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.Teaching Practice and Exploration of"Tutorial System"Based on The Cultivation of Scientific Research and Innovation Ability of Medical Students
Qiao ZHANG ; Yin-Feng YANG ; Yue-Li NI ; Zhuo-Ran TENG ; Wen-Jing LIU ; Jing WU ; Yan-Rui WU ; Yu DOU ; Ming HE ; Shu-De LI ; Ping GAN ; Fang YUAN ; Zhe YANG ; Xin-Wang YANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):470-480
The scientific research and innovation capabilities of medical students are intrinsically linked to the sustained and high-quality development of national healthcare initiatives.Cultivating outstanding medi-cal students with independent scientific capabilities and innovative consciousness is a critical component in the education and training of high-level medical professionals.Our investigation revealed that within the imperfections of the cultivating model,some faculty and students at medical schools have an insufficient understanding of scientific research and innovation and lack motivation for engaging in such activities,which hinder the progression of scientific research activities.Consequently,we initiated a teaching practice and exploratory study on the"tutorial system"aimed at fostering medical students'scientific research and innovation abilities.Based on the principle of"research informing teaching,teaching and research advan-cing together,"this study implements a"tutorial system"coordinated by tutors,supplemented by graduate and undergraduate student mentors,to cultivate innovative thinking,stimulate interest in scientific re-search,and enhance practical and research skills among medical students.Through collaborative efforts within"scientific research innovation teams,"various educational methods—including preliminary re-search,in-class and extracurricular activities,intra-group and inter-group interactions,and theoretical and practical applications—are employed to improve and strengthen the cultivation of medical students'scientif-ic research and innovation abilities.This study aims to provide valuable references for optimizing medical education management systems and enhancing the quality of medical student training.
3.Effect of tetramethylpyrazine on neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia based on mannose-binding lectin
Yan-zhe DUAN ; Yu-kang SUN ; Jian-lin HUA ; Chun-li WEN ; Hao TIAN ; Yi YANG ; Xiu LOU ; Cun-gen MA ; Yu-qing YAN ; Li-juan SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):668-676
Aim To investigate the effect of tetrameth-ylpyrazine(TMP)on neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia via mannose-binding lectin(MBL).Methods Patients diagnosed with ischaemic stroke at Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital were in-cluded in the study,and their clinicopathological data,as well as blood and urine samples,were collected with the consent of the patients and their families.Using these biological samples,differential proteins and tar-gets were identified by proteomic analysis and subse-quently verified with animal experiments.The mice were divided into the sham,dMCAO,and TMP(10,20,40 mg·kg-1)treatment groups.After seven days of drug administration,the modified neurological sever-ity score(mNSS)was used to assess the neurological function.TTC staining was used to detect the volume of cerebral infarction.Motor function was evaluated be-haviourally,and ELISA was used to detect MASP1,sC5b-9,TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β.Western blot was used to determine the expression of relevant proteins,such as MBL2,MASP2,and C3.Results Compared with the sham group,the dMCAO group exhibited in-creased neurological impairment,which was signifi-cantly ameliorated by TMP treatment.The expression levels of MBL2,C3 and MASP2 were elevated in the dMCAO group and were reduced following TMP treat-ment.Additionally,the dMCAO group showed elevat-ed expression of inflammatory factors IL-1 β,IL-6 and TNF-α,which were then suppressed by TMP treat-ment.Conclusion TMP inhibits the inflammatory re-sponse after ischemia and hypoxia by regulating MBL,thus attenuating brain injury.
4.Performance verification and results analysis of DNA workflow for metagenomic next-generation sequencing
Shangdong YANG ; Yang XIAO ; Wen XI ; Zhe LIU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoqin WANG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):162-168
Objective To establish a performance verification scheme for the metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)DNA workflow.Methods Reference materials and clinical samples were used for conducting experiments.The mNGS detection results were evaluated in terms of limit of detection(LOD),repeatability,robustness,anti-interference ability,specificity and accuracy,as well as the patterns of library construction and the performance of sequencers.Results All species in the reference materials were stably detected,and the LOD of mNGS was 5.0E+02 CFU/mL(copies/mL).The repeatability was 100%and the within-batch(coefficient of variation)CV ranged from 8.53%to 38.73%.The linear correlation coefficient|r|>0.9 was found between the input pathogenic microorganism concentration and the read count.Meanwhile,the experimental robustness was found to be good.The results of the anti-interference test showed that the higher concentration of human DNA inputted,the fewer pathogenic microorganism read counts detected by mNGS.Meanwhile,the read counts of related species presented a proportional relationship with the corresponding pathogenic microorganisms concentration inputted,which meant the validation of the cross-interference test had been passed.Furthermore,the detection result of D0 was negative.The accuracy of clinical samples testing was 90.9%(10/11).In addition,the library quality control results obtained by the automatic liquid handling workstation and manually operation were all acceptable.The performance of the three Illumina sequencers met or were better than the factory standards.Conclusion The clinical laboratory performance verification scheme for mNGS detection was established,which included the design for reference materials,comparison of different patterns for library construction,and performance evaluation of the sequencers.More importantly,the performance verification scheme can be used to evaluate and ensure the quality of mNGS DNA workflow detection process.
