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.Immune microenvironment regulates bone regeneration
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):701-710
BACKGROUND:The local immune microenvironment plays an important regulatory role in the process of bone formation,and the immune system is intricately linked to the skeletal system.OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the promotion of bone regeneration from three aspects:immune cell regulation of microenvironment,regulation of immune response by small extracellular vesicles,and induction of immune response by bone biomaterials,and to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms involved in bone regeneration.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,CNKI,WanFang Database,and VIP Database,using the search terms of"osteoimmunology,immune microenvironment,small extracellular vesicles,bone regeneration,bone tissue repair,biomaterials,and tissue engineering"in English and Chinese.Repeat and irrelevant literature was screened and removed,and 92 articles that met the criteria were selected for intensive reading and review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Multiple immune cells and bone cells are in the same microenvironment,and immune cells can regulate the differentiation and activity of bone cells,collectively forming an immune microenvironment that affects bone regeneration.Neutrophils can significantly reduce local inflammatory responses in the early stages of bone injury,creating a favorable microenvironment for bone regeneration.M1 macrophages can clear foreign bodies and reduce early inflammatory responses,while M2 macrophages can promote the expression of osteogenic markers and factors,playing an important role in the repair process of bone injury.B cells and T cells can directly or indirectly affect the generation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,regulate bone metabolism,and promote bone regeneration.Extracellular vesicles of small cells regulate the local immune microenvironment through paracrine secretion,promoting bone formation and angiogenesis at the site of bone injury.The metal ions,surface hydrophilicity,porosity,pore size,surface morphology,and surface roughness on the surface of biomaterials can directly regulate local immune responses,and have anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic effects,thereby accelerating bone regeneration.
3.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.
4.Sex difference in cutaneous adverse event and its correlation with prognosis in gastric cancer immunotherapy
Ke ZHENG ; Yue WANG ; Xingyang ZHANG ; Jia WEI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):471-478
Objective To explore the effect of sex on the incidence of immune-related cutaneous adverse event (ircAE) during immunotherapy for gastric cancer, and to further analyze the correlation between sex, ircAE and prognosis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with advanced gastric cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitors at the Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, from February 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Clinicopathological characteristics, occurrence of ircAE, and survival data were collected. The incidence of ircAE was compared between male and female patients. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves, and univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess prognostic factors. Results A total of 116 patients with advanced gastric cancer were enrolled, including 76 males (65.5%) and 40 females (34.5%). The overall incidence of ircAE was 23.28%, with a higher incidence in male patients than in female patients (28.95% vs 12.50%, P=0.046). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis on 86 patients with complete follow-up data indicated that patients with ircAE had longer overall survival (OS) than those without ircAE (P=0.045). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that male (HR=0.43, 95%CI 0.22–0.83, P=0.012) was associated with prolonged OS. Conclusions In gastric cancer immunotherapy, male patients are more likely to develop ircAE and have longer OS than female patients, and the occurrence of ircAE may be related to prolonged OS.
5.Immune microenvironment regulates bone regeneration
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):701-710
BACKGROUND:The local immune microenvironment plays an important regulatory role in the process of bone formation,and the immune system is intricately linked to the skeletal system.OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the promotion of bone regeneration from three aspects:immune cell regulation of microenvironment,regulation of immune response by small extracellular vesicles,and induction of immune response by bone biomaterials,and to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms involved in bone regeneration.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,CNKI,WanFang Database,and VIP Database,using the search terms of"osteoimmunology,immune microenvironment,small extracellular vesicles,bone regeneration,bone tissue repair,biomaterials,and tissue engineering"in English and Chinese.Repeat and irrelevant literature was screened and removed,and 92 articles that met the criteria were selected for intensive reading and review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Multiple immune cells and bone cells are in the same microenvironment,and immune cells can regulate the differentiation and activity of bone cells,collectively forming an immune microenvironment that affects bone regeneration.Neutrophils can significantly reduce local inflammatory responses in the early stages of bone injury,creating a favorable microenvironment for bone regeneration.M1 macrophages can clear foreign bodies and reduce early inflammatory responses,while M2 macrophages can promote the expression of osteogenic markers and factors,playing an important role in the repair process of bone injury.B cells and T cells can directly or indirectly affect the generation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,regulate bone metabolism,and promote bone regeneration.Extracellular vesicles of small cells regulate the local immune microenvironment through paracrine secretion,promoting bone formation and angiogenesis at the site of bone injury.The metal ions,surface hydrophilicity,porosity,pore size,surface morphology,and surface roughness on the surface of biomaterials can directly regulate local immune responses,and have anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic effects,thereby accelerating bone regeneration.
