A comparative analysis of Charlson's weighted index of comorbidity and perforated peptic ulcer scores in predicting postoperative mortality and high comprehensive complication index.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exists on Charlson's weighted index of comorbidity (WIC) predictability for postoperative outcomes following perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) surgery. This study assesses the utility of WIC and other predictive scores in forecasting both postoperative mortality and morbidity in PPU. MATERIALS & METHODS: Patients with PPUs operated between 2018 and 2021 in a Malaysian tertiary referral center were included. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for association with mortality and morbidity measured with the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Predictability of WIC and other predictors were examined using area under receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). RESULTS: Among 110 patients included, 18 died (16.4%) and 36 (32.7%) had significant morbidity postoperatively (High CCI, ≥26.2). Both mortality and high CCI were associated with age >65 years, female sex, comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and renal disease), and American Society of Anesthesiologist score >2. Most patients who died had renal dysfunction, metabolic acidosis, lactate >2 mmol/L upon presentation preoperatively. While surgery >24 h after presentation correlated with mortality and high CCI, the benefit of earlier surgery <6 h or <12 h was not demonstrated. WIC (AUC, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.99) showed similar predictability to Peptic Ulcer Perforation (PULP) (AUC, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.93-1.00) for mortality. PULP effectively predicted high CCI (AUC, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73-0.93; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: WIC is valuable in predicting mortality, highlighting the importance of comorbidity in risk assessment. PULP score was effective in predicting both mortality and high CCI. Early identification of patients with high perioperative risk will facilitate patients' triage for escalated care, leading to a better outcome.

Monitoring Food Affordability: Reliability and Validity of an Online Nutritious Food Basket.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of an online approach to monitoring food affordability in Ontario using the updated Ontario Nutritious Food Basket (ONFB).Methods: The ONFB was priced online in 12 large multi-chain grocery stores to test intra-/inter-rater reliability using percent agreement and intra-class correlations (ICCs). Then, the ONFB was priced in-store and online in 28 stores to estimate food price differences using paired t-tests and Pearson's correlation for all (n =1708) and matched items (same product/brand and purchase unit) (n = 1134).Results: Intra-/inter-rater agreement was high (95.4%/81.6%; ICC = 0.972, F = 69.9, p < 0.001). On average, in-store prices were less than $0.02 lower than online prices. There were no significant differences between mean in-store and online prices for all items (t = 0.504 p = 0.614). The mean price was almost perfectly correlated between in-store and online (fully matched: R = 0.993 p < 0.001; all items: R = 0.967 p < 0.001). Online monthly ONFB estimates for a family of four were strongly correlated (R = 0.937 p < 0.001) with estimates calculated using in-store data.Conclusions: Online pricing is a reliable and valid approach to food costing in Ontario that contributes to modernizing the monitoring of food affordability in Canada and abroad.

Exploration of the food environment in different socioeconomic areas in Hong Kong and Singapore: a cross-sectional case study.

This study explored the local food environment of Hong Kong and Singapore using a qualitative case study approach to inform future upstream public health nutrition policies. Food outlets that provide food to be eaten in the home were mapped in selected areas of high and low socioeconomic status (SES) of Hong Kong and Singapore. Food outlet density relative to land area was determined. In both countries, lower SES areas surveyed were shown to have higher food outlet density while higher SES areas had fewer but larger food outlets. In Hong Kong, both SES areas reported similar proportions of healthy and unhealthy food outlets.This study highlights the accessibility of food outlet types through their geographical location and density. Future research assessing the differences in eating culture between these two countries should be considered alongside this study's findings, to investigate strategies influencing the food environment in order to promote healthier eating habits.

