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.Serpina3c Mitigates Adipose Tissue Inflammation by Inhibiting the HIF1α-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Overoxidation in Adipocytes
Yu JIANG ; Jia-Qi GUO ; Ya WU ; Peng ZHENG ; Shao-Fan WANG ; Meng-Chen YANG ; Gen-Shan MA ; Yu-Yu YAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):62-76
Background:
Visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) inflammation is a critical pathology of obesity-caused heart damage and is closely associated with adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction. Serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3C (Serpina3c) has been identified as an adipokine with anti-vWAT inflammatory effects. However, it remains unclear whether Serpina3c deficiency promotion of vWAT inflammation involves adipocyte ER dysfunction and whether it further contributes to heart damage in obesity.
Methods:
Wild type and Serpina3c knockout (Serpina3c–/–) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) was injected locally into epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) of Serpina3c–/– mice to induce eWAT-adipocyte- specific overexpression of Serpina3c (AAV-Serpina3c) or knockdown of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (AAV-shHIF1α). In vitro experiments were performed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Results:
Serpina3c–/– mice exhibited more severe eWAT, serum and heart inflammation after HFD feeding. Consistently, these adverse phenotypes were mitigated in AAV-Serpina3c and AAV-shHIF1α mice. Mechanistically, ER oxidoreductase 1α (Ero1α) and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family members PDIA3 and PDIA4 were found to be target genes of HIF1α. In the obese mice, Serpina3c deficiency caused adipocyte more hypertrophy, and activated HIF1α-Ero1α/PDI mediated ER overoxidation and ER stress in eWAT. Subsequently, this led to increased adipocyte apoptosis and chemokine production and decreased adiponectin expression, which promoted macrophage infiltration and M1 polarization in eWAT, thus exacerbating eWAT inflammation and ultimately facilitating serum and distal heart inflammation.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that Serpina3c is a significant regulator of adipocyte ER redox homeostasis, thus highlighting Serpina3c as a potential therapeutic target for obesity-related eWAT inflammation and heart damage.
3.Correlation Between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and eGFR in Diabetic Patients: A Cross-sectional Analysis Based on NHANES Data
Chunyu JIA ; Gangan WANG ; Jiahui WANG ; Gang CHEN ; Ke ZHENG ; Xuemei LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):379-385
To investigate the association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) andestimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with diabetes using large-scale data. Across-sectional analysis was conducted using data from diabetic patients in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2009 to 2014. Differences in NLR between patients with and without chronickidney disease (CKD) were compared. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models wereapplied to assess the relationship between NLR and eGFR. A total of 857 diabetic patients were included, with 190 (22.2%) having CKD and 667 (77.8%) without CKD. NLR was significantly higher in patients with CKD compared to those without CKD (2.94±1.69 vs.2.36±1.98, NLR is independently negatively associatedwith eGFR in diabetic patients, demonstrating potential clinical value as an indicator of kidney function declineand CKD risk in this population.
4.Data Mining of Medication Patterns of Chen Bin in Treating Chronic Superficial Gastritis
Ailin LAI ; Hongming ZHENG ; Taosheng MIAO ; Qiaolan MO ; Zexin QIU ; Jia LI ; Bin CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(6):1496-1502
Objective To analyze the prescription patterns of Professor Chen Bin in treating chronic superficial gastritis(CSG)with data mining methods.Methods Prescription data from effective medical records of outpatients with CSG treated by Professor Chen Bin at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from October of 2022 to April of 2023 were collected.R language,SPSS,and IBM SPSS Modeler were used to perform frequency statistics,association rule analysis,and systematic cluster analysis on the prescription data,and then the medication and prescription patterns of Professor Chen Bin in treating CSG were explored.Results A total of 64 outpatient prescriptions formulated by Professor Chen Bin were included,involving 95 Chinese herbal medicines.The top 10 frequently-used herbs were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle(Zhigancao),Bupleuri Radix(Chaihu),Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum(Fabanxia),Jujubae Fructus(Dazao),Zingiberis Rhizoma(Ganjiang),Codonopsis Radix(Dangshen),Scutellariae Radix(Huangqin),Paederiae Herba(Jishiteng),Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(Chenpi),and Taraxaci Herba(Pugongying).Most of the herbs were warm,cold,and mild in nature,and were sweet in flavor.And the herbs mainly had the meridian tropism of spleen,stomach,and liver meridians,and had the primary therapeutic effects of strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi,regulating qi,and resolving dampness.Based on the results of association rule analysis,a total of 21 core herb combinations were screened out,and cluster analysis yielded 4 clustered prescriptions.Combining the results of high-frequency herb statistics and cluster analysis and based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory,the core herbs for treating CSG was identified as Zhigancao,Chaihu,Fabanxia,Dazao,Ganjiang,Dangshen,Huangqin,Jishiteng,Chenpi,and Pugongying.Conclusion In treating CSG,Professor Chen Bin adheres to the treatment principle of replenishing qi and regulating the pivot,and the therapeutic methods of regulating qi movement,strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the stomach are applied with Xiaochaihu Decoction as the fundamental prescriptions.His view of treatment by focusing on the spleen and stomach,emphasizing the combination of herbs with cold and warm properties and based on syndrome differentiation will provide a reference for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in treating CSG.