6.Clinical Application of Qili Qiangxin Capsules in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure: A Review
Dongmei LI ; Ziyi WANG ; Yuzhi JIA ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Jia SUN ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):306-313
This study systematically dissects the core pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF) featured by internal deficiency and external excess,imbalance of Qi,blood,Yin,and Yang,and intermingling of phlegm,blood stasis,and fluid retention. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic principles of simultaneously treating root cause and symptoms,regulating Yin and Yang,replenishing Qi and activating blood,and promoting urination to relieve edema,this article deeply explores the formula-syndrome correspondence of Qili Qiangxin (QLQX) capsules in the treatment of CHF,providing a solid theoretical basis for the multi-effect characteristics of this drug. CHF is a common critical cardiovascular disease in clinical practice,and its pathological process involves multiple links including myocardial injury,neurohumoral disturbance,and ventricular remodeling. Its TCM pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple Zang-Fu organs,making it difficult for a single therapeutic method to achieve comprehensive coverage. QLQX capsules,formulated based on classical TCM theory,perfectly matches the pathogenic characteristics of CHF. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that QLQX capsules possess definite cardiotonic,diuretic,and vasodilatory effects. The active ingredients of QLQX capsules can rapidly and effectively alleviate the core clinical symptoms such as chest tightness,shortness of breath,decreased exercise tolerance,limb edema,palpitations,and fatigue of CHF patients by enhancing myocardial contractility and coronary blood flow,improving renal water excretion function,dilating peripheral blood vessels,and reducing cardiac load,thereby significantly improving patients' quality of life. On the basis of analyzing the symptomatic treatment of CHF with QLQX capsules,this study further expounds that the drug can intervene in ventricular remodeling through multiple pathways and targets,regulate the pathological mechanism of CHF,improve vascular endothelial function,mediate the activation of related signaling pathways,inhibit the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts,and regulate myocardial energy metabolism,thus delaying disease progression. QLQX capsules exert significant benefits in reducing composite cardiac events,improving New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification,left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),6-minute walking distance (6MWD),and quality of life,demonstrating favorable clinical value. With the TCM pathogenesis of CHF as the guiding principle and modern pharmacology as the evidence,this study systematically clarifies the core advantage of QLQX capsules in treatment based on syndrome differentiation and multi-target synergy through the in-depth integration of TCM theory and modern pharmacology. It provides academic support with both theoretical depth and practical value for TCM intervention in CHF,and contributes TCM wisdom and schemes to the construction of a chronic disease management system with Chinese characteristics.
