High-Resolution Crossed-Beam Dynamics Studies of the D + Para-H2 → HD + H Reaction at 1.21 eV.

Understanding kinetic isotope effects is important in the study of the reaction dynamics of elementary chemical reactions, particularly those involving hydrogen atoms and molecules. As one of the isotopic variants of the hydrogen exchange reaction, the D + para-H2 reaction has attracted much attention. However, experimental studies of this reaction have been limited primarily due to its strong experimental background noise. In this study, by using the velocity map ion imaging method and the near-threshold ionization technique, together with improvements on the vacuum condition in the vicinity of the collision zone, background noise was reduced significantly, and quantum state-resolved differential cross sections (DCSs) for the D + para-H2 reaction at a collision energy of 1.21 eV were acquired in a crossed molecular beams experiment. Interestingly, clear rotational state-dependent angular distributions were noticed in the quantum state-resolved DCSs. The most intense peak's positions for HD (v', j') products shift to different scattering directions as the product's ro-vibrational quantum number increases. Two different microscopic reaction mechanisms are found to be involved in this reaction for HD products in different vibrational states. The results show a direct correlation between the scattering angle and the product's rotational quantum number, revealing that the contributions of impact parameters are strongly influenced by the corresponding centrifugal barrier.

Predictive value of pigment epithelial detachment markers for visual acuity outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND: To determine the predictive value of quantitative morphological parameters for pigment epithelial detachment (PED) of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. METHODS: One eye from each of 159 patients with nAMD were studied. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) group included 77 eyes, and non-PCV group 82. Patients received conbercept 0.05 ml (0.5 mg) in a 3 + ProReNata (PRN) treatment regimen. Correlations between retinal morphologic parameters at baseline and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gain at 3 or 12 months after treatment (structure-function correlations) were assessed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were used to assess retinal morphologic features including intraretinal cystoid fluid (IRC), subretinal fluid (SRF), PED or PED type (PEDT), and vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). Greatest height (PEDH) and width of PED (PEDW), and volume of PED (PEDV) at baseline were also measured. RESULTS: For non-PCV group, BCVA gain from 3 or 12 months after treatment was negatively correlated with PEDV at baseline (r = -0.329, -0.312, P = 0.027, 0.037). BCVA gain at 12 months after treatment was negatively correlated with PEDW at baseline (r = -0.305, P = 0.044). For PCV group, there were no correlations with PEDV, PEDH, PEDW, and PEDT in BCVA gain between baseline and 3 or 12 months after treatment (P > 0.05). SRF, IRC, VMA at baseline did not correlate with short-term and long-term BCVA gain in patients with nAMD (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: For patients with non-PCV, PEDV at baseline was negatively correlated with short-term and long-term BCVA gain, and PEDW was negatively correlated with long-term BCVA gain. On the contrary, quantitative morphological parameters for PED at baseline had no correlation with BCVA gain in patients with PCV.

Crossed Molecular Beam Study of the H + HD → H2 + D Reaction at 0.60 and 1.26 eV Using the Near-Threshold Ionization Velocity Map Ion Imaging.

By using the 1 + 1' near-threshold ionization velocity map ion imaging technique, state-to-state reactive differential cross sections have been measured for the H + HD → H2 + D reaction. High-resolution images of the D products, with the rotational states of the H2 co-products clearly resolved, were acquired at the collision energies of 0.60 and 1.26 eV, respectively. It is found that the angular distribution is predominantly backward-scattering at the collision energy of 0.60 eV. However, at 1.26 eV, where the collision energy is higher, the angular distribution becomes forward-backward-scattering. Notably, at both collision energies, the main peaks of backward-scattered products gradually shift from backward toward sideways direction as the rotational quantum number of H2 increases. Moreover, in the forward direction, fast angular oscillations, which are induced by specific partial waves have also been observed at 1.26 eV. These features show a strong correlation between the product states and angular distributions and also indicate the unique role of partial waves in quantum reactive scattering.

