1.Targeted fluorescent imaging probes for detecting the spatial distribution of VEGF in the retinas of rats with radiation retinopathy
Yunhe DING ; Bin WANG ; Feng LIU ; Zhiyang ZHANG ; Haibei DONG ; Wenwen GUO ; Haitao YIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):567-572
AIM: To detect the distribution and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in radiation retinopathy(RR)through fluorescence targeted imaging.METHODS:Covalent binding of fluorescein FITC with VEGF antibody ranibizumab to prepare targeted fluorescent imaging probe ranibizumab-FITC. SD rats were randomly divided into three groups based on the principle of weight balance: a normal control group(Con group), a low-dose radiation group(10 Gy group), and a high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group). Medical linear accelerators and lead blocks were used to locally irradiate the rat eyeballs for modeling. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of VEGF-A in each group and to screen for appropriate modeling dose. The inverted fluorescence microscope and the confocal microscope were used to observe the distribution of VEGF and imaging probes in the retinas of control and RR model group rats, and to verify the effectiveness of targeted probes.RESULTS:The expression level of VEGF-A in the retina of rats in the high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group)was higher than that in the normal control group(Con group). In early RR, VEGF expression was observed to be associated with microaneurysms and abnormal microvessels in the retina. VEGF accumulation was observed at the site of capillary wall damage. When retinal capillary endothelial damage occurred, targeted probes gathered on the outer surface of the vessel wall.CONCLUSION:The expression level of VEGF in the retina of RR model rats is elevated, and fluorescent targeted molecular imaging probes can detect the spatial distribution of VEGF at the microvascular lesions in the retina of RR rats.
2.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.
3.Effect of Heat-sensitive Moxibustion on Quality of Life and Immune Function in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Qi Deficiency and Phlegm Stasis Syndrome Undergoing Chemotherapy:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Wenhao ZHAN ; Qian DING ; Zhiwei DONG ; Ting LI ; Shumei FU ; Ning TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1289-1296
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion on quality of life and immune function in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing chemotherapy. MethodsSeventy NSCLC patients with qi deficiency and phlegm stasis syndrome were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group. The control group received chemotherapy combined with routine symptomatic treatment, while the intervention group additionally received heat-sensitive moxibustion since the first day of chemotherapy. Acupoints included Dazhui (GV14), bilateral Feishu (BL13), Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), and Guanyuan (CV4). The site exhibiting the strongest heat-sensitization response was selected for moxibustion. Treatment was administered for 45 minutes per session, three times weekly for three consecutive weeks, totaling nine sessions. Before and after treatment, quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were evaluated. Peripheral blood levels of natural killer (NK) cells and T-lymphocyte subsets including CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were measured. Levels of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), including PD-1⁺CD4⁺ and PD-1⁺CD8⁺ cells, were also assessed. Liver and renal function were monitored before and after treatment, and adverse events were recorded. ResultsIn the intervention group, 1 participant withdrew and 1 was excluded, while in the control group, 2 participants withdrew. Ultimately, 33 participants in each group were included in the final analysis. The intervention group showed significant improvements in physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning, as well as global health status after treatment, while scores for fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, appetite loss, diarrhea, and TCM syndrome scale were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Moreover, the intervention group demonstrated higher scores in physical functioning, role functioning, and global health status, as well as lower scores for fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, appetite loss, diarrhea, and the TCM syndrome scale than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of peripheral NK cells and PD-1⁺CD8⁺ T cells in the intervention group increased significantly; furthermore, the intervention group exhibited higher peripheral NK cell levels and lower PD-1⁺CD8⁺ T cell levels than the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in liver or renal function between the two groups (P>0.05). In addition, no adverse events such as burns or moxibustion-induced syncope occurred during the study. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion as an adjunctive therapy may enhance immune function, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve quality of life, while demonstrating a favorable safety profile in NSCLC patients with qi deficiency and phlegm stasis.
