StemCell Therapy

Posted: Dec 6, 2021 / 10:00 AM CST / Updated: Dec 2, 2021 / 09:42 AM CST

(Baptist Health) Many people put off healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemicincluding care for diabetes. Among adults under 30 with diabetes, nearly 9 in 10 delayed care during the pandemic, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). More than 60% of people ages 30 to 59 with diabetes did the same.

If you have diabetes, you probably know that managing your condition is important for your long-term health. But in the era of COVID-19, diabetes care is more important than ever. People with diabetes are more likely to have serious complications from COVID-19. According to theAmerican Diabetes Association, controlling your condition may lower that risk.

If you delayed diabetes care during the pandemic, getting back on track doesnt have to be stressful. Start with these four steps, based on advice from CDC.

Keep up with daily care.Eating well and getting exercise every week can help keep diabetes in check. And make sure to take any medications your doctor has prescribed.

Schedule regular checkups.See your doctor at least once every six months. If youve been finding it harder to manage your diabetes during the pandemic, go every three months. Get a checkup for your mouth too: See your dentist at least once a year.

Catch up on tests.Make sure you have an A1C test at least every six months. And ask your doctor what other tests you may need. These may include eye or foot exams, a cholesterol check, or a kidney test.

Get vaccinated.The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Theyre the best way to avoid serious illness from COVID-19. If youre already vaccinated,get your booster shot.

Take charge of your health

Staying on top of diabetes care can help you stay well during the pandemic and in the yearsand decadesto come. Get more help to live well with diabetes in ourDiabetestopic center.

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Diabetes care and COVID-19 - KARK

One of the major hurdles in cancer therapy is the lack of appropriate treatments that would annihilate the cancer cells to increase the survival of patients. Thus, combinations of various chemicals were used based on the overall molecular phenotype of the type of cancer cells. Therefore, any new strategy that would help in the treatment of any aggressive form of cancer will be welcoming. One such aggressive form of cancer is TNBCs. Current treatment option for treating TNBCs cantered around paclitaxel6,7 and neo-adjuvant therapy8,9. Over a decade, it is becoming clear that stem cell conditioned medium containing secretome may be a good therapeutic in treating cancer35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45. Thus, we here show the functional and biochemical characterization of MSC secretome and its effectiveness in inducing apoptosis in TNBC cells.

Though previous studies had characterised and identified proteins52,53,54 in the secretome, we have prepared the stem cell secretome in a GMP compliant55 FDA approved stem cell media and quantified all the major biomolecules in the freeze dried powder (Fig.1). On the same note, lipid spectral characteristics seen in Fig.1h is indicative of anti-cancerous nature as suggested by Brossa et al.56. Mineral components profiled in Fig.1 could be the crystalline particles seen in control (Fig.1a) and flakes could be formed from protein (growth factor supplements in the chemically defined medium of stem cells) FESEM image (Fig.1a) and (carbohydrate) glucose quantified in Fig.1f. Ca, P and Fe are essential elements constituted as inorganic nutrient supplements in such media. Fe is a key element in cancer cell metabolism and Ca and P are thought to play a beneficial role in cancer. These minerals present in secretome and not present in the form of crystals on flakes in Fig.1b could be due to the presence of metallo-proteins in secretome. Protein and RNA are major components in freeze dried secretome and could be forming the needle like structures in Fig.1b. Exosomes57 present in the secretome could not be definitively identified in control, Fig.1a.

Although stem cell secretome was prepared by many by conditioning stem cells in a growth medium for a specific time35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,52,53,54, the process if not controlled52 and balanced with respect to incubation conditions could lead to nutrient deprivation resulting in cell death or growth arrest35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45. As a result, contradicting results have been reported46,47,48,49,50 and could be attributed to the variability in preparation and processing methods. Thus, to address this issue, we designed our first experiment to address the issue of whether the anti-cancer effects reported35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45 was the outcome of using stem cell conditioned media that is deprived of nutrients or due to the secretome. Towards this, freeze dried secretome were supplemented with nutrients in chemically defined media of TNBCs (CDM). The media alone significantly increased population of cancer stem cells (CD44+/CD24 phenotype) in TNBCs (Fig 2a) likely due to the presence of insulin, hydrocortisone and epidermal growth factor that are known to contribute to colony formation characteristic feature of cancer stem cells51. However, the same markers were substantially decreased when the same media contained secretome (Fig. 2g). For the first time, we show a dose dependent cytotoxic effect of SF which is similar to the anti-cancer effect of secretome reported previously35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45. At 20 mg/ml, the effect on cancer cell death was 50% (Fig. 2b). However, at higher concentrations of SF significant cancer cell death could be observed (Fig. 2c) up to 80%.

It is clear from Fig.2e with different amounts of lyophilized powder of the chemically defined media of MSCs added to the chemical defined media of TNBCs without exposure to MSC cells (secretome free) that the cell viability shown in Fig.2e was not affected compared to control. This suggested there was no effect of changes in the salt concentrations in the chemically defined medium affecting cellular homeostasis. Further, SF dose dependent decrease in cell viability (Fig.2c) corresponded with in Fig.2f showing cellular apoptosis, which suggested that decreased cell viability observed, is indeed due to the result of apoptosis. Since the cell line we used belonged to mesenchymal stem like and mesenchymal like category (MDA-MB-231) among the six different TNBCs due to heterogeneity, we checked for stemness markers CD44+/CD24 and MDR1+4,5 (multi drug resistance protein 1), and also PDL1+6,58 (Programmed Death Ligand 1) as these population of cells can be potentially harmful with respect to invasion and aggressiveness. To our surprise, the percentage of total CD44+/CD24, MDR1+ and PD-L1+ TNBCs following treatment with SF was brought down dramatically (Fig.2g) suggesting the significance of secretome medium in the removal of these aggressive phenotypes from the TNBC population. To further verify our findings we checked the effect of SF on xenograft models of TNBCs.

Tumor microenvironment is known to play a critical role in the response to therapy59 and hence to confirm the anti-cancer potential, tumor spheroids were treated with SF. Results in Fig.3a and supplementary Fig.S2B showed that IC50 value of SF in 3D culture was 32.57mg/ml three times of the IC50 value in 2D culture shown in Fig.2c and Supplementary Fig.S2A, the latter being only 10.54mg/ml SF. Thus there was found evidence indicating greater resistance of spheroids to secretome formulation treatment. It was interesting to note that 50mg/ml SF in 3D culture (Fig.3a) that had similar effect to 20mg/ml SF in 2D (Fig.2c) signifying a difference in response associated with more stem like characteristics59 and metabolic deregulation60.

SF was administered into the tumor for 21 consecutive days in the light of treatment duration previously reported by others10,11,12,41. Thus, the calculated equivalent dose corresponding to once a day intra-tumor administration of 10X secretome is found to be 200mg/ml41. Thus, we treated tumor with 50 and 100mg/ml SF led to undetectable TNBCs from 1mm3 tumor stroma (Fig.3b). As shown in Fig.3b, c, significant suppression of overall tumor growth and CD44+/CD24, MDR1+3,4,5 and PD-L1+6,58 cell types that are involved in stemness and invasion was observed indicating the significance of SF in effectively controlling TNBC growth. Indeed, eradication of these populations has immense value in developing therapies for cancer as cancer stem cells very much drive tumorigenesis, metastasis and therapeutic resistance3,4,5,6,7. The histopathology data of Fig.3d clearly showed necrotic tumor patches with murine cells in the vicinity that developed after SF in vivo treatment.