7.Clinical Application of Qili Qiangxin Capsules in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure: A Review
Dongmei LI ; Ziyi WANG ; Yuzhi JIA ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Jia SUN ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):306-313
This study systematically dissects the core pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF) featured by internal deficiency and external excess,imbalance of Qi,blood,Yin,and Yang,and intermingling of phlegm,blood stasis,and fluid retention. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic principles of simultaneously treating root cause and symptoms,regulating Yin and Yang,replenishing Qi and activating blood,and promoting urination to relieve edema,this article deeply explores the formula-syndrome correspondence of Qili Qiangxin (QLQX) capsules in the treatment of CHF,providing a solid theoretical basis for the multi-effect characteristics of this drug. CHF is a common critical cardiovascular disease in clinical practice,and its pathological process involves multiple links including myocardial injury,neurohumoral disturbance,and ventricular remodeling. Its TCM pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple Zang-Fu organs,making it difficult for a single therapeutic method to achieve comprehensive coverage. QLQX capsules,formulated based on classical TCM theory,perfectly matches the pathogenic characteristics of CHF. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that QLQX capsules possess definite cardiotonic,diuretic,and vasodilatory effects. The active ingredients of QLQX capsules can rapidly and effectively alleviate the core clinical symptoms such as chest tightness,shortness of breath,decreased exercise tolerance,limb edema,palpitations,and fatigue of CHF patients by enhancing myocardial contractility and coronary blood flow,improving renal water excretion function,dilating peripheral blood vessels,and reducing cardiac load,thereby significantly improving patients' quality of life. On the basis of analyzing the symptomatic treatment of CHF with QLQX capsules,this study further expounds that the drug can intervene in ventricular remodeling through multiple pathways and targets,regulate the pathological mechanism of CHF,improve vascular endothelial function,mediate the activation of related signaling pathways,inhibit the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts,and regulate myocardial energy metabolism,thus delaying disease progression. QLQX capsules exert significant benefits in reducing composite cardiac events,improving New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification,left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),6-minute walking distance (6MWD),and quality of life,demonstrating favorable clinical value. With the TCM pathogenesis of CHF as the guiding principle and modern pharmacology as the evidence,this study systematically clarifies the core advantage of QLQX capsules in treatment based on syndrome differentiation and multi-target synergy through the in-depth integration of TCM theory and modern pharmacology. It provides academic support with both theoretical depth and practical value for TCM intervention in CHF,and contributes TCM wisdom and schemes to the construction of a chronic disease management system with Chinese characteristics.
8.The epidemiologic characteristics of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in Minhang and Jinshan districts, Shanghai
Dun-jia WANG ; Xiao-lu HE ; Tian-tian ZHANG ; Tang WANG ; Zhao-peng DONG ; Can-lei SONG ; Shi-ji TAO ; Zheng-xing HOU ; Yu-ping CHENG ; Yi-bin ZHOU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):173-179
Objective The aim of the study is to analyze the incidence patterns and epidemiological characteristics of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in the Minhang and Jinshan districts of Shanghai, and provide evidence-based information for optimizing prevention and control measures. Methods We collected information from epidemic reports and epidemiological investigation forms for cases of parasitic and vector-borne diseases from 2005 to 2024 in Shanghai's Minhang and Jinshan districts. Descriptive epidemiological method were adopted to conduct a comparative analysis of incidence trends, epidemic characteristics, and infection sources. Results A total of 229 cases in 7 categories were reported between 2005 and 2024, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.36/100 000. The average annual incidence rate in Minhang District was significantly higher than that in Jinshan District. The most prevalent diseases were malaria and dengue fever, followed by Japanese encephalitis. Monthly case reports were available, predominantly from June to October, with a peak in July-August. A statistically significant difference was observed between the two districts in case distribution during June-October (P<0.001), whereas no significant difference was found for July-August (P=0.331). The majority of cases were young men (111/229,48.47%), aged 20-39 years. Migrant workers/farmers constituted the largest occupational group (55/229, 24.02%). Registered residents of other provinces and cities (147/229,64.19%), and the main source of infection was overseas importation (112/229,48.91%). There were no statistically significant differences in gender and household-registration composition between the two districts (P>0.05). Significant differences existed in age, occupation, and source of infection (P<0.05). The imported diseases were malaria and dengue fever, with Africa and Southeast Asia being the primary source locations. Malaria was the predominant disease imported from other provinces and cities, with cases having been imported from abroad since 2012. Local infections were mainly Japanese encephalitis, followed by malaria (with the last local case reported in 2010). Cases between 2005 and 2009 were predominantly imported from other provinces and cities. The proportion of cases imported from abroad increased sharply after 2010, particularly in Minhang District. Local infections sometimes arise in Jinshan District, with Japanese encephalitis serving as the primary type. Conclusions Incidence rates of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in Minhang and Jinshan districts have generally remained low. To further reduce this disease burden, it will be necessary to strengthen joint measures for prevention and control, eliminate the environmental risk factors of vector organisms, enhance monitoring and precise control of the environment and inbound personnel to prevent the occurrence and transmission of parasitic and vector-borne diseases.