4.Fluid Suppression Techniques Combined With Amide Proton Transfer-Weighted Imaging for the Evaluation of Adult-Type Diffuse Gliomas
Hongquan ZHU ; Yuanhao LI ; Yujie DING ; Yufei LIU ; Nanxi SHEN ; Yan XIE ; Su YAN ; Dong LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Li LI ; Wenzhen ZHU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(3):252-263
Objective:
To evaluate the diagnostic potential of fluid suppression (FS) techniques combined with amide proton transferweighted imaging (APTw) for assessment of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status, glioma subtypes, and tumor proliferation.
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study included 117 patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas. Conventional APTw, FSAPTw, and spillover-corrected FS-APTw (SCFS-APTw) metrics were calculated from 3T MRI data in tumor parenchyma, necrotic or cystic regions, and contralateral normal-appearing white matter. APTw signals were compared across the three techniques within each region, between IDH-mutant and IDH-wildtype gliomas, and among astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma subtypes. Diagnostic performance for distinguishing IDH mutation status and glioma subtypes was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Correlations between APTw metrics and Ki-67 expression were also analyzed.
Results:
Both FS-APTw and SCFS-APTw significantly reduced signal intensity in tumor parenchyma and necrotic or cystic regions, with SCFS-APTw demonstrating a stronger suppression effect. IDH-wildtype gliomas showed significantly higher APTw metrics than IDH-mutant gliomas (all P < 0.001). Glioblastomas exhibited significantly higher metrics than oligodendrogliomas (all corrected P ≤ 0.015) and astrocytomas (all corrected P < 0.001). SCFS-APTw achieved the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.846 for identification of IDH mutation status. For differentiation between astrocytomas and glioblastomas, the 90th percentile of APTw yielded the highest AUC (0.860), followed by SCFS-APTw (0.849). For discrimination between oligodendrogliomas and glioblastomas, the highest AUC (0.832) was obtained using the 90th percentile of SCFS-APTw. None of these metrics successfully differentiated oligodendrogliomas from astrocytomas. SCFS-APTw demonstrated the strongest correlation with Ki-67 expression (r = 0.451).
Conclusion
FS techniques effectively reduce elevated APTw signals originating from fluid compartments. Their combination with APTw imaging enables evaluation of IDH mutation status, glioma subtypes, and tumor proliferative activity in adulttype diffuse gliomas.
5.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
6.Serological and molecular genetic study of the Ael/AelB phenotype induced by the c. 575T>C variant in the ABO gene
Yanying DONG ; Qinqin ZUO ; Peixing XU ; Minggang ZHANG ; Xia JIANG ; Zixuan WANG ; Miao WANG ; Gengyuan LIU ; Yi DING ; Tianju WANG ; Junhui QUAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(7):922-927
Objective: To analyze the serological phenotypes and molecular genetic characteristics of a proband with ABO forward and reverse typing discrepancy and their family members, and to investigate the molecular genetic mechanism underlying the Ael/AelB phenotype caused by the c. 575T>C variant on an ABO
A1.02 background. Methods: Serological testing and adsorption-elution assays were performed for blood group identification of the proband and family members. PCR-SBT, cloning sequencing, and Nanopore third-generation sequencing were used to analyze ABO gene variants and haplotypes. Phyre2 and PyMOL were used to predict the effect of the p. Ile192Thr variant on the structure of glycosyltransferase A (GTA), and plasma GTA activity was evaluated using an in vitro transferase assay. Results: Among thirteen family members, four members showed a serological phenotype consistent with the Ael subtype and one with the AelB subtype. Cloning sequencing and third-generation sequencing confirmed that five family members carried the ABO
A1.02 (c. 575T>C) variant, which co-segregated with the weak A phenotype in the family. Structural modeling suggested that p. Ile192Thr may alter the local spatial conformation and hydrogen-bond interactions of GTA. Plasma GTA activity testing showed markedly reduced GTA activity in the tested individuals. Conclusion: The ABO
A1.02 (c. 575T>C) variant is associated with the Ael/AelB phenotype. The p. Ile192Thr substitution may weaken A antigen expression by altering GTA conformation and reducing enzymatic activity. This study provides additional evidence for the role of this variant in the Ael/AelB phenotype from the perspectives of familial inheritance, full-length haplotype analysis, and functional assessment, which is important for accurate ABO subtype identification and individualized transfusion strategies.