5.Analysis of the risk factors of hypercoagulable state after surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Quan WAN ; Cong SHAO ; Zhe LIU ; Yongan WEN ; Lin YANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(8):680-684
Objective To analyze the factors influencing hypercoagulable state in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)after surgery,so as to provide reference for preventing postoperative thrombosis in BPH.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 307 BPH patients who underwent surgery in the Department of Urology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University during Apr.2022 and Sep.2023.Patients were divided into the hypercoagulable state group and non-hypercoagulable state group based on the presence of abnormal postoperative coagulation parameters.Single factor and binary logistic regression analysis were used to screen risk factors affecting postoperative blood hypercoagulability in BPH patients.Results Among the 307 BPH patients,45(14.66%)developed a hypercoagulable state postoperatively.Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the hypercoagulable and non-hypercoagulable groups regarding patients'age,length of hospital stay,body mass index(BMI),history of hypertension,history of diabetes,and blood type(P<0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis identified BMI(OR=1.135,95%CI:1.006-1.281,P=0.039),history of hypertension(OR=2.342,95%CI:1.103-4.927,P=0.027),and blood type(OR=2.270,95%CI:1.066-4.836,P=0.034)as independent risk factors for postoperative hypercoagulable state.Conclusion Non-O blood type,high BMI,and history of hypertension are independent risk factors for the occurrence of hypercoagulable state following surgery for BPH.
6.Analysis of the risk factors of hypercoagulable state after surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Quan WAN ; Cong SHAO ; Zhe LIU ; Yongan WEN ; Lin YANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(8):680-684
Objective To analyze the factors influencing hypercoagulable state in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)after surgery,so as to provide reference for preventing postoperative thrombosis in BPH.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 307 BPH patients who underwent surgery in the Department of Urology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University during Apr.2022 and Sep.2023.Patients were divided into the hypercoagulable state group and non-hypercoagulable state group based on the presence of abnormal postoperative coagulation parameters.Single factor and binary logistic regression analysis were used to screen risk factors affecting postoperative blood hypercoagulability in BPH patients.Results Among the 307 BPH patients,45(14.66%)developed a hypercoagulable state postoperatively.Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the hypercoagulable and non-hypercoagulable groups regarding patients'age,length of hospital stay,body mass index(BMI),history of hypertension,history of diabetes,and blood type(P<0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis identified BMI(OR=1.135,95%CI:1.006-1.281,P=0.039),history of hypertension(OR=2.342,95%CI:1.103-4.927,P=0.027),and blood type(OR=2.270,95%CI:1.066-4.836,P=0.034)as independent risk factors for postoperative hypercoagulable state.Conclusion Non-O blood type,high BMI,and history of hypertension are independent risk factors for the occurrence of hypercoagulable state following surgery for BPH.
7.Development and application of single person teaching system for breast surgery
Yue WANG ; Bo TANG ; Shi-bo PANG ; Hong-bo YANG ; Zhe ZHANG ; Bo-wen CHEN ; Na-na ZHANG ; Feng MA ; Yi LYU ; Ding-hui DONG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(7):34-38
Objective To develop a single-person breast surgery teaching system to improve the teaching efficiency of breast surgery.Methods The single-person breast surgery teaching system consisted of a magnetic suspension and retraction device and a breast model.The magnetic suspension and retraction device was composed of a magnetic suspension component and a magnetic retraction component,of which,the magnetic suspension component included a bracket,an outer magnet and an inner magnet and the magnetic retraction component comprised a magnetic base and an elastic grasping forceps.The breast model was established with porcine abdominal tissue obtained from slaughterhouses.Twelve surgical trainees were randomized into an experimental group(n=6)and a control group(n=6),and the 2 groups performed flap release operations on the breast model with skin-preserving mastectomy as the target procedure.The operation was carried out with the developed system in the experimental group and with the traditional procedure in the control group.Results The two groups had the flap-free operation on the breast model finished successufully,which had no significant differences in the length of incision(P>0.05);the experimental group gained advantages over the control group in the number of assistants required,operation time,times of skin flap injuries,times of glandular injuries and effect of exposure,with the differences being statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion The single-person breast surgery teaching system enhances the effect of exposure efficiently,meets the reequirements for single-person training and improves the teaching efficiency.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(7):34-38]
8.Teaching Practice and Exploration of"Tutorial System"Based on The Cultivation of Scientific Research and Innovation Ability of Medical Students
Qiao ZHANG ; Yin-Feng YANG ; Yue-Li NI ; Zhuo-Ran TENG ; Wen-Jing LIU ; Jing WU ; Yan-Rui WU ; Yu DOU ; Ming HE ; Shu-De LI ; Ping GAN ; Fang YUAN ; Zhe YANG ; Xin-Wang YANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):470-480
The scientific research and innovation capabilities of medical students are intrinsically linked to the sustained and high-quality development of national healthcare initiatives.Cultivating outstanding medi-cal students with independent scientific capabilities and innovative consciousness is a critical component in the education and training of high-level medical professionals.Our investigation revealed that within the imperfections of the cultivating model,some faculty and students at medical schools have an insufficient understanding of scientific research and innovation and lack motivation for engaging in such activities,which hinder the progression of scientific research activities.Consequently,we initiated a teaching practice and exploratory study on the"tutorial system"aimed at fostering medical students'scientific research and innovation abilities.Based on the principle of"research informing teaching,teaching and research advan-cing together,"this study implements a"tutorial system"coordinated by tutors,supplemented by graduate and undergraduate student mentors,to cultivate innovative thinking,stimulate interest in scientific re-search,and enhance practical and research skills among medical students.Through collaborative efforts within"scientific research innovation teams,"various educational methods—including preliminary re-search,in-class and extracurricular activities,intra-group and inter-group interactions,and theoretical and practical applications—are employed to improve and strengthen the cultivation of medical students'scientif-ic research and innovation abilities.This study aims to provide valuable references for optimizing medical education management systems and enhancing the quality of medical student training.
