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.Consideration of Health Economics Evidence in Clinical Practice Guidelines: Methods and Steps
Dongrui PENG ; Qi ZHOU ; Xufei LUO ; Zijun WANG ; Hui LIU ; Junxian ZHAO ; Jinghong HUANG ; Hongyu HU ; Xin XING ; Jing WU ; Shitong XIE ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):862-870
Health economics evidence plays an important role in linking clinical value evidence with health resource allocation decisions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. It can not only effectively balance clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility but also avoid forming "idealized" recommendations that are detached from the affordability of the healthcare system or the burden-bearing capacity of patients. To promote guideline developers to use health economics evidence more standardizedly and fully, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application status, existing challenges, access channels, and application processes of health economics evidence in current guidelines, and on this basis, puts forward considerations and suggestions for strengthening and standardizing the application of health economics evidence in China's clinical practice guidelines.
3.Application of workshop-driven interactive teaching in clinical alarm training for nursing interns
Yue LI ; Dan HU ; Xin YANG ; Yuhan ZENG ; Chao HUANG ; Yueling HONG ; Xi SHI ; Juan LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(10):1415-1422
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a workshop-driven interactive teaching model in clinical alarm training for undergraduate nursing interns in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:A total of 120 undergraduate nursing students who interned in the ICU from November 2023 to April 2024 were enrolled and randomly assigned using a random number table into a control group ( n=60, traditional teaching) and an intervention group ( n=60, workshop-driven interactive teaching). Clinical alarm knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP); perception of patient safety culture; and training satisfaction were assessed before and after the training using validated questionnaires. Differences between groups were analyzed using independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney U test with SPSS 22.0. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in clinical alarm KAP scores or patient safety culture perception scores before the training ( P>0.05). After the training, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores in clinical alarm KAP [(127.58±6.45) vs. (123.48±7.61), t=3.17, P=0.002] and patient safety culture perception [(99.44±9.17) vs. (95.45±12.03), t=-2.04, P=0.044] compared with the control group. Satisfaction with training content, teaching quality, and overall instructional design was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Within-group comparisons showed that the intervention group had significant improvements in clinical alarm KAP [(127.58±6.45) vs. (120.10±10.25), t=-5.10, P<0.001] and patient safety culture perception [(99.44±9.17) vs. (94.46±12.12), t=-2.65, P=0.010] after training. No significant changes were observed in the control group after training ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The workshop-driven interactive teaching model can effectively enhance the clinical alarm KAP levels and patient safety culture perception among undergraduate nursing interns in the ICU. This teaching approach provides a scientific basis for optimizing clinical alarm education and cultivating high-quality nursing professionals.
4.Multicenter survey on the current status of pediatric life support training
Xin QIAN ; Xiaodi CAI ; Quan WANG ; Meifang LIN ; Qian WANG ; Tingting XUE ; Biru LI ; Quelan HUANG ; Yi WANG ; Yunxia HONG ; Zhixu CHEN ; Guoping LU ; Ye CHENG ; Hongyang HU
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(11):827-831
Objective:To investigate the current status and challenges of pediatric life support training in China and provide references for improving training quality.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from pediatric life support training centers across the country,covering basic institutional information,training capacity and training faculty,training program funding,as well as existing challenges and issues.The domestic registry of training centers in 2023 was obtained through the American Heart Association's online platform.After contacting and verifying each center,an online questionnaire was distributed,and the aggregated data were statistically analyzed.Results:A total of 42 institutions participated in the survey,including 19 children's hospitals,14 general hospitals,6 maternal and child health hospitals,2 women and children’s hospitals,and 1 training institution.The distribution of training centers showed a concentration in coastal areas,with the top three provinces/municipalities being Guangdong(7/42,16.7%),Zhejiang(6/42,14.3%),and Shanghai(4/42,9.5%).As of December 31 2023,the 42 institutions had an annual basic life support(BLS)training volume of 8 587 individuals,the median was 120 (100,200),and an annual pediatric advanced life support(PALS)training volume of 2 448 individuals,the median was 30 (20,50).Among the 42 institutions,there were 598 BLS instructors and 306 PALS instructors.Among the surveyed institutions,24(24/42,57.1%)reported BLS instructor teams comprising fewer than 10 members,and 33(33/42,78.6%)reported PALS instructor teams comprising fewer than 10.Only 7 centers(7/42,16.7%)reported having dedicated funding support.The top three challenges were:training sessions occupying instructors’personal time(27/42,64.3%),low instructor compensation(16/42,38.1%),and issues with the data submission system(16/42,38.1%).Conclusion:Pediatric life support training centers in China are primarily children’s hospitals,with a geographical concentration in coastal areas,which is also reflected in the distribution of training scale and instructor resources.Most centers have relatively small training scales and limited instructor capacity,with many instructors conducting training during their personal time.These issues may hinder the implementation and effectiveness of training programs.
