Association between changes in diet quality from mid-life to late-life and healthy ageing: the Singapore Chinese Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the association between changes in diet quality from mid-life to late-life and healthy ageing. METHODS: We included 12,316 Chinese adults aged 45-74 years at baseline (1993-1998) from the Singapore Chinese Health Study. Diet quality was measured using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores at baseline and follow-up 3 interviews (2014-2016). Healthy ageing was assessed at follow-up 3 interviews, and was defined as absence of specific chronic diseases, good mental and overall self-perceived health, good physical functioning and absence of cognitive impairment, limitations in instrumental activities of daily living or function-limiting pain. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between changes in DASH scores and healthy ageing. RESULTS: Compared with participants who maintained relatively stable DASH scores, a >10% decrease in DASH score was associated with a 16% (95% CI, 4-26%) lower likelihood of healthy ageing, whereas a >10% increase in DASH score was associated with a 19% (95% CI, 3-37%) higher likelihood of healthy ageing. Compared with participants who were in the low-score group consistently, participants who increased their DASH scores from moderate-score at baseline to high-score at follow-up 3 had a 53% (95% CI, 21-92%) higher likelihood of healthy ageing, whereas those who were in the high-score group consistently had 108% (95% CI, 71-152%) higher likelihood of healthy ageing. CONCLUSIONS: Improving diet quality from mid- to late-life was associated with a higher likelihood of healthy ageing.

Dietary patterns and predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk in a multiethnic Asian population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies examining associations between dietary patterns and Framingham risk score (FRS) and predicted 10-year cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk in an Asian population are lacking. This study aimed to identify a posteriori dietary patterns across three major ethnic groups in Singapore and ascertain their associations with locally modified FRS and predicted 10-year CVD risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional study included 8594 Singapore residents (aged 21-75 years) from the Singapore Multi-Ethnic Cohort. Data on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were collected via questionnaires. Food consumption was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis and associations with CVD risk factors, FRS and predicted CVD risk (%) were analysed using multiple linear and logistic regression. Four dietary patterns emerged that explained 25.6% of variance. The 'processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages' pattern was significantly associated with higher FRS (ß: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.23), while the 'ethnic breads, legumes and nuts' (ß: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.22, -0.04) and 'whole grains, fruit and dairy' (ß: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.24, -0.10) patterns were significantly associated with lower FRS. The 'meat and vegetables' pattern was not significantly associated with FRS. Increased adherence to the 'whole grains, fruit and dairy' pattern was associated with lower odds of having predicted CVD risk of ≥10% (p-trend: 0.03). CONCLUSION: Adherence to the 'ethnic breads, legumes and nuts' and 'whole grains, fruit and dairy' patterns was associated with a lower predicted CVD risk, and an inverse association for the 'processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages' pattern in an Asian population. These findings can inform the development of culturally sensitive dietary interventions to prevent CVD.

The Effect of Coconut Oil Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Coconut oil is high in saturated fat and may, therefore, raise serum cholesterol concentrations, but beneficial effects on other cardiovascular risk factors have also been suggested. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the effect of coconut oil consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors compared with other cooking oils using data from clinical trials. METHODS: We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Registry, and Web of Science through June 2019. We selected trials that compared the effects of coconut oil consumption with other fats that lasted at least 2 weeks. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the study quality according to the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The main outcomes included low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), total cholesterol, triglycerides, measures of body fatness, markers of inflammation, and glycemia. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: 16 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Results were available from all trials on blood lipids, 8 trials on body weight, 5 trials on percentage body fat, 4 trials on waist circumference, 4 trials on fasting plasma glucose, and 5 trials on C-reactive protein. Coconut oil consumption significantly increased LDL-cholesterol by 10.47 mg/dL (95% CI: 3.01, 17.94; I2 = 84%, N=16) and HDL-cholesterol by 4.00 mg/dL (95% CI: 2.26, 5.73; I2 = 72%, N=16) as compared with nontropical vegetable oils. These effects remained significant after excluding nonrandomized trials, or trials of poor quality (Jadad score <3). Coconut oil consumption did not significantly affect markers of glycemia, inflammation, and adiposity as compared with nontropical vegetable oils. CONCLUSIONS: Coconut oil consumption results in significantly higher LDL-cholesterol than nontropical vegetable oils. This should inform choices about coconut oil consumption.

