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.Molecular Mechanisms of RNA Modification Interactions and Their Roles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Jia-Wen FANG ; Chao ZHE ; Ling-Ting XU ; Lin-Hai LI ; Bin XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2252-2266
RNA modifications constitute a crucial class of post-transcriptional chemical alterations that profoundly influence RNA stability and translational efficiency, thereby shaping cellular protein expression profiles. These diverse chemical marks are ubiquitously involved in key biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metastatic potential, and they exert precise regulatory control over these functions. A major advance in the field is the recognition that RNA modifications do not act in isolation. Instead, they participate in complex, dynamic interactions—through synergistic enhancement, antagonism, competitive binding, and functional crosstalk—forming what is now termed the “RNA modification interactome” or “RNA modification interaction network.” The formation and functional operation of this interactome rely on a multilayered regulatory framework orchestrated by RNA-modifying enzymes—commonly referred to as “writers,” “erasers,” and “readers.” These enzymes exhibit hierarchical organization within signaling cascades, often functioning in upstream-downstream sequences and converging at critical regulatory nodes. Their integration is further mediated through shared regulatory elements or the assembly into multi-enzyme complexes. This intricate enzymatic network directly governs and shapes the interdependent relationships among various RNA modifications. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying both direct and indirect interactions between RNA modifications. Building upon this foundation, we introduce novel quantitative assessment frameworks and predictive disease models designed to leverage these interaction patterns. Importantly, studies across multiple disease contexts have identified core downstream signaling axes driven by specific constellations of interacting RNA modifications. These findings not only deepen our understanding of how RNA modification crosstalk contributes to disease initiation and progression, but also highlight its translational potential. This potential is exemplified by the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers based on interaction signatures and the development of therapeutic strategies targeting pathogenic modification networks. Together, these insights provide a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic and multidimensional regulatory roles of RNA modifications in cellular systems. In conclusion, the emerging concept of RNA modification crosstalk reveals the extraordinary complexity of post-transcriptional regulation and opens new research avenues. It offers critical insights into the central question of how RNA-modifying enzymes achieve substrate specificity—determining which nucleotides within specific RNA transcripts are selectively modified during defined developmental or pathological stages. Decoding these specificity determinants, shaped in large part by the modification interactome, is essential for fully understanding the biological and pathological significance of the epitranscriptome.
3.Effect of tetramethylpyrazine on neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia based on mannose-binding lectin
Yan-zhe DUAN ; Yu-kang SUN ; Jian-lin HUA ; Chun-li WEN ; Hao TIAN ; Yi YANG ; Xiu LOU ; Cun-gen MA ; Yu-qing YAN ; Li-juan SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):668-676
Aim To investigate the effect of tetrameth-ylpyrazine(TMP)on neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia via mannose-binding lectin(MBL).Methods Patients diagnosed with ischaemic stroke at Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital were in-cluded in the study,and their clinicopathological data,as well as blood and urine samples,were collected with the consent of the patients and their families.Using these biological samples,differential proteins and tar-gets were identified by proteomic analysis and subse-quently verified with animal experiments.The mice were divided into the sham,dMCAO,and TMP(10,20,40 mg·kg-1)treatment groups.After seven days of drug administration,the modified neurological sever-ity score(mNSS)was used to assess the neurological function.TTC staining was used to detect the volume of cerebral infarction.Motor function was evaluated be-haviourally,and ELISA was used to detect MASP1,sC5b-9,TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β.Western blot was used to determine the expression of relevant proteins,such as MBL2,MASP2,and C3.Results Compared with the sham group,the dMCAO group exhibited in-creased neurological impairment,which was signifi-cantly ameliorated by TMP treatment.The expression levels of MBL2,C3 and MASP2 were elevated in the dMCAO group and were reduced following TMP treat-ment.Additionally,the dMCAO group showed elevat-ed expression of inflammatory factors IL-1 β,IL-6 and TNF-α,which were then suppressed by TMP treat-ment.Conclusion TMP inhibits the inflammatory re-sponse after ischemia and hypoxia by regulating MBL,thus attenuating brain injury.
