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.Association between executive function and emotional and behavioral problems among first-grade elementary school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):922-925
Objective:
To explore the association between executive function and emotional and behavioral problems in first-grade elementary school students, so as to provide a reference for promoting children s mental health.
Methods:
From March to May 2024, 423 first-grade elementary school students from 6 primary schools aged 6-7 were selected by using stratified cluster random sampling in Shanxi, Shanghai, Shandong, Guangxi, Xinjiang, and Jiangxi. Data were collected by using the Executive Function Assessment Scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. An independent samples t-test was used to analyze differences in executive function of different genders and differences in emotional and behavioral problems among first-grade school students with varying executive function levels; a linear regression model was employed to analyze the association between children s executive function and emotional and behavioral problems.
Results:
A total of 42 first-grade elementary school students (9.9%) were identified as having executive function deficits. Students in the executive function deficit group scored higher on internalizing behavior (7.50±0.52), externalizing behavior (11.26±0.52), and total difficulties (18.52± 0.93 ) were significantly higher than those of children without deficits (4.37±0.14, 6.69±0.17, 10.64±0.27) ( t =5.79, 8.50, 9.23, all P <0.05). Results of linear regression analysis showed that, after controlling for relevant covariates such as gender, age, family economic status, being an only child, and body mass index, the factor scores, dimensional scores, and total scores of executive function were all positively correlated with scores for externalizing problems, internalizing problems, and total difficulties ( β =0.07-0.32, all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Children s executive function is closely associated with emotional and behavioral problems, and those with poorer executive function exhibit more pronounced emotional and behavioral problems. Improving children s executive function may help promote their mental health.
3.Pulmonary function condition and influencing factors among occupational populations in Wuhan
Hong ZHANG ; Zhaomin CHEN ; Kaiji LANG ; Shuo YANG ; Siqi CHEN ; Yong YAO ; Zhenlong CHEN ; Dongming WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):30-34
Objective To analyze the lung function condition and the prevalence of pulmonary ventilation disorders in the occupational population of Wuhan, and to explore their influencing factors. Methods Physical examination data from the Wuhan Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases were used in this study, and finally 9499 people were selected as the study subjects. The linear regression model and logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of pulmonary ventilation function and pulmonary dysfunction. The restricted cubic spline was used to explore the nonlinear relationship. Results The prevalence of pulmonary ventilation disorders was 1.7%, and the lung function indexes FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were significantly lower in the population aged >27 years than in the population aged <27 years (P<0.001). The lung function indexes FVC and FEV1 were significantly lower in females than in males (P<0.001). The lung function indexes FVC and FEV1 were significantly lower in underweight occupational groups than in normal-weight groups (P<0.001), and FVC and FEV1 were significantly lower in dust-exposed occupational groups than in groups without dust exposure(P<0.05). Restricted cubic spline plots showed a nonlinear relationship between age and lung function indexes FVC and FEV1 (Pnonlinear< 0.05). Age and BMI were the risk factors for pulmonary ventilation disorders. Conclusion Age, gender, BMI, and dust exposure are risk factors for decreased FVC and FEV1. Age is the risk factor for decreased FEV1/FVC. Age and BMI are the risk factors for pulmonary ventilation disorders.
