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.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical clinical condition characterized by rapid renal function decline, with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown potential effects on mitigating oxidative stress and programmed cell death in AKI models. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) and Scleromitrion diffusum (Willd.) R. J. Wang (SD), a classic TCM herbal pair exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Using advanced chromatographic separation technology, we enriched the effective fractions of water extracts from SB-SD, obtaining self-assembled herbal nanoparticles (SB and SD nanoparticles, SSNPs) rich in flavonoids and terpenoids. These SSNPs demonstrated robust antioxidant properties in vitro and mitigated AKI progression in vivo by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Oral administration of SSNPs in mice resulted in absorption into the bloodstream, formation of a protein corona, reduced macrophage phagocytosis, and enhanced bioavailability and renal targeting. Furthermore, we investigated the self-assembly principle of SSNPs using representative flavonoids and terpenoids. Kinetic studies and in situ transmission electron microscopy (in situ TEM) revealed that these compounds self-assemble via supramolecular forces like hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions, forming stable nanostructures. This study elucidates the renoprotective effects and mechanisms of SB and SD, and provides a novel approach for the development of TCM-based nanomedicines, highlighting the potential of nano-TCM in AKI treatment.

Objective:To investigate the incidence,clinical characteristics,and complications of Torque teno virus(TTV)in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT).Methods:A total of 40 children with hematological diseases who underwent HSCT were selected,and metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)technology was used to detect the gene sequences of pathogenic microorganisms in the blood.Combined with clinical data,the characteristics of TTV infection were analyzed.Results:Among the 40 pediatric patients post-HSCT,the TTV positive rate was 42.5％(17/40).There were no statistically significant differences between the TTV-positive group and the TTV-negative group in sex,age,white blood cell count(WBC),red blood cell count(RBC),hemoglobin,platelet count,neutrophil count,lymphocyte count,and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(all P＞0.05).The incidence of TTV infection was significantly higher in children who underwent haploidentical HSCT and in those with bone marrow stem cells(BMSC)as the transplant source(P＜0.05).However,there were no significant differences in the TTV infection rate among patients with different disease types,different HLA matching statuses,or different engraftment times of neutrophils and platelets(all P＞0.05).Among 17 children infected with TTV,13(76.5％)had co-infections with other viruses,mainly including cytomegalovirus(58.8％,10/17),human polyomavirus(41.2％,7/17),and Epstein-Barr virus(17.6％,3/17).In children with TTV infection,the most common complications were sepsis(82.4％),graft-versus-host disease(GVHD)(70.6％),pulmonary infection(41.2％),and hemorrhagic cystitis(17.6％).The incidence of GVHD in the TTV-positive group was significantly higher than that in the TTV-negative group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:TTV infection is common in children undergoing HSCT,and it is prone to be complicated with cytomegalovirus infection and GVHD,which has an important influence on the clinical outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the incidence,clinical characteristics,and complications of Torque teno virus(TTV)in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT).Methods:A total of 40 children with hematological diseases who underwent HSCT were selected,and metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)technology was used to detect the gene sequences of pathogenic microorganisms in the blood.Combined with clinical data,the characteristics of TTV infection were analyzed.Results:Among the 40 pediatric patients post-HSCT,the TTV positive rate was 42.5％(17/40).There were no statistically significant differences between the TTV-positive group and the TTV-negative group in sex,age,white blood cell count(WBC),red blood cell count(RBC),hemoglobin,platelet count,neutrophil count,lymphocyte count,and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(all P＞0.05).The incidence of TTV infection was significantly higher in children who underwent haploidentical HSCT and in those with bone marrow stem cells(BMSC)as the transplant source(P＜0.05).However,there were no significant differences in the TTV infection rate among patients with different disease types,different HLA matching statuses,or different engraftment times of neutrophils and platelets(all P＞0.05).Among 17 children infected with TTV,13(76.5％)had co-infections with other viruses,mainly including cytomegalovirus(58.8％,10/17),human polyomavirus(41.2％,7/17),and Epstein-Barr virus(17.6％,3/17).In children with TTV infection,the most common complications were sepsis(82.4％),graft-versus-host disease(GVHD)(70.6％),pulmonary infection(41.2％),and hemorrhagic cystitis(17.6％).The incidence of GVHD in the TTV-positive group was significantly higher than that in the TTV-negative group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:TTV infection is common in children undergoing HSCT,and it is prone to be complicated with cytomegalovirus infection and GVHD,which has an important influence on the clinical outcomes.