Quality diet indexes and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: Findings from the Singapore Chinese Health Study.

There is limited research on the effect of dietary quality on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in populations with relatively high risk of HCC. Using data from Singapore Chinese Health Study, a prospective cohort study, of 63 257 Chinese aged 45 to 74, we assessed four diet-quality index (DQI) scores: the Alternative Health Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Heathy Diet Indicator (HDI). We identified 561 incident HCC cases among the cohort participants after a mean of 17.6 years of follow-up. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for HCC in relation to these DQI scores. Unconditional logistic regression method was used to evaluate the associations between DQIs and HCC risk among a subset of individuals who tested negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). High scores of AHEI-2010, aMED and DASH, representing higher dietary quality, were associated with lower risk of HCC (all Ptrend < .05). Compared with the lowest quartile, HRs (95% CIs) of HCC for the highest quartile of AHEI-2010, aMED and DASH were 0.69 (0.53-0.89), 0.70 (0.52-0.95) and 0.67 (0.51-0.87), respectively. No significant association between HDI and HCC risk was observed. Among HBsAg-negative individuals, similar inverse associations were observed, and the strongest inverse association was for aMED (HRQ4vsQ1 = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23-0.94, Ptrend = .10). These findings support the notion that adherence to a healthier diet may lower the risk of HCC, suggesting that dietary modification may be an effective approach for primary prevention of HCC.

Changes in Diet Quality from Mid- to Late Life Are Associated with Cognitive Impairment in the Singapore Chinese Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Although higher diet quality at mid-life has been associated with better cognitive function in late adulthood, it is unclear whether dietary improvement after mid-life may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVES: We examined associations between changes in diet quality and risk of cognitive impairment in the Singapore Chinese Health Study cohort. METHODS: We used data from 14,683 Chinese men and women who were recruited at ages 45 to 74 y from 1993 to 1998 and re-interviewed after 20 y at ages 61 to 96 y during follow-up 3 (2014-2016). Diet quality was measured using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores at baseline and follow-up 3 interviews. Cognitive impairment was defined using scores from the Singapore-modified Mini-Mental State Examination at the follow-up 3 interview. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for the associations between change in DASH scores and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Higher quintiles in DASH scores at baseline and follow-up 3 interviews were associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment in a dose-dependent manner (both: P-trend < 0.001). Compared with participants with consistently low DASH scores, the OR (95% CI) of cognitive impairment was lowest, at 0.64 (0.51, 0.79), in those with consistently high DASH scores. Those with small (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.98) or moderate-large (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.86) increases in DASH scores were associated with significantly lower odds of cognitive impairment than those with consistently low DASH scores. Associations were consistent across subgroups by sex, BMI (kg/m2; <23 or ≥23), and age (<60 y, ≥60 y) at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Although maintaining high diet quality confers the lowest risk, improving diet quality from mid- to late life was still associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment in late adulthood.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and risk of stroke and stroke subtypes.