Figure4a shows that there was no significant difference between 1nM and 100M compared to the reported 100% effective concentration of 10nM61. This is evidence of paclitaxel resistance. Interestingly, the extent of reduction of CD44+/CD24 breast cancer stem cells, multi drug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1) expressing cells were far less than that due to SF seen in Fig.2g. It is to be noted that many reports indicate the use of taxane based therapies for TNBC type9 to overcome the drug resistance mechanisms associated with these cell types3,9. Thus, we compared the effect of paclitaxel with SF by treating TNBCs with SF and paclitaxel near to its IC50 value and beyond singly or in combination (Fig.4). Although, at the IC50 value of paclitaxel we observed significant cell death, a significant population of TNBCs were resistant to paclitaxel and that SF medium alone at 70mg induced significantly more death of TNBCs than paclitaxel (Fig.4ac).

It has been reported that tumor micro environment plays significant role in determining the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel3,59. Thus, we verified the effect of SF and paclitaxel in a 3D environment to find its influence on the observed cell death. Using the developed 3D cultures of TNBC (Fig.5), we found similar pattern of cell death as observed in our 2D and in vivo studies confirming the effect and significance of SF medium in inducing cell death. Nonetheless, Figs. 4c and 5 confirms prospective use of SF 70mg/ml in combination with lower doses of paclitaxel. This clearly demonstrate that a combination of MSC secretome with lower doses of paclitaxel can be used to minimise toxic side effects of using higher doses of paclitaxel as previously reported62 in the treatment of highly chemo resistant TNBCs in clinics.

All the results discussed in Figs.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 suggest the prospective therapeutic potential of SF for clinical management of highly chemo resistant cancer types. Perhaps SF formulation could also favour efficacy of paclitaxel at lower dose which is otherwise highly neuro-toxic when administered at higher doses62. It would be interesting to fractionate or separate each of the biomolecule in Fig.1 to further study the contribution of them towards the anti-cancer effects discussed. In conclusion our study clearly illustrates that SF is effective in suppressing tumor growth and inducing TNBC cell apoptosis in a manner efficient than paclitaxel. Importantly, cells with PDL1+, CD44+/CD24, MDR1+ phenotypes that are potentially harmful with respect to invasion and aggressiveness could significantly be eliminated from TNBC population. Moreover, combination of SF with paclitaxel could be used to reduce the toxic effect of paclitaxel and add value to the finding. In addition, targeting the genes associated with cancer progression and survival following SF treatment could improve the treatment outcome. Further in-depth gene expression studies are required to apprehend the detailed molecular path ways associated with apoptotic mechanisms that are responsible for the anti-cancer potential of stem cell secretome. Protein and RNA characterisation of the secretome would also help to identify molecules responsible for nucleic acid degradation seen in spheroids and mechanisms involved in immune cell infiltration into tumor stroma. Based on our results, we envisage the potential of SF in combination therapies for the treatment of aggressive forms of TNBC.

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Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome formulation as a biotherapeutic to inhibit growth of drug resistant triple negative breast cancer |...

4 Top Health Care Stocks Worth Watching Now

Health care stocks have and continue to make headway in the stock market now amidst the current pandemic. From firms directly dealing with the global coronavirus outbreak to day-to-day health care providers, investors have plenty of options. For starters, investors appear to be reacting positively to the latest findings on the Omicron variant. While this may just be preliminary data, the variant appears to be more tamed in terms of severity than initially expected. Even so, some of the biggest names in the health care industry are already looking for solutions.

In fact, GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) and Vir Biotechnology (NASDAQ: VIR) provided a crucial update on this front earlier today. Namely, data suggests that their coronavirus vaccine, sotrovimab, retains effectiveness against the Omicron variant. On top of that, the duo also notes that the drug is also effective against all other variants of concern defined to date by the WHO. At the same time, there seems to be no shortage of newcomers in the industry as well. As of today, Alvotech, an Iceland-based biopharma firm, is now looking to go public via a $2.25 billion SPAC deal. With all that said, could one of these health care stocks be worth watching in the stock market today?

Best Health Care Stocks For Your December 2021 Watchlist

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.

First up, we have Acadia Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. It has been at the forefront of health care, bringing vital solutions to people who need them most. Also, the company has developed and commercialized the first and only approved therapy for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinsons disease psychosis. Specifically, its late-stage development efforts are focused on dementia-related psychosis, negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and Rett syndrome. ACAD stock currently trades at $21.42 as of 2:26 p.m. ET and is up by over 10% on todays opening bell so far.

Investors are likely responding to news that the company posted yesterday. Diving in, Acadia announced positive top-line results from its pivotal Phase 3 Lavender study. The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of trofinetide in 187 girls and young women aged 5-20 years with Rett syndrome. The 12-week placebo-controlled study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement over placebo for both co-primary endpoints. Given this piece of information, will you consider watching ACAD stock right now?

Novavax Inc.

Novavax is a health care company that develops vaccines to counter serious infectious diseases. Through the discovery and commercialization of innovative vaccines, the company has developed experimental vaccines to combat Covid, seasonal influenza, RSV, Ebola, MERS, and SARS. Its NanoFlu vaccine, for instance, is a quadrivalent influenza nanoparticle vaccine that has met all primary objectives in its Phase 3 clinical trial in older results. NVAX stock currently trades at $179.82 as of 2:26 p.m. ET and is up by over 26% on todays opening bell.

On Tuesday, the head of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) says that it could soon approve the Covid vaccine developed by Novavax. Earlier in the month, the company also announced a statement for its Omicron variant response. It is conducting ongoing studies to evaluate multiple variants and is encouraged by its current and ongoing data. The company will also begin testing whether antibodies from previously vaccinated individuals can neutralize the Omicron variant, with lab-based data expected in the coming weeks. With the excitement surrounding Novavax, is NVAX stock worth adding to your portfolio right now?

Cellectis SA

Following that, we have Cellectis, a biopharmaceutical company that develops genome-edited chimeric antigen receptor T-cell technologies as a form of cancer immunotherapy. In essence, it is pioneering the concept of off-the-shelf and ready-to-use gene-edited CAR T-cells to treat cancer patients. It also has a platform to achieve therapeutic gene editing in hemopoietic stem cells for various genetic disorders. CLLS stock currently trades $9.43 as of 2:27 p.m. ET.

Last month, it expanded a collaboration with Cytovia Therapeutics of TALEN gene-edited iPSC-derived (induced pluripotent stem cells) Natural Killer and Chimeric Antigen Receptor Natural Killer cells to include new CAR target and development in China. We are pleased to expand the collaboration with Cellectis to enable Cytovia to develop iNK products that will leverage the high-precision of TALEN to perform gene-editing to minimize the risk of off-target effects and unlock the full potential of NK cells as a first line of defense against cancer, says Cytovia CEO Dr. Daniel Teper. All things considered, is CLLS stock worth buying today?

Intellia Therapeutics Inc.

Another name to consider in the health care world now would be Intellia Therapeutics. For the most part, Intellia is a leading clinical-stage genome editing company. Through its groundbreaking work with CRISPR/Cas9 tech, the company aims to develop gene-editing therapies. The likes of which Intellia conducts tests on via two key approaches. Firstly, its in vivo program employs CRISPR treatments that are injected directly into patient bloodstreams. Secondly, Intellias ex vivo efforts involve the use of CRISPR to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases via engineered cells. Technical details aside, investors appear to be keen on NTLA stock now.

