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 advances in methods for personal dose monitoring in interventional radiology
Xuanrong ZHANG ; Wen GUO ; Xian XUE ; Yanqiu DING
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):141-147
This paper primarily reviews the current research status of passive and active monitoring methods for interventional radiology personnel, encompassing the types and wearing positions of personal dosimeters, simulation results versus measured outcomes, and discrepancies between different simulation results. By reviewing domestic and international literature, it lists effective dose estimation formulas for single- and dual-dosimeter systems developed by various researchers worldwide. Recommendations are proposed based on the current dosimeter wearing practices among interventional radiology staff, providing reference for the formulation of relevant standards.
3.The World Health Organization Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Framework and the Association with Frailty in Older Adults
Wan-Yun CHOU ; Kun-Pei LIN ; Chiung-Jung WEN ; Ding-Cheng (Derrick) CHAN ; Su-I HOU
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research 2026;30(1):41-50
Background:
The World Health Organization published the 2019 Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework to guide, assess, and promote the intrinsic capacity (IC) of older adults, referring to their physical and mental health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between IC and frailty among older adults.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical center in Taiwan in 2021. Two hundred ten patients over 65 admitted to the geriatric ward were invited to participate. The questionnaire included an IC measure, Fried Frailty Scale, and demographic items. The IC measure was ascertained using the six domains of ICOPE (cognition, mobility, nutrition, visual, hearing, and depressive symptoms). The Fried Frailty Scale was used to categorize participants as robust (Fried Frailty Scale=0), prefrail (Fried Frailty Scale=1-2), or frail (Fried Frailty Scale ≥3). Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the association between individual ICOPE domains and frailty stages, while adjusting for confounders.
Results:
Among the participants, 39.0% were prefrail, and 28.6% were frail. Limited mobility and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with prefrail (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82–10.82; aOR=8.41, 95% CI 1.75–40.37) and frail (aOR=11.57, 95% CI 3.63–36.93; aOR=13.77, 95% CI 2.62–72.49) individuals, respectively. Malnutrition (aOR=4.01, 95% CI 1.18–13.62) and hearing loss (aOR=4.37, 95% CI 1.09–19.66) were significantly associated with frail older adults.
Conclusion
Limited mobility and depressive symptoms occurring at the prefrail stage could be used as assessment items for early detection of prefrail.
4.Role of myeloid cell transcription factor EB in alcohol-induced liver injury in mice
Sha Neisha Williams ; Kafayat Yusuf ; Xiaojuan Chao ; Hong-Min Ni ; Wen-Xing Ding
Liver Research 2026;10(1):71-81
Background and aims
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with no currently effective treatment. ALD is caused by excessive lipid buildup, which eventually triggers inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. Activation of hepatic Kupffer cells (KCs) and macrophages drives liver inflammation, which can worsen alcohol-induced liver injury. The autophagy-lysosome system is crucial for macrophages to support their innate immune functions. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a key regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, but the role of macrophage TFEB in ALD development is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Gao-binge alcohol consumption on myeloid cell TFEB and elucidate the role of myeloid TFEB in ALD.
Methods
Two-to-three-month-old male and female LysM Cre− (WT) and LysM Cre+ Tfeb Flox/Flox (f/f) (myeloid-Tfeb KO) mice were subjected to chronic alcohol feeding plus an acute binge following the Gao-binge model. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and cholesterol content were determined using biochemical assays. Total hepatic protein content and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of autophagy-related proteins and inflammatory markers were determined using immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Isolated hepatic infiltrating macrophages and KCs from mice given intragastric ethanol infusions were analyzed by Western blot for TFEB and autophagy-related protein content. Raw 264.7 macrophages were treated with ethanol, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS plus ethanol to examine nuclear TFEB translocation using immunofluorescence.
Results
We found that TFEB levels were higher in macrophage/KC cells than in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. While ethanol feeding increased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, as well as hepatic triglyceride levels, no significant differences were observed between WT and myeloid-Tfeb KO mice. The number of F4/80-positive KCs/macrophages was similar in all four experimental groups, but hepatic neutrophil infiltration increased in alcohol-fed myeloid-Tfeb KO mice. LPS or ethanol alone induced nuclear TFEB translocation only moderately in Raw 264.7 macrophages.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that myeloid TFEB is dispensable for alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.
5.Role and research progress of TGF-β and its signaling pathway in scleral remodeling
Wanyue DING ; Wen ZENG ; Liang TANG ; Jingwen FU ; Xin LI ; Chunli SU
International Eye Science 2026;26(9):1556-1560
The self-remodeling of scleral extracellular matrix(ECM)is a significant characteristic alterationin the development of myopia, and it also influences the progression of myopia. The mechanisms of scleral remodeling are intricate, with transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)and its associated signaling pathways playing a pivotal role. This review systematically summarizes the major metabolic changes in scleral ECM, the molecular mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway, and its regulatory effects on scleral remodeling during myopic development, aiming to provide new insights and potential strategies for the treatment and prevention of myopia.