4.Performance verification and results analysis of DNA workflow for metagenomic next-generation sequencing
Shangdong YANG ; Yang XIAO ; Wen XI ; Zhe LIU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoqin WANG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):162-168
Objective To establish a performance verification scheme for the metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)DNA workflow.Methods Reference materials and clinical samples were used for conducting experiments.The mNGS detection results were evaluated in terms of limit of detection(LOD),repeatability,robustness,anti-interference ability,specificity and accuracy,as well as the patterns of library construction and the performance of sequencers.Results All species in the reference materials were stably detected,and the LOD of mNGS was 5.0E+02 CFU/mL(copies/mL).The repeatability was 100%and the within-batch(coefficient of variation)CV ranged from 8.53%to 38.73%.The linear correlation coefficient|r|>0.9 was found between the input pathogenic microorganism concentration and the read count.Meanwhile,the experimental robustness was found to be good.The results of the anti-interference test showed that the higher concentration of human DNA inputted,the fewer pathogenic microorganism read counts detected by mNGS.Meanwhile,the read counts of related species presented a proportional relationship with the corresponding pathogenic microorganisms concentration inputted,which meant the validation of the cross-interference test had been passed.Furthermore,the detection result of D0 was negative.The accuracy of clinical samples testing was 90.9%(10/11).In addition,the library quality control results obtained by the automatic liquid handling workstation and manually operation were all acceptable.The performance of the three Illumina sequencers met or were better than the factory standards.Conclusion The clinical laboratory performance verification scheme for mNGS detection was established,which included the design for reference materials,comparison of different patterns for library construction,and performance evaluation of the sequencers.More importantly,the performance verification scheme can be used to evaluate and ensure the quality of mNGS DNA workflow detection process.
5.Analysis of the risk factors of hypercoagulable state after surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Quan WAN ; Cong SHAO ; Zhe LIU ; Yongan WEN ; Lin YANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(8):680-684
Objective To analyze the factors influencing hypercoagulable state in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)after surgery,so as to provide reference for preventing postoperative thrombosis in BPH.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 307 BPH patients who underwent surgery in the Department of Urology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University during Apr.2022 and Sep.2023.Patients were divided into the hypercoagulable state group and non-hypercoagulable state group based on the presence of abnormal postoperative coagulation parameters.Single factor and binary logistic regression analysis were used to screen risk factors affecting postoperative blood hypercoagulability in BPH patients.Results Among the 307 BPH patients,45(14.66%)developed a hypercoagulable state postoperatively.Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the hypercoagulable and non-hypercoagulable groups regarding patients'age,length of hospital stay,body mass index(BMI),history of hypertension,history of diabetes,and blood type(P<0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis identified BMI(OR=1.135,95%CI:1.006-1.281,P=0.039),history of hypertension(OR=2.342,95%CI:1.103-4.927,P=0.027),and blood type(OR=2.270,95%CI:1.066-4.836,P=0.034)as independent risk factors for postoperative hypercoagulable state.Conclusion Non-O blood type,high BMI,and history of hypertension are independent risk factors for the occurrence of hypercoagulable state following surgery for BPH.
