique’ If the bubble bursts it causes damage to the eye.

But if the air bubble is injected under Dua’s layer instead of above it, the layer’s strength reduces the risk of tearing Diseases of the cornea including acute hydrops, Descematocele and pre-Descemet’s dystrophies may be affected by the discovery of Dua’s layer.

Problems with the layer could also explain many eye diseases that until now were elusive in origin. The new layer has been dubbed the Dua’s layer, after Professor Harminder Dua who discovered it, reports journal Ophthalmology.Professor Dua said: “This is a major discovery that will mean that ophthalmology textbooks will literally need to be re-written.

Having identified this new and distinct layer deep in the tissue of the cornea, we can now exploit its presence to make operations much safer and simpler for patients. Professor Harminder Dua at the University of Nottingham discovered the previously undetected layerProfessor Harminder Dua at the University of Nottinghm discovered the previously undetected layer ‘From a clinical perspective, there are many diseases that affect the back of the cornea which clinicians across the world are already beginning to relate to the presence, absence or tear in this layer.’ Scientists previously believed the cornea to be comprised of five layers, from front to back, the corneal epithelium, Bowman’s layer, the corneal stroma, Descemet’s membrane and the corneal endothelium. The new layer that has been discovered is located at the back of the cornea between the corneal stroma and escemet’s membrane.

Although it is just 15 microns thick – the entire cornea is around 550 microns thick or 0.5mm – it is incredibly tough and is strong enough to be able to withstand one and a half to two bars of pressure. Researchers proved the layer existed by simulating human corneal transplants and grafts on eyes donated for research. During these experiments, tiny bubbles of air were injected into the cornea to separate the different layers. The scientists then subjected the separated layers to electron microscopy, allowing them to study them at many thousand times their actual size and revealing Dua’s layer. The authors say that the discovery will have an impact on advancing understanding of a number of diseases of the cornea, including acute hydrops, Descematocele and pre-Descemet’s dystrophies The scientists now believe that corneal hydrops, a bulging of the cornea caused by fluid build up that occurs in patients with keratoconus (conical deformity of the cornea), is caused by a tear in the Dua layer, through which water from inside the eye rushes in and causes waterlogging.

A Sikh youth in Italy has been fined €23,000 (`19.6 lakh) by a court for not removing his kirpan. Manpreet Singh is disappointed with the court’s decision and the offence to Sikhs.

The man from Tanda village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district originally now lives at Vicentino in Vicenza province of Italy. On February 2, 2013, while working in the Italian city of Tarvisio, he was injured in a road accident and, at hospital, doctors asked him to remove the symbol of his faith.

Manpreet Singh explained to the doctors the importance of the Kirpan and why he could not remove it, yet they called the police, who accused him of wearing an 18-centimetre-long Sri Sahib, more than what is allowed, and considering it a crime to keep weapons, registered a case under the Italian law.

He fought the case but on January 22, received a notice from the Tarvisio court that it had fined him €23,000, and if he did not pay, he would get a three-month jail sentence. He said the verdict had hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.

A few months ago, the Italian government had dismissed a case about the registration of Sikhism officially. The point of the case was to allow Sikhs to wear Kirpan at public places.

– Hindustan Times, Chandigarh Edition.

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) invites you to participate in the 9th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest! The contest is open to students in grades 9-12.

The contest aims to challenge students to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics. Essays are expected to contain substantive, well-reasoned arguments indicative of a depth of understanding of the concepts related to the essay question. Essays are read and evaluated by several independent judges through three rounds of scoring.

Prizes-
1st Place Winner: $1,000 + $1,000 genetics materials grant for teacher
2nd Place Winner: $600 + $600 genetics materials grant for teacher
3rd Place Winner: $400 + $400 genetics materials grant for teacher

Honorable Mention: 10 prizes of $100 each.

2014 Question

Complex traits, such as blood pressure, height, cardiovascular disease, or autism, are the combined result of multiple genes and the environment. For ONE complex human trait of your choosing, identify and explain the contributions of at least one genetic factor AND one environmental factor. How does this interplay lead to a phenotype? Keep in mind that the environment may include nutrition, psychological elements, and other non-genetic factors. If the molecular or biological basis of the interaction between the genetic and environmental factors is known, be sure to discuss it. If not, discuss the gaps in our knowledge of how those factors influence your chosen trait.

Essays are due at 5:00 pm EST, March 14, 2014.
Read the Essay Contest Rules – http://goo.gl/Ey1opB

Ottawa (February 17, 2014): On February 14, the World Sikh Organization of Canada joined with Sikh communities across Canada to take part in the One Billion Rising movement by providing care packages, treats and baked goods to over 800 women in 22 women’s shelters in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Each package was accompanied by Valentine’s cards prepared by Sikh children and students from local Khalsa schools and Gurdwaras.

One Billion Rising began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls.

Last year, WSO and Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen (GNFK) launched the event in Vancouver and in response to the tremendous support provided by the community, grew the event this year to include Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

In Vancouver, local Gurdwaras participated in the initiative and served as drop-off locations. The response from the shelters which were served was overwhelming. Many residents noted how difficult Valentine ’s Day can be when having recently escaped an abusive relationship. One shelter’s women decided to make a thank you card for the Sikh community.

OBR-BC Group (10K) WSO BC Vice-President Jasbir Kaur said, “the response to the event was once again wonderful. We received a great deal of support from local radio such as Red FM, Radio India and Sher-e-Punjab. I’d particularly like to recognize Kiran Aulakh of Shere-e-Punjab radio who, with her support, went above and beyond the call of duty in making the BC event a success.”

