ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of overexpressed protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 （Ptpn2） on the inflammatory response of mouse alveolar macrophages （MH-S） induced by SiO₂. MethodsCells with overexpressed Ptpn2 were constructed and induced by SiO₂. The experimental groups were divided into four groups： the negative control group with an empty vector （NC）， the overexpressed Ptpn2 group （P）， the negative control group with an empty vector + SiO₂ induction （NS）， and the overexpressed Ptpn2 + SiO₂ induction group （PS）. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification （iTRAQ） combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS） were used to screen differential proteins， followed by Gene Ontology （GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） database analyses. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expressions of Tumor necrosis factor （TNF） α， Gasdermin D （GSDMD）， and Transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of PTPN2， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， and proteins related to the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the cells of each group. ResultsiTRAQ results identified 144 differential proteins among the four groups. GO analysis showed that in biological processes （BP）， these differential proteins were mainly enriched in IκB kinase/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling， cell activation and signal transduction involved in immune responses， and regulation of receptor signaling pathways by signal transducer and activator of transcription （STAT）， etc. KEGG analysis revealed that the differential proteins were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway， NF-κB signaling pathway， NOD-like receptor signaling pathway， TGF-β signaling pathway， and TNF signaling pathway. The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the NC group， the expressions of TNF α， GSDMD， and TGF-β1 in the cells of the NS group increased （P < 0.05）； compared to the NS group， the expression of the aforementioned proteins in the PS group decreased in cellular proteins（P < 0.05）. The results of Western blot showed that compared with the NC group， the protein expression levels of PTPN2， p-NF-κB，MyD88，TLR4，NLRP3，GSDMD，Caspase-1，IL-1β， TGF-βR1， TGF-βR，p-Smad2/3 in the NS group were significantly upregulated （P < 0.05）； compared with the NS group， the expression levels of the aforementioned proteins in the PS group were significantly downregulated （P < 0.05）. ConclusionOverexpression of Ptpn2 can inhibit the protein expressions of TLR4-TNF-α signaling， NLRP3 signaling， and TGF-β1 signaling closely related to inflammatory response in SiO₂-mediated MH-S macrophages.

ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.

OBJECTIVE To establish a hospital preparation cost item library， providing a reference for the refined accounting management of preparation costs in medical institutions. METHODS Based on literature analysis and practical work experience， a preliminary list of cost items was drafted. The Delphi method was employed to screen and optimize the items by analyzing the questionnaire recovery rate， expert authority coefficient， item importance score， coefficient of variation， and Kendall’s W of concordance. RESULTS The questionnaire recovery rates for the two rounds of expert consultation were 95.7% and 100%， respectively； the expert authority coefficients were 0.937 and 0.939， respectively； Kendall’s W of concordance were statistically significant （ P ＜0.001）. The finally established hospital preparation cost item library included 6 first-level items （such as raw material and packaging material costs， human resource costs， and production operation costs） and 29 second-level items （including main drug raw material costs， production personnel compensation， and finished product full-item testing costs）， comprehensively covering dimensions such as raw materials and packaging materials， fixed asset depreciation and equipment maintenance， human resources， production operations， energy and environment， and R & D and other costs. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully establishes a scientific and reliable cost item library for medical institution preparations， which can guide institutions to itemize actual expenditures， provide structured evidence for autonomous pricing， and support data needs for the formulation of insurance access and payment policies for innovative preparations.