6.Development and application of single person teaching system for breast surgery
Yue WANG ; Bo TANG ; Shi-bo PANG ; Hong-bo YANG ; Zhe ZHANG ; Bo-wen CHEN ; Na-na ZHANG ; Feng MA ; Yi LYU ; Ding-hui DONG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(7):34-38
Objective To develop a single-person breast surgery teaching system to improve the teaching efficiency of breast surgery.Methods The single-person breast surgery teaching system consisted of a magnetic suspension and retraction device and a breast model.The magnetic suspension and retraction device was composed of a magnetic suspension component and a magnetic retraction component,of which,the magnetic suspension component included a bracket,an outer magnet and an inner magnet and the magnetic retraction component comprised a magnetic base and an elastic grasping forceps.The breast model was established with porcine abdominal tissue obtained from slaughterhouses.Twelve surgical trainees were randomized into an experimental group(n=6)and a control group(n=6),and the 2 groups performed flap release operations on the breast model with skin-preserving mastectomy as the target procedure.The operation was carried out with the developed system in the experimental group and with the traditional procedure in the control group.Results The two groups had the flap-free operation on the breast model finished successufully,which had no significant differences in the length of incision(P>0.05);the experimental group gained advantages over the control group in the number of assistants required,operation time,times of skin flap injuries,times of glandular injuries and effect of exposure,with the differences being statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion The single-person breast surgery teaching system enhances the effect of exposure efficiently,meets the reequirements for single-person training and improves the teaching efficiency.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(7):34-38]
7.Effects of different feeding patterns on growth performance,blood physiological and biochemical indices and intestinal flora of beef calves
Xu TIAN ; Dezhi WANG ; Yue ZOU ; Yanling GUAN ; Zhibao WANG ; Lei SONG ; Wen YIN ; Xuefeng ZHANG ; Yuguo ZHEN ; Tao WANG ; Zhe SUN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1516-1524
The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of different feeding modes on growth performance,blood biochemical indexes and intestinal flora of lactating Holstein male calves.Twenty-four newborn Holstein male calves with body mass of(40.00±1.01)kg and similar day old were selected and randomly divided into four groups of six calves each.The subgroups were low-milk group(LM),high-milk group(HM),high-milk milk replacer feeding group(HMR),and low-milk switching to high-milk milk replacer feeding group(CMR).The results showed that:At 45 d,the body mass of calves in the HM group was significantly higher than that of calves in the other groups(P<0.05),and at 60 d,the body mass of calves in the HM group was significantly higher than that of calves in the LM &.CMR groups(P<0.05).At 90 d,the body mass of calves in the LM group was significantly higher than that of calves in the HM group.Throughout the ex-perimental period,the average daily weight gain and average pellet feed intake of calves in the LM group were significantly higher than that of calves in the HM group(P<0.05).The calf globulin level in the HMR group was significantly higher than that in the LM and HM groups(P<0.05);the plasma immunoglobulin A level of calves in the HM group was significantly lower than that of calves in the LM and HMR groups(P<0.05);and the plasma immunoglobulin M level of calves in the HM group was significantly higher than that of calves in the LM and CMR groups(P<0.05),and HMR group was also significantly higher than that of LM group(P<0.05);plasma glutathione peroxidase level of calves in HMR group was significantly higher than that of LM group(P<0.05);plasma malondialdehyde level of calves in LM group was significantly higher than that of calves in HMR and HM groups(P<0.05),and CMR group was also significantly higher than that of HM group(P<0.05).Relative abundance of Thermodesulfovibrio was higher in the HM group(P<0.05),relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in the LM group was significantly higher than that in the HMR and HM groups(P<0.05),relative abundance of Blautia in the HM group(P<0.05),and relative abundance of Corynebacterium in the CMR group was significantly higher than that in the LM and HM groups(P<0.05).In summary,calves in the LM group had better weaning weights and pellet feed intake;calves in the CMR group could compensate for growth by supplemental feeding of milk replacer to obtain more optimal weaning weights and pel-let feed intake;the HMR group proved that milk-free feeding could ensure stable growth of calves;and calves in the HM group had a better pre-lactation growth performance,lower levels of oxida-tive stress,and a healthier fecal flora.
8.The correlation between serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,miR-181a-5p expression with postoperative delayed healing in patients with femoral neck fracture
Jian GUO ; Yuechao GUO ; Zhe WANG ; Wen AN ; Yujian ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(10):1105-1108
Objective To investigate the correlation between the expression of serum microRNA-21-5p(miR-21-5p),microRNA-1224-5p(miR-1224-5p),and microRNA-181a-5p(miR-181a-5p)with postoperative delayed healing in patients with femoral neck fracture(FNF).Methods From October 2021 to April 2024,371 patients with FNF admitted to our hospital were included as subjects.The patients were assigned into a study group(delayed healing,68 cases)and a control group(normal healing,303 cases)based on whether the fracture ends healed 4 months after surgery.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was applied to detect the expression levels of serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative healing delay in FNF patients.ROC curve was applied to analyze the predictive value of serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p for postoperative healing delay in FNF patients.Results The levels of serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p in the study group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that age ≥ 60 years old,diabetes,and smoking were risk factors for postoperative delayed healing in FNF patients(P<0.05),and miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p and miR-181a-5p were protective factors for postoperative delayed healing in FNF patients(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that the AUC values of miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p for predicting postoperative healing delay in FNF patients were 0.845,0.809,and 0.797,respectively.When the three were combined for prediction,the AUC increased to 0.933.The combined detection effect of the three indicators was better than that of any individual indicator(Zcombination vs.miR-21-5p=3.444,Zcombination vs.miR-1224-5p=4.401,Zcombination vs.miR-181a-5p=4.279,P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p are reduced in FNF patients with postoperative delayed healing.The combined detection of the three may have a certain predictive value for postoperative delayed healing in FNF patients.