6.Effect of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方) on Reproductive Aging,Ovarian Mechanical Micro-environment,and Offspring Reproductive Potential in Aged Model Mice
Jiaqi XU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Nan JIANG ; Kaixi LI ; Yafei DING ; Zimu WEN ; Yingying JIA ; Mengjun JIANG ; Tian XIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):612-620
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方, WHF) in improving reproductive aging from the perspective of the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. MethodsThe experiment included five groups, 3-month group (20 female mice at 3 months of age), 6-month group (20 female mice at 6 months of age), 6-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 5 months of age treated with WHF), 9-month group (20 female mice at 9 months of age), and 9-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 8 months of age treated with WHF). The 6-month + WHF group and 9-month + WHF group were orally administered WHF 41.2 g/(kg·d) once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The other three groups received no intervention. Reproductive hormone levels were measured by ELISA. HE staining was used to count the numbers of various stages of follicles. Ovarian hyaluronic acid (HA) content and collagen fiber content were measured to evaluate the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. Superovulation was performed to observe the number of eggs obtained, as well as the number of offspring and birth weight to assess fertility. The in vitro fertilization and blastocyst culture of oocytes from female offspring in each group were observed to evaluate the effect of WHF on offspring reproductive potential. ResultsCompared with the 3-month group, the 6-month group and 9-month group showed significantly decreased serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), decreased ovarian collagen content, and reduced numbers of primordial and secondary follicles. In contrast, the numbers of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles increased. The levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), ovarian HA content, and the fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the 6-month group, the 6-month + WHF group showed significantly reduced serum levels of GnRH, FSH, and LH, with a significant decrease in primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles as well as increase of AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, and offspring birth weight (P<0.05). Compared with the 9-month group, the 9-month + WHF group exhibited reduced GnRH, FSH, and collagen fiber content, as well as reduced number of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles. However, AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, offspring numbers, birth weight, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring all significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionWHF can significantly improve the ovarian reserve, fertility, and reproductive potential in offspring during reproductive mid-life and late-life stages. Its effect may be related to the remodeling of the mechanical microenvironment of aging ovaries. Moreover, the effect on the mechanical microenvironment remodeling of late-stage ovaries and the improvement of the offspring reproductive potential is more significant.
7.Advances in biological functions of osteopontin in central nervous system
Yi-wen WANG ; Ya-jun SHI ; Qian MENG ; Na CUI ; Yi DING
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):225-229
Osteopontin(OPN)is a multifunctional protein,widely distributed in a variety of cells,tissues,organs and body fluids.This protein has a classical RGD domain and can bind to a variety of integrins and CD44 receptors,thereby participating in various pathological processes in the body,such as infection,allergic reaction,autoimmune and tissue damage.Recently,many studies have revealed that OPN is highly expressed in the central nervous system(CNS)and plays different regulatory roles in CNS diseases,that is,OPN can play a pro-inflammatory role in some conditions to stimulate neurotoxicity,while it can play a neuroprotective role in other conditions.While there has been growing interest in the biological role of OPN in the CNS,a comprehensive review is currently lacking.The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the expression and function of OPN in the CNS,with a focus on microglia,astrocytes,and neurons.
8.Role of PINK1/Parkin mediated mitochondrial autophagy in radiation-induced mesenchymal transition of lung epithelial cells
Gaofeng DING ; Qingke DUAN ; Wen WANG ; Yufei LU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(7):629-636
Objective:To investigate the role of ionizing radiation in regulating mitochondrial autophagy and epithelial mesenchymal transaction (EMT) in lung, in order to provide experimental evidence for further elucidating the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF).Methods:Beas-2B cells were irradiated with 6 Gy X-rays, and their morphological changes were observed at 0, 12, 24 and 48 h after irradiation. The changes of mitochondrial autophagy and EMT-related proteins in PINK1/Parkin pathway were detected by Western blot assay. The changes of mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by JC-1 staining. TEM was used to observe the changes of cell ultrastructure 48 h after radiation. Beas-2B cells were then divided into control group, irradiation group (RI), RI + vector plasmid group (RI+ oeNC), RI+ PINK1 overexpression group (RI+ oePINK1), and the protein changes of FN1 and LC3 were detected by immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry was used to detect the change of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in each group. The changes of mitochondrial autophagy and EMT-related protein contents were detected by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and Western blot, respectively.Results:After X-ray irradiation, the cell morphology of human epithelial cells Beas-2B was changed from irregular polygon to spindle shape along with the time increase after irradiation, showing EMT appearance. JC-1 staining showed that, along with the time after irradiation, the red fluorescence was weakened, and the green fluorescence was enhanced, so that the red/green fluorescence ratio was decreased. TEM observation indicated that the cell morphology changed to spindle shape and the number of autophagic lysosomes decreased significantly at 48 h after irradiation. Western blot assay showed that the protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin and Beclin1 were significantly decreased, while the expression of p62 protein was significantly increased after irradiation. Moreover, the expressions of E-cad and CK19 were significantly decreased, while the expressions of N-cad and Vim were significantly increased ( t = 6.48, 3.72, 6.06, -18.71, P<0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed that LC3 expression was increased and FN1 expression was decreased in the oePINK1 group ( t = 6.06, -21.49, -9.58, 3.58, P < 0.05). Flow cytometry assay showed that ROS in the oePINK1 group was significantly decreased ( t = -342.54, 88.01, 25.48, P<0.05). After PINK1 overexpression, the expression levels of PINK1, Parkin and Beclin1 were significantly increased, while the expression of p62 protein was significantly decreased ( t = -25.57, -8.76, -11.24, 34.81, P<0.05); meanwhile, the expressions of E-cad and CK19 were significantly increased, while the expressions of N-cad and Vim were significantly decreased ( t =-7.12, 12.04, 67.92, -7.64, P<0.05). Conclusions:X-ray irradiation promoted EMT and impaired mitochondrial function of Beas-2B cells, and weakened mitochondrial autophagy mediated by PINK1/Parkin pathway. Overexpression of PINK1 promoted mitochondrial autophagy, which improved mitochondrial function and effectively inhibited cell EMT, thus alleviating pulmonary fibrosis.