Microbiota engraftment after faecal microbiota transplantation in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes: a 24-week, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on microbiota engraftment in patients with metabolic syndrome is uncertain. We aimed to study whether combining FMT with lifestyle modification could enhance the engraftment of favourable microbiota in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DESIGN: In this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, 61 obese subjects with T2DM were randomly assigned to three parallel groups: FMT plus lifestyle intervention (LSI), FMT alone, or sham transplantation plus LSI every 4 weeks for up to week 12. FMT solution was prepared from six healthy lean donors. Faecal metagenomic sequencing was performed at baseline, weeks 4, 16 and 24. The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects acquiring ≥20% of microbiota from lean donors at week 24. RESULTS: Proportions of subjects acquiring ≥20% of lean-associated microbiota at week 24 were 100%, 88.2% and 22% in the FMT plus LSI, FMT alone, and sham plus LSI groups, respectively (p<0.0001). Repeated FMTs significantly increased the engraftment of lean-associated microbiota (p<0.05). FMT with or without LSI increased butyrate-producing bacteria. Combining LSI and FMT led to increase in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus compared with FMT alone (p<0.05). FMT plus LSI group had reduced total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and liver stiffness at week 24 compared with baseline (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Repeated FMTs enhance the level and duration of microbiota engraftment in obese patients with T2DM. Combining lifestyle intervention with FMT led to more favourable changes in recipients' microbiota and improvement in lipid profile and liver stiffness. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03127696.

Metabolomics of Diabetic Retinopathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Metabolomics is the study of dysregulated metabolites in biological materials. We reviewed the use of the technique to elucidate the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy. RECENT FINDINGS: With regard to metabolomic studies of diabetic retinopathy, the field remains in its infancy with few studies published to date and little replication of results. Vitreous and serum samples are the main tissues examined, and dysregulation in pathways such as the pentose phosphate pathway, arginine to proline pathway, polyol pathway, and ascorbic acidic pathways have been reported. Few studies have examined the metabolomic underpinnings of diabetic retinopathy. Further research is required to replicate findings to date and determine longitudinal associations with disease.

Amiodarone reduces the amount of ablation during catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: The step-wise approach to catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) requires considerable substrate modification targeting at complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) in addition to pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. An alternative strategy that minimizes the amount of ablation would be desirable. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of pre-procedural amiodarone affects: (i) the amount of ablation required to achieve procedural success, and (ii) long-term outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 121 consecutive patients with persistent AF who underwent catheter ablation. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, amiodarone (n = 31); Group 2, other antiarrhythmic drugs or rate control (n = 90). All the patients underwent a step-wise ablation procedure beginning with PV isolation, then proceeding with ablation of the CFAEs and linear lesions until sinus rhythm was achieved. Mean left atrial cycle length of AF (AFCL) was recorded at each step. The number of CFAE ablation sites was recorded. The number of CFAE sites in Group 1 was significantly less than that in Group 2 (P = 0.0121). The AFCLs after each step in Group 1 were significantly longer than those in Group 2. The procedure time and the radiofrequency time of CFAE ablation in Group 1 were significantly shorter than that in Group 2 (P = 0.0276 and P = 0.0458, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in early and long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: Use of pre-procedural amiodarone prolongs AFCL during catheter ablation and reduces the number of CFAE sites requiring ablation to achieve procedural success while maintaining equivalent long-term results.

Comparison of a visiting subspecialist ophthalmology service to Royal Darwin Hospital with interstate transfers: costs and clinical outcomes of treatment.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the costs and clinical outcomes of treating patients with retinal diseases requiring surgery managed locally in Darwin through a visiting subspecialist ophthalmology service or transferred to interstate tertiary eye centres.MethodsA retrospective analysis of a case series of 70 consecutive patients presenting to the Royal Darwin Hospital for vitreo-retinal surgery during the calendar years 2018 and 2019 was performed.ResultsTwenty-two of the 29 patients in the transfer group had a retinal detachment and five vitreous haemorrhage. The 41 patients managed in Darwin had a range of diagnoses. Surgical success, complications and costs were similar.ConclusionThere were excellent clinical outcomes and a minimal insignificant difference in costs.

SuperMap algorithm: an efficient, safe and accurate modality for mapping and eliminating challenging cardiac arrhythmias.