Bibliometric and visualized analysis of diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to identify recent research trends on diabetic macular edema (DME) and focus on publications from different countries, institutions, and authors. METHODS: We retrieved and analyzed data from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2022 on the DME research field from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer were applied to perform visualization analysis and evaluate the trends. RESULTS: A total of 4482 publications were identified, and the annual global publications increased steadily, from 36 to 390, during this period. The United States (1339 publications, 71,754 citations), Johns Hopkins University (176 publications, 17,015 citations), and Bressler NM (76 publications, 9621 citations) were the most influential and productive countries, institutions, and authors, respectively. The top 100 keywords were classified into five clusters: (1) therapy and adverse effects of DME; (2) clinical biomarkers of DME; (3) mechanistic research on DME; (4) improving bioavailability and efficacy; and (5) early diagnosis of diabetic complications. "Diabetic macular edema," "retinopathy," "ranibizumab," and "optical coherence tomography angiography" were the most frequent keywords. Regarding the average appearing years (AAYs) of the keywords, "deep learning" (AAY:2020.83), "optical coherence tomography angiography" (AAY:2019.59), "intravitreal Aflibercept" (AAY:2019.29), and "dexamethasone implant" (AAY:2019.20) were recognized as the hotspots of the DME research area in the short run. CONCLUSION: In the past two decades, the United States was in master status in DME research. Although intravitreal drug injection has been the mainstream therapy for a long time, the effectiveness of different drugs, such as dexamethasone, new solutions for drug delivery, such as intravitreal implantation, and more accurate tools for the classification and follow-up of DME patients, such as deep learning systems, are still research hotspots.

The moderating effect of altruism on the relationship between occupational stress and turnover intentions: a cross-sectional study of community rehabilitation workers in China.

BACKGROUND: In China, community rehabilitation workers are facing a growing challenge related to heavy occupational stress, which is having an impact on employment turnover. Previous studies have explored the effect of the public service motivation of workers in "helping" jobs on occupational stress or turnover intention, but there is a lack of clarification of the impact of altruism on turnover intention in the case of complex pathways involving various factors. METHODS: A stratified sampling method was used, and a total of 82 community rehabilitation workers who assist disabled people from 34 community health centres in Jiangmen city were included in the study from August to October 2022. The turnover intention, occupational stress, burnout, quality of life, altruism, and certain sociodemographic information of community rehabilitation workers were measured using a structured questionnaire. The partial least squares method was employed to construct and test the structural equation model. RESULTS: Although altruism had no direct impact on occupational stress or turnover intention, altruism moderated the effect of occupational stress on burnout (ßMod = -0.208) and quality of life (ßMod = 0.230) and weakened the mediation of burnout and quality of life between occupational stress and turnover intention. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes to address the dilemma of "strong function" and "weak specialty" in community rehabilitation services and to conduct positive psychological interventions for community rehabilitation workers through the guidance of altruistic values.

Observation of geometric phase effect through backward angular oscillations in the H + HD → H2 + D reaction.

Quantum interference between reaction pathways around a conical intersection (CI) is an ultrasensitive probe of detailed chemical reaction dynamics. Yet, for the hydrogen exchange reaction, the difference between contributions of the two reaction pathways increases substantially as the energy decreases, making the experimental observation of interference features at low energy exceedingly challenging. We report in this paper a combined experimental and theoretical study on the H + HD → H2 + D reaction at the collision energy of 1.72 eV. Although the roaming insertion pathway constitutes only a small fraction (0.088%) of the overall contribution, angular oscillatory patterns arising from the interference of reaction pathways were clearly observed in the backward scattering direction, providing direct evidence of the geometric phase effect at an energy of 0.81 eV below the CI. Furthermore, theoretical analysis reveals that the backward interference patterns are mainly contributed by two distinct groups of partial waves (J ~ 10 and J ~ 19). The well-separated partial waves and the geometric phase collectively influence the quantum reaction dynamics.

Burdens of stomach and esophageal cancer from 1990 to 2019 and projection to 2030 in China: Findings from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study.