9.Real-world study of pegylated doxorubicin liposomes for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Fengjiao DING ; Mo ZHAO ; Liyuan QIAN ; Wei WU ; Yanguang WEN ; Boni DING
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(9):2107-2111
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of pegylated doxorubicin liposome(PLD)in neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)for breast cancer.Methods A total of 126 breast cancer patients treated with the NAC regimen containing PLD in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from Janu-ary 2018 to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects.The clinical efficacy,pathological efficacy and occurrence of adverse reactions of the patients were observed,and total pathological complete response(tpCR)rates of different molecular subtypes were analyzed.The changes in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)were compared between before and after treatment.Results Among 126 patients,the clinical efficacy of NAC in 119 cases was evaluated,and the objective response rate(ORR)was 67.2%(80/119).A total of 123 patients were evaluated for the pathological efficacy,breast cancer pathological complete response(bpCR)rate was 13.8%(17/123);tpCR rate was 12.2%(15/123),in which the the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)positive[hormone receptor(HR)negative]type had the highest rate(33.3%),followed by triple-negative(21.7%).There was no hand-foot syndrome occurred,and only one case developed the grade 2 oral mucositis.LVEF showed no statistically significant difference between before and after treatment[69.9%(51.0%,87.0%)vs.69.0%(57.0%,85.0%)](P>0.05).Conclusion The NAC regimen containing PLD has a better effect on HER2—positive and triple-negative breast cancer.
10.Performance evaluation of VA/HA/β-TCP scaffold and its therapeutic effects on infectious bone defects of mice
Ying LIU ; Hua WEN ; Haoyang DING ; Jiliang WANG ; Jun ZHAO
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(10):2289-2295,2301
Objective To evaluate the drug-loading performance,biocompatibility,bone tissue compati-bility,and therapeutic efficacy of vancomycin(VA)-loaded hydroxyapatite(HA)/β-tricalcium phosphate(β-TCP)scaffolds in treating infectious bone defects in mice.Methods HA/β-TCP scaffolds were fabricated by using 3D printing technology,and VA was loaded onto the scaffolds via freeze-drying to create the composite VA/HA/β-TCP scaffolds.The scaffolds were observed by using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and their encapsulation efficiency,drug-loading capacity,and release kinetics were assessed.An in vitro co-culture system was established with mouse embryonic osteoblasts(MC3T3-E1)and the scaffolds,The cells were di-vided into the control group(HA/β-TCP scaffolds)and the VA/HA/β-TCP group.Cell viability was assessed by using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay,and osteocalcin(OCN)expression levels were meas-ured by ELISA at 7,12,and 14 days of co-culture.Antibacterial activity was evaluated through adhesion ex-periments.A mouse cranial defect model was constructed and implanted with the scaffolds for 4 weeks.Hema-toxylin and eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe material degradation and bone formation in the sur-rounding tissues.Results The VA/HA/β TCP scaffolds exhibited uniform pore size distribution and excel-lent drug-loading performance,with an encapsulation efficiency of 70.32%and an actual drug-loading rate of 30.53%,effectively loading VA.The scaffolds sustained VA release over 36 hours.Compared to the control group,MC3T3-E1 cell viability on the VA/HA/β-TCP scaffolds was significantly inhibited at 7 and 12 days of co-culture(P<0.01),but no significant difference in proliferation activity was observed between the two groups after 14 days(P>0.05).No significant differences in OCN expression levels were found in MC3T3-E1 cells on the VA/HA/β-TCP scaffolds compared to the control group at any time point(P>0.05).The VA/HA/β-TCP scaffolds demonstrated strong antibacterial properties,with significantly reduced numbers of Escherichia coli in the co-cultured bacterial solution and on the scaffold surface compared to the control group(P<0.001).Compared with the control group,the VA/HA/β-TCP group demonstrated significantly reduced cranial hemorrhage and inflammatory infiltration,alongside a marked increase in new bone tissue.Conclusion The VA/HA/β-TCP scaffolds exhibit excellent drug-loading performance,controlled drug re-lease,biocompatibility,antibacterial activity,and bone tissue compatibility,offering a novel approach for trea-ting bone infections.


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