Several meta-analyses including a small number of cohorts showed inverse associations between the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and risk of stroke. However, it remains unclear whether such a relation varies by region of the study population or by major subtypes of stroke. We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases for relevant studies and we further included unpublished results from the Singapore Chinese Health Study (N = 57,078) and the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) study (N = 12,670). We used a random-effects model to calculate summary relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of stroke for each 4-point increment of the MedDiet score, roughly corresponding to the difference between extreme quintiles of the MedDiet score among participants of the included studies. The final analyses included 20 prospective cohort studies involving 682,149 participants and 16,739 stroke cases. The summary RRs for each 4-point increment of the MedDiet score were 0.84 (95% CI 0.81-0.88; I2 = 11.5%) for all combined, 0.76 (95% CI 0.65-0.89) for studies in Mediterranean populations and 0.86 (95% CI 0.83-0.89) for those in non-Mediterranean populations. Lower risk of stroke associated with higher MedDiet score also was observed in the analyses stratified by study population and methodological characteristics including study risk of bias, version of the MedDiet index, and definition of moderate alcohol consumption. The MedDiet was similarly associated with lower risk of ischemic stroke (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81-0.91; nine studies) and hemorrhagic stroke (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.93; eight studies). Our meta-analysis suggests that adhering to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower risk of stroke in both Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean populations, and for both ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke risk.

Diet Quality Indices and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Singapore Chinese Health Study.

We aimed to test whether predefined dietary patterns that are inversely related to risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Western populations were similarly associated with lower T2D risk in an Asian population. We included 45,411 middle-aged and older participants (ages 45-74 years) in the Singapore Chinese Health Study who were free of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease at baseline (1993-1998). Participants were followed up for T2D diagnosis through 2010. Dietary information was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Dietary pattern scores were calculated for the alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED), Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, an overall plant-based diet index, and a healthful plant-based diet index. During a median of 11.1 years of follow-up, 5,207 incident cases of T2D occurred. After adjustment for multiple potential confounders, the 5 dietary pattern scores were significantly associated with 16% (for aMED) to 29% (for DASH) lower risks of T2D when comparing the highest score quintiles with the lowest (all P-for-trend values < 0.001). These associations did not vary substantially by baseline age, sex, body mass index, or hypertension status but were limited to nonsmokers (aMED: P for interaction < 0.001; AHEI-2010: P for interaction = 0.03). Adherence to a high-quality diet, as reflected by several predefined diet quality indices derived in Western populations, was significantly associated with lower T2D risk in an Asian population.

Diet-Quality Indexes Are Associated with a Lower Risk of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and All-Cause Mortality among Chinese Adults.

Background: Diet-quality indexes have been associated with a lower risk of chronic disease mortality in Western populations, but it is unclear whether these indexes reflect protective dietary patterns in Asian populations. Objective: We examined the association between Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) scores and the risk of all-cause cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and respiratory disease mortality. Methods: We used data from a prospective cohort of 57,078 Singapore Chinese men and women (aged 45-74 y) who were free of cancer and CVD at baseline (1993-1998) and who were followed up through 2014. The diet-quality index scores were calculated on the basis of data from a validated 165-item food-frequency questionnaire. Cox regression models with adjustment for potential confounders including sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, body mass index, and medical history were used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs. Results: During a total of 981,980 person-years of follow-up, 15,262 deaths (CVD: 4871; respiratory: 2690; and cancer: 5306) occurred. Comparing the highest with the lowest quintiles, the multivariable adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality were 0.82 (0.78, 0.86) for AHEI-2010, 0.80 (0.76, 0.85) for aMED, 0.80 (0.75, 0.84) for DASH, and 0.88 (0.83, 0.92) for HDI scores (all P-trend < 0.001). Higher diet index scores were associated with a 14-28% lower risk of CVD and respiratory mortality, but only a 5-12% lower risk of cancer mortality. Higher consumption of vegetables, fruit, nuts, and long-chain n-3 (ω-3) fatty acids, lower consumption of red meat, and avoidance of high alcohol consumption were the diet index components associated with a lower risk of mortality. Conclusion: Adherence to several recommended dietary patterns that emphasize healthy plant-based foods was associated with a substantially lower risk of chronic disease mortality in an Asian population. The Singapore Chinese Health Study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03356340.

The Alternative Healthy Eating Index Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Fatal and Nonfatal Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Chinese Adult Population.