5.Clinical Observation of Acupuncture Based on Huang Yuanyu's Theory"Ascending and Descending of Visceral Qi Movement"for Chronic Insomnia Disorder
Ruicong HUANG ; Meihong LI ; Jia ZHENG ; Xiaoting OU ; Xiaoyu CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1700-1705
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treating chronic insomnia disorder based on Huang Yuanyu's theory of"central qi ascending and descending,harmony of the four dimensions"regarding visceral qi movement.Methods Sixty patients diagnosed with chronic insomnia disorder at the Preventive Treatment Department of Yangjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2022 to February 2023.The patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group according to a random number table,with 30 cases in each group.The observation group received acupuncture therapy,while the control group received oral administration of Alprazolam Tablets.The treatment duration spanned 4 weeks with 1 course per week.Clinical efficacy was evaluated after 1 month,and the changes in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)scores and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA)scores were observed.The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD)scores were compared between groups before and after treatment.Results(1)After treatment,the PSQI scores of the two groups of patients were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the PSQI scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the HAMA scores and HAMD scores in the two groups of patients were significantly improved(P<0.05),an the observation group in improvement of HAMA and HAMD was significantly superior to the control group,with statistically statistical significance(P<0.05).(3)The total effective rate was 83.33%(25/30)in the observation group and 70.00%(21/30)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture based on the ascending and descending of visceral qi movement theory significantly alleviates anxiety and depressive states while improving sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia disorder,demonstrating notable clinical efficacy.
6.Establishment of a zebrafish map3k15 knockout line using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology
Chunyu JIA ; Yan SHEN ; Gang CHEN ; Ke ZHENG ; Yan QIN ; Xuemei LI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(3):290-297
Objective To establish a homozygous zebrafish map3k15 knockout line using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology so to provide an animal model for investigation of potential role of map3k15 in renal diseases.Methods 1)Analyzing the expression pattern of map3k15 in zebrafish;2)Establishing a homozygous map3k15 knockout zebrafish line using CRISPR/Cas9;3)Observing the phenotypic effects of map3k15 deficiency in ze-brafish.Results 1)map3k15 was expressed in the zebrafish pronephros,and map3k15/map3k15 protein was found highly conserved across species;2)map3k15-/-mutant zebrafish model was constructed with+2 bp mutation and+1 bp mutation;3)map3k15 mutant zebrafish exhibited edema in yolk sac,pericardium and head during embryonic development.Conclusions A homozygous zebrafish map3k15 knockout line is successfully developed which may provide an important model for future research on the role of map3k15 in renal development and disease.