7.Controllability Analysis of Structural Brain Networks in Young Smokers
Jing-Jing DING ; Fang DONG ; Hong-De WANG ; Kai YUAN ; Yong-Xin CHENG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA ; Ting XUE ; Da-Hua YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):182-193
ObjectiveThe controllability changes of structural brain network were explored based on the control and brain network theory in young smokers, this may reveal that the controllability indicators can serve as a powerful factor to predict the sleep status in young smokers. MethodsFifty young smokers and 51 healthy controls from Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology were enrolled. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to construct structural brain network based on fractional anisotropy (FA) weight matrix. According to the control and brain network theory, the average controllability and the modal controllability were calculated. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences between the groups and Pearson correlation analysis to examine the correlation between significant average controllability and modal controllability with Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) in young smokers. The nodes with the controllability score in the top 10% were selected as the super-controllers. Finally, we used BP neural network to predict the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in young smokers. ResultsThe average controllability of dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, lenticular nucleus putamen, and lenticular nucleus pallidum, and the modal controllability of orbital inferior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, gyrus rectus, and posterior cingulate gyrus in the young smokers’ group, were all significantly different from those of the healthy controls group (P<0.05). The average controllability of the right supplementary motor area (SMA.R) in the young smokers group was positively correlated with FTND (r=0.393 0, P=0.004 8), while modal controllability was negatively correlated with FTND (r=-0.330 1, P=0.019 2). ConclusionThe controllability of structural brain network in young smokers is abnormal. which may serve as an indicator to predict sleep condition. It may provide the imaging evidence for evaluating the cognitive function impairment in young smokers.
8.Changes in the body shape and ergonomic compatibility for functional dimensions of desks and chairs for students in Harbin during 2010-2024
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):315-320
Objective:
To analyze the change trends in the body shape indicators and proportions of students in Harbin from 2010 to 2024, and to investigate ergonomic compatibility of functional dimensions of school desks and chairs with current student shape indicators, so as to provide a reference for revising furniture standards of desks and chairs.
Methods:
Between September and November of both 2010 and 2024, a combination of convenience sampling and stratified cluster random sampling was conducted across three districts in Harbin, yielding samples of 6 590 and 6 252 students, respectively. Anthropometric shape indicators cluding height, sitting height, crus length, and thigh length-and their proportional changes were compared over the 15-year period. The 2024 data were compared with current standard functional dimensions of school furniture. The statistical analysis incorporated t-test and Mann-Whitney U- test.
Results:
From 2010 to 2024, average height increased by 1.8 cm for boys and 1.5 cm for girls; sitting height increased by 1.5 cm for both genders; crus length increased by 0.3 cm for boys and 0.4 cm for girls; and thigh length increased by 0.5 cm for both genders. The ratios of sitting height to height, and sitting height to leg length increased by less than 0.1 . The difference between desk chair height and 1/3 sitting height ranged from 0.4-0.8 cm. Among students matched with size 0 desks and chairs, 22.0% had a desk to chair height difference less than 0, indicating that the desk to chair height difference might be insufficient for taller students. The differences between seat height and fibular height ranged from -1.4 to 1.1 cm; and the differences between seat depth and buttock popliteal length ranged from -9.8 to 3.4 cm. Among obese students, the differences between seat width and 1/2 hip circumference ranged from -20.5 to -8.7 cm, while it ranged from -12.2 to -3.8 cm among non obese students.
Conclusion
Current furniture standards basically satisfy hygienic requirements; however, in the case of exceptionally tall and obese students, ergonomic accommodations such as adaptive seating allocation or personalized adjustments are recommended to meet hygienic requirements.