Evidently, the companys shares currently trade at $119.74 as of 2:27 p.m. ET. This would be after gaining by over 110% year-to-date. Regardless, Intellia does not seem to have plans to slow down anytime soon. As of late November, the company revealed plans to expand its ongoing Phase 1 study NTLA-2001. Through this expansion, Intellia will be opening up enrollment into the trials for NTLA-2001 to adults with Transthyretin Amyloidosis with Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). CEO Dr. John Leonard notes that ATTR is a chronic, fatal disease that impacts vital organ function. Could all this make NTLA stock worth keeping an eye on for you?

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Good Stocks To Invest In Right Now? 4 Health Care Stocks To Check Out - FW Business

Express News Service

CHENNAI:Tamil Nadu on Wednesday tested 88 samples and 50 random samples for Covid-19 from international air travellers who arrived from at-risk countries. All the samples collected tested negative, said a senior Health Department official. The procedures were put in place following the Union Health Ministry issuing guidelines on international arrivals, in the wake of the Omicron variant alert from WHO.

In case if any sample is tested positive, the State will send it for genome sequencing at the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) in the DMS campus or the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem) in Bengaluru to confirm the virus variant.

After the emergence of the Omicron variant, the State has also designated 12 government RT-PCR labs to use Thermo Taqpath RT-PCR kits for detecting three target genes in the virus, including the S gene, which would inturn help detect whether its the Omicron variant. It is reported that one of the S gene target is not detected in the Omicron variant due to its mutations.

Speaking to TNIE, Deepak Jacob, MD of Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation said the State has over 3.25 lakh Thermo Taqpath kits, and that there is no dearth in its supply. Director of Public Health Dr TS Selvavinayagam, in a video message on Wednesday, said the State has activated a surveillance mechanism after the WHOs alert. He said nodal officers have been appointed at all international airports, and that passengers from 12 countries including China, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and Singapore will be screened and tested.

The State is also sending samples taken from Covid clusters such as those reported in schools for genome sequencing so that the virulence and transmissibility of any new variant in circulation is known, Selvavinayagam added. Reinfection cases; post-vaccination infections; vaccine breakthrough infections; community cluster; unusual transmission events; family clusters; children positive for Covid-19; young adults with severe lung involvement, unexpected disease presentation, and Covid-19 patients with no comorbidities are also put under scanner for genome sequencing. A Health Department official said it will take a maximum of seven days for genome sequencing the samples, and each test would cost nearly Rs 4,000.

Variant of concern

A look at how the State is preparing to identify cases with the Omicron variant of Covid

Any sample with S gene dropout or S gene target failure from government or private RT-PCR labs should be referred to State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) for sequencing confirmation of Omicron variant

A sudden increasein S gene target failures may be indicative of circulation of Omicron variant. However, confirmation by sequencing is recommended

Thermo Taqpath kits recommended in government labs for detecting three target genes

Institutes with approval for using Thermo Taqpath kitsState Public Health Laboratory, King Institute of Preventive Medicine, Madras Medical College, Kilpauk Medical College, Stanley Medical College,Coimbatore Medical College, ESI Medical College, Trichy Medical College, Salem Medical College, Madurai Medical College, Tuticorin Medical College and Kanyakumari Medical College

Source: Directorate of Public Health

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All at-risk TN-bound travellers test Covid negative - The New Indian Express

Seattle (Representational image), December 7 (ANI): A recent study has found that the lockdown during the pandemic caused mental and emotional issues amongst adults who had sensory impairment.

Peggy Nelson, of the University of Minnesota, outlined the impacts in her presentation at the '181st Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America'.

Nelson and her team surveyed three groups of older adults from the Twin Cities community: people with vision loss, people with hearing loss, and people without either condition. They asked the participants about their worries, well-being, and social isolation at six-week intervals from April 2020 to July 2021. The period corresponded to strict lockdowns in Minnesota, with some restrictions easing toward the end of the study.

"People with low vision were really hit hard," said Nelson.

"Their whole mobility systems are built around public transportation and being around other people," Nelson added.

Masks made conversations especially difficult for adults with hearing loss, leading them to prefer virtual options for health care visits, among other scenarios. However, the overall quieter environment during stay-at-home orders may have compensated for some of the negative effects.

While Moore said that the changes brought by the pandemic often led to a loss of independence for impaired adults, some solutions may be within reach.

"We'll hopefully find a new hybrid world," she said.

"People with low vision can be close to other people as needed, and people with hearing loss can have remote access to clear communication when masks would prevent that," she concluded. (ANI)

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Pandemic lockdown declined emotional well-being for adults with hearing, vision loss: Study - ETHealthworld.com

In most people, new viral particles are constantly made from this reservoir. Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) can prevent the new viruses from being made but cannot eliminate the reservoir, necessitating daily treatment to suppress the virus.

Some people, known as elite controllers, have immune systems that are able to suppress HIV without the need for medication. Though they still have viral reservoirs that can produce more HIV virus, a type of immune cell called a killer T-cell keeps the virus suppressed without the need for medication.

Yu explained that the new findings may suggest a specific killer T-cell response common to both patients driving this response, with the possibility that other people with HIV have also achieved a sterilising cure.

If the immune mechanisms underlying this response can be understood by researchers, they may be able to develop treatments that teach others' immune systems to mimic these responses in cases of HIV infection.

"We are now looking toward the possibility of inducing this kind of immunity in persons on ART through vaccination, with the goal of educating their immune systems to be able to control the virus without ART," Yu said.

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Scientists identify 2nd HIV patient whose body rid itself of virus - National Herald

The endogenous manufacturing of CRISPR components, through greater research, would make India a commercially successful country in the field of Deep Science, according to Girish Krishnamurthy, CEO & MD, Tata Medical and Diagnostics Ltd.

Participating in a panel discussion on 'Gene-Editing On Centre Stage' at the 'Bengaluru Tech Summit 2021', Krishnamurthy opined that the therapeutics R&D is slow in India as compared to the West, hence seeking deeper research experiences is significant.

"The country also needs to address associated infrastructural issues like the building of cold storage, expanding supply chains and the sorts," he said.The CEO also highlighted the misconception amongst people that CRISPR is meant for therapeutic and not diagnostic purposes and that it needs to change. With basic technology and market being the most crucial focal points, a large number of its applications are to be looked at, serving both urban and rural India.Though grants are channelized from the Department of Biotechnology, Dr Saravanabhavan Thangavel, Assistant Investigator, Centre for Stem Cell Research, discussed the difficulty in attracting private funds to expand the CRISPR technology that deals with almost all primary deficiencies.Talking about the guidelines existing on Therapeutic diagnostics and products, Dr Shambhavi Nayak, Head of Research, Takshashila Institution expressed the vagueness in the policy.

"The Government should move to a facilitator role, making markets more accessible" she added, referring to the potential for Gene-Editing in itself as a boon.Dr Vaijayanti Gupta, Leas Scientist, CrisprBits Pvt Ltd., emphasized on the importance of understanding the licensing, patent rights, legal and ethical framework and the overall impact on health and well-being.