Even with the development of advanced catheter-based mapping systems, there remain several challenges in the electrophysiological evaluation and elimination of atrial arrhythmias. For instance, atrial tachycardias with irregular rates cannot be reliably mapped by systems that require stability in order to sequentially gather data points to be organized thereafter. Separately, these arrhythmias often arise following initial ablation for atrial fibrillation, posing logistic challenges. Here, we present the available literature summarizing the use of a non-contact mapping catheter, the AcQMap catheter, in conjunction with SuperMap, an algorithm that compiles a large number of non-contact data points from multiple catheter positions within the atria. These studies demonstrate the efficiency, safety and accuracy of this technology.

Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are often treatable with medications, but sometimes require expert evaluation in a cardiac electrophysiology laboratory. They are often studied and treated using thin, flexible catheters which enter the body through blood vessels in the leg and reach the internal walls of the heart. Time, expertise and specialized equipment are necessary to identify characteristics specific to each patient's arrhythmia. For each arrhythmia, a unique electrical blueprint is created before trying to eliminate it. The fleeting nature of certain arrhythmias can make it difficult to generate these blueprints, and many take a lot of time to accurately identify, leading to procedural challenges. Here we evaluate studies discussing the use of a new catheter (AcQMap) and its accompanying strategy for identifying arrhythmias. Unlike traditional catheters that require direct contact with the internal walls of the heart, the AcQMap catheter floats within these blood-filled chambers and does not touch the walls when obtaining data points. Instead, using ultrasound waves and electrical signals, it can generate data points to create blueprints. This technology also uses a new algorithm that enables the catheter to move freely within the heart, obtaining numerous data points and grouping them together to create maps efficiently and safely, even for fleeting or challenging arrhythmias.

Diagnosis and interventions for central serous chorioretinopathy: review and update.

Most acute cases of central serous chorioretinopathy resolve spontaneously with minimal visual impairment. The small percentage of eyes developing chronic or recurrent disease that do warrant treatment is often difficult to control. Emergent investigations and treatments have added to the established options available to manage these cases. Optical coherence tomography has proved valuable for both imaging subtle fundoscopic findings and monitoring disease progression. Fluorescein angiography aids identification of pigment epithelial leaks and targets the use of argon laser treatment if outside the fovea. Fluorescein angiography also assists differentiation from other choroidal pathologies such as choroidal neovascularization and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Where the diagnosis is uncertain, indocyanine green angiography can demonstrate classic midphase hyperpermeability. This is also useful to guide the application of photodynamic therapy. Newer treatments such as intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor are as yet unproven.

The Complementary Role of PET to Pathology in Differentiating the Primary Origin of a Malignant Skin Nodule from Liver or Lung.

Metastasis from unknown primary is always a challenge because finding the true primary tumor significantly affects subsequent management. We present a case of malignant abdominal wall nodule initially diagnosed as metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma through excisional biopsy and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Dual-tracer positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 11C-acetate and 18F-FDG, however, showed metabolic findings in favor of metastasis from lung origin, which was finally confirmed by ensuing a lung biopsy with additional IHC stains. This case illustrates the complementary molecular role of PET to pathology, particularly when dual-tracer or multi-tracer PET is used in conjunction with pathology methods for cross referencing and confirmation.

Proportion of people with diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema varies by ethnicity in a tertiary retinal clinic in Australia: findings from the Liverpool Eye and Diabetes Study (LEADS).