9.Effect of tetramethylpyrazine on neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia based on mannose-binding lectin
Yan-zhe DUAN ; Yu-kang SUN ; Jian-lin HUA ; Chun-li WEN ; Hao TIAN ; Yi YANG ; Xiu LOU ; Cun-gen MA ; Yu-qing YAN ; Li-juan SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):668-676
Aim To investigate the effect of tetrameth-ylpyrazine(TMP)on neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia via mannose-binding lectin(MBL).Methods Patients diagnosed with ischaemic stroke at Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital were in-cluded in the study,and their clinicopathological data,as well as blood and urine samples,were collected with the consent of the patients and their families.Using these biological samples,differential proteins and tar-gets were identified by proteomic analysis and subse-quently verified with animal experiments.The mice were divided into the sham,dMCAO,and TMP(10,20,40 mg·kg-1)treatment groups.After seven days of drug administration,the modified neurological sever-ity score(mNSS)was used to assess the neurological function.TTC staining was used to detect the volume of cerebral infarction.Motor function was evaluated be-haviourally,and ELISA was used to detect MASP1,sC5b-9,TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β.Western blot was used to determine the expression of relevant proteins,such as MBL2,MASP2,and C3.Results Compared with the sham group,the dMCAO group exhibited in-creased neurological impairment,which was signifi-cantly ameliorated by TMP treatment.The expression levels of MBL2,C3 and MASP2 were elevated in the dMCAO group and were reduced following TMP treat-ment.Additionally,the dMCAO group showed elevat-ed expression of inflammatory factors IL-1 β,IL-6 and TNF-α,which were then suppressed by TMP treat-ment.Conclusion TMP inhibits the inflammatory re-sponse after ischemia and hypoxia by regulating MBL,thus attenuating brain injury.
10.Clinicopathological misdiagnosis analysis of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors
Yanfei LIU ; Xiaosong YAN ; Tingting LI ; Junpeng HUI ; Yuting WEN ; Huangtao CHEN ; Zhe WANG ; Li YANG
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(2):120-124
Objective:To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) and the causes of pathological misdiagnosis, and summarize diagnostic strategies.Methods:A case series study was conducted.Specifically, the data of 5 misdiagnosed(misdiagnosed group) and 8 confirmed AT/RT cases(confirmed group) in the Department of Pathology of Xi′an Children′s Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining were performed to analyze clinical features, morphology, and immune phenotypes.Rates were compared between the misdiagnosed and confirmed groups by a Fisher′s exact test.Means were compared using an independent sample t-test.Medians were compared by a Mann-Whitney U test. Results:(1)There were 4 males and 1 female in the misdiagnosed group, with a median age of 24 months.In this group, 4/5 tumors were located in the posterior cranial fossa, and 1/5 tumors were located in the spinal cord.Morphologically, rhabdoid cells were detected in 3/5 cases, and the other 2/5 cases consisted of small embryonal cells.Immunohistochemically, INI1 and BRG1 expressions were absent in 4/5 and 1/5 cases, respectively.All of them showed multiple immunephenotypes.There were 7 males and 1 female in the confirmed group, with a median age of 22 months.In the confirmed group, 4/8 tumors were located in the supratentorial region and 4/8 tumors were located in the infratentorial region.Rhabdoid cells, deficient INI1 expression and multiple immunephenotypes were observed in all 8 cases.(2)The percentage of rhabdoid cells in the misdiagnosed group was significantly lower[0.45(0, 0.46)] than that in the confirmed group[0.55(0.40, 0.85)]( Z=-2.064, P=0.039). Conclusions:The causes of misdiagnosis of AT/RT are variable sites of occurrence, diverse histomorphology, multiple phenotypes in immunohistochemistry and rare BRG1 deficiency.For high-grade rhabdoid, epithelioid, and/or embryonic small cell tumors, AT/RT should be differentiated and immunohistochemistry protocols should include INI1 and BRG1.

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