"As CRISPR is trying to hit single-cell and rapid diagnostics, investments from the private sector are essential to allow this space to develop from market angle", she said.Working on CRISPR in plants, particularly Banana, Dr Siddharth Tiwari, Scientist, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, said the enzymes used to target carotenes development are of prime significance.

" While the releasing of genetically engineered crops in India is in the hands of Government, the non-transgenic approach is being preferred recently," he told and stressed the need for a sustained effort to support the endeavours that can bring it to the common man.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Need to streamline research on CRISPR gene-editing technology: Experts - Business Standard

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --The global atrial fibrillation market size is expected to reach USD 2.11 billion in 2028 and register a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period, according to the latest report by Reports and Data. Rising global prevalence of atrial fibrillation, advancements in research to identify modifiable AFib risk factors, and growing focus on targeted prevention programs to manage atrial fibrillation at early stages are key factors expected to drive market revenue growth over the forecast period. In addition, awareness about atrial fibrillation and its detection has improved significantly over the recent past and has led to further development of more robust treatment strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with this condition.

Download Report Summary PDF- https://www.reportsanddata.com/download-summary-form/1440

Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly detected arrhythmia in modern clinical practice and is responsible for nearly 30% of the hospital admissions related to cardiac rhythm problems. Global prevalence of atrial fibrillation is rising steadily and the healthcare burden as a result has been increasing owing to higher rates of atrial fibrillation-related hospital admissions. Atrial fibrillation leads to a chaotic or abnormal blood flow through heart chambers and the loss of effective atrial contraction leads to a 15-20% reduction in cardiac output. Obesity, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), hypertension, genetic predisposition, and valvular heart disease are some of the major risk factors with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is associated with a significant increase in long-term risk of stroke, heart failure, and impaired quality of life. This has led to growing need for a renewed approach to AFib management and in turn has increased focused on modifying the risk factors for atrial fibrillation along with adjuvant drug therapy. Recent advancements in medical technology has resulted in greater understanding of atrial fibrillation and the mechanism of its onset, and this is expected to further drive revenue growth of the market over the forecast period.

Atrial fibrillation has been categorized into three primary forms based on the duration of the episode and these include paroxysmal AF, persistent AF, and long standing persistent AF. It is important to identify and determine the clinical significance of arrhythmia before the atrial fibrillation is to be treated. In addition, the field of AFib is evolving rapidly with the development of percutaneous and surgical interventional therapies as safe and viable alternatives to restore normal cardiac rhythm. Minimally invasive surgical modifications and the advent of hybrid ablation have further revolutionized the development of stand-alone procedures to cure atrial fibrillation with reduced morbidity. This is also expected to contribute significantly to revenue growth of the market going ahead. However, lack of awareness and understanding among patients about atrial fibrillation, need for more advanced healthcare facilities, and shortage of skilled professionals are some key factors expected to restrain market growth to a certain extent going ahead.

To identify the key trends in the industry, research study at https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/atrial-fibrillation-market

Some Key Highlights from the Report:

Catheter ablation has been widely used to treat atrial fibrillation as an alternative to medical management and is effective for patients having persistent AFib and systolic dysfunction. Catheter ablation is an effective option to improve survival in patients with ventricular dysfunction, improve quality of life, and reduce arrhythmia-related hospital admissions. This has led to increasing preference for electrophysiology and cardiac ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and is expected to contribute steadily to revenue growth of the segment.

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For the purpose of this report, Reports and Data has segmented the global atrial fibrillation market based on type, end-use, and region:

Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018-2028)

End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018-2028)

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Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018-2028)

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Atrial Fibrillation Market Growth Driven by Technological Advancements in AFib Systems and Solutions and Rapidly Increasing Geriatric Population -...

If you have monocular vision or sight loss in one eye, we've put together some advice and answers to some commonly asked questions which we hope you'll find useful.

Download or save this information in Word

Quick linksTime to adjustPractical tipsCan I still drive?Can I register as partially sighted (sight impaired)?Looking after the sight in your good eyeSources of support

It is perfectly normal to need some time to adjust to losing the sight in one of your eyes both emotionally and practically.

When you lose vision in one eye its common to experience some uncomfortable symptoms as your visual system adjusts to this new way of seeing.

Youll only be using one eye instead of using both eyes as a pair. This can initially cause some problems for people with things like depth perception (judging steps or correctly gauging how to pour liquid into a cup for example) and not having the field of vision on the affected side that you are used to (what you can see to the sides when looking straight ahead).

If the sight loss is not complete, it may also cause things to appear less clear, as the poor sight in the affected eye can "interfere" with vision from the good eye.

People can also find that their eyes can become tired sometimes after very little effort as the eyes are trying to work to make the best of the remaining vision. You can continue using your good eye for activities such as reading or watching television; it wont damage your eyes. However, you may find it helpful to take regular breaks from these tasks to prevent your eyes from becoming tired or fatigued.

In the main, the solution to these problems is a natural adjustment which happens over time. Our brains are very adaptable and able to adjust to this change in vision. Usually people find that with time their good eye "takes over" and that tasks that were previously difficult become easier. Its very difficult to say how long this adjustment will take as this is very individual. However, once someone has adjusted to monocular vision, they find that they are able to read, watch television and perform many day to day activities without any problems.

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Here are a few ideas that you may find useful to incorporate into things you do every day.

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If you have monocular vision, you may still be able to drive a car or motorcycle if your other eye has good enough vision to meet the legal standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), and you have adapted to the sight loss in one eye.

Your ability to judge distances accurately may be affected and you may be less aware of objects on the side that has lost vision. Making better use of your wing mirrors will help. You will also need to bear in mind that blind spots caused by your cars design will be larger for you if you only have vision in one eye.

For complete loss of vision in one eye (where there is no perception of light in the affected eye), the driver:

Any driver with monocular vision must notify the DVLA if they fail to meet these requirements. If you live in Northern Ireland you must contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). Your ophthalmologist (hospital eye doctor) or optometrist will be able to advise you further about these requirements and let you know whether you need to notify the DVLA or DVA.

If you hold a Heavy Goods Vehicle or Public Service Vehicle licence, the rules and requirements are different, and you must let the DVLA or DVAknow about your monocular vision. You will probably need to complete a V1V form from the DVLA. In Northern Ireland, contact the DVA.

RNIB cannot give permission for you to carry on driving. If you have any doubt about whether you can meet the visual requirements for driving, your GP, optometrist or ophthalmologist will be able to advise you.

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Many people who have sight in only one eye consider themselves partially sighted. However, an eye consultant will not be able to certify you as Sight Impaired/Partially Sighted because you would not meet the criteria unless you also have a significant loss of sight in your other eye. This is because both eyes need to be affected by loss of vision in order to meet the criteria for certification. The criteria for certification and registration are set nationally by the Department of Health and applied at the discretion of a consultant ophthalmologist.

If you have some loss of sight in your other eye as well then it is worth discussing the possibility of registration with your ophthalmologist.

Its important for people who have good sight in only one eye to have regular eye examinations with an optometrist so that the health of the eye they rely on can be monitored. Your optometrist should let you know how often you need to have your eyes examined.

For people who have sight in only one eye, it may be a good idea to consider the use of protective eyewear or sports goggles for certain sports or activities, such as gardening or DIY, to prevent injury to the good eye. You can speak to a dispensing optician at your local optician practice for more advice about this. Dispensing opticians are qualified in the dispensing and fitting of eyewear and can give professional advice about suitable protective frames and lenses.

