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.

p21 (encoded by the CDKN1A gene) is a critical cell cycle regulatory protein endowed with versatile biological functions. In various sex hormone-related cancers, p21 exhibits a paradoxical dual role, capable of both inhibiting tumorigenesis and promoting cancer progression, exerting dual, often opposing, effects on cellular fate that are dictated by the specific context. The clinical targeting of p21 remains elusive, largely due to its functionally pleiotropic and context-dependent nature within intricate regulatory networks. During the initial, hormone-dependent phase of cancers like breast and prostate cancer, p21 expression and activity are largely governed by the transcriptional programs of estrogen or androgen receptor signaling. This hormonal regulation contributes to the control of tumor cell proliferation and underpins the initial efficacy of endocrine therapies. In contrast, as these diseases advance to late stages or evolve into non-hormone-dependent subtypes—exemplified by castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and specific forms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—these conventional hormonal control mechanisms often become dysfunctional or are entirely bypassed. This fundamental transition creates a critical therapeutic void, highlighting the urgent need to identify and exploit alternative molecular pathways to effectively target p21’s function. Promising strategies may include the precise modulation of its upstream transcriptional regulators, downstream effector proteins, or the intersecting parallel signaling networks that critically influence its activity. This review provides a systematic synthesis of the intricate and interconnected mechanisms that underpin the dual effects of p21 in sex hormone-related tumors. These mechanisms are categorized into three core, interrelated functional domains. (1) cell cycle regulation: p21 executes its canonical tumor-suppressive role by binding to and inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and by directly interacting with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), thereby inducing cell cycle arrest, predominantly at the G1/S checkpoint; (2) apoptosis modulation: p21 exerts a highly context-dependent influence on programmed cell death, functioning either as a pro-apoptotic agent under severe genotoxic stress or as a pro-survival factor by inhibiting apoptosis through interactions with proteins like Bcl-2; (3) hormonal and signaling crosstalk: p21 is an integral node within broader cellular networks, engaging in direct physical interactions with hormone receptors(e.g., AR, ER) and participating in complex feedback loops with key oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and p53. Critically, the role of p21 is not static but highly dynamic. It can undergo a functional switch from tumor-suppressive to tumor-promoting in response to therapeutic pressures, metabolic alterations, or evolving tumor microenvironment cues. These adaptive shifts are frequently implicated in the development of therapy resistance and disease recurrence, particularly in advanced, hormone-resistant cancers. By synthesizing these insights, this review aims to establish a coherent theoretical framework to guide the future development of novel therapeutic strategies that target the p21 pathway. It underscores the necessity of moving beyond a simplistic, binary view of p21 and emphasizes the forthcoming challenges, such as the discovery of reliable biomarkers to predict its functional state and the rational design of context-specific pharmacological modulators to selectively harness its therapeutic potential.

ObjectiveTo monitor the real-time changes in ammonia concentration in the laboratory animal facility environment before, during, and after the air conditioning system stops supplying air, so as to provide a basis and reference for developing emergency plans for the shutdown of the air conditioning system. MethodsThe laboratory animal facilities of the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products were used as the research object. Ammonia concentration detectors were used to monitor ammonia concentration continuously in the environment of conventional rabbit production facility, SPF hamster production facility, and SPF guinea pig experimental facility before and after the passive shutdown due to repairs and active maintenance shutdown of the air conditioning system, as well as the time for the ammonia concentration to return to daily levels after resuming air supply. ResultsUnder both shutdown modes of the air conditioning system, the trend of ammonia concentration changes in different laboratory animal facilities was consistent, showing a rapid increase after shutdown and a rapid decrease after resuming air supply. Under active maintenance shutdown, the maximum ammonia concentrations in the conventional rabbit production facilities, SPF hamster production facilities, and SPF guinea pig experimental facilities were 9.81 mg/m³, 14.27 mg/m³, and 6.98 mg/m³, respectively. Within 12 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. Under passive long-term shutdown, ammonia concentration value was positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. As the shutdown duration increased, ammonia concentration continued to increase. The maximum ammonia concentration values in the three facilities occurred at 88 minutes (38.06 mg/m³), 40 minutes (18.43 mg/m³), and 34 minutes (15.61 mg/m³) after air supply suspension, respectively.Within 11 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. ConclusionShutdown of the air conditioning system causes a rapid increase in ammonia concentration in laboratory animal facilities, and the rise in ammonia concentration is positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. Therefore, when an emergency shutdown of the air-conditioning system is required due to maintenance or other reasons, backup fans should be provided in accordance with the requirements of GB 50447-2008 "Architectural and Technical Code for Laboratory Animal Facilities". Older facilities should make adequate preparations and develop a scientifically sound emergency plan.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the distribution characteristics of glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) mutations and their enzyme activity in newborns patients with G6PD deficiency in Guilin region. METHODS: From July 2022 to July 2024, umbilical cord blood samples from 4 554 newborns in Guilin were analyzed for G6PD mutations using fluorescence PCR melting curve analysis. Enzyme activity was detected in 4 467 cases using the rate assay. RESULTS: Among 4 467 newborns who underwent G6PD activity testing, 162 newborns (3.63%) were identified as G6PD-deficient, including 142 males (6.04%) and 20 females (0.94%), the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was significantly higher in males than in females (P < 0.001). Genetic analysis of 4 554 newborns detected G6PD mutations in 410 cases (9%), including 171 males (7.13%) and 239 females (11.09%), with a significantly higher mutation detection rate in females than in males (P < 0.001). A total of nine single mutations and four compound heterozygous mutations were identified. The most common mutations were c.1388G>A (33.66%), c.1376G>T (23.66%) and c.95A>G (16.34%). Among newborns who underwent both enzyme activity and genetic mutation testing, males with G6PD mutations had significantly lower enzyme activity than that of females with G6PD mutations(P < 0.001). Specifically, among newborns carrying the mutations c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.95A>G, c.1024C>T or c.871G>A, males consistently exhibited lower enzymatic activity than females with the same mutations (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in male G6PD-deficient newborns, the enzyme activity levels in those carrying c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.95A>G, c.1024C>T, or c.871G>A were lower than those in both the control group and the c.519C>T group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive profile of G6PD deficiency incidence and mutation spectrum in the Guilin region. By analyzing enzyme activity and genetic mutation results, this study provides insights into potential intervention strategies and personalized management approaches for the prevention and treatment of neonatal G6PD deficiency in the region.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency/epidemiology* ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase/genetics* ; Female ; Male ; Mutation ; China/epidemiology*

Necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, initiates a series of biological responses and further culminates in necroinflammatory processes, consequently limiting the efficacy of cytokine antagonists in treating inflammatory diseases. To address this issue, DNAzyme R3-Dz specifically targeting receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) mRNA, a necrosome component, has been successfully developed and studied to elucidate the mechanism in cleaving its target mRNA. Then a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) derivative was constructed through the modification of nucleobase analog (termed AP) to achieve the R3-Dz delivery to macrophages. The AP/R3-Dz nanoparticles effectively downregulated the RIP3 expression, leading to subsequent decrease in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), ultimately inhibiting the necroinflammatory processes mediated by the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3). Finally, AP/R3-Dz nanoparticles and their combination with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 suppressed the necrotic phenotype and ameliorated the disease progression in diverse models, including gouty arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In summary, the AP/R3-Dz nanoparticles in combination with MCC950 have been demonstrated to achieve the intervention in necroptosis and inflammation by dual disruption of the intricate feedback loop of necroinflammation and thus have promising potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of early life intervention with Bifidobacterium bifidum BD-1 (B. bifidum BD-1) on hyperactivity in a female mouse model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Eight newborn female Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and 6 spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) were gavaged with saline and another 6 SHRs were gavaged with B. bifidum BD-1 (10⁹ CFU) daily for 3 weeks. Open field test of the rats was conducted at 7 weeks, and fecal samples were collected at weaning (3 weeks) and at 7 weeks for 16S rRNA sequencing. Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect dopamine transporter (DAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) levels in the striatum and activated microglia in the prefrontal cortex. Treg cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and blood were analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The SHRs traveled a significantly greater distance in open fields test than WKY rats, and this behavior was significantly attenuated by B. bifidum BD-1 intervention. The expression of DAT and Th in the striatum was significantly lower in the SHRs than in WKY rats, while B. bifidum BD-1 treatment obviously increased Th levels in the SHRs. B. bifidum BD-1 intervention significantly deceased the number of activated microglia and increased Treg cell counts in the spleen of SHRs. The treatment also enhanced α diversity in gut microbiota of the SHRs and resulted in a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio, more active Muribaculaceae growth, and suppression of Clostridia_UCG-014 proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Early life intervention with B. bifidum BD-1 alleviates hyperactivity in female SHRs by modulating the gut microbiota and peripheral immune response, suppressing neuroinflammation and improving dopaminergic system function. These findings provide evidence for early prevention strategies and support the development and application of psychobiotics for ADHD.
Animals ; Female ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/therapy* ; Bifidobacterium bifidum ; Probiotics/therapeutic use* ; Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism* ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Disease Models, Animal

