The quantitative level of steroid hormones (SHs) in some body fluids have been accepted for clinical diagnosis, whereas their distribution in aqueous humor (AH) is unknown yet. Herein, a profiling study was conducted with a total of 171 AH and 107 plasma samples using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). For the first time, six kinds of SHs in AH were quantitatively estimated, and their abundances were ranked at cortisol (F), corticosterone (COR), androstenedione (A2), and 11-deoxycortisol (11DOC). The corresponding abundance of all SHs in AH was significantly lower than those in plasma, while there was a lack of a proportional relationship with the abundance of plasma SHs. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, the most abundant plasma SH, was undetectable in AH, implying that the blood–aqueous barrier might specifically block its transferral. Axial myopia generally results from many factors throughout the entire eye from tissues and molecules; furthermore, the correlation of AH SHs and axial myopia was assessed to look for their indication in such myopia. The panel with five kinds of AH SHs (F, COR, CORT, ALD and A2) was functional as a discriminator for axial myopia and control. The abundance of SHs, therefore, has a specific distribution in AH and can potentially contribute to axial myopia.

Background/aims: The study aims to evaluate choroidal vascular changes in younger patients with myopia using ultrawidefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). Methods: Overall, 724 eyes of 362 participants (177 males, 185 females, age: 32.43±6.20 years) underwent SS-OCTA imaging (24×20 mm). The eyes were divided into normal, low myopia (LM), moderate myopia (MM), high myopia and superhigh myopia groups according to the spherical equivalent refraction (SER). Changes in choroidal vascular thickness (ChVT) and density (ChVD) in nine grids of the fundus were analysed using the latest version of the built-in analysis software. Results: Axial length (AL) showed a negative correlation with SER (r=0.822, p=0.000); ChVT and ChVD showed a negative correlation with AL (p≤0.001) in all nine grids. In group analysis, compared with normal eyes, myopia affects ChVT earlier than ChVD, as observed in the LM and MM groups, respectively. The decrease in ChVT was most evident in the macular grid (β = −34.20, p=0.000), whereas the decrease in ChVD was most evident in the optic disc grid (β = −2.19, p=0.001). Conclusion: Myopia has a significant impact on choroidal vascular structure, resulting in spatiotemporal differences. Using SS-OCTA with a new version of the built-in analysis software and a study with a larger sample cohort may aid in providing more authentic information on choroidal vascular changes in eyes with myopia.

Chitosan (CS) is expected to be an ideal gene carrier for its high biosafety. In this work, CS with low molecular weight were prepared through the γ-ray radiation on the acetic acid solution of CS. The CS chains were scissioned under the γ-ray radiation, and the molecular weight (MW) of CS decreased with the absorbed dose. When the absorbed dose was above 30 kGy, the molecular weight of CS decreased about an order of magnitude. The γ-ray-radiation-scissioned CS can effectively bind with plasmid (pEGFP) through complex coacervation method, forming pEGFP/γ-ray-radiation-scissioned CS complex particles with a size of 200–300 nm. The complex particles have good stability and little cytotoxicity. The in vitro gene transfection efficiencies of the pEGFP/γ-ray-radiation-scissioned CS complex particles were investigated by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. The results showed that the gene vectors using γ-ray-radiation-scissioned CS as the carrier will possess better gene transfection efficiency than those using natural high-MW CS as the carrier. The higher the absorbed dose, the smaller the MW of CS and the better transfection efficiency of the corresponding gene vector. This work provides a green and simple method on the preparation of CS-based gene vectors with high efficiency and biosafety.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding cataracts among patients in Shenzhen. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 December 2024 and 31 March 2025, at Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, and Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires designed to measure demographic information, clinical features, and KAP scores regarding cataracts. Additionally, potential factors affecting KAP outcomes were examined through statistical analysis. Results: Among the 500 participating cataract patients, 299 (59.8%) were female, and 185 (37.0%) had previously received cataract surgery. The mean (SD) knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 9.22 (4.35) (possible range: 0–17), 45.85 (3.78) (possible range: 11–55), and 27.18 (2.61) (possible range: 8–40), respectively. Correlation analysis showed that there were significant positive correlations between knowledge and practice (r = 0.276, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a correlation between attitude and practice (r = 0.329, p < 0.001). Analysis of the direct and indirect effects of the model showed that attitudes had a direct effect on practice ( β = 0.586, p < 0.001). However, neither the direct effect of knowledge on attitudes and practice nor the indirect effect of knowledge on practice was significant. Conclusion: Shenzhen cataract patients demonstrated insufficient knowledge and positive attitudes but passive practices, with attitudes directly shaping behaviors. Healthcare providers should enhance patient education and tailor communication for older populations to improve engagement and cataract management.

Introduction The widespread use of digital devices in modern workplaces has led to a rise in visual health problems, such as myopia and dry eye syndrome, among the working-age population. This study aims to investigate the incidence of eye disorders, associated risk factors and relevant biomarkers in Shenzhen, addressing a crucial gap in the research on visual health in rapidly urbanising Chinese cities. Methods This prospective observational cohort study, conducted from September 2024 to December 2029, will recruit 3000 full-time employees aged 18–65 in Shenzhen through multistage sampling across five job sectors. Data collection will include questionnaire surveys, standardised scale assessments, ophthalmic examinations, ophthalmic imaging and biomarker testing. Annual follow-ups will track the incidence of high myopia and dry eye, as well as associated factors and biomarker changes. Data accuracy will be ensured through double entry and continuous quality control. Ethics and dissemination The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shenzhen Eye Hospital (2024KYPJ012; 04 February 2024). The results will be presented at professional conferences and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number National Health Information Platform (MR-44-24-026548).