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on the influence of ethnicity on diabetic retinopathy (DR). We sought to determine the distribution of DR by ethnic group in Australia. DESIGN: Clinic-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants with diabetes in a defined geographical region of Sydney, Australia, who attended a tertiary retina referral clinic. PARTICIPANTS: The study recruited 968 participants. INTERVENTION: Participants underwent a medical interview and retinal photography and scanning. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: DR was defined from two-field retinal photographs. Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) was defined from spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT-DMO). The main outcomes were any DR, proliferative DR (PDR), clinically significant macular oedema (CSME), OCT-DMO and sight-threatening DR (STDR). RESULTS: There was high proportion of any DR (52.3%), PDR (6.3%), CSME (19.7%), OCT-DMO (28.9%) and STDR (31.5%) in people attending a tertiary retinal clinic. Participants of Oceanian ethnicity had the highest proportion of any DR and STDR (70.4% and 48.1%, respectively), while the lowest proportion was in participants of East Asian ethnicity (38.3% and 15.8%, respectively). Proportion of any DR and STDR in Europeans was 54.5% and 30.3%, respectively. Independent predictive factors for diabetic eye disease were ethnicity, longer duration of diabetes, higher glycated haemoglobin and higher blood pressure. Even after adjusting for risk factors, Oceanian ethnicity remained associated with twofold higher odds of any DR (adjusted OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.00) and all other forms of DR including STDR (adjusted OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.19 to 4.15). CONCLUSION: In people attending a tertiary retinal clinic, the proportion of people with DR varies among ethnic groups. The high proportion in persons of Oceanian ethnicity suggests a need for targeted screening of this at-risk group. In addition to traditional risks factors, ethnicity may be an additional independent predictor of DR.

Postoperative perfluoro-N-octane tamponade for primary retinal detachment repair.

AIM: To study outcomes after using perfluoro-n-octane (PFO) as a short-term postoperative vitreous substitute in eyes undergoing primary vitrectomy with or without scleral buckling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with inferior/multiple breaks or giant retinal tears (GRTs). METHODS: Charts of 39 eyes at 3-24 months after primary PFO retention and secondary replacement were retrospectively analyzed for anatomical attachment rates, visual acuity gain, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, 33 of 39 eyes showed ≥ 4 retinal breaks, with 31 of 39 eyes having at least 1 inferior break, 10 of 39 eyes having GRT, and 12 of 39 eyes showing preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy. All eyes showed complete anatomical retinal attachment after primary vitrectomy for at least 7-17 days when PFO was retained without any specific posturing. With sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas PFO exchange, 3 cases redetached. With perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas or silicone oil PFO exchange, no cases redetached, resulting in a final anatomical success rate of 92.4%. Visual acuity improved from 2.07 ± 0.86 to 0.76 ± 0.79 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (P < 0.0004) among macula-off and from 0.11 ± 0.08 to 0.12 ± 0.09 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (P > 0.05) among macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment eyes. Perfluoro-n-octane retention ≥ 10 days significantly increased posterior capsular opacification (28 of 39 eyes) and cataract extraction rates (21 of 25 eyes) without affecting the final retinal attachment success rate. CONCLUSION: Perfluoro-n-octane is efficacious and safe as a short-term vitreous substitute in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair cases with inferior/multiple breaks or GRTs. Perfluoro-n-octane removal within 10 days reduces its side effect profile considerably. The highest anatomical retinal reattachment rates were observed when C3F8 or silicone oil was exchanged for PFO.

Does unintentional macular translocation after retinal detachment repair influence visual outcome?

BACKGROUND: To document the occurrence of postoperative macular translocation after retinal detachment repair and discuss its influence on visual outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective case series in a tertiary care setting. PARTICIPANTS: Five eyes of five patients presenting to our clinic with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: All patients underwent surgical repair of the retinal detachment, with regular postoperative follow-up, including macular optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity and subjective visual symptoms in patients with anatomically successful retinal detachment repair, in whom inadvertent macular translocation was noted. RESULTS: Our series demonstrates the presence of unintentional macular translocation after retinal detachment repair, detected by fundus autofluorescence imaging. In contrast to previous reports, we document inadvertent macular translocation in one patient after scleral buckling surgery. In each case, the retina was fully reattached postoperatively and no other complications were identified. There was variability in the symptoms and objective visual outcomes after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Inadvertent macular translocation can occur following repair of macula-off retinal detachment, and may be a significant contributor to poorer visual outcome after retinal detachment, despite objective surgical success.

Large, star-shaped retinal tear associated with orbital cosmetic filler.