9.Progress on antisense oligonucleotide in the field of antibacterial therapy
Jia LI ; Xiao-lu HAN ; Shi-yu SONG ; Jin-tao LIN ; Zhi-qiang TANG ; Zeng-ming WANG ; Liang XU ; Ai-ping ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):337-347
With the widespread use of antibiotics, drug-resistant bacterial infections have become a significant threat to human health. Finding new antibacterial strategies that can effectively control drug-resistant bacterial infections has become an urgent task. Unlike small molecule drugs that target bacterial proteins, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) can target genes related to bacterial resistance, pathogenesis, growth, reproduction and biofilm formation. By regulating the expression of these genes, ASO can inhibit or kill bacteria, providing a novel approach for the development of antibacterial drugs. To overcome the challenge of delivering antisense oligonucleotide into bacterial cells, various drug delivery systems have been applied in this field, including cell-penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles and inorganic nanoparticles, which have injected new momentum into the development of antisense oligonucleotide in the antibacterial realm. This review summarizes the current development of small nucleic acid drugs, the antibacterial mechanisms, targets, sequences and delivery vectors of antisense oligonucleotide, providing a reference for the research and development of antisense oligonucleotide in the treatment of bacterial infections.
10.Imaging analysis of concomitant G-EAC in female patients with PJS
Limin MENG ; Bairong LI ; Jichun ZHENG ; Jinghui JIA ; Xiangsheng LI ; Dong WANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(7):45-49
Objective:To explore the clinical and imaging features of the concomitant gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma(G-EAC)in female patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome(PJS),so as to improve the early diagnostic level for PJS.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and imaging data of 12 patients who were confirmed as PJS with G-EAC at Air Force Medical Center,PLA from June 2021 to December 2024.The 12 patients all received computed tomography(CT)examination before surgery,and 6 cases among of them received magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)examination at the same time.The features of clinical performance,and imaging features of CT and MR in all patients were analyzed.Results:In 12 G-EAC patients,7 cases(58.3%)did not occurred any abnormally relative symptoms of gynaecology and obstetrics,while 5 cases(41.7%)occurred increase of vaginal drainage and/or vaginal bleeding.The results of imaging examination indicated that 12 cases occurred concomitant cyst,including 5 cases(41.7%)with large cysts,6 cases(50.0%)that micro cysts coexisted with large cysts,1 case(8.3%)that solid mass combined with small amount of micro cysts,and 4 cases(33.3%)that combined with small amount of uterine cavity effusion.MR performance was the most of occurrences were quasi-circular object with long T1/T2 signals,and the sequences of diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)appeared there was no diffusion or mild restriction,and apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)appeared slightly high signal.The tumors that mainly were solid components appeared longer T2 signals,which diffusion was limited,and which ADC values appeared low signals.CT images of them presented enlarged cervixes,and mixed-density cystic and solid nodules and mass shadows at local tissues,and cellular change at local lesions.There was not significant strengthen at the cystic fields of the lesion with enhanced scan,and the solid fields appeared uneven enhancement.The accuracy rates both of preoperative CT and MR diagnosis were 50.0%.Conclusion:The clinical appearance,and imaging futures of CT and MR examinations of PJS female patients with G-EAC are respectively:partial patients occur vaginal drainage and/or vaginal bleeding,the most of tumors often occurs at the entire cervix(includes upper segment),often combines with cystic changes,and often appears infiltrating growth.The clinical PJS appearance,CT and MR examinations contribute to early diagnosis for G-EAC.


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