4.Polarity-extended Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry System for Prostate Cancer Biomarker Screening Based on Extracellular Vesicles
Lu-Lu XIAO ; Meng-Xuan CHEN ; Shan-Shan PAN ; Yi-Chen WANG ; Tao-Hong HUANG ; Qi-Sheng ZHONG ; Yong CHEN ; Teng-Fei XU ; Jia-Hui ZHAO ; Xue-Song LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(11):1848-1859,中插4-中插29
Integrated metabolomic and lipidomic profiling,utilizing liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry(LC-HRMS),has emerged as a pivotal strategy for biomarker discovery.However,the inherent polarity disparity between metabolites and lipids complicates simultaneous analysis.To address this,a dual-stationary phase polarity-extended liquid chromatography(PELC)system was developed,which surpassed conventional one-dimensional LC(1D-LC)by enabling comprehensive coverage of both polar and non-polar compounds within a single injection.This system enhanced chromatographic resolution,peak capacity,and throughput while minimizing analytical variability.Extracellular vesicles(EVs),lipid bilayer-enclosed nanoparticles ubiquitously present in biofluids,had gained prominence as reservoirs of cancer biomarkers due to their cargo stability and pathophysiological relevance.Herein,the application of PELC-HRMS for concurrent metabolome-lipidome profiling in EVs was pioneered.A total of 193 metabolites were identified using this technique coupled with MS-DIAL software and Human Metabolome Database.Subsequently,this technique was employed to explore potential biomarkers for prostate cancer(PCa).Multivariate analysis identified 17 differentially abundant metabolites in PCa,implicating dysregulated pathways including purine metabolism,starch and sucrose metabolism,galactose metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids.Notably,creatine(AUC=0.92)and DG 42:5(AUC=0.80)demonstrated robust diagnostic efficacy,attributable to their broad polarity ranges and EV-specific enrichment.This study established PELC as a high-fidelity platform for multi-omics integration in complex biospecimens,advancing mechanistic insights into metabolic rewiring and disease pathophysiology.
5.Validation and Forensic Application of a Domestic Human DNA Quantitative De-tection Kit
Jing CHEN ; Ya-Ping WANG ; Yun-Peng FENG ; Xiao-Xin HU ; Zhen-Jun JIA ; Hong-Di LIU ; An-Xin YAN ; Yong-Jiu LI ; Zhu PENG ; Zhi-Fang LIU ; Jian-Gang CHEN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(3):252-259
Objective To verify the efficacy of a domestic human DNA quantification kit based on real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR in detecting the total human DNA concentration,male DNA concen-tration in mixed male/female DNA samples,the degree of DNA degradation and inhibitor tolerance.Methods Samples with different concentrations,different male/female ratios,different concentrations of inhibitors,and different degradation degrees were tested using the domestic human DNA quantification kit based on real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.This kit was compared with a similar product on the market and was applied to the detection of DNA from real cases.Results This human DNA quan-tification kit can effectively detect human DNA as low as 0.001 65 ng/μL,and 6.25 pg/μL of male DNA in mixed samples with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶15 000.Even when the sample contains as high as 400 ng/μL of humic acid or 1 000 μmol/L of hemin alone,the DNA concentration can still be accurately detected.The degradation index can effectively characterize the degradation degree of the sample.This kit has been successfully applied in forensic practice.Conclusion This human DNA quan-tification kit is accurate and reliable in detection.It can accurately reflect the degradation of DNA and inhibitor tolerance.It has good performance in quantitative accuracy,determination of the male/female ratio in mixed samples,and inhibitor tolerance.It has application potential in forensic case examination.
6.A 30-year review and outlook on esophageal acid and pressure measurement
Yong JIANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhigang LI ; Wenhu CHEN ; Wenhu PAN ; Yanfang ZHENG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuchen SU ; Jie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(06):766-770
The Department of Thoracic Surgery of Shanghai Chest Hospital has performed esophageal function testing for over 30 years, being the only department of its kind in China with this capability. The pressure testing and 24-hour pH/impedance monitoring of the esophagus is of great help to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant esophageal diseases related to it. Thanks to the esophageal function test, in addition to the routine various endoscopic anti-reflux procedures, our hospital has taken the lead in China in recent years to carry out a series of clinical and research work for benign esophageal diseases, such as the development of magnetic ring, double nedoscopic combination and new anti-reflux endoscopic techniques. In recent years, we have carried out high-resolution esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH/impedance monitoring for patients with interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis suspected to be caused by gastroesophageal acid reflux. We can better assess the correlation between gastroesophageal reflux and pulmonary fibrosis, and to provide the different clinical treatments and even surgical interventions. The Bravo capsule is used more often in the United States, and it has obvious advantages over traditional approach for acid measurement. We strongly call for the collaboration between industry and academic institutions in this field, and the development of our own related products with independent intellectual property rights.
