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 of microglia regulation of synaptic plasticity in depression
Hua-qing LAI ; Ping-long FAN ; Zhen-zhen WANG ; Nai-hong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1201-1205
Depression,characterized by high incidence,high re-lapse rate and high suicide rate,is an affective disorder mainly characterized by low mood and often accompanied by suicidal tendency,which seriously endangers human health.In recent years,more and more evidence suggests that microglia regulate synaptic plasticity and play an important role in depression.Here we outline the recent research progress of microglia regula-ting synaptic plasticity to exert antidepressant effects,focusing on three main types of molecular signals regulating synaptic pruning in microglia,including"Find Me"signaling,"Eat Me"signaling and"Don't Eat Me"signaling.By reviewing recent studies on how microglia regulate synaptic plasticity in depression,hopeful-ly,the understanding of microglia-mediated synaptic plasticity can be strengthened,which can help to provide new strategies for the treatment of depression by targeting microglia or microglia-associated signaling pathways.
3.Effect of Echinacea purpurea extract on digestive ability and intestinal barrier function of Bamei ternary pigs
Zixin CHEN ; Hua WU ; Wensheng WANG ; Jiayi LIU ; Jiewei SHEN ; Long LI ; Guohong ZHAO ; Shulei MA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1525-1534
The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of Echinacea purpurea extract on the digestive ability,immune function and intestinal barrier of the Bamei ternary pigs.Forty-eight healthy pigs of 50 days old were randomly divided into four groups,each with three replicates and four pigs in each replicate.The control group(CON)was fed a basal diet,and the experimental group was divided into 5 g/kg(T1),10 g/kg(T2)and 15 g/kg(T3)of Echinacea extract in the basal diet.The pre-test period was 5 days and the main test period was 35 days with free feeding and drinking during the test period.The results showed that:There was no significant effect on the apparent digestibility of nutrients and jejunum morphology in the test group compared to the CON group(P>0.05).Amylase and trypsin activities were significantly higher in the experimental group and lipase activities were significantly higher in T2 and T3 groups compared to CON group(P<0.05).GSH,CAT and T-AOC activities were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to CON group(P<0.05).In comparison with CON group,the levels of IL-1 and IL-6 were significantly lower in the experimental group(P<0.05),and the levels of TNF-α were significantly lower in the T2 and T3 groups(P<0.05);and the levels of IL-10 were signifi-cantly higher in the T3 group(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4,MyD88,TRAF6,and NF-κB were significantly lower in the experimental group(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expression levels of CLDN-1,OCLN and ZO-1 were significantly increased in the test group(P<0.05).The results between the test groups showed that the protein expression levels of CLDN-1 and OCLN were significantly increased in the T3 group compared with the T1 group(P<0.05).In conclusion,the addition of Echinacea extract to the ration can,to a certain ex-tent,improve the digestive ability,balance the immune ability,and improve the intestinal barrier function of the Bamei ternary pigs,thus promoting the intestinal health of pigs.
4.Pharmacological effects of linarin on Aβ deposition and neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice
Pei-zhi MAO ; Ying-yan YAN ; Zeng-ze YAN ; Jian-hua QI ; Long-hu WANG ; Qi-jun CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):661-667
Aim To investigate the effect of linarin on improving cognitive behavior of APP/PS1 mice,and to explore the therapeutic effect of linarin on A β deposi-tion and neuroinflammation and its correlation.Meth-ods APP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomly divid-ed into the model group,high-dose group,medium-dose group,low-dose group and positive control group.C57BL/6J mice were set as the normal group.Morris water maze was used to evaluate the learning and mem-ory abilities of mice.TUNEL staining was used to de-tect the apoptosis of neurons in the CA1 region of mice.IHC was used to detect the expression levels of Aβ42 and GFAP.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of BACE1 and PS-1.Results Com-pared with the normal group,mice of the model group showed lower NCP,shorter target quadrant travel,less target quadrant residence time percentage(all P<0.01),higher apoptosis rate of neurons in the CA1 re-gion(P<0.01),significantly higher protein expres-sion levels of A β42 and GFAP(all P<0.01),and significantly higher protein expression levels of BACE1 and PS-1(all P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the medium-dose group,high-dose group and positive control group showed higher NCP,longer tar-get quadrant travel,more target quadrant residence time percentage(all P<0.05),lower apoptosis rate of neurons in the CA1 region(P<0.01),significantly lower protein expression levels of A β42 and GFAP(all P<0.01),and significantly lower protein expression levels of BACE1 and PS-1(all P<0.01).Conclu-sions Linarin can inhibit two key enzymes to reduce the decomposition of APP and the generation of A β42,thereby inhibiting the activation of astrocytes,allevia-ting neuroinflammation,improving the core pathologi-cal features of AD,and thus significantly improving learning and memory impairment in APP/PS1 mice.