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between sleep patterns and myopia progression among younger school-age children at a primary school in Changning District of Shanghai, based on the data from the Shanghai Students’ Common Diseases and Health Influencing Factors Monitoring System and a sleep-specific survey, so as to provide data support for myopia prevention and control in this age group. MethodsOne primary school was selected from the common diseases and health influencing factors monitoring system for students in Changning District, Shanghai. A total of 230 first-grade students were included in the study. Myopia and refractive parameters were examined, and sleep patterns were investigated. General demographic characteristics and myopia-related behavior data of the students were also collected. Sleep patterns were evaluated in terms of sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and sleep quality, with the latter assessed using the Chinese version of the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between sleep patterns and myopia progression among these students. ResultsThe results of the regression analyses revealed that the total CSHQ score of the students at baseline survey was (48.85±7.15) points. Their sleep efficiency was (94.49±8.48)%, sleep duration was (9.58±0.93) hours, and the proportion of those with insufficient sleep (<10 hours) was 78.26%. At baseline survey, students’ higher daytime sleepiness scores were associated with lower spherical equivalent (SE) ( β=-0.18, 95%CI: -0.31 to -0.04) and an increased risk of axial length (AL) / corneal radius (CR) ratio >3 (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.00 to 2.29), whereas longer sleep duration and higher sleep efficiency were associated with higher SE (β=0.18, 95%CI: 0.05 to 0.32; β=0.17, 95%CI: 0.04 to 0.31, respectively), shorter (AL) (β=-0.15, 95%CI: -0.27 to -0.03; β=-0.13, 95%CI: -0.25 to 0, respectively) and a reduced risk of AL /CR>3 (OR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.51 to 0.96; OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.53 to 0.99, respectively). At baseline survey, children’s higher propensity for sleep problems (OR=1.70, 95%CI: 1.04 to 2.78), sleep resistance (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.36 to 3.75), and sleep anxiety scores (OR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.33 to 3.48) were all associated with an increased risk of AL/CR >3 at follow-up (all P<0.05). Furthermore, higher sleep anxiety scores predicted prolonged AL at follow-up (β=0.03, 95%CI: 0 to 0.05). According to the mixed-effects model, higher daytime sleepiness scores and prolonged sleep duration were independently linked to reduced right-eye SE (β=-0.05, 95%CI: -0.10 to 0, P<0.05) and shorter right-eye AL (β=-0.05, 95%CI: -0.10 to 0, P<0.05). ConclusionIn this school in Shanghai, there are problems of insufficient and poor-quality sleep among young children. Sleep problems such as sleep resistance, delayed sleep onset, sleep anxiety, and daytime sleepiness among children may accelerate the risk of myopia progression, while longer sleep duration and higher sleep efficiency may serve as protective factors against the occurrence and development of myopia.

Purpose: Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) represents a severe postoperative complication following total or proximal gastrectomy. Treatment strategies include conservative management, endoscopic interventions, and surgery; however, comparative data remain limited. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of different strategies to identify the optimal approach based on anastomotic defect size. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 100 patients diagnosed with EJAL between January 2015 and October 2024. Patients were categorized into four groups:conservative management, endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (E-VAC), other endoscopic treatments, and surgery. The primary outcomes were leakage duration and length of hospital stay after EJAL diagnosis, whereas the secondary outcome was time to C-reactive protein normalization. Subgroup analyses were performed according to defect size. Results: Among the 100 patients, 76 were male and 24 were female, with a mean age of 65.7 years. Conservative treatment was the most common modality (53%), followed by other endoscopic treatments (19%), E-VAC (14%), and surgery (14%). In patients with a defect size <1 cm, conservative treatment was associated with significantly shorter leakage duration (P=0.035) and earlier resumption of diet (P=0.029) compared with endoscopic treatment.Among those with defects ≥2 cm, E-VAC demonstrated the most favorable median outcomes across all variables; however, statistical significance was not achieved because of the small sample size. Conclusions Conservative treatment appears to be the most effective treatment strategy for EJAL with anastomotic defects <1 cm. For larger defects (≥2 cm), E-VAC may offer clinical benefit, although further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. These findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment selection based on defect size.

Purpose: This study evaluated long-term trends in gastric cancer epidemiology and survival with a focus on conditional relative survival (CRS). Materials and Methods: Using the Korea Central Cancer Registry, we analyzed 665,184 patients who were newly diagnosed with gastric cancer between 1999 and 2022.The study period was divided into four intervals: Period I (1999–2005), Period II (2006–2011), Period III (2012–2017), and Period IV (2018–2022). Temporal trends in the incidence and mortality were assessed using crude and age-standardized rates. Relative survival was estimated using the Ederer II method, and the 5-year CRS was calculated according to the survival duration after diagnosis. Results: The incidence of gastric cancer increased until 2011 and subsequently declined, with a marked decrease observed in 2020. Individuals aged ≥70 years consistently had the highest incidence rates. Mortality rates showed a sustained decline throughout the study period. The overall 5-year relative survival improved from 69.8% in Period II to 78.4% in Period IV. The 5-year CRS increased from 86.1% at 1 year after diagnosis to 96.3% at 5 years.Patients with localized stage maintained a 5-year CRS above 95% at 1 year after diagnosis, whereas those with regional and distant stages showed 5-year CRS that consistently remained below 95%. Conclusions The incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer in Korea have declined over the past two decades, accompanied by improved survival outcomes. The CRS analysis suggests that long-term follow-up is warranted, with the optimal duration varying according to patient characteristics.

