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 evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective To design a centrifugal agtomization principle-based disinfection and disinsection device for plateau areas.Methods A disinfection and disinsection device was developed based on centrifugal atomization principle,which was composed of a spraying body,lifting and rotating mechanisms,an electrical control system,a spray tank and a sprayer carriage.The spraying body consisted of spraying components,a motor,an air blower,a fan and etc,and the spraying components adopted the structural form of multi-layer disc stacking to realize the atomization of liquid medicine;the lifting mechanism implemented up-and-down adjustment of the air blower through an electric actuartor,and the rotating mechanism executed left-and-right adjustment of the air blower thrgouth the worm gear motor and limit switch;the electrical control system was made up of a power source,electrical devices,a distribution system and a control system,in which a lead-acid battery pack was used for power supply and a DGUS touch screen and a DCS001 controller were involved in the control system;the spray tank was formed of a tank body,a needle valve,a water pump,float switch,etc;the sprayer carriage comprised a frame,a pusher,two sealing plates and four wheels.Some disc samples with different diameters were trial produced,and comparison experiments were carried out to investigate the relationship between disc diameter,motor speed,spray flow rate and atomization effect;a prototype was manufactured for performance testing of the device.Results The disc diameter and motor speed were inversely proportional to the droplet size;the spray flow rate was directly proportional to the droplet size,when the spray flow rate increased by 60%,the increment of the droplet size was restrained within 2%to 11%.The prototype test results indicated that the device could be used for ultra-low-volume disinfection and insecticide in plateau areas,with the D50 and D90 of the droplet size being 31 and 48 μm,respectively.Conclusion The device developed gains advantages in atomiztion,and meets the requirements for epidemic prevention,disinfection and disinsection in plateau areas.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(4):35-39]

Objective To investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinically isolated Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis in hospitals across China from 2015 to 2021,and provide evidence for rational use of antimicrobial agents.Methods Data of H.influenzae and M.catarrhalis strains isolated from 2015 to 2021 in CHINET program were collected for analysis,and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion method or automated systems according to the uniform protocol of CHINET.The results were interpreted according to the CLSI breakpoints in 2022.Beta-lactamases was detected by using nitrocefin disk.Results From 2015 to 2021,a total of 43 642 strains of Haemophilus species were isolated,accounting for 2.91％of the total clinical isolates and 4.07％of Gram-negative bacteria in CHINET program.Among the 40 437 strains of H.influenzae,66.89％were isolated from children and 33.11％were isolated from adults.More than 90％of the H.influenzae strains were isolated from respiratory tract specimens.The prevalence of β-lactamase was 53.79％in H.influenzae strains.The H.influenzae strains isolated from children showed higher resistance rate than the strains isolated from adults.Overall,779 strains of H.influenzae did not produce β-lactamase but were resistant to ampicillin(BLNAR).Beta-lactamase-producing strains showed significantly higher resistance rates to these antimicrobial agents than the β-lactamase-nonproducing strains.Of the 16 191 M.catarrhalis strains,80.06％were isolated from children and 19.94％isolated from adults.M.catarrhalis strains were mostly susceptible to both amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefuroxime,evidenced by resistance rate lower than 2.0％.Conclusions The emergence of antibiotic-resistant H.influenzae due to β-lactamase production poses a challenge for clinical anti-infective treatment.Therefore,it is very important to implement antibiotic resistance surveillance for H.influenzae and guide rational antibiotic use.All local clinical microbiology laboratories should actively improve antibiotic susceptibility testing and strengthen antibiotic resistance surveillance for H.influenzae.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects and mechanism of Chinese medicine Liujunzi Decoction (LJZD) on regulating microbial flora in mice with asthma flora disorder. METHODS: Thirty BALB/c female mice were divided into control, model, LJZD [3.5 g/(kg•d), by gavage], dexamethasone [DXMS, 0.7 mg/(kg•d), intraperitoneal injection], and Clostridium butyricum [CB, 230 mg/(kg•d), by gavage] groups according to a random number table, 6 mice in each group. The asthma flora disorder mice model was induced with ovalbumin (OVA). Lung and gut lesions were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stainings. The secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) protein expression in lung and gut tissues was detected by Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to detect the relative counts of GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3)/type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in lung and gut. The levels of inflammatory factors in lung and gut tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chao1 and Shannon index were used to compare microbial abundance and diversity in alveolar lavage fluid and cecal contents. The similarity or difference in the composition of mice microbial communities was analyzed through cluster analysis. The serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content was detected by ultra performance liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS)/MS. RESULTS: The asthma flora disorder model mice showed obvious asthma-related symptoms, but LJZD treatment effectively alleviated these symptoms. LJZD restored alveolar wall thickening, airway inflammatory cell infiltration, gut tissue structure destruction, and inflammatory cell infiltration in asthma flora disorder mice. LJZD downregulated the sIgA protein expression in mice (P<0.05). Moreover, LJZD decreased the activation of GATA3/ILC2s in lung and gut tissue (P<0.01), and reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-33, IL-25, IL-9 and IL-13 (P<0.01). LJZD treatment returned the abundance of microbial species and the microbial community structure of alveolar lavage fluid and cecal content in asthma flora disorder mice to the normal state. The SCFAs content and body metabolism were also improved. CONCLUSION LJZD exerted anti-asthmatic effects by improving the microbial balance of lung-gut axis and affecting systemic metabolism, consequently regulating the GATA3/ILC2s axis to impact the lung inflammatory response.
Animals ; Asthma/pathology* ; GATA3 Transcription Factor/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Female ; Lung/drug effects* ; Homeostasis/drug effects* ; Inflammation/pathology* ; Lymphocytes/drug effects* ; Mice

