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.Guben Kechuan Granules (固本咳喘颗粒) for the Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis with Lung Qi Weakness Pattern:A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial
Daowen YANG ; Xiaofeng SHANG ; Er HONG ; Hongchun ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):262-267
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Guben Kechuan Granules (固本咳喘颗粒) in treating chronic bronchitis (CB) with lung qi weakness pattern. MethodsA multicenter, randomized controlled trial was conducted, and 180 patients with CB of lung qi weakness pattern were randomly divided into 120 cases in the treatment group and 60 cases in the control group according to a 2∶1 ratio. The control group received health education for 24 weeks, while conventional symptomatic treatment was given when acute exacerbation of CB occurred. Treatment group was treated with the oral administration of Guben Kechuan Granules, 2 g each time, 3 times a day, for a total of 24 weeks on the basis of treatment of the control group. Both groups were followed up for 24 weeks after 24 weeks of treatment. Primary effectiveness indicators included the number of CB acute exacerbations occurence during the treatment and follow-up period, and the total number of CB acute exacerbations from the start of treatment to the end of follow-up. Secondary effectiveness indicators included the details of CB acute exacerbations, i.e., time to first acute exacerbation, time between acute exacerbations, duration of each time of acute exacerbation, and acute exacerbation symptom severity scores, and lung function indices. The scores of cough, sputum, and wheeze and total symptom scores were compared prior to treatment, at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks of treatment, and at 24 weeks of follow-up. The occurrence of adverse events during the study period was recorded and safety indices including blood routine, liver function, kidney function, and urine routine were tested. ResultsA total of 179 participants completed the trial including 119 in the treatment group and 60 in the control group. Compared to pre-treatment scores within the group, the treatment group showed reductions in cough, sputum, and wheeze scores, and total symptom scores at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 of treatment, as well as at 24 weeks of follow-up; in the control group, cough scores decreased at weeks 16, 20, and 24, sputum and wheeze scores decreased at week 24 of treatment and at 24 weeks of follow-up, and total symptom scores decreased at weeks 20, 24 of treatment, and at 24 weeks of follow-up (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed reductions in the number of CB acute exacerbations occurence during the treatment and follow-up period, and the total number of CB acute exacerbations from the start of treatment to the end of follow-up, the duration of acute exacerbations, the acute exacerbation symptom severity scores, and the scores for cough, sputum, wheeze, and total symptoms at weeks 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 of treatment, and at 24 weeks of follow-up; while the time to the first acute exacerbation of CB was significantly prolonged in the treatment group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in lung function indicators between groups before treatment and at 24 weeks after treatment (P>0.05). Safety indicators showed no significant abnormalities before or after treatment in either group, and the incidence of adverse events during the treatment period showed no significant differences between the groups (P>0.05). ConclusionGuben Kechuan Granules can reduce the risk of acute exacerbations in CB patients with lung qi weakness pattern, improve clinical symptoms such as cough, sputum, and wheeze, and show good safety.
3.Translational Research of Electromagnetic Fields on Diseases Related With Bone Remodeling: Review and Prospects
Peng SHANG ; Jun-Yu LIU ; Sheng-Hang WANG ; Jian-Cheng YANG ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; An-Lin LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yu-Hong ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):439-455
Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.
