Network-based hub biomarker discovery for glaucoma.

Objective: Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, the early detection of glaucoma remains challenging, as chronic forms of glaucoma remain largely asymptomatic until considerable irreversible visual field deficits have ensued. Thus, biomarkers that facilitate early diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma patients with a high risk of progression are pressing.

Distinct and Overlapping Metabolites Associated with Visual Impairment and Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Previous studies found that visual impairment (VI) is associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment, but the molecular basis of these conditions is unknown.

Objective: We aim to compare the metabolite associations of VI and cognitive impairment.

Methods: The study population with comprehensive measurements was derived from the UK Biobank study.

Shared genetic aetiology of Alzheimer's disease and age-related macular degeneration by APOC1 and APOE genes.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) share similar pathological features, suggesting common genetic aetiologies between the two. Investigating gene associations between AD and AMD may provide useful insights into the underlying pathogenesis and inform integrated prevention and treatment for both diseases.

Methods: A stratified quantile-quantile (QQ) plot was constructed to detect the pleiotropy among AD and AMD based on genome-wide association studies data from 17 008 patients with AD and 30 178 patients with AMD.

Impact of Acute Ocular Hypertension on Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss in Mice.

Purpose: To assess the correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) levels and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss across different fixed-duration episodes of acute ocular hypertension (AOH).

Methods: AOH was induced in Thy1-YFP-H transgenic mice by inserting a needle connected to a saline solution container into the anterior chamber. Thirty-one groups were tested, each comprising three to five mice exposed to IOP levels ranging from 50 to 110 mm Hg in 5/10 mm Hg increments for 60/90/120 minutes and a sham control group.

What's in the Shadows? Formal Analysis: Art History Method to Improve Interpretation Skills for Mammography and Chest Radiographs in Resident Education.

Rationale And Objectives: To assess the feasibility of using an art history tool of formal analysis in resident education for interpretations of mammography and chest radiographs METHODS: In a pre-post study design, residents were shown pre-selected 10 mammograms and 10 chest radiographs for a total of 20 unique anonymized patient cases. After the pretest, residents attended four formal analysis art history lessons. The formal elements included line, light, dark, shade, proportion and balance.

Current Trends in Total Ankle Replacement.

Ankle arthritis can result in significant pain and restriction in range of motion. Total ankle replacement (TAR) is a motion-preserving surgical option used as an alternative to total ankle arthrodesis to treat end-stage ankle arthritis. There are several generations of TAR techniques based on component design, implant material, and surgical technique.

The Mediterranean Diet and Age-Related Eye Diseases: A Systematic Review.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a healthy diet pattern that can prevent chronic age-related diseases, especially age-related eye diseases (AREDs) including cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and dry eye syndrome (DES). In this study, we systematically reviewed studies in the literature that had reported associations between adherence to the MD and the five above-mentioned AREDs. Randomized controlled trials as well as prospective and retrospective observational studies were included; 1164 studies were identified, of which 1, 2, 9, 2 and 4 studies met our eligibility criteria for cataract, glaucoma, AMD, DR, and DES, respectively.

EBD: an eye biomarker database.

Motivation: Many ophthalmic disease biomarkers have been identified through comprehensive multiomics profiling, and hold significant potential in advancing the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of diseases. Meanwhile, the eye itself serves as a natural biomarker for several systemic diseases including neurological, renal, and cardiovascular systems. We aimed to collect and standardize this eye biomarkers information and construct the eye biomarker database (EBD) to provide ophthalmologists with a platform to search, analyze, and download these eye biomarker data.

The Association of Retinal age gap with metabolic syndrome and inflammation.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of cardiometabolic components, posing tremendous burdens in the aging society. Retinal age gap has been proposed as a robust biomarker associated with mortality and Parkinson's disease. Although MetS and chronic inflammation could accelerate the aging process and increase the risk of mortality, the association of the retinal age gap with MetS and inflammation has not been examined yet.

Longitudinal Changes in Lens Thickness and Lens Power Among Persistent Non-Myopic and Myopic Children.

Purpose: To assess the longitudinal changes in crystalline lens in persistent non-myopic and myopic children.

Methods: Four cohorts of children were recruited from Guangzhou, China, from first year of kindergarten (G0, n = 1129), first year of primary school (G1, n = 1324), fourth year of primary school (G4, n = 1854), and first year of junior high school (G7, n = 867) in 2018 and followed up annually for 2 years. All children received cycloplegic autorefraction and ocular biometry measurement.