5.The Potential and Challenges of FGF9 as a Cancer Therapeutic Target
Qing ZHANG ; Hong-yan HE ; Jun-hua HUANG ; Xin-yu LU ; Hai-yan LI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(15):2554-2560
Fibroblast growth factor,as a critical protein regulating cell growth and differentiation,exhibits aberrant signaling closely associated with various pathological pathologies,including cancer.Among the members of the fibroblast growth factor family,fibroblast growth factor 9(FGF9)has been identified as a critical player in cancer initiation and progression.While numerous studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms of FGF9 individually,comprehensive reviews addressing its impact in cancer remain scarce.This article systematically reviews the functional mechanisms and regulatory networks of FGF9 in cancer,with a focus on its roles in common malignancies such as lung cancer,liver cancer,gastric cancer,colorectal cancer,breast cancer,and ovarian cancer.The aim is to facilitate translational research on FGF9 for targeted cancer diagnosis and therapy.
6.Expert consensus on the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock for the precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma
Kai YANG ; Moyi SUN ; Longjiang LI ; Zhangui TANG ; Wei GUO ; Guoxin REN ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Hong TANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Zhijun SUN ; Qing XI ; Chunjie LI ; Xin HUANG ; Heming WU ; Wei SHANG ; Jian MENG ; Jichen LI ; Hong MA ; Guiquan ZHU ; Yi LI ; Yaoxu LI ; Haitao HE ; Fugui ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Dan ZHAO ; Deping SUN ; Xiaoqiang LV ; Dan CHEN ; Fujun ZHANG ; Rui CHEN ; Yadong LI ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Xiaojuan FU ; Li XIANG ; Shouyi LI ; Shilin YIN
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):149-156
Recent studies have shown that the physiological homeostasis of oral mucosal cells is regulated by the circadian clock.Dis-ruption or dysfunction of the circadian clock is closely associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Research based on the circadian clock offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for OSCC.However,there is current-ly limited research on this topic,and people generally have insufficient understanding and recognition of the circadian clock.Given the complexity and challenges of circadian clock which is the fourth dimension of medical research,we organize relevant experts based on summarizing the current research results of circadian clock in the pathogenesis and precision diagnosis and treatment of OSCC,combining the scientific principles of the circadian clock's role and their long-term research experience,then summarizes and recommends the con-sensus opinions for the research of circadian clock in the pathogenesis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of human OSCC,with the hope of providing guidance for the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock or circadian rhythm in the pathogene-sis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma.