4.Rapid On-site Analysis of Four Prohibited Sex Hormones in Cosmetics Using Online Derivatization Reaction and A Miniature Mass Spectrometer
Li-Li TONG ; Yan-Hong HU ; Ren-You YANG ; Yue-Guang LYU ; Yu-Han SHANG ; Qing LYU ; Qing ZHANG ; Qiang WANG ; Xiang-Yu GUO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1623-1630
Due to the poor ionization efficiency and the weak mass spectrometry(MS)intensity of weakly polar substances,direct analysis using the traditional electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(ESI-MS)is a big challenge.In this study,a novel rapid on-site detection method of four prohibited sex hormones in cosmetics was proposed using online derivatization strategy coupled with a miniature mass spectrometer.The target substances in the samples were extracted by a custom-made polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube solid-phase microextraction(SPME)probe.The stirring speed was 200 r/min,the extraction temperature was 40℃,and the extraction time was 2 min.A pulled dual-channel θ borosilicate glass capillary emitter was used as the nano-ESI ion source.The SPME probe was inserted into the channel containing methanol in theθborosilicate glass capillary.When the spray voltage was applied,the four sex hormones were desorbed and formed spray microdroplets,which then collided with the hydroxylamine microdroplets generated from the other channel.The microdroplets of reaction product entered into the miniature mass spectrometer for direct analysis.The limits of detection(LOD)and limits of quantification(LOQ)for the four sex hormones were 10-20 ng/mL and 20-50 ng/mL,respectively.The recoveries were from 84.6%to 107.8%with the relative standard deviations(RSD)from 4.1%to 11.6%.Compared to detection without derivatization,the MS signals of the four target substances were increased by 3 to 15 times.This method was simple,rapid,highly efficient and sensitive,and suitable for on-site rapid analysis of weakly polar sex hormones in cosmetics.
5.Visualization analysis on research literature about Taohong Siwu Decoction based on CiteSpace
Shang LIU ; Yan CHEN ; Kanjana THANA ; Can WANG ; Ziqiong LONG ; Xingyue CHEN ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Yitong HONG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(3):380-386
Objective:To understand the current research status, hot issues, and development trends of Taohong Siwu Decoction.Methods:Research literature about Taohong Siwu Decoction was retrieved from Wanfang Data, CBM, CNKI, and Chongqing VIP from January 1, 2014, to August 13, 2024. Excel 2024 software was used to analyze the annual number of publications, the source journals, literature types and the distribution of diseases and syndromes. CiteSpace 6.3.R3 software was used for visualization analysis on the authors, research institutions and key words.Results:A total of 2 519 articles were included, and the annual publication volume showed a fluctuating growth trend. There were 396 source journals, of which Medicine and Health published the most (80 articles); 208 authors were involved, and the core authors included Peng Daiyin of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Zhu Fuping of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Sun Shaoqiu of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and so on. The main research institutions in this field included Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and its affiliated hospitals. The high-frequency keywords included fracture, irregular menstruation, clinical efficacy, chloasma, Wuling Powder, experience of famous doctors, elderly, etc. Keywords could be clustered into 11 modules.Conclusions:The current research hotspots of Taohong Siwu Decoction mainly focus on the exploration of multi-system disease treatment, individualized syndrome differentiation and treatment, pharmacology and metabolic mechanism of Chinese materia medica, etc. Among them, the in-depth study of drug composition and metabolism, network pharmacology and mechanism is the research frontier in this field.
6.Optimization of the Extraction Process of Changyan Heji Ⅱ Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Combined with Response Surface Method and Principal Component Analysis
Shulin WANG ; Jing SHANG ; Wenjun LIU ; Zerong CAI ; Mengyu QIAN ; Xiaoxin HU ; Liang CAO ; Zhenz-hong WANG ; Wei XIAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(4):501-512
OBJECTIVE To establish a extraction process of Changyan Heji Ⅱ(CYHJ-Ⅱ)based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology combined with response surface analysis,and to optimize the extraction process.METHODS The chemical components in CYHJ-Ⅱ were qualitatively analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology,and the chemical components with good linear relation-ship in mass spectrometry response were selected as process investigation indicators;the extraction process parameters(water addition amount,extraction time and soaking time)were investigated by Box-Behnken design;the comprehensive score was obtained by princi-pal component analysis(PCA),and the optimal process was determined by the comprehensive score combined with response surface a-nalysis.RESULTS Through qualitative analysis,110 components were inferred and identified from CYHJ-Ⅱ,including 2 organic acids,82 flavonoids,13 terpenoids,and 13 alkaloids.Based on the results of qualitative analysis,48 index components with good lin-ear relationships were derived by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with Masshunter mass spectrometry data analysis software.PCA was performed and the comprehensive score was calculated.Response surface analysis was performed with the comprehensive score as an indicator.The optimal extraction process obtained by combining the response surface prediction results and actual production was:soaking for 45 min,8 times the amount of solvent,2 extractions,each time for 120 min.CONCLUSION This study provides a new idea for the investigation of the extraction process of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescriptions and expands a new method for the development of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescriptions.