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Monocular vision (sight in one eye) - RNIB - See differently

What would you do for perfect eyesight? More than one-third of people would stay off the internet for a year, according to research.

A study of 2,001 Americans explored how they are preserving their eye health, and found that 36% would disconnect from all digital platforms and one in four would swim with sharks for 20/20 vision.

Though reality is much different scrolling through social media feeds, browsing the web and watching TV for extended periods of time has likely led to digital eye strain, blurry vision and other bodily discomforts for nearly all respondents (86%).

Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by VSP Vision Care, the survey also found that 57% admitted to powering through eye pain and discomfort to continue whatever activity they were doing.

Many Americans are guilty of maxing out the brightness of their smartphone displays (51%), sitting too close to the TV or computer screen (48%) and watching their favorite show in the dark (44%).

As a result, Americans ignore digital eye strain an average of four times a week due to being too invested in the shows, games or work that populates their screens.

Four in five (79%) even have to force themselves to take screen breaks when the pain becomes intolerable.

The study illustrated how neglecting to preserve eye health has affected people's social life, as 47% have canceled plans due to eye discomfort, and more than half (54%) have taken the day off from work or school for the same reason.

The average person sees six cancellations per year because of digital eye strain, though three in 10 respondents who have nixed work or school (29%) said it occurs more frequently than that.

"Our lifestyles have changed since the pandemic resulting in more vision issues. Which is why taking care of your eyes by enrolling in a vision benefits plan and going to an eye doctor every year is more important than ever," said Kate Renwick-Espinosa, president of VSP Vision Care.

The act of appreciating our peepers goes further than just vision correction needs, as 65% said they rely on their eye doctor for things other than impacted eyesight.

In fact, nearly half (48%) said vision insurance is important when considering benefits after starting a new job, as seven in 10 of those with coverage selected it to have affordable access to preventative care, and 48% said they got it for their peace of mind.

Only about half of Americans visit their eye doctor at least once per year (48%); meanwhile, roughly one in eight (12%) said they've never been to the eye doctor before in their life.

Additionally, almost the same number of respondents (13%) said they currently don't wear glasses or contacts but need them due to their blurry vision.

"Don't overlook the importance of vision benefits this year. In addition to keeping your eyes healthy, a comprehensive eye exam can help detect serious health conditions, like diabetes. Open enrollment is a perfect time to check the box on vision care benefits for your eyes and overall health," adds Kate Renwick-Espinosa, president of VSP Vision Care.

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See which of your habits is actually hurting your eyesight - Yahoo News UK

The team at Caribbean Vitreous and Retina Surgery Ltd (CVRS) and Trinidad Eye Hospital (TEH) have dedicated their lives to restoring sight and repairing vision loss for thousands, and preventing avoidable blindness.

Each year, TEH, with help from majority sponsor CVRS and the support of dedicated sponsors like Eye See You Ophthalmic and Medical Supplies Ltd, hosts two charity initiatives. At these events, The Gift of Sight and Sight Saver charities, a handful of patients from a very long waiting list, are able to get their much-needed eye surgery, free of charge.

Recognising the necessity to meet the needs of those who require these sight-saving surgeries but dont have the means, Dr Ronnie Bhola, CVRS Chief Surgeon and CEO, created the non-profit company Trinidad Eye Hospital. TEH makes free eye surgery a little more accessible in the private health sector, offering hope to vulnerable groups.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified cataracts as the cause for 48 per cent of world blindness. As a natural part of aging, almost all of us will develop cataracts (clouding/loss in transparency of the lens) in our eyes.

While cataracts can be surgically removed, in many countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, there are some barriers that prevent patients from accessing the required surgery.

The main issue is often lack of funding for corrective eye surgery. Sometimes, its a matter of an over-burdened public health care system. These factors have led to cataracts being one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness in the world.

The average cost of a cataract surgery is $TT12,000 and many are unable to afford the cost of this procedure.Cataract surgery is one of the most common and perfected surgeries in the world. This 12-15-minute surgery can be life changing, restoring eye-sight, and can even have implications for someones quality of life and even their independence.

As the majority sponsor of Trinidad Eye Hospital, CVRS has championed this cause most passionately and together with their generous sponsor network, over 200 free cataract surgeries have been donesince the launch of the Gift of Sight Program in 2016.

CVRS is urging the public healthcare sector to start conversations about how they can multiply this effort working together in more innovative and creative ways.

In 2019, TEH expanded its initiative and added vitrectomy surgery to the free program. This is a complex, much more expensive surgery that is needed by many persons who have diabetic retinopathy due to diabetes.

Trinidad Eye Hospital through its partnership with the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT) has helped to prevent vision loss due to diabetes through a free eye screening program, (DESP).

Massive outreach for screening is currently underway for the month of November which is Diabetes Awareness Month. If you are diabetic, call 607-3288 to find out more about free screening.

For the CVRS and TEH team, preserving eyesight is more than just a profession its a calling.

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CVRS, TEH protect the gift of sight with free eye surgeries | Loop Trinidad & Tobago - Loop News Trinidad and Tobago

Research shows that more walking can be beneficial for your eyesight. 2020Studythat focused mostly on macular degeneration (AMD), two groups of mice were observed for four weeks. One group had access and one didnt have. The researchers then used age-related vision loss simulations to determine that mice who exercised suffered nearly 45% less damage than those who didnt. The new study is exciting because it supports previous findings with laboratory evidence suggesting a link between exercise and prevention of AMD, J. Kevin McKinney,opthalmologist andAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson, said.

According to the Glaucoma Research FoundationModerate exercise can be done on a regular basis to lower intraocular pressure. This can cause damage to the optic nerves and vision loss. A regular exercise routine can also safeguard against excess blood vessels, which occurs in macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (via theAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology). This can not only help with current eye conditions but also increase blood flow to retina and optic nerve. Even your eyes will be grateful for the morning walk.

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Take More Walking to Improve Your Eyesight! - Central Recorder

New Delhi: The unprecedented event in the form of a Pandemic has pushed people to work from home. While what seemed like a good break from the traditional 9-5, work from home brought its own challenges. With the increased working hours due to the lack of clear boundary between personal and professional life, work from home did not prove to be a relief like it was supposed to.

According to the CMR study, the average screen time for Indians increased to 25 per cent. And 23 per cent complained about weaker eyesight due to extended work hours.

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science that works on creating a balance and treating the body in a holistic manner.

Following are the key Ayurvedic herbs and practices shared by Ritika Krit, Founder, Kamree that one can incorporate in their daily lives to decrease eye strain caused by electronics.

Icing or Sheeta Satmya: Consistent use of electronics produces heat in the eyes and makes eyelids dull and tired. To counter the effects of overwork, soak cotton balls in cool milk or rose water and place it on your eyes for a few minutes. The exercise will give much-awaited relief to the eyes.

Palm Exercise: Palm exercise, known as palming, is an ancient Ayurvedic technique to massage eyes and provide relaxation. Rub your arms together for 10 seconds and place it on your shut eyes in a cupping gesture. Remember not to put pressure on your eyes. Do the techniques 2-3 times as you inhale and exhale slowly. The Ayurvedic exercise provides relief to your eyes and is also helpful for a goodnights sleep.

Mudras: Mudras are simple hand gestures that are always defined as a healing modality. Most Mudras for better eye vision can be done lying down while breathing normally. Different Mudras have different effects on the body, and when combined with a breathing exercise, they can bring back balance in the body while strengthening all desired parts and healing them holistically.

