RationaleAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness among the elderly. Due to its complex etiology, current treatments have been insufficient. Previous studies reveal three systems closely involved in AMD pathogenesis: lipid metabolism, oxidation and inflammation. These systems are also involved in Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis and glomerulonephritis. Understanding commonalities of these four diseases may provide insight into AMD etiology.ObjectivesTo understand AMD pathogenesis by analogy and suggest ideas for future research, this study summarizes main commonalities in disease pathogenesis of AMD, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis and glomerulonephritis.MethodsArticles were identified through PubMed, Ovid Medline and Google Scholar. We summarized the common findings and synthesized critical differences.ResultsOxidation, lipid deposition, complement activation, and macrophage recruitment are involved in all four diseases shown by genetic, molecular, animal and human studies. Shared genetic variations further strengthen their connection. Potential areas for future research are suggested throughout the review.ConclusionsThe four diseases share many steps of an overall framework of pathogenesis. Various oxidative sources cause oxidative stress. Oxidized lipids and related molecules accumulate and lead to complement activation, macrophage recruitment and pathology. Investigations that arise under this structure may aid us to better understand AMD pathology.

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Background: In a 2011 study, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disease among a female garment worker group in Koggala Free Trade Zone (Sri Lanka) was estimated to be 15.5%. Nearly all affected women in this group felt their problems disrupted their leisure activities and household work, while only a few reported missing work as direct consequences of their discomfort. The reason why they did not seek treatment or take leave, however, was not clear. Objective: To explore the healthcare seeking behaviour and barriers that prevent female workers at Koggala Free Trade Zone from seeking care Methods: This is an exploratory mixed methods quantitative-qualitative study utilizing pre-interview questionnaires and focus group discussions. Four focus group discussions were held, each consisting of 6 female garment workers (n=24). Discussions were transcribed and processed through three levels of analysis and qualitative coding. Major themes on healthcare seeking and barriers to healthcare were identified using the resulting codebook. Results: The quantitative data showed that more than 90% of focus group participants (n=22) reported musculoskeletal pain in the month prior to the study and less than 30% sought care. Major barriers to healthcare seeking were identified: workers' perception on Western medical treatment and pain, the difficulty in accessing healthcare outside the factory, pressure from management to reach production goals, and financial and personal factors from taking time off work. Conclusions: Multiple factors play a role in healthcare seeking among Sri Lankan female garment workers. Targeted occupational health interventions should focus on alleviating these pain points for garment workers and on educating workers and factory management on the benefits of proactive healthcare seeking behaviour for Sri Lankan female garment workers.

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