Objective:To explore the feasibility of the multiple-choice auditory graphical interactive check（MAGIC） screening module in childhood hearing screening in children aged 3 to 6 years. Methods:A hearing screening was conducted on 366 children（732 ears） aged between 3 and 6 years. The screening methods included MAGIC, DPOAE, and acoustic immittance.The cooperation, screening time, pass rate, and correlation of the three screening methods were compared. Results:There was a statistically significant difference in the degree of cooperation among the three screeningmethods（P=0.004）.The MAGIC pure tone screening method was 98.6%, the screening DPOAE was 99.5%,and the acoustic immittance screening was 100%. For the screening duration, the MAGIC pure tone screening method was（116.3±59.1）s, the screening DPOAE was（27.2±19.7）s, and the acoustic impedance screening was（24.6±14.6）s. There was a significant statistical significance differences among the three or two groups（P<0.01）. The passing rates of MAGIC pure tone screening,screening DPOAE and acoustic immittance screening were 64.7%, 65.4%, and 69.3%, respectively, and there was no significant statistical difference among the three or two groups（P>0.05）. There was no significant difference between MAGIC pure tone screening method and screening DPOAE（P=0.827>0.05）, and acoustic impedance（P=0.653>0.05）, while the difference between screening DPOAE and acoustic impedance was statistically significant（P<0.01）. Conclusion:MAGIC pure sound screening method has good feasibility, can comprehensively reflect the hearing level of screened children, and can be promoted for hearing screening in children aged between 3 and 6 years.
Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Female ; Male ; Audiometry, Pure-Tone ; Mass Screening/methods* ; Feasibility Studies ; Acoustic Impedance Tests/methods* ; Hearing Loss/diagnosis* ; Hearing Tests/methods*

Patients suffering from nerve injury often experience exacerbated pain responses and complain of memory deficits. The dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), a well-defined region responsible for learning and memory, displays maladaptive plasticity upon injury, which is assumed to underlie pain hypersensitivity and cognitive deficits. However, much attention has thus far been paid to intracellular mechanisms of plasticity rather than extracellular alterations that might trigger and facilitate intracellular changes. Emerging evidence has shown that nerve injury alters the microarchitecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and decreases ECM rigidity in the dHPC. Despite this, it remains elusive which element of the ECM in the dHPC is affected and how it contributes to neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits. Laminin, a key element of the ECM, consists of α-, β-, and γ-chains and has been implicated in several pathophysiological processes. Here, we showed that peripheral nerve injury downregulates laminin β1 (LAMB1) in the dHPC. Silencing of hippocampal LAMB1 exacerbates pain sensitivity and induces cognitive dysfunction. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that loss of hippocampal LAMB1 causes dysregulated Src/NR2A signaling cascades via interaction with integrin β1, leading to decreased Ca²⁺ levels in pyramidal neurons, which in turn orchestrates structural and functional plasticity and eventually results in exaggerated pain responses and cognitive deficits. In this study, we shed new light on the functional capability of hippocampal ECM LAMB1 in the modulation of neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits, and reveal a mechanism that conveys extracellular alterations to intracellular plasticity. Moreover, we identified hippocampal LAMB1/integrin β1 signaling as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and related memory loss.
Animals ; Laminin/genetics* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Neuralgia/metabolism* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Male ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries/metabolism* ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism* ; Integrin beta1/metabolism* ; Pyramidal Cells/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) expresses abundant glycolytic enzymes and displays comprehensive glucose metabolism reprogramming. Aldolase A (ALDOA) plays a prominent role in glycolysis; however, little is known about its role in HCC development. In the present study, we aim to explore how ALDOA is involved in HCC proliferation. HCC proliferation was markedly suppressed both in vitro and in vivo following ALDOA knockout, which is consistent with ALDOA overexpression encouraging HCC proliferation. Mechanistically, ALDOA knockout partially limits the glycolytic flux in HCC cells. Meanwhile, ALDOA translocated to nuclei and directly interacted with c-Jun to facilitate its Thr93 phosphorylation by P21-activated protein kinase; ALDOA knockout markedly diminished c-Jun Thr93 phosphorylation and then dampened c-Jun transcription function. A crucial site Y364 mutation in ALDOA disrupted its interaction with c-Jun, and Y364S ALDOA expression failed to rescue cell proliferation in ALDOA deletion cells. In HCC patients, the expression level of ALDOA was correlated with the phosphorylation level of c-Jun (Thr93) and poor prognosis. Remarkably, hepatic ALDOA was significantly upregulated in the promotion and progression stages of diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC models, and the knockdown of A ldoa strikingly decreased HCC development in vivo. Our study demonstrated that ALDOA is a vital driver for HCC development by activating c-Jun-mediated oncogene transcription, opening additional avenues for anti-cancer therapies.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.