One of the most common Mudra is Prana Mudra. In order to practice Prana Mudra, keep your spine erect and body relaxed with open palms placed on your lap. Join the tip of your pinky finger to ring the finger to the tip of your thumb and breathe normally for 15 minutes. The Mudra will promote healthy vision and heal irritable eyes.

Fennel Rich in Vitamin A and C, fennel is good to strengthen your eye vision. You can either consume it in the form of tea or wash your eyes with fennel water as it cooling for the eyes.

Triphala Three fruits Haritaki, Amla, and Bibhitaki make Triphala which balances the energies in the body and is a good source of antioxidants and Vitamin C, which reverses the signs of inflammation and oxidative stress.

The Ginkgo Biloba Native to China, Ginkgo Biloba is most effective in treating degrading eye vision.

Calendula Also known as Pot Marigold, calendula is an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial herb that helps in treating eye conditions such as redness, swelling, mild irritations,

Almonds The most common ingredient to Indian households, almonds are a good source of Vitamin E, which promotes the growth of healthy tissues and great vision.

Splash water 3-5 times a day to active facial nerves and arteries.

Take a break from electronics during meals.

Practice calmness as anger and frustration can increase the flow of blood, which dilates pupils and causes eye strain. You can also exercise pranayama to bring more peace to your daily life.

Avoid hot water for showers which can cause the imbalance of fire elements in the body. Instead, use lukewarm water whenever necessary.

Wear preventive eyeglasses when using electronics to avoid direct contact with blue light.

Avoid reading or using electronics in a dark room.

Avoid rubbing your eyes harshly.

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Remedies to reduce eye strain while working from home - The Siasat Daily

After years of touring up and down the country, Chris McCausland played gigs at The Comedy Store and landed himself a role as Rudi on CBeebies show Me Too! where his character is also blind. The father-of-one said: "The makers of the show wanted the character to be blind. "But we all shared the desire to have storylines that didnt revolve around the things a blind person cant do."

Instead, the creative team focused on "normal stories where the character just happens to be blind".

Speaking candidly about his blindness, Chris told Disability Horizons: "My eyesight has deteriorated steadily throughout my whole life, with most of it going during my late teens.

"I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) early on, but over the years its been presented under all sorts of new and original names.

"From the rather dull and generic-sounding macular degeneration to the cool and groovy inverse cone-rod dystrophy."

READ MORE:Len Goodman health: Former Strictly Come Dancing judge's 'early warning' of ill health

The National Eye Institute warned that "early symptoms" of the condition include "decreased night vision" and loss of peripheral (i.e.) side vision.

As the condition progresses, people can expect to lose their sight.

The organisation explained that retinitis pigmentosa is a "group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina".

The retina is the light sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eyes.

Chris described his vision as "a load of blurry lights" so, at one point, he decided to gain assistance from a guide dog.

"It turns out that he wasnt very good," he said. "It was my first dog and so I didnt really have a frame of reference."

Chris quipped: "He used to take me wherever he wanted to go and didnt really listen to me. Maybe he was deaf, which would be ironic, I suppose."

He has, however, had better luck with assisted technology and access software, which he has been using for the "past 30 years".

"My wife is sighted, so that helps a lot," he admitted to Disability Horizons.

"I cant imagine how difficult being a mum must be if you are blind, or how difficult it must be if both parents are blind."

His daughter, Sophie, "really gets" that her father is blind, and is "very helpful".

"She will also sit through a film with audio description on, even though I know that it drives her a bit mad," Chris revealed.

Being a big hit with audiences, Chris has landed segments on a variety of comedy panel shows.

For instance, Chris has made appearances in Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and QI.

"Its such a laugh and so silly that I cant really believe I am being paid to have that much fun," he said.

Chris McCausland will now star on ITV's The Chase: Celebrity Special on Saturday, November 20 at 8.30pm.

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Chris McCausland: 'I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa' what is that? - Daily Express

The Pittsburg Lions Club hosted its first annual Glasses from Classes: A Lions Club Challenge..

The eyeglasses recycling donation drive taught the importance of vision to fifth grade classes in USD 250 and gave the opportunity for those fifth graders to collect old, discarded eyeglasses and readers to be recycled through the Lions Club Recycling Program.

Fifth grade classes in Lakeside, George Nettles, and Westside chose to participate in the challenge and collectively raised over 280 pairs of glasses that will be recycled and distributed to those in need to improve their vision. Winning classes (taught by Ms. Burford from Lakeside and Ms. Penner from George Nettles) received an ice cream party.

The grand champion winning class (taught by Ms. Anderson from Westside) received a pizza and ice cream party. Party rewards were generously provided by sponsors of the campaign, Kannarr Eye Care, Heartland Vision Center, Paul Niegsch, O.D., and the Southeast Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force.

This campaign was a huge success for the eyeglasses recycling program and a great way to teach these fifth graders about the importance of taking care of your eyesight with proper vision screenings and exams, said Lori Horton, Pittsburg Lions Club President. With the generous support of our sponsors, we plan to make this an annual occurrence to bring the gift of improved vision to more of those in need and to educate and bring awareness to the community, Horton added.

A primary mission of the Lions Club is to prevent blindness and saving sight for millions of people around the world. Worthy programs and projects supported by the Lions Club include recycling eyeglasses, supporting Lions Eye Banks that provide eye tissue for sight-saving surgeries, screening the vision of hundreds of thousands of people every year, and providing treatment to those at risk of losing their vision.

Locally, the Pittsburg Lions Club collaborates with area doctors and provides scholarships to assist those in need of eye exams and glasses. Free visions assessment screenings are also available. Contact your Pittsburg Lions Club to request an application for someone in needpittsburglionsclub@gmail.comor 620-842-9326.

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5th Graders help Pittsburg Lions Club improve vision for those in need Newstalk KZRG - newstalkkzrg.com

FORT MYERS

Doctors are seeing an uptick in vision problems among children they believe is fueled by tech.

Its part of a general trend, where eyesight is feeling the strain of too much screen time.

The American Optometric Association finds the number of people with vision problems has almost doubled. And its starting young.

Its a common occurrence, said Dr. James Doyle, a pediatric ophthalmologist with Lee Health. We see it frequently and were seeing it a little bit more frequently these days.

Doyle said nearsightedness is becoming much more common.

Nearsightedness is actually myopia, Doyle said. Youre in focus to things up close. You see things at near.

Parents and teachers are often first to pick up on the condition, noticing a change in the childs habits.

Many children will hold things closer because they can see them well, Doyle said. But if its constant and theyre losing interest in things in the distance, that may be an indication that theres a progression of myopia.

Doyle said it doesnt necessarily mean they still need glasses, a shift in attention may help alleviate the condition.

Studies out of Europe looked at differences between people who spent more time outdoors, focusing at a greater distance.

The people who were outside had a tendency to not progressing in myopia, and those inside had a greater degree of myopia. And that supports the concept of being outside and seeing outdoor and light helps prevent a progression of myopia, Doyle said.

Its an important reminder to log off and tune in to the world outside of the screen.

Its also worth repeating the 20-20-20 rule for screen time.

For every 20 minutes looking at a device, look away for 20 second and put your gaze at least 20 feet away.