9.Effects of polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer/lysine-grafted graphene oxide nanoparticle composite scaffolds on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3 cells
Shuangqi YU ; Fan DING ; Song WAN ; Wei CHEN ; Xuejun ZHANG ; Dong CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zuoli LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):707-712
BACKGROUND:How to effectively promote bone regeneration and bone reconstruction after bone injury has always been a key issue in clinical bone repair research.The use of biological and degradable materials loaded with bioactive factors to treat bone defects has excellent application prospects in bone repair. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer(PLGA)composite scaffold modified by lysine-grafted graphene oxide nanoparticles(LGA-g-GO)on osteogenic differentiation and new bone formation. METHODS:PLGA was dissolved in dichloromethane and PLGA scaffold was prepared by solvent evaporation method.PLGA/GO composite scaffolds were prepared by dispersing graphene oxide uniformly in PLGA solution.LGA-g-GO nanoparticles were prepared by chemical grafting method,and the PLGA/LGA-g-GO composite scaffolds were constructed by blending LGA-g-GO nanoparticles at different mass ratios(1%,2%,and 3%)with PLGA.The micromorphology,hydrophilicity,and protein adsorption capacity of scaffolds of five groups were characterized.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of scaffolds of five groups to detect cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The surface of PLGA scaffolds was smooth and flat under scanning electron microscope,while the surface of the other four scaffolds was rough.The surface roughness of the composite scaffolds increased with the increase of the addition of LGA-g-GO nanoparticles.The water contact angle of PLGA/LGA-g-GO(3%)composite scaffolds was lower than that of the other four groups(P<0.05).The protein adsorption capacity of PLGA/LGA-g-GO(1%,2%,and 3%)composite scaffolds was stronger than PLGA and PLGA/GO scaffolds(P<0.05).(2)CCK-8 assay showed that PLGA/LGA-g-GO(2%,3%)composite scaffold could promote the proliferation of MC3T3 cells.Alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining showed that the cell alkaline phosphatase activity in PLGA/LGA-g-GO(2%,3%)group was higher than that in the other three groups(P<0.05).The calcium deposition in the PLGA/GO and PLGA/LGA-g-GO(1%,2%,and 3%)groups was higher than that in the PLGA group(P<0.05).(3)In summary,PLGA/LGA-g-GO composite scaffold can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts,and is conducive to bone regeneration and bone reconstruction after bone injury.
10.Construction of miR-142-5p overexpression lentiviral vector and its impact on mouse intestinal epithelial cells
Yicheng SUN ; Jing WANG ; Yushu HE ; Zijian DONG ; Jing DING
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(4):678-684
To investigate the impact of miR-142-5p on intestinal epithelial cells,an expression vector for overexpressing miR-142-5p lentivirus was constructed and administered to mice to observe pathological changes in their colon tissue.The miR-142-5p gene was integrated into the green fluo-rescent lentiviral vector plenti-CMV/TO eGFP-Puro(plenti),and the resulting recombinant vec-tor was named plenti miR-142-5p following confirmation through sequencing.293T cells were transfected with the recombinant plasmid and packaging-assisted plasmid,yielding a packaged miR-142-5p overexpressing lentiviral vector(LV-miR-142-5p).The recombinant lentivirus suspen-sion was collected and concentrated via ultrafast centrifugal precipitation.Virus titer was deter-mined using real-time PCR.The virus suspension was then injected into the tail vein of 6-8-week-old BALB/c mice,after which their colonic tissues were dissected for HE staining and microscopic observation.The results showed that miR-142-5p homologous recombination into plenti vector and sequencing results were consistent with the expected sequence.plenti-miR-142-5p was co-transfect-ed with the packaging helper plasmid in 293T cells,and the successful transfection was confirmed based on the green fluorescence expression,and the real-time PCR results showed that the lentiviral titer was 1.23 × 109 IU/mL.Colon tissue slices from infected mice exhibited compromised colon integrity and significant inflammatory response.It was proved that LV-miR-142-5p was suc-cessfully constructed,and miR-142-5p caused damage to intestinal epithelial cells of mice.


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