7.Predictive value of toe-to-room temperature gradient for 28 d mortality in sepsis patients:a single center prospective observational clinical study
Lu-Lan LI ; Yi-Lin LIU ; Yong LIU ; Shao-Wu CHEN ; Hong-Bin HU ; Zhen-Hua ZENG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(5):536-544
Objective To investigate the predictive value of temperature gradients on the mortality of sepsis patients and their correlation with fluid input.Methods By means of a prospective observational method,154 patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine at Nanfang Hospital,Southern Medical University from November 2019 to November 2021 were included as research subjects.They were divided into a survivor group(n=118)and a non-survivor group(n=36)according to whether they survived within 28 days.The core-to-toe temperature gradient(CTTG)and toe-to-room temperature gradient(TRTG)were monitored and calculated immediately upon admission to the intensive care unit(ICU)and 6 hours after admission.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to explore the predictive value of temperature gradients on mortality,and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors of 28-day mortality in sepsis patients.The results were verified through survival analysis.Correlation analysis and multivariate analysis of variance were used to explore the correlation between temperature gradients and fluid input,as well as noradrenaline doses.Results Among the 154 patients,118 survived within 28 days(survivor group),and 36 died(non-survivor group).ROC curve and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that a toe-to-room temperature gradient of≤5.35℃within 6 hours after admission was a risk factor for 28-day mortality.Compared with patients with a high toe-to-room temperature gradient(>5.35℃),patients with a low toe-to-room temperature gradient(≤5.35℃)had a 2.74-fold increase in the risk of 28-day mortality(P=0.004,95%CI 1.54,9.12).The CTTG and TRTG upon admission to the ICU and 6 hours after admission were not significantly associated with fluid input or noradrenaline doses(P>0.05).Conclusions A toe-to-room temperature gradient of less than or equal to 5.35℃within 6 hours after ICU admission is a risk factor for 28-day mortality in sepsis patients.The improvement of temperature gradients at different time points is not associated with fluid input.
8.Establishment and evaluation of a predictive model for spontaneous peritonitis in HBV-related primary liver cancer
Hong-Yan WEI ; Yong-Zhen CHEN ; Ren-Hai TIAN ; Li-Xian CHANG ; Ying-Yuan ZHANG ; Dan-Qing XU ; Chun-Yun LIU ; Li LIU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(8):949-957
Objective To establish and evaluate a nomogram prediction model for spontaneous peritonitis in HBV-related primary liver cancer.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 1298 patients with HBV-related primary liver cancer hospitalized in the Kunming Third People's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2022.General data and serological indicators were collected,and patients were divided into infection group(n=262)and control group(n=1036)based on the occurrence of spontaneous peritonitis.Univariate and LASSO regression analyses were used to screen variables,followed by binary logistic regression to analyze the influencing factors of spontaneous peritonitis in HBV-related primary liver cancer patients,leading to the establishment of a nomogram prediction model.Finally,the Hosmer-lemeshow(H-L)goodness of fit test,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve,decision curve analysis(DCA)and clinical impact curve(CIC)were utilized to evaluate the fit degree,accuracy,calibration,and clinical practicability of the nomogram prediction model.Results Single factor analysis revealed significant differences between infection group and control group in portal vein cancer thrombus(PVTT),Child-Pugh grade,China Liver Cancer Staging(CNLC)stage,alcohol consumption history,smoking history,white blood cell count(WBC),neutrophil count(NE),hemoglobin(Hb),fibrinogen(FIB),abnormal prothrombin(PIVKA-Ⅱ),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),total protein(TP),prealbumin(PA),γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),cholinesterase(CHE),total bile acid(TBA),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein(LDL),creatinine(Cr),HBV DNA,CD3+T cells count,CD4+T cells count,CD8+T cells count,CD4+T cells/CD8+T cells ratio,procalcitonin(PCT),serum amyloid A(SAA),interleukin-6(IL-6),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),and IL-4(P<0.05).LASSO regression analysis identified 5 variables:Child-Pugh grade,PVTT,WBC,CHE and hs-CRP.Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that Child-Pugh grade(Grade B:OR=5.780,95%CI 3.271-10.213,P<0.001;Grade C:OR=14.818,95%CI 7.697-28.526,P<0.001),PVTT(OR=2.893,95%CI 2.037-4.108,P<0.001),WBC(OR=1.088,95%CI 1.031-1.148,P=0.002),and hs-CRP(OR=1.005,95%CI 1.001-1.010,P=0.026)were the independent risk factors of spontaneous peritonitis in HBV-related primary liver cancer patients.Using these 4 variables,a nomogram prediction model was constructed and evaluated.The P-value of the H-L goodness of fit test was 0.760.Moreover,the area under ROC curve(AUC)was 0.866,with a sensitivity of 0.870 and a specificity of 0.716.The average absolute error of the calibration curve is 0.022.DCA and CIC analyses demonstrated that the nomogram prediction model possessed some clinical utility.Conclusion The nomogram prediction model for spontaneous peritonitis in HBV-related primary liver cancer patients,constructed using Child-Pugh grade,PVTT,WBC and hs-CRP,exhibits a high fitting degree and accuracy,with the prediction probability highly consistent with the actual occurrence probability,and possesses certain clinical practicability.