7.Urethral Sparing versus Trans-Vesical Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy:A Comparative Analysis of Perioperative, Postoperative Outcomes, and Ejaculation Preservation
Yu Seob SHIN ; Shang Weon PAK ; Wonku HWANG ; Seon Beom JO ; Jong Wook KIM ; Mi Mi OH ; Hong Seok PARK ; Du Geon MOON ; Sun Tae AHN
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):387-395
Purpose:
To compare the perioperative and postoperative outcomes between traditional trans-vesical robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (TV-RASP) and the newly introduced urethral-sparing (US) RASP.
Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients who underwent TV-RASP (n=22) or US-RASP (n=20) performed by two experienced surgeons at two tertiary centers. Perioperative outcomes including operation time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and catheterization time were assessed. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), uroflowmetry parameters, Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculation Dysfunction-Short Form (MSHQ-EjD-SF) scores, and maintenance of anterograde ejaculation.
Results:
This study analyzed 22 and 20 patients who underwent TV-RASP and US-RASP, respectively. Except for the TV-RASP group being older (70.0 years) than the US-RASP group (64.5 years) (p=0.028), no differences among other baseline characteristics existed. Perioperative outcomes indicated that hospital stay and catheterization time were significantly shorter in the US-RASP group than in the TV-RASP group (p<0.001). At postoperative month 1, the median IPSS and QoL scores were significantly better in the US-RASP group than in the TV-RASP group (p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). However, at months 6 and 12, no significant differences were noted in IPSS, QoL, maximum flow rate, and postvoid residual urine between the two groups. Sexually active patients in the US-RASP group maintained postoperative MSHQ-EjD functional and bother scores, whereas the TV-RASP group experienced a decline. Notably, 75.0% of patients in the US-RASP group preserved antegrade ejaculation, compared to only 20.0% in the TV-RASP group (p<0.001).
Conclusions
US-RASP is not inferior to TV-RASP in terms of functional outcomes. In addition, US-RASP yielded more rapid symptom improvements and preserved antegrade ejaculation than TV-RASP. However, larger prospective studies are required to confirm these findings and to further investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of US-RASP.
8.Exploration of Heat Clearing Herbs with Anti-inflammatory and Anti-tumor Effects Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Pathogenic Factors of Pancreatitis-induced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Yana BAO ; Xiaonan ZHANG ; Xi GUAN ; Liang ZHAO ; Yuying CUI ; Yu WU ; Dong SHANG ; Hong XIANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):161-167
Background When discussing the new concept of"pancreas spleen integration"in the early stage,we proposed that dampness heat stagnation in the spleen and deficiency due to stagnation are the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pathogenesis elements of pancreatitis-induced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,among which dampness heat is the soil of pancreatitis deteriorates into pancreatic cancer.Objective Based on the TCM pathogenesis elements of pancreatitis to cancer with"damp heat"as the main factor,data mining technology was used to analyze the properties,channel conversion and active ingredients of heat-clearing Chinese medicines with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects,and to summarize the drug characteristics of these Chinese medicines.To prospectively predict the use of drugs in the transformation process of pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer.Methods Taking Traditional Chinese Medicine(10th Edition of China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press)as the drug data source,66 heat-clearing herbs were searched in the literature database of CNKI and PubMed of inflammation * TCM or(inflammation+tumor)* TCM.The active ingredients were analyzed in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP).Results Among the 66 heat-clearing drugs(excluding adjunct drugs),58 herbs had anti-inflammatory effects,53 herbs had anti-tumor effects,and 48 herbs had both anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects.The three groups of drugs were mainly bitter,sweet and pungent in five flavors,and were mainly liver,stomach,lung,heart and large intestine in meridian affinity.Five flavors and meridian affinity were highly similar.In the TCMSP,the"five principles of drug class"were used to screen the active ingredients of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drugs.A total of 1041 active ingredient data were screened,and 798 active ingredient data were screened after duplicate items were deleted.Top three active ingredients were Luteolin,Kaempferol and Acacetin.Conclusion Based on the analysis of five flavors,meridian affinity and active ingredients of heat-clearing medicine,this study found that the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of these Chinese herbs are highly overlapping,it has important guiding significance for the drug research and clinical prescription of pancreatitis-induced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