Background: Stomach and esophageal cancer exhibit high morbidity and mortality rate in China, resulting in substantial disease burdens. It is imperative to identify the temporal trends of stomach and esophageal cancer from 1990 to 2019 and project future trends until 2030, which can provide valuable information for planning effective management and prevention strategies. Methods: We collected and analysed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) between 1990 and 2019, including incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), mortality rate (ASMR) and DALYs rate. We also calculated and reported the proportion of mortality and DALYs attributable to risk factors by sex in China and different regions. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was applied to project future trends until 2030. Results: The new cases, deaths and DALYs of stomach and esophageal cancer increased from 1990 to 2019. However, the ASIR, ASMR and age-standardised DALYs rates for stomach and esophageal cancer all decreased during the same period. These changes may be related to risks, such as smoking and diet. Furthermore, we utilised the projection model to estimate that the ASIR and ASMR of stomach and esophageal cancer among females will likely follow steady downward trends, while the ASMR of stomach cancer among males is expected to exhibit a significant decline. However, the ASIR of stomach and esophageal cancer and the ASMR of esophageal cancer among males are projected to display slight upward trends until 2030. Conclusions: The analysis of stomach and esophageal cancer trends in China from 1990 to 2030 reveals a general decline. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the persistent high burden of both cancers in the country. Adopting healthy lifestyle practices, including the reduction of tobacco and alcohol intake, avoidance of moldy foods and increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables can contribute to mitigating the risk of stomach and esophageal cancer. Significantly, the formulation and implementation of well-founded and efficacious public health policies are imperative for alleviating the disease burden in China.

The Efficacy and Safety of Diazepam for Intraoperative Blood Pressure Stabilization in Hypertensive Patients Undergoing Vitrectomy Under Nerve Block Anesthesia: A Prospective, Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of diazepam in maintaining stable intraoperative blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients undergoing vitrectomy under nerve block anesthesia. Methods: A total of 180 hypertensive patients undergoing vitrectomy with nerve block anesthesia were randomized into two groups. The intervention group was given oral diazepam 60 min before operation, while the control group was given oral placebo 60 min before operation. The primary outcome is the effective rate of intraoperative BP control, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) during the operation maintained < 160 mmHg at all timepoints. The logistic regression model will be performed to analyze the compare risk factors for ineffective BP control. Results: The effective rate of intraoperative SBP control in the diazepam group was significant higher than that in the placebo group from 15 min to 70 min of the surgery (P < 0.05). The proportion of patients with SBP ≥180 mmHg at any timepoint from operation to 1 h postoperation was higher in the placebo group (12.22%) than in the diazepam group (2.22%) (P = 0.0096). We observed that the change in SBP from baseline consistently remained higher in the placebo group than in the diazepam group. In the logistic regression analysis, age, years of diagnosed hypertension and SBP 1h before surgery were significant risk factors for ineffective BP control. Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of oral diazepam as a pre-surgery intervention in maintaining stable blood pressure during vitrectomy in hypertensive patients. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR2100041772.

Multi-functional, conformal systems with ultrathin crystalline-silicon-based bioelectronics for characterization of intraocular pressure and ocular surface temperature.

Technologies that established in vivo evaluations of soft-tissue biomechanics and temperature are essential to biological research and clinical diagnostics, particularly for a wide range of eye-related diseases such as glaucoma. Of importance are advanced bioelectronic devices for high-precise monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP) and various ocular temperatures, as clinically proven uses for glaucoma diagnosis. Existing characterization methods are temporary, single point, and lack microscale resolution, failing to measure continuous IOP fluctuation across the long-term period. Here, this work presents a multi-functional smart contact lens, capable of rapidly capturing IOP fluctuation and ocular surface temperature (OST) for assistance for clinical use. The microscale device design is programmable and determined by finite element analysis simulation, with detailed experiments of ex vivo porcine eyeballs. Such compact bioelectronics can provide high-precise measurement with sensitivity of 0.03% mmHg-1 and 1.2 Ω °C-1 in the range of Δ2∼50 mmHg and 30-50 °C, respectively. In vivo tests of bio-integration with a living rabbit can evaluate real-time IOP fluctuation and OST, as of biocompatibility assessments verified through cellular and animal experiments. The resultant bioelectronic devices for continuous precise characterization of living eyeballs can offer broad utility for hospital diagnosis of a wide range of eye-related disorders.

