Gap of women leadership in global obesity research.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate and summarize the current state of gender equality for female scientists in obesity research.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of governmental funding, high-impact publications/citations, and awards received by female and male scientists engaged in obesity research worldwide. Median citations were compared by sex and year, with group differences assessed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test.

Regulatory Effects of the Wnt7b/β-Catenin/MMP-2 Signaling Pathway on Scleral Stiffness in Guinea Pigs With Form-Deprivation Myopia.

Purpose: The development and progression of myopia are influenced by the Wnt7b/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study investigated the specific impacts of this pathway on the biomechanical properties of the sclera by altering the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) to regulate type I collagen (collagen I) levels.

Methods: We examined the effects of the Wnt7b/β-catenin signaling pathway and MMP-2 on human fetal scleral fibroblasts (HFSFs) and the sclera of guinea pigs with form-deprivation myopia (FDM).

Configurations associated with the efficiency of the ophthalmology departments in public hospitals of Central South China.

Background: Improving the efficiency of ophthalmology service is a global challenge to fight vision impairment, yet there is little concrete evidence of the current efficiency status. This study aimed to examine the efficiency of ophthalmology departments in the Hunan Province, China, and determine the associating factors of low-efficiency and high-efficiency ophthalmology departments.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included a province-level survey of ophthalmology departments of public hospitals.

Corneal optical density: Structural basis, measurements, influencing factors, and roles in refractive surgery.

The cornea is the main refractive medium of the human eye, and its clarity is critical to visual acuity. Corneal optical density (COD) is an important index to describe corneal transparency. Intact corneal epithelial and endothelial cells, regular arrangement of collagen fibers in the stroma, and normal substance metabolism are all integral for the cornea to maintain its transparency.

One-Month Outcomes of Intravitreal Anti-VEGF vs. Dexamethasone Implant in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema in Vitrectomized Eyes.

Objectives: To compare short-term effect of intravitreal ranibizumab with dexamethasone implant for diabetic macular edema (DME) in vitrectomized eyes.

Methods: Single-center, prospective, randomized study of vitrectomized eyes with DME. Study eyes were divided into two groups, receiving ranibizumab (IVV group, = 35 eyes) or dexamethasone implant (IVD group, = 35 eyes) respectively.

Comparison of Inflammatory and Angiogenic Factors in the Aqueous Humor of Vitrectomized and Non-Vitrectomized Eyes in Diabetic Macular Edema Patients.

To compare the aqueous concentrations of inflammatory and angiogenetic factors in vitrectomized vs. non-vitrectomized eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). Aqueous samples were obtained from 107 eyes with DME before intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF, 36 eyes with previous pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with pan-retinal endolaser photocoagulation (PRP), and 71 treatment-naïve.