9.Expert consensus on visualized tele-round and quality control management based on the improvement of clinical practice ability
Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Ran ZHOU ; Dawei LIU ; Yan KANG ; Yaoqing TANG ; Xiaochun MA ; Jianguo LI ; Zhenjie HU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Wei HE ; Lixia LIU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Ran ZHU ; Jun WU ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Lina ZHANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Shihong ZHU ; Wangbin XU ; Rongqing SUN ; Xiangyou YU ; Tianjiao SONG ; Ying ZHU ; Hong REN ; Ai SHANMU ; Qing ZHANG ; Wei FANG ; Xiuling SHANG ; Liwen LYU ; Shuhan CAI ; Xin DING ; Heng ZHANG ; Guang FENG ; Lipeng ZHANG ; Bo HU ; Dong ZHANG ; Weidong WU ; Feng SHEN ; Xiaojun YANG ; Zhenguo ZENG ; Qibing HUANG ; Xueying ZENG ; Tongjuan ZOU ; Milin PENG ; Yulong YAO ; Mingming CHEN ; Hui LIAN ; Jingmei WANG ; Yong LI ; Feng QU ; Gang YE ; Rongli YANG ; Xiukai CHEN ; Suwei LI ; Juxiang WANG ; Yangong CHAO
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(2):101-109
Turning to critical illness is a common stage of various diseases and injuries before death. Patients usually have complex health conditions, while the treatment process involves a wide range of content, along with high requirements for doctor′s professionalism and multi-specialty teamwork, as well as a great demand for time-sensitive treatments. However, this is not matched with critical care professionals and the current state of medical care in China. Telemedicine, which shortens the distance of medical professionals and the gap of disease diagnosis and treatments in various regions through electronic information, can effectively solve the current problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a standardized, high-quality visualization telemedicine round system .Therefore, experts have been organized to search domestic and foreign literature on telemedicine round for critically ill patients and to form this consensus based on clinical experiences so as to further improve the level of critical care treatments in regions.
10.Optimization of the Extraction Process of Changyan Heji Ⅱ Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Combined with Response Surface Method and Principal Component Analysis
Shulin WANG ; Jing SHANG ; Wenjun LIU ; Zerong CAI ; Mengyu QIAN ; Xiaoxin HU ; Liang CAO ; Zhenz-hong WANG ; Wei XIAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(4):501-512
OBJECTIVE To establish a extraction process of Changyan Heji Ⅱ(CYHJ-Ⅱ)based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology combined with response surface analysis,and to optimize the extraction process.METHODS The chemical components in CYHJ-Ⅱ were qualitatively analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology,and the chemical components with good linear relation-ship in mass spectrometry response were selected as process investigation indicators;the extraction process parameters(water addition amount,extraction time and soaking time)were investigated by Box-Behnken design;the comprehensive score was obtained by princi-pal component analysis(PCA),and the optimal process was determined by the comprehensive score combined with response surface a-nalysis.RESULTS Through qualitative analysis,110 components were inferred and identified from CYHJ-Ⅱ,including 2 organic acids,82 flavonoids,13 terpenoids,and 13 alkaloids.Based on the results of qualitative analysis,48 index components with good lin-ear relationships were derived by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with Masshunter mass spectrometry data analysis software.PCA was performed and the comprehensive score was calculated.Response surface analysis was performed with the comprehensive score as an indicator.The optimal extraction process obtained by combining the response surface prediction results and actual production was:soaking for 45 min,8 times the amount of solvent,2 extractions,each time for 120 min.CONCLUSION This study provides a new idea for the investigation of the extraction process of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescriptions and expands a new method for the development of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescriptions.

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