GNFK Council Member and volunteer Roveen Kandola said, “GNFK is dedicated to enriching people’s lives through regular, sustained, and meaningful volunteer service. Our work is based on the basic humanitarian principles of sharing, inclusiveness, community, and public service. We are thankful to WSO for providing this opportunity to us.”

OBR-Calgary (11K)In Calgary, WSO received generous support and assistance from the Dashmesh Culture Centre and were able to deliver 50 care packages to the YCWA which operates several shelters across Calgary. Sehajvir Singh, vice-president of the Dashmesh Culture Centre and an executive member of the WSO said, “It’s important as Sikhs for us to reach out to those in need and to raise awareness about ending violence against women. But on a personal level it felt amazing to be able to help the shelters. We were truly overwhelmed at how much such a simple gesture on our part was appreciated.”

OBR-Toronto (13K)Similarly in Toronto, cupcakes and Valentine’s cards were delivered to women’s shelters in Peel. Local university students helped prepare and deliver the packages. WSO’s Ontario Vice-President Prabhmeet Singh said, “The workers and volunteers at the Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter? were very grateful to see the amount of care and effort put into creating the cards and cupcakes for the residents. We were told that Valentine’s Day can often be a lonely and somber day at the shelter and so the Sikh community’s gesture was particularly timely and welcome.”

In Montreal, local Sikh children helped make Valentines cards at the Gurdwara Sahib Greater Montreal (DDO). The children of different ages had a discussion about abuse and bullying and the importance of helping others in need. The cards and baked treats were delivered to two local women’s shelters. Eight-year-old Sonia Kaur said she wanted the residents of the shelters to have beautiful and perfect cards and spent over an hour on each card she decorated.

WSO President Dr. Amritpal Singh Shergill said, “what began last year as a local initiative in Vancouver has now gone nation-wide and has been an even bigger success than we anticipated. We know that as a society we all have a long ways to go towards ending violence against women, but we hope that this small token of our support will bring about awareness about violence against women and will bring a little bit of happiness into the hearts of those who have been affected so that they know they are not alone.”

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.

by World Sikh Organization, Canada
Source: worldsikh.ca

Consistent efforts result in fruitful results. A bus driver in Vantaa has won his fight to wear a Turban at work. It has been a year – long dispute of his with the Veolia bus company and has been resolved recently with an agreement between the Transport Workers Union (AKT) and the employeers’ organisation (ALT). The resolution was reported first by Helsingin Sanomat.

Gill Sukhdarshan Singh has been in dispute with his employer, Veolia Transport Vantaa, for more than a year. Veolia had banned his Turban, saying it was not part of the company’s uniform and that he therefore could not wear it while driving his bus.

Legal wrangling ensued, with appeals to the southern Finland regional administration and finally, in January, after Veolia refused to budge despite official reports in Gill’s favour, the police.

After that, the employers’ and employees’ organisations got together on the national level to hammer out a deal. HS reports that the agreement means that Sikhs should be able to wear either their own Turban or one provided by their employer.

Hail the efforts! Dhan Sikhi, Dhan Khalsa!

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 26th Feb ’14

The MOS World Championship is an excellent opportunity for student participants to showcase their Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills, have some fun, impress student colleagues and gain international recognition.

ELIGIBILITY: Students between the age of 13 and 22 (as on June 15, 2014)

PARTICIPATION FEE: As per exam chosen and total number of participating students from the School. Every student who enrolls will be provided an eLearning kit (Learning courseware and Certification exam)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 30th April, 2014

The competition will be held at three levels:

• LEVEL 1: Students will prepare & appear for the LEVEL 1 within the school premises.

• LEVEL 2: Selected students will be further invited for India finals to be held in NEW DELHI. Top students with the best exam score & time in each exam track will be selected as “India Champion”.

• LEVEL 3: Selected India Champions will be sent to the Worldwide Championship in Disneyland, California.

AWARDS: In addition to a fully sponsored trip to Disneyland, California for participating in the Worldwide Championship, students will also be eligible for various awards/recognition at the Local and National Level (including certification from Microsoft).

Perfect way to win a chance to represent the country at the World Championship held in Disneyland, California, USA in July 2014!!!

For details on participation and other queries, write at:  india@infuseit.in

Or call: Parag Anand at +91-98115 10096

Vipasha Gupta at +91-97111 87028

Punjabi is all set to rule again in Punjab Schools. A letter issued by government of Punjab today made it clear that no School in Punjab would impose a ban on speaking Punjabi and all the schools would make it sure that the students study Punjabi as a subject till 10th standard.

Copy of a letter issued by Anjali Bhawra, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of School Education was released to the press by office-bearers of Punjab Jagriti Manch, Jalandhar; Folklore Research Academy, Amritsar and Sabhyacharak Manch, Ludhiana, at a press conference.

Good To Know – The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib is on a never ending fight with Drugs through books. Punjabi Heritage and History are our mainstay. The Trust has been deploying education to the out of school children to Akal Academies to help them get academic and spiritual knowledge and cherish this blend of values forever. There are around 60,000 out of school children availing quality education in 129 Akal Academies being run across Rural Areas of North India. Another step forward to save the Sikh culture, Punjabi and Gurmukhi Lipi!

Hail the Efforts! Hail Sikhi!
Help us in this rural transformation here – http://goo.gl/hL3sJt