BACKGROUND: Indexes to quantify adherence to recommended dietary patterns have been developed for Western populations, but it is unclear whether these indexes can predict acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Asian populations. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the association between the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010 and risk of AMI and to evaluate potential mediation by traditional cardiovascular risk factors in a Chinese population. METHODS: A nested case-control study in 751 incident cases of AMI (564 nonfatal and 288 fatal) and 1443 matched controls was conducted within the prospective Singapore Chinese Health Study, a cohort of ethnic Chinese men and women aged 45-75 y. At baseline, habitual diet was assessed by using a validated, semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. AMI cases were ascertained via linkage with nationwide hospital databases (confirmed through medical record review) and the Singapore Birth and Death Registry. We evaluated the association between the AHEI-2010 and cardiovascular risk factors, including glycated hemoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, creatinine, plasma lipids (LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides), and blood pressure. ORs and 95% CIs were computed by using multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS: Higher AHEI-2010 scores were associated with a lower risk of AMI (OR for the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.81; P-trend < 0.001), with similar associations for fatal (OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.94; P-trend = 0.009) and nonfatal (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.81; P-trend = 0.002) AMI. This association was only slightly attenuated after adjustment for potential biological intermediates (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.86; P-trend = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to dietary recommendations as reflected in the AHEI-2010 was associated with a substantially lower risk of fatal and nonfatal AMI in an Asian population, and this association was largely independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of pregnancy loss: a categorical and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between maternal caffeine intake and risk of pregnancy loss using a systematic review and meta-analysis. DESIGN: Categorical and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. SETTING: Relevant articles were identified by searching MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases through 30 January 2015. Two authors independently extracted information from eligible studies. Random-effects models were used to derive the summary relative risks (RR) and corresponding 95% CI for specific categories of caffeine consumption and for a continuous association using generalized least-squares trend estimation. SUBJECTS: A total of 130 456 participants and 3429 cases in fourteen included studies. RESULTS: Compared with the reference category with no or very low caffeine intake, the RR (95% CI) of pregnancy loss was 1·02 (0·85, 1·24; I(2)=28·3%) for low intake (50-149 mg/d), 1·16 (0·94, 1·41; I 2=49·6%) for moderate intake (150-349 mg/d), 1·40 (1·16, 1·68; I(2)=18·6%) for high intake (350-699 mg/d) and 1·72 (1·40, 2·13; I(2)=0·0%) for very high intake (≥ 700 mg/d). In the dose-response analysis, each 100 mg/d increment in maternal caffeine intake (~1 cup of coffee) was associated with 7% (95% CI 3%, 12%) higher risk of pregnancy loss. Our results may have been affected by publication bias, but the association remained significant for the subset of larger studies. Furthermore, adjustment for smoking and pregnancy symptoms may have been incomplete, potentially resulting in residual confounding. CONCLUSIONS: Albeit inconclusive, higher maternal caffeine intake was associated with a higher risk of pregnancy loss and adherence to guidelines to avoid high caffeine intake during pregnancy appears prudent.