This study investigated the mechanism by which kaempferol(KAE) affected intervertebral disc degeneration(IDD) through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group, low-dose KAE group, medium-dose KAE group, and high-dose KAE group. An IDD model was established by needle puncture of the caudal intervertebral discs. Four weeks post-surgery, the rats were administered KAE via gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was performed, and samples were collected. In vitro, an inflammation model of nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs) induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) was constructed. Anisomycin was used to activate the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. NPCs were divided into blank, model, KAE, agonist, and KAE + agonist groups. After 1 day of treatment, cell proliferation activity was assessed using the CCK-8. Protein expression levels were determined by Western blot, and mRNA expression was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect type Ⅱ collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP3). In vivo results indicated significant improvement in the degree of IDD in the treatment groups compared to the model group, with the medium-dose group showing more pronounced therapeutic effects than the low-and high-dose groups. In vitro results demonstrated that KAE treatment significantly enhanced NPC proliferation activity, down-regulated the expression levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-17A(IL-17A), MMP3, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK pathway-related proteins. Activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway by anisomycin reduced the therapeutic effects of KAE. The study concluded that KAE could improve the proliferation activity of degenerated NPCs, reduce inflammation levels, and slow the progression of IDD in rats, and the mechanism was likely related to the regulation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
Animals ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Kaempferols/pharmacology* ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/genetics* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Nucleus Pulposus/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Humans ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*

ObjectiveAngle-closure glaucoma (ACG) is one of the major eye-blinding diseases. To diagnose ACG, it is crucial to examine the anterior chamber angle. Current diagnostic tools include slit lamp gonioscopy, water gonioscopy, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Slit lamp and water gonioscopy allow convenient observation of the anterior chamber angle, but pose risks of invasive operation and eye infections. UBM can accurately measure the structure of the anterior chamber angle. However, it is complex to operate and unsuitable for patients, who have undergone trauma or ocular surgery. Although AS-OCT provides detailed images, it is costly. The aim of this study is to explore a non-invasive, non-destructive optical reflection tomography (ORT) technique. This technique can achieve low-cost three-dimensional imaging and full-field anterior chamber angle measurement of the porcine eye. MethodsThe experiment involved assembling an optical reflection tomography system, which included a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera, a telecentric system, a stepper motor, and a white light source, achieving a spatial resolution of approximately 8.5 μm. The process required positioning the porcine eye at the center of the field of the imaging system and rotating it around its central axis using a stepper motor. Reflection projection images were captured at each angle with an exposure time of 1.0 ms and an interval of 2°. The collected reflection-projection data were processed using a filtered reflection tomography algorithm, generating a series of two-dimensional slice data. These slices essentially represented cross-sectional views of the three-dimensional structural image, and were reconstructed into a complete three-dimensional structural image. Based on the reconstructed three-dimensional structural image of the porcine eye, the anterior chamber angles at different positions were measured, and a distribution map of these angles was drawn. Simultaneously, the ORT measurements were compared with the standard results obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the accuracy of ORT measurements. ResultsIn this study, we successfully obtained the reflection projection data of a porcine eye using ORT technology, reconstructed its three-dimensional structural image, and measured the anterior chamber angle, generating the corresponding distribution map. To better distinguish the different structural parts of porcine eye, the three-dimensional structural image was marked with blue, green, and yellow dashed lines from the outer to the inner layers. The area between the blue and green dashed lines corresponded to the sclera. The area between the green and yellow dashed lines corresponded to the iris. The area inside the yellow dashed line corresponded to the pupil. The three-dimensional structural image clearly revealed the key anatomical features of the porcine eye. It was able to measure the anterior chamber angle at different positions. Additionally, the anterior chamber angle measurements of the porcine eye using ORT were compared with the measurements obtained using a TEL320C1 type OCT system, showing an average deviation of 0.51° and a mean square error MSE of 0.317. ConclusionORT is a non-invasive, non-destructive, low-cost, and high-resolution imaging technique capable of achieving three-dimensional structural imaging and full-field anterior chamber angle measurement of a porcine eye. This technology offers a new perspective for the diagnosis of angle-closure glaucoma and is significant for the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of eye diseases, potentially benefiting clinics and small hospitals in remote areas in the future.

This study aims to characterize the cell atlas of the epididymis derived from a 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) patient with a novel heterozygous mutation of the nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) gene. Next-generation sequencing found a heterozygous c.124C>G mutation in NR5A1 that resulted in a p.Q42E missense mutation in the conserved DNA-binding domain of NR5A1. The patient demonstrated feminization of external genitalia and Tanner stage 1 breast development. The surgical procedure revealed a morphologically normal epididymis and vas deferens but a dysplastic testis. Microfluidic-based single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis found that the fibroblast cells were significantly increased (approximately 46.5%), whereas the number of main epididymal epithelial cells (approximately 9.2%), such as principal cells and basal cells, was dramatically decreased. Bioinformatics analysis of cell-cell communications and gene regulatory networks at the single-cell level inferred that epididymal epithelial cell loss and fibroblast occupation are associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. The present study provides a cell atlas of the epididymis of a patient with 46,XY DSD and serves as an important resource for understanding the pathophysiology of DSD.
Male ; Humans ; Epididymis ; Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/genetics* ; Disorders of Sex Development ; Mutation ; Mutation, Missense ; Steroidogenic Factor 1/genetics*

