1.Compact Fundus Imaging System Using Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing for High-speed Auto-focus
Zhe-Kai LIN ; Long CHEN ; Geng-Yong ZHENG ; Jin-Tian HUANG ; Jia-Xin DONG ; Shang-Pan YANG ; Wen-Zheng DING ; Ding-An HAN ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1076-1086
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.
2.Improvement of lower limb walking function in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain by biofeedback assisted electrical stimulation
Xiang ZHENG ; Mingxing ZHANG ; Ya HUANG ; Sharui SHAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):547-553
BACKGROUND:There have been many studies on biofeedback therapy and three-dimensional gait function analysis for chronic non-specific low back pain at home and abroad,but few studies on the combination of the two have been reported. OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of biofeedback assisted electrical stimulation on the change of walking ability in chronic non-specific low back pain by collecting gait parameter data through three-dimensional gait analysis. METHODS:Sixty patients with chronic non-specific low back pain,34 males and 26 females,aged 32-58 years,were selected and admitted to First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University from June 2021 to September 2022.They were divided into control group(n=30)and trial group(n=30)according to the principle of random allocation.Both groups of patients received conventional treatment of dynamic interference with the waist,20 minutes/time,once/day,5 times a week,for 20 times.The control group received supine bypass and prone bypass suspension core muscle training on the basis of conventional treatment,5 times a week,for 20 times.The trial group received biofeedback assisted electrical stimulation therapy on the basis of the control group,20 minutes/time,once/day,5 times a week,for 20 times.The low back pain score,the mean value of electromyography and the gait parameters were compared and analyzed before and after treatment between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After treatment,the numerical rating scale score,Japanese Orthopaedic Association score,and Oswestry disability index of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P<0.05).Numerical rating scale score,Japanese Orthopaedic Association score,and Oswestry disability index of the trial group were better than those of the control group(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the mean values of surface electromyography of rectus abdominis,gluteus maximus,and erector spinae muscle in the two groups were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the mean values of surface electromyography of rectus abdominis,gluteus maximus,and erector spinae muscle in the trial group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the step width,step speed,step frequency,step length ratio between healthy and diseased sides,the relative value of support between healthy and diseased sides,the relative value of swing between diseased and healthy sides,the sagittal motion range of hip joint and knee joint between healthy and diseased sides and the foot angle between healthy and diseased sides were all better than those before treatment in both groups(P<0.05).The above indexes of the trial group were better than those of the control group after treatment(P<0.05).(4)These results suggest that biofeedback assisted electrical stimulation can significantly alleviate chronic non-specific low back pain,and improve the lower limb walking function.
3.Protective effect of Sanfeng Tongqiao Dropping Pills against house dust mite-induced allergic asthma in mice
Tong-wen ZUO ; Xiao-qun GU ; Shu-xian SUN ; Lin LI ; Ya-jun SONG ; Fu-man HUANG ; Qian ZHAO ; Kang ZHOU ; Jie ZHENG ; Min HONG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(8):2542-2549
AIM To investigate the protective effect of Sanfeng Tongqiao Dropping Pills against house dust mite(HDM)-induced allergic asthma in mice.METHODS Compared to the intact BALB/c mice in the blank control group,the BALB/c mice randomly assigned into the model group,the dexamethasone group(0.67 mg/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Sanfeng Tongqiao Dropping Pills groups(15,30 and 60 mg/kg),were induced into acute allergic asthma models via weekly intraperitoneal sensitization with 0.1 mL HDM solution(0.5 mg/mL)for three weeks followed by three consecutive daily intranasal challenges with 10 μL HDM solution(2.5 mg/mL)starting in the third week.The drug administered continuously 7 days after the last excitation.The mice had their airway reactive Penh value detected,their pulmonary pathological changes observed by HE staining,their blood eosinophils(EOS)counted,their Th2 cytokines in lung tissue and serum IgE levels detected by ELISA,and their number of peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)and pulmonary Th2 cells detected by flow cytometry.Chronic allergic asthma was induced in grouped BALB/c mice through repeated intranasal challenges with 10 μL HDM solution(2.5 mg/mL)administered five times weekly for five consecutive weeks.Drug treatment continued for 14 days following the final challenge.After the final treatment,the mice had their pulmonary pathological changes observed by HE staining,and their levels of Th2 cytokines in B ALF and lung tissue and serum IgE detected by ELISA.RESULTS Compared to the blank control group,the acute allergic asthma model group exhibited increases in Penh value,EOS count and IgE level in serum,IL-4 and IL-5 levels in lung tissue(P<0.01);obvious pulmonary inflammatory cells infiltration,and thickened airway wall;and increase in pulmonary number of Th2 cells(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the groups intervened with Sanfeng Tongqiao Dropping Pills demonstrated decreased Penh value,serum EOS count,IgE level and IL-5 level in lung tissue(P<0.05,P<0.01);reduced pulmonary inflammatory infiltration and alleviated airway wall thickening;and decreased number of pulmonary Th2 cells.Compared to the blank group,the chronic allergic asthma model group showed obvious pulmonary inflammatory infiltration and airway wall thickening;and increased EOS count and IgE level in serum,IL-4 and IL-13 in lung tissue and IL-14 in BALF(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the groups intervened with either medium-dose or high-dose Sanfeng Tongqiao Dropping Pills demonstrated reduced pulmonary inflammatory infiltration;and decreased serum EOS count,IgE level,IL-13 in lung tissue and IL-14 in BALF(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Sanfeng Tongqiao Dropping Pills reduce Th2 cells in peripheral blood and lung tissue,suppress type 2 inflammation,and thereby alleviate allergic asthma.