7.Effects of total flavonoids of Dracocephalum moldavica L.on ox-LDL-induced inflammatory response of RAW264.7 macrophages via NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Yun-li ZHAO ; Chuan-sheng HUANG ; Xin-hong GUO ; Wen-jiang CAO ; Yong YUAN ; Xin-chun WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):413-420
AIM To study the effects of total flavonoids of Dracocephalum Moldavica L.(TFDM)on reducing the inflammatory response of RAW264.7 macrophages induced by ox-LDL via the nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway.METHODS The RAW264.7 macrophages cultured in vitro were divided into the normal group,the model group(50 μg/mL ox-LDL),the TFDM group(100 μg/mL TFDM+50 μg/mL ox-LDL),the NF-κB inhibitor group(10 μmol/L Bay11-7821+50 μg/mL ox-LDL)and the TFDM+NF-κB inhibitor group(100 μg/mL TFDM+10 μmol/L Bay11-7821+50 μg/mL ox-LDL).The cells had their viability assessed by CCK-8 method;their ROS expression detected by the ROS kit;their mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-18 and IL-1β detected by RT-qPCR;their protein expressions of NF-κB p65,IκBα,NLRP3,pro-Caspase-1,Caspase-1,IL-18 and IL-1β by Western blot;their protein expressions of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 detected using immunofluorescence method.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the model group showed increased ROS expression(P<0.01);increased mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-18 and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased protein expressions of IκBα and cytoplasmic NF-κB p65(P<0.01);increased protein expressions of nuclear NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-1 β and IL-18(P<0.01);and increased fluorescence intensity of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with either TFDM or TFDM+inhibitor displayed decreased ROS expression(P<0.01);the groups administrated with TFDM or NF-κB inhibitor,or TFDM+inhibitor showed decreased mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-18 and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01),increased protein expressions of IκBα and cytoplasmic NF-κB p65(P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased protein expressions of nuclear NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18(P<0.05,P<0.01),and decreased fluorescence intensity of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3(P<0.01).There existed no significant group difference between the TFDM group and the NF-κB inhibitor group(P>0.05).The TFDM+inhibitor group demonstrated decreased mRNA expressions of IL-1βand IL-18(P<0.05),increased IκBα protein expression(P<0.05),decreased protein expressions of nuclear NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-1 β and IL-18(P<0.05),and decreased fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 protein(P<0.05).CONCLUSION TFDM can inhibit the ox-LDL-induced inflammatory response of RAW264.7 macrophages,and the mechansism may be associated with the reduced ROS expression and inflammatory factors due to the inhibited activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
8.Analysis of factors influencing right atrial strain in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Jin-xin XU ; Jie-xuan ZHENG ; Tao-ran HUANG ; Dong-ling LUO ; Yuan ZHU ; Cao-jin ZHANG ; Hong-wen FEI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):249-259
Objective To analyze the correlation between right atrial strain at various stages and various influencing factors in patients with pulmonary hypertension,and to explore the role of right atrial strain in the assessment of pulmonary hypertension.Methods A total of 239 cases diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension who underwent echocardiography and complete right heart catheterization at hospital from October 2021 to December 2023 were included.Conventional ultrasound parameters such as right heart strain,right atrial area(RA area),inferior vena cava diameter(IVC diameter),and collapse rate of the inferior vena cava(IVC diameter changes)were measured.The heart rate(HR)corresponding to the ultrasound images were recorded.General information such as age and gender,as well as catheter data including mean right atrial pressure(mRAP),mean pulmonary artery pressure(mPAP),and pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR),were collected.The relationship between right atrial strain and its influencing factors was analyzed,and further analysis was conducted by dividing into shunt group and non-shunt group based on the presence or absence of left-to-right shunt disease.Results The correlation with RA reservoir strain(RASr)from high to low is RV global strain(RV4CSL),RV free wall strain(RVFWSL),RA area,IVC diameter,mRAP,age,HR,and PVR;the correlation with RAconduit strain(RAScd)from high to low is RV4CSL,RVFWSL,RA area,IVC diameter,mRAP,age,PVR,and HR;the correlation with RA contraction strain(RASct)from high to low is RA area,RV4CSL,RVFWSL,mRAP,IVC diameter,and HR.The collapse rate of the inferior vena cava is correlated with strain at various stages of the right atrium;gender is correlated with RASr and RASct.Conclusions Right atrial strain can reflect changes in right atrial function,with the highest correlation to right ventricular strain and right atrial area.Right atrial strain can indicate the severity of right ventricular function and right atrial remodeling,serving as an evaluative index for the condition and treatment outcomes of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