Palm Oil Consumption Increases LDL Cholesterol Compared with Vegetable Oils Low in Saturated Fat in a Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Palm oil contains a high amount of saturated fat compared with most other vegetable oils, but studies have reported inconsistent effects of palm oil on blood lipids. OBJECTIVE: We systematically reviewed the effect of palm oil consumption on blood lipids compared with other cooking oils using data from clinical trials. METHODS: We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library for trials of at least 2 wk duration that compared the effects of palm oil consumption with any of the predefined comparison oils: vegetable oils low in saturated fat, trans fat-containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and animal fats. Data were pooled by using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Palm oil significantly increased LDL cholesterol by 0.24 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.13, 0.35 mmol/L; I(2) = 83.2%) compared with vegetable oils low in saturated fat. This effect was observed in randomized trials (0.31 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.42 mmol/L) but not in nonrandomized trials (0.03 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.15, 0.20 mmol/L; P-difference = 0.02). Among randomized trials, only modest heterogeneity in study results remained after considering the test oil dose and the comparison oil type (I(2) = 27.5%). Palm oil increased HDL cholesterol by 0.02 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.01, 0.04 mmol/L; I(2) = 49.8%) compared with vegetable oils low in saturated fat and by 0.09 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.06, 0.11 mmol/L; I(2) = 47.8%) compared with trans fat-containing oils. CONCLUSIONS: Palm oil consumption results in higher LDL cholesterol than do vegetable oils low in saturated fat and higher HDL cholesterol than do trans fat-containing oils in humans. The effects of palm oil on blood lipids are as expected on the basis of its high saturated fat content, which supports the reduction in palm oil use by replacement with vegetable oils low in saturated and trans fat. This systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO registry at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42012002601#.VU3wvSGeDRZ as CRD42012002601.

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with risk of low birth weight: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Considerable controversy exists regarding the relation between maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of low birth weight (birth weight <2,500 g). We aim to assess this association using a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. METHODS: Potential articles were identified by searching MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases through 17 July 2013. Two authors independently extracted information on study design, participant characteristics and estimates of associations. Random-effects models were used to derive the summary relative risks (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Dose-response relationships were assessed using generalized least-squares trend estimation. RESULTS: In our meta-analysis, we included 13 prospective studies: 9 with low birth weight as a binary outcome variable (90,747 participants and 6,303 cases) and 6 with birth weight as a continuous outcome variable (10,015 participants; 2 studies reported both types of outcomes). Compared with the reference category with no or very low caffeine intake, the RR (95% CI) of low birth weight was 1.13 (1.06 to 1.21; I 2 0.0%) for low intake (50 to 149 mg/day), 1.38 (1.18 to 1.62; I 2 31.9%) for moderate intake (150 to 349 mg/day), and 1.60 (1.24 to 2.08; I 2 65.8%) for high intake (≥350 mg/day). In the dose-response analysis, each 100-mg/day increment in maternal caffeine intake (around one cup of coffee) was associated with 13% (RR 1.13, 1.06 to 1.21) higher risk of low birth weight. The association persisted in strata defined according to various study characteristics. Moderate (-33 g, 95% CI -63 to -4; I 2 0.3%) and high (-69 g, 95% CI -102 to -35; I 2 0.0%) caffeine intakes were also associated with a significantly lower birth weight as compared with the reference category. CONCLUSIONS: Higher maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of delivering low birth weight infants. These findings support recommendations to restrict caffeine intake during pregnancy to low levels.

Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Fenugreek is a herb that is widely used in cooking and as a traditional medicine for diabetes in Asia. It has been shown to acutely lower postprandial glucose levels, but the long-term effect on glycemia remains uncertain. We systematically reviewed clinical trials of the effect of fenugreek intake on markers of glucose homeostasis. METHODS: PubMed, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Trials Registry, Web of Science, and BIOSIS were searched up to 29 Nov 2013 for trials of at least 1 week duration comparing intake of fenugreek seeds with a control intervention. Data on change in fasting blood glucose, 2 hour postload glucose, and HbA1c were pooled using random-effects models. RESULTS: A total of 10 trials were identified. Fenugreek significantly changed fasting blood glucose by -0.96 mmol/l (95% CI: -1.52, -0.40; I² = 80%; 10 trials), 2 hour postload glucose by -2.19 mmol/l (95% CI: -3.19, -1.19; I² = 71%; 7 trials) and HbA1c by -0.85% (95% CI: -1.49%, -0.22%; I² = 0%; 3 trials) as compared with control interventions. The considerable heterogeneity in study results was partly explained by diabetes status and dose: significant effects on fasting and 2 hr glucose were only found for studies that administered medium or high doses of fenugreek in persons with diabetes. Most of the trials were of low methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: Results from clinical trials support beneficial effects of fenugreek seeds on glycemic control in persons with diabetes. However, trials with higher methodology quality using a well characterized fenugreek preparation of sufficient dose are needed to provide more conclusive evidence.