Vascular endothelial cells and oxidation reduction system play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). If these conditions are disordered, it will inevitably lead to plaque formation and even rupture. Astragaloside IV (AsIV) and salvianolic acid B (Sal B) are the main active ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza, respectively, and found to ameliorate vascular endothelial dysfunction and protect against oxidative stress in recent studies. However, it is still unknown if the combination of AsIV and Sal B (AsIV + Sal B) can inhibit the development of plaque through amplifying the protective effect of vascular endothelial cells and anti-oxidative stress effect. To clarify the role of AsIV + Sal B in AS, we observed the efficacy of each group (Control, Model, AsIV, Sal B, and AsIV + Sal B) by biomolecular assays, such as observing the pathological morphology of the aorta by oil red O staining, evaluating the level of oxidative stress and endothelial cells in the serum by the Elisa test, and analyzing the changes of all small molecule metabolites in liver tissue by UPLC-QTOF-MS. Results showed that AsIV, Sal B and AsIV + Sal B decreased the deposition of lipid in the arterial wall, so as to exert the effect of anti-oxidant stress and vascular endothelial protection, where the inhibitory effect of AsIV + Sal B was the most obvious. Metabonomics analysis showed that Sal B regulated the metabolic pathways of arginine and proline. AsIV regulated glycerol metabolism and saturated fatty acid biosynthesis metabolism. AsIV + Sal B is mainly related to the regulation of the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamate metabolism, cysteine, and methionine metabolism. Succinic acid and methionine are synergistic metabolites that exert an enhancing effect when AsIV and Sal B were used in combination. In conclusion, we demonstrated that AsIV acompanied with Sal B can be successfully used for anti-oxidative stress and vascular endothelial protection of AS, and succinic acid and methionine are the synergistic metabolites.
Antioxidants ; Atherosclerosis ; Benzofurans ; Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; Methionine ; Saponins ; Succinic Acid ; Triterpenes

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of Tojapride, a Chinese herbal formula extract, on strengthening the barrier function of esophageal epithelium in rats with reflux esophagitis (RE). METHODS: Ten out of 85 SD rats were randomly selected as the sham group (n10), and 75 rats were developed a reflux esophagitis model (RE) by the esophageal and duodenal side-to-side anastomosis. Fifty successful modeling rats were divided into different medicated groups through a random number table including the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose of Tojapride as well as omeprazole groups (n10). Three doses of Tojapride [5.73, 11.46, 22.92 g/(kg•d)] and omeprazole [4.17 mg/(kg•d)] were administrated intragastrically twice daily for 3 weeks. And the rats in the sham and model groups were administered 10 mL/kg distilled water. Gastric fluid was collected and the supernatant was kept to measure for volume, pH value and acidity. Esophageal tissues were isolated to monitor the morphological changes through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and esophageal epithelial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expressions of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 (NF-KBp65), κB kinase beta (IKKß), occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the esophageal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: The gastric pH value in the model group was significantly lower than the sham group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, gastric pH value in the omeprazole and medium-dose of Tojapride groups were significantly higher (P<0.05). A large area of ulceration was found on the esophageal mucosa from the model rats, while varying degrees of congestion and partially visible erosion was observed in the remaining groups. Remarkable increase in cell gap width and decrease in desmosome count was seen in RE rats and the effect was reversed by Tojapride treatment. Compared with the sham group, the IKKß levels were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.05). However, the IKKß levels were down-regulated after treatment by all doses of Tojapride (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The occluding and ZO-1 levels decreased in the model group compared with the sham group (Ps0.01 or Ps0.05), while both indices were significantly up-regulated in the Tojapride-treated groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Tojapride could improve the pathological conditions of esophageal epithelium in RE rats. The underlying mechanisms may involve in down-regulating the IKKß expression and elevating ZO-1 and occludin expression, thereby alleviating the inflammation of the esophagus and strengthening the barrier function of the esophageal epithelium.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of a family and workplace clustering of COVID-19， identify the source of infection and the transmission chain， and provide evidence for prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic. Method:Field epidemiological method was used to conduct the investigation of confirmed cases and close contacts in this cluster. Data were analyzed with descriptive method. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR （RT-PCR） was used to detect the novel coronavirus nucleic acid in the collected respiratory tract samples. Results:A total of 18 epidemiological related cases were collected including 16 confirmed cases and 2 cases of asymptomatic infections. The involved places included 1 beauty clinic workplace and 3 families. Seven cases were males and 11 cases were females， with the minimum， maximum and median age of 3， 65 and 32 years old， respectively. Among them， the employees attack rate was 9.80% （10/102）， the family attack rate was 7.70% （5/78）， and the customer attack rate was 0.58% （1/173）. Positive nucleic acid test result in the respiratory tract sample of asymptomatic infection lasted for more than 2 months. Conclusions:The cause of this clustered COVID-19 epidemic is that the workplace environment is relatively closed with clustering crowds， and the source of imported infection is not discovered in time， which lead to a point-source outbreak and spread through family close contacts and clustering.