Association of Retinal Age Gap With Arterial Stiffness and Incident Cardiovascular Disease.

Background: Retinal parameters could reflect systemic vascular changes. With the advances of deep learning technology, we have recently developed an algorithm to predict retinal age based on fundus images, which could be a novel biomarker for aging and mortality. Therefore, we aim to investigate associations of retinal age gap with arterial stiffness index and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Accuracy of Formulas for Intraocular Lens Power Calculation After Myopic Refractive Surgery.

Purpose: To assess the accuracy of the following intraocular lens (IOL) power formulas: Barrett True-K No History (BTKNH), Emmetropia Verifying Optical 2.0 Post Myopic LASIK/PRK (EVO 2.0), Haigis-L, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) average, and Shammas, designed for patients who have undergone previous myopic refractive surgery, independent of preexisting clinical history and corneal tomographic measurements.

Axial Growth Driven by Physical Development and Myopia among Children: A Two Year Cohort Study.

Background: The physical process of axial length growth among children and its role in the occurrence of myopia remain insufficiently explored. In this study, we investigate the patterns of ocular axial growth among persistent myopia (PM) and persistent non-myopia (PNM) children aged 3 to 15 years. Methods: A group of 6353 children aged 3 to 15 years, selected from rural schools in China, were followed up annually for 2 years.

Use of antihypertensive medications and the risk of glaucoma onset: Findings from the 45 and Up Study.

Background: Abnormal blood pressure is a potential risk factor for glaucoma. However, the role of antihypertensive medications on glaucoma pathogenesis is controversial. This study aims to investigate the association between the use of antihypertensive medications and glaucoma onset.

Associations of statin use with the onset and progression of open-angle glaucoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Statins, the first-line therapy for hyperlipidemia, have received considerable attention as candidates for glaucoma treatments given its neuroprotective effects. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we intended to assess the association of statin use with the onset and progression of open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

Methods: Databases including PubMed, Embase and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for longitudinal studies reporting the association between statin use and OAG onset or progression on Feb 3, 2021.

Micronutrients and Diabetic Retinopathy: Evidence From The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and a Meta-analysis.

Purpose: To investigate the associations between circulating micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, E, and carotenoids) and risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Design: Cross-sectional study and meta-analysis.

Methods: The cross-sectional study included 517 diabetic participants aged ≥40 years in the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Body mass index is not associated with early onset cataract in the 45 and Up cohort study.

Background: Body mass index (BMI) has been reported to be associated with age-related cataract, whereas its impact on early onset cataract (EOC) remains unknown.

Methods: A total of 73,007 individuals aged 45-55 years who had no previous cataract surgeries at baseline were enrolled from the population-based 45 and Up Study. BMI was calculated based on self-reported height and weight from the baseline questionnaire.

Impact of Retinopathy and Systemic Vascular Comorbidities on All-Cause Mortality.

Purpose: To assess the impact of retinopathy and systemic vascular comorbidities on the all-cause mortality in a representative U.S. sample.

Visual Impairment and Risk of Dementia: The UK Biobank Study.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between visual impairment (VI) and dementia in the UK Biobank Study.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Methods: A total of 117,187 volunteers (aged 40-69 years) deemed free of dementia at baseline were included.

Findings from the 45 and Up Study: smoking is not associated with the risk of early-onset cataract.

Background: To determine if tobacco smoking is a risk factor for early-onset cataracts.

Methods: This was a prospective population-based cohort study. A total of 70,886 participants aged 45-55 years in the 45 and Up Study were included in our analysis.

Association between statin use and the risks of glaucoma in Australia: a 10-year cohort study.

Synopsis: In a cohort of middle-aged and elderly Australians, we found that long-term statin use was associated with a higher risk of glaucoma onset. As to subtypes of statins, the increased risk was only found in rosuvastatin users.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between statin use and glaucoma onset in a 10-year longitudinal study.

Predicting the 10-year risk of cataract surgery using machine learning techniques on questionnaire data: findings from the 45 and Up Study.

Background/aims: To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of using machine learning (ML) techniques on self-reported questionnaire data to predict the 10-year risk of cataract surgery, and to identify meaningful predictors of cataract surgery in middle-aged and older Australians.

Methods: Baseline information regarding demographic, socioeconomic, medical history and family history, lifestyle, dietary and self-rated health status were collected as risk factors. Cataract surgery events were confirmed by the Medicare Benefits Schedule Claims dataset.