AimsThe latest evidence in the incidence of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is needed to support the development of novel treatments as orphan drugs. However, up-to-date information on the incidence of CRAO in the ageing or aged population is limited. We aimed to investigate the nationwide epidemiological and clinical characteristics of CRAO in Japan, using nationwide health insurance claims data.MethodsWe analysed a total of 16 069 762 claims data in the sampling dataset of the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB), which is the nationwide health insurance claims database of 127 million whole Japanese individuals. CRAO was identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition diagnostic code H34.1. The crude incidence rates and age-standardised incidence rates of CRAO, according to the standard age-structure population of the WHO, were calculated.ResultsThe crude incidence rate of CRAO in Japan was 5.84 (95% CI, 5.71 to 5.97) per 100 000 person-years. With respect to the sex-related incidence, the rate was higher 1.40 times in men than in women (6.85 (95% CI, 6.65 to 7.06) vs 4.88 (95% CI, 4.71 to 5.05), p<0.001). The age-standardised incidence rate was 2.53 (95% CI, 2.29 to 2.76) per 100 000 person-years.ConclusionsThe crude incidence rate of CRAO was higher in Japan than in other countries, as reported previously, reflecting the Japanese population structure as a super-aged society. These findings can be helpful for the development of appropriate healthcare policies to address the increasing incidence of CRAO with the ageing population.

AimsThe aim of this study was to elucidate the epidemiological background of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), including its incidence and treatment pattern.MethodsThis was a population-based longitudinal cohort study using a nationwide health insurance claims database of the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). As Japan employs universal health coverage, the database covers more than 95% of claims issued in Japan. We accessed all data stored in the database with permission from the MHLW. We traced all individuals aged 30 years or older and identified individuals with new onset of CSC between January 2011 and December 2018. CSC cases were categorised by age and sex for each year, and incidence rate was calculated. We also identified major treatments for CSC to elucidate the initial treatment pattern.ResultsDuring the 8-year period, 247 930 incidences of CSC were identified, among which 75.9% were men. The crude incidence rate (per 100 000 person-years) in the general population aged 30 years or older was 34.0 (95% CI 33.9 to 34.2), in men was 54.2 (95% CI 53.9 to 54.4) and in women was 15.7 (95% CI 15.5 to 15.8). The mean age of onset was lower in men than in women (50.5±12.5 years vs 54.7±13.5 years). Most of the patients with newly diagnosed CSC (86.8%) did not receive major treatment.ConclusionsThe current study provides the nationwide population-based evidence to clarify the detailed epidemiology of CSC. These results could help to understand the pathogenesis and mechanisms of CSC in the future.

Tamura, Hiroshi ...[et al]. Real-world effectiveness of screening programs for age-related macular degeneration: amended Japanese specific health checkups and augmented screening programs with OCT or AI.

No abstract

METHODS. Thirty-one consecutive patients (59 eyes) with Behcet's disease in remission and with available optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were included. The number of OPL bumps was counted using spectral-domain OCT images. The relationships between the number of bumps and visual acuity (VA), retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, disease duration, number of prior ocular attacks, and photoreceptor layer status (including external limiting membrane [ELM] and ellipsoid zone [EZ] continuity) were examined. RESULTS.Eyes with more severe EZ or ELM disruptions had lower VA, more ocular attacks, and thinner retinas. Additionally, EZ line and ELM line status were significantly correlated with the number of OPL elevations. Eyes with OPL elevations had poorer VA, longer disease duration, more ocular attacks, and thinner retinas than those without OPL elevations. Additionally, the number of OPL elevations was strongly correlated with the number of ocular attacks in eyes with a preserved photoreceptor layer (R ¼ 0.720, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONS. The number of OPL elevations was associated with the number of prior ocular attacks in eyes with preserved photoreceptor layers. Therefore, OPL elevations may be a marker of prior posterior ocular attacks, which is important when determining how best to manage Behcet's uveitis.

No abstract

No abstract

A scientific evaluation index system for intelligent transportation system (ITS) can play an important role in guiding the development of ITS for decision makers in smart communities. This study aims to develop a set of performance indicators for the effective evaluation of the transportation system in a smart community in China. The main goals of the developed evaluation index are determined after a careful review of the various index systems implemented by various agencies worldwide. A set of indicators divided into the following six categories are then presented: transport structure, traffic information service, traffic efficiency, traffic safety, energy and pollution reduction, and social inclusion. To further discuss the practical application of the index system, a number of indicators are defined in detail and applied in arterial and public transportation efficiency evaluations based on the available dataset. Results from the index calculation show that the index proposed in this study can be adopted in evaluating the transportation system performance in smart communities based on big data.