PURPOSE: Presentation of a unique case of large, star-shaped retinal tear associated with orbital cosmetic filler injection. OBSERVATION: A 55-year-old healthy female presented to emergency department with sudden onset of blurred vision on her left eye occurred after an orbital cosmetic filler injection containing hyaluronic acid (HA) performed by an aesthetic nurse. On fundus examination, the left eye showed a mild - moderate, unusual appearance vitreous haze and a large, star-shaped retinal tear temporal to macula. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination demonstrated a normal foveal contour without any structural damage on the retinal layers. Vitrectomy, endolaser and silicon oil tamponade were performed. Visual acuity was maintained at 6/7.5 following silicon oil removal at 6 weeks after the initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: In this particular case, immediate vitrectomy is key to avoid further complications such as retinal toxicity and detachment and to maintain optimal visual acuity. Importantly, facial cosmetic filler procedure should be performed by an adequately trained individual to avoid such complications.

CASE OF BILATERAL CHOROIDAL DETACHMENTS IN GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE AND HYPOALBUMINAEMIA AFTER REDUCED-INTENSITY ALLOGENEIC BONE MARROW STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral choroidal detachments in a patient with myelodysplasia who developed graft-versus-host disease and hypoalbuminemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. METHODS: Case report imaged with ultra-widefield color photographs and B-scans. RESULTS: The patient presented with a 3-day history of bilateral visual deterioration, associated with right eye floaters. Fundus examination revealed choroidal detachments in all four quadrants associated with serous retinal detachment in the right eye and in the inferotemporal and inferonasal quadrant of the left eye. Medical history included allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome seven months prior and development of symptoms of graft-versus-host disease three weeks prior. His serum albumin and protein levels were severely low. The detachments subsequently resolved with treatment of the hypoalbuminemia and low protein. CONCLUSION: Choroidal detachment is a possible complication of hypoalbuminemia and graft-versus-host disease. Hypoalbuminemia causing a reduction in the gradient for transscleral diffusion of albumin or graft-versus-host disease-related immune reaction is a possible mechanism of this complication.

The use of balloon atrial septostomy to facilitate difficult transseptal access in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing number of patients undergoing repeat catheter ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation, it is not uncommon to encounter a fibrotic interatrial septum that resists the conventional manual advancement of the transseptal sheath. Forceful advancement of the transseptal apparatus can reduce fine control and potentially lead to a higher rate of perforation. CASE: We report a case where adjunctive balloon atrial septostomy was used to facilitate transseptal access in a patient with fibrotic interatrial septum. Using a small-caliber angioplasty balloon and under direct fluoroscopic and transesophageal echocardiogram visualization, balloon septostomy was performed with hand inflation until a "waist" was seen. This technique provides a safe way to control the size of the transseptal access created, and allows the passage of a relatively soft-tipped transseptal sheath across a resistive septum. To our knowledge this is the first published use of balloon atrial septostomy during transseptal puncture for left atrium access in a catheter ablation procedure. CONCLUSION: Balloon atrial septostomy should be considered as an alternative technique for safe transseptal cannulation in select patients in the electrophysiology laboratory or other interventional procedures requiring left atrial access or delivery of large-caliber catheters or sheaths.

Comparison of the point-by-point versus catheter dragging technique for curative radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the applied techniques and clinical outcomes after radiofrequency (RF) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We compared the results of ablation by RF delivered via a point-by-point versus catheter dragging technique for the treatment of AF. METHODS: This study included 66 patients with drug-refractory AF who underwent circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) ablation. A point-by-point technique was used in 35 (53%) patients (Group I), and catheter dragging technique in the remaining 31 (47%) patients (Group II). If AF persisted or remained inducible after the PV isolation, additional ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms and linear ablation were performed. RESULTS: Significantly, fewer RF applications were delivered in Group II than in Group I. The total RF energy duration delivered was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.55). However, the total energy of RF deliveries was significantly greater in Group II than in Group I (P = 0.02). Despite a longer fluoroscopic exposure time (P = 0.01), the total procedural duration was significantly shorter in Group II than in Group I (P = 0.005). Within 3 months after a single ablation procedure, 24 patients (69%) in Group I versus 13 patients (42%) in Group II had ≥1 recurrence(s) of atrial tachyarrhythmias (P = 0.03). A multivariate analysis showed that a point-by-point ablation was the only independent predictor of early atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: The catheter dragging technique for ablation of AF was associated with a lower early recurrence rate of atrial tachyarrhythmias than the point-by-point technique.