OBJECTIVE: To assess health equity in the Yangtze River region to improve understanding of the correlation between hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: From 2014-2016, data on HFMD incidence, population statistics, economic indicators, and meteorology from 26 cities along the Yangtze River were analyzed. A multi-city random-effects meta-analysis was performed to study the relationship between temperature and HFMD transmission, and health equity was assessed with respect to socio-economic impact. RESULTS: Over the study period, 919,458 HFMD cases were reported, with Shanghai (162,303) having the highest incidence and Tongling (5,513) having the lowest. Males were more commonly affected (male-to-female ratio, 1.49:1). The exposure-response relationship had an M-shaped curve, with two HFMD peaks occurring at 4 °C and 26 °C. The relative risk had two peaks at 1.30 °C (1.834, 95% CI: 1.204-2.794) and 31.4 °C (1.143, 95% CI: 0.901-1.451), forming an M shape, with the first peak higher than the second. The most significant impact of temperature on HFMD was observed between -2 °C and 18.1 °C. The concentration index (0.2463) indicated moderate concentration differences, whereas the Theil index (0.0418) showed low inequality in distribution. CONCLUSION The incidence of HFMD varied across cities, particularly with changes in temperature. Economically prosperous areas showed higher risks, indicating disparities. Targeted interventions in these areas are crucial for mitigating the risk of HFMD.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; China/epidemiology* ; Cities/epidemiology* ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/transmission* ; Incidence ; Risk Factors ; Temperature

AIM To prepare anisamide-modified ursolic acid self-assembled nanoparticles,and to evaluate their anti-drug resistance effect of enzalutamide on prostate cancer.METHODS Nanoparticle precipitation method was adopted in the preparation of anisamide-modified and non-anisamide-modified self-assembled nanoparticles,respectively,after which the particle size,Zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency were determined,and the morphology was observed under transmission electron microscope.The intake of cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)was investigated,after which the model for enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer was established,CCK8 assay was applied to analyzing the sensitization effect of self-assembled nanoparticles on enzalutamide,and Western blot was used for the detection of NRG1,HER3,AKT expressions.RESULTS The anisamide-modified self-assembled nanoparticles demonstrated the average particle size,Zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of(195.13±8.06)nm,(-29.07±0.55)mV and(94.58±0.84)％,respectively.CAFs displayed higher intake in the anisamide-modified self-assembled nanoparticles than that in the non-modified preparation and free Cy5(P＜0.05).Meanwhile,anisamide-modified self-assembled nanoparticles were able to inhibit enzalutamide resistance caused by CAFs,reduce NRG1 expression on CAFs,and anisamide-modified self-assembled nanoparticles-treated conditioned medium of CAFs could reduce HER3 and AKT expression on LNCaP cells(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Anisamide-modified ursolic acid self-assembled nanoparticles can enhance the targeting of CAFs,alleviate the drug resistance effect of enzalutamide on prostate cancer caused by CAFs,and reduce NRG1 expression in CAFs.

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a chalcone compound isolated from licorice, known for its anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. Our previous study has demonstrated that ISL effectively lowers blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and improves disturbances in glucolipid and energy metabolism induced by T2DM. This study aims to further investigate the effects of ISL on alleviating abnormal endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) caused by T2DM and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms. In vivo experiments were conducted using 8-week-old SPF male C57BL/6J mice. The T2DM animal model was established by high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ), in compliance with the ethical guidelines set by the Animal Welfare Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: BUCM-2022021503-1134). In vitro experiments employed human liver cancer HepG2 cells, which were induced with tunicamycin (TM) to establish the ERS cell model. Transcriptomic sequencing was used to analyze changes in gene expression in the liver samples of T2DM mice following ISL treatment. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess the regulatory effects of ISL on key ERS genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence techniques were used to evaluate ISL's effects on ERS-related proteins. Results indicate that ISL significantly downregulates the expression of ERS-related genes, reduces the level of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and inhibits the phosphorylation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), thereby alleviating abnormal ERS induced by T2DM. Additionally, ISL increases the protein levels of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 1 and IRS2 and enhances the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), thereby improving insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, ISL is able to alleviate T2DM associated symptoms by improving abnormal ERS and enhancing insulin sensitivity.

Objective To construct a risk prediction model for atherosclerosis(AS)in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA)based on Lasso-Logistic regression analysis and provide a scientific basis for individualized clinical intervention.Methods The retrospective clinical data were collected from 344 RA patients,including 86 patients with AS(RA+AS group)and 258 patients with without AS(RA group).The clinical characteristics and initial laboratory test results were compared between the two groups.Lasso regression was used to screen the key predictive variables,and Logistic regression was combined to construct the prediction mode.The discrimination of the model was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and the area under the curve(AUC).The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the calibration,and decision curve analysis was used to verify the clinical applicability of the model.Results Seven predictive variables were identified including RA disease duration,DAS28 score,C-reactive protein(CRP),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),fasting blood glucose(FBG)and hypertension.The risk prediction model for AS in RA patients was:Logit(P)=-2.674+0.605×RA disease duration+0.393×DAS28 score+0.310×CRP+1.346×TG-2.289×HDL-C+0.679×FBG+0.711×hypertension.The AUC of the model was 0.965(95%CI:0.943-0.987),and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed χ2=0.547,P=1.000,indicating good discrimination and calibration.Clinical decision curve analysis showed that the probability threshold ranged from 7%to 92%,demonstrating high clinical applicability.Conclusion The AS risk prediction model constructed in this study for RA patients can effectively identify high-risk individuals,supporting the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.