Subepithelial white deposition in the cornea associated with silicone oil and surgical management: a case report.

A 36-year-old patient presented with a complaint of an extensive "white scar" in his right eye without pain after silicone oil presence in the vitreous cavity for 12 years. Slit-lamp microscopy revealed extensive corneal leukoplakia and mild limbus neovascularization. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed marked eccentric thickening of the subepithelium and normal thickness of the stroma. We proceeded with silicone oil removal and intraocular and anterior chamber lavage at first, followed by epithelial lesion excision combined with amniotic membrane transplantation 3 months later. The patient was satisfied with the clear cornea appearance.

BMI and plasma lipid levels with risk of proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study.

Background: The study aimed to determine whether a causal effect exists between body mass index (BMI) or plasma lipid levels and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) risk in humans. Methods: We utilized univariable (UVMR) and multivariable two-sample Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analyses to confirm the effects of BMI and plasma lipid levels on the risk of PDR. Genetic variants associated with BMI and three plasma lipids were obtained from GWAS summary datasets generated by many different consortia and were deposited in the MR-Base database. The GWAS summary data for PDR from the FinnGen biobank included 2,12,889 participants of European ancestry (8,681 cases and 2,04,208 controls). Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was applied as the main MR analysis. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the robustness of our findings. Results: In the UVMR analysis, the causal associations of genetically predicted BMI with PDR presented a positive association (OR = 1.120, 95% CI = 1.076-1.167, P < 0.001), and the lower HDL-C level was associated with a higher risk of PDR (OR = 0.898, 95% CI = 0.811-0.995, P = 0.040). No evidence of an association between LDL-C or TG levels (P > 0.05) and PDR risk was found. In the MVMR analysis controlling for the HDL-C level, there was strong evidence for a direct causal effect of BMI on the risk of PDR (OR = 1.106, 95%CI = 1.049, 1.166, P < 0.001, IVW). After adjusting for BMI, there was no evidence for a direct causal effect of the HDL-C level on the risk of PDR (OR = 0.911, 95% CI = 0.823, 1.008, P = 0.072). Sensitivity analyses confirmed that the results were reliable and stable. Conclusion: Robust evidence was demonstrated for an independent, causal effect of BMI in increasing the risk of PDR. Further studies are required to understand the potential biological mechanisms underlying this causal relationship.

Changing Trends in the Disease Burden of Cataract and Forecasted Trends in China and Globally from 1990 to 2030.

Aim: To explore the trends in the prevalence and disease burden of cataract from 1990 to 2019, evaluate attributable risk factors, and predict trends over the next decade in China and globally. Methods: Data was obtained from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We calculated the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASR) and annual percentage change (EAPC) to show the trends of cataract in China and different regions. We calculated and reported the proportion of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to risk factors by sex in China and different regions. Then, the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) analysis model was also used to predict the prevalence trends from 2020 to 2030 in China and globally. Results: The ASR increased from 867.09 in 1990 to 991.56 in 2019 per 100,000 with an EAPC of 0.88 in China. The age-standardized DALY rate of females was higher than males. DALY rates were correlated to household air pollution from solid fuels, tobacco, high fasting plasma glucose and high body-mass index. The projective model indicates that the ASR for cataracts will rise to 1101.35×106 for male and 1616.63×106 for female by 2030. Conclusion: The trends from 1990 to 2030 suggested that the burden of cataract remains high in China. Maintaining good lifestyle habits such as switching to clean energy, reducing cigar intake, controlling blood glucose and weight can reduce the risk of cataracts. As aging increases, China should pay more attention to cataract-induced low vision and blindness and develop public policies to reduce the disease burden.

Building in biologically appropriate multifunctionality in aqueous copper indium selenide-based quantum dots.