Endophthalmitis: Changes in Presentation, Management and the Role of Early Vitrectomy.

Endophthalmitis is a sight-threatening condition, and its timely and appropriate management is essential in preventing permanent vision loss. Recent changes in clinical practice in endophthalmitis and advances in modern vitreoretinal surgery may limit the applicability of established randomised clinical trial evidence to current management. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, changing patient presentation, diagnosis and advances in the management of endophthalmitis, presenting the existing literature on this topic and results from Sydney Eye Hospital.

Prevalence of Vitreoretinal Interface Disorders in an Australian Population: The Blue Mountains Eye Study.

Purpose: To describe the prevalence, risk factors, and associations of vitreoretinal interface (VRI) abnormalities in a population-based study of older adults. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of cohort study participants. Participants: Of the 1149 participants (mean age, 76.1 ± 6.9 years) in the 15-year Blue Mountains Eye Study follow-up examination from 2007 through 2009, 905 (1791 eyes) had gradable time-domain or spectral-domain OCT scans of the macula from at least 1 eye. Methods: OCT scans were graded according to the International Vitreomacular Traction Study Group classification system of VRI abnormalities. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of VRIs. Results: Overall, 451 participants showed any VRI abnormality (49.8%). Prevalence of VRI abnormality by person was: vitreomacular adhesion (VMA), 33.6%; vitreomacular traction (VMT), 1.6%; epiretinal membrane (ERM), 21.4%; full-thickness macular hole (FTMH), 0.7%; and lamellar macular hole (LMH), 0.7%. Twenty-two percent of VMAs were focal, and 78% were broad based; 76% of VMTs were focal, and 24% were broad based. All FTMHs observed were large (>400 µm), with mean aperture size of 573 µm (range, 459-771 µm). Increased age was associated with higher ERM and lower VMA prevalence (P < 0.001 for both). Pseudophakia and myopia were associated with ERM (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios [ORs], 1.48 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-2.17] and 1.72 [95% CI, 1.05-2.81], respectively). Moderate or severe ERM and FTMH were associated with worse BCVA of 9.2 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters (95% CI, 3.4-15.0 ETDRS letters; P = 0.008) and 26.0 ETDRS letters (95% CI, 10.9-41.1 ETDRS letters; P = 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of VRI abnormalities is high in older individuals. Epiretinal membrane was associated with increasing age, pseudophakia, and myopia. Epiretinal membrane and FTMH may account for significant visual loss in the affected eye. This study provided useful population-based data on the prevalence of VRI abnormalities in older individuals.

Evaluation of Anti-proliferative Effects of Barringtonia racemosa and Gallic Acid on Caco-2 Cells.

Barringtonia racemosa leaf water extract (BLE) had been shown to have high gallic acid (GA) content and BLE has been postulated to have anti-proliferative effects towards colorectal cancer. This study aims to further investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative effect of BLE in Caco-2 cells and to determine if GA is responsible for the observed effects. Both BLE and GA inhibited Caco-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cells exposed to IC50 concentration of BLE and GA showed reduced antioxidant activities. GA-treated Caco-2 cells experienced higher oxidative stress compared to cells treated with BLE. Both BLE and GA significantly up-regulated the expression of SLC2A1. BLE but not GA, significantly down-regulated the expression of ADH4. Meanwhile, GA but not BLE, significantly up-regulated AKRIB10 and GLO1 but significantly down-regulated HAGH. Alterations in gene expression were coupled with changes in extracellular glucose and pyruvate levels. While BLE decreased intracellular pyruvate, GA did the opposite. Both intracellular and extracellular D-lactate were not affected by either BLE or GA. GA showed more pronounced effects on apoptosis while BLE irreversibly reduced cell percentage in the G0/G1 phase. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the multiple-actions of BLE against Caco-2 cells, potentially involving various polyphenolic compounds, including GA.