4.Evaluation of the Simodont training system in general dentistry residency training using Mini-CEX+DOPS
Yang YANG ; Ya WANG ; Qinghua ZHENG ; Chengge HUA ; Bo HUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(9):1164-1170
Objective:To evaluate the application value of mini-clinical evaluation exercise-direct observation of procedural skills (Mini-CEX-DOPS) in the assessment of the Simodont digital virtual simulation training system in general dentistry residency training.Methods:A total of 172 general dentistry residents at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, from January 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups using a random number table. The control group received traditional teaching, and the training group received Simodont digital virtual simulation training and traditional teaching. Through clinical treatment of real patients, differences between groups were compared in Mini-CEX+DOPS assessment scores, exit examination scores, and teaching satisfaction. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Categorical data were analyzed using the chi-square test, and inter-group comparisons were performed using the independent-samples t test with a significance level of α=0.05. Results:There were no significant differences in Mini-CEX scores between the two groups at the beginning of residency training at the Department of General Dentistry ( P>0.05). At the end of residency training, the Mini-CEX scores of the training group in clinical consultation, physical examination, and humanistic care were higher than those of the control group ( P<0.05); the comprehensive competency score of the training group was (7.65±0.50), while that of the control group was (6.84±0.43). The comprehensive competency scores of both groups were higher at the end of residency training compared to that at the beginning of residency training ( P<0.05). At the beginning of residency training, there were no significant differences in DOPS assessment scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). At the end of residency training, the DOPS evaluation scores were higher in the training group than in the control group ( P<0.05). The overall operation skill scores for the training and control groups were (7.61±0.45) and (6.90±0.31), respectively. The DOPS scores of both groups were higher at the end of residency training compared to those at the beginning of residency training ( P<0.05). The theoretical evaluation, professional skill, and medical record writing quality scores of the training group were higher than those of the control group ( P<0.05); the professional skill scores of the training and control groups were (86.32±4.12) and (77.39±4.58), respectively. The overall satisfaction of the training group was higher than that of the control group [95.35%(82/86) vs. 70.93%(61/86), P<0.05]. Conclusions:Based on the formative evaluation system of Mini-CEX+DOPS, the Simodont digital virtual simulation training system can improve the training effectiveness, physician satisfaction, teaching quality, and patient satisfaction in general dentistry residency training. This approach has significant application value and promising prospects for broader promotion.
5.Effects of Changpu Yujin Decoction on mitophagy and PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway in a rat model of Tourette syndrome
Shuang HUANG ; Ya-li YAN ; Hao MEI ; Jing-xi YAO ; Fu-chun XUE ; Jing SHANG ; Yan TANG ; Zheng-gang SHI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3225-3232
AIM To investigate the effects of Changpu Yujin Decoction(CPYJD)on striatal mitophagy and PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS).METHODS Thirty-six SPF male SD rats were randomly assigned to the control group(n=9)and the TS modeling group(n=27).Rats in the modeling group received daily intraperitoneal injections of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile(IDPN)(300 mg/kg)for 7 consecutive days to establish the TS model.Post-modeling,successfully induced TS rats were re-randomized into model group(no treatment),tiapride group(47.91 mg/kg)and CPYJD group(77.28 g/kg).All groups received their respective interventions via intragastric administration daily for 28 days.Following drug administration,behavioral scores were assessed in each group.Pathological alterations in the striatum were examined using HE staining,while ultrastructural changes were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Neuronal apoptosis was quantified via TUNEL staining,and ROS levels in striatum were measured by ELISA.Co-localization of PINK1 and LC3B was assessed using immunofluorescence(IF).Finally,mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin-1,P62 and LC3B(LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio)were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group demonstrated significantly increased behavioral scores(P<0.01),elevated neuronal apoptosis rate and higher ROS levels in the striatum(P<0.01);severe neuronal and mitochondrial damage in the striatum;significantly reduced mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin-1 and LC3B(LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio)in the striatum(P<0.01);markedly upregulated P62 mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,both the tiapride and CPYJD intervention groups exhibited significantly reduced behavioral scores(P<0.01);decreased neuronal apoptosis rate and lower ROS levels(P<0.01);improved pathological alterations in the striatal neurons and mitochondria;increased mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin and Beclin-1 in the striatum(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased P62 mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.01).Furthermore,the rats in the CPYJD group specifically showed elevated LC3B mRNA level and LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein ratio in striatum(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION The effect of CPYJD intervention in TS rats may involve activation of mitophagy through regulation of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway,improving mitochondrial function,reducing ROS levels,and thereby protecting neurons.