9.Chemical constituents from the leaves of Drynaria fortunei and their antioxidant activity
Xin CHEN ; Jia-cheng WANG ; Yan-yan LIU ; Yong-wen ZHANG ; Ze-jing MU ; Hai-yan ZHANG ; Yu PENG ; Tong-lin WAN ; Yong-hong LIANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(8):2587-2592
AIM To study the chemical constituents from the leaves of Drynaria fortunei(Kunze)J.Sm.and their antioxidant activity.METHODS ODS-AG-HG,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC were used for separation and purification,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH mothod.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside(1),dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol(2),kaempferol-3,7-di-O-α-L-rahmnoside(3),astragalin(4),loliolid(5),trichothecene analogue(6),2,2-[bis-4-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)phenyl]propane(7),maculatin(8),trichothecin(9),4-[(Z)-but-2-enoyloxy]-8-chloro-12-hydroxy-7,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene(10),8-deoxy-trichotecin(11),β-sitosterol(12),daucosterol(13),afzelin(14),samwinol(15).The IC50 values of the leaf and rhizome extracts against DPPH free radicals were(0.072±0.005),(0.287±0.012)mg/mL,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,2,5-11,15 are isolated from this plant for the first time.The leaves of D.fortunei exhibit strong antioxidant activity.
10.Multiple biomarkers risk score for accurately predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Zhi-Yong ZHANG ; Xin-Yu WANG ; Cong-Cong HOU ; Hong-Bin LIU ; Lyu LYU ; Mu-Lei CHEN ; Xiao-Rong XU ; Feng JIANG ; Long LI ; Wei-Ming LI ; Kui-Bao LI ; Juan WANG
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(7):656-667
BACKGROUND:
Biomarkers-based prediction of long-term risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is scarce. We aim to develop a risk score integrating clinical routine information (C) and plasma biomarkers (B) for predicting long-term risk of ACS patients.
METHODS:
We included 2729 ACS patients from the OCEA (Observation of cardiovascular events in ACS patients). The earlier admitted 1910 patients were enrolled as development cohort; and the subsequently admitted 819 subjects were treated as validation cohort. We investigated 10-year risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI) and all cause death in these patients. Potential variables contributing to risk of clinical events were assessed using Cox regression models and a score was derived using main part of these variables.
RESULTS:
During 16,110 person-years of follow-up, there were 238 CV death/MI in the development cohort. The 7 most important predictors including in the final model were NT-proBNP, D-dimer, GDF-15, peripheral artery disease (PAD), Fibrinogen, ST-segment elevated MI (STEMI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), termed as CB-ACS score. C-index of the score for predication of cardiovascular events was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76-0.82) in development cohort and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76-0.78) in the validation cohort (5832 person-years of follow-up), which outperformed GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS risk score. The CB-ACS score was also well calibrated in development and validation cohort (Greenwood-Nam-D'Agostino: P = 0.70 and P = 0.07, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
CB-ACS risk score provides a useful tool for long-term prediction of CV events in patients with ACS. This model outperforms GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS ischemic risk score.


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