Management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with coexisting macular hole: a comparison of vitrectomy with and without internal limiting membrane peeling.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of vitrectomy with or without internal limiting membrane peeling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and coexisting macular hole. METHODS: Thirty-one consecutive patients (31 eyes) with macula-off retinal detachment, peripheral breaks and a coexisting macular hole were prospectively enrolled over a 3-year period. All patients underwent vitrectomy with encirclage and gas or silicone oil tamponade. The 17 patients who underwent internal limiting membrane peeling for macular hole constituted Group A and the remaining 14 patients constituted Group B. The main outcome measures were change in best-corrected visual acuity, retinal reattachment, macular hole closure, and type of macular hole closure. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in preoperative demographics and clinical parameters. The retinal reattachment rate was 100% in both the groups. Macular hole closed in 14 of 17 eyes (82.4%) in Group A and 13 of 14 eyes (92.9%) in Group B (P = 0.607). A flat-open configuration of macular hole closure was observed in 8 of 14 eyes (57%) in Group A and 3 of 13 eyes (27.5%) in Group B (P = 0.188). Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity improved to 1.0 ± 0.3 (20/200; range, 0.8-1.7) in Group A and 0.6 ± 0.2 (20/80; range, 0.3-1.1) in Group B (P < 0.0001). Ten patients achieved best-corrected visual acuity of ≥ 20/80 in Group B and none in Group A (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The anatomical and visual outcomes of vitrectomy without internal limiting membrane peeling in macular hole in retinal detachment were similar to or better than the outcomes obtained with internal limiting membrane peeling.

Device-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Relation to Cardiovascular Diseases and All-Cause Mortality: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.

Introduction: This review synthesized evidence from prospective cohort studies on the association of device-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among adults. Methods: Five databases were searched from 2000 through April 29, 2020. Study quality was appraised using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. Pooled hazard ratio and 95% CI were obtained from random-effects meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses by age and sex were conducted for studies on all-cause mortality. Results: Of 29 articles included in the systematic review, 5 studies on cardiovascular disease mortality and 15 studies on all-cause mortality were included in meta-analyses. Comparing the highest with the lowest exposure categories, the pooled hazard ratios (95% CIs) for cardiovascular disease mortality were 0.29 (CI=0.18, 0.47) for total physical activity, 0.37 (CI=0.25, 0.55) for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, 0.62 (0.41-0.93) for light physical activity, and 1.89 (CI=1.09, 3.29) for sedentary behavior. The pooled hazard ratios (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality were 0.42 (CI=0.34, 0.53) for total physical activity, 0.43 (CI=0.35, 0.53) for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, 0.58 (CI=0.43, 0.80) for light physical activity, and 1.58 (CI=1.19, 2.09) for sedentary behavior. The pooled hazard ratio (95% CI) for all-cause mortality was 0.35 (CI=0.29, 0.42) for steps per day, but the studies available for analysis were conducted in older adults. The results of subgroup analyses were consistent with the main results. Discussion: Rapidly accumulating evidence suggests that more physical activity and less sedentary behavior are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Similar beneficial relationships were found for step counts and all-cause mortality among older adults. Future studies employing standardized research methodologies and up-to-date data processing approaches are warranted to recommend specific amounts of physical activity and limits to sedentary behavior.

Alkylresorcinol metabolite concentrations in spot urine samples correlated with whole grain and cereal fiber intake but showed low to modest reproducibility over one to three years in U.S. women.