5.Effects of Rutong Ruanjian Tablets on angiogenesis in a rat model of preneoplastic breast cancer of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern via DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 pathway
Hua YANG ; Jun-yao LONG ; Jie GONG ; Bing-bing LU ; Xi ZOU ; Yu-rong WU ; Li-fang LIU ; Hui LIU ; Qi-hua CHEN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(3):774-781
AIM To investigate the effects of Rutong Ruanjian Tablets on angiogenesis in cancer tissues of rats with preneoplastic breast cancer(PBC).METHODS 60 female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group of 10 rats and a model group of 50 rats for the establishment of the PBC models of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern with 9 weeks of oral administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene(DMBA)and cervical ligation.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into the model group,the tamoxifen group(3.2 mg/kg),the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(128 mg/kg),the 3,5-difluorobenzoyl group(DAPT,5 mg/kg),and the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets(128 mg/kg via gavage)+DAPT(5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection)group,for 1 month corresponding drug administration,with 10 rats in each group.Then the rats had their cancer progression and syndrome scores observed;their angiogenesis evaluated by assessment of microvascular density(MVD);their vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression assessed by immunohistochemistry;and their mRNA and protein expressions of proteins related to the DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 pathway measured using RT-qPCR,immunohistochemistry and Western blot.RESULTS During carcinogenesis of rats induced by DMBA,there was gradual disappearance of E-cadherin expression and consistency of HE staining result with the PBC progression confirming the success of the modeling.Compared with the blank group,the model group showed increased MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group exhibited reduced MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P<0.05,P<0.01).The Rutong Ruanjian Tablets+DAPT group showed reduced mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1 compared to the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Rutong Ruanjian Tablets can inhibit angiogenesis and attenuate cancer progression in PBC rats of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern,and the mechanism may lie in the downregulation of DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway related proteins.
6.Research progress of microglia regulation of synaptic plasticity in depression
Hua-qing LAI ; Ping-long FAN ; Zhen-zhen WANG ; Nai-hong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1201-1205
Depression,characterized by high incidence,high re-lapse rate and high suicide rate,is an affective disorder mainly characterized by low mood and often accompanied by suicidal tendency,which seriously endangers human health.In recent years,more and more evidence suggests that microglia regulate synaptic plasticity and play an important role in depression.Here we outline the recent research progress of microglia regula-ting synaptic plasticity to exert antidepressant effects,focusing on three main types of molecular signals regulating synaptic pruning in microglia,including"Find Me"signaling,"Eat Me"signaling and"Don't Eat Me"signaling.By reviewing recent studies on how microglia regulate synaptic plasticity in depression,hopeful-ly,the understanding of microglia-mediated synaptic plasticity can be strengthened,which can help to provide new strategies for the treatment of depression by targeting microglia or microglia-associated signaling pathways.
7.Effect of plumbagin on angiogenesis in diabetes retinopathy rats by regulating SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2136-2140
Objective:To investigate effect of plumbagin(PLB)on angiogenesis in retina of diabetes retinopathy(DR)rats by regulating stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)signaling pathway.Methods:Rats were randomly grouped into normal control group(NC),model group(DR),low,medium and high doses plumbagin groups(PLB-L,M,H),Qiming granules group(positive control).Retinal angiogenesis of rats in each group was observed by fluorescence fundus angiogra-phy;HE staining was applied to observe pathological changes of retina;serum levels of VEGF,Ang-1,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA;oxidative stress level in retina was detected by micro-method kit;Western blot was applied to detect expressions of SDF-1 and CXCR4 proteins in retina.Results:Compared with NC group,retinal neovascularization increased in DR group,with obvious fluorescein leakage,serious retinal structure damage,thickening of optic nerve fiber layer with edema,and obvious pathologi-cal damage,serum levels of VEGF,Ang-1,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,MDA contents in retinal tissue,SDF-1 and CXCR4 proteins expressions increased obviously,SOD activity decreased obviously(P<0.05);compared with DR group,retinal neovascularization and fluorescence leakage in PLB group decreased,and pathological damage improved obviously,serum levels of VEGF,Ang-1,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,MDA content in retinal tissue,SDF-1 and CXCR4 proteins expressions decreased obviously,SOD activity increased obviously(P<0.05);there was no statistical difference in the above indexes between Qiming Granule group and PLB-H group(P>0.05).Conclusion:PLB can block expression of SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway,alleviate inflammation,oxidative stress and pathological damage in DR rats,and reduce retinal neovascularization.