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Uptick in vision problems among children could be due to screen time - Wink News

KAWARTHA LAKES-68-year-old Tony Hodge spent 30 years driving back and forth from Lindsay to Toronto to work at the Campbells Soup Factory. Thats when his eyesight was good.

Now, Hodges glasses dont work as well as they used to and after the arm fell off he rigged up a straw to help keep them on. Hewas recently diagnosed with diabetes and says his doctor told him its important to have an eye exam to look for any sign of diabetic eye disease.

Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.Over time, diabetes can cause damage to your eyes that can lead to poor vision or even blindness.

So he was shocked when the optometrist called on Monday to cancel his appointment.

I guess it really hit home when they called and said it was cancelled. With the diabetes, its kind of frightening not to know whats going on, to be able to check and see if its impacting my eyes, which I know it is. Hodge told Kawartha 411 News.

Hodge says he can no longer enjoy his bird feeder because he cant see it properly, he lets his wife do the driving now, he has to sit within a few feet of the television to be able to watch it and when he is looking at people he cannot see them clearly.

Im worried about my eyes, not being able to tell if they are getting worse and not being able to confirm that and to see if I need new lenses.We need to get people back to work as soon as possible.

In March 2021, the Ontario Optometrists Association (OAO) announced that optometrists would be withdrawing services for OHIP-insured patients effective September 1, 2021. OHIP currently covers standard eye exams for those age 19 and younger, age 65 and older, and for those with specific medical conditions.

The OAO says after more than 30 years of underfunding, the government now covers an average of 55 per cent of the cost of an OHIP-insured eye exam, leaving optometrists clinics to absorb the other 45 percent. With more than four million services delivered annually under OHIP and clinics under severe financial strain, the system is no longer sustainable according to the OAO.

Government neglect has jeopardized access to eye care for those who need it most, undervaluing the eye health of Ontarians, said Dr. Sheldon Salaba, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO).Optometrists are being fair and reasonable: we ask only that government commit to cover at least the cost of service delivery, and were giving them lots of notice to avoid any impact on patients.

Unlike other health care providers under OHIP, optometrists say they have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government. Despite multiple direct requests to the Minister of Health to address this chronic underfunding, the budget again ignored the dire warnings from eye care stakeholders of the impending crisis.

Vision is our most important sense, and our political leaders must help us protect it, said Dr. Salaba. After almost three years in office, its time for action from Premier Ford and Minister Elliott. They must ensure Ontarians continue to receive the quality eye care they depend on and deserve.

The Ontario government says it has tried to resolve the issues with the OAO

Our government has made every effort possible to lay the foundation for a long-term relationship with the Ontario Association of Optometrists, said Deputy Minister of Health Christine Elliott in September. This includes engaging a third-party mediator to assist us in reaching an agreement and offering a one-time lump sum payment as well as an immediate OHIP fee increase. This represents a significant and sustainable increase in todays highly-constrained fiscal environment.

In 1989 the Ontario government paid $39.15 for an eye exam. In 2021, 43 years later they pay an average of $44.65 Meanwhile in Alberta the government pays $137 per eye exam.The government has offered Ontario optometrists an 8.48% increase. For a seniors eye exam that would provide them with $51.00 but the OAO says still well under the next lowest-paid province of Manitoba.

Hodge says he has his own private insurance which would foot the bill but was told that isnt allowed.Provincial law prevents anyone from paying for any OHIP-insured service, even if you have alternate insurance or wish to pay independently for insurance.

As far as we know there are no negotiations taking place currently and none planned for the future.

I think they should get together have a meeting and get something set up for the seniors at least find a way around this for now, it just cant go on like this. says Hodge.

Originally posted here:
Lindsay Senior With Worsening Eyesight Urges Government And Optometrists To Resume OHIP Eye Care - Kawartha 411

A study looked at the role of loneliness as a mediator between vision impairment and dementia. The results were presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2021 annual meeting.

In this cross-sectional study, Ken Kitayama, MD, and colleagues, used 2018 Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) public use data to analyze a total of 5,538 individuals, including 81 (1.5%) who reported dementia. The exposure of interest was self-reported eyesight, and the key endpoint was defined as self-reported dementia. The investigators assessed responses indicating any level of loneliness to the question Yesterday, did you feel lonely?

According to the results, patients with poor eyesight had 3.6 times the odds of dementia compared to those with excellent eyesight (95% confidence interval, 1.5-8.9), controlling for age and sex. The researchers observed that the proportion of the total effect of eyesight on dementia mediated through loneliness was 7.2% (P= 0.02).

In the 2018 HRS population, loneliness accounted for a small but significant proportion of the effect of vision impairment on dementia, the researchers concluded. They added that more studies are needed to further examine this complex sociobiological relationship.

Source: Kitayama K, et al. Loneliness Mediates the Effect of Vision Impairment on Dementia. Poster 198. Published for AAO 2021; Nov. 12-15, 2021, New Orleans, LA.

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The Link Between Loneliness and Vision Impairment on Dementia - DocWire News

The impact of alcohol on vision and broader health can extend beyond what we feel in the moment.The blurred and double vision characteristic to drunkenness happens because the alcohol slows the communication between the eyes and the brain.Lesser known is the impairment to colour vision.Specific shades of colour become more difficult to differentiate when under the influence.

Lenstores expert optometrist Roshni Patel explained: Longer-term effects of excessive drinking can cause more serious problems, including a decreased peripheral vision as well as decline in your overall sight, chronic dry eye disease, and can even see you develop eye conditions such as cataracts and AMD (age-related degeneration).

Twitching and dryness of the eyes can result in discomfort if left without treatment.

Alcohol consumption is also associated with a great many short term risks.

Drinking is often associated with vehicle crashes, violence, and sexual risk behaviour.

When taken in moderation, the harm can be avoided or minimised.

Alcohol does the most harm to our body when taken in binges.

For this reason there are two key points of advice: to track your consumption and establish a reasonable pace where you can enjoy the buzz without becoming intoxicated.

There are helpful methods for controlling our alcohol intake that can help us to pace ourselves and track our units.

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These range from using mobile apps that count alcohol units and how quickly we drink, with multiple apps able to convert between different forms of alcohol and warn you when you are going over the limits you set for yourself.

Other methods take the form of life hacks like buying your own drinks when with friends instead or ordering rounds.

We all react differently to various levels of alcohol consumption so its important to consider what your own recommended units are.

It is also important to eat well before drinking, and remember to stay hydrated throughout.

Alcohol can also be very dense in calories, meaning that people looking to improve their diets and fitness can often benefit from cutting back.

Scientific research that previously argued in favour of mild to moderate alcohol consumption has also been contested by new scientific evidence.

The American Centre for Disease Control states: While some studies have found improved health outcomes among moderate drinkers, its impossible to conclude whether these improved outcomes are due to alcohol consumption or other differences in behaviours or genetics.

The recommended threshold set by the CDC is two units for a man and one for a woman.

Many alcoholic support services have seen an increase in patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

Alcoholism can both result in and result from poor states of mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, you can find NHS supported services in your area or receive anonymous support from trained advisors online or over the phone.

Common warning signs of alcoholism include a lack of interest or enjoyment in other activities and needing to drink increasing amounts to achieve the same effect.

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Optometrist warns of the long-term effects drinking can have on your eyes - Daily Express

Ever seen a teeny, furry spider scampering across the floor? There's a good chance you've glimpsed a jumping spider.