Two alkylresorcinol (AR) metabolites, 3, 5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) and 3-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanoic acid (DHPPA), in urine have been suggested as biomarkers of whole grain (WG) and cereal fiber intake but the long-term reproducibility and correlation with habitual intake has not been determined. Therefore, we evaluated the long-term reproducibility of AR metabolites in spot urine samples and investigated their correlation with habitual WG and cereal fiber intake in U.S. women. AR metabolites were analyzed in 104 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study II and WG and fiber intakes were assessed using a FFQ. Long-term reproducibility was assessed by calculating the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) using samples taken 1-3 y (mean 1.8 y) apart. The observed Spearman correlation coefficients (r(s)) and r(s) adjusted for within-participant variation in the biomarker were calculated between WG and fiber intake and biomarkers. The long-term reproducibility was poor for DHBA [ICC = 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.43)] and modest for DHPPA [ICC = 0.31 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.51)]. The correlation between WG intake in 1995 and DHPPA measured 2 y later was 0.37 (P < 0.0001); the adjusted correlation was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.37, 0.76). Cereal fiber and WG intake were similarly correlated to the biomarkers. DHPPA in spot urine samples reflected WG intake despite relatively low intake of food sources of AR. The poor to modest reproducibility may limit the use of single measurements of these biomarkers in cohort studies in the US, where WG intake is relatively low and has changed over time. But DHPPA in repeated samples may be useful for validating WG intake and assessing compliance in WG intervention studies.

Type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia.

PURPOSE: To describe the natural course of Type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia in terms of visual outcomes, causes of visual loss, and incidence of subretinal neovascular membranes (SRNV). METHODS: This retrospective observational case series consisted of chart review of 104 outpatients (203 eyes; 66 women, 38 men) who were diagnosed to have Type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia by clinical examination and fluorescein angiography between January 2000 and December 2008. Visual and anatomic outcomes were analyzed during a minimum follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57 years (range, 40-74 years). Nineteen eyes (18 patients) presented with SRNV; the number increased to 29 eyes (14%; 23 patients) by the final visit (mean follow-up, 31 months). Diabetes was common (59%) though retinopathy was initially absent or mild to moderate in 99% patients. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity declined from 0.35 to 0.43 by the last visit (P < 0.0001) overall; final mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity was 0.61 (20/80) in the eyes with SRNV and 0.40 (20/50) in eyes without SRNV. The latter group started with better best-corrected visual acuity than SRNV group and remained better at 1-year, 2-year, and final follow-ups (P ≤ 0.0002). Overall, 30 eyes (15%; 24 patients) lost ≥ 2 Snellen lines, the main causes being SRNV and intraretinal pigment migration. Of 128 eyes (including SRNV) with best-corrected visual acuity ≥ 20/40 at baseline, 98 (77%) retained stable visual status; 74 (71%) patients retained best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better at least in 1 eye. CONCLUSION: Over a follow-up of approximately 3 years, most eyes with Type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia starting with good vision were found to retain status quo; sight-threatening complications developed in a minority of eyes; most patients retained good vision at least in 1 eye.

The association of genetic susceptibility to smoking with cardiovascular disease mortality and the benefits of adhering to a DASH diet: The Singapore Chinese Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD) may help to improve clinical intervention strategies. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, may differ among ethnic groups and may, in turn, modify individuals' risks to diseases. OBJECTIVES: We examined the genetic predisposition to ever smoking in relation to CVD mortality and assessed whether such an association could be modified by dietary intake. METHODS: A total of 23,760 Chinese adults from the Singapore Chinese Heath Study who were free of cancer and CVD at recruitment (1993-1998) were included in the study. A weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) was calculated to define the genetically determined regular smoking behavior (never or ever). Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models were used to assess the association between the wGRS and CVD mortality. We also conducted a 1-sample Mendelian randomization analysis for ever smoking and CVD mortality. RESULTS: Over a mean of 22.6 years of follow-up, 2301 CVD deaths were identified. A genetic predisposition to ever smoking was significantly associated with CVD mortality; the multivariable-adjusted HR of CVD mortality was 1.07 (95% CI: 1.03-1.12), with a per-SD increment in the wGRS. However, the Mendelian randomization analysis did not support a causal relationship between ever smoking and CVD mortality (OR, 1.13; 95% CI: 0.87-1.45). Additionally, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score significantly modified the association between the smoking wGRS and CVD mortality; the association between a genetic predisposition to smoking and CVD mortality was only observed among individuals with a low DASH score (P-interaction = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: A genetic predisposition to smoking was associated with CVD mortality in the Chinese population. In addition, we detected a significant interaction showing higher CVD mortality related to genetically determined smoking among those with lower DASH scores.