7.Specific extraction and analysis of synthesized proteins from mesenchymal stem cells transplanted into the ischemic heart
Wan-Er LU ; Ying DAI ; Mu-Han TANG ; Kang WEI ; Shu-Jia CHEN ; Huai HUANG ; Jing LIN ; Hao-Rong PENG ; Li-Xuan ZHOU ; Dun-Zheng HAN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(8):991-998
Objective To specifically extract and analyze nascent proteins synthesized by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)after transplantation into ischemic hearts using a technique employing mutant methionyl-tRNA synthetase(MetRSL247G)for nascent protein labeling,in order to explore the potential mechanisms of action in BMSCs post-transplantation.Methods Point mutation at position 274 of the MetRS gene in BMSCs was induced via lentiviral infection to enable azidonorleucine(ANL)-mediated labeling of nascent proteins in BMSCs.The labeling efficiency was verified by means of fluorescent non-canonical amino-acid tagging(FUNCAT).Thirty healthy female C57BL/6J mice(8-10 weeks old)were divided into control and experimental groups,with 15 mice in each group.The acute myocardial infarction model was constructed by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in experimental group,while control mice underwent only thoracotomy without coronary ligation.After modeling,both groups received intramyocardial injections of MetRSL247G-modified BMSCs(MetRSL247G-BMSCs)at 3 different sites in the peri-infarct ischemic region.Mice were intraperitoneally injected with ANL every 6 hours for 4 times on postoperative days 0,2,and 6(n=5 for each time point)respectively,euthanized 24 h after the last injection,and cardiac tissues were isolated.The newly synthesized and labeled proteins produced by BMSCs after transplantation into the myocardium of experimental and control groups were collected,using an enrichment technique for ANL-tagged proteins and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS)analysis.Gene ontology(GO)analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis,protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis,and heatmap visualization analysis were performed to identify differentially expressed proteins at the 3 time points and screen key pathways and genes.Results Under fluorescence microscopy,the MetRSL247G lentivirus-infected BMSCs were observed to be labelled with mCherry signals,confirming the successful construction of the MetRSL247G-BMSCs cell line.Green fluorescent signals were detected only in nascent proteins in culture medium containing both MetRSL247G-BMSCs and ANL,validating the sensitivity and specificity of the labeling method.GO analysis revealed that differentially expressed proteins were primarily involved in basic cellular biological processes such as extracellular exosome formation,extracellular matrix organization,and focal adhesion.KEGG and PPI analyses indicated that the differential proteins were mainly involved in complement and coagulation cascade pathway,actin cytoskeleton regulation pathway,and apoptosis pathway.Heatmap analysis showed significantly upregulated expression of anti-apoptosis and cell adhesion-related factors in experimental group on day 1(P<0.05),upregulated anti-apoptotic factors,pro-apoptotic factors,and cell adhesion-related factors on day 3(P<0.05),and upregulated anti-apoptotic factors,cell differentiation-related factors,and cell adhesion-related factors on day 7(P<0.05)compared with control group.Expression of apoptosis-inducing factor 1 was significantly downregulated on days 1 and 7(P<0.05).On day 3,most differentially expressed proteins,including anti-apoptosis factors(Protein S100-A11,Clusterin,Gelsolin),pro-apoptosis factor(Cathepsin B),cell differentiation-related factor(Transgelin-2),and cell adhesion-related factors(Cofilin-1,Periostin,Fibronectin)were significantly upregulated(P<0.05).Conclusions The MetRSL247G mutation enables BMSCs to incorporate ANL and synthesize labeled proteins,confirming the feasibility of this nascent protein labeling technique.Nascent proteins of BMSCs in ischemic myocardium primarily contribute to extracellular exosome secretion and extracellular matrix organization.BMSCs may adapt to and respond to ischemic and hypoxic environments by influencing complement and coagulation cascades,activating inflammatory factors,regulating actin cytoskeleton structure,and modulating apoptosis,thereby maintaining the survival of BMSCs.
8.Practical Application of Scenario-Based Learning in the Laboratory Teaching of Medical Parasitology for Undergraduate Non-Clinical Medical Students
Jia MA ; Lijie SHEN ; Lijun YANG ; Xuemei JIA ; Zheng XIANG ; Xi CHEN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(2):164-170
Objective To investigate the impact of scenario class teaching on language expression,communication skills,and final exam performance of non-clinical majors students in the course of Medical Parasitology.Method Undergraduate students of non-clinical medical programs from Kunming Medical University in 2022 were selected as the subjects and randomly divided into a scenario class group and a non-scenario class group.Questionnaires were administered to compare the two groups regarding their interest in the laboratory classes,enjoyment levels,and knowledge retention.Additionally,the final exam scores of the two groups were compared.Results Students in the scenario class group showed significantly higher interest(82.6%)and enjoyment levels(88.3%)for laboratory classes compared to the non-scenario class group(73.0%and 60.1%,respectively,P<0.05).Students in the scenario class group believed that situational teaching enhanced their self-learning ability(82.06%),interest in learning(83.2%),willingness to express themselves(83.2%),confidence in expression(81.8%),and communication skills(87.9%).Additionally,It effectively facilitated their understanding of the occurrence and development of parasitic diseases(85.9%)and familiarity with the diagnosis and treatment process(86.8%),thereby cultivating clinical thinking.In terms of final exam scores,the scenario class group had a higher average score(22.80±0.18)than the non-situational classroom group(21.47±0.17,P<0.05).Conclusion Sc-enario class teaching in Medical Parasitology can effectively improve students'self-learning ability,language expression,and communication skills,cultivate clinical thinking,and enhance academic performance,demonstrating significant teaching advantages.