6.Research and application of a new deep learning based strategy for platelet histogram review
Enming ZHANG ; Chao YANG ; Xianchun CHEN ; Yan LIN ; Taixue AN ; Haixia LI ; Yongjian HE ; Zhiwei LIU ; Limei FENG ; Wanying LIN ; Tie XIONG ; Kai QIU ; Ya GAO ; Lizhu HUANG ; Jing HE ; Chunyan WANG ; Dehua SUN ; Bo SITU ; Lei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1201-1206
Objective:To develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platelet review strategy to identify abnormal platelet histograms with no significant difference between initial impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F results.Methods:This study included 5 119 routine blood analysis in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University and its Ganzhou branch from July 2023 and March 2024. Specimens exhibiting abnormal platelet histograms and an initial platelet count >40×10?/L underwent review using the fluorescent platelet count (PLT-F) channel. Consistency of the results was defined as a difference between impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F less than ±20% of the PLT-F results. A deep learning model was developed using platelet and red blood cell histogram data from a training set of 3 807 specimens. The model′s diagnostic performance was evaluated on an independent external validation set ( n=805) using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Changes in the number of reviewed samples and sample turnaround time were analyzed to assess its clinical utility. Results:The deep learning model based on platelet and red blood cell histograms achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.854 in the training set. At a cutoff value of 0.1, the sensitivity was 0.954 and specificity was 0.358. The model could reduce review by 16.80% (190/1 131). In the validation set, the AUC was 0.805, with a sensitivity of 0.955 and specificity of 0.307, corresponding to a reduction of 17.41% (47/270) in reviewed specimens.Conclusion:The platelet review prediction model developed based on deep learning technology can efficiently identify samples with consistent results before and after review, reducing unnecessary reviews and shortening specimen testing time, thereby improving the efficiency of platelet test.
7.Establishment and application of a method for detecting Toxoplasma gondii based on recombinant polymerase amplification technology
Shao-zheng SONG ; Le-ying GU ; Ying-chao WU ; Ya-qin MENG ; Kang-ying YU ; Xiao-hua HUANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):107-112
To establish a method for detecting Toxoplasma gondii based on recombinant polymerase amplification(RPA)technology and apply it to clinical sample validation of pet cats.Using the 529 repeat sequence of the Toxoplasma gondii gene as the target gene sequence,primers and probes were designed,and the Rep-529 recombinant plasmid was constructed as the standard.A fluorescent RPA reaction system was established.Dilute the plasmid standard 10 times to different concentrations as the detection template for sensitivity testing;Specific testing was conducted using genomic DNA from several parasitic spe-cies,including Toxoplasma gondii,Cryptosporidium,Neosporidium,Trichinella spiralis,Giardia flagellata,Babesia bo-vis and Theileria annulata as templates;Simultaneously,fluorescence RPA and RT-PCR were used to detect 52 positive and 40 negative cats clinical samples,and the coincidence rate of the detection results of the two methods were compared and ana-lyzed.The RPA reaction system was successfully established using PTRep recombinant plasmid as the standard,ToxD-F/ToxD-R as the primer,and RepD-P as the fluorescent probe.The reaction temperature was constant at 39 ℃,the reaction time was 30 minutes,and the detection sensitivity was 1 copy/μL.There is no significant cross reaction with parasites such as Cryptosporidium,Neosporidium,Trichinella spiralis,Giardia,Babesia bovis and Theileria annulata,and the specificity is good.A total of 92 clinical fecal samples from cats were tested,and the positive coincidence rate of fluorescence RPA detection method was higher than that of conventional RT-PCR method(98.08%vs.82.69%),and the difference of the positive rate was not statistically significant(X2=1.392,P>0.05).The fluorescence RPA detection method for Toxoplasma gondii suc-cessfully established in this study has the characteristics of being fast,sensitive,specific,accurate,and reliable.It can be used as a rapid clinical detection kit for Toxoplasma gondii in cats and other animals,providing new technical support for the subsequent epidemiological monitoring and precise clinical diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in cats,other animals,and humans in the future.