A comparison of brilliant blue G, trypan blue, and indocyanine green dyes to assist internal limiting membrane peeling during macular hole surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare surgical outcomes with three dyes, brilliant blue G (BBG), trypan blue (TB) and indocyanine green (ICG), used to facilitate internal limiting membrane peeling during macular hole surgery. METHODS: This comparative, interventional cases series consisted of 50 eyes of 50 patients with senile idiopathic macular holes, who underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling using BBG (n = 15), TB (n = 20), or ICG (n = 15). The cases involving use of BBG and TB were enrolled prospectively and concurrently, and the cases using ICG were selected through chart reviews. We compared the intraoperative surgical facilitation with the 3 dyes and the surgical outcomes in terms of macular hole closure and visual improvement at 6 months. RESULTS: The 3 groups were similar in mean age, sex distribution, preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, and duration of follow-up (P = 0.957, 0.974, 0.939, and 0.5524, respectively). Of the 3 dyes, BBG appeared to provide greatest intraoperative facilitation: most convenient to use and remove, and similar to ICG in terms of internal limiting membrane staining. Six months postoperatively, macular hole closed in 100%, 95%, and 86% eyes (P = 0.48) and visual improvement occurred in 80%, 85%, and 33% eyes (P = 0.005) in BBG, TB, and ICG groups, respectively. The BBG and TB groups also had a better final best-corrected visual acuity than ICG group (P = 0.05) and smaller percentage of visual decline (5% and 6.7% vs. 40% respectively; P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Brilliant blue G was comparable with TB in optimizing visual and functional outcomes, while it was similar to ICG in ease of internal limiting membrane peeling.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, weight gain, and risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in Asia: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is increasing in Asia and several countries are adopting preventive policies to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). However, evidence on the relation between SSB consumption and cardiometabolic health in Asian populations has not been summarized. OBJECTIVE: In this systematic review, the associations between consumption of SSBs and cardiometabolic outcomes, including obesity, T2DM, and CVD, are examined in Asian populations. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and gray literature were searched up to October, 2020 to identify relevant articles. DATA EXTRACTION: Two investigators independently extracted data from included studies. DATA ANALYSIS: When sufficient studies were available, a random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the pooled estimates (expressed as risk ratio [RR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]). Heterogeneity was tested and quantified using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 17 studies included, 8 provided results about measures of adiposity (3 on weight change, 4 on body mass index (BMI), 2 on percent body fat, and 1 on abdominal obesity), 6 reported results about T2DM, and 3 reported on different CVD outcomes. High SSB consumption was significantly associated with greater weight gain and with a higher risk of selected CVD outcomes as compared with low consumption. In the meta-analysis, high SSB consumption was associated with greater T2DM risk before (RR, 1.51; 95%CI, 1.15-1.98 for highest vs lowest category; I2 = 76%) and after (RR, 1.38; 95%CI, 1.09-1.73; I2 = 56%) adjustment for BMI. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that high SSB consumption is directly associated with weight gain, risk of T2DM, and, possibly, selected CVD outcomes in Asian populations. Public health strategies to reduce SSB consumption in Asian countries are warranted. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42019129456.Keywords: adiposity. cardiovascular disease, Asia, sugar-sweetened beverages, type 2 diabetes.