Endoscopic surgery has emerged as a viable treatment option for cervical stenotic myelopathy, offering several advantages over conventional approaches. In multilevel cervical myelopathy, traditional microscopic laminoplasty via the posterior approach requires muscle dissection along the spinous process, which serves as the insertion point for stabilizing muscles, thereby disrupting the posterior tension band. Recently, endoscopic laminoplasty techniques have been explored; however, these often involve detaching the spinous tip from the lamina, compromising the cervical fulcrum. In this report, we introduce a novel surgical technique using a unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) system that preserves key cervical structures typically damaged by prior open or endoscopic laminoplasty methods. An 82-year-old man presented with bilateral lower-extremity weakness. Imaging revealed stenosis at C3–4–5 with associated cord signal changes. Maintain anatomy laminoplasty was performed using the UBE system, preserving both the posterior tension band and the spinous process fulcrum. Postoperatively, the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Numeric Rating Scale scores improved. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. This new unilateral biportal endoscopic cervical laminoplasty is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive technique that achieves complete decompression in multilevel cervical stenotic myelopathy while maintaining critical anatomical structures.

The Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score (PASS) is widely used for risk stratification in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), but its clinical utility is limited by inter-observer variability of its parameters and inconsistent predictive performance. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of 1,518 patients with PPGL from five tertiary referral centers in Korea. Prognostic utility of PASS system was assessed using logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Inter-observer variability was inferred by comparing area under the ROC curve (AUCs) across institutions. Simplified PASS systems were developed based on multivariable analysis of key histopathological parameters. Results: The PASS system was a significant predictor of adverse events and recurrence-free survival. Although the PASS system demonstrated only modest discriminative ability (AUC, 0.673), it showed a high negative predictive value (NPV, 0.885), supporting its usefulness as a screening tool for benign behavior. However, there was significant inter-institutional variability in PASS performance (AUC; range, 0.513 to 0.727; p < .05). The 3-factor Simple PASS, which incorporates necrosis, spindling, and mitotic figures, exhibited less inter-observer variation. The 4-factor Simple PASS, which adds vascular invasion to the 3-factor model, also showed reduced inter-observer variability and improved AUC and NPV compared to the original PASS system. Conclusions: In this multicenter cohort, the PASS system demonstrated high NPV and screening potential, but significant inter-observer variability remains a challenge. Simplification of the PASS system and enhanced pathologist training may improve reproducibility and clinical utility in PPGL risk stratification.

Objectives: This study investigated how the mediating effect of health literacy (HL) on the association between income and cancer screening participation varies by age among Korean adults aged 40 years and older, with the aim of identifying the optimal timing for HL interventions. Methods: Data from 4171 adults aged ≥40 years in the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed using moderated mediation analysis implemented with the lavaan.survey package, accounting for the complex sampling design. The Johnson–Neyman technique was used to identify age thresholds at which the mediation effect became statistically significant, and the number needed to benefit (NNB) was calculated to estimate the potential efficiency of interventions targeting this pathway. Results: Each 1-quintile increase in income was associated with a 16.0% higher likelihood of undergoing cancer screening (odds ratio=1.16, p<0.001). The mediating effect of HL increased significantly with age (index of moderated mediation=0.000438, p=0.048). Mediation became statistically significant from age 54.2 years (Johnson–Neyman threshold), with the proportion of the total effect mediated rising from 0.1% among adults aged 40–49 years to 8.1% among those aged ≥70 years. The NNB for this pathway indicated substantial intervention efficiency in older adults (NNB=372 for ages ≥70), whereas the mediation effect was not statistically significant in the 50–59 age group. Conclusions HL significantly mediated the relationship between income and cancer screening participation from the mid-50s onward, with progressively greater contributions at older ages. These findings support age-differentiated strategies, including structural accessibility improvements for adults in their 40s and early 50s and integrated income–HL interventions for individuals aged ≥55 years. Experimental studies are warranted to confirm these associations.

Myopia, particularly high myopia, is a significant risk factor for several ocular pathologies including cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Excessive axial elongation associated with high myopia can induce biomechanical stretching, increasing the risk of serious complications like posterior staphyloma and myopic maculopathy. Global meta-analyses estimate that approximately 10 million people were visually impaired due to myopic maculopathy in 2015, with 3 million being blind. Recent nationwide surveys in South Korea revealed a prevalence of 65.4% for myopia and 6.9% for high myopia in children and adolescents, highlighting the urgent need for effective management. Delaying the onset and slowing the progression of myopia during childhood and adolescence is crucial for reducing the potential lifetime risk of these complications. This consensus statement, prepared by the Korean Myopia Society for the Korean Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (KAPOS), reviews the current evidence for myopia control interventions and provides management strategies applicable to the South Korean clinical setting. Key interventions covered include lifestyle modifications (outdoor time, near work adjustment), optical methods (myopia-control spectacle lenses, dual-focus soft contact lenses, orthokeratology), and pharmacologic treatment (low-concentration atropine), as well as combination therapies. The statement also addresses patient selection, treatment outcome evaluation using spherical equivalent and axial length changes, and the crucial aspects related to treatment cessation and the rebound effect.