9.Application of workshop-driven interactive teaching in clinical alarm training for nursing interns
Yue LI ; Dan HU ; Xin YANG ; Yuhan ZENG ; Chao HUANG ; Yueling HONG ; Xi SHI ; Juan LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(10):1415-1422
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a workshop-driven interactive teaching model in clinical alarm training for undergraduate nursing interns in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:A total of 120 undergraduate nursing students who interned in the ICU from November 2023 to April 2024 were enrolled and randomly assigned using a random number table into a control group ( n=60, traditional teaching) and an intervention group ( n=60, workshop-driven interactive teaching). Clinical alarm knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP); perception of patient safety culture; and training satisfaction were assessed before and after the training using validated questionnaires. Differences between groups were analyzed using independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney U test with SPSS 22.0. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in clinical alarm KAP scores or patient safety culture perception scores before the training ( P>0.05). After the training, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores in clinical alarm KAP [(127.58±6.45) vs. (123.48±7.61), t=3.17, P=0.002] and patient safety culture perception [(99.44±9.17) vs. (95.45±12.03), t=-2.04, P=0.044] compared with the control group. Satisfaction with training content, teaching quality, and overall instructional design was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Within-group comparisons showed that the intervention group had significant improvements in clinical alarm KAP [(127.58±6.45) vs. (120.10±10.25), t=-5.10, P<0.001] and patient safety culture perception [(99.44±9.17) vs. (94.46±12.12), t=-2.65, P=0.010] after training. No significant changes were observed in the control group after training ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The workshop-driven interactive teaching model can effectively enhance the clinical alarm KAP levels and patient safety culture perception among undergraduate nursing interns in the ICU. This teaching approach provides a scientific basis for optimizing clinical alarm education and cultivating high-quality nursing professionals.
10.Analysis of factors influencing right atrial strain in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Jin-xin XU ; Jie-xuan ZHENG ; Tao-ran HUANG ; Dong-ling LUO ; Yuan ZHU ; Cao-jin ZHANG ; Hong-wen FEI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):249-259
Objective To analyze the correlation between right atrial strain at various stages and various influencing factors in patients with pulmonary hypertension,and to explore the role of right atrial strain in the assessment of pulmonary hypertension.Methods A total of 239 cases diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension who underwent echocardiography and complete right heart catheterization at hospital from October 2021 to December 2023 were included.Conventional ultrasound parameters such as right heart strain,right atrial area(RA area),inferior vena cava diameter(IVC diameter),and collapse rate of the inferior vena cava(IVC diameter changes)were measured.The heart rate(HR)corresponding to the ultrasound images were recorded.General information such as age and gender,as well as catheter data including mean right atrial pressure(mRAP),mean pulmonary artery pressure(mPAP),and pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR),were collected.The relationship between right atrial strain and its influencing factors was analyzed,and further analysis was conducted by dividing into shunt group and non-shunt group based on the presence or absence of left-to-right shunt disease.Results The correlation with RA reservoir strain(RASr)from high to low is RV global strain(RV4CSL),RV free wall strain(RVFWSL),RA area,IVC diameter,mRAP,age,HR,and PVR;the correlation with RAconduit strain(RAScd)from high to low is RV4CSL,RVFWSL,RA area,IVC diameter,mRAP,age,PVR,and HR;the correlation with RA contraction strain(RASct)from high to low is RA area,RV4CSL,RVFWSL,mRAP,IVC diameter,and HR.The collapse rate of the inferior vena cava is correlated with strain at various stages of the right atrium;gender is correlated with RASr and RASct.Conclusions Right atrial strain can reflect changes in right atrial function,with the highest correlation to right ventricular strain and right atrial area.Right atrial strain can indicate the severity of right ventricular function and right atrial remodeling,serving as an evaluative index for the condition and treatment outcomes of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

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