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.Research progress on the correlation of dry eye with depression
Feng JIN ; Baoyue MI ; Jingqing MU ; Jingjing CAO ; Xia HUA
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):74-79
Dry eye disease is a chronic ocular surface disorder of multifactorial origin, characterized by a loss of tear film homeostasis and associated with a range of ocular discomfort symptoms. Growing evidence underscores a significant bidirectional relationship between dry eye and depression: individuals with dry eye disease exhibit a higher prevalence of depressive disorders, and conversely, those diagnosed with depression demonstrate an increased susceptibility to developing dry eye. This interplay is mediated through several pathophysiological pathways, such as chronic inflammation, cerebral functional alterations, gut microbiome dysregulation, and sleep disturbances, which may collectively sustain a vicious cycle. The use of antidepressant therapy introduces further complexity, exerting heterogeneous effects on dry eye—some agents may offer symptomatic relief, whereas others can aggravate ocular surface impairment. The mechanisms responsible for these differential outcomes remain incompletely elucidated and merit further investigation. This review systematically consolidates epidemiological data on the dry eye-depression link, examines potential shared pathological mechanisms, and evaluates current therapeutic options. We propose an integrated management approach that combines conventional dry eye treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture, physical activity and antidepressants—a multimodal strategy that may yield synergistic benefits in alleviating both ocular and affective symptoms, thereby improving overall quality of life. Moving forward, research should focus on deciphering the underlying mechanistic pathways and facilitating the translation of these insights into clinical practice to inform targeted, combined treatment regimens for patients with dry eye and depression.
3.Automated Management of Zebrafish Strains and Zebrafish Facilities
Jiwen BU ; Ye HUA ; Shirong JIN ; Ningxin REN ; Funing LI ; Jiulin DU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):416-425
ObjectiveThis study aims to improve the management efficiency of zebrafish strains and zebrafish facilities and to transform the traditional management model that relies on manual labor. The goal is to promote a comprehensive transition from traditional manual operation to standardized, digitalized, automated, and refined management, thereby significantly improving management quality and work efficiency. MethodsThe research group independently developed the "Zebrafish Facility and Zebrafish Strain Automation Management System V1.0" (Software Copyright Registration No. 2021SR0236837), which comprehensively recorded all operational data of the zebrafish facilities and completed data on zebrafish strains. By combining in-depth mining of these data with management experience, management regulations were transformed into executable system instruction sets, and a full-process automated closed-loop management framework of "Monitoring–Analysis–Early Warning–Task Assignment–Execution–Recording" was established. ResultsThis management system has been operating stably for 5 years and has been successfully applied in 3 zebrafish facilities, cumulatively supporting 78 researchers and efficiently managing 1 108 plasmids and 1 123 zebrafish strains, among which 291 strains has been incorporated into zebrafish sperm bank management. A Likert scale survey of 28 core users covering 14 evaluation dimensions across 4 major categories showed average scores of 4.46–4.89, all far above the midpoint (3 points) of the scale, indicating that users gave high evaluations to all dimensions of the system. Meanwhile, the standard deviations of most dimensions were low (s ≤ 0.44), reflecting good consistency in user evaluations. ConclusionThis study integrates information technology, big data analysis, and modern management concepts to achieve a virtuous cycle of "data collection–analysis and execution–system optimization" in zebrafish facility management. It significantly improves management efficiency and refinement and promotes the development of management models toward automation.
4.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.
5.Characteristics of public health emergencies in Jinhua City from 2014 to 2023
ZHANG Tao ; DU Zhiping ; WANG Zuoyi ; JIN Lü ; hua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):69-72
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics of public health emergencies in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province from 2014 to 2023, so as to provide the reference for prevention and control of public health emergencies.
Methods:
Data of public health emergencies and related information in Jinhua City from 2014 to 2023 were collected through Emergency Public Reporting System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Attack rates, and distribution of time, areas and places were descriptively analyzed.
Results:
A total of 276 public health emergencies were reported in Jinhua City from 2014 to 2023. There were 10 324 reported cases and 7 deaths, with an attack rate of 0.32%. There were 53 Ⅳ-level (19.20%) and 223 unclassified public health emergencies (80.80%). Infectious disease emergencies were predominant types, accounting for 97.83% (270 events). The three most common infectious disease emergencies were other infectious diarrhea (42.03%), influenza (21.01%) and COVID-19 (16.30%). The reported public health emergencies peaked in November and December, with 66 and 45 events reported, respectively. The three most counties (cities, districts) included Yiwu City, Wucheng District and Lanxi City, accounting for 24.28% (67 events), 18.48% (51 events) and 11.96% (33 events), respectively. School and preschool institutions were predominant places where public health emergencies occurred (198 events, 71.74%).
Conclusions
The public health emergencies in Jinhua City from 2014 to 2023 were Ⅳ-level and unclassified emergencies, and infectious disease emergencies were predominant. November and December were the peak reporting periods, and schools and preschool institutions were the main places where these events occurred.