9.The correlation between serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,miR-181a-5p expression with postoperative delayed healing in patients with femoral neck fracture
Jian GUO ; Yuechao GUO ; Zhe WANG ; Wen AN ; Yujian ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(10):1105-1108
Objective To investigate the correlation between the expression of serum microRNA-21-5p(miR-21-5p),microRNA-1224-5p(miR-1224-5p),and microRNA-181a-5p(miR-181a-5p)with postoperative delayed healing in patients with femoral neck fracture(FNF).Methods From October 2021 to April 2024,371 patients with FNF admitted to our hospital were included as subjects.The patients were assigned into a study group(delayed healing,68 cases)and a control group(normal healing,303 cases)based on whether the fracture ends healed 4 months after surgery.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was applied to detect the expression levels of serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative healing delay in FNF patients.ROC curve was applied to analyze the predictive value of serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p for postoperative healing delay in FNF patients.Results The levels of serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p in the study group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that age ≥ 60 years old,diabetes,and smoking were risk factors for postoperative delayed healing in FNF patients(P<0.05),and miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p and miR-181a-5p were protective factors for postoperative delayed healing in FNF patients(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that the AUC values of miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p for predicting postoperative healing delay in FNF patients were 0.845,0.809,and 0.797,respectively.When the three were combined for prediction,the AUC increased to 0.933.The combined detection effect of the three indicators was better than that of any individual indicator(Zcombination vs.miR-21-5p=3.444,Zcombination vs.miR-1224-5p=4.401,Zcombination vs.miR-181a-5p=4.279,P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of serum miR-21-5p,miR-1224-5p,and miR-181a-5p are reduced in FNF patients with postoperative delayed healing.The combined detection of the three may have a certain predictive value for postoperative delayed healing in FNF patients.
10.The predictive value of serum HMGB1 and sRAGE in the occurrence and short-term prognosis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy
Yuxuan ZHANG ; Yidan LIU ; Zhe CHEN ; Wen ZHANG ; Ruixuan LI ; Qiang YAN ; Guiping XU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(3):262-266
Objective To explore the predictive value of serum high-mobility group box protein B1(HMGB1)and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products(sRAGE)in the occurrence and short-term prognosis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE).Methods Clinical data of 228 patients with sepsis were retrospectively analyzed.According to the presence of SAE,patients were divided into the SAE group(96 cases)and the non-SAE group(132 cases).General clinical data,laboratory test results,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)scores,Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores and serum HMGB1 and sRAGE levels were compared between the two groups.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors influencing SAE occurrence.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive ability of HMGB1,sRAGE and the HMGB1/sRAGE ratio to predict the occurrence and short-term prognosis of SAE.Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare the 28-day mortality rates of SAE patients with different HMGB1 and sRAGE expression levels.Results Compared to the non-SAE group,patients in the SAE group exhibited elevated serum HMGB1 levels,decreased sRAGE levels and an increased HMGB1/sRAGE ratio(P<0.05).The areas under the curve(AUC)for predicting SAE using HMGB1,sRAGE and the HMGB1/sRAGE ratio were 0.826(95%CI:0.770-0.872),0.682(95%CI:0.617-0.742)and 0.895(95%CI:0.848-0.932),respectively,indicating predictive value.Among the 96 SAE patients,52(54.2%)died within 28 days.There were no statistically significant differences in HMGB1,sRAGE and the HMGB1/sRAGE ratio between surviving and deceased patients(P>0.05).Similarly,there were no significant differences in 28-day mortality rates between SAE patients with different HMGB1 or sRAGE expression levels.Conclusion Elevated serum HMGB1 and reduced sRAGE are of significant value in the auxiliary diagnosis of SAE,but have limited clinical predictive value for short-term prognosis.

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