Jumping spiders are the largest family of spiders, with more than 6,380 species identified by science, according to the World Spider Catalog. The scientific name for the jumping spider family is Salticidae. With so many species, it's no surprise that jumping spiders vary widely in appearance, habitat and preferred prey. The largest, Hyllus giganteus, can be 0.98 inches (2.5 centimeters) in length, while smaller species, like the colorful Habronattus pyrrithrix, range from 0.19 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 millimeters) in length.

But what jumping spiders do have in common is their impressive eyesight. These arachnids always have four pairs of eyes, including a large, forward-facing principle pair that make the spiders look rather Muppet-like and cute. These large eyes make jumping spiders a standout among spiders.

"They make their living on foot," said Nathan Morehouse, a biologist at the University of Cincinnati who studies jumping spider vision. "They have to stalk and jump to capture their prey. To do all of that, they need really exceptional vision. And their vision, depending on how you measure it, is the best for anything as small as they are."

Jumping spiders are a diverse bunch. Some are drab, while others sport a dazzling array of colors and patterns, from the blue, red and yellow abdomen of the peacock spider (Maratus volans) to the black-and-white stripes of the zebra spider (Salticus scenicus). Saitis barbipes, a European species of jumping spider, sports a red "headband" of coloration and similarly hued stripes on its third pair of legs. Bagheera kiplingi, found in Central America, is striped with a brilliant emerald green. In many species, males are colorful, while females are often more drab.

Jumping spiders do have a few things in common. They're usually small, often 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) or less in length. They're often fuzzy. And they're distinguishable by their distinct eye pattern of four pairs of eyes, in which the large middle pair sits close together at the front of the face. The face is fairly flat.

Jumping spider eyes are, in a word, incredible. The spiders, despite their tiny size, are better at seeing patterns than elephants are, Morehouse told Live Science. Their pair of central eyes, known as the principle eyes, are almost like a pair of tiny binoculars: They have a large outer lens, then a smaller inner lens that magnifies the image from the outer lens and projects it onto the retina. The spiders are also unusual in that they have muscles attached directly to their retinas. That means they can move retinas up and down, side to side, focusing on different segments of the world without a hint of movement on the outside, Morehouse said a handy ability for a hunter. Meanwhile, the spiders' secondary pairs of eyes are less acute, but they provide crucial peripheral vision, Live Science previously reported.

Most species of jumping spider can see ultraviolet light and blues and greens. Some species, though, have evolved special tricks to expand their color vision. These, Morehouse said, tend to be the flashier species, such as the paradise jumping spiders (genus Habbernatus), which are often decorated in shades of red and orange. In some species, a random genetic mutation has introduced an extra copy of the gene that makes the proteins that allow for blue/green vision. This extra copy has then acquired mutations capable of detecting red and orange. Similar mutations allowed primates to develop color vision, Morehouse said.

JUMPING SPIDER TAXONOMY

Kingdom: AnimaliaSubkingdom: BilateriaInfrakingdom: ProtostomiaSuperphylum: EcdysozoaPhylum: ArthropodaSubphylum: ChelicerataClass: ArachnidaOrder: AraneaeFamily: Salticidae

Other jumping spiders have hacked color vision by developing pigments that sit in front of their blue/green color receptors. These pigments let only red wavelengths of light through. Though the receptors aren't most sensitive to these wavelengths of light, they react to the stimulus anyway, cuing in the spider that red or orange is present. Birds and reptiles often use this strategy to expand their color vision.

Jumping spiders can also see depth, in a "totally unusual" way, Morehouse said. According to 2012 research, the spiders use something called "depth via image defocus." Here's how it works: Jumping spiders' retinas have four layers of photoreceptors. Because different colors of light have different wavelengths, each layer catches a different color of light in precise focus. In a jumping spider retina, the bottom two layers are both chock-full of green color receptors. But green light that hits one of those layers perfectly in focus will appear a teensy bit blurred on the other layer, and vice versa. The 2012 research found that the spiders use this difference in focus to detect depth.

Jumping spiders are found all over the world, with the exception of Antarctica. They live in tropical forests, temperate forests, grasslands, scrublands and even deserts, where you might find the red-abdomened species Phidippus californicus hanging out on a shrub. They prefer outdoor habitats, but if they find themselves indoors, they'll often set up shop near a window or door, where there is more chance of catching prey, according to the National Pest Management Association.

Jumping spiders can live up to their name. These spiders don't hunt by snaring prey in a web, but rather they stalk their quarry and then leap. Despite their tiny body size, jumping spiders can leap up to 6.3 inches (160 mm), according to a 2018 paper in the journal Scientific Reports. The spiders often spin a little silk and set a thread-like "anchor" before they leap, which may help stabilize their flight and protect them in case their landing is off. Jumping spiders most often jump to catch their prey, but sometimes leap to flee danger. They can also be quite clever: Researchers in the 2018 study actually trained a jumping spider (Phidippus regius) to leap from platform to platform. They named the spider Kim.

Jumping spiders are carnivores. They typically eat small insects and other spiders their size or smaller. Some species punch about their weight, though. Many jumping spiders are good at snagging flies as prey, earning them the nickname "fly tigers," according to the University of Florida. The regal jumping spider (the same species as Kim) has been observed eating lizards and frogs two to three times its weight, according to research published in 2017 in the Journal of Arachnology.

When it comes to diet, the strangest jumping spider is likely Bagheera kiplingi. This Central American spider specializes in noshing on the leaf-tips of acacia bushes, making it a rare example of a spider that eats its vegetables.

Mating is serious business for jumping spiders. In many species, males flash their brilliant colors and shimmy in elaborate courtship displays. The peacock spider, for instance, flips up its colorful abdomen and thrusts a pair of legs in the air like a music-video backup dancer, Live Science reported. Research suggests that male spiders will try these displays out on any female jumping spider they come across, regardless of species; this seems to be a way to maximize the chances of mating with the right female while keeping some distance to avoid being cannibalized by a hungry female of the wrong species. The display isn't only about looks. Research from 2005 showed that in some species of jumping spider, the vibrations from the males' dances are also crucial to keeping the females interested. The males drum on the ground, rub body parts together and vibrate their whole beings to "sing" to potential mates, said Damian Elias, who studies jumping spider mating behavior and communication at the University of California, Berkeley.

"I liken it to a one-man band," Elias told Live Science.

Elias and his colleagues are trying to understand why jumping spiders "turn everything up to 11" in the mating game, he said. The spiders' great vision, rare in the arachnid world, might be one reason, he said. Another is that jumping spiders are a lot more active than many spider species, which hang out in webbing and watch the world go by.

"They are encountering a lot more habitats than a typical spider," Elias said. "That's probably a reason they've had to evolve such a variety of things."

When a female shows interest, the male spider uses specialized appendages called pedipalps to transfer over a packet of sperm and webbing to a specialized pocket called an epigynum in the female. Females lay clutches of more than 100 eggs, which they protect with a cocoon of webbing and guard until hatching, according to BugGuide, a site run by Iowa State University. Some species mate multiple times, with the female choosing which sperm to use to fertilize her eggs after collecting several options. Others mate only once.

Jumping spiders have venom that they use to subdue their insect and spider prey. They very rarely bite humans, however, and will only do so if they are being hurt or crushed, according to the University of California, Irvine. Bites typically cause no symptoms, or they may cause a temporary, mosquito-bite-type welt.

Originally published on Live Science.

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