6.Cloning, subcellular localization and expression analysis of SmIAA7 gene from Salvia miltiorrhiza
Yu-ying HUANG ; Ying CHEN ; Bao-wei WANG ; Fan-yuan GUAN ; Yu-yan ZHENG ; Jing FAN ; Jin-ling WANG ; Xiu-hua HU ; Xiao-hui WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):514-525
The auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) gene family is an important regulator for plant growth hormone signaling, involved in plant growth, development, as well as response to environmental stresses. In the present study, we identified
7.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.
8.Memory Decline and Aberration of Synaptic Proteins in X-Linked Moesin Knockout Male Mice
Hua CAI ; Seong Mi LEE ; Yura CHOI ; Bomlee LEE ; Soo Jung IM ; Dong Hyeon KIM ; Hyung Jun CHOI ; Jin Hee KIM ; Yeni KIM ; Boo Ahn SHIN ; Songhee JEON
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):10-25
Objective:
This study aims to investigate may moesin deficiency resulted in neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by negative impact on synaptic signaling ultimately leading to synaptic structure and plasticity.
Methods:
Behavioral assessments measured neurodevelopment (surface righting, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance), anxiety (open field test, elevated plus maze test), and memory (passive avoidance test, Y-maze test) in moesin-knockout mice (KO) compared to wild-type mice (WT). Whole exome sequencing (WES) of brain (KO vs. WT) and analysis of synaptic proteins were performed to determine the disruption of signal pathways downstream of moesin. Risperidone, a therapeutic agent, was utilized to reverse the neurodevelopmental aberrance in moesin KO.
Results:
Moesin-KO pups exhibited decrease in the surface righting ability on postnatal day 7 (p<0.05) and increase in time spent in the closed arms (p<0.01), showing increased anxiety-like behavior. WES revealed mutations in pathway aberration in neuron projection, actin filament-based processes, and neuronal migration in KO. Decreased cell viability (p<0.001) and expression of soluble NSF adapter protein 25 (SNAP25) (p<0.001) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) (p<0.01) was observed in days in vitro 7 neurons. Downregulation of synaptic proteins, and altered phosphorylation levels of Synapsin I, mammalian uncoordinated 18 (MUNC18), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was observed in KO cortex and hippocampus. Risperidone reversed the memory impairment in the passive avoidance test and the spontaneous alternation percentage in the Y maze test. Risperidone also restored the reduced expression of PSD95 (p<0.01) and the phosphorylation of Synapsin at Ser605 (p<0.05) and Ser549 (p<0.001) in the cortex of moesin-KO.
Conclusion
Moesin deficiency leads to neurodevelopmental delay and memory decline, which may be caused through altered regulation in synaptic proteins and function.
9.A preliminary exploration of influenza-like illness surveillance and influenza vaccination in Jing’an District of Shanghai, 2017‒2023
Ruijue HUA ; Lixue LYU ; Biao XU ; Jin HUANG ; Ping YU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):313-318
ObjectiveTo understand the surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and influenza vaccination status in Jing’an District, Shanghai, and to provide a basis for optimizing influenza prevention and control strategies. MethodsThe sentinel surveillance data for ILI and virological surveillance data of influenza viruses in Jing’an District were collected from the Chinese influenza surveillance information system, and data for influenza vaccination were collected from Shanghai immunization information system from September 2017 to August 2023. Epidemiological characteristics of ILI, influenza etiology, and the temporal and population distributions of influenza vaccination were analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods. ResultsILI as a percentage of total visit surveillance units (ILI%) reported by sentinel hospital was increased in Jing’an District of Shanghai from September 2017 to August 2023 (F=18.841, P=0.012). The peak of the influenza cases mainly appeared in winter-spring, but there were two peaks in winter-spring and summer from September 2019 to August 2020, from September 2020 to August 2021, and from September 2021 to August 2022. In particular, there were two peaks in winter-spring from September 2022 to August 2023, with a rebound during the descending process. The average positive rate of ILI was 21.64% (2 421/11 189) during the 6 years. There was a peak in winter-spring during every year with the exception of the period from September 2020 to August 2021. The dominant strains were B/Yamagata and A/H1N1 in winter-spring from September 2017 to August 2018. The dominant strain was A/H1N1 in winter-spring from September 2018 to August 2019 and from September 2022 to August 2023. The dominant strain was B/Victoria in winter-spring from September 2019 to August 2020 and from September 2021 to August 2022. Different subtype strains occurred alternately, and the dominant strains were A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 in recent years. The influenza vaccination coverage was 2.94% from September 2017 to August 2023, and the vaccination coverage was highest in young children. The vaccination coverage for females was higher than that for males (χ2=546.963, P<0.001), and the vaccination coverage for registered residents was higher compared to that for migrants (χ2=123.141, P<0.001). ConclusionILI% exhibits an upward trend in Jing’an District of Shanghai, and the dominant strain is A subtype. The influenza vaccination coverage is still low, which is insufficient to have an impact on the spread of influenza. It is recommended that the surveillance of ILI and variations of influenza virus strains should be improved continuously, and effective steps should be taken to promote influenza vaccination.
10.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.


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