9.Investigation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and subthreshold states among children in Chongqing
Xiuying YANG ; Zhanming SHI ; Yi LI ; Jiasheng LIU ; Dengguo CHENG ; Tingting HE ; Wei ZHAO ; Gang YUAN ; Ludan ZHANG ; Chunni HUANG ; Junhao LUAN ; Xiaoyue JIA ; Tiantian CHEN ; Mei WANG ; Shiping ZHENG ; Chunying WU ; Yuanming REN ; Mengfei LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(6):561-567
BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by age-inappropriate inattention, excessive activities incongruous with setting, and emotional impulsivity. Subthreshold ADHD (sADHD) is clinically defined as the presence of ADHD symptoms that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Children with sADHD exhibit deficits in executive function, demonstrate more conduct, learning, and anxiety-related problems compared to typically developing children, and show even poorer working memory performance than children diagnosed with ADHD. Currently, there is limited epidemiological research on sADHD in China, with few studies simultaneously investigating the prevalence of both ADHD and sADHD in children. ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of ADHD and sADHD among children aged 6–13 years in Chongqing, analyzing their distribution characteristics within this population, with the aim of providing references for developing preventive measures against both ADHD and sADHD. MethodsFrom October to November 2023, a total of 3 398 students in grades 1–6 from six primary schools in Jiangbei District, Chongqing were selected using a stratified cluster random sampling method. The occurrence of ADHD and sADHD was evaluated by using the short version (18-item version) of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV rating scales (SNAP-IV) and the Chinese vision of Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-aged Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). ResultsThe ADHD detection rate among children in Chongqing was 1.90% (95% CI: 0.014–0.024). Boys showed a significantly higher ADHD detection rate than girls (χ2=7.733, P=0.005). No statistically significant differences were found in ADHD detection rates across different grades or age groups (χ2=7.347, 12.362, P>0.05). The sADHD detection rate was 6.32% (95% CI: 0.054–0.072). Similarly, boys exhibited significantly higher sADHD detection rates than girls (χ2=21.005, P<0.01). Significant differences emerged across different grades (χ2=20.559, P=0.001), while no statistically significant difference was observed in age groups (χ2=12.070, P=0.060). ConclusionThe ADHD detection rates were comparable across all grade levels and age groups from 6–13 years old. Second-grade children demonstrated notably higher sADHD rates compared to other grades, while boys demonstrated higher prevalence rates than girls for both ADHD and sADHD. [Funded by Science and Health Joint Medical Research Project in Jiangbei District, Chongqing City in the Second Half of 2023 (number, 2023JBKWLH022)]
10.The diagnostic value of preoperative PET-CT examination for lymph node metastasis in early non-small cell lung cancer
Jia LI ; Qingwu ZHAO ; Yongfeng LI ; Jicai CHEN ; Yuan ZHENG ; Yu LIN ; Dongqun LIN ; Huanqi MO
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(10):2386-2390
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of preoperative positron emission computed-tomography(PET-CT)examination for lymph node metastasis in early non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods A total of 232 early-stage NSCLC patients who underwent preoperative PET-CT examination and radical surgery for lung cancer in the hospital from January 2019 to April 2023 were selected.Clinical data,PET-CT examination results,and lymph node dissection pathology were collected to calculate the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of PET-CT diagnosis of NSCLC lymph node metastasis.The maximum standard uptake value(SUVmax)of the primary lesion and the predic-tive value of lymph node SUVmax for early NSCLC lymph node metastasis were evaluated by the receiver op-erating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The accuracy of PET-CT examination in the diagnosis of NSCLC was 95.69%,the accuracy of lymph node metastasis diagnosis was 85.78%,the sensitivity was 35.56%,the specificity was 97.86%,the positive predictive value was 80.00%,and the negative predictive value was 86.32%.There was a statistically significant difference in the detection rate of PET-CT examination and path-ological results among pulmonary nodules of different natures and sizes(P<0.01).For predicting lymph node metastasis in NSCLC,the cutoff point of SUVmax in the primary lesion was 3.83(P<0.001),and the cutoff point of SUVmax in lymph nodes was 3.07(P<0.001).Conclusion In early NSCLC,preoperative PET-CT examination has a high diagnostic accuracy for ground glass nodule lymph node metastasis,but its di-agnostic value for solid nodule lymph node metastasis is limited and insufficient to guide lymph node dissec-tion.Primary lesion SUVmax≥3.83 or lymph node SUVmax≥3.07 are high-risk factors for early lymph node metastasis in lung cancer.

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