Advanced nanoplatforms equipped with different functional moieties for theranostics hold appealing promise for reshaping precision medicine. The reliable construction of an individual nanomaterial with intrinsic near-infrared (NIR) photofunction and magnetic domains is much desired but largely unexplored in a direct aqueous synthesis system. Herein, we develop an aqueous phase synthetic strategy for Mn2+ doping of ZnS shell grown on Zn-Cu-In-Se core quantum dots (ZCISe@ZnS:Mn QDs), providing the optimal NIR fluorescence quantum efficiency of up to 18.9% and meanwhile efficiently introducing paramagnetic domains. The relaxometric properties of the water-soluble Mn-doped QDs make them desirable for both the longitudinal and transverse (T1 and T2) magnetic resonance (MR) contrast enhancement due to the shell lattice-doped Mn2+ ions with slow tumbling rates and favoured spin-proton dipolar interactions with surrounding water molecules. Surprisingly, the incorporation of Mn2+ ions into the shell is found to significantly enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by combining both the chemodynamic and photodynamic processes upon NIR light irradiation, showing great potential for efficient photo-assisted ablation of cancer cells. Furthermore, a broad-spectrum excitation range beneficial for bright NIR fluorescence imaging of breast cancer has been proven and offers high flexibility in the choice of incident light sources. Multiparametric MR imaging of the brain has also been successfully demonstrated in vivo.

Trends and Hotspots Concerning Macular Hole between 2002 and 2021: A 20-Year Bibliometric Study.

BACKGROUND: Macular hole (MH) can severely impair central vision. Although it can be treated with vitrectomy surgery, avoiding recurrence and improving visual acuity are still priorities to be addressed. This study aims to reveal the trends and hotspots about MH. METHODS: The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was used to perform a bibliometric analysis investigating trends of MH research from 2002 to 2021. We evaluated the details of associated regions, institutions, authors, and journals. To construct and overlay network visualizations, VOSviewer software was used. RESULTS: In total, 1518 publications were collected. Our analysis showed that MH research is becoming increasingly relevant, with Japan achieving the largest number of publications (291), largest number of citations (7745 in total), and highest h-index value (48). Retina published the most publications on this topic, totaling more than the next two journals combined. An analysis of keyword co-occurrence was evaluated, highlighting several novel keywords of interest, such as flap technique, transplantation, epiretinal proliferation (EP), foveal microstructure, and retinal sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Details on MH research were uncovered by comprehensively analyzing the global trends and hotspots over the past two decades, presenting valuable information for future MH research. Japan, the USA, and China hold leading positions in research on this topic. Amendable surgical methods are a potential focus for improving prognosis.

DIA Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Retro-oil Fluid and Vitreous Fluid From Retinal Detachment Patients.

Objectives: There have been reports of unexplained visual loss following intra-ocular silicone oil (SiO) tamponade in retinal detachment patients, yet the underlying mechanism is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms behind retinal toxicity following intra-ocular SiO tamponade in retinal detachment patients. Methods and Results: Vitreous fluid samples were acquired from 27 patients (27 eyes). Twelve eyes for data-independent acquisition (DIA) were divided into four groups: pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD group), SiO removal after successful retinal reattachment (SO group), cataract surgery after successful retinal reattachment with sterilized air tamponade (FA group), and PPV for epiretinal membrane (ERM group). The remaining 15 eyes were used for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. DIA was combined with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to find expression changes in the proteome of vitreous. Mean number mass spectra, statistically differentially expressed proteins, gene ontology (GO), pathway representations, and protein interactions were analyzed. GO analysis showed that the protein categories of synapse organization, cell adhesion, and regulation of cell migration in the SO group were differentially expressed compared to the control or FA groups (p < 0.05). Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, lysosome and cell adhesion were found to be significantly enriched in the SO group compared to the FA and control groups (p < 0.05). Cadherin 2, transferrin, and lysosome function may partially contribute to silicone oil-related vision loss. Conclusion: Vision loss-inducing novel molecular signatures and pathways that may be associated with SiO toxicity were identified. Transferrin may be a potential visual outcome biomarker for SiO tamponade.