8.Mechanism of action for the treatment of Cong Rong San in the Alzheimer's disease based on PERK-eIF20e-NF-κB signaling pathway
Xi WANG ; Qing-hua LONG ; Yuan-qin CAI ; Zheng-yu WANG ; Xian-bing CHEN ; Chu-hua ZENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):80-87
Aim To explore the mechanism of Cong Rong San on AD model rats based on protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods Sixty mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Cong Rong San groups(4.62,9.24,18.48 g·kg-1)and donepezil group,with 10 mice in each group.All groups of rats received bilateral hippocampal injections of Aβ1-42 to establish the AD model,except the normal group.After the intragastric administration,the Morris water maze behavior test was performed for rats to test-ed the learning and memory abilities.Nissl staining was detected the quantity and Nissl bodies of nerve cells.To detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by immu-nofluorescence.To observe the ultrastructure of endo-plasmic reticulum by Transmission electron microsco-py.ELISA for Aβ1-42 and inflammatory cytokines quantification.Western blot was used to detect the ex-pression level of protein in the hippocampus in PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signaling pathway.Results The morris water maze results showed that Cong Rong San im-proved the escape latency time,increased the number of platform crossings,and prolonged the time spent in the target quadrant in AD rats.(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Nissl staining shows the neuronal cells are ar-ranged neatly,nucleus are present and the number of Nissl bodies was numerous and the number of neurons was increased in various doses of Cong Rong San.Im-munofluorescence showed that the expression of NF-κB in the nucleus of rats was decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The shape of endoplasmic reticulum was neat,no significantly expanded,and the structure was normal in various doses of Cong Rong San.The levels of Aβ1-42,IL-1,TNF-α and the ratio of p-PERK/PERK,p-eIF2α/eIF2α,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in hippo-campus of Cong Rong San group was significantly de-creased in ELISA and Western blot test(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Cong Rong San can alleviates the immune inflammatory response of neuronal cells in the ERS state for improve the learning and memory a-bility of AD rats,the mechanism of action may through restraint the activation of PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signa-ling pathway.
9.Design and application of intelligent monitoring platform for adverse drug reactions
Guang-hua CHEN ; Jin XU ; Xi-long FENG ; Yong GAO ; Pei-yun NI ; Hua ZHU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(9):33-38
Objective To design an intelligent monitoring platform for adverse drug reactions(ADRs)to solve the problems of the traditional ADR monitoring mode.Methods The ADR intelligent monitoring platform was designed based on artificial intelligence and big data technologies,which was developed with Browser/Server(B/S)architecture,C#programming language and.NET development tool.There were five functional modules involved in the platform for ADR knowledge base,monitoring rule setting,intelligent monitoring,report management and statistical analysis.Results The platform realized the full-process management of ADR intelligent monitoring,reporting,review and statistical analysis,which enhanced the ADR report in quantity,quality and timeliness.Conclusion The platform contributes to improving the monitoring of ADR and patient medication safety.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(9):33-38]
10.Effect of plumbagin on angiogenesis in diabetes retinopathy rats by regulating SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2136-2140
Objective:To investigate effect of plumbagin(PLB)on angiogenesis in retina of diabetes retinopathy(DR)rats by regulating stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)signaling pathway.Methods:Rats were randomly grouped into normal control group(NC),model group(DR),low,medium and high doses plumbagin groups(PLB-L,M,H),Qiming granules group(positive control).Retinal angiogenesis of rats in each group was observed by fluorescence fundus angiogra-phy;HE staining was applied to observe pathological changes of retina;serum levels of VEGF,Ang-1,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA;oxidative stress level in retina was detected by micro-method kit;Western blot was applied to detect expressions of SDF-1 and CXCR4 proteins in retina.Results:Compared with NC group,retinal neovascularization increased in DR group,with obvious fluorescein leakage,serious retinal structure damage,thickening of optic nerve fiber layer with edema,and obvious pathologi-cal damage,serum levels of VEGF,Ang-1,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,MDA contents in retinal tissue,SDF-1 and CXCR4 proteins expressions increased obviously,SOD activity decreased obviously(P<0.05);compared with DR group,retinal neovascularization and fluorescence leakage in PLB group decreased,and pathological damage improved obviously,serum levels of VEGF,Ang-1,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,MDA content in retinal tissue,SDF-1 and CXCR4 proteins expressions decreased obviously,SOD activity increased obviously(P<0.05);there was no statistical difference in the above indexes between Qiming Granule group and PLB-H group(P>0.05).Conclusion:PLB can block expression of SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway,alleviate inflammation,oxidative stress and pathological damage in DR rats,and reduce retinal neovascularization.

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