8.Development of transparent manikin and its application to surgical training on medical train
Ya-jun SONG ; Wen-gang HU ; Ming-hui YANG ; Sheng-qing LYU ; Chi-bing HUANG ; Ji-feng ZOU ; Yang LI ; Yun WANG ; Ji ZHENG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):111-115
Objective To develop a novel type of transparent simulation manikin as a surgical training model to meet the surgical treatment demand on the medical train.Methods A transparent manikin was developed with the steps of basic data collection,motherboard design and manufacture and module production and assembly.Firstly,basic data collection was carried out with reference to standardized human anatomy and parameters.Secondly,some software such as UG NX7.5 was used to construct the motherboard of the manikin.Finally,module production and assembly were performed with the materials of acrylic,transparent rubber,silicone and hydrogel and the technology of silicone infusion.Results The transparent manikin developed had its anatomy structure close to that of the real body and high visuality for its internal and external components,which simulated a variety of war wounds and thus could be integrated with the surgical training scenarios on the medical train effectively.Conclusion The transparent manikin developed is characterized by high visuality,modularity and blood flow,and meets the demands for surgical training on the medical train.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):111-115]
9.The anti-heart failure mechanism of N-acetylcysteine in diabetic cardiomyopathy via ERK1/2 path-way
Jian JI ; Ya-hong HUANG ; Ying-min LU ; Dong-mei YUE ; Xiao-hui ZHENG ; Jin-chun ZHANG ; Zhao-xia WANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(4):543-547
Objective:To investigate the anti-heart failure mechanism of N-acetylcysteine(NAC)in diabetic cardiomyop-athy independent from coronary artery factors.Methods:A total of 40 diabetic mice after heart failure model construction were randomly divided into two groups,NAC group(n=20,NAC 100mg·kg-1·d-1)and control group(n=20,Saline 100 mg·kg-1·d-1).Echocardiography was performed to detect left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),mitral left ventricular early-dias-tolic peak flow velocity/left ventricular late-diastolic peak flow velocity(E/A),isovolumic relaxation time(IVRT)and cardiac output(CO)after 4 weeks.Terminal uridine nick-end labeling(TUNEL)was performed to detect apoptosis in-dex,and Western Blot was performed to detect the expression of extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)1/2 after 6 weeks in two groups.Results:Compared to those in control group,mice in NAC group had significant higher LVEF[(40.5±3.4)%vs.(36.9±3.2)%],E/A[(1.5±0.1)vs.(1.4±0.1)]and CO[(10.3±0.6)ml/min vs.(9.9±0.5)ml/min](P<0.05 or<0.01);and significant lower LVESV[(23.1±1.3)μl vs.(24.7±1.5)μl],apoptosis index[(31.2±0.5)%vs.(45.1±0.9)%]and the expression of ERK1/2[(2.2±0.2)vs.(3.9±0.1)](P<0.001 all).Conclusion:NAC exerts anti-heart failure effect by attenuating apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via regulating ERK1/2 pathway.
10.A Bibliometric Analysis of the Relationship Between Oral Microbiome and Digestive System Diseases
Wenli JIANG ; Tian HUANG ; Furui WANG ; Guangbo ZHOU ; Ya ZHENG ; Yuping WANG ; Zenan HU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(4):940-949
Objective To delineate the current research landscape,emerging hotspots,and frontiers re-garding the relationship between the oral microbiome and digestive system diseases.Methods We retrieved publications from the Web of Science Core Collection database using topic-specific queries on"oral microbi-ome"and"digestive diseases."Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer,CiteSpace,and the"bibliometrix"package in R for data mining and visualization.Results A total of 1228 eligible articles were included.Analysis revealed that research on the correlation between oral microbiota and digestive system diseases will remain a global hotspot.Academic institutions dominated the publications,with centralized institutional distribution and team-based collaboration,though overall collaboration networks remained fragmented.Geo-graphically,the United States emerged as the leading contributor,followed by China and the United Kingdom.While China-U.S.collaborations were prominent,China's engagement with other regions remained limited.Current research hotspots focus on the interplay between oral microbiota and gut microbiota,inflam-matory bowel disease(IBD),and digestive system tumors.Conclusions Research in this field demonstrates high activity and diversity.Studies on the associations of oral microbiota with gut microbiota,IBD,and diges-tive system tumors(particularly esophageal,gastric,pancreatic,and colorectal cancers)remain prominent.Future studies should prioritize elucidating underlying mechanisms and innovating in biomarker discovery and application.However,insufficient collaboration and resource-